The production of perishable crops, nearly all for export, is expanding in many African countries. Virtually all the high value horticultural crops are exported by air. At present there are many deficiencies in the temperature control during handling. There are many examples of crops warming during flights, but also of having been inadequately cooled before departure. It is important to know what occurs during handling, and examples of temperature histories are given. There are developments in prospect to improve temperature control, but these will increase costs per unit transported and will only be justified in specific cases.
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