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Jackson Mwenya

Overview of thesis

Title: Safe and feasible strategies to minimise losses and wastage of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) by controlling sprouting during post-harvest storage

Potato is an economically important crop which contributes greatly to global food security and nutrition. It requires extended storage facilitates for year-round supply of potatoes for fresh market and processing. Sprouting is the huge problem that is contributing to postharvest loss and makes potatoes unmarketable and unconsumable. The industry had depended on N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate (CIPC) an anti-sprout agent since 1950s. However, due to raised health and environmental impact concerns the anti-sprouting agent of potatoes was banned in 2020. The loss of CIPC for potato sprout control created an urgent demand for an alternative product. Therefore, my PhD research projects aim to explore the influence of safe and cost-effective natural compounds in controlling potato sprouting for extending storage life. The success of this project would reduce losses of potatoes along the supply chain and benefit stakeholders and consumers. We shall collaborate with the potato grower’s industry to achieve our goals of the project.

Qualifications

  • Master of Science in Postharvest technology and innovation, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand, 2023.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Plant Science, The University of Zambia, 2019.
  • Diploma In Crop Science, Natural Resources and Development College, 2007.
  • Certificate in Plant Pathology techniques, CABI UK, 2014.

Research

  • Designed a thermal insulation box for short transportation to maintain cool temperature and postharvest quality for fresh produce without refrigeration (e.g. okra and Kale).
  • Technology development storage for traditional food crops and horticulture crops for preserve the quality, nutrition and shelf life.
  • Storage entomology (Researching on the natural chemical compounds to control storage pests)
  • Researching on pesticide residues in horticulture crops across the country

Research Interests

  • Horticulture
  • Material Science
  • Postharvest Technology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Food safety
  • Storage Entomology
  • Food Processing

Past Research employment history

  • 2018-update: Agriculture Research Officer, Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, Chilanga, Zambia
  • 2013-2018: Technical Research Assistant, Zambia Agriculture Research Institute, Chilanga Zambia
  • 2011-2013: Cropping and development manager, Nasiyongo Ranching company, Kabwe, Zambia

Past Teaching

  • 2013-2025-Volunteer Sunday School Teacher, United Church of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Scholarships and Awards

  • 2024: Doctor of philosophy scholarship award HDR student scholarship, Edith Cowan University
  • 2021: Master of Science in Postharvest and technology Scholarship award, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand sponsored by TICA
  • 2022: Honourable Mention Award (Oral Presentation), Food Innovation Conference 2023, 15-16 June 2023, Bitec Bangkok, Thailand

Supervisors


Contact

Jackson Mwenya
PhD Student
School of Science
Email: jmwenya@ecu.edu.au

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