Which environmental condition can harm peanut quality post-harvest?

High humidity is a significant environmental condition that can adversely affect peanut quality after harvesting. When peanuts are harvested, they need to be dried and stored properly to prevent spoilage. High humidity levels can lead to increased moisture content in peanuts, creating an environment conducive to mold growth and mycotoxin production. Mold can negatively impact not only the quality and flavor of the peanuts but also their safety for consumption. Furthermore, excess moisture can cause the peanuts to become rancid or develop other forms of deterioration, ultimately affecting their market value.

In contrast, low temperatures, strong winds, and excessive sunlight do not pose the same level of risk to peanut quality as high humidity does in the post-harvest phase. While low temperatures can help preserve peanuts, strong winds can cause physical damage during harvesting but are not a direct threat to quality post-harvest. Excessive sunlight might lead to some degradation of quality over time but is less critical than the immediate risks posed by high humidity in terms of spoilage and safety. Understanding the specific impacts of these environmental conditions is vital for maintaining peanut quality throughout the post-harvest process.