Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Influencing Biological Active Compounds in Horticultural Commodities

Dear Colleagues,

Fruits and flowers are one of the most important sources of biologically active compounds in the human diet. Although these products have been in the human diet for thousands of years, interest in them was only widespread in the twenty-first century. Many new compounds were discovered during this time and previously known ones were tested to learn about their effects.

There has long been the belief that during storage it is impossible to improve the quality of fruit or other horticultural products. However, many studies indicate that this rule does not apply to biologically active compounds. During storage, substances dissolved in cell juice are concentrated due to water loss. This may mean that, after removing the products from the cold store, they have a greater oxidation reduction potential than immediately after harvesting. The increase in the content of some compounds may be due to natural ripening processes. There are many compounds that are secondary metabolites. Poor storage conditions can also cause the content of these desirable compounds to decrease; however, the greatest influences on the accumulation of beneficial substances were factors of production. Weather conditions during vegetation, plant protection treatments, and other agrotechnical treatments will affect many chemical processes occurring in the plant. It is also not without significance that the harvest date, harvesting technique, and handling of the harvested crop are correctly determined. 

Prof. Dr. Grzegorz Lysiak
Guest Editor

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