The Influence of Pre-Harvest Factors on the Product Quality of Field Crops

Dear Colleagues,

Satisfying the increasing number of consumer demands for the enhancement and stabilization of quality of produce is one of the most imperative challenges of modern agriculture. In this view, it is essential to remember that the product quality of field crops does not improve after harvest and, therefore, a deeper understanding of how to manipulate the pre-harvest factors with the aim to maintain and/or maximize the quality of produce going into storage is of crucial importance. The effects of pre-harvest factors on the ultimate quality of harvested products are often overlooked and underestimated, although a wide spectrum of pre-harvest factors, including environmental conditions and field management practices, directly or indirectly impacts the qualitative traits of field crops produce. Particularly seasonal climatic conditions, soil fertility, variety selection, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and harvest time play a crucial role in determining post-harvest quality attributes (such as color, flavor, texture, and nutritional value of the harvested product), deterioration, and, subsequently, consumers’ decision to purchase the product in the marketplace.

This Special Issue focuses on the role of pre-harvest factors in determining the product quality of field crops, with a major emphasis on the best agronomic practices, and enabling tools for obtaining products with high and stable quality. This issue will lend to highly interdisciplinary studies embracing disciplines from agriculture and biology, to chemistry and human nutrition. All types of articles, such as original research, opinions, and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Sara Lombardo
Dr. Gaetano Pandino
Guest Editors

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