Next-Generation Postharvest Strategies: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Enhancing Fruit and Vegetable Quality and Safety

A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2024) | Viewed by 1462

Special Issue Editors

College of Life Sciences Building West, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Interests: plants; crops; agrivoltaics
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Guest Editor
National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Postharvest Technology Division, Wanju-gun, Republic of Korea
Interests: postharvest technology; postharvest biology; fruit quality; fruit ripening; non-destructive selection; omics research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As the global demand for fresh fruits and vegetables climbs, so too does the challenge of their inherent perishability, which is amplified by their physiology and moisture content. Significant postharvest losses are a critical issue, with traditional preservation methods often being unable to meet the needs of complex modern supply chains. This Special Issue invites contributions that delve into innovative postharvest technologies aimed at extending shelf lives and maintaining the quality of produce.

We seek submissions that utilize cutting-edge techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics, controlled atmosphere storage, modified atmosphere packaging, and ethylene management strategies (e.g., 1-Methylcyclopropene treatment and ethylene absorbers). Research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms that govern postharvest ripening and storage processes, employing advanced physiological and biochemical technologies.

This issue also encourages interdisciplinary research concerning food safety, particularly studies focusing on the detection, control, and elimination of pathogens in fresh produce using innovative sanitizing methods like ultraviolet light treatment and hypobaric storage. These contributions should aim to secure the safety and quality of fruits and vegetables throughout the supply chain, thus enhancing food security and reducing waste.

Dr. Kang-Mo Ku
Dr. HanRyul Choi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • postharvest
  • shelf life
  • freshness
  • quality
  • fruits
  • vegetables

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

18 pages, 4435 KiB  
Article
Quality Evaluation and Shipping Export Potential of ‘Eliteggul’ Korean Melon (Cucumis melo var. makuwa) to Singapore Using MAP Technology
by Yu-Jin Jang, Da-Yeong Ko, Jung-A Ryu, Min-Gu Kang, Jeung-Sul Han and Kang-Mo Ku
Horticulturae 2024, 10(12), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10121354 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1026
Abstract
Korean melons (Cucumis melo var. makuwa), which have a short shelf life and are prone to browning, face challenges when exported over long-distance via maritime shipping. However, the high firmness and low suture browning rate of the ‘Eliteggul’ cultivar suggest its [...] Read more.
Korean melons (Cucumis melo var. makuwa), which have a short shelf life and are prone to browning, face challenges when exported over long-distance via maritime shipping. However, the high firmness and low suture browning rate of the ‘Eliteggul’ cultivar suggest its potential suitability for long-distance export. This study aimed to evaluate the export suitability of ‘Eliteggul’ by comparing it to the widely grown cultivar ‘Alchankkul’. Consumer preferences were assessed based on fragrance, sweetness, overall preference, appearance, and firmness. Both cultivars were grown and harvested in a commercial greenhouse in Seongju-gun, South Korea. After being treated with modified atmosphere film, the fruits were stored at 6 °C for 1 day, transported to Singapore in a shipping container at 7.4 °C for 13 days, and distributed at 22 °C for 3 days. After 14 days of storage, analysis in Singapore showed that ‘Eliteggul’ maintained a significantly higher firmness at 12.9 ± 0.3 kg·cm2 compared to ‘Alchankkul’, which showed firmness at 8.1 ± 0.4 kg·cm2. Additionally, ‘Eliteggul’ exhibited less browning on the white sutures at 1.3 ± 0.1, indicating better preservation of its quality than ‘Alchankkul’, at 2.0 ± 0.3. Even at 14 + 3 days, ‘Eliteggul’ maintained a firmness of 12.8 ± 0.2 kg·cm2, which was significantly higher than that of ‘Alchankkul’, which showed a firmness of 7.7 ± 0.5 kg·cm2. Consumer preference surveys (n = 78) conducted in the local market revealed that customers favored the fragrance and sweetness of ‘Alchankkul’. Correspondingly, an analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from melon juice using a Twister stir bar method showed that ‘Alchankkul’ had significantly higher levels of ethyl(methylthio)acetate, ethyl propanoate, and benzyl alcohol, known to contribute to a sweet flavor. Furthermore, a thermal desorption tube VOCs test indicated that hexyl acetate and 2-methylbutyl 2-methylbutyrate were also significantly higher in ‘Alchankkul’. Despite this result, there was no significant difference in the overall preference scores between the two cultivars. This study indicates that ‘Eliteggul’, with a superior firmness, reduced browning, and high consumer acceptance, is ideal for long-distance export, offering foundational data to bridge the research gap in export-oriented melons and support the broader distribution of Korean cultivars. Full article
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