Pre- and Post-Harvest Treatments for Fruit and Vegetables

Dear Colleagues,

Pre- and post-harvest treatments are important strategies used to preserve the quality, safety, and shelf life of fruit and vegetables. The final quality of products is often compromised by pre-harvest factors, including abiotic or biotic stressors. Among these, pests and diseases, such as plant–virus infections, can profoundly alter plant primary and secondary metabolism, leading to physiological disorders, impaired ripening processes, and increased susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens during storage. To mitigate these issues, pre-harvest approaches increasingly focus on stimulating plant physiological responses and enhancing the accumulation of beneficial compounds. For instance, the use of specific light treatments, such as UV radiation or LED lighting with selected wavelengths, can trigger plant defense mechanisms and promote the synthesis of secondary metabolites like phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants. These compounds contribute to both plant protection and the nutritional value of produce. Another relevant strategy is intercropping. This practice can induce beneficial plant–plant interactions or mild stress conditions that stimulate secondary metabolism and increase the production of bioactive compounds involved in plant defense. Additionally, targeted applications of plant growth regulators and protective agrochemicals may be used to manage crop development and reduce disease pressure before harvesting.

Post-harvest treatments aim to slow down physiological deterioration, oxidative reactions, and microbial spoilage during storage and distribution. One widely used approach is the use of controlled or modified atmospheres, which can be either passive (generated naturally by the respiration of the product within sealed packaging) or active, where gas composition is deliberately adjusted to reduce oxygen and increase carbon dioxide levels, simultaneously adding antioxidant additives. These conditions slow respiration rates and delay ripening. Increasing attention is being given to sustainable packaging, including biodegradable polymers derived from agroindustrial by-products such as starch, cellulose, or chitosan. These materials can form edible coatings or packaging films that help regulate gas exchange and moisture loss while reducing environmental impact.

Dr. Costanza Ceccanti
Dr. Giulia Lauria
Guest Editors

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• plant–virus infections and post-harvest quality
• pre-harvest treatments
• post-harvest preservation
• controlled atmosphere storage
• light elicitation
• secondary metabolites
• sustainable packaging
• fruit and vegetable quality
• post-harvest physiology