Postharvest Management of Fruits and Vegetables

Dear Colleagues,

The postharvest management of fruits and vegetables focuses on strategies to maintain quality, extend shelf life, and minimize waste, essential in maintaining the value of these products from harvest to consumption. Since these products are highly perishable due to their high water content and metabolic activity, they are susceptible to deterioration, which leads to the loss of nutrients, flavor, and texture. Effective management involves techniques such as temperature control, humidity regulation, controlled-atmosphere (CA) and modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP), and the application of coatings and natural preservatives to maintain freshness and slow down degradation processes. Temperature control is essential, as cooling slows down respiration and microbial growth, which can significantly prolong the postharvest life of fruits and vegetables. CA treatments are crucial in postharvest management as they help preserve the quality of fruits and extend their shelf life by slowing down physiological processes such as respiration and ripening. By lowering oxygen levels and increasing carbon dioxide, CA conditions reduce the metabolic rate of fruits and vegetables, thereby delaying decay and senescence. Likewise, MAP reduces oxygen and increases carbon dioxide levels in storage environments, effectively slowing down the ripening process and decay. Additionally, advancements in edible coatings, such as chitosan- and alginate-based films, offer protective barriers that reduce water loss and improve microbial resistance. Newer strategies also incorporate smart packaging technologies that monitor and indicate the freshness of produce, helping to minimize food waste. Additional advances include the application of natural antimicrobials and antioxidants, such as essential oils, which effectively inhibit spoilage microorganisms. These approaches not only improve quality but also help to reduce economic losses and contribute to food security by ensuring that more produce reaches consumers in good condition. This Special Issue of Plants will consolidate leading-edge strategies in the postharvest management of fruits and vegetables to optimize quality preservation and reduce waste across supply chains.

Dr. Irene Romero
Dr. M. Teresa Sanchez-Ballesta
Guest Editors

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• postharvest management
• quality preservation
• controlled atmosphere
• modified atmosphere packaging
• low temperature
• coatings