Search Results (1,294)

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a vital crop cultivated primarily in developing regions, playing a strategic role in global food security through its significant contribution to nutrition, economy, and livelihoods. Global and regional production trends revealed increasing demand and expanded cultivation areas, underpinning the fruit’s importance in national food security policies and economic frameworks. The date fruit’s rich nutritional profile, encompassing carbohydrates, dietary fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds, supports its status as a functional food with health benefits. Postharvest technologies and quality preservation strategies, including temperature-controlled storage, advanced drying, edible coatings, and emerging AI-driven monitoring systems, are critical to reducing losses and maintaining quality across diverse cultivars and maturity stages. Processing techniques such as drying, irradiation, and cold plasma distinctly influence sugar composition, texture, polyphenol retention, and sensory acceptance, with cultivar- and stage-specific responses guiding optimization efforts. The cold chain and innovative packaging solutions, including vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging, along with biopolymer-based edible coatings, enhance storage efficiency and microbial safety, though economic and practical constraints remain, especially for smallholders. Microbial contamination, a major challenge in date fruit storage and export, is addressed through integrated preservation approaches combining thermal, non-thermal, and biopreservative treatment. However, gaps in microbial safety data, mycotoxin evaluation, and regulatory harmonization hinder broader application. Date fruit derivatives such as flesh, syrup, seeds, press cake, pomace, and vinegar offer versatile functional roles across food systems. They improve nutritional value, sensory qualities, and shelf life in bakery, dairy, meat, and beverage products while supporting sustainable waste valorization. Emerging secondary derivatives like powders and extracts further expand the potential for clean-label, health-promoting applications. This comprehensive review underscores the need for multidisciplinary research and development to advance sustainable production, postharvest management, and value-added utilization of date palm fruits, fostering enhanced food security, economic benefits, and consumer health worldwide. Full article

Food is fundamental to human survival, health, culture, and well-being. In response to the increasing demand for sustainable food preservation, chitosan (CS)-based electrospun nanofibers have emerged as promising materials due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and inherent antimicrobial properties. When combined with other biopolymers or bioactive compounds, CS-based nanofibers offer enhanced functionality for applications in food packaging, preservation, and additives. This review summarizes recent advances in the fabrication and performance of CS-polymer and CS-inorganic composite nanofibers, with a focus on their mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier properties, and antimicrobial efficacy. The use of these nanofibers across a range of food categories—including vegetables, fruits, fresh-cut produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, and nuts—is examined. Beyond experimental approaches, the review also explores the growing role of computational simulations in predicting the mechanical strength, barrier performance, antimicrobial activity, and biodegradability of CS-based nanofibers. Key modeling techniques and simulation tools are summarized. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are discussed, underscoring the potential of CS-based electrospun nanofibers as sustainable and multifunctional solutions for modern food packaging. By integrating experimental advancements with computational insights, this review provides a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on CS-based electrospun nanofibers for food packaging. Full article

Strawberries are economically valuable but highly perishable fruits, mainly due to fungal spoilage, with no fungicides currently registered for postharvest use. This study aimed to develop a biobased postharvest treatment for strawberries focusing on fungal control and shelf-life extension. The antifungal activity of Eucalyptus staigeriana, Eucalyptus urograndis, and their binary mixture was evaluated in vitro against the spoilage fungus Colletotrichum acutatum. The effects on pathogen morphology, in vivo efficacy when incorporated into carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and impacts on postharvest and sensory quality of strawberries were also assessed. E. staigeriana EO showed the highest antifungal activity in vitro. In vivo, the incorporation of E. staigeriana EO into CMC significantly reduced disease severity when applied curatively. Treated fruits exhibited less fungal decay during refrigerated storage, indicating improved preservation. However, sensory evaluation revealed changes mainly in the aroma of the fruit. These results suggest that E. staigeriana EO combined with CMC coating is a promising postharvest antifungal treatment for strawberries, though further research is needed to optimize the formulation and reduce sensory impacts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Naringin, a major flavonoid found in citrus fruits, has garnered significant attention over the past two decades for its potential cardiovascular benefits. This systematic review evaluates the effects of naringin on endothelial function and myocardial performance, with particular emphasis on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, based on the literature published from January 2000 to June 2025. Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was performed using key terms including “naringin”, “cardiovascular”, “endothelial function”, “atherosclerosis”, and “ischemia-reperfusion.” A total of 62 studies were included and categorized into three domains: cellular models, animal studies, and human trials. Risk of bias assessments were conducted for each study type using appropriate tools. Results: Naringin consistently exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasoprotective effects across all study types. Mechanistic studies highlighted the modulation of key signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, Nrf2, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and enhancement of KATP channel expression, as well as its ability to inhibit apoptosis, autophagy, and ferroptosis. In animal models, naringin improved endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, reduced infarct size, and preserved myocardial function. Although limited, human trials reported beneficial effects on lipid profiles, arterial stiffness, and adiponectin levels. Conclusions: Naringin demonstrates strong potential as a dietary adjunct for cardiovascular protection, especially in the context of ischemic injury and vascular dysfunction. Further well-designed clinical trials are needed to define optimal dosing strategies and improve its bioavailability in humans. Full article

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) are highly perishable fruits that rapidly lose their quality properties, even when stored under cold conditions. The purpose of this research was to study the effectiveness of hesperidin (10, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹) to preserve harvest-ripe strawberry quality during cold storage (2 °C). The data obtained indicate that hesperidin treatments were able to delay fruit metabolism and thus weight loss, while maintaining firmness and delaying colour evolution, obtaining positive results even with the lower concentrations applied. Strawberries treated with hesperidin exhibited a cell membrane with greater integrity, as reflected by a lower loss of electrolytes, resulting from reduced oxidation degradation. In addition, these strawberries maintained a higher concentration of chlorophylls in the calyx during storage, which could be due to a better antioxidant balance and a more effective preservation of their qualities. In this regard, the levels of bioactive substances, including total phenolics and the major anthocyanin compounds present in strawberries, were delayed in hesperidin-treated strawberries. This is the first report highlighting the effectiveness of hesperidin as a postharvest treatment in fruit, specifically in strawberries, delaying senescence. These results suggest that hesperidin, either by itself or in hesperidin-rich extracts, could become a valuable tool for postharvest fruit preservation. Full article

Agro-photovoltaics (APV) or agrivoltaic systems integrate crop cultivation with solar energy production, offering a promising solution through the dual-use of land. This two-year study (2023 and 2024) examined the effects of an APV system on rice production. The results indicated that APV arrays created spatially variable light environments, with shadow lengths following predictable solar azimuth patterns and cloudy conditions mitigating shading effects through enhanced diffuse light. Compared with CK (non-shadow area), inter-panel plots (BP) maintained 77% photosynthetic efficiency and 85.4% plant height, whereas the areas beneath the panel showed a significant decrease in the relative chlorophyll content (SPAD values), photosynthesis rates, and yield. BP plots preserved a 78% fruiting rate through adaptive stomatal regulation, whereas LP zones (directly under the low eave) exhibited 35% higher intercellular CO₂ because of the limited assimilation in shading. Rice yield losses were correlated with shading intensity, driven by reduced panicles and grain filling. Moreover, the APV system achieved a high land equivalent ratio of 148–149% by combining 65–66% rice yield with 82.5% photovoltaics output. Based on the microenvironment created by the APV system, optimal crop types and fertilisation are essential for enhancing agricultural yields and improving land use efficiency. Full article

Enhancing crop productivity through biological strategies is critical for agriculture, particularly under conventional farming systems heavily reliant on chemical inputs. Plant probiotic bacteria offer promising alternatives by promoting plant growth and yield. This is the first field study to assess the effects of biofertilization with native rhizobial strains Rhizobium sp. ACO-34A, Sinorhizobium mexicanum ITTG-R7^T, and S. chiapasense ITTG-S70^T on Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) cultivated under conventional farming conditions. Key parameters assessed include plant performance (plant height, plant stem width, plant dry weight, and chlorophyll content), fruit yield (fruits per plant, fruit height, fruit width, fruit weight, and estimated fruit volume), and macronutrient and micronutrient contents in plant tissue. Additionally, rhizospere bacterial communities were characterized through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to evaluate alpha and beta diversity. Inoculation with ITTG-R7^T significantly improved plant height, stem width, and plant dry weight, while ITTG-S70^T enhanced stem width and chlorophyll content. ACO-34A inoculation notably increased fruit number, size, and yield parameters. Moreover, inoculated plants exhibited reduced Fe and Cu accumulation compared to non-inoculated controls. Metagenomic analyses indicated that rhizobial inoculation did not significantly disrupt the native rhizosphere bacterial community. These findings highlight the potential of rhizobial strains as effective plant probiotics that enhance tomato productivity while preserving microbial community structure, supporting the integration of microbial biofertilizers into conventional farming systems. Full article

Plant density influences interspecific interactions such as pollination and herbivory. In denser populations, pollinators find flowers more easily, increasing reproductive success and population growth. However, the same floral attractiveness also favors floral herbivory, a relationship described by Janzen and Connell as negative density dependence, considered an important mechanism for maintaining tropical diversity. This study analyzed the reproduction of Peixotoa tomentosa A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae) and Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. (Malpighiaceae), considering population density and its influence on pollinator and herbivore attraction. The central hypothesis was that density affects fruit production. We conducted two treatments with both species: high density and low density in a preserved Brazilian savanna. We investigated fruit production, reproductive system, floral visitation rates, and the florivory rates of each species on each treatment. Our results showed that fruiting increased with density in both species. Peixotoa tomentosa is an agamospermous species, while B. intermedia is self-incompatible and relies exclusively on pollinators. Bees visited only B. intermedia, and the high-density treatment received more visits. Herbivores attacked more isolated P. tomentosa flowers. We concluded that density influences both pollination and herbivory, affecting plant reproduction, with effects mediated by the plant’s attractiveness in denser populations and by the size and quantity of flowers in single individuals. Full article

Enzymatic browning is the negative color effect of polyphenol oxidase activity in cut fresh fruit products, which reduces their quality, shelf life, and marketability. To preserve the color after cutting, apple cubes were treated with aqueous cabbage seed extracts (ACEs) at 5–10% w:v seed–water ratios, adjusted to pH 4.0 and 6.0 and 1% chitosan added to the ACE before preservation at 7 °C for 0–10 days. Chromatometric readings (L*, a*, and b*) and visual color score were used for shelf life calculation. The ACE total phenolics and glucosinolate levels showed differences among the 5–10% and control groups. Based on color score, uncoated or coated (chitosan or ACE combined with chitosan) apple cubes reached marketing limit levels (score > 3/5) on day one, but apple cubes treated with 5 or 10% ACE alone did so on day four, which was considered the effective shelf life. These findings were further supported by FT-IR analysis. ACE modification to pH 6.0 was more effective at keeping the natural cut apple color than pH 4.0. ACE treatment (at 5 or 10%) without coating is regarded as a very promising natural agent for extending the shelf life of fresh-cut apples, which is a key attribute in their marketing. Full article

Amomyrtus luma (A. luma), a native Chilean tree species, produces fruits containing 1–3 non-edible seeds, which are typically discarded as waste during processing. This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and bioactive properties of A. luma seed oil obtained through maceration, ultrasound extraction, and Soxhlet extraction, using hexane as the extraction solvent. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), revealing that linoleic acid was the most abundant (79.79–80.09%), followed by oleic acid (8.89–9.18%) and palmitic acid (7.29–7.40%), with no significant differences (p < 0.05) among extraction methods. However, extraction conditions significantly influenced the concentration of bioactive compounds, including total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, lycopene, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity, as determined through DPPH and FRAP assays. A strong correlation was observed between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, particularly in maceration and ultrasound extraction, whereas Soxhlet extraction favored tocopherols and carotenoids due to the thermal degradation of polyphenols. Soxhlet extraction yielded the highest oil recovery, while ultrasound extraction preserved the highest levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. No antimicrobial activity was detected against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings underscore the key role of extraction methods in determining the nutritional and functional quality of A. luma seed oil. Given its high unsaturated fatty acid content and bioactive potential, A. luma seed oil represents a promising ingredient for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, while contributing to waste valorization and sustainable resource utilization. Full article

Chitosan is an eco-friendly polysaccharide, enhancing growth and managing disease infections in fruits and vegetables. This study examines the effects of preharvest application of chitosan and calcium (Ca) on yield and postharvest chitosan coating on tomato storage. There were nine preharvest treatments, viz., T0 = control, T1 = 50 ppm chitosan, T2 = 80 ppm chitosan, T3 = 0.50% Ca, T4 = 1.0% Ca, T5 = T1 and T3 (combined), T6 = T2 and T3 (combined), T7 = T1 and T4 (combined), and T8 = T2 and T4 (combined), and three postharvest treatments, viz., C0 = control, C1 = 0.10% chitosan, and C2 = 0.20% chitosan, to examine the yield parameters and major physical and biochemical qualities of tomatoes on different days after postharvest storage (DAPS). The results revealed that chitosan and Ca treatments had a significant influence on yield while showing an insignificant impact on the biochemical qualities of fresh-harvested tomatoes. Postharvest application of chitosan coatings effectively reduced weight loss and shrinkage (34–37%) compared to the control. At 20 DAPS, only the 0.20% solution met the marketable threshold of ≥5.0, while the control failed in 100% of the samples. As storage duration increased, titratable acid and vitamin C decreased, while lycopene and sugar content rose in tomatoes. This research indicates that foliar spraying with 80 ppm chitosan during fruit initiation significantly boosts tomato yield, and a 0.20% chitosan coating on postharvest tomatoes enhances longevity and preserves biochemical quality. Full article

Rapid economic growth and changing consumer patterns have made fresh-cut fruits and vegetables household staples because of their high nutritional value, their role in reducing the risk of illnesses and other health problems, and convenience. However, fresh-cut produce is susceptible to the rapid deterioration of sensory quality, nutrient loss, foodborne pathogens contamination, and spoilage caused by microbial growth, which can lead to consumer health risks. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve preservation methods, to increase the shelf life of fresh-cut produce. This review examines the primary mechanisms underlying quality deterioration in fresh-cut produce and critically evaluates emerging preservation technologies including physical, chemical, and biopreservation for their efficacy in reducing microbial growth while maintaining product quality. This paper also discusses key gaps and proposes future research directions to improve preservation methods, extend shelf life, and ensure the safety of fresh-cut produce. Full article

Table grapes (fresh Vitis vinifera L. fruit) rank among the top five fruit crops worldwide, yet their high perishability poses significant challenges for postharvest handling and storage. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of current and emerging preservation strategies—including chemical fumigation, irradiation, packaging technologies, controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage, biodegradable coatings, and synergistic preservation systems. Distinct from prior studies that typically emphasize specific techniques or treatment categories, this work integrates mechanistic insights with technological advancements and industrial practices across multiple preservation modalities. It further evaluates the comparative effectiveness, limitations, and practical relevance of these strategies along the supply chain. Importantly, it identifies critical research gaps—such as the lack of cultivar-specific preservation protocols, the need for low-residue and environmentally sustainable treatments, and the absence of real-time quality monitoring systems. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing next-generation solutions. Finally, this review highlights practical implications by offering a forward-looking framework to guide innovation, providing grape producers and supply chain stakeholders with strategies to minimize losses, preserve quality, and enhance market competitiveness. Full article

Wild edible plants, historically valued for their medicinal properties, can be a sustainable source of food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The blue berries of Prunus spinosa L., known as blackthorns, have antioxidant, astringent, and antimicrobial benefits. To preserve these properties after harvesting, understanding the best storage methods is essential. In this study, blackthorns were preserved using different methods (air-drying, freezing, or freeze-drying) to determine the optimal procedure for preserving their antioxidant activity. The fruits were extracted using a 50:50 (V/V) mixture of ethanol and water. The different extracts were phytochemically characterized for their phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The Folin–Ciocalteu test revealed total phenolic contents of 7.97 ± 0.04, 13.99 ± 0.04, and 7.39 ± 0.08 (mg GAE/g raw material) for the three types of extracts, respectively. The total flavonoid contents were 2.42 ± 0.16, 3.14 ± 0.15, and 2.32 ± 0.03 (mg QE/g raw material), respectively. In line with the polyphenol analysis, the antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH method was higher for the frozen extract, with a value of 91.78 ± 0.80%, which was confirmed by the ROS test on keratinocytes. These results show that both air-drying and freeze-drying processes negatively impact the preservation of antioxidant activity in blackthorns, suggesting that freezing may be the best preservation method before bioactive compound extraction. Full article

This study aims to investigate the differences in the effects of spraying and immersing methods on edible coatings for halved and pitted plums. Earlier studies have shown that these biodegradable packaging materials can preserve the quality and safety of fruits for an extended shelf life. Halved and pitted plums (variety Stanley) were treated with chitosan and rosehip oil edible coating emulsions by spraying and immersing methods. The treated series were analyzed by physical, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensorial methods during refrigerated storage for nine days, until the onset of microbiological spoilage. At the beginning of the storage, there was a visible difference between the differently treated samples. The untreated series showed the fastest browning. The emulsion-sprayed samples presented the least changes in color, shape, and volume. A weaker effect of the immersion technique can be explained by a deep standing of the fruits in a treating solution or emulsion. Some of the immersed samples have an aqueous texture and received a smaller sensory rating. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods need further investigation, but on a production scale, spraying can guarantee uniform batches. In laboratory circumstances, immersion is an easier method that does not need expensive and difficult-to-use equipment and gives good results. Full article