Search Results (167)

Temperate fruits, mostly comprising pome, stone fruits, and berries with immense nutritional benefits and a storehouse of various therapeutic phytochemicals, are prone to several physiological disorders immediately after harvest. The etiology, symptom progression, and decay incidence are influenced by pre-harvest and post-harvest factors, causing significant economic loss with respect to both the energy and economics invested. Respiratory end products, ethylene generation, and enzymatic activities interact to influence the metabolic response and associated biochemical variation. Advanced packaging technologies have emerged as innovative solutions to curtail these post-harvest problems. The design and development of novel packaging technologies need to critically understand the respiratory behavior of the fruits and their associated metabolic functions. A desirable polymer or packaging technology should exhibit enhanced barriers to the gases while providing adequate support to the fruit matrix. In addition, it should also fulfill the role of environmental sustainability and the circular economy. The outcome of this review will highlight the importance of proper post-harvest procedure, appropriate pretreatment, packaging matrix selection, and the storage conditions for effective and enhanced shelf-life storage. Therefore, this review was structured in two phases; the first phase discusses the biochemical understanding of the fruit during storage and transit in response to stress factors. The next phase highlights the various packaging interventions (polymers, biodegradable films, edible coatings, smart packaging, nano-packaging) taken to address these issues, with a key focus on shelf-life enhancement. Further, the key limitations of each technology are appraised. Full article

The cultivation of blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) has undergone an unprecedented global expansion, driven by its nutraceutical value and the diversification of production zones across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Its consolidation as a strategic crop has prompted intensive scientific activity aimed at optimizing every stage of management from propagation and physiology to harvest, postharvest, and environmental sustainability. However, the available evidence remains fragmented, limiting the integration of results and the formulation of knowledge-based, comparative production strategies. The objective of this systematic review was to synthesize scientific and technological advances related to the integrated management of blueberry cultivation, incorporating physiological, agronomic, technological, and environmental dimensions. The PRISMA 2020 methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) was applied to ensure transparency and reproducibility in the search, selection, and analysis of scientific literature indexed in the Scopus database. After screening, 367 articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed comparatively and thematically. The results reveal significant progress in propagation using hydrogel and micropropagation techniques, efficient fertigation practices, and the integration of climate control operations within greenhouses, leading to improved yield and fruit quality. Likewise, non-thermal technologies, edible coatings, and harvest automation enhance postharvest quality and reduce losses. In terms of sustainability, the incorporation of water reuse and waste biorefinery has emerged as key strategies to reduce the environmental footprint and promote circular systems. Among the main limitations are the lack of methodological standardization, the scarce economic evaluation of innovations, and the weak linkage between experimental and commercial scales. It is concluded that integrating physiology, technology, and sustainability within a unified management framework is essential to consolidate a resilient, low-carbon, and technologically advanced fruit-growing system. Full article

This review systematically examines the latest research progress and diverse applications of direct evaporative cooling and indirect evaporative cooling across five core sectors: industrial and energy engineering, the built environment, agriculture and food preservation, transportation and aerospace, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. While existing research often focuses on single application silos, this paper distills two common foundational challenges: climate adaptability and water resource management. Quantitative analysis demonstrates significant performance gains. Hybrid systems in data centers increase annual energy-saving potential by 14% to 41%, while precision root-zone cooling in greenhouses boosts crop yields by 13.22%. Additionally, passive cooling blankets reduce post-harvest losses by up to 45%, and integrated desalination cycles achieve 18.64% lower energy consumption compared to conventional systems. Innovative strategies to overcome humidity bottlenecks include vacuum-assisted membranes, advanced porous materials, and hybrid radiative-evaporative systems. The paper also analyzes sustainable water management through rainwater harvesting, seawater utilization, and atmospheric water capture. Collectively, these advancements provide a comprehensive framework to guide the future development and commercialization of sustainable cooling technologies. Full article

Melatonin (MEL), also known as N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, has been reported in plants as a secondary messenger involved in regulating abiotic stress responses. MEL treatment, either preharvest or postharvest, regulates several physiological and biochemical processes during fruit growth and ripening in horticultural products. These include reproductive development, tissue and quality maintenance, delayed senescence, and responses to abiotic stress. Due to its natural origin, low toxicity, and multifunctional regulatory capacity, MEL has recently attracted attention as a promising ‘green preservative’ for sustainable postharvest management. Additionally, MEL coordinates through cross-talk with other plant hormones, such as abscisic acid, ethylene, polyamines, jasmonic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, salicylic acid, and nitric oxide, to regulate postharvest ripening and senescence. Furthermore, MEL enhances antioxidant systems and improves membrane integrity, thereby alleviating chilling injury and enhancing fruit firmness and colour. Notably, recent evidence highlights the innovative regulatory mechanisms of MEL involving redox homeostasis, hormone signalling reprogramming, and transcriptional modulation of stress-responsive pathways. MEL could therefore be considered an emerging, eco-friendly tool for prolonging the shelf-life of fruit and vegetables and maintaining their quality. This review summarises the mechanisms by which MEL contributes to plant stress resistance by regulating the biosynthesis and metabolism of stress tolerance and improving fruit quality. Full article

Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is driven by a tri-component system involving the pinewood nematode, Monochamus spp. beetle vectors, and susceptible pine hosts. Chemical control remains a scenario-dependent option for emergency suppression and high-value protection, but its deployment is constrained by strong regional regulatory and practical differences. In Europe (e.g., Portugal and Spain), field chemical control is generally not practiced; post-harvest phytosanitary treatments for wood and wood packaging rely mainly on heat treatment, and among ISPMs only sulfuryl fluoride is listed for wood treatment with limited use. This review focuses on recent progress in PWD chemical control, summarizing advances in nematicide discovery and modes of action, greener formulations and delivery technologies, and evidence-based, scenario-oriented applications (standing-tree protection, vector suppression, and infested-wood/inoculum management). Recent studies highlight accelerated development of target-oriented nematicides acting on key pathways such as neural transmission and mitochondrial energy metabolism, with structure–activity relationship (SAR) efforts enabling lead optimization. Formulation innovations (water-based and low-solvent products, microemulsions and suspensions) improve stability and operational safety, while controlled-release delivery systems (e.g., micro/nanocapsules) enhance penetration and persistence. Application technologies such as trunk injection, aerial/Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, and fumigation/treatment approaches further strengthen scenario compatibility and operational efficiency. Future research should prioritize robust target–mechanism evidence, resistance risk management and rotation strategies, greener formulations with smart delivery, and scenario-based exposure and compliance evaluation to support precise, green, and sustainable integrated control together with biological and other sustainable approaches. Full article

Understanding the complex interplay between environmental factors and fruit quality development requires sophisticated analytical approaches linking cellular architecture to environmental conditions. This study introduces a novel application of dual-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) for the non-destructive characterization of apple internal tissue architecture in relation to fruit growth, thereby advancing beyond traditional methods that are primarily focused on postharvest analysis. By extracting detailed three-dimensional structural parameters, we reveal tissue porosity and heterogeneity influenced by crop load, maturity timing and canopy position, offering insights into internal quality attributes. Employing correlation analysis, Principal Component Analysis, Canonical Correlation Analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling, we identify temperature as the primary environmental driver, particularly during early developmental stages (45 Days After Full Bloom, DAFB), and uncover nonlinear, hierarchical effects of preharvest environmental factors such as vapor pressure deficit, relative humidity, and light on quality traits. Machine learning models (Multiple Linear Regression, Random Forest, XGBoost) achieve high predictive accuracy (R² > 0.99 for Multiple Linear Regression), with temperature as the key predictor. These baseline results represent findings from a single growing season and require validation across multiple seasons and cultivars before operational application. Temporal analysis highlights the importance of early-stage environmental conditions. Integrating structural and environmental data through innovative visualization tools, such as anatomy-based radar charts, facilitates comprehensive interpretation of complex interactions. This multidisciplinary framework enhances predictive precision and provides a baseline methodology to support precision orchard management under typical agricultural variability. Full article

Active biopolymer-based packaging incorporating phytochemicals offers promising sustainable alternatives for reducing postharvest losses and extending food shelf life. This study aimed to advance natural food packaging by (i) developing and characterizing natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) using choline chloride combined with citric acid (CC-CA), glucose (CC-G), and urea (CC-U); (ii) obtaining bioactive extracts from Uxi bark and Jambolan leaves using these NADES; (iii) formulating babassu mesocarp-based coatings enriched with CC-CA extracts; and (iv) evaluating their application on cherry tomatoes. CC-U exhibited the lowest density (1.152 ± 0.037 g cm⁻³), while CC-G demonstrated the highest viscosity (18.375 ± 0.430 mPa s), and CC-CA presented the lowest polarity parameter (E_NR) value (44.6 ± 0.1 kcal mol⁻¹). Extracts obtained with CC-CA (YU-CA and JL-CA) showed high extraction efficiency, strong antioxidant activity (DPPH inhibition > 95%), and antimicrobial activity, particularly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Although the coatings exhibited lower bioactivity than the extracts, they effectively reduced weight loss, maintained firmness, and preserved the microbiological quality of tomatoes for up to 9 days. Sensory analysis of bruschetta prepared with coated tomatoes indicated high acceptance (>80%). Babassu mesocarp-based coatings enriched with Amazonian plant extracts emerge as an innovative active packaging strategy aligned with the 2030 Agenda. Full article

Berries—including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, and several less commonly cultivated berry species—are highly valued for their sensory quality and rich content of bioactive compounds, yet they are among the most perishable horticultural products. Their soft texture, high respiration rate, and susceptibility to fungal pathogens lead to rapid postharvest deterioration and significant economic losses. This review synthesizes advances in berry postharvest management reported between 2010 and 2025. Conventional strategies such as rapid precooling, cold-chain optimization, controlled and modified atmospheres, and edible coatings are discussed alongside emerging non-thermal technologies, including UV-C light, ozone, cold plasma, ultrasound, biocontrol agents, and intelligent packaging systems. Particular emphasis is placed on the instability of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, microbial spoilage dynamics, and the influence of cultivar genetics and preharvest factors on postharvest performance. The review also highlights opportunities for circular-economy applications, as berry pomace, seeds, and skins represent valuable sources of polyphenols, dietary fiber, and seed oils for use in food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and bio-based packaging sectors. Looking ahead, future research should prioritize integrated, multi-hurdle, low-residue postharvest strategies, the scale-up of non-thermal technologies, and data-driven cold-chain management. Overall, coordinated physiological, technological, and sustainability-oriented approaches are essential to maintain berry quality, reduce postharvest losses, and strengthen the resilience of berry value chains. Full article

Postharvest technologies and supply chain management are critical to improving food security, reducing losses, and advancing sustainability in global agri-food systems. Nearly one-third of global food is lost after harvest, particularly in developing regions, underscoring the urgent need for efficient postharvest handling, cold chain integration, and sustainable logistics systems. This paper explores key components of effective postharvest systems, including harvesting, treatments, storage, and value-added processing. It highlights digital innovations IoT sensors, blockchain, AI, and digital twins that enhance traceability, forecasting, and operational efficiency. Case studies from South Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America emphasize region-specific solutions, highlighting low-cost technologies for smallholders and advanced systems for export chains. Sustainable practices such as renewable-powered cold chains, circular economy models, and eco-friendly packaging align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on zero hunger, responsible consumption, and climate action. This paper concludes that while technology is vital, systemic transformation requires inclusive policies and collaboration among governments, private sectors, researchers, and farming communities to build resilient, equitable food systems. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the shelf life of intermediate moisture longan (IML). A hurdle technology approach was applied, combining osmotic dehydration (OD), hot-air drying, and packaging methods: aluminum foil-laminated plastic bags with nitrogen flushing (Al bag with nitrogen), aluminum foil-laminated plastic bags without nitrogen (the Al bag without nitrogen), and clear plastic bags. Samples were stored at 4, 25, 35, and 45 °C for 24 weeks (six months). The combination of these preservation techniques was effective in extending the shelf life of IML products. Quality changes in IML during storage were significantly influenced by packaging type, storage temperature, and storage duration (p ≤ 0.05). Products stored in all three types of packaging at low temperatures retained better color (L* 31.92 ± 0.97–32.67 ± 1.47) and higher sensory scores (6.5 ± 1.4–6.6 ± 1.5) compared to those stored at higher temperatures (L* 19.54 ± 1.00–20.90 ± 1.48, 3.3 ± 1.6–4.1 ± 1.7). Accelerated shelf life testing using the Arrhenius equation was applied to predict changes in color and sensory acceptance. The kinetics of these quality changes followed the first-order reaction models. Among the packaging types, IML stored in Al bags with nitrogen exhibited the lowest rate constants, indicating slower quality deterioration and better protection compared to Al bags without nitrogen and clear plastic bags. The predictive model demonstrated strong agreement with the experimental data, accurately predicting shelf life at 25 °C and above. However, the model projected a potential shelf life of up to 58 weeks for IML samples packaged in aluminum bags with nitrogen and stored at 4 °C; this projection extended beyond the 24-week experimental period, which still verified a minimum shelf life of 24 weeks. This technology reduces post-harvest food loss, advances packaging innovation for agro-industry, and strengthens food security. Full article

The global food industry is undergoing a critical shift toward sustainability, driven by high postharvest losses—reaching up to 40% for fruits and vegetables—and the need to reduce environmental impact. Sustainable postharvest innovations focus on improving quality, extending shelf life, and minimizing waste through eco-efficient technologies. Advances in non-thermal and minimal processing, including ultrasound, pulsed electric fields, and edible coatings, support nutrient preservation and food safety while reducing energy consumption. Although integrated postharvest technologies can reduce deterioration and microbial spoilage by 70–92%, significant challenges remain, including global losses of 20–40% and the high implementation costs of certain nanostructured materials. Simultaneously, eco-friendly packaging solutions based on biodegradable biopolymers and bio-composites are replacing petroleum-based plastics and enabling intelligent systems capable of monitoring freshness and detecting spoilage. Energy-efficient storage, smart sensors, and optimized cold-chain logistics further contribute to product integrity across distribution networks. In parallel, the circular bioeconomy promotes the valorization of agro-food by-products through the recovery of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Together, these integrated strategies represent a promising pathway toward reducing postharvest losses, supporting food security, and building a resilient, environmentally responsible fresh produce system. Full article

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is a high-value crop due to its growing global demand, recognized nutraceutical properties, and strong linkage with emerging technologies in precision agriculture and postharvest management. To characterize the scientific evolution and intellectual structure, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of 474 documents indexed in Scopus between 1987 and 2025. A systematic search strategy based on taxonomic, agronomic, and technological descriptors was applied, followed by data cleaning and analysis with Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Performance indicators and science-mapping techniques were used to examine temporal growth, geographical distribution, institutional and author leadership, and thematic structure. Scientific output shows a sustained upward trend with a maximum of 42 articles in 2024, confirming the consolidation of blueberry as a model crop for interdisciplinary research. Research articles represent over 75% of the total (359/474), evidencing an application-oriented and experimentally grounded field. Agricultural and Biological Sciences dominate (382 documents), followed by Engineering (70) and Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology (66), reflecting increasing integration of crop management, technological innovation, and food science. Thematic mapping identified five main clusters: physiology and health, plant protection, agronomic management and digitalization, processing and stability of phenolic compounds, and analytical characterization. The analysis reveals gaps in the integration of physiology, food science, and metabolomics, as well as in the biological validation of biomarkers and the study of peripheral Vaccinium species. Overall, the field exhibits a consolidated and sustainability-oriented interdisciplinarity, highlighting opportunities to advance toward more comparable analytical protocols, digital traceability, and artificial-intelligence-assisted decision support along the blueberry value chain. Full article

Fresh figs are a highly perishable fruit with a very limited shelf life. Consequently, the development of innovative strategies at both the preharvest and postharvest stages is essential to enhance their quality and extend their shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the postharvest performance of fresh figs (cv. Calabacita) treated preharvest with oxalic acid (OA) via foliar spraying at 1.2 L per tree at two concentrations (1 and 2 mM), applied either twice or three times. Figs were harvested at commercial maturity and stored for 10 days at 1 °C and 90% relative humidity in darkness, with sampling carried out at 0, 3, 7 and 10 days. At each sampling point, physiological, physicochemical, and bioactive parameters were assessed, and an analysis of variance was performed to determine differences among OA treatments. The findings showed that the effectiveness of OA depended on the number of applications, with two preharvest sprays providing the most favourable outcomes. OA at 2 mM significantly reduced weight loss, respiration rate, and ethylene production compared with controls and increased titratable acidity. Furthermore, all OA treatments enhanced the antioxidant activity of the fruit, improving both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity, as well as total phenolic content. This suggests improved stress tolerance supported by lower cell wall oxidation at the end of cold storage. In conclusion, two preharvest applications of oxalic acid effectively contribute to maintaining fruit quality and extending the storability of fresh figs during cold storage. Full article

Temperature plays a vital role in plant metabolism, and effective crop temperature appears to be influenced by variables related to climate change. While extreme weather events are widely discussed, the effects of moderate temperature changes pose consistent yet underexplored challenges for farmers. The “growing degree days” (GDD) also termed “heat unit”, is the most widely used approach in agricultural and ecological studies to quantify the relationship between temperature and plant development. This review provides a comprehensive examination of GDD methodology as applied to horticultural crop production, specifically from initial fruit development to fruit maturity, and postharvest. It is the first integrated synthesis of the conceptual evolution, methodological refinement, and broad application of GDD, thereby highlighting the need to optimize GDD approaches in light of emerging technological tools. While the GDD model is valuable for predicting crop development based on heat accumulation, it has limitations in capturing the effects of other environmental factors. Additionally, air temperature may not provide precise data on each plant organ. Recent advances in remote sensing, such as the integration of thermal imaging, RGB cameras, and lidar have enabled the measurement of spatially resolved temperature distribution within crop canopies, including fruit surface temperature. Recent advances, highlighted in the literature, suggest that integrating sensor innovations with machine learning approaches holds high potential for improving the precision of modeling temperature-dependent growth responses and their interactions with other environmental variables. By addressing these challenges and expanding its applications, GDD can continue to serve as an essential tool in promoting sustainable horticultural practices and adapting to global warming. Full article

This systematic review examines the impact of vegetable oil consumption, such as extra virgin olive, olive, soybean, palm olein, corn, and camellia seed oils, on both human and animal health, alongside factors influencing oil quality and safety. A variety of studies were included, such as clinical trials, cohort studies, animal experiments, and reports on production methods and contamination (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals). The literature search was performed in scientific databases indexed up to September 2025, and risk of bias was assessed using specific tools appropriate for each study design. The findings suggest that, among the oils studied, extra virgin olive oil showed the most consistent benefits, including improvements in endothelial function, lipid profiles, weight management, and reduced mortality in humans. Animal studies corroborate hepatoprotective effects and weight regulation benefits. Oil quality is influenced by genetic, environmental, and technological factors, including cultivar selection, pollination, post-harvest handling, and extraction techniques (cold, hot, DIC, MFA, encapsulation) and refining processes, which can affect both nutritional benefits and contaminant levels. Although contaminants such as PAHs and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As) are generally below regulatory thresholds, some contexts may present health risks. High-quality vegetable oils confer cardiovascular, metabolic, and hepatic benefits. However, their contribution to public health relies on strict production practices, continuous monitoring of contaminants, and the implementation of technological innovations to ensure both safety and optimal health outcomes. Full article