Fresh Mass Loss Research Articles

Postharvest conservation of coquinho-azedo fruits under modified atmosphere

Coquinho-azedo (Butia capitata) fruits are highly valued for their rich content of fiber, minerals, vitamin C, and pro-vitamin A carotenoids. They are consumed in their natural state and used in various products, offering an alternative income source for rural communities. This study aimed to assess the postharvest characteristics of coquinho-azedo fruits stored under different modified atmosphere conditions. The fruits were stored at 13°C using PVC, PP, PET, and a Control group without packaging. Over 17 days, the fruits' physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. Packaging significantly improved senescence scores and reduced the loss of fresh mass, soluble solids, vitamin C, and firmness compared to the Control group. PVC packaging showed superior color and firmness performance, while PP packaging maintained consistent fruit color. PET packaging had the highest levels of soluble solids, vitamin C, and titratable acidity. Utilizing modified atmosphere packaging, particularly PVC, effectively preserved the quality of coquinho-azedo fruits during postharvest storage. These findings contribute to enhancing shelf life and marketability, benefiting both producers and consumers.

Edible coatings on postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes grown in organic and conventional systems

Cherry tomatoes belong to a promising new group of table cultivars, but show significant post-harvest quality losses, which can be reduced with edible coatings use, considered eco-sustainable. In view of the high perishability of tomatoes, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different edible coatings on the shelf life of cherry tomatoes, cultivar Sweet Heaven, under organic and conventional cultivation. The experiment was conducted at the Instituto Federal Goiano, Campus Morrinhos, GO, Brazil, and the treatments were composed of coatings of chitosan, cassava starch, lactic acid and control (no coating). The samples were stored at a room with environment external temperature (± 27°C) for 20 days, arranged in a completely randomized design, with three replications. Every 2 days, the following were evaluated: fresh mass loss and moisture; pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, lycopene, reducing sugar, vitamin C and ash; and molds and yeasts. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p<0.05). The organic system promoted greater shelf life and fruit quality of cherry tomatoes, compared to the conventional. The coating with chitosan provided longer shelf life of organic cherry tomatoes, compared to the other coatings studied, being a strong ally in reducing post-harvest waste and increasing the commercial value of the organic product, with economic strengthening for producers and traders, in addition to reduction of damage to the environment. Under conventional cultivation, the evaluated coatings were not efficient in increasing the shelf life of cherry tomatoes, requiring further studies for this condition.

Sustainable innovations in postharvest conservation of passion fruit

The study aimed to evaluate the post-harvest quality of sour passion fruit using carnauba wax, cassava starch, and avocado seed extract coatings. The experiments were conducted in randomized blocks with five replications and two fruits per experimental unit. Two coatings associated with biofungicide were used. The carnauba wax treatment consisted of Control: fruits coated with pure carnauba wax, Wax and Extract 1:1, Wax and Extract 1:3, and fruits coated with avocado seed extract solution. The cassava starch treatment consisted of Control: fruits coated with avocado seed extract solution, fruits coated with pure cassava starch, Starch and Extract 1:1, Starch and Extract 1:3, and subplots consisting of six periods: 00, 03, 06, 09, 12, 15 conservation days, for both experiments. Fresh matter mass loss, peel color, longitudinal and transversal diameter, fruit mass, peel mass, pulp mass, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, ratio, and pH were evaluated. Coatings, individually or in combination, influenced physicochemical attributes, presenting more adequate values for peel thickness and citric acid percentage acid in the juice. The results highlight the influence of storage time on fruit characteristics, emphasizing the need to assess specific approaches to optimize post-harvest conservation.

Proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers in onion cultivation

Organomineral fertilizers is an innovation in agriculture, since it uses organic matter enriched with minerals. The combination of mineral phosphate and organomineral fertilization can contribute to the development of a more sustainable and economical fertilization program for the crop. So, organomineral fertilization can be an alternative or complement to mineral fertilization. However, the careful selection of fertilizer sources and doses is essential to increase productivity in the onion crop and finding proportions between different fertilizers can be a promising choice for sustainable agriculture. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of different proportions of mineral and organomineral fertilizers on the development, production and post-harvest quality of onion bulbs, cv. Sublime F1, under Cerrado conditions. The experiment was carried out in the field, in Cristalina, GO, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with four replications. Six treatments were used: five proportions of mineral fertilizer (M) with organomineral (OM) and the control (without additional fertilization). It was evaluated: length, width and number of leaves; productivity; soluble solids content; titratable acidity; and loss of fresh mass. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), at 1% (p≤0.01) and 5% (p≤0.05) of significance, and means compared by Tukey and Dunnett tests (p≤0.01 and p≤0.05). The fertilization proportions were submitted to regression (p≤0.05). The proportion of 50%M50%OM promotes higher bulb average mass and class 4 onion productivity. The proportions of fertilizers did not alter the postharvest characteristics (total soluble solids and total acidity) of the onion, which were affected only by the time of storage. Cultivar Sublime F1 showed good development for the region, conditions and fertilizers used.

Synthesis of Cassava Starch Biofilm with the Addition of Extract of Couroupita guianensis fruit by Casting Method

Brazil is now the world's fourth-largest banana producer in the world with an annual production of 6.953,747 tons per year. In Brazil, the banana (Musa spp.) stands out, not only because it is the most widespread, but also because it is the most consumed by all social classes. Cassava is a renewable, almost unlimited resource and one of the most abundant substances in nature. It is one of the most important starchy root crops of the tropics used for food and industrial purposes. The present study evaluated the use of biofilms based on cassava starch in maintaining the quality and shelf life of the 'Prata' banana at room temperature. The filmogenic solution was created using the casting technique, with adaptations. Additionally, 2.6% cassava starch (m/v) + 2 g of gelatin + 100 mL of the aqueous extract were used. Additionally, the biofilm was applied in the film-forming solution for 1 minute and suspended for further drying at room temperature. After this process, were evaluated the loss of fresh mass, and total soluble solids. The present study revealed the efficiency of biofilm coating with and without gelatin to reduce the rate of enzymatic browning and increase the shelf life of bananas. It was possible to verify a smaller reduction in fresh weight loss in the treatments. Besides, no significant difference was observed in the addition of gelatin to the parameters evaluated in the fruit.

Coatings Based on Gelatin and Chitosan in the Conservation of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Minimally Processed

Minimally processed fruits undergo changes that require careful monitoring. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of edible coatings based on chitosan and gelatin using various application techniques for minimally processed papayas. The treatments included: control (distilled water), 1% chitosan, 4% gelatin, 1% chitosan + 4% gelatin (blend), and 1% chitosan with a 4% gelatin undercoat (layer-by-layer). The coatings’ infrared spectroscopies (FTIR) were analyzed, and the fruits’ fresh mass, firmness, pulp color (L*, a*, b*, and hue angle), pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, lycopene, β-carotene, total sugars, and catalase activity were measured. The results revealed that gelatin and the layer-by-layer treatment positively influenced the preservation of minimally processed papaya. These coatings effectively reduced fresh mass loss while maintaining firmness and the characteristic orange color of the mesocarp. Furthermore, the treated samples consistently exhibited low soluble solids content during the storage period, with minimal variations in acidity, thereby influencing the maturation process. Gelatin coatings demonstrated low polyphenol content, while the layer-by-layer treatment showed no significant changes in vitamin C levels. Lycopene and β-carotene levels remained stable throughout the storage period, with a slight increase observed in total sugars. Consequently, the application of gelatin polymers and the undercoat treatment (LBL) represents a viable alternative for extending the shelf life of minimally processed papayas for at least eight days.

Responses of Hyssopus officinalis to bicarbonate stress and foliar application of green synthesized zinc nano-complex formed on Medicago sativa extract

The bicarbonate ions restrict the growth and productivity of crops by inducing nutrient deficiency in alkaline, calcareous soils. Zinc deficiency is widespread in these soils and is one of the factors limiting crop production. This study investigates the effects of foliar applications of green synthesized zinc nano-complex (Zn-NC: 0, 1, 2, and 4 mM) on growth, productivity, and bioactive compounds of pot-grown Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) under sodium bicarbonate stress (0, 10, 20, and 40 mM). Harvesting the plants at the flowering stage revealed that bicarbonate stress induced leaf area decreases and chlorophyll decline, which resulted in the loss of fresh root and shoot mass, the photosynthetic capacity of the plants (Fv/Fm), and root and shoot elongation. However, the mild bicarbonate stress induced the accumulation of essential oils (9.5%), phenols (18%), and flavonoids (19.2%) and increased antioxidant activity in the leaves (18.1%). Application of Zn-NC increased zinc content in the shoot (up to 112.1%), which consequently recovered plant growth and health. These improvements were in line with recovering protein content in leaves (up to 21.9%), which enhanced chlorophyll content and Fv/Fm. Some of these responses were associated with improved carbohydrate metabolism and auxin biosynthesis in the plant. This led to an increase in the production of essential oils (13.5%) and the biosynthesis of phenolics (10.9%) in the bicarbonate-stressed plants. Increased accumulation of these compounds and proteins in leaf tissue increased the plant's antioxidant capacity (10.6%). In this regard, the best results were obtained by the application of 2 mM Zn-NC.

Carbureto de cálcio na antecipação e na uniformização do amadurecimento de frutos de Cajá-manga

Abstract Fruit ripening promoted by the exogenous application of ethylene analogs, such as calcium carbide, has commercial advantages. Thus, the knowledge of the responses of fruits treated with ethylene-inducing agents is essential to optimize the use of these substances. This work aimed to evaluate the influence of exposure to calcium carbide on the anticipation and standardization of postharvest ripening of cajá-manga fruits. Physiologically mature fruits were exposed to calcium carbide for 24 hours at concentrations 0, 20, 40, 80, and 110 g m-3. The fruits were stored at a temperature of 28±2 °C and evaluated at 0, 2, 4, and 6 days for the loss of fresh mass, color of the epidermis and pulp given by the CIELAB color space, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, the ratio between soluble solids content and titratable acidity, and vitamin C content. Cajá-manga fruits treated with different concentrations of calcium carbide had their ripening anticipated without compromising their characteristics. The concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 g m-3 of calcium carbide allowed the anticipation and standardization of fruit ripening within four days during storage, while for the highest concentration (110 g m-3), complete maturation was accelerated, occurring between two and four days of storage.

An approach of using different curing temperature based on potato cv. Innovator periderm differentiation, sugar metabolism, and industrial quality

Excoriation damage is among the major causes of postharvest potato losses. Curing is known to increase the resistance of tubers to excoriation injury, with the temperature influencing the traumatic phellogen and periderm regeneration, as well as tuber processing quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of excoriation procedure and curing temperature on the industrial quality, histological characteristics, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative enzyme activity of potato tuber. Tubers with or without excoriation were cured at 8, 14, and 20°C for 15 days. Excoriation did not influence the levels of reducing sugars (RS), as well as polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities. The concentrations of total soluble sugars (TSS) and non-reducing sugars (NRS) were higher in injured tubers, while reduction in curing temperature increased the concentrations of TSS, NRS, and RS. However, the sugar content was adequate as per the criteria of the pre-fried potato industry and potatoes classified in category 2 (USDA/fast-food industry color grading). The reduction in curing temperature also increased the activity of POD, despite the activity of PPO remaining unchanged. Formation of a closure layer from the outer parenchyma cells of the tuber that prevents desiccation and death of superficial cells, was observed. This protection was completed with the formation of the damage periderm. Periderm regeneration is faster at higher temperatures, 15 and 20°C, leading to a lower fresh mass loss and no enzymatic or non-enzymatic browning. The excoriation carried out at 14/20oC for 15 days was sufficient for curing, and for maintaining suitable post-fry quality of potatoes.

Effect of cassava starch biofilm with diffusion of silver nanoparticles on the conservation of banana 'prata'

Brazil is now the world's fourth-largest banana producer in the world with an annual production of 6.953,747 tons per year. In Brazil, the banana (Musa spp.) stands out, not only because it is the most widespread, but also because it is the most consumed by all social classes. Cassava is a renewable, almost unlimited resource and one of the most abundant substances in nature. It is one of the most important starchy root crops of the tropics used for food and industrial purposes. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of biofilms based on cassava starch with the diffusion of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on the conservation of banana 'Prata'. Initially, filmogenic solutions were produced using the casting technique for five treatments. Additionally, transparency, thickness, grammage, and, subsequently, the biofilms were applied in the film-forming solution for 1 min and suspended for further drying at room temperature. After this process, were evaluated the fresh mass loss and total soluble solids. This study revealed the efficiency of cassava starch biofilm with gelatin addition to reduce the enzymatic browning rate and increase the shelf life of bananas (Musa Subgroup Prata). However, no significant results were observed with the addition of commercial silver nanoparticles .

Brazil plum fruit (Spondias tuberosa) stored under refrigeration with different types of packaging

The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of packaging to maintain quality and extending the postharvest life of umbu tree fruits in different storage periods, stored at 14 ° C and 90% UR. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with four evaluation periods (0, 4, 8 and 12 days after storage) and four packaging systems (PET, PET with holes, PVC and LDPE), with four replicates and four fruits per experimental unit. The physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated, such as, objective color of the peel, firmness of the intact fruit, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and loss of fresh mass. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and regression, using the SISVAR software program. The characteristics of the quantitative factor (types of packaging) were compared by the Tukey’s test at 5% probability, while for those of the qualitative factor (storage period), the adjustment was made to the regression model. There was a significant interaction between packaging and storage periods only for loss of mass. The luminosity characteristic was significant only for the type of packaging. For the other variables such as chroma, HUE angle, firmness, titratable acidity and pH, there was no significant interaction between the factors tested, having significance only for storage period. For soluble solids, there was no significance for packaging and storage period. The PVC and PET packaging were effective in delaying the loss of mass, and withering of the fruits up to 12 days, which kept under refrigeration at 14°C. It was verified that along the storage time, physical and chemical changes occur in the umbu tree fruits.

Importance of 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene in maintaining the quality of stored tubers of Asterix and Challenger cultivars

This work aimed to analyze 1,4-DMN efficiency in the suppression of sprouting and the consequent maintenance of quality in potato tubers of Asterix and Challenger cultivars stored during different periods under varying temperatures: eight treatments with and without 1,4-DMN under temperatures of 8 °C and 20 °C. Treatments effect were evaluated after 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 days after application. The evaluated parameters were the loss of fresh mass, length of the sprouts and activity of the enzymes polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase. The results indicate that the application of 1,4-DMN reduces the loss of fresh mass, this effect was more intense for the cultivar Challenger, at 8 °C. There were also significant effects in reducing the average length of the sprouts for both cultivars evaluated, after 180 days, at 20 °C. There was little or no difference in the level of oxidative stress caused in the tubers. Hence, the effects of 1,4-DMN on the quality control of potatoes included reduced loss of fresh mass and a shorter average length of sprouts for both cultivars evaluated compared to control, for both temperatures. These effects intensify in the cultivar Challenger and treatments with temperatures of 20 °C.

Response of ‘Prata anã’ banana to post-harvest phosphite application

Abstract The objective of the present study was to determine the best phosphite source and concentration to control anthracnose and its effects on the physical and chemical characteristics of ‘Prata-anã’ banana. Bouquets of banana fruits were immersed in solutions containing different formulations of copper phosphite FCu1 (4% Cu + 20% P2O5), FCu2 (4% Cu + 22% P2O5) at concentrations of 0.5; 1.0, 1.5- and 2.0-mL L-1 and potassium phosphite FK (42% P2O5 + 27.7% K2O) at concentrations of 0.5; 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg L-1. Controls consisted of the application of pure water and Imazalil application (0.5 mL. L-1). Subsequently, anthracnose incidence and severity were evaluated every three days. The physical and chemical characteristics of fruits were evaluated at the end of the anthracnose intensity evaluation. The experimental design used was completely randomized. The results showed that the different phosphite sources FCu1, FCu2 and FK at the concentrations tested were not effective in controlling anthracnose. The physical and chemical characteristics of fruits were influenced by the different phosphite sources and concentrations applied. Fresh fruit mass loss is proportional to the applied phosphite concentration.

Assessment of cassava starch biofilm in the quality and shelf life of banana 'prata'

Brazil is now the world's fourth-largest banana producer in the world with an annual production of 6.953,747 tons per year. In Brazil, the banana ( Musa spp.) stands out, not only because it is the most widespread, but also because it is the most consumed by all social classes. Cassava is a renewable, almost unlimited resource and one of the most abundant substances in nature. It is one of the most important starchy root crops of the tropics used for food and industrial purposes. The present study evaluated the use of biofilms based on cassava starch in maintaining the quality and shelf life of the 'Prata' banana at room temperature. Initially, filmogenic solutions were produced using the casting technique for two treatments. T1 (2.6% starch / 500 mL of distilled water); T2 (2.6% starch / 500 mL of distilled water + 1 g of gelatin). Additionally, thickness, weight, and, subsequently, the biofilms were applied in the film-forming solution for 1 min and suspended for further drying at room temperature. After this process, were evaluated the loss of fresh mass, pH, and totals soluble solids. The present study revealed the efficiency of biofilm coating with and without gelatin to reduce the rate of enzymatic browning and increase the shelf life of bananas. It was possible to verify a smaller reduction in fresh weight loss in the treatments. Besides, no significant difference was observed in the addition of gelatin to the parameters evaluated in the fruit.

Ethylene and its inhibitors affect the quality of processed sweet potatoes

Sweet potato fried chips have great acceptance and high market value. Sprouting and fresh mass loss of tuberous roots during storage compromise the quality of the processed products. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA), and ethylene on the physico-chemical quality of fresh sweet potato and its relationship with fried color score in processed chips of cv. BRS Rubissol stored at room temperature. During storage, the weight loss, sprouts number, dry matter content, non-enzymatic browning, protein content, soluble phenols fraction, reducing sugars, total amino acids, pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA) and SS/TA ratio were evaluated. The sweet potato roots cv. BRS Rubissol present good potential for processing as fried chips. 1-MCP and AOA treatments reduced the root sprouting, physico-chemical quality was maintained in all treatments and the fried chips showed less browning in all treatments with storage. Since the sprouting process compromises the storage of roots, AOA and 1-MCP treatments may be applied to extend the shelf-life of roots and improve the processing potential.

Use of methyl jasmonate in bird of paradise

The MeJA has been shown to be promising in reducing the damages caused by cold and maintaining the quality in several products. Nevertheless, few studies are conducted with flowers and there are no studies of its use in bird of paradise. The objective of this study was to determine whether the pulsing application with MeJA submitted to cold storage promotes physiological changes of the bird of paradise. Flowers were placed in solutions of 200 g L-1 sucrose added with 100, 250 and 400 μmol L-1 MeJA and control without MeJA, for 24 h. The stems were transferred to containers with water at 5 ºC for 28 days. During storage, the water absorption, transpiration and fresh mass were reduced, while the extravasation of electrolytes and phenolic compounds increased. The application of MeJA did not reduce the loss of fresh mass and extravasation of electrolytes. The application of 400 μmol L-1 MeJA has increased peroxidase activity since day 14 of storage. It is concluded that the application of MeJA with pulsing under refrigeration does not promote positive physiological changes for the maintenance of the quality in bird of paradise flowers.

PME and CaCl2 vacuum infusion maintains the firmness and physicochemical characteristics of tomato fruits

Tomato is a fruit of great commercial importance and highly cultivated. However, postharvest losses represent one of the main problems of this crop and can be minimized as alternative techniques. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to maintain tomato firmness by applying calcium chloride-associated pectin-methylesterase (PME) by the vacuum infusion method. Tomatoes of cultivar IAP-6 were submitted to vacuum infusion with water, vacuum infusion with 5% calcium chloride and vacuum infusion with PME associated with 5% calcium chloride, fruits without infusion were used as control. Fresh mass loss, fruit firmness, peel color, soluble solids content, pH, total acidity, PME activity and calcium activity were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 4x5 factorial scheme with three replications for 12 days, evaluated every 3 days. The means were compared using the Tukey test (p <0.05). Data were analyzed graphically with confidence interval (CI p <0.05). Regarding the loss of fresh mass there was an increase over time in all treatments. The PME + CaCl2 5% treatment was the most suitable for reducing firmness loss, as well as presenting the smallest variation of PME activity, as well as low levels of organic acids. Therefore, vacuum infusion with PME + CaCl2 in tomatoes maintains acceptable firmness and physicochemical characteristics as well as CaCl2 infusion.

Growth and vase life of gladiolus plants cultivated under different conditions in the semi-arid region of Brazil

Abstract Cultivation conditions are determining factors that affect the quality of cut flowers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vegetative growth, flowering and vase life of commercial gladiolus cultivars under different shading conditions in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Two cultivars of gladiolus (Jester and Rose Friendship) were grown under two conditions: full sun and 70% shade. Biometrics were evaluated 60 days after planting and the growth rate of the crop was evaluated at 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 days for the variables: number of tillers, stem diameter, number of leaves and plant height. After 45 days, the fresh weight, dry weight and total relative water content of the area and root parts of the plants were evaluated. After the harvest, the stems were kept at a temperature of 22±3 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 60%. Visual assessment, pH of the solution, variation in the volume of water and loss of fresh mass were measured every two days. Cultivation with 70% shading resulted in greater accumulation of biomass in the aerial part of gladiolus plants, greater neck diameter and height. The Rose Friendship cultivar underwent a greater translocation of dry matter to the aerial part of the plants, resulting in greater height. On the other hand, the gladiolus stems from cultivation under full sun conditions resulted in longer vase life, 10 days under conservation conditions at 22±3 °C and RH 60%.

Postharvest coatings of ‘apple’ banana fruits

Banana is a fruit of great importance for Brazilian agribusiness, in terms of consumption by the Brazilian population, second only to orange. Correct handling after harvesting is decisive to favor the longevity of the fruits during marketing, reducing losses caused by mechanical damage and poor packaging. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of seven post-harvest coatings on apple banana fruits. The experiment was carried out in a phytotechnic laboratory, using a completely randomized design with five replications. Each parcel consisted of a bouquet with three units of fruit. The treatments evaluated were: T1 = 28% sucupira extract solution; T2 = 57% sucupira extract solution; T3: 14% moringa extract solution; T4 = 9% grape oil solution, T5 = 14% coconut oil solution, T6 = 14% soy oil solution, T7 = 14% wax solution and T8 = Control (no coating applied). Beeswax provided the smallest losses in length, fruit diameter, and loss of fresh fruit mass during the storage period. The sucupira and moringa extracts provided the highest levels of soluble solids at the end of storage, and all coatings used in the post-harvest treatment of bananas reduced the ripening of the fruit.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with Euphorbia tirucalli extract and its protection against microbial decay of strawberries during storage.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be produced through an easy and safe process called green synthesis and have been considered an efficient antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles green synthesized with E. tirucalli (aveloz) can be a promising technique for preserving stored strawberries. The objective of this work was to perform a green synthesis of AgNPs with aveloz extract (Av) and evaluate its effect on the physiology and preservation of stored strawberries. Silver nitrate was reduced with Av to produce Av-AgNPs. The Av-AgNPs were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry, and laser diffraction. The in vitro antifungal activity of Av-AgNPs was evaluated against Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer. Strawberries were treated with Av-AgNPs and stored (5°C) for 12days. Respiratory rate, decay, fresh mass loss, firmness, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of the strawberries were evaluated. According to the results, Av-AgNPs synthesis was performed, and it presented sizes between 40 and 90nm. Av-AgNPs inhibited B. cinerea but was less effective for R. stolonifer. Total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, fresh mass loss and firmness of strawberries were not influenced by Av-AgNPs. Treated strawberries had a lower respiratory rate than the control and showed no symptoms of microbiological deterioration until 9days of storage, while in the control the deterioration symptoms started after 3days. This study showed that the green synthesis of AgNPs with Av produced nanoparticles smaller than 100nm, and that they were effective against strawberries decay during storage, indicating to be a promising protection technique against decay.