Postharvest Conditions Research Articles

Impact of fruit bagging and postharvest storage conditions on quality and decay of organic nectarines

ABSTRACT Abiotic factors such as light influence the physicochemical properties of fruit and may alter the response of the fruit to the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two postharvest storage conditions on the overall quality and natural fungal disease incidence (fruit decay) of organic nectarines. Experiments were conducted with four organically grown nectarine cultivars (two early-mid season and two late-season) that were unbagged or bagged during preharvest. After harvest, they were stored for 7–9 days in darkness or under a treatment with lighting. Quality parameters (weight, diameter, firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and single index of absorbance difference), ethylene production, and fruit decay (% incidence of decay) were evaluated. Preharvest bagging reduced fruit decay in the late-season cultivars, for which storage under darkness reduced fungal decay (up to 100%) more than storage under lighting treatment (47% reduction). Bagging altered the initial fruit quality, but values were within official recommendations. Storage conditions reduced differences attributed to bagging, especially under storage with lighting. This work highlighted the importance of modulating the light, both in the field by fruit bagging and during postharvest, to reduce fruit decay and improve fruit quality. These results may serve as a tool for both farmers and postharvest chain managers.

Pre- and Post-Harvest Conditions Affect Polyphenol Content in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa).

The strawberry fruit contains abundant polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, flavan-3-ol, and ellagitannin. Polyphenol enrichment improves the quality of strawberries and leads to a better understanding of the polyphenol induction process. We measured the total polyphenol content of strawberry fruits under different growth conditions, developmental stages, and treatment conditions during pre-harvest and post-harvest periods. High fruit polyphenol content was observed in cold treatment, which was selected for further analysis and optimization. A transcriptome analysis of cold-treated fruits suggested that the candidate components of polyphenols may exist in the phenylpropanoid pathway. Coverage with a porous film bag excluded the effects of drought stress and produced polyphenol-rich strawberry fruits without affecting quality or quantity. The degree of stress was assessed using known stress indicators. A rapid accumulation of abscisic acid was followed by an increase in superoxide dismutase and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) activity, suggesting that the strawberry fruits responded to cold stress immediately, reaching the climax at around 6 days, a trend consistent with that of polyphenol content. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanism of post-harvest polyphenol accumulation and the value of strawberries as a functional food.

Dissipation behavior of prochloraz and its metabolites in grape under open-field, storage and the wine-making process

The fate of prochloraz and its four metabolites (BTS44595, BTS44596, BTS40348 and BTS45186) in grape under field (pre-harvest) and post-harvest conditions (storage at 4 °C) during 28 days and after wine-making process were studied. The prochloraz and its four metabolites were separated and determined using a modified QuEChERS method with high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The matrix-matched calibrations were constructed for grape, wine and pomace, and the correlation coefficients (R2) exceeded 0.9921. Acceptable recoveries (77.5–105.4%) were acquired with RSDs less than 13.1%. Field and storage results showed that the half-lives of prochloraz were 10.15–11.95 and 20.38–24.75 days, respectively. The results indicated that the processing factors (PFs) of each procedure (washing, peeling, fermentation and clarification) were less than 1, and the PFs of the overall process ranged from 0.03 to 0.19, which suggested that the wine-making process can reduce the prochloraz and its metabolites residues. The results from this study presented reliable references for understanding the fate of prochloraz and its metabolites in grape, and also provided valuable information for the risk assessments of prochloraz and its metabolites during the wine-making process.

Epiphytic and endophytic microorganisms associated to different cultivar of tomato fruits in greenhouse environment and characterization of beneficial bacterial strains for the control of post-harvest tomato pathogens

Several bacterial and fungal diseases affect greenhouse-grown tomato crops, causing severe annual yield losses worldwide. The need to reduce chemical compound applications has encouraged the search of alternative approach for the control of tomato diseases, including the use of biological control agents. The presence of total and beneficial microbial populations was investigated on the surface and in the pulp of seven cultivars of tomato fruit coming from eleven greenhouses in the Pachino district (south-east of Sicily), recognized by the European Community with the “Protected Geographical Indication” label. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that epiphytic and endophytic microbial populations clustered into groups according to the areas of origin. Approximately 240 tomato fruit–associated bacterial isolates were selected and a high percentage of them showed antagonistic activity against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans, Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed a predominance of bacteria in Bacillus and Pseudomonas genera, followed by Citrobacter and Enterobacter. The presence of these genera differed according to the geographical areas of tomato samples, whereas their antagonistic capabilities varied according to the five tomato pathogens. The in vitro effectiveness of eight representative bacterial strains belonging to Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Enterobacter genera was confirmed in in vivo assays, carried out on tomato fruit artificially inoculated with A. alternata and B. cinerea. Altogether, these results revealed differences in population density of native microbiota of “Pomodoro di Pachino” fruits and allowed the selection of antagonistic bacterial strains that can be applied in field and in postharvest conditions as alternatives to chemical compounds.

Essential oil content and components, antioxidant activity and total phenol content of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) as affected by harvesting time and drying method

BackgroundPreharvest and postharvest conditions of medicinal plants strongly affect the quantity and quality of their secondary metabolites. Here, the effect of different harvesting times (5 am, 12 noon and 5 pm) and different drying methods (shade at 25 °C, oven at 60 °C and microwave at 180 W) on essential oil content and components, total phenol content and antioxidant activity of rosemary was monitored.ResultsHarvesting time only had a significant effect on the essential oil content and components; however, all investigated traits were significantly affected by drying methods. The essential oil content of plants harvested at 5 am and 5 pm was higher than those harvested at 12 noon. The highest amount of essential oil was obtained from shade (0.85–1.12%) and oven (0.66–1.04%) dried plants, respectively. Total phenol and antioxidant activity of oven dried plants were significantly lower than shade and microwave-dried plants. The number, type and amount of essential oil components were affected by harvesting time and drying method. α-Pinene, verbenone and camphor were the major components of the essential oils. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the main group of essential oil compounds in all treatments. The results of biplot and cluster analysis, based on the measured traits, placed the treatments in three separate clusters; I: shade dried, II: oven-dried, and III: microwave-dried plants.ConclusionGenerally, to obtain the higher essential oil content, phenol and antioxidant activity, harvesting at 5 am and 5 pm and also shade drying are recommended; however, for reaching to essential oil with specific quality, different harvesting time and drying method could be used.

Aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators of the harvest effect on mountain streams afforested with exotic pines

Land use change is one of the main factors affecting stream ecosystems since it modifies aquatic-terrestrial linkages and then structure and functioning as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of harvest on mountain afforested streams (Córdoba, Argentina). We explored the macroinvertebrate community changes after harvest and applied biotic and multimetric indices using natural grassland streams as a reference condition. Physicochemical variables were measured and benthic invertebrate samples were collected in three streams draining grasslands (reference streams) and three contiguous streams draining plantations of Pinus elliottii over four years (2008, 2012, 2014 and 2015). Some afforested streams were harvested in 2012 and the others onwards. Assemblages did not differ between grassland and afforested stream, according to the results of the multivariate analysis. Richness and diversity were higher in grassland streams than in the afforested ones, without distinction among pre and post-harvest conditions. The multimetric indices and BMWP index, confirmed some degree of deterioration in afforested and harvested streams. Our findings may constitute a valuable tool for the development of management strategies that attempt to preserve the ecological integrity of stream systems in forestry environments.

The effects of clearcut harvesting on moss chloroplast lipidome and adaptation to light stress during boreal forest regeneration

Moss plays an important role in boreal forest ecosystems as an understory bryophyte species. Clearcut harvesting is a common boreal forest regeneration method that can expose understory vegetation to abiotic stressors impeding their recovery following post-harvest conditions. Very little is known concerning how moss remodel their chloroplast lipidome to enhance photosynthetic performance for successful acclimation to light and water stress during boreal forest regeneration following clearcut harvesting. The chloroplast lipidome and photosynthetic performance of Sphagnum sp. and three feathermoss species (Pleurozium schreberi, Hylocomium splendens, and Ptilium crista-castrensis) from a boreal black spruce (Picea mariana) forest were assessed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), photospectrometry, and light response curves. We observed an overall increase in monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) and decrease in digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). In addition, unsaturation of the chloroplast lipidome occurred concomitant with photoprotection by carotenoid pigments to enhance the efficiency and photosynthetic capacity in moss exposed to light and water stress following clearcut harvesting. This appears to be a successful acclimation strategy used by moss to circumvent light stress during boreal forest regeneration following clearcut harvesting. These findings could be of significance in the development of boreal forest management strategies following resource harvesting.

An in-depth study on post-harvest storage conditions depending on putrescine treatments of kiwifruit

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different doses (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 mM) of putrescine treatments on the post-harvest weight loss, decay, firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, respiration rate, L* , a* , b* , Chroma and hue angle and phenolic compounds, organic acids and vitamin C content of kiwi (cv. Hayward. The fruits were kept in a cold storage at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 140 days. The weight loss, soluble solids content, increases in respiration rate and high decreases in fruit density, firmness, and titratable acidity were detected in the control group fruits during storage. Among the putrescine treatments, 1.2 mM concentration was observed to be more effective than other concentrations and providing better protection for organic acids, while treatment with 2.0 mM was determined to be providing more protection in preventing the loss of vitamin C. The dominant organic acid of kiwi was determined as citric acid, followed by malic acid, succinic acid and vitamin C. Similarly, it was determined that treatment with 2.0 mM putrescine prevented the loss of phenolic acid and flavonoid more than the control group and other treatments. It was determined that the most common compound found among phenolic acids in kiwi was protocatechuic acid, followed by chlorogenic acid. At day 140 of storage, the minimum change was observed in protocatechuic acid with the application of 1.6 mM putrescine dose, while chlorogenic acid and catechin were the most conserved compounds under treatment with of 2.0 mM.

Mycofumigation of postharvest blueberries with volatile compounds from Trichoderma atroviride IC-11 is a promising tool to control rots caused by Botrytis cinerea

Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of the gray mold, is a filamentous fungus that infects blueberries and can cause important production losses in postharvest storage. Considering that the use of synthetic fungicides is not allowed on blueberries in postharvest conditions, alternative and natural strategies are needed to control gray mold. The objective of this work was to evaluate the capability of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Trichoderma atroviride IC-11 to control B. cinerea growth in blueberries after harvest.These VOCs inhibited almost completely B. cinerea growth in vitro. The most abundant volatile compound was 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP). In vitro assays with pure 6PP confirmed its antifungal activity. The incidence of gray mold was evaluated in blueberries inoculated with B. cinerea and exposed to volatiles of T. atroviride IC-11. Gray mold incidence among those stored in air at 20 °C for 14 days was 100%, while the incidence among the volatile-treated fruit was 17%. Gray mold incidence among those stored in air at 4 °C for 31 days was 82%, while the incidence among the volatile-treated fruit was 11%. T. atroviride IC-11 VOCs inhibited mycelial growth and conidia germination of B. cinerea. The binding of VOCs to the surface of hyphae caused their vacuolation and deterioration. Selective cytotoxicity of 6PP on B. cinerea was observed but not on human intestinal cells at specific concentrations that controlled gray mold.The postharvest mycofumigation of blueberries with T. atroviride IC-11 VOCs is a promising approach to protect these fruits from gray mold.

Stilbenoids of Norway spruce bark: does the variability caused by raw-material processing offset the biological variability?

Polyphenolic stilbene glucosides are abundant in the fresh bark of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) trees. Stilbene-rich bark extracts could be industrially utilized as preservatives due to their antioxidative, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The postharvesting conditions, especially industrial debarking, influence the chemical properties of bark. Inherent variation in high-value compounds of bark is assumed to be offset by modifications within the bark supply chain; however, essential quantitative information is still rare. This study elucidated the magnitude of variation in the stilbenoid content and composition of Norway spruce bark due to (1) the geographical origin of Norway spruce seeds, (2) the geographical location of the growing site, (3) within-tree variability, and (4) industrial handling and pilot-scale extraction and fractioning processes. The inherent variation in stilbenoid content was large: the total average stilbenoid content of the inner bark varied from 70 to 110 mg/g of dry weight (DW). Sampling position in the stem and growing site explained over 50% of the total variance in stilbenoid content. Trees with a northern origin of seeds had a higher isorhapontin/astringin ratio than the trees with a southern origin of seeds, regardless of their growing site. Industrial bark from sawmills showed a significantly higher total stilbenoid content in winter than in summer, 22 mg/g and 1–3 mg/g DW, respectively. The inherent variation in the stilbenoid content was offset by the variation caused by the debarking process and experimental pilot-scale processing. To optimize the yield of stilbenoids from spruce bark, sampling of northern forests and short handling times in the supply chain are recommended.

Effect of Modified Atmospheric Packaging on Physico-chemical Properties and Puncture Strength of Banarasi Langra Mango (Mangifera indica)

Background: Mango (Mangifera indica L.), a perishable tropical climatic fruit, has a short post-harvest life. Modified atmospheric packaging is an efficient way to keep their quality safe during extended storage. This study aims to assess the efficacy of various combinations of gas concentrations under MAP. Methods: Mature green mangoes were subjected to a hot water dip (40°C) for 30 min which was followed by packaging in polyethylene pouches under two different MAP gas concentrations and stored for 25 days at 10 and 15°C for physico-chemical analysis and texture profile analysis. Result: Warm water dip (40°C) for 30 min was the most effective post-harvest storage condition, followed by packaging in poly bags under MAP gas combination, i.e., O2- 7%: CO2- 50%. The keeping quality of 25 days was achieved significantly better than the control samples, which showed deterioration after 12 days of storage.

Ethylene and abscisic acid play a key role in modulating apple ripening after harvest and after cold-storage

An autocatalytic burst in ethylene production generally accompanies ripening of detached apple fruit. However, if apples are left to ripen attached to the tree, some cultivars, will not experience this autocatalytic ethylene production and the fruit will never acquire the organoleptic properties of detached ripened fruit. Accordingly, the present study aimed to understand how the hormonal crosstalk regulates ripening in ‘Golden Reinders’ apples, ripened on-tree, detached from the tree or after a period of cold storage, following the commercial harvest date. Our results showed that during on-tree ripening, ethylene production remained low, and no significant changes were observed in fruit colour or firmness. In fruit ripened detached from the tree, ethylene production was preceded by an increase of indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) levels, whereas a cold-induced accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA) seemed to induce an earlier initiation of the climacteric burst in fruit ripened after cold storage. In both postharvest conditions, the accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) may be either needed or facilitating the action of ethylene on triggering some ripening-related changes, pointing out the importance of both hormones in mediating apple ripening. In contrast, changes in sugars and ROS/antioxidants did not vary among the different ripening scenarios suggesting that none of the measured compounds may act as signalling molecules during apple ripening. Collectively, our results highlight that ethylene together with ABA played a crucial role in triggering ripening-related changes during postharvest ripening of ‘Golden Reinders’ apples.

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Solanum tuberosum L. Cultivars by the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics under Postharvest Conditions

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity of Solanum tuberosum L. Cultivars by the Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics under Postharvest Conditions

Microwave Scanning Technology as a Non-destructive Testing Method for Detecting Black Heart in Potato

In recent decades, food scientists and engineers have attempted to develop an improve technologies that can detect the internal damages of agricultural produce under postharvest conditions using a various methods of destructive and non-destructive technologies. This study presents the technique of microwave scanning as a non-destructive technology for application in agriculture to detect black heart in potato tubers in a non-destructive way. A bi-static antenna configuration of microwave scanning setup operating at 2.45GHz was assembled, with a customized slotted rectangular microstrip antenna designed and simulated with CST, thereafter fabricate the antenna to be used as a microwave sensor in the setup, a miniVNA tiny double as a RF generator and S-parameter measurement was used to measured transmission coefficient through samples of real potato, the analysis was based on the differences in the wave spectrum obtained between the good potato sample and the sample with black heart. The result obtained from the analysis of wave spectrum shows that there is a significant difference up to 5dB in the wave pattern of a good potato sample and the sample with internal damages. Accuracy up to 86% of true state of the tested sample was achieved using the technology. Hence, the method can be adequately used as a scientific way of grading and sorting a batch of potato non-destructively.

Temperature control in a horticultural produce supply chain in Thailand and its influence on product quality

The present study was conducted in order to investigate the temperature conditions in the horticultural produce cold chain in Thailand, and fresh-cut baby corn was chosen for a case study. The field investigation together with in-person interviews were performed at 4 growers' premises and one packing house. The information collected provided details on current postharvest conditions at individual stages from the growers’ premises to an export distribution center. Temperature measurements were carried out to explore the time-temperature profiles throughout these stages. The results showed that the total duration of these stages was almost 32 h, and the temperature variations were between 6 and 33 °C. Precooling was delayed for at least 9 h, since baby corn cobs were primarily processed by dehusking and bulk packing. The baby corn was maintained at a temperature below 6.0 °C in a cold room for almost half of the total duration. The effect of the postharvest temperature conditions on the product quality evaluation was assessed by measuring various physiological quality attributes during storage. It was found that the marketability of the baby corn subjected to such postharvest temperature conditions remained possible with a salable period of up to two weeks. The result made it possible to identify the stages during which temperature control was inadequate, and recommendations were proposed to the stakeholder partner in order to modify the postharvest conditions in order to extend the product shelf life.

The moisture plasticizing effect on enzyme-catalyzed reactions in model and real systems in view of legume ageing and their hard to cook development

This study aims to understand the role of storage conditions (temperature, T and moisture content) in the reactions involved in the cation-pectin-phytate hypothesis, postulated to cause the Hard-to-cook (HTC) defect in beans as influenced by the plasticizing effect of moisture (glass transition ( T g ) concept). The enzyme catalysed reactions, demethylesterification of pectin and hydrolysis of phytic acid, were monitored respectively in simplified pectin and phytic acid/protein model systems. In addition, both reactions were studied in a real system, red kidney bean cotyledon during storage at 35 °C and different relative humidity conditions (6%, 54%, 66%, 72% and 82%) for 15 weeks. The T g -moisture relation of the model systems and the bean cotyledon were established by Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA). The T g -line, fitted using the Gordon-Taylor equation, was combined with the moisture sorption isotherm to create a stability diagram. The stability diagram obtained can be used to ascertain the biochemical stability during post-harvest ageing of beans. Results displayed that there was significant hydrolysis of phytic acid in the phytic acid/protein model system and the real system when stored above their glass transition values. On the other hand, in the model system the pectin degree of methylesterifcation (DM) did not significantly change during storage. In the real system, significant, although small, changes of the DM were noted when T - T g > 20 °C. An examination of the glass transition lines revealed that the reactions were influenced by the plasticizing effect of moisture. • The reactions in the cation-pectin-phytate hypothesis were studied in model and real systems. • Hydrolysis of phytic acid is controlled by glass transition. • Glass transition lines of red kidney bean cotyledon and its' cell wall polymers were created. • DMTA based T g lines are better suited for explaining (bio)chemical stability rather than TMCT. • Stability map supports in establishing suitable post-harvest storage conditions.

Effect of household processing on pesticide residues in post-harvested tomatoes: determination of the risk exposure and modeling of experimental results via RSM.

This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic hazard quotients of chlorpyrifos and diazinon for tomatoes in preharvest and postharvest conditions, and to evaluate the relationship between the main variables, including temperature and contact time and pesticide dissipation at different conditions using response surface methodology for the first time. The qualification analyses were conducted by a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The Monte Carlo simulation technique was utilized to evaluate the variability and uncertainty and achieve more accurate results in the health risk assessment process. A quadratic model and the second-order polynomial analysis were employed to investigate the mutual effect of time and temperature on removing diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Based on findings, the chronic hazard quotient values of chlorpyrifos and diazinon residues ranged from 0.43 - 1.33 to 0.13 - 2.27 for boiling, 0.65 - 1.49 to 3.05 - 7.15 for room condition, and 0.63 - 1.92 to 3.28 - 7.47 for refrigerator condition, respectively. According to the Monte Carlo simulation, the hazard quotient and estimated daily intake values were more affected by the consumption rate, pesticide concentration, and body weight. The results of response surface methodology showed that the effect of temperature variations on the dissipation of both pesticides was more than that of contact time variations.

Pseudomonas Isolates as Potential Biofungicides of Green Mold (Penicillium Digitatum) on Orange Fruit

ABSTRACT Green mold, caused by Penicillium digitatum, is a serious disease of citrus fruit during postharvest. The focus of this study was to evaluate possible biological alternatives to chemical fungicides for P. digitatum control. Four Pseudomonas isolates (Q110B, Q125B, Q112B, and Q004B) were isolated from rhizospheric soil and evaluated for their antagonistic activity against P. digitatum. The in vitro evaluations of these isolates by dual culture revealed an important zone of inhibition after 3 days of incubation at 25 ± 2°C. The Q004B isolate provided a high zone of inhibition in vitro at 45 mm diameter. Four Pseudomonas isolates tested showed antagonistic activity against P. digitatum on orange fruit after 7 days of inoculation under postharvest conditions. Inhibition percentage of P. digitatum on orange fruit ranged from 22 to 85% for Q004B and Q112B, respectively. Regarding the mechanism of action, the four tested isolates produced volatile compounds in vitro with inhibition percentage ranging from 35% to 79%, respectively for Q004B andQ125B. The Q004B isolate caused a high spore inhibition rate of 46%, while Q110B had no effect on spore germination. The four isolates of Pseudomonas produced siderophores in CAS medium. Additionally, Q125B, Q112B, and Q004B showed a positive chitinolytic activity, whereas Q110B provided negative results to the chitinase assay. These isolates represent potential candidates for biological control of citrus green mold and may be effectively used as a sustainable alternative measure to chemical fungicide control.

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT HOMEMADE AND COMMERCIAL BAITS IN MONITORING OF FRUIT FLIES AT MARANTHANA, PYUTHAN, NEPAL

Fruits & vegetable commodities incur huge loss in field & postharvest conditions due to infestation by Tephritid Fruit Flies. The adult female flies lay eggs inside near maturity fruits & vegetables. The eggs hatch into apodous larvae which feed on the pulp; making them unfit for human consumption and marketing. Using male pheromone lures like Cue Lure & Methyl Eugenol Lure is one of novel techniques for annihilating male fruit flies only. Female flies can still mate & keep ovipositing fruits. So, an experiment was carried at Maranthana, Pyuthan, Nepal with 3 replications & 7 treatments to devise techniques for female fruit flies management. The experiment comprised of commercially used pheromones like Cue Lure & Methyl Eugenol Lure and 5 home based baits viz. Apple Cider Vinegar, Yeast fermented sugar, Tulsi Lure, Local Liquor Lure & Pumpkin Lure; all poisoned with Malathion, soaked in cotton wick and assembled in Lynfield traps. The experiment was completed in two trappings; 2021/04/18 to 2021/05/09 and 2021/04/16 to 2021/07/07; with similar results in both trappings. The commercial were able to attract the highest number of flies; all of which were male. Local liquor lure & tulsi lure attracted least number of male fruit flies. The Apple Cider Vinegar Lure and Yeast Lure attracted both male & female flies while pumpkin lure attracted only female flies of genus Zeugodacus. Results revealed that female flies of genus Zeugodacus tau & Z. cucurbitae could be attracted efficiently by making use of Apple Cider vinegar and Pumpkin.

An in-depth study on post-harvest storage conditions of Anoectochilus roxburghii products

As a specialty food that is medicinal and edible, Anoectochilus roxburghii contains many active ingredients. Herein, optimal conditions to preserve A. roxburghii samples and obtain high physiological activity have been studied. The contents of polysaccharides, kinsenoside, and flavonoids of A. roxburghii were monitored during post-harvest storage for a period of eight months at 25 °C with different packaging methods such as stacking, multilayer pocket and vacuum. The results indicated that packaging method and storage time have significant influences on the preservation of active compounds. Polysaccharides, kinsenoside and flavonoids exhibited a general descending trend during storage for a period of eight months in all packaging conditions. However, the vacuum method is more effective in preservation of polysaccharides and flavonoids than stacking and multilayer pockets methods due to the lower activity of microbial community under vacuum condition. Interestingly, kinsenoside, a characteristic compound of A. roxburghii, responsive for the hypoglycemic function, was not affected by packaging methods. This is because kinsenoside was mainly affected by plant endogenous enzymes instead of microbial community. Two-factor variance analysis showed that packaging method and storage time have significant interactions in preservation. It was further disclosed that the changes of active components were closely related to the plant endogenous enzymes, microbial community and their functions. The findings in this study will shed some light on the storage of A. roxburghii and other herb products.