Postharvest Deterioration Research Articles

Proteomic Analysis Unveils the Protective Mechanism of Active Modified Atmosphere Packaging Against Senescence Decay and Respiration in Postharvest Loose-Leaf Lettuce

In this study, physicochemical and proteomic analyses were performed to investigate the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of postharvest loose-leaf lettuce. The results showed that MAP enhanced the sensory characteristics of loose-leaf lettuce and delayed the incidence of postharvest deterioration by suppressing weight loss, electrolyte leakage, and reactive oxygen species levels. MAP-inhibited storage-induced programmed cell death may be attributed to a lower expression of protein disulfide isomerase and a higher expression of oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding fold nucleic acid binding site protein and reducing glutamine synthase levels. Also, we explore the potential of MAP to protect against oxidative damage in loose-leaf lettuce by potentially modulating the expression levels of NAC family proteins, which may enhance signaling and the expression of cytochrome c oxidase and membrane-bound pyrophosphate in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. In addition, MAP potentially delayed postharvest senescence and extended the shelf life of lettuce by regulating key protein metabolic pathways that may reduce respiration rates. These include the NAC family of proteins, enzymes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway, glutamine synthetize, and other crucial metabolic routes. These findings provide a scientific basis for enhancing the postharvest preservation of leafy vegetables, such as loose-leaf lettuce, through MAP technology.

Influence of Composite Edible Coating of Pectin, Glycerol, and Oregano Essential Oil on Postharvest Deterioration of Mango Fruit

Influence of Composite Edible Coating of Pectin, Glycerol, and Oregano Essential Oil on Postharvest Deterioration of Mango Fruit

Physicochemical quality retention of ‘Sucrier’ bananas (Musa acuminata AA group cv. ‘Kluai Khai’) by jicama starch-based postharvest treatment

The objective of this research was to develop a new type of edible coating using jicama starch (JS) in order to control the postharvest deterioration of ‘Sucrier’ bananas (Musa acuminata AA group cv. ‘Kluai Khai’) during the ripening process in ambient condition (25 ± 1 °C, 85-90 % RH). The preliminary experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of JS concentration (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 % w/v) on the postharvest quality of bananas. The application of JS demonstrated a delay in banana ripening, including color development, weight loss, and fruit firmness. Within the JS-treated banana groups, 5.0 % treated bananas displayed higher firmness compared to the other groups. Therefore, a validation experiment was conducted to verify the subsequent physicochemical alterations in bananas after subjecting bananas to 5.0 % JS coating in comparison to non-treated bananas during storage at ambient condition. The JS treatment maintained the color and visual appearance by minimizing the formation of malondialdehyde content and electrical conductivity during storage. Furthermore, it resulted in a delay in the increases in total soluble solid, titratable acidity, BrimA, and total carotenoid concentrations in the pulp. Nevertheless, the ascorbic acid and phenolic contents and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of the control samples were likely to be higher than those of the treated bananas, whereas the ferric reducing antioxidant potential of both control and treated bananas showed a comparable trend throughout storage. The outcomes demonstrate that the utilization of JS is an effective approach for improving the overall storage capacity of ‘Sucrier’ bananas.

Appraisal of cutting-edge techniques for prolonging fresh berries shelf life: innovations in essential oil nanoemulsion-based edible coatings

The high susceptibility of berries to fungal contamination during the postharvest phase and increasing demand from consumers for a safe preservative have prompted the need for a potential substitute. In this context, beyond their conventional use as flavouring agents, essential oils have been investigated for their preservative actions in berries to supplant traditional synthetic preservatives. However, high volatility, poor environmental stability, intense organoleptic properties, and low aqueous solubility limit their use as natural preservatives. To circumvent this problem, nanoemulsion has evolved as a feasible strategy. Incorporating essential oil nanoemulsion into a biopolymer matrix of an edible coating ameliorates the postharvest deterioration of berries. Nanoemulsions improve the functional properties of essential oil-incorporated edible coatings by creating an effective barrier that improves antimicrobial properties, decreases water loss, reduces the rate of respiration and loss of firmness, and subsequently enhances the shelf life of berries. This paper summarizes how the physiological characteristics of fresh berries are affected by essential oil-based nanoemulsions integrated into edible coatings and recommends using these nanoemulsions to preserve berries.

Physical and chemical properties of green chili pepper during storage in response to pre- and post-harvest application of moringa leaf extract

ABSTRACT The primary challenge encountered by marketers of green chili peppers is the rapid post-harvest deterioration. The application of pre- and post-harvest moringa leaf extract (MLE) is an effective approach to preserving the quality of fruits after being harvested. This study aimed to assess the effect of MLE application at pre- and post-harvest periods on physical and chemical properties of green chili during storage. For this purpose, a completely randomized design was arranged with nine replications. Pre-harvest MLE (seed soaking + foliar spraying with MLE) treatment showed a similar response to the control. Meanwhile, post-harvest MLE application on fruit by dipping method had better results on L*, a*, weight loss, firmness, and vitamin C after 7 d of storage compared to the control. These results suggested that post-harvest MLE application was more effective in prolonging the self-life of green chili, particularly in maintaining the physical attributes.

Characterization of Fungi Inducing Post-Harvest Deterioration and the Factors Predisposing Tomato Fruits to Fungal Induced Spoilage in Zaria, Nigeria

This study was carried out to characterize fungi-inducing post-harvest deterioration of tomato fruits and the factors predisposing the tomato fruits to fungal-induced spoilage in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of two hundred and twenty-five spoilt tomatoes of three different cultivars were collected using guided random selection (45 each) from five markets (Dakachi, Danmangaji, Sabon-gari, Samaru, and Basawa) in Zaria, Nigeria. The fungal isolates were isolated using the standard mycological method. The cultural and microscopic characterization of fungi isolated revealed eleven genera belonging to Fusarium, Phomopsis, Phoma, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Helminthosporium, Colletotrichum, Monilia, Curvularia, Rhizotonia, and Aspergillus. The total frequency and percentage occurrence ranged from 16(10.3%) to 42(26.%). The fungal isolate with the highest % frequency of occurrence was F. oxysporum with 23(14.7%), while the fungal isolate with the lowest frequency of occurrence was Curvularia eragrostidis with 3(1.9%). There were statistically significant differences in the mean number of occurrences among the fungal isolates (P = 0.003 < 0.05) and the markets (P = 0.0335 < 0.05). The total frequency and % occurrence of fungal isolates in tomato cultivars U T C, Ronita, and Roma VF ranged from 42(26.9) to 63(40.4%). There were statistically significant differences in the mean number of occurrences among the fungal isolates (p = 0.0000 < 0.05) and the tomato varieties (p = 0.0260 < 0.05). Tomato varieties, sorting, storage condition, packaging material, means of transportation, and nature of damage significantly affected tomato fungal-induced spoilage. Maintaining good sanitation practices in the field and during post-harvest handling of tomato fruits is crucial in minimizing the introduction and spread of fungi

Influence of preharvest fungicides on decay incidence and fruit quality of mango fruits during storage

AbstractMango fruits' quality, marketability, and shelf life are significantly influenced by postharvest decay. Mango fruit disease development during storage is inhibited by fungicides. The objective of this investigation was to assess the relative effectiveness of two fungicides, azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% SC and hexaconazole 5% SC, in mitigating postharvest deterioration of mango cv. ‘Langra’ during low temperature storage. Three pathogens were found associated with postharvest decay of mango, i.e. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria alternata, and Penicillium expansum. In comparison to untreated ones, the preharvest application of fungicide treatments provided noticeably better disease control. The foliar application of azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% SC (0.1%) 15 days before the harvesting of fruits significantly improved fruit firmness, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, reduced the disease incidence, percentage disease index, and lesion diameter followed by the application of hexaconazole 5% SC (0.1%) compared to the control. Furthermore, it was found that pre-harvest fungicide spraying of azoxystrobin 18.2% + difenoconazole 11.4% SC (0.1%) was an effective treatment for lowering postharvest deterioration and enhancing the physio-chemical characteristics of mango fruits during low-temperature storage.

Analysis of heaping-induced decline in olive quality: insights from integrated analysis between phenotypic traits and gene expression profiles.

Heaping is an unavoidable process before olive milling, and its duration significantly affects the olive quality. However, there is limited research on the quality changes of olive fruits on a short-time scale. To gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying postharvest deterioration of olives, this study piled olives at room temperature and extracted oil at 0, 8, 24, 48 and 72h to analyze oil quality parameters. Gas/Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/LC-MS) techniques were employed to investigate variations in metabolite contents. Concurrently, the transcriptional profiles of olives during heaping were examined. As piling time progressed, quality indicators declined, and stored fruit were categorized into three groups based on their quality characters: '0h' belongs to the first category, '8h' and '24h' to the second category, and '48h' and '72h' to the third category. Metabolite changes were consistent with the expression patterns of genes related to their synthesis pathways. Additionally, ethylene was identified as a crucial factor influencing fruit senescence. These findings establish a foundation for further research on olive deterioration after harvesting and offer insights for optimizing olive oil production.

Effects of Neem, Moringa, and Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Coating on Postharvest Shelf Life and Quality Retention of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), Azadirachta indica (neem), and Moringa oleifera (moringa) leaf extracts on the shelf life and quality retention of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits during storage. Thirty-five (35) red, matured tomato fruits were collected, rinsed and grouped for each treatment with AgNPs, neem and moringa coating: Control (n=5), moringa aqueous leaf extract (MALE) (n=5), neem aqueous leaf extract (NALE) (n=5), 1:9 and 6:4 moringa aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (MALE-AgNPs) (n=5), 1:9 and 6:4 neem aqueous leaf extract synthesized silver nanoparticles (NALE-AgNPs) (n=5), respectively. The firmness, shelf life, and postharvest decay percentage of the tomato fruits were determined. Additionally, fungi associated with the postharvest deterioration of the fruits were isolated and identified using standard procedures. From the results of this study, tomato fruits coated with either neem or moringa crude extract showed the longest shelf life, as compared to the coating with AgNPs. Additionally, two fungi, namely Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, were isolated from the decayed tomato fruits. In conclusion, the neem and moringa leaf extracts are effective in the extension of the shelf life and retention of the quality of tomato fruits.

Biological potentials of Landolphia owariensis leaf methanolic extract against pathogenic fungi isolates from different Dioscorea species

Abstract Regarding economic significance, the Dioscoreaceae family, which includes the well-known Dioscorea (yam) species, is the fourth most important tuber crop globally. A basic meal found all across the world, yams encourage and ensure the food security of households. Although they are challenging to preserve and store however a post-harvest deterioration control must be developed. Over the years, Nigerian farmers have employed medicinal herbs to manage post-harvest pest invasion; nevertheless, the scientific basis for this fungal management has not yet been well documented. As a result, Landolphia owarensis leaf extract was used as a biological control, and fungi were isolated from Dioscorea cayenensis, Dioscorea alata, and Discorea rotundata. Samples of yam tubers – both rotten and healthy – were procured in the markets and brought to the lab for fungus isolation and identification. Leaves of Landolphia oweriensis were collected, air-dried, milled, and macerated in pure methanol for 72 h, extracted and concentrated with a rotary evaporator. The agar-well diffusion method was used for the biological control assay against the fungal isolates. The biological control results were presented as mean ± SD (standard deviation) while analysis of variance (Anova) was used to deduce least significant difference (LSD). A total number of 605 fungi isolates were observed in which D. cayenensis had the highest, 50.58 %, D. alata and Discorea rotundata 24.71 % respectively. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus were found in the three species while Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Collentotricum spp. and Penicillium spp. in either of the species. L. owarensis methanolic leaves extracts possesses biological potentials against Colletotrium spp., A. fumigatus, A. niger and A. flavus only. The problem of postharvest fungal invasion of Dioscorea species can be solved with the inhibition observed with L. owarensis methanolic leaves extracts as a biological control measure thereby sustaining food security in the world.

Pre-mRNA splicing modulates post-harvest deterioration of cassava storage root.

Pre-mRNA splicing modulates post-harvest deterioration of cassava storage root.

Phytomediated zinc oxide and sulfur nanoparticles for management of soft-rot causing pathogenic fungi in ginger

Diseases management has been the greatest challenge to agriculture leading to huge crop failure, represented in low-profit production. Phytopathogenic fungi are among pathogens causing a variety of agricultural diseases. Various nanoparticles (NPs) have previously been employed to combat phytopathogenic fungi. Post-harvest deterioration due to fungal invasion is the most imperative cause of loss of ginger (Zingiber officinale) production. In the present study, four fungal pathogens isolated from soft-rot infected ginger were identified as Pythium spp. (isolate I and II), one Fusarium sp. (isolate III) and one Aspergillus sp. (isolate IV). Moringa oleifera mediated zinc oxide (ZnONPs) and sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) were characterized by UV–Visible spectrophotometry and showed absorption maxima at 356 nm and 295 nm. Average size of NPs under Nanoparticle Tracking Analyzer was 78 nm and 26 nm respectively, confirmed by FESEM. Stable NPs with zeta potential of −14.1 mV (Standard deviation = 4.51 mV) and −21.1 mV (Standard deviation = 9.56 mV) were synthesized. FTIR detected the presence of various functional groups in NPs. In vitro antifungal activity was assessed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay and MIC values compared to antibiotic ketoconazole and fungicide mancozeb. Time kill assay represented the minimum time required by selected NPs to inhibit the growth of test pathogenic fungi. ZnONPs and SNPs can be used for further antifungal studies in the field as novel nanofungicides. Extrapolated and uncontrolled use can lead to the inhibition of germination, reduction in photosynthesis rate, and disruption of the plant roots. Thorough small-scale experimentation is necessary before commercialization.

Analysis of Degradability of Blackberry (Rubus glaucus) Subjected to Different Storage Conditions

The purpose of this study was to assess how different storage conditions and types of containers affect blackberries (Rubus Glaucus), fruits that are particularly susceptible to post-harvest deterioration. Comparisons were made between two temperature conditions: room temperature (19 °C) and refrigeration (4 °C), and three types of container materials: low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polylactic acid (PLA). The findings indicated that refrigeration is the most effective strategy for maintaining the quality of blackberries during storage. This method significantly preserved the weight and stability of the fruit, with PLA standing out in this respect. Additionally, a considerable reduction in microbial activity was observed under refrigeration, with LDPE proving to be the most effective at inhibiting mold growth. These results underscore the importance of properly controlling both temperature and container materials type to extend shelf life and preserve the quality of blackberries, which is crucial not only for the food industry, where maintaining freshness and flavor is imperative, but also for consumers who seek high-quality fruit products.

Efficacy of ginger (Zingiber officinale) in controlling fungi causing postharvest deterioration in yam tuber

Yam (Dioscorea sp.) is a popular tuber in Cameroon, where it is grown for both food and income. One of the most challenging aspects of the long-term storage of yam tubers is post-harvest spoilage, often caused by fungi. The use of post-harvest chemicals on yam tubers is not a matter of course. The present study evaluated the efficacy of aqueous extract and powder of Zingiber officinale against fungi associated with the storage rot of yam. The fungi were isolated from two yam cultivars, “Calabar” and “Ghana”, from three localities in Cameroon. The antifungal activity of the aqueous extract and ginger powder was studied in vivo on slices of yam tubers. The results obtained showed that eight fungi were associated with yam tubers and exhibited typical rotting symptoms. The most prevalent and virulent fungus was Penicillium sp., which caused decay volumes of 12.76 cm3 and 8.74 cm3 for “Calabar” and “Ghana” cultivars, respectively. Fungal spoilage was greatly reduced by the application of aqueous extract and ginger powder. The aqueous extract tested at the 30% dose was more effective with up to 80% inhibition. However, the ginger powder was more effective against Penicillium sp., Aspergillus niger, and Colletotrichum sp. associated with rot in the variety “Ghana” with total inhibition (100%). Therefore, the aqueous extracts and powder of Zingiber officinale can be used as a bio fungicide to improve the shelf life of yam tubers.

Identification Sugarcane Clones for Tolerance to Juice Quality Deterioration under Delayed Harvest and Different Time Intervals of Staling

A study was under taken during January, 2022–March, 2023 at the Agricultural Research Station, Perumallapalle, Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, India to evaluate fifteen sugarcane clones including early and mid-late to identify clones with higher shelf life and tolerance to postharvest deterioration and delayed crop harvests. Juice quality parameters determined at 10th, 11th, 12th and 13thmonths of harvest /age and at different time lag intervals of staling (0, 24, 48, and 72 hours showed a linear increase in cane weight reduction regardless of crop age at harvest and staling periods after harvest. Juice extraction (%) also decreased over staling period and delayed crop harvests. Increase in cane weight loss and reduction in juice extraction was significant with increase in staling period. A progressive increase in brix (%), sucrose, purity and CCS in juice was observed up to 11th in early clones and up to 12th months of crop age in mid-late clones and thereafter decreased. Per cent brix (%) showed a linear trend at all time lag intervals of staling regardless of the clones studied. Brix (%) in juice progressively increased from 0 to 72 hours of staling. Sucrose, purity and CCS per cent declined at 48 hrs in early group and at 72 hrs in mid-late clones after harvest. Reduction in sucrose, purity and CCS was significant with increased staling periods. Among the clones 2003V46 (TC), 2016T 7, COA14328, COA20324, COA19322 and 2009V89 were found to be relatively more tolerant to delayed harvest and post-harvest deterioration compared to the popular standard CO86032 and other test clones studied. All these clones have also recorded higher cane yield and CCS yield at harvest.

Bacterial community structure of Physalis peruviana L. fruit exocarp and the presence of pathogens with possible implications on food safety.

Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) is a wellconsumed crop in Ecuador, whose fruits are abundant in bioactive molecules. Its rapid post-harvest deterioration and safety limit its market potential. To gather baseline data on the prevalence of bacterial taxa among groups, we employed 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) amplicon gene sequencing to detect changes in the bacterial community structure in cape gooseberry fruits harvested from an organic farm production system (# 270 samples x two ripeness stages), and fruits obtained from an open-air market (#270). This is the first report of bacterial taxa inhabiting cape gooseberry fruits. Shannon's diversity index revealed that the fruits purchased from the market and the unripe stage had the highest level of bacterial diversity (average Shannon indices of 3.3 and 3.1) followed by those collected from the field at the mature ripe stage (2.07). Alpha diversity analysis indicated that there were no significant differences in the number of taxa or evenness within the sample, whereas there was a significant difference in beta diversity between the groups. Rhizobiaceae was the most abundant family in fruits originating from the field regardless of the ripe stage, while Acetobacteraceae, Pseudomonadaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Erwiniaceae were the most abundant families in the market group. At the genus level, Liberibacter was the most abundant phytopathogen in fruits originating from the field, while Gluconobacter was the most abundant in samples collected from the market. The phytopathogen Candidatus_Liberibacter was the most abundant in samples collected from the field, while the fruits purchased from the market stands contained opportunistic enteric pathogens such as Escherichia vulneris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and K. variicola, their relative abundance varied with the sample. In addition, potential pathogens of animal origin such as Fusobacterium necrophorum, Porphyromonas levii, Helcococcus ovis, and Trueperella pyogenes were found in almost all samples at varying relative abundance. Our study provides basic information on the microbiome of cape gooseberries from agriculture fields to the table along with the detection of several pathogenic microorganisms with possible impact on food safety and public health therefore, strategies for reducing bacterial contamination in both farm and retail markets are compulsory.

Science for strengthening family flower farms

The region of La Plata, Argentina, has some 300 family farms producing flowers. The strongly perishable nature of products constitutes one of the biggest challenges that farmers must face. In this sense, an effective scientific intervention in the peri-urban productive environment can generate a positive impact on the settlement of the rural population. Based on demands gathered from a group of producers and a previous exploration of technologies, the present work aimed to find alternatives to extend the shelf life of cut flowers, using LED lighting sources and gibberellic acid on stems of Peruvian lily (Alstroemeria sp.) and lily (Lilium sp.), two regionally grown species highly susceptible to postharvest deterioration, which implies loss of turgor in leaves and tepals, as well as premature leaf yellowing and falling of tepals. Light treatment was the best option for postharvest conservation. After the results were shown at the regional flower market, the technologies were successfully adopted by a group of producers. However, the implementation of these technologies is still incipient, and, the postharvest storage of flowers still imposes many limitations on the development of regional flower producers. Developing public policies focusing on family farming will also be important to achieve this goal.

Construction of a sustainable and hydrophobic high-performance all-green pineapple peel cellulose nanocomposite film for food packaging

The increasing global awareness of environmental issues has led to a growing interest in research on cellulose-based film. However, several limitations hinder their development and industrial application, such as hydrophilicity, inadequate mechanical properties and barrier properties, and a lack of activity. This study aimed to create a sustainable and hydrophobic high-performance all-green pineapple peel cellulose nanocomposite film for food packaging by incorporating natural carnauba wax and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) into a pineapple peel cellulose matrix. The results showed that adding carnauba wax to the cellulose matrix converted the surface wettability of the cellulose-based film from hydrophilic to hydrophobic (water contact angle over 100). Additionally, the film exhibited ultraviolet resistance and antioxidation properties. The incorporation of CNF further improved the barrier properties, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the cellulose nanocomposite film. In applied experiments, the cellulose nanocomposite film delayed post-harvest deterioration and maintained storage quality of cherry tomatoes. Importantly, the cellulose nanocomposite film could be degraded in soil within 30 days. It can be concluded that the cellulose nanocomposite film has great potential to alleviate the environmental problems and human health problems caused by non-degradable petroleum-based plastic packaging.

Cell membrane dysfunction in postharvest spinach leaves increases water permeability through parallel pathways involving the lipid bilayer and aquaporins

Leafy greens, such as spinach, are susceptible to postharvest deterioration. Understanding factors underlying freshness loss, particularly related to cell membrane function and water permeability, is crucial for improving postharvest handling and preservation techniques. This study aimed to investigate changes in membrane water permeability in spinach mesophyll cells during storage and to identify the factors that affect these changes. We examined three properties of the cell membrane: lipid peroxidation, which triggers cell membrane deterioration; membrane rupture strength, reflecting the viscosity and fluidity of the cell membrane; and the expression of four aquaporin (AQP) genes: SoPIP1;1, SoPIP1;2, SoPIP2;1, and SoδTIP. To analyze their relationship with membrane water permeability, we conducted a protoplast shrinking assay under a hyperosmotic challenge. Our findings revealed that lipid peroxidation increased and membrane rupture strength weakened in response to varying oxygen concentrations during storage, correlating with an increase in membrane water permeability. Interestingly, the expression of SoAQPs markedly decreased during storage, regardless of the oxygen concentration. These observations suggest that membrane peroxidation and embrittlement promote packing imperfections in the lipid bilayer and induce AQPs to adopt an open conformational state, thereby contributing to the overall increase in membrane water permeability, even when the expression of SoAQPs decreases.

Comparative Efficacy of Sodium Metasilicate and Organic Source Combination on Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) for Reducing the Post-harvest Deterioration Losses

Comparative Efficacy of Sodium Metasilicate and Organic Source Combination on Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) for Reducing the Post-harvest Deterioration Losses