Postharvest Handling Research Articles

Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated with Fruit Rot Disease of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the Southern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria

Rot disease is a major threat to tomato fruit production and postharvest handling in major tomato growing areas in Nigeria. Rotted tomato fruits were randomly collected from farmers’ farms for the purpose of isolation and identification of rot causing fungi in Tarka, Benue State, Nigeria between July and December, in 2015 and 2016. Results revealed that Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Alternaria solani, Phytophthora infestans, Oidium neolycopersici, Sclerotium rolfsii, Fusarium oxysporum, Verticillium spp and Colletotrichum spp caused tomato fruit rot in the area. In both years, the lowest number of fungi was recorded in the months of July and December while the highest number was obtained in September. The mean number of fungi isolated showed that S. rolfsii was the least with 3.17 in 2015 and 1.66 in 2016 while F. oxysporum was the highest with 14.33 in 2015 and 9.33 in 2016. There were more fungi isolated in 2015 than in 2016. There were significant differences (P≤0.05) in the mean number of A. niger, P. infestans, O. neolycopersici and F. oxysporum isolated in both years. In conclusion, farmers should handle tomato fruits with care, to reduce postharvest injury and damage in order to ensure the availability of disease free fruits and to increase the output for the global population.

Gender Roles in Groundnut Value Chain (GVC) among Households under USAID Groundnut Up-Scaling Project (GUP) in Sokoto State, Nigeria

This study investigates gender roles in the Groundnut Up-scaling Project (GUP) intervention in Sokoto State, Nigeria, focusing on three rural communities out of five participating local government areas (PLGAs). The main objective is to analyze gender participation in the Groundnut Value Chain (GVC) among households under the USAID-GUP. A multi-stage sampling procedure selected 100 (56 male and 44 female) GVC participants, and 100 (84 male and 16 female) non-participants using the snowball sampling method in the non-participating LGAs (NPLGAs). The objectives were achieved with a descriptive and inferential Chi-square. The findings show that female participants dominate processing activities (72.7%) in the PLGAs, while males dominate production (92.9%). In the NPLGAs, 90.5% of males and 75.0% of females are involved in production. Informal sources are the main credit providers for both PLGAs and NPLGAs. Male participants in both PLGAs and NPLGAs cultivate more of an improved groundnut variety (Samnut – 22), with 64.3% and 70.5% of males and females in PLGAs and 59.5% and 56.3% of males and females in NPLGAs sourcing their land through inheritance. The average mean household income is higher for males (₦892,410.71 and ₦1,008,907.14) compared to females (₦531,386.36 and ₦495,000.00) in both PLGAs and NPLGAs, respectively. Significant differences between male and female categorical variables are observed at different nodes of the GVC in both PLGAs and NPLGAs, including input supply, groundnut production, harvesting, post-harvest handling, marketing, processing, and household chores. In conclusion, the study finds that the USAID-GUP activities, which aimed to promote gender equality, have not fully bridged gender inequalities in all GVC nodes. Gender equity amongst GUP participants has not been fully achieved. The study recommends addressing social and cultural rigidities to enhance gender equity participation in GVC nodes and effectively implement programs.

Fermentasi Kakao di Kelompok Tani Plea Puli Desa Bloro Kabupaten Sikka

Bloro Village is one of the villages in Nita District, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province with the majority of the population working as farmers. The leading commodity in this village is Cocoa. The Plea Puli Farmers Group is one of the farmer groups involved in cocoa cultivation, including the seeding and processing of the results. The Plea Puli Farmers Group has a chocolate industrial house with production products in the form of cocoa powder and chocolate bars. To get a quality chocolate bar and cocoa powder products, you need to pay attention to post-harvest handling, namely cocoa fermentation. Because it is at this stage that determines the precursor to the distinctive taste of cocoa. However, the fact is that most farmers do not ferment properly. This program aims to provide education to farmers about post-harvest handling, especially cocoa fermentation. Through this activity, it is hoped that farmers can understand that to obtain good quality cocoa beans, the thing that must be considered is post-harvest handling, especially cocoa fermentation. This program begins with a discussion with several members of the Plea Puli Farmers Group and the preparation of an activity plan with the farmer group. Followed by the preparation stage, namely preparing tools and materials. At the implementation stage, activities began with socialisation about cocoa fermentation, then continued with harvesting, fruit sorting, ripening, fruit splitting, wet bean sorting, fermentation, and drying activities with the Plea Puli Farmers Group.

Adoption of Post-Harvest Handling Practices by Ginger Farmers in Palpa District, Nepal

Ginger has the potential for export and increased income for farmers in Nepal. Proper post-harvest handling practices has led to low market prices and significant post-harvest losses of ginger. The study was conducted in Palpa district to examine the post-harvest practices and technology adoption among ginger farmers. Data from 66 farmers in Bagnashkali, Purbakhola, Nisdi, and Rampur municipalities was collected through interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Descriptive analysis was performed using MS Excel and SPSS. Results showed that 72.7% of farmers practiced storage, with Bhakari (60.41%) and Pit (39.59%) being the common storage types. Storage molds affected 72.2% of respondents, while 28.8% reported wrinkling during storage. Washing was practiced by only 7.6% of farmers. Manual grading was reported by all respondents, with no commercial grading observed. Black sutho production was carried out by 65.2% of farmers. Value addition activities such as sorting were practiced by 65% of respondents, while 25% engaged in transportation and packaging. Respondents' awareness of ginger post-harvest practices varied, with 75.76% having low awareness, 16.66% medium awareness, and 7.58% high awareness. Farmers' general precautions during harvesting, such as avoiding rhizome injury and minimal trimming and sorting, were not accompanied by specific precautionary practices, contributing to their challenges. The findings emphasize the importance of adopting modern post-harvest practices to increase production, improve product quality, and command higher market prices. Implementing these measures will enable ginger farmers in Palpa district to enhance their income and contribute to the growth of the ginger industry in Nepal.

SOSIALISASI PENGEMBANGAN KAMPUNG HORTIKULTURA DI KABUPATEN PROBOLINGGO DAN LUMAJANG

Probolinggo and Lumajang districts are two regions in East Java that have horticultural villages with the potential to develop fruit and vegetable crops. Efforts to develop horticultural villages in the region need to be made to achieve the realization of horticultural villages that are independent and advanced, more modern and have high competitiveness. This socialization and development activity aims to increase understanding of horticultural farmer groups regarding efforts to develop horticultural villages in both regions in accordance with the standards of horticultural villages that are independent and advanced and have sales value, provide guidance and training to horticultural village farmers regarding the cultivation of horticultural plants and processing of products accordingly. commodities developed in each region, explore several factors that influence the level of success and sustainability of the horticultural village development program in the sampling area, obtain input regarding recommendations for improving programs or activities carried out in each sampling horticultural village using descriptive and quantitative analysis . Horticultural farmers' understanding regarding the development of horticultural villages in the Probolinggo and Lumajang districts is still low and does not meet the standards of horticultural villages that are independent and advanced and have sales value. Efforts to develop horticultural villages in the Probolinggo and Lumajang districts show positive developments in several commodities, while for annual fruit commodities, factors that influence the sustainability indicators of the horticultural village development program. Apart from that, there are factors such as the quality of the farmer group's human resources and the involvement of stakeholders which greatly influences the sustainability of the development of horticulture villages. Efforts to develop horticulture villages require the provision of facilities and assistance with production facilities, infrastructure and guidance on post-harvest handling, processing, market development and the development of farmers' economic institutions.

Biofortified foods show variable micronutrient retention depending on post-harvest handling.

Biofortified foods show variable micronutrient retention depending on post-harvest handling.

The Impact of Mechanical Compression on the Postharvest Quality of ‘Shine Muscat’ Grapes during Short-Term Storage

Mechanical stress induced by compression during preharvest and postharvest handling of fresh fruit is a major factor influencing the quality of fresh fruit. The degree of compression primarily governs the extent of quality deterioration. However, research on the damage mechanisms of mechanical compression in table grapes remains scarce. This investigation evaluated the impact of varying compression levels (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) on the postharvest quality attributes of table grapes. Changes in postharvest physical properties (overall appearance and color), structural properties (firmness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness), physiological qualities (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, malonaldehyde content, and relative electrical conductivity), and cell microstructure of the berries was determined at 4 °C during 15 d of storage. Mechanical compression contributed to the deterioration of the quality of table grapes during storage, resulting in increased weight loss, decay rate, malonaldehyde content, and relative electrical conductivity; and decreased total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content. Furthermore, as compared to the control group, mechanical compression resulted in substantial yellowing and diminished textural qualities of grapes. In particular, compression treatment caused significant deformation of grape cell microstructure. In conclusion, mechanical compression stress significantly affects the physical and physiological properties of postharvest table grapes, as well as the internal cellular organization. As compression levels increase, the quality of table grapes progressively deteriorates, leading to a substantial reduction in storage life and commercial value. This study offers essential information for devising damage prevention strategies in preharvest and postharvest handling of table grapes.

Flavor Quality Analysis of Ten Actinidia arguta Fruits Based on High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Headspace Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

Actinidia arguta is a fruit crop with high nutritional and economic value. However, its flavor quality depends on various factors, such as variety, environment, and post-harvest handling. We analyzed the composition of total soluble sugars, titratable acids, organic acids, and flavor substances in the fruits of ten A. arguta varieties. The total soluble sugar content ranged from 4.22 g/L to 12.99 g/L, the titratable acid content ranged from 52.55 g/L to 89.9 g/L, and the sugar-acid ratio ranged from 5.39 to 14.17 at the soft ripe stage. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that citric, quinic, and malic acids were the main organic acids in the A. arguta fruits. Headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) detected 81 volatile compounds in 10 A. arguta varieties, including 24 esters, 17 alcohols, 23 aldehydes, 7 ketones, 5 terpenes, 2 acids, 1 Pyrazine, 1 furan, and 1 benzene. Esters and aldehydes had the highest relative content of total volatile compounds. An orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on the odor activity value (OAV) revealed that myrcene, benzaldehyde, methyl isobutyrate, α-phellandrene, 3-methyl butanal, valeraldehyde, ethyl butyrate, acetoin, (E)-2-octenal, hexyl propanoate, terpinolene, 1-penten-3-one, and methyl butyrate were the main contributors to the differences in the aroma profiles of the fruits of different A. arguta varieties. Ten A. arguta varieties have different flavors. This study can clarify the differences between varieties and provide a reference for the evaluation of A. arguta fruit flavor, variety improvement and new variety selection.

Microbiological hazards associated with the use of water in the post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables and herbs (ffFVHs). Part1 (outbreak data analysis, literature review and stakeholder questionnaire).

The contamination of water used in post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruit, vegetables and herbs (ffFVHs) is a global concern. The most relevant microbial hazards associated with this water are: Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., human pathogenic Escherichia coli and enteric viruses, which have been linked to multiple outbreaks associated with ffFVHs in the European Union (EU). Contamination (i.e. the accumulation of microbiological hazards) of the process water during post-harvest handling and processing operations is affected by several factors including: the type and contamination of the FVHs being processed, duration of the operation and transfer of microorganisms from the product to the water and vice versa, etc. For food business operators (FBOp), it is important to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water to assure the safety of ffFVHs. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygienic practices (GHP) related to a water management plan and the implementation of a water management system are critical to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water. Identified hygienic practices include technical maintenance of infrastructure, training of staff and cooling of post-harvest process water. Intervention strategies (e.g. use of water disinfection treatments and water replenishment) have been suggested to maintain the microbiological quality of process water. Chlorine-based disinfectants and peroxyacetic acid have been reported as common water disinfection treatments. However, given current practices in the EU, evidence of their efficacy under industrial conditions is only available for chlorine-based disinfectants. The use of water disinfection treatments must be undertaken following an appropriate water management strategy including validation, operational monitoring and verification. During operational monitoring, real-time information on process parameters related to the process and product, as well as the water and water disinfection treatment(s) are necessary. More specific guidance for FBOp on the validation, operational monitoring and verification is needed.

Post Harvest Handling of Fruit Crops

Fruits are classified as perishable agricultural commodities. When fruits are harvested prematurely or when they are overripe, their storage life is shortened and their quality deteriorates. Therefore, it is important to harvest fruits at the appropriate stage of maturity in order to ensure good quality and better storage. Nevertheless, the inadequate implementation of proper handling techniques for agricultural produce has led to a significant occurrence of post-harvest losses, resulting in the wastage of valuable resources such as time and financial investments. The lack of appropriate handling procedures and chemical treatment methods are leading to significant losses in commodities. Therefore, it can be deduced that producers are currently experiencing significant economic detriment as a result of inadequate handling techniques, insufficient understanding of the underlying factors contributing to postharvest loss, and a dearth of effective preservation methodologies. However, the mitigation of loss can be achieved through the implementation of appropriate management and handling procedures. This review focuses on various aspects of post-harvest handling methods for preservation of fruits for longer time for processing and value addition.

The Effect of Different Drying Temperatures Using a Tray Dryer on the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.)

Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) is a potential vegetable crop that has high economic value and has the potential to continue to be developed, but cayenne pepper is a type of fruit that is easily damaged, therefore proper post-harvest handling is needed, one of which is drying. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different drying temperatures on physical analysis (weight loss) and chemical analysis (moisture content, vitamin C and capsaicin content). The dryer used in this study was a tray dryer. The experimental design used was a one-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 treatments. The temperatures used in this study were 40, 50, and 55°C. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the best decrease in weight loss in drying cayenne pepper was at 55°C with a decrease in weight loss of 62.67%. The best decrease in water content for drying cayenne pepper was at 55°C with a total moisture content of 50.3%. The best vitamin C content was found at 45°C, which was 0.65%, and the best capsaicin content for drying cayenne pepper was found at 45°C, which was 244.4702 ppm with an SHU level of 730.776.

Perancangan Mesin Perontok Tandan Buah Kelapa Sawit Yang Restan

Threshing is the post-harvest handling stage after the harvesting process. Threshing is an integral part of the palm post-harvest handling process. The harvested oil palms are threshed to separate the fruit from the bunches. The threshing process is carried out so that small oil palm fruits or oil palm fruit bunches weighing below 5 kg can be accepted at the palm oil mill. Generally, the weight of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) under 5 kilograms is not sold, so before being taken to the palm oil mill, it must be threshed first so that the palm oil becomes brondolan or grains of palm oil that can be accepted by the palm oil mill. In this final project, the author designed a small oil palm fruit threshing machine from the bunches aimed at increasing the profits of farmers or oil palm entrepreneurs, because small oil palm fruits can be accepted at palm oil mills. In this design, the driving engine uses a fuel motor motor with a power of 7 HP.

Carotenoids: Dietary sources, health functions, biofortification, marketing trend and affecting factors – A review

Nutritional deficiency is becoming a universal problem, resulting in poor health, low worker productivity, high rates of mortality and morbidity. Large-scale dietary improvements are needed to deliver a healthy, and sustainable diet to the increasing world population. Fruits and vegetables as well as their valorized wastes and industrial by-products constitute the major dietary sources of bioactive compounds, including carotenoids. Carotenoids are lipophilic pigments that occur widely in nature and are distributed in plants, fish, birds, algae, archaea, yeasts, fungi, bacteria, and invertebrate animals (such as insects, mites, aphids). The most significant aspects of carotenoids in the human diet are the antioxidant and provitamin A activities, and also the color that they impart to our food. The most researched carotenoids in diets and commonly occurring in the blood are β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and α-carotene, with β-carotene comprising the major portion of pro-vitamin A. Phytoene and phytofluene are also recently becoming increasingly topical in the human diet. Genotype, environment, climate, postharvest handling and processing are among the major factors affecting carotenoids. Thus, in this review, results from several studies on recent developments of carotenoid dietary sources, marketability, biofortification, new insights for the sustainable valorization of food wastes and agro-industrial by-products, human health effects and factors affecting carotenoid concentrations and compositions are critically pinpointed and briefly discussed. Lastly, research needs, mainly on crop biofortification, waste valorization, therapeutic properties are highlighted so as to enhance carotenoid production and nutritional values with potentially significant health benefits.

Nutritional Content and Microbial Load of Fresh Liang, Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum Leaves.

Liang (Gnetum gnemon var. tenerum) leaves are widely consumed as a green vegetable in Southern Thailand, and the plant is valued for its nutritional benefits. However, like other leafy greens, liang is vulnerable to microbial contamination, generating foodborne illnesses. This study examined the nutritional content and microbial load of liang leaves at different maturity stages and the effects of washing with chlorinated water. Various growth stages were analysed for proximate composition, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Results revealed distinct nutritional profiles, with tip leaves rich in protein and fat and intermediate leaves high in dietary fibre. Liang leaves are abundant in essential amino acids and proteins. Washing with chlorinated water increased leaf weight due to water retention but also caused physical damage, fostering microbial growth and spoilage. Microbiological analysis showed marginal reductions in total viable counts after washing with chlorinated water and significant decreases in coliform and Escherichia coli counts. However, stem detachment during washing increased the coliform and E. coli counts. Liang leaves exhibited favourable nutritional content, especially in the intermediate stage. Proper handling and storage of liang leaves are crucial to preventing physical damage and microbial contamination. Improved food safety measures, including appropriate post-harvest washing and handling of leafy vegetables, will ensure that consumers can safely enjoy the nutritional benefits of liang leaves.

Motivasi Petani dalam Budidaya Tanaman Pepaya (Carica papaya L.) di Kecamatan Mojosongo Kabupaten Boyolali

<p><em>Papaya is one of the horticultural crops that can be developed in current cultivation because it takes advantage of Indonesia’s tropical climate and is traditionally easily cultivated by farmers. Improper post-harvest handling resulted in a low selling price of papaya in the market. This condition caused farmers to experience losses and their numbers continue to decline because they chose to stop cultivating papaya. Even though the condition of papaya farmers continues to decline, some still persist in cultivating papaya. This is closely related to the motivation of farmers. This study aims to (1) examine the motivation level of farmers in cultivating papaya, (2) examine the factors that influence farmers’ motivation in cultivating papaya, (3) examine the influence between the factors that influence the motivation of farmers in cultivating papaya plants in Mojosongo Sub-district, Boyolali Regency. The research method used is a quantitative method. The research location was chosen purposively (intentionally) to be in Mojosongo Sub-district, Boyolali Regency. The sampling method used proportional random sampling and obtained 70 respondents. Data analysis applies multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study prove that: (1) the motivation of farmers in cultivating papaya belongs to the high category; (2) the income variable is in the very high category, land area is in the medium category, the number of family is in the medium category; (3) the variables of land area and number of family have a significant effect on farmer motivation while income has no effect.</em></p>

A hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based coating inhibits ethylene-dependent quality changes and reduces superficial scald incidence and blue mould severity during postharvest handling of two apple varieties

The search of new alternatives to substitute postharvest treatments based on synthetic chemicals has gained attention on recent years due to social pressure and stricter legislative policies. Consequently, edible coatings from natural sources have risen as potential solutions to retain postharvest fruit quality. Among these, coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) have shown potential in preserving fruit quality after harvest. However, scarce studies have explored into their effects on the physiology of climacteric fruits. In this context, the effect of a novel HPMC-based edible coating on fruit postharvest physiology and quality was evaluated in two apple cultivars: ‘Golden Reinders’ and ‘Granny Smith’. In both cultivars, the HPMC-based coating was able to preserve some initial quality attributes, such as firmness and colour, while reducing superficial scald and the severity of blue mould caused by Penicillium expansum. Coated fruit showed reduced ACS activity and ethylene production, delaying changes in ethylene-dependent parameters such as colour and firmness during two different postharvest scenarios: shelf life after harvest and after 3 months of cold storage. Other ripening-associated traits such as starch index, soluble solids content (SSC), and total titratable acidity (TTA) were not affected by the coating application. The coating altered the levels and composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), yet without affecting the overall consumer acceptance in most of the studied scenarios. Changes in fruit physiology promoted by the coating, including the decrease of α-farnesene levels and its oxidation products, together with enhanced accumulation of ethanol may reduce the superficial scald incidence in ‘Granny Smith’ and the severity of blue mould rot in the two studied cultivars. Overall, the use of the HPMC-based coating in apples could be useful for maintaining fruit quality and reducing postharvest losses related to mould development and physiological disorders without compromising taste perception.

Drying technology development for future starchy staples food processing: Research progress, challenges, and application prospects

Starchy staples are the main source of energy for most of the global population, and future growing populations and limited arable land areas dictate that reducing post-harvest losses of produce and conserving energy consumption are critical. With the increased prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (such as cardiovascular disease) and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the benefits of grains for human health are being rethought. Drying, as a significant and energy-intensive unit operation in post-harvest handling and storage of grain, has been extensively studied by scholars. This paper describes several common types of starchy staple foods and their drying and pretreatment technologies in recent years, focusing on some auxiliary drying technologies to improve drying efficiency and energy-saving aspects, while pretreatment technologies not only improve drying efficiency but also help to retain nutrient content. And with the increasing pursuit of nutrition, personalized food is essential in the future. This paper also introduces the application prospects of starchy staples, including 3D printing, the aerospace field, and special medical food.

Melatonin mobilizes the metabolism of sugars, ascorbic acid and amino acids to cope with chilling injury in postharvest pear fruit

Chilling injury manifesting as internal browning is an irreversible physiological disorder in cold-stored ‘Yali’ pear fruit, which seriously restricts postharvest handling and commercialization of pear fruit. This study investigated the impact of melatonin (MN) treatment on chilling injury and the metabolism of sugars, ascorbic acid (AsA), proline, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during chilling injury development in ‘Yali’ pears. The findings revealed that MN-treated pear fruit exhibited considerably improved tolerance to chilling stress compared with untreated control fruit. MN application augmented proline accumulation, likely owing to increased activities and transcriptional concentrations of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase and ornithine-δ-aminotransferase as well as diminished activity and transcriptional level of proline dehydrogenase. MN immersion increased enzyme activities and gene expression related to the GABA shunt pathway, leading to increased GABA concentrations in cold-stored pear fruit. Furthermore, MN treatment elevated AsA concentrations in the fruit, exerting protective effects against cell membrane damage and mitigating oxidative stress damage caused by chilling. Compared with the control group, MN-treated fruit exhibited reduced neutral invertase enzyme activity and gene expression. Additionally, MN treatment increased both sucrose-phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase activities and gene expression in pear fruit. These observations indicated that the enhanced chilling tolerance of ‘Yali’ pear fruit following MN treatment may be associated with the regulation of proline, GABA, AsA, and soluble sugars metabolism.

Postharvest Melatonin Application Preserves Quality and Imparts Chilling Tolerance in Peaches

Peach being a climacteric fruit has a limited shelf life. Cold storage of peaches is an essential measure to maintain their quality. However, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures causes chilling injury in peaches, resulting in significant economic losses. Approximately, 40% of the produced commodity is lost in postharvest handling in which chilling injury contributes to about 25%. Melatonin can be a green solution and plays a key role in protecting peaches from chilling injury. Therefore, this experiment aimed to determine the effect of melatonin on the “Silver King” peaches by dipping them in 100 μM melatonin for 2 hours followed by storing them at chilling temperatures of 2 ± 1°C and 90–95% relative humidity for 21 d. The results showed that while control fruit experienced chilling injury and poor fruit quality, increased respiration rate, and enhanced senescence, 100 μM melatonin treatment was successful in preserving the fruit quality at chilling temperatures and was associated with the delayed respiration rate and lower malondialdehyde levels, along with the preservation of certain physicochemical parameters, namely, total soluble solids, pH, fruit firmness, and titratable acidity. Moreover, a 1.5 times higher proline concentration was observed in melatonin-treated peaches when compared to that of nontreated peaches. This rise was linked to the enhanced activity of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase and ornithine-δ-aminotransferase along with a decrease in the activity of proline dehydrogenase during 21 d of storage.

A review on toxicity of nanomaterials in agriculture: Current scenario and future prospects.

Phytonanotechnology plays a crucial part in the production of good quality and high-yield food. It can also alter the plant's production systems, hence permitting the efficient, controlled and stable release of agrochemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. An advanced understanding of nanomaterials interaction with plant responses like localization and uptake, etc. could transfigure the production of crops with high disease resistance and efficient nutrients utilization. In agriculture, the use of nanomaterials has gained acceptance due to their wide-range applications. However, their toxicity and bioavailability are the major hurdles for their massive employment. Undoubtedly, nanoparticles positively influence seeds germination, growth and development, stress management and post-harvest handling of vegetables and fruits. These nanoparticles may also cause toxicity in plants through oxidative stress by generation of excessive reactive oxygen species thus affecting the cellular biomolecules and targeting different channels. Nanoparticles have shown to exert various effects on plants that are mainly affected by various attributes such as physicochemical features of nanomaterials, coating materials for nanoparticles, type of plant, growth stages and growth medium for plants. This article discusses the interaction, accretion and toxicity of nanomaterials in plants. The factors inducing nanotoxicity and the mechanisms followed by nanomaterials causing toxicity are also instructed. At the end, detoxification mechanism of plant is also presented.