Shelf Life Of Fruits Research Articles

Development of Antifungal Packaging Based on Pectin/Gelatin Containing Azadirachta indica Bioactive Extracts for Carica papaya L. Fruit Coating

The deterioration of the Carica papaya L. fruit caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides highlights the importance of postharvest packaging for extending papaya shelf life. To this end, in this present study, pectin/gelatin-based food packaging (FPC) was enriched with Azadirachta indica hydroethanolic extract (HNE), obtained by pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The HNE showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds, with values of 2893 mg GAE/100 g extract (PLE) and 3136 mg GAE/100 g extract (MAE). The packaging thickness incorporated with HNE (FPC + HNE) did not significantly differ (FPC + HNE-PLE: 0.10 ± 0.01, and FPC + HNE-MAE: 0.16 ± 0.04) from the packaging control (FPC: 0.11 ± 0.00). Nevertheless, the FPC + HNE exhibited enhanced elongation (FPC + HNE-PLE: 10.33 ± 0.2%, and FPC + HNE-MAE: 9.50 ± 0.2%) compared to FPC (8.00 ± 0.0%). Variations in water vapor permeability (FPC: 5.2 g·mm/d·m2·kPa, FPC + HNE-PLE: 2.0 g·mm/d·m2·kPa, and FPC + HNE-MAE: 6.9 g·mm/d·m2·kPa) and tensile strength (FPC: 13.76 ± 0.79 MPa, FPC + HNE-PLE: 16.45 ± 2.25 MPa, and FPC + HNE-MAE: 9.24 ± 2.01 MPa) values were observed among all samples. FPC + HNE-PLE resulted in 0% deterioration by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides over 15 days. The antifungal FPC + HNE-PLE provides a promising way to reduce postharvest losses and extend the shelf life of papaya fruit.

SlHDZIV3 and SlHDZIV9 Are Two Positive Regulators in the Formation of Tomato Trichomes.

Trichomes serve as the first line of defense for plants against biotic and abiotic stress. The HD-ZIP IV family plays conserved roles in regulating the development of trichomes in different species, but its specific regulatory mechanism in tomato is not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrate that SlHDZIV3 and SlHDZIV9 are positive regulators of trichome development in tomato, and they function in a partially redundant yet distinct manner. SlHDZIV3 primarily affects the formation of long trichomes on tomato leaves and early formed leaf petiole, while SlHDZIV9 influence the formation of long trichomes across a broader range of tissues, including the fruit trichomes. The CRISPR/Cas9 mutants of SlHDZIV9 exhibit a reduction in fruit trichomes, leading to an extended postharvest shelf-life of tomato fruit. In addition, both SlHDZIV3 and SlHDZIV9 are essential for jasmonic acid-mediated regulation of long trichomes formation. This study enhances our understanding of trichome initiation and development in tomato and provides new strategies for improving postharvest preservation of tomato fruits.

Chitosan/pullulan edible coatings containing thyme essential oil nanoemulsion: Preparation, characterization and application in strawberry preservation.

Chitosan/pullulan edible coatings containing thyme essential oil nanoemulsion: Preparation, characterization and application in strawberry preservation.

Development of a kaolin-based Bacillus velezensis BF01 composite for application in biocontrol of postharvest strawberry diseases.

Biological control agents are promising alternatives to conventional fungicides for managing postharvest diseases but their practical use is hindered by variable effectiveness and by application challenges. One promising yet underexplored approach involves utilizing bacteria that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal properties. In this study, Bacillus velezensis BF01, a strain with significant antifungal activity, was identified and isolated. Volatile organic compounds produced by this strain inhibited the growth and conidial germination of Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 90 VOCs, with ketones, esters, nitrogen compounds, aldehydes, and alcohols as the dominant components, many of which exhibited antifungal or plant resistance-inducing properties. To enhance practical application, B. velezensis BF01 was incorporated into a kaolin-based composite, which maintained long-term viability under refrigerated conditions and inhibited fungal growth through the controlled release of volatile organic compounds. This composite significantly extended the shelf life of strawberries by reducing postharvest decay. The development of a kaolin-based B. velezensis BF01 composite provides an effective and sustainable biocontrol strategy for postharvest disease management. By improving bacterial stability and facilitating the controlled release of antifungal volatile organic compounds, this approach offers a practical alternative to chemical fungicides, highlighting its potential in extending fruit shelf life and improving food safety. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mechanism Analysis of Amphotericin B Controlling Postharvest Gray Mold in Table Grapes.

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is the primary factor contributing to postharvest losses in table grape fruit. In this study, we have identified amphotericin B (AMB), a natural compound originating from Streptomyces nodosus, as a promising agent in managing postharvest gray mold in table grapes. In vitro experiments demonstrated that 0.2 mg/L AMB achieved an inhibition rate of over 90% against B. cinerea in PDA medium, and in vivo assays on grape berries showed that 200 mg/L AMB treatment could completely suppress the occurrence of gray mold disease. A mechanism analysis found that AMB treatment disrupted the plasma membrane structure, which consequently triggered cellular leakage and induced cell death. Furthermore, AMB application effectively modulated the transcriptional profile of genes related to redox homeostasis, transmembrane transport, and peroxidase functions in B. cinerea, thereby reducing the virulence of the fungus. In addition, AMB treatment had the potential to activate defense mechanisms in table grapes by enhancing the activities of ROS-scavenging enzymes and defense-associated enzymes. Collectively, AMB can be regarded as a natural antifungal agent that effectively combats B. cinerea, thereby extending the postharvest shelf life of table grape fruit.

Influence of parental background on growth, fruit size and shelf life in F1 NIL Sletr1-2 tomatoes

Sletr1-2 is a tomato mutant known for its extended fruit shelf life, making it a valuable genetic resource for plant breeding programs. However, its small fruit size limits its commercial viability. To address this limitation, NIL Sletr1-2 has been developed, integrating the long shelf-life trait of Sletr1-2 with improved fruit size, offering new opportunities for commercial tomato production and genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the growth, and fruit shelf life of three generations of F1 NIL-Sletr1-2 tomatoes generation. NIL Sletr1-2 tomatoes were crossed with three commercial tomato varieties, namely Costoluto, Oxheart, and Sart Roloise to obtain the F1 generation. The results showed that there were differences in growth and yield characteristics of the three generations of F1 NIL Sletr1-2. NIL Sletr1-2 crossed with Oxheart produced the tallest plants and the most flowers, but lower leaf number, while the largest fruit was obtained from NIL Sletr1-2 crossed with Sart Roloise. NIL Sletr1-2 crossed with Sart Roloise and Oxheart had a longer fruit shelf life, which was 6.47 and 6.60 days longer than Costoluto. The addition of exogenous ethylene did not significantly affect the decrease in fruit shelf life of the three F1 NIL Sletr1-2 generations.

Preserving Quality and Extending Shelf Life of Climacteric Persimmon Fruits Using Melatonin and Modified Atmosphere Packaging.

Quality and product losses during the postharvest storage of climacteric persimmon fruits pose significant challenges due to their short shelf life and limited marketing period. This study examined the effects of melatonin (1 mM) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on preserving the quality, biochemical properties, and organic acid contents of persimmons, as well as extending their shelf life during storage at 0°C ± 0.5°C. The MAP resulted in the lowest weight loss, recording only 6.63%. The combination of melatonin and MAP provided the highest fruit firmness at 8.69 kg/cm2, along with a total antioxidant level of 12.40 μmol TE 100 g-1. Additionally, this treatment improved total phenolic content and most individual organic acids, except for fumaric acid, which was highest in the MAP treatment. The organic acid contents of the fruits varied during storage, depending on the specific acid. Malic acid was the predominant organic acid and was consistently better preserved by the treatments compared to the control. It is important to note that the reduction in malic acid was approximately 1.5 times less in the treated fruits than in the controls, while the decline of other organic acids was 3-4 times greater. In conclusion, both MAP and the combination of melatonin and MAP were effective methods for preserving the quality attributes and extending the shelf life of persimmon fruits.

The combined effects of Aloe vera gel enriched with Adhatoda vasica Nees. Leaves extract edible coating on improving postharvest shelf-life and quality of jamun fruit (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels).

The combined effects of Aloe vera gel enriched with Adhatoda vasica Nees. Leaves extract edible coating on improving postharvest shelf-life and quality of jamun fruit (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels).

Study on the influence and application of fatty acid incorporation in hausa potato starch film fabricated from plasma activated water assisted annealing modification: Assessment on fruit coating potential.

Study on the influence and application of fatty acid incorporation in hausa potato starch film fabricated from plasma activated water assisted annealing modification: Assessment on fruit coating potential.

Construction of efficient ethylene removal and antibacterial cellulose paper-based packaging materials for avocado preservation.

Construction of efficient ethylene removal and antibacterial cellulose paper-based packaging materials for avocado preservation.

In situ synthesis of HKUST-1 on copper-ammonia fiber for preparation of quaternary-ammonium chitosan based active packaging with sustained-release cinnamaldehyde.

In situ synthesis of HKUST-1 on copper-ammonia fiber for preparation of quaternary-ammonium chitosan based active packaging with sustained-release cinnamaldehyde.

Pullulan coating enhances postharvest quality retention and extends shelf life of Chinese plums by regulating enzymatic activity and gene expression related to ROS scavenging and cell wall metabolism.

Pullulan coating enhances postharvest quality retention and extends shelf life of Chinese plums by regulating enzymatic activity and gene expression related to ROS scavenging and cell wall metabolism.

All-in-one: Harnessing multifunctional natural polysaccharide spray hydrogel loaded with polyphenol-metal nanoparticles for fruit preservation.

All-in-one: Harnessing multifunctional natural polysaccharide spray hydrogel loaded with polyphenol-metal nanoparticles for fruit preservation.

Investigation of Microbiological Parameters of White Strawberry Fruits (Fragaria ananassa ‘Snow White’) During Cold Storage

The aim of the present study is to analyze the dynamics of the microbiological changes of white strawberry fruits (Fragaria ananassa ‘Snow White’) grown in a greenhouse under five irrigation and fertil¬ization regimes, stored in a refrigerated state and to determine their shelf life in depending on the influence of cultivation regimes, the time of fruiting and storage, determined by standard methods for the analysis of epiphytic microflora. It was found that compared to the initial state, depending on the fruiting period, the increase in fruit losses, total number of microorganisms, molds, and yeasts for each studied variant during storage was linear. No pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms were detected in the ex-amined fruits for the entire period of the conducted test, proving the safety of the fruits. The shelf life of fruits of white strawberries (F. ananassa ‘Snow White’) from all variants of cultivation depends on the time of fruiting and storage under cool conditions (Т= 4±0.5ºС). For the fruits of the initial harvest of variants I0F0 (100% irrigation), I1F1 (75% irrigation and 100% fertilization), and I1F2 (75% irrigation and 75% fertilization), the shelf life is up to 6 days, for the mass fruiting, this period is up to 3 days, and at the end of fruiting, the quality of the fruits is only good on the day of receipt.

Fruit packaging with edible chitosan wrappers

With the sharp increase in food safety issues and the lasting effects of the pandemic, consumers are paying more attention to food safety and healthy eating. Plastic waste is a serious environmental problem due to its long degradation period, which is a reason to seek biodegradable alternatives. Multifunctional films based on natural macromolecules are being studied to observe their mechanical properties, degradability, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Edible film packaging has attracted the attention of manufacturers due to their functions of maintaining the freshness and quality of foods, they are bio-based macromolecules, which contributes to environmental protection and have good mechanical properties, degradability, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. A number of packaging methods have been used to observe the shelf life and changes in fruits, vegetables and local products when covered with packaging film. In our study, we used cherries and packaging made of chitosan and calcium lactate and chitosan and alginate. Edible packaging reduces changes in fruit texture and color during storage at 40 C, with two-layer packaging with chitosan/alginate film performing better.

Penyediaan Biofilm Berbasis Pektin Kulit Buah Cempedak (Artocarpus champaden L.) Terisi Carboxymethyl Cellulose dengan Variasi Konsentrasi Gliserol Untuk Menurunkan Susut Bobot Buah Mangga

Cempedak peel contains 38.85% pectin compounds and has the potential to become biofilm raw material. The characteristics of pectin-based biofilm can be improved by the addition of a glycerol plasticizer. This study aims to determine the effect of variations in glycerol concentration (0%; 3%; 5%; 7% and 9%) on biofilm charactersitics and biofilm application on the shelf life of mango fruit. Pectin was extracted using 5% citric acid at 85°C or 90 minutes. Biofilms were applied on mango fruit for 8 days. Analysis of pectin compounds showed a yield 22.09%; ash content 7.40%; equivalent weight 588.235 mg; methoxyl content 6.20%; galacturonic acid content 36.12%. Analysis of physical properties and biofilm application on mango fruit showed a density value of 2.833 g/mL; water solubility 79.41%; mango weight loss of 33.47%; and a deacrease in vitamin C of 5%. SEM-EDX analysis showed the pectin particles were homogeneous fine grains and dominated by the element of oxygen (O) 88.84%. FTIR analysis of cempedak fruit peel pectin and biofilm showed functional groups of O-H; C-H (methyl); C=O; C-O; C-C.

Impact of different treatments to enhance the fruit quality of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) cv. Bombai under stored temperature

Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is a delicious and juicy fruit. In India, it is cherished for its flavourful aril and consumed as a fresh table fruit, whereas, in China and Japan, it is often enjoyed in dried or canned form. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Post-Harvest Technology of Horticultural Crops, Directorate of Research Complex, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswa Vidayalaya Kalyani, West Bengal, India. The objective of the study was to find out how to enhance the shelf life of litchi fruit after different treatments, stored in ambient and refrigerated temperatures. The fruits underwent various treatments, including sulphur fumigation, sulphur fumigation with sulphur padding, sulphur padding on the top side, sulphur padding on both sides, packaging in polypropylene, cover with litchi leaves and an untreated (control). These fruits were then packed in ventilated corrugated fibreboard (CFB) boxes, while some were also packed in perforated low-density polypropylene (LDPP) bags. The treated fruits were stored under ambient conditions (27 °C to 36 °C) and refrigerated conditions (10 ± 1 °C). All treated fruits were packed in perforated LDPP bags and stored in CFB boxes lined with sulphur padding on the top and sides. Over 16 days of storage, the fruits exhibited minimal weight loss, rotting and changes in total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid and sugar (both reducing and total sugars). The fruit colour initially belonged to the Greyed Red Group 179A. After 16 days of refrigerated storage, fruits treated with sulphur padding on the top displayed a colour change to Red Group 45C, while those with sulphur padding on both sides and packed in perforated polypropylene within CFB boxes showed a shift to Greyed Red Group 181A. Under ambient conditions, the Greyed Red Group 179A colour was retained in fruits treated with sulphur padding on the top and both sides for up to 10 days. The minimum loss of peel anthocyanin was found in sulphur padding on the top side (6.56 and 7.05 mg/100 g) and sulphur padding on both sides (7.55 and 9.59 mg/100 g) of litchi fruits at refrigerated and ambient temperatures. The litchi fruit's cv. Bombai shelf life in both ambient and refrigerated settings found that sulphur padding on the top side of fruit packed in perforated polypropylene with a CFB box was successful in maintaining pericarp colour and quality by controlling spoiling by minimising browning and infections.

Chitosan/water caltrop pericarp extract reinforced active edible film and its efficacy as strawberry coating for prolonging shelf life.

Chitosan/water caltrop pericarp extract reinforced active edible film and its efficacy as strawberry coating for prolonging shelf life.

Tomato Biostimulation with Nanochitosan-Iodine Complexes: Enhancing Antioxidant Metabolism.

Biostimulants are currently essential for agriculture as they increase crop productivity and quality sustainably. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of biostimulation on the application of nanochitosan-iodine complexes (nCS-I) on tomato plants. Leaf samples were taken for analysis of total protein content, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymatic activity, mineral and iodine contents, gene expression, and shelf life in tomato fruit. The catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities increased significantly with the application of nanochitosan (nCS) and nanochitosan-potassium iodate (nCS-KIO3) and nanochitosan-potassium iodide (nCS-KI) complexes and the iodine salts potassium iodate (KIO3) and potassium iodide (KI). The total protein content and photosynthetic pigments also increased significantly with the application of the treatments. The mineral and iodine contents did not change with the application of the treatments. Similarly, overexpression of the SOD, GPX, and CAT genes was observed. Finally, in the shelf life test, an increase in the total phenols and antioxidant capacity was observed with the application of the treatments. This study shows that the use of nCS-I complexes can modulate different transcriptional and post-translational processes with possible synergistic effects on the antioxidant metabolism of tomato plants.

Effects of reactive oxygen species on fruit ripening and postharvest fruit quality.

Effects of reactive oxygen species on fruit ripening and postharvest fruit quality.