Fruit Storage Potential Research Articles

Advancing Fruit Preservation: Ecofriendly Treatments for Controlling Fruit Softening

Textural softening is a major factor that limits the storage potential of fruit. Fresh produce markets incur severe financial losses due to excessive fruit softening. The application of preservation strategies aimed at mitigating fruit softening is crucial for optimising the marketability of fruit. Proposed preservation strategies include ecofriendly treatments, namely, hexanal, edible coatings, heat treatments, ozone and UV-C irradiation. These treatments optimise firmness retention by targeting the factors that affect fruit softening, such as ethylene, respiration rates, enzymes and pathogens. This review discusses the mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments inhibit fruit softening, providing insights into their effect on ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall metabolism and disease resistance. Although ecofriendly treatments offer a promising and sustainable approach for delaying fruit softening, the optimisation of treatment application protocols is needed to improve their efficacy in retaining fruit firmness. Studies reporting on the molecular mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments inhibit fruit softening are limited. Future studies should prioritise proteomic and transcriptome analyses to advance our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments delay the fruit-softening process.

Comparative analysis of the crystal morphology, chemical composition and key gene expression between two kumquat fruit cuticular waxes during postharvest cold storage

Waxes have an important protective role in the postharvest storage potential of fruit. However, there are few studies in which the waxes of fruit of kumquat cultivars have been analysed. In this work, the fruit of a kumquat mutant with a relatively thin skin ('Huapi' kumquat, HPK) was found to present lower fruit weight loss and decay during cold storage than the fruit of the control ('Rongan' kumquat, RAK) did. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed the epicuticular wax crystals on the HPK fruit were more abundant and larger than those on the RAK fruit at harvest. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed the amounts of total wax, triterpenoids and most of the aliphatic wax fractions on the HPK fruit were much higher than those on the RAK fruit throughout the cold storage process. Correlation analysis showed that differences in amounts of fatty acids and aldehydes might be key factors responsible for the differences in the postharvest traits between the two kumquat cultivars. Additionally, the real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis results indicated that 12 genes involved in wax synthesis, transport and transcription were considered to play important roles in regulating the wax formation of kumquat fruit during cold storage.

Experimental approach to assess fertilizer nitrogen use, distribution, and loss in pear fruit trees

Enhanced use efficiency of fertilizer nitrogen (N) is paramount for sustainable pear fruit production. Sufficient fruit N content is a major factor for pear fruit storage potential, but fertilizer N use efficiency in pear fruit trees is generally low. The objective of this work was to test a methodology to quantify N uptake, partitioning and leaching loss as influenced by different calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) fertilizer timings. To this end, 10-year-old ‘Conference’ pear trees (Pyrus communis L.) were transplanted and grown in soil-filled pallet boxes subjected to different timing of fertilizer addition. A fraction of the calcium nitrate was labelled with 15N and applied one month before full bloom, during summer and post-harvest. By sampling newly formed biomass (i.e., leaves, fruit and flower buds), temporal dynamics in the N fraction derived from calcium nitrate fertilization were determined. Simultaneously NO3− leaching derived from calcium nitrate fertilization was quantified. Our data suggest that spring application of N was most efficiently partitioned to leaves, fruits and buds at the time of harvest with a mean percentage of calcium nitrate derived N (Ndff) of 9.2%, 20.4% and 18.6%, respectively. Summer application of calcium nitrate was far less efficient at the time of harvest with Ndff of 0.56%, 0.89% and 1.4%, respectively, and substantially higher NO3− leaching was observed compared to spring fertilization. Post-harvest application showed even higher levels of leaching. Applying a split fertilization scheme with 60 kg N ha−1 evenly spread over spring, summer, and post-harvest, about 9, 15 and 30%, respectively, of the fertilizer N had leached out as NO3− at the end of the growing season. This experimental approach may offer potential for detailed N budget studies for various fruit tree studies.

Treatment with 1-MCP: an alternative to extend storage in plums harvested with advanced maturity

Maturity at harvest is a determining factor in fruit storage potential, especially in such perishable species as plums (Prunus salicina L.). However, harvest´s logistics is very complex, and a large percentage of fruits are harvested at a more advanced stage of maturity than the optimum recommended for long storage. Treatment with 1-MCP has shown to be effective in reducing the post-harvest deterioration rate of Japanese plums, but the effectiveness of this treatment may be reduced in late harvested fruit. The aim of this trial was to determine the efficiency of treatment with 0.4 µL L-1 of 1-MCP in Larry Ann plums harvested at 4 different maturity stages. The results showed that the treatment was effective in reducing the ripening rate of the fruit at all harvest timings. The duration of this effect and the number of parameters affected decreased as harvest was delayed. In maturity stage 1 (M1, ~62 N) and maturity stage 2 (M2, ~58 N), 1-MCP delayed ethylene production rate during shelf life after 30, 40, and 50 days of storage at 0 ºC and reduced loss of flesh firmness, and acidity. At the maturity stage 3 (M3, ~50N) 1-MCP delayed ethylene production rate during shelf life after 30 and 40 days of storage at 0 ºC and maintained higher flesh firmness values. In fruit harvested at the maturity 4 (M4, ~35 N), 1-MCP did not affect ethylene production rate, but reduced loss of flesh firmness during shelf life, supporting the hypothesis that the treatment has a direct inhibitory effect on softening enzymes, independent of ethylene.

Postharvest strategy combining maturity and storage temperature for 1‐MCP‐treated peach fruit

Maturity, storage temperature, and postharvest treatment are all important factors that determine how postharvest storage affects qualities that make peaches attractive to consumers. In this study, the combined effects of maturity stage (as determined by IAD value; M1: 1.0 ~ 1.4, M2: 0.6 ~ 1.0 and M3: 0.2 ~ 0.6), treatment with or without 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and storage at different temperatures (5°C, 10°C, and 20°C) were measured in “Hujingmilu” peaches. Our results showed that treatment with 1-MCP helps to maintain fruit postharvest quality, but efficacy is influenced by postharvest factors. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that1-MCP application increases the storage potential of fruit and has the potential to make fruit harvested at middle maturity (M2) more acceptable to consumers. In addition, low maturity fruit (M1) treated with 1-MCP are more suitable for long-term transportation in cold storage. Practical applications This study investigated the effects of different temperatures and different maturities on 1-MCP-treated peach fruit and provided postharvest strategies for peaches in different commercial demands. This work will help to extend the storage life and expand the sales area of peach fruit and increase the industrial income.

Ozone-induced inhibition of kiwifruit ripening is amplified by 1-methylcyclopropene and reversed by exogenous ethylene

BackgroundUnderstanding the mechanisms involved in climacteric fruit ripening is key to improve fruit harvest quality and postharvest performance. Kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. ‘Hayward’) ripening involves a series of metabolic changes regulated by ethylene. Although 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, inhibitor of ethylene action) or ozone (O3) exposure suppresses ethylene-related kiwifruit ripening, how these molecules interact during ripening is unknown.ResultsHarvested ‘Hayward’ kiwifruits were treated with 1-MCP and exposed to ethylene-free cold storage (0 °C, RH 95%) with ambient atmosphere (control) or atmosphere enriched with O3 (0.3 μL L− 1) for up to 6 months. Their subsequent ripening performance at 20 °C (90% RH) was characterized. Treatment with either 1-MCP or O3 inhibited endogenous ethylene biosynthesis and delayed fruit ripening at 20 °C. 1-MCP and O3 in combination severely inhibited kiwifruit ripening, significantly extending fruit storage potential. To characterize ethylene sensitivity of kiwifruit following 1-MCP and O3 treatments, fruit were exposed to exogenous ethylene (100 μL L− 1, 24 h) upon transfer to 20 °C following 4 and 6 months of cold storage. Exogenous ethylene treatment restored ethylene biosynthesis in fruit previously exposed in an O3-enriched atmosphere. Comparative proteomics analysis showed separate kiwifruit ripening responses, unraveled common 1-MCP- and O3-dependent metabolic pathways and identified specific proteins associated with these different ripening behaviors. Protein components that were differentially expressed following exogenous ethylene exposure after 1-MCP or O3 treatment were identified and their protein-protein interaction networks were determined. The expression of several kiwifruit ripening related genes, such as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO1), ethylene receptor (ETR1), lipoxygenase (LOX1), geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGP1), and expansin (EXP2), was strongly affected by O3, 1-MCP, their combination, and exogenously applied ethylene.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the combination of 1-MCP and O3 functions as a robust repressive modulator of kiwifruit ripening and provide new insight into the metabolic events underlying ethylene-induced and ethylene-independent ripening outcomes.

Enhancement of apple coloration using jasmonate treatment without sacrificing storage potential

ABSTRACTApple coloration is very important for most cultivars. The application of jasmonate can effectively enhance the coloration of apple fruit, but it might ruin the fruit's storage potential. Here, we report that applying methyl jasmonate on apple fruit 3 weeks before commercial harvest not only enhanced the fruit coloration but also did not affect its storage potential. Our findings provide important information for enhancing apple coloration using jasmonate.

Firmness at Harvest Impacts Postharvest Fruit Softening and Internal Browning Development in Mechanically Damaged and Non-damaged Highbush Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.).

Fresh blueberries are very susceptible to mechanical damage, which limits postharvest life and firmness. Softening and susceptibility of cultivars “Duke” and “Brigitta” to developing internal browning (IB) after mechanical impact and subsequent storage was evaluated during a 2-year study (2011/2012, 2012/2013). On each season fruit were carefully hand-picked, segregated into soft (<1.60 N), medium (1.61–1.80 N), and firm (1.81–2.00 N) categories, and then either were dropped (32 cm) onto a hard plastic surface or remained non-dropped. All fruit were kept under refrigerated storage (0°C and 85–88% relative humidity) to assess firmness loss and IB after 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In general, regardless of cultivar or season, high variability in fruit firmness was observed within each commercial harvest, and significant differences in IB and softening rates were found. “Duke” exhibited high softening rates, as well as high and significant r2 between firmness and IB, but little differences for dropped vs. non-dropped fruit. “Brigitta,” having lesser firmness rates, exhibited almost no relationships between firmness and IB (especially for non-dropped fruit), but marked differences between dropping treatments. Firmness loss and IB development were related to firmness at harvest, soft and firm fruit being the most and least damaged, respectively. Soft fruit were characterized by greater IB development during storage along with high soluble solids/acid ratio, which could be used together with firmness to estimate harvest date and storage potential of fruit. Results of this work suggest that the differences in fruit quality traits at harvest could be related to the time that fruit stay on the plant after turning blue, soft fruit being more advanced in maturity. Finally, the observed differences between segregated categories reinforce the importance of analyzing fruit condition for each sorted group separately.

Floor Management Systems in an Organic Apple Orchard Affect Fruit Quality and Storage Life

In an organic apple orchard, standard mechanical cultivation was compared with four different orchard floor management systems (OFMS): acetic acid (V), living mulch (L), a sandwich system during the growing season (SSS), and a sandwich system during the whole year (SSW). The effects of these OFMS on weed management, soil conditions, tree growth, tree yield, fruit quality, and fruit storage potential in a cool climate were evaluated. Acetic acid treatment showed good weed suppression without any amendatory effect on soil conditions, fruit quality, or tree performance. The L and SSS systems increased soil respiration, decreased tree vigor, and improved fruit quality, but had no sufficient influence on weed competition and thus decreased fruit yield. Only SSW gave better weed control, higher soil respiration, and acceptable tree growth with no yield reduction. Fruit from this system also showed better quality at harvest than fruit from other OFMS and maintained this good quality during storage. A 6-week weed-free period from late May to mid-July gave the highest apple yield in two OFMS (SSW and V).

국내 육성 황육계 키위푸르트 품종간 저장 특성 비교

Physiological characteristics of two Korean golden kiwifruit cultivars, ‘Halla Gold’ and ‘Haehyang’, were compared to determine the storage potential of fruit. The soluble solid levels of the fruit were 8.9 and 6.9 oBrix in ‘Halla Gold’ and ‘Haehyang’ at harvest, respectively but increased up to 15.4 in ‘Halla Gold’ and 17.5 oBrix in ‘Haehyang’ after 2 months of storage. Major sugars were fructose and glucose, and sucrose content was relatively low regardless of cultivar. The edible quality of ‘Haehyang’ was better than ‘Halla Gold’ because of higher amount of sugars. Firmness of the fruits gradually decreased as the increase of storage period in ‘Halla Gold’ in both flesh and core tissue. Th firmness loss of ‘Haehyang’ fruit was faster in the first 2 months and then became slow. After 75 days of storage, the firmness of ‘Haehyang’ fruit was only 5.2% at harvest. Core tissue was soften enough to eat at ripe stage. Wall modifying enzyme activities including xylanase, α-L-arabinofuranosi- dase and β-galactosidase were consistently higher in ‘Haehyang’ and the activity of pectate lyase was more increased than ‘Halla Gold’ after 2 months of storage. Respiration rate of ‘Haehyang’ was higher than ‘Halla Gold’ and further increased after 2 months of storage. Weight loss was much higher in ‘Haehyang’ which showed higher rate of the firmness loss. The storage potential of golden kiwifruit was estimated to be about 2 months for ‘Haehyang’ and 3 months for ‘Halla Gold’ when determined on the basis of the fruit firmness.

Characterization of cuticle composition after cold storage of "Celeste" and "Somerset" sweet cherry fruit.

Cuticle composition and structure may be relevant factors affecting the storage potential of fruits, but very few studies have analyzed fruit cuticle composition from a postharvest perspective. In this work, the chemical composition of waxes and cutin (major cuticular components) was analyzed in cuticle samples isolated from "Celeste" and "Somerset" cherries (Prunus avium L.) after cold storage at 0 °C. Total cuticle amounts per surface unit (μg cm(-2)) increased along with cold storage. The triterpene ursolic acid, the alkane nonacosane, linoleic acid, and β-sitosterol were the most abundant components of cuticular waxes, whereas cutin composition was dominated by C18-type monomers. In spite of being comprised of similar chemical families, cultivar-related differences were found regarding the abundance and the evolution of some compound families during cold storage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on changes in cuticle composition of sweet cherry during postharvest storage.

Identification of QTLs controlling harvest time and fruit skin color in Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai).

Using an F1 population from a cross between Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) cultivars ‘Akiakari’ and ‘Taihaku’, we performed quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of seven fruit traits (harvest time, fruit skin color, flesh firmness, fruit weight, acid content, total soluble solids content, and preharvest fruit drop). The constructed simple sequence repeat-based genetic linkage map of ‘Akiakari’ consisted of 208 loci and spanned 799 cM; that of ‘Taihaku’ consisted of 275 loci and spanned 1039 cM. Out of significant QTLs, two QTLs for harvest time, one for fruit skin color, and one for flesh firmness were stably detected in two successive years. The QTLs for harvest time were located at the bottom of linkage group (LG) Tai3 (nearest marker: BGA35) and at the top of LG Tai15 (nearest markers: PPACS2 and MEST050), in good accordance with results of genome-wide association study. The PPACS2 gene, a member of the ACC synthase gene family, may control harvest time, preharvest fruit drop, and fruit storage potential. One major QTL associated with fruit skin color was identified at the top of LG 8. QTLs identified in this study would be useful for marker-assisted selection in Japanese pear breeding programs.

Assessing the Storage Potential of Some Vegetable Products in Some Selected Areas in Kano State

A total of 112 questionnaires were randomly distributed among fruits and vegetable producers of Gazawa, Garum-mallam and Kura Local Government Areas of Kano State Nigeria. Information were obtained on the farmers storage potential of fruits and vegetables such as stages and time of harvest, harvesting and processing methods, transportation, storage conditions, packaging and storage. The bulk of farmers were made up of fairly young people. Most of the farming operations were done manually with tomato and onions produced majorly. They had highest farm capacity of 5 hectares without specified stage and time of harvest. Products were majorly sold immediately after harvest with poor processing, packaging, transporting and storage systems. Results of the survey was analyzed and presented in percentages. Obviously this project has discovered there is gross inadequacy in harvesting, handling, processing techques,storage structure for vegetable products among the farmers which therefore means low storage knowhow as it was revealed by their response. Conclusively, the farmers lack general knowledge in storage technology, properly due lack of farming experience, therefore these could be responsible for the huge losses of fruits and vegetables in Kano state and the country at large. Intensified enlightenment by concerned bodies like NSPRI, ADP, and KNADA was recommended.

Preharvest sprays and their effects on the postharvest quality of fruit

Purpose of review: This paper reviews studies on the effects of preharvest spray treatments on the postharvest quality and storage potential of fruits, with the objective of summarising the main effects in each case and identifying major topics requiring further research. Findings: The literature survey shows that most of the studies on preharvest sprays have considered either calcium or growth regulator treatments. Calcium applications are generally reported to delay ripening, decrease postharvest rots and alterations, and extend the keeping period, but their effects are partially dependent on the calcium source and formulation used, and phytotoxicity has also been occasionally observed. Preharvest sprays with growth regulators such as aminoethoxyvinylglycine, gibberellins or polyamines have also been studied and have shown promising potential for delaying ripening and improving storage potential or particular quality traits. Directions for future research: Although some common effects have been identified on fruit physiology for a particular treatment, a certain degree of variability across fruit types or cultivars has been observed in all cases. The suitability and the particular conditions of each treatment should be assessed and adjusted for each fruit type. In addition, because fruit metabolism is complex and strictly regulated, improved keeping potential may be contradicted by detrimental effects on eating quality, meaning that treatment effects should be evaluated as a whole. A third aspect worthy of more intense research efforts involves effects on key quality attributes such as aroma or bioactive compound contents, or on other traits relevant for quality preservation such as fruit cuticles.

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN CELL MEMBRANE PROPERTIES AND LONG-TERM QUALITY PRESERVATION OF SEMI-DRY 'MEDJOOL' DATE FRUIT

Semi-dry 'Medjool' date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit (24-26% water content) has a prime economical value to the date industry in the Israeli southern Arava Valley. Excess fruit is customarily stored at -18°C for long periods with subsequent considerable damages to appearance. We have previously reported that long-term quality preservation of semi-dry 'Medjool' dates related to the level of fruit cell membrane integrity. The present study further explored the fruit cell membrane degradation process and the effects of seasonal variations on membrane integrity and fruit storage potential. High quality fruit were selected for cell membrane analysis and long-term storage studies. Cell membranes were isolated and the levels of total protein, lipid and phospholipid and of vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity were determined. Exposure of the fruit to -6 or -35°C for different periods of time confirmed the temperature dependence of membrane degradation rate. The development and extent of appearance damages paralleled membrane deterioration. Semi-dry 'Medjool' date fruit were collected on several dates along the harvest season. The levels of cell membrane constituents and activity were higher in fruit collected on early dates and declined with the progression in harvest season. Fruit storage potential was tested by placing the fruit in commercial freezers of -18 or -25°C and assessing fruit quality after a 9-months storage and a 3-weeks shelf life period. The quality of fruit harvested early in the season was maintained after storage at either -18 or -25°C, whereas, quality preservation in fruit collected late in the season was only achieved when stored at -25°C. The current study further establishes the role of fruit cell membrane integrity in quality preservation of semi-dry 'Medjool' date fruit during storage. The results suggest that the costs of quality preservation of semi-dry 'Medjool' dates can be reduced by adjusting long-term storage conducts to the physiological state of the fruit.

Improvement of quality and storability of apple cv. Aroma by adjustment of some pre-harvest conditions

Abstract To improve the quality of the important Swedish apple cultivar Aroma and increase its resistance to bruising and storage decay, three studies were conducted at Kivik research station during the period 1998–2003. The effects of tree age, pruning time and nitrogen fertilization were investigated. Fruits from young trees (younger than 6 years) had a lower resistance to bruising and Pezicula malicorticis decay, while fruits from trees older than 20 years seemed to show a quality and storability decline. Choosing a suitable summer pruning time was an effective factor for fruit storage potential. Thinning cut during August (5–6 weeks before harvesting) improved fruit colour and decreased decay without negatively influencing tree yield. Applying fertigation according to fruit development phase and soil nitrogen content had a very important influence on fruit quality and storability. Appropriate nutrition supply produced more deeply coloured fruit that maintained their quality after storage for 4 months. The bruising sensitivity of cv. Aroma apples was correlated with their N and K/Ca content. More coloured fruits showed less sensitivity to bruising.

Determination of Ethylene Synthetic Genotypes Related to Ripening in Japanese Pear Cultivars

In Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai), fruit storage potential is closely related to the maximum level of ethylene production. Previously we identified two markers (A and B) that are linked to the high and moderate ethylene production during fruit ripening respectively and developed the gene diagnosis for the process. This gene diagnosis was used to identify the ethylene synthetic genotypes of Japanese and Chinese pear cultivars by using 43 combinations from 1260 seedlings from which genotypes of 32 cultivars were determined. For example, genotypes of ‘Kosui’, ‘Shinsui’, ‘Chojuro’, ‘Cili’, and ‘Yali’ are aaBb, aaBB, aaBb, AaBB, and AABb, respectively. All the progenies of cultivars, such as ‘Rokugatsu’ (AAbb) and ‘Shinsui’ (aaBB), are predicted to produce high or moderate amounts of ethylene during fruit ripening. If the objective of breeding is storage ability, using these cultivars is inadequate. This information is critical to the breeding program for selection of parents and useful for breeding strategies to improve storage ability in Japanese pear.

Rapid identification of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase genotypes in cultivars of Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) using CAPS markers.

In Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai), fruit storage potential is closely related to the amount of ethylene produced. We have developed a rapid and accurate method for analyzing genes involved in high ethylene production during fruit ripening in Japanese pear. This involves cleaved-amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) of two 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase genes (PPACS1 and PPACS2). Two CAPS markers (A for PPACS1 and B for PPACS2), associated with the amount of ethylene produced, were identified. Marker A was associated with high ethylene producers and marker B with moderate ethylene producers. The absence of these two markers enabled the identification of low ethylene producers. Using these markers, we have identified ethylene genotypes for 40 Japanese pear cultivars and two Chinese pear (P. bretschneideri) cultivars that are commercially important and used in breeding programs. Furthermore, we performed linkage analysis of these two genes in the F(2) population, which revealed that the recombination frequency between the two markers was 20.8 +/- 3.6%. This information is critical to the selection of parents and in breeding strategies to improve storage ability of Japanese pears.