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A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Product Quality and Safety".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2022) | Viewed by 25833

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Georgios Tsaniklidis

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Vegetable crops, Institute of Olive tree, Subtropical crops and Viticulture (IOSV), ELGO Dimitra, 71307 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: vegetable crops; secondary metabolism; quality of agricultural products; organic agriculture; plant physiology

Dr. Dimitrios Fanourakis

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Guest Editor

Laboratory of Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products, Landscape and Environment, Department of Agriculture, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Specialization of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Estavromenos, Heraklion, 71004 Crete, Greece
Interests: floriculture; phenotyping; postharvest physiology; stomata; water relations

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The duration of postharvest storage is fundamental for product quality, nutritional value, and thus consumer acceptability. In this perspective, it greatly influences the economic viability of the agricultural industry. As new markets expand the marketing possibilities, in many cases, the need for increased postharvest storage duration emerges. Several new techniques have been introduced to increase storability and preserve product quality during the postharvest period. However, agricultural commodities vary significantly in their requirements for postharvest treatments, while at the same time, the pressure for food safety and food security steadily increases. On this basis, postharvest handling of agricultural products remains a hot topic for the agricultural industry. The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight practices that contribute to the availability of high-quality agricultural products for the consumer.

In this Special Issue, we welcome all types of articles about all kinds of postharvest treatments and about the postharvest physiology of agricultural products, including original research articles and reviews.

Dr. Georgios Tsaniklidis
Dr. Dimitrios Fanourakis
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Antioxidant defense
Non-invasive
Preharvest
Postharvest
Priming
Quality
Shelf life
Storability
Vase life
Water relations

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Characterization and Mathematical Modelling of Natural Drying of Apricots at Low Temperatures

by Can Hu, Jie Li, Qiaonan Yang, Xiaokang Yi, Hui Cheng, Chao Xu and Zhenhao Du

Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1960; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111960 - 20 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

To mitigate reduced apricot fruit quality due to mildew, browning and sand dust from natural drying under low temperatures and humidity, we determined the characteristics of three different methods of drying (via hanging) and further established their mathematical models. Various comparative analyses of natural drying by laying apricots in an area of the Gobi Desert, subjecting them to ventilated drying in an air-drying house, and hanging them on trees were conducted. The least and most efficient methods were hanging on trees (302 h) and laying them in an area of the Gobi Desert (>192 h), respectively. The loss rate and the total sugar content were 5.26% and 70.16%, and up to 18.31% and 68.54% for fruits dried by ventilated drying in an air-drying house and those hung on trees, respectively. Fruits dried by ventilated drying in an air-drying house showed the least loss and the best comprehensive quality. Using experimental data from assessments of the drying methods, mathematical models were constructed and fitted to drying mathematical models of seven kinds of porous media. The Wang and Singh model had the best fitting degree, an error value of less than 0.05, and the regression that most accurately explained the drying mathematical model for apricots under natural conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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12 pages, 2516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of a Chlorophyll Content Prediction Model for Predicting Chlorophyll Content in the Pericarp of Korla Fragrant Pears during the Storage Period

by Yang Liu, Jinfei Zhao, Yurong Tang, Xin Jiang and Jiean Liao

Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1348; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091348 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1226

Abstract

A chlorophyll content prediction model for predicting chlorophyll content in the pericarp of Korla fragrant pears was constructed based on harvest maturity and storage time. This model predicts chlorophyll content in the pericarp of fragrant pears after storage by using the error backpropagation neural network (BPNN), generalized regression neural network (GRNN) and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). The results demonstrate that chlorophyll content in the pericarp of fragrant pears decreased gradually as the harvest time lengthened. The chlorophyll content in the pericarp of fragrant pears with different maturity levels at harvest decreased continuously with the increase in storage time. According to a comparison of the prediction performances of the BPNN and ANFIS models, it was discovered that the trained GRNN and ANFIS models could predict chlorophyll content in the pericarp of fragrant pears. The ANFIS model showed the best prediction performances when the input membership functions were gasuss2mf (RMSE = 0.006; R² = 0.993), dsigmf (RMSE = 0.007; R² = 0.992) and psigmf (RMSE = 0.007; R² = 0.992). The findings of this study can serve as references for determining the delivery quality and timing of Korla fragrant pears. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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18 pages, 5083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Edible Coatings on the Shelf Life of Fresh Black Mulberry Fruits (Morus nigra L.)

by Adriana Ramona Memete, Alin Cristian Teusdea, Adrian Vasile Timar, Adrian Nicolae Vuscan, Olimpia Smaranda Mintaș, Simona Cavalu and Simona Ioana Vicas

Agriculture 2022, 12(7), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12071068 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2880

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of edible coatings based on gelatine, oils (sunflower and coconut) and beeswax on the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds (total phenols and monomeric anthocyanin content), antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP assays were used) and sensorial attributes of mulberry fruits during a period of storage (0, 2, 5 and 8 days) at 4 °C. The results showed that, in all samples treated with edible films, the degree of firmness was higher and the deterioration weaker compared to the control at day 8 of storage. Edible coatings significantly reduced the rate of deterioration, in terms of total phenolics and anthocyanins, in mulberry fruits over time, and the gelatine-coated mulberry samples (G_Mn) exhibited the best results. In terms of the antioxidant capacity of the coated mulberry, after 5 and 8 days of storage, only the G_Mn samples maintained significantly high DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP values compared to control. Coating improved the sensorial attributes of the mulberry during storage, and gelatine-coated fruits recorded the highest score, followed by layer-by-layer samples (O+W_G_Mn). All edible coatings used to cover black mulberry in this study extended the shelf life of the fruits, while maintaining high levels of bioactive compounds and, consequently, high antioxidant capacity, along with improved sensory qualities, during cold storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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13 pages, 2497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Expression, Activity and Localization of Beta-Galactosidases during Late Ripening and Postharvest Storage of Tomato Fruit

by Dimitrios Fanourakis, Nikolaos Nikoloudakis, Konstantinos Paschalidis, Miltiadis V. Christopoulos, Eleni Goumenaki, Eleni Tsantili, Costas Delis and Georgios Tsaniklidis

Agriculture 2022, 12(6), 778; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12060778 - 28 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1907

Abstract

Beta-galactosidases (β-GALs) hold a key role in both fruit softening and the increase of total soluble solids during maturation. Despite determining both quality and potential postharvest longevity, β-GAL activity during ripening, with a special focus on the postharvest period, has not been adequately addressed in a spatial and temporal manner. This study focused on the regulation of gene expression in relation to the total β-GAL enzyme activity during the ripening of tomato fruit attached on the plant, as well as harvested fruit ripened for 5 d at 4, 10, or 25 °C. The transcription of genes coding for β-GAL isoenzymes was significantly affected by both the fruit maturation stage (unripe vs. red ripe) and postharvest storage temperature. Cold stressed tomatoes (4 °C) exhibited a remarkably higher transcription of most β-GAL genes compared to on-plant red ripe fruit and to fruit exposed to either 10 or 25 °C, indicating a low temperature response. However, enzymatic activity and water-soluble pectin content increased with elevated temperature exposure, peaking in fruit stored at 25 °C. β-GAL activity was present in the pericarp, while it was less detected in locular parenchyma. These findings highlight the dual role of β-GAL not only in maturation, but also in the metabolism during postharvest homeostasis and cold acclimation of tomato fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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23 pages, 4931 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Role of Water Relations and Oxidative Stress in the Vase Life Response to Prolonged Storage: A Case Study in Chrysanthemum

by Dimitrios Fanourakis, Vassilis M. Papadakis, Evangelos Psyllakis, Vasileios A. Tzanakakis and Panayiotis A. Nektarios

Agriculture 2022, 12(2), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12020185 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3376

Abstract

Long storage periods have been associated with decreased vase life. In this study, the processes underlying the vase life response to prolonged storage were investigated, along with the potential of light reflectance profiles to estimate storage duration. Three cut chrysanthemum cultivars were exposed to four cold (5 °C) storage periods (0, 7, 14, and 21 d). Stomata were present on the leaves (either side) and stem, but not on petals. As compared to the leaves, stomata on the stem were non-functional, smaller, and less dense. Floral transpiration was a small portion of the whole-cut flower transpiration, with the major contributor being the leaves or stem depending on the cut flower hydration. Storage duration linearly decreased vase life, with the rate of decrease being cultivar specific. Storage duration (0–21 d) did not affect leaf stomatal functioning, non-leaf tissue transpiration, or the relative contribution of each organ to the whole-cut flower transpiration. Cut flower hydration was generally enhanced by storage, while water uptake restoration ability was not impaired. Membrane lipid oxidation increased in response to storage duration owing to enhanced H₂O₂ accumulation. A strong correlation between membrane lipid oxidation level and the vase life response to cold storage was apparent. By examining the light reflectance profiles (400–1050 nm) of leaves (either side) and flowers (top view), an indication of the storage period could not be deduced. In conclusion, cultivar differences in vase life response to cold storage were attributed to variation in oxidative state, whereas cut flower water relations are clearly not involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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12 pages, 781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active-Modified Atmosphere Packaging of Ready-to-Eat Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Arils at Ambient Temperature for Extending Shelf-Life

by Preethi Rokalla, Baskaran Stephen Inbaraj, Praveen Kumar Dikkala, Kandi Sridhar, Daniel Smith Dasi, Lalitha Koka, Ramalakshmi Munakala, Ranjith Galipothula, Kavitha Swarupa Rani Chelli and Naveen Kumar Kalletlapally

Agriculture 2022, 12(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12020155 - 22 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2803

Abstract

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been widely applied to extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut produces, such as ready-to-eat pomegranate arils. However, many studies used MAP to extend the shelf-life of arils at 3, 4, and 15 °C. The evidence suggested that MAP can extend the shelf-life of arils at an ambient temperature. Therefore, we attempted to extend the shelf-life of ready-to-eat pomegranate arils using active MAP at an ambient temperature and evaluated its chemical, quality, and microbial properties. Samples were flushed with specific gas compositions of oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) at an ambient temperature and 60 ± 2% relative humidity (RH). The findings demonstrated that active MAP increased the titratable acidity (0.32–3.64%), anthocyanins (0.27–0.42 g/L), reducing sugars (1.06–10.13%), and total soluble solids (15–19 °Brix), while it decreased the pH (3.20–3.54) and hardness (4.60–9.40 N) with a microbial load of ≤5 log CFU/g at ambient temperature for 5 days. Ultimately, active MAP could be an effective technique to be used in ready-to-eat produce industries and has the potential to guarantee a longer shelf-life at ambient temperature without the use of refrigerator facilities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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12 pages, 2479 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Quality of Swingle Citrumelo Seed after Refrigerated Storage of Fruits and Seeds

by Marilia Morelli, Fernando Alves de Azevedo, Ana Julia Borim de Souza, Rodrigo Martinelli and Patrícia Marluci da Conceição

Agriculture 2021, 11(12), 1243; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11121243 - 09 Dec 2021

Viewed by 2070

Abstract

For citrus, there is no definition of the ideal fruit harvesting point for seed extraction. Some studies have shown the positive effect of postharvest refrigerated storage of fruits to obtain quality seeds. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the fruit maturation stage on the germination of Swingle citrumelo (CS) seeds after the refrigerated storage of fruits and seeds. CS fruits were harvested at 180 days after anthesis (DAA); 210 DAA and 240 DAA. Fruits and seeds were stored in cold chamber for 0, 15, 30, and 45 days. Physicochemical analyses were performed on fruits (colour, soluble solids, acidity and ratio) and seeds (water content, germination, and emergence). Germination of seeds extracted from fruits harvested at 180, 210, and 240 DAA, without refrigerated storage, showed a positive correlation with colour index. The refrigerated storage of fruits and seeds extracted from fruits harvested at 210 DAA, increased the seed germination rate. Peel colour (IC) was correlated positively with the germination of Swingle citrumelo seeds. The results of this study revealed that the absence of refrigerated storage, harvesting Swingle citrumelo fruits, with ripe characteristics (end of harvest), results in a high seed germination rate. On the other hand, refrigerated storage of fruits and seeds extracted from fruits harvested at mid-harvest increases the seed germination rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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10 pages, 3751 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Essential Oils for Maintaining Postharvest Quality of ‘Rongrien’ Rambutan Fruit

by Nittaya Ummarat and Kanogwan Seraypheap

Agriculture 2021, 11(12), 1204; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11121204 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3719

Abstract

The postharvest quality of rambutan fruits (Nephelium lappaceum Linn.) is mainly influenced by dehydration, which causes browning of the peel and spinterns. This research investigated the effects of some essential oils—from citronella, clove, kaffir lime, and lemongrass—on ‘Rongrien’ rambutan fruit quality during storage at 13 °C. Screening of effective concentrations from 0.01 to 0.16% was conducted for each essential oil. The results showed that, of the essential oil treatments tested, a kaffir lime oil coating of 0.01% could best maintain the quality of fruits, reducing both weight loss and browning of the peel and spinterns. However, essential oil concentrations exceeding 0.04% severely damaged the fruit pericarp, in which scores of spintern browning were higher than those of peel browning. These results suggest that kaffir lime oil can maintain the postharvest quality of ‘Rongrien’ rambutan fruit as a supplement in some edible coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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12 pages, 2829 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified Atmospheric Packaging of Fresh-Cut Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) for Extending Shelf Life

by Siyuan Jin, Zhaoyang Ding and Jing Xie

Agriculture 2021, 11(10), 1016; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11101016 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

Fresh-cut vegetables are prone to microbiological contamination and oxygenation during handling and storage. In this study, fresh-cut amaranth was subjected to various gas ratios (5–15% O₂, 5–15% CO₂, 80% N₂) for 12 days. Chlorophyll content, ascorbic acid content, antioxidant enzyme activity, microbial population, and physiological and biochemical indicators were measured to evaluate the impact of atmospheric packaging. Suitable atmospheric packaging could slow the respiration of amaranth, delay the decline in physiological and biochemical characteristics, maintain the antioxidant enzyme activity, promote the sensorics, and prolong the shelf life by 2 days. According to the analysis of the results, modified atmospheric packaging (10% O₂, 10% CO₂, 80% N₂) retarded the decline in fresh-cut amaranth quality, provided effective antioxidative browning, and inhibited Pseudomonas fluorescens development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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16 pages, 7499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Quality of Superior Seedless Bunches during Shelf Life as Determined by Growth on Different Rootstocks

by A. A. Lo’ay, Hamed Ismail and Hazem S. Kassem

Agriculture 2021, 11(10), 990; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11100990 - 11 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2140

Abstract

Vineyard rootstocks are an important tool in the local and international market for growing the Superior Seedless grape cultivar, which is highly favored by customers. As a result, it is vital to pay close attention to the quality of clusters during handling. The current study aimed to determine whether Superior Seedless vines can be grown on specific rootstocks, resulting in higher quality during shelf life. Vines of the Superior Seedless vine cultivar that were used were 13 years old and had been grown on sandy soil. These vines were grafted onto four different rootstocks (genotypes), namely Freedom, 1103 Paulsen, SO4, and Own Root. The soluble solids content (SSC%) was selected as 16%. Bunches were subsequently stored in the lab at 27 ± 1 °C with 57 ± 3% air relative humidity for three days. Rootstock 1103 Paulsen’s quality was found to be superior to that of the other rootstocks, according to the results of the study. Rootstock 1103 Paulsen maintained its ascorbic acid (AA) content, which is reflected in its antioxidant capacity, according to the results. In addition, lipid peroxidation accumulation and ion leakage percentages indicated that oxidative reactions were at their lowest levels. The results show that 1103 Paulsen decreases cellular metabolism enzyme activities at the shelf life level and improves the bunch quality of Superior Seedless (scion) grapes within 4 days of application. As a whole, the results show that the 1103 Paulsen rootstock produces Superior Seedless bunches of a high quality that is preserved throughout the shelf life period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Postharvest Storage of Agricultural Products)

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