Horticulturae

Editorial

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4 pages, 172 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: ‘Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life’

by Di Gong, Yang Bi and Yongcai Li

Horticulturae 2024, 10(4), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10040380 - 09 Apr 2024

Viewed by 525

Abstract

Although fresh horticultural crops are rich in nutrients and various biologically active chemicals, they are also perishable [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

Research

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17 pages, 3542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preservation of Quality and Bioactive Compounds in Mangoes Using Chitosan-Graphene-Oxide-Based Biodegradable Packaging

by João Claudio Vilvert, Sérgio Tonetto de Freitas, Maria Aparecida Rodrigues Ferreira, Cristina dos Santos Ribeiro Costa, Ricardo Henrique de Lima Leite, Francisco Klebson Gomes dos Santos and Edna Maria Mendes Aroucha

Horticulturae 2023, 9(10), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9101145 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1329

Abstract

Mango is a climacteric fruit that requires efficient postharvest technologies to maintain quality during storage and transportation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biodegradable packaging from chitosan (CS) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) on the quality, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity [...] Read more.

Mango is a climacteric fruit that requires efficient postharvest technologies to maintain quality during storage and transportation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biodegradable packaging from chitosan (CS) incorporated with graphene oxide (GO) on the quality, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of cold-stored ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes. Mangoes harvested at physiological maturity were stored without packaging or in CS, CS-GO or non-biodegradable polyethylene (PE) packaging at 12.0 °C and 89% relative humidity for 42 days. The results show that GO improved the water barrier and mechanical properties of CS packaging. All packaging delayed fruit ripening by reducing the respiration rate, mass loss, softening and changes in color, soluble solids, titratable acidity and beta-carotene content, also preserving the mangoes’ visual appearance. In addition, all packaging maintained higher ascorbic acid, yellow flavonoid, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity levels in the fruit, compared to non-packed ones. Chitosan packaging is a promising, eco-friendly alternative for the preservation of quality, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of cold-stored ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes, extending their postharvest life by at least 14 days. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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14 pages, 2589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ripening Process of Tomato Fruits Postharvest: Impact of Environmental Conditions on Quality and Chlorophyll a Fluorescence Characteristics

by Hyo-Gil Choi and Kyoung-Sub Park

Horticulturae 2023, 9(7), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9070812 - 14 Jul 2023

Viewed by 2860

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of temperature and light conditions on tomato maturation. Tomato fruits that had completed volumetric growth at the mature green stage were harvested and matured in growth chambers composed of two temperature conditions (daytime–nighttime: 30–20 °C [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of temperature and light conditions on tomato maturation. Tomato fruits that had completed volumetric growth at the mature green stage were harvested and matured in growth chambers composed of two temperature conditions (daytime–nighttime: 30–20 °C or 20–15 °C) and two light conditions (0 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ or 400 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹), which were set for 12 h each day and night. Our findings indicate that tomato ripening was significantly influenced by both light and temperature. Tomatoes that matured under low-temperature conditions in the absence of light took more than three times longer to transition from the green stage to the breaker stage compared to those matured under high-temperature conditions with light exposure. Notably, tomato fruit maturation occurred at a faster rate under low-temperature and light conditions than under high-temperature and dark conditions. Changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were observed throughout the ripening process of tomato fruits. Tomato fruits ripened under low-temperature and dark conditions exhibited significantly lower NPQ (non-photochemical quenching) and R_FD (relative fluorescence decrease) values compared to other treatments, while their F_O (initial fluorescence) and F_M (maximum fluorescence) values were higher. The accumulation of sugar in tomato fruits was observed to be more influenced by light than temperature. On the other hand, the highest levels of phenolic content and lycopene were observed in tomato fruits matured under high-temperature and light conditions. Antioxidant activities, as measured by ABTS and DPPH assays, were highest in mature tomato fruits under high-temperature and light conditions, while they were lowest in fruits under low-temperature and dark conditions. In conclusion, this study highlights the critical role of temperature and light as crucial environmental factors influencing tomato maturation. Understanding these factors can contribute to optimizing postharvest conditions and enhancing fruit quality in the tomato industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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14 pages, 3387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foliar Application of Chitosan Accelerates Wound Periderm Formation with an Intensified Deposition of Suberin Polyphenolic and Lignin in the Wounds of Potato Tubers

by Yan Zhu, Wei Zhang, Yuanshou Zhao, Fu Chen, Fupeng Zhu, Jipeng Yang, Xiangzhen Ge, Wenjuan Gong, Ruitong Cui and Wenjun Sheng

Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 663; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060663 - 03 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1054

Abstract

Potato tubers are susceptible to wounding during post-harvest processes, leading to quality decline, perishability and large economic losses. In this study, the potato cultivar, ‘Longshu No.7′, was foliar-sprayed with 3% chitosan (w/v) three times during the pre-harvest period after flowering to [...] Read more.

Potato tubers are susceptible to wounding during post-harvest processes, leading to quality decline, perishability and large economic losses. In this study, the potato cultivar, ‘Longshu No.7′, was foliar-sprayed with 3% chitosan (w/v) three times during the pre-harvest period after flowering to evaluate the effect of foliar spraying with chitosan on suberization processing in the wounds of harvested potato tubers. Our results demonstrated that foliar sprayed with chitosan significantly reduced wound-induced fresh weight loss and dry rot disease index by 37.34% and 41.60% on day 28 after wounding, respectively. Foliar sprayed with chitosan accelerated the deposition of suberin polyphenolic and lignin at the wound sites of potato tubers with the formation of thicker cell layers. This occurred with increased localized activities of key enzymes in the suberin polyphenolic and lignin pathways, including phenylalanine ammonia lyase, 4-coumaryl-coenzyme A ligase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase and peroxidase (33.90–64.32%), as well as the contents of cinnamic acid, sinapic acid, flavonoids, lignins and total phenolics (19.70–23.46%) in the wounded sites of potato tubers on day 7 after wounding. Our results indicated that foliar application of chitosan accelerated wound-induced suberization of potato tubers and could mitigate post-harvest product damages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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11 pages, 947 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responses of High Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Postharvest Quality of Fresh Fig Fruit during Storage

by Adem Dogan and Mustafa Erkan

Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 293; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030293 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1655

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high CO₂ with the constant O₂ level on the postharvest quality of fig cv. Bursa Siyahi. For this purpose, the atmospheric compositions of 3% O₂ + 10% CO₂ [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of high CO₂ with the constant O₂ level on the postharvest quality of fig cv. Bursa Siyahi. For this purpose, the atmospheric compositions of 3% O₂ + 10% CO₂ (PA-1), 3% O₂ + 15% CO₂ (PA-2), 3% O₂ + 20% CO₂ (PA-3), and 21% O₂ + 0.03% CO₂ (RA) were tested under a palliflex controlled atmosphere (PA) storage system at 0°C for 28 days. At the end of the storage, weight loss increased during the storage period, but this increase slowed down in all tested PAs compared to RA. PA-1 and PA-2 delayed softening while PA-3 accelerated this process. There were no side effects in fruits stored under PAs for taste. The lowest total microorganism and decay rates were found in PA-2 and PA-3. The fig fruits stored under PAs had higher sugar and organic acid contents compared to the figs stored under the RA. Respiration rate decreased in all PAs compared to the RA. Ethylene productions increased with senescence in all atmospheres, but PA-3 inhibited this increase. Consequently, 15% CO₂ (PA-2) can be used to maintain postharvest quality of Bursa Siyahi fresh fig for 28 days at 0 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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14 pages, 535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preharvest Foliar Application of Si–Ca-Based Biostimulant Affects Postharvest Quality and Shelf-Life of Clementine Mandarin (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan)

by Vasileios Ziogas, Nikos Bravos and Syed Bilal Hussain

Horticulturae 2022, 8(11), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8110996 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1812

Abstract

Citriculture and the postharvest industry are in the quest for biostimulants that favour fruit quality and extend shelf-life. Recently, Si has emerged as a biostimulant and its impact on fruit quality and postharvest shelf-life needs to be elucidated. The experiment is conducted for [...] Read more.

Citriculture and the postharvest industry are in the quest for biostimulants that favour fruit quality and extend shelf-life. Recently, Si has emerged as a biostimulant and its impact on fruit quality and postharvest shelf-life needs to be elucidated. The experiment is conducted for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) in a commercial citrus orchard. In the present study, a Si–Ca-based product (Gravital^® Force SC, AGROLOGY SA, Sindos, Greece) is foliar sprayed upon clementine mandarin (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex Tan cv. SRA 63) trees from August to November, while unsprayed trees are kept as controls. At commercial maturity, both sprayed and unsprayed fruits are harvested and stored for thirty (30) days at 5 °C with 90–95% relative humidity. Afterwards, they are kept at shelf temperature (20 °C) for six (6) days (shelf-life). At different intervals [at harvest, after cold storage (30 d at 5 °C), at the third day of shelf-life (30 d at 5 °C plus 3 d at 20 °C) and sixth day of shelf-life (30 d at 5 °C plus 6 d at 20 °C)], fruits are sampled and analysed for their qualitative characteristics. According to the results, the preharvest foliar application of the Si–Ca-based product delayed fruit maturation, increased peel firmness, total soluble content, total acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenols and antioxidant capacity, and reduced fruit decay during shelf storage. Results suggest that the preharvest foliar spray of Si–Ca products is able to maintain the postharvest quality of mid-ripening mandarin fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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14 pages, 393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On-Tree Fruit Bagging and Cold Storage Maintain the Postharvest Quality of Mango Fruit

by Atif Nadeem, Zienab Fawzy Reiad Ahmed, Syed Bilal Hussain, Alaa El-Din K. Omar, Muhammad Amin, Saqib Javed, Amjad Ali, Sami Ullah, Kashif Razzaq, Ishtiaq A. Rajwana, Shafa Nayab, Vasileios Ziogas, Shamel M. Alam-Eldein and Amany M. Mira

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090814 - 06 Sep 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

The present study investigates the influence of on-tree fruit bagging on the quality and shelf life of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Samar Bahisht Chaunsa’) during cold storage (12 °C ± 1; 85–90% RH) for 0, 10 and 20 days (d) and [...] Read more.

The present study investigates the influence of on-tree fruit bagging on the quality and shelf life of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Samar Bahisht Chaunsa’) during cold storage (12 °C ± 1; 85–90% RH) for 0, 10 and 20 days (d) and subsequent shelf storage under ambient conditions (25 °C ± 1; 60–65% RH). Fruits were covered with brown paper bags at the marble stage and then harvested at commercial maturity. Results showed that 0 d and 10 d cold-stored fruits, irrespective of bagging treatments, retained eatable quality and shelf-life up to 7 d and 5 d during ambient storage, respectively. However, bagged fruits had better postharvest performance compared with non-bagged fruits by exhibiting slower weight loss, higher fruit firmness, more total soluble solids, vitamin C and total phenolic content and higher activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase during cold storage and ambient shelf storage. On the other hand, 20 d cold-stored fruits, both bagged and non-bagged, were decayed when kept under ambient conditions. It is proposed that mango fruit bagging could be a potential cultural practice to preserve postharvest quality up to 10 d of cold storage, followed by 5 d under ambient conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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13 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On-Farm Supplemental Irrigation of ‘Roja Lisa’ Cactus Pear: Pre- and Postharvest Effects

by Valentín Melero-Meraz, Jorge A. Zegbe, Mayra Denise Herrera, Salvado H. Guzmán-Maldonado, Guillermo Medina-García, Blanca I. Sánchez-Toledano, Raquel K. Cruz-Bravo and Miguel Servín-Palestina

Horticulturae 2022, 8(6), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8060483 - 28 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

Opuntia species grow in arid and semiarid lands, where water for irrigation is scarce. However, supplemental irrigation can be a feasible strategy for commercial cactus pear orchards. From 2018 to 2020, a commercial cactus pear orchard was managed to validate the effect of [...] Read more.

Opuntia species grow in arid and semiarid lands, where water for irrigation is scarce. However, supplemental irrigation can be a feasible strategy for commercial cactus pear orchards. From 2018 to 2020, a commercial cactus pear orchard was managed to validate the effect of supplemental irrigation on fruit yield, crop water use efficiency, fruit quality, and storability of ‘Roja Lisa’ cactus pear grown in the semiarid region of Mexico. The irrigation treatments were no irrigation and supplemental irrigation, with four replications. Crop water use was less and, therefore, water productivity greater in non-irrigated plants than in plants with supplemental irrigation. Mean fruit yield, mean fruit mass, and proportion of commercial fruit increased with supplemental irrigation. These differences were more pronounced in growing seasons with less rainfall. Fruit quality at harvest or after room temperature or cold storage was examined. Fruit mass loss rate was reduced in fruit receiving supplemental irrigation in both storage conditions. In addition, supplemental irrigation was consistent with water savings and food security programs in marginal areas: this irrigation strategy improved both pre- and postharvest some quality components of cactus pear fruit. Therefore, this irrigation strategy is suggested for cactus pear growers, depending on the availability of water for irrigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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20 pages, 2105 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plant Cover Stimulates Quicker Dry Matter Accumulation in “Early” Potato Cultivars without Affecting Nutritional or Sensory Quality

by Nikola Major, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Josipa Perković, Dragan Žnidarčič, Anita Silvana Ilak Peršurić, Milan Oplanić, Gvozden Dumičić, Branimir Urlić and Dean Ban

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 364; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050364 - 21 Apr 2022

Viewed by 1494

Abstract

“Early” potato crops are grown in the Mediterranean basin and are marketed from March to June, well before main-crop potato in the spring–summer growth period. Different growing technologies have been implemented to enhance potato “earliness” to achieve a better market price, but at [...] Read more.

“Early” potato crops are grown in the Mediterranean basin and are marketed from March to June, well before main-crop potato in the spring–summer growth period. Different growing technologies have been implemented to enhance potato “earliness” to achieve a better market price, but at the same time, the applied technologies may influence yield and quality of the ‘early potato’. The main goal of this study was to investigate differences in “early” potato nutritional and sensory characteristics after oil-frying influenced by location and plant covering in five potato cultivars. The present investigation was carried out at two planting locations during two seasons. The application of a plant cover significantly increased the potato tubers’ dry matter, starch, and sugar content in the second season. Sensory analysis of the oil-fried “early” potatoes revealed no differences between potatoes grown with or without the plant cover. We also observed significantly higher dry matter content in potatoes grown at the Split location in the second year, while no differences in the sensory scores between oil-fried potatoes grown at the investigated locations were observed. By employing a plant cover or by choosing a warmer planting location the desired potato maturity level could be reached in less time, and one could more effectively exploit the “early” potato market. By employing such techniques there should be no loss in yield, nutritional or sensory quality of potato tubers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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14 pages, 1289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physicochemical Characteristics and Nutritional Composition during Fruit Ripening of Akebia trifoliata (Lardizabalaceae)

by Shuaiyu Zou, Puxin Gao, Tianjiao Jia and Hongwen Huang

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040326 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2079

Abstract

Akebia trifoliata is a high-value medicinal and edible fruit crop in China, and it has begun to be widely cultivated as a new fruit crop in many areas of China. Its fruits crack longitudinally when fully ripe and should be harvested before fruit [...] Read more.

Akebia trifoliata is a high-value medicinal and edible fruit crop in China, and it has begun to be widely cultivated as a new fruit crop in many areas of China. Its fruits crack longitudinally when fully ripe and should be harvested before fruit cracking. Physicochemical characteristics and nutritional composition of the ripening process are prerequisites to establishing proper harvest maturity windows. In the current study, we have investigated the fruit quality characteristics of two A. trifoliata clonal lines (‘Luqing’ and ‘Luyu’) that were harvested at four time points (S1: 120 days after full bloom (DAFB), S2: 134 DAFB, S3: 148 DAFB, S4: 155 DAFB). An increase in fruit size (fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit diameter) was associated with delayed harvest maturity. The firmness of A. trifoliata fruit exhibited a decreasing trend with delaying the harvest stage. In particular, the firmness decreased sharply from S2 to S3 stage. The TSS, fructose, and glucose content in A. trifoliata fruit continuously increased from the S1 to S4 stage and accumulated sharply from S2 to S3 stage. However, the sucrose and starch content showed an increasing trend from the S1 to S2 stage but declined sharply in the S3 or S4 stage. Ascorbic acid progressively increased with the advancement of A. trifoliata maturity stages, while total phenolics and total flavonoids levels declined with fruit ripening. Considering the results of all quality parameters mentioned above, the A. trifoliata fruit harvested at the S3 maturity stage was the ideal harvest maturity for long-distance transportation and higher consumer acceptability before fruit cracking. Our research reveals the dynamic changes in physicochemical characteristics and nutritional composition during fruit ripening of A. trifoliata. Results in this study reflect the importance of maturity stages for fruit quality and provide basic information for optimal harvest management of A. trifoliata. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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13 pages, 2007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Ripening Stage on Quality Parameters of Five Traditional Tomato Varieties Grown under Organic Conditions

by María Concepción Ayuso-Yuste, Francisco González-Cebrino, Mercedes Lozano-Ruiz, Ana María Fernández-León and María Josefa Bernalte-García

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040313 - 08 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3908

Abstract

Consumers demand traditional, tasty tomatoes in contrast to new hybrid cultivars that have poor sensory characteristics. Some physicochemical parameters (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, color and firmness), functional properties (vitamin C, lycopene, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity) and sensory characteristics of five [...] Read more.

Consumers demand traditional, tasty tomatoes in contrast to new hybrid cultivars that have poor sensory characteristics. Some physicochemical parameters (total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, color and firmness), functional properties (vitamin C, lycopene, β-carotene and total antioxidant activity) and sensory characteristics of five traditional tomato varieties (T1-T5) in three ripening stages, grown under organic conditions, were evaluated. These were compared to the commercial hybrid ‘Baghera’, grown in the same conditions. Firmness of all varieties declined and the color parameters L* and H* decreased, whereas a* and a*/b* increased progressively with ripening. Lycopene also increased with ripening in all varieties, with the highest content being 132.64 mg kg⁻¹ fw for T4. All traditional tomato varieties were richer in lycopene than commercial ones in the two last ripening stages. Vitamin C content ranged widely between 27.33 and 267.27 mg kg⁻¹ fw. Among the traditional varieties, T2 (BGV003524) stood out due to its highest total soluble solids and vitamin C contents, total antioxidant activity, and H* and a*/b*; this variety was also the most appreciated by panelists. These traditional varieties could be an alternative to commercial cultivars, as they have good quality characteristics and can satisfy consumer demand for organic produce. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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15 pages, 1199 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Use of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage and Aloe arborescens as Edible Coatings to Improve the Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of ‘Hayward’ Kiwifruit Slices

by Giuseppe Sortino, Paolo Inglese, Vittorio Farina, Roberta Passafiume and Alessio Allegra

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030219 - 02 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2246

Abstract

Edible coatings (EC) with mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica or Aloe arborescens are promising to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit products by reducing weight loss and microbial spoilage. In this work, fresh-cut kiwifruits (cv. Hayward) were coated in solutions with mucilage extracted [...] Read more.

Edible coatings (EC) with mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica or Aloe arborescens are promising to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit products by reducing weight loss and microbial spoilage. In this work, fresh-cut kiwifruits (cv. Hayward) were coated in solutions with mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (MC) and A. arborescens (AL). We used three alternative treatments with AL or MC, MC+AL, and with distilled water as control, and stored in passive atmosphere at 5 °C for 3, 5, 7, and 9 d, respectively. For all treatments at each storage period, firmness, weight loss, color, visual quality score, respiration rate, pectin content, and microbiological characteristics were observed. The treatments with mucilage and A. arborescens applied on fresh-cut kiwi slices showed different significant effects until 9 days of storage, in terms of firmness and total pectin. Microbial spoilage analysis revealed the beneficial effects of this strategy after 3 d, particularly in terms of bacteria and yeast. A. arborescens provided a reduction of microbial activity, probably due to the higher quantity of aloin if related to Aloe species. Furthermore, the treatment with MC and AL increased the total pectin content, showing positive effects in terms weight loss and firmness. The results showed that the MC+AL treatment improved the visual score of fresh-cut kiwi fruit until 7 d of storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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Review

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25 pages, 1307 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microbiological Activity Affects Post-Harvest Quality of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Beans

by Edy Subroto, Mohamad Djali, Rossi Indiarto, Elazmanawati Lembong and Nur Baiti

Horticulturae 2023, 9(7), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9070805 - 13 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3695

Abstract

Cocoa beans are the basic ingredient to produce chocolate and its derivatives, including cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceutical products. The quality of cocoa beans is greatly affected by post-harvest handling, especially by microbial activity involved in pre-conditioning after they are harvested, including fermentation, drying, [...] Read more.

Cocoa beans are the basic ingredient to produce chocolate and its derivatives, including cosmetics, foods, and pharmaceutical products. The quality of cocoa beans is greatly affected by post-harvest handling, especially by microbial activity involved in pre-conditioning after they are harvested, including fermentation, drying, and storage. This review aims to provide various factors that affect each stage of post-harvest cocoa beans, process mechanisms, and various latest technologies that can be used to improve the quality of cocoa beans. Microorganisms could be involved in each post-harvest stage and affect the cocoa beans’ quality. However, fermentation was one of the keys to determining the quality of cocoa beans because fermentation involved various microorganisms, such as yeast, lactic acid bacteria, and acetic acid bacteria, which were interrelated primarily to produce precursor flavor compounds. The drying and storage processes were decisive in maintaining quality, especially in preventing mold growth and other microbial contaminants. Various technologies could improve the quality of cocoa beans during post harvest, especially by adding microbial starters during fermentation. Using several technologies of vacuum drying and a controlled atmosphere during storage could maintain the quality of the cocoa beans. However, many challenges must be faced, especially those related to controlling microbial activity during post-harvest. Therefore, post-harvest technology needs to be continuously developed, especially in controlling microbiological activities to improve the quality of cocoa beans effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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22 pages, 656 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Preharvest Elicitors Spray Improves Antioxidant Activity, Alleviates Chilling Injury, and Maintains Quality in Harvested Fruit

by Di Gong, Yang Bi, Yongcai Li, Yi Wang, Dov Prusky and Noam Alkan

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121208 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1919

Abstract

Antioxidant activity is an important feature for evaluating fruit quality and tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses. Moreover, antioxidant activity is involved in chilling injury (CI) response and postharvest quality in fruit. Chemical elicitors can induce systemic acquired resistance in fruit against pathogens, [...] Read more.

Antioxidant activity is an important feature for evaluating fruit quality and tolerance to biotic or abiotic stresses. Moreover, antioxidant activity is involved in chilling injury (CI) response and postharvest quality in fruit. Chemical elicitors can induce systemic acquired resistance in fruit against pathogens, which could partially replace synthetic fungicides. Recently, researchers have found that preharvest sprays with chemical elicitors can improve antioxidant activity, reduce CI, and maintain quality in harvested fruit. In this review, we summarize that preharvest elicitors spray improve antioxidant activity in harvested fruit by promoting antioxidant components biosynthesis as well as antioxidant ability in vitro. Moreover, preharvest elicitors spray alleviates CI in fruit by regulation of membrane lipid metabolism and reactive oxygen species metabolism. In addition, preharvest elicitors spray maintains fruit quality by modulation of respiration and ethylene release. Finally, this review points out the issues existing and proposes an outlook on preharvest elicitors spray to maintain postharvest fruit quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life)

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