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Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables...
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Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2022) | Viewed by 26949

Special Issue Editor

Dr. M. Gloria Lobo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Crop Production in Tropical and Subtropical Areas, Instituto Canario de Insvestigaciones Agrarias, 38270 Valle de Guerra, Spain
Interests: postharvest; food technology; quality; bioactive compounds; ripening; waste valorization; tropical fruits
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the consumption of fruits and vegetables has increased notably as consumers have become aware of the importance of eating healthy foods. These products are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and disease-fighting phytochemicals but they are highly perishable as they remain metabolically active until they are consumed. Moreover, consumers demand these products throughout the year, regardless of the production seasons, leading to the use of techniques that allow long storage and more complicated marketing chains, ensuring that the product does not lose nutritional quality and food safety. Restrictions on the use of chemical fungicides lead research to develop environmentally friendly physical or chemical barriers that are safe for consumers in order to avoid losses and waste during marketing.

In this Special Issue, we welcome original research, reviews, and short communications concerning recent insights, approaches, and advances in the topics related to postharvest science (physiology, pathology, handling, artificial ripening, packaging, etc.), processing technology, and nutrition related with health, of fruits and vegetables.

Dr. María Gloria Lobo
Guest Editor

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • harvest index
  • physiology
  • postharvest pathology
  • quality
  • phytochemicals
  • commercialization
  • fruit and vegetable processing
  • waste

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 643 KiB  
Article
Effect of Gamma Radiation and Storage Time on the Microbial and Physicochemical Properties of Dried Byadgi Chili (Capsicum annuum)
by Naleene Balakrishnan, Salma Mohamad Yusop, Irman Abdul Rahman, Eqbal Dauqan and Aminah Abdullah
Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12050639 - 28 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2956
Abstract
The effects of gamma radiation up to 10 kGy and storage time (0 to 16 weeks) on microbial and physicochemical properties of dried Byadgi chili were investigated. After 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kGy of radiation, the samples were kept at room temperature [...] Read more.
The effects of gamma radiation up to 10 kGy and storage time (0 to 16 weeks) on microbial and physicochemical properties of dried Byadgi chili were investigated. After 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kGy of radiation, the samples were kept at room temperature with the control sample (0 kGy) and analyzed at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks. Microbial aspects including total aerobic count (TAC), E. Coli, coliform, yeast, and mold were tested, as were physicochemical characteristics such as moisture, water activity, surface color (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue), aflatoxin, capsaicin, and dihydrocapsaicin. As the radiation dose and storage period were increased, water activity rose in lockstep with moisture. Gamma radiation had no effect on the color of the surface up to 10 kGy, although it did not aid with the retention of the initial color value during storage. Mold growth was observed in the control, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 kGy radiated samples, but no aflatoxin was found. The increase in radiation dose and storage time had a negative effect on capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. TAC was also observed at the end of the storage time, despite radiation at 10.0 kGy successfully sterilizing dried Byadgi chili. The principal component analysis (PCA) biplot revealed two distinct groupings based on duration of storage times. Radiation at 10.0 kGy had an excellent response to the microbial profile, with only minimal changes in quality attributes after eight weeks of storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste)
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26 pages, 1623 KiB  
Article
Hot Water Disinfestation Treatment Does Not Affect Physical and Biochemical Properties of Export Quality Mango Fruit [Mangifera indica L.]
by Shepard Ndlela, Francis Obala, Nelson L. Mwando, Abdullah M. Mkiga, Abdelmutalab G. A. Azrag and Samira A. Mohamed
Agriculture 2022, 12(5), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12050570 - 19 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3632
Abstract
There are various postharvest treatments currently available in the market. Among these, heat-based treatments are very effective. Several hot water treatment (HWT) protocols at various temperature regimes and time durations have been developed for different mango cultivars and varieties. However, many concerns have [...] Read more.
There are various postharvest treatments currently available in the market. Among these, heat-based treatments are very effective. Several hot water treatment (HWT) protocols at various temperature regimes and time durations have been developed for different mango cultivars and varieties. However, many concerns have been raised regarding the quality of fruits subjected to HWT, particularly on physical and biochemical properties. The purpose of this study was to generate empirical evidence on the effect of the HWT protocol currently recognized and accepted by the EU for Apple mango cultivar from Africa. We subjected mango to HWT at 46.1 °C for 68, 75, and 84 min and evaluated various physical and biochemical properties at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days post-treatment. Conventional methods of analysis were used to test acidity, antioxidants, minerals, nutrients, and physical properties of treated mangoes, and comparisons against untreated controls were made. We found no significant differences in pH, various acid content, total carotenoids, β-carotene content, vitamin A, aromatic volatiles, total phenolics, total antioxidant activity, various minerals, electrolytic leakage, crude protein, total carbohydrates, total sugars, crude fat, moisture content, dry matter, total soluble solids, firmness, or weight between treated and untreated mangoes. We conclude that HWT presents a viable alternative for postharvest treatment of export mangoes provided that quality attributes are maintained from preharvest, harvesting, transportation, treatment, and post-treatment handling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste)
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18 pages, 2543 KiB  
Article
Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Red Raspberries
by David Gimeno, Jaime Gonzalez-Buesa, Rosa Oria, Maria Eugenia Venturini and Esther Arias
Agriculture 2022, 12(1), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12010029 - 28 Dec 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3289
Abstract
Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are highly appreciated by consumers. However, their postharvest shelf life scarcely exceeds 5 d under the refrigeration temperatures usually applied during commercialization, due to their high susceptibility to dehydration, softening and rot incidence. Thus, the objective of [...] Read more.
Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are highly appreciated by consumers. However, their postharvest shelf life scarcely exceeds 5 d under the refrigeration temperatures usually applied during commercialization, due to their high susceptibility to dehydration, softening and rot incidence. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the ability of UV-C radiation (UV1: 2 kJ m−2 and UV2: 4 kJ m−2), passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with transmission rates (TR) for O2 and CO2 of 1805 mL d−1 and 1570 mL d−1 (MAP1), and 902 mL d−1 and 785 mL d−1 (MAP2), respectively, and the combination of both technologies to prolong raspberries’ shelf life at 6 °C. Their influence on respiration, physicochemical parameters, and microbiological and nutritional quality was assessed during 12 d of storage. The combination of 4 kJ m−2 UV-C radiation and a packaging film with O2 and CO2 transmission rates of 902 mL d−1 and 785 mL d−1, respectively, produced a synergistic effect against rot development, delaying senescence of the fruit. The UV2MAP2 and MAP2 samples only showed 1.66% rot incidence after 8 d of storage. The UV2MAP2 samples also had higher bioactive content (1.76 g kg−1 of gallic acid equivalents (GAE), 1.08 g kg−1 of catechin equivalents (CE) and 0.32 g kg−1 of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents (CGE)) than the control samples at the end of their shelf life. Moreover, the mass loss was minimal (0.56%), and fruit color and firmness were maintained during shelf life. However, the rest of the batches were not suitable for commercialization after 4 d due to excessive mold development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste)
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14 pages, 5406 KiB  
Article
Gradient Cleaning Method of Potato Based on Multi-Step Operation of Dry-Cleaning and Wet Cleaning
by Hongguang Yang, Jianchun Yan, Hai Wei, Huichang Wu, Shenying Wang, Longlong Ji, Xiaowei Xu and Huanxiong Xie
Agriculture 2021, 11(11), 1139; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11111139 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4055
Abstract
In view of the poor effectiveness of existing potato cleaning methods in China and reflecting the findings of a research analysis of basic sizes and types of impurities on potato tubers, a gradient cleaning method for potato based on a multi-step dry-cleaning and [...] Read more.
In view of the poor effectiveness of existing potato cleaning methods in China and reflecting the findings of a research analysis of basic sizes and types of impurities on potato tubers, a gradient cleaning method for potato based on a multi-step dry-cleaning and wet cleaning operation was proposed. The method mainly consists of dry-cleaning and wet cleaning. The dry-cleaning stage, which combines vibration and brushing, could effectively remove impurities such as residual rhizomes, peeled potato skin, and large pieces of soil and crushed stone from the surface of potato tubers. The wet cleaning stage adopts the gradient cleaning method of pre-cleaning, rough cleaning and fine cleaning, which could further remove soil and crushed stone attached to the surface and hidden in the sprout eyes of potato tubers. The optimal parameter combination for the gradient cleaning method was determined as follows. The potato feeding amount was 3 t/h, the speed of the rubber chain rod mechanism was 25 r/min, the speed of the first and third brush roller was 40 r/min, the speed of the second and fourth brush roller was 56 r/min, the moving speed of the immersion mechanism conveying net chain was 0.04 m/s, the speed of the brush roller in the high pressure spray and brush roller combination mechanism was 40 r/min, the ultrasonic power was 1200 W, the ultrasonic frequency was 33 kHz, the bubble intensity was 300 L/min, and the moving speed of the conveying net chain in the ultrasonic and bubble combination mechanism was 0.05 m/s. Taking the impurity removal rate and damage rate of potato tuber as the test indexes, a potato cleaning performance test was carried out under the optimal parameters combination. The results showed that the average impurity removal rate and damage rate of potato tubers were 99.05% and 2.48%, respectively. Additionally, the operational performance fully met the requirements for potato cleaning. This study provides a new method for potato cleaning in China and can also provide a reference for cleaning other root and tuber crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste)
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16 pages, 2917 KiB  
Article
Development of a Quarantine Postharvest Treatment against Guatemalan Potato Moth (Tecia solanivora Povolny)
by María Gloria Lobo, Cristina González-García, Raimundo Cabrera and Domingo Ríos
Agriculture 2021, 11(8), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11080801 - 23 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3498
Abstract
Tecia solanivora is a quarantine organism regarded as one of the insect pests causing major economic losses during potato cultivation and storage in Central America. The potatoes trade between countries, the interest in introducing new potato varieties, the great adaptability of the insect [...] Read more.
Tecia solanivora is a quarantine organism regarded as one of the insect pests causing major economic losses during potato cultivation and storage in Central America. The potatoes trade between countries, the interest in introducing new potato varieties, the great adaptability of the insect to different agro-ecological conditions, and the globalization world are serious risks in other potato growing countries. This pest was first recorded in Europe in the Canary Islands, Spain, in 1999, later in Galicia (2015) and then in Asturias (2016). Unfortunately, there are no effective chemical treatments for field control, and their integrated management has variable efficacy. Therefore, the implementation of a postharvest treatment to eradicate the insect, at any stage, during storage and marketing of potato becomes essential to achieve a product free of the insect that prevents its dissemination while maintaining the quality during its commercialization. This article presents the development of a new postharvest treatment of potatoes to eliminate all developmental stages of the Guatemalan moth by the application of a control atmosphere enriched in carbon dioxide. Infested potatoes were exposed to different control atmospheres combination (10, 20, 30, 40, or 50% CO2, 20% O2, and rest of N2). These treatments were applied for 4, 7, and 10 days at 18 ± 2 °C. The 10 days duration treatment (30 ± 2% CO2, 20 ± 2% O2 and 50 ± 2% N2) killed the insect in the semi and commercial trials performed without affecting potatoes quality and postharvest life, giving the possibility of its consideration as a quarantine postharvest treatment against T. solanivora. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste)
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16 pages, 2148 KiB  
Article
Active Packaging of Button Mushrooms with Zeolite and Açai Extract as an Innovative Method of Extending Its Shelf Life
by Monika Hanula, Ewelina Pogorzelska-Nowicka, Grzegorz Pogorzelski, Arkadiusz Szpicer, Iwona Wojtasik-Kalinowska, Agnieszka Wierzbicka and Andrzej Półtorak
Agriculture 2021, 11(7), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11070653 - 11 Jul 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3935
Abstract
As the market demand for button mushrooms is constantly growing, it is important to extend their shelf-life. Active packaging with built-in active components offers the possibility of extending the shelf life of products which are sensitive to external factors. Therefore, the aim of [...] Read more.
As the market demand for button mushrooms is constantly growing, it is important to extend their shelf-life. Active packaging with built-in active components offers the possibility of extending the shelf life of products which are sensitive to external factors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to check the effect of active packaging with zeolite (clinoptilolite) and aҫai extract on the bioactive compounds content, antioxidant activity, volatile compound profile, and physical quality of mushrooms subjected to storage for 28 days at 4 °C. Packing mushrooms in active packages improved their chemical characteristics by increasing antioxidant activity (p ≤ 0.001) in comparison to the conventional packaging methods. Moreover, it slowed down water loss and the browning process both on the surface and inside the mushroom. Furthermore, the results showed a strong correlation (p ≤ 0.001) between antioxidant activity, bioactive compounds content and color parameters. The obtained results suggest that the addition of the aҫai extract and zeolite into packaging material protects mushrooms from deterioration for a longer period of time. The use of active packaging to extend product shelf life can contribute to the reduction of the use of food preservatives, but also protects the environment by reducing the volume of waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste)
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14 pages, 5568 KiB  
Article
Modal Analysis and Experiment of a Lycium barbarum L. Shrub for Efficient Vibration Harvesting of Fruit
by Jian Zhao, Satoru Tsuchikawa, Te Ma, Guangrui Hu, Yun Chen, Zhiwei Wang, Qingyu Chen, Zening Gao and Jun Chen
Agriculture 2021, 11(6), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture11060519 - 3 Jun 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3205
Abstract
The most common harvesting method of Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum) is manual harvesting, resulting in low efficiency and high cost. Meanwhile, the efficiency of vibration harvesting, which is considered an efficient mechanical harvesting method, can be significantly improved if the [...] Read more.
The most common harvesting method of Lycium barbarum L. (L. barbarum) is manual harvesting, resulting in low efficiency and high cost. Meanwhile, the efficiency of vibration harvesting, which is considered an efficient mechanical harvesting method, can be significantly improved if the optimized resonance frequency of the shrub can be obtained. To vibration harvest fruit efficiently, a 3D model of the shrub was established based on measurements of the shape parameters, and material mechanics models of the branches were established based on physical tests. The modal analysis of the shrub based on finite element method (FEM) simulation was performed to obtain the range of resonance frequency, and the modal experiment of the shrub using acceleration sensors and an impact hammer was conducted to obtain the accurate resonance frequency. Based on the results of the modal analysis and experiment, the optimized resonance frequency was determined to be 2 Hz. The field experiment showed that the fruit fell off when the branches were vibrated at this frequency. The results provide the design basis for the efficient vibration harvesting of L. barbarum. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pre- and Post-harvest Handling of Fruits and Vegetables to Preserve Quality and Reduce Loss and Waste)
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