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Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural and Floricultural Crops".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 27029

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Prof. Dr. Anna Kocira

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Institute of Agricultural Sciences, State School of Higher Education in Chełm, Pocztowa 54, 22-100 Chełm, Poland
Interests: abiotic stress; biostimulants; crop production; plant physiology; plant pathology; plant protection; nutritional and nutraceutical quality; vegetables; legumes
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Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Panasiewicz

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Department of Agronomy, Poznań University of Life Sciences, 11 Dojazd St., 60-632 Poznań, Poland
Interests: sustainable agriculture; legumes; cultivation systems; soil management; seed value assessment; crop quality; biological factors; microorganisms
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Prof. Dr. Ewa Szpunar-Krok

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College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601 Rzeszów, Poland
Interests: crop production; abiotic stress; plant physiology; plant fertilization; plant protection; vegetables; legumes; plant product quality
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Dear Colleagues,

Taking into account that the first edition of our Special Issue aroused great interest among researchers from different research centers, we would like to propose its continuation. Multifaceted research presented in this Special Issue indicates the need for a continuous search for innovative technological solutions that will improve the quality of vegetables, fruits and other plants used in human nutrition. Usage of proper agricultural technology, including fertilization and plant protection, is important for obtaining high yields of good quality in plant production. Protective treatments are also important post-harvest and during the storage and processing of these plant materials, as they are still exposed to abiotic factors and/or the action of agrofags (pathogens and pests). The United Nations General Assembly also stressed the importance of promoting plant health with motto "Protecting plants, protecting life", promoting the use of innovative protective treatments that are safe for humans and the environment, also in the post-harvest period.

The new Special Issue promotes technologies used for conservation and protection of vegetables, fruits and other plants important in human nutrition, which contribute to improvement of their post-harvest quality, including processing, consumption and health-promoting values. Research articles cover topics related to management of vegetables, fruits and other plants that meet human nutritional needs, including handling during harvesting and storage, and protective treatments applied in their storage to better use new post-harvest biotechnology. Applications of methods of preserving fruit, vegetables or other plants used in human nutrition, which also protect them against pathogens and pests in order to preserve their nutritional value and organoleptic properties, is also emphasized. Research articles dealing with pre-harvest agrotechnical treatments that have a significant impact on the durability and quality of stored plant products are also welcome in this issue. All types of articles, such as original research, opinions and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Anna Kocira
Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Panasiewicz
Prof. Dr. Ewa Szpunar-Krok
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. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

vegetables, fruits and herbs
post-harvest technology and durability, quality and organoleptic evaluation
new technologies for conservation, storage and processing
post-harvest stability
nutritional, organoleptic and health properties
product quality and safety
disorders, diseases and post-harvest protection
non chemical and chemical control
factors before harvest affecting post-harvest quality

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Important Quality Characteristics of Some Fungal Disease Resistance/Tolerance Grapes Dried with Energy-Saving Heat Pump Dryer

by Arif Atak, Zekiye Göksel, Cüneyt Tunçkal and Yusuf Yılmaz

Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040909 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2939

Abstract

Raisins have been widely consumed for many years all around the world, and different grape cultivars and drying techniques are used in their production. Recently, mechanical drying systems have been used to overcome any undesirable effects that arise from sun-drying with grape cultivars that require fewer pesticides to minimize the risk of residues. Both seeded and seedless cultivars were preferred for drying in the past; however, seedless grape cultivars have been increasingly preferred for drying purposes in addition to their use as table grapes. For the first time, an alternative processing method (using an energy-saving heat pump dryer) and important quality characteristics (total phenolics, antioxidant activity, brix, colour analyses and sensory evaluation) of disease resistant/tolerant grape cultivars of different species that can be grown in humid regions were investigated in this study. First, the fresh fruits of nine different grape (Vitis spp.) cultivars grown in a humid ecology were analysed, and then so too were the important phytochemical and quality characteristics of raisins dried with an energy-saving heat pump dryer. The water activity of the raisins ranged from 0.71 (Özer Beyazı) to 0.42 (Kay Gray). The total phenolic contents of Muscat Bleu (65.96), Philipp (64.88) and Campbell Early (64.53 g GAE/100 g db) berries were the highest (p < 0.05). The fresh berries of the Kishmish Vatkana cultivar had the lowest antioxidant activity, as determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay (525.81 mmol TE/100 g) (p < 0.05). The total phenolic contents of raisins ranged from 12.76 to 13.58 g GAE/100 g fw. The highest value on a dry weight basis was 19.30 g GAE/100 g for the raisins of the Özer Beyazı cultivar (p < 0.05). The highest antioxidant activity value on a dry weight basis was found for the raisins of Özer Beyazı (991.01 mmol TE/100 g) using the DPPH assay. The raisins of the Philipp cultivar had an antioxidant activity of 7893.51 mmol TE/100 g db, as determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay, which was significantly higher than those of other cultivars, with the exception of Muscat Bleu (p < 0.05). The range for antioxidant activity values provided by the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay was high, and the highest value was found for the raisins of the Philipp cultivar (4505.21 mg Trolox/100 g fw) (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the raisins of the seedless Rhea and Kishmish Vatkana cultivars can be appreciated more than those of the other cultivars, both in terms of their bioactive content and sensory scores, and the raisins of these cultivars, which can be grown in humid regions, hold a great deal of potential for grape growers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II)

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19 pages, 2135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Tray-Drying on the Physicochemical, Microbiological, Proximate, and Sensory Properties of White- and Red-Fleshed Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica Lindl.) Fruit

by Ilenia Tinebra, Roberta Passafiume, Dario Scuderi, Antonino Pirrone, Raimondo Gaglio, Eristanna Palazzolo and Vittorio Farina

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020540 - 21 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4936

Abstract

Loquat fruits, highly valued by consumers for their characteristic aroma and pleasant taste, have a short post-harvest life and are susceptible to mechanical damage, loss of firmness, and initial organoleptic characteristics. The aim of this work was to develop a drying method suitable for storing loquat fruits in polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) bags containing two gaseous mixtures (treatments): MAPN₂ (100% N₂) and MAPP (21% O₂ and 0.04% CO₂), at room temperature (20 ± 1 °C) for at least 2 months. The effects of these conditions on the physico-chemical, microbiological, proximate, and sensory properties of fruit stored over a 50-day time interval were studied. The results showed that convective tray dehydration treatment at 70° for 12 h had good drying efficiency for loquat slices. In addition, the MAPN₂ packaging limited the browning of the slices, keeping the microbial groups below the detection limits, with a clear positive effect on some minerals and vitamins, which were higher in concentration compared to the MAPP-packed samples. From an applicative point of view, the tray drying method for loquat fruits is useful on a small scale but could also be easily industrialized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II)

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15 pages, 2688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fertilisation with Ash from Biomass Combustion on the Mechanical Properties of Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) Grown in Two Types of Soil

by Ewa Szpunar-Krok, Małgorzata Szostek, Renata Pawlak, Józef Gorzelany and Dagmara Migut

Agronomy 2022, 12(2), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020379 - 3 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2689

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of fertilising with various doses of ash from biomass combustion (D2–D6) compared to control plots and classic NPK (D1) fertiliser on the morphological and mechanical properties of potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.). The field experiment was carried out in the years 2019–2021 (south-eastern Poland, 49°59′ N, 21°57′ E) on two types of soil: Gleyic Chernozem (silty loam) and Haplic Luvisol (silt). The values of mechanical parameters, such as the peel and flesh punching force (F_D), deformation (D_R) and energy (E_D) needed to destroy the test sample, were assessed. The biometric features of the tubers were also assessed. It was found that tubers obtained from the experimental fields where D3 and D4 ash fertiliser doses were applied (corresponding to doses of 188 and 282 kg∙ha⁻¹ K) had the highest tuber yields and the highest resistance to mechanical damage under quasi-static loads. Ash from biomass combustion can be an alternative to conventional mineral fertilizers and can be used in the development of mineral fertilization plans for sustainable agriculture, which will help to solve the problem of storage of this waste. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II)

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14 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Microwave Treatment on Germination and Health of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Seeds

by Dorota Szopińska and Hanna Dorna

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2571; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122571 - 17 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4790

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of microwave treatment on seed germination and health of carrot seeds using two seed lots naturally infected with the pathogens Alternaria dauci and A. radicina. Seeds of cv. Amsterdam and cv. Berlikumer varied in seed germination at the final count (50% and 29%, respectively), and seed infestation with A. radicina (38% and 5%, respectively). For treatment, seeds were placed in a Petri dish (dry treatment) or in a beaker with distilled water (wet treatment) and irradiated at power output levels 500, 650 and 750 W for 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 s. Germination and health were determined in treated and untreated (control) seed samples. Wet treatment controlled seed-borne fungi more efficiently than dry treatment. However, the exposure duration longer than 60 s frequently resulted in deterioration of seed germination. The highest seed germination in cv. Amsterdam was observed after microwave wet treatment at power output levels of 500 W for 75 s (81%), 650 W for 45 s (85%), and 750 W for 60 s (77%), whereas in the case of cv. Berlikumer this occurred when wet seeds were treated at 500 and 650 W for 60 s (46% and 43% respectively). Treating seeds soaked in water with microwaves for a period longer than 30 s, regardless of the power output, significantly decreased seed infestation with Alternaria spp. in both samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II)

12 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition of Fir, Pine and Thyme Essential Oils and Their Effect on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Seed Quality

by Hanna Dorna, Dorota Szopińska, Agnieszka Rosińska and Romuald Górski

Agronomy 2021, 11(12), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11122445 - 30 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3184

Abstract

Botrytis allii and B. cinerea are important seed-transmitted pathogens of onion. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical compositions of fir, pine and thyme essential oils and evaluate their effects on the germination, vigour and health of onion seeds. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy was used for the analysis of the oils’ chemical compositions. Seed germination, vigour and health tests were performed on untreated seeds and on seeds treated with volatile compounds of the oils applied at a concentration of 0.2 µL cm⁻³ for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h or at a concentration of 0.4 µL cm⁻³ for 3, 6 and 12 h. The main components of fir oil were bornyl acetate (55.5%) and α-pinene (15.6%), pine oil contained mostly α-pinene (35.5%) and β-pinene (18.6%), and thymol (34.2%) and p-cymene (26.2%) prevailed in thyme oil. Almost all treatments significantly reduced seed infestation with Alternaria alternata and Fusarium spp., and some effectively controlled Botrytis spp., however, seed health improvement was usually associated with deterioration of seed germination and vigour. Only treatment with fir oil at a concentration of 0.2 µL cm⁻³ for 6 h effectively controlled seed-borne pathogens and positively affected seed germination. Considering the beneficial effect of the oils on seed health, further studies are necessary in order to establish the optimal conditions for onion seed treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II)

18 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Concentration on the Quality of Minikiwi Fruits after Storage

by Tomasz Krupa and Kazimierz Tomala

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112251 - 7 Nov 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3722

Abstract

The rapid increase in the production of hardy kiwi fruit (A. arguta) since the beginning of the 21st century has required the development of new cultivation technologies and postharvest handling procedures in order to extend the supply and transport of the fruit to distant markets. Fruit storage focuses on the inhibition of ripening processes regulated by ethylene activity or respiration. Both of these are effectively regulated by appropriate concentrations of O₂ and CO₂ in the atmosphere surrounding the fruit. In this study, the effect of the concentration of both gases in the cold room on the physico-chemical indices of fruit quality, i.e., mass loss, firmness, soluble solids and monosaccharides content, titratable acidity and acid content, and color of the peel was evaluated. Studies have shown that high CO₂ concentrations inhibit ripening processes more effectively than low O₂ concentrations. Softening of berries as well as an increase in soluble solid contents was recorded during the first 4 weeks of storage in the fruit. However, the increase in monosaccharides was fairly stable throughout the study period. The increase in soluble solids content as well as the loss of acidity were more strongly determined by CO₂ than O₂, although the acid content in a 10% CO₂ atmosphere did not change. Additionally, the fruits were greener after storage in 10% CO₂, but the weakness was skin dulling and darkening. The results indicate that the use of high CO₂ concentrations (5–10%) effectively inhibits ripening processes in fruit. After 12 weeks of storage, the fruit was still not suitable for direct consumption, which suggests that the storage period can be extended further. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II)

14 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cold Stress during Flowering Alters Plant Structure, Yield and Seed Quality of Different Soybean Genotypes

by Mariola Staniak, Katarzyna Czopek, Anna Stępień-Warda, Anna Kocira and Marcin Przybyś

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2059; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102059 - 13 Oct 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3453

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of cold stress at flowering stage on plant structure, yield and chemical composition of seeds of 15 soybean cultivars. The study was conducted in 2019–2020, using the complete randomization method, in three replications. Fifteen soybean cultivars belonging to three maturity groups: early (EC), middle-early (MC) and late (LC) cultivars were included. Weekly cold stress (17/13 °C day/night) was applied at plant flowering stage. In the control treatment, plants were kept under natural conditions (24/17 °C day/night). Our research showed that cold stress negatively influenced the elements of plant structure: height, number of nodes, stem dry mass, number and weight of pods, number and weight of seeds per plant, as well as yield of soybean seeds, reducing it on average by 24%, as compared to the control treatment. The highest yield decrease was found in LC cultivars (31.2%), while a smaller and similar one in EC and MC cultivars (by 19.7 and 20.1%, respectively). Significant varietal differences were found for plant biometric traits and seed yield. EC cultivars had the lowest set first pod, as well as the lowest number of nodes, number of pods and seeds, pod and seed weight per plant, and seed yield. MC cultivars had the highest set first pod, and the smallest stem DM and seed yield average by 29.2% higher compared to EC cultivars. LC cultivars had the highest stem DM, number of pods and seeds, and pod and seed weight per plant compared to the other cultivar groups, and yield by 22.8% higher compared to EC cultivars. The experimental factors significantly affected crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash content, while they did not differentiate water-soluble carbohydrate and crude fiber content. Cold stress at the flowering stage caused a significant increase in protein content (by 4.1% on average) and ash content (by 3.8%) and a decrease in fat concentration (by 6.9%) in soybean seeds. Differences in nutrient content among cultivars were a genetic trait not related to cultivar maturity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Post-Harvest Period - Series II)

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