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Agronomy
Special Issues
Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products
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Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 96942

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mengyao Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Interests: vegetable genetics and functional genomics; bioinformatics; abiotic stress response; biotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ya Luo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Horticulture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
Interests: postharvest biology and technology; germplasm resources; fruit development and quality formation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Horticultural products include fruits, vegetables, flowers, and tea, which are indispensable elements for people's daily food security, dietary structure improvement, micronutrient supplementation, and life beautification. However, most of the horticultural products are fresh agricultural products with a high physiological metabolism and high water content, which are not ideal for storage and transportation after harvesting, and post-harvest aging and pathogen infection seriously affect the flavor and nutritional quality. Pre-harvest and post-harvest treatments, especially technological innovations, play an important role in guiding the preservation and storage of horticultural products. Post-harvest pre-cooling, refrigerated storage, post-harvest heat treatment, improved atmospheric packaging, the application of exogenous chemicals, and other physical or chemical methods are common practices to minimize post-harvest losses of horticultural products.

This Special Issue, entitled “Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products”, will focus on new developments in our understanding of horticultural product storage technology, pre-harvest factors and storage effects, post-harvest physiology, and commercialization treatment technology.

We invite researchers to contribute both original research articles and reviews to this Special Issue.

Dr. Mengyao Li
Prof. Dr. Ya Luo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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.

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

  • horticultural products
  • pre-harvest and post-harvest techniques
  • biological characteristics
  • nutritional quality

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 2828 KiB  
Article
Multidimensional Quality Characteristics of Sichuan South-Road Dark Tea and Its Chemical Prediction
by Yao Zou, Xian Li and Deyang Han
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071582 - 20 Jul 2024
Viewed by 954
Abstract
The distinctive quality of Sichuan south-road dark tea (SSDT) is gradually disappearing with processing innovation. Here, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (NIRS) and spectrofluorometric techniques were utilized to determine the spectral characteristics of dried SSDT and its brew, respectively. Combined with chemical analysis, the multidimensional [...] Read more.
The distinctive quality of Sichuan south-road dark tea (SSDT) is gradually disappearing with processing innovation. Here, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (NIRS) and spectrofluorometric techniques were utilized to determine the spectral characteristics of dried SSDT and its brew, respectively. Combined with chemical analysis, the multidimensional quality characteristics of SSDT will be presented. Finally, the NIR spectral fingerprint of dried SSDT was observed, with Kangzhuan (KZ) and Jinjian (JJ) showing a very similar NIR spectrum. The SiPLS models effectively predicted the levels of theabrownin, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate, based on the NIR spectrum, with root-mean-square errors of calibration of 0.15, 0.12, and 0.02 for each chemical compound, root-mean-square errors of prediction of 0.20, 0.09, and 0.03, and both corrected and predicted correlation coefficients greater than 0.90. Meanwhile, the fluorescence characteristics of the SSDT brew were identified based on the parallel factor analysis for the fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM). The KZ and JJ brews could be classified with 100% accuracy using extreme-gradient-boosting discriminant analysis. The integration of NIRS and fluorometric EEM seems to be a powerful technique for characterizing SSDTs, and the results can greatly benefit the production and quality control of SSDTs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products)
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20 pages, 2518 KiB  
Article
Ultraviolet-to-Blue Light Conversion Film Affects Both Leaf Photosynthetic Traits and Fruit Bioactive Compound Accumulation in Fragaria × ananassa
by Hafsa El Horri, Maria Vitiello, Costanza Ceccanti, Ermes Lo Piccolo, Giulia Lauria, Marinella De Leo, Alessandra Braca, Luca Incrocci, Lucia Guidi, Rossano Massai, Damiano Remorini and Marco Landi
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071491 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 89310
Abstract
The influence of light downconversion films (red, pink and blue films) on leaf physiological features and fruit bioactive compound accumulation was studied in strawberry plants. Red, pink and blue films were able to convert light less utilised by plants into more efficient light [...] Read more.
The influence of light downconversion films (red, pink and blue films) on leaf physiological features and fruit bioactive compound accumulation was studied in strawberry plants. Red, pink and blue films were able to convert light less utilised by plants into more efficient light wavebands with various possibilities depending on the film characteristics (blue film shifts UV into blue radiation; red film shifts green into red radiation, pink film shifts UV and green into blue and red radiation but to a lesser extent than red film). Indeed, by enhancing the quality of light available for photosynthesis, the utilization of these films holds the potential to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. All of these light downconversion films resulted in higher plant fresh weight compared to a control colourless (Cnt) film, with plants grown under blue film (UV-to-blue light conversion) showing the most impressive results in terms of total leaf area (+25%), leaf thickness (+10%) and leaf mass per area (+15%). Simultaneously, during the flowering stage, plants under blue film had a higher net photosynthetic rate due to the increase in photosynthetically efficient wavelengths. Moreover, blue film resulted in the highest total phenolic (+40% and +28% than red and pink films, respectively) and flavonoid content (+54%, +84%, +70% than Cnt, red and pink films, respectively) in fruit, with specific effects on targeted phenols, i.e., quercetin, ellagic acid and its glycoside, ellagitannins, and procyanidins. In conclusion, the use of the UV-to-blue conversion light film tested herein represents an innovative solution to increase strawberry yield and promote fruit nutraceutical features, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food quality and security and sustainable agricultural practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products)
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15 pages, 1770 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Evolution of Postharvest Quality and Composition in Novel Mini Plum Tomatoes with Different Fruit Pigmentations
by Claudio Cannata, Rosario Paolo Mauro, Chiara Alessandra Carmen Rutigliano, Federico Basile, Giuseppe Muratore, Cristina Restuccia, Leo Sabatino and Cherubino Leonardi
Agronomy 2024, 14(7), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14071479 - 8 Jul 2024
Viewed by 974
Abstract
This study evaluated the postharvest evolution in terms of quality and functional traits of recently introduced mini plum tomato cultivars, differing for fruit pigmentation. The cultivars Santy Naranja (orange fruit) and Melange (dark red, green-striped fruit), along with the well-established ‘Angelle’ (red fruit), [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the postharvest evolution in terms of quality and functional traits of recently introduced mini plum tomato cultivars, differing for fruit pigmentation. The cultivars Santy Naranja (orange fruit) and Melange (dark red, green-striped fruit), along with the well-established ‘Angelle’ (red fruit), were monitored during refrigerated storage (10 °C) for 0, 7, and 14 days (hereafter S0, S7, and S14, respectively) inside closed polylactic acid trays. ‘Melange’ displayed the highest fruit fresh weight loss and total soluble solids (TSS) (9.28 °Bx), along with the lowest firmness (4.69 N), whereas ‘Santy Naranja’ showed the strongest color deviation during the storage period. Titratable acidity (TA) was relatively stable in ‘Melange’, while ‘Angelle’ experienced the highest decrease between S7 and S14, resulting in stronger TSS/TA fluctuations. Regarding the functional traits, ‘Melange’ had the highest total polyphenols content (TPC), whereas ‘Angelle’ excelled in total carotenoid content (TCC), ascorbic acid content (AsA), and fruits’ antioxidant activity, as revealed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. With reference to storage time, the O2 concentration in the headspace, TPC, AsA, and DPPH decreased between S0 and S14, whereas CO2 concentration, TCC, and FRAP increased, but these variations were mostly cultivar-dependent. This study provides insights into the postharvest behavior of novel mini plum tomato typologies and their ability to maintain quality over time, providing information for developing strategies to preserve their sensory and nutraceutical characteristics during refrigerated storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products)
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22 pages, 10705 KiB  
Article
Effects of Pre-Harvest Spraying with Salicylic Acid (SA) and Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) on Storage Quality and Pathogenic Fungal Species in ‘Manaohong’ Cherries
by Ni Zhang, Ning Ji, Renchan Liu, Rui Wang, Cunkun Chen, Chao Ma, Huali Nie, Jiqing Lei and Qiuyun Tao
Agronomy 2023, 13(12), 2853; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122853 - 21 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1695
Abstract
Chinese cherries, with their delightful blend of sourness and sweetness, are highly favored for their taste and nutritional benefits. However, they mature in conditions of high temperatures and rainfall, making them vulnerable to fungal infections which compromise their post-harvest quality. Our research aimed [...] Read more.
Chinese cherries, with their delightful blend of sourness and sweetness, are highly favored for their taste and nutritional benefits. However, they mature in conditions of high temperatures and rainfall, making them vulnerable to fungal infections which compromise their post-harvest quality. Our research aimed to study the effects of pre-harvest spraying with salicylic acid (SA) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the pathogenic fungi in Manaohong cherries and their subsequent storage quality. We discovered that using SA and SNP at varying fruit development stages preserved fruit hardness, texture, appearance, and respiratory rate during storage, although it did not significantly alter the fruit’s dimensions. Furthermore, this pre-harvest treatment preserved levels of titratable acids, total phenols, and other antioxidants in the cherries, bolstered the activities of certain antioxidant enzymes (SOD, APX), and inhibited the activity of PPO and POD enzymes.Notably, the SA treatment alone demonstrated superior storage performance compared to combined treatments. Our research also identified Alternaria alternata and Colletotrichum godetiae as the primary pathogens in Manaohong cherries. In in vitro experiments, neither SA nor SNP inhibited these fungi’s growth. Consequently, we evaluated 12 pesticides and determined that 5% hexaconazole and 50% benomyl were most effective against these pathogens. Thus, to enhance the shelf life of Manaohong cherries and ensure their post-harvest quality, we recommend a pre-harvest spray of a SA, and combined with 5% hexaconazole and 50% benomyl. This approach not only promises enhanced cherry longevity but also lays a foundational strategy for the flourishing Manaohong Cherry industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products)
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18 pages, 56407 KiB  
Article
Pre-Harvest Application of Strigolactone (GR24) Accelerates Strawberry Ripening and Improves Fruit Quality
by Mengyao Li, Min Yang, Xiaoyang Liu, Guoyan Hou, Yuyan Jiang, Musha She, Caixia He, Yuting Peng, Yuanxiu Lin, Yunting Zhang, Yan Wang, Wen He, Qing Chen, Yong Zhang, Xiaorong Wang, Haoru Tang and Ya Luo
Agronomy 2023, 13(11), 2699; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13112699 - 27 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1544
Abstract
GR24, a synthetic strigolactone analogue, plays a crucial role in a wide range of life processes. Studying the effects of the pre-harvest application of GR24 on strawberry ripening and fruit quality provides a scientific basis for the application of GR24 in horticultural crop [...] Read more.
GR24, a synthetic strigolactone analogue, plays a crucial role in a wide range of life processes. Studying the effects of the pre-harvest application of GR24 on strawberry ripening and fruit quality provides a scientific basis for the application of GR24 in horticultural crop production. GR24 solutions at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 µmol/L were applied to strawberries at the de-greening stage. The results showed that pre-harvest treatment with 1 µmol/L GR24 increased fruit weight and size; promoted fruit softening; increased the content of sugars, total flavonoids, total phenolics, and anthocyanins, and increased antioxidant activity. These results proved that GR24 effectively accelerated fruit ripening and improved fruit quality. In addition, to gain more insight into the biological mechanism of GR24 in fruit ripening, we conducted a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. It was found that the differences were related to sugar and flavonoid biosynthesis, particularly in the later stage of fruit ripening. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that GR24 increased gene expression activity and metabolite accumulation in the anthocyanin and sugar biosynthetic pathway, thereby promoting strawberry color and flavor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products)
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14 pages, 3094 KiB  
Article
Postharvest Application of Sodium Selenite Maintains Fruit Quality and Improves the Gray Mold Resistance of Strawberry
by Yuanxiu Lin, Wenhao Liang, Shuaipeng Cao, Rui Tang, Zhi Mao, Gongchun Lan, Song Zhou, Yunting Zhang, Mengyao Li, Yan Wang, Qing Chen, Yong Zhang, Xiaorong Wang, Ya Luo and Haoru Tang
Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1689; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071689 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1406
Abstract
Strawberry is a worldwide demanded edible fruit with high economic and nutritional value; however, a very short storage life largely limits its supply and marketing. In this study, strawberries were treated using sodium selenite with different concentrations (6, 12, 18, and 24 mg/L), [...] Read more.
Strawberry is a worldwide demanded edible fruit with high economic and nutritional value; however, a very short storage life largely limits its supply and marketing. In this study, strawberries were treated using sodium selenite with different concentrations (6, 12, 18, and 24 mg/L), and the postharvest fruit quality and resistance to Botrytis cinerea were substantially assessed. Among all concentrations, 12 mg/L Se was the most effective treatment, which maintained fruit skin brightness, reduced natural decay incidence, severity, and weight loss, increased the Se content in fruit, and thus maintained the postharvest fruit quality of the strawberry. Furthermore, strawberries treated with 12 mg/L Se had lower flavonoid, phenolic, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, H2O2, and O2− contents compared to the control and, correspondingly, lower antioxidant capacity; moreover, 12 mg/L Se treatment decreased the decay incidence and severity caused by the infection of B. cinerea. Collectively, our findings may provide a reference for developing safe and environmentally friendly alternative methods to sustain quality and manage gray mold in postharvest strawberries as well as other horticultural crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Pre- and Post-harvest Techniques in Horticultural Products)
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