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Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life

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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Postharvest Biology, Quality, Safety, and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2022) | Viewed by 37912

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Tianbao Yang

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Guest Editor

Food Quality Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
Interests: genetic and biochemical mechanisms determining fresh produce quality and shelf life; functional studies of genes controlling fruit development and ripening; response to stresses; secondary metabolism

Dr. Jorge M. Fonseca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

USDA-ARS, Food Quality Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
Interests: postharvest biology; food quality and safety; fresh produce; fresh-cuts; bioeconomy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The year 2021 is the United Nation’s International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, which calls for increased global awareness of the significance of fresh produce for the planet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of our daily diet. They provide us with fiber, minerals, and a variety of essential phytochemicals or nutraceuticals. It is well recognized that these minerals and phytochemicals contribute to combat a variety of human health problems, including obesity, cancers, and chronic inflammatory diseases. Thus, it is anticipated that increased dietary intake of a broad range of fresh produce rich in minerals and phytochemicals will have long-range benefits of a healthier populace and decreased healthcare expenditures.

Fresh produce remains metabolically active after harvest, which determines its high perishability. In fact, about 30−40% of all fresh produce worldwide is lost during the postharvest stages. The final quality and shelf life of fresh produce are greatly impacted by prevalent practices and conditions encountered during preharvest. Furthermore, genes related to fruit ripening and senescence are key as they impact a complex developmental process that involves changes in tissue firmness, stress responses, and secondary metabolism. As a response, in recent years, there have been active research areas in postharvest biology. Recent developments in nanotechnology, image analysis, omics, and other advanced technologies are providing promising tools to tackle these postharvest issues. The purpose of this Special Issue is to present new ideas, techniques, and technologies on improving fruit and vegetable quality and extending their shelf life.

Dr. Tianbao Yang
Dr. Jorge M. Fonseca
Guest Editors

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Keywords

produce quality
fruit
vegetable
senescence
stress response
plant defense
secondary metabolism
genomics
transcriptomics
metabolomics
nanotechnology
microbiome
sensory analysis
spoilage
postharvest

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Plant Growth Regulators on Plum (Prunus domestica L.) Grown on Two Rootstocks at Harvest and at the Postharvest Period

by Gordana Barać, Jasna Mastilović, Žarko Kevrešan, Biserka Milić, Renata Kovač, Maja Milović, Jelena Kalajdžić, Aleksandra Bajić, Nenad Magazin and Zoran Keserović

Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070621 - 8 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2902

Abstract

Plant growth regulators (PGRs), such as cytokinins (6-benzyladenine; BA) and gibberellins (GAs), are widely used in fruit production. This study focused on the plum cultivar “Čačanska rodna” (P. domestica L.) grafted on vegetative rootstock “WaVit” and generative rootstock Prunus cerasifera, with interstock Prunus spinosa. PGR treatments included 50 mg L⁻¹ and 100 mg L⁻¹ of BA and 200 mg L⁻¹ of gibberellin A3 (GA₃) and non-treated control. Pomological characteristics of plum fruits were examined at harvest, while physicochemical properties were analyzed at harvest and after 28 days of cold storage and 4 days of shelf life. GA₃ and BA application changed the fruit morphological traits, improved skin strength, and increased carotenoid, anthocyanin and sucrose content while decreasing the titratable acidity at harvest. The beneficial effects of higher sucrose, anthocyanin and carotenoid levels persisted in all PGR-treated fruits after cold storage and shelf life. GA₃-treated fruits had firmer flesh, stronger skin and higher total soluble solids (TSS) content, while in BA-treated plums, these effects were rootstock-dependent. The physical properties and chemical composition of plum fruit in the postharvest period suggest beneficial effects of the applied PGR treatments. Moreover, these chemical treatments might have prolonged the beneficial impact on fruit storability, nutritional profile and sensory properties. Based on our results, GA₃ preharvest treatment can be included in standard cultivation practices within contemporary production systems of European plums not only to improve fruit quality at harvest but also to improve the storage potential and nutritional value, regardless of the rootstock used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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17 pages, 4495 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃) and Nano-Silver (Ag-NPs) on Physiological Characteristics of Grapes and Quality during Storage Period

by Essam Elatafi and Jinggui Fang

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050419 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3082

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and nano-silver (Ag-NPs) on the physiological and biochemical characteristics, and quality of grape bunches during a cold storage period. For investigations, two varieties of grapes were used, Shine Muscat and Kyoho, with different concentrations of AgNO₃ and Ag-NPs on post-harvest dipping. The data indicated that AgNO₃ and Ag-NPs enhanced the fruits’ longevity and quality. Depending on the data analysis, it was found that the lowest weight loss value was obtained from Ag-NP treated grapes, followed by AgNO₃ treated grapes, while the highest loss occurred in the control grapes. Immersion of grape bunches in Ag-NPs was the best application for maintenance of overall storage quality for both cultivars. In the same trend, treatment with Ag-NPs produced the best results for soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), pyrogallol peroxidase (POD), and pectin methylestraese activity (PME). It was concluded that Ag-NPs and AgNO₃ were helpful in maintaining the quality of grape bunches up to 30 days, while grape bunches under control conditions were spoiled with 30 days of cold storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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20 pages, 3418 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Packaging Design to Protect Hongmeiren Orange Fruit from Mechanical Damage during Simulated and Road Transportation

by Dandan Zheng, Jiahui Chen, Menghua Lin, Da Wang, Qiong Lin, Jingping Cao, Xiangzheng Yang, Yuquan Duan, Xianming Ye, Chongde Sun, Di Wu, Jun Wang and Kunsong Chen

Horticulturae 2022, 8(3), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8030258 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3802

Abstract

Hongmeiren is a high-quality orange fruit but susceptible to mechanical damage. This work proposes a new packaging format (Packaging C), which used the plastic partition boards to separate the folding plastic basket to avoid the fruits from crushing each other, and used a PU foam layer and placed it along the inside of the EPE foam layer to meet the different sizes of fruits. The results show that under both 3 and 10 h of simulated transportation, Packaging C achieved a much lower damage and decay rates than Packaging A (plastic bulk containers), and this was further verified by the road transportation. Besides, Packaging C could avoid dents in the peel of some large fruits compared to the gift packaging (Packaging B). Although the use of inner packaging could increase the use of packaging, it can reduce the waste of cultivation and transportation resources caused by not being able to deliver the fruit to the consumer, as well as environmental pollution caused by fruit decay. Moreover, low temperature (10 °C) and high humidity (90% RH) during transportation could further reduce the damage and packages at the rear position obtained a higher damage rate than at the front position, but no obvious difference was found between stack heights. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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14 pages, 6972 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modified Atmospheric CO₂ Levels for Maintenance of Fruit Weight and Nutritional Quality upon Long-Term Storage in Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) ‘Liberty’

by Tina Smrke, Nika Cvelbar Weber, Robert Veberic, Metka Hudina and Jerneja Jakopic

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110478 - 9 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1623

Abstract

Blueberry fruits have gained consumer attention in recent years due to their good taste and high nutritional value. However, the short shelf-life of the fruit is one of the main downsides in intensive blueberry production. Therefore, optimized storage technology with a modified atmosphere is necessary to prolong blueberry fruit quality on the market. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term storage of fruit of the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) ‘Liberty’ under the air control (0.5% CO₂, 19.5% O₂, 80% N₂) and controlled atmosphere conditions of: 5% CO₂, 5% O₂, 90% N₂; 15% CO₂, 5% O₂, 80% N₂; and 25% CO₂, 5% O₂, 70% N₂. Fruit sampling was performed four times during storage (17, 30, 44, 62 days). Evaluation was carried out for fruit weight, total and individual sugar and organic acid contents, sugar-to-organic acid ratio, and individual phenolics contents. After 44 days of storage, weight loss was highest with 15% CO₂ and lowest with 5% CO₂, with minor variations. The greatest breakdown of total sugars was seen for the air control, and the least for 25% CO₂. Organic acids were significantly reduced under all of these storage conditions. Consequently, a high sugar-to-organic acid ratio was maintained in fruit stored with 25% CO₂. The contents of all of the identified phenolics significantly decreased with 15% and 25% CO₂. After 62 days of storage with 5% CO₂, there were small decreases in flavan-3-ols and hydroxycinnamic acids, while flavonoid and anthocyanin contents were unchanged, or for some individual phenolics, content increased. These data show that 15% CO₂ or higher accelerates degradation of the phenolics. We can conclude that for maintenance of weight and nutritional quality of the blueberry fruit ‘Liberty’, the optimal controlled atmosphere under long-term storage is 5% CO₂, 5% O₂, and 90% N₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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9 pages, 2718 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Development of a Freshness Index for Fruit Quality Assessment—Using Bell Pepper as a Case Study

by Bernhard Althaus and Michael Blanke

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100405 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4355

Abstract

(1) Background: This special issue contains new developments in the field of fresh produce quality. Freshness provides the appeal for the consumer to purchase a particular horticultural produce. Freshness is a combination of size, colour, shape, flesh firmness, turgescence and glossiness without wilting, which imply that the produce has been picked only a short while ago and has not suffered any decay during harvest, transport or storage. (2) Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop potential freshness indices. The indices are based on non-invasive, real-time measurements, using changes in surface appearance after harvest, using Bell pepper as the most difficult model. (3) Methods: The selection criteria were a dramatic change in values over 14 days of storage at 17 °C, and either a consistent decrease or increase without peaks and troughs. Only two (out of five) non-invasive techniques were selected, i.e., surface glossiness, measured non-destructively using a luster sensor (type CZ-H72 from Keyence Co., Osaka, Japan) and light reflection spectra, recorded by a spectrometer, whereas the three techniques fruit firmness (penetrometer), colorimeter (e.g., Minolta) and false colour images (profilometer) were excluded. (4) Results: The first technique based on fruit glossiness provides luster values depending on fruit colour. Green Bell pepper fruit with a Fresh Index in excess of 463–490 a.i. can be classified as fresh, and similarly of 525–565 a.i. for yellow and 486–502 a.i. for red pepper fruit. This first Freshness index dropped, indicating a lesser freshness, to less than 100 a.i. after 14 days storage, irrespective of fruit colour, thereby providing a suitable wide, ca. 5-fold, range of parameterization. The second index is based on the difference between the light reflectance peaks at 630–633 nm and at 500 nm, also measured perpendicular to the convex fruit side. These percentage values decreased from >40% with fresh red and yellow Bell pepper to ca. 20% after 14 days storage; similarly, these percentages decreased from ca. 16% to ca. 8% in green pepper fruit, in both cases by a twofold factor. Overall, a third Freshness index could be a combination of luster values larger than 470 a.u. and >40% difference of the light reflectance between 630 nm and 500 nm. (5) Conclusions: Two viz three freshness indices are proposed and thresholds elaborated for Bell pepper fruit. The analysis showed that both indices viz technologies, luster and light reflection spectra, require colour differentiation, i.e., a specific index for yellow, red and green Bell pepper fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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17 pages, 1060 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Improving Phenolic Bioactive-Linked Functional Qualities of Sweet Potatoes Using Beneficial Lactic Acid Bacteria-Based Biotransformation Strategy

by Pradeepika Chintha, Dipayan Sarkar, Kenneth Pecota, Munevver Dogramaci and Kalidas Shetty

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100367 - 6 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2884

Abstract

Beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based fermentation is an effective biotransformation strategy to preserve and improve the human health-supporting functional qualities of plant-based food substrates. In this study, a food grade strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was recruited to improve the retention, stability, and bioavailability of phenolic bioactives to enhance the antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hypertensive functional qualities of three flesh-colored sweet potato varieties, Murasaki (off-white-fleshed), Evangeline (orange-fleshed), and NIC-413 (purple-fleshed). Liquid (cold water) extracts of the sweet potatoes, which are relevant for food grade applications, were fermented for 72 h at 37 °C. Total soluble phenolic content, phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hypertensive benefits relevant functional properties of fermented and unfermented sweet potato extracts were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h time points using in vitro assay models. Overall, high total soluble phenolic content and total antioxidant activity were observed at 24 h, retaining this high level even after 72 h of fermentation. Additionally, moderate to high α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities were observed in the fermented sweet potato extracts. The results suggested that LAB-based fermentation is an effective post-harvest processing strategy for a higher retention of phenolic bioactives and concurrently improves the human health protective bioactive functional qualities of sweet potatoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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13 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a New Essential Oil-Based Technology to Maintain Fruit Quality in Tomato

by Luisa Fernanda Duque, María Victoria Amador, Miguel Guzmán, Carlos Asensio and Juan Luis Valenzuela

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090303 - 10 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2546

Abstract

In this study, a new technology was tested for its efficacy in the conservation of tomato fruits. An initial experiment was conducted to determine the effects of eugenol on the main quality parameters of Raf tomato fruits; then, a main experiment was performed to test the effectiveness of the new technology. In both experiments, fruits of the tomato cultivar Raf at the mature green stage were used. The preliminary experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of eugenol in maintaining fruit quality during the postharvest life of the fruit. In the main experiment, the fruits were packed using a sachet filled with a mixture consisting of 10:1:1 clinoptilolite clay, ground clove buds, and activated charcoal. This mixture was evaluated against a commercial ethylene scavenger composed mainly of KMnO₄-impregnated sepiolite. Three lots of fruits were used: One batch was considered as the control, where the fruits were not packed but kept in an open box at room temperature. The fruits in the other two batches were packed in 2 L PET containers with lids at a rate of three fruits per container, and a sachet of ground cloves and a commercial scavenger was added inside each container in each batch. The containers were kept at room temperature, and the following main quality parameters were analyzed: ethylene production rate, firmness, color, content of soluble solids, and pigments. The results showed that ground clove buds led to a reduction in ethylene production which was associated with a delay in maturation and could be a good alternative for use in the active fruit packaging of horticultural products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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14 pages, 1650 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Charting the Future of E-Grocery: An Evaluation of the Use of Digital Imagery as a Sensory Analysis Tool for Fresh Fruits

by Eunhee Park, Yaguang Luo, Frances Trouth and Jorge M. Fonseca

Horticulturae 2021, 7(9), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7090262 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2839

Abstract

While online grocery shopping has been rapidly expanding over the last several years, online sales of fresh produce have lagged far behind. One of the most significant contributing factors for this lag is the consumer’s inability to assess the quality of produce online. We hypothesized that this could be alleviated by machine vision technology. This study examines perceived sensory attributes derived from digital images of fresh fruits and compares them with sensory attributes obtained from the actual fruit. Digital images of fresh strawberries, cherry tomatoes, grapes, and blueberries were acquired using a high-resolution digital camera. Consumer panelists evaluated the appearance, texture, flavor, overall eating quality, and also determined purchase decision. Panel sizes ranging from 32 to 40 members (a total of 147) also conducted in situ evaluations of the different fruits. The paired t-test indicated that the mean results between pairs of image scores and in situ evaluation scores were statistically insignificant. The scores obtained for texture and overall eating quality showed some variability, but the scores for quality appearance were remarkably consistent revealing no difference across the evaluations of the various commodities. The results demonstrated that digital images can be utilized to effectively relay the appearance attributes of fresh produce. This finding is relevant for the industry, as the appropriate construction of real time images can help to build consumers’ trust in the quality of e-deliveries, nudge consumers to purchase fruits and vegetables, and increase the overall e-commerce acceptance for fresh produce. A discussion of the limitations and opportunities for improving the effectiveness of digital sensory analysis of fresh produce is provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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12 pages, 1590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Preharvest Application of CPPU and Perforated Packaging on the Postharvest Quality of Red-Fleshed Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) Fruit

by Pai-Tsang Chang

Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080253 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3011

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the preharvest application of forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and perforated polyethylene bag packaging (PPE) on maintaining the postharvest quality of red-fleshed cv. ‘Da-Hong’ pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus sp.) fruit. On the flowering day, 100 mg·L⁻¹ CPPU was sprayed on the bracts and water was used as the control. After harvest, all fruits were divided into three package treatments, which were packed without bags, packed with and without PPE bags, and stored at 5 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 21 days, followed by 7 days at 20 °C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity without bags for quality evaluation. Significantly higher bract thickness (2.26 vs. 1.44 mm), longer fruit length (120.5 vs. 109.04 mm), and greater firmness (1.56 vs. 1.04 kg·cm⁻²) were recorded for the CPPU treated fruit at harvest. Preharvest application of CPPU with perforated packaging resulted in significantly greener bracts, a lower yellow index, fewer chilling incidences, and a lower decay ratio, but there was a slight decrease in respiration rate during cold storage at 5 °C for 21 days. However, all criteria reached the threshold when fruits were transferred to 20 °C for 7 days. In conclusion, preharvest CPPU application plus perforated packaging is the best combination for the long-term storage of red-fleshed pitaya fruit at 5 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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17 pages, 5405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antioxidant Defense System during Lanzhou Lily Scales Storage Is Modulated by Hydrogen Sulfide

by Changxia Li, Guibao Chen, Dengjing Huang, Ni Wang and Weibiao Liao

Horticulturae 2021, 7(7), 183; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7070183 - 5 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2872

Abstract

As an important gaseous regulator, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is involved in various aspects of plant processes, including seed germination, stomatal movement, and postharvest senescence. The preservation capacity of Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor Salisb) scales fumigated with or without exogenously applied sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, a H₂S donor) was investigated in the current study. Results indicate that NaHS fumigation was able to extend storage life and elicit endogenous H₂S production of postharvest Lanzhou lily scales with an optimal concentration at 0.8 mM. Moreover, exogenously applied NaHS (0.8 mM) led to higher soluble sugar, soluble protein, and ascorbic acid levels and lower total phenolic and flavonoid contents compared with those of the control. The application of 0.8 mM NaHS also reduced the lipid peroxidation level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in scales, as indicated by the lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content, relative conductivity, lipoxygenase (LOX) activity, O₂⁻ production rate, and hydrogen per-oxide (H₂O₂) content. Further, scales treated with 0.8 mM NaHS exhibited significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbic acid peroxidase (APX). Collectively, our data provide new insight into how the postharvest senescence of Lanzhou lily scales might be alleviated by H₂S by enhancing antioxidant defense systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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12 pages, 2577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Shade Net Colors on Mineral Elements and Postharvest Shelf Life and Quality of Fresh Fig (Ficus carica L.) under Rain-Fed Condition

by Ali Jokar, Hamid Zare, Abdolrasool Zakerin and Abdolhossein Aboutalebi Jahromi

Horticulturae 2021, 7(5), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7050093 - 1 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2769

Abstract

Photoselective netting is well known for filtering the intercepted solar radiation, thus affecting light quality. While its effects on leaf mineral elements have been well investigated, how color netting affects fruit mineral nutrients remains elusive. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of shade provided by blue and yellow nets on mineral nutrients of fig trees under rain-fed conditions. The experiment was arranged as a split-plot treatment in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cultivars “Sabz” and “Siah” were covered with color nets or left uncovered (as the control group). The highest nitrogen content (8710 ppm) was recorded for cultivar “Sabz” covered with blue net. Color nets enhanced calcium concentration in cultivar “Siah”. Covering fig trees with yellow net increased magnesium content in cultivar “Siah” and phosphorus content in cultivar “Sabz”. Our observation showed the significant positive effect of photo selective nets on postharvest quality, by decreasing fig fruit weight loss and extending shelf life of fruits. In general, color nets as a new agro-technological approach can maintain fruit nutrition under rain-fed conditions and increase postharvest shelf life and quality of fresh fig. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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8 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multiple Amino Acids Inhibit Postharvest Senescence of Broccoli

by Muhammad Sohail, Ron Baden Howe Wills, Michael C. Bowyer and Penta Pristijono

Horticulturae 2021, 7(4), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7040071 - 4 Apr 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

The function of free amino acids in protein synthesis, as a source of energy and unique roles in catabolism have been well studied in plant development but their function in postharvest fruit and vegetables has received little attention. This study evaluated 11 amino acids—arginine, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, ornithine, phenylalanine, serine, tyrosine, tryptophan and valine—on the development of senescence of broccoli. Broccoli florets were dipped in 5 mM solution of amino acids, then stored at 10 °C in air containing 0.1 µL L⁻¹ ethylene. Senescence was assessed by green life, ethylene production, respiration rate and ion leakage. Green life was increased by all the amino acids except valine. Similarly, ethylene production and ion leakage were decreased by all the amino acids except valine, while respiration rate was reduced by all amino acids. It is speculated that the early reduction in ethylene production could be the mechanism by which the amino acids delayed senescence. The beneficial effect of naturally occurring amino acids in inhibiting senescence has potential commercial relevance, as the amino acids have Generally Recognised As Safe (GRAS) status which should assist gain regulatory approval, and gain acceptance by consumers wary of synthetic chemicals on foods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Improving Fresh Produce Quality and Postharvest Shelf Life)

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