Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research

Abstract Purpose: Climacteric metabolism makes papaya (Carica papaya L) a highly perishable fruit, especially under ambient conditions. Considering that few retail outlets (markets) have a cold chain for storage, it is necessary to evaluate technologies to extend the commercial shelf life of this fruit under ambient conditions. Thus, the objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of arginine application to delay ripening and preserve the physicochemical quality of papaya during storage under ambient conditions. Research method: Physiologically ripe ‘Hawaii’ papayas (stage 1) were harvested from a commercial orchard, selected (physiological injuries, pests and diseases), sanitized in a chloride solution and sprayed with solutions containing distilled water (control) and arginine (25 mg.L^-1) determined in preliminary tests. They were then placed on benches and kept under ambient conditions (28 ± 2 °C and 85 ± 5 % RH) for a period of 7 days with quality assessments performed daily. Findings: Spraying a solution containing arginine (25 mg.L^-1) significantly delayed the ripening of papayas, corroborated by reduced respiratory activity and ethylene production, the effects of which were observed in delayed chlorophyll loss in the peel, reduced mass loss, maintenance of firmness, reduction in total soluble solids accumulation and titratable acidity, in addition to reduced degradation of vitamin C and lycopene. Research limitations: Understanding the biochemical mechanism of arginine in the regulation of ripening. Originality/Value: The results of this study provide the producer/trader with a viable and easy-to- apply technology to ensure a product with a longer marketing period and quality for the final consumer.

Abstract Purpose: Temperate fruits not only provide essential nutrients but also contribute to the diversity and sustainability of horticultural production systems worldwide. The total production of fruits, increased during the past twenty years. However, postharvest losses of fruits due to spoilage, decay, and physiological deterioration pose a significant challenge to the global food supply chain, which leads to a decline in fruit quantity and quality after harvest. Findings: Edible coatings have emerged as a sustainable solution for extending the shelf life of fruits while reducing postharvest losses. The use of edible coatings is not only environmentally friendly but also addresses consumer demands for natural, safe, and healthy food products obtained through minimal processing. A wide array of edible coating materials is available, each possessing unique properties that influence their effectiveness in preserving fruits. The specific composition and application of edible coatings play a crucial role in their effectiveness in inhibiting microbial growth, reducing enzymatic browning, and maintaining the sensory quality of the fruits. Limitations: No limitations were found. Directions for future research: Future research should focus on exploring and developing new, sustainable, and biodegradable coating materials derived from renewable sources. Additionally, incorporating nanotechnology into edible coatings can enhance their properties, such as improved barrier properties, controlled release of active compounds, and enhanced antimicrobial activity. Continued research and innovation in this area hold significant promise for reducing postharvest losses, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This review summarizes recent advances in different edible coating materials and their uses in prolonging shelf life and decreasing postharvest losses of important temperate fresh/fresh-cut fruits worldwide.

Abstract Purpose: Use plant-based edible coatings (PBECs) for maintaining quality of fresh fruits and vegetables (FFVs) are trending upward. Compared to modified atmosphere packaging they eliminate the use of non-biodegradable polyethylene films. Therefore, the present study aimed to bring a comprehensive systematic review of the published literature on plant- based edible coatings (PBECs) for quality maintenance and extension of postharvest life FFVs. Findings: The results revealed that PBECs are a better alternative to other protective films and packaging materials that utilize non-biodegradable polyethylene films or inorganic chemicals which pose negative impact on both consumers and environment. A wide range of ingredients including biopolymers, leaf extracts, plant waxes, essential oils, and plant byproducts have been intensively researched for their potential applications in the development of edible coatings. The coating treatments significantly retarded the rates of respiration and ethylene emission, activated antioxidative defense mechanisms, suppressed cell wall degrading enzymes, and retarded colour deterioration; all of which led to protecting the biochemical and organoleptic properties of FFVs. Limitations: Food items, when coated with some of the edible coatings, alterations of flavour and degradation of their properties upon exposure to light, oxygen & high temperature have been noted. Further, poor stability of the developed emulsion resulting inconsistencies in their effectiveness have been reported. Conclusions: In conclusion, PBECs could be considered as promising eco and consumer friendly strategy for maintaining and extending the postharvest life of FFVs.  Future trends: It seems imperative to focus more on the development of composite coatings to enrich nutraceutical attributes of FFVs. Improving the efficacy of mode of action of the developed formulae alongside enhancing its stabilization and prevention of alterations in flavour when coated are critically important.   

Abstract Purpose: This study determined whether postharvest application with low 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid concentration could inhibit calyx senescence and preserve internal and external qualities of Valencia Late oranges during extended storage. Research method: The experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design with three replicates of 50 fruits for each treatment. The oranges fruits were dipped in four treatment concentrations; control (0), 0.01, 0.03, or 0.05 mmol L^-1 in experiment 1, and control (0), 0.003, and 0.01 mmol L^-1 in experiment 2 for one minute. Post-treatment, the oranges were kept in solid cardboard boxes as individual treatment units (n = 50 fruits) with three units comprising a treatment and held at an ambient temperature (25 ± 2°C) and a 60%–65% RH. Oranges were evaluated every seven days for four weeks. Findings: The results showed that fruit dipped at 0.01 mmol L-1 for both experiments resulted in lower calyx browning and drop, weight loss, and fruit firmness compared to control and higher dicamba concentrations. Moreover, the treatment delayed the increase in total soluble solids and the decrease in titratable acidity, slowing the maturation rate. Research limitation: This study could not evaluate fruit carbon dioxide and ethylene production during storage to understand their impact on other quality changes due to lack of Gas Chromatography machines in the resident laboratory. Originality/Value: The results demonstrate the effects of dicamba treatments in delaying detrimental calyx changes and retaining fruit integrity during storage.

Abstract Purpose: Viola ignobilis Rupr. is one of the important medicinal species which is in danger of extinction due to the over harvesting from the main habitats. Nowadays, domestication of medicinal plants in accordance with sustainable agricultural methods is a new important challenge. In this research, we used biostimulants and optimization of light intensity as eco-friendly approaches to improve yield and photosynthetic efficiency of V. ignobilis Rupr. Research Method: The experiment was set up in a split plot arranged in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The main factor was two light levels (50% and 100% of full sunlight) and as sub factors plants were treated with animal derived protein hydrolysate (A.PH), vegetal derived protein hydrolysate (V.PH), seaweed extract (SE), the combination of A.PH + SE and V.PH + SE and also, water served as a control. Findings: Light intensities and biostimulant application significantly impacted the morphological parameters including fresh and dry weight of roots and shoots compared to control plants. Furthermore, the photosynthetic pigments did not differ significantly in two light intensities, but, biostimulant application considerably increased the photosynthetic pigments concentration. The obtained results indicated that the highest value of assimilation rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, and also chlorophyll fluorescence parameters including the highest values of qP, Fv/Fm and (ФPSII) were connected to plants treated with A.PH + SE biostimulants under full irradiance. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: Optimizing light condition and combined use of PHs + SE biostimulants due to synergistic effects can improve crop yield and photosynthetic efficiency in violet, when no other sources of fertilizers are available.

Abstract Purpose: Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are among the most significant agricultural products cultivated in various regions of Iran, boasting high nutritional value. This study focuses on assessing the genetic diversity of grape genotypes from vineyards in the West Azarbaijan province.  Drought is an important environmental factor that limits plant growth and production. Given the abundant grape germplasm in Iran, there is potential to select cultivars and high-yielding genotypes possessing valuable genetic traits to use as resilient bases in commercial grape cultivars. Research Method: This research involved the evaluation of 16 grape genotypes in a single phase. For this purpose, 16 grape genotypes were grouped and compared in various dry conditions including (PEG0%, PEG2% and PEG4%). Findings: The results showed that vegetative traits, relative water content, and membrane stability decreased in all cultivars, but this decline was less pronounced in the »Garashire, Gezel, and Fakhri genotypes«. Protein content and the activity of protective enzymes in the roots and leaves increased significantly across all 16 genotypes, with particularly notable levels observed in the »Garashire genotype«. Drought stress had a marked effect on the accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide in the Asgari and Reddish Tabriz genotypes. The levels of these compounds were higher in these genotypes compared to others, indicating increased lipid peroxidation and reduced stability against drought. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: The adverse effects of drought were more pronounced at the end of the stress period, especially under a high dose of PEG (4%). Overall, the »Garashire genotype« exhibited the highest tolerance, while the Asgari genotype was the most sensitive to drought.

Abstract Purpose: The pistachio nut is an important product primarily traded as dry nut in-shell kernels. Any damage to the shell during growth and development can cause shell staining and kernel decay in pistachios, rendering them unsuitable for sale. This study aimed to mitigate these issues by evaluating the effects of various calcium nitrate solutions. Research method: Fruit samples from two pistachio cultivars, 'Akbari' and 'Kaleh-Ghoochi,' were collected from 18-year-old trees with moderate tree vigor in a commercial orchard. The calcium nitrate solutions included a control sample (distilled water), 0.4% calcium nitrate, and 0.2% calcium nitrate enriched with lecithin, foliar applied two weeks after full bloom. Findings: Calcium nitrate treatments, both alone and enriched with lecithin, significantly reduced physiological disorders such as endocarp lesions and fruit abscission. In 'Akbari,' calcium nitrate treatments reduced issues such as nut ounce, shell staining, deformed nuts, blank nuts, endocarp lesions, early-split nuts, hull decay, and hull cracking. In contrast, Kaleh-Ghoochi also benefited from reduced occurrences of deformed nuts, early-split nuts, hull decay, and hull cracking. However, when treated with calcium nitrate enriched with lecithin, there was a notable reduction in blank nuts in Kaleh-Ghoochi, whereas calcium nitrate alone led to an increase in blank nuts. These calcium nitrate treatments resulted in positive outcomes and reduced fruit defects, thereby enhancing the overall quality and marketability of pistachios. Notably, the combination of calcium nitrate and lecithin had a more pronounced impact on Akbari, improving the pistachio nut's hull appearance, firmness, and reducing water activity. Research limitations: There were no limitations. Originality/Value: These findings suggest that calcium plays a significant role in enhancing the yield, quality, and marketability of pistachio fruit, providing practical insights for farmers aiming to improve their pistachio production practices.

Abstract Purpose: The current study examined the impacts of postharvest treatments with different coating solutions to enhance the shelf life of papaya at the least nutrient loss. Research method: The study was carried out with mature and fresh shahi papayas (BARI Papaya-1) using Complete Randomized Design. The experiment comprised four treatments namely control (T₁), coating with 2% pectin solution (T₂), 2% cellulose acetate solution (T₃), and 2% sodium alginate solution (T₄). Findings: Significant variations among the treatments regarding physicochemical characteristics like color, weight loss (%), moisture content (%), pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (°Brix), vitamin C content, and biological parameters like total viable count (TVC), and shelf life were observed for the 12 day storage periods. It was observed that vitamin C content, moisture content, and titratable acidity gave higher values in the treated samples (T₂, T₃, T₄) with the lowest color score, weight loss, total soluble solids, and pH. Among the samples, the papaya treated with 2% sodium alginate solution obtained the longest shelf life with the lowest TVC value. Conversely, the control papaya had the highest microbial load with the shortest shelf life. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: Among the treatments, 2% sodium alginate solution increased the shelf life of papaya by 16% and decreased post-harvest loss. Therefore, 2% sodium alginate solution treatment seems to be a good substitute for preservation and an effective way to retain the quality of papaya.