ISHS Acta Horticulturae 485: International Symposium Effect of Pre- & Postharvest factors in Fruit Storage
FUTURE RESEARCH NEEDS IN POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY OF FRUITS |
| Author: | A.A. Kader |
| Keywords: | quality, water stress, controlled atmospheres, physiological disorders, pathological breakdown, insect control, safety |
| Abstract:
Great advances have been made in postharvest technology of fresh fruits and their products based on our improved understanding of postharvest biology during the past 20 years. The most useful technological changes in the production, harvesting, and postharvest handling systems have resulted from interdisciplinary research approaches. This will likely continue to be the case in the future. Concurrently we need to expand our efforts in extending the available information about optimum production, harvesting, and postharvest handling procedures to producers, handlers, marketers, and consumers. Quality (especially textural and flavour attributes) and safety assurance must be the focus of future research and development. Examples of future research needs include production of new genotypes, using molecular biology techniques, with better flavour quality, slower softening rate, lower browning potential, and less susceptibility to physiological disorders and to decay-causing pathogens; and development of a postharvest integrated pest management program for fruits that combines biological, chemical, and physical control methods. We should continue research and development efforts aimed at improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of transportation and other components of the global and national distribution systems for fresh horticultural perishables. | |
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