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An integrated transcriptome and metabolome profiling was used to investigate how exogenous H2O2 affects amino acid metabolism and its underlying regulatory mechanism involved in post-harvest broccoli's yellowing and senescence processes. This approach found 86 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 28 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) associated with amino acid metabolism during broccoli storage in the Control, H2O2, and DPI (diphenylene iodonium, an H2O2 inhibitor) treatments on 2 or 4 d. Furthermore, H2O2 treatment promoted the biosynthesis and accumulation of amino acids (e.g., tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, arginine, lysine, histidine, and glutamate) while inhibiting the degradation of seven amino acids (e.g., tyrosine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, β-alanine, glutamate, and proline) into tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle precursor (pyruvate) and intermediates (fumarate, acetyl-CoA, and 2-oxoglutarate). This inhibition alleviated metabolic disorders and ammonium-induced toxicity of post-harvest broccoli. Additionally, H2O2 treatment promoted the NH3 conversion into glutamine and the urea cycle, further mitigating ammonium-induced toxicity. H2O2 treatment also down-regulated the expressions of S-adenosylmethionine synthases (SAM), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthases (ACS), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidases (ACO), which reduced the S-adenosyl-L-methionine content, thereby inhibiting ethylene biosynthesis from methionine. Therefore, this study provides insights into the role and potential underlying regulatory mechanism of H2O2 on amino acid metabolism during broccoli senescence, thus offering a theoretical basis for delaying senescence in post-harvest horticultural products by regulating their amino acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), a nonprotein amino acid, can accumulate in plants in response to abiotic stresses. The effects of postharvest treatments on endogenous GABA concentrations and exogenous GABA on whole horticulture product quality has recently received attention. However, knowledge of the effects of mechanical damage events such as peeling and cutting on GABA concentrations of fresh-cut products is limited. In this study, concentrations of GABA and antioxidants including total phenolics and ascorbic acid in fresh-cut cantaloupe, pineapple, and cauliflower during storage at 5 °C for 9 days were investigated. We found that GABA accumulated in fresh-cut pineapple and cauliflower during storage, but that the increase in cantaloupe was not significant. Total phenolics, total ascorbic acid, and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) remained stable in fresh-cut cantaloupe and cauliflower. In pineapple, however, total phenolics and total ascorbic acid concentrations decreased, whereas the DHA concentration increased. No correlation was found between GABA and antioxidants in fresh-cut cauliflower and cantaloupe; however, GABA was negatively related to antioxidants, including total phenolics and total ascorbic acid, in fresh-cut pineapple. The results show that GABA accumulation may represent a stress response to damage that occurs during the preparation of fresh cut products, but that the degree of response is affected by the specific product. Further research of GABA metabolism in response to minimal processing, including GABA biosynthesis, in a wider range of horticultural products and relationships with antioxidants is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postharvest lifespan of horticultural products is closely related to loss of nutritional quality, accompanied by a rapid decline in shelf life, commercial value, and marketability. Melatonin (MT) application not only maintains quality but also delays senescence in horticultural products. This paper reviews biosynthesis and metabolism of endogenous MT, summarizes significant effects of exogenous MT application on postharvest horticultural products, examines regulatory mechanisms of MT‐mediated effects, and provides an integrated review for understanding the positive role of MT in senescence delay and quality maintenance. As a multifunctional molecule, MT coordinates other signal molecules, such as ABA, ETH, JA, SA, NO, and Ca2+, to regulate postharvest ripening and senescence. Several metabolic pathways are involved in regulation of MT during postharvest senescence, including synthesis and signal transduction of plant hormones, redox homeostasis, energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and degradation of pigment and cell wall components. Moreover, MT regulates expression of genes related to plant hormones, antioxidant systems, energy generation, fruit firmness and colour, membrane integrity, and carbohydrate storage. Consequently, MT could become an emerging and eco‐friendly preservative to extend shelf life and maintain postharvest quality of horticultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi play a significant role in regulating insect populations in nature and have potential applications in pest management strategies in different regions. Citrus spp. are among the important horticultural products in northern Iran, and the orchards are affected by different insect pests, especially mealybugs. This study aimed to isolate and identify entomopathogenic fungi associated with citrus orchard pests in northern Iran, focusing on Akanthomyces and Lecanicillium species on mealybugs. Through the samples collected from different regions within Guilan province, 12 fungal isolates were collected and identified based on the combination of morphological characteristics and molecular data. Akanthomyces lecanii, A. muscarius, Engyodontium rectidentatum, Lecanicillium aphanocladii and Lecanicillium rasoulzarei sp. nov. were identified. Of these, A. muscarius on Lepidosaphes sp., E. rectidentatum on Coccidae, and L. aphanocladii on Tetranychus urticae are reported as new fungal-host records from Iran. Moreover, a new species, Lecanicillium rasoulzarei, is illustrated, described, and compared with closely related species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-adaptive stage (SAS) is defined as the period between harvest and pre-cooling in this study, which is extremely neglected in the field of postharvest horticultural products. This study aimed to investigate resistant responses and wound-healing activities during the SAS. Broccoli heads that needed cut-harvest were used as experimental materials, and the indices related to storage quality, reactive oxygen species, and phenylpropanoid metabolism were determined during 12 h after the harvest. The results showed that the quality of broccoli heads did not change significantly within 12 h after cut-harvest compared with the normal-growth group. The rapid water loss indicated that measures should be taken for water prevention during SAS. The cut-harvest group showed a significant accumulation of H2O2 after 3 h, which acted as a signal in regulating the antioxidant enzyme system. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase, and 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase increased in cut-harvest broccoli stems during 0–6 h, 3–12 h, and 0–9 h, respectively, compared with those in normal-growth broccoli stems. The enhanced enzyme activity involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism and accumulated phenolic acids associated with wound healing at different time points during SAS demonstrated that the response time should be considered when regulating resistance and wound healing. This study focused on revealing the resistance and wound-healing activities of broccoli stems during independent growth after cut-harvest, thus providing a theoretical basis for the subsequent study and regulatory measurement in cut-harvest vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is an editorial for a special issue on plant biostimulants in sustainable horticulture and agriculture. The editorial highlights the need for sustainable cultivation practices to increase food production without harming the environment or reducing crop yield. It discusses the different categories of biostimulants, such as microbial inoculants, humic substances, protein hydrolysates, biopolymers, inorganic compounds, and seaweed extracts, and their wide applications in agriculture. The editorial also mentions the various beneficial effects of biostimulants on crops, including improved nutrient uptake, root development, and crop performance. It emphasizes the importance of studying the synergistic impacts of different biostimulatory agents for future biostimulant research. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a special issue of the journal Horticulturae titled "Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Improving Horticultural Crops Quality and Shelf-Life." The issue focuses on the factors that affect the quality, disease, ripening, senescence, and shelf life of horticultural crops. It includes thirteen articles that examine field management, preharvest treatments, and postharvest treatments to improve the quality and shelf life of fresh horticultural products. The articles provide valuable insights into the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact the postharvest quality of horticultural crops and aim to promote communication and knowledge exchange in the field of horticultural postharvest studies. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: The present study provides evidence on export advantages of horticultural commodities based on competitiveness, trade balance and seasonality dimensions. Design/methodology/approach: The study delineated horticultural commodities in terms of comparative advantage, examined temporal shifts in export advantages (mapping) and estimated seasonality. Product mapping was carried out using the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) and Trade Balance Index (TBI). Seasonal advantages were examined through a graphical approach along with the objective tests, namely, modified QS-test (QS), Friedman-test (FT) and using a seasonal dummy. Findings: Cucumbers/gherkins, onions, preserved vegetables, fresh grapes, shelled cashew nuts, guavas, mangoes, and spices emerged as the most favorable horticultural products. India has a strong seasonal advantage in dried onions, cucumber/gherkins, shelled cashew nut, dried capsicum, coriander, cumin, and turmeric. The untapped potential in horticulture can be addressed by handling the trade barriers effectively, particularly the sanitary and phytosanitary issues, affecting the exports. Proper policies must be enacted to facilitate the investment in advanced agricultural technologies and logistics to ensure the desired quality and cost effectiveness. Research limitations/implications: Commodity-specific studies on value chain analysis would provide valuable insights into the issues hindering exports and realizing the untapped export potential. Originality/value: There is no holistic and recent study illustrating the horticulture export advantages covering a large number of commodities in the Indian context. The study would be helpful to the stakeholders for drawing useful policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The application of natural organic compounds without harmful environmental effects in the production of horticultural and agricultural products is considered as a new method to reduce waste before and after harvesting, increase the storage life and maintain antioxidant activity in developed agriculture. As regards, this study investigated the impact of foliar applications of brown macroalga extract on antioxidant enzyme activity and mineral uptake in 'Hayward' kiwifruits. Research method: Four treatment levels of brown macroalga extract (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L) were applied at three distinct phases, occurring 110, 125, and 140 days after full bloom. Fruit samples were stored at 1±0.5°C with 95% relative humidity for 90 days, with measurements taken every 30 days. Findings: Results revealed that the 3 g/L extract treatment significantly increased the uptake of calcium (47.82 %), nitrogen (20.52 %), potassium (12.06 %), phosphorus (19.81 %), and iron (25.77 %) compared to the control. The extract demonstrated a substantial effect on all recorded traits. Among the applied treatments, 3 g/L of brown macroalga extract concentration had the best effect in reducing electrolyte leakage (25.10%), malondialdehyde accumulation (96.73%), hydrogen peroxide content (54.54%) and increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (50.42%), catalase (84.90%), ascorbate peroxidase (79.02%), and peroxidase (49.40%) compared to the control in 90 days of storage. Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: The results suggest that the 3 g/L brown macroalga extract concentration holds promise for enhancing the quality of 'Hayward' kiwifruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the packaging material is composed of fossil fuel-based plastics, which are non-biodegradable. Therefore, the biodegradable coating material developed from cellulose can be explored for applications like packaging, cutlery, bowls, straws, etc. The aim of the present study was to develop an agro-waste-based sustainable coating material using a waste-to-wealth approach. The study focused on transforming cellulose and cellulose nanofibre (CNF) derived from rice straw into biodegradable polymeric coatings. The cellulose and CNF were extracted from the rice straw using the alkali method and blended with gelatin, agar, and varied glycerol concentrations to initiate the study. Four polymeric coating variants were developed. Thus, the coating named NCG-2.5, incorporated with 1.2 g CNF, 2.5 ml glycerol, 1.15 g gelatin, and 0.55 g agar, exhibited significant improvements in properties as compared to the other samples. The polymeric coatings were characterized for their surface morphology, roughness, solubility, and physico-chemical properties using FTIR spectroscopy and TGA analysis. The NCG-2.5 exhibited the best potential in terms of promising coating and biodegradability properties, with 97% of weight loss within 7 days. Furthermore, the studies where the synthesized polymeric coating was applied to the surface of the banana proved a considerable delay in the enzymatic browning of the banana for up to 12 days. Thus, the study reflects the novel approach of value addition and utilization of waste agricultural resources for developing coating materials via a circular economy approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberries (Fragaria xannanasa) are susceptible to mechanical, physical, and physiological damage, which increases their incidence of rot during storage. Therefore, a method of protection is necessary in order to minimize quality losses. One way to achieve this is by applying polymer coatings. In this study, multisystem coatings were created based on polymer nanocapsules loaded with Lippia graveolens essential oil, and it was found to have excellent optical, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties compared to the control (coating formed with alginate and with nanoparticles without the essential oil). As for the strawberries coated with the multisystem formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens, these did not present microbial growth and only had a loss of firmness of 17.02% after 10 days of storage compared to their initial value. This study demonstrated that the multisystem coating formed from the polymer nanocapsules loaded with the essential oil of Lippia graveolens could be a viable alternative to preserve horticultural products for longer storage periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallots are valuable horticultural products consumed worldwide that offer numerous health benefits. Fusarium wilt disease severely limits shallot production, reducing bulb yield by up to 50%; furthermore, wilt disease-resistant shallot cultivars are insufficient. This study confirmed that the 'Batu Ijo' cultivar is resistant to Fusarium wilt, with the lowest percentage of affected bulbs (29.5%). In contrast, the cultivar 'Bima Brebes' showed the highest incidence of Fusarium infection (41.6%). Neither 'Batu Ijo' nor 'Katumi' became resistant parents when crossbred with susceptible plants because both failed to bloom until the end of the plant generative stage. Thus, to generate diverse segregating populations, a cross combination derived from 'Biru Lancor' (resistant parent) and 'Bima Brebes' ensued. The results showed lower values for the number of mature capsules, true seed shallot weight per plant, and seedling vigor were evident in the progenies than in the parental genotypes. These poor crossing results were due to several factors, including an inappropriate photoperiod for the crossbreeding of 'Bima Brebes' and 'Biru Lancor.' Out of 30, 17 plants showed symptoms of Fusarium wilt disease. Meanwhile, the 13 resistant individuals exhibited similarities with the male parent 'Biru Lancor' during ISSR molecular analysis, suggesting that the male parent may play a role in transmitting disease resistance. The selection of parental individuals and crossbreeding factors are crucial for successful shallot crossbreeding. This study bears significant implications for further development of shallot crossbreeding, potentially leading to new disease-resistant cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to clarify whether differences in food group intake according to household income have changed over the last decade in Japanese people aged 20 years or older. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on the 2010, 2014, and 2018 National Health and Nutrition Surveys in Japan. Food intake was assessed using a 1-day semi-weighed household dietary record. The participants were categorized into three groups based on their income. The mean of each food intake according to the income group was estimated by adjusting for age, occupation, and number of participants from the same household. The significance of the interaction terms between income and survey year was evaluated to assess the change in income-related differences in food intake over time. Results: Cereal intake was lower in the middle- and the highest-income groups than in the lowest-income group, regardless of sex, and the interaction between income and year was nonsignificant for cereal intake. In the former two surveys, vegetable intake was higher among the highest-income women, while in the 2018 survey, the vegetable intake decreased in the women in the middle- and the highest-income groups. The interaction between income and year was significant for vegetable intake among the women. For other foods, the differences in intake among the income groups did not significantly change over time. Conclusion: The tendency for lower cereal intake in the higher-income groups was consistent over time in both the sexes, and the tendency for higher vegetable intake in the highest income women disappeared over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A quantitative review was performed on the effectiveness of peroxygen products that contain hydrogen peroxide (HP), peracetic acid (PAA) and potassium peroxy-monosulfate (PPMS) to eliminate non-fungal plant pathogens in agricultural and horticultural cropping systems. Methods: This quantitative analysis is a complementary follow-up to a previous study on efficacy of peroxygen against fungal plant pathogens. The meta- analysis evaluated the biocidal activity of peroxygen intervention treatments against 15 different non-fungal plant pathogens in 81 studies compared to independent non-treated controls that were conducted over the last 30 years. Results: The overall summary effect size was a Hedges' g(g+) of 1.98 for the random effects model, which indicates that peroxgen treatments caused a moderate to high reduction in viable propagules or disease progression in most cases. The range in efficacy was defined by the 95% prediction intervals (-0.82 to 4.80) and indicated peroxygen applications would range from ineffective to very highly effective in 95% of similar populations. Peroxygen compounds provided similar control (P = 0.5655) against bacteria, oomycetes and viruses, while being more effective against zygomycetes (P = 0.0001) than other organism types. Differences were observed between peroxygen active ingredients (a.i.) (P = 0.0203), where PPMS was more effective than HP + PAA. Differences were also observed when peroxygen compounds were applied on different target materials (P = 0.0004). Peroxygen compounds were moderately effective against non-fungal plant pathogens when applied in solution and on metal surfaces but ineffective when applied on plants under crop production conditions. Differences between target materials explained 50% of the true variances in a meta-regression model with the length of time peroxygens were in contact with target materials (P = 0.0416). Discussion: These results show that although the current recommended dose and contact time for commercial peroxygen products are expected to result in pathogen inactivation, their efficacy will likely be influenced by the organism and material being treated. This analysis serves as a base reference for considering efficacy performance of peroxygen compounds against non-fungal plant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change and global warming represent the main threats for many agricultural crops. Tomato is one of the most extensively grown and consumed horticultural products and can survive in a wide range of climatic conditions. However, high temperatures negatively affect both vegetative growth and reproductive processes, resulting in losses of yield and fruit quality traits. Researchers have employed different parameters to evaluate the heat stress tolerance, including evaluation of leaf- (stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, Fv/Fm), flower- (inflorescence number, flower number, stigma exertion), pollen-related traits (pollen germination and viability, pollen tube growth) and fruit yield per plant. Moreover, several authors have gone even further, trying to understand the plants molecular response mechanisms to this stress. The present review focused on the tomato molecular response to heat stress during the reproductive stage, since the increase of temperatures above the optimum usually occurs late in the growing tomato season. Reproductive- related traits directly affects the final yield and are regulated by several genes such as transcriptional factors, heat shock proteins, genes related to flower, flowering, pollen and fruit set, and epigenetic mechanisms involving DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin remodelling and non-coding RNAs. We provided a detailed list of these genes and their function under high temperature conditions in defining the final yield with the aim to summarize the recent findings and pose the attention on candidate genes that could prompt on the selection and constitution of new thermotolerant tomato plant genotypes able to face this abiotic challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound treatment has a beneficial role in horticultural production from harvest to consumption. The quality traits and microbiological load in pomegranate fruit were explored during 30 days' storage at 20 °C after 10 min and 30 min ultrasound treatments. RESULTS: Ultrasound treatment significantly reduced the microbiological load during storage, providing a relatively clean and suitable storage environment. This was especially true for the 30 min treatment, which also maintained relatively lower weight loss and kept the browning rate below 5% during storage. Meanwhile, the fruit treated with ultrasound had higher ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content, which provided better antibacterial properties and higher nutraceutical properties until the end of storage. The 30 min ultrasound treatment significantly delayed the decrease in catalase (CAT) enzyme activity and the increase in peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity. Combined with weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA), and correlation analysis, color indicators and antioxidant activity induced by ultrasound treatment were responsible for the relatively higher fruit quality of pomegranate. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound treatment can improve the sensory quality and nutritional characteristics of pomegranate fruits during storage, and reduce the microbiological load. Ultrasound for 30 min was better than 10 min for prolonging the storage life of pomegranate. Our results will provide valuable information for ultrasound application in other horticultural products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural product costs play a significant part in the horticultural market. In India, vegetables, for example, tomatoes have the biggest supply and price variances among farming items. As tomatoes are grown around the year, outdoor and indoor, their yields change because of various factors, it is hard to settle tomatoes' inventory and costs. Although the Government puts numerous efforts to balance out the supply and costs of vegetables, continuous meteorological changes have prompted unstable supply and price fluctuations of vegetables. Accordingly, the right anticipating of vegetable costs is a significant issue. To oblige these, in this paper, an attempt has been made to dissect the costs and yield of tomatoes in India by utilizing a Machine Learning approach. This will unquestionably help the farmers and the Government if the anticipated costs are getting higher in the forthcoming months, then appropriate strategies can be made to diminish the costs of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seedless barberry fruit is one of the important horticultural products of Iran, which has health benefits due to great amounts of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. However, fresh barberry fruit has a short shelf life even at cold storage, mainly due to high water content and thin skin that leads to fungal decay and high postharvest loss. We examined the effectiveness of the postharvest ultrasonic technology on the quality preservation and nutritional value of fresh seedless barberry fruit and their decay reduction during cold storage. Experimental treatments were the time and temperature of ultrasound (US) and included: (1) control, fruit without US, (2) 5 min US at 20°C, (3) 5 min US at 30°C, (4) 5 min US at 40°C, (5) 10 min US at 20°C, (6) 10 min US at 30°C, (7) 10 min US at 40°C, (8) 15 min US at 20°C, (9) 15 min US at 30°C, and (10) 15 min US at 40°C. After applying the treatments, the fruits were sealed in polyethylene bags and stored at 4 ± 1°C for 20 days. The results showed that all US treatments had higher titratable acidity, antioxidant activity, phenol content, and vitamin C content than the control. However, the highest titratable acidity and antioxidant activity values were obtained in US treatments at 40°C and 30°C for 15 min. Also, US treatment significantly reduced the total soluble solids, decay percentage, and microbial load of fresh barberry fruit. As the US treatment temperature increased from 20°C to 40°C, the decay and microbial load of fruit significantly decreased. In conclusion, this study proved the potential application of the US for preserving the quality of fresh seedless barberry fruit, and the most optimal US temperature and its application time was 40°C for 15 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trading partners often require phytosanitary or quarantine treatments for fresh horticultural produce to ensure no economically important pest species are moved with the imported product. When developing such treatments, it is essential that the level of treatment efficacy can be determined. This is often based on the mortality of the total number of target pests exposed to treatment, but in naturally infested products this number is not always known. In such cases, the infestation rate and subsequently an estimate of the number of pests are obtained directly from a set of untreated control samples of the host product. The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Secretariat has provided 2 formulas for these situations that place an interval around the point estimate obtained from the control samples to obtain an estimate of the infestation rate. However, these formulas do not allow a confidence level to be assigned to the estimate, and there are concerns with the assumptions regarding the distribution and the measure of variability used in the formulas. In this article, we propose 2 alternative formulas. We propose that the lower one-sided confidence limit should be applied to all infestation datasets that are approximately normally distributed. As infestation data are sometimes skewed, it is proposed the lower one-sided modified Cox confidence limit is applied to data approximately log-normal distributed. These well-recognized formulas are compared to the formulas recommended by the IPPC and applied to 3 datasets involving natural infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cut flowers are horticultural products that have great potential to be developed. Efforts to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of cut flowers are very important to obtain a product that is accepted in the market. The main problems of chrysanthemum cut flowers are the leaves easily turning yellow, wilting, and failure to fully open flowers. This study aimed to obtain the best pulsing solution formulation that increases vase life and maintains the freshness of chrysanthemum cut flowers. Pulsing solution treatment was carried out on chrysanthemum cut flowers during the evaluation period. Pulsing solution treatment consisted of control, AgNO3, nano-Ag (NAg), ZnO, and nano-Zn (NZn). The results showed that NAg20 treatment increased the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers up to 23 days, which was 19 days longer than the control. Nano-Ag inhibits bacterial growth, flower wilting, color degradation, and carotenoids. In addition, nano-Ag increased the size of the bloom-flower diameter. Considering the results of all postharvest quality parameters mentioned above, NAg20 extends the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is an important secondary metabolite that maintains the mechanical strength of horticultural plants and enhances their ability to respond to external environmental changes such as biotic and abiotic stresses. However, excessive accumulation of lignin can lead to lignification of horticultural products, reducing their taste quality and nutritional value. Therefore, the lignin content of horticultural products needs to be controlled at a reasonable level, and studying and regulating lignin metabolism is very meaningful work. This article focuses on the synthesis, accumulation, and regulation of lignin in horticultural crops in recent years, provides a systematic analysis of its molecular mechanism and application prospects, and sheds insights into the directions that need further research in the future. This article provides an important basis for the regulation of lignin accumulation and lignification in horticultural crops and proposes new ideas for improving the quality of horticultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the potential of wild plant species as horticultural crops to meet the increasing food demand caused by population growth. It highlights the benefits of cultivating wild edible species, such as their tolerance to various stresses, high nutritional value, and nutraceutical properties. The document presents several case studies on the cultivation of different wild plant species and evaluates their agronomic performance, nutritional content, and sensory attributes. It also explores the impact of cultivation practices, such as soilless cultivation and different fertigation regimes, on plant growth and quality. The document emphasizes the importance of domesticating wild edible plants to enhance food availability and diversity while protecting native populations. [Extracted from the article]

Shape is a primary determinant of consumer preference for many horticultural crops and it is also associated with many aspects of marketing, harvest mechanics, and postharvest handling. Perceptions of quality and preference often map to specific shapes of fruits, tubers, leaves, flowers, roots, and other plant organs. As a result, humans have greatly expanded the palette of shapes available for horticultural crops, in many cases creating a series of market classes where particular shapes predominate. Crop wild relatives possess organs shaped by natural selection, while domesticated species possess organs shaped by human desires. Selection for visually-pleasing shapes in vegetable crops resulted from a number of opportunistic factors, including modification of supernumerary cambia, allelic variation at loci that control fundamental processes such as cell division, cell elongation, transposon-mediated variation, and partitioning of photosynthate. Genes that control cell division patterning may be universal shape regulators in horticultural crops, influencing the form of fruits, tubers, and grains in disparate species. Crop wild relatives are often considered less relevant for modern breeding efforts when it comes to characteristics such as shape, however this view may be unnecessarily limiting. Useful allelic variation in wild species may not have been examined or exploited with respect to shape modifications, and newly emergent information on key genes and proteins may provide additional opportunities to regulate the form and contour of vegetable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland degradation and loss is continuing at an alarming rate in communal areas of Zimbabwe. Although poorly mapped at national scale, communal wetlands have been over utilized and undermanaged posing threats to the existence of these valuable ecosystems. The article examines the contestations and struggles in the use and protection of wetland ecosystems in communal areas of Zimbabwe, with special focus on Intunjambili wetland located in Matobo district. To solicit data, the study adopted a household questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews with key informants and field observations. The Ostrom theory (1990) was used as a lens to explore how contestations and struggles at wetland scale undermine wise use, as guided by the Ramsar framework. The study findings show that the majority of the households (90%) revealed that conflicts related to wetland use are experienced in the area. Chi-square test results show that there is an association between household head's socio-demographic characteristics (p < 0.05) and knowledge on conflicts in use and protection of communal wetlands. About 70% households highlighted that crop cultivation is a major threat to wetland protection as it is associated with excessive water abstraction that depletes ground water and disturbs the hydrology. The study recommends that profits obtained from the sale of horticultural products be reinvested to maintain the wetland, for example, buying fence to protect the wetland core area since it has been destroyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardia duodenalis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are etiological agents of enteric diseases characterized by diarrhea that can progress to chronicity in humans, especially in children and in immunocompromised patients. This study aims to assess the genetic pattern of G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi detected in vegetables and fruits commercialized in Maputo markets, Mozambique and determine their public health importance. Eight study points were sampled: a farmer zone, a wholesale, four retail markets, and two supermarkets in Maputo city, where eight types of horticultural products were purchased. Using nested-PCR methods, 2.8% (9/321) and 1.3% (4/321) of samples monitored were positive for G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi, respectively. Based on the analysis of the β-giardin and ITS rRNA sequences of G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi detected, respectively, four dierent sequences of G. duodenalis (three novel sequences: BgMZ1, BgMZ2, and BgMZ3, and one known sequence) all from assemblage B and three genotypes of E. bieneusi (two novel sequences: EbMZ4 and EbMZ5, and one known sequence: KIN-1) from group 1. These microorganisms were found and characterized for the first time in horticultural products in Maputo markets. All identified G. duodenalis and E. bieneusi display high genetic similarity within their β-giardin and ITS rRNA sequences, respectively, having been clustered into assemblages and genotypes with high zoonotic transmission potential. Our study may represent a relevant step in the understanding of these intestinal pathogens in association with fresh vegetables and fruits for human consumption, for a better and broader “One Health” approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the preservation of horticultural products, the best results in keeping the attributes and quality at a level as close as possible to that of the fresh product are obtained when artificial cold (refrigeration, freezing) is used, unlike other methods. Among the existing freezing methods, freezing with cryogenic agents allows obtaining average linear freezing rates superior to the other methods. The fastest procedure for cooling food products involves the use of liquid nitrogen, which comes into direct contact with the surface of the food product that needs to be frozen. The paper analyzes the quick freezing process of three species of berries, namely blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, using an experimental model of multifunctional quick-freezing equipment - ICR, developed by INMA Bucharest as part of a national research programme. Total times and average linear freezing rates, as well as liquid nitrogen consumptions for each of the three species subjected to freezing, were tracked. Following the analysis of the experimental data, there were found the following: the minimum total freezing time, 498 s, was recorded for blueberries and the maximum total freezing time, 773 s, was recorded for strawberries; for blueberries and strawberries the average linear freezing rates recorded values of 6.32 cm/h and 6.29 cm/h corresponding to a very fast freezing process and for raspberries the average linear freezing rate recorded a value of 1.62 cm/h corresponding to a fast freezing process; liquid nitrogen consumption recorded a minimum value of 6.90 kg for blueberries and a maximum value of 7.20 kg for raspberries. In the case of blueberries, at the end of the freezing process, cracks and fissures of the epidermis and pulp were observed as a result of the thermal shock induced during the very rapid freezing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acid (AA) metabolism plays a vital role in the central metabolism of plants. In addition to protein biosynthesis, AAs are involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis, signal transduction, stress response, defense against pathogens, flavor formation, and so on. Besides these functions, AAs can be degraded into precursors or intermediates of the tricarboxylic acid cycle to substitute respiratory substrates and restore energy homeostasis, as well as directly acting as signal molecules or be involved in the regulation of plant signals to delay senescence of postharvest horticultural products (PHPs). AA metabolism and its role in plants growth have been clarified; however, only a few studies about their roles exist concerning the postharvest preservation of fruit and vegetables. This study reviews the potential functions of various AAs by comparing the difference in AA metabolism at the postharvest stage and then discusses the crosstalk of AA metabolism and energy metabolism, the target of rapamycin/sucrose nonfermenting‐related kinase 1 signaling and secondary metabolism. Finally, the roles and effect mechanism of several exogenous AAs in the preservation of PHPs are highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the AA metabolism network in PHPs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Measured data of in-flight conditions revealed the decreasing trend of air and fruit temperatures. • Difference in mass loss of mangoes transported via direct and indirect flights was obviously detected. • Kinetic models could predict product temperature, mass loss and peel color change as a function of a supply chain scenario. • Stable ambient temperature and relative humidity are key factors determining the preservation of product quality. Four instrumented boxes of mangoes Mangifera indica L. cv. "Nam Dok Mai" were shipped from Bangkok, Thailand, to Paris, France, without control of the boxes' positions on the aircraft. Two boxes were shipped via a direct flight and two boxes were shipped via an indirect flight. For each box, the internal air temperature, the external air temperature and relative humidity and surface temperature of two fruits were recorded throughout the supply chain from a packing house in Thailand to a storage room in France. A maximum fruit temperature of 33 °C (during transport from an orchard to the packing house) and a minimum fruit temperature of 8 °C (in a cold room of the logistics company following arrival at the airport in France via the indirect flight) were observed. The slight temperature difference between the air and the fruit surface temperature (< 1 °C on average) for both direct and indirect flights suggests that the air was stagnant inside the box and, thus conduction was the main heat transfer mode. Models of product temperature, mass loss, and peel color changes throughout the supply chain were developed. The numerical and the experimental values were in good agreement. These models were able to predict the product mass loss and peel color evolution as a function of a supply chain scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: l‐Glutamate is involved in many important chemical reactions in horticultural products and improves postharvest disease resistance. Quality decline of apple fruit caused by senescence and fungus invasion often leads to tremendous losses during logistics. This study was performed to evaluate the variations of quality attributes, carotenoid, sorbitol and sucrose metabolisms in apples (cv. Qiujin) after l‐glutamate dipping treatment. RESUITS: l‐Glutamate immersion maintained high values of L*, a* and b*, flesh firmness, titratable acidity, as well as the total soluble solids, soluble sugar, reducing sugar and ascorbic acid contents in apples. l‐Glutamate also decreased mass loss, respiratory rate and ethylene release, enhanced sucrose synthase‐cleavage, acid invertase and neutral invertase activities, whereas reduced sorbitol dehydrogenase, sucrose phosphate synthase, sucrose synthase synthesis and sorbitol oxidase activities in apples. Moreover, l‐glutamate inhibited lutein, β‐carotene and lycopene accumulation, and down‐regulated phytoene synthase, lycopene β‐cyclase, ζ‐carotene desaturase, phytoene desaturase, carotenoid isomerase, ζ‐carotene isomerase and carotenoids cleavage dioxygenase gene expressions, but up‐regulated 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase gene expression in apples. Conclusion: Postharvest l‐glutamate dipping treatment can keep apple quality by modulating key enzyme activity and gene expression in sorbitol, sucrose and carotenoid metabolisms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dealing with horticultural waste has become an urgent issue that coincides with the keen desire of the world today to achieve sustainable development, but the question arises: How and what is the appropriate tool? The answer will be provided by this review, through which it will focus on the possibility of benefiting from solid-state fermentation (SSF) as an eco-friendly technique on the one hand and as an effective tool in treating horticultural waste on the other hand. Also, SSF characterized over the other waste-managing techniques by low capital investment, reduced energy requirements, improved product recovery and reducing environmental problems. Despite the several advantages of SSF, it faces many challenges, including biomass estimation, heat transfer, scale-up, recovery and operational control. This work summarizes the various applications of SSF used for bioconversion of the horticultural wastes into value-added/innovative bioproducts such as enzymes, antibiotics, bioactive compounds, organic acids, bioethanol, etc. Furthermore, advantages, challenges and future directions associated with developing SSF technology in horticultural by-products management are presented and discussed. Additionally, SSF could be suggested as a strategic and promising approach for producing various added-value products from horticultural wastes that contribute effectively to the reduction of operational costs and decrease the environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current consumer needs for functional and healthy foods, as well as for diversified diets that include a variety of food sources have created a market niche for novel horticultural products such as edible flowers and related food formulations. Considering the increasing interest on this crop production sector during the last few years, this review aims to compile the most relevant data regarding the production and marketing aspects of edible flowers, focusing on pre- and postharvest parameters that should be taken into account to facilitate their successful marketing. Moreover, this review presents the most important flower species that have been traditionally used or suggested for edible uses, while the sensorial attributes and the mineral profile of edible flowers are also presented. A special section is dedicated to the aroma components and the essential oils of several flower species focusing on those reports which refer to species with edible uses, while the bioactivities of these compounds are also cited. Finally, future remarks regarding the next steps that are required for the establishment of this new food segment in the market and the consumer awareness for related products are discussed. Edible flowers is a promising and challenging horticultural crop which could provide alternative solutions to farmers under the ongoing climate changing, having also in mind the sustainable use of natural resources, the diversification of agroecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity. Moreover, food industry could benefit by covering market demands for functional and healthy foods through the development of novel floral-based foods and food formulations, thus allowing the valorization of species that are unexplored or underexplored so far. • The current market trend asks for functional and healthy foods and diversified diets. • Edible flowers may enhance the visual quality and nutritional value of food products. • Edible flowers is a promising and challenging horticultural crop. • Cropping of edible flowers will assist farmers to adapt to modern agriculture needs. • New floral foods and food formulations will valorize underexplored species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current global market, the development of novel products is important for staying competitive. The development of horticultural products often manifests as new cultivars. Gauging consumer interest is an important step in cultivar development because it is a resource-intensive process. The present study used an experimental auction to measure consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for novel fruit referred to as kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta and Actinidia kolomikta) and explore consumer segmentation for their preferences. The mean WTP for 6-ounce packages of kiwiberries ranged from $1.63 to $2.19, depending on species and cultivar. Four groups of consumers were identified in relation to their WTP for kiwiberries. Using survey data, socio-demographic variables such as age, education, and neophobic attitudes were significantly different between the mixed kiwiberry price premium and kiwiberry discounting groups. These findings suggest that consumers with varietyseeking tendencies have a WTP for kiwiberries that is comparable to that for other berries. Marketing strategies for these groups are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out in the research greenhouse, within the Horticultural Products Quality Research Center in 2022. A variety of oak leaf lettuce, Kineta, was grown on the mattresses filled with perlite. The nutrient solution was administered in 3 concentrations (EC), namely 1.5 mS/cm², 2.5 mS/cm² and 3.5 mS/cm². Three pH levels were used for each EC type. Differences were found between the experimental variants regarding the variety's reaction to these treatments. The aim of the study was to see the influence of the nutrient solution concentration on some production and quality parameters of lettuce grown on perlite substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the tourism industry is considered one of the fastest-growing economic sectors and one of the most suitable tools for the regeneration and revival of rural areas to achieve sustainable de-velopment. In this regard, because of their location, Roadside villages offer tourism services and sell souvenirs and agricultural and horticultural products to travelers and tourists, which plays a key role in their economic development. Based on this, the purpose of this research is to identify and analyze the role of tourism on the economy of Roadside villages in Zanganeh and Gorab, which are located next to the Arak-Malayer highway. The research method is descriptive and an-alytical. The statistical population is the residents of Gorab and Zanganeh, 266 households were selected as a sample using the Cochran formula. The rural tourism economy includes five compo-nents: economic reconstruction, economic sustainability, agricultural tourism, non-agricultural tourism and local community participation. Data analysis was done using SPSS and Smart PLS software. The results indicate that providing services to tourists and wayfarers has a significant effect on the tourism economy of these settlements. Also, by analyzing the R2 criterion, the highest impact of services to tourists on economic reconstruction with a value of 0/385 and the lowest impact on the participation of the local community with a value of 0/241 was obtained. In order to develop the tourism economy of Roadside villages, it is necessary to use the capacities and provide infrastructure and comfort facilities and eco-tourist accommodations in accordance with the environmental characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few decades, many researchers have investigated in detail the characteristics of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, vitamins, flavonoids, and glycosides, and volatile compounds in fruits, vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants that possess beneficial properties, as well as consumer acceptance and preference. The main aim of this article is to provide an updated overview of recent research endeavors related to the effects of the drying process on the major bioactive/effective compounds in agricultural products. Particular emphasis was placed on details related to the changes occurring in vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, glycosides and volatile compounds, as well as the antioxidant activity. An analysis of the degradation mechanisms of these compounds showed that vitamin C, phenols, flavonoids and glycosides react with oxygen during the convective drying process under high drying temperatures, and the reaction rate results in degradation in such bioactive compounds due to high reducibility. On the other hand, high temperature results in a short drying time, thus minimizing the degradation of bioactive compounds. The reviewed research works addressing this trend revealed that the ideal drying temperatures for retaining vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, glycosides, volatile compounds and their antioxidant activity were 50–60 °C, 55–60 °C, 60–70 °C, 45–50 °C, 40–50 °C and 50–70 °C, respectively. In conclusion, to maintain plant bioactive components, convective drying at relatively low drying temperatures is strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The invasive hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has presented a challenge to ornamental nurseries in Florida since its arrival in 2017. Hibiscus flowers drop from plants because of HBW feeding and oviposition, which results in plants that are unattractive and subsequently not purchased by consumers. To help growers manage the HBW, we measured the lethal and sublethal effects on HBW adults caused by 21 different insecticide and horticultural oil products. Laboratory Experiments: Horticultural oil products only caused mortality when they were directly sprayed on HBW adults. Diflubenzuron, pyrethrins, spinetoram plus sulfoxaflor, and spirotetramat were selected for further analysis in Contact Toxicity Experiments and Greenhouse Experiments because these products caused either significant mortality and/or a reduction in feeding and oviposition in HBW adults. Contact Toxicity Experiments: Pyrethrins, spinetoram plus sulfoxaflor, and spirotetramat were highly toxic to HBW adults. Greenhouse Experiments: Pyrethrins application significantly reduced HBW adult feeding/oviposition on, and the number of larvae within, hibiscus buds. We recommend that HBW infestations be managed with rotations of diflubenzuron, pyrethrins, spinetoram plus sulfoxaflor, spirotetramat, and horticultural oils, as the rotation of products belonging to different insecticide groups can reduce the risk of resistance development while still providing control. In 2017, the hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), was found outside of its native range of Mexico and Texas, infesting hibiscus plants in Florida. Therefore, we selected 21 different insecticide and horticultural oil products to evaluate their effects on the reproductive rate, feeding, and oviposition behavior of the HBW. In laboratory experiments, significant mortality was observed in adult weevils exposed to diflubenzuron-treated hibiscus leaves and buds, and hibiscus buds treated with diflubenzuron contained the fewest number of eggs and feeding/oviposition holes. Among horticultural oil products, significant mortality was only observed in experiments in which adult weevils were directly sprayed (direct experiments). Pyrethrins and spinetoram plus sulfoxaflor reduced the oviposition rate and caused significant mortality in direct experiments. Diflubenzuron, pyrethrins, spinetoram plus sulfoxaflor, and spirotetramat were further tested via contact toxicity experiments and greenhouse experiments. Contact toxicity experiments demonstrated that the tested insecticides (except diflubenzuron) were highly toxic to HBW adults. In greenhouse experiments, only those hibiscus plants treated with pyrethrins had significantly fewer feeding/oviposition holes and larvae within their flower buds when compared to control (water-treated) plants. These results constitute an important first step in the identification of effective chemical control options for the HBW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma is the fourth state of matters which have a wide application in food processing and post harvest technology. Plasma when applied over crops has tremendous effects in improvement in the quality and other post harvest attributes. Application of cold plasma technology could effectively induce desirable changes in its overall quality and diverse physiology. The following review would discuss the application of non-thermal plasma technology to disinfect and decontaminate processed food product and fresh horticultural crops. Horticultural crops which are treated with plasma technology do not show any loss in nutrients. The packaging materials can also be sterilized by using plasma technology. Similarly, the food packed inside a package can also be sterilized without harming the package integrity. Beside that it can also be used to reduce the enzymatic activity of fresh fruits and vegetables and help to modify the food properties. Cold plasma technology can penetrate fungal biofilm and destroy resting fungal spores. This technology can also be harnessed to remove residual toxic pesticide from food products and fresh fruits and vegetables. However, the technology might sound a bit expensive but have a long future in terms of utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to optimize a nonthermal (NT) ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extraction (aq‐UAE) to maximize the recovery of polyphenols, betaxanthins, and betacyanins. Extraction yields, thermal profiles and microbiological quality of the extract were compared with a previoulsy optimized thermal aq‐UAE. Extraction yields resulted 68%–121% higher in NT‐aqUAE. Polyphenols and betaxanthins were the most affected by high temperatures of thermal process showing decreses after 8 min of thermosonication at temperatures >50°C. Temperature during NT‐aqUAE waslower than 30ºC avoiding the detrimental effects of heat. Microbial counts decreased 2‐log cycles after thermosonication and the remaining microbial load did not resist the storage conditions. Conversely, no significant decreases were detected after NTaq‐UAE. However, sublethal damage was observed as microbial counts presented a higher lag phase than control during refrigerated storage. Although NTaq‐UAE process allows for higher phytochemical extraction yields than thermal aq‐UAE, it does not contribute to controlling the microbial load of extracts. Practical application: Nonthermal ultrasound‐assisted aqueous extraction of bioactive compounds from beet leaves was optimized in this work. This process improved the extraction yield of polyphenols and betalains compared with the thermal counterpart as thermolabile compounds degradation was avoided with the limitation on thermal increments. The developed process resulted simple and reasonably efficient for producing extracts rich in polyphenols and betalain pigments that hold potential to be used as natural additives. Additionally, evaluation of microbiological quality of extracts obtained by thermal and nonthermal optimized UAE processes allow to establish that thermal aq‐UAE improved microbiological quality and stability of extracts while nonthermal one would require an additional treatment of the extract to improve its microbiological quality. Developed processes are effective postharvest strategies to the valorisation of horticultural by products such as beet leaves and increase biomass utilization improving the sustainability of the agri‐food chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chili is one of the world's most widely used horticultural products. Many dishes around the world are prepared using this fruit. The chili belongs to the genus Capsicum and is part of the Solanaceae family. This fruit has essential biomolecules such as carbohydrates, dietary fiber, proteins, and lipids. In addition, chili has other compounds that may exert some biological activity (bioactivities). Recently, many studies have demonstrated the biological activity of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and capsaicinoids in different varieties of chili. Among all these bioactive compounds, polyphenols are one of the most studied. The main bioactivities attributed to polyphenols are antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive. This review describes the data from in vivo and in vitro bioactivities attributed to polyphenols and capsaicinoids of the different chili products. Such data help formulate functional foods or food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light is a fundamental environmental parameter for plant growth and development because it provides an energy source for carbon fixation during photosynthesis and regulates many other physiological processes through its signaling. In indoor horticultural cultivation systems, sole-source light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown great potential for optimizing growth and producing high-quality products. Light is also a regulator of flowering, acting on phytochromes and inducing or inhibiting photoperiodic plants. Plants respond to light quality through several light receptors that can absorb light at different wavelengths. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of the role of blue and red light in the modulation of important plant quality traits, nutrient absorption and assimilation, as well as secondary metabolites, and includes the dynamic signaling networks that are orchestrated by blue and red wavelengths with a focus on transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming, plant productivity, and the nutritional quality of products. Moreover, it highlights future lines of research that should increase our knowledge to develop tailored light recipes to shape the plant characteristics and the nutritional and nutraceutical value of horticultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits are important horticultural commodities because they provide nutrients that help human health. Fruits are mostly consumed as fresh products; however, there are challenges in retaining the freshness, such as the rapid ripening process that triggers fruit deterioration and reduces fruit quality and nutrient content. The postharvest quality of horticultural crops is affected by pre-and postharvest treatment. Most farmers use chemical compounds and fungicides to prevent postharvest damage; however, this results in health hazards and environmental pollution. Melatonin can be used for maintaining and improving postharvest horticultural crops such as fruits. Melatonin is a new bioactive compound that is a potent free radical scavenger and antioxidant. It has been studied as an alternative to harmful chemicals used commercially in the postharvest management of fresh products. For human health, melatonin plays a regulatory role in circadian and seasonal rhythms, sleep, retinal functions, and the immune system. In plants, melatonin regulates many biological processes, particularly when plants have experienced abiotic stress, germination, aging, and growth. The effect of exogenous melatonin on fruit ripening has focused primarily on the relationship between melatonin and ethylene plant hormones. Many studies in recent years have discussed melatonin's role in plants, particularly in delaying plant aging as an alternative way of increasing fruit shelf life. This review provides a comprehensive overview of melatonin biosynthesis in plants, factors that affect the content of melatonin in fruit, melatonin mechanisms in fruit ripening, the impact of melatonin on postharvest fruit quality, the effect of melatonin on postharvest quality, and the change in metabolite content of horticultural products, particularly fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis integerrima L. belongs to the Berberidaceae family and is one of the small fruits with many medicinal properties, which is considered among the horticultural products with high plant diversity and favorable genetic reserves. This research aimed to study barberry's phenological, morpho-physiological, and biochemical attributes in five different habitats in Kerman province, Iran (Bam, Jiroft, Anbarabad, Raber, and Baft) during 2019-2020. The results of the phenological traits showed that the Jiroft and Anbarabad habitats have the maximum number of days until the end of vegetative growth, the number of days from activation of buds to the beginning of fruit formation, the number of days until the physiological maturity of the fruit, the number of days from activation of buds to fruit coloring, and the lowest number of days until flowering. The mean comparison showed that in terms of yield, the investigated habitats from the highest production to the lowest included Anbarabad> Baft> Bam> Rabar> Jiroft. The highest average traits of panicle length (43.38 cm), number of fruits per panicle (26.6), 1000-fruit weight (141.9 g), 1000-seedless fruit weight (128.4 g), seed length (1.16 mm), seed diameter (0.97 mm), fruit length and diameter (19.03 and 5.41 mm), yield (16.69 kg per stem), and the number of thorns 10 cm (13.5 pieces) was observed in Anbarabad habitat. The yield was negatively and significantly correlated with fruit length, titratable acidity, anthocyanin, DPPH, and phenol. Interestingly, soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium had a positive effect on increasing the barberry yield. On the other hand, increasing the longitude, latitude, and altitude decreases yield. Anbarabad and Jiroft habitats had the highest and lowest averages of pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content, respectively. Generally, the results of this study indicate a high genetic diversity in phenological, morphological, chemical, and physiological aspects in different habitats. Moreover, the results showed that Anbarabad was significantly superior in phenological, morphological, yield, and phytochemical traits compared to other ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolome of strawberries at harvest determines their storage capacity. Therefore, dynamics of volatile production during storage of strawberry cultivated under diverse drainage ratios, T1 (12.0%), T2 (25.3%), T3 (36.4%), and T4 (56.5%), were evaluated. Among the various non-target VOCs analysis, there were some groups including aldehydes, esters, and furans occupied over 5% with exhibiting high coefficient of determination (R²) following the days after storage (DAS). Aldehydes content decreased over the storage period, while the esters (methyl butanoate, methyl hexanoate, ethyl hexanoate, and benzyl acetate) and furanones (furaneol and mesifuran) were increased as representing aroma compounds in strawberry ripening. Even on the same day, it was investigated that the release of VOCs linked to fruit decay was delayed in the groups (T1 and T2) that were given relatively little water compared to T3 and T4. The hexanal and ethyl hexanoate as an over-ripened signal showed a rapid increase from 4 DAS to 5 DAS in T3 and T4, respectively, while T1 and T2 showed significant increase from 5 DAS to 6 DAS. Relatively slower over-ripening tendency of T1 and T2 was supported by changes of firmness, total soluble solid content, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity during storage. T1 and T2 showed higher antioxidant activity at the harvest time and lower anthocyanin accumulation than T3 and T4. The present study elucidated that the preharvest drainage changes during cultivation was involved in fruit quality during strawberry storage. Besides, volatilomics analysis depicted that T2 as an optimal ratio, could delay the occurrence of stress and senescence, and guaranteed the strawberry yield. In conclusion, this study provided evidence that the practical application of drainage ratios could improve horticultural product quality even with low water use and VOCs might be considered an early indicator for strawberry fruit shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous free radical that has been become a potential tool to maintain the quality of postharvest horticultural produce. It plays important roles in delaying ripening, alleviating chilling injury, preventing browning, and enhancing disease resistance. The regulatory function of NO is achieved through the post-transcriptional modification of proteins, such as tyrosine nitration, S-nitrosylation, and nitroalkylation. Secondly, NO can also induce the expression of stress-related genes by synergistically interacting with other signaling substances, such as Ca2+, ethylene (ETH), salicylic acid (SA), and jasmonic acid (JA). Here, research progress on the role of NO and its donors in regulating the quality of postharvest fruits and vegetables under storage is reviewed. The function of NO crosstalk with other phytohormones is summarized. Future research directions for NO commercial application and the endogenous NO regulatory mechanism are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is one of the most widely consumed horticultural products. However, tomato is very sensitive to changes in temperature. Daily average temperatures above 32 °C severely reduced tomato plant growth, development, and productivity. Therefore, climate change-induced global warming is a major threat to future tomato production. Good photosynthetic capability under heat stress conditions is known to be a major sign of heat tolerance. Tomato INDOLE-ACETIC-ACID (SlIAA9) is a transcriptional repressor in auxin signaling. SlIAA9 mutation caused heightened endogenous auxin response and biosynthesis within plant tissues. In this study, we studied the photosynthetic capability of iaa9-3 and iaa9-5 mutants under heat-stress conditions. We discovered that both iaa9-3 and iaa9-5 could maintain their photosynthetic capability after 14 days of heat treatment (>40 °C), differing from Wild Type-Micro-Tom (WT-MT) tomato. Both iaa9 mutants had higher net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, leaf total chlorophyll, leaf carotenoids, Fv/Fm value, and lower leaf MDA than WT-MT. These results suggested that the SlIAA9 mutation benefits plant adaptation to heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preservation of horticultural produce is vital for quality products to be delivered to customers long after harvest. Product qualities are maintained when field heat is removed. Prompt forced-air cooling (FAC) is preferred for various products to remove this field heat and delay ripening. Packaging modifications are vital in enhancing the FAC process and minimizing energy consumption. The detailed characteristics of fluid flow and heat transfer inside packaging can be best analyzed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, which helps develop better packaging designs. This comprehensive review highlights various numerical models used to study the pre-cooling process and discusses different evaluation methods for analyzing the performance of FAC processes. The procedure to develop a CFD model for pre-cooling studies is also discussed in detail. The effect of various parameters like vent hole size, shape, airflow velocity, and cooling temperature on cooling efficiency and uniformity is accentuated through literature. Different boundary conditions, new performance parameters, and guidelines for future studies are also deduced. Further, the study emphasizes the importance of multi-parameter analysis in designing better packaging for optimum cooling performance. This study thus demonstrates the use of CFD methods to study the effect of various parameters on pre-cooling performance and energy consumption while simultaneously comparing various packaging designs to find sustainable design solutions for different horticulture products. • CFD modeling of fruits and vegetables' forced-air cooling (FAC) was reviewed. • Different boundary conditions for CFD modeling of various fruits were discussed. • Newly introduced performance criteria were explained with future challenges. • Recent developments and future challenges are highlighted for the FAC of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]