Advancing Postharvest Science with Felix Instruments: A Spotlight on Dr. Karin Albornoz  

Karin Albornoz is a postharvest biologist who focuses on the handling, storage, and transportation of fruits and vegetables after they are harvested. She has worked with a variety of produce, including leafy greens, tomatoes, and watermelon. In her current research at Clemson University, she is using an ethylene analyzer to study how ethylene production at harvest correlates with the quality and shelf life of brassica leafy greens like collard greens and kale during postharvest storage.

Her work has shown strong correlations between ethylene levels at harvest and changes in color and chlorophyll content during storage, suggesting the ethylene analyzer could be a useful tool for the produce industry to predict postharvest performance. Albornoz sees great potential in using biotechnology and molecular tools to address challenges in postharvest management and help reduce food losses and waste.

Postharvest science plays a crucial role in reducing food losses and waste, enhancing global food security, and ensuring that fruits and vegetables retain their quality from farm to fork. At the forefront of this field is Dr. Karin Albornoz, a postharvest biologist at Clemson University. Combining her expertise in agronomy, biotechnology, and molecular biology, Dr. Albornoz has dedicated her career to investigating the biological processes that influence postharvest quality and shelf-life. A key tool in her research has been the Felix Instruments F-900 Ethylene Analyzer, which has enabled her to gather critical data and drive innovative solutions. This article explores her background, groundbreaking research, and the transformative impact of Felix Instruments on her work. 

Dr. Albornoz Background and Journey

Born and raised in Chile, Dr. Karin Albornoz journey into postharvest science began with her undergraduate studies in agronomy. Her work with small and medium-scale farmers in Chile ignited a passion for improving the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Observing the limited access to postharvest technologies among these farmers, she saw an opportunity to make a tangible impact in the agricultural industry.

To deepen her expertise, Karin pursued a master’s degree and a Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis. There, she studied leafy greens and tomatoes, gaining experience in both applied research and fundamental biological studies. After completing her graduate work, she returned to Chile as an assistant professor, continuing to focus on postharvest challenges. In 2023, she joined Clemson University, where she has expanded her research to address both local and global agricultural needs. 

Research Focus

Dr. Albornoz research spans the entire postharvest process, encompassing handling, cooling, sanitation, refrigeration, packaging and transportation. Her goal is to optimize these to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

At Clemson, her current projects focus on brassica leafy greens, including kale, collard greens, and turnip greens. Despite their cultural significance in the southern United States, these crops remain under-researched compared to more widely studied greens like lettuce and spinach. She also works with tomatoes, sweet potatoes, blackberries, and watermelons, aiming to address the unique postharvest challenges of each commodity.

Her research employs both conventional postharvest tools and advanced biotechnological methods, exploring the cellular and molecular processes that influence quality and shelf life.

Postharvest Challenges Across Regions

Dr. Albornoz experiences in Chile and the United States have given her a unique perspective on the disparities in postharvest practices. In Chile, the fruit industry has thrived due to investments in export-driven technologies, such as cold storage and controlled atmospheres. However, the vegetable sector, dominated by small-scale farmers, lacks similar resources, leading to shorter shelf lives and limited commercialization.

In the United States, advanced technologies are more accessible, but Karin highlights the need for continued innovation to address challenges like food waste and sustainability. Her work bridges these gaps by developing tools and techniques that are both effective and accessible. 

The Role of Felix Instruments

A cornerstone of Dr. Albornoz research has been the Felix Instruments F-900 Ethylene Analyzer. This device allows her to measure ethylene levels, a critical indicator of plant stress and ripening, both in the field and during storage.

Using the F-900, she has explored whether ethylene levels at harvest can predict postharvest performance in leafy greens. By measuring ethylene in real-time during harvest and correlating it with parameters like chlorophyll content and color stability during storage, she has uncovered promising insights. For instance, strong correlations between ethylene levels and shelf-life indicators suggest that this tool could help the agricultural industry optimize harvesting and storage practices.

Dr. Albornoz praises the F-900 for its portability, cost-effectiveness, and non-destructive measurement capabilities. Unlike traditional gas chromatography methods, which are expensive and time-consuming, the F-900 provides fast, reliable data in diverse environments, making it an invaluable resource for her research.

Applications and Impact

The practical implications of Dr. Albornoz Molina’s work are vast. Her research could lead to predictive tools that help farmers and distributors make informed decisions about harvest timing and storage conditions. By leveraging the insights gained from ethylene measurements, the industry can reduce waste, improve product quality, and enhance profitability.

Looking ahead, Karin plans to expand her use of Felix Instruments’ tools. She is particularly interested in the SpectraVue Leaf Spectrometer, which could complement her studies by providing detailed insights into leaf composition and health.

Reflections and Recommendations

Dr. Albornoz views biotechnology as a critical component of postharvest science. While consumer acceptance of biotech innovations remains a challenge, she believes that these tools are essential for tackling issues like food losses and waste and environmental sustainability. Incorporating diverse technologies, including devices like the F-900, into postharvest research ensures a multifaceted approach to solving these global problems.

For researchers new to Felix Instruments, Karin recommends familiarizing themselves with the devices and allowing them to stabilize before use. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating these tools into a broader research framework to maximize their potential.

Dr. Karin Albornoz exemplifies the transformative power of postharvest science. Her dedication to improving the quality and longevity of fruits and vegetables has significant implications for farmers, consumers, and the environment. Felix Instruments has played a pivotal role in her journey, providing the tools needed to gather data and drive innovation.

As Dr. Albornoz continues her work at Clemson University, her research not only advances scientific understanding but also paves the way for practical applications that benefit the agricultural industry. To learn more about Felix Instruments and their contributions to postharvest research, visit their website and explore the tools shaping the future of agriculture.