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Important Near-Infrared Research Breakthroughs for Fresh Produce in 2025
Several significant breakthroughs were achieved in 2025 in the near-infrared (NIR) technology, notably a prototype for non-contact use. Several studies focused on finding a single optimal NIR wavelength or reducing the number of wavelengths used to make data analysis easier and devices more affordable. Expanding detection of pesticide residues and reducing pest infestations to make… Continue reading…
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How to Prevent Postharvest Quality of Table Grapes from Declining During Storage and Transport
Gray mold infection and rachis browning are the two main factors responsible for post-harvest quality loss of table grapes. Loss of appearance, weight, and firmness, shriveling, wilting, and bruising are some of the other prominent quality issues seen in postharvest grape clusters. Rapid moisture loss in berries, handling, and diseases are the three major postharvest… Continue reading…
What Is an Ethylene Monitoring System and Why Is It Critical for Fresh Produce?
Ethylene monitoring systems can have fixed or portable sensors. Other components of the monitoring systems could be data logging, data transmission, connectivity, remote access, and a control event scheduler. The sensors used to detect ethylene must be sensitive, selective, stable, rapid, and have the required lower limit and detection range. Ethylene monitoring in the postharvest… Continue reading…
How to Detect and Control Ethylene in Storage Rooms
Ethylene must be monitored and controlled as even trace amounts in parts per billion can cause over-ripening, decay, and spoilage. Fixed and portable gas analyzers that can detect and monitor ethylene levels in storage facilities are available on the market. Several strategies exist to lower ethylene levels, including venting, the use of ethylene inhibitors, scrubbers,… Continue reading…
What Causes Avocado Quality Problems? Common Issues in the Supply Chain Explained
Avocados are challenging due to their unique ripening process, which requires a few days post-harvest to overcome the “tree factor.” The leading causes of quality problems are incorrect maturity at harvest, careless handling, and improper storage temperatures and gas mixtures in cool storage. Limiting problems starts with harvesting avocados at the correct maturity and quality… Continue reading…
What Are the Harvest Maturity Indices for Strawberries?
Strawberries can be harvested at two different maturities to meet marketing needs at varying distances. Color is the most critical parameter used as a maturity index for strawberry harvest. Other harvest maturity indices are size, sugar content, and taste. Non-destructive measurements using portable NIR spectroscopy devices are best suited for establishing harvest maturity indices. Strawberries… Continue reading…
How Is Non-Destructive Quality Assessment of Fresh Produce Changing the Supply Chain?
The standard quality parameters monitored are color, texture, sugar, titratable acidity, and dry matter content. Several destructive methods of estimation exist for the parameters. Near-infrared spectroscopy is currently the only non-destructive method for quality control of sugars, titrable acidity, internal color, and dry matter content. Near-infrared spectroscopy can precisely and rapidly estimate all quality parameters,… Continue reading…
