Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hao Wang, Na Xu, Yong Peng, Xiaoyan Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the quality changes and threshold signal during controlled atmosphere storage of garlic scapes using the detection of ethanol and chlorophyll fluorescence. The results showed that a 7% CO2/3% O-2 treatment effectively slowed down the decrease of chlorophyll and ascorbic acid, inhibited the accumulation of ethanol, and maintained good sensory quality. Ethanol and chlorophyll fluorescence F-0 were found to be indicators of low O-2 damage during atmosphere storage of garlic scapes. The tolerable low O-2 threshold was determined to be 1.5% O-2 for garlic scapes storage. This study provided new insights into the preservation of garlic scapes during atmosphere storage.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Bayu Nugraha, Pieter Verboven, Bert E. Verlinden, Celine Verreydt, Matthieu Boone, Ivan Josipovic, Bart M. Nicolai
Summary: This study investigates the internal gas gradients in pear fruit during controlled atmosphere storage and their relation to internal browning. The study utilizes effective diffusivity maps reflecting the heterogeneous structure to predict the internal gas gradients. The results show that the distribution of internal gas concentrations and respiratory quotient (RQ) is affected by the heterogeneity of the diffusivity, and the occurrence of internal browning is related to the critical oxygen (O2) and RQ levels.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Chaohui Li, Bao Tanga, Shulin Cao, Yan Bao, Weibo Sun, Yancun Zhao, Fengquan Liu
Summary: This study shows that HSAF has strong antifungal activity against pear anthracnose caused by C. fructicola, effectively reducing disease development. HSAF inhibits mycelial growth and conidia germination of the pathogen, demonstrating great potential as a new type of fruit preservative.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
James P. Mattheis, David A. Felicetti, David R. Rudell
Summary: Pear production relies on precise controlled atmosphere storage technologies to control ripening and disorders. Metabolites in pear peel under specific storage conditions reflect disorder risk, with different storage conditions affecting fruit quality, ripeness, and metabolism.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Tatenda Gift Kawhena, Olaniyi Amos Fawole, Umezuruike Linus Opara
Summary: The study found that using repeated low oxygen stress and dynamic controlled atmosphere technologies can effectively inhibit superficial scald development on apples during long-term storage, while also maintaining higher flesh firmness and total soluble solids in the fruit. The combination of RLOS phases with controlled atmosphere or ultra-low oxygen storage, as well as DCA-CF treatment, reduced the development of superficial scald possibly by suppressing the oxidation of volatiles related to scald development.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Rachael Maree Wood, Fabio Rodrigo Thewes, Milena Reynaud, Dominikus Kittemann, Claudia Kaehler Sautter, Jens Norbert Wuensche, Daniel Alexandre Neuwald
Summary: This study explored how different apple cultivars responded to anaerobic treatment and storage conditions, finding that shorter durations of anaerobic exposure allowed fruits to recover from metabolic changes. Storage under controlled atmosphere post-anoxia was more effective in maintaining fruit quality and reducing anaerobic metabolite concentrations than regular air storage.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Stephanie Reis Ribeiro, Marcelo Valle Garcia, Marina Venturini Copetti, Auri Brackmann, Vanderlei Both, Roger Wagner
Summary: This study found that controlled atmosphere conditions can effectively reduce fungal spoilage and preserve the quality of pecan nuts. High levels of carbon dioxide resulted in lower contamination, and vacuum packaging can help reduce Aspergillus contamination levels.
Article
Mathematics, Applied
Eros M. M. Sunny, Janaki Balakrishnan, Jurgen Kurths
Summary: Increased greenhouse gas levels, especially carbon dioxide, are causing a significant rise in global temperature. Recent years have seen more noticeable global climate changes. There is a concern that continued increase in these gases may result in an irreversible transition of the Earth's climate system. A conceptual model is proposed to predict the tipping point.
Article
Microbiology
Zeling Cui, Lina Hu, Linglu Zeng, Wanqiu Meng, Dong Guo, Li Sun
Summary: 16 bacteria were isolated from pear orchard soil in China, and 9 isolates including Bacillus atrophaeus, Priestia megaterium (previously known as Bacillus megaterium), and Serratia marcescens exhibited antagonistic activity against Erwinia amylovora. Among them, Priestia megaterium strain KD7 showed strong antagonistic activity and produced multiple antibacterial lipopeptides. The strain also displayed resistance to several antibiotics. Therefore, it is a potential effective biocontrol agent against fire blight caused by E. amylovora.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chenling Qu, Yunze Xia, Qiankui Yang, Wenhao Li, Mei Hu, Peng Lu
Summary: This paper investigated the quality changes of rice during nitrogen-controlled atmosphere storage and subsequent re-aeration storage. The results showed slower increases in fatty acid values and malon-dialdehyde contents before re-aeration, but faster increases after re-aeration. Pasting and texture properties of rice were not significantly affected by re-aeration storage. Metabolites sensitive to changes in storage atmosphere, such as glycine, 4-aminobutyric acid, gluconic acid, sorbitol, gamma-linolenic acid, and stearidonic acid, were identified. This study provided new insights into the mechanisms of rice quality changes after re-aeration storage.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hai Du, Junlin Wei, Xitong Zhang, Yan Xu
Summary: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using native microbiota for biocontrol to reduce geosmin contamination in Daqu, an important fermentation starter for Chinese liquor. The results showed that the fungal community played an important role in the early stage of fermentation, and the interaction between Pichia and Streptomyces changed from indirect promotion to direct inhibition after inoculation.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Natasha Sloniker, Ourania Raftopoulou, Yi Chen, Elliot T. Ryser, Randy Beaudry
Summary: This study investigated the survival of L. monocytogenes on apples under different conditions. The results showed that the storage atmosphere and apple cultivar had significant effects on L. monocytogenes survival. Biofilm-derived cells were found to survive longer on apples compared to planktonic cells.
Article
Microbiology
Adel K. Madbouly, Younes M. Rashad, Mohamed I. M. Ibrahim, Nahla T. Elazab
Summary: This study investigated the application of an endophytic fungus for biodegradation and biosuppression of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production by Aspergillus flavus. Among the screened endophytic fungi isolated from healthy maize plants, Trichoderma sp. showed the highest degradation potential (76.8%). It was identified as Trichoderma harzianum AYM3 and exhibited a 65% inhibition in the growth of A. flavus AYM2 in vitro. Co-culturing T. harzianum AYM3 and A. flavus AYM2 on maize grains significantly suppressed (67%) AFB1 production. The study also identified two AFB1-suppressing compounds, acetic acid and n-propyl acetate, and revealed the downregulating effects of T. harzianum AYM3 metabolites on the expression of aflP and aflS genes. The cytotoxicity assay using HepaRG cell line indicated the safety of T. harzianum AYM3 metabolites. These findings suggest that T. harzianum AYM3 can be used to suppress AFB1 production in maize grains.
Article
Plant Sciences
Arlan James D. Rodeo, Elizabeth J. Mitcham
Summary: The use of fresh basil is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique aromatic and sensory properties. However, fresh basil has a short shelf life and is highly sensitive to chilling, resulting in leaf browning and loss of aroma. Moderate CO2 atmospheres have shown potential in alleviating chilling injury symptoms, but their effect on flavor volatiles and the impact of chilling temperatures on basil volatile profile are unclear. This study investigated how two basil genotypes responded to low temperatures and atmosphere modification, focusing on the volatile organic compounds responsible for basil aroma and flavor. It was found that chilling injury and loss of aroma volatiles were more severe at 5°C compared to 10°C and 15°C, and storage in 5% CO2 ameliorated chilling injury symptoms in one genotype but not in the other. Both chilling temperatures and controlled atmospheres affected key volatile compounds related to basil aroma and flavor, with temperature having a greater influence on the observed changes in volatile profile.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jiayi Jing, Wenjun Wang, Lili Deng, Lanhua Yi, Kaifang Zeng
Summary: This study performed amplicon sequencing on epiphytic microbiota of four varieties of citrus fruit, and identified a series of microbes with the ability to control pathogens. Functional analysis suggested that genes related to chitinase carried by these microbes might be responsible for their disease-suppressive phenotype. In vivo test results showed that these microbes were able to reduce pathogen development for a longer time compared to separate inoculation, indicating their potential for disease control.
Article
Microbiology
Loandi Richter, Erika M. du Plessis, Stacey Duvenage, Lise Korsten
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Soil Science
Magalane Pheladi Gqozo, Malick Bill, Nazareth Siyoum, Nico Labuschagne, Lise Korsten
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Serge Savary, Sonia Akter, Conny Almekinders, Jody Harris, Lise Korsten, Reimund Roetter, Stephen Waddington, Derrill Watson
Article
Soil Science
Malick Bill, Lizyben Chidamba, Jarishma K. Gokul, Nico Labuschagne, Lise Korsten
Summary: This study found differences in soil bacterial community structure between conventional and organic cropping systems, with organic systems rich in carbon cycling bacteria and conventional systems dominated by nitrogen cycling bacteria. Organic cropping systems are more conducive to the degradation of complex organic compounds. These findings provide potential beneficial information for soil management.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Loandi Richter, Erika Du Plesis, Stacey Duvenage, Lise Korsten
Summary: The study revealed potential consumer health risks associated with fresh produce, as most vegetable samples had E. coli counts within international standards, with isolated E. coli showing high levels of multidrug resistance.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Birgit Wassermann, Lise Korsten, Gabriele Berg
Summary: Understanding the plant microbiome's response to sound vibration may improve plant health and wine quality. Exposing grapevines to classical music altered the core microbiome of leaves, potentially enhancing plant resilience and sensory characteristics of wines. Further mechanistic studies are needed to fully grasp the impact of this innovative technique on plant health and wine terroir.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tintswalo Baloyi, Stacey Duvenage, Erika Du Plessis, German Villamizar-Rodriguez, Lise Korsten
Summary: The majority of E. coli isolates from informally sold fresh produce in South Africa were multi-drug resistant, with high prevalence of resistance to Aminoglycoside, Cephalosporin, Penicillin, and Chloramphenicol antibiotics. Various antibiotic resistance genes were detected, with some isolates also carrying virulence factors. E. coli isolates were grouped into different phylogenetic groups, indicating a significant human health risk.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maike Loots, Lizyben Chidamba, Lise Korsten
Summary: The study evaluated the potential impact of environmental factors and harvesting practices on the microbial load of macadamia nuts in South Africa. Results showed that E. coli, Salmonella spp., and other microbial contaminants were affected by these factors, highlighting the importance of proper management practices to ensure the safety and quality of macadamia nuts.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Muneiwa T. Ratshilingano, Erika M. du Plessis, Stacey Duvenage, Lise Korsten
Summary: This study revealed the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in commercially produced lettuce and spinach, with a potential link between irrigation water sources and the contamination of leafy green vegetables. The findings highlight the risk of antibiotic resistance and the potential transfer of E. coli in the supply chain.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Loandi Richter, Erika M. du Plessis, Stacey Duvenage, Lise Korsten
Summary: The study investigated the presence of multidrug-resistant E. coli in spinach production systems, highlighting the importance of irrigation water compliance with standardized microbiological safety guidelines for vegetable consumed raw. The similarity of multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates from irrigation water and spinach underscores the need for increased surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in fresh produce and the development of mitigation strategies.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Serge Savary, Stephen Waddington, Sonia Akter, Conny J. M. Almekinders, Jody Harris, Lise Korsten, Reimund P. Roetter, Goedele van den Broeck
Summary: The review of articles published in Food Security in 2021 reveals a diverse range of topics related to food, nutrition, production, and scales of food security. The themes covered include food supply and demand, food security in households, food production, value chains and food systems, the evolution of the concept of food security, and global nutrition. The article also discusses the importance of interdisciplinary research, the role of social sciences in ensuring food security as a collective good, the balance between the Global South and the Global North in addressing food security, and the potential neglect of urgent global challenges due to the current public health emergency.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Birgit Wassermann, Ahmed Abdelfattah, Henry Muller, Lise Korsten, Gabriele Berg
Summary: The study revealed that apples harbor a diverse range of antimicrobial resistance genes, even though their abundance is relatively low. Post-harvest and intercontinental transport significantly altered the apple microbiome and resistome, with an increase in multidrug resistance-associated genes and changes in microbial composition. Storage and transport were identified as potential factors in distributing antimicrobial resistance globally, emphasizing the importance of surveillance in complex food chains.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Malick Bill, Jarishma Keriuscia Gokul, Francois Viljoen, Lise Korsten
Summary: The aim of this study was to characterize the microbial population of avocado carposphere and understand the shifts in community structure during postharvest stages. The results showed significant differences in fungal richness on the avocado surface and pulp between postharvest stages, with a decline observed after prochloraz dip treatment. The presence of beneficial and pathogenic fungi was identified, with fungicide use resulting in a reduction of pathogenic fungi.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Thabang Msimango, Stacey Duvenage, Erika M. Du Plessis, Lise Korsten
Summary: This study assessed the microbiological quality of fresh produce supplied to South African schools. The results showed that more than half of the samples exceeded the microbiological guidelines for ready-to-eat food, with over 80% exceeding coliform and E. coli criteria. Additionally, some bacterial strains displayed multidrug resistance and may pose potential health risks to students.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stacey Duvenage, Werner Rossouw, German Villamizar-Rodriguez, Erika M. du Plessis, Lise Korsten
Summary: The study revealed that freshly harvested and packed ready-to-eat mushrooms as well as handlers' hands could be sources of diverse Staphylococcus spp., with most isolates resistant to penicillin and some being multidrug resistant strains. The presence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp. on mushrooms and handlers' hands poses a potential public health risk.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Zeyang Bao, Qihang Zhou, Yan Yu, Wei Chen, Zhenfeng Yang, Shifeng Cao, Liyu Shi
Summary: Exogenous melatonin treatment can alleviate the chilling-induced browning in cold-stored peaches by upregulating gene expression and affecting DNA methylation levels to increase phenolic accumulation.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Guolong Li, Zhishu Tang, Zhongxing Song, Xinbo Shi, Changle Liu, Qiang Chen, Hongbo Liu
Summary: This study investigated the accumulation of flavonoids in Chinese sour jujube fruits from five different harvest times using a combined metabolomics and transcriptomics approach. A total of 1539 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) and 11592 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The biosynthetic pathways for flavonoids, flavones, and flavanols were significantly enriched. A regulatory network for flavonoids biosynthesis was built and key genes related to flavonoid biosynthesis were identified.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Xuejiao Zhang, Xiaoyuan Zheng, Ruirui Yang, Qihui Wang, Lu Bai, Di Gong, Ye Han, Dov Prusky, Yang Bi
Summary: UV-C radiation promotes flavonoid synthesis in potato tuber wounds during early healing by upregulating the expression and activities of key enzymes and transcription factors involved in the flavonoid synthesis pathway, as well as increasing ABA levels and signaling.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Jiaqi Xiao, Yunyun Xie, Xiangjin Kong, Kuan Peng, Hong Zhu, Yueming Jiang, Hongxia Qu
Summary: The study reveals the positive role of Ca2+ ATPase in litchi energy metabolism and senescence. Higher expression of LcACAs is associated with better storability in litchi cultivars. Additionally, LcACA2 is identified as a target of LcmiR482e and ATP application can downregulate the expression of LcmiR482e, contributing to delayed senescence in litchi.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Asunta Mukami, Bicko Steve Juma, Cecilia Mweu, Richard Oduor, Wilton Mbinda
Summary: This study employed the CRISPR-Cas9 system to mutate genes in cassava, resulting in an extended shelf life of cassava roots and improved yield stability and farmers' income.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Paulo Sergio Gularte, Samara Martins Zanella, Cristiano Andre Steffens, Marceli Buss, Janaiana Catarina da Silva, Willian Coser, Aquidauana Miqueloto, Cassandro Vidal Talamini do Amarante
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of nitric oxide application on fruit quality and anaerobic metabolism products. The results showed that nitric oxide at appropriate concentrations can reduce respiration and ethylene evolution rates, preserve firmness, and reduce metabolite production and decay incidence.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Yiting Li, Sicong You, Shasha Wu, Mengyao Wang, Jin Song, Weijie Lan, Kang Tu, Leiqing Pan
Summary: This study aimed to compare the discrimination ability and detection limit of visible and short-wave near-infrared hyperspectral imaging features and spectral information on early implicit bruised pears. Physical characteristics were more sensitive than chemical parameters for bruised pears during postharvest storage. The changes in spectral variations at specific wavelengths could explain the bruising changes in pears. Discrimination models based on selected spectral variables could effectively identify bruised pear areas, and the combination of imaging features and spectral variables achieved higher discrimination rates.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Yu Du, Mengyue Wang, Mengting Tong, Dengyun Wu, Jianzhou Chu, Xiaoqin Yao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of sucrose, brassinolide (BR), and their combination on the storage quality of kale sprouts. The results showed that the combined treatment improved the growth and development of sprouts, reduced oxidative stress, and inhibited nutrient loss. Furthermore, the combination treatment maintained the antioxidant capacity and nutrient content of kale sprouts.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Zhiwen Hu, Jing Wei, Weimin Zhang, Long Wu, Di Gong, Yue Xiang, Jialiang Liu, Zhengke Zhang
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effect of melatonin (Mel) on the phytotoxicity and residues of the fungicide prochloraz (Pcz) in mango fruit during storage. The results showed that pretreatment with Mel reduced Pcz residues and alleviated phytotoxicity in the fruit. Mel also suppressed Pcz-induced oxidative stress and enhanced the detoxification capacity of the fruit.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Bin Duan, Okwong Oketch Reymick, Zhaoguo Liu, Yun Zhou, Xin Wang, Zhao Feng, Nengguo Tao
Summary: The monoterpene citral can enhance disease resistance and reduce fruit decay in postharvest citrus fruit. It increases the activity of certain enzymes and the content of specific compounds, as well as triggers the accumulation of plant hormones and metabolites. Gene expression analysis reveals that citral upregulates genes involved in the jasmonic acid pathway and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Meiqi Li, Xinhua Zhang, Jiaoqi Li, Maratab Ali, Yuting Wang, Xiuling Liu, Fujun Li, Xiaoan Li
Summary: This research aimed to investigate the potential action mechanism of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in controlling Botrytis cinerea (B. cinerea) in tomato fruit. The findings showed that GABA treatment effectively reduced the disease incidence and lesion diameter of tomato fruit caused by B. cinerea. GABA triggered defense responses and up-regulated the expression of pathogenesis-related genes, while also inhibiting the expression of ethylene synthesis genes.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Heeduk Oh, Marti Pottorff, Lara Giongo, Charles M. Mainland, Massimo Iorizzo, Penelope Perkins-Veazie
Summary: This study evaluated a large set of blueberry cultivars to understand the relationship between mechanical texture and appearance characteristics at harvest and after storage, and tested multiple statistical models to predict shelf-life. The results showed that fruit characteristics measured at harvest or two weeks post-harvest can predict weight loss, texture change, and fruit wrinkling. These findings provide empirical data that blueberry breeders can use to select cultivars with extended shelf-life.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Haitao Yu, Liuli Song, Jingjing Han, Xiaoyu Yu, Yuzhen Wu, Zhifang Yu
Summary: This study found that H2S treatment can delay the senescence process of postharvest pakchoi by regulating antioxidant system, endogenous H2S and NO metabolism. H2S increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes by up-regulating the expression of enzyme genes, reducing the accumulation of harmful substances. Furthermore, H2S increased the content of cysteine and nitrate in pakchoi by regulating the expression of related genes and enzyme activities, thus slowing down the senescence of pakchoi.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Jasna Mastilovic, Zarko Kevresan, Dragan Kukolj, Renata Kovac, Dragana Ubiparip Samek, Stevan Stankovski, Gordana Ostojic, Marina Deric
Summary: This study analyzes the patent portfolio and trends of sensors in postharvest of fresh produce, providing insights into the development of sensing technologies in this area. China is the leading country in patent applications, and the patent themes include produce sorting and packaging, produce storage, and the development and application of sensors. The findings highlight the significant impact of these technologies on postharvest processes, particularly in quality and safety monitoring. Moreover, they are expected to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence into postharvest processes, enhancing the coherence and efficiency of supply chains.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Agronomy
Gal Nomberg, Gulab Chand Arya, Ekaterina Manasherova, Ofir Marinov, Oded Yarden, Hagai Cohen
Summary: Certain fleshy fruit species form a polyphenolic suberized peridermal skin to seal wounded skin and prevent invasion by pathogenic fungi.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2024)