Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ikechukwu Kingsley Opara, Olaniyi Amos Fawole, Umezuruike Linus Opara
Summary: The study aimed to quantify pomegranate fruit losses at a packhouse, identify the causes, and estimate the impacts. Results showed losses ranging from 6.74% to 7.69%, leading to significant economic losses in revenue and opportunity costs.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ikechukwu Kingsley Opara, Olaniyi Amos Fawole, Candice Kelly, Umezuruike Linus Opara
Summary: The study showed that environmental factors are the main causes of on-farm fruit losses, with sunburn and crack identified as the leading causes in the three pomegranate cultivars studied.
Article
Microbiology
Yang Zhang, Md. Mahidul Islam Masum, Congcong Gao, Yudou Cheng, Junfeng Guan
Summary: This study demonstrates that ozone treatment can significantly reduce postharvest decay of winter jujube and alter the structure of bacterial and fungal communities. Ozone treatment reduces the abundance of Rhizopus and Gluconobacter, and metabolic pathways related to fruit quality and firmness are predicted.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
M. Cantwell, G. Hong, K. Albornoz, M. Berlanga
Summary: Fresh grapevine leaves are preferred for preparing stuffed dolmas, but since they are perishable and have a limited harvesting window, most leaves are currently preserved. Research on fresh grapevine leaves (var. Thompson Seedless) focused on postharvest performance, including leaf maturity, respiration rates, storage conditions, water loss, and decay control. Suitable leaves for dolmas are bright green and partially expanded, with minimal variation in sugar, acid, phenolic concentrations, and dry weight among the different maturity stages. Respiration rates are moderate, allowing for storage up to 8 weeks at low temperatures, while water loss and decay can affect quality.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Qi Gao, Yang Zhang, Congcong Gao, Huimin Li, Yudou Cheng, Xun Qian, Lishu Zhang, Jinyu Liu, Solabomi Olaitan Ogunyemi, Junfeng Guan
Summary: A study found that there are differences in microbial communities between organic and conventional 'Huangguan' pear fruit during storage. Organic fruit showed a decreased quality and a higher susceptibility to decay. These differences could potentially contribute to the variation in postharvest quality and decay between organic and conventional fruits.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ibrahim Kahramanoglu, Kannan R. R. Rengasamy, Serhat Usanmaz, Turgut Alas, Murat Helvaci, Volkan Okatan, Mehmet A. Askin, Chunpeng Wan
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused negative impacts on the global economy, particularly affecting horticultural production and exacerbating food supply shocks. Scientific research has confirmed that reducing postharvest losses can help alleviate food supply pressure and reduce strain on natural resources.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jiaoke Zeng, Chuying Chen, Ming Chen, Jinyin Chen
Summary: Naringin treatment delays citrus fruit decay and maintains fruit quality by promoting metabolite accumulation and upregulating differentially expressed genes in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Yao Liu, Xing-meng Lei, Yu-xiao Guo, Shi-xiang Yao, Kai-fang Zeng
Summary: This study found that methionine treatment can reduce the decay rate of postharvest jujube fruit, maintain fruit color and titratable acid, and delay the decrease of firmness, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and lignin contents. Methionine treatment also alters the amino acid composition in jujube fruits and increases the total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Congcong Gao, Yang Zhang, Huimin Li, Qi Gao, Yudou Cheng, Solabomi Olaitan Ogunyemi, Junfeng Guan
Summary: The study found that fruit bagging significantly reduced postharvest fruit decay and respiration rate of 'Yali' pears. Significant differences were observed in fungal composition between bagging and non-bagging pears after storage for 0 or 15 days. Fruit bagging maintained the diversity of fungi on the fruit surface, increased the abundance of non-pathogenic fungi, and reduced the abundance of pathogenic fungi, ultimately decreasing postharvest decay and extending the storage period of 'Yali' pears.
Article
Microbiology
Monica Gandia, Anant Kakar, Moises Giner-Llorca, Jeanett Holzknecht, Pedro Martinez-Culebras, Laszlo Galgoczy, Florentine Marx, Jose F. Marcos, Paloma Manzanares
Summary: This study evaluated the potential application of different antifungal proteins (AFPs) in controlling Penicillium decay, and found that PAFB was the most potent AFP against P. digitatum, P. italicum, and P. expansum. The combination of different AFPs did not result in an increase in disease control efficacy.
Article
Horticulture
Adem Dogan, Mustafa Erkan
Summary: This study investigated the impact of high CO2 concentration on the postharvest quality of fig cv. Bursa Siyahi. Results showed that 3% O-2 + 10% CO2 and 3% O-2 + 15% CO2 delayed softening, while 3% O-2 + 20% CO2 accelerated this process. Weight loss during storage was slower in the controlled atmosphere (PA) systems compared to regular atmosphere (RA). The taste of the fruits stored in PA systems was unaffected, and PA-2 and PA-3 had the lowest levels of microorganism and decay. Fruits stored in PAs had higher sugar and organic acid contents, lower respiration rate, and PA-3 inhibited ethylene production.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohammad Reza Saebi, Farid Moradinezhad, Elham Ansarifar
Summary: Ultrasound treatment improves the quality of seedless barberry fruit and reduces decay during cold storage. The optimal ultrasound treatment in this study was found to be at 40°C for 15 minutes.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Alicia Dobon-Suarez, Maria J. Gimenez, Maria E. Garcia-Pastor, Pedro J. Zapata
Summary: The study showed that preharvest application of salicylic acid at low doses on pepper plants can increase crop yield and fruit quality parameters, delaying quality losses and decay incidence during storage.
Article
Agronomy
Yardjouma Silue, Charlemagne Nindjin, Mohamed Cisse, Kohi Alfred Kouame, N. 'guessan Georges Amani, Didier Mbeguie-A-Mbeguie, Felicie Lopez-Lauri, Kablan Tano
Summary: The study found that hexanal treatment and cold storage conditions can reduce postharvest losses and spoilage rate of mangoes, while increasing fruit firmness and ascorbic acid content. Sensory analysis showed that hexanal treatment improves overall likeability, chewiness, sweetness, and color of the mango flesh.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Juan J. Hueso, Francisca Alonso, Maria L. Canete, Monica Gonzalez, Virginia Pinillos, Fernando M. Chiamolera, Julian Cuevas
Summary: Different pre- and postharvest deficit irrigation (DI) strategies can effectively improve the earliness and quality of loquat fruit, while achieving water savings.
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)