Basic approaches to maintaining the safety and quality of horticultural produce are the same, regardless of the market to which this produce is targeted. This bulletin reviews the factors which contribute to quality and safety deterioration of horticultural produce, and describes approaches to assuring the maintenance of quality and safety throughout the post-harvest chain. Specific examples are given to illustrate the economic implications of investing in and applying proper post-harvest technologies. Criteria for the assessment of post-harvest needs, the selection of post-harvest technologies appropriate to the situation and context, and for extending appropriate levels of post-harvest information are also discussed.

Consideration of the interactions between decisions made at one point in the supply chain and its effects on the subsequent stages is the core concept of a systems approach. Postharvest Handling is unique in its application of this systems approach to the handling of fruits and vegetables, exploring multiple aspects of this important process through chapters written by experts from a variety of backgrounds.Newly updated and revised, this second edition includes coverage of the logistics of fresh produce from multiple perspectives, postharvest handing under varying weather conditions, quality control, changes in consumer eating habits and other factors key to successful postharvest handling.The ideal book for understanding the economic as well as physical impacts of postharvest handling decisions.Key Features:*Features contributions from leading experts providing a variety of perspectives*Updated with 12 new chapters*Focuses on application-based information for practical implementation*System approach is unique in the handling of fruits and vegetables

Postharvest; Biology; Harvesting; Preparation for fresh market; Packages; Cooling operations; Storage; Modified atmospheres; Ethylene; Disease by handling practices and strategies for control; Insect control; Transportation.

Postharvest Technology of Perishable Horticultural Commodities describes all the postharvest techniques and technologies available to handle perishable horticultural food commodities. It includes basic concepts and important new advances in the subject. Adopting a thematic style, chapters are organized by type of treatment, with sections devoted to postharvest risk factors and their amelioration. Written by experts from around the world, the book provides core insights into identifying and utilizing appropriate postharvest options for maximum results. - Presents the most recent developments in processing technologies in a single volume - Includes a wide range of perishable products, thus allowing for translational insight - Appropriate for students and professionals - Written by experts as a reference resource

The fungal genus Botrytis is the focus of intensive scientific research worldwide. The complex interactions between this pathogen and the plants it infects and the economic importance of the diseases caused by Botrytis (principally grey mould) on more than 1400 species of cultivated plants pre- and post-harvest, render this pathogen of particular interest to farmers, advisers, students and researchers in many fields worldwide. This 20-chapter book is a comprehensive treatise covering the rapidly developing science of Botrytis and reflecting the major developments in studies of this fungus. It will serve as a source of general information for specialists in agriculture and horticulture, and also for students and scientists interested in the biology of this fascinating, multifaceted phytopathogenic fungal species.

Postharvest and Postmortem Processing of Raw Food Materials, a volume in the Unit Operations and Processing Equipment in the Food Industry series, presents the processing operations and handling of agricultural crops, animal products, and raw food materials after their harvesting/slaughtering and entrance into food production factories. Chapters in this new release cover an Introduction to postharvest and postmortem technology, Primary operations in postharvest processing, Disintegration of raw agricultural crops, Disintegration with little changes in form (Husking, Shelling, Pitting, Coring, Snipping and Destemming), Disintegration with considerable changes in form (Cutting/dicing, crashing and grinding, Slaughtering, Shredding, Sheeting), and much more. Written by experts in the field of food engineering, and in a simple and dynamic way, this book targets all who are engaged in food processing operations worldwide, giving readers good knowledge on the basics of food engineering principles and applications. - Thoroughly explores novel applications of postharvest/postmortem operations in processing food products - Brings perspectives about the postharvest processing of different agricultural crops and postmortem processing of different animal meats - Helps to improve the quality and safety of food products with postharvest/postmortem operations

Controlled and Modified Atmospheres for Fresh and Fresh-Cut Produce is the ultimate reference book of CA/MA recommendations for selected commodities. It includes the basic knowledge of physiology and technologies to the current application of recommended CA/MAP conditions for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. For each commodity, a summary with requirements and recommendations is presented. The book is divided into three parts, with each focusing on different aspects of CA/MA, including fundamental topics on the physiological and quality effects of CA and MAP for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, optimal CA/MAP conditions and recommendations, and optimal conditions for fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. - Provides guidelines and recommendations of CA/MAP for the fresh produce industry - Illustrates the benefits and defects caused by CA/MA in full color - Brings more than 54 fruits and vegetables and their respective summary with the requirements and recommendations of CA/MA conditions - Includes the optimal CA/MAP conditions and recommendations for selected fresh fruits and vegetables

Written by a diverse group of research professionals, Postharvest Decay: Control Strategies is aimed at a wide audience, including researchers involved in the study of postharvest handling of agricultural commodities, and undergraduate and graduate students researching postharvest topics. Growers, managers, and operators working at packinghouses and storage, retail, and wholesale facilities can also benefit from this book. The information in this book covers a wide range of topics related to selected fungi, such as taxonomy, infection processes, economic importance, causes of infection, the influence of pre-harvest agronomic practices and the environment, the effect of handling operations, and the strategic controls for each host-pathogen, including traditional and non-traditional alternatives. - Includes eleven postharvest fungi causing serious rots in numerous fruits and vegetables - Offers selected microorganisms including pathogens of commercially important tropical, subtropical and temperate crops worldwide, such as tomatoes, pears, apples, peaches, citrus, banana, papaya, and mango, among others - Presents content developed by recognized and experienced high-level scientists, working in the postharvest pathology area worldwide - Provides basic information about each fungus, pre- and postharvest factors that contribute to infection and control measurements, including the use of chemicals and non-traditional methods

Variability in vegetable pathogens is a critical issue, particularly in changing environments, as it presents challenges to accurate diagnoses and proper management. This book focuses on the diverse ecology of phytopathogens, covering the varying disease categories (acute, chronic, and emerging), the mechanisms involved in disease development, pathogen variability, and disease management. The book also discusses the preharvest and postharvest challenges that arise due to these phytopathogens. Key Features: • Provides an overview of phytopathogens that affect vegetables in various environmental conditions • Discusses how to manage vegetables affected by specific pathogens • Offers eco-friendly approaches to prevent postharvest diseases • Presents a comprehensive guide to identifying and addressing numerous diseases for individuals in the fields of horticulture