postharvesti

Postharvesti is the study and practice of managing agricultural produce after harvest to maintain quality, safety, and value throughout the supply chain. It integrates plant physiology, microbiology, engineering, and economics to extend shelf life, reduce losses, and ensure that fruits, vegetables, grains, tubers, and flowers reach consumers in good condition. The field addresses the biological processes that drive deterioration, such as respiration, ethylene production, enzymatic changes, and pathogen activity, as well as the external factors that influence these processes, including temperature, humidity, light, and handling.

Key activities in postharvesti include cooling and temperature management, humidity control, sanitation and pest management, and the use of coatings, waxes, or edible films to reduce moisture loss and decay. Storage methods such as refrigerated or controlled atmosphere environments, modified atmosphere packaging, and selective irradiation or chemical treatments are employed to slow deterioration and extend storage life. Packaging and handling practices aim to minimize mechanical injury and contamination during harvest, transport, and display. Quality assessment within postharvesti relies on indicators such as firmness, color, aroma, soluble solids, and microbial safety to determine market readiness and shelf life.

The field also encompasses supply chain logistics, cost-benefit analysis, and sustainability considerations, including energy use and waste reduction. Ongoing research in postharvesti explores improvements in biocontrol, non-thermal decontamination, and predictive modeling of shelf life, aiming to reduce losses and enhance food security while maintaining quality and safety.