Post-harvest fruit quality: A bibliometric analysis

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i3.48405

Keywords:

Bibliometrics, Food Preservation, Postharvest Technology, Postharvest Physiology.

Abstract

This study presents a bibliometric analysis on postharvest fruit quality, aiming to identify trends, research gaps, and innovations within the field. Using bibliometric methods, 1,311 publications from 2010 and december of 2023 were selected based on specific criteria and analyzed through tools like VOSViewer and Bibliometrix to map collaborations, citations, and relevant keywords. The study highlights the growing importance of sustainable practices and technologies to ensure the longevity and quality of agricultural products. The analysis indicates that innovations such as edible coatings and natural antioxidants, along with the use of biosensors and artificial intelligence, hold significant potential for enhancing fruit conservation and reducing losses. Additionally, the findings underscore that international scientific collaboration—especially among emerging and developed countries, with China and Brazil leading in publications and partnerships—drives progress in the sector, strengthening food security and the sustainability of agricultural supply chains. The study further reveals that integrated strategies, such as climate-smart agriculture, are essential for reducing losses, bolstering food security, and promoting more sustainable supply chains. These findings not only contribute to guiding future research but also provide a basis for public policy on postharvest conservation, essential for addressing global challenges related to food waste and climate change.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Ali, A., Chin, L. H., Ibrahim, M. H., Mahmud, T. M. M., Yusof, Y. A., & Ghaffar, M. A. (2011). Effect of chitosan coatings on the physicochemical characteristics of Eksotika II papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit during cold storage. Food Chemistry, 124(2), 620–626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2010.06.085.

Alonso-Salinas, R., Mendoza-Torres, D., González-Aguilar, G. A., Pacheco-Aguilar, R., & Martínez-Téllez, M. A. (2023). Effect of potassium permanganate, ultraviolet radiation and titanium oxide as ethylene scavengers on preservation of postharvest quality and sensory attributes of broccoli stored with tomatoes. Foods, 12(12), 2418. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12122418.

Arabia, A., Munné-Bosch, S., & Muñoz, P. (2024). Ascorbic acid as a master redox regulator of fruit ripening. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 207, 112614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112614.

Aria, M., & Cuccurullo, C. (2017). Bibliometrix: An R-tool for comprehensive science mapping analysis. Journal of Informetrics, 11(4), 959–975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joi.2017.08.007.

Arnon, H., Granit, R., Porat, R., & Poverenov, E. (2014). Effects of carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan bilayer edible coating on postharvest quality of citrus fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 87, 21–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2013.08.007.

Bancal, V., & Ray, R. C. (2023). Fruits and vegetable wastes: Valorization to bioproducts and platform chemicals. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-9528-5.

Baswal, A. K., & Ramezanian, A. (2020). 1‐Methylcyclopropene potentials in maintaining the postharvest quality of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals: A review. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 45(1), e15129. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.15129.

Bobbelyn, E., Hertog, M. L. A. T. M., & Nicolai, B. M. (2010). Postharvest quality of apple predicted by NIR-spectroscopy: Study of the effect of biological variability on spectra and model performance. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 55(3), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2009.09.006.

Bonat, C. G., Ghanem, A., & Su-Ling, B. M. (2015). Influence of freezing process and frozen storage on the quality of fruits and fruit products. Food Reviews International, 32(3), 280–304. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2015.1075212.

Büchele, F., Hassenberg, K., Geyer, M., Herppich, W. B., & Blanke, M. (2023). Dynamic control of atmosphere and temperature based on fruit CO₂ production: Practical application in apple storage and effects on metabolism, quality, and volatile profiles. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 16(11), 2497–2510. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-023-03079-0.

Chu, W., Gao, H., Fang, X., & Zheng, Y. (2018). Effects of cuticular wax on the postharvest quality of blueberry fruit. Food Chemistry, 239, 68–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.06.024.

Esmaeili, Y., Alizadeh, M., Barzegar, M., & Sahari, M. A. (2021). Essential oils as natural antimicrobial agents in postharvest treatments of fruits and vegetables: A review. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 16(1), 507–522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-021-01178-0.

Falguera, V., Quintero, J. P., Jiménez, A., Muñoz, J. A., & Ibarz, A. (2011). Edible films and coatings: Structures, active functions and trends in their use. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 22(6), 292–303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2011.02.004.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2023). Food security and nutrition around the world. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.fao.org/3/cc3017en/online/state-food-security-and-nutrition-2023/food-security-nutrition-indicators.html.

Gonçalves, D. da C., et al. (2021). Recent advances and future perspective of essential oils in control Colletotrichum spp.: A sustainable alternative in postharvest treatment of fruits. Food Research International, 150, 110758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110758.

Gouda, M. H. B., & Duarte-Sierra, A. (2024). An overview of low-cost approaches for the postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables for smallholders, retailers, and consumers. Horticulturae, 10(8), 803. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10080803.

Ghifari, A. S., Saha, S., & Murcha, M. W. (2023). The biogenesis and regulation of the plant oxidative phosphorylation system. Plant Physiology, 192(2), 728–747. https://doi.org/10.1093/plphys/kiad108.

Guerreiro, A. C., et al. (2015). The effect of alginate-based edible coatings enriched with essential oils constituents on Arbutus unedo L. fresh fruit storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 100(1), 226–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2014.09.002.

Jha, P. K., et al. (2024). Can cryogenic freezing preserve the quality of fruit matrices during long-term storage compared to the mechanical method? Applied Food Research, 4(1), 100374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2023.100374.

Jongsri, P., et al. (2016). Effect of molecular weights of chitosan coating on postharvest quality and physicochemical characteristics of mango fruit. LWT, 73(1), 28–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2016.05.038.

Khalid, M. A., et al. (2022). Edible coatings for enhancing safety and quality attributes of fresh produce: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Food Properties, 25(1), 1817–1847. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2022.2107005.

Khaliq, G., et al. (2015). Effect of gum arabic coating combined with calcium chloride on physico-chemical and qualitative properties of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit during low temperature storage. Scientia Horticulturae, 190(1), 187–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2015.04.020.

Kocira, A., et al. (2021). Polysaccharides as edible films and coatings: Characteristics and influence on fruit and vegetable quality: A review. Agronomy, 11(5), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050813.

Lara, I., Belge, B., & Goulao, L. F. (2014). The fruit cuticle as a modulator of postharvest quality. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 87(1), 103–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2013.08.012.

Lee, W. H., et al. (2014). Hyperspectral near-infrared imaging for the detection of physical damages of pear. Journal of Food Engineering, 130(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2013.12.032.

Lustriane, C., et al. (2018). Effect of chitosan and chitosan-nanoparticles on postharvest quality of banana fruits. Journal of Plant Biotechnology, 45(1), 36–44. https://doi.org/10.5010/jpb.2018.45.1.036.

Makule, E., Dimoso, N., & Tassou, S. A. (2022). Precooling and cold storage methods for fruits and vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa – A review. Horticulturae, 8(9), 776. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090776.

Maqbool, M., et al. (2011). Postharvest application of gum arabic and essential oils for controlling anthracnose and quality of banana and papaya during cold storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 62(1), 71–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2011.04.002.

Meneses-Espinosa, E., et al. (2023). Advantages and disadvantages of using emerging technologies to increase postharvest life of fruits and vegetables. Food Reviews International, 40(5), 1348–1373. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2023.2212061.

Moon, K. M., et al. (2020). Recent trends in controlling the enzymatic browning of fruit and vegetable products. Molecules, 25(12), 2754. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122754.

Morelli, L., et al. (2023). Novel insights into the contribution of plastoglobules and reactive oxygen species to chromoplast differentiation. New Phytologist, 237(5), 1696–1710. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18585.

Moretti, C. L., et al. (2010). Climate changes and potential impacts on postharvest quality of fruit and vegetable crops: A review. Food Research International, 43(7), 1824–1832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2009.10.013.

Nair, M. S., Saxena, A., & Kaur, C. (2018). Effect of chitosan and alginate-based coatings enriched with pomegranate peel extract to extend the postharvest quality of guava (Psidium guajava L.). Food Chemistry, 240(1), 245–252.

Navina, B., et al. (2023). Insights into recent innovations in anti-browning strategies for fruit and vegetable preservation. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 139(1), 104128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2023.104128.

Pongprasert, N., Srilaong, V., & Kaewsukseang, S. (2018). 1-MCP micro-bubbles delaying postharvest ripening of “Khai” banana. Acta Horticulturae, 1213, 245–250. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1213.34.

Ramos-Villarroel, A. Y., Martín-Belloso, O., & Soliva-Fortuny, R. (2015). Combined effects of malic acid dip and pulsed light treatments on the inactivation of Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli on fresh-cut produce. Food Control, 52, 112–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.12.020.

Rasouli, M., Koushesh Saba, M., & Ramezanian, A. (2019). Inhibitory effect of salicylic acid and Aloe vera gel edible coating on microbial load and chilling injury of orange fruit. Scientia Horticulturae, 247, 27–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2018.12.004.

Rivera, N. V., et al. (2014). Early detection of mechanical damage in mango using NIR hyperspectral images and machine learning. Biosystems Engineering, 122(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2014.03.009.

Rizzo, M., et al. (2023). Fruit ripeness classification: A survey. Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, 7(1), 44–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aiia.2023.02.004.

Saberi, B., et al. (2018). Application of biocomposite edible coatings based on pea starch and guar gum on quality, storability and shelf life of ‘Valencia’ oranges. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 137, 9–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2017.11.003.

Seshadri, V. D., et al. (2020). Essential oils of Cinnamomum loureirii and Evolvulus alsinoides protect guava fruits from spoilage bacteria, fungi and insect (Pseudococcus longispinus). Industrial Crops and Products, 154, 112629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2020.112629.

Singh, V., et al. (2014). Postharvest technology of fruits and vegetables: An overview. Journal of Postharvest Technology, 2(2), 124–135.

Song, H., et al. (2016). Effects of chitosan/nano-silica on postharvest quality and antioxidant capacity of loquat fruit during cold storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 119, 41–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2016.04.015.

Thakur, R., et al. (2019). A starch edible surface coating delays banana fruit ripening. LWT, 100, 341–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2018.10.055.

Valencia-Chamorro, S. A., et al. (2011). Antimicrobial edible films and coatings for fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 51(9), 872–900. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2010.485705.

Vieira, J. M., et al. (2016). Effect of chitosan – Aloe vera coating on postharvest quality of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 116, 88–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2016.01.011.

Vinod, B. R., et al. (2023). Recent advances in physical treatments of papaya fruit for postharvest quality retention: A review. Efood, 4(2), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/efd2.79.

Wang, X., et al. (2023). Biological control efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis HG03 against soft rot disease of postharvest peach. Food Control, 145, 109402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2022.109402.

Yeshiwas, Y., & Tadele, E. (2021). An investigation into major causes for postharvest losses of horticultural crops and their handling practice in Debre Markos, North-Western Ethiopia. Advances in Agriculture, 2021, 1985303. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/1985303.

Downloads

Published

2025-03-07

Issue

Section

Agrarian and Biological Sciences

How to Cite

Post-harvest fruit quality: A bibliometric analysis. Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 14, n. 3, p. e1314348405, 2025. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v14i3.48405. Disponível em: https://ojs34.rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/48405. Acesso em: 28 jun. 2025.