Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

The annual NE2336 meeting was held on July 19, 2024 at the Shoreline Inn & Conference Center, with Carolina Torres serving as the president and Angelos Deltsidis serving as the secretary.

Members presented their research updates to the group.

Announcements

Administrative Advisor Chris Watkins emailed his updates that were read to the group:

Ag expt station director (Margeret Smith) is pleased with our regular meetings and submission of annual reports.  She sees a good list of participants, so that’s not a concern.  If there are participants who aren’t officially signed up, we should encourage that. We will be reaching out to newly hired faculty – Alabama, Georgia, and B.C.

Margaret also suggested that if there are strong outcomes/impacts from the previous iteration of this project that really illustrate the multistate nature of the work and the benefits it brings, we need to reach out to Sara Delheimer to ask if she can do one of those nice impact pieces for this MRP. 

Jeff Brecht brought up the idea of a collaborative proposal to study the effect of chilling to the aroma development of fresh produce. Randy Beaudry will be following up on the idea.

Business meeting

Τhe group decided unanimously that the 2025 meeting will occur in New Orleans either before or after the annual ASHS meeting depending on room block and meeting room availability. There will be communication via NIMMS closer to the date of the conference.

Macarena Farcuh was voted unanimously to be the incoming secretary. Angelos Deltsidis will be the chair for this year.

Meeting adjourned

The following day (Saturday July 20) the participants joined an educational tour organized by Randy Beaudry and his team. The visits included:

1. Riveridge Cider Plant (14046 Mason Dr, Grant, MI 49327), 
2. Nyblad Packinghouse (16170 Fruit Ridge Ave, Kent City, MI 49330)
3. Storage Control Systems (Applewood Dr NW, Sparta, MI 49345). 
4. Vander Kooi blueberry packinghouse - Lakeside Pic n Pac LLC (7131 West Olive Rd Holland MI 49424)

University of Florida (FL)

Jeffrey K. Brecht, Steven A. Sargent, and Tie Liu

Horticultural Sciences Department

Impacts and products 

1. Identification of genes involved in natural senescence versus postharvest senescence of commercial maturity broccoli helped to understand the dynamic senescence networks regulated by both developmental cues and stress signals. Transcriptomics and proteomics were utilized to understand senescence of broccoli and identify senescence-associated genes (SAGs) that can be used as markers of physiological age (i.e., freshness), including by employing several technologies known to influence broccoli deterioration.
2. The feasibility of using MAP and/or semipermeable coating with or without ethylene scrubbing as a means for successfully shipping tree-ripe (instead of green) mangos from South America to the USA was demonstrated, culminating in commercial shipping trials from Brazil to Florida and from Peru to California.
3. The FoodTransport app for Android and iOS platforms (https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/04/04/foodtransport-app/) is being expanded and should be released by December 2024. This app was adapted from the publication: Brecht, J.K., S.A. Sargent, P.E. Brecht, J. Saenz and L. Rodowick. 2019. Protecting Perishable Foods During Transport by Truck and Rail. University of Florida. EDIS Publication HS-1328. 204 pp. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs1328, which is an update and revision of USDA Handbook 669.
4. Pre-ripe passionfruit can be clipped from the vine and will ripen with acceptable quality compared with the traditional method of collecting the ripe fruit from the ground.
5. Elite lettuce germplasm from the UF breeding program demonstrated a genotype × environment interaction, with an overall decrease in shelf-life when tested in warmer plantings in sandy soils.
6. Elderberry fruit attached to stem segments were exposed to ethylene at 21 °C. Ripe fruit readily detached after 24 hr. Partially ripe fruit ripened after 48 hr, irrespective of treatment. After 48 hr, shrivel symptoms appeared and weight loss roughly doubled for these same groups. Consideration must be given as to exposure to ethylene for 24 hr for easy fruit removal versus holding for 48 hr for ripening but accompanied with higher weight loss and shriveling.
7. News reports:
8. ‘UF scientists start to discover how to keep fruits and vegetables fresher before they arrive at the grocery store’: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/09/07/uf-scientists-start-to-discover-how-to-keep-fruits-and-vegetables-fresher-before-they-arrive-at-the-grocery-store/
9. ‘New app is quick reference for perishable transport pros’: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2023/04/04/foodtransport-app/

Opportunities for training and professional development:

JKB: 1 visiting scientist, 3 undergraduate, 4 PhD, and 2 MS students in postharvest physiology and handling. SAS: 1 visiting scientist, 1 postdoctoral researcher, 4 current and 1 new doctoral students (August 2024), 1 international doctoral student committee 3 M.S. students, 1 undergraduate student;

Results dissemination to communities of interest:

Industry and extension meetings: 2023 Southeast Professional Fruit Workers Conference (Sargent); 2024 Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure convention (Brecht and Sargent); 2024 UF Postharvest Horticulture Field Trip (Sargent); Elderberry Field Day (Sargent); Tropical Fruit Seminar (Sargent); Passionfruit Field Day (Sargent); University of Virgin Islands Cooling Assistance (Sargent); Florida Tomato Institute (Sargent); Finger Lime Field Day (Brecht); Global Cold Chain Alliance convention (Brecht – Scientific Advisory Council), International Fresh Produce Association convention (Brecht), Foreign Mango Organizations Workshop. National Mango Board (Brecht).

Scientific meetings: Florida State Horticultural Society and American Society for Horticultural Science (Brecht and Sargent); ISHS Postharvest Unlimited (Brecht); “Integration of Cold-chain, Pre- and Postharvest Handling Technology” symposium, Council of Agriculture, Agricultural Technology Research Institute, Tainan, Taiwan (Brecht).

University of Georgia (GA)

Angelos Deltsidis

Cooperators: Zilfina Rubio, Orestis Giannopoulos, Ramsey Corn, Taiwo Owolanke, Chinonso Ayogu

Obj. 1. 

Blueberries: Optimizing harvest intervals significantly impacted the postharvest quality of rabbiteye blueberries ('Brightwell'). Frequent harvesting at two- or three-day intervals reduced weight loss, berry damage, and maintained higher firmness, sugars, and acidity levels, enhancing storability and fruit quality under warm climate conditions.

Blackberries: Shelf-life of fresh-market blackberries was extended using controlled atmospheres (CA) and gaseous ozone during cold storage. These technologies improved firmness, minimized red drupelet reversion (RDR) in specific cultivars, and preserved sensory attributes, such as flavor and appearance, for up to 21 days.

Citrus: Ethylene degreening was successfully used to enhance peel coloration in mature Satsuma oranges with green skins. This treatment improved external appearance without altering internal quality, making early-season citrus more marketable.

Peaches: Chilling injury susceptibility was studied across Southeastern peach cultivars. Storage at 33-36°F preserved juiciness and minimized injury symptoms for up to 21 days, while temperatures above 41°F increased weight loss and firmness loss.

Technical talks in different growers and packers-focused activities (conferences, meetings) were used to disseminate this information.

Obj. 2.

None

Obj. 3.

None

Kansas State University (KS)

Eleni D. Pliakoni

Cooperators: Tricia Jenkins, Cary L. Rivard, Patrick Abeli,  Olivia Haley,  Manreet Bhullar, Londa Nwadike, Jeffrey Brecht, Tie Liu, Utsab Ghimire, Fahong Yu, Yogesh Ahlawat, Song Li, Prakash Timilsena,  Durga Khadka, Martin Talavera, Logan Britton

Objective 1:  Enhance and/or adapt current handling, storage and postharvest practices/technologies to ensure high-quality products to increase their acceptability by consumers. 

Activities

1. CO₂ Laser-labeling on Fresh Produce: Evaluating Postharvest Quality, Microbial Safety, and consumers' acceptability.

Fresh produce is traditionally labeled with plastic price lookup (PLU) stickers attached to the produce surface using edible glue. However, the stickers and glue are environmental contaminants, and the stickers can still easily detach from the produce surface during handling and disrupt traceability. A new method of labeling, the CO₂ laser-labeling technology (LLT), has been gaining attention in recent years. However, engraving Quick Response (QR) code using LLT is novel, and the performance of this technology varies from produce to produce. Also, information on its effects on postharvest quality, microbial safety, and consumers acceptability is not reported. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of laser-labeling technology on 1) postharvest quality, 2) microbial safety of fresh produce, and 3) consumers' perception and acceptability. Three horticultural crops, 'Red delicious' apple (Malus pumila), green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were procured from a local grocery store. They were engraved with a Quick Response (QR) code or 6-digit alphanumerical (text) code using the commercially available Trotec Speedy 300 CO₂ laser engraver, followed by the application of edible wax. Consumers' perception and acceptability of laser-labeled produce were assessed by a consumer study (N=75) utilizing only the apples with three treatments: 1) Apple with QR-code, 2) Apple with PLU plastic sticker, and 3) non-labeled control. Fresh weight loss for laser-printed produce was higher than the nontreated control, but no difference in visual quality ratings was observed compared to the control. The laser-labeled produce was assessed for microbial contamination by artificially inoculating rifampicin-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) log₁₀ 6 CFU/mL to the labeled fruit. The result showed that the population of rifampicin-resistant E. coli was statistically higher in all three products labeled with text code compared to the non-treated control. The QR-coded treatments were similar to the control. The wax application did not affect the microbial attachment on the laser-labeled produce. Consumers ranked based on the apples' overall appearance and labeling methods before providing any information about the technology. Consumers ranked QR-code-labeled apples as the lowest group, followed by sticker-labeled and unlabeled apples. In contrast, after sharing information on the QR code technology, the ranking scores from the same consumers were statistically similar. The CO₂ laser labeling technology has the potential for industrial application of specific produces and seems prominent to make this technology more successful if consumer education is provided.

2. Influence of plastic mulch color on yield and quality of day-neutral strawberries

High tunnel production of day-neutral strawberries is a promising production system in the central U.S. The use of different colored plastic mulches in a high tunnel production system can vary the microclimate around plants and alter yield and fruit quality. This study was conducted to identify the most appropriate color plastic mulch in a high tunnel production system as it relates to yield and fruit quality. The experiment was conducted at the Kansas State University, Olathe Horticulture Research and Extension Center in 2020 and 2021 using a split-plot, randomized complete block design. We evaluated six plastic mulches (black, white, striped silver, silver, red, and green) and two day-neutral cultivars, ‘Albion’ and ‘Portola’. Soil temperature and UV light reflected from the mulch were measured to monitor microclimate modifications. Fruit quality was assessed by overall visual quality, color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, sugar/acid ratio, total phenolics, and anthocyanin content of strawberries. 'Portola’ produced greater yields than ‘Albion’, but ‘Albion’ had better fruit quality. The plastic mulches altered the reflected UV light and soil temperatures. During the mid and late season, the silver mulch had higher fruit yields than the red and green mulches, likely due to its ability to limit solar warming during warm production months. The mulches had inconsistent impacts on fruit quality. Overall, the silver mulch maintained the best microclimate for day-neutral strawberry production in high tunnels.

3. Effect of innovative laser labeling Technology on fresh produce quality and safety 

Fresh produce is commonly associated with foodborne disease outbreaks and food recalls. To prevent the lethal impact of outbreaks, effective traceability is crucial. Produce items are traditionally labeled with price lookup (PLU) stickers. However, those stickers are environmental hazards, and frequent detachment of PLU stickers losses the information for traceability. Purpose: To investigate the effect of postharvest quality and microbial safety of laser labeling on fresh produce. Methods: Three horticultural crops, apple ‘Red Delicious ‘apple, cucumber, and green bell pepper, were procured from a local grocery store. Each produce was printed with a Quick Response (QR) code or text code using the laser engraver machine, followed by the application of edible wax. All produce was stored at 4° C temperature and 90% relative humidity during the study period. The postharvest quality was measured through fresh weight loss, QR code readability, and visual quality for 16 days. In another study, the laser-labeled produce was assessed for microbial contamination by quantifying artificially inoculated rifampicin-resistant E.coli (ATCC 25922) at an initial concentration of 106 CFU/mL. The experiment had five treatments: QR-coded labels followed by waxing or no wax, text-coded labels followed by waxing or no wax, and nontreated control. Results: Fresh weight loss for laser-printed produce was slightly higher than the nontreated control, but no difference in visual quality ratings was observed compared to the control. The population of rifampicin-resistant E.coli was statistically higher in all three produce labeled with text code compared to the nontreated control. However, QR-coded treatments were similar in the control. The application of wax did not facilitate microbial attachment. Significance: Laser labeling technology did not deteriorate the postharvest quality and susceptibility to microbial contamination. Hence this technology has the potential in commercial application as a better alternative to the PLU sticker to improve traceability.

4. Assessing the Impact of UV-C Treatments on Growth parameters and nutrient levels in Hydroponic systems for romaine lettuce

Preliminary studies have shown that ultraviolet treatment is able to reduce microbial contamination in the nutrient water of hydroponic systems. However, it is not known how these ultraviolet treatments may impact nutrient water chemistry or crop growth and yield. Purpose: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of an ultraviolet light treatment on romaine lettuce growth parameters and nutrient levels in the treated hydroponic water. Methods: Commercially-available DWC (Deep Water Culture) hydroponic systems were used to grow romaine lettuce (Latticua lettuceia var. Sparx) in a two-part nutrient solution (Hydro-Gro Leafy and calcium nitrate). The electrical conductivity (EC) was maintained between 1.6 and 1.8 mS/cm during the study. The nutrient solution was treated with a UV-C device (MiniPure MIN-1; 500ml capacity) emitting peak irradiance at 254nm at flow rates of 0, 3 and 6 L/min. Water samples were collected before and after each treatment and the experiment will be repeated twice for a total of three times. Twice weekly during the six-week growth period, parameters including plant height, SPAD value, and chlorophyll fluorescence were measured. At the end of the production, fresh weight and dry weight of each plant sample were measured. Results: Low and high UV doses resulted in 1.17 and 1.36 log reductions of Escherichia coli in hydroponic nutrient water. Preliminary findings for the effect of UV light on the concentration of nutrients (NPK) yielded no significant difference in the nutrient level. The study is underway for assessing the effect on the lettuce growth parameters and therefore we are not reporting any results on the crop growth parameters. Significance: UV light technology at optimized dosage levels has the potential to improve the safety of hydroponic systems with minimal effect on the plant growth and nutrient water.

Objective 2:  Expand and translate fundamental plant biology to develop new storage technologies and plant materials that will enhance human nutrition and energy-efficient postharvest systems.

1. SAGs – Senescence-associated genes as markers for postharvest physiological age

The nutritional value of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica), its health benefits, as well as its economic value in world production make broccoli an ideal target for improvement given its current postharvest problems related to rapid senescence. Broccoli florets are harvested when their flowers are still developing and photosynthetically active. Harvest causes disruption of supply of water, hormones, nutrients, and energy, leads to imbalance of source-to-sink transition, and triggers stress-induced senescence. There is a clear gap in knowledge about the mechanisms of developmentally regulated, natural (on-plant) senescence and stress-induced postharvest senescence in broccoli. In this study, we aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of natural (on plant) senescence in broccoli in contrast to postharvest senescence. The genetic progression of natural senescence in broccoli florets was profiled in this study through the RNA-sequencing approach. Candidate genes were identified at each developmental stage of broccoli floret for the involvement of senescence by developmental signals. We further conducted comparative transcriptome analysis on those genes under developmentally regulated senescence and stress-induced postharvest senescence. We found that many genes behave differently in the two conditions, such as sugar transport family, senescence-associated genes (SAGs), ethylene biosynthesis and signaling genes, and flower senescence genes. A comparison of two SWEET family genes SWEET 3 and SWEET 9 in natural and postharvest senescence demonstrated opposite roles in source-sink transition in broccoli. Moreover, we found previously unreported transcription factors including stomatal patterning genes MUTE, SCREAM2, and FAMA and brassinosteroid signaling gene BR ENHANCED EXPRESSION 1 (BEE) that were regulated during natural senescence. In this research, we identified genes involved in natural senescence and further compared with postharvest senescence of commercial maturity broccoli to understand the dynamic senescence networks regulated by both developmental cues and stress signals.

2. Postharvest senescence profiling in broccoli using Tandem Mass Tag base proteomics

Harvesting fresh produce induces countless changes in different metabolic processes, initiating senescence of the plant tissue. Understanding the changes in protein expression and activity during postharvest senescence can help identify the networks that contribute to quality loss and shelf-life reduction in produce. Identifying these proteins can lead to strategies for extending fruits' and vegetables' freshness and shelf life. In this study, we investigated the proteome-level changes in harvested broccoli florets stored at either room temperature (25 °C) or in refrigerated conditions (4 °C) using Tandem Mass Tag techn dependent and ubiquitin-independent protein degradation pathways mediated by the 20S and 26S proteasomes and in the RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) associated with the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway. Moreover, we identified protein kinases, transcription factors, and dehydration-related proteins, as well as mapped chemical interaction networks and key pathways active during broccoli senescence. Pathways related to autophagy, ribosome biosynthesis, and carbon metabolism were significantly downregulated under cold temperatures. Proteins related to chlorophyll and reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathways were differentially expressed in harvested broccoli stored at room temperature. The current report facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the complex regulatory orchestration that builds a protein network that could be used for future endeavors in improving the postharvest shelf life of broccoli.

3. Unique molecular mechanisms revealed for the effects of temperature, CA, ethylene exposure, and 1-MCP on postharvest senescence of broccoli.

The management of postharvest broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) exemplifies a crucial element in ensuring agricultural sustainability and food preservation. The main aim of our study was to investigate the physiological and molecular factors that influence the shelf life of broccoli by employing several technologies known to influence its deterioration, namely controlled atmosphere (CA), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and ethylene interventions. Controlled atmosphere (CA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) delay the senescence process whereas ethylene promotes broccoli senescence. The study involved physiological assessments to investigate the broccoli senescence patterns as influenced by temperature, and the effects of CA, 1-MCP, and ethylene on the shelf life of broccoli. Concurrently, RNA sequencing and subsequent analysis improved our understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms behind postharvest senescence. The application of 1-MCP and CA demonstrated significant delays in the senescence process, affirming their effectiveness in maintaining broccoli quality during postharvest storage. We found that the MAPK pathway during 1-MCP treatment was involved in stress and defense responses by expression of genes like WRKY33, WRKY29, EIN3, PYL4, Catalase 2- like (CAT2 like), and SRK2E. Furthermore, alterations in auxin-responsive genes like IAA, SAUR21, and SAUR36 highlight the differential modulation of ethylene and auxin signaling pathways. A subsequent experiment demonstrated that in postharvest broccoli, exogenous auxin promotes senescence and auxin inhibitors retard senescence. Downregulation of key enzymatic genes, including UTP-glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferases, during CA treatment points to inhibition of glycolysis, which might be one of the mechanisms to enhance the shelf life of harvested products and delay senescence. Senescence-associated gene expression patterns suggested stage-specific connections that need additional investigation. This study offers valuable insights into the field of postharvest management, providing practical knowledge by identifying target genes for enhancing broccoli storage life and mitigating food waste. 

University of Maine (MA)

Renae Moran

Objective 1: Adapt or develop harvest, handling and storage technologies to improve fruit quality, increase consumption and reduce food waste.

The feasibility of predicting bitter pit in Honeycrisp apples with the ‘passive test’ combined with fruit nutrient analsysis in Aug. and measurements of fruit size or crop load was repeated a second year, 2023.  Fruit peel calcium concentration along with fruit size at harvest and incidence of bitter pit determined from the passive test predicted bitter pit in storage (r² = 0.59), but with less accuracy than in the previous year.  Bitter pit ranged from 0% to 37% in fruit stored at 3.5 °C with prior conditioning. Prediction was much better in 2022 (r² = 0.89) when bitter pit ranged from 7% to 49%.

Impacts and products 

Growers used the predictions for individual orchard blocks to segregate hig-risk Honeycrisp apples at harvest, thus, preventing some potential losses in storage.

Opportunities for training and professional development:

1 research associate.

Results dissemination to communities of interest:

Industry and extension meetings

    Highmoor Farm Field Day, July 23, 2024, 30 apple growers

Newsletters:

    Eight issues distributed to 80 tree fruit growers.

University of Maryland (MD)

Macarena Farcuh

1. Enhance and/or adapt current handling, storage and postharvest practices/technologies to ensure high-quality products to increase their acceptability by consumers.  

Assessing Fruit Maturity and Quality of ‘Buckeye Gala’ Grown on a Diverse Panel of Apple Rootstocks in Western Maryland

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is usually produced in the form of a rootstock grafted scion. Rootstocks have important effects on several horticultural attributes. However, the results are not consistent regarding sites and scion–rootstock combinations. The aim of this research was to characterize the horticultural performance of ‘Buckeye Gala’ apple scion grafted onto ten rootstocks grown in Western Maryland during two harvest seasons. Our results demonstrated that, on average, tree size and yield in G.935, M.26 and G.969 rootstocks were 5–40% higher, but weight per fruit was 2–15% lower than in all other rootstocks. Fruit maturity was significantly delayed with increasingly vigorous rootstocks. There were no crop load differences. Overall, the assessed rootstocks were discriminated into seven significantly distinct clusters characterized by marked differences in vigor, yield, and fruit maturity. Moreover, significant correlations were obtained amongst all assessed variables. Rootstock impact must be considered when making management decisions in ‘Buckeye Gala’ fruit grown under Western Maryland conditions as they are critical in modulating fruit maturity and quality.

Combining the Use of Reflective Groundcovers and Aminoethoxyvinylglycine to Assess Effects on Skin Color, Pre-harvest Drop, and Quality of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples in the Mid-Atlantic US

Apples are one of the most valuable fruits worldwide. ‘Honeycrisp’ is the top sales-producing cultivar in the US. Lack of red skin coloration and increased preharvest fruit drop significantly reduce the market value for cultivars such as ‘Honeycrisp’. The use of reflective groundcovers has been shown to enhance apple skin coloration. While the use of plant growth regulator AVG reduces fruit drop, it negatively affects skin coloration. Studies on the impacts of these practices in mid-Atlantic US-grown apples are limited. In this work, for two years, we compared differences in the light environment, fruit drop, internal ethylene concentration (IEC), physicochemical parameters, and skin coloration of ‘Honeycrisp’ apples in the lower third of the canopy. Apples were submitted to four treatment combinations of reflective groundcover (Extenday) and AVG (130 mg L−1). Assessments occurred throughout three ripening stages. Our results demonstrated that Extenday significantly promoted skin coloration (>75% blush) via the increased reflectance of photosynthetic photon flux density and UV radiation, and increased IEC, while also advancing fruit maturity, i.e., overripening. Conversely, AVG significantly minimized fruit drop and decreased EIC, delaying fruit maturity but drastically reducing red coloration (30–48% blush). The combined use of Extenday and AVG had a synergistic effect by decreasing fruit drop while enhancing fruit with >50% blush, without promoting overripening. Combining Extenday and AVG can boost the market value for ‘Honeycrisp’ apples in the mid-Atlantic US.

Improving Honeycrisp red skin coloration using postharvest ultraviolet irradiation treatments under different storage temperatures

Poor red skin coloration at harvest is a major factor limiting production and marketability of the profitable apple cultivar Honeycrisp. Light wavelength and intensity together with temperature affect red skin coloration during ripening on-the-tree and throughout storage. Our goal was to evaluate and compare the effect of different postharvest ultraviolet (UV) irradiation treatments, applied under different storage temperatures on Honeycrisp skin red coloration, surface blush percentage, and ethylene production rate. Honeycrisp fruit were harvested at optimal maturity, and submitted to postharvest UVA (600,800,1200,2400 kJ m-2) and UVB (200, 400, 600, 800 kJ m-2) irradiation treatments in the unblushed side during a seven-day conditioning period at either 5 °C or 10 °C, and transferred to cold storage at 3 ºC, along with dark and white light controls. Evaluations were conducted at the end of the conditioning period and biweekly during 3 °C storage for up to twelve weeks. Our results showed a dose-dependent, dramatic decrease in hue values of the skin, with 2400 kJ m-2 UVA and 800 kJ m-2 UVB displaying the lowest hue values. The dose dependent increase in red skin coloration observed for UVA and UVB correlated with a significantly higher skin red blush percentage area. These red skin coloration differences were higher in fruit treated at 10 ºC compared to those treated at 5 °C. No differences were observed in ethylene production rates in fruit submitted to UV treatments, regardless of the wavelength, dose, or conditioning temperature, compared to control fruit. Overall, postharvest UV irradiation is a promising tool for promoting postharvest skin coloration in Honeycrisp apples. Our results contribute to the identification of optimal dosage application treatments.

1. Expand and translate fundamental plant biology to develop new storage technologies and plant materials that will enhance human nutrition and energy-efficient postharvest systems.

The Expression of Key Ethylene and Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Genes of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples Subjected to the Combined Use of Reflective Groundcovers and Aminoethoxyvinylglycine in the Mid-Atlantic US

The decreased profitability of important apple cultivars, such as ‘Honeycrisp’, results from the poor red skin coloration and high fruit drop in the mid-Atlantic US. Apple red skin coloration is determined by the anthocyanin concentration. Reflective groundcovers promote red skin colora-tion, whereas aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) decreases the ethylene production and fruit drop, thus reducing the coloration. Although our previous study showed that combinations of these practices impact the fruit quality and color, research is lacking regarding their effects at the gene and metabolite levels. In this work, for two years, we compared the differences in the internal ethylene concentration (IEC), red skin coloration, fruit drop, transcript accumulation of key ethylene and anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway-related genes, and total anthocyanin concentration of ‘Honeycrisp’ apples. The fruit was treated with combinations of reflective groundcover (Extenday) and AVG (130 mg L−1) and was assessed throughout ripening. Extenday-only-treated fruit displayed the highest upregulation of ethylene and anthocyanin biosynthetic-related genes and of total anthocyanins, exceeding 50% blush, while boosting the IEC. In contrast, AVG significantly decreased the expression of key ethylene and anthocyanin biosynthetic-related genes and total anthocyanins, thus preventing apples from reaching 50% blush, while also decreasing the IEC and fruit drop. The combination of Extenday x AVG fine-tuned the transcript accumulation of ethylene and anthocyanin biosynthetic-related genes as well as the total anthocyanins, allowing the ‘Honeycrisp’ fruit to exceed 50% blush, while increasing the IEC moderately and reducing the fruit drop (as compared to Extenday-only and control), thus enhancing the fruit economic value.

Sugar metabolism as a key determinant of chilling injury development during peach cold storage and subsequent shelf-life

Cold storage is widely used during peach (Prunus persica (L) Batsch) postharvest to maintain fruit quality. However, cold storage is limited by chilling injury (CI), a physiological disorder expressed during subsequent shelf-life. Sugar metabolism, besides contributing to fruit quality, might alter fruit CI tolerance. The aim of this research was to characterize and compare differences in sugar metabolism in the melting flesh ‘Red Haven’ peach stored at different temperatures throughout postharvest. Fruit were harvested at optimal maturity and stored at 0 °C, 5 °C, and 20 °C for up to 30 d. Evaluations were conducted at harvest (0) and after 1, 3, 5, 15, and 30 d of storage, with and without 3 d shelf-life period. We examined CI incidence, transcript levels for sugar metabolism-associated genes and their associated sugar contents for all assessed storage temperatures and periods. Our results showed that fruit stored at 5 C were sensitive to CI displaying reduced expressible juice contents from 15 d onwards. Sucrose contents decreased significantly throughout storage for fruit stored at 5 °C, 5 °C + shelf-life and 20 °C, alongside with an increase in glucose and fructose; conversely, fruit stored at 0 °C and 0 °C + shelf-life presented the highest sucrose and lowest glucose and fructose contents. These differences result from increased and decreased transcript accumulation of sucrose catabolism and biosynthesis-related genes, respectively, in fruit stored at 5 °C and 20 °C, as compared to 0 °C. Sorbitol contents generally decreased throughout postharvest storage for fruit subjected to all assessed temperatures but were highest in fruit stored at 0 °C and 0 °C + shelf-life, which corresponded with the expression levels of sorbitol breakdown-related genes. Our results support the notion that sugar metabolism is playing key roles in chilling injury tolerance in peaches during cold storage.

1. Advance our fundamental knowledge of host-pathogen-microbe interactions to maintain high-quality fruits and vegetables while reducing food loss and waste.

N/A

Michigan State University (MI)

Randolph M. Beaudry

Cooperators: Alex Engelsma, Özge Horzum, Nobuko Sugimoto, Phil Engelgau, Sangeeta Chopra, Pranav Pillai, Gustavo Lobos, Claudia Moggia, Aline Priscilla Gomes da Silva, Bill Shane, Nikki Rothwell, Emily Lavely, Lindsay Brown

Objective 1: 

Title: Apple Ripening After DCA Storage: Assessing the Risk of Flavor Loss

Summary. Over a period of two years, we determined that the recovery of aroma production was delayed by 1-MCP and DCA, although the impact of the former was far greater. Additionally, the longer the storage duration

Title: Polymer sheet released 1-MCP: A new approach for postharvest effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) in apple fruit.

Summary. High concentrations of 1-MCP from EasyFresh preserve the quality of Red Delicious apples during a 7-month cold storage period. On the other hand, the effects of the same quantity of 1-MCP released from microencapsulated 1-MCP embedded onto polymer sheets on firmness, scald, hue, weight loss are much diminished. This could be due to the slow release of 1-MCP from polymer sheets, which may not be sufficient for a climacteric fruit species like apples or since polymer sheets were applied in perforated boxes made of cardboard, which is also known to sorb 1-MCP. 

Title: Storing Evercrisp under CA and DCA

Summary. Evercrisp remains firm (~20 lbs pressure) under both air and CA storage, but becomes overripe in air storage. Storage for up to 10 months in CA with and without 3% CO₂ did not cause injury.  However, low temperature (browncore) injury became very evident in some orchards after 6 months storage.

Objective 2 

Title: Inhibition of branched-chain ester synthesis by ALS inhibitors provides evidence for the origins of ester precursors.

Summary. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors were shown to inhibit branched chain ester formation in apple and banana and in ripe apple, application of ALS to ripe apple fruit diminished pools of ester precursors and suppressed ester formation. Application of branched-chain alphaketo acids and branched amino acids restored branched chain ester formation. Collectively the data demonstrate that branched-chain esters are produced de novo, rather than from catalytic degradation of proteins.

Cornell University (NY)

Chris Watkins

Co-PIs. Yosef Al Shoffe, Robin Dando

1. Accomplishments

Enhance and/or adapt current handling, storage and postharvest practices/technologies to ensure high-quality products to increase their acceptability by consumers.  

GALA: The major outcome of research in this project has been the updating of recommendations for storage of Gala apples from the previous storage temperature of 33F to 38F, and use of 0.5% oxygen (1% carbon dioxide), with additional caveats such as the use of PGRs, in order to inhibit development of flesh browning.  A number of manuscripts on Gala storage are being prepared for publication. One output to date has been:

Doerflinger et al., 2024 ‘Gala' apples are susceptible to development of stem-end flesh browning and subsequently flesh browning (FB) throughout the fruit during storage. Factors causing the browning are not well understood. In this study, fruit were obtained from an orchard block either untreated or treated with preharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP; Harvista^TM) at two different harvest dates, one week apart. Preharvest 1-MCP was applied 7 d before the first harvest. Based on the commercially acceptable red coloration (66%), fruit were spot picked at the first harvest date, stripped picked at the second harvest date, or the remaining fruit from the first spot pick harvested on the second harvest date. Fruit were then untreated or treated with 1-MCP after overnight cooling to 0.5 ^oC (no conditioning treatment) or 10^oC for temperature conditioning (10^oC for 7 d), followed by storage in 2 kPa O₂/2 kPa CO₂ at 0.5^oC for 6 months. Fruit were generally less mature when harvested at H1 (spot pick) than at H2 (spot or strip pick), and with preharvest 1-MCP than without, and had the lowest FB incidence after storage. The picking method did not affect fruit maturity or FB incidence, but strip picked fruit softened more in storage than selective picked fruit. Overall, FB incidence was reduced by 5.9-, 1.2- and 1.6-fold by preharvest 1-MCP, postharvest 1-MCP and by conditioning, respectively. I_AD values (higher values reflect higher chlorophyll concentrations) at harvest were positively correlated with flesh firmness, and negatively correlated with FB incidence. Preharvest 1-MCP treatment and early harvest contributes to reduced risk of FB development during storage of 'Gala' apples.

In the 2023 harvest season three approaches were taken:

1. PGR: Even though results with low oxygen and warmer storage temperatures have been positive, fruit from some blocks have been problematic. Focused on ReTain application timing as previous work carried out with good storing blocks.
2. CO₂ concentrations. Mythology about CO₂ concentrations not necessarily based on science? Gala are tolerant to CO₂, but does low O₂ affect this tolerance?
3. Regional trials with 0.5% oxygen at 33F and 38F, with sensory research. (SCRI project)

HONEYCRISP

The main objective was to follow up on research indicating that CA during conditioning would decrease bitter pit development.

OTHER CULTIVARS

Projects on EverCrisp, SnapDragon, RubyFrost and Pink Lady are continuing. Results are not available as storage removals are ongoing. 

2. Expand and translate fundamental plant biology to develop new storage technologies and plant materials that will enhance human nutrition and energy-efficient postharvest systems.

Two sets of work have been published related to this objective:

1. Effects of preharvest PGRs and postharvest 1-MCP on volatiles of DCA-stored fruit. (one of these (Al Shoffe et al., 2024) was funded by the NIFA Organics program)
2. Effects of preharvest PGRs on antioxidant composition

1. PGRs and storage technologies

Park et al., 2024 (MI and NY multistate). ‘Fuji’ apples are susceptible to watercore, a physiological disorder that occurs during maturation and can result in development of browning disorders during storage. In this study, the effects of preharvest application of the plant growth regulators (PGRs) 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and 1-aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) on watercore and its subsequent effects on volatile compounds of ‘Fuji’ apples has been investigated. 1-MCP and AVG were sprayed one week and two weeks before harvest, respectively. Fruit were stored in air, controlled atmosphere (CA), dynamic CA (DCA), delayed CA, and delayed DCA storage at 0.5 degrees C. Storage durations were 3 and 6 months after the harvest date. The delay before CA or DCA was 30 days in air at 0.5 degrees C. PGR treatments did not affect watercore incidence but decreased its severity compared with untreated fruit. The internal ethylene concentration (IEC) of PGR-treated fruit remained very low regardless of storage regime, but treatment effects on IEC were detected. 1-MCP-treated fruit were firmer in air and CA compared with the control or AVG-treated fruit. In contrast, DCA and delayed DCA stored fruit did not soften regardless of PGR treatment and delayed treatment did not affect the rate of softening. In air storage, contents of 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, butyl acetate, hexyl acetate, propyl acetate, pentyl acetate, propyl propanoate, propyl butanoate, butyl propanoate, and butyl 2-methylbutanoate was increased in both control and AVG-treated fruit whereas, those were suppressed by 1-MCP. Production of most volatiles was also suppressed by CA and DCA storage regardless of whether the establishment of atmosphere was immediate or delayed. Ethanol and ethyl acetate content was not affected consistently by PGR treatment or storage regime.

Al Shoffe et al., in revision) Long-term storage of many apple cultivars can be especially challenging for organic production where use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), a crop protectant that controls ripening is disallowed.  For many cultivars, controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, alone, is inadequate for managing disorders and ripening.  Dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA), by determining the pO₂ just above the anaerobic compensation point (ACP), permits the use of lower pO₂ setpoints without any negative impacts of anaerobiosis. Consequently, DCA can replace 1-MCP for these purposes. In this study, we sought to determine where this held true for a selection of old and new release cultivars in the context of sensory perception.  Cultivars included ‘Enterprise’ and ‘GoldRush’ harvested in 2018 (year 1), and ‘Honeycrisp’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Jonagold’, and Fuji harvested in 2020 (year 2).  This study also accounts for differences of objective instrumental and sensory evaluation. ACP was monitored for DCA using chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) and compared with conventional static CA with or without 1-MCP treatment at harvest.   DCA storage suppressed ripening to a similar level as 1-MCP coupled with CA in both years as best indicated by reduced ester biosynthesis and, for some cultivars, softening.  However, ripening suppression did not impact overall sensory preference of ‘Enterprise’, ‘Honeycrisp’, or ‘Fuji’, all cultivars that retained firmness and tartness regardless of storage regime and even negatively impacted it for ‘Goldrush’, an especially tart and firm cultivar.  Sensory preference of ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Jonagold’ which have more typical diminishing firmness and acid profiles were most benefited by either 1-MCP treatment or DCA storage.  Results highlight that use of storage technologies that suppress ripening beyond conventional CA storage are best employed on cultivars with more conventional softening and acid metabolism profiles as opposed to new cultivars that were selected primarily against these ripening phenotypes.  The results also demonstrate the value of sensory evaluation compared with the more objective to reveal the influence of different storage regimes on human perception.

2. Effects of preharvest PGRs on antioxidant composition.

Al Shoffe et al., 2024. The effects of plant growth regulators (PGRs) and harvest date on antioxidant contents at harvest and superficial scald development in 'NY2' apple during storage have been studied. Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG, ReTain (R)) and 1-methylcyclopropane (1-MCP, Harvista (TM)) were sprayed two and one weeks, respectively, before the first of three weekly harvests. The apples were stored at 0.5 degrees C for 20 weeks + 7 d at 20 degrees C. At harvest, color and index of absorbance difference (I-AD) values, and contents of total phenolics, anthocyanins, chlorophylls, carotenoids, ascorbic acid (TAA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) glutathione (GSH), reduced glutathione (GSSG) and total antioxidant activity of blushed and unblushed sides of the apple were measured. The antioxidant contents increased with later harvest dates. Chlorophyll and GSSG were higher in unblushed than blushed skin tissues, while all antioxidant contents were highest in blushed skin tissues. Superficial scald incidence was highly correlated with less mature fruit, lower fruit anthocyanin, higher chlorophyll content at harvest. alpha-Farnesene, conjugated trienols (CTols), and I-AD value index were measured at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 15, and 20 weeks at 0.5 degrees C for fruit from harvest 1. Scald incidence and severity was higher in AVG-treated fruit than untreated or 1-MCP treated fruit and did not decrease at later harvest dates. Using harvest management and preharvest application of plant growth regulators is a promising strategy to improve the nutritional value of 'NY2 ' apples, reduce physiological disorders, and maintain fruit quality. 

3. Advance our fundamental knowledge of host-pathogen-microbe interactions to maintain high-quality fruits and vegetables while reducing food loss and waste.

Microbiome research (Lane et al., 2024; Lane et al., in review)

Lane et al., 2024 Understanding community-level microbial dynamics provides more holistic insight into the nature of pathogen infection and biocontrol in fruits and vegetables. We investigated the impact of preharvest sprays of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG, 0.25 g L⁻¹), an inhibitor of ethylene production of fruit, to assess the association between ethylene-mediated ripening and the microbiome at harvest and during storage. ‘NY1’ (Snapdragon®) apples were sprayed on the tree two weeks before first harvest and the microbiome of the fruit was assessed at harvest and at one-week intervals across four weeks. Fruit from harvests 1 and 4 were stored in air at 3 °C for up to 6 months. The bacterial communities changed over harvest time while fungal communities were affected by AVG treatment. In addition, both harvest time and AVG, as well as storage time, were associated with bacterial and fungal variation after 2–6 months of storage. Postharvest fungal microbiomes showed consistent responses to variations in fruit maturation, with the microbial communities of AVG-treated apples being similar to those of early harvested apples. Fungal microbiome variation was linked to the soluble solids concentration and I_AD, revealing further links between microbial dynamics and apple quality. Bacterial shifts that occurred from harvest to 6 months of storage were characterized by metagenome changes that resulted in a lower abundance of biofilm formation pathways after cold storage, which may limit the ability of these bacterial communities to block colonization by fungal pathogens. These findings advance our understanding of how the microbiome is connected to fruit quality and functional metagenomics related to biocontrol.

Lane et al., in review The native microbiome plays an important role in biocontrol efficacy, but less is known about how the microbiome responds to conventional and organic natural product fungicides. This study investigated the effects of the conventional fungicide fludioxonil and the organic fungicide natamycin, with and without the superficial scald inhibitor diphenylamine (DPA) on the microbiomes of ‘Fuji’ apples from 1-28 d of storage at 0.5 °C plus 7 d at 20 °C. We hypothesized that fungicide applications would shift the microbiome, with a more pronounced effect from natamycin due to the target specificity of fludioxonil. We also predicted that the antioxidant properties of DPA would shift both bacterial and fungal microbiomes. We found that natamycin resulted in modest fungal shifts and fludioxonil resulted in no observed shifts, while DPA strongly affected the fungal microbiome over time. Chemical treatment was not a predictor of bacterial microbiome variation, but bacterial communities shifted throughout storage. However, many of the trends that occurred during storage reversed during the 7-d shelf life period at 20 °C after storage. Time in cold storage decreased the relative abundance of Pseudomonas, while DPA application reduced the relative abundance of Aureobasidium, both notable biocontrol genera. These results highlight how chemical applications like DPA may have unintended effects on beneficial microbes that protect fruit from pathogen infection.  

NC State University (NC)

1. Accomplishments

What was accomplished under each of these goals that you worked on?

Summary:  Fresh market muscadine grape cultivars can be held to 6 weeks if high humidity and low temperature storage is consistent. Use of large bins such as Janny bins helps increase humidity and offers a way to hold fruit for longer storage periods.  Blueberry cultivars vary in initial firmness and after storage, requiring a means of relating sensory detection of desired texture to useful instrumental parameters. Eight sensory descriptors proved useful in distinguishing texture differences among blueberry cultivars and a combination of instrumental parameters was needed to best correlate with these descriptors. This information will help in defining postharvest changes in blueberry texture and in screening of new genotypes.  Strawberry germplasm of parental and advanced selections in the North Carolina breeding program was screened for physiochemical differences. A range of values in soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and anthocyanin was found, with most falling within the range of values desired in US strawberry cultivars. Pelargonidin 3-glucoside was the dominant anthocyanin in all material screened. American elderberry, a new crop in the US, was used to develop methods to best isolate the concentrated anthocyanins and phenolics for use in new product development for color and nutritional markets.

Enhance and/or adapt current handling, storage and postharvest     practices/technologies to ensure high-quality products to increase their acceptability by consumers.  

Muscadine grapes are widely grown in the southern US, with fresh market and processing genotypes. Expansion of fresh markets is desired, especially for distant markets in Canada and overseas; generally shelf life is 3-4 weeks at 4 °C. In 2022 and 2023, purple ‘Supreme’ and bronze muscadines were placed in Janny bins at 3-4 C. A slight increase in carbon dioxide compared to ambient was found in control (1%) and sealed (4%) bins. Weight loss was reduced from 6 to 2% and shrivel from 20 to 10% in cold rooms vs Janny bins after 5-6 weeks. The relative humidity inside the bins was 3-4% higher than that of the storage room and may have contributed to the better quality. Results indicate that several fresh market muscadine varieties can be held for 6 weeks if growers hold precooled fruit at a humidity >90% and temperature consistently below 4 °C.

2023. Lack of labor and associated costs has driven interest in mechanical harvesting of blueberries for fresh market. Bruising of the fruit during the process has continued to challenge adaption, despite development of new technologies, firmer cultivars, and different plant architecture. The opaque and relatively elastic peel and pulp makes it difficult to detect bruising and bruise placement in blueberries. Hyperspectral imaging has been done successfully to detect bruising on intact fruit.  Here, the objective was to use RGB images with sliced fruit to lower costs and adapt the process to a phone app. The RGB model developed detected bruising with about 80% accuracy across 53 blueberry cultivars harvested in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Young’s modulus 20% burst strain was inversely  correlated to bruise ratios with a r² of 0.65. Adaptation of this technology to field harvesting and postharvest systems and/or cultivar screening will help by providing a low cost method of bruise detection.

Texture components associated with blueberry sensory attributes of mouthfeel were established. Determining the most important texture components for blueberry consumer acceptance have been difficult as blueberries are not crisp like apples and do not give a burst of juice with the first bite. Using multiple blueberry cultivars, a descriptive sensory taste panel, and parameters of fruit firmness from a 2 mm flat probe and a flat compression probe, we found that multiple instrumental firmness parameters were needed for prediction of mouthfeel. Sensory panel screening of multiple advanced selections for texture is not currently viable. Incorporation of meaningful instrumental firmness parameters provides a first step towards faster screening of plant material and offers insight that may lead to AI development of new screening techniques.

Expand and translate fundamental plant biology to develop new storage   technologies and plant materials that will enhance human nutrition and energy-efficient postharvest systems.

American elderberry (Sambucus nigra canadensis) differs in anthocyanin and phenolic composition compared to the highly valued European elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Elderberry fruit are small, soft, ripen in the warm part of the summer months, and require destemming prior to freezing and processing. Development of shelf stable products with American elderberry for clinical trials and products with additional health benefits  is desired. Methods to enhance spray drying efficiency of the juice and for use of the remaining pomace were developed.  The anthocyanin and phenolic enriched spray dried powders are being incorporated in an animal study at the University of Missouri and pomace is being trialed in test products such as protein snack bars.  As incorporation of American elderberry as a new crop increases, postharvest protocols will need to be adapted and incorporated into production systems to maximize fruit cooling and delivery of a usuable product to processors.

Strawberry breeding goals in North Carolina are for increased productivity, adaptability to field or protected culture, and large, firm, well colored, and well-flavored fruit. The germplasm collection at NCSU was evaluated for soluble solids content, titratable acidity, total anthocyanins, and anthocyanin profiles. Several genotypes exhibited unusually high soluble solids content (>10%) while titratable acidity ranged from 0.5 to 1.2% as citric acid equivalents. Total anthocyanin content in red-fruited types ranged from 20 to 67 mg pelargonidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g fresh weight. Pelargonidin-3-glucoside was the predominant pigment in all genotypes tested. Several North Carolina selections were unusually high in a minor pigment, pelargonidin-3-malonylglucoside, compared to commercial cultivars from California and Florida breeding programs. No unusual differences were found in anthocyanin profiles among the red-fruited North Carolina germplasm. Visual scarlet or purple-red colors appear to be more a function of total anthocyanin than of ratios of the four pigments identified.  This data indicates that postharvest changes (darkening) in strawberry fruit color will most likely increase based simply on the total amount of pigment at harvest.

Virginia State University (VA)

1. Accomplishments

What was accomplished under each of these goals that you worked on? (around 1,800 characters per Institution including spaces)

Objective 1- Enhance and/or adapt current handling, storage, and postharvest practices/technologies to ensure high-quality products to increase their acceptability by consumers.  

• Soluble solids for most strawberry cultivars were similar in open-field environments. Among the eight cultivars tested, titratable acidity was highest in four cultivars (Albion, Chandler, Rocco, Ruby June). Although the tunnel extended the season in southern Virginia, marketable yield was lower due to various biotic and abiotic challenges.
• The total anthocyanin content, TSS, TA, and acidity of ten strawberry cultivars were mainly affected by genotypes rather than the environment of high tunnel or open field.
• A pocket-sized digital acidity meter was used to reduce the time and labor needed to measure TA with an automated titrimeter. When a regression was built on the two data sets, there was a significant but still weak correlation (R²=0.47). The correlation was higher in the open field than the high tunnel.
• Methanol and methanol: water were the best solvents to extract strawberry anthocyanins among six solvents. Color degradation negatively affected extracts with the other solvents (chloroform, ethanol, acetone, water). Solvents changed the profile of anthocyanin extracted with pelargonidin being the major anthocyanin in chloroform: methanol solvent, while delphinidin was dominant in all other solvents.

Objective 3- Advance our fundamental knowledge of host-pathogen-microbe interactions to maintain high-quality fruits and vegetables while reducing food loss and waste.

Beneficial bacteria inhibited the growth of the postharvest pathogens. It would allow strawberries to be cultivated with little or no synthetic fungicides and extended shelf life. Nine out of 72 isolates were promising and were more effective than a biofungicide commercially available on the market

Washington State University (WA)

Carolina Torres, Dave Rudell, Daniel De Angelis

1. Accomplishments

What was accomplished under each of these goals that you worked on? (around 1,800 characters per Institution including spaces)

Obj. 1. Enhance and/or adapt current handling, storage and postharvest practices/technologies to ensure high-quality products to increase their acceptability by consumers. 

Apples: Postharvest systems to improve apple quality:

• In Honeycrisp, Dynamic Control Atmosphere (DCA) storage retained acidity better than CA and air storage, and slowed ethylene production after long-term storage. DCA, negatively affected browning disorders in some growing seasons and orchards.
• In Gala, DCA retained fruit firmness and acidity better than CA and air storage, and slowed chlorophyll degradation and ethylene production in long-term storage
• In WA 38, air-store fruit showed a slightly higher skin greasiness than that stored in CA.

Pears: Validation of spectral indexes as a sorting tool at harvest:

• Hyperspectral images were able to generate reflectance indexes, based on chlorophyll and carotenoids reflectance wavelengths, to classify pears according to their relative cumulative sun exposure.
• Ultra-low O₂ CA strategies to reduce d’Anjou storage disorders can control superficial scald development under some cold-chain scenarios.

Cherries:

• Regular air (0-1°C), Modified atmosphere package (MAP bag), Controlled Atmosphere (1 or 10% O₂, 1 or 15% CO₂) were evaluated in six commercial cultivars. The effects of them on fruit quality and stem condition after 45 days are cultivar and season-dependent.
• Fruit firmness measured using compression is not consistent in representing the perceived fruit texture.
• Regression models using hyperspectral imaging and compression values measuring fruit firmness showed low coefficients of determination and accuracy (65-70 %), reinforcing the challenge that is tailoring a non-destructive technique to predict firmness through compression values in sweet cherries, a highly variable phenotypic characteristic.

Storage protocols to increase fruit packouts (=revenues for growers and packers) will be generated at the end of these studies.

Technical talks in different growers and packers-focused activities (conferences, meetings) were used to transfer this information.

Obj. 2. Expand and translate fundamental plant biology to develop new storage technologies and plant materials that will enhance human nutrition and energy-efficient postharvest systems.

None

Obj. 3. Advance our fundamental knowledge of host-pathogen-microbe interactions to maintain high-quality fruits and vegetables while reducing food loss and waste.

None

University of Florida (FL)

Refereed Publications (11):

Ahlawat Y.K., U., Ghimire, S., Li, P. Timilsena, E.D. Pliakoni, J.K. Brecht and T. Liu. 2024. Postharvest senescence profiling in broccoli using tandem mass tag-based proteomics. Vegetable Research https://doi.org/10.48130/vegres-0024-0009  

Belisle, C.E., G.V. Sandoya, G.F. Kreutz and S.A. Sargent. 2024. Screening subtropical lettuce accessions for heat tolerance by incorporating accelerated shelf life testing. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci _ https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05367-24 (in press)

Cheng, Y., W. Boukari, S.S. Riley, P.F. Harmon, A. Sarkhosh, and J.K. Brecht. 2024. In vitro antifungal activity of white thyme, oregano, and savory oils against five Monilinia fructicola isolates from the southeastern US. Plant Health Progress https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-12-23-0111-RS

Cheng, Y., Y. Wang, Y. Wang, M.A. Raza, T. Jiang, X. Zheng, and J.K. Brecht. 2024. Transcriptomic analysis reveals the role of abscisic acid and ethylene in regulating starch-source biosynthesis associated with soft nose disorder in ‘Keitt’ mango fruit during postharvest. Postharv. Biol. Technol. 209:112698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112698

Ghimire, U., P. Abeli, J.K. Brecht, E. Pliakoni, and T. Liu. 2024. Unique molecular mechanisms revealed for the effects of temperature, CA, ethylene exposure and 1-MCP on postharvest senescence of broccoli. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 213:112919. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.112919

Ghimire, U., E. Pliakoni, F. Yu, J.K. Brecht, and T. Liu. 2023. Identifying genes regulated during natural, on-plant senescence in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) in contrast to postharvest senescence. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 206:112535 14 p. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112535

Habibi, F., M.A. Shahid, R.L. Spicer, C. Voiniciuc, J. Kim, F.G. Gmitter Jr., J.K. Brecht, and A. Sarkhosh. 2024. Postharvest storage temperature strategies affect anthocyanin levels, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, chemical attributes of juice, and physical qualities of blood orange fruit. Food Chemistry Advances 4:100722. 11 p.

Habibi, F., C. Voiniciuc, P.J. Conner, D. Shin, J. Kim, J.K. Brecht, and A. Sarkhosh. 2024. Nutritional value of peel and flesh of muscadine genotypes: A comparative study on bioactive compounds, total antioxidant activity, and chemical attributes. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization. 15 p. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-024-02404-1

Khalil, U., I.A. Rajwana, K. Razzaq, S. Singh, A. Sarkhosh, and J.K. Brecht. 2024. Evaluation of modified atmosphere packaging system developed through breathable technology to extend postharvest life of fresh muscadine berries. Food Science & Nutrition 11 p. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4037

Sarkhosh, A., F. Habibi, S.A. Sargent, and J.K. Brecht. 2023. Freeze-drying does not affect bioactive compound contents and antioxidant activity of muscadine fruit. Food Bioproc. Technol. 10 p. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-023-03277-w

Zhang, C., G. Hoogenboom, M.A. Ritenour, S.M. Alam-Eldein, S.A. Sargent. 2024. Modeling the relationship between postharvest storage conditions and grapefruit quality. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.jafr.2024.101171

Refereed Proceedings (4):

Brecht, J.K., S.A. Sargent, N. Ristow, J.A. Osuna García, and S. Singh. 2024. Demonstrating modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) feasibility for mango export. Acta Horticulturae 1386:161-168. https://10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1386.22

Elashmawy, R., M. Doron, J.K. Brecht, and I. Uysal. 2023. AI-enabled sensor-driven marketability prediction of strawberry digital twins. 2023 IEEE Conference on Artificial Intelligence (CAI). p. 248-250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/CAI54212.2023.00112

Pliakoni, E., D.J. Huber, S.A. Sargent, and J.K. Brecht. 2024. Use of two different MAP systems for extension of shelf like of romaine lettuce. Acta Horticulturae 1386:207-212. https://10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1386.22 

Yang, W.Q., Takeda, F., Zhang, Mengyun, Li, Changying, Sargent, S.A., DeVetter, L.W., Beaudry, R., Obenland, D., Saito, S. and Xiao, Chang-Lin (2023). Internal bruise damage in machine-harvested blueberries. Acta Hortic. 1381, 392-400. https://10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1381.50

Non-refereed Publications (21):

Berry, A.D., S.A. Sargent and M.A. Santana. 2023. Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene and cooling method on broccoli quality during storage. Florida State Hort. Soc. 2023 Annual Meeting. Daytona Beach. Long note. (in press)

Bittencourt, M.C.S., S.A. Sargent, and J.K. Brecht. 2022. Effect of sequential treatments of an ethylene scrubber followed by 1-MCP on the shelf life of 'Hass' avocado. Proc. FSHS 135:169.

Brecht, J.K., M. Doron, and I. Uysal 2022. Determining the relationship between distribution temperatures and strawberry quality. Proc. FSHS 135:173-174.

Brecht, J.K., M. Doron, P. LaFreniere, and D. Kihlstadius. 2022. Influence of temperature during ethylene treatment on ripening and quality of mangos. Proc. FSHS 135:163-164.

Brecht, J.K., S.A. Sargent, F. Shahzad, M. Doron, and S. Tonetto de Freitas. 2023. Feasibility of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) plus ethylene scrubbing for extended international shipping of mangos. Proc. FSHS 136: (in press).

Brecht, J.K., S.A. Sargent, P. Tsouvaltzis, C.A. Sims, and J.H. Crane. 2022. Export potential of mango cultivars: Tolerance to the USDA APHIS hot water insect quarantine treatment. Proc. FSHS 135:34-35.

Chang, Y., A. Sarkhosh, and J.K. Brecht. 2022. Evaluation of thyme oil vapor for control of postharvest anthracnose on blueberry. Proc. FSHS 135:151.

Deltsidis, A., E. Pliakoni, and J.K. Brecht. 2022. Determining the optimum temperature and atmosphere combination for maximum quality retention of pink stage tomatoes in MAP. Proc. FSHS 135:161.

Elashmawy, R., M. Doron, J.K. Brecht, and I. Uysal. 2023. AI-enabled sensor-driven marketability prediction of strawberry digital twins. 2023 IEEE Conference on Artificial Intelligence (CAI). p. 248-250. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/CAI54212.2023.00112

Fisher, P., R. Freyre, C. Gómez, B. Pearson, T. Sanchez-Jones, S. Steed, W. Laughlin, R. Hochmuth, J. Wasielewski, D. Lieurance, C. Harmon, M. Paret, L. Osborne, K. Athearn, S. Sargent, M. Zhang, S. Flores, C. Nelson, M. Retana-Cordero, and N. Tello. 2023. Ginger, galangal, and turmeric production in Florida. Environmental Horticulture Department, University of Florida/IFAS Extension. EDIS Publication  ENH1374. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-EP638-2023

Gong, T., X. Zhao, and J.K. Brecht. 2022. Fruit quality and mineral content of tomato fruit exhibiting blotchy ripening disorder. Proc. FSHS 135:340-343.

Jenkins, T., L. Nwadike, M. Bhullar, C. Rivard, C. Shoemaker, E. Mitcham, J. Brecht, A. Deltsidis, and E. Pliakoni. 2022. Identifying challenges in the postharvest supply chain of fresh organic produce. Urban Food Systems Symposium, “Building Coalitions for a Changing World.” Kansas City, MO, Sept. 26-28, 2022. 16 p.  https://newprairiepress.org/ufss/2022/proceedings/6

Sandoya, G.V., M. Lin, J. Kim, S. Sargent. 2024. Escarole and endive: Leafy vegetables with higher potential of nutrition for Floridians. University of Florida/IFAS EDIS bulletin (in revision).

Sargent, S.A., A. Berry, M. Santana, A. Sarkhosh, J. Crane and R. Miranda. 2024. Studies with open field-grown purple passionfruit: Comparison of harvest stage on storage quality. Proc. Florida State Hort. Soc. 2024 Annual Meeting. Orlando (in review)

Sarkhosh, A., F. Habibi, and J.K. Brecht. 2024. Alleviating astringency in persimmon fruit for enhanced palatability and consumer acceptability. HS1483. 7 p. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1483

Sarkhosh, A., F. Habibi and S.A. Sargent. 2023. Freeze-dried muscadine grape: a new product for health-conscious consumers and the food industry. Horticultural Sciences Dept., University of Florida/IFAS Extension. EDIS Publication HS1468.

Sarkhosh, A., F. Habibi, S.A. Sargent, and J.K. Brecht. 2024. Dehydrated and freeze-dried peach fruit: A prolonged shelf-life product through modern drying techniques. HS1478. 8 p. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1478 

Sarkhosh, A., F. Habibi, M.A. Shahid, S.A. Sargent, and J.K. Brecht. 2024. Dried persimmon fruit: A year-round available product. HS1479. 7 p. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1479

Shahzad, F., M. Doron, and J.K. Brecht. 2022. Establishing optimum atmospheres for extended transport of tree-ripe mangoes. Proc. FSHS 135:162.

Shahzad, F., M. Doron, and J.K. Brecht.  2023. Evaluation of Akorn semipermeable fruit coatings to extend mango shelf life by creating an internal modified atmosphere. Proc. FSHS 136: (in press).

Stahl, S.L. and S.A. Sargent. 2023. Maintaining visual quality and fresh, firm texture during countertop ripening of peaches, guava, and passionfruit with vented containers. Proc. Florida State Hort. Soc. 2023 annual meeting. Daytona Beach. (in press)

University of Georgia (GA)

Referreed:

Bhattarai, G., Giannopoulos, O., Corn, R. N., McAvoy, C. E., Deltsidis, A., Worthington, M. L., & Conner, P. J. (2023). Analysis of the Aroma Volatile Profile of Muscadine Grape Germplasm by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Horticulturae, 9(9), 1054.

Díaz-Pérez, J. C., Deltsidis, A., & Cutiño-Jiménez, A. M. (2023). Oxygenation and ozonation of irrigation water and a soil microbial inoculant did not influence tomato plant growth and yield and soil microbiota. International Journal of Vegetable Science, 29(6), 473-480.

Non-referreed:

Deltsidis, A., Rubio Ames, Z., & Espinoza, N. (2023). Blueberry Harvesting and Postharvest Handling. Circular 1269. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Available at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1269

Deltsidis, A., Rubio, Z., & Espinoza, N. (2023). Blackberry Harvesting and Postharvest Handling. Circular 1282. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Available at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1282

Deltsidis, A., Dunn, L., & Loayza, F. (2024). Small Fruit Food Safety Considerations. Circular 1308. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Available at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1308

Deltsidis, A., Rubio Ames, Z., Espinoza, N., & Carcamo, L. (2024). Spanish Series: Cosecha y Manejo Postcosecha de Arándanos. Circular 1269-SP. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Available at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1269-SP.

Giannopoulos, O., Deltsidis, A. & Chavez, D. (2024) Peaches: Appropriate Harvest and Postharvest Handling. Bulletin 1555. University of Georgia. Available at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=B1555

Rubio Ames, Z., Godara, A., & Deltsidis, A. (2024). Blueberry Fruit Set, Development, and Ripening. Circular 1294. University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Available at: https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1294

Kansas State University (KS)

Published Manuscripts

Khadka, D., E. D. Pliakoni, P. Abeli, O. C. Haley, T. Jenkins, X. Xu, M. Jaberi-Douraki, L.L. Britton, M. S. Bhullar. 2024. CO2 Laser-labeling on Fresh Produce: Evaluating Postharvest Quality, Microbial Safety, and Economic Analysis. Journal of Food Protection: 87 (9) (2024) 100329 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100329

Khadka, D., M.J. Talavera, E.D. Pliakoni, L.L. Britton, Londa Nwadike, Manreet S. Bhullar. 2024. Evaluating consumers' acceptability of laser-labeled apple fruit,

Future Foods; 10, (2024) 100401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fufo.2024.100401

Ghimire, U., P. Abeli, J.K. Brecht, E.D. Pliakoni, and T. Liu. 2024. Unique molecular mechanisms revealed for the effect s of temperature, CA , ethylene exposure an d 1 -MCP on postharvest senescence of Broccoli. Postharvest Biology and Technology 213:112919  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.112919 

Ahlawat YK, U., Ghimire, S., Li, P., Timilsena, E.D., Pliakoni, JK., Brecht and T. Liu. 2024. Postharvest Senescence Profiling in Broccoli Using Tandem Mass Tag-based Proteomics. Vegetable Research 4:e010: 1-12 https://doi.org/10.48130/vegres-0024-0009 

Haley, O.C., X. Xu, M. Jaberi-Douraki, C. Rivard, E.D. Pliakoni, L. Nwadike, M. Bhullar. 2024. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Ultraviolet-C Light Technologies for Agricultural Surface Water Decontamination by Produce Growers in Kansas and Missouri. Food Protection Trends 44(1) 8-18. DOI: 10.4315/FPT-23-009

Mumford, A., E.D. Pliakoni, and I. Hale. 2023. Effects of Harvest Maturity on Storability, Ripening Dynamics, and Fruit Quality of ‘Geneva 3’ Kiwiberries. HortScience, 58(7), 761-767.

Ghimire, U., E.D. Pliakoni, F. Yu, J.K. Brecht and T. Liu. 2023 Identifying genes regulated during natural, on-plant senescence in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) in contrast to postharvest senescence. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 206, 112535,

Haley, O.C., E.D. Pliakoni, C. Rivard, L. Nwadike and M. Bhullar. 2023.The Attenuation of Microbial Reduction in Blueberry Fruit Following UV-LED Treatment. J Food Prot. 86 (3) 100056.

University of Maine (MA)

None this year for this project.

University of Maryland (MD)

Miah, S. ^†, Farcuh, M.*. The Expression of key ethylene and anthocyanin biosynthetic genes of ‘Honeycrisp’ apples subjected to the combined used of reflective groundcovers and Aminoethoxyvinylglycine in the Mid-Atlantic USA. Plants 13(8): 1141. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13081141

Miah, S. ^†, Farcuh, M.*. Combining the Use of Reflective Groundcovers and Aminoethoxyvinylglycine to Assess Effects on Skin Color, Preharvest Drop, and Quality of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples in the Mid-Atlantic USA. Horticulturae 10(2): 179. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10020179

Miah, S. ^†, Hinson, C. ^#, Farcuh, M.*. Assessing fruit maturity and quality of ‘Buckeye Gala’ grown on a diverse panel of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) rootstocks in Western Maryland. Agronomy 13(10): 2528. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102528

Tracton, T. ^†, Farcuh, M.* March 2024. Controlling Bitter Pit in Apples: Best Practices for Growers. University of Maryland Extension Factsheet FS-2023-0701.https://go.umd.edu/FS-2023-0701

Miah, S. ^†, Farcuh, M.* Dec 2023. Important Apple Cultivars in the Mid-Atlantic Region. University of Maryland Extension, Extension Bulletin. EB-2023-0684. https://go.umd.edu/EB-2023-0684

Michigan State University (MI)

PATENTS AND PUBLICATIONS         

Publications:

2023

Sloniker N, Raftopoulou O, Chen Y, Ryser ET, Beaudry R. 2023. Fate of Planktonic and Biofilm-Derived Listeria monocytogenes on Unwaxed Apples during Air and Controlled Atmosphere Storage. Foods. 2023; 12(19):3673. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12193673

Jacobs, M, Thompson, S, Platts, AE, Body, MJA, Kelsey, A, Saad, A, Abeli, P, Teresi, SJ, Schilmiller, A, Beaudry, R, Feldmann, MJ, Knapp, SK, Song, G, Miles, T, Edger, PP. 2023. Uncovering genetic and metabolite markers associated with resistance against anthracnose fruit rot in northern highbush blueberry, Horticulture Research, 10, Issue 10, October 2023, uhad169, https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad169

2024

Park, D., Y. Al Shoffe, B.E. Algul, P. Engelgau, R.M. Beaudry, and C.B. Watkins. 2024 Preharvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene and 1-aminoethoxyvinylglycine affects watercore severity and volatile profiles of ‘Fuji’ _apples stored in air and controlled atmospheres. Postharvest Biol. Technol., Volume 211, May 2024, 112840. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.112840

Yang, W.Q., F. Takeda, M. Zhang, C. Li, S.A. Sargent, L.W. DeVetter, R. Beaudry, D. Obenland, S. Saito, and C-L. Xiao. 2024. Internal bruise damage in machine-harvested blueberries. Acta Hort. 1381: 393-400. DOI 10.17660/ActaHortic.2023.1381.50

Goel, M., J.A. Campoy, K. Krause, L.C. Baus, A. Sahu, H. Sun, B. Walkemeier, M. Marek, R. Beaudry, D. Ruiz, B. Huettel and K. Schneeberger. 2024. The vast majority of somatic mutations in fruit trees are layer-specific. Genome Biol. 2024 Jul 24;25(1):194. doi: 10.1186/s13059-024-03337-0. PMID: 39049052; PMCID: PMC11267851.

Sun, H., P. Abeli, J.A. Campoy, T. Rütjes, K. Krause, W-B. Jiao, M. von Korff, R. Beaudry, K. Schneeberger. 2024. The identification and analysis of meristematic mutations within the apple tree that developed the ‘RubyMac’ sport mutation. BMC Biology. 24 (1):912. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05628-x, PMCID: PMC11443920.

Gendjar, M. D.P. Chalise, R. Beaudry, and E. Merewitz. 2024. Controlled Condition Ice Encasement of Creeping bentgrass and Annual bluegrass Influences Plant Recovery, Gases Evolution, and Metabolites. J. Amer Soc. Hort. Sci. 149(4): 230-242. DOI:10.21273/JASHS05394-24

Hendershot, C., S Ruth, C Bloomingdale1, H Corder, T Goodwill, R Beaudry, L E Hanson, and J F.Willbur. 2024. Cercospora leaf spot impacts on postharvest disease and respiration of affected sugarbeet roots. Plant Disease. 0:ja, https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-07-24-1478-RE

Sow, A, B Lemmond, B Rennick, J V Wyk L Martin, M Townsend, A Grupe, R Beaudry, R Healy, ME. Smith G Bonito. 2024. Tuber canirevelatum and T. cumberlandense, two new edible Tuber species from eastern North America discovered by truffle-hunting dogs. Mycologia, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/00275514.2024.2407755.

Patents:

2024

Indian patent 530129: Certificate issued March 26, 2024. Sangeeta Chopra, Randolph Beaudry, Norbert Mueller, Indra Mani. Off-grid, batteryless, solar refrigerated, evaporatively cooled, mesh fabric structure for storage of perishables.

Popular articles:

2024

Beaudry, R., E. Lavely and L. Brown. 2024. Options for Sourcing 1-MCP (MSU Extension article update).

Hollender, C.A., A. Engelsma, M. Tejera-Nieves, B.J. Walker, and R.M. Beaudry. 2024. Ripe Revelations: Unveiling the Biology Behind Early and Late Maturity Apple Bud Sports. New York Fruit Quarterly, Vol. 32 (2), 31-34.

Beaudry, R., E. Lauwers, and B. Shane. 2024. Seasonal temperatures, fruit development and storability: How does 2024 compare to the previous 17 years? MSU Extension.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/seasonal-temperatures-fruit-development-and-storability

Horzum, Ö., N. Sugimoto, P. Engelgau, and R.M. Beaudry. 2024. Dose Response of Air-Stored Red Delicious Fruit to 1-MCP Given as Single and Continuous Doses. New York Fruit Quarterly, Vol. 32 (3):11-14.

Beaudry, R, E Lauwers, and B Shane. 2024. Seasonal temperatures and fruit development and storability: How does 2024 compare to the previous 17 years? New York Fruit Quarterly, Vol. 32 (4) (accepted, in queue)

Brown, L and R Beaudry. 2024. Controlled Atmospheric Storage Clinic 2024. MSU Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/events/msu-controlled-atmosphere-clinic

Brown, L., E. Lauwers, D. Plotkowski, R. Beaudry and E. Lavely. 2024. Tree fruit season wrap up. MSU Extension. Nov. 5, 2024. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/2024-tree-fruit-season-wrap-up

Published abstracts:

Engelsma, A., J. Sinnaeve, M. Tejera, B. Walker, R. Beaudry, and C. Hollender. 2024. The biological mechanism behind early and late apple sports. Annual meeting Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., 29 July - 5 September 23-27, 2024, Honolulu, HI. (oral).

Horzum, Ö., N. Sugimoto, P. Engelgau, and R. Beaudry. 2024. Catalysis of 1-Methylcyclopropene Degradation By Non-Target Materials:  Metals and Metal Salts. Annual meeting Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., 29 July - 5 September 23-27, 2024, Honolulu, HI. (poster).

Horzum, Ö., J. Xu, N. Sugimoto, and R. Beaudry. 2024. Apple ripening after DCA storage: Assessing the risk of flavor loss. Annual meeting Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., 29 July - 5 September 23-27, 2024, Honolulu, HI. (oral).

Horzum, Ö., and R. Beaudry. 2024. 1-Methylcyclopropene from differing sources: Impact on ‘Red Delicious’ apple during cold storage. Annual meeting Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci., 29 July - 5 September 23-27, 2024, Honolulu, HI. (oral).

Chopra, S., R. Garg, R. Sharma, A. Adhikari, S. Dhingra, and R. Beaudry. 2024. Evaluating the global feasibility of evaporative cooling: A viable approach for perishable storage? European Horticultural Congress, May 11-15, Bucharest, Romania. (oral).

Engelgau, P., S. Wendakoon, A. DuBois, E. Mayhew, N. Sugimoto, and R. Beaudry. 2024. A validation of the essential nature of the citramalate synthase pathway in the de novo synthesis of esters and the importance of the sensory impact of the pathway in apple. European Horticultural Congress, May 11-15, Bucharest, Romania. (oral).

Nile, S., S. Chopra, M. Srivastava, P.K. Sharma, P.K. Sahoo, R. Parray, R. Beaudry. 2024. Some Indian mangoes are better stored on the tree than harvested and treated with 1-MCP. European Horticultural Congress, May 11-15, Bucharest, Romania. (oral).

Beaudry, R. 2024. Some Indian mangoes are better stored on the tree than harvested and treated with 1-MCP. ASHS Webinar, May 7, 2024. (oral).

Chopra, S. and R. Beaudry. 2024. Case studies of concrete and iron solar refrigerated evaporatively cooled storage structures in India: Successes and failures. International Postharvest Symposium, Nov. 11-15, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Horzum, Ö., J. Xu, N. Sugimoto, and R. Beaudry. 2024. 1-MCP treatment in combination with DCA storage: The potential for loss of aroma in apple. International Postharvest Symposium, Nov. 11-15, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Engelgau, P., S. Wendakoon, N. Sugimoto, and R. Beaudry. 2024. Inhibition of branched-chain ester synthesis by ALS inhibitors provides evidence for the origins of ester precursors. International Postharvest Symposium, Nov. 11-15, Rotorua, New Zealand.

Cornell University (NY)

Peer reviewed:

Al Shoffe, Y., Nock, J.F., Gunes, N., Maloney, K., Brown, S.K., Watkins, C.B. 2024. Antioxidants of blushed and unblushed sides in relation to superficial scald of ‘NY2’ (RubyFrost®) apples treated preharvest with 1-methylcyclopropene and aminoethoxyvinylglycine. Scientia Hortic. 327:112806. doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112806199x

Al Shoffe, Y., Rudell, D.R., Park, D., Algul, B., Qin, M., Shi, M., Dando, R., Watkins, C.B.  2024. Aroma volatiles and sensory quality of organic apple cultivars after dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) storage and comparison with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments. Postharvest Biol. Technol. In revision.

Doerflinger, F.C., Sutanto, G., Nock, J.F., Al Shoffe, Y., Watkins, C.B. 2024. Preharvest 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments on quality of spot and strip picked ‘Gala’ apples, and storage responses to postharvest 1-MCP and temperature conditioning. Scientia Hortic. 235:112682. doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112682

Lane, C., Al Shoffe, Y., Schafran, P., Li, F.W., Kao-Kniffen, J., Watkins, C.B. 2024. Amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomics reveal functional impacts of aminoethoxyvinylglycine-mediated ripening and cold storage on the microbiome of ‘NY1’ apples. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 213:112969. doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.112969

Lane, C., Al Shoffe, Y., Kao-Kniffen, J., Watkins, C.B. 2024. Conventional and organic fungicides with and without and diphenylamine shift microbiomes of ‘Fuji’ apples during storage. Postharvest Biol. Technol. (in review)

Park, D.S., Al Shoffe, Y., Algul, B.E., Engelgau, P., Beaudry, R.M., Watkins, C.B. 2024. Preharvest application of 1-methylcyclopropene and 1-aminoethoxyvinylglycine affects watercore severity and volatile profiles of ‘Fuji’ apples stored in air and controlled atmospheres. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 211:112840. doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.112840

Conference proceedings:

Al Shoffe, Y., Nock, J.F., Watkins, C.B. 2024. CO₂ partial pressures and 1-methylcyclopropene affect stem end flesh browning development in ‘Gala’ apples during controlled atmosphere storage.  Acta Hortic. 1386: 147-152. doi.10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1386.20124.

Grower articles:

 Robinson, T., Cheng, L., Fazio, G., Watkins, C., Miranda Sazo, M., Gonzalez, L., Lawrence, B., Kahlke, C., Basedow, M., Francescatto, P., Al Farqani, A., Lopez, S. 2024. Management of ‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees for maximum sustained yield and minimal bitter pit. Fruit Quarterly 32(1):3-12.

Watkins, C.B., Doerflinger, F.C., Sutanto, G., Nock, J.F., Al Shoffe, Y. 2024. Revisiting conditioning as a method to decrease flesh browning of Gala during storage. Fruit Quarterly 32(1): 22-24.

Watkins, C.B., Al Shoffe, Y. 2024. Updated recommendations for long-term controlled atmosphere storage of Gala apples. Fruit Quarterly 32(2):12-16.

NC State University (NC)

Larson, J. E., Perkins-Veazie, P., & Kon, T. M. (2023). Apple Fruitlet Abscission Prediction. II. Characteristics of Fruitlets Predicted to Persist or Abscise by Reflectance Spectroscopy Models. HortScience, 58(9), 1095-1103.

Mengist, M.F., Pottorff, M., Mackey, T., Ferrao, F., Casorzo, G., Lila, M.A., Luby, C., Giongo, L., Perkins-Veazie, P., Bassil, N. and Munoz, P., 2024. Assessing predictability of post-storage texture and appearance characteristics in blueberry at breeding population level. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 214, p.112964.

Munoz, B., Hayes, M., Perkins-Veazie, P., Gillitt, N., Munoz, M., Kay, C. D., ... & Iorizzo, M. (2024). Genotype and ripening method affect carotenoid content and bio-accessibility in banana. Food & Function, 15(7), 3433-3445.

Oh, H., Pottorff, M., Giongo, L., Mainland, C. M., Iorizzo, M., & Perkins-Veazie, P. (2024). Exploring shelf-life predictability of appearance traits and fruit texture in blueberry. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 208, 112643.

Perkins-Veazie, P., Ma, G., Fernandez, G., Haynes, B., Ochsenfeld, C., Fister, A., ... & Rapp, R. (2023). Anthocyanin profiles among Rubus species. In XIII International Rubus and Ribes Symposium 1388 (pp. 405-411).

Perkins-Veazie, P., Ma, G., Fernandez, G., Oh, H., Ochsenfeld, C., Fister, A., ... & Rapp, R. (2023). Anthocyanin profiles in fruit from seminal primocane and floricane-fruiting Rubus cultivars. In XIII International Rubus and Ribes Symposium 1388 (pp. 397-404).

Ravichandran, K. S., Silva, E. S., Moncada, M., Perkins-Veazie, P., Lila, M. A., Greenlief, C. M., ... & Krishnaswamy, K. (2023). Spray drying to produce novel phytochemical-rich ingredients from juice and pomace of American elderberry. Food bioscience, 55, 102981.

Trandel-Hayse, M., Johanningsmeier, S., Oh, H., Iorizzo, M., & Perkins-Veazie, P. (2023). Blueberry cell wall polysaccharide composition of three distinct fruit firmness phenotypes. ACS Food Science & Technology, 3(11), 1920-1930.

Yow, A.G., Laosuntisuk, K., Young, R.A., Doherty, C.J., Gillitt, N., Perkins-Veazie, P., Jenny Xiang, Q.Y. and Iorizzo, M., 2023. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes for cold stress response and early flowering in pineapple. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.18890.

Virginia State University (VA)

Peer-reviewed publications

Patel, H., Taghavi, T., & Samtani, J. B. (2023). Fruit Quality of Several Strawberry Cultivars during the Harvest Season under High Tunnel and Open Field Environments. Horticulturae, 9(10), 1084.

Taghavi, T., Patel, H., & Rafie, R. (2023). Extraction Solvents Affect Anthocyanin Yield, Color, and Profile of Strawberries. Plants, 12(9), 1833.

Taghavi T, H. Patel, 2023, Extracting Strawberry anthocyanins, testing different variables. Acta Hort., 1340.

Liu, D., Samtani, J. B., Taghavi, T., & Amyotte, B. (2024). Agronomic and Post-Harvest Performance of Strawberry Cultivars in High Tunnel and Open-Field Environment in Southeast Virginia. International Journal of Fruit Science, 24(1), 242-255.

Non-refereed publications and Presentations

Taghavi, T., VSU Impact Statement, essential Oils affect expression of genes regulating fruit firmness in strawberries, 2023

Taghavi, T., ARD Research Impact Statements, Early research shows essential oils may improve fruit shelf life, 2023

Taghavi T, Patel H., Extracting strawberry anthocyanins, testing different variables, Abstract for Asian Horticultural Congress, ISHS 2023.

Taghavi T, Patel H., Strawberry anthocyanins, Extractions, Assessments, and Storage, Abstract for American Society for Horticultural Sciences 2023.

Washington State University (WA)

Mogollón, R., Rudell, D., & Torres, C. A. 2024. SUNIndx: Visual identification of sun stressed-areas of the fruit using a reflectance index (Sun Index) from hyperspectral images to predict sunscald-risk postharvest on ‘Granny Smith’ apples. SoftwareX 27, 101828.

Nguyen, N. H., Michaud, J., Mogollon, R., Zhang, H., Hargarten, H., Leisso, R., Torres, C. A., Honaas, L., & Ficklin, S. (2024). Rating pome fruit quality traits using deep learning and image processing. Plant Direct, 8(10), e70005. https://doi.org/10.1002/pld3.70005

The SL, Brutcher L., Schonberg B., Torres C.A., Barritt B., Evans K., 2024. Multi-year trends of retention of fruit firmness after storage and influence of cultivar representation among apple breeding selections. Fruit Research 4: https://doi.org/10.48130/frures-0024-0020

Mogollón, R., Mendoza, M., León, L., Rudell, D., & Torres, C. 2024. Excluding sunscald from long-term storage of ‘Granny Smith’ apples. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2024.113044