Challenges in handling fresh fruits and vegetables

Since the publication of the first edition of this book, more researchers in postharvest handling of fresh fruits and vegetables are gaining an appreciation of the need to use a systems approach. A common handling system proceeds from crop production to harvest, packing, transport, storage and retail distribution. Much progress has been made in integrating handling operations, but increased demands for higher quality are forcing the need for the further integration of handling steps. The greatest challenges in postharvest systems research include a better understanding of the effect of stress conditions on quality, development of more effective means to manage quality, connecting marketing efforts to handling, ensuring safe fresh fruits and vegetables, more research needed for handling systems with limited infrastructure and more expansive studies at the preharvest/postharvest and postharvest/consumer interfaces.