Xiuying Zhao

Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China
Author    Correspondence author
Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 5   
Received: 01 Jul., 2024    Accepted: 11 Aug., 2024    Published: 01 Sep., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) holds significant importance in agriculture due to its nutritional value and economic relevance. However, post-harvest losses remain a major challenge due to its rapid ripening and sensitivity to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the post-harvest physiology of loquat, including key factors contributing to spoilage. Traditional preservation techniques, such as cold storage, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), chemical treatments, and dehydration methods, are discussed, along with emerging technologies like nano-coating, natural antimicrobials, and smart packaging systems. Through a comparative analysis of these methods' efficiency, economic viability, and environmental impact, this study also evaluates the integration of preservation techniques within supply chains and their role in reducing post-harvest losses through a regional case study. Lastly, this study explores future directions for loquat preservation, focusing on technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and sustainability. The findings are expected to provide insights into improving post-harvest management and reducing loquat losses.

Loquat; Post-harvest preservation; Shelf-life extension; Storage techniques; Food sustainability