Emerging Innovations in Postharvest Health and Quality Management of Fresh Produce

The field of postharvest health and quality management of fruits and vegetables is at a critical juncture as the fresh produce industry grapples with persistent losses, quality deterioration, and food safety concerns arising from both biotic agents (fungal and bacterial pathogens) and abiotic factors leading to physiological disorders. Conventional solutions, such as the extensive use of synthetic fungicides and rigid storage protocols, are increasingly challenged by pathogen resistance, tightening regulations, climate variability, and consumer demand for chemical-free and sustainable products.In recent years, transformative technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), biosensors, hyperspectral imaging, digital twins, and advanced packaging, have begun to reshape strategies for detecting, predicting, and managing postharvest diseases and physiological disorders. These innovations enable real-time monitoring of fruit condition, early diagnosis of latent disorders, and precise control of storage environments. While promising progress has been reported in early disease detection and quality monitoring, significant gaps remain in the integration of these technologies across diverse supply chains, crop species, and postharvest scenarios.Moreover, challenges related to scalability, cost-effectiveness, data interoperability, and environmental impact persist, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary approaches that combine plant pathology, postharvest physiology, materials science, and digital agriculture. Addressing both pathogen-driven decay and physiology-driven quality losses is essential for building resilient, efficient, and sustainable postharvest systems.This Research Topic aims to foster groundbreaking research that unites advanced technologies and sustainable practices to mitigate postharvest losses and quality degradation in fresh produce. The objective is to showcase developments in AI- and IoT-enabled monitoring systems, predictive analytics, biocontrol strategies, edible coatings, controlled and modified atmosphere technologies, and intelligent packaging, with a strong emphasis on real-time assessment of fruit health and eco-friendly interventions. By bringing together contributions from multiple disciplines, this Research Topic seeks to define robust pathways toward smart, resource-efficient, and safe postharvest management systems capable of addressing both diseases and physiological disorders across global supply chains.We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:-AI, IoT, and machine learning for postharvest health, disease, and physiological disorder monitoring and prediction-Advanced biosensors, imaging, and hyperspectral techniques for early detection of diseases and physiological disorders-Monitoring and modeling of abiotic stress factors affecting postharvest quality (temperature, humidity, atmosphere)-Biocontrol agents, natural antimicrobials, and eco-friendly treatments-Edible coatings and smart/intelligent packaging technologies-Digital twins and decision-support systems for postharvest management-Integrated strategies for reducing postharvest losses while preserving fruit quality and safety Topic editors: Orly Enrique Apolo-Apolo, Marcela Miranda, Poliana Cristina Spricigo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/77649/emerging-innovations-in-postharvest-health-and-quality-management-of-fresh-produce