Smart Sensing Technologies for Postharvest Quality Monitoring and Shelf Life Prediction in Horticultural Crops

Postharvest processing systems play a significant but often underestimated role in the global food chain that determines the quality, safety, and availability of food products. Fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely vulnerable goods that experience considerable losses throughout the postharvest chain between harvesting and consumption, which poses serious economic, ecological, and societal implications. Conventional postharvest management techniques rely on static evaluation techniques and generalized storage methods, which do not take into consideration the dynamic nature of product quality under changing conditions, e.g., temperature, humidity, and handling. The lack of real-time product evaluation constrains the ability to manage the supply chain in an optimal manner, limiting the extension of shelf life. Advances in sensors, including smart sensors, biosensors, and imaging sensors, are seen to have tremendous value in the ability to evaluate product quality in real-time, in a non-destructive manner.The Research Topic aims to shed light on the recent developments in the field of sensor-based monitoring systems, which allow for the accurate observation of physiological, biochemical, and microbiological changes during the handling of the produce after harvest. Emphasis is placed on the development of integrated and cost-effective systems to improve the efficiency of the supply chain and reduce losses during the handling of the produce, while promoting sustainable production in the field of horticulture. Moreover, the topic focuses on the recent developments in the field of bio-based sensors and intelligent packaging materials and systems with the ability to continuously monitor the changes in the produce during the handling process. This topic aims to combine the innovations in the field of sensing and materials science with the use of data-driven approaches to transition from traditional methods to the handling of the produce towards a more dynamic manner.Contributions to this Research Topic are sought after, as they can provide valuable knowledge relevant to the scientific community, industry players, and decision-makers. This Research Topic welcomes research papers with interdisciplinary approaches incorporating horticulture, engineering, materials science, and data science to support global efforts towards sustainable food systems and minimized post-harvest losses.We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives covering, but not limited to:• Smart sensors and biosensors for real-time monitoring • Imaging technologies and non-destructive evaluation methods • Internet of Things (IoT) platforms and wireless sensor networks • Data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling • Intelligent packaging and bio-based sensor materials • Environmental monitoring and control systems • Detection of microbial activity and contamination • Digital twins and automation in post-harvest handling and logistics Topic editors: Marcus Vinicius Da Silva Ferreira, Sérgio Manuel Serra da Cruz, José Lucena Barbosa Junior Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82010/smart-sensing-technologies-for-postharvest-quality-monitoring-and-shelf-life-prediction-in-horticultural-crops