Postharvest Preservation Strategies for Table Grapes: A Comprehensive Review from Practical Methods to Future...

Area of Science:

• Horticulture
• Food Science
• Postharvest Technology

Background:

• Table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are a major global fruit crop facing significant postharvest perishability challenges.
• Effective handling and storage are crucial to maintain quality and reduce economic losses in the grape supply chain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review current and emerging preservation strategies for table grapes.
• To integrate mechanistic insights with technological advancements and industrial practices across multiple preservation modalities.
• To identify critical research gaps and provide a framework for future innovation in grape preservation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of scientific literature on grape preservation techniques.
• Analysis of chemical fumigation, irradiation, packaging, controlled-atmosphere (CA) storage, biodegradable coatings, and synergistic systems.
• Evaluation of comparative effectiveness, limitations, and supply chain relevance of each strategy.

Main Results:

• Multiple preservation strategies exist, including chemical, physical, and biological methods.
• Effectiveness varies based on the technique, grape cultivar, and supply chain integration.
• Key research gaps identified: cultivar-specific protocols, sustainable low-residue treatments, and real-time quality monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Addressing identified research gaps is essential for developing next-generation grape preservation solutions.
• A forward-looking framework can guide innovation to minimize losses and enhance market competitiveness.
• Stakeholders need strategies to improve postharvest quality and reduce economic losses for table grapes.