Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 207-215 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 212 6.2 Regional practices and their effectiveness Regional practices in post-harvest preservation of loquat vary significantly, reflecting local conditions and available resources. In Sichuan, China, treatments with L-Cysteine and γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) have been effective in reducing weight loss, browning, and decay, while enhancing antioxidant activity and sensory quality during cold storage. In Brazil, the central supply (CEASA) of Salvador has identified key determinants of post-harvest losses, including inadequate transportation, poor hygienic conditions, and lack of refrigeration. Strategies such as price reduction, donation practices, and consumption by sellers have been employed to mitigate these losses. These regional practices highlight the importance of tailored approaches to post-harvest preservation that consider local challenges and resources (Zhang et al., 2023). 6.3 Challenges in practical implementation Despite the advancements in post-harvest preservation techniques, several challenges remain in their practical implementation. One major challenge is the susceptibility of loquat to chilling injury during cold storage, which can lead to browning and other quality issues. Additionally, the high costs and potential residues associated with conventional preservation methods pose significant barriers4. Inadequate infrastructure and poor hygienic practices in supply chains further exacerbate post-harvest losses, as observed in the CEASA of Salvador, Brazil. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving infrastructure, adopting cost-effective and residue-free preservation methods, and enhancing the overall management and hygienic practices in supply chains. By integrating effective preservation techniques, considering regional practices, and addressing practical challenges, it is possible to significantly reduce post-harvest losses of loquat and improve its availability and quality for consumers. 7 Case Study 7.1 Overview of case study: region/company involved This case study focuses on the implementation of post-harvest preservation techniques for loquat fruit in a commercial setting in the Zhejiang province of China. The company involved, Zhejiang Loquat Co., Ltd., is a leading producer and exporter of loquat fruit, facing significant challenges related to post-harvest losses due to the fruit's susceptibility to mechanical damage, moisture loss, and microbial decay (Santos et al., 2019). 7.2 Techniques implemented and results Zhejiang Loquat Co., Ltd. implemented several advanced post-harvest preservation techniques to mitigate these issues. These included the use of konjac glucomannan coatings, polyethylene foam fruit nets, and sterile non-woven gauze wrappings. The konjac glucomannan coatings, in particular, were applied in two concentrations: 0.5% and 1% aqueous solutions. These methods were compared to untreated controls stored at 4±1 °C and 95% relative humidity for up to 42 days. The results demonstrated that all treatments significantly reduced the rate of fruit decay and extended the shelf life of the loquat fruit. Specifically, the konjac glucomannan coatings maintained higher levels of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid over the first 21 days. The polyethylene foam fruit net was most effective in preventing fruit decay, while the sterile non-woven gauze was noted for its convenience and significant impact on storage quality. 7.3 Analysis of post-harvest loss reduction The implementation of these preservation techniques led to a substantial reduction in post-harvest losses. The konjac glucomannan coatings and polyethylene foam fruit nets were particularly effective, reducing weight loss and decay rates while preserving the nutritional quality of the fruit. The higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) associated with these treatments also contributed to better sensory quality and extended shelf life (Wang et al., 2023). Additionally, the use of bio-materials such as Nigella sativa oil and propolis extract further enhanced the storage quality by reducing weight loss, maintaining fruit firmness, and preventing browning anddecay. Wang et al. (2023) found that the application of different treatments, such as TaEO and TaEO-ME, significantly influenced the decay index, ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in loquat fruit during storage. The study revealed that TaEO-treated loquats exhibited the lowest decay index and the
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