Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 41-51 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 41 Meta-Analysis Open Access Meta-Analysis of Sweet Potato Storage Methods and Their Impact on Quality Hangqi Cai 1,2, Renxiang Cai 2, Liang Zhang3 1 Zhuji Chunjiahe Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd, Zhuji, 311834, Zhejiang, China 2 Zhejiang Agronomists College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China 3 Jinhua Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinhua, 321017, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 18858984660@163.com Bioscience Methods, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0005 Received: 08 Jan., 2025 Accepted: 09 Feb., 2025 Published: 27 Feb., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Cai et al., 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. Preferred citation for this article: Cai H.Q., Cai R.X., and Zhang L., 2025, Meta-analysis of sweet potato storage methods and their impact on quality, Bioscience Methods, 16(1): 41-51 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2025.16.0005) Abstract Sweet potato is a globally significant staple crop known for its high nutritional value, yet maintaining quality during storage remains a persistent challenge. This study reviews traditional and modern storage techniques, comparing their effectiveness in preserving nutritional, physical, and sensory qualities, as well as extending shelf life across diverse regions. Employing rigorous selection criteria, we synthesized data from various studies, analyzing the influence of temperature, humidity, variety, and pre- and post-harvest practices on quality outcomes. Findings reveal that modern storage innovations, particularly those with controlled temperature and humidity, significantly improve quality preservation compared to traditional methods. However, the accessibility and environmental impact of these methods vary, raising considerations for sustainability and cost. The case study included highlights regional storage practices and their outcomes, offering insights for broader application in sweet potato cultivation areas. This analysis underscores the need for further research to address data gaps, optimize storage methods for different sweet potato varieties, and develop cost-effective, sustainable solutions for quality maintenance. Future research should explore the integration of modern storage methods with regional practices, providing a pathway to enhance storage efficacy for improved nutritional and economic value of sweet potatoes globally. Keywords Sweet potato storage; Meta-analysis; Quality preservation; Nutritional quality; Storage techniques 1 Introduction Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a vital staple crop globally, known for its high nutritional value and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions (Sun et al., 2014). It is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, making it a crucial component of diets in many regions (Karan and Şanli, 2021; Escobar-Puentes et al., 2022). The crop's versatility allows it to be cultivated in various environments, from tropical to temperate zones, contributing significantly to food security and economic stability in many developing countries (Mekonen et al., 2022). Despite its nutritional benefits, maintaining the quality of sweet potatoes during storage poses significant challenges. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and susceptibility to diseases can lead to quality deterioration, affecting both the nutritional content and market value of the tubers. (Mitra et al., 2010) For instance, storage temperatures play a critical role in preserving the quality of sweet potatoes. Research indicates that higher storage temperatures (e.g., 15°C) can reduce tuber waste and weight losses due to germination, transpiration, respiration, and rotting, compared to lower temperatures (e.g., 5°C) (Krochmal-Marczak et al., 2020). Additionally, infections such as Fusarium solani can cause severe quality deterioration, leading to the accumulation of toxic compounds like ipomeamarone and significant metabolic changes in the tubers (Li et al., 2022). These challenges necessitate the development of optimized storage methods to ensure the prolonged quality and shelf-life of sweet potatoes (Dong et al., 2019). This study seeks to determine the most effective storage conditions and practices to minimize quality loss and extend the shelf life of sweet potatoes by analyzing data from multiple studies, covering assessments of various storage temperatures, humidity levels, and disease management strategies on the nutritional and physical qualities
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