Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 41-51 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 48 Advanced techniques such as LLBI and HVAEF, while effective, may have higher energy consumption and environmental footprints. However, these methods can be optimized for energy efficiency, as seen in the use of HVAEF to maintain quality and reduce spoilage during cold storage. Drying methods, particularly those involving renewable energy sources, can also be environmentally sustainable. For instance, solar drying, although slower, is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional drying methods (Rashid et al., 2022). 8 Discussion 8.1 Key findings and their implications The meta-analysis of various storage methods for sweet potatoes reveals several critical insights into how different conditions impact the quality and shelf life of the tubers. The use of laser-light backscattering imaging (LLBI) has shown promise in non-destructively monitoring and classifying quality changes in sweet potatoes under different storage conditions. The study found that 15°C was the most suitable storage condition, maintaining favorable quality parameters such as soluble solids content (SSC) and texture (Sanchez et al., 2020). Additionally, short-term cold storage at 5°C for 14 days was found to improve the nutritional quality and sensory characteristics of sweet potatoes without causing chilling injury, enhancing sweetness, antioxidant capacity, and overall nutritional value. Furthermore, the impact of shading on purple-fleshed sweet potatoes was significant, with increased pigment accumulation and enhanced flavonoid pathways, suggesting that environmental factors like light exposure can be manipulated to improve storage root quality (Figure 2). In practical applications, ventilated bags were identified as an effective storage method under farmers' conditions in Tanzania, reducing weight loss and maintaining higher total soluble solids compared to other traditional methods. The detrimental effects of Fusarium solani infection on sweet potato quality were also highlighted, emphasizing the need for effective disease management during storage (Li et al., 2022). 8.2 Limitations of current studies and data gaps Despite the promising findings, several limitations and data gaps were identified in the current body of research. Many studies, such as those focusing on the effects of temperature on sweet potato quality, were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, which may not fully replicate real-world storage environments (Sanchez et al., 2021). Additionally, the variability in sweet potato cultivars and their genetic responses to storage conditions were not comprehensively addressed, limiting the generalizability of the findings (Krochmal-Marczak et al., 2020). The studies also lacked long-term data on the effects of different storage methods, with most experiments spanning only a few weeks to months. This short duration may not capture the full extent of quality changes over prolonged storage periods (Richard et al., 2023). Moreover, while advanced techniques like LLBI and transcriptomic analyses provide detailed insights, they are not yet widely accessible or practical for use by farmers and small-scale producers. 8.3 Recommendations for storage improvements To enhance the storage quality of sweet potatoes, several recommendations can be made based on the findings of this meta-analysis. First, adopting non-destructive monitoring techniques like LLBI can help in real-time quality assessment and early detection of spoilage, allowing for timely interventions. Implementing short-term cold storage at 5°C for up to 14 days can improve the nutritional and sensory qualities of sweet potatoes without causing chilling injuries, making it a viable option for commercial storage (Zhou et al., 2021). For practical applications, especially in regions like Tanzania, the use of ventilated bags is recommended to minimize weight loss and maintain higher total soluble solids during storage. Additionally, integrating shading techniques during cultivation can enhance the nutritional quality of purple-fleshed sweet potatoes, providing a dual benefit of improved yield and storage quality (He et al., 2021). Future research should focus on long-term storage studies under varied environmental conditions and include a broader range of sweet potato cultivars to ensure the findings are widely applicable to address the limitations and data gaps. Moreover, developing cost-effective and accessible storage technologies for small-scale farmers will be crucial in reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security.
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