Shelf Life in Horticulture

The global challenge of food security is inextricably linked to reducing postharvest losses, which can exceed 50% for perishable horticultural crops in developing regions. The shelf life and final quality of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals are not merely a consequence of postharvest handling but are determined by a complex interplay of preharvest factors, genetic makeup, and postharvest environmental conditions. Understanding the biological and biochemical mechanisms driving ripening, senescence, and spoilage is crucial. While traditional storage and packaging methods have been the cornerstone of preservation, recent advances in technology, molecular biology offer unprecedented opportunities to develop innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate these losses and ensure high-quality produce reaches the consumer.



This special issue aims to compile high-quality original research and review articles that address the multifaceted challenge of extending the shelf life of horticultural crops. We seek to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications. The goal is to explore the entire continuum from preharvest conditions to consumer perception, highlighting innovative approaches in physiology, genetics, and technology. We encourage submissions that investigate the molecular mechanisms of post- and pre-harvest, the application of novel technologies and treatments, the impact of genetic improvement, and the development of intelligent. Ultimately, this collection will provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, technologists, and industry professionals dedicated to enhancing global food security, reducing waste, and improving the economic viability of the horticulture sector.



This special issue welcomes contributions that cover a broad spectrum of topics related to the shelf life of horticultural crops. We invite original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and short communications.

Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:

Postharvest physiology and biochemistry of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.

Influence of preharvest factors (e.g., nutrition, irrigation, climate) on postharvest quality and longevity.

Biological and biochemical pathways controlling ripening, senescence, and responses to stress.

Development and application of novel postharvest treatments (e.g., biocontrol agents, edible coatings, 1-MCP, melatonin, hot water treatment).

Advances in packaging (modified atmosphere, active, intelligent, biodegradable) and storage technologies (cooling, CA/MA storage).

Application of molecular, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches to understand and manipulate shelf life.

Genetic and genomic studies aimed at breeding for improved shelf stability and quality.

All manuscripts will be subject to a rigorous peer-review process to ensure scientific quality and relevance to the scope of this special issue.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Postharvest, Ripening, Ethylene, Storage conditions, Respiration rate, Packaging, Chilling injury, Microbial spoilage, Modified atmosphere packaging, Harvest maturity

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.