This book contains 14 chapters focusing on the usefulness of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage in the reduction of postharvest losses and maintenance of the nutritive value and organoleptic characteristics of various fruits and vegetables and extend their season of availability by making good...

This chapter focuses on the effect of various conditions and environment in which a crop is grown on its postharvest life. Factors that might affect optimum storage conditions, such as soil, climate and weather as well as the cultural conditions, are discussed. The influence of the harvesting...

This chapter discusses the actual effects of variations in the levels of oxygen (O₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere on crops depending on several factors, such as species, cultivar, concentration of gases in storage, temperature, stage of maturity of crop at harvest, degree of ripeness...

This chapter focuses on the effects of controlled atmosphere storage on the flavour, nutritive value and sugar levels in various fruits and vegetables, such as apples, peaches, grapes, oranges and lettuces, among others.

This chapter provides information on the effects of controlled atmosphere storage on the respiration rate and ripening of various fruits and vegetables. The effects of the changes in gene expression of crops during storage as well as their response to their environment on their postharvest...

This chapter focuses on the role of pests and diseases in limiting the postharvest life of fresh fruit and vegetables. The negative effects of controlled atmosphere storage on the metabolism of microorganisms and insect pests in storage are discussed and its use as an alternative control measure to ...

This chapter focuses on the various factors that should be optimized and maintained to ensure the success of controlled atmosphere storage of fruits and vegetables. Current research and development of equipment and methods to provide more accurate the control of the atmosphere inside stores are...

This chapter focuses on the benefits of the use of dynamic controlled atmosphere storage by using ultra-low oxygen levels and monitoring these by measuring physiological responses (respiration rate, chlorophyll fluorescence and fermentation) of the stored crop and controlling the storage atmosphere ...

This chapter focuses on the benefits associated with the use of hyperbaric storage (increasing the pressure in a sealed room or cabinet by increasing the partial pressure of oxygen) as a new preservation technique to greatly extend the storage life and storage quality of fruits and vegetables.

This chapter focuses on the successful application of hypobaric (low pressure of sub-atmospheric pressure) conditions to controlled atmosphere storage by reducing the partial pressure of oxygen and thus oxygen availability to fruit or vegetables in the store. Some of the reasons why hypobaric...