As PBT is a multidisciplinary subject, the information available to scientists tends to be dispersed. For example, the understanding of fruit and vegetable deterioration is of interest to biologists while engineers may be interested in extending shelf life through the cold chain and refrigeration approaches.


Food scientists and agricultural scientists are interested in applied aspects such as the application of postharvest treatments, ripening technology, preservation and processing of fruits and vegetables, etc.


The terminology and technologies are different for the different aspects. There is no single source available to cover all the aspects necessary for understanding a multidisciplinary and integrated approach.


This reference work will provide detailed information on all these aspects, with an emphasis on the following broad categories:


* Postharvest physiology and biochemistry


* Postharvest handling


* Ethylene in postharvest


* Ripening


* Modified atmosphere packaging, storage, and transportation


* Controlled atmosphere storage and transportation


* Hypobaric storage


* Postharvest treatments


* 1-MCP


* Packaging


* Postharvest pathology


* Chilling and freezing injury


* Postharvest physiological disorders


* Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables


* Nondestructive quality evaluation


* Postharvest biology and technology of fruits: a comprehensive list of chapters for each fruit


* Postharvest biology and technology of vegetables: a comprehensive list of chapters for each vegetable


A detailed comprehensive coverage on this subject is not currently available in one single source. Various encyclopedias have been published in biology and technology, but none is devoted to postharvest biology and technology of fruits and vegetables. As stated, PBT is a multidisciplinary subject and requires knowledge of various interrelated as well as diverse fields.


This encyclopedia will cover both the basics and recent advances made in the field. It will be structured logically, with themed volumes dedicated to various major topics, as opposed to an alphabetical approach.