New Technologies for Storage of Horticultural Products – There Is More to Adoption Than Availability!

The last decade has represented a time of great innovation for the postharvest community, most notably the development of dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)-based technologies. For apple industries, DCA and 1-MCP represent an interesting example of distinct regional patterns of adoption, the former technology being much more commonly used in Europe, especially Italy, than in the North America, and vice versa. Possible reasons for these differences include earlier availability of 1-MCP in the North America compared with Europe, emphasis on organic and avoidance of any postharvest chemical usage, room quality necessary to maintain the very low oxygen concentrations required for successful DCA, and demand for fruit texture at the consumer level that is provided by 1-MCP but not DCA. Other technologies such as heat treatments, sulfur dioxide and irradiation meet specific needs that can make them economically viable, while others such as nitric oxide may be effective but have not been commercialized. Finally, a large pool of literature is developing on the effects of salicylic acid, polyamines, aminobutyric acid and others on ameliorating chilling injuries, but less clear are their potential for commercial development. In this overview, DCA, 1-MCP, and other selected technological innovations will be discussed in relation to factors associated with commercialization and their adoption by various industries.