Postharvest Biology & Technology

The general objective of the Postharvest Biology and Technology group at Agrotecnio is to improve the quality and safety of plant-based products and their derivatives throughout the entire food chain.

The group’s research focuses on the identification and control of microbiological hazards and spoilage microorganisms present in fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, with the aim of developing new strategies to reduce and control them, thereby ensuring food safety and quality.

In parallel, the group investigates the compounds and physiological processes that determine the main quality traits of fruits, both during ripening and in the postharvest stage, with particular attention to the biochemical processes responsible for changes in flavour and texture.

1. Characterization of microbiological hazards and spoilage microorganisms in fresh, minimally processed, and processed fruits and vegetables.
2. Development of biopreservation strategies and physical and chemical treatments for the control of foodborne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in fresh, minimally processed, and processed fruits and vegetables.
3. Application of molecular tools to understand the mechanisms of spoilage and/or pathogenicity of microorganisms in fruits and vegetables.
4. Study of the physiological and biochemical bases of fruit quality.
5. Improvement and control of pre- and postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables.

1. Study of the incidence and survival of foodborne pathogens in fresh and processed fruits and vegetables using microbiological and molecular tools.
2. Evaluation and validation of new or alternative methods to reduce and control the growth of spoilage microorganisms and foodborne pathogens.
3. Study and validation of biological control agents under laboratory and pilot-plant conditions.
4. Study of the mechanisms of metabolite production by spoilage microorganisms.
5. Analysis of the interaction between microorganisms and fruits and vegetables.
6. Study of the role of the fruit cuticle in modulating postharvest quality, shelf-life and storage potential, as well as responses to environmental conditions and biotic and abiotic stress factors.

   Activities towards the fruit and juice postharvest sector

   Promote dialogue between the sector and researchers in order to respond to the new challenges faced by the fruit and juice industry, aiming to improve efficiency, organoleptic and microbiological quality, and the microbiological safety of final products and co-products.

The research of the Postharvest Biology and Technology group has a well-established international presence, reflected in collaborations with prestigious centres and universities, which have led to publications in JCR-indexed journals, as well as research stays for students and academic staff. The group also hosts international researchers and students.

Among the most notable collaborations are institutions from Germany (University of Würzburg), Portugal (University of Lisbon and University of Aveiro), Chile (University of Talca), New Zealand (Plant & Food Research), Ireland (Teagasc), and the Netherlands (Wageningen University & Research).

In addition, the group stands out for its knowledge transfer to the agri-food sector through collaborations with companies in Germany and the United States.