Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging for process optimisation in horticulture and fresh food production

Chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis (CFA) has been accepted to study postharvest activity and stability of photosynthesis of vegetables and salad greens, and some fruits. Commercial chlorophyll fluorescence imaging (CFI) systems may provide additional insight into spatial and temporal dynamics of photosynthesis. This yields valuable information on the effects of postharvest handling and processing (sorting, cutting, packaging, etc.) on physiological activity and `internal quality' of green produce, and its changes. Here, meaning and physiological basics of relevant fluorescence parameters is briefly summarised, while major focus is on recent applications of CFI to evaluate quality and quality maintenance during postharvest handling and minimal processing of fresh fruits and vegetables. CFI is given surprisingly little attention in the monitoring of postharvest quality, although it is suitable for adjusting and/or optimising innovative postharvest techniques. Knowledge of the physiological base and the limit of interpretation is indispensable for meaningful interpretations of results to draw correct consequences.

Automated summary

Chlorophyll a fluorescence analysis is commonly used to study postharvest activity and stability of photosynthesis in vegetables and fruits. Commercial chlorophyll fluorescence imaging systems provide additional insights into spatial and temporal dynamics of photosynthesis, offering valuable information on the effects of postharvest handling and processing on the internal quality of green produce. While the physiological basics of fluorescence parameters are briefly summarized, the focus is mainly on recent applications of chlorophyll fluorescence imaging for evaluating quality and quality maintenance during postharvest handling and minimal processing of fresh fruits and vegetables.