Advances in pre-harvest practices for enhancing post-harvest quality of fruits: A review

Abstract

India, the world's second-largest fruit producer, faces significant post-harvest losses estimated at 30-40% despite an annual production exceeding 112 million metric tonnes. These losses are primarily due to poor handling and insufficient pre-harvest practices. This review explores recent advancements in pre-harvest techniques aimed at improving the post-harvest quality, shelf life and marketability of fruits. Key strategies include the use of protective tree covers, shading, fruit bagging, pruning, spacing and nutrient management (notably calcium, boron, and potassium applications). Additionally, the role of plant growth regulators (PGRs), precision irrigation, drone-based monitoring, pre-harvest sprays, integrated pest and disease management (IPDM), genetic improvements and the application of biostimulants and natural products are discussed. These interventions positively influence critical quality parameters such as firmness, sweetness, uniform ripening, and disease resistance. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, labor intensity and environmental variability limit widespread adoption. The integration of crop-specific and environmentally adaptive strategies is emphasized for maximizing post-harvest outcomes. Overall, the paper advocates for a holistic, sustainable approach to fruit production that minimizes losses and enhances India’s global competitiveness in fruit exports.