Effects of Climate Change on Quality, Nutritional Value, and Postharvest Physiology of Edible Horticultural Crops

Abstract

Climate change is a global challenge, which has a special impact on the agricultural sector. Increasing global average temperatures and extreme climatic events, changing precipitation patterns, and intensifying drought and salinity stresses can significantly affect not only the quantitative yield of horticultural crops, but also their sensory quality, nutritional value, and physiological characteristics in the pre- and postharvest stages. Since fruits and vegetables are major sources of micronutrients, antioxidant compounds, and bioactive compounds in the human diet, any changes in the chemical composition and postharvest stability of these products have significant impacts on food security and public health.

This article aims to comprehensively investigate the mechanisms of climate change effects on the quality, nutritional value, and postharvest physiology of edible horticultural products. In this regard, the effects of key climate factors including temperature increase, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, drought stress, light fluctuations, and combined stresses on plant physiological processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, hormonal balance, synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites, and antioxidant status have been analyzed. In this regard, the consequences of these changes on postharvest quality indicators including ripening speed, ethylene production, tissue softening, color change, reduced shelf life, occurrence of physiological abnormalities, and susceptibility to microbial spoilage have been investigated.

     The role of adaptation and key strategies including selection of stress-tolerant cultivars, optimization of irrigation and nutrition management, application of growth regulators, new packaging technologies, controlled atmosphere, edible coatings and utilization of smart monitoring and forecasting systems in reducing the negative effects of climate change on post-harvest quality is discussed. The results of this review indicate that interdisciplinary approaches integrating plant physiology, biochemistry, post-harvest technology and climate science are essential to maintain nutritional quality and increase the sustainability of the horticultural supply chain in future climatic conditions.

      In general, a detailed understanding of the physiological and biochemical responses of horticultural crops to climate change can be the basis for developing effective management strategies, improving food security and promoting community health. The findings of this paper provide a scientific framework for future research and policy-making in the field of sustainable production of horticultural crops in changing climatic conditions.