Summary
This study evaluated postharvest shelf-life and fruit quality of two strawberry cultivars grown in hydroponic systems (coconut fibre substrate) compared with conventional cultivation. Both cropping systems showed extended shelf-life when stored under refrigeration combined with modified atmosphere over 14 days; however, fruits from the conventional system demonstrated superior physical-chemical characteristics. The findings suggest that whilst hydroponic systems may be viable for strawberry production, conventional systems retain better fruit quality attributes despite comparable shelf-life extension under optimised storage conditions.
Regional applicability
This Brazilian study is directly transferable to United Kingdom horticulture, as strawberry production is a significant UK crop and postharvest handling is central to quality maintenance and food waste reduction. The findings on storage technology (refrigeration and modified atmosphere) are applicable to UK supply chains; however, cultivar performance and substrate choice may require validation under UK growing conditions and climatic zones.
Key measures
Postharvest shelf-life duration; physical-chemical characteristics of fruit; storage time effects (0, 3, 6, 10, 14 days); storage conditions (2 ± 2°C, 85% ± 10% relative humidity, modified atmosphere with 9 µ PVC film)
Outcomes reported
The study compared postharvest shelf-life and physical-chemical quality of two strawberry cultivars (Oso Grande and Festival) grown hydroponically in coconut fibre substrate versus conventional farming, stored under refrigeration and modified atmosphere for 14 days. Physical-chemical characteristics, shelf-life duration, and fruit quality retention were measured across storage periods.
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