Calcium (Ca) plays a crucial role as a nutrient influencing the ripening, post-harvest duration, and quality of fruits. Its impact on the cell wall and its function as a secondary messenger at the cellular level underscore its significance. While recently there has been an increase in studies examining the effects of Ca on fruit quality, there remains a need to consolidate and expand the literature on pre-harvest and post-harvest applications of Ca concerning the physical-chemical properties of fruits. This review aims to compile information on the mechanisms of Ca absorption by plants, as well as the interaction of Ca with the cell wall in fruit development and growth; the review also aims to synthesize literature on the effects of calcium on the physical and chemical properties of fruits that ultimately influences their quality. The review considers a comprehensive analysis of studies published in reputable scientific publishers (Elsevier, Springer, Frontiers, Wiley, MDPI, Hindawi, SciELO) over the last ten years, encompassing various relevant topics. Calcium proves effective in retarding the loss of firmness in fruits, increasing their mass, mitigating mass loss during storage, and extending postharvest life, thereby enhancing marketability. Furthermore, Ca demonstrates a role in decreasing the activity of enzymes responsible for cell wall degradation. Additionally, it reduces ethylene production in fruits, delaying the climacteric peak and reducing its intensity. Its application results in delayed color changes in fruits. For soluble solids, Ca diminishes sugar values and postpones their peak during the post-harvest period while maintaining high total acidity values. Notably, Ca applications contribute to a decreased incidence of certain physiological disorders.

The objective of this review was to report on advances in environmental, cultural, and physiological aspects of fleshy fruit cracking to reduce or avoid this disorder, which affects many fruit species. Cracking is a physiological disorder that limits the production and quality of fleshy fruits because it affects the exocarp and mesocarp, especially with climate change and variability. Fruit cracking is generated by external factors (agronomic and environmental) and internal factors, several of which require exhaustive study. The incidence of cracking varies widely according to climatic characteristics during fruit development, different fruit species and varieties, growth sites, and crop management. This physiological disorder is aggravated by increases in rain intensity, especially after a dry season or in areas with increased temperatures. Knowledge on causes of cracking has generated management strategies that involve genetic improvement, ecophysiological conditions, agronomic practices such as pruning, irrigation, and fertilization (mainly with Ca, Mg, B, and K), applications of plant growth regulators, and use of plastic covers, etc. For several fruit trees, these strategies are effective, but in species such as the cape gooseberry, cracking remains without a full explanation or effective management.

The pitahaya or dragon fruit is one of the most representative exotic fruits that Colombia has, with an important, growing international market, but the cultivation and postharvest of this fruit lack sufficient technological support to be more competitive. Therefore, alternatives that provide good-quality products that meet market requirements are very important. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the effect of a ripening retardant and ethylene application on the conservation and quality of pitahaya fruits and the possible changes during ripening associated with ethylene, for which a completely randomized design with three treatments was used, corresponding to the application of ethylene (ethephon, 3 mL L-1), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, 600 mg L-1) and a control, with four replications, for a total of 12 experimental units. The fruits were stored at 18°C with 75% relative humidity. The 1-MCP application significantly decreased the loss of firmness, total soluble solids, loss of fresh mass and respiratory rate. Fruits from the control and ethylene treatment tended toward a climateric respiratory behavior. The total carotenoid content of the fruits was significantly higher in the ethylene application and the control treatment, which was consistent with the color change of the fruits. It can be concluded that the 1-MCP application reduced the ethylene action, slowing the ripening of the dragon fruits.

‘Arrayana’ mandarin is one of the most cultivated citrus species in Colombia, but this fruit has a short postharvest life and is sensitive to chilling injury (CI) during cold storage. Generating strategies that decrease CI to mandarin can reduce quantitative and qualitative losses postharvest. Brassinosteroids (BR) have been used as a sustainable technology to alleviate CI in fruits and improve postharvest quality. This study evaluated the effect of applying the 24-epibrasinolide analogue (EBR), at doses of 5 mg L⁻¹; DI-31 analogue, at 5 and 10 mg L⁻¹; and control, on the main physical and biochemical characteristics of ‘Arrayana’ mandarin stored at 4 °C for 40 days and, subsequently, 7 days at room temperature (shelf life). The application of EBR and DI-31 analogues reduced the appearance of CI in the exocarp of ‘Arrayana’ mandarin fruits by reducing electrolyte leakage, maintaining membrane integrity, and increasing antioxidant activity and phenol content at the end of cold storage and shelf life. This was especially pronounced with 5 mg L⁻¹ of EBR. Similarly, the BR maintained the postharvest quality of mandarins by reducing weight loss, respiratory intensity, and chlorophyll degradation; increasing β-carotene; and maintaining titratable acidity and soluble solids. Our research reports, for the first time, CI tolerance in Arrayana mandarin using natural (EBR) and spirostanic (DI-31) analogues and illustrates the tolerance functionality of the DI-31 analogue on CI in the fruit postharvest.

Boron (B) is a crucial micronutrient for the initial formation, development, and final quality of fruits, as it affects their physical and chemical properties and helps prevent various functional disorders. Recently, numerous physiological disorders in fruits have been reported, which have been linked to B deficiency. However, there is still uncertainty about whether these issues are directly related to B, other nutrients, their combinations, or environmental conditions. This review aims to compile current and accurate information on how B is absorbed by plants, its role in the cell wall and membrane, its impact on flowering and fruit set, and its influence on physical and chemical properties, as well as its role in preventing physiological disorders. This review examines the latest studies on B published in major scientific journals (Elsevier, Springer, MDPI, Frontiers, Hindawi, Wiley, and SciELO). Boron is mobile in the xylem and slightly mobile in the phloem, and it plays a crucial role in pollination and fruit set. It reduces mass loss, maintains firmness, improves color, and results in larger, heavier fruits. Also, boron increases soluble solids, regulates total titratable acidity and pH, decreases respiration rate, and stabilizes ascorbic acid by delaying its breakdown. It also helps prevent disorders such as splitting, cork spots, internal rot, shot berry in grapes, blossom end rot, and segment drying in citrus. Foliar or soil application of B enhances fruit yield and post-harvest quality.

Disminuyendo considerablemente su vida poscosecha. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior se han desarrollado diferentes técnicas que permiten desacelerar los procesos normales de maduración, entre las que se encuentran, la modificación de atmósferas o el almacenamiento a diferentes temperaturas, siendo éste último, muy utilizado por la facilidad de manejo y bajo costo. Por lo anterior, se evaluó el comportamiento del fruto de uchuva ecotipo Colombia sometido a diferentes temperaturas de almacenamiento, a los que se les evaluó la pérdida de masa fresca, índice de color, firmeza, sólidos solubles totales y acidez total. Se presentaron diferencias significativas para todas las variables evaluadas entre los tratamientos bajo refrigeración y el testigo. La temperatura de almacenamiento, influyó sobre todas las características físicas y químicas evaluadas de manera satisfactoria, ya que luego de 18 días después de almacenamiento los frutos refrigerados conservaron su calida