Research Progress on Postharvest Preservation Technology of Tomatoes

DUAN Yu; CAI Ziwen; QUAN Jianhua

doi:10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.11.018

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Packaging Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (11) : 185-194. DOI: 10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.11.018

Agro-products Preservation and Food Packaging

Research Progress on Postharvest Preservation Technology of Tomatoes

DUAN Yu¹, CAI Ziwen¹, QUAN Jianhua^2*

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Abstract

The work aims to systematically review the current research status and development trends of postharvest preservation technologies for tomatoes, so as to provide a theoretical reference for whole-chain preservation engineering applications. Based on relevant literature published at home and abroad in recent years, comprehensive analysis was conducted on tomato storage quality changes with their physiological basis and various preservation technologies, with the focus on elaborating the mechanism of action, application effects and combined preservation strategies of various preservation technologies. In conclusion, the deterioration of tomato storage quality is influenced by storage temperature, membrane lipid phase transition, ROS burst and other factors. Weight loss, softening, chilling injury and pathogen infection are the four key deterioration pathways. Modified atmosphere packaging is one of the most mature preservation technologies, while novel active packaging (such as essential oil lotion active paper and chitosan antibacterial packaging), edible films, pre-harvest treatments, physical preservation and genetic engineering can retard quality deterioration from different dimensions. However, each type of technology has its inherent bottlenecks, and a single preservation technology is difficult to meet the comprehensive demands of long-distance circulation and long-term storage of tomatoes. Therefore, a data-driven precise preservation system featuring multi-technology collaborative joint preservation and integrated intelligent packaging will be the core direction for future industrial applications.

Key words

tomato / preservation technology / modified atmosphere packaging / active packaging / pre-harvest treatment / combined preservation / intelligent packaging

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DUAN Yu, CAI Ziwen, QUAN Jianhua. Research Progress on Postharvest Preservation Technology of Tomatoes[J]. Packaging Engineering. 2026, 47(11): 185-194 https://doi.org/10.19554/j.cnki.1001-3563.2026.11.018

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