Postharvest physiology and storage of ber

Purpose of review: This article reviews studies conducted on maturity indices, climacteric behaviour, artificial ripening, and preand postharvest treatments, which affect the shelf-life, packaging, storage and postharvest pathology of ber fruits. Findings: Ber fruits show climacteric respiration behaviour. Various maturity indices including colour, total soluble solids, harvesting date, days from full bloom to maturity, etc, have been characterised. The postharvest quality and shelf-life of ber fruits are influenced by both preand postharvest factors; plant growth regulators, stage of maturity, composition of fruits, storage conditions, type of storage and packaging have been identified as important factors. Low storage temperatures (3–5C) can extend the shelf-life beyond 2–3 weeks. Limitations: Ber is largely found in India and not much advanced research has been carried out on this fruit. To date standardised storage conditions are not available for commercial recommendations. Controlled and modified atmosphere use has not been investigated. Directions for further research: More attention should be focused on characterising the physiology of ber fruit, including ripening, gene expression, protein synthesis and regulation of enzymes catalysing sugar formation and translocation. Reliable maturity and international standards, with respect of quality, should be developed. Low temperature storage methods such as controlled and modified atmosphere should be studied and standardised, and ethylene management with 1-methylcyclopropene should be investigated.