Título:	Modulated UV-C radiation as an innovative strategy for postharvest disease control and quality preservation in papaya and orange fruits.
Autoria:	SILVA, A. M. da TERAO, D. SILVA, I. S. O. MAIA, A. de H. N. MELO, W. L. de B. NECHET, K. de L. HALFELD-VIEIRA, B. de A. VILELA, E. S. D. FRACAROLLI, J. A.
Afiliação:	ADRIANE MARIA DA SILVA, UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE CAMPINAS; DANIEL TERAO, CNPMA; ITALA SUZANA OLIVEIRA SILVA, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DA BAHIA; ALINE DE HOLANDA NUNES MAIA, CNPMA; WASHINGTON LUIZ DE BARROS MELO, CNPDIA; KATIA DE LIMA NECHET, CNPMA; BERNARDO DE ALMEIDA HALFELD VIEIRA, CNPMA; ELKE SIMONI DIAS VILELA, CNPMA; JULIANA APARECIDA FRACAROLLI, UNIVERSIDADE ESTADUAL DE CAMPINAS.
Ano de publicação:	2026
Referência:	Postharvest Biology and Technology, v. 239, 114388, 2026.
Páginas:	15 p.
Conteúdo:	Abstract: Postharvest losses remain a major challenge in fruit production systems, affecting both climacteric fruits, such as papaya, and non-climacteric fruits, such as orange. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation has emerged as a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides; however, its effectiveness depends on the applied dose and radiation delivery mode. This study investigated the comparative effects of continuous and frequency-modulated UV-C radiation on postharvest disease control and fruit quality on papaya and orange. Two independent experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 evaluated the influence of modulation frequencies (0, 15, 30, and 45 Hz) on disease progression, while Experiment 2 combined the most effective frequencies with different exposure times to define optimal treatment conditions. In papaya, UV-C modulation at 30 Hz/20 s (0.44 kJ m⁻²) provided effective control of anthracnose (67% reduction in incidence), while minimizing photothermal damage, with no visible epidermal injuries. In orange, continuous UV-C radiation (0 Hz) applied for 30 s (1.99 kJ m⁻²), completely suppressed sour rot development (100%) without visible peel injury. Therefore, the selection of the UV-C radiation application mode is species-specific. Notably, modulation of UV-C irradiation has demonstrated enhanced efficiency in postharvest disease control while reducing epidermal burn. Additionally, the treatments stimulated defense responses, as evidenced by increased activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase, and catalase. Physicochemical analyses confirmed the maintenance of firmness, acidity, and color stability, indicating the preservation of postharvest quality in both fruits. Overall, modulated UV-C radiation represents a promising non-chemical postharvest technology, enabling efficient disease control while maintaining fruit quality.
NAL Thesaurus:	Papayas Oranges
Palavras-chave:	Photothermal effect Alternative control Resistance induction
ISSN:	0925-5214
Digital Object Identifier:	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2026.114388
Tipo do material:	Artigo de periódico
Acesso:	openAccess
Aparece nas coleções:	Artigo em periódico indexado (CNPMA)