Nanotechnology has become a trend in fruit production due to its multiple benefits in the production chain.
In this sense, Revela Agritech technologies, using nanoparticles in fruit, seek to avoid pre- and post-harvest losses by integrating their solutions into the different stages of the process.
Economic impact and the fruit and vegetable production process
It's impossible to think about agriculture and food production without thinking about Brazil.
In this sense, according to a document published by Embrapa, our country ranks third in world fruit production.
In 2021, Brazil exported US$917 million worth of fresh fruit, contributing to a total fruit export worth US$1.2 billion.
However, even with Brazil's significant share of world exports, the country is still dependent on imports, which has a direct impact on the population's economy.
In addition, the availability of these foods varies due to their perishable nature, which leads to a limited shelf life.
According to the FAO, 14% of fruit and vegetable production is lost between harvest and the point of sale.
In this scenario, the estimated losses can occur at different stages of the chain, which is extremely important for analyzing the economic impact, since if the availability of these foods to consumers decreases, their sale price increases.
Technologies based on nanoparticles in fruit could be an excellent option to avoid these losses.
Read more: Foliar treatment technologies
Food losses in the stages of the production process
The demand for healthy eating is constantly increasing the consumption of fruit and vegetables due to their benefits to human health.
However, despite Brazil's large share of fruit production, the country still relies heavily on imports to meet the demand for this type of food.
As a result, horticulture continues to be a market with great opportunities at home and abroad.
The lack of knowledge of the fruit's physiological processes, adequate infrastructure and distribution logistics are considered the main factors responsible for the high level of pre- and post-harvest losses observed in the country.
In this sense, the development of methods and technologies that change the current scenario contributes to the growth and sustainability of the sector, with fruit nanoparticles being an important ally in this process.
Nanoparticles in fruit: pre-harvest benefits
It is well known that a good harvest requires optimum production management.
The use of quality inputs, climatic conditions, adequate nutrition, irrigation and health are essential factors for successful planting, development and harvesting.
In this way, nanotechnology brings benefits to fruit production through synergy with agricultural inputs.
This synergy enhances the action of the active ingredients, improves nutritional conditions, increases plant vigor, improves structural development and crop health.
In other words, nanotechnology in fruit improves the performance of products, contributing to better crop development and therefore healthier and more productive harvests.
Read more: Biologicals in agribusiness: Learn about the chemistry behind it
Nanoparticles in fruit: benefits for post-harvest
Post-harvest losses include the non-use of food due to quantitative or qualitative losses.
In this sense, quantitative losses correspond to the reduction in the weight of the food due to loss of water, dry matter, improper handling and accidental losses.
As well as the qualitative ones, these involve quality standards, including losses of flavor, aroma, deterioration in texture and appearance and nutritional losses due to metabolic reactions.
In summary, post-harvest losses are caused by numerous factors that lead to fruit deterioration, usually associated with physical, chemical or biological stress.
As a result, the fruit's physiological response is increased ethylene production, accelerating the ripening and deterioration process.
The challenge is to find technologies that help reduce ethylene production in the different post-harvest stages, and nanotechnology in fruit is being studied to solve this problem.
Read more: Revella®: Rapid detection of Salmonella in the protein chain
Insufficient conservation technologies
In view of the current situation, it can be seen that current conservation methods have proved to be insufficient for maintaining fruit quality.
However, the search for nanotechnological alternatives for fruit has been developed with the aim of improving, preserving and extending the shelf life of fruit and vegetables by reducing ethylene production.
Read more: Using technology to increase productivity in agriculture
Nanotechnology-based solutions from Revella Agritech
While the market demands the development of technologies, Revella Agritech spares no effort to meet this demand with nanotechnology for fruit and vegetables.
Arbo technology is an innovative and sustainable solution stabilized with plant extract molecules with proven results in pre-harvest application.
When applied pre-harvest via foliar application, Arbo had a dose-dependent effect on ethylene inhibition, prolonging the ripening period without altering the other characteristics of the food.
Nanoparticles, when applied via coating films, reduce respiration rates and can be an alternative for delaying the ripening of post-harvest foods, guaranteeing a final product of higher quality without the presence of residues.
Conclusion
Revella Agritech aims to constantly invest in cutting-edge technologies to offer quality inputs that add productivity and profitability to agricultural producers, through nanotechnology in fruit.
Our additives are compatible with various molecules with a focus on ensuring synergy between active ingredients, enhancing their effect at various stages of the food production chain.
This contributes not only to the availability of food on the market, but also to reducing pre- and post-harvest losses.
Are you curious?
Get in touch with our specialist, together we can offer quality, productivity and sustainability to the agricultural market.
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