ABSTRACT
Food security is a hot problem that is debated all over the world. The need for food conservation has emerged as a result of rising food consumption, as well as the rotting of harvested commodities in large quantities owing to inappropriate handling and environmental circumstances. Due to the lack of postharvest treatment, the quality of fruits and vegetables can remain high in a very short time interval; thus, the majority of farmed items deteriorate before they reach the market. Therefore, suitable postharvest treatments are required to combat this issue. Cellulose and its derivatives can be utilized in postharvest management to improve the quality features. Cellulose, the most abundant natural biopolymer, has been widely considered in the field of active packing, a crucial technique in postharvest treatments. Because of its sustainable and excellent properties, innovative composites made from biomass and plants have grown in importance. Edible coatings, sensors, and encapsulating techniques are just a few of the applications for cellulose and its derivatives. Studies on cellulose and nanocellulose in the field of postharvest treatments indicate that it is a promising bio-based material with essential properties to be easily adapted to ensure extended shelf life and appropriate barrier, mechanical, and physical properties. In particular, it is highly resistant to postharvest diseases. As a result, cellulose and nanocellulose are useful in postharvest preservation. This chapter reviews the potential of nanocellulose in postharvest management and the mechanisms involved.
