ABSTRACT
Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are important for human nutrition, providing a diverse range of nutrients, mineral, antioxidants and fibers. They are also very diverse in their morphological, physical, compositional and physiological characteristics, which result in varied requirements for postharvest management. F&V are living plant and plant organs that continue their physiological processes after harvest. Some of the changes that occur after harvesting are desirable, while some are undesirable. These changes cannot be stopped but can be retarded or encouraged as necessary. Several genetic, environmental and cultural factors significantly influence the development of crops in the field and their postharvest response. An understanding of the physiological, environmental, cultural practices and their interactions is necessary for developing appropriate treatments to maintain the quality and to extend the postharvest life of F&V. Therefore, the objective of this chapter is to discuss the factors that affect the postharvest physiological processes of F&V.
