Postharvest quality enhancement in high-russet ‘Conference’ pears: The role of organic farming and edible coatings

Abstract

Organic fruit production is gaining interest due to increasing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable products. This is particularly relevant for high-quality cultivars with distinctive attributes that enhance their market recognition, such as ‘Conference’ pears. This study evaluated the effects of organic management practices on the quality and storability of ‘Conference’ pears grown in Northwestern Spain, known for their high sweetness, juiciness, and pronounced skin russeting. Additionally, the effectiveness of postharvest coatings in mitigating storage disorders was assessed. Organically grown pears exhibited improved instrumental and sensory quality, with higher color intensity, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity compared to conventionally grown pears. Moreover, organic management enhanced russeting, a key factor in consumer acceptance and premium positioning in the market. However, organically grown pears showed reduced storage potential due to increased susceptibility to shrivelling and decay. The application of Nutropit® combined with Bioxeda effectively reduced rot incidence. These findings highlight the potential of postharvest coatings as a strategy to improve the storage performance of organic pears. Further research should focus on optimizing natural coatings and preharvest strategies to enhance fruit quality and extend shelf life in organic supply chains.