Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions

Maintaining postharvest quality is critical for preserving the marketability and nutritional value of parthenocarpic cucumbers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of UV-B and UV-C radiation on the postharvest quality, including antioxidant compounds, of parthenocarpic cucumbers during room tem...

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Main Authors: Sukanya Aiamla-or, Kanthima Mikkhunthod, Sumitita Pandoi, Papungkorn Sangsawad, Arak Tira-umphon, Wissanee Pola
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Horticulturae
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/2/192
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author Sukanya Aiamla-or
Kanthima Mikkhunthod
Sumitita Pandoi
Papungkorn Sangsawad
Arak Tira-umphon
Wissanee Pola
author_facet Sukanya Aiamla-or
Kanthima Mikkhunthod
Sumitita Pandoi
Papungkorn Sangsawad
Arak Tira-umphon
Wissanee Pola
author_sort Sukanya Aiamla-or
collection DOAJ
description Maintaining postharvest quality is critical for preserving the marketability and nutritional value of parthenocarpic cucumbers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of UV-B and UV-C radiation on the postharvest quality, including antioxidant compounds, of parthenocarpic cucumbers during room temperature storage. Cengel cucumbers were exposed to 0.54–19.80 kJ·m<sup>−2</sup> doses of UV-B, and 0.20–10.35 kJ·m<sup>−2</sup> doses of UV-C. Non-irradiated cucumbers served as controls. The fruit were packed in a cotton box and stored at room temperature (27 ± 2 °C), with 75 ± 2% relative humidity, for 7 days. Results showed that low doses of UV-B and UV-C reduced weight loss and wilting, while high doses accelerated color change and increased weight loss and wilting. UV-B did not affect fruit firmness, total titratable acidity, soluble solids, or phenolic contents, while UV-C reduced these parameters. UV-B treatment resulted in higher ascorbic acid and FRAP antioxidant activity in the first three days compared to controls. A low dose of UV-B may enhance ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity in parthenocarpic cucumbers during short-term storage. This approach has potential applications in food preservation by reducing postharvest losses and maintaining nutritional quality. Future research should explore the combined effects of UV-B treatment and low-temperature storage for further benefits.
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spelling doaj-art-06356aa1fa694f60bb35399babf9fb2a2025-08-20T03:12:11ZengMDPI AGHorticulturae2311-75242025-02-0111219210.3390/horticulturae11020192Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient ConditionsSukanya Aiamla-or0Kanthima Mikkhunthod1Sumitita Pandoi2Papungkorn Sangsawad3Arak Tira-umphon4Wissanee Pola5School of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, ThailandSchool of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, ThailandSchool of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, ThailandSchool of Animal Innovation and Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, ThailandSchool of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, ThailandSchool of Crop Production Technology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, ThailandMaintaining postharvest quality is critical for preserving the marketability and nutritional value of parthenocarpic cucumbers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of UV-B and UV-C radiation on the postharvest quality, including antioxidant compounds, of parthenocarpic cucumbers during room temperature storage. Cengel cucumbers were exposed to 0.54–19.80 kJ·m<sup>−2</sup> doses of UV-B, and 0.20–10.35 kJ·m<sup>−2</sup> doses of UV-C. Non-irradiated cucumbers served as controls. The fruit were packed in a cotton box and stored at room temperature (27 ± 2 °C), with 75 ± 2% relative humidity, for 7 days. Results showed that low doses of UV-B and UV-C reduced weight loss and wilting, while high doses accelerated color change and increased weight loss and wilting. UV-B did not affect fruit firmness, total titratable acidity, soluble solids, or phenolic contents, while UV-C reduced these parameters. UV-B treatment resulted in higher ascorbic acid and FRAP antioxidant activity in the first three days compared to controls. A low dose of UV-B may enhance ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity in parthenocarpic cucumbers during short-term storage. This approach has potential applications in food preservation by reducing postharvest losses and maintaining nutritional quality. Future research should explore the combined effects of UV-B treatment and low-temperature storage for further benefits.https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/2/192bioactive compoundsUV irradiationascorbic acidantioxidant activity
spellingShingle Sukanya Aiamla-or
Kanthima Mikkhunthod
Sumitita Pandoi
Papungkorn Sangsawad
Arak Tira-umphon
Wissanee Pola
Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions
Horticulturae
bioactive compounds
UV irradiation
ascorbic acid
antioxidant activity
title Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions
title_full Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions
title_fullStr Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions
title_full_unstemmed Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions
title_short Influence of UV-B and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Parthenocarpic Cucumbers Under Ambient Conditions
title_sort influence of uv b and uv c irradiation on postharvest quality of parthenocarpic cucumbers under ambient conditions
topic bioactive compounds
UV irradiation
ascorbic acid
antioxidant activity
url https://www.mdpi.com/2311-7524/11/2/192
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