Specific objectives, actions and challenges are as follows:
- Development of an integrated and sustainable management strategy of post-harvest fungal rots and toxins, using ecological substances and bioproducts based on microbial antagonists as well as a process quality control system based on the identification of critical points in citrus packinghouses (Exploitantion of natural antimicrobials to guarantee product stability and reduce incidence of foodborne pathogens)
- Development of smart packaging systems, using either physical approaches to make polymeric films less permeable to both humidity and active gases or nanotechnologies to activate the packaging with a cellulose-based biocoating releasing substances that inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens (Adoption of smart packaging technologies with low risk of microbial cross-contamination, validated in actual Mediterranean production systems)
- Application of a circular bio-economy strategy to the citrus supply chain using citrus pulp as a row material to produce new biodegradable, smart and green packaging for fresh citrus fruit and citrus juices, as complementary to plastic packaging. (Alternative processes valorising side- and by-products, constituting environment impacting wastes)
- Improvement of logistics of fresh citrus fruit by exploiting smart technologies to implement a remote sensing platform and a cloud-based infrastructure as a decision support system to optimize shipping conditions and reduce losses caused by post-harvest rots during storage and transportation (Application of post-farming strategies and logistic solutions to reduce food losses during storage and transportation)
