Controlled & Modified Atmosphere Storage of Horticultural Products

The Working Group Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Storage of Horticultural Products operates under the Division Postharvest and Quality Assurance. The Working Group promotes international collaboration, scientific exchange, and coordinated research on the application of controlled (CA) and modified atmosphere (MA) systems for extending storage life, maintaining quality, and reducing postharvest losses in horticultural crops.

Controlled and modified atmosphere technologies are among the most effective tools for slowing physiological and biochemical deterioration of crops after harvest. By regulating oxygen, carbon dioxide, and ethylene concentrations, these systems modify product metabolism, delay ripening, and reduce decay. The Working Group seeks to deepen understanding of these processes and to promote innovations that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of CA/MA storage systems across different commodities and production regions.

Research addressed within the Working Group spans fundamental and applied topics. Key areas include:

• Physiological and molecular responses of fruits and vegetables to altered gas compositions and temperature regimes,
• Design and operation of sensor-based atmosphere control systems for optimizing storage conditions in real time,
• Modeling and prediction tools for assessing fruit behavior and quality outcomes during storage,
• Packaging innovations and permeability management for fresh and minimally processed products,
• Integration of CA/MA technologies within sustainable supply chains, with emphasis on energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction.

The Working Group also serves as a global forum for sharing results and best practices through international symposia, workshops, and collaborative networks. It encourages multidisciplinary approaches that bridge plant physiology, engineering, postharvest technology, and industrial application. By linking researchers, practitioners, and policy stakeholders, the group supports the dissemination of knowledge that informs both scientific progress and industry adoption.

Through its coordinated activities and connection with other ISHS Working Groups, the Working Group Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Storage of Horticultural Products contributes to advancing postharvest science and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and sustainable horticultural products from harvest to consumer.