ANALYSIS FOR FRUIT CROPS TREATMENT METHODS BEFORE STORING (LITERATURE REVIEW)

The paper analyzes modern methods of processing fruit crops before storing, used in Russia and abroad. The aim of the work was to identify the most promising and environmentally friendly methods for use in the subtropical regions of the country, which will increase the fruits’ shelf life. It is shown that the presented methods differ not only in their effectiveness, but also in environmental safety. Studying and choosing the right method of processing before storing fruit crops, including subtropical ones, will prevent economic losses of agricultural enterprises and provide the population with high-quality plant food. The term "storability" has been considered, which means crop’s ability to maintain its satisfactory quality indicators for a certain time with the least losses, and its changes with different methods of storing products. The following methods have been analyzed: application of refrigeration units with a configurable temperature and humidity regime and a controlled atmosphere; heat treatment; chemical treatment, which includes potassium chloride, preparations based on 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and fungicidal preparations; application of essential oils, including Abies sibirica Ledeb.; application of specialized packaging materials; treatment with biological preparations; application of natural antimicrobial antifungal drug natamycin (E235); fruit radiation with low-intensity coherent light; treatment with electromagnetic fields of extremely low frequencies (EMF, ELF) and treatment with electro-ionized air. Among the analyzed processing methods there are areas long-used in domestic and foreign production, as well as new promising ones. The paper presented reconnaissance studies of peach and nectarine fruits treated with the preparation 1-MCP "Fresh-Form", and the effectiveness of this preparation has been substantiated.