A systematic review on the various biochemical treatments for preservation of fresh tomato

Purpose: Despite the worldwide rise in annual tomato production, approximately 15-50% of harvested tomatoes are lost each year, posing a significant challenge to global food security. This review seeks to assess the efficacy of biochemical treatments in preserving tomatoes to mitigate post-harvest losses. A machine-based search mapped articles on Chitosan coating and tomato preservation, Calcium chloride and tomato preservation, and Potassium permanganate and tomato preservation using Google Scholar. Seventy relevant articles published between 1995 and 2024 were included in the systematic literature review. Findings: Calcium chloride, Chitosan coating, and Potassium permanganate exhibit promise in enhancing tomato shelf life, yet their efficacy is contingent upon variables like tomato variety and storage conditions. Achieving a universally effective treatment proves challenging due to variations in study outcomes, highlighting the complexity of preserving tomatoes optimally. Limitations: The variability observed in reported outcomes poses significant challenges when it comes to discerning the most effective and optimal treatment. This inherent inconsistency in results not only complicates the identification of a universally applicable solution but also underscores the intricate nature of the factors influencing treatment effectiveness. Directions for Future Research: Future research should examine treatment combinations, consider responses to tomato cultivars, assess ecological impacts, implement safety protocols, and utilize advanced analytical techniques to refine tomato preservation methods.