Preservation strategies of lemon (Citrus aurantifolia): effects of temperature and storage on fruit quality
Keywords:
dehydration, postharvest, shelf-life, period, respiration
Abstract
Lemon (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) is an economically and nutritionally important crop whose shelf life is limited by rapid postharvest deterioration. Losses occurring during storage affect key quality attributes such as firmness, moisture retention, and juice content, making it necessary to identify effective conservation strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different storage temperatures and durations on the postharvest quality of lemon fruits produced in Manabí, Ecuador. A randomized block design with a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement was used, including four temperatures (10, 12, 14, and 26 °C) and three storage periods (9, 12, and 15 days), with four replications and a total of 800 fruits per locality. Physical and chemical characteristics such as fruit weight, diameter, juice content, pericarp weight, pH, and total soluble solids were evaluated. The results showed that storage at 12 °C and 14 °C better preserved fruit quality, whereas storage at 10 °C accelerated dehydration and increased pericarp weight loss. It is concluded that storage temperature is a determining factor in maintaining the postharvest quality of lemon fruits, and this study provides essential information to optimize handling practices and reduce losses along the production chain.
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References
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Baltazari, A., Mtui, H.D., Mwatawalaa, M.W., Chove, L.M., Msogoya, T., Samwela, J., & Subramanian, J. (2020). Effects of storage conditions, storage duration and post-harvest treatments on nutritional and sensory quality of orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) fruits. International Journal of Fruit Science, 20(4), 737-749. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538362.2019.1673278
Budiarto, R., Mubarok, S., Sholikin, M.M., Sari, D.N., Khalisha, A., Rahmat, B.P., & Adli, D.N. (2024). Vitamin C variation in citrus in response to genotypes, storage temperatures, and storage times: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon, 10(8), e29125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29125
Castellano, G., Ramírez, R., Sindoni, M.J., Hidalgo, P.R., Burgos, M.E., Marín, C., & Martínez, L. (2016). Efecto de la temperatura de almacenaje sobre las características organolépticas de frutos de limón persa (Citrus latifolia Tanaka). Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 17(1), 8-14. https://www.redalyc.org/journal/813/81346341002/
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Cheng, X., Li, R., Zhao, Y., Bai, Y., Wu, Y., Bao, P., Huang, Z., & Bi, Y. (2023). Modeling mathematical relationship with weight loss and texture on table grapes of ‘Red Globe’ and ‘Wink’ during cold and ambient temperature storage. Foods, 12(13), 2443. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132443
Deng, W., Wu, J., Da, Y., & Ma, Z. (2020). Effect of temperature treatment on fruit quality and immunoregulation of Satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) during storage. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 8(10), 5443-5451. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1771
Garganese, F., Sanzani, S.M., Di, Rella D., Schena, L., & Ippolito, A. (2019). Pre- and postharvest application of alternative means to control alternaria brown spot of citrus. Crop Protection, 121, 73-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2019.03.014
Habibi, I., & Susila, A.D. (2024). Quality improvement of lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia) between packaged and unpackaged conditions combined with different storage temperatures. Journal of Agrosociology and Sustainability, 2(1), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.61511/jassu.v2i1.2024.849
Hasbullah, R., & Ismail, E.R. (2022). Shelf-life prediction of citrus lemon using a multivariate accelerated shelf-life testing (MASLT) approach. Journal of Horticultural Research, 30(1), 51-60. https://doi.org/10.2478/johr-2022-0005
Jain, S., Saxena, S., Minz, V., Behera, S.D., Harini, K., Shivani, Mishra, S., & Nidhi, N. (2023). Post-harvest handling of fruit crops. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 13(11), 1990-1999. https://doi.org/10.9734/IJECC/2023/v13i113357
Latocha, P., Krupa, T., Jankowski, P., & Radzanowska, J. (2014). Changes in postharvest physicochemical and sensory characteristics of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta and its hybrid) after cold storage under normal versus controlled atmosphere. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 88, 21-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2013.09.005
Lerslerwong, L., Buapuean, C., Rugkong, A., & Bunya-Atichart, K. (2023). Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene, gibberellic acid, and aloe vera coating on lime storage life and fruit quality. Horticulture Journal, 92(2), 125-133. https://doi.org/10.2503/hortj.QH-033
Liao, L., Li, S., Li, Y., Huang, Z., Li, J., Xiong, B., & Wang, Z. (2022). Pre- or post-harvest treatment with MeJA improves post-harvest storage of lemon fruit by stimulating the antioxidant system and alleviating chilling injury. Plants, 11(21), 2840. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212840
Liu, Y., Heying, E., & Tanumihardjo, S.A. (2012). History, global distribution, and nutritional importance of citrus fruits. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 11(6), 530-545. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2012.00201.x
López-Gómez, A., Navarro-Martínez, A., & Martínez-Hernández, G.B. (2023). Effects of essential oils released from active packaging on the antioxidant system and quality of lemons during cold storage and commercialization. Scientia Horticulturae, 312, 111855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111855
Lufu, R., Ambaw, A., & Opara, U.L. (2020). Water loss of fresh fruit: Influencing pre-harvest, harvest and postharvest factors. Scientia Horticulturae, 272, 109519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109519
Nasrin, T.A., Rahman, M.A., Arfin, M.S., Islam, M.N., & Ullah, M.A. (2020). Effect of novel coconut oil and beeswax edible coating on postharvest quality of lemon at ambient storage. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2, 100019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2019.100019
Onwude, D., Cronje, P., Norte, J., & Defraeye, T. (2024). Digital replica to unveil the impact of growing conditions on orange postharvest quality. Scientific Reports, 14, 14437. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65285-w
Quintieri, L., Palumbo, M., Ricci, I., Pace, B., Caputo, L., Adduci, A., & Cozzolino, R. (2024). Postharvest quality of Citrus medica L. (cv Liscia-Diamante) fruit stored at different temperatures: Volatile profile and antimicrobial activity of essential oils. Foods 13(11), 1596. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111596
Rastgoo, N., Rastegar, S., & Rohani, A. (2024). Maintaining quality of Lisbon lemon (Citrus limon) in cold storage using natural elicitors. Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research, 7(2), 99-114. https://doi.org/10.22077/jhpr.2024.7125.1352
Reyna-Gonzales, K., Pesantes-Gallardo, M. G., Huamán-Grandez, E. O., Valdivia-Culqui, J. E., Paredes-Tarrillo, F. A., Raymundo-Vasquez, P. A., & Balcázar-Zumaeta, C. R. (2024). Physicochemical properties of sweet limes (Citrus limetta) during storage at different temperatures. Food Science and Preservation, 31(5), 709-720. https://doi.org/10.11002/fsp.2024.31.5.709
Santistevan Méndez, M., Helfgott Lerner, S., Loli Figueroa, O., & Julca Otiniano, A. (2017). Comportamiento del cultivo del limón (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) en "fincas tipo" en Santa Elena, Ecuador. IDESIA, 35(1), 45-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-34292017005000003
Serna-Escolano, V., Giménez, M.J., García-Pastor, M.E., Dobón-Suárez, A., Pardo-Pina, S., & Zapata, P.J. (2022). Effects of degreening treatment on quality and shelf-life of organic lemons. Agronomy, 12(2), 270. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020270
Strano, M.C., Altieri, G., Allegra, M., Di Renzo, G.C., Paterna, G., Matera, A., & Genovese, F. (2022). Postharvest technologies of fresh citrus fruit: Advances and recent developments for the loss reduction during handling and storage. Horticulturae, 8(7), 612. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070612
Sun, Y., Li, Y., Xu, Y., Sang, Y., Mei, S., Xu, C., Yu, X., Pan, T., Cheng, C., Zhang, J., Jiang, Y., & Gao, Z. (2022). The effects of storage temperature, light illumination, and low-temperature plasma on fruit rot and change in quality of postharvest Gannan navel oranges. Foods, 11, 3707. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11223707
Verreydt, C., Cobbinah-Sam, E., Celis, A.M., Meckesheimer, M., Prountzos, N., Sacher, R., & Defraeye, T. (2024). Identifying cooling heterogeneity during precooling and refrigerated trailer transport for the citrus supply chain by extensive temperature monitoring within full-scale experiments. Food Control, 165, 110672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.110672
Yaddanapudi, P., & Kumar, K.K. (2020). Effect of post-harvest degreening on quality parameters of acid lime Cv. Balaji. International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 21(16), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.9734/irjpac/2020/v21i1630256
Zacarías, L., Cronje, P. J. R., & Palou, L. (2020). Postharvest technology of citrus fruits. En. M. Talón, M. Caruso & F. G. Gmitter Jr. (Eds.), The genus citrus (pp. 421–446). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812163-4.00021-8
Badiche-El Hilali, F., Valverde, J. M., García-Pastor, M. E., Serrano, M., Castillo, S., & Valero, D. (2023). Melatonin postharvest treatment in leafy ‘Fino’ lemon maintains quality and bioactive compounds. Foods, 12(15), 2979. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12152979
Baltazari, A., Mtui, H.D., Mwatawalaa, M.W., Chove, L.M., Msogoya, T., Samwela, J., & Subramanian, J. (2020). Effects of storage conditions, storage duration and post-harvest treatments on nutritional and sensory quality of orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) fruits. International Journal of Fruit Science, 20(4), 737-749. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538362.2019.1673278
Budiarto, R., Mubarok, S., Sholikin, M.M., Sari, D.N., Khalisha, A., Rahmat, B.P., & Adli, D.N. (2024). Vitamin C variation in citrus in response to genotypes, storage temperatures, and storage times: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon, 10(8), e29125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29125
Castellano, G., Ramírez, R., Sindoni, M.J., Hidalgo, P.R., Burgos, M.E., Marín, C., & Martínez, L. (2016). Efecto de la temperatura de almacenaje sobre las características organolépticas de frutos de limón persa (Citrus latifolia Tanaka). Revista Iberoamericana de Tecnología Postcosecha, 17(1), 8-14. https://www.redalyc.org/journal/813/81346341002/
Cao, J., Wang, C., Xu, S., Chen, Y., Wang, Y., Li, X., & Sun, C. (2019). The effects of transportation temperature on the decay rate and quality of postharvest Ponkan (Citrus reticulata Blanco) fruit in different storage periods. Scientia Horticulturae, 247, 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2018.12.009
Cheng, X., Li, R., Zhao, Y., Bai, Y., Wu, Y., Bao, P., Huang, Z., & Bi, Y. (2023). Modeling mathematical relationship with weight loss and texture on table grapes of ‘Red Globe’ and ‘Wink’ during cold and ambient temperature storage. Foods, 12(13), 2443. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132443
Deng, W., Wu, J., Da, Y., & Ma, Z. (2020). Effect of temperature treatment on fruit quality and immunoregulation of Satsuma (Citrus unshiu Marc.) during storage. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 8(10), 5443-5451. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1771
Garganese, F., Sanzani, S.M., Di, Rella D., Schena, L., & Ippolito, A. (2019). Pre- and postharvest application of alternative means to control alternaria brown spot of citrus. Crop Protection, 121, 73-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2019.03.014
Habibi, I., & Susila, A.D. (2024). Quality improvement of lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia) between packaged and unpackaged conditions combined with different storage temperatures. Journal of Agrosociology and Sustainability, 2(1), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.61511/jassu.v2i1.2024.849
Hasbullah, R., & Ismail, E.R. (2022). Shelf-life prediction of citrus lemon using a multivariate accelerated shelf-life testing (MASLT) approach. Journal of Horticultural Research, 30(1), 51-60. https://doi.org/10.2478/johr-2022-0005
Jain, S., Saxena, S., Minz, V., Behera, S.D., Harini, K., Shivani, Mishra, S., & Nidhi, N. (2023). Post-harvest handling of fruit crops. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 13(11), 1990-1999. https://doi.org/10.9734/IJECC/2023/v13i113357
Latocha, P., Krupa, T., Jankowski, P., & Radzanowska, J. (2014). Changes in postharvest physicochemical and sensory characteristics of hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta and its hybrid) after cold storage under normal versus controlled atmosphere. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 88, 21-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2013.09.005
Lerslerwong, L., Buapuean, C., Rugkong, A., & Bunya-Atichart, K. (2023). Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene, gibberellic acid, and aloe vera coating on lime storage life and fruit quality. Horticulture Journal, 92(2), 125-133. https://doi.org/10.2503/hortj.QH-033
Liao, L., Li, S., Li, Y., Huang, Z., Li, J., Xiong, B., & Wang, Z. (2022). Pre- or post-harvest treatment with MeJA improves post-harvest storage of lemon fruit by stimulating the antioxidant system and alleviating chilling injury. Plants, 11(21), 2840. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212840
Liu, Y., Heying, E., & Tanumihardjo, S.A. (2012). History, global distribution, and nutritional importance of citrus fruits. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety 11(6), 530-545. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1541-4337.2012.00201.x
López-Gómez, A., Navarro-Martínez, A., & Martínez-Hernández, G.B. (2023). Effects of essential oils released from active packaging on the antioxidant system and quality of lemons during cold storage and commercialization. Scientia Horticulturae, 312, 111855. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.111855
Lufu, R., Ambaw, A., & Opara, U.L. (2020). Water loss of fresh fruit: Influencing pre-harvest, harvest and postharvest factors. Scientia Horticulturae, 272, 109519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109519
Nasrin, T.A., Rahman, M.A., Arfin, M.S., Islam, M.N., & Ullah, M.A. (2020). Effect of novel coconut oil and beeswax edible coating on postharvest quality of lemon at ambient storage. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2, 100019. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2019.100019
Onwude, D., Cronje, P., Norte, J., & Defraeye, T. (2024). Digital replica to unveil the impact of growing conditions on orange postharvest quality. Scientific Reports, 14, 14437. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65285-w
Quintieri, L., Palumbo, M., Ricci, I., Pace, B., Caputo, L., Adduci, A., & Cozzolino, R. (2024). Postharvest quality of Citrus medica L. (cv Liscia-Diamante) fruit stored at different temperatures: Volatile profile and antimicrobial activity of essential oils. Foods 13(11), 1596. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13111596
Rastgoo, N., Rastegar, S., & Rohani, A. (2024). Maintaining quality of Lisbon lemon (Citrus limon) in cold storage using natural elicitors. Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research, 7(2), 99-114. https://doi.org/10.22077/jhpr.2024.7125.1352
Reyna-Gonzales, K., Pesantes-Gallardo, M. G., Huamán-Grandez, E. O., Valdivia-Culqui, J. E., Paredes-Tarrillo, F. A., Raymundo-Vasquez, P. A., & Balcázar-Zumaeta, C. R. (2024). Physicochemical properties of sweet limes (Citrus limetta) during storage at different temperatures. Food Science and Preservation, 31(5), 709-720. https://doi.org/10.11002/fsp.2024.31.5.709
Santistevan Méndez, M., Helfgott Lerner, S., Loli Figueroa, O., & Julca Otiniano, A. (2017). Comportamiento del cultivo del limón (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) en "fincas tipo" en Santa Elena, Ecuador. IDESIA, 35(1), 45-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-34292017005000003
Serna-Escolano, V., Giménez, M.J., García-Pastor, M.E., Dobón-Suárez, A., Pardo-Pina, S., & Zapata, P.J. (2022). Effects of degreening treatment on quality and shelf-life of organic lemons. Agronomy, 12(2), 270. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12020270
Strano, M.C., Altieri, G., Allegra, M., Di Renzo, G.C., Paterna, G., Matera, A., & Genovese, F. (2022). Postharvest technologies of fresh citrus fruit: Advances and recent developments for the loss reduction during handling and storage. Horticulturae, 8(7), 612. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070612
Sun, Y., Li, Y., Xu, Y., Sang, Y., Mei, S., Xu, C., Yu, X., Pan, T., Cheng, C., Zhang, J., Jiang, Y., & Gao, Z. (2022). The effects of storage temperature, light illumination, and low-temperature plasma on fruit rot and change in quality of postharvest Gannan navel oranges. Foods, 11, 3707. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11223707
Verreydt, C., Cobbinah-Sam, E., Celis, A.M., Meckesheimer, M., Prountzos, N., Sacher, R., & Defraeye, T. (2024). Identifying cooling heterogeneity during precooling and refrigerated trailer transport for the citrus supply chain by extensive temperature monitoring within full-scale experiments. Food Control, 165, 110672. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2024.110672
Yaddanapudi, P., & Kumar, K.K. (2020). Effect of post-harvest degreening on quality parameters of acid lime Cv. Balaji. International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 21(16), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.9734/irjpac/2020/v21i1630256
Zacarías, L., Cronje, P. J. R., & Palou, L. (2020). Postharvest technology of citrus fruits. En. M. Talón, M. Caruso & F. G. Gmitter Jr. (Eds.), The genus citrus (pp. 421–446). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-812163-4.00021-8
Published
2026-02-13
How to Cite
Cedeño , F., Celi, A., Intriago , F., Zambrano , F., & Mieles, D. (2026). Preservation strategies of lemon (Citrus aurantifolia): effects of temperature and storage on fruit quality. Revista De La Facultad De Agronomía De La Universidad Del Zulia, 43(1), e254314. Retrieved from https://produccioncientificaluz.org/index.php/agronomia/article/view/45177
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Section
Food Technology
Copyright (c) 2026 Fanny Estefanía Cedeño Guaranda, Adriana del Carmen Celi Soto, Frank Guillermo Intriago Flo, Freddy Eli Zambrano Gavilanes, Dayana Elizabeth Mieles Macías
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
