Treatments to manipulate the environment include packaging, control of air
movement and circulation, control of air exchange or ventilation, exclusion or
removal of ethylene, controlled or modified atmospheres, and effective water
disinfection and other sanitation procedures to minimize microbial contamination
and assure food safety. Strategies for increasing food security by reducing
postharvest losses and waste include use of cultivars with longer postharvest life,
use of an integrated crop management system that maximizes yield and quality, and
use of proper harvesting and postharvest handling procedures to maintain quality
and safety of horticultural crops and their products.