Recent advances in postharvest storage and preservation technology of pitaya (dragon fruit)

Pitaya fruit has highly edible, medicinal, and economic value. Currently, pitaya is often used as fresh fruit to meet the market demand of consumers. However, pitaya fruit is prone to mechanical damage, microbial infection, and softening and decay after harvest, affecting the quality and shelf life of fresh pitaya fruit. Therefore, many technologies have been developed to extend the postharvest storage time of fresh pitaya. This review summarises the internal and external factors that affect the deterioration in quality of pitaya fruit after harvest and introduces the types of preservation technologies for pitaya fruit presently available. This includes physical, chemical, and techniques based on natural substances to extend the shelf life of postharvest pitaya fruit, as well as the control methods of postharvest diseases and pests. Future research needs to consider the combined application of various technologies to improve the preservation of pitaya.