Applications of Nanocellulose in Postharvest Horticulture: Recent Advances and Perspectives

ABSTRACT This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent research developments in nanocellulose with respect to postharvest horticulture. Proper postharvest handling of horticultural crops is essential for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals; however, significant losses due to spoilage, damage, and environmental stress remain a persistent challenge. Nanocellulose, a biodegradable and high‐strength nanomaterial, has attracted increasing attention for its application in composite coatings and sustainable packaging, offering improved produce protection and freshness. It has also demonstrated potential in sensor‐based technologies for real‐time monitoring of fruit quality and as a substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in pesticide residue detection. This review deals with the compilation from fundamental concepts to recent innovations in nanocellulose, focusing on its functionality in postharvest systems. Problems and challenges in the field, including high production costs, limited scalability, suboptimal material properties (e.g., water resistance and mechanical strength) and limited applications in ornamental crops, are also presented. Furthermore, future research directions are discussed, emphasizing greener extraction methods, improved material performance, economic feasibility, consumer acceptance, and the expansion of nanocellulose use in smart packaging and ornamental horticulture. By addressing these barriers, nanocellulose can emerge as a transformative and sustainable solution in postharvest management.