Comprehensive evaluation of optimized preservation strategies for blueberries: An assessment of diverse intervention measures based on network meta-analysis

• A systematic conclusion was drawn from the comprehensive comparison of the relevant treatments which were helpful to prolong the shelf life of postharvest blueberries. • A large amount of valid data has been collected and the results are highly reliable. • The results of the analysis can provide a basis for researchers to design effective combination programs. This research adopted the Bayesian random-effects model (REM), incorporating 25 different intervention strategies aimed at preserving blueberries. A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy of the various quality characteristic indicators and secondary metabolite variables obtained from these interventions. The results indicated that 2-hydroxypropyl-3-trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) coating solution + 2% polyol glycerin was the optimal method for maintaining high firmness and inhibiting weight loss in blueberries. Treatment with a nanocomposite, formulated by blending thick phenols, zein, and shellac nanoparticles with the waxy layer of winter melon skin in a 1:1 ratio + 10% Arabic gum (AG-10% WG MA @ SZ solution), is the best method for maintaining total soluble solids content (TSS). The best measure to maintain the titratable acidity (TA) content is the use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at a concentration of 1.0 μL / L. The use of fresh-keeping pad paper soaked in a 1.0% calcium chloride (CaCl 2) solution is the best method to reduce decay rate. The optimal intervention to inhibit the increase of H 2 O 2 involves treatment with ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation at a dosage of 2.76 kJ / m² + sealing blueberries with a polypropylene (PP) / polyethylene (PE) film packaging membrane. Irradiation treatment at 3.0 kGy is the most effective method for sustaining the accumulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. UV-C irradiation at 4 kJ / m² represents the optimal measure for inhibiting the respiratory rate of blueberries, suppressing the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) content in blueberries, and maintaining the accumulation of anthocyanins in blueberries. The best approach to maintain the activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) involves treatment with 1.0 μL / L of 1-MCP + UV-C irradiation at a dosage of 4 kJ / m². Packaging with PP / PE film + treating with dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) low-temperature plasma at 45 kV represents the best measure for inhibiting the content of O 2− .