Postharvest losses, causes and mitigation in tomato transportation: a systematic review

Purpose: The study aimed to provide an overview of tomato loss during road transportation with specific interest in the causes of the postharvest loss, postharvest loss mitigation measures, as well as research focus and trends over the past few decades. Findings: Transport conditions significantly affect tomato quality, influenced by factors like vehicle specifications and road conditions, which contribute to mechanical damage. Post-harvest losses stem from various factors such as the usage of inadequate harvesting tools, inefficient handling and transport equipment, usage of inappropriate packaging materials, poor temperature management and rough handling of fresh fruits as well as substandard road infrastructure. These issues collectively result in substantial losses, reaching up to 60%, notably impacting developing countries. Limitations: The study focused on existing literature published in English. Consequently, it may not offer a comprehensive overview, as other studies with abundant information on the subject might be written in languages not covered by this study’s language restriction. Directions for future research: Future research should prioritize investigating the impact of mechanical stress, such as vibration and impact loads, experienced by fruits like fresh tomatoes during road transport and material handling. Additionally, there is a need to assess the effectiveness of different packaging materials in safeguarding transported tomatoes against mechanical stress.