The Role of Biotechnology in Climate Change Adaptation and Postharvest Loss Mitigation in Blueberries
摘要
Blueberry is a “super fruit” owing to its rich nutritional, health, and economic benefits globally. However, climate change and postharvest losses threaten its production and quality. Biotechnology can improve blueberry production and quality and reduce postharvest losses in the face of climate change and variability. An analysis of the role of biotechnology in climate change adaptation and postharvest loss mitigation in blueberries will therefore inform efforts to adapt blueberry production to the adverse effects of climate change and postharvest losses. This paper explores the challenges posed by climate change and postharvest losses on blueberry production, biotechnological advances in the blueberry industry, challenges with biotechnology use in blueberry adaptation to climate change and postharvest loss mitigation, and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in adapting blueberries to climate change and management of postharvest losses. The study through the Google Scholar search engine reviewed relevant literature on blueberries from blueberry-related institutional websites, peer-reviewed journals, and books. Data was also mined from FAOSTAT to understand the global blueberry production trends among the leading producers. Biotechnology’s role in climate change and postharvest loss mitigation is central to informing the breeding of climate-resilient blueberry varieties, increasing blueberry quality and yield, and minimizing blueberry postharvest losses among blueberry producers.