研究室紹介

Postharvest Science

Studies on preservation of fresh fruit and vegetables during distribution, drying and rewetting of brown rice for animal feed, mathematical modeling of food and agricultural processing, prediction of microbial food safety and food quality, and decontamination of fresh fruit and vegetables by physical method.

Research Interests

1. Research on low-moisture storage
2. Simulation of temperature change during transportation of fresh produce at low temperatures and establishment of optimal transportation methods
3. Research on respiration and quality change of fresh produce
4. Research on the establishment of surface sterilization technology for agricultural products using physical methods
5. Prediction of microbial growth in dynamic environments
6. Research on prediction and control of biofilm development on the surface of fresh produce and food products

Agricultural products harvested in the field or paddy fields invariably lose their freshness and quality with the passage of time. There are a wide variety of causes, including increased physiological activity of the produce itself, such as respiration, browning, and ethylene production; invasion by insects and rodents; proliferation of attached microorganisms and production of toxins due to cross-contamination with soil and fingers; and stress due to sudden temperature changes and physical shocks. In order to deliver delicious, safe, and reliable agricultural products to consumers in a stable manner, it is very important to accurately understand the various factors that affect freshness and quality for each item, and to take appropriate measures while considering the actual distribution system. In the Laboratory of Postharvest Science, we are studying post-harvest technologies such as drying, preparation, low-temperature distribution, storage, processing, and sterilization of agricultural products before they are harvested, turned into food products, and delivered to the dinner table, as well as the problems of food poisoning and spoilage causes, amid recent calls for food safety and security of agricultural products. In recent years, as the safety and security of agricultural food products have been called for, we have been conducting a wide range of education and research, such as attempting to solve problems of microbial growth and biofilm formation that cause food poisoning and spoilage using molecular biological methods.

Keyword of Research Area