The preservation of fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V) is important to achieve food and nutritional security, reduce food loss, and boost global trade and economic growth. To understand the γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) impact on F&V quality, this study conducted a meta-analysis of 30 articles (2020-2024). GABA was found to effectively preserve F&V quality by regulating total soluble solids (TSS), delaying firmness loss, and minimizing browning, microbial spoilage, and chilling injury. These benefits stem from GABA's action on key metabolic pathways, including ethylene, cell wall, antioxidant, ascorbate-glutathione, GABA, reactive species, phenylpropanoid, polyamine, and energy regulation. Frequency analysis identified effective trends in GABA research: (1) immersion was preferred and best application method with a coverage of 86.66 %; (2) optimal GABA dosages were 1 mM-10 mM with a coverage of 63.33 %; (3) optimal treatment exposure times were 5-15 min with a coverage of 73.33 %; and (4) optimal storage temperatures of treated F&V were 2 °C-4 °C with a coverage of 60 %. The challenges in GABA research include its inconsistent impact across different types of produce, its dual effects on TSS regulation (with both increasing and decreasing trends), and the lack of structured policies for application in the F&V sector. Future research should explore GABA's mechanisms using omics approaches, enhance delivery through nanotechnology or 3D printing, and focus on its integration into commercial postharvest practices.
Keywords: Fruits and vegetables; Preservation; Quality; Shelf-life; γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA).
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