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Pre- and postharvest factors affecting nutraceutical properties of Abstract Purpose of review: This manuscript examines the effect of preharvest (genotype, planting and cultural practices) as well as postharvest strategies that can be manipulated to affect the composition of horticultural products. Recent findings: With greater access to robust bioassays and rapid screening tools, there is greater emphasis on understanding the effect of pre- and postharvest factors on the biological activity of botanical products. Directions for future research: Significant increases in the concentration of phytochemicals and plant nutrients are certainly achievable. Research should be directed at understanding the human in-vivo responses to such plant composition alterations. Keywords: phytochemicals; plant nutrients; bioactive plants Stewart Postharvest Review 2006, 2:4 Published online 01 February 2006 DOI: 10.2212/spr.2006.2.4 |