Recent studies have shown that methyl jasmonate induced ethylene production improve colouring and the formation of taste components in fruits, while concurrently slowing the decline in fruit quality. Bananas treated with 1 mmol L−1 MeJA had increased antioxidant activity and phenolic levels, eliminating chilling injury during post-harvest ripening without affecting fruit quality. Additionally, MeJA application on plums resulted in elevated amounts of phenolic components and improved antioxidant activity associated with ethylene production and a shortened post-harvest ripening period. These studies revealed that MeJA could induce ethylene production in various fruits, but the mechanisms of MeJA-induced ethylene production and promotion of fruit ripening and post-harvest quality remain unclear (Fu et al. 2024; Li et al. 2020; Elbagoury et al. 2021).
Answers to Reviewers:
The authors thank the constructive comments and suggestions of the Reviewers and the Editor for improving the manuscript. We have addressed all the concerns regarding the manuscript and included below a point-by-point response to the Reviewers. In addition, the changes done in the text were highlighted in yellow in the new, revised version of the manuscript.
Reviewer #1:
-This study examines different methods of fruit ripening.
This study seems to be merit, applicable and valuable, however, it has some concerns that need to be addressed before further consideration.
Answer: Dear Amir, please address this comment.
-The types of methods used ripening are not well discussed.
Answer: Dear Amir, please address this comment.
-Methods should be completely structured and discussed separately with up-to-date references
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comment: please address.
-What are the novel methods? Advantages? Disadvantages?
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address.
-Do these methods have the ability to be commercialized and used in the industry? Are these methods cost-effective? please clarify
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address – perhaps along section 7?
-Has the safety been investigated? Please include in the manuscript
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address.
-The manuscript has many sentences with similar concepts that should be summarized and merged.
Answer: Dear Amir, it would be nice if you can check this. I will also check everything in the end.
-The structure of the manuscript is not interesting for the reader. Although its content is important in terms of consumer safety.
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address.
Answer: I do not agree with this comment and cannot figure out how to improve the structure of
the manuscript. Any suggestion? Anyway, the sections certainly will improve with the editions following the previous comments of this reviewer.
-Authors are requested to revise the manuscript with a clear structure for the reader.
Answer: Same as previous comment: I do not agree with this comment and cannot figure out how
to improve the structure of the manuscript. Any suggestion? Anyway, the sections certainly will
improve with the editions following the previous comments of this reviewer.
-Don't the new methods of fruit ripening have a negative effect on the sensory and textural
characteristics of the products?? These features are not well discussed and addressed.
Answer: Dear Amir, please address this comment.
Reviewer #2:
This review addresses the advantages and risks linked with ripening agents while emphasizing the significance of exploring safer and more environmentally friendly novel alternatives. Additionally, it presents methods aimed at preserving the nutritional value of fruits and enhancing consumer well-being. However, a few major revisions could enhance the overall quality of the review.
Answer: Thanks for the comments.
Major comments:
1. Comprehensiveness and novelty:
1.1 Does the article cover all the major conventional and artificial ripening methods when discussing the various types of fruit ripening methods, including, but not limited to, ethylene gas treatment, ethylene microbubble technology, and plastic chamber ripening? It is recommended that the authors further review the literature to ensure that the technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the different methods, as well as the limitations of their practical application, have been adequately compared and discussed.
Answer: Dear Amir, please address this comment too.
1.2 For emerging or experimental ripening technologies, such as sensor-based artificial ripening systems combined with ultrasonic pre-treatment and microwave pre-treatment for date ripening, a detailed description of the unique advantages of these new technologies over traditional methods, as well as the technical challenges and economic viability of their practical application is required.
Answer: Dear Amir, please address this comment too.
2. Safety and environmental impact assessment:
2.1 When referring to the health risks and environmental hazards posed by conventional chemical ripening agents (e.g. ethylene, ethyl ether, calcium carbide), please provide more detailed data in support and analyse the long-term impacts of potential toxicity and residue levels on consumer health. At the same time, emphasise the importance of such data for the formulation of relevant policies by regulatory authorities.
Answer: Dear Amir, please address this comment too.
2.2 Considering the requirements of environmental protection and sustainability, it is suggested to add Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of various ripening methods, and to comparatively analyse the environmental performance of different technologies in terms of reducing energy consumption,
avoiding microbial spoilage, and controlling greenhouse gas emissions.
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address –perhaps adding to table(s)?
3. Testing and regulations:
3.1 The article should include more discussion on specific methods and techniques on how to effectively detect whether fruits have been artificially ripened, especially those non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques and their reliability and scope of application.
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address.
3.2 Introduce the provisions of international and local food safety standards (e.g. EU, Australia New Zealand Food Standards, FSSAI and FSANZ, etc.) and explore how current regulations govern the use of artificial ripening agents and how future regulatory trends will impact on the development of the industry.
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address.
4. Innovativeness and Consumer Demand:
4.1 In advocating the development of safer and more environmentally friendly novel ripening technologies, focus on the growing consumer demand for natural and organic products, and discuss how novel ripening technologies can satisfy consumers' health needs while maintaining the original nutritional value and taste quality of fruits.
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address.
4.2 Discuss and summarise the progress of current research on phytohormone (e.g. methyl jasmonate) induced ripening, and explore its potential and limitations in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Answer: Dear Amir, same as previous comments: please address.