Methods for treating perishable items with an ethylene-inhibiting compound are disclosed herein. The methods may include exposing the perishable items with the ethylene-inhibiting compound in connection with storing the perishable items in a chamber of a vacuum container, the chamber being vacuumed to have a lower internal pressure than ambient pressure external to the vacuum container.

Methods for treating perishable items with an ethylene-inhibiting compound are disclosed herein. The methods may include exposing the perishable items with the ethylene-inhibiting compound in connection with storing the perishable items in a chamber of a vacuum container, the chamber being vacuumed to have a lower internal pressure than ambient pressure external to the vacuum container.

A moisture-activated sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) release system is disclosed for postharvest preservation of fruits, vegetables, and other fresh plant products. The system comprises a composition including sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) and citric acid that, upon exposure to humidity, rapidly generates SO.sub.2 gas to suppress fungal growth. Various deployment systems enable immediate or sustained release based on packaging conditions and crop type. The system provides a safer alternative to traditional SO.sub.2 fumigation, and provides improved decay control and extended shelf life.

Devices and methods for provided both an antimicrobial vapor such as hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid and water vapor in an enclosed or partially enclosed space are described. The device and method provided is for the reduction or elimination of microbes from air and surfaces in contact with air within an enclosed or partially enclosed space using hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid in the vapor phase and also provide for humidity from water vapor. The device and method are directed towards a release of an antimicrobial vapor and water vapor through a permeable container/barrier containing a matrix into which water and an antimicrobial vapor producing material are absorbed.

Devices and methods for provided both an antimicrobial vapor such as hydrogen peroxide and/or peracetic acid and water vapor in an enclosed or partially enclosed space are described. The device and method provided is for the reduction or elimination of microbes from air and surfaces in contact with air within an enclosed or partially enclosed space using hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid in the vapor phase and also provide for humidity from water vapor. The device and method are directed towards a release of an antimicrobial vapor and water vapor through a permeable container/barrier containing a matrix into which water and an antimicrobial vapor producing material are absorbed.