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Tomato, like most species from tropical and subtropical regions, exhibits postharvest chilling injury (PCI) when stored at low temperatures. Because of its economic importance and the functional genomics tools available, we used tomato to investigate aspects of fruit PCI development. We asked two questions: First, are there spatial-temporal differences in the development of PCI that can be detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Here, the aim was to use a non-invasive method to study PCI progression in vivo. At mature green and breaker, the pericarp, locular tissue and columella produced distinct D-values while in contrast, there was no such differentiation in riper fruit. Although the pericarp is where most PCI symptoms are visible, this tissue showed less dynamism upon cold exposure, compared to the inner tissues as detected by MRI. This suggests the occurrence of distinct, independently modulated mechanisms contributing to the development of PCI-symptomatology. Collectively our data showed that the MRI could detect fruit ripening, its attenuation by cold, and fruit tissue-specific responses to chilling stress. The second question we asked was if epigenetic modification of the tomato genome or transcriptome influences PCI response. We examined PCI severity in fruit injected with a demethylating agent, 5- azacytidine (AZA). Two tomato genotypes exposed to varying severities of cold-stress were studied. Results suggested that AZA was able to moderate PCI in 'Micro-Tom' after 3 weeks at 2.5°C, while different patterns were observed in 'Sun Cherry' across various cold treatments. The effects of AZA on PCI were complex, multilayered and highly context-dependent.

Optimization of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage of pome fruit crucially depends on understanding of respiratory gas exchange. Different fruit properties are involved in describing gas transfer and respiration kinetics, which can vary between cultivars, fruit batches and individual fruit. Determination of these properties currently requires a combination of different time-consuming techniques and data analysis procedures. This study introduces a more efficient single method for O 2 gas exchange characterization of fruit based on the non-destructive pathlength-resolved GASMAS (gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy) technique. GASMAS was used to measure the absolute intercellular O 2 concentration in fruit of different apple cultivars (Malus x domestica Borkh.) with distinct porosity including 'Jonagold', 'Braeburn', and 'Nicoter'. To resolve the ambiguity between variation in pathlength and O 2 concentration inherent to GASMAS, the pathlength travelled through pores cavities was quantified through a second GASMAS measurement at the absorption line of H 2 O vapour. Dynamic experiments were then performed in which the fruit was subjected to varying external O 2 concentrations while measuring the internal O 2 response. The observed dynamic profiles of external and internal O 2 concentration were fitted with a lumped -respiration model to estimate the effective mass transfer coefficient, maximum respiration rate and Michaelis Menten constant of intact fruit. The model showed a good fit (R 2 >0.95) with the measured data and reliable estimates for the model parameters. The proposed method provides a novel and more efficient way to estimate the gas exchange properties of fruit that are essential for optimizing CA storage conditions. Future challenges for the proposed method are with applications to other gasses such as CO 2 and ethylene. • Non-destructive and quantitative internal O 2 measurement of apple using GASMAS. • GASMAS measurement on an intact apple in diffuse transmittance mode. • Fast determination of O 2 exchange and respiration kinetic parameters of apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blueberries have a high commercial value on the international market but deteriorate rapidly after harvest, which is caused by high temperature and humidity. In the present work, the effects of high CO2 (25%) were evaluated at 0 °C for 35 days on the quality and Antioxidant capacity (AC) of blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). The results indicated that 25% CO2 treatment significantly delayed the respiration rate and preserved the aroma compounds. Meanwhile, the levels of aldehydes and limonene were enhanced, but esters and ethanol contents were decreased by 25% CO2-treated. In addition, the activity of the enzymes (Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD)) was promoted, while 25% CO2-treated inhibited Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. Simutanously, 25% CO2 increased the accumulation of antioxidants (Total phenolic [TPC], flavonoid, Ascorbic acid [AsA] and Glutathione [GSH]), and the free radical-scavenging capacity (hydroxyl (·OH) and 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)) was also enhanced. This study showed that high CO2 could maintain the quality of blueberries by inhibiting respiration as well as maintaining the aroma and AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper describes an approach to estimate the photosynthetic capacity and derive the optimum fruit number for each individual tree, in order to achieve a defined fruit size, which is named as the fruit bearing capacity of the tree. The estimation of fruit bearing capacity was carried out considering the total leaf area per tree as measured with a 2-D LiDAR laser scanner, LALiDAR, and key carbon-related variables of the trees including leaf gas exchange, fruit growth and respiration, in two commercial apple orchards. The range between minLALiDAR and maxLALiDAR was found to be 2.4 m² on Pinova and 4.3 m² on RoHo 3615 at fully developed canopy. The daily C requirement of the growing fruit and the associated leaf area demand, necessary to meet the average daily fruit C requirements showed seasonal variation, with maximum values in the middle of the growing period. The estimated fruit bearing capacity ranged from 33-95 fruit tree-1 and 45-121 fruit tree-1 on the trees of Pinova and RoHo 3615, respectively. This finding demonstrates sub-optimal crop load at harvest time in both orchards, above or below the fruit bearing capacity for individual trees. In conclusion, the LiDAR measurements of the leaf area combined with a carbon balance model allows for the estimation of fruit bearing capacity for individual trees for precise crop load management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cherry production, the assimilate supply to the fruit is a crucial factor for growth and formation of quality parameters. The assimilate supply per fruit is limited by the relative growth capacity of trees, represented by the leaf area to fruit ratio (LA:F). In the present study, the required leaf area per fruit (LAdemand [cm2 fruit-1]) of two sweet cherry cultivars, 'Bellise' and 'Regina', was estimated in 2018 and 2019, based on measured and interpolated values of fruit growth and fruit respiration rates. LAdemand changed daily with an overall increase during fruit development, showing average values in stage III in 2018 and 2019 of 139 cm2 and 175 cm2 in 'Bellise', while 199 cm2 and 212 cm2 were found in 'Regina', respectively. Estimated LAdemand for both cultivars was compared with measurements in cherries grown on girdled branches. In both years, estimated values exceeded measured values. In both years, positive correlation between LA:F and fresh mass, soluble solids content, and coloration was observed. The data obtained can be applied to evaluate the tree’s crop load for precise management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the application of the laser speckle imaging method, a nondestructive and contactless method monitoring the gas exchange rate of intact apples. Red and infrared lasers in a typical setup for laser speckle imaging were used. A new parameter, speckle pattern relaxation time, has been proposed to evaluate speckle dynamics. Machine learning methods were used to develop a set of predictive models calibrated and validated against the respiration rate of two apple fruit cultivars measured with the flush system. The model with the highest performance used three variables: the speckle pattern relaxation time (τ RED or τ IR), fruit mass, and categorical variables describing apple varieties. This model provided satisfactorily low values of mean absolute prediction errors of 6.04%. Data from laser light scattering measurements combined with modern machine learning algorithms provided a nondestructive and fast method for estimating the apple fruit respiration rate. The developed solution has the potential for a wide range of industrial applications, especially in fruit storage, where the fruit respiration rate indicates optimal storage conditions. • Laser speckle imaging was used to build a predictive model of fruit respiration rate. • Laser light scattering was a good predictor for apple fruit respiration rate. • Speckle signal, mass and variety of apples were used as input for optimal models. • Near infrared laser provided best prediction capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a mathematical model to describe respiration (O2 consumption and CO2 production) and transpiration rates of minimally processed pineapple (cut into slices) as a function of temperature, relative humidity (RH) and geometric configuration. To experimentally adjust suitable models for respiration and transpiration, minimally processed pineapple (Ananas comosus) was stored in slices of three types of configuration (a complete slice with 1 centimeter of thickness, a complete slice with 2 centimeter of thickness and a half slice with 1 centimeter of thickness) at different temperature and RH. To estimate respiration rates, two possible models were compared and the most suitable one was chosen: the O2 consumption and CO2 production were modeled by using a Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics and by using a first-order kinetics choosing the former. Throughout the different experiments, the respiration rates were higher by increasing the storage temperature. The transpiration data shows the weight loss is linear for all the samples during the entire storage time. Transpiration was represented by considering the mass transfer (of moisture) due the water activity gradient between the produce and the atmosphere surrounding it, and the water evaporated as a consequence of absorbing the respiratory heat generated in the cut fruits. Results shows a high goodness of fit between experimental data and estimated values with the respiration-transpiration models (R² adj > 0.88). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Gem’ is a crisp, juicy European pear ( Pyrus communis L.) that can be consumed immediately at harvest or directly from cold storage. Alternatively, ‘Gem’ pears can ripen (5 d of 20 °C) to a soft, buttery, juicy texture once fruit accumulate 30 to 60 d of low temperature chill. In either condition, ‘Gem’ has a relatively short postharvest storage life of 5 months in regular air (RA). The purpose of this work was to evaluate two concentrations of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), 0.15 and 0.3 μL L −1 , to maintain crisp, juicy textural properties and extend the postharvest storage life of ‘Gem’. Fruit were treated with 1-MCP, held in −1.1 °C RA and evaluated monthly (+1 d at 20 °C) for 7 months. Only minor differences were observed between 0.15 and 0.3 μL L −1 1-MCP for any of the response factors assessed. The respiration (Rs) and ethylene production rates of non-treated fruit increased ∼2- and 30-fold, respectively, between 2 and 7 months. Fruit firmness (FF), peel chlorophyll content (I AD ), and titratable acidity (TA) all decreased linearly over the 7-month storage period. Treatment with 1-MCP completely inhibited internal ethylene production for the first four months. Ethylene production increased linearly between 5 and 7 months to a maximum value ∼15% of non-treated fruit. 1-MCP similarly suppressed Rs. FF, I AD , and TA were all significantly higher for 1-MCP-treated fruit than non-treated fruit. 1-MCP maintained the crisp and juicy textural properties of non-ripened fruit throughout the entire 7-month experiment by inhibiting ripening, despite a five-day 20 °C ripening treatment. In contrast, non-treated ‘Gem’ ripened after 2 months; however, the eating quality of non-treated fruit decreased after 5 months. Poor eating quality was associated with mealiness and insufficient softening after ripening. Internal browning and scald were first observed in non-treated fruit following five months of RA and reached levels of 26% and 85%, respectively, after seven months. The development of scald was closely associated with the accumulation of α-farnesene and conjugated trienols (CTols) in the fruit skin. 1-MCP significantly reduced the incidence of internal browning and completely inhibited the development of scald. Overall, 0.15 μL L −1 1-MCP maintained texture and fruit quality for 7 months RA and reduced the incidence of physiological disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of rain protective covering (RPC) together with Parka and gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) treatments on cracking rates and quality attributes of jujube fruits. RPC was mounted 5 weeks before the commercial harvest date. 1% Parka (containing 7.5% stearic acid, 5% cellulose and 1% calcium) and GA 3 (15 mg L −1 ) were sprayed to experimental trees 3 and 2 weeks before the commercial harvest date. As compared to the control, all treatments (Parka, GA 3 and GA 3 +Parka) yielded lower cracking rates. Cracking rates were also significantly lower in covered trees than in uncovered trees. However, GA 3 +Parka treated fruit had significantly lower cracking rates than both the control and the other treatments. GA 3 treated fruits had significantly higher weight, width, hue angle and firmness values, but significantly lower L* values than the control fruits. As compared to the control, all treatments yielded a significantly lower respiration rate and soluble solids content, but higher titratable acidity, vitamin C and total phenolics. The covered fruits had significantly higher hue angle, respiration rate, vitamin C, total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging activity on DPPH and FRAP) than the uncovered ones. It was concluded based on the present findings that rain-protective covering could be used as an efficient tool to reduce cracking rates in jujube fruits without any negative effects on the other quality attributes. It was also concluded that Parka and GA 3 treatments reduced cracking rates significantly and such a reduction was more remarkable with combined GA 3 +Parka treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the biocontrol agent (BCA) Pseudomonas graminis CPA-7 on the accumulation of CO 2 and ethylene (C 2 H 4 ) in fresh-cut apples at two maturity stages was evaluated in refrigerated conditions. Factors involved in the preservation strategy applied upon commercial conditions such as the antioxidant (AOX) treatment and the storage system were included in the analysis. Regardless of the maturity stage, the BCA reduced C 2 H 4 levels within the MAP atmosphere in AOX-untreated apples wedges, by 29 and 43% in immature and mature apples, respectively. Nevertheless, the addition of ascorbate as antioxidant counteracted this effect. In vitro tests suggested that the reduction of C 2 H 4 levels was not associated to the uptake of this molecule by CPA-7. Interestingly, in non-inoculated samples AOX treatment showed contradictory effects on C 2 H 4 production in MAP conditions by significantly reducing C 2 H 4 levels in immature apples (by 23%) while increasing it in mature ones (by 40%). Similarly, CPA-7 had opposite effects on the CO 2 accumulation pattern depending on the storage system or the fruit maturity stage. In this sense, CPA-7 was associated to a higher fruit respiratory activity at an advanced maturity stage yet without inducing the fruit fermentative metabolism or altering the fruit quality during a week of refrigerated storage. Overall, these results show that CPA-7 may contribute to the maintenance of the microbiological and physicochemical quality of fresh-cut apple by modulating the fruit ethylene production and/or respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ) is an antimicrobial compound used in fresh produce sanitation. Compared to its aqueous form, gaseous ClO 2 has an enhanced antimicrobial effect. This research proposed a novel generating method of ClO 2(g) that utilized carbon dioxide and moisture naturally released from tomato during respiration to react with sodium chlorite for ClO 2(g) generation. The results showed that the generated ClO 2(g) not only effectively reduced the surface-inoculated Salmonella by 4 log CFU/fruit to an undetectable level (<5 CFU/fruit) within 24 h, but also did not impact the surface color and firmness of the fruits within the entire storage period (144 h) at 22 °C. The effects of NaClO 2 amount (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 g), CO 2 concentration (7.5 and 15%), RH (45 and 95%), temperature (10, 22 and 35 °C) and pH (4, 5, 7 and 9) on the release of ClO 2(g) were evaluated. The D and z values of Salmonella under different temperatures were obtained. A sachet system was successfully developed for the practical applications of this novel ClO 2(g) generating method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of the addition of calcium lactate (CaLac) and ascorbic acid (AA) to sucrose (Sue) osmotic solutions on osmotic dehydration kinetics and endogenous metabolic heat production of apple tissue was evaluated. Our research goal was to characterize mass transfer and endogenous metabolic phenomena of the tissue to obtain minimally processed apples. The presence of CaLac and AA in solution affected the mass transfer of water and solutes, which was attributed to the changes in the cellular structure and thus to spaces available for solute transport. The metabolic heat production in samples treated in sucrose solutions was slightly lower than in untreated samples, and it was further reduced with CaLac addition. However, samples impregnated with AA exhibited a higher heat production due to a metabolic response of the tissue to AA treatment. When combined with CaLac, the heat production decreased to a level lower than untreated samples, except for those that were treated for 120 and 240min (higher impregnation), achieving the highest heat production values. These results confirm previous findings, suggesting that AA solution can promote a stress response on specific fresh-cut vegetable tissues, as well as an increase of their endogenous metabolic activity, as confirmed by the higher O2 consumption observed with the head space gas determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mango is produced in tropical zone and consumed around the world. However, mango fruit has a short postharvest life resulting in severe loss during storage. In this study, the effects of heat treatment applied to ivory mangoes on physical, physiological and biochemical quality was studied. The results showed that mangoes subjected to all hot water treatment at 50C - 10 min, 60C - 1 min, 70C - 5 s could improve the quality, while the 60C - 1 min treatment was the optimal method. We found that 60C - 1 min treatment could inhibit the respiration rate, the relative electric conductivity and the malondialdehyde content, and increase the total phenols and flavonoids not reported earlier. Moreover, the activity of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and polygalacturonase was reduced, and the activity of catalase was increased, thus maintaining a better quality of ivory mangoes. The 60C - 1 min treatment is the alternative method for improving the quality of ivory mangoes during the storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pretreatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and the application of edible coatings (xanthan, sodium alginate or gellan) on the ripening rate, quality parameters and shelf life of pre-cut jackfruit. The jackfruit bulbs dipped in potassium sorbate/calcium chloride “PS/CC” (T 1 ) and PS/CC/1-MCP (T 2 ) showed a more rapid ripening and greater microbial growth at 7 and 12 days of storage. However, jackfruit bulbs with PS/CC/1-MCP and covered with xanthan, sodium alginate or gellan (T 3 , T 4 , and T 5 , respectively), showed a decrease in the ripening rate; thus weight loss and respiration rate were lower and the higher quality values as colour (°Hue), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) as well as pH were achieved until 12 days of storage. Firmness values were higher in bulbs under T 3 , T 4 , and T 5 compared to bulbs under T 1 and T 2 . Microbial growth was delayed until the 12th day of storage in jackfruit bulbs with T 3 , T 4 , and T 5 . In general, manually peeled jackfruit stored at 5 °C and coated with 1-MCP/edible coatings, maintained the quality and sensory acceptability of fresh-cut jackfruit and with a longer shelf life than previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of short-term nitrogen (N2) treatment on fruit quality and respiratory enzymes of Yali pear (Pyrus bretschneideriRehd.) were investigated. Fruit were N2shocked by exposing them to N2for 48 h, and then stored at 0–1°C under ambient atmospheric gas concentrations for 4 months. Results showed that titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) contents in N2-shocked fruit were higher than those in control fruit. At the end of storage, the core browning rate in N2-shocked fruit was 29.9% lower compared to the control. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity was inhibited by N2-shock treatment during the first 90 days of storage. In addition, N2-shocked fruit had lower succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, while cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity was induced to high levels compared to the control. N2-shock treatment may be applied as an alternative technology to extend the shelf life of Yali pear fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The ethylene perception inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been critical in understanding the hormone's mode of action. However, 1-MCP may trigger other processes that could vary the interpretation of results related until now to ethylene, which we aim to understand by using transcriptomic analysis. Transcriptomic changes in ethylene and 1-MCP-treated ‘Navelate’ ( Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) oranges were studied in parallel with changes in ethylene production, respiration and peel damage. The effects of compounds modifying the levels of the ethylene co-product cyanide and nitric oxide (NO) on fruit physiology were also studied. Results suggested that: 1) The ethylene treatment caused sub-lethal stress since it induced stress-related responses and reduced peel damage; 2) 1-MCP induced ethylene-dependent and ethylene-independent responsive networks; 3) 1-MCP triggered ethylene overproduction, stress-related responses and metabolic shifts aimed to cope with cell toxicity, which mostly affected to the inner part of the peel (albedo); 4) 1-MCP increased respiration and drove metabolism reconfiguration for favoring energy conservation but up-regulated genes related to lipid and protein degradation and triggered the over-expression of genes associated with the plasma membrane cellular component; 5) Xenobiotics and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) might act as signals for defense responses in the ethylene-treated fruit, while their uncontrolled generation would induce processes mimicking cell death and damage in 1-MCP-treated fruit; 6) ROS, the ethylene co-product cyanide and NO may converge in the toxic effects of 1-MCP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study used three experiments to investigate the respiratory and ethylene production patterns of mangaba fruit and the physical and chemical changes that occur during ripening, as well as the temperature coefficient of the fruit. In the first experiment, 12 mature fruits were used to assess the patterns of respiration and ethylene production at 25 °C. In the second experiment, mature fruits were kept at 25 °C and left to ripen. They were analyzed, in ten replicates, at maturation, at the beginning of ripening and when totally ripe. In the third experiment, mature fruits were stored at different temperatures (5, 10, 20 and 25 °C) to determine the Q 10 , in five replicates. The following analyses were performed: weight (fresh mass), circumference, respiration rate, ethylene production, firmness, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and external color ( L* , a* , b* , C* and hue angle). Mangaba fruit shows respiratory and ethylene production patterns typical of climacteric fruits, with high rates of respiration and ethylene production. The ripening of mangaba fruit is characterized by softening and an increase in soluble solids, as well as by the reddening of the peel. Q 10 of mangaba fruit is dependent on the temperature range, increasing as the temperature lowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been recent interest in pomegranate fruit production and research due to its high nutritional and health benefits. The increase in demand of the fruit necessitates the need to improve quality, storability and shelf life to meet consumers’ expectations of consistent supply of quality fruit. However, pomegranate fruit is susceptible to various postharvest quality problems including high weight loss, decay and susceptibility to physiological disorders such as chilling injury and husk scald. To improve fruit storability and shelf life, physical and chemical postharvest treatments have been applied. However, these treatments have varied effects on the external and internal quality attributes of fruit. This review therefore discusses the different postharvest treatments applied to enhance storage of pomegranate whole fruit and arils and highlights the effects of the treatments on the fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in ripening parameters of ‘Spadona’ pears were monitored from 95 days after full bloom (DAFB) until the end of the harvest season in 2 orchards during 3 years, in an attempt to predict the timing of the pre-climacteric minimum (PCM), as a tool for determining the optimum harvest maturity for extended controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. A model based on the pre-harvest rates of changes of fruit weight, firmness, starch degradation and seed colour was found to predict the timing of the PCM with an accuracy of 24 h of its occurrence ( R 2 = 0.9925). Changes in soluble solid content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) did not improve the model. Fruit quality assessed at removal from CA storage after 6 months, followed by 2 weeks of shelf-life at 20 °C, verified that the optimal time for harvest of ‘Spadona’ pears was at the PCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Custard apple, a tropical fruit, is underutilized because of its poor storability. Researchers have worked on various aspects for improving the storage life of fruits; still its storage life is limited to few days. So to counteract this, an experiment was conducted to study the effect of modified atmosphere packaging using three different kinds of films along with low temperature storage at 8, 12 and 15 °C and observations were recorded at weekly interval. The study indicated an increasing trend in the respiration rate and ethylene production rate as well, and the rate increased with increase in storage temperature and duration. The physiological loss in weight in packed fruits showed a drastic reduction. Titratable acidity increased as storage duration while ascorbic acid shown exact reverse trend. There was significant increase in reducing sugar and total sugar as duration increased but rate was low in 8° C fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is one of the most consumed tropical fruits around the world. It is marketed nearly all year-around and has a relatively short shelf life. Fruits are harvested mature green and treated with ethylene to stimulate ripening before distribution and sale. The fruits generally ripen within 4-5 days after ethylene treatment and sold primarily at yellow stage of ripening. After turning yellow the fruit becomes unsuitable for marketing in 1-3 days. Thus 1-2 days of improvement in the fruit shelf life could enhance the market value of banana. Previous studies conducted in our laboratory have demonstrated that both pre- and postharvest application of lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) can retard aging and improve shelf life of various fruits. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of improving shelf life of banana fruit by a postharvest dip in LPE. For this purpose, whole fruits obtained from the market at ripeness stage of 2.5 (about 75% green) were dipped in solution of 500 ppm LPE for 30 minutes and observed for a period of five days at room temperature. Each treatment was applied to 50 uniform fruits. From each hand bought, an equal number of fruits were separated for LPE and control treatments to reduce the variability. Five days after dip treatment, the fruit treated with LPE were firmer and thicker as compared with the control. Starch breakdown was also delayed in the LPE-treated fruits. LPE treatment slowed the development of brown spots on the peel tissue. Both peel and pulp tissue of LPE-treated fruits had lower ion leakage compared with the control. Fruit peel slices treated with LPE for 3 hours also showed a decrease in ion leakage and respiration rate at 24 hours after treatment. Results of the present study indicate that a postharvest dip treatment with LPE may improve shelf life of banana fruit by 1-2 days. These results suggest that LPE may improve shelf life by maintaining membrane integrity, reducing respiration, and slowing the breakdown of starch and cell walls during ripening and senescence of banana fruit tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MAP is a dynamic system where respiration of the packaged product and gas permeation through the packaging film takes place simultaneously. The desired level of O and CO in a package is achieved by matching film permeation rates for O and CO with respiration rate of the packaged product. A mathematical model for MAP of fresh fruits applying enzyme kinetics based respiration equation coupled with the Arrhenious type model was developed. The model was solved numerically using MATLAB programme. The model was used to determine the time to reach to the equilibrium concentration inside the MA package and the level of O and CO concentration at equilibrium state. The developed model for prediction of equilibrium O and CO concentration was validated using experimental data for MA packaging of apple, guava and litchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been renewed interest in locally grown and underutilized wild species as sources of bioactive compounds. Barberry ( Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is among the southernmost growing fruit bearing species worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize this species. We evaluated the antioxidant capacity of ripe barberry fruits as compared to pear, orange, apple, strawberry and blueberry. In a second set of experiments ripe barberry fruit was harvested and treated with ethylene and 1-MCP and the changes in ethylene production and respiration rate during storage were assessed. Finally, ripe barberries were harvested and stored at 0, 5 or 10 °C for 0, 3, 7, 11 or 15 days. During this period we determined weight loss, respiration rate, the percentage of rotten and physiologically decayed berries, firmness, sugar content, acidity, pH, anthocyanins, phenolics and antiradical capacity. Barberries showed 10-fold higher antioxidant capacity than apple, orange and pear and superseded four times that of antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberry. 1-MCP treatments increased ethylene production suggesting that the hormone auto inhibits it biosynthesis. The fruit stored best at 0 °C and this should be the recommended temperature to minimize deterioration and prevent losses of bio-active compounds. The fruits show a non-climacteric physiology, with ethylene biosynthesis being under negative feedback control. Barberries are an extraordinary high source of antioxidants among fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Two cherimoya varieties showed important differences in respiration rates after harvest. [•] Both varieties had characteristic double-sigmoid respiration curves. [•] Overall aroma was mainly determined by esters and terpenes in both varieties. [•] There were differences in pattern changes within each aroma-related compound. [•] Activity of alcohol acyl transferase increased during fruit ripening concomitant with ester accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] HRW can reduce the rot incidence inhibited the respiration intensity of kiwifruit. [•] HRW delays the decrease of firmness by alleviating pectin solubilization in kiwifruit. [•] HRW reduces the lipid peroxidation level and activates superoxide dismutase in kiwifruit. [•] HRW excites the radical scavenging activities in kiwifruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit ripening is a genetically programmed process which leads to an assortment of physiological and metabolic changes that irreversibly alter its characteristics. Depending on the species, fruit maturation can be either climacteric or non-climacteric. In both cases there is a metabolic shift from normal development conditions toward the fully mature state, but climacteric fruit is characterized by a sharp increase in respiration. In non-climacteric fruit, that generally does not display this feature, respiration changes can be affected by processes related to postharvest storage. This review describes some of the many ways in which mitochondrial metabolism is implicated in this crucial reproductive stage, such as the connection between ethylene production and respiration rate, the involvement of alternative oxidase (AOX) and plant uncoupling mitochondrial protein (PUMP) during the ripening and the common alterations of this organelle in fruits affected by different stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of locality and orchard management on fruit quality, ‘Samar Bahisht Chaunsa’ fruit harvested from two commercial orchards were stored at 11°C and 80%–85% RH for 4 weeks. Physical fruit quality, fruit rot, and disorders were not influenced by locality. However, at the ripe stage, fruit harvested from orchard-1 exhibited reduced respiration rate (5.84 mmole kg−1h−1), higher peel color (3.35), pulp color (7.33), aroma (6.66), taste (7.33), flavor (7.33), SSC:TA ratio (139.1), reducing (4.06%), non-reducing (10.38%), and total sugar (14.99%) contents. In conclusion, quality of mango fruit following cold storage is significantly influenced by locality and orchard management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] At 0°C cherry respiration rate was not affected by O2 at 21–10% but declined at 10–1%. [•] MAP with 9.9–14.4% O2 +5.7–12.9% CO2 had little effect on inhibiting flavor loss. [•] MAP with 1.8–8.0% O2 reduced fruit respiration rate and acid loss and maintained flavor. [•] MAP with 5–8% O2 may be suitable for commercial application to maintain cherry flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Chitosan applied pre- or postharvest slows respiration and ethylene production in raspberry fruit. [•] Chitosan is able to control decay incidence and weight loss in raspberries. [•] The postharvest chitosan application maintained anthocyanin contents of the fruit. [•] The postharvest life of raspberries was prolonged by chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in abscissic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) contents during fruit development of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undaatus) were determined. Associated changes in respiration, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) contents, and sugar levels were also measured. ACC content and respiration rate were high at early fruit development stages and gradually decreased as the fruit matured and ripened. In the pulp, ABA content increased before the increase in glucose and fructose contents. JA contents in the peel and pulp were high at the immature stage and decreased toward maturation. The results indicate that dragon fruit is non-climacteric and that JA may have a role in cell division in the developing fruit while ABA may induce fruit maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of heat pre-treatment (45 °C/25 min), applied to whole fruit, and post-cut calcium dips in 1 and 2 g/L CaCl solutions on respiration rate and texture preservation of kiwifruit slices was studied. During a 9-day period, packages' atmosphere composition, slices' firmness, pectin content and sensory scores were evaluated. Histological observations of samples were also performed. Neither heat pre-treatment nor calcium dips alone were effective in diminishing respiration rate of the slices but the application of both treatments revealed a synergistic effect on respiration rate reduction. Calcium-dipped fruit slices showed better firmness preservation. Post-cut calcium dips, alone or combined with heat pre-treatments, yielded slices presenting higher insoluble/total galacturonic acid ratio, indicating formation of calcium pectates. Slices from heat-pre-treated fruits, even in the absence of calcium, also revealed insoluble/total galacturonic acid ratio similar to calcium-treated slices, supporting, despite the lower firmness value, a more structured tissue, as observed in SEM microphotographs. Sensory and physical-chemical parameters obtained were correlated. The effectiveness of calcium treatment was equally observed for both tested concentrations during a 9-day shelf life period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujube yield and fruit characteristics can be clearly modified by water deficit imposed during fruit maturation. One essential (cystine (Cys-cys)) and seven non-essential (4-hydroxyproline (p-Hyp), α- aminoadipic acid (AADA), ornithine (Orn), β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB), α-amino-n-butyric acid (AABA), cystathionine (Cysta), and homocystine (Hcys-cys)) amino acids were identified for the first time. Fruits from plants exposed to moderate water deficit during the maturation stage (T1) initiated the ripening phase earlier than control (T0) fruits and had an improved eating quality. Fruits subjected to severe water deficit (T2) showed changes in their physical characteristics and reached a more advanced degree of ripening than T0 and T1 fruits, with not only most of the fruit chemical characteristics that determine taste being improved but also the nutritional value. The decrease in the asparagine (Asn) content of the fruit as a result of severe water deficit is a positive aspect, which prevents acrylamide formation during heat-processing of the fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Responses of tomato fruit to 1-MCP treatment under hypoxic hypobaria were investigated. [•] Mid-climacteric fruit exposed to 1-MCP/hypoxic hypobaria showed acute interruption of ripening. [•] A respiratory climacteric was not observed following 1-MCP/hypoxic hypobaria treatment. [•] Responses to hypoxic hypobaria were not a consequence of reduced internal ethylene. [•] Ingress of 1-MCP was enhanced nearly 10-fold during exposure under hypoxic hypobaria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Transportation of Euterpe oleracea fruit in open or closed systems was simulated. [•] Fruit already suffered three fermentations after 3h: alcoholic, lactic, and acetic. [•] Respiration rate and phenolic degradation were highly more severe in closed systems. [•] Transportation in open systems strongly attenuates spontaneous fermentation. [•] A short time between picking and processing of Euterpe oleracea fruit is important. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Hyperbaric pressures at room temperature were evaluated for tomato storage. [•] Hyperbaric treatment had minor effects on tomato respiration. [•] Hyperbaric pressure was as effective as 13°C in delay tomato ripening. [•] Hyperbaric treatment confers similar quality retention to tomato held at 13°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

‘Malindi’ banana (Musa,‘Dwarf Cavendish’) was stored at three storage conditions (11–12°C and 95.5% RH; 20–22°C and 82–85% RH; and cyclic cooling and warming to simulate day/night conditions during the banana harvest season: 28°C and 50% RH/18°C and 70% RH). Fruit storage life was 21, 10, and 8 days in the refrigerated storage, normal room storage, and storage under cyclic day/night conditions, respectively. Fruit ripening, respiration, and ethyelene production were significantly higher at high temperature storage and cyclic day/night conditions leading to faster fruit deterioration. Under these storage conditions, the rate of fruit weight loss, firmness, vitamin C loss, and chlorophyll degradation was also higher compared to refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An experimental hyperbaric system was designed and built to explore the effect of hyperbaric treatment on the respiration rate (RR) and respiratory quotient (RQ) of tomato. It consists of five containers that can be individually pressurized from 1 to 9 atm. The respirometer was equipped with a flow meter, control valve, pressure transducer, CO and O gas analyzer, and type T thermocouples that are all connected to a data acquisition and control card. A software interface was programmed to allow control of the air flow rate through the proportional valve of the flow meter based on a proportional-integral-derivative algorithm system. Hyperbaric treatments have been performed on tomato fruit, and it was observed that RR was inversely proportional to pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Banana and broccoli are two major fruits in tropics and subtropics areas. It is of great value to treat them for shelf life delaying and to improve commercial value. The fresh harvested banana and broccoli were treated with forchlorfenuron (CPPU) and gibberellic acid (GA3) in different concentrations respectively, and then stored at 25±2°C, 75–95%RH after air dry. Changes of peel color, flesh firmness, fruit respiration rate, brown and fungal incidence were investigated during the storage. The results showed that, as compared with the control fruits, 10mgl−1 CPPU with different concentrations of GA3 had good effect on the fruit and vegetable. Especially in the group treated with 10mgl−1 CPPU+50mgl−1 GA3, surface color change was obviously retarded, fruit respiration rate was inhibited, and the natural browning was significantly inhibited as well. In addition, the accumulation of soluble sugars in the fruit was reduced, and the water loss rate (4.55±0.04%) was also inhibited. These treatments not only can delay maturing and softening of banana and broccoli, but also can maintain the color and resist the fungal infection to extend the shelf life. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The respiratory behavior of fresh-cut melon under modified atmosphere packaging at various temperatures was characterized to assess the potential for shelf life extension through low-oxygen and to generate information for the development of appropriate packaging conditions. Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis 'Olympic Gold') cubes were packaged and stored at 0, 5, 10, and 15 °C. Packages attained gas equilibrium after 5 days at 10 °C, 6 days at 5 °C, and 10 days at 0 °C. In cubes stored at 15 °C, decay started before steady-state gas levels were reached. Respiration rates were measured and respiratory quotient calculated once steady-state O2 and CO2 partial pressures were achieved inside the packages. O2 uptake increased with temperature and O2 partial pressure (pO2 pkg), according to a Michaelis-Menten kinetics described by Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed. Respiratory parameters were modeled as an exponential function of temperature: Ro2 {[1.34 x 10-17 x e(0.131 x T) x pO2 pkg]/[1.15 x 10-24 x e (0.193 x T) x pO2 pkg]} (R² = 0.95), Q10 = 3.7, and Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed. A good fit to the experimental data was also obtained considering Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed. as constant: Ro2 = {[4.36 x 10-14 x e(0.102 x T) x pO2 pkg]/[0.358 + pO2 pkg]} (R² = 0.93), Q10 = 2.8, and Due to image rights restrictions, multiple line equation(s) cannot be graphically displayed. These results provide fundamental information to predict package permeability and steady-state pO2 pkg required to prevent anaerobic conditions and maximize shelf life of fresh-cut cantaloupe. The kinetics of respiration as a function of pO2 suggests that no significant reductions in respiration rate of fresh-cut cantaloupe can be achieved by lowering O2 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effect of time and temperature on the respiration rate (RR) of fresh-cut produce, towards the design of a suitable modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system, requires an adequate mathematical model for prediction of RR as a function of both time and temperature. This study investigated the effect of temperature (5, 10, and 15 °C) and storage time (1 to 5 d) on the RR ( and ) of 2 pomegranate cultivars (cv. ``Acco'' and ``Herskawitz'') fresh arils. and were 3 to 4 folds significantly higher with increased temperature from 5 to 15 °C and were within the range of 2.51 to 7.59 mL/kg h and 2.72 to 9.01 mL/kg h, respectively, for both cultivars. At 15 °C increased significantly from 8.4 to 25.96 mL/kg h from day 1 to 5, respectively, while at 5 °C changed from 2.9 to 2.05 mL/kg h from day 1 to 5. Temperature had the greatest influence on RR and the interaction of time and temperature also significantly affected and . The respiratory quotient (RQ) estimated by linear regression was 0.98 at 95% significant level. The dependence of RR on temperature and time was accurately described with a combination of an Arrhenius-type and power equation model for and of fresh pomegranate arils. Practical application: Predicting the respiration of fresh and fresh-cut produce is important in designing postharvest handling systems. Mathematical models to predict respiration rates of pomegranate fresh arils have been developed taking into account the effects of storage time and temperature. These models have practical application in designing modified atmosphere packaging to maintain quality and shelf life of pomegranate arils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study, as a preliminary step toward the definition of a carbon budget model for pistachio trees (Pistacia vera L.), aimed at estimating and evaluating the dynamics of respiration of vegetative and reproductive organs of pistachio tree. Trials were performed in 2005 in a commercial orchard located in Sicily (370 m a.s.l.) on five bearing 20-year-old pistachio trees of cv. Bianca grafted onto Pistachio terebinthus L. Growth analyses and respiration measurements were done on vegetative (leaf) and reproductive (infructescence) organs during the entire growing season (April–September) at biweekly intervals. Results suggested that the respiration rates of pistachio reproductive and vegetative organs were related to their developmental stage. Both for leaf and for infructescence, the highest values were observed during the earlier stages of growth corresponding to the phases of most intense organ growth. The sensitivity of respiration activity to temperature changes, measured by Q10, showed an increase throughout the transition from immature to mature leaves, as well as during fruit development. The data collected were also used to estimate the seasonal carbon loss by respiration activity for a single leaf and a single infructescence. The amount of carbon lost by respiration was affected by short-term temperature patterns, organ developmental stage and tissue function. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

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Research was conducted to understand the effect of harvesting method and postharvest temperature on fruit quality of 'Brightwell' and 'Tifblue' rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade). Mass loss, firmness and fruit respiration were measured under refrigerated (1°C) and ambient (22°C) conditions for both machine harvested (MH) and hand harvested (HH) berries of each cultivar. Few differences were found between cultivars for the various postharvest quality parameters. Firmness ofMHblueberries was diminished by an overall average of 36.2% as compared to HH berries. MH berries placed at 22°C had a mass loss rate of 2.6% per day as compared to 0.2% per day at 1°C during the first two days of storage. Respiration rate ofMHberries at ambient temperature was 31.1% higher than HH berries. Refrigeration reduced respiration rates by an overall average of 79%. Refrigerated HH blueberries had the best overall fruit quality after storage, and firmness measures suggested that HH berries had an extended shelf-life of about one week as compared to MH berries. Thus, MH and HH fruit differ in their postharvest handling needs. Also, multiple quality measures are valuable in more clearly assessing fruit storage life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The rates of dry weight increase and respiration of fruits were measured throughout fruit ontogeny at 20, 25 and 30°C in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Corona). By maintaining one or five fruits per plant, which strongly affected fruit dry weight but not ontogeny, the effects of fruit size and ontogeny on respiration could be studied separately. The respiration rate per fruit followed a sigmoid curve during fruit ontogeny, while the specific respiration rate (respiration rate per unit dry weight) declined with time after anthesis. The specific respiration rate was almost linearly related to the relative growth rate. The specific respiratory costs for both growth and maintenance were highest in young fruits, but were not affected by fruit size. The average specific respiratory costs for growth and maintenance at 25°C were 3.3–3.9 mmol CO2 g-1 and 4.0 nmol CO2 g-1 s-1, respectively. An increase in temperature had no effect on the specific respiratory costs for growth, while the costs for maintenance increased with a Q10 of about 2. The costs for growth agreed reasonably well with theoretical estimates based on the chemical composition of the fruits but not with estimates based on only the carbon and ash content. The respiratory losses as a fraction of the total carbon requirement of a fruit changed during fruit ontogeny, but were independent of temperature and were similar for slow- and fast-growing fruits. The cumulative respiratory losses accounted for 13–15% of the total carbon requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weekly measurements of fruit growth, fruit respiration and shoot extension growth were made in the field on early (June Lady) and late (O'Henry) maturing cultivars of peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch). The seasonal patterns of fruit growth and respiration for the two cultivars were very similar except that the early maturing cultivar bloomed a few days earlier than the late cultivar and had a shorter intermediate stage (Stage II) of fruit growth. Maximum rates of fruit respiration per unit weight at 20°C were similar for both cultivars during the first two stages of fruit growth but higher for the early cultivar during the final stage of fruit growth. Maximum fruit growth rates within any particular stage of fruit growth were similar for both cultivars, but the mean fruit weight of the late cultivar was greater at the end of Stage 11, because of the extended length of this stage compared to the early cultivar. The final stage of most rapid fruit growth and respiration coincided with the period of most rapid shoot extension growth in the early maturing cultivar but occurred after this period in the late maturing cultivar. Genetic selection for early fruit maturity in peach has apparently had little effect on timing of shoot growth and this may result in increased competition between vegetative and reproductive sinks during peak periods of fruit growth in early maturing cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimated translocatory balance in fruit of the tropical tree Durio zibethinus Murray on the basis of a compartment model. Rates of fruit respiration, dry weight growth and translocation increased with time. Over the 8.2 weeks of fruit development, the relative distribution of translocation was 80% to dry weight growth and 20% to respiration. The ratio of respiration rate to translocation rate, which ranged from 14 to 32%, tended to decrease with time, whereas the ratio of dry weight growth rate to translocation rate, which ranged from 68 to 86%, tended to increase with time. The relationship between dry weight growth rate and translocation rate was fitted by a power function, where dry weight growth rate was statistically proportional to translocation rate. The relationship between respiration rate and translocation rate was formulated by a smooth curve, where respiration rate increased as translocation rate increased. Examination of these ratios with respect to the translocation rate indicated that the dry weight growth rate/translocation rate ratio increased slightly with increasing translocation rate, whereas the respiration rate/translocation rate ratio decreased with increasing translocation rate. A comparative analysis of these results with those obtained for Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl revealed a lower ratio of translocation to dry weight growth in D. zibethinus than in C. camphora, indicating that D. zibethinus fruits have a low translocatory efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]