3-D microstructural changes in relation to the evolution of quality during ripening of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Carabao).

Background: The ripening of mango involves changes in texture, flavor, and color, affecting the quality of the fruit. Previous studies have investigated the physiology on the evolution of quality during ripening but only a few have looked at microstructural changes during ripening. None of them has provided an insight into the relationhip between 3-D microstructure and the evolution of quality during ripening.

Botrytis cinerea differentially induces postharvest antioxidant responses in 'Braeburn' and 'Golden Delicious' apple fruit.

Background: The fruit of two apple cultivars - 'Braeburn', which is susceptible to inoculation with Botrytis cinerea, and the less susceptible cv. 'Golden Delicious' - were investigated with respect to their response to inoculation with B. cinerea.

A mechanistic modelling approach to understand 1-MCP inhibition of ethylene action and quality changes during ripening of apples.

Background: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) inhibits ripening in climacteric fruit by blocking ethylene receptors, preventing ethylene from binding and eliciting its action. The objective of the current study was to use mathematical models to describe 1-MCP inhibition of apple fruit ripening, and to provide a tool for predicting ethylene production, and two important quality indicators of apple fruit, firmness and background colour.

Results: A model consisting of coupled differential equations describing 1-MCP inhibition of apple ripening was developed.

Influence of pre-harvest calcium, potassium and triazole application on the proteome of apple at harvest.

Background: Braeburn browning disorder is a storage disease characterised by flesh browning and lens-shaped cavities. The incidence of this postharvest disorder is known to be affected by pre-harvest application of fertilisers and triazole-based fungicides. Recent work has shown that calcium and potassium reduced the incidence of Braeburn browning disorder, while triazoles had the opposite effect.

Tissue specific analysis reveals a differential organization and regulation of both ethylene biosynthesis and E8 during climacteric ripening of tomato.

Background: Solanum lycopersicum or tomato is extensively studied with respect to the ethylene metabolism during climacteric ripening, focusing almost exclusively on fruit pericarp. In this work the ethylene biosynthesis pathway was examined in all major tomato fruit tissues: pericarp, septa, columella, placenta, locular gel and seeds. The tissue specific ethylene production rate was measured throughout fruit development, climacteric ripening and postharvest storage.

Protocol: An updated integrated methodology for analysis of metabolites and enzyme activities of ethylene biosynthesis.

Background: The foundations for ethylene research were laid many years ago by researchers such as Lizada, Yang and Hoffman. Nowadays, most of the methods developed by them are still being used. Technological developments since then have led to small but significant improvements, contributing to a more efficient workflow.