Postharvest Ripening Physiology of Crops is a comprehensive interdisciplinary reference source for the various aspects of fruit ripening and postharvest behavior. It focuses on the postharvest physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of ripening and provides an overview of fruits and vegetables, including chapters on the postharvest quality

Postharvest Physiology and Biochemistry of Fruits and Vegetables presents an updated, interrelated and sequenced view of the contribution of fruits and vegetables on human health, their aspects of plant metabolism, physical and chemical/compositional changes during the entire fruit development lifecycle, the physiological disorders and biochemical effects of modified/controlled atmospheres, and the biotechnology of horticultural crops. The book is written specifically for those interested in preharvest and postharvest crop science and the impact of physiological and biochemical changes on their roles as functional foods. - Deals with the developmental aspects of the lifecycle in whole fruits - Describes issues, such as the morphology and anatomy of fruits, beginning with the structural organization of the whole plant and explaining the fruit structure and its botanical classification - Addresses biotechnological concepts that control firmness, quality and the nutritional value of fruits

This book contains 12 chapters focusing on the basic tenets of postharvest technology of fruits and vegetables and how this influences their postharvest behaviour. Key information about their composition, biochemistry, respiration and physiology are presented. The importance of the management of temperature and humidity for maintaining fresh quality is discussed. The susceptibility of fresh produce to various pathogenic diseases and physiological disorders and their identification and control by environmentally friendly methods are pointed out and technologies that are adjuncts to temperature management, i.e. atmosphere control, controlled ripening, packaging and transport, are highlighted. The principles underlying the food safety based quality assurance systems that also meet environmental requirements are outlined. The influence of consumers on the marketing and storage of fruit and vegetables are also examined.

It is over 20 years since the publication of A.c. Hulme's two volume text on The Biochemistry of Fruits and thei.r Products. Whilst the bulk of the information contained in that text is still relevant it is true to say that our understanding of the biochemical and genetic mech

The tomato is commercially important throughout the world both for the fresh fruit market and the processed food industries. It is grown in a wide range of climates in the field, under protection in plastic greenhouses and in heated glasshouses. Genetic, physiological and pathological investigations frequently adopt the tomato plant as a convenient subject. Hitherto, much of the information on tomatoes has been fragmented: tomatoes grown in the field and under protection have been considered separately and the more fundamental findings from research have often failed to reach those involved directly or indirectly in commercial crop production. Similarly, the research scientist is often unaware of the problems of commercial crop production and the possible relevance of his work to the crop. This book is an attempt to rectify that situation. By giving a thorough scientific review of all factors influencing tomato production systems, it is hoped that this book will prove useful to students, researchers and commercial producers alike. It gives the basis for the develop ment of improved cultivars, the formulation of strategies for managing pest, disease and disorder problems and the production of high yields of good quality fruit as well as suggesting important areas for scientific initiatives. The extensive bibliographies provide a comprehensive database for tomato researchers. Such a vast subject could not be covered with authority by anyone author.

An increased understanding of the developmental physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology during early growth, maturation, ripening, and postharvest conditions has improved technologies to maintain the shelf life and quality of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Postharvest Biology and Technology of Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers provides a comprehensive introduction to this subject, offering a firm grounding in the basic science and branching out into the technology and practical applications. An authoritative resource on the science and technology of the postharvest sector, this book surveys the body of knowledge with an emphasis on the recent advances in the field.

A comprehensive guide that covers the banana's full value chain — from production to consumption The banana is the world's fourth major fruit crop. Offering a unique and in-depth overview of the fruit's entire value chain, this important new handbook charts its progression from production through to harvest, postharvest, processing, and consumption. The most up-to-date data and best practices are drawn together to present guidelines on innovative storage, processing, and packaging technologies, while fresh approaches to quality management and the value-added utilization of banana byproducts are also explained. Additionally, the book examines the banana's physiology, nutritional significance, and potential diseases and pests. The book also Edited by noted experts in the field of food science, this essential text: Provides a new examination of the world's fourth major fruit crop Covers the fruit's entire value chain Offers dedicated chapters on bioactive and phytochemical compounds found in bananas and the potential of processing byproducts Gives insight into bananas' antioxidant content and other nutritional properties Identifies and explains present and possible effects of bioactive and phytochemical compounds Handbook of Banana Production, Postharvest Science, Processing Technology, and Nutrition offers the most far-reaching overview of the banana currently available. It will be of great benefit to food industry professionals specializing in fruit processing, packaging, and manufacturing banana-based products. The book is also an excellent resource for those studying or researching food technology, food science, food engineering, food packaging, applied nutrition, biotechnology, and more.

There are two primary reasons for offering a broad overview of postharvest physiology. First, many critical functions that are operative during plant growth shift after harvest when the input of energy, water, and other essential requisites ceases in most products. Consequently, postharvest physiology differs substantially from what is covered in a typical plant physiology text. Second, the value of the majority of live agricultural plant products approxi mately doubles between harvest and retail sales. The total cost of losses occurring late in the production-harvest-marketing sequence are substan tially greater than those incurred during the production phase. Likewise, inputs essential to prevent or minimize these losses are often only a minute fraction of the overall costs for the product. Therefore, a better understand ing of the functional processes after harvest makes both biological and eco nomic sense. This book focuses on the functional processes controlling physical and chemical changes in live plants and plant products after harvest. The objec tive is to provide a concise overview of the theoretical principles and processes governing these changes. Examples include agronomic crops, fruits, nuts, vegetables, flowers, woody ornamentals, seeds, and other forms of plant propagules and turf grasses, with individual examples ranging from intact plants to pollen. Emphasis is placed on the basic postharvest physio logical principles rather than on detailing optimum storage and handling conditions for individual crops. The latter information can be found in several excellent reference books cited in the text.

Focusing exclusively on postharvest vegetable studies, this book covers advances in biochemistry, plant physiology, and molecular physiology to maximize vegetable quality. The book reviews the principles of harvest and storage; factors affecting postharvest physiology, calcium nutrition and irrigation control; product quality changes during handling and storage; technologies to improve quality; spoilage factors and biocontrol methods; and storage characteristics of produce by category. It covers changes in sensory quality such as color, texture, and flavor after harvest and how biotechnology is being used to improve postharvest quality.

The world population has been increasing day by day, and demand for food is rising. Despite that, the natural resources are decreasing, and production of food is getting difficult. At the same time, about one-quarter of what is produced never reaches the consumers due to the postharvest losses. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to efficiently handle, store, and utilize produce to be able to feed the world, reduce the use of natural resources, and help to ensure sustainability. At this point, postharvest handling is becoming more important, which is the main determinant of the postharvest losses. Hence, the present book is intended to provide useful and scientific information about postharvest handling of different produce.