Chapters authored
Glycolysis Fermentative By-Products and Secondary Metabolites Involved in Plant Adaptation under Hypoxia during Pre- and Postharvest
Floods inducing hypoxia (reduction of available O2) in the plants are current major constrains for agricultural production. Oxygen deficiency in the plant cells induces the secondary response of anatomical and physiological modifications. Hypoxia triggers glycolysis fermentative pathway and other alternative pathways, when the plant lacks energy. During cultivation, some submerged plants can adapt themselves to survive by modifying some parenchyma cells in the roots to be aerenchyma cells to detain available oxygen for oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, carbon sources in the cells will be accumulated in N store that recovers back to a C source at the end of hypoxia. In postharvest, long period in modified atmosphere storage could activate hypoxia in the plant parts that produce off-flavor perception. However, in some fruits at a particular maturity, ethanol, a hypoxic product, can be modified into ethyl ester compounds as the detoxification.
Part of the book: Hypoxia and Anoxia
Improved Postharvest Techniques for Fruit Coatings
Fruits, particularly tropical fruits, have a high moisture content, distinct morphological characteristics, and physiological changes, all of which contribute to their high rate of perishability. Nonetheless, their organoleptic and nutritional qualities make them one of the most important horticultural products. Fruit coating, which imitates natural packaging, is a postharvest solution that is practical and cost-effective for a variety of applications, including on-shelf display, transportation, and storage in support of the supply chain of fruits and vegetables. Gas and moisture permeability, microbiological resistance, and esthetic enhancement are the coating functions. Using modified materials and procedures, edible coatings for fresh and freshly cut fruits are currently being developed. Edible coatings infused with essential oils or volatiles may help to prevent disease resistance while also providing consumers with a fragrant preference. When considering how to advance fruit coating technology when agricultural wastes are the primary source of new coating materials, composite coatings, nanoparticles, encapsulation, and multiple-layer coatings all hold a great deal of promise. Future research may center on the optimal material for particular fruits during the logistics phase.
Part of the book: New Advances in Postharvest Technology