Fruit Quality and Its Biological Basis

Fruit Quality and Its Biological Basis PDF Author: Michael Knee
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849397813
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 310

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Book Description
Fruit technology draws on biology and engineering to maintain quality during storage, distribution, and marketing. This book focuses on the biological processes that determine appearance, texture, taste, nutritional value, and flavor of fleshy fruits. It also focuses on the ways by which these biological processes can be manipulated to maximize quality for the consumer. It discusses the advances in the understanding of these procedures at the molecular level and the mode of action and limitations of current technology for postharvest handling of fruits. A concluding chapter examines prospects for the genetic control of fruit development, composition, and quality.

Fruit Quality and Its Biological Basis

Fruit Quality and Its Biological Basis PDF Author: Michael Knee
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849397813
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 310

Get Book Here

Book Description
Fruit technology draws on biology and engineering to maintain quality during storage, distribution, and marketing. This book focuses on the biological processes that determine appearance, texture, taste, nutritional value, and flavor of fleshy fruits. It also focuses on the ways by which these biological processes can be manipulated to maximize quality for the consumer. It discusses the advances in the understanding of these procedures at the molecular level and the mode of action and limitations of current technology for postharvest handling of fruits. A concluding chapter examines prospects for the genetic control of fruit development, composition, and quality.

Molecular and Metabolic Mechanisms Associated with Fleshy Fruit Quality

Molecular and Metabolic Mechanisms Associated with Fleshy Fruit Quality PDF Author: Ana M. Fortes
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889452727
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 438

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Book Description
Fleshy Fruits are a late acquisition of plant evolution. In addition of protecting the seeds, these specialized organs unique to plants were developed to promote seed dispersal via the contribution of frugivorous animals. Fruit development and ripening is a complex process and understanding the underlying genetic and molecular program is a very active field of research. Part of the ripening process is directed to build up quality traits such as color, texture and aroma that make the fruit attractive and palatable. As fruit consumers, humans have developed a time long interaction with fruits which contributed to make the fruit ripening attributes conform our needs and preferences. This issue of Frontiers in Plant Science is intended to cover the most recent advances in our understanding of different aspects of fleshy fruit biology, including the genetic, molecular and metabolic mechanisms associated to each of the fruit quality traits. It is also of prime importance to consider the effects of environmental cues, cultural practices and postharvest methods, and to decipher the mechanism by which they impact fruit quality traits. Most of our knowledge of fleshy fruit development, ripening and quality traits comes from work done in a reduced number of species that are not only of economic importance but can also benefit from a number of genetic and genomic tools available to their specific research communities. For instance, working with tomato and grape offers several advantages since the genome sequences of these two fleshy fruit species have been deciphered and a wide range of biological and genetic resources have been developed. Ripening mutants are available for tomato which constitutes the main model system for fruit functional genomics. In addition, tomato is used as a reference species for climacteric fruit which ripening is controlled by the phytohormone ethylene. Likewise, grape is a reference species for non-climacteric fruit even though no single master switches controlling ripening initiation have been uncovered yet. In the last period, the genome sequence of an increased number of fruit crop species became available which creates a suitable situation for research communities around crops to get organized and information to be shared through public repositories. On the other hand, the availability of genome-wide expression profiling technologies has enabled an easier study of global transcriptional changes in fruit species where the sequenced genome is not yet available. In this issue authors will present recent progress including original data as well as authoritative reviews on our understanding of fleshy fruit biology focusing on tomato and grape as model species.

New Advances in Postharvest Technology

New Advances in Postharvest Technology PDF Author: Ibrahim Kahramanoglu
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
ISBN: 183768541X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 374

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Book Description
Producers spend a great deal of money, natural resources (especially water and soil), labor, and time every year in order to feed the world’s population. However, almost one-third of the products produced as a result of all these efforts are lost before reaching consumers due to postharvest losses, which threaten both the food supply and agricultural sustainability. For this reason, it is extremely important to prevent postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables. In this context, this book provides general and new information about the physiology of postharvest losses and the latest technological developments in postharvest systems. Each chapter provides up-to-date information about the postharvest physiology and technology of fruits and vegetables for students, teachers, professors, scientists, farmers, food packers and sellers, and entrepreneurs engaged in the fresh food preservation industry.

Breeding for Fruit Quality

Breeding for Fruit Quality PDF Author: Matthew A. Jenks
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470959347
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 440

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Book Description
The global demand for high quality fruits that are rich in nutrients and that can endure the demands of worldwide supply chains is growing rapidly. Fruits are an important component of the human diet, providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. All of these qualities contribute to the nutritional needs and health maintenance of humans. Breeding for Fruit Quality reviews the application of modern plant breeding methods to the development of improved varieties of fruits. Breeding for Fruit Quality opens with chapters that look at fruit biology and breeding strategies behind specific traits, including a look at traits such as organoleptic quality, nutritional value, and improved yield, among others. Subsequent chapters review breeding efforts to improve overall quality in a wide range of specific fruits. Providing broad ranging coverage of cutting edge methods now being applied to the development of fruit crops, Breeding for Fruit Quality will be a valuable resource for fruit biologists, breeders, geneticists, and industry personnel. Key Features: Broad coverage of modern breeding technologies being implemented to improve overall fruit quality Trait specific chapters explore efforts to promote traits of industrial and nutritional importance Chapters in fruits, ranging from apple and grapes to tomatoes and olives, provide detailed coverage of breeding practices for economically important fruit crops

Plant Abiotic Stress

Plant Abiotic Stress PDF Author: Matthew A. Jenks
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470994118
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 288

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Book Description
Over the past decade, our understanding of plant adaptation to environmental stress has grown considerably. This book focuses on stress caused by the inanimate components of the environment associated with climatic, edaphic and physiographic factors that substantially limit plant growth and survival. Categorically these are abiotic stresses, which include drought, salinity, non-optimal temperatures and poor soil nutrition. Another stress, herbicides, is covered in this book to highlight how plants are impacted by abiotic stress originating from anthropogenic sources. The book also addresses the high degree to which plant responses to quite diverse forms of environmental stress are interconnected, describing the ways in which the plant utilizes and integrates many common signals and subsequent pathways to cope with less favorable conditions. The book is directed at researchers and professionals in plant physiology, cell biology and molecular biology, in both the academic and industrial sectors.

Water Use Efficiency in Plant Biology

Water Use Efficiency in Plant Biology PDF Author: Mark Bacon
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 140514999X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
This is the first volume to provide comprehensive coverage of the biology of water use efficiency at molecular, cellular, whole plant and community levels. While several works have included the phenomenon of water use efficiency, and others have concentrated on an agronomic framework, this book represents the first detailed treatment with a biological focus. The volume sets out the definitions applicable to water use efficiency, the fundamental physiology and biochemistry governing the efficiency of carbon vs water loss, the environmental regulation of this process and the detailed physiological basis by which the plant exerts control over such efficiency. It is aimed at researchers and professionals in plant physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, developmental biology and agriculture. It will also inform those involved in formulating research and development policy in this topic around the world.

Antioxidants and Reactive Oxygen Species in Plants

Antioxidants and Reactive Oxygen Species in Plants PDF Author: Nicholas Smirnoff
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1405171464
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 320

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Book Description
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during the interaction of metabolism with oxygen. As ROS have the potential to cause oxidative damage by reacting with biomolecules, research on ROS has concentrated on the oxidative damage that results from exposure to environmental stresses and on the role of ROS in defence against pathogens. However, more recently, it has become apparent that ROS also have important roles as signalling molecules. A complex network of enzymatic and small molecule antioxidants controls the concentration of ROS and repairs oxidative damage, and research is revealing the complex and subtle interplay between ROS and antioxidants in controlling plant growth, development and response to the environment. This book covers these new developments, generally focussing on molecular and biochemical details and providing a point of entry to the detailed literature. It is directed at researchers and professionals in plant molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, in both the academic and industrial sectors.

Gene Flow from GM Plants

Gene Flow from GM Plants PDF Author: Guy M. Poppy
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 047099410X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 256

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Book Description
Gene flow is not unique to genetically modified (GM) crops, but the possibility of the spread of transgenic DNA to wild and domesticated relatives raises a new set of issues for scientists and policymakers to consider. Unfortunately, we are still too often unable to quantify the risks of ecological damage associated with gene flow. This is due partly to the huge breadth of knowledge required to assemble a comprehensive risk assessment. For example, many scientists active in research on the mechanics of gene flow nevertheless lack a deep understanding of what is required to identify, characterise and assess ecological risk, and many of those who are aware of the risk assessment process and the framework used for legislation have insufficient knowledge of the reproductive biology, agricultural systems, modelling and ecological literature required to compile a balanced risk assessment. This book, set in the context of gene flow in general, considers the assessment, measurement and management of the risks of gene flow from GM plants, combining the expertise of all the various stakeholders. It is directed at researchers and professionals in plant molecular genetics and plant ecology, in both the academic and industrial sectors.

Plant Lipids

Plant Lipids PDF Author: Denis J. Murphy
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000715132
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 426

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Book Description
New research tools have revealed many surprising aspects of the dynamic nature of lipids and their participation in processes such as recognition, intra- and inter-cellular signalling, deterrence and defense against pathogens, membrane trafficking and protein function. This is in addition to new information on the more established roles of plant lipids as structural components of membranes and as long-term storage products. Plant lipids are also increasingly being seen as sources of a new generation of environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and renewable industrial products, including biopolymers and high-grade lubricants. Plant Lipids: Biology, Utilisation and Manipulation provides a broad overview of plant lipid research and its many applications. Linking various disciplines, the editor brings together researchers from major international laboratories to review the history and current state of progress in this quickly evolving field. The text starts by providing a fascinating historical perspective on the study of plant lipids, from its inception as a branch of alchemy in the seventeenth century to the current post-genomic era. It then offers a detailed discussion on the formation, modification and utilization of fatty acids. This is followed by an exploration of the major classes of macromolecular structures formed by plant lipids, including bilayer membranes and storage bodies. From there, the contributors consider other types of macromolecular lipid assemblies in plants, examining proteins and the key plant lipid structure - the cuticle. The final chapters look at diverse classes of plant lipids that are linked to various aspects of signaling. This text provides an excellent resource for researchers and professionals in plant biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology and genetics, in both the academic and industrial sectors. It also meets the needs of students looking for a comprehensive introduction to this field, as well as direction for fut

Plant Nutritional Genomics

Plant Nutritional Genomics PDF Author: Martin R. Broadley
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1405143762
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 344

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Book Description
A ‘textbook’ plant typically comprises about 85% waterand 13.5% carbohydrates. The remaining fraction contains at least14 mineral elements, without which plants would be unable tocomplete their life cycles. Understanding plant nutrition and applying this knowledge topractical use is important for several reasons. First, anunderstanding of plant nutrition allows fertilisers to be used morewisely. Second, the nutritional composition of crops must betailored to meet the health of humans and livestock. Third, manyregions of the world are currently unsuitable for crop production,and an understanding of plant nutrition can be used to developstrategies either for the remediation of this land or for thecultivation of novel crops. That application of knowledge of plant nutrition can be achievedthrough genotypic or agronomic approaches. Genotypic approaches,based on crop selection and / or breeding (conventional or GM),have recently begun to benefit from technological advances,including the completion of plant genome sequencing projects. Thisbook provides an overview of how plant nutritional genomics,defined as the interaction between a plant's genome and itsnutritional characteristics, has developed in the light ofthese technological advances, and how this new knowledge mightusefully be applied. This is a book for researchers and professionals in plantmolecular genetics, biochemistry and physiology, in both theacademic and industrial sectors.