New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science abstracts

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Review: Postharvest softening of apple (Malus domestica) fruit: a review

Jason W. Johnston
Errol W. Hewett*

Institute of Natural Resources
Massey University
Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North, New Zealand
email: E.W.Hewett@massey.ac.nz

Maarten L. A. T. M. Hertog

Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health
Massey University
Private Bag 11 222
Palmerston North, New Zealand
*Corresponding author.

Abstract   Postharvest softening of apple (Malus domestica (Borkh.)) fruit is a serious problem for growers in many countries, including New Zealand. To reduce this problem considerable research has been undertaken to determine the biological causes of softening so that this process can be managed or controlled more effectively. This review describes the pattern of softening for harvested apple fruit, and how it is influenced by different preharvest, at-harvest, and postharvest factors. Information is also given on the likely physiological and biochemical causes of apple softening, such as fruit anatomy and cell packing, modification of the cell wall and membranes, changes in cell turgor, and the role of ethylene and other growth regulators. Despite many softening studies, there is still a poor understanding of what causes firmness variation in the marketplace. Until this understanding is improved, apple producers will continue to struggle to meet market requirements for texture.

Keywords   Malus domestica; firmness; ethylene; quality; preharvest factors; at harvest factors; postharvest factors; growth regulators; calcium; cell wall

H02026 Received 10 April 2002; accepted 22 July 2002; published 25 September 2002
New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 2002, Vol. 30: 145-160
0014-0671/02/3003-0145 $7.00 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2002

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