Impact of exogenous salicylic acid treatment on the cell wall metabolism and ripening process in postharvest tomato fruit stored at ambient temperature

Tomato is a climacteric fruit susceptible to rapid softening and ripening after harvest. In this study, the changes of physicochemical characters, cell wall-degrading enzymes, cell wall compositions and ethylene production of ‘Hisar Arun’ and ‘BSS-488’ tomato fruits were investigated under the influence of salicylic acid treatment. Salicylic acid treatment effectively delayed firmness decline and increase in PLW, TSS and lycopene content. The treated fruits maintained the integrity of cell wall composition by delay in increase in activities of cell wall-degrading enzymes (pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase and cellulose) and cell wall components (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and pectin) decline. Moreover, salicylic acid treatments significantly suppress expression level of ethylene-producing genes (ACO1 and ACS2) and inhibited ethylene production during storage. Overall, the salicylic acid-induced delay in the ripening process occurs via the strong inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis, lowered cell wall-degrading enzyme activities and slowed cell wall degradation.     

Diverse metabolism of cell wall components of melting and non‐melting peach genotypes during ripening after harvest or cold storage

The mode of change in a range of physiological, physicochemical and biochemical parameters during fruit ripening between distinct peach genotypes (Prunus persica L. Batsch) after cold storage for up to 4 weeks was determined. The nectarine cultivar ‘Caldesi 2000’ was selected as a genotype with melting flesh (MF) characteristic (fruits characterized by extensive flesh softening during ripening) and the cultivar ‘Andross’ as a genotype with non‐melting flesh (NMF) characteristic (fruits characterized by limited flesh softening during ripening). Flesh firmness, ethylene production, physicochemical and biochemical properties of the cell wall were determined and significant differences between the fruits of the two genotypes were recorded. Fruits of the NMF genotype were characterized by higher tissue retention and ethylene production during their ripening, higher content of uronic acids, as well as higher capacity for calcium binding in the water‐insoluble pectin fraction compared with fruits of the MF genotype. Additionally, the ripening of MF‐type fruits was characterized by higher losses of neutral sugars, especially those of arabinose and galactose than the NMF‐type fruits and these losses were more intense after extended cold storage periods. In fruits of the NMF genotype the decreased activity of pectin methyl esterase (PME) combined with higher levels of calcium in the water‐insoluble pectin fraction possibly provided less substrate for polygalacturonase (exo‐, endo‐PG) activity and less solubility of cell wall pectin compared with fruits of the MF genotype. Overall, the data indicate the existence of a wide range of diverse metabolic pathways during fruit ripening of fresh fruits with MF and NMF characteristics. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Expression of genes associated with ethylene-signalling pathway in harvested banana fruit in response to temperature and 1-MCP treatment

BACKGROUND: Little attention has been paid to characterising the ethylene‐signalling pathway genes in relation to abnormal ripening of harvested banana fruit during storage at high temperature. The aim of the present study was to investigate banana fruit abnormal ripening and the expression of ten genes associated with the ethylene‐signalling pathway, namely MaACS1, MaACO1, MaERS1–4 and MaEIL1–4, at high temperature. Changes in these parameters of banana fruit at high temperature in response to 1‐MCP pretreatment were also investigated. RESULTS: High temperature accelerated the decline in fruit firmness, increased ethylene production and inhibited degreening in banana fruit, resulting in fruit abnormal ripening. In addition, the expression of MaACS1, MaACO1, MaERS2, MaERS3, MaERS4, MaEIL1, MaEIL3 and MaEIL4 was enhanced in banana fruit stored at high temperature. However, application of 1‐MCP prior to high temperature storage delayed fruit abnormal ripening and simultaneously suppressed the expression of MaACS1, MaERS2, MaERS3, MaEIL1, MaEIL3 and MaEIL4. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggested that the expression of genes associated with the ethylene‐signalling pathway might be involved in banana fruit abnormal ripening at high temperature. Application of 1‐MCP suppressed the expression of genes associated with the ethylene‐signalling pathway, which may be attributed at least partially to 1‐MCP delaying fruit abnormal ripening at high temperature. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

ACTIVITIES OF β-GALACTOSIDASE AND α-L-ARABINOFURANOSIDASE, ETHYLENE BIOSYNTHETIC ENZYMES DURING PEACH RIPENING AND SOFTENING

A study was conducted to determine changes in firmness, ethylene and ethylene biosynthetic enzymes, and the activities of β‐galactosidase (β‐GAL) and α‐L‐arabinofuranosidase (α‐AF) during peach ripening and softening. The activities of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase, ACC oxidase and polygalacturonase increased in parallel with ethylene production and declined in firmness during peach ripening, and they appeared at maximum simultaneously at maturity IV. β‐GAL activity was high in unripe peach fruit and it experienced an overall decline during peach ripening. While α‐AF activity changed placidly at the initial stage (maturity I–III), after that it experienced a rapid increasing stage. The preliminary result indicated that β‐GAL and α‐AF, as well as ethylene biosynthetic enzymes, may be involved in the ripening and softening of peach fruit.     

Effect of sea water on biochemical properties of fruit of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) genotypes differing for ethylene production

BACKGROUND: Three near‐isogenic lines of cv. Gimar differing in ethylene production were used to evaluate the influence of salinity on fruit quality. Plants were grown in rockwool culture and were irrigated with nutrient solution with electrical conductivities (ECs) of 3 and 8 mS cm^?1, which corresponded to 0 and 10% of sea water. For fruits picked at ‘red‐turning’ and ‘red‐ripe’ stages physico‐chemical parameters, ethylene, ascorbate and organic acid content, and cell reductive power were analysed. RESULTS: The same response was observed in all genotypes: the higher salinity growth solution increased dry matter content, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity but reduced crop yield. Ascorbic acid and also organic acid contents showed a greater accumulation with ripening in the mutant genotypes: this might be due to a slowing of ripening. Our data confirm the lack of any relationship between the larger accumulation of TSS and ethylene production in the fruits of salt‐treated plants. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that although salinity (10% sea water) reduces fruit yield, it does not have a negative effect on quality. So, it seems possible that controlled use of diluted sea water, combined with suitable tomato genotypes might represent a valid alternative to fresh irrigation water. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Matrix glycan depolymerisation and xyloglucan endohydrolase activities in ethylene‐treated watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) fruit

BACKGROUND: Ethylene‐induced placental tissue water soaking in harvested watermelon fruit is accompanied by cell separation and collapse, depolymerisation of water‐ and chelator‐soluble pectins, a reducton in total uronic acids and increased polygalacturonase activity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ethylene‐induced changes in placental tissue cell walls also affected matrix glycans (hemicelluloses). RESULTS: Polymers from 0 and 6 day air‐treated fruits were similar in molecular mass distribution, with the majority of polymers eluting within the void volume of Sepharose 6B. Polymers from ethylene‐treated fruit showed significant molecular mass downshifts involving xyloglucan. Xylose and glucose together comprised nearly 70% of 2 mol L^?1 alkali‐soluble neutral sugars. Treatment of watermelon fruit with ethylene was not accompanied by changes in matrix glycan composition, indicating that in situ depolymerisation did not result in altered solubility and/or loss of xyloglucan. Cell‐free protein extracts from watermelon placental tissue from both air‐ and ethylene‐treated fruits degraded tamarind seed xyloglucan, resulting in significant molecular mass downshifts without production of oligomers and monomers. The capacity of cell‐free extracts to degrade tamarind xyloglucan and watermelon matrix glycans was similar for 6 day ethylene‐ and air‐treated fruits. CONCLUSION: Collectively the data suggest that enhanced depolymerisation of xyloglucan in ethylene‐treated watermelon fruit arises from factors other than altered enzyme levels. Accordingly, the depolymerisation of pectin and matrix glycans would not appear to be solely responsible for ethylene‐induced water soaking in watermelon. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of 1‐methylcyclopropene and gibberellic acid on ripening of Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba M) in relation to quality

Overripening of Chinese jujube (Zizyphus jujuba M) fruit at the postharvest stage usually results in a dramatic decline in quality. The role of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) and gibberellic acid (GA) in fruit ripening of Chinese jujube during storage in relation to quality was investigated. Fruit ripening of jujube was significantly enhanced by ethylene, whereas rates of respiration and ethylene production of the fruit were reduced by 1‐MCP. Treatment with 1‐MCP or GA delayed the decreases in firmness and vitamin C and reduced the level of ethanol. Furthermore, the effectiveness of 1‐MCP was improved by replicate treatments during storage at 20 or 2 °C. In addition, treatment with GA + 1‐MCP resulted in additive beneficial effects on ripening inhibition of the fruit. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of ethylene and 1‐MCP treatments on strawberry fruit ripening

BACKGROUND: Strawberry is a soft fruit, considered as non‐climacteric, being auxins the main hormones that regulate the ripening process. The role of ethylene in strawberry ripening is currently unclear and several studies have considered a revision of the possible role of this hormone. RESULTS: Strawberry fruit were harvested at the white stage and treated with ethephon, an ethylene‐releasing reagent, or 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP), a competitive inhibitor of ethylene action. The effects of the treatments on fruit quality parameters and on the activity of enzymes related to anthocyanin synthesis and cell wall degradation were evaluated. Some aspects of ripening were accelerated (anthocyanin accumulation, total sugar content and increment of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL; EC 4.3.1.24) and β‐galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23) activities), while others were repressed (chlorophyll levels and increment of endo‐1,4‐β‐glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4) and β‐xylosidase (EC 3.2.1.37) activities) or unchanged (reducing sugar content, pH, titratable acidity and α‐L ‐arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55) activity) by ethylene. 1‐MCP treatment caused the opposite effect. However, its effects were more pronounced, particularly in anthocyanin accumulation, phenolics, PAL and polygalacturonase (EC 3.2.1.15 and EC 3.2.1.67) activities. CONCLUSION: These observations probably indicate that strawberry produces low levels of ethylene that are sufficient to regulate some ripening aspects. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on peach fruit (Prunus persica L. cv. Jiubao) ripening and disease resistance

In order to learn how 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) affects ripening and disease‐resistance of peach fruit (Prunus persica L. cv. Jiubao) after harvest, they were treated with 1‐MCP and some were inoculated with Penicillium expansum. Treating peach fruit with 0.2 μL L^?1 of 1‐MCP at 22 °C for 24 h effectively slowed the decline in fruit firmness. The minimal concentration of 1‐MCP able to inhibit fruit softening was 0.6 μL L^?1. Changes in other parameters related to peach ripening, such as content of soluble solids, total soluble sugar, titratable acidity, soluble pectin and ethylene production were also significantly reduced or delayed by 1‐MCP. Repeated treatment of peach with 1‐MCP resulted in more effective inhibition of ripening. Post‐harvest decay of peach fruit was reduced by treatment with 1‐MCP and disease progress in fruit inoculated with P. expansum was reduced. The activities of phenylalanine ammonialyase, polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase in the inoculated fruit were also enhanced by 1‐MCP.     

Extending shelf-life of persimmon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Diospyros kaki</Emphasis> L.) fruit by hot air treatment

‘Qiandaowuhe’ persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.) were stored at 20 °C after exposed to 20 °C (control), 44 °C (T ₄₄), 48 °C (T ₄₈) or 52 °C (T ₅₂) hot air for 3 h, respectively. Firmness, weight loss, peel color, total carotenoids content, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), respiration, and ethylene production and cell wall hydrolysis enzymes activities were monitored to determine the efficacy of hot air treatment in delaying persimmon fruit ripening. Results showed that ‘Qiandaowuhe’ persimmon fruit displayed a typical climacteric pattern of respiration and ethylene production. Peak of CO₂ and ethylene production was observed after 4 days. Fruit softening was accompanied by a progressive increase in weight loss, total carotenoids content and decrease in h°. The activities of pectinmethylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) sharply increased and reached maximal values after 4 and 6 days, respectively. Hot air treatment significantly delayed the onset of climacteric ethylene production, respiration, PME and PG activities in persimmon fruit. Moreover, it also significantly retarded the increase in carotenoids content and SSC, while decreased the firmness, h°, and TA. The hot air treatment promoted fruit weight loss. The shelf-life of persimmon ripening increased 4 days by T ₄₄, and 6 days by T ₄₈ or T ₅₂. Results suggest that hot air treatments can greatly extend the postharvest life of ‘Qiandaowuhe’ persimmon fruit.     

Determination of optimum harvest maturity and physico-chemical quality of Rastali banana (Musa AAB Rastali) during fruit ripening

BACKGROUND: A series of physico‐chemical quality (peel and pulp colours, pulp firmness, fruit pH, sugars and acids content, respiration rate and ethylene production) were conducted to study the optimum harvest periods (either week 11 or week 12 after emergence of the first hand) of Rastali banana (Musa AAB Rastali) based on the fruit quality during ripening. RESULT: Rastali banana fruit exhibited a climacteric rise with the peaks of both CO₂ and ethylene production occurring simultaneously at day 3 after ripening was initiated and declined at day 5 when fruits entered the senescence stage. De‐greening was observed in both of the harvesting weeks with peel turned from green to yellow, tissue softening, and fruits became more acidic and sweeter as ripening progressed. Sucrose, fructose and glucose were the main sugars found while malic, citric and succinic acids were the main organic acids found in the fruit. CONCLUSION: Rastali banana harvested at weeks 11 and 12 can be considered as commercial harvest period when the fruits have developed good organoleptic and quality attributes during ripening. However, Rastali banana fruit at more mature stage of harvest maturity taste slightly sweeter and softer with higher ethylene production which also means the fruits may undergo senescence faster than fruit harvested at week 11. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Strawberry Fruit Softening: The Potential Roles of Polyuronides and Hemicelluloses

Polyuronides and hemicelluloses derived from ethanol powders or cell walls of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa, Duch. Dover) receptacle tissue were examined to determine if these wall polymers might be involved in the softening of this fruit. Throughout maturation and ripening, total polyuronides increased on a per fruit basis although as a percentage of ethanol powder they remained constant. Gel-filtration chromatography confirmed that polyuronide solubility was not correlated with extensive enzymic hydrolysis, an observation consistent with the fact that D-galacturonanase (polygalacturonase) activity was not detected in strawberry fruit. The sugar composition of alkali-soluble wall polymers showed little change throughout development. However, changes occurred in the molecular weights of these polymers during ripening.     

EFFECT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON SOFTENING CHANGES AND ENZYME ACTIVITIES DURING RIPENING OF PAPAYA FRUIT

The aim of this work was to study the role of cell wall and ethylene related enzymes to papaya fruit firmness. Irradiation treatment was used as an imposed stress to cause changes in firmness. Physiologically mature papaya fruits were irradiated (500 Gy) and allowed to ripen at 22C and 90% RH. Polygalacturo‐nase (PG), pectinmethylesterase (PME), βgalactosidase, cellulose and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase (ACC‐oxidase) activities were followed during ripening and correlated to changes in firmness, skin and pulp color, respiration and ethylene production. The firmness of irradiated fruits was retained at least 2 days longer than in normal fruits and also had a slower rate of softening. Total soluble solids (d?Brix), cellulase activity and ethylene production were not altered by irradiation treatment. The activity patterns of PG, PME and β‐galactosidase were related to pulp softening and affected by irradiation. ACC‐oxidase activity was influenced by irradiation treatment, but its changes were not temporally related to those in firmness. It was concluded that irradiation had no direct effect on firmness but it acted by altering the ripening induced synthesis of cell wall enzymes, mainly PME.     

Purification and partial characterization of xyloglucan‐hydrolyzing enzymes from watermelon placental tissue

BACKGROUND: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai) fruit matrix glycans are comprised largely of xyloglucans (XGs). As in other fruits, these polymers show significant molecular mass downshifts during ripening. In the present study, we describe the purification and characteristics of a number of xyloglucanases (XGases) from the placental tissue of ripe watermelon. XGases were extracted from watermelon fruit placental tissue and purified by sequential ion‐exchange, gel‐permeation and concanavalin A chromatography. RESULTS: Five XGases (P1S2, P2S2, P3S1, P3S2, P3S3) were recovered with molecular masses ranging from 30.5 to 77.5 kDa on SDS‐PAGE. All XGases showed maximum activity at pH 5–5.5 and 35–40 °C against tamarind seed XG and were also active against XG‐rich matrix glycans from watermelon fruit. The enzymes were strongly inhibited by mercury and hydrolyzed XG without generation of oligomers or monomers. P3S3 had the highest activity against XG. The purified enzymes were active toward carboxymethylcellulose, indicating that they were not XG specific. CONCLUSION: The pattern of molecular mass downshifts during XG hydrolysis by the purified XGases and the absence of monomeric and oligomeric products are consistent with endo‐type catalysis for the XGases and with a role for these enzymes in the degradation of cell wall XG during ethylene‐induced watersoaking of watermelon fruit placental tissues. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on ripening of postharvest persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) fruit

Postharvest persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki L. cv. Qiandaowuhe) was stored at 20 °C after being exposed to 3 μl l⁻¹ 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) for 6 h or not (control). Several parameters (firmness, respiration and ethylene production, pectic substances and cell wall hydrolysis enzymes activities) were examined to determine the efficacy of 1-MCP treatment in delaying persimmon fruit ripening. Results showed that ‘Qiandaowuhe’ persimmon fruit displayed a typical climacteric pattern of respiration and ethylene production. Peak CO₂ production and ethylene production was observed on the fourth day. Fruit softening was accompanied by a progressive increase in water-soluble pectic substances (WSP) and a progressive decrease in chelator-soluble pectic substances (CSP) and alkali-soluble pectic substances (ASP). The activities of pectinmethylesterase (PME) and polygalacturonase (PG) started increasing sharply and reached a maximal value on days 4 and 6, respectively, and then decreased slowly. 1-MCP treatment delayed the onset of climacteric ethylene production and respiration in persimmon fruit, and also significantly retarded the activities of PME and PG during ripening at 20 °C. Consistent with the activity trends of cell wall hydrolysis enzymes, 1-MCP treatment also delayed the depolymerization of CSP and ASP and reduced the increase of WSP compared with the control fruit. Thus, application of 1-MCP can greatly extend the postharvest life of ‘Qiandaowuhe’ persimmon fruit.     

Fruit ripening in Vitis vinifera L.: possible relation of veraison to turgor and berry softening

Background and Aims:  Vitis vinifera L. berries exhibit dynamic changes in water relations during development, but the possible connections between water relations, particularly cell turgor pressure ( P ), and ripening have received little attention, and the water relations have been studied by mostly indirect methods.
Methods and Results:  The cell pressure probe was utilized to examine directly the in situ P of cells in the mesocarp. Mesocarp cell P demonstrated a consistent pattern of a high value early in development, followed by a decrease to less than 1.0 bar that was maintained during ripening. Sugar accumulation did not increase significantly until P had declined to less than 1.0 bar. Fruit 'elasticity' was used to evaluate fruit firmness during development. Fruit elasticity changed dynamically and synchronously with P . When growth was prevented with plastic boxes, the decline in cell P was delayed over 14 days, and the onset of skin colour and sugar accumulation was similarly delayed.
Conclusions:  The results show that when the decrease in P was delayed, the onset of ripening was delayed, and, therefore, are consistent with a central role of P in the onset of ripening.
Significance of the Study:  This study showed that boxing preveraison berries similarly delayed P decrease and colour increase in Cabernet Sauvignon berries. Thus, this system may be useful to study the relationship between P and gene expression in developing berries.     

Effect of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration on cell structure of sapotas

BACKGROUND: Drying is a traditional way of fruit preservation. Because of the high energy costs associated with air‐drying, osmotic dehydration is often applied as a pretreatment to reduce air‐drying time. Ultrasound is an emerging technology with several applications in food processing. The effect of ultrasound on fruit tissue depends on the tissue structure and composition, and ultrasound might be beneficial to improve air‐drying efficiency, with consequent reduction in process costs. In this study the effect of ultrasound and ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration on sapota tissue structure was evaluated. RESULTS: Ultrasound induced cell disruption and breakdown of cells with high phenolic content (dense cells) and also induced elongation of parenchyma cells. Ultrasound application combined with high osmotic gradient enhanced water loss and solid gain because of the formation of microscopic channels. Ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration induced gradual distortion of the shape of cells, cell breakdown and formation of microscopic channels. Micrographs of the fruit tissue showed that ultrasound preferentially affected dense cells. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonic pretreatment was able to preserve the tissue structure of the fruit when distilled water was used as liquid medium. The application of ultrasound‐assisted osmotic dehydration resulted in severe changes in the tissue structure of the fruit, with consequent increase in the effective water diffusivity, because of the formation of microscopic channels and cell rupture. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

脱落酸处理对苹果成熟、乙烯合成及其信号转导基因表达的影响

为研究脱落酸（abscisic acid,ABA）对苹果果实采后成熟、乙烯合成及其信号转导基因表达的影响,本实验以‘Granny Smith’苹果果实为实验材料,将其进行外源ABA处理后置于20 ℃贮藏（以无菌水处理为对照）,测定贮藏过程中的硬度、可滴定酸质量分数、纤维素酶活力、果胶甲酯酶活力、叶绿素含量、内源ABA含量、乙烯产生速率及乙烯生物合成基因（ACO1、ACO2、ACS1、ACS3）、苹果乙烯信号转导基因（ERS1、ERS2、ETR2、ERF3、ERF4、ERF5）的表达量。结果表明,与对照组相比,ABA处理能降低苹果果实贮藏过程中的硬度和可滴定酸质量分数,提高果实中的纤维素酶和果胶甲酯酶活性,促进叶绿素a、叶绿素b和总叶绿素含量降低。定量聚合酶链式反应分析结果表明,与对照组相比,ABA处理能够显著提高苹果乙烯生物合成基因的表达量（P＜0.05）。同时,参与苹果乙烯信号转导的ERS2、ETR2和ERF3、ERF4、ERF5表达量随着果实采后成熟明显增加,并且ABA处理组果实中的表达量总体显著高于对照组（P＜0.05）。综上,外源ABA处理能够促进苹果内源ABA的合成,提高苹果乙烯生物合基因和信号转导基因的表达,促进苹果内源乙烯合成和乙烯信号的转导,加快苹果果实的采后成熟进程。     

Developmental and Ripening-Related Effects on the Cell Wall of Pepino (Solanum muricatum) Fruit

Several cell wall components in ripening pepino fruit have been quantitatively and qualitatively characterised, with the aim of identifying their contributions to the loss of tissue firmness. Pepinos were graded into nine groups based on progressive, characteristic skin colour changes, previously shown to correspond with decreasing fruit firmness. While fruit softening began when the pepinos were still green but with newly acquired purple stripes, the first significant quantitative signs of cell wall modification (total pectin and hemicellulose content declining and CDTA-soluble pectin content increasing, on a fresh weight basis) were detectable later in ripening, when the fruit began to acquire yellow skin pigmentation. Gel fractionation studies demonstrated that there were increased levels of low-molecular-weight pectin and xyloglucan during pepino ripening. The change in molecular weight distribution of CDTA-soluble pectin occurred as fruit started to acquire yellow pigmentation, while xyloglucan polymers were modified at an earlier stage that coincided with the initial loss of firmness. © 1997 SCI.     

The linkage between cell wall metabolism and fruit softening: looking to the future

The softening that accompanies ripening of commercially important fruits exacerbates damage incurred during shipping and handling and increases pathogen susceptibility. Thus, postharvest biologists have studied fruit softening to identify ways to manage ripening and optimise fruit quality. Studies, generally based on the premise that cell wall polysaccharide breakdown causes ripening‐associated softening, have not provided the insights needed to genetically engineer, or selectively breed for, fruits whose softening can be adequately controlled. Herein it is argued that a more holistic view of fruit softening is required. Polysaccharide metabolism is undoubtedly important, but understanding this requires a full appreciation of wall structure and how wall components interact to provide strength. Consideration must be given to wall assembly as well as to wall disassembly. Furthermore, the apoplast must be considered as a developmentally and biochemically distinct, dynamic ‘compartment’, not just the location of the cell wall structural matrix. New analytical approaches for enhancing the ability to understand wall structure and metabolism are discussed. Fruit cells regulate their turgor pressure as well as cell wall integrity as they ripen, and it is proposed that future studies of fruit softening should include attempts to understand the bases of cell‐ and tissue‐level turgor regulation if the goal of optimising softening control is to be reached. Finally, recent studies show that cell wall breakdown provides sugar substrates that fuel other important cellular pathways and processes. These connections must be explored so that optimisation of softening does not lead to decreases in other aspects of fruit quality. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry