Postharvest Physiology and Biochemistry of Fruits and Vegetables [Paperback]

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

1. Introduction 2. Contribution of Fruits and Vegetables to Human Nutrition and Health 3. Photosynthesis 4. Respiratory Metabolism 5. Biology and Biochemistry of Ethylene 6. Morphology and Anatomy 7.? Ripening and Senescence 8. Transpiration 9. Carbohydrates 10. Organic Acids 11. Pigments 12.? Phenolic Compounds 13. Lipids 14. Texture 15. Protein 16. Enzymes 17. Vitamins 18. Flavors and Aromas 19. Physiological Responses to Stress 20. Physiological and Biochemical Effects of Controlled and Modified Atmospheres 21. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of Horticultural Crops

Provides fundamental knowledge on the physical, chemical and biochemical changes that occur in fruits and vegetables, from emergence through harvest