Regulatory Mechanisms of Textural Changes in Ripening Fruits

Abstract

Texture changes in ripening fruits influence consumer preference, fruit storability, transportability, shelf-life, and response to pathogen attack. Genetic regulatory factors as well as environmental conditions simultaneously affect texture changes in ripening fruit. Recent physiological and molecular studies provide insights into our knowledge and understanding of events and/or factors that contribute to changes in fruit texture, including softening and lignification. The roles of enzymes involved in modification and/or regulation of cell wall components as well as ethylene signaling components that play key roles in fruit textural changes during fruit ripening and storage will be presented and discussed. In addition, physical as well as chemical regulation of textural changes in ripening fruit will be explored.