EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO MAINTAIN POSTHARVEST QUALITY AND CONTROL DECAY OF FRUIT COMMODITIES

Develop an understanding of the basis of postharvest injury and loss of quality in selected fresh commodities and devise methods to lessen undesirable changes and losses. Develop environmentally benign treatments (GRAS, ozone, microbial biological control) to control postharvest decay of citrus, stone fruits, grapes, and avocados. Identify phenological traits of grape berries that mediate resistance to decay. Characterize postharvest avocado pathogens and devise means to minimize their effects. Determine changes in antioxidant content of stone fruit, table grapes and citrus during postharvest treatments and storage. Ascertain biochemical changes during temperature treatment or conditioning of stone fruit and citrus in relation to fruit quality.