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<p><b>Pineapple</b><br/> 1. Using biotechnology and management strategies to minimize precocious flowering. 2. Determine the factors that control the sugar/acid ratio in the new low acid varieties. 3. Determine the importance of different preharvest factors that influence postharvest fruit quality. 4. Assist industry to find solutions to new problems as they arise.</p><p><b>Papaya</b><br/> 1. Develop, via backcrossing and selection, varieties that possess slow ripening traits and have commercial potential. 2. Determine the role and regulation of cell wall degrading enzymes in ripening related fruit softening. 3. Determine the relationship between the physiological effects of the insect disinfestation irradiation treatment on fruit ripening and ethylene. 4. Assist industry to find solutions to new postharvest problems as they arise.</p><p><b>Tropical Fruit</b><br/> 1. Develop, in conjunction with industry, suitable postharvest handling protocols for fruit export. 2. Prepare and distribute extension publications on the postharvest handling and physiology of tropical fruit. 3. Assist industry to find solutions to new problems as they arise.</p><p><b>Low Chill Peaches</b><br/> 1. Identify low-chill peach varieties suitable for Hawaii's different microclimates. 2. Evaluate the quality and postharvest life of varieties showing the most promise.</p><p><b>Vegetables</b><br/> 1. Develop an assay for taro acridity. 2. Assist agents and industry in finding solutions to postharvest handling problems. 3. Determine the influence of preharvest environment and production methods on postharvest quality.</p><p><b>Ornamentals</b><br/> 1. Assist industry in developing new handling practices to assure Hawaii exports a high quality product. 2. Determine the factors that reduce quality and evaluate practices that maintain product quality. </p>
<p>NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The marketing of high quality fresh Hawaii fruits, vegetables and ornamentals requires that the commodity be grown for optimum quality, and harvested and handled post-harvest to maintain that quality. Postharvest physiology and handling research plays a critical role in assuring the maintenance of commodity quality. Postharvest quality is in large measure set before harvest, hence preharvest conditions need to be considered in evaluation of quality and its maintenance. The smaller quantities of tropical commodities produced, the distances to market, the commodities inability to be stored at low temperatures and the presence of fruit flies and other insects requiring postharvest treatments compound the research needed to ensure quality products are marketed. In this project we will continue collaboration with industry groups to directly addresses their needs for postharvest applied research and carry out long-term basic studies using molecular techniques to develop new strategies to address postharvest problems for Hawaii's horticultural crops. Research will continue on pineapple looking for solutions to the precocious flowering and cultural practices to modify acidity levels. Papaya research will focus on looking for non-pesticide disease control and the modification of fruit ripening to increase storage life. Irradiation and ethylene interact during papaya fruit ripening and this interaction will be another research effort to reduce its impact. Research on other tropical fruits and vegetables has been short term in nature to address immediate concern especially in providing up to date information in handling these commodities. The low chill peach project aims to evaluate varieties suitable for Hawaii that have good yield, fruit quality and storage life. Ornamental research will continue to look for approaches to maintain product quality and thereby extend vase life and reduce postharvest losses. </p>