QUALITY ENHANCEMENT, STORAGE OPTIMIZATION AND LOSS REDUCTION FOR INCREASED MARKETABILITY OF DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS

The focus of the objectives in this proposal is to improve quality and reduce postharvest loss of deciduous tree fruit (apples, pears and cherries) due to physiological dysfunction. Investigations will be to determine how pre- and postharvest factors influence the development of physiological disorders during and after storage and to determine effects of postharvest treatments on poststorage fruit quality. Investigations will lead to an increased understanding of biochemical causes of specific disorders that curative technologies can be developed and implemented and development of appropriate storage regimes specific to particular cultivars and postharvest treatments, to maximize fruit quality at retail. Determine the genetic basis for biochemical and physiological processes affecting tree fruit (apples, pears, cherries) quality and their nutritive value. Apply genetic modification to enhance tree fruit quality.