524 Produce Degradation: Reaction Pathways and their Prevention
auxin and cytokinin synthesis. The net result is to reprogram plant development,
leading to stunted growth and visible disease symptoms. The Ti plasmid has been
used in genetic engineering of plants and may offer a powerful tool in developing
resistant cultivars.
17.5 CONCLUSIONS
The effect of microbial metabolites on the degradation of fruits and vegetables largely
remains an unexplored area. The rots and pigmentation formed by microbial activity
are all visual indications of spoilage. However, the subtle formations of volatile
compounds (taints) prove a challenge to identify and characterize. This is further
complicated by the confusion caused by the common enzymic processes in microbes
and plants. Nevertheless, as knowledge is gained on how microbial metabolites affect
produce quality more opportunities will exist for applying novel preservation tech-
nologies. In this regard the disruption of quorum sensing, implicated in fruit and
vegetable spoilage, could be an interesting route to follow.
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