Produce Degradation Pathways and Prevention

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Maturity, Ripening, and Quality Relationships 57


1975). Changes in firmness with advancing maturity in apples have been shown to
be related to deterioration of the cell wall structure of the fruits (Tu et al., 1997).
In general, a firmer fruit is assumed to be less mature and to have a more complex
cell wall structure than a softer fruit. Maturity is often defined as optimal firmness
in relation to a particular fruit. However, the actual threshold value for optimal


FIGURE 3.1Stages of development and senescence based on physiological processes and
usage of horticultural crops. (From Watada et al., HortScience, 19, 20, 1984. With permission.)


INITIATION DEVELOPMENT

GROWTH

MATURATION

RIPENING

SENESCENCE

PHYSIOLOGICAL
MATURITY

DEATH

INFLORESCENCES
artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower

cucumber, green bean, okra, sweet corn

PARTIALLY
DEVELOPED FRUITS

asparagus, celery, lettuce, cabbage

apple, pear, citrus, tomato

carrot, onion, potato

ROOTS & TUBERS

FULLY
DEVELOPED FRUITS

Ornamental Crops

SEEDLINGS

CUT & POTTED
FOLIAGE
NURSERY STOCK

POTTED
FLOWERING
PLANTS

CUT
FLOWERS SEEDS

HORTICULTURAL MATURITY
SPROUTS STEMS & LEAVES

SEEDS
dry bean
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