Produce Degradation Pathways and Prevention

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