Biochemical dynamics during postharvest: Highlighting the interplay of stress during storage and maturation of fresh produce

Abstract

Abstract The lifecycle of fresh produce involves a sequence of biochemical events during their ontology, and these events are particularly significant for climacteric fruits. A high demand during ripening is observed in these plant products, which is reflected in a high rate of respiration and ethylene production. Increased respiratory demand triggers the activation of secondary pathways such as alternate oxidase, which do not experience critical increases in energy consumption in non-climacteric fruit. In addition, biochemical events produced by external factors lead to compensatory responses in fresh produce to counteract the oxidative stress caused by the former. The dynamics of these responses are accompanied by signaling, where reactive oxygen species play a pivotal role in fresh product cell perception. This review aims to describe the protection mechanisms of fresh produce against environmental challenges and how controlled doses of abiotic stressors can be used to improve quality and prolong their shelf-life through the interaction of stress and defense mechanisms.