Project Number: 6621-41440-003-10
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jan 29, 2008
End Date: Nov 30, 2010

Objective:
Utilize directed postharvest stress and optimization of the postharvest environment to maximize the genetic potential of the tomato fruit to produce more nutrionally important secondary compounds while maintaining or improving its appealing flavor and aroma characteristics.

Approach:
Subject tomatoes to non-injurious heat stress followed by maintenance of conducive handling temperatures to redirect the secondary metabolism of tomatoes to stimulate tissue antioxidants and aroma volatile systems during ripening and increase fruit resistance to chilling injury using analytical (HPLC, GC, and enzymology), sensory and genetic analysis.