Molecular Regulation of Fruit Ripening and Postharvest

Dear Colleagues,

Fruit ripening involves a myriad of genetically coordinated processes oriented to make the fruit more attractive for seed-dispersing organisms, and makes fruits suitable for human consumption. The changes occurring in this ontogenetic phase involve several modifications, such as alteration in color, texture, and the formation of a wide class of secondary metabolites. Fruits are in fact important suppliers of antioxidant compounds essential to prevent the onset of chronic diseases, and for this reason the daily consumption of fruits and vegetables has been promoted and recommended in the guidelines suggested by FAO and WHO.

To this end, in the last 20 years the scientific community has investigated most of the regulatory pathways related to quality features, identifying gene networks and loci potentially valuable to assist breeding programs oriented to the selection of novel plants distinguished by superior fruit quality. More recently, genome-editing-based approaches were employed to finely tune the ripening progression and reduce the general fruit decay. Although in the near future the agricultural production will need to increase by 70% to provide food to a continuously growing global population, about 1/3 of the entire production of fresh fruits and vegetables is lost due to post-harvest wastage.

The aim of this Special Issue is to emphasize the importance of improving the knowledge on the fruit ripening mechanisms leading to  of maintenance the fruit quality attained during on-tree ripening, as well as deciphering the molecular mechanisms at the base of the modifications taking place during postharvest, preventing loss of fruit while promoting food security. For these purposes, scientists involved in the multidisciplinary study of fruit ripening, from genetics to transcriptomics and gene editing, are invited to contribute to the gain of knowledge in this field by presenting their valuable results, which will represent the fundament for the release of a new generation of fruit crops.

Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Costa
Dr. Nicola Busatto
Guest Editors

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