Postharvest diseases of fruits and vegetables : development and control

TLDR: This book discusses the main pathogens of harvested fruits and vegetables and their Characteristic Pathogens, as well as novel Approaches for Enhancing Host Resistance, and their role in disease control.

Abstract: Preface. Chapter 1. Introduction. Chapter 2. Postharvest Disease Initiation. The pathogens. The origin of the pathogens. Spore germination. Pathogen penetration into the host. Chapter 3. Each Fruit or Vegetable and its Characteristic Pathogens. Host-pathogen combinations in postharvest diseases. The main pathogens of harvested fruits and vegetables. Chapter 4. Factors Affecting Disease Development. Preharvest factors, harvesting and handling. Inoculum level. Storage conditions. Conditions pertaining to the host tissues. Host-pathogen interactions. Chapter 5. Attack Mechanisms of the Pathogen. Enzymatic activity. Toxin production. Detoxification of host-defense compounds by pathogens. Chapter 6. Host Protection and Defense Mechanisms. The cuticle as a barrier against invasion. Inhibitors of cell-wall degrading enzymes. Preformed inhibitory compounds. Phytoalexins - induced inhibitory compounds. Wound healing and host barriers. Active oxygen. Pathogenesis-related proteins. Chapter 7. Physiological and Biochemical Changes Following Infection. Changes in fruit respiration and ethylene evolution. Ethylene source in infected tissue. Pectolytic activity and its source in infected tissue. Stimulation of fruit softening and changes in the pectic compound contents. Changes in biochemical constituents of infected tissues. Chapter 8. Means for Maintaining Host Resistance. Cold storage. Modified and controlled atmospheres. Growth regulators. Calcium application. Chapter 9. Chemical Control. Preharvest chemical treatments. Sanitation. Postharvest chemical treatments. Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compounds. Natural chemical compounds. Lectins. Chapter 10. Physical Means. Heat treatments. Ionizing radiation. Ultraviolet illumination. Chapter 11. Biological Control. Isolation and selection of antagonists. Introduction of antagonists for disease control. Mode of action of the antagonist. Antagonist mixtures to improve disease biocontrol. Combined treatments to improve disease control. Integration into postharvest strategies. Chapter 12. Novel Approaches for Enhancing Host Resistance. Induced resistance. Genetic modification of plants. Manipulation of ethylene biosynthesis and genetic resistance in tomatoes.