The UDSA Ag Research Service discovered a way to help America’s food processors and farmers save money and reduce waste by extending the shelf life of fruits. Fruit softening is an irreversible process that occurs during ripening. It can lead to losses and waste during postharvest transportation and storage. It mainly affects soft-skinned fruits such as tomatoes and many berry varieties (e.g., strawberries, blackberries, blueberries). The main culprit is a breakdown in the fruit’s cell walls, called “cell wall disassembly,” which can lead to loss of fruit firmness. Scientists have targeted several genes in fruits that are responsible for cell wall disassembly. However, breeding out individual genes in this group has had minimal influence on cell wall integrity and fruit firmness.
ARS scientists and university collaborators targeted groups of fruit ripening–associated genes that function in the cell wall matrix. This advanced method showed potential in enhancing fruit firmness and reducing breakdown of the cell wall. By contrast, single gene targeting did not substantially change fruit firmness. This breakthrough will help breeders produce new fruit varieties that are less susceptible to fruit softening, will improve shelf life and reduce food waste.
— Story contributed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service