A continuum model for metabolic gas exchange in pear fruit.

ABSTRACT: Exchange of O(2) and CO(2) of plants with their environment is essential for metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. In some fruits such as pears, which are typically stored under a controlled atmosphere with reduced O(2) and increased CO(2) levels to extend their commercial storage life, anoxia may occur, eventually leading to physiological disorders. In this manuscript we have developed a mathematical model to predict the internal gas concentrations, including permeation, diffusion, and respiration and fermentation kinetics. Pear fruit has been selected as a case study. The model has been used to perform in silico experiments to evaluate the effect of, for example, fruit size or ambient gas concentration on internal O(2) and CO(2) levels. The model incorporates the ac

SUBMITTER: Ho QT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2265468 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature