Abstract

After harvest, the plant organs undergo several physiological, biochemical and biological processes affecting the quality of the products. In addition, the environmental and biotic factors affect fruit qualities. The metabolic activity of harvested plant organs differs depending on species or cultivars. Immediately after harvest, senescence starts and secondary metabolic activity leads to some catabolic processes. These metabolic changes during the post-harvest period involve as plant pigment changes (biosynthesis of lycopene and breakdown of chlorophyll) and browning reactions (biosynthesis of phenolic substances). Post-harvest secondary metabolism is also influenced by exogenous factors such as temperature or storage atmosphere, and ethylene as the main endogenous factor. The aim of this article is to provide information on the post harvest management of some fruits for those people who are dealing with the storage of fruits.