Prediction of postharvest firmness of apple using biological switch model

In this paper we present a model that predicts the softening of apple during ripening in the postharvest phase. Apple ripening starts with an autocatalytic production of ethylene, which triggers a multitude of biochemical processes like the degradation of cell wall material. This triggering of the ripening process has been modelled as a biological switch-using the activator-depleted substrate model, which is proposed earlier by Meinhardt in the field of developmental biology. The model has been calibrated using storage experiments using various apple cultivars. Furthermore, the model is proven to be valid using independent experimental data of Elstar apple under dynamic storage conditions.

► A biological switch model describes the initiation of ripening of apples. ► Ripening model applies to different apple cultivars, via change of only the initial value of a substrate. ► Ripening model can predict the firmness of apples even under dynamic storage conditions.