Projects
Effect of metabolic gas transport on the central metabolism of pear fruit (Pyrus communis L.): a computational biologoy approach. KU Leuven
After harvest, apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) fruit remains metabolically active and continues to ripen. The main goal of postharvest storage is to slow down this metabolic activity and its associated fruit ripening. Therefore, large volumes of apple fruit are routinely stored under controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (low temperature, low oxygen and high carbon dioxide partial pressures) with recent developments moving ...
Modelling fruit bruise damage from the macro- to the microscale using the Discrete Element Method KU Leuven
Mechanical bruise damage in fruit is the consequence of the progression of cell ruptures and inter-cellular separation. It leads to significant economic losses and food waste. The objective of this PhD project was the development of generic methods and models that can help predict fruit bruise damage and advance insights in mechanical bruise damage.
In order to develop bruise prediction models, it is valuable to have a non-destructive ...
The role of internal oxygen gradients on pore morphogenesis of tomato fruit KU Leuven
Non-destructive and quantitative determination of O2 concentration of intact pome fruit using gas in scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) in transmittance mode KU Leuven
Pome fruits, including apple and pear, are among the most widely cultivated fruits in Europe. These climacteric fruits exhibit faster respiration and an increased ethylene production at the onset of ripening, which can result in rapid ripening, senescence, and decreased storage life. To prevent this, pome fruits are typically stored in a controlled atmosphere (CA) where a decreased level of O2 and a slightly increased level of CO2 are ...
Pome fruit tissue growth modelling. KU Leuven
Exploring levan oligosaccharide-producing organisms to protect strawberry fruit KU Leuven
Novel approaches to develop alternatives for the use of agrochemicals, e.g. fungicides, are urgently needed. Application of biocontrol microorganisms and natural compounds leads to more sustainable and environmentally friendly disease-control on important crops. Strawberry is a highly popular small fruit crop worldwide with a significant economic importance and a large market share in Europe. In Estonia and Belgium strawberry is the most ...
Industrial scale dynamic controlled atmosphere storage of pome fruit KU Leuven
Exploring the endogenous potential of microalgae in fruit and vegetable processing. KU Leuven
Fruits and vegetables as well as microalgae contain a huge, but largely unexplored, endogenous potential from health-beneficial as well as structuring point of view. Given the difference in bioactive compounds and cell wall material present in both sources, the question arises whether and to what extent they will act synergistically when combined in fruit and vegetable-based food products. In this context, the present knowledge platform aims ...
An integrated plant model for tomato: combining plant water and carbon status to predict fruit growth and quality Ghent University
The aim of this research project is to gain more insight into the interaction between microclimate, plant water and carbon status and quality aspects of tomato fruits. This will finally result in an integrated plant model for tomato that mechanistically describes different plant processes and allows to predict fruit growth and quality based on climatic conditions.