Field of Expertise

The main objective of the group is to improve the quality of fruits and extend their preservation time postharvest. This goal is approached by a multidisciplinary strategy that covers the understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms of fruits related to quality, their interaction with pathogens and the study of the pathogens themselves. The goals are to develop preservation methodologies to avoid or diminish postharvest losses caused by physiological and pathological alterations of fruits.

In this context the group has studied cold-associated damages, deshydration and induced tolerance. Related to quality they have explored metabolic routes that can improve nutritional or organoleptic profile such as those of carotenoids, volatile compounds or vitamins. Pathogens such as Penicilium have been studied intensively so their interaction with the fruit can be understood to develop novel strategies to control the infection such as antimicrobial peptides.food ingredients.