PREFACE AND OPENING ADDRESS

The Fourth International Conference on Postharvest Science was held in Jerusalem in March 2000. This was not only during the last year of the second millennium, but also more or less at the culmination of the first century of scientific research in this field, which began with the discovery that ethylene played a key role in the initiation of fruit ripening. We have come a long way from the original concept that senescence represents a process of disorganization and deterioration, to our current views of genetically programmed and potentially genetically engineered phenomena. The time therefore seemed appropriate for reviewing past achievements and attempting to look into the future, in addition to bringing us up to date on the present state of the art.

Postharvest research in Israel, the host country of the conference, began only in the second half of the century, following the revival of Jewish agriculture, which was based, from its early beginnings, on the export of agricultural produce. Since then, it has made great strides, due to a great degree to the pioneering efforts of Dr. F.S. Lattar and Prof. Mina Schiffmann-Nadel, the first heads of the Department of Postharvest Research, and the huge impetus imparted by two of the leading scientists in the field, who were involved in the early stages of its development. In the late fifties, Professor Jacob Biale from the University of California, Los Angeles introduced research in postharvest physiology during his first sabbatical in Rehovot and, after his official retirement, he returned to teach a full course at the Faculty of Agriculture. Dr. Morris Lieberman, from the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center of the USDA hosted and trained in his laboratory a long line of graduate students and postdocs, who returned to Israel and formed the backbone of research scientists in postharvest research in this country. To these two men the postharvest group in Israel owes its gratitude and to their memory we dedicate this conference.

Past, present and future were therefore the theme of this conference. The past and the future were covered orally by invited speakers, many of whom have contributed their thoughts and ideas to these proceedings. The present was very comprehensively accounted for by oral and poster contributions, of which a little over 50% appear in this volume. Although not complete, these proceedings do provide information on the main subjects that were discussed by nearly 400 participants from over 40 countries. All manuscripts published herein were reviewed by at least 2 members of the local scientific committee, before being accepted. I take this opportunity to thank them and the organizing committee for their efforts and to acknowledge with gratitude the advice and assistance of Dr. Sonia Philosoph-Hadas, Prof. Eliezer Goldshmidt and Dr. Samir Droby in editing the proceedings.

Ruth Ben-Arie,

Convener

OPENING ADDRESS BY PROFESSOR ERROL W. HEWETT CHAIR POSTHARVEST COMMISSION

Dr Ruth Ben Arie, distinguished guests, friends and colleagues.

On behalf of the International Society of Horticultural Science (ISHS) I welcome you to the opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Postharvest Science in this Holy City of Jerusalem. As Chair of the Postharvest Commission, I represent Dr Chris Brickell, President of the ISHS who regrettably is unable to be present.

This is a very important Conference for the international Postharvest Science community. Once every four years we are able to meet and share our knowledge and experience in this important area of horticultural science. Such meetings enable us to maintain and extend out network of international colleagues. We hope and expect that our combined efforts will result in an increase in the quality, quantity, safety and supply of fruits, vegetables, flowers and plants so essential to the nutrition and well being of people throughout the world.

The Postharvest Commission of the ISHS is thriving with an increasing number of members nominating this as their prime Commission/Section of interest. At present membership in this Commission stands at 170, up from 86 in 1998. I am certain that this increase reflects the national and international importance of maintaining food security, quality and profitability.

It is very gratifying to see so many participants at this meeting. Nearly 400 people from over 40 countries have registered; each successive Conference has seen an increase in numbers and this is most pleasing. While I know this reflects the increasing importance of Postharvest Science overall, I am also aware that the venue was an important drawcard in this significant Millennium year. Maybe the week was also important as we had to ‘compete’ with His Holiness Pope John for at least part of the time during our stay.

It is also significant that we have this meeting in Israel. Scientists from his country have made, and continue to make, enormous contributions to Postharvest Science and Technology. Many of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of our science have come from or worked in Israel, and have made enormous contributions to our understanding of physiological, biochemical, pathological and molecular aspects of senescence and deterioration.

There has always been a close working relationship between scientists in Government Institutions and Universities with the major horticultural industries in Israel. This collaboration has ensured that knowledge and technology transfer is effected rapidly, with industry avidly wishing to utilise new information as soon as it is generated by the scientific community. I suggest that this successful partnership should be examined carefully by other countries with the intention of utilising appropriate activities that suit their own conditions.

I am sure that we are all looking forward to both the scientific and social sides of this meeting. I encourage you all to participate actively, to enter enthusiastically into discussion of papers and posters, to make new friends and bask in the company of old acquaintances. Above all enjoy the meeting, enjoy the tours, enjoy the Old City and most importantly have fun.

Finally on your behalf I thank Dr Ruth Ben Arie and her hardworking Organising Committee for all the time that they have devoted to ensuring the success of the Conference. Without their efforts this event would not happen. We all know how much personal and professional effort is needed to bring such a meeting to fruition. We thank you very much.

Errol W. Hewett Chair Postharvest Commission, ISHS