UV hormesis in fruits : a concept ripe for commercialisation

Hormesis is the application of potentially harmful agents at low doses to living organisms in order to induce stress responses. When fruit are exposed to low doses of UV a number of changes are induced including the production of anti-fungal compounds and delays in ripening. Both of these responses could be exploited by the horticultural sector to reduce postharvest losses. We review the results of UV treatment of a variety of fruits and the work done in identifying chemical changes in them. The prospects for treating fruits with UV on a commercial scale are considered.