Amount Of Total Soluble Solids Research Articles

Physicochemical characterization of four varieties of prickly pear (Opuntia spp.)

Objective: To characterize the physicochemical properties of the pulp from four varieties of prickly pear collected in three localities from the municipality of Salinas, San Luis Potosí. Design/Methodology/Approach: The following characteristics were recorded in 15 fruits of each variety: fruit size (equatorial and polar diameter), fresh biomass of total fruit, peel, and locule. Nine fruits per replicate were used (one fruit equals one replicate) to analyze moisture, ash content, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble sugars. Results: The physical differences of the fruits, total fresh weight, and equatorial and polar diameter match the typical characteristics of each variety. The largest fruits were (in descending order): Cristalina, Fafayuca, Naranjona, and Cardona. The highest moisture percentage (87.34%) was reported in Cristalina. Varieties such as Fafayuca from La Reforma and Naranjona from Salinas de Hidalgo had the highest and lowest concentration of total soluble sugars (25.84 and 11.46 g 100 g-1 FW, respectively). The fruits had a titratable acidity from 0.01 to 0.03% citric acid, while total soluble solids ranged from 11.60 to 15.84 °Brix. Study Limitations/Implications: Harvesting was based on the visual parameters established by the farmers. Findings/Conclusions: Fruits harvested from backyard orchards (<500 m2) had fruits of greater weight, which are used for self-consumption. The amount of total soluble solids and total soluble sugars per variety was different between localities, indicating that farmers from different localities have different harvesting criteria.

Influence of Naphthalene Acetic Acid, Gibberellic Acid and Calcium Chloride on Quality Parameters of Kagzi Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

An experiment was carried out to investigate the influence of Naphthalene acetic acid, Gibberellic acid and Calcium chloride on quality parameters of Kagzi lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) in the Garden, Dept. of Fruit Science, C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during two cropping seasons i.e., 2021-2022, 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and Ten treatments viz, T1-NAA (20 ppm), T2-NAA (40 ppm), T3-NAA (60 ppm), T4-GA3 (10 ppm), T5-GA3 (20 ppm), T6-GA3 (30 ppm),T7-CaCl2 (0.10%),T8-CaCl2 (0.15%),T9-CaCl2 (0.2%) and T10-Control (water spray only). During both years of investigation, it was recorded that GA3 at 20 ppm exhibited significantly higher amount of total soluble solids (9.300Brix) andtitratable acidity (8.70%) as compared to all other treatments. Similarly, NAA treatments also contributed to an increase in the TSS and titratable acidity content with the rise in their concentrations. In terms of TSS: acid ratio, there were no significant differences were recorded within the treatments, indicating its stability. Ascorbic acid content was significantly higher in GA3 treated fruits and with the GA3 at 20 ppm maximum amount of ascorbic acid was recorded (56.47 mg/100ml juice) while the control fruits had the lowest ascorbic acid content. The juice content in fruits were increased in NAA and GA3 treatments, while in CaCl2 treatments it remained relatively stable. Higher amount of juice content (56.49%) was also recorded in fruits treated with GA3 at 20 ppm. In the context of sugar content, GA3 at 20 ppm also exhibited the highest reducing (0.86%), non-reducing (0.70%) and total sugar (1.56%) content in the plains of north India.

Hot water treatment in combination with silicate salts dipping for controlling apple gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr.

BackgroundGray mold is the most prevalent postharvest disease of apple fruits in Egypt. In this study, five isolates of Botrytis cinerea were isolated from apple fruits that had postharvest decay symptoms. Investigations were made into the pathogenicity tests of these isolates as well as the molecular identification of the most virulent isolate. A study was done in vitro to see how B. cinerea's mycelial growth and conidial germination would be affected by hot water treatments (HWT) at temperatures of 25, 50, 52, 54, or 56 °C for 10, 20, 30, or 40 s as well as silicate salts (SS), specifically potassium silicate and sodium silicate at 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0%. The effectiveness of hot water treatment and silicate salts dipping (SSD), both separately and together, for preventing B. cinerea infection and preserving the natural qualities of apple fruits was investigated in vivo.ResultsPathogenicity tests on apples (Anna cv.) revealed that B. cinerea isolate (Bc-1) was found to be the most virulent. This isolate was identified as belonging to the fungus B. cinerea through molecular testing using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, and it has since been added to Gene Bank with the accession number ON1498639.1. The lethal temperature for B. cinerea mycelial growth and spore germination in vitro was 54 °C/30 s and 54 °C/10 s, respectively. At a 6.0%, the SS, specifically potassium silicate and sodium silicate, completely prevented pathogen growth. When applied separately, HWT (60 °C/30 s) and SSD (6.0%/1 min) significantly reduced B. cinerea decay of apple fruits stored at 20 ± 2 °C for 15 days. In terms of control efficacy, the HWT (60 °C/30 s) and SSD (6.0%/1 min) combination performed better.ConclusionsWhen apple fruits are stored at 20 ± 2 °C for 15 days, the combination of HWT (60 °C/30 s) and SSD (6.0%/1 min) may be an efficient way to control the gray mold disease. The amount of total soluble solids (TSS) in apple fruits was unaffected by these treatments, but they significantly lessened fruit weight loss after 40 days of storage at 20 ± 2 °C.

Response of fruits of two pomegranate cultivars to dipping with Chitosan during cold storage

The study was carried out in one of the cold stores in Diyala Governorate; the fruits of two cultivars of pomegranate, Salimi and Shami, were collected from the orchards of Diyala Governorate, Khirnabat village, from trees aged 5-6 years. The storage treatments were as follows: two cultivars of pomegranate, Salimi sour and Shami, the fruits were dipped in Chitosan at a concentration of 2% for 5 minutes, in addition to the control treatment (dipping in distilled water only). The fruits were stored at a temperature of 8 ± 1 ° and relative humidity of 85-90% for three months, and measurements were taken at intervals (beginning of storage after 45 days of storage, and after 90 days of storage). The results were analyzed with a factorial experiment with CRD design, and the averages were compared with the LSD test with a probability level of 0.05. The cultivar was significantly superior in the percentage of total soluble solids) 14.10(, anthocyanin pigment)3.005( and total soluble solids / total acidity (TSS/TA)( 19.59) compared with Shami cultivar, while Shami cultivar was significantly superior in total acidity(1.232 ) and vitamin C )26.80(content over Salimi cultivar, the treated fruits with Chitosan at a concentration of 2% gave a clear superiority in the amount of total acidity,( 1.232) the amount of vitamin C(26.80) and the amount of anthocyanin pigment in the fruits compared with the control treatment. At the same time, there was no significant effect of Chitosan on total soluble solids (TSS)( 13.77 ) and TSS/TA(19.26 ). The results also showed that the amount of TSS, the total acidity and the juice content of vitamin C was significantly decreased with the continuation of storage compared with the beginning of storage at the time when the accumulation of anthocyanin(2.209 ) pigment and TSS/TA(19.53) was increased, there was an apparent effect of the interaction between treatments on the storage characteristics of pomegranate fruits. Keywords: Pomegranate, Chitosan, Fruit and Storage

Potential of wild edible fruits for nutrition in indigenous communities of Northwest Himalaya, India

Background: In the rural areas of Himachal Pradesh, poor and tribal people depend on a variety of wild plants, animals, and fungi for their own consumption and for income generation. Despite their role in bridging periods of food shortages and providing dietary variety, most of wild edible plants are not accessed for nutritional potential. This is particularly true for the district of Kinnaur (a predominantly tribal area) of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, the present study was carried out to study the nutrient content of ten wild edible fruit species growing in the district of Kinnaur. The species included Berberis aristata, Elaeagnus umbellata, Hippophae salicifolia, Malus baccata, Prunus cornuta, Prunus persica, Pyrus pashia, Ramaria botrytis, Rosa webbiana and Viburnum cotinifolium. Methods: The samples collected from the identified plants were cleaned, dried, powdered and stored in airtight containers for laboratory analysis. Fresh fruit pulp was used for measurement of pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid. Fresh weight of fruit pulp was recorded by using a digital balance and the samples were later oven dried (60°C) for moisture content determination (AOAC, 2006). All the dried samples were pulverized in pestle and mortar into fine powder separately and stored in airtight containers, free from contamination till other parameters were determined. All the parameters were evaluated in triplicates, results were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and reported as mean ± standard error. Results: The moisture content of the fruits varied from 58.76% to 89.75% while pH values ranged from 2.91 to 3.86. The crude protein of species varied between 0.38% - 4.58%. Prunus cornuta contained high amount of total soluble solids, TSS (18.53o Brix). The acidity in the fruits ranged between 0.47-2.73%. The total carbohydrate content varied between 19.52% and 78.40%. The highest sugars (7.60%) were observed in the fruits of Viburnum cotinifolium. Total phenols ranged in between 0.26-1.47%. The maximum ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity was recorded in fruits of Hippophae salicifolia. These wild edible plants had also significant amounts of minerals. Conclusion: The study shows that these wild edible plant species are good sources of nutrition for rural population. Keeping in view the nutritional values and commercial potential, these important species need to be conserved in their natural habitats and should be included in traditional agricultural systems. Domestication of these species will not only improve the economic condition of the local people but also aid in the conservation of biodiversity. Key words: Wild edible plants, nutritive values, domestication, conservation.

Evaluation of pH and total soluble solid (ºbrix) on the cariogenic and erosive potential of milk powder infantile formula

The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of pH and the amount of Total Soluble Solids on the ºBrix scale on the cariogenic and erosive potential of powdered infant formula. This is a laboratory study with 5 brands of powdered infant formula for children aged 6 to 36 months. Brands with intact packaging, stored in cool places and within the expiry date for consumption were included. Obtaining the Brixº was performed by refractometer and pH with a pHmeter with a cycle of three repetitions. Of the five brands tested, the sugar levels on the ºBrix scale were between 10.67 and 12.0, with all maras having total carbohydrate values ​​between 9.0 and 14.0 g, which are considered healthy. Regarding the pH, four had a pH lower than 7, being considered acidic and all above the critical pH (5.5) for dissolution of dental structures. It was concluded that by measuring pH and sugars on the Brixº scale, the brands analyzed were within acceptable standards for maintaining oral health, making these two factors positive determinants so as not to influence the cariogenic and/or erosive potential of milk powder infant formula.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Regimes on Growth Patterns and Antioxidants Capacity of Strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler

Fertilization, either in the form of organic or inorganic, always affects plant growth, yield, and nutritional quality of fruit crops. Further, the efficacy of fertilizers depends on various factors, including the area, climatic conditions, and cultivars. Rawalakot has ideal climatic conditions for growing strawberries. However, no studies related to the impact of different soil amendments on the growth habit and fruit quality of strawberries have been conducted so far. Therefore, in this study, different combinations of organic (farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM)) and inorganic (urea) (N 150 kg/ha) fertilizers were used for comparison of growth pattern and postharvest quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. The organic and inorganic fertilizer regimes showed comparatively better results in terms of all the parameters studied. However, plants grown on soils amended with FYM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha and FYM equivalent to 50 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 50 kg N per ha + urea 50 kg N per ha showed 41% and 28% more survival percentage compared to control. Furthermore, the number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and yield were significantly high in plants grown on amended soil. Moreover, a significantly high amount of total soluble solids (10.0°Brix), titratable acidity (1.18%), ash (0.84%), fiber (3.03%), total phenols (7.61 μg gallic acid/g fresh weight), total flavonoids (7.93 mmol quercetin/100 g fresh weight), and total antioxidants (0.60 activity of FeSO4 mg/g fresh weight) was noted in comparison with control. Similarly, a combined treatment of FYM, PM, and urea also showed good results in terms of all the growth and fruit quality parameters as compared with other fertilizer regimes as well as control. However, the overall results of this study revealed that strawberries grown on soil amended with a combined dose of FYM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha could be a potential dose for maximum yield and better quality fruits of strawberry.

Maintenance of pomegranate arils quality by zinc enrichment, a comparison between zinc sulfate and nano zinc oxide

Pomegranate arils are very perishable which restricts the distribution and supply chains of arils. Zinc treatment not only may fortify arils, but also has the capability of preventing the growth of pathogens. This study was performed to compare two different forms of zinc including nano zinc oxide (nZnO) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), each one in four concentrations of 0 %, 0.4 %, 0.6 % and 0.8 %. Zinc enrichment was evaluated by atomic absorption. Zinc enriched arils were stored in polypropylene-packed containers weighing approximately 50 g at 5 °C and 90–95 % relative humidity. Sampling was done at 5 d intervals during 30 d of storage. Zinc content in arils treated with 0.8 % ZnSO4 was 37.5 times more than the control, which can be a very effective way to meet body nutritional needs. Zinc treatment had an effect on all measured indices. The highest amount of total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and anthocyanin content, and the lowest weight loss (WL) were found in the arils treated with 0.8 % ZnSO4. Overall, 0.8 % ZnSO4 followed by 0.8 % nZnO treatments were the most beneficial treatments to increase the shelf life and to maintain arils qualitative characteristics.

Changes in Vegetative and Reproductive Growth and Quality Parameters of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler Grown at Different Substrates

Growth substrates (polyester wool, rice husk, and wheat straw), along with soil as control treatment, were compared for vegetative growth, yield, and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. All growth substrates tested showed good results in terms of growth rate as compared with control. Strawberry plants grown in polyester wool showed the highest (89.50%) survival rate as compared to rice husk (70.50%), wheat straw (64.63%), and control (67.56%). Moreover, a significant increase was observed among number of flowers, fruits, and yield in plants grown in polyester wool. Besides, a significant high amount of total soluble solids (TSS) (12.38 ºBrix), titratable acidity (TA) (1.21%), ash (0.72%), vitamin C (37.39 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (3.90 µg/100 g), and total anthocyanins (3.47 cyanidine-3-glucoside/100 g) was recorded in fruits grown in polyester wool as compared to control. From these results, it can be concluded that the use of polyester wool as a growth substrate for strawberries can give higher yield and better fruit quality.

Postharvest quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa (Duchesne ex Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier) genotypes according to vernalization

La producción de frutilla en Paraguay es realizada por pequeños productores, usando escasa tecnología y obtención de baja productividad, con la necesidad de ampliar los genotipos y la tecnología utilizada. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la calidad de frutos de genotipos de frutilla en función a la vernalización. El diseño utilizado fue el de bloques completos al azar con arreglo factorial 14x2. Los factores estuvieron constituidos por los genotipos y la vernalización con 15 plantas por tratamiento y tres repeticiones. Las mudas fueron mantenidas en cámara fría a 5°C, con 8 horas luz artificial y 16 de oscuridad por un periodo de 25 días. Se utilizaron cinco frutos por tratamiento y fueron evaluadas la cantidad de sólidos solubles totales, acidez titulable, relación de sólidos solubles totales con acidez titulable, relación longitud/diámetro, relación: diámetro del cáliz/diámetro del fruto, longitud del pedúnculo y pérdida de masa en postcosecha. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a análisis de varianza en esquema factorial simple y las medias comparadas por el test de Tukey al 5% de probabilidad de error. La vernalización de las mudas no afectó la forma de los frutos de frutilla ni el contenido de sólidos solubles totales, pero aumentó el porcentaje de ácido cítrico. Así mismo, aumentaron la longitud del pedúnculo de la planta y la extensión del cáliz del fruto. Por otro lado, la vernalización disminuyó la pérdida postcosecha de masa fresca, pero no afectó la conservación de frutos a 5ºC. Los genotipos Festival y Florida Eliane pueden ser recomendados para consumo in natura y los genotipos Dover y Oso Grande para industria.

Chinese jujube physicochemical characteristics, storability and marketing in response to preharvest application of salicylic acid and calcium nitrate

Our study was conducted on Chinese jujube ( Ziziphus jujuba Mill .) to investigate the effects of preharvest application of salicylic acid and calcium nitrate on total soluble solids, titratable acidity, fruit firmness, total soluble solids / titratable acidity, electrolyte leakage, weight loss, PH, fruit length, fruit width, seed length, and seed diameter . Results indicated that salicylic acid and calcium nitrate increased fruit firmness, titratable acidity and reduced total soluble solids / titratable acidity, ion leakage and weight loss, but fruit width was increased only by Calcium Nitrate and total soluble solids was reduced only by salicylic acid. Fruit length, seed length, seed diameter and PH were not significantly changed. Maximum fruit firmness (4.22 N) was obtained in treatment containing calcium nitrate 2%. Treatment containing 2 mM and calcium nitrate 2% had the highest amount of titratable acidity (0.45 mg/100g FW). The lowest ion leakage (29.26%) and the highest fruit width (16.6 mm), observed in calcium nitrate 2%. Treatment containing salicylic acid 4mM had the lowest amount of total soluble solids / titratable acidity (57.01) and weight loss (3.78%). The lowest TSS content (23.11%) observed in salicylic acid 4mM. Based on the results salicylic acid and calcium nitrate played an important role in maintaining and extending post-harvest quality of fresh jujube fruit and could cause at least a 10-day delay in the reduction of the amounts of these attributes.

Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on postharvest quality of Roxo-de-Valinhos fresh ripe figs

El higo es una de las frutas más perecederas en la poscosecha, lo cual ha promovido estudios para evaluar el efecto a aplicación de sustancias en el fruto después de la cosecha con el fin de conservar su calidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes concentraciones 1-metilciclopropeno (1-MCP) en la calidad de poscosecha del higo variedad Roxo-de-Valinhos. El experimento fue realizado con aplicaciones de cuatro concentraciones de 1-MCP (0 - testigo, 5, 10 y 20 μg L-1) en los frutos que fueran evaluados en cinco diferentes períodos de almacenamiento (0, 4, 8, 12 y 16 días). El tratamiento con 1-MCP no aumentó el contenido de sólidos solubles totales (SST), sin embargo se observó un considerable incremento en el período de 12 y 16 días de almacenamiento. La acidez elevada fue obtenida en los frutos no tratados con 1-MCP a los 8 días de almacenamiento y en los tratados con 20 μg L-1 de 1-MCP a los 12 días de almacenamiento. El 1-MCP no influenció en la pérdida de peso de los frutos. Los higos tratados con las dosis de 1-MCP mostraron valores prometedores y crecientes de firmeza, acidez y SST. Las concentraciones de SST tendieron a aumentar a una dosis más alta, por lo que puede ser interesante probar esta sustancia aplicada en las concentraciones más altas que las utilizadas en este trabajo.

Characterization of mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes based on physio-chemical quality attributes

Evaluation of fruit crops has been successfully utilized for studying the performance of varieties under different agro climatic regions time to time. In the present study cultivars were characterized on the basis of their physico-biochemical attributes. “Mallika” and “Neelgoa” were found superior in terms of fruit weight (321.87 g), size (12.55 cm, 8.13 cm), pulp weight (257.91 g) and pulp stone ratio (7.71) respectively. “Mallika” excelled in terms of sugar (20.82), while “Amrapali” in carotenoids (8.38 mg/100 g). Among them, Mallika (22.41?B) possessed the high-est amount of total soluble solids while lowest amount in Langra (16.90 ?B) whereas maximum titrable. The study shows the potential of Amrapali in terms of its quality, being late can meet the demand for later period when no other cultivar is available.

Regional Differences in Onion Bulb Quality and Nutrient Content, and the Correlation Between Bulb Characteristics and Storage Loss

Many onion growers and researchers assert that differences in soil type, agricultural practices, weather, and duration of prolonged onion cultivation in a particular field could affect onion bulb quality. This study evaluates the bulb quality of onions grown in different regions and determines the correlations between bulb characteristics and postharvest loss during cold and ambient storage. Soil and onion bulbs were collected from fields in six onion growing regions in Korea, during the growing season of 2011-2012. The fresh weight, dry matter content, and carbon (C), sulfur and magnesium contents of the onion bulbs were significantly affected by the location in which they were grown. Bulbs grown in Muan had the greatest number of scales, thinnest scale thickness, and the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and total flavonoids (TF). Bulbs originating from Jecheon had the lowest pyruvic acid (PA), total phenolics and TF. Storage loss of bulbs from the different regions was similar in refrigerated storage, but differed in ambient temperature storage. Bulb fresh weight was positively correlated with scale thickness (r = 0.617) and cold storage loss (CSL; r = 0.398). Dry matter content was positively correlated with C (r = 0.958) and TF (r = 0.256) contents, while it was negatively correlated with CSL (r = -0.424). CSL was primarily affected by the fresh weight, as well as the dry matter, C, and PA contents of the bulbs, while ambient storage loss was primarily influenced by the amount of TSS.

Effect of pre-harvest Potassium Treatment on Stem-end Rot Disease Development of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)cv. TomEJC during Fruit Ripening

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. TomEJC has utmost potential in export market due to its unique quality. Post-harvest disease of mango such as stem-end rot can cause considerable losses of fruits and could therefore be considered as a great threat to local and export market. This disease is controlled by application of fungicides from the time of flowering in cultivations where this disease is severe. However, the use of fungicides could lead to hazardous effects such as oncogenic risks on the consumers. Therefore, search for alternative measures for the management of stem-end rot disease is essential. In this study, an attempt was made to find out the effect of pre-harvest application of KCl on controlling stem-end rot disease development of ripe fruit. KCl at concentrations of 1 gl-1, 2 gl-1 and 4 gl-1 were sprayed on fruit when fruits were immature. All fruits were bagged with paper bags and fruits were harvested at the correct maturity stage. Then all fruits were inoculated with Botryodiplodia theobromae mycelial plug and allowed for natural ripening. A significant difference was observed in fruit length, fruit width and fruit volume in KCl- treated fruits when compared to controls. Highest fruit volume was observed in 1 gl-1 KCl- treated fruits and the lowest amount of total soluble solids was observed in 2 gl-1 KCl- treated fruits. An increase in lightness and yellowness of peel color in KCl- treated fruits when compared to control II (non-inoculated, non-treated) was evident, indicated by increasing L*, b* and chroma values. However, no significant difference in hue values of peel color was observed among treatments. Flesh color showed a different response to treatments and no difference in chroma value was observed among treatments. The highest L* value and hue value was observed in 2 gl-1 KCl- treated fruits. Incidence and severity of stem-end rot was significantly decreased by 2 gl-1 KCl treatment without drastically affecting the physico-chemical properties of fruits. Vast research has shown that potassium and chloride fertility have been effective in reducing crop injury from diseases. Different mechanisms such as nutritional effects, changes of the host-pathogen environment and production of disease inhibitory compounds could be some possible ways of action of both K and Cl in modifying disease resistance or susceptibility. Since 2 gl-1 KCl was able to suppress stem-end rot disease development in inoculated fruits, this concentration can be recommended as a field application to control this disease in mango variety tested after repeating the same experiment at different locations.

COMPARING FRUIT QUANTITATIVE AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WILD BLACKBERRY (RUBUS SANCTUS SCHREB) GENOTYPES FROM NORTH AND SOUTH OF IRAN

Rubus sanctus is a blackberry species which is widely distributed in Iran from the wet climate in the north (Caspian Sea) to the cold climate in the west and even to some semi-arid climates in the southwest of the country. The present work aimed to compare the fruit quantitative attributes and nutritional value of 16 genotypes of this species growing in 16 sites located in two different climatic conditions, in the north and south of Iran. Pomological traits of the fruits were characterized by the fruit length, diameter, weight and number of drupelets measured. The chemical traits of the juice were also measured, precisely the amount of total anthocyanins, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenols, and titratable acid (TA). Results showed variability between fruits collected in the two parts of the country. Large sized fruits were found in the southern region. Fruit length and number of drupelets did not present significant differences between the two regions. The highest amount of anthocyanins and TA were also related to samples of the southern region but the highest amount of TSS and total phenols were related to samples of the northern area. Cluster analysis revealed two main clusters where the 16 accessions collected from the two regions were grouped independently of their origin.

Physico-chemical properties and mineral content of selected tropical fruits in Bangladesh

Physico-chemical properties and mineral contents of tropical fruits available at local market in Dhaka city were evaluated as fruits are the essential part of human diet to supply required micronutrient. Among the analyzed fruits, maximum and minimum amount of moisture was found in java apple (93.26±1.77%) and indian plum (66.86±1.81%) respectively. Mango contains highest amount of total soluble solids (15.20±0.81%) and total sugar (4.71±0.08%). Highest and lowest amount of vitamin C was found in guava (212.82±6.92 mg/100g) and java apple (10±1.77 mg/100g) respectively. Approximate energy value was found highest in indian plum (128.1±5.51kcal/100g) and lowest in green palmyra palm (27.7±2.64 kcal/100g). Indian plum (139.32±9.53mg/100g) and mango (34.03±6.81mg/100g) contain highest and lowest amount of sodium whereas rose apple (75.15±0.02mg/100g) and mango (10.23±1.94mg/100g) contain highest and lowest amount of potassium respectively. Heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb and Hg) were not detected in analyzed tropical fruits. This study suggests that the tropical fruits are enriched in micronutrients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v49i3.22126 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 49(3), 131-136, 2014

Effect of salicylic acid on date bunch fading disorder

Salicylic acid is a phenolic compound which could have an active role in the process of drought tolerance of plants. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of salicylic acid on date bunch fading disorder of Mazafati date cultivar, in a randomized complete block design with 5 levels of salicylic acid treatments' 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100ppm, at beginning of Khalal stage, in three replicates and two location of Bam region. In this study the percentage of damaged fruits caused by date bunch fading disorder, length of fruit, diameter of fruit, weight of fruit, pulp to seed ratio, yield, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, percentage of total sugar, and percentage of protein were evaluated. Experimental date palm trees treated with 75ppm salicylic acid showed 45% reduction of damaged fruits caused by date bunch fading disorder in compare to other treatments at the 1% level of probability by Duncan's test. Furthermore, the application of 100ppm salicylic acid caused yield increase rate of 12kg per tree in compare to controls at the 1% level of probability by Duncan's test. Although some of salicylic acid treatments were effective in reduction of the damaged fruits caused by date bunch fading disorder and increase in yield of palm trees, but showed no significant effect on the physico-chemical characteristics of fruit. According to the biennium ANOVA table, some characteristics (length of fruit, weight of fruit, pulp to seed ratio, pH, total soluble solids, total sugar, percentage of protein, percentage of fruit moisture, and titratable acidity) did not show any significant differences, but the results of the classification by Duncan's test showed that spraying with salicylic acid solution in all treatments increased length of fruit, diameter of fruit, weight of fruit, pulp to seed ratio, yield, titratable acidity and pH, except for a reduction in the amount of total soluble solids and total sugar in compare to control.

Effect of Canopy Management Practices during forward Pruning on Berry Development and Photosynthesis in Tas-A-Ganesh Grapes

Effect of canopy manipulation during forward pruning on berry development and photosynthetic parameters was studied in Tas-A-Ganesh grape grafted onto Dogridge rootstock. Canopy manipulation including shoot thinning, leaf removal, shoot thinning with leaf removal, and shoot pinching, was done after forward pruning. Significant differences were observed in yield and quality. Shoot thinning to about 40 shoots per vine, with removal of three basal leaves, resulted in significantly higher yield, followed by that in shoot thinning alone. Lowest yield was recorded in the Control. Leaf removal drastically reduced bunch development affecting berry weight, diameter and length compared to other treatments. Among different canopy manipulation treatments, higher average bunch weight was recorded in shoot thinning plus leaf removal, whereas, lowest bunch weight was recorded with leaf removal alone. At harvest, the amount of total soluble solids in berries was low in leaf removal at pre-bloom stage, but increased in the treatment of shoot thinning with leaf removal, at the same stage. Different canopy manipulation treatments had significant impact on photosynthesis and transpiration rates. Overall results indicated that canopy manipulation practices such as shoot thinning, to retain 40 shoots per vine with or without leaf removal, followed by pinching, can be recommended to grape growers.

Influence of Osmotic Pre-treatment on Convective Drying Kinetics of Figs

Abstract This work evaluated the effects of osmotic dehydration on convective drying kinetics of figs. It used the experimental design methodology to evaluate the influence of sucrose concentration, temperature and time on the amount of total soluble solids (TSS) and moisture content of the figs. After the osmotic dehydration, it evaluated the convective drying kinetics at temperatures from 55 to 75°C. A mathematical model was employed to fit the experimental data. From the experimental data of the osmotic dehydration, it was seen that the moisture content of the figs after the treatment was closely related to the amount of TSS of the figs. Low moisture content and high TSS content were obtained for a narrow range of independent variables comprised between 55–60°C, 55–63 wt% and 260–280 min for temperature, sucrose concentration and exposure time, respectively. In the convective drying kinetics of the figs, there were no verified significant differences in the final time of drying of non-treated and osmotically dehydrated figs. However, the shrinkage was considerably reduced in the osmotically treated figs. The use of osmotic treatment enables the obtainment of figs softer than the simple use of convective drying without changing the final time of drying.