Bagging Treatment Research Articles

Successive stamen movement in Saxifraga candelabrum is responsive to weather and pollinator visits

BackgroundSuccessive stamen movement is a complex plant behavior involving successive uplift of stamens and pollen release, which plays a role in reducing sexual interference, increasing pollen deposition and promoting pollen export. Although reported from several taxa, studies on whether the movement can be influenced by abiotic and biotic factors are scarce.MethodsIn this study, we here for the first time described a pattern of successive stamen movement in Saxifraga candelabrum (Saxifragaceae). We then compared the rates of stamen movement in S. candelabrum under different weather and varying pollinator visits. Pollen packaging and presentation schedule of S. candelabrum were also investigated.ResultsThe results showed that the number of stamens bent per day in sunny days was significantly higher than overcast and rain. Flowers that receive more pollinator visits (control treatment) had significantly higher number of stamen movement than those that received fewer (removal treatment) and none (bagging treatment). Throughout the staminate phase of a flower, there was a progressive increase in both pollen quantity of individual stamens and pollen presentation during each day.ConclusionOur research demonstrates that successive stamen movement in S. candelabrum was accelerated by favorable weather and increased pollinator visits, which may promote pollen export. Moreover, incremental pollen packaging is likely an adaptation to seasonal regularity in variations of sex ratio resulting from protandry.

Reduced Root Volume at Establishment, Canopy Growth and Fruit Production in ‘Lapins’/‘Colt’ and ‘Regina’/‘Gisela 12’ Sweet Cherry Trees

The success of establishing fruit orchards has traditionally been attributed to the vigor of the nursery plant used. This study aimed to evaluate the post-transplant survival, canopy growth and fruit productivity of two sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars (‘Lapins’/‘Colt’ and ‘Regina’/‘Gisela 12’) with different radicular basal volumes of 100%, 50% and 25% and nursery plant types: (i) bare root (BR) or (ii) bagged (B). The initial stem diameter of the plants ranged from 12 to 19 mm, and their height ranged from 1.4 to 1.8 m. Plants grafted onto ‘Colt’ rootstock exhibited twice the initial root volume compared to those grafted onto ‘Gisela 12’. Evaluations were carried out in three commercial orchards during three seasons in the Central Valley of Chile. The results indicated that root volume and nursery type did not affect plant survival and productivity. For ‘Regina’/‘Gisela 12’, only the bag treatment resulted in less trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) and shoot length, and for ‘Lapins’/‘Colt’, the BR25 treatment showed a lower initial TCSA than other treatments, although without a negative effect on yield. Hence, the presumption about the influence of root volume and plant type on the successful establishment of a sweet cherry on ‘Colt’ and ‘Gisela 12’ rootstock can be discarded. The survival, growth and precocity of the orchard depend more on post-planting conditions and water management than on the number or type of nursery plant roots. It is important to prioritize proper post-planting care and water management for optimal orchard health.

Identification of Flavonoid 3′-Hydroxylase Genes from Red Chinese Sand Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) and Their Regulation of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Fruit Peel

The red Chinese sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) is native to China and exhibits a unique fruit coloration pattern. Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) catalyzes the hydroxylation of flavonoids, which subsequently determines the components of anthocyanins and the color of plant organs. Two genes encoding flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII, have been identified in red Chinese sand pears. The coding regions for PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII were 1542 and 1536 bp in length, respectively. PpF3′HI shared 95% of its amino acid sequence identity with PpF3′HII, and a highly conserved P450 superfamily domain was found both in PpF3′HI and in PpF3′HII. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII clustered with MdF3′HI and MdF3′HII, respectively. PpF3′H genes were highly expressed in anthocyanin-enriched tissues such as young leaves, and transcription of PpF3′H genes corresponded to anthocyanin biosynthesis during the developmental stages, bagging treatment, and postharvest UV-B/visible irradiation treatment. A Y1H assay showed that PpMYB10 and PpHY5 could interact with the −419 bp to 0 bp and −746 bp to −396 bp fragments of the PpF3′HI promoter region, respectively. Understanding the mechanism of flavonoid hydroxylation patterns will, in turn, promote the development of new technologies for modifying flavonoid and anthocyanin composition in fruits.

In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion of Various Sweet Potato Leaves: Polyphenol Profiles, Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability Elucidation.

The chemical composition discrepancies of five sweet potato leaves (SPLs) and their phenolic profile variations during in vitro digestion were investigated. The results indicated that Ecaishu No. 10 (EC10) provided better retention capacity for phenolic compounds after drying. Furthermore, polyphenols were progressively released from the matrix as the digestion process proceeded. The highest bioaccessibility of polyphenols was found in EC10 intestinal chyme at 48.47%. For its phenolic profile, 3-, 4-, and 5-monosubstituted caffeoyl quinic acids were 9.75%, 57.39%, and 79.37%, respectively, while 3,4-, 3,5-, and 4,5-disubstituted caffeoyl quinic acids were 6.55, 0.27 and 13.18%, respectively. In contrast, the 3,4-, 3,5-, 4,5-disubstituted caffeoylquinic acid in the intestinal fluid after dialysis bag treatment was 62.12%, 79.12%, and 62.98%, respectively, which resulted in relatively enhanced bioactivities (DPPH, 10.51 μmol Trolox/g; FRAP, 8.89 μmol Trolox/g; ORAC, 7.32 μmol Trolox/g; IC50 for α-amylase, 19.36 mg/g; IC50 for α-glucosidase, 25.21 mg/g). In summary, desirable phenolic acid release characteristics and bioactivity of EC10 were observed in this study, indicating that it has potential as a functional food ingredient, which is conducive to the exploitation of the sweet potato processing industry from a long-term perspective.

Integrated transcriptomic, metabolomic, and functional analyses unravel the mechanism of bagging delaying fruit cracking of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

The economic impact of fruit cracking in pomegranate products is substantial. In this study, we present the inaugural comprehensive analysis of transcriptome and metabolome in the outermost pericarp of pomegranate fruit in bagging conditions. Our investigation revealed a notable upregulation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the calcium signaling pathway (76.92%) and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes (87.50%) in the fruit peel of non-cracking fruit under bagging. Metabolomic analysis revealed that multiple phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were identified in pomegranate. Among these, calmodulin-like 23 (PgCML23) exhibited a significant correlation with triterpenoids and demonstrated a marked upregulation under bagging treatment. The transgenic tomatoes overexpressing PgCML23 exhibited significantly higher cellulose content and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) enzyme activity in the pericarp at the red ripening stage compared to the wild type. Conversely, water-soluble pectin content, polygalacturonase (PG), and β-galactosidase (β-GAL) enzyme activities were significantly lower in the transgenic tomatoes. Importantly, the heterologous expression of PgCML23 led to a substantial reduction in the fruit cracking rate in tomatoes. Our findings highlight the reduction of fruit cracking in bagging conditions through the manipulation of PgCML23 expression.

Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses of the effects of bagging treatment on carotenoid biosynthesis and regulation of Areca catechu L.

Fresh Aareca nut fruit for fresh fruit chewing commonly found in green or dark green hues. Despite its economic significance, there is currently insufficient research on the study of color and luster of areca. And the areca nut fruits after bagging showed obvious color change from green to tender yellow. In the study, we tried to explain this interesting variation in exocarp color. Fruits were bagged (with a double-layered black interior and yellow exterior) 45 days after pollination and subsequently harvested 120 days after pollination. In this study, we examined the the chlorophyll and carotenoid content of pericarp exocarp, integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics to study the effects of bagging on the carotenoid pathway at the molecular level. It was found that the chlorophyll and carotenoid content of bagged areca nut (YP) exocarp was significantly reduced. A total of 21 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 1784 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by transcriptomics and metabolomics. Three key genes in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway as candidate genes for qPCR validation by co-analysis, which suggested their role in the regulation of pathways related to crtB, crtZ and CYP707A. We described that light intensity may appear as a main factor influencing the noted shift from green to yellow and the ensuing reduction in carotenoid content after bagging.

Noninvasive Ocular Surface Workup in Patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Using Microwave-Heated Eye Bag.

To report the outcomes of a novel microwave heating device (Blepha EyeBag®) used serially for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This prospective single center study was conducted at University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro. Patients were instructed to apply the compress twice daily for 15 days and once per day every two days, as reported in the package insert. Outcome measures were i) ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, ii) tear meniscus height (TMH), iii) non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT) (first and average), iv) meiboscore, v) bulbar redness. Evaluations were performed at baseline (T0) after 15 days (T1) and after 45 days of therapy (T2). Overall, 19 patients with MGD (8 males, 11 females; mean age 64.58 ± 9.72 years) were included. The mean value of OSDI score showed a significant decrease from 28.16 ± 17.46 at T0 to 13.69 ± 7.62 at T2 (p=0.008). The mean value of NIKBUT first significantly increased from 6.67 ± 3.51 seconds (s) at T0 to 10.46 ± 4.64 at T2 (p=0.0121); in parallel, the mean value of NIKBUT average increased significantly from 11.09 ± 4.15 s at T0 to 14.95 ± 4.85 at T2 (p=0.0049). No significant differences were detected at each time point for bulbar redness, meiboscore and TMH. Throughout the entire study, no adverse events were recorded. The microwave-heated eye bag treatment is both safe and effective for treatment of MGD, being able to significantly ameliorate both patient-reported symptoms and tear film stability.

AcMYB10 Involved in Anthocyanin Regulation of 'Hongyang' Kiwifruit Induced via Fruit Bagging and High-Postharvest-Temperature Treatments.

Light and temperature are key factors influencing the accumulation of anthocyanin in fruit crops. To assess the effects of fruit bagging during development and high post-ripening temperature on 'Hongyang' kiwifruit, we compared the pigmentation phenotypes and expression levels of anthocyanin-related genes between bagged and unbagged treatments, and between 25 °C and 37 °C postharvest storage temperatures. Both the bagging and 25 °C treatments showed better pigmentation phenotypes with higher anthocyanin concentrations. The results of the qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the gene expression levels of LDOX (leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase), F3GT (UDP-flavonoid 3-O-glycosyltransferase ), AcMYB10, and AcbHLH42 were strongly correlated and upregulated by both the bagging treatment and 25 °C storage. The results of bimolecular fluorescence complementation and luciferase complementation imaging assays indicated an interaction between AcMYB10 and AcbHLH42 in plant cells, whereas the results of a yeast one-hybrid assay further demonstrated that AcMYB10 activated the promoters of AcLODX and AcF3GT. These results strongly suggest that enhanced anthocyanin synthesis is caused by the promoted expression of AcLODX and AcF3GT, regulated by the complex formed by AcMYB10-AcbHLH42.

Wybrane aspekty chirurgii zaćmy wieku dziecięcego

The authors present a selected practical problems in pediatric cataract surgery (simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery in congenital cataract, anterior and posterior capsular bag treatment, laser capsulotomy, intraocular lens calculation).

Evaluation of Fruit Bunch Bagging Techniques for Improvement of Loquat Fruit Quality

China is the leading country in the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) production followed by Spain and Japan. In Pakistan it is mainly cultivated in two provinces i.e. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Present study is aimed to standardize bagging techniques for loquat fruit to enhance quality. Five treatments such as control (unbagged), magazine paper bags, zip locked perforated plastic bags, Chinese paper bags and butter paper bags were used with three replications. Data were recorded for various parameters, including fruit firmness, fruit color, fruit size, fruit and seed weight, ascorbic acid (mg/100g), titratable acidity (%), TSS (°Brix), and reducing and non-reducing sugars. All treatments showed a significant effect on the differences in the evaluated parameters. It was observed that fruit size, fruit weight and ascorbic acid were enhanced when using magazine paper bags (MPB), while fruit firmness, total soluble solids and skin color showed better results in loquat fruits wrapped with zip-locked perforated plastic bags (ZLPPB) compared to the control (unwrapped fruit). Among the bagging treatments, it was revealed that titratable acidity was highest in butter paper bags. RCBD was used for this study. All the readings were subjected to ANOVA and LSD Test (Least Significant Difference Test) for comparison at a 95% level of confidence. In conclusion, fruit bagging at the early developmental stage of fruit in loquat plants with zip-locked perforated plastic bags (ZLPPB) and magazine paper bags (MPB) can be a good choice to enhace the quality of loquat fruit.

Effects of paper pouches of different light transmittance on the phenolic synthesis and related gene expression in peach fruit

Bagging is a vital cultivation measure for producing high-quality peach fruit, which affects the appearance and internal quality of the fruit by mainly intervening in its exposure to light. However, it is not entirely clear whether bagging affects the content of phenolic compounds or which compounds are most sensitive to bagging treatment, and the regulatory role of bagging on phenolic synthetic-related genes is also unknown. In this experiment, four peach cultivars, 'BJ', 'XH', 'RG', and 'HYT', were bagged with four different types of bags at 50 days after full bloom, with no bag as control, and all fruits were harvested at the commercial maturation stage. The study found that bagged fruits had higher L*, b*, and h° values but lower a* and C* values than non-bagged fruits. Different cultivars and different phenolics exhibited different sensitivities to bagging treatments. Light intensity not only played a decisive role in the accumulation of anthocyanins in peach fruit but also had a strong and widespread impact on other phenolic substances. Overall, light not onlly significantly promoted the accumulation of cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, epicatechin, and rutin but also increased the accumulation of catechin, chlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid to some extent, while shading by bagging inhibited the accumulation of these phenolics. Correspondingly, high light induced the upregulation of most structural genes and transcription factors, including PpPAL1, PpC3H1, PpC3H2, PpDFR, PpLDOX, PpUFGT, and PpMYB10.1, while low light inhibited the expression of these genes in the four varieties. In addition, PpHY5 homolog PpHYH was induced by high light, which might participate in the biosynthesis of the light-regulated phenolic in peach fruit. This study lays the foundation for further analysis of the regulation mechanism of light on the synthesis of phenolic compounds in peach fruit.

PbrWRKY42-PbrSOT13 module regulated sorbitol accumulation in the developing ‘Yali’ fruit after three-layer-paper bagging treatment

As a conventional preharvest handling practice, fruit bagging could control insects and diseases, and therefore improve the visual quality of pear, but suppress the accumulation of soluble sugar. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon has not been fully elucidated until recently. In this study, the three-layer-paper bagging treatment considerably suppressed the accumulation of four soluble sugars in the developing ‘Yali’ fruit. In combination with the expression profiles of the differently expressed sugar-metabolism-related genes, PbrSOT13, encoding a plasma membrane-located protein, was selected and confirmed to participate in sorbitol influx and accumulation in pear. Notably, molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the Asp52 and Arg132 residues were pivotal in this process. After a conjoined analysis of cis-acting elements in PbrSOT13 promoter and the expression profiles of transcription factors, PbrWRKY42 was identified as a candidate upstream regulator of PbrSOT13. The nuclear PbrWRKY42 could bind to the W-box element of PbrSOT13 promoter and then activate its transcription, as evidenced by yeast one-hybrid assay and dual-luciferase assay, thus enhancing sorbitol accumulation in fruit. Further study found that the transcription of PbrSOT13 and PbrWRKY42 was suppressed by the elevated temperature and the reduced light-exposure period, which was the consequence of bagging treatment. Taken together, our results implied that three-layer-paper bagging treatment would alter temperature and light exposure around the developing ‘Yali’ fruit, and thus suppress sorbitol accumulation via the PbrWRKY42-PbrSOT13 module.

Effects of fruit baggings as preharvest treatments on the fruit quality of pineapple ‘MD-2’

The demand for fresh pineapple fruit is currently highest for the MD2 pineapple variety. Continuous efforts are made to enhance the quality of MD2 pineapples, including the fruit skin colour, flesh colour, sweetness, and minimizing sunburn damage. Bagging is one of the pre-harvest methods that can be employed for this purpose. This research aims to find suitable bagging materials that meet the industry's criteria and assess the severity of sunburn in each bagging treatment. A completely randomized design was used in this study, with six different bagging materials and pineapples aged 80 Days After Forcing (DAF). The bagging materials used were the control, blue Polyethylene (PE) bag, white PE bag, black patent bag, paper bag, and the existing cap-shaped bagging technique using recycled paper from banana bagging, as utilized by PT. Great Giant Pineapple. Each treatment involved 120 pineapple samples harvested at 140 DAF. MD2 pineapples without bagging were found to provide the best results according to PT. Great Giant Pineapple's criteria, with green skin colour (1.35%) and uniform yellow flesh (85.62%).

The PbFRK1 gene from pear fruit affects sugar accumulation

Soluble sugar is an important component of pear fruit quality. As a key enzyme of hexose metabolism, hexokinase is closely related to pear fruit quality. However, there are few research reports on the fructokinase (FRK) gene family, consisting of hexose phosphorylases, in pear. Therefore, in this study, two pear varieties, ‘Yali’ and ‘Aikansui’, were used as test materials to study the effects of bagging, a widely used cultivation technique in pear fruit production, on the soluble sugar content and hexokinase activity of pear fruit during the growth process; analyze the response of hexokinase to bagging treatment and the correlation between hexokinase activity and soluble sugar content; and clone the fructokinase gene PbFRK1 from pear fruit. The results showed that bagging treatment inhibited the accumulation of sugar in the fruit to a certain extent. PbFRK1 gene expression was positively correlated with hexokinase activity but negatively correlated with the content of soluble sugar components. In addition, we overexpressed PbFRK1 in tomato. The results showed that the growth of transgenic tomato plants was inhibited, and the soluble sugar content of transgenic tomato plants was significantly lower than that of the wild-type control, while the activity of hexokinase was higher than that of the wild-type control. Therefore, in pears, PbFRK1 seems to be involved in regulating the activity of hexokinase, thereby regulating the sugar content of fruits and affecting plant growth and development. This study is not only meaningful for understanding the molecular mechanism of fruit sugar metabolism but also helpful for guiding breeding and production.

Night and day: Contributions of diurnal and nocturnal visitors to pollen dispersal, paternity diversity, and fruit set in an early-blooming shrub, Daphne jezoensis.

Under uncertain pollinator visit conditions, plants often exhibit long flowering periods and generalized pollination systems. Flowering of the gynodioecious shrub Daphne jezoensis occurs in early spring in cool temperate forests. Pollination by nocturnal moths is expected, given the species' tubular-shaped flowers with sweet fragrance and nectar. However, the effectiveness of nocturnal moths under cool conditions is unknown. We evaluated the relative importance of diurnal and nocturnal visitors as pollinators in early spring. We investigated flowering duration, flower visitors, and floral scents in a natural population. We experimentally exposed flowers to visitors only during daytime or nighttime using bagging treatments and evaluated the contributions of diurnal and nocturnal insects to fruit set, pollen dispersal distance, and paternity diversity using 16 microsatellite markers. Female flowers lasted ~3 wk, which was ~8 d longer than the flowering period of hermaphrodites. Various insects, including Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, visited the flowers during both daytime and nighttime. Flowers emitted volatiles, such as lilac aldehyde isomers and β-ocimene, which are known to attract moths. Fruit-set rate in the night-open treatment was similar to or higher than that in the day-open treatment. However, pollen dispersal distance in the night-open treatment was shorter than that in the day-open treatment. Paternity diversity was similar in day-open and night-open treatments. Early-blooming plants ensure pollen receipt and dispersal by having a long flowering period and using both diurnal and nocturnal flower visitors, suggesting the importance of a generalized pollination system under uncertain pollinator visit conditions.

Metabolome and transcriptome profiling in different bagging pear fruit reveals that PbKCS10 affects the occurrence of superficial scald via regulating the wax formation.

Superficial scald is a physiological disorder of fruit, which is easy to occur during long-term cold storage after harvest. Different preharvest bagging treatments (no bagging, polyethylene bagging and non-woven fabric bagging) were used to explore the occurrence mechanism of superficial scald. UHPLC-MS analysis, GC-MS analysis and RNA-seq revealed the influence of the wax of 'Chili' on the occurrence of superficial scald. The wax content and wax components (Lupeol, lup-20(29)-en-3-one, heptacosane, 9-octadecenoic acid, eicosanoic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid) were significantly higher in the fruit bagged with non-woven fabric (NWF, with low incidence of superficial scald) than that in fruit bagged with polyethylene (PE, high incidence of superficial scald). Transcriptomics and qRT-PCR data identified a wax synthesis gene, PbKCS10, which exhibited high expression levels in fruit with low of superficial scald. The results of gene function showed that PbKCS10 reduced the occurrence of superficial scald by increasing the wax formation.

Case Study of Ozone Bagging Adjuvant Therapy in Wagner II and III Diabetic Foot Ulcers on Wound Healing Process: Three Patients Recovered Completely

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus in the form of ulceration with or without infection. Diabetic foot ulcers that are not handled properly can cause damage to the foot that requires amputation. Wound care techniques for treating diabetic foot ulcers are starting to develop, one of which is ozone bagging therapy. This ozone bagging therapy in diabetic foot ulcers is reported to be useful as an anti-microbial effect, increasing glycemic control, increasing insulin sensitivity, preventing oxidative stress, increasing fibroblast proliferation, and increasing the release of growth factors. This case study will report 3 patients with Wagner II and III-foot ulcers who healed completely within 28 days using ozone bagging treatment as an adjuvant. Methods: 3 patients with diabetic foot ulcers Wagner II and III received ozone bagging therapy every 4 days for 7 sessions (a total of 28 days) as an additional therapy besides treating moist gauze using NaCl. This study used a Medical Ozone Generator. The dose of ozone used with medical oxygen is 1 lpm, flow 0.6, in the first session "high dose" with an output dose of 80-100 mg/l and in the 2nd-7th session with a low dose (25-35 mg/l). Macroscopic assessment of the wound using the Wagner scale and the progress of each treatment session is documented in photographs. Results: On macroscopic measurements, the process of wound healing leading to wound closure was better in the treatment group and was taken as a case for 3 patients who recovered completely. It resulted in 3 patients who recovered completely with a measurement of the Meggitt-Wagner scale of 0.26. Conclusion: For these recovered patients, there was a decrease in VEGF, TGF-β, and PDGF levels. The VEGF, TGF-β, and PDGF levels tested were VEGF, TGF-β, and PDGF levels in wound exudate by comparing them on the 3rd day. 1st and 12th day. Supported by macroscopic data showing that the wound healing process was better in the group that received ozone bagging therapy as an adjuvant. From this study it was found that the trend of decreasing levels of VEGF, TGF-β, and PDGF in wound exudate occurred because the inflammatory and proliferative processes in the treatment group lasted more faster than the control group. Keywords: ozone bagging therapy, diabetic ulcers, wound exudate, growth factors, VEGF, TGF-β, and PDGF, Meggitt-Wagner scale.

Effect of pre-harvest fruit bagging on biotic stresses and postharvest quality of banana

A study was conducted to determine the impact of pre-harvest fruit bagging on banana maturity, pest and disease management, and postharvest quality. The bunch was wrapped in a variety of bags, including white polythene bag, blue polythene bag, muslin cloth bag, gunny bag, brown paper bag and non-bagging (control). The study was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed that banana bunch covered with brown paper bags were ready to harvest 16 days earlier than those in the control. In addition, bagging increased fruit length, diameter, weight, and pulp weight in comparison to non-bagged fruit. Moreover, the brown paper bag treatment significantly reduced pest infestation (15-fold), disease infection (12-fold) and physiological disorder (6.5-fold) compared to control. The firmness, total soluble solids, and total sugar content were found maximum with brown paper bagged fruit, while Vitamin C content was higher in control fruits. Brown paper bagged fruit exhibited the longest shelf life (12 days) as compared to the control (09 days). Bagging presented a significant effect on the color and overall expression of the fruit, although it did not influence the flavour of the fruit. In conclusion, brown paper bags can help to prevent diseases and insect infestation and improve the fruit quality of bananas.

Flower bagging affects seed quality and dormancy period in Na-Oogst tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. var H-382)

Seeds of tobacco plants are unable to germinate immediately after harvest because they have a dormancy period. The seed dormancy period may be shortened by bagging methods to affect the hormone content in the seeds. The bagging flower makes the dark conditions in the process of flowering and seed development, affecting the content of the hormone’s auxin and ABA. This study aimed to determine the effects of different bag colors on the dormancy period of tobacco seeds as evidenced by their vigor and viability. The research was conducted from March to August 2022 at PT. Dwi Light Tobacco Green House, Lombok Wetan, Bondowoso, Indonesia. Four crepe colors of paper were used as bagging treatments (black, red, yellow, blue) and control (without bagging) and replicated four times. The results showed that the bagging treatment significantly affected one hundred-seed weight, seed germination, seed growth rate, and seedling height. Black crepe paper resulted in the highest seed germination percentage (98.5%) and seed growth rate (11.68). 
 Keywords: bag color, seed germination, viability, vigor

Determination of the effects of pre-harvest bagging treatment on kiwifruit appearance and quality via transcriptome and metabolome analyses

Bagging is an effective cultivation strategy to produce attractive and pollution-free kiwifruit. However, the effect and metabolic regulatory mechanism of bagging treatment on kiwifruit quality remain unclear. In this study, transcriptome and metabolome analyses were conducted to determine the regulatory network of the differential metabolites and genes after bagging. Using outer and inner yellow single-layer fruit bags, we found that bagging treatment improved the appearance of kiwifruit, increased the soluble solid content (SSC) and carotenoid and anthocyanin levels, and decreased the chlorophyll levels. We also identified 41 differentially expressed metabolites and 897 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the bagged and control ‘Hongyang’ fruit. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses revealed that the increase in SSC after bagging treatment was mainly due to the increase in D-glucosamine metabolite levels and eight DEGs involved in amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolic pathways. A decrease in glutamyl-tRNA reductase may be the main reason for the decrease in chlorophyll. Downregulation of lycopene epsilon cyclase and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase increased carotenoid levels. Additionally, an increase in the levels of the taxifolin-3′-O-glucoside metabolite, flavonoid 3′-monooxygenase, and some transcription factors led to the increase in anthocyanin levels. This study provides novel insights into the effects of bagging on the appearance and internal quality of kiwifruit and enriches our theoretical knowledge on the regulation of color pigment synthesis in kiwifruit.