Biochemical Quality Parameters Research Articles

Harnessing the association between morphological, biochemical and fibre quality traits in desi cotton (Gossypium arboreum) genotypes

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agriculture University, Hisar, Haryana to study the relationship between morphological, biochemical and fibre quality parameters in 150 desi cotton [Gossypium arboreum (L.)] genotypes in augmented design. Findings of the experiment indicated that the seed cotton yield per plant was significantly and positively correlated with all the traits except days to first flower (-0.226) and plant height (-0.521), while, negatively correlated with biochemical and fibre quality traits. Thus, while improving other traits, seed cotton yield per plant will also increase. Fibre quality traits like fibre length was significant and positively (0.754) correlated with fibre strength but negatively correlated with seed cotton, suggesting quality and quantity can not be improved simultaneously. Hence selection should be done very precisely that as one can not be compromised. Path analysis also revealed that the maximum contribution towards yield was by the number of bolls per plant (0.57), boll weight (0.33), GOT (0.11) and the number of monopods (0.10). Fibre quality parameters did not show any significant contribution directly or indirectly to seed cotton yield. The five traits, viz. number of bolls per plant, number of monopods, ginning outturn (%), seed index (g) and number of seed per boll can contribute to the improvement in cotton. Overall, the significance of this study lies in its potential to yield improvement in desi cotton.

The Combined Effect of Lemon Peel Extract and Calcium Chloride on the Physical and Biochemical Quality Parameters of the Dessert Banana (Musa acuminata var. Dwarf Cavendish) Fruit

The dessert banana is a popular fruit worldwide, but its ripening process is greatly accelerated by high temperatures, which eventually leads to an unpleasant taste and the appearance of spots on the skin of the fruits. To slow down the ripening of bananas, expensive strategies are used, which are usually not practical for conventional farmers in less developed countries. In this study, we try to find a less costly alternative. Therefore, the effects of coatings of lemon peel extract (2.5%, 5%, and 10%), calcium chloride (4%), and glycerol (2%) on the shelf life and postharvest quality of the banana fruit (Cavendish) stored at 19–22 °C and 40–60% relative humidity were investigated. Treatment with a mixture of 2.5% lemon peel extract and 2% glycerol resulted in an extension of the shelf life of the dessert banana by up to 6 days and no detectable fungal infestation. The coating solution is an effective alternative to extend the shelf life and reduce quality losses in bananas.

Safety and efficacy of long-term nicotinamide mononucleotide supplementation on metabolism, sleep, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis in healthy, middle-aged Japanese men.

Obesity and aging are major risk factors for several life-threatening diseases. Accumulating evidence from both rodents and humans suggests that the levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a regulator of many biological processes, declines in multiple organs and tissues with aging and obesity. Administration of an NAD+ intermediate, nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), replenishes intracellular NAD+ levels and mitigates aging- and obesity-associated derangements in animal models. In this human clinical study, we aimed to investigate the safety and effects of 8-week oral administration of NMN on biochemical, metabolic, ophthalmologic, and sleep quality parameters as well as on chronological alterations in NAD+ content in peripheral tissues. An 8-week, single-center, single-arm, open-label clinical trial was conducted. Eleven healthy, middle-aged Japanese men received two 125-mg NMN capsules once daily before breakfast. The 8-week NMN supplementation regimen was well-tolerated; NAD+ levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased over the course of NMN administration. In participants with insulin oversecretion after oral glucose loading, NMN modestly attenuated postprandial hyperinsulinemia, a risk factor for coronary artery disease (n = 3). In conclusion, NMN overall safely and effectively boosted NAD+ biosynthesis in healthy, middle-aged Japanese men, showing its potential for alleviating postprandial hyperinsulinemia.

Emphasizing Lissemys punctata Health Status with reference to Hematological, Biochemical, and Water Quality Parameters of two Different Water Bodies

By studying turtles enable us to gain better understanding of many species living in water and impact of the environment on their health. The purpose of the study is to analyse Lissemys punctata, also known as the Indian flapshell turtle, basic health in comparison of two diverse areas of water bodies. The water bodies selected were 120 km apart as in Narayanavanam mandal, near to human activities and other in natural environment, Somala mandal, Andhra Pradesh. We had observed 24 turtles, 12 each from the water sources in two mandals. We had collected blood samples from the turtles and analyzed for haematological and biochemical parameters. We had also collected water samples in the ponds and analyzed for water quality parameters. Our findings revealed that turtles haematological and biochemical parameters of Narayanavanam mandal water bodies showed significant stress when compared with other group of Somala mandal, this was justified by water quality parameters also. This clearly indicates that other aquatic organisms, which share these types of ecosystems, may also be facing similar environmental stress. In general, we conclude that there must be taken some conservative measures much quicker to ensure the preservation of biodiversity in ponds situated near to human settlements. In addition, our data on haematological and blood biochemical parameters will benefit future endeavours to study Lissemys punctata, especially where the availability of data is scarce.

Comparative Study of Biochemical Components in Organic and NonOrganic Black Tea

During the period of 10 September 2020 to 15 September 2021, an experiment was conducted at the Department of Food Engineering and Tea Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet, to compare the biochemical components and quality parameters of organic and nonorganic black tea.

Water Quality Parameters of Rupa Lake in Pokhara,Nepal

In this study, physical and biochemical water quality parameters are analyzed from five selected stations in Rupa Lake Pokhara, Nepal using standard procedures. Analyzed parameters are: temperature, turbidity, total solids (TS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total alkalinity (TA), total hardness (TH), chloride content, sulphate and dissolved oxygen (DO). Based on the observed water quality parameters, the quality of Rupa Lake water is discussed and compared with WHO standard values for drinking water. Recorded laboratory results shows that water of Rupa Lake is useful for agricultural, industrial, aquatic life, and fishery purposes.

Exploiting Morphophysiological Traits for Yield Improvement in Upland Cotton under Salt Stress

ABSTRACT The increased land salinization threatens land productivity, food security, and economic losses. The study used a comprehensive set of morpho-physiological, biochemical, and fiber quality parameters to examine the genetic variability of 24 cotton genotypes against 15 dSm-1 salt stress. The general linear model (GLM) effect revealed significant effects of salinity for studied accessions except for lint percentage and fiber strength. The genotype × treatment effects were also significant for all studied traits, while non-significant effects were observed for seed number per boll (SNB), potassium to sodium ratio (K+/Na+), K+, peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). A notable reduction for all traits was observed except for fiber fineness, superoxide (SOD), CAT, POD, carotenoid contents, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which were increased under saline conditions. Based on multivariate analyses, hybrids viz. MS-71× KAHKASHAN, followed by MS-71× CRS-2007 and NS-131× CRS-2007, performed well under both normal stressed conditions. Moreover, biochemical and agronomical traits in PCA validate that the MS-71× KAHKASHAN is the most desirable genotype under both conditions. Better hybrid performance under normal and 15 dSm-1 salt stress conditions supports the hybrid adaptability under salinity stress environments. The outcome would assist breeders in developing salt-tolerant cotton varieties under climate change scenarios.

Quality and shelf life of strawberry fruit as affected by edible coating by moringa leaf extract, aloe vera gel, oxalic acid, and ascorbic acid

ABSTRACT In the current study, the most effective concentrations of moringa leaf extract (MLE), aloe vera gel (AV gel), ascorbic acid (1 mM) and oxalic acid (5 mM) were used. Physically mature fruits harvested from a commercial orchard were dipped in aqueous solutions of different edible coatings and kept at ambient conditions (25±2ºC & 55-60% RH) for evaluation of the quality and enzymatic parameters on daily basis till marketability. Current results revealed that 5 mM ascorbic acid treatment resulted in 57% reduced fruit weight loss; while 20% AV gel coating increased firmness by 60% over a 5-day ambient storage period. Application 6% MLE exhibited 50.7% and 49.7% reduced respiration rate and ethylene production respectively. Fruit biochemical quality parameters were also improved with the lowest accumulation of total soluble solids as a result of slow respiration, higher titratable acidity, ascorbic acid contents, carotenoids and anthocyanin contents in all treated fruit. While, total phenolic contents and total antioxidants along with superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and anthocyanins were higher in ascorbic acid treated fruits. The activity of poly phenol oxidase enzyme was lowest in fruits treated with 5 mM ascorbic acid solution. Conclusively, the application of different edible coatings was proved to be beneficial as numerous fruit biochemical and antioxidative attributes were improved by ascorbic acid treatment; furthermore, MLE, AV gel and oxalic acid treatments were also helpful in maintaining fruit quality of strawberry fruits over a 5-days ambient storage period.

Relationship Between Mass Loss and Fruit Quality of Sweet Orange at Two Different Storage Conditions.

Mass loss from fresh produce is linked to areduction of its aesthetic value. However, arelationship between mass loss and biochemical quality parameters at different storage conditions has not been widely explored. Therefore, the current study is designed with the objectives to determine the behavior of fruit quality parameters and arelationship between fruit mass loss and fruit quality at two different storage conditions. Sweet orange fruit stored in azero energy cool chamber (ZECC) had greater shelf-life of more than 15 days, fruit size (62.40 mm) and peel (35.15%) and lower mass loss (4.94%), juice (32.19%) and electrical conductivity (EC) (2.06 S/m) as compared to ambient conditions in laboratory during 25 days of storage. In ZECC, only EC was positively correlated (r = 0.57) with mass loss, whereas at room temperature EC (r = 0.76), total soluble solids (TSS) (r = 0.60) and fruit internal temperature (r = 0.64) were positively and peel (%) (r = -0.52) and fruit diameter (r = -0.49) were negatively correlated with mass loss. Correlation of combined storage conditions revealed that EC (r = 0.47) and TSS (r = 0.50) were positively and peel (%) (r = -0.77) and fruit diameter (r = -0.55) were negatively correlated with mass loss (%). The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the scores of room temperature were strongly associated with TSS, pH, EC, mass loss (%), juice (%) and internal temperature (°C), whereas scores ofZECCwere strongly associated with pulp (%), ascorbic acid (mg 100 mL-1), acidity (%), and fruit diameter (mm).

Studies on the Development and Evaluation of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Blended Papaya (Carica papaya) Chutney

Background: Papaya (Carica papaya) has a maximum loss of postharvest shelf life. Due to the higher respiration activity, these are prone to ripening within a short time frame; as a result, pathogens develop quickly and lead to enormous problems for papaya producers. Hence to minimize this postharvest loss and to preserve nutritional qualities, the present study was conducted to utilize papaya pulp to prepare a delicious papaya chutney with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) because of its unique flavour. Methods: For chutney preparation, different combinations of papaya and tomato were used and their quality was analyzed based on biochemical (Total Soluble Solids, Titratable acidity, acid/Brix ratio, vitamin-C, total sugars, reducing sugars) and sensory attributes (colour, appearance, flavour, texture and consistency). Result: The treatment T7 (50% papaya: 50% tomato) was found to be the best combination in terms of biochemical and sensory quality parameters. Chutney was yet in acceptable conditions even after 90 days of preparation.

Synergistic effect of polyamine treatment and chitosan coating on postharvest senescence and enzyme activity of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit

• Combination treatment of spermidine (SPD), spermine (SPM) and chitosan (Ch) as coating for extending shelf life of capsicum fruit. • Fruits were treated with coating solutions SPD and SPM @ 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM, then coated with chitosan and stored at 10 ± 1 °C. • The biochemical parameters, enzymatic activities, antioxidant capacity and quality parameters were assessed in capsicum fruit during storage. • Spermine (1.5 mM) and chitosan 1% treatment showed the lowest weight loss and was adjudged best treatment to extend storability of capsicum fruit cv. “Rehana”. This study investigated the effects of treating bell pepper fruit cv. Rehana by dipping with spermidine and spermine (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mM) and coating with chitosan (1%) on fruit quality, bio-active compounds, antioxidant enzyme activities, shelf life and senescence related compounds. The fruit were stored at 10 °C and 80–90% RH for 56 days. The results revealed that synergistic treatment of spermine 1.5 mM and chitosan 1% (T7) was most effective for reducing weight loss, electrolyte leakage, maintaining fruit quality and enhancing antioxidant activity over other treatments during storage. The bell pepper fruit of T7 treatment exhibited lowered weight loss by 47.6%, electrolyte leakage by 62.6%, malondialdehyde accumulation by 28.3% while maintaining higher total phenols by 68.8%, total carotenoid by 21.9%, ascorbic acid by 15%, total chlorophyll by 30.4%, catalase activity by 34.3% in comparison to control (T1) on the last day of storage. Other treatments showed intermediate effects. The results suggest potential beneficial influence of synergistic treatment of polyamines, particularly spermine 1.5 mM with chitosan in extending shelf life of bell pepper by about 28 days relative to control with notable preservation of bioactive compounds, antioxidant enzymes and slowing senescence indicators over untreated fruit.

Variation in Physical and Biochemical Properties of Cherry Tomato cv. Nagmoti Grown under Different Growing Conditions

Background: The intended research was carried out with an aim to evaluate the differences in health promoting bioactive compounds in cherry tomato cv. Nagmoti among the different growing conditions. Methods: Cherry tomato cv. Nagmoti were grown under different conditions as per standard agronomic practices and harvested fruits were were analyzed for physical, biochemical and postharvest quality parameters. Result: About 1.63-fold variation in total carotenoid and 1.39-fold variation in lycopene content was recorded among the different growing structures. Highest titratable acidity (0.118%) and total phenolic content (µg GAE/100g FW) was found in the shade net structures. The highest antioxidant activity was recorded in insect-proof net house (15.45 µmol trolox equiv. g-1) while the least was found in open field (12.04 µmol trolox equiv. g-1) condition. Walking tunnel followed by shade net and insect-proof net house was found best for the better accumulation of functional parameters.

Comparison of drying characteristics and quality of tender mulberry leaves (<em>Morus alba</em>) using five different drying methods

The value-added forms of mulberry leaves (Morus alba) significantly help to reduce blood sugar, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation levels, cholesterol and fighting against heart disease. This research is aimed at studying the suitable method for drying of tender mulberry leaves for the production of mulberry tea. To select a suitable drying technology for drying of tender mulberry leaves for retention of biochemical quality parameters, open sun (31 to 35 ºC), shade (21 to 25 ºC), tray (50 ºC), vacuum (45 ºC) and solar tunnel drying (55 ºC) methods were chosen. The drying characteristics, colour properties and biochemical quality parameters were determined at NABL accredited laboratory as per ISO/IEC 17025:2005. In comparison to the other four drying methods, shade drying is the ideal way for drying tender mulberry leaves since shade dried leaves retain all biochemical and colour qualities of fresh leaves, making them acceptable for mulberry tea production.

Noninferior Red Cell Concentrate Quality after Repeated Air Rescue Mission Transport for Prehospital Transfusion

Background: Transfusion of red cell concentrates (RCCs) is an integral therapy after severe hemorrhage or trauma. Prehospital transfusion offers an immediate intervention in emergency cases. Air ambulance-based prehospital transfusion, already used in different countries, is currently established in Germany. Limited information is available for regulatory-compliant transport logistics of RCCs and their quality after repeated air rescue missions. Thus, the aim of this study was (i) to validate regulatory-compliant logistics and (ii) to assess product quality, analyzing biochemical parameters and RBC morphology. Study Design and Methods: Due to regulatory requirements, we adapted a rotation system of 1 day transport, 1 day quarantine storage and 1 day storage over the entire RCC shelf life. RCCs transported on air rescue missions (flight group) were compared against a control group, treated identically except for helicopter transport. RCCs were visually inspected, and their temperature was documented throughout the entire rotation cycles. RCCs at the end of shelf life (end point samples) were assessed for levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, free hemoglobin, hemolysis, mean corpuscular volume, potassium and pH. In addition, morphological changes were assessed using flow morphometry. Results: In total 81 RCCs were assessed in the flight group and 50 in the control group. Within the flight group, 30 RCCs were transfused. RCCs were dispatched on average 11 times (7–13 times). The average flight time was 18.3 h (6.6–28.8 h). The rotation system ensured adherence to regulatory guidelines, especially compliance to storage conditions of +2 to +6°C of intermediate storage. Biochemical and morphological quality parameters did not exhibit any changes upon repeated air rescue missions. A correlation with respect to the flight time was not observed either. Discussion: The quality of RCCs after repeated air rescue missions is noninferior to control samples regarding biochemical and morphological parameters. The product quality is within German regulations for up to 42 days of storage. The logistics and maintenance of the thermal conditions are safe and feasible. Thus, a rotation system of RCCs offers a regulatory-compliant option to supply air rescue missions with RCCs to allow life-saving prehospital transfusions at the incident scene.

Pre-Harvest MeJA Application Counteracts the Deleterious Impact of Al and Mn Toxicity in Highbush Blueberry Grown in Acid Soils.

Volcanic ash-derived soils are characterized by low pH (pH ≤ 5.5) with increased concentrations of aluminum (Al3+) and manganese (Mn2+), which decreases plant growth, fruit quality, and yield. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) improves abiotic stress tolerance. Our work aimed to evaluate the application of MeJA’s impact on the growth, antioxidant defense, and fruit quality of highbush blueberry grown under Al and Mn toxicity. A field assay was conducted with four-year-old bushes of highbush blueberry cultivar Legacy under eight treatments (Control, Al (87% of Al saturation), Mn (240 mg kg−1), and Al–Mn with and without MeJA application). Physiological, biochemical, and fruit quality parameters were measured. Growth rate significantly decreased with Al (20%), Mn (45%), and Al–Mn (40%). MeJA application recovered the growth rate. Photosynthetic parameters were not affected. Antioxidant activity increased under all treatments compared with controls, being higher with MeJA application. Total phenols (TP) were decreased in plants under Al (43%) and Mn (20%) compared with controls. MeJA application increased TP in all treatments. Fruits of bushes under Al and Mn toxicity with MeJA applications exhibited an increase in fruit firmness and weight, maintaining suitable contents of soluble solids. Our results provide insights about the beneficial effect of MeJA application on growth, antioxidant properties, and fruit quality of highbush blueberry plants grown in acid soils under Al and Mn toxicity.

Quality attributes for barley malt: "The backbone of beer".

Malting is the process of preparing barley for brewing through partial germination followed by drying. This process softens the grain cell wall and stimulates the production of diastatic enzymes, which convert starch into malt extract. The suitability of a barley grain for malt production depends upon a large number of quality parameters that are crucial for the identification and release of high-quality malt varieties. Maintaining tight control of these quality attributes is essential to ensure high processing efficiency and final product quality in brewery and malt house. Therefore, we have summarized the basic malting process and various physiological and biochemical quality parameters that are desirable for better malt quality. This study may provide an understanding of the process, problems faced, and opportunities to maltsters and researchers to improve the malt efficiency by altering the malting process or malt varieties.

Chilled storage stability of spice marinated and high pressure processed Indian white prawns (Fenneropenaeus indicus)

ABSTRACT Chilled storage stability of marinated and high pressure treated peeled and undeveined Indian white prawns (Fenneropenaeus indicus) were studied. The prawns were marinated with condiments viz. chilli powder, salt and turmeric, and - vacuum packed in ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer pouches. Marinated unpressurized prawn samples were kept as control. The products were stored at 2 ± 1°C for evaluating - shelf life by analysing biochemical, microbiological and organoleptic parameters. Pressurization significantly altered the quality indices such as pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, free fatty acid, thiobarbituric acid, total plate count and overall acceptability of samples. The control and 200 MPa treated sample were rejected on 20th and 25th day of storage respectively, whereas 250 and 300 MPa treated samples achieved a shelf life of 35 days. Among the samples, the prawns treated at 250 MPa were found to be organoleptically superior with respect to its biochemical and microbiological quality parameters.

Accelerated Ageing Mediated Seed Longevity Prediction and Assessment of Seed Deterioration Pattern through 2D-Gel Electrophoresis in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Accelerated ageing is a method to assess seed storage performance by exposing the seeds to higher temperature and relative humidity to make seeds lose its vigour and viability quickly. The seed physiological parameters are then compared with the natural ageing to derive certain conclusions. But, the molecular pattern of seed deterioration under accelerated ageing varies compared to that of natural ageing.Methods: Chickpea, seed lots of variety JG-11 and Annigeri-1 were subjected to natural ageing in cloth bag with nine per cent initial seed moisture under ambient conditions. Simultaneously, representative sample of same seed lot were also aged at 41oC and 95±2% humidity up to 120 hours.Result: Both the ageing methods had significant negative effect on seed physiological and biochemical quality parameters. The germination potential of seeds tested after 48 hours of accelerated ageing (83.5%) was equal 10 months of natural ageing (85%) in JG-11, while also in Annigeri-1, 48 hours of accelerated ageing (78%) was nearly equal to 10 months of natural ageing (80%). The protein expression analyzed through 2D-PAGE at similar germination potential brought out by two independent ageing methods showed higher protein down regulation ratio (3.4) in accelerated ageing than in natural ageing (3.2) unveiling its rapidity in the seed deterioration process. Therefore, accelerated ageing can be used for predicting chickpea seed longevity.

Variation in Postharvest Quality Attributes of Fresh Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Beans Harvested from Different Crop Mulching Regime

Background: Present study, aimed to assess effect of organic and inorganic crop mulching on physical, physiological and biochemical quality of fresh cowpea beans.Methods: Cowpea (cv. Kashi Kanchan bush-type) was grown during two consecutive seasons from April 2018 to July 2019 under four different mulching treatments. Mulching treatments included no mulch; wheat straw mulch (organic mulch); black mulch and silver mulch. Black and silver mulches were made of 25 microns LDPE sheet. Cowpea was grown as per standard agronomic practices and physical, biochemical and postharvest quality parameters of beans were evaluated.Result: Results indicated that bean length (28.7cm) was highest under silver mulch whereas bean thickness (9.10mm), width (9.29mm) and 100 bean weight (1094.5g) were highest under organic mulch. Likewise, protein content (28.63%), total phenolic content (17.0µg GAE/100g) and total antioxidant activity (46.84µmol trolox equiv./100g) were found highest in beans produced under organic mulch. Overall results demonstrated that crop mulching could be used for enhancing the antioxidants, phenolic content of cowpea beans.

Quality assessment of mustard hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha) in various packing conditions during storage at low temperatures

Biochemical, microbiological and sensory quality parameters of mustard hilsa prepared from Hilsashad (Tenualosa ilisha) were examined to observe the changes in quality during storage at refrigerationtemperature (5° to 8°C) for 60 days and at frozen temperature (-18°C to -20°C) for 180 days. The moisture,protein, lipid, and ash content and pH value in mustard hilsa decreased compared to those obtained for freshfish. On the other hand, TVB-N and peroxide values increased compared to the values found in fresh fish. Atrefrigeration temperature and frozen temperature moisture and ash contents increased but protein and lipidcontent decreased gradually throughout the storage period. pH value of the mustard hilsa reduced from 7.22to 6.01 and 6.59 at refrigeration and frozen temperatures, respectively. The TVB-N value and peroxide valueincreased progressively throughout the storage period irrespective of storage temperatures. Rate of changes indifferent parameters of mustard hilsa was slower in vacuum sealed packs than non-sealed and sealed packs.The aerobic plate count of bacteria was increased in refrigeration temperature but the load of microbes wasreduced at frozen temperatures. The result of sensory quality change showed that, irrespective of storagetemperature and packing condition the scores of sensory quality parameters decreased with the progress ofstorage time though the decreasing rate was slower at frozen temperature. The study concluded that, atrefrigeration temperature mustard hilsa might remain in acceptable condition up to 60 days and at frozentemperature for about 180 days in vacuum sealed pack.