Black Fruit Research Articles

Integrative Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses of the Mechanism of Anthocyanin Accumulation and Fruit Coloring in Three Blueberry Varieties of Different Colors

Blueberries are recognized worldwide as one of the most important healthy foods due to their anthocyanins, which have special antioxidant properties. They have become a highly produced and valuable fruit crop. Most blueberry varieties are rich in anthocyanins, which impart a beautiful blue color; however, there are currently several blueberry varieties with different colors worldwide, and these special-colored varieties are the key to analyzing the coloring mechanism of blueberry fruit. Fruit color could be seen as an important nutritional quality trait in terms of marketing. In this study, a combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses was performed on three representative blueberry varieties (‘Pink Popcorn’, ‘Chandler’, and ‘Black Pearl’) with pink, blue, and black fruits, respectively. The metabolomic results showed that the delphinium pigment is the dominant anthocyanin, which is the prerequisite for the formation of fruit color in blueberries. We identified 18 candidate structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway that were significantly up-regulated during three stages of fruit ripening in ‘Black Pearl’ and ‘Chandler’, but these were not found to be significantly expressed in ‘Pink Popcorn’ after combining the transcriptomic analysis results. The non-expression of the VcANS gene may lead to the pink color of the mature fruit of ‘Pink Popcorn’. The phylogenetic tree, heatmap analysis, and WGCNA analysis identified a candidate transcription factor, VcMYBA, which may regulate the differences between black and blue fruits in blueberries by regulating the expression level of multiple structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation and coloration in blueberries during fruit ripening and can help support production practices to improve fruit quality characteristics. The key candidate genes that regulate the fruit color differences among different blueberry varieties have the potential to enhance the antioxidant properties and quality characteristics of blueberries through future genomic editing.

Sistem Pakar Untuk Mengidentifikasi Hama Dan Penyakit Pada Tanaman Apel Menggunakan Metode Dempster Shafer

In this study, the identification of pest and disease attack on apple plant on with case study in Balitjestro. The problem faced is the difficulty of determining the information of pests or diseases that attack on apple plants that must meet an expert directly, it takes a long time and cost. The purpose of this study is to accelerate the information obtained from the identification of pests and diseases of the apple plant and its solution without having to meet an expert. Types of pests and diseases that is in pests are Green Lice, Mites, Trips, Leaf Cats, Leaf Sucking Insects, Black Leaf Caterpillars and Fruit Flies. In the disease there are Flour Powder, Leaf Spot, Upas Mushroom, Cancer and Rotten Fruit. From pest and disease data, all symptom data is 38 data. To get the information, made Expert System. Expert system in this study to determine the results of identification using Dempster Shafer calculation method. Demster Shafer is one of the mathematical theories used to perform a proof that is based on the function of trust and also logic makes sense. At the test stage yields an accuracy value of 100%. However there is one test of the expert only producing one and the results of the system show more than one. But one of the results given by the system is the same as the result given by an expert, then it is justified.

Phytonutrients in black nightshade fruit (Solanum nigrum L.) growing in Bulgaria

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is a medicinal plant with wild populations found in different regions of Bulgaria. The aim of this study was to analyze the availability of selected phytonutrients in the fruits, and, in particular, their presence in two individual fruit structures (seeds and peels) regarded as by-products in juice production. Fresh fruits were characterized by their diameter (8.42±0.62 mm) and absolute weight (393.75±38.00 g/1000 pcs). The seeds contained 9.81% lipids, while their content in the peels was negligible. The main fatty acids in the extracted lipid fraction were linoleic (48.0%), oleic (27.8%) and palmitic (19.6%), with 76.6% share of unsaturated fatty acids. β-Sitosterol (70.80%) predominated in the sterol fraction, and γ-tocopherol (100%) – in the tocopherol fraction of the extracted oil. The main soluble carbohydrates in the seeds were glucose (2.78%) and fructose (2.42%), while the respective quantities in the peels were 4.21% and 3.82%. The cellulose content of the two fruit parts was 14.90% and 15.70%, respectively. The most abundant macro minerals in the seeds were K (15109.34 mg/kg) and Mg (1988.07 mg/kg), and the main micro minerals – Fe (53.68 mg/kg) and Zn (37.77 mg/kg). The peels contained the respective dietary minerals in substantially higher quantities; K (31373.32 mg/kg), Na (3348.46 mg/kg), Ca (2365.82 mg/kg). The results from the study contribute to a more complex appreciation of the nutritional potential of black nightshade fruit available in Bulgaria and the prospects for their processing into value-added products

Sambucus Nigra: black fruits that makes sperms come out ahead in in vitro fertilization

Freezing is a non-physiological method that includes a series of processes such as dilution, incubation, cooling, freezing and thawing, which affect the structure, biochemistry and function of sperm. Human sperm freezing has overcome many spatial and temporal limitations and is now an integral part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Freezing causes biochemical, functional and structural changes in sperm. These changes include plasma and sperm acrosome membranes, which increase their permeability and leads to disruption of morphology, motility and chromatin structure. Therefore, freezing causes irreversible damage to sperm, which leads to the loss of movement and biological function of most sperm. Sperm health is one of the important factors in the fertility of couples. Therefore, reducing the harmful effects caused by freezing and properly performing the in vitro Fertilization (IVF) process, the development of useful solutions is inevitable. The extract from black fruits of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) has potent in vitro effect on the sperm motility, vitality and oxidative profile. This extract can largely improve the sperms parameters and stereological parameters (spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte, round spermatid, and Leydig cells), decrease of TNF-a and caspase-3 expression, increase of the serum testosterone, increase of mitochondrial activity, and reduction of reactive oxygen species. So, it can also be used as in vivo status. We suggested that black fruits of Sambucus nigra makes sperms come out ahead in IVF techniques.

Poređenje fitohemijskih svojstava, antimikrobne i antioksidativne aktivnosti etanolnih ekstrakata iz plodova crnog (Piper nigrum L.) i kubeba bibera (Piper cubeba L.) dostupnih u Srbiji

The present study aimed to compare phytochemical properties (total extractive matter, phenolic, flavonoids, and mineral content), antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of black pepper fruits' ethanolic extract (BPFEE), and cubeb pepper fruits' ethanolic extract (CPFEE). The extracts were prepared by reflux extraction under identical conditions (solvomodule 1:10 m/v, 2 h at boiling point). BPFEE had higher total phenolic and flavonoids content, lower total extractive matter and better antioxidant activity than CPFEE. Among the macroelements, the highest presence of Na was detected in both extracts in similar amounts. BPFEE contained higher amounts of K, Ca, P and Mg. Amongst the microelements, Cu and Li were detected in both extracts in similar amounts. However, BPFEE contained higher amounts of Zn, but lower amount of Fe, compared to CPFEE. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Bacillus cereus, Salmonella spp. and Candida albicans, pairs of reference strains and isolates. CPFEE resulted as a better bacteriostatic and anticandidal agent. These results are valuable in promoting further progress, development and production regarding the aromatic plant industry, pharmaceutical and food industry.

Coefficient of diffusion of tannins in extracts from red and black hawthorn fruit

One of the main parameters of the extraction process is the coefficient of diffusion. It gives information about the diffusion properties of the material to be extracted and depends on various factors: raw material structure, solvent type, temperature, process duration, etc. Determination of molecular diffusion coefficients in extraction from red (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) and black (Crataegus nigra Waldst & Kit) hawthorn is an objective of the work. The extracts were obtained by ultrasonic extraction with 50 and 70% ethanol at three temperatures (20, 40 and 60°C). The highest values of coefficients for both hawthorn species were obtained at 60°C with 50% ethanol – 5.13.10-6 m2/s for black hawthorn and 6.4.10-6 m2/s for red hawthorn.

Post-harvest ultraviolet irradiation induces changes in physical-chemical properties and levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and gene expression in mulberry fruit.

Earlier studies reported that post-harvest ultraviolet (UV) irradiation could increase the health-promoting compounds in fruit but the effects of UV irradiation on the reduction of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content in mulberries remain less known. Black mulberry fruit were exposed to two UV illumination dosages (3.5 and 7 kJ m-2 ) and were stored for 4, 8, and 12 days. Mulberries treated in this way displayed higher antioxidant enzyme activity and phenolic compound content in comparison with a control condition. The transcription factors (TFs) MdoMYB121, MdoMYB155, MdbZIP2, and MdbZIP48 were strongly expressed in two UV illumination dosages (about 45-95% higher than the control). The fluorine (Flu) and naphthalene (Nap) content in treated fruit decreased by 21-85% in comparison with the control condition. The findings of this study indicate that UV irradiation can be considered as a promising technique to remove some PAHs in black mulberries, to increase their health-promoting potential, and indirectly to improve their aesthetic quality due to the resulting desirable color parameters. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of convective drying on phenolic acid, flavonoid and anthocyanin content, texture and microstructure of black rosehip fruit

Black rosehip (Rosa pimpinellifolia) fruit is rich in nutrients that could be valorised and used as a functional food ingredient. Drying can be applied to increase the applications of this fruit. Drying can influence the composition of heat-sensitive phytochemicals and the matrix in terms of the texture and microstructure of the fruit. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of convective drying in terms of drying temperature (50–80 °C) and airflow (0.5–1.5 m/s) on phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins content, texture, and microstructure of dried black rosehip fruit. Catechin and epicatechin, as the two main flavonoids, were in their highest concentration in fruits dried at 70 °C. The highest levels of cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanine chloride, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, and pelargonidin-3-glucoside were determined at 70 °C and 1.5 m/s. The sample dried at 50 °C exhibited the highest concentrations of chlorogenic acid, fumaric acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, quercetin, and quercetin-3-glucoside. The hardness, cohesiveness, and resilience were among the key texture parameters that were affected by drying temperature. The applied drying temperatures and air velocities induced substantial effects on the fruit microstructure. Considering these changes, it is important to assess the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of nutrients from dried black rosehip fruit in future research.

Molecular and Morphological Identification of Monilia yunnanensis Causing Brown Rot on Chinese Quince and Peach in Yunnan, China.

More than 30% of fruits of Chinese Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa) and peach (Prunus persica) showed circular, water-soaked and brown spots in July 2022 in Kunming, Yunnan, China. The center of these spots was covered by a large number of earthy brown and oblate sporogeneous mycelium containing conidiophore and conidia, which were one-celled, limoniform, hyaline (13.73 to 22.77 x 8.17 to 12.84 µm, n=50). By September 2022, almost 100% of fruits showed symptoms. Later, most of them fell or a few stiff, black and mummified fruits were left on the trees. Fungal isolates were isolated by single-spore technique on Potato Dextrose agar (PDA) from the diseased fruits, and incubated at room temperature (20-28 °C) in darkness for 14 days. The colony was gray, smooth at margins, 7.6-8.0 cm in diameter. To fullfill Koch's postulates, mycelial plugs of one representative isolate YHD611 from Chinese Quince and another YHD610 from peach were used to inoculate three wounded and three non-wounded surface-disinfected fruits of both hosts at room temperature (19-27 °C), respectively. Three wounded and three non-wounded fruits inoculated with sterile PDA plugs served as the control. The wounded peaches appeared water-soaked and had brown lesions after three days of inoculation, then completely decayed after nine days, while non-wounded fruits showed symptoms after five days. The wounded fruits of Chinese Quince developed similar symptoms after eight days of inoculation, and completely decayed after 13 days, while non-wounded fruits showed obvious symptoms after 15 days. In a subsequent study, isolate YHD611 was inoculated to peach while isolate YHD610 was inoculated to Chinese Quince to understand host specificity of the isolates. The results showed that when peaches were infected with YHD611, symptoms were observed on wounded fruits after three days while on non-wounded fruits after five days. When Chinese Quince was infected with YHD610, symptoms were observed on wounded fruits after 14 days while on non-wounded fruits after 21 days. Fungal isolates from symptomatic fruits were identical to the original isolates. There were no symptoms on the control fruits of both hosts. Molecular identification was confirmed based on the sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS, primers ITS1 and ITS4) and β-tubulin (TUB2, primers Bt2a and Bt2b) genes (Niu et al. 2016). BLASTn analysis of the ITS (OQ15519and OQ155196) and TUB2 (OQ185202 and OQ185201) of YHD611 and YHD610 revealed a 100% sequence identity, respectively, to Monilia yunnanensis AH7-2 (KT735924.1 for ITS, KT736008.1 for TUB2). In the phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and TUB2 sequence data, the isolates YHD611 and YHD610 belonged to the M. yunnanensis clade. Based on morphological and molecular identification, both isolates were identified as M. yunnanensis, which was reported as the pathogen causing brown rot of plum, peach, apple and pear in Yunnan, China (Hu et al. 2011; Yin et al. 2015). To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. yunnanensis causing brown rot on the fruits of Chinese Quince in Yunnan, China. This study also reports that M. yunnanensis from Chinese Quince can infect peach, and the pathogen from peach can infect Chinese Quince. These findings suggest that M. yunnanensis can transfer from one host to another and causing serious economic losses in multiple fruit crops in Yunnan, China.

Green extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from black mulberry fruit using natural deep eutectic solvents: optimization and surface morphology

This study deployed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), combined with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), to extract phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit, and the antioxidant activity was examined. The extraction yields of NADES-based UAE were assessed based on the yields of phenolics and flavonoids extracted from the black mulberry fruit. This study selected the molar ratios of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors HBD at 1:2 from previous studies. Choline chloride-lactic acid showed the highest solubility with phenolics and flavonoids among NADES systems. One-factor experiments evaluated the effect of UAE conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), water content in NADES, temperature, and time) on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The suitable NADES-based UAE conditions for extracting phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit were 60 ml/g of LSR, 40% water content, 70 °C, and 15 min. Response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design model optimized the NADES-based UAE process based on response (TPC, TFC, ABTS, OH, and DPPH). The optimal conditions for the NADES-based UAE process were 70 ml/g of LSR, 38.9% water content in NADES, 67.9 °C, and 24.2 min of extraction time. The predicted values of the Box-Behnken design were compatible with the experimental results. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to survey the surface of black mulberry fruit with and without sonication. SEM can assist in demonstrating the destructive effect of NADES and ultrasonic waves on material surfaces. SEM findings indicated the high surface destruction capacity of NADES, which partially contributed to a superior extraction yield of NADES than conventional organic solvents. The study proposes an efficient and green method for extracting bioactive compounds from black mulberry fruits. The black mulberry fruit extracts can be applied to meat preservation and beverages with high antioxidants.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Trap Types and Pheromones against Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Brown Marmorated Stink bug (BMSB) (Halyomorpha halys, Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) was first detected in Türkiye in 2017 and is an important invasive insect species worldwide. About 300 hosts have been identified for this pest until recently. Among the hosts of the pest in the Black Sea region, mainly hazelnuts, fruits and vegetables are included. This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of different traps in 2020 and 2021 in a mandarin garden in the Kemalpaşa district of Artvin, one of the places where the pest was first transmitted to Türkiye. Small Funnel Trap (SFT), McPhail Funnel Trap (MPT), Multi-Funnel Trap (MFT), and Big Funnel Trap (BFT) and two different pheromones SMC and TRC were tested against H. halys. Each trap was tested with two different pheromones, and the trapping performances of different trap types were followed from the beginning of July to the end of October. The adults were counted every week in the traps. In the traps, it was determined that the most insect-attractive pheromone and trap type combination was TRC+BFT and that the least effective insect trapping type was the SMC+MPT combination. In general, it was determined that TRC, which is the most effective pheromone, also works effectively with BFT and MPT. It was determined that SMC pheromone formed a more effective combination with SFT. In addition, it is predicted that larger-scale designs of MPT will be more effective together with TRC, and SFT with SMC. In this study, it was determined that the performances of different types of traps and pheromones that can be used in the control and monitoring of BMSB vary up to 29 times, and the importance of the combination of pheromone and trap was revealed.

Effects of Black Mulberry Fruit Extract (Morus nigra L.) on Inhibition of Allergic Urticaria in Ovalbumin-Induced Mice.

Abstract. Allergy is a reaction caused by allergens that induce IgE including dust, insects, pets, food, to drugs. These reactions can occur through exposures such as contact, inhalation, ingestion, and injection. In-vitro studies show that black mulberry fruit (Morus nigra L.) has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiobesity, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antiallergic activities. This study aimed to determine the antiallergic activity of black mulberry fruit extract in vivo against male mice Balb/c strain induced by ovalbumin 10% (i.c) with the observed parameter in the form of bump area (urticaria). Mice are grouped into 6 (n = 4). Group I as a negative control group, group II as a positive control group, group III as a standard group (cetirizine 1.3 mg/kg body weight). Group IV to VI as a test group with a dose of black mulberry fruit extract 68 mg / kg BW; 136 mg/kg BW; and 270 mg/kg BW. Based on the results of the study, it was stated that in 96% ethanol extract of black mulberry fruit there was antiallergic activity. 96% ethanol extract of black mulberry fruit dose 270 mg / kg body weight has antiallergic potential similar to the drug Cetirizine dose 1.3 mg / kg body weight. From this study, it can be concluded that black mulberry fruit extract has the potential as an alternative medicine for allergic herbal treatment in the community.
 Abstrak. Alergi merupakan suatu reaksi yang disebabkan oleh alergen yang menginduksi IgE diantaranya debu, serangga, hewan peliharaan, makanan, hingga obat-obatan. Reaksi ini dapat terjadi melalui paparan seperti kontak, inhalasi, ingesti, dan injeksi. Studi secara in-vitro menunjukkan bahwa buah murbei hitam (Morus nigra L.) memiliki aktivitas sebagai antiinflamasi, antimikroba, antiobesitas, antikanker, antidiabetik, dan antialergi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui adanya aktivitas antialergi pada ekstrak buah murbei hitam secara in-vivo terhadap mencit jantan galur Balb/c yang diinduksi ovalbumin 10% (i.c) dengan parameter yang diamati berupa luas area bentolan (urtikaria). Mencit dikelompokkan menjadi 6 (n=4). Kelompok I sebagai kelompok kontrol negatif, kelompok II sebagai kelompok kontrol positif, kelompok III sebagai kelompok pembanding (cetirizine 1,3 mg/kg BB). Kelompok IV sampai VI sebagai kelompok uji dengan dosis ekstrak buah murbei hitam 68 mg/kg BB; 136 mg/kg BB; dan 270 mg/kg BB. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, dinyatakan bahwa pada ekstrak etanol 96% buah murbei hitam terdapat aktivitas antialergi. Ekstrak etanol 96% buah murbei hitam dosis 270 mg/kg BB memiliki potensi antialergi yang serupa dengan obat Cetirizine dosis 1,3 mg/kg BB. Dari penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa ekstrak buah murbei hitam berpotensi sebagai obat alternatif pengobatan herbal alergi di masyarakat.

Effects of enzymatic treatment on the in vitro digestion and fermentation patterns of mulberry fruit juice: A focus on carbohydrates

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of enzymatic treatments (pectinase, pectin lyase, and cellulase) on the in vitro digestion and fermentation characteristics of whole mulberry fruit juice. The analysis focused on changes in carbohydrate properties within the black mulberry fruit matrix during simulated digestion and fermentation. Human fecal microbiota were collected and introduced to the fruit matrix to monitor the fate of both soluble and insoluble polysaccharides during fermentation. The results revealed that enzymatic treatments enhanced the solubilization of carbohydrates from mulberry fruits, with pectinase showing the most significant effect. Throughout the process of in vitro digestion, there was a gradual increase in the percentage of solubilized carbohydrates from the mulberry juice substrate. The digested suspensions underwent dialysis to remove degradation fragments, and a lower quantity of carbohydrate in the enzyme-treated groups compared to the control. Polysaccharide populations with varying molecular weights (Mw) were obtained from the soluble fractions of mulberry residues for subsequent fermentation. An increase in Mw of soluble polysaccharides was detected by HPSEC during fermentation in certain cases. The gut microbiota demonstrated the ability to convert specific insoluble fractions into soluble components, which were subsequently subjected to microbial utilization. Enzymatic treatments during mulberry juice preparation can potentially positively impact health by influencing gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) modulations. Enzymes could serve as valuable tools for producing functional fruit and vegetable juices, with the need to specify processing conditions for specific raw materials remaining a subject of further investigation.

Black Queens of Fruits: Chemical Composition of Blackberry (Rubus subg. rubus Watson) and Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Cultivars Selected in Serbia.

Black fruits, especially blackberries and black currants, are highly appreciated by consumers due to their nutraceutical properties, which have reported health benefits. This study aimed to assess the fruit quality of the blackberry (cv. 'Čačanska Bestrna') and black currant (cv. 'Čačanska Crna') created at the Fruit Research Institute, Čačak (Republic of Serbia) by evaluating basic quality parameters (fruit weight, soluble solids), and content of primary (sugars and organic acids) and secondary (phenolic compounds) metabolites. Additionally, the study examined the quality of frozen and long-term frozen storage (6, 9, and 12 months). The results showed that 'Čačanska Crna' contained a high level of total soluble solids (15.23°Bx), sugars (93.06 mg g-1), and a high index of sweetness (159.48) as well as a high content of acids (34.35 mg g-1) in the fruit. Both species were found to contain forty-seven phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids, flavanols, and anthocyanins, analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). 'Čačanska Bestrna' had the highest amounts of phenolic acids (66.85 mg 100 g-1) and flavanols (53.99 mg 100 g-1), whereas 'Čačanska Crna' showed the highest levels of flavonols (8.57 mg 100 g-1) and anthocyanins (139.11 mg 100 g-1). Furthermore, the study revealed that anthocyanins were the most abundant phenolic group in both blackberries and black currants, and their levels remained constant during frozen storage. The sugar content in both species remained unchanged, while the acid concentration increased over time in blackberries but remained consistent in black currants. Overall, the findings highlight the superior phenolic content, particularly anthocyanins, of the cultivars with black fruits selected in Serbia. These cultivars have great commercial potential for the fresh market and processing. Moreover, the study suggests that frozen storage is an effective method for preserving their quality and beneficial properties.

Untangling Biocultural and Socioeconomical Drivers of African Plum Tree (Dacryodes edulis) Local Nomenclature Along a Rural-Urban Gradient in Central Cameroon

In Cameroon, the African plum tree (Dacryodes edulis [G. Don] H. J. Lam) is widely cultivated for its fruits, which contribute significantly to household food security and economy. In order to analyze the links between the social and ecological systems that result in the remarkable fruit diversity, we focused on how the important varietal diversity of African plums was perceived and named by tree owners. We conducted semi‑structured interviews in Center-Cameroon with 142 people belonging to the Beti ethnic group, in urban (Yaoundé), peri-urban and rural areas, and analyzed the data qualitatively and quantitatively. Along this urbanization gradient linking production to consumption regions, 158 different translated names were recorded. Most names (80%) were cited once, but some names based on fruit size and taste were common across the gradient. Although the highest total number of names was recorded in the rural site, many different names were also found along the urban–rural gradient. We did not detect difference in the number of named African plums between respondents with different characteristics. The local classification of African plums among the Beti was structured predominantly according to morphological and organoleptic criteria, but also to symbolic and practical criteria. African plums’ names were based on people’s fruit preferences, that favor large, oily, and blue to black fruits, and disregard pink-colored watery plums. This study is an entry point to explore the rising trade and thus ongoing domestication of the African plum tree from an often neglected perspective, that of local nomenclature.

Changes in antioxidant substances and antioxidant enzyme activities in raspberry fruits at different developmental stages

Raspberry is a small berry shrub with a relatively recent cultivation history in China, and its fruits have remarkable antioxidant activity. In this study, the raspberry cultivars 'Clode Summit', 'Heritage' and 'Bristol' were used as experimental materials to determine the color parameters, dry and fresh weights, ROS, MDA, ASA and GSH contents, activities of SOD, CAT and POD, and total antioxidant activity of fruits in different harvest periods. In addition, we analyzed the relative gene expression levels of SOD, CAT, POD and related transcription factors in the flavonoid synthesis pathway during fruit development. The results showed that the production rate of O2− and the content of MDA increased gradually, while the activities of CAT and POD decreased gradually. The growth and development of raspberry fruits activated the SOD enzyme system, but the change trend of SOD activity was different among different cultivars. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis showed that the antioxidant capacity of raspberry mainly came from ASA, GSH and anthocyanins. The content of ASA in green raspberry fruits was generally higher than that in red raspberry and black raspberry fruits. Black raspberry had the highest content of GSH and anthocyanin, as well as antioxidant activity. Correlation analysis showed that POD activity was significantly correlated with the expression level of RuPER17. The expression levels of RuPAL, RuFLS, RuMYB6, RuMYB306 and RuWRKY24 in the three raspberry fruits first increased and then decreased. The results provide a reference for further exploration of the mechanism of antioxidation and for regulating the biosynthesis of related enzymes in raspberry fruits.

An adaptive social forestry model in West Papua based on cultural forests and the main potential of NTFPS: Theory and practice

The presence of the Job Creation Law Number 11 of 2020 opened a new discourse on social forestry policy in Indonesia. The discourse on the concept of forest resource management is used as the basis for the theory and practice of local community-based development. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model of adaptive natural resource management for the development of site-scale social forestry. As potential superior Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), the types of Papuan nutmeg and black fruit have been utilized by local communities for generations. A mixed method using descriptive system analysis was used in developing the concept of cultural forest. The results of the study found that a cultural-forest-based adaptive natural resource management scenario in West Papua from case studies on the use of nutmeg in Fakfak and black fruit districts in Teluk Wondama district can be designed as a model for social forestry at the site level. The three landscape typologies of natural forest habitat, secondary forest and home gardens are a systemic-holistic unit that demonstrates certainty of access and ownership for determining site-scale social forestry schemes in West Papua.

Colorimetric and antioxidant films based on biodegradable polymers and black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) extract for visually monitoring Cyclina sinensis freshness.

In this study, colorimetric and antioxidant films were developed by using cassava starch (CS), κ-carrageenan (KC) and black nightshade fruit anthocyanins (BNA), and their physical and functional properties were investigated. We found BNA presented significant color changes in different pH solutions. And incorporation of BNA significantly increased the tensile strength, water vapor permeability, UV-vis light barrier property, pH-sensitivity and antioxidant activity of CS-KC film. Results of structural characterization indicated that H-bonds were formed between CS, KC and BNA in films and the film compactness was significantly improved by BNA incorporation. Results of the rheological property assay showed the films had high apparent viscosity with an obvious shear-thinning behavior. When applied to monitoring the quality change of Cyclina sinensis, CS-KC-BNA films exhibited significant color changes with the degradation process of C. sinensis qualities. Our results suggested CS-KC-BNA films could be utilized in smart packaging in food industry.

Identification of Pests and Diseases Crystal Guava (Psidium guajava L.) in Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency

Pests and diseases that attack Crystal Guava are the main obstacles in increasing agricultural productivity, as well as disrupting plant physiology and growth. The purpose of this study was to identify pests and diseases of crystal guava (Psidium guajava L). The study was conducted for 3 months, (June-August) 2022 in three crystal guava gardens in Gemawang Village, Dukuh, Ngargoyoso District, Karangayar. Data were obtained from observations of guava plant samples crystals and fruit attacked by pests and diseases, as well as interviews with owners and managers to obtain information about cultivation from planting to harvest. The results of the research found several pests of Crystal Guava (Psidium guajava L.), including: Frogs (Cynopterus spp.), Fruit flies (Bactrocera dorsalis), caterpillars (Setora nitens), ladybugs (Helopeltis sp.), sac caterpillars (Lepidopthera: Psychide), shoot caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and mealybugs (Paracoccus marginatus). morphology due to nutrient deficiency (potassium/magnesium); black spot and fruit rot by the fungus Collectrichum gleosporioides Penz, fruit canker (scab) Pestalotiopsis psidii (pat) Mordue, red rust by the algae Chephaleurus virescens, wilt disease by the algae Fusarium sp, and the fungus Cercospora psidii. Treatment was carried out once a week, by applying NPK and gandasil fertilizers and spraying with regent 50 insecticides, Yasithrin and Fostin. as well as wrapping young fruit. Pests and diseases found in Crystal Guava plantations in this study can reduce production, therefore the results of this study can be used as information material for novice farmers who want to develop Crystal Guava picking tours both on plantations and in their yards.

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) fruits: As a medicinal plant rich in human health-promoting compounds

Abstract Morus nigra, black mulberry, is the most attractive among mulberry species. The study aimed to determine human health-promoting content and antifungal activity in fruits of seven black mulberry genotypes grown in the Tortum district of Turkey. The genotypes exhibited significant differences in most of the human health-promoting content. Among individual sugars and organic acids, glucose (6.98–8.03 g/100 g fresh weight base) and malic acid (6.33–10.45 g/100 g fresh weight base) were predominant. The ascorbic acid content of genotypes was found between 18.13 and 26.77 mg/100 g fresh weight base, indicating that black mulberry fruits had moderate ascorbic acid content. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, and total anthocyanin contents in fruit extracts of seven black mulberry genotypes were also investigated. The results showed that the levels of the aforementioned parameters changed depending on genotypes. The total phenolic and total anthocyanin contents were in the range of 1,656–2,348 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 623–804 μg C3GE (cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent)/g, respectively. The genotypes had antioxidant capacity between 17.41 and 3.86 μg/mL and between 10.08 and 14.11 μmol TE/g measured by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, respectively. Some of the genotypes (TOR-1 and TOR-2) had high antifungal activity particularly against C. albicans. It was determined that the people living in the region traditionally use mulberries as blood enhancer, immune system booster, and mouth lesion treatments to protect themselves against different types of cancers and against inflammation. The present results confirm that attractive fruits of black mulberry are a rich natural source of phenolic antioxidants and can contribute to the dietary intake of antioxidants, depending on genotypes.