Black Sapote Research Articles

Improving functionality and metabolite profiles of black sapote juice through lactic acid bacteria fermentation

Black sapote, a tropical fruit rich in vitamins and bioactive compounds, is known for its high antioxidant activity. However, its rapid deterioration during postripening poses challenges for transportation and commercialization. Although lactic acid bacterial (LAB) fermentation is widely used to increase the nutritional content and shelf-life of various foods, its application to black sapote juice (BSJ) has not been explored until now. This study investigated the impact of LAB strains (Lactococcus cremoris, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri) on the quality of BSJ. These results demonstrate that BSJ is an excellent substrate for LAB proliferation. Fermentation significantly altered the sugar and acid contents and notably increased the concentrations of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The ABTS radical scavenging activity of L. rhamnosus increased by 76%, and its total phenolic content improved by 35%. Furthermore, volatile compound and metabolomic profiling analyses indicated that fermentation significantly increased the relative abundances of benzaldehyde, linalool, ascorbic acid, and caffeic acid and generated novel compounds such as acetoin. Therefore, LAB fermentation markedly altered both the flavor profile and metabolic characteristics of BSJ, influencing multiple metabolic pathways. These findings open new avenues for BSJ processing, positioning it as a promising candidate for the development of innovative functional foods.

Regenerative and Anti-Senescence Potential of Extracts from Different Parts of Black Persimmon in an In Vitro Model of Vascular Endothelium.

Antioxidants are essential for mitigating oxidative stress and maintaining vascular health. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) are pivotal in endothelial regeneration and angiogenesis and serve as a model to study the diversity of endothelial cells across various organs. This study evaluated the effects of peel, pulp, and seed extracts from Diospyros digyna Jacq. fruit (black persimmon) on human cord blood-derived ECFCs (CB-ECFCs) to determine how the distinct antioxidant profiles of the fruit's different parts influence cellular functions. The extracts did not affect endothelial marker expression, cell proliferation, or nitric oxide production, indicating no cytotoxic or inflammatory effects. However, functional assays revealed that the seed extract significantly enhanced tube formation, increasing closed tubular networks by 1.5-fold. All extracts promoted cell migration, with the seed extract demonstrating the most substantial effect, surpassing even vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, the seed extract exhibited the strongest reduction in cellular senescence, both before and after oxidative stress induction with H2O2. These findings underscore the potential of black persimmon extracts, especially from the seed, to enhance the regenerative capabilities of CB-ECFCs and reduce cellular senescence without affecting the normal endothelial phenotype. This positions them as promising candidates for developing endothelial cell therapies and advancing vascular regeneration.

Black sapote (Diospyros digyna) as an underutilized ingredient in the preparation of vegan breads for school children in Puebla, Mexico

The black sapote (Diospyros digyna) is a Mexican endemic fruit cultivated in several states of the country, however, despite its production, it is wasted in different locations specifically in the state of Puebla, including Rafael Lara Grajales municipality. The objective of this article was to identify three different samples of vegan breads for the use of this fruit, to evaluate their acceptability in school children (6-12 years old) living in that location. This was achieved through sensory evaluation with a 5-point hedonic scale. The inclusion of an underutilized ingredient, such as black sapote, in their diet expands the variety of foods available to them. This article is based on a mixed, experimental, cross-sectional methodology with an exploratory and descriptive scope, using a documentary and field technique. The ANOVA statistical test and the Tukey test were carried out to evaluate the attributes of each bread evaluated, using the Minitab software version 18. The results showed that there was no significant difference p < 0.05 between the three samples, that is, all were sensorially accepted by the untrained panelist school children of Valentín Gómez Farías elementary school in the municipality of Rafael Lara Grajales, Puebla. The attributes of taste, aroma, color, shape and texture did not show significant differences in bread preference, despite the presence of sapote, which is not commonly consumed in the region. The texture, shape and taste were the most liked aspects of the hojaldra (traditional bread for the day of the dead in Mexico), while aroma and color were the least favored. The students favored the color, aroma, and taste of the conchas (fluffy bread with butter topping), but did not prefer their texture and shape. Similarly, the rolls were preferred for their aroma and shape, but were not the top choices in terms of taste, texture, and color. The aroma and taste were the variables with a positive correlation in the evaluated breads. Texture and taste had a low 3.9% positive correlation, and texture and color had a 4.1% correlation across all three samples. An interval graph was also made to determine the most acceptable elements of the breads evaluated, as well as, a multiple correlation to determine the sensorial characteristics with the highest correlation. The most popular bread was the concha. Key words: black sapote, bread, veganism, sensorial evaluation, sensory evaluation

PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND MASS MODELING BY GEOMETRICAL ATTRIBUTES OF BLACK SAPOTE (Diospyros nigra (J.F.Gmel.) Perr.)

The fruit of black sapote (Diospyros nigra (J.F.Gmel.) Perr.) has been consumed in Mexico and Central America since pre-Hispanic times. They contain antioxidant compounds, minerals, and vitamins, making them valuable for nutraceutical and agro-industrial applications. Despite this, there is no scientific information on the physical and mechanical characterization of the fruit that helps in the design and development of protocols and equipment for storage, handling, processing, and added value for a better use of the fruit. In the present work, the physical and mechanical qualities of physiologically ripe black sapote fruit from the State of Hidalgo, Mexico, were characterized after one day of storage after harvest under environmental storage conditions. Models were also determined for the prediction of the mass of the fruit using their dimensional characteristics, finding that the quadratic models based on the volume of the ellipsoid (R2 = 0.8919) and width of the fruit (R2 = 0.8252) were the most appropriate to predict their mass. Likewise, a maximum compressive load force of 869.99 N and an apparent modulus of elasticity of 0.0.088 MPa were determined.

Triterpenoids from the Leaves of Diospyros digyna and Their PTP1B Inhibitory Activity.

Six new 2α-hydroxy ursane triterpenoids, 3α-cis-p-coumaroyloxy-2α,19α-dihydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (1), 3α-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-2α,19α-dihydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (2), 3α-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12-ursen-28-oic acid (3), 3β-trans-p-coumaroyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12,20(30)-ursadien-28-oic acid (4), 3β-trans-feruloyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12,20(30)-ursadien-28-oic acid (5), and 3α-trans-feruloyloxy-2α-hydroxy-12,20(30)-ursadien-28-oic acid (6), along with eleven known triterpenoids (7-17), were isolated from the leaves of Diospyros digyna. Their chemical structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of UV, IR, HRESIMS, and NMR spectra. All the isolated compounds were evaluated for their PTP1B inhibitory activity. 3β-O-trans-feruloyl-2α-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid (13) showed the best inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 10.32 ± 1.21 μM. The molecular docking study found that the binding affinity of compound 13 for PTP1B was comparable to that of oleanolic acid (positive control).

Larvicidal Activity against Spodoptera frugiperda of some Constituents from two Diospyros Species. In silico Pesticide-likeness Properties, Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Molecular Docking.

This report informs for the first time the chemical constituents of Diospyros xolocotzii and Diospyros digyna, the pesticidal and the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition potential of some compounds calculated by in silico approaches, the larvicidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda of available compounds, the AChE inhibition of selected compounds, and the results of the molecular docking of the most active ones with this receptor. From the aerial parts of D. xolocotzii were isolated pentacyclic triterpenes (1-4, 6, 10, 11-13), phytosterols (15-17), and isodiospyrin (18), whereas the analysis of aerial parts of D. digyna conducted to the isolation of pentacyclic triterpenes (4, 5, 7-9, 11-14), (4S)-shinanolone (19), and scopoletin (20). For comparison purposes, origanal (21) was chemically prepared from 11. The in silico analysis showed that the tested compounds have pesticide potential. The larvicidal activities of 11>13>12 indicated that the increase of the oxidation degree at C-28 increases their bioactivity. Compounds 11 and 21 presented the higher inhibition in the acetylcholinesterase assay, and the higher binding energies, and for the interactionswith AChE by molecular docking. Both Diospyros species are sources of triterpenes with pesticidal potential and the molecular changes in lupane triterpenes correlate with the observed bioactivity and molecular docking.

Analysis of Physicochemical Properties and Volatile Compound of Black Sapote Wine Produced with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast

This study aimed to develop black sapote wine and alayze its physicochemical properties and volatile compounds. The wine was produced by fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, and 1%) for seven days. Physicochemical analysis showed pH values of 4.35%, 3.56%, and 3.83%, and titratable acidity values of 0.09%, 0.25%, and 0.2%. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified several volatile compounds, including alcohols, organic acids, alkanes, and esters. The alcohol group comprised of 20.28%, 61.57% and 34.54%, organic acids 25.5%,14.2%, 20.94%, alkanes 0.69%, 4.44%, 30.61% and esters 2.19%, 12.67%, 6.64% respectively. Fermentation in the production process of black sapote wine has been successful based on its acidity and volatile compound profile.

Immunostimulant effects of diet supplementation with yellow (Pouteria campechiana), white (Casimiroa edulis), and black (Diospyros digyna) sapote nanocapsules on laying hens: in vitro and in vivo study.

Poultry is commonly infected by different bacteria and parasites in the environment, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality, but immunostimulants have been enhancing non-specific defense mechanisms conferring laying hens' protection. For this purpose, the pulp of yellow (Pouteria campechiana), white (Casimiroa edulis), and black (Diospyros digyna) sapotes were nanoencapsulated (YWB-SN) and evaluated in laying hens' peripheral blood leukocytes to test their addition to the experimental diets at a concentration of 0.5% (5g/kg of dry food) for 1 month (with two samples at days 15 and 30). The YWB-SN were safe when exposed to peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). The in vitro experiment showed that these nanocapsules enhanced reactive oxygen species production, and B-SN stimulated phagocytosis activity. Concerning the proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) transcription, this gene was upregulated after W-SN stimulation, while B-SN upregulated the IgG gene expression significantly. IgM was upregulated with any YBW-SN in PBLs after 24 h of stimulation. The in vivo study showed a notable B-SN immunostimulation in serum and an upregulation of TNF-α, IgM, and IgG mRNA transcription. Therefore, this study provides a new result of the yellow, white, and black sapote nanocapsules as a functional food for the poultry industry, highlighting the black sapote Diospyros digyna immunostimulant effect.

Plant Extracts Control In Vitro Growth of Disease-Causing Fungi in Chayote.

The use of agrochemicals has caused environmental problems and toxicity to humans, so natural alternatives for disease control during harvest and postharvest have been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate cinnamon essential oil, neem oil, and black sapote fruit extract for in vitro inhibition of fungi isolated from chayote fruit. The extracts were applied at 300, 350, and 400 ppm in Petri dishes and the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Goetrichum sp., and Phytophthora capsici was evaluated for 7 days, and the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition per day was calculated. Cinnamon oil showed a fungicidal effect at all concentrations. Neem oil at 400 ppm showed a 42.3% reduction in the growth of F. solani and 27.8% reduction in the growth of F. oxysporum, while at 350 ppm it inhibited the mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici by 53.3% and of Goetrichum sp. by 20.9%; finally, the black sapote extract at 400 ppm inhibited 21.9-28.6% of the growth of all fungi. The growth of postharvest fungi on chayote fruit could be prevented or reduced by applying the plant extracts evaluated at adequate concentrations.

Caramel colour pigments from black sapote (Diospyros digyna): obtention and food application

This work aimed to develop a pigment from black sapote (Diospyros digyna) using lactic acid bacteria or yeasts for fermentation for use as a pigment in gummy bear formulations.

Cambios fisicoquímicos y antioxidantes de zapote negro (Diospyros digyna, Ebenaceae) durante el desarrollo de frutos en el árbol

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El fruto de Diospyros digyna, conocido como zapote negro, es un fruto exótico, consumido y comercializado en el sur de México. Ha sido poco estudiado y se desconocen los cambios en los perfiles de sus propiedades fisicoquímicas y antioxidantes durante su etapa de desarrollo en el árbol. Por lo tanto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron 1) evaluar las propiedades fisicoquímicas y la actividad antioxidante durante el desarrollo y maduración de frutos de D. digyna, con el fin de conocer los cambios del fruto, y 2) establecer el momento adecuado de cosecha de este fruto climatérico. Métodos: Se evaluaron las propiedades físicas del fruto D. digyna, tales como, firmeza, color, velocidad de respiración del fruto completo, así como la composición proximal, el índice de madurez y compuestos bioactivos incluyendo actividad antioxidante de la pulpa del fruto, esto cada dos semanas durante 14 semanas de desarrollo del fruto en el árbol.Resultados clave: Durante el período de análisis de 14 semanas, el peso y las dimensiones del fruto de D. digyna aumentaron en aproximadamente 90%. El contenido de vitamina C incrementó de 60 a 369 mg/100 g de fruta fresca. Sin embargo, la concentración de carotenoides totales, taninos, polifenoles, acidez y tasa de respiración disminuyeron. La actividad antioxidante determinada por el porcentaje de captación de radicales DPPH (2, 2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo) fue de 30%, junto con un alto poder reductor (2.4 D.O.) al final del estudio. La resistencia a la fractura de la cáscara y la pulpa de la fruta fue de 1.4 N y 5.35 N, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Este estudio realiza un seguimiento de los cambios físicos, en la respiración, composición y actividad antioxidante ocurridos durante el desarrollo del fruto D. digyna en el árbol, demostrando que la semana 10 es el mejor momento de cosecha, ya que no hay cambios importantes a partir de ese momento. Así mismo, se confirma que el zapote negro puede ser una fuente importante de vitamina C.

Phytochemical profile and antioxidant properties of the edible and non-edible portions of black sapote (Diospyros digyna Jacq.)

This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and antioxidative properties of the edible and non-edible portions of black sapote. The phytochemical analysis highlighted the presence of several bioactive compounds, differently distributed among peel, pulp and seeds. In particular, the peel resulted rich of flavan-3-ols and proanthocyanidins, whereas seeds contained high amount of organic acids, including ferulic, citric and sinapic acids. Concerning functional properties, both edible and non-edible portions showed a significant prevention of lipid peroxidation in a cell-based model. Moreover, the results suggested that the antioxidant protection involved both redox active properties and gene expression modulation. Concerning redox active properties, peel extracts showed an antioxidant activity 7/12-fold higher than the edible portion, while seed extracts were more active in increasing catalase gene expression. The obtained results confirmed that black sapote is a good source of antioxidant phytochemicals and its non-edible portions have a great potential in the production of functional foods and supplements.

Filthy fruit! Confirmation bias and novel food

Fruit and vegetable consumption is worldwide too low, resulting in poor diet quality and health-related problems. A cognitive factor that might contribute to this low consumption is confirmation bias. Confirmation bias has been established in anxiety research and comprises the tendency to search for reinforcing negative information, while ignoring counter attitudinal information. If applicable to food, asking for negative food information reinforces the negative attitude and decreases the willingness to try (novel) food. The aim of the current study was twofold. First, to examine if confirmation bias translates to food stimuli. Second, to investigate if this bias is exaggerated in persons with higher levels of food neophobia. To this end, 117 participants (age M = 21.45, SD = 4.48) carried out an online study. They filled in the food neophobia scale (FNS) and performed a search for additional information scale (SAIS) task. Four novel fruits were used, two looking tasteful (pomelo and rose apple) and two looking non-tasteful (black sapote and noni fruit). Participants rated their willingness to eat these fruits and subsequently could indicate how eager they were to receive positive or negative information regarding that fruit. The results indicated that the participants were more willing to try the tasteful looking fruits than the non-tasteful. Additionally, higher levels of food neophobia coincided with less willingness to eat all fruits. Confirmation bias was observed, more negative information was requested for the non-tasteful than for the tasteful fruits. This bias was not related to levels of food neophobia. These results are important as confirmation bias might make people even more negative towards novel foods and could contribute to even less fruit and vegetable consumption, especially when they look less appetizing.

Correcting the Identity of a Eurytomid Wasp Associated with Black Sapote Fruits in Mexico with New Distributional Records and Notes on Its Biology

Correcting the Identity of a Eurytomid Wasp Associated with Black Sapote Fruits in Mexico with New Distributional Records and Notes on Its Biology

Dung beetle activity had no positive effect on nutrient concentration or performance of established rainforest seedlings

AbstractDung beetle activity causes many changes in the soil when they remove feces from the surface. In temperate grasslands and in greenhouse experiments, these changes have been found to positively affect established plants, but information about these effects under natural conditions in tropical forests is practically nonexistent. In a tropical rainforest (Los Tuxtlas, Mexico), we carried out field experiments with seedlings of six tree species (Brosimum alicastrum, Calophyllum brasiliense, Cymbopetalum baillonii, Diospyros digyna, Omphalea oleifera, and Poulsenia armata), to assess whether feces burial by dung beetles had any positive effect on them. We estimated foliar nitrogen and phosphorus, seedling survival, growth and resource allocation, under three treatment levels: (a) feces added and beetles active, (b) feces added and beetles excluded, and (c) no feces added (and consequently no beetles active). We analyzed data at two levels: community (all plant species together) and individual species. Dung beetle activity did not increase the concentration of foliar nutrients or seedling performance (survival, growth); in one species, it modified resource allocation. At the community level and for two species, dung beetle activity decreased the probability of seedlings growing in height. Our study provides evidence on how extrapolating the effects of dung beetle activity from other study systems into tropical forests can be problematic. More studies will be needed before we can have a clearer idea of the effects that feces burial by dung beetles have on established plants in tropical forests.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.

Diospyros digyna (black sapote), an Undervalued Fruit: A Review

Diospyros digyna (black sapote) is a fruit of the Ebenaceae family. Its cultivation is centered in different regions of America, particularly in Mexico, where it originated. The main use of this fr...

Seasonal Changes in the Metabolic Profiles and Biological Activity in Leaves of Diospyros digyna and D. rekoi "Zapote" Trees.

Leaves of semi-domesticated Diospyros digyna and wild D. rekoi trees, sampled seasonally in Mexico in 2014, were analyzed. Metabolic fingerprints revealed higher metabolite diversity in D. rekoi leaves. The TLC bands characteristic of glycosylated flavonoids, predominant in this species, matched the detection of quercetin and quercetin 3-O-glucuronides by liquid chromatography (UPLC-MS) of spring leaf extracts (LEs). Further gas chromatography (GC-MS) analysis revealed abundant fatty acids, organic acids, and secondary metabolites including trigonelline, p-coumaric, and ferulic and nicotinic acids. Phenolic-like compounds prevailed in D. digyna LEs, while unidentified triterpenoids and dihydroxylated coumarins were detected by UPLC-MS and GC-MS. A paucity of leaf metabolites in leaves of this species, compared to D. rekoi, was evident. Higher antioxidant capacity (AOC) was detected in D. digyna LEs. The AOC was season-independent in D. digyna but not in D. rekoi. The AOC in both species was concentrated in distinct TLC single bands, although seasonal variation in band intensity was observed among trees sampled. The AOC in D. digyna LEs could be ascribed to the coumarin esculetin. The LEs moderately inhibited phytopathogenic bacteria but not fungi. Leaf chemistry differences in these Mesoamerican Diospyros species substantiated previous variability reported in tree physiology and fruit physical chemistry, postulated to result from domestication and seasonality.

Fruits of wild and semi-domesticated Diospyros tree species have contrasting phenological, metabolic, and antioxidant activity profiles.

In contrast to commercial Diospyros species, Mesoamerican fruit-producing species are scarcely known, particularly wild species that might harbor desirable traits suitable for breeding. Thus, metabolomic, chemical, and antioxidant profiles of fruits harvested from cultivated Diospyros digyna and wild Diospyros rekoi trees during consecutive winter seasons were obtained. Fruits were harvested in habitats having marked differences in soil quality, climate, and luminosity. D. digyna fruits were larger and less acid than D.rekoi fruits, whereas antioxidant activity tended to be higher in D.rekoi fruits. Phenolic, flavonoid, and sugar contents also varied significantly between species. Metabolomic analysis allowed the pre-identification of 519 and 1665 metabolites in negative and positive electrospray ionization (ESI) modes, respectively. Principal component analysis of the positive ESI data explained 51.8% of the variance and indicated clear metabolomic differences between D.rekoi and D.digyna fruits that were confirmed by direct-injection ESI mass spectrometry profiles. Twenty-one discriminating metabolites were detected in fruits of both species; D.digyna fruits differentially accumulated lysophospholipids, whereas discriminating metabolites in D.rekoi fruits were chemically more diverse than those in D.digyna fruits. Domesticated D.digyna fruits have improved physicochemical fruit traits compared with wild D.rekoi fruits, including larger size and lower acidity. The metabolomic and chemical composition of their respective fruits were also significantly different, which in D.rekoi was manifested as a notable season-dependent increase in antioxidant capacity. Therefore, wild D.rekoi can be considered as an important genetic resource for the improvement of commercial Diospyros fruit quality. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synthesis of activated carbons from black sapote seeds, characterization and application in the elimination of heavy metals and textile dyes

Abstract Many different techniques may be used to remove industrial pollutants from wastewater. Adsorption using activated carbon has been reported to be an effective method. This work proposes the use of a vegetable residue (black sapote seeds) as a raw material for its synthesis. These carbons were chemically activated using phosphoric acid and carbonized at 673 and 873 K. Adsorption isotherms were constructed for the textile dyes on the carbons, and this data was treated using Langmuir's equation to quantitatively describe the adsorption process. The synthesized carbons were characterized using FTIR, EA, SEM, Nitrogen adsorption (specific surface areas of 879 and 652 m2·g−1), and their points of zero charge (2.1 and 2.3). It was possible to adsorb both heavy metals and textile dyes present in aqueous solutions and wastewaters using these activated carbons. Heavy metals were adsorbed almost completely by both carbons. Cationic dyes where adsorbed (58–59.8 mg·g−1) in greater amounts compared to anionic dyes (10–58.8 mg·g−1). The amount of anionic dyes adsorbed increased almost 30% by changing the pH of the solutions. One of the carbons was thermally regenerated on three occasions without losing its adsorption capacity and it was proved in a flow system.

Seasonal variation in non-structural carbohydrates, sucrolytic activity and secondary metabolites in deciduous and perennial Diospyros species sampled in Western Mexico.

This study was performed to test the working hypothesis that the primary determinants influencing seasonal driven modifications in carbon mobilization and other key biochemical parameters in leaves of poorly known Diospyros digyna (Ddg; semi-domesticated; perennial) and D. rekoi (Dre; undomesticated; deciduous) trees are determined by environmental growing conditions, agronomic management and physiological plasticity. Thus, biochemical changes in leaves of both trees were recorded seasonally during two successive fruiting years. Trees were randomly sampled in Western Mexico habitats with differing soil quality, climatic conditions, luminosity, and cultivation practices. Leaves of Ddg had consistently higher total chlorophyll contents (CT) that, unexpectedly, peaked in the winter of 2015. In Dre, the highest leaf CT values recorded in the summer of 2015 inversely correlated with low average luminosity and high Chl a/ Chlb ratios. The seasonal CT variations in Dre were congruent with varying luminosity, whereas those in Ddg were probably affected by other factors, such as fluctuating leaf protein contents and the funneling of light energy to foliar non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) accumulation, which were consistently higher than those detected in Dre leaves. Seasonal foliar NSC fluctuations in both species were in agreement with the carbon (C) demands of flowering, fruiting and/ or leaf regrowth. Seasonal changes in foliar hexose to sucrose (Hex/ Suc) ratios coincided with cell wall invertase activity in both species. In Dre, high Hex/ Suc ratios in spring leaves possibly allowed an accumulation of phenolic acids, not observed in Ddg. The above results supported the hypothesis proposed by showing that leaf responses to changing environmental conditions differ in perennial and deciduous Diospyros trees, including a dynamic adjustment of NSCs to supply the C demands imposed by reproduction, leaf regrowth and, possibly, stress.