Chemical Composition Of Fruits Research Articles

The Effect of Methyl Anthranilate-Based Repellent on Chemical Composition and Selected Physiological Parameters of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Maturing sweet cherry fruits are exposed to damage caused by birds. In order to repel birds from orchards, it is increasingly common to use repellents based on plant extracts and compounds that undergo complete biodegradation. One such compound is methyl anthranilate (2-aminobenzoic acid methyl ester), which has an irritating effect on birds’ senses of taste and smell. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of methyl anthranilate-based repellent (commercial name: Goose Chase/Fruit Shield) on the chemical composition and selected physiological parameters of sweet cherry cv. ‘Burlat’. The repellent containing methyl anthranilate (26.4%) was applied in the form of a foliar spray seven days prior to fruit harvest at a 1% concentration (500 dm3∙ha−1 of working liquid). In the study, methyl anthranilate-based repellent was found to have no influence on the chemical composition of fruits and leaves or the selected physiological parameters of sweet cherry cv. ‘Burlat’. Moreover, the use of methyl anthranilate did not affect the cracking susceptibility of sweet cherry fruits. This compound may constitute an interesting alternative to support sweet cherry orchard protection against birds and in organic cultures.

Nutrition value of Viburnum L. (Adoxaceae) fruits

The study of the chemical composition of fruits and seeds in some types of viburnum fruits and the identification of chemical elements localization in their various parts by the energy-dispersion analysis on an electronic ion-raster scanning microscope Quanta 200 3D are presented in this contribution. Elemental analysis of fruits and seeds of viburnum species allowed, for the first time, identifying 10 chemical elements in their composition, and these are oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, sodium, magnesium, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium and calcium. Different parts of fruits and seeds differ in the percentage of individual chemical elements in them.

Влияние форм и доз вносимых удобрений на показатели качества плодов томата

This paper discussesthe results findings on the effect of nitrogen fertilizers as urea-ammonia liquor (KAS-32) and ammonium nitrate of various application rates (40,80 and 120 kg of primary nutrient per ha) on the quality of tomato fruits grown on the field and under cover.Various research methods were tested. They made it possible to identify biologically active substances of tomato fruits which helped to examine fruit chemical composition of experimental vari-eties with the determination of dry solids, total sugar, vita-minC, total acidity, lycopene and nitrates. It was found that under cover, the application of nitrogen-containing fertiliz-ers increased dry solids by an average of 23-25%, total sugar -by 55-61%, vitamin C -by 33-41% as compared to the control. On the field, the dry solids content increased by 35-45%, total sugar -by 74-83% and vitamin C -by 37-42%. However, the application of the maximum rates of N120fertilizer decreased dry solids content by 5-6% as compared to N80. At the same time, there was an increase of fruit total acidity as compared to the control: up to 32% under cover, and up to 16% on the field. Although as sugar content increased, the acidity had almost no effect on the eating qualities. In all variants, the nitrate content did not exceed themaximum permissible concentration. The ob-tained data confirmed the positive effect of certain rates of nitrogen-containing fertilizers on the structure, quality and safety of the obtained tomatoes. This result will make it possible to recommend the testedmethods and rates of fertilization during the growing season.

Foreign cultivars of apple tree under the Crimean conditions

The article presents the results of a study of economically valuable traits of apple cultivars of foreign selection in the Crimea. The study of yield, resistance to fungal diseases, commercial qualities, chemical composition and taste of fruits was carried out. It has been established that 16 cultivars have large fruits, 10 cultivars are distinguished by high tasting grade, and 14 cultivars have an attractive appearance. These samples are of interest as a starting material for breeding work. Cultivars Champion and Prima are promising for inclusion in the breeding process to improve the chemical composition of fruits. Cultivars Askold and Prima are distinguished by increased productivity. Askold cultivar is distinguished by productivity, taste of fruits, and resistance to pathogens and is recommended for production testing in the Crimea and various regions of southern Russia.

Studying The Chemical Composition Of Apple Fruits Of Different Ecological And Geographical Groups

The article presents the results of studying the chemical composition of fruits of different varieties of apple trees. The study of the chemical composition of apple fruits showed that the place of breeding and growth of the variety directly depends on the increase in the chemical composition of the fruit. The following apple varieties were identified: by dry matter - Afghan 255603, Roksa Red Delicious; by the amount of sugars - Georges kav, Jonared; by the amount of sucrose - Carnel Red, Georges Kav, Zarya Podolia, Mariorik Pia; for titratable acidity - Afghan 255603; for ascorbic acid - Grafenstein red, Calville Lezanne, Renet June, Apple-tree Gissar. These varieties can be used in breeding programs and introduced into production.

Deficit Irrigation as a Suitable Strategy to Enhance the Nutritional Composition of HydroSOS Almonds

The Mediterranean region is one of the most water-scarce areas worldwide and is considered a climate-change hotspot. To assure the viability and competitiveness of irrigated agriculture, it is vital to implement strategies that can maximize water saving without compromising yield. Deficit irrigation (DI) for cultivating drought-tolerant species such as almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) can help in achieving this goal, while at the same time improving fruit chemical composition. This work evaluated the effect of DI techniques and cultivars on the chemical composition of almonds (cvs. Marta, Guara, and Lauranne) in order to elucidate the most suitable irrigation dose under water-scarcity scenarios. Three irrigation regimes were imposed: a control treatment (FI), which was fully irrigated, receiving 100% of the irrigation requirement (IR), and two sustained-deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies that received 75% (SDI75) and 65% (SDI65) of IR. Significant differences among cultivars and irrigation treatments were observed for antioxidant activity and organic acid, sugar, and fatty acid content, which were increased by the SDI strategies. In addition, highly significant correlations were found between leaf-water potential and components such as fumaric acid, sugars, and fatty acids. In terms of the cultivars, cv. Marta showed the highest antioxidant activity, cv. Guara was the richest in organic acids, and cv. Lauranne had the highest fatty acid content. Consequently, SDI strategies improved almond quality parameters related to their nutritional and sensory composition, with significant water savings (reductions of 25–35%) and without important yield loss.

Effect of Poncirus trifoliata on the chemical composition of fruits in pedigrees of Citrus scion hybrids

Citrus breeders have made numerous hybridizations that included Poncirus trifoliata L.Raf. (P. trifoliata), a relative of the genus Citrus, in their pedigree to produce hybrids that are cold- and disease-resistant. Initial hybrids of Citrus × P. trifoliata typically produce fruit that have unacceptable flavor, but more advanced hybrids with greater proportions of Citrus in their pedigrees have various degrees of off-flavor and taste. This study reports the volatile constituents, as well as nonvolatile limonoids and flavonoids, in the juice of six Citrus hybrids containing P. trifoliata in their pedigrees, compared to two hybrids derived solely from Citrus. Secondary metabolite profiles reflected the complex genetic backgrounds of those hybrids. Hybrids 6_23−20 and US 119 had juice composition most similar to that of P. trifoliata, with more volatiles, and in particular, more esters and sesquiterpenes with higher amounts in total. Furthermore, hesperidin concentration in US 119 was low (10 μg g−1) in comparison with other hybrids (125−326 μg g−1) while concentrations of narirutin and isosakuranetin-7-O-rutinoside were unusually high (135−211 μg g−1 and 304−182 μg g−1, respectively) in comparison with the other hybrids (5−60 μg g−1 and 10−75 μg g−1, respectively), which is in agreement with the composition of pure P. trifoliata. Juice of P. trifoliata derived hybrids 5−18-24, 5−18-31, 1−76-100, and 1−77-105 presented secondary metabolite compositions closer to those of pure Citrus hybrids. Based on volatiles, limonoids, and flavonoid profiles, we conclude that it is possible to generate advanced Citrus hybrids including P. trifoliata in their pedigrees that approach the quality of common Citrus types.

Effect of sample presentation on the near infrared spectra of wild harvest Kakadu plum fruits (Terminalia ferdinandiana)

Consumer awareness of the health value of native and tropical fruits and its products, is increasing, where demands for new applications are driving food industry to find novel applications of these fruits as functional ingredients. Kakadu plum fruit (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is endemic to Australia and has been used as a functional food or ingredient. This fruit is sold as whole fruit, puree or powder. Critical to the commercialization of this fruit is the development and use of methods and tools to better monitor and understand the quality of these products throughout the value chain. The aim of this study was to evaluate four scanning positions used to collect near infrared (NIR) spectra of Kakadu plum fruits wild harvested, in order to develop a rapid and high throughput method to monitor fruit chemical composition. A portable NIR instrument (Micro-NIR, Viavi, Milpitas, CA, USA) was used to collect the spectra of whole fruit (four positions) samples from the Kimberley region in Western Australia. The NIR data was analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares (PLS) regression models for moisture and total soluble solids. The results showed that the scanning position affected the performance of the models (standard error of cross validation). It was concluded that NIR spectroscopy is a promising method to assure the integrity of the value chain of these products. However, a more robust protocol must be defined when whole fruit are analysed.

Relations between fruit chemical components of biquinho pepper cultivars in different crop seasons

The species Capsicum chinense, variety biquinho, has been gaining space in cooking, but little is known about its cultivars, mainly related to the chemical composition of fruits. The objective of this study was to characterize the nutritional composition of two biquinho pepper cultivars in different growing seasons and to define the relationships between the variables and their direct and indirect effects. An experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with two cultivars of biquinho pepper, two growing seasons. The variables were plastochron (PLAS), fruit mass (MASS), pH, total soluble solids (Brix), acidity, total phenolic compounds (PHE), carotenoids (CAR), antioxidant potential (ANT), capsaicin (CAP), and dihydrocapsaicin (DIH). The cultivar BRS Moema showed higher levels for chemical compounds, while the cultivar Airetama was the most productive. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine relationships among variables, and path analysis was used to determine direct and indirect effects between variables. The chemical composition of biquinho pepper is modified according to cultivar and growing season. Important relationships between pH and CAR, ANT, PHE, CAP, and pH. CAR and PHE have an indirect effect and the MASS and PLAS have a direct effect on the ANT.

ХИМИЧЕСКИЙ СОСТАВ ПЛОДОВ ВИШНИ СЕЛЕКЦИИ ТАТАРСКОГО НИИ СЕЛЬСКОГО ХОЗЯЙСТВА

The research was carried out with the aim of comparative assessment of varieties and selected forms of sour cherries by the chemical composition of fruits to identify the best genotypes with their subsequent use in breeding, as well as industrial, farm and collective gardening. The experiments were carried out in 2016–2019 in triplicate. The garden was laid out in 2004-2005 and is located in the southwestern part of the Republic of Tatarstan. The material for the study was 20 varieties and selected hybrids of sour cherries of different ripening periods of the breeding of Tatar Research Institute of Agriculture. On average, over the years of research in fruits of different varieties, the content of soluble solids varied within 16.69 ... 26.49%, sugars - 3.72 ... 6.35%, organic acids - 0.96 ... 2.64%, vitamin C - 11.70 ... 15.90 mg per 100 g. The variability of the content of soluble solids and vitamin C was average (V = 15.1 ... 19.3 and 10.3 ... 14.3%, respectively). The amount of sugars, organic acids and the sugar acid index changed more significantly - V = 20.9… 25.2, 22.0… 25.8 and 29.0… 37.7%, respectively. The genotype had a greater influence on the variability of the content of soluble dry substances, sugars and organic acids in sour cherry fruits (30.2 ... 65.9%) than the conditions of the year (3.0 ... 24.7%) and the interaction of these factors (11.4 ... 29.2%). A positive relationship was noted between the content of soluble solids in fruits and the sugar-acid index (r = 0.85), the content of sugars (r = 0.76), acids (r = 0.50), the sum of positive summer temperatures (r = 0.69 ); an insignificant negative relationship with vitamin C (r = -0.45) and summer precipitation (r = -0.60). Sources of a high content of soluble solids in fruits (21.84 ... 26.49%) in the breeding can be Shelangovskaya, Pamyat Sakharova, Sevastyanovskaya varieties, selected forms - Chereshnevaya No. 1, 1-11-31, 80-8, 1-10 -30 and 37-8; high content of vitamin C (15.16 ... 15.90%) - varieties Shelangovskaya, Low-growing and selective form Chereshnevaya No. 1. In industrial, farm, collective gardening it is recommended to use varieties Shelangovskaya, Pamyat Sakharova, Sevastyanovskaya.

Agronomic performance of seedless table grape genotypes under tropical semiarid conditions

ABSTRACT The Sao Francisco Valley is the main producing region of table grape in Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance and physicochemical characteristics of 14 seedless table grape genotypes to select those with potential to be used in commercial crops in the Sao Francisco Valley, Brazil, or as parents in breeding programs. The experiment was carried out over five crop seasons (2014 to 2018), in Petrolina, PE, Brazil. The treatments consisted of 14 seedless table grape genotypes. The results showed significant effects for all variables evaluated. The highest estimated yield per production cycle were found for ‘Marroo Seedless’ (26.5 t·ha-1), ‘BRS Linda’ (26.4 t·ha-1), ‘CNPUV 23’ (24.9 t·ha-1), ‘A1105’ (24.3 t·ha-1),and ‘A Dona’ (20.2 t·ha-1). Soluble solid (SS) content varied from 13.35 oBrix (‘CNPUV 23’) to 21.63 oBrix (‘A Dona’). The titratable acidity (TA) of the genotypes varied from 0.27 g·100 mL-1 (‘CNPUV 23’) to 0.72 g·100 mL-1 (‘Crimson Seedless’). Principal component analysis showed that the first three principal components explained 81.9% of the data variance, and grouped the best genotypes for production components and fruit chemical composition on different sides of the X-axis. These results allowed the identification of a group of seedless grape cultivars that can be used for commercial crops or as parents for controlled crossings in a local table grape breeding program.

СИФАТЛИ ВА ЯХШИ САҚЛАНУВЧАН ОЛМА МАҲСУЛОТЛАРИНИ ЕТИШТИРИШДА ҚОҒОЗ ҚОПЧАЛАР БИЛАН МАВСУМИЙ ҲИМОЯЛАШ УСУЛИНИНГ АФЗАЛЛИКЛАРИ

Physiological disorders such as fruit rot, skin stains and blackening of the inside of the fruit are encountered when storing Pink Lady apples. The new ecologically friendly practice – fruit wrapping in paper bags during the season is applied for protecting fruits against diseases. Paper bags protect fruits from sunburn and provide favorable conditions for preserving essential elements for a long time. The chemical composition of fruits protected by this method and the role of calcium in the good preservation of fruits has been studied. Moreover, it is noted that this method is effective for growing organic products.

New breeding and technological evaluation criteria for fruit and berry products for the healthy and dietary food industry

For the formation of a healthy diet, it is important to provide an economic and physical availability of the assortment of importsubstituting high quality and safe horticultural products, and to improve the industrial assortment. Wherein, the traits which define the consumer demand, such as quality and the chemical composition of fruits, saturation with essential micronutrients for healthy and dietary nutrition, should be taken into account in the first place among other breeding criteria, such as an early maturity and productivity. The aim of the research was the determination of breeding and technological priorities for fruits and berries from the point of view of the content of macro- and micronutrients for the development of dietary foodstuffs. Material and methods. The object of the investigation was the data on the content of protein, total sugar, mono- and disaccharides, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, organic acids, polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, resveratrol, piceid, vitamins С, E, B1, B2, PP and carotenoids in samples of fruit and berry crops grown on the experimental production sites of the Federal Research Center named after I.V. Michurin (25 varieties of apple, 21 varieties of pear, 14 - of cherry, 5 - apricot, 10 - honeysuckle, 14 - strawberry, 8 forms of viburnum, 18 varieties of raspberry, 13 varieties of gooseberry, 10 forms of sea buckthorn, 12 varieties of plum, 8 varieties of red currant, 12 varieties of black currant). The statistical software package Statistica 6 was used for statistical data processing and construction of mathematical models. Results and discussion. The scale of priority distribution was developed, based on the analysis of the micronutrient composition of fruit and berries. The limits of low, medium and high micronutrient content in horticultural products were defined. Therefore, the threshold values of high level (3 points) were determined as ≥6 g/100 g for the dietary fiber and ≥30% of the recommended daily intake for the biologically active substances (BAS), minerals and trace elements. The threshold values of medium level of content (2 points) were determined as ≥3 g/100 g for the dietary fiber, ≥15% of the recommended daily intake for the BAS, minerals and trace elements. And threshold values of low level of content (1 points) were determined as values of indicators which are less than aforementioned. It was found that the categories of low priority (1 point) in the studied crops include protein, vitamins B1 (except for honeysuckle), B2, E (except for sea buckthorn) and PP, as well as sodium, calcium and zinc. The majority of the research objects has medium values as a source of soluble dietary fiber, carotenoids, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and potassium. The content of ascorbic acid and polyphenolic compounds, including anthocyanidins demonstrates the highest priority among the studied crops (3 points). According to the data obtained, the most of cultivars has a high content of organic acids (citric and malic), and more than 45.0% of the cultivars have a high content of vitamin C. 55.8% of cultivars have a high content of polyphenolic compounds, while 23.4% of cultivars are the sources of polyphenolic compounds too. Also 45.8% of cultivars have a high content of anthocyanidins, 25.0% of cultivars have a high content of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, 2.9% of cultivars are rich in iron. 62.0% of cultivars are the sources of soluble dietary fiber, 49.6% - sources of flavonoids, 13.0% - sources of potassium, 5.8% - sources of magnesium, 2.9% - sources of copper. Conclusion. The assessment of the chemical composition of fruits and berries from the standpoint of the presence and the content of macro- and micronutrients and BAS, proposed as a breeding program priority for the development of foodstuffs for specialized, dietary and therapeutic nutrition, is the basis for the future work on identification of complex sources, formation of unique food matrices, and selection of technological processes to develope a line of specialized foodstuffs.

Effect of Controlled Atmosphere Storage Conditions on the Chemical Composition of Super Hardy Kiwifruit

Super hardy kiwifruit [Actinidia kolomikta (Maxim. & Rupr.) Maxim.] accumulate large amounts of biologically active compounds, but it is possible to store ripe fruit for a very short time, only 2 weeks at 0–5 °C. Therefore, it is necessary to determine optimal storage conditions to prolong fruit storage time. The aim of this research was to analyse changes in the basic chemical composition of fruit during ripening in controlled atmosphere chambers. Fruit was stored for 6 weeks at a constant temperature (0 °C) and humidity (90%) in different air compositions (No. 1—21% O2, 78% N2; No. 2—0.5% O2, 98.5% N2, 1% CO2; No. 3—1.5% O2, 95.5% N2, 3% CO2; No. 4—2% O2, 93% N2, 5% CO2). The chemical composition of the fruit was determined at harvest, after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of storage. Dry matter, soluble solids, ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were analysed. The greatest increase in the contents of dry matter and soluble solids after 6 weeks of storage was found in the chamber where O2 was 2% and CO2 was 5%. The ascorbic acid content decreased during the fruit ripening process regardless of the air composition. Most of the ascorbic acid remained in fruit stored in the chamber with 1.5% O2 and 3% CO2. The concentration of total chlorophyll and total carotenoids in the fruit increased as development progressed. The different air parameters in the storage chambers had different effects on the synthesis of pigments in fruit, but the content of pigments increased most in fruit stored in the chamber with atmospheric parameters 0.5% O2 + 1% CO2.

Biochemical evaluation of berries of new red currant varieties for their further use in breeding to improve chemical fruit composition

In the Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (RRIFCB), twenty-one new red currant varieties with a number of commercially valuable traits and high adaptive potential were created for the period of 1984-2018. The chemical composition of berries of these varieties was studied by the main components: soluble solids, sugars, organic acids, ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds as well as Ratio (sugar-acid index) was calculated. Widespread European varieties Hollandische Rote and Jonkheer van Tets were taken as standards. Genotypes that exceeded average values were revealed by each studied biochemical component. A signifi cant part of the RRIFCB breeding varieties accumulated more than 50.0 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid in berries. In varieties Marmeladnitsa, Niva, Podarok Pobeditelyam, Selyanochka and Ustina this parameter was higher than 60.0 mg/100g. The amount of phenolic substances was higher than the average value (more than 450 mg/100g) in varieties Asya (629 mg/100 g), Marmeladnitsa (466), Niva (473), Osipovskaya (435), Podarok Pobeditelyam (664), Premiyera (538), Selyanochka (593), Ustina (453) and standard Jonker van Tets (484 mg/100 g). Such red currant varieties as Vika, Marmeladnitsa, Orlovchanka and Osipovskaya had high parameters by several components. Varieties Asya and Selianochka were revealed by all studied components: soluble solids (Brix %) – 11.6 % and 12.9 %; sum of sugars – 2.23 % and 2.25 %; ascorbic acid – 54.0 and 62.9 mg/100 g; anthocyans – 95 and 85 mg/100 g; sum of P vitamin – 629 and 593 mg/100 g; Ratio – 3.5 and 4.1, respectively. Varieties Rosa and Bayana with pink and white berries, respectively, were characterized by high Ratio and taste.

Effects of combined organic/inorganic fertilizer application on growth, photosynthetic characteristics, yield and fruit quality of Actinidia chinesis cv ‘Hongyang’

In China, Hongyang Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinesis) is considered to be economically valuable because of its appealing red flesh, unique flavor and beneficial metabolites. A continuous 3-year field experiment was conducted in a private orchard in Dujiangyan, Sichuan Province, China, to determine the effect of different NPK ratios and organic fertilizer application on growth and yield. Approximately 162 vines were selected in a completely random design with nine fertilization treatments (PK; NK; NP; NPK; 2NPK; N2PK; NP2K; NPK + OM (organic matter)). Data on leaf number, leaf area, stem diameter, photosynthetic parameters, leaf N, P and K, chlorophyll content, yield and fruit quality were collected from individual kiwi vines for each treatment during the years 2011–2013. The application of inorganic fertilizer significantly increased fruit yield, leaf number, and leaf area and stem diameter increment as well as leaf photosynthetic rates and the concentrations of N, P and K in the leaves. However, the fruit yields were reduced in the unbalanced fertilizer treatments, NP, NK, and PK and in excess nutrient treatments, 2NPK, N2PK, NP2K, in contrast to the optimum NPK treatment. This was due to lower leaf photosynthetic rates and fewer photo-assimilates being available to the fruit. Moreover, the addition of organic fertilizer along with inorganic fertilizer (optimum NPK) did not increase plant growth, photosynthetic rates or fruit yields compared with only NPK fertilizer application, but significantly enhanced the fruit quality as a result of improving fruit chemical composition, such as soluble solids and reduced sugar.

Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under Colored Shade Nets: Fruit Yield, Postharvest Transpiration, Color, and Chemical Composition

Colored shade nets may affect plant growth and fruit yield of horticultural crops. The understanding of how colored shade nets influence plants, however, is far from complete. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of colored shade nets on bell pepper fruit yield, postharvest transpiration, color, chemical composition, and antioxidant capacity. The experiment was conducted in Tifton, GA, during the spring of 2015 and 2016. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications and five colored shade net treatments (black, red, silver, and white nets, and an unshaded control). The nets were placed on the top of wooden rectangular structures (15 m wide × 6 m long × 5 m high), leaving the sides of the structures uncovered. Results showed that in both 2015 and 2016, marketable and total fruit number, yield, and individual fruit weight were reduced under the unshaded treatment. There were inconsistent differences in marketable and total fruit number, yield, and individual fruit weight among colored shade nets. Postharvest fruit transpiration and skin permeance were also reduced in unshaded conditions, and no differences were found among colored shade nets. Fruit color L* and b* values were highest, and a* value was lowest in unshaded conditions. Fruit soluble solids, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity [Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC)] responded differently among colored shade nets in the 2 years. Total phenols, flavonoids, and TEAC, however, were among the highest in unshaded conditions. In conclusion, results of the present study support previous findings that shade nets increase fruit yield and quality in bell pepper compared with fruit produced in unshaded conditions. Nevertheless, there were no consistent differences in fruit total and marketable yield and postharvest fruit transpiration and chemical composition of fruit produced under colored shade nets.

Impact of red and blue nets on physiological and morphological traits, fruit yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

Plants can detect the quality, quantity and direction of light and use it as a signal to adapt their morphogenesis and growth. Thus depending on their light transmission, coloured nets used to protect plants from pests and limit irradiance can also impact plant growth and production. Tomato plants have been grown under blue or red nets transmitting similar photosynthetic yield from transplanting until the end of the fruit harvest to determine the importance of the light spectrum on plant growth, reproductive characteristics and fruit chemical composition. The morphological traits, organ physiology and fruit composition were strongly influenced by net colour. Plants under the red net were taller with a greater leaf area and a shoot to root ratio. An increased blue to red ratio slightly enhanced the reproductive development (visible bud development and 1st flowering) of tomato plants. An increased red to blue ratio enhanced the tomato glucose (17 %) and fructose (6 %) contents, while the citric (5 %) and malic acids (4 %) contents decreased, triggering a higher sugar/acid ratio. A high blue to red light limited organ growth and plant light interception was reduced despite a higher photosynthetic yield and a slight enhancement of the organ appearance rate. In addition, a low blue to red light increased fruit weight at harvest and even if it did not significantly improve fruit yield, it favoured fruit quality as it enhanced the tomato sugar/acid ratio.

Effects of blended polyvinyl alcohol/urea on the growth, yield and chemical content of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill)

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill) is one of the most important solanaceous vegetables widely cultivated in the world. The growth yield and chemical content of tomato (lycopersicon esculentum Mill) treatment with nitrogen fertilizers (PU) were investigated. Nitrogen fertilizers (PU) were based on polyvinyl alcohol (P) blended with three different contents of urea (U) (PU35, N: 8.45%; PU50, N: 34.1%, and PU65, 44.04%). In each of the five replicates of the treatments, 500 ml (1% w/v) of PU was applied directly to the soil. The first treatment was given at 15-day-old seedlings. Thereafter, the treatments were given at intervals of 15 days (6 times) each until 90 days. Final harvest was at 112 days. Data was analyzed using variance analysis (ANOVA) and compared using control without fertilizer. The vegetative growth, leaf and fruit chemical composition, and flowering and fruiting of tomato responded positively to PU fertilizer compared to control plants. However, application of PU50 (nitrogen content 34.1%) gave a significant increase in vegetative growth, chlorophylls a and b, flower and fruit characteristics more than PU35, PU65 and control

Evaluation of biochemical indicators of apple fruits quality for the complex selection of the valuable source material for breeding

The generalized results of a comprehensive long-term assessment (2015-2019) of biochemical and technical indicators of the quality of apple fruits of promising varieties (Malus domestica x Borkh.), including: the valuable initial parental forms and new varieties of regional selection, different in ploidy and genetic origin are presented, grown in the conditions of the South of Russia. This work used the generally accepted modern methods and programs for the variety study of fruit plants developed at the North Caucasian Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture, Wine-making (NCFSCHVW). The aim of the study was to select the source material of the apple fruit quality, which is valuable for the breeding, and the sources of the target traits based on the analysis of longterm data on the assessment of the biochemical composition of promising varieties of different ploidy and genetic origin. As a result of the comprehensive assessment of the main indicators of the quality of apple fruits in a varietal section, the sources of significant traits of apple tree for breeding use were identified: large-fruited, bright red and pure yellow color, improved chemical composition of fruits. According to the data of a longterm studies of the quality indicators of the apple fruits of introduced varieties and varieties of selection of the FSBSI NCFSCHVW, genotypes with an improved biochemical composition were identified for the use in the selection process: diploids: Champion, Orpheus (sugar content 10.5% and 10.8%, respectively); triploids: Soyuz, Vasilisa and the diploid variety Fortuna (vitamin C - more than 10.0 mg / 100 g); diploids: Margo, Vasilisa (P-active substances - more than 110.0 mg / 100 g).