Fruit Composition Research Articles

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Chemical, Bioactive Profile, and Anti-oxidant Potential of Gabiroba (Campomanesia cambessedeana): An Underexplored Fruit from Brazil

Background: The Cerrado region has one of the world's largest and most diverse tropical biodiversity, hosting several species of exotic fruits little explored. In this context, we can highlight the gabiroba (Campomanesia cambessedeana), a native fruit tree belonging to the Myrtaceae family. However, its fruits are not used frequently, except by the local population who consume them, and are also reported as nutritional. Objective: This work evaluated the chemical composition of the whole fruit, pulp, peel, and seed of gabiroba. Methods: Physicochemical characterization, bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential, and mineral profile (ICP-OES) were evaluated. Individual phenolic compounds and organic acids by liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) of the pulp, peel, and seed fractions of gabiroba were also explored. Results: The results showed that the gabiroba fruit has a low lipid content (1.09 g 100 g-1), high magnesium content (12.60 μg g-1), and significant values of total phenolics (153.17 mg EAG 100 g-1), vitamin C (51.20 mg AA 100 g-1) and antioxidant potential by DPPH radical scavenging (15.35 g sample g-1 DPPH). The analysis of organic acids showed that the pulp and peel are rich in malic acid (7.29 and 8.15 mg 100 g-1, respectively) and the seed in citric acid (10.26 mg 100 g-1). On the other hand, both pulp, peel, and seed fractions showed similar individual phenolic composition, mainly being composed of catechin (3.36, 2.71, and 2.70 mg 100 g-1), gallic acid (1.67, 1.66, and 1.68 mg 100 g-1) and rutin (0.85, 1.39 and 1.16 mg 100 g-1, respectively). Conclusion: The individual phenolics in the gabiroba fractions may have been responsible for the high antioxidant activity. In this way, gabiroba has demonstrated its technological potential for its full use in producing food products and applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.

A genome-wide investigation of the mechanism underlying the effect of exogenous boron application on sugar content and overall quality of “Benihoppe” strawberries

In recent years, the widespread application of growth regulators and nutrients to boost yield and quality of strawberry fruits has led to the rapid growth of strawberry industry globally. Although the effects of major nutrients on strawberry yield have been widely studied, investigations into the effect of trace elements such as boron remain limited. This study examined the effect of boron application on the yield and quality of “Benihoppe” strawberry fruits. Nutrient solutions with varying boron concentrations (0, 0.024, 0.048, 0.072, and 0.096 mM) were applied to the plants, and their effect on fruit quality was evaluated. The results indicated that boron application enhanced the yield per plant, nutrient composition (total amino acid and vitamin C content), antioxidant properties (total phenol) and volatile components (esters) in strawberry fruits. Specifically, treatment with 0.048 mM boron concentration significantly increased the accumulation of soluble sugars, such as sucrose, whose concentration was 154.29% higher than that of the control treated with 0 mM concentration. This enhancement is attributable to the regulated expression of sucrose phosphate synthase (maker-Fvb2-2-augustus-gene-229.38) and β-fructofuranosidase-1/2/3 (augustus-masked-Fvb5-4-processed-gene-2.0, maker-Fvb5-3-augustus-gene-272.30, and maker-Fvb5-1-augustus-gene-0.37) genes, which play crucial roles in sugar metabolism and enzyme activity. Overall, boron application enhanced the quality of “Benihoppe” strawberries. The findings of this study offer substantial theoretical and practical guidance for using boron fertilizers in strawberry farming.

Dynamic Analysis of UPLC-MS/MS for Sugar and Organic Acid Components of Pears with Different Flesh Texture Types During Development

Pears are popular among consumers for their juicy and delicious taste. In this study, the sugar and organic acid compositions of pear fruits with different texture types during development were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and fruit texture traits were determined by a texture analyzer. The results showed that the dominant sugar in soft and crispy types of pear fruits was fructose. The main difference between pears was the second-highest sugar component; glucose content was higher in crispy-flesh pear fruits while sucrose content was higher in soft-flesh pear fruits. The composition of organic acid components in both texture types of pear fruits was similar. The turning points of changes in the content of sucrose, sorbitol, glucose and quinic acid were different between different-textured pear varieties. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that sugar and organic acid components were significantly correlated with single fruit weight and soluble solid contents (SSCs), respectively. There was a high correlation among texture traits, individual sugars and organic acids. A partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) VIP score plot showed that the differential traits with scores greater than 1 were total soluble sugars/total organic acids (TSSs/TAs), fracture and malic acid/citric acid (MA/CA), which could distinguish pear fruits of different texture types better and reflect the uneven quality differences among pear fruits adapted to different origins. The comprehensive analysis results of the flesh texture parameters and sugar and organic acid components are in line with objective reality and will provide a reference for quantitative indicators of the sensory evaluation of pear varieties as well as for molecular mechanism research on trait differences.

Effect of Packing and Some Irradiation Doses on Quality and Composition of Gondaila Date Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) During Storage

Effect of Packing and Some Irradiation Doses on Quality and Composition of Gondaila Date Fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) During Storage

Nutrient content and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry metabolomic comparative analysis of Lithocarpus corneus and Lithocarpus pachylepis.

China possesses abundant species resources in genus Lithocarpus Blume, commonly known as "acorns." These nuts are traditional foods in China, holding significant potential for local specialty food and rural economic development. To explore their edible value, we compared the nutritional components and metabolites between the fruits of Lithocarpus corneus (YD) and Lithocarpus pachylepis (HL), which are cultivated widely in south of China. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of YD and HL was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technology. A total of eight classes of differential metabolites (DAMs) were detected: alkaloids, amino acids and peptides, carbohydrates, fatty acids, polyketides, shikimates and phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, and other metabolites. In the positive ion mode, 225 DAMs were identified, whereas in the negative ion mode, 116 DAMs were identified. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially abundant metabolites were generally enriched in three pathways: aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and ABC transporters. The nutritional content of YD has higher moisture, fructose, and total flavonoid levels, but lower starch, protein, fat, glucose, sucrose, and total sugar content than HL. Additionally, YD contains more Ca, K, P, and Fe, but less Mg and Zn compared to HL. Analyses indicate that YD is nutrient-rich and beneficial, making it suitable for further development. Two species of Lithocarpus contain nandrolone, suggesting a new direction for specialty food development. The unique chemical composition and rich nutritional content of Lithocarpus fruits provide a theoretical basis for their development and application as food resources. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: L. corneus and L. pachylepis are traditional Chinese nuts, rich in starch, minerals, and flavonoids, making them suitable for consumption or use as food constituents. Their fruits contain various unique natural chemical compounds, indicating high application value and development potential.

The Nutritional, Mineral, and Nutraceutical Quality Is Differentially Affected by the Mango Cultivar

The main mango cultivars produced in the southern Pacific region of Mexico are Ataulfo, Manila, Haden, and Criollo. However, mineral, nutritional, and nutraceutical composition studies are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cultivars on the nutritional, mineral, and nutraceutical qualities of mango produced in Mexico. The cultivar significantly affected (p ≤ 0.05) the fruit composition across these indices. Criollo had the highest potassium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc concentrations, while Haden showed the highest calcium content. Manila had the highest iron content, contributing 0.76% of the recommended daily intake. Ataulfo and Haden were statistically similar in manganese content, both higher than Criollo, with Ataulfo reaching the maximum copper concentration. Ataulfo also had the highest sugar content, while Criollo had the most dietary fiber (3.1%), double that of Ataulfo and Haden. Haden had the lowest dry matter (14.8%) and lowest protein content (0.46%), with Manila showing the lowest ash content. The cultivars also differed in nutraceutical composition: Ataulfo was highest in total phenols, DPPH, and vitamin A; Haden in carotenoids and flavonoids; and Criollo in vitamin C. Cultivar selection induces changes in mango nutritional composition.

Study on Biochemical Composition of Sea Buckthorn Fruit Cultivated from Leh, India and its Flavor Profile by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Sea buckthorn berries are among the most nutritious and vitamin rich fruit found in the plant kingdom. Biochemical composition of sea buckthorn berries cultivated from Leh, India was analyzed to study its suitability for making food products. Berry pulp was analyzed for sugars, acidity, TSS and pH. The results show that the sea buckthorn pulp exhibited higher acidity, lesser pH, total sugars and reducing sugars, when compared to fruits like pineapple and grapes. Calcium and potassium content of berry was found to be high when compared to other mineral content viz. sodium, iron and phosphorus. Antioxidant contents and antioxidant activity of pulp was determined and compared with other fruit pulps. Sea buckthorn fruit pulp exhibited significant antioxidant activity i.e. 88.72%, when compared to locally available fruits like grapes and pineapple. Totally 45 volatile flavour components were identified from sea buckthorn berry, which contains mainly esters, that contributes to significant berry aroma.

Changes in size and chemical composition of fruits and seeds along an elevational gradient in the tropical tree Myrsine coriacea

Changes in size and chemical composition of fruits and seeds along an elevational gradient in the tropical tree Myrsine coriacea

A bibliometric analysis of ohmic heating on food processing in the last two decades

Novel food processing technologies have been devised to cater to the specific requirements of consumer products and tackle the challenges associated with conventional food processing technologies. Ohmic heating is a contemporary thermal-process technology with advantages for time efficiency, improved sensory and functional quality, and enhanced energy efficiency. This bibliometric investigation aimed to analyze the level of scholarly research on ohmic heating within the field of food research over the past twenty years (2003–2023). The findings indicate an upward annual growth rate of 11.09 % in the subject of food-related ohmic heating research. A total of 769 publications have been published, involving 1841 authors. Brazil is recognized as the nation with the most research contributions while Sastry, S.K., is the most productive author, and Teixeira, J.A. is the most collaborative author. Review studies examining the impact of ohmic processes on the nutritional composition of fruits, vegetables, and grains have garnered the highest number of citations. Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies and the Journal of Food Engineering have emerged as the most influential journals in this field. Keywords such as “ohmic heating,” “electroconductive heating,” and ”joule heating” are commonly used in academic publications on the application of ohmic heating in the food industry. Recent trends in this field focus on aspects such as extraction procedures, pasteurization, physicochemical components, and energy usage. Ohmic heating has a bright future. Rapidly growing research shows strong interest, especially recently, because of attractive advantages such as energy efficiency and sustainability. International collaborations will expand its applications in the food industry. Challenges include high capital costs, maintenance, and unclear regulations. Future research should focus on cost-effective materials, thermal stability, food safety, and broader applications. With a clear path, the food industry can adopt ohmic heating technology as affordable and ecofriendly technology more efficiently.

Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L) Peel

The present study was conducted to assess the nutri-chemical composition and antioxidant potential of rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum L) peel. Red rambutan fruit peel was used in fresh as well as dried form for the study. The nutri-chemical profiling revealed, fresh peel had 24g/100g of carbohydrate, 2.5g/100g of protein, 0.17g/100 g of fat and 0.89g/100g starch. However, dried peel had 55.45g/100g carbohydrate, 5.25g/100 protein, 10.2g/100g fat and 1.00g/100g starch. Crude fiber content of the fresh and dried peel was 0.77g/100g and 0.068g/100g respectively. Moreover, the fresh peel had higher moisture (73%) content than dried peel (4.2%). Vitamin C being heat liable, was found higher in fresh peel (9.31mg/100g). Sodium and potassium levels was found higher in dried peel powder as 1.55mg/100g and 9.4mg/100g respectively. Phytochemical composition of rambutan peel revealed that total polyphenol was higher in dried peel (580mg/100g) when compared to fresh (310 mg/100 g), meanwhile saponin, tannin and terpenoid was found higher in fresh peel as 47mg/100g, 390mg/100g and 5.101mg/100g respectively. Flavonoid content was dominant in dried peel (20.51mg/100g) than that of fresh peel (9.6mg/100 g). The radical-scavenging activity was expressed as IC50, which reported dried peel (43.79μg/100 mL) had strong antioxidant potential than fresh peel (184.39μg/100mL). However, it is concluded that rambutan peel is a potent source of nutrients, bioactive compounds and antioxidants which in turn has immense therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, valorisation of agri-food wastes and by- products can enhance food security and promote sustainable development.

Variations on the chemical compositions of chestnut fruits collected at different locations

Chestnut is an essential food source in many countries. Nutritional quality and potential health benefits of Anatolian chestnut trees (Castanea sativa Mill.) have led to increased concern and interest in chestnut production. However, knowledge of the factors that influence the chemical content of chestnut fruits still needs to be improved. Thus, the chemical compositions were evaluated for Anatolian chestnut fruits collected at 14 different locations in northern Türkiye, which is one of the biggest chestnut producers in the world. The effects of latitude, longitude, altitude, aspect, mean annual temperature (°C) (TMA), and mean annual precipitation (mm) (PMA) of the study locations on the chemical compositions of chestnut fruits were monitored. The effects of these parameters on several chestnut characteristics were examined using a mixed-effects multiple regression model. Latitude, longitude, TMA, and PMA were correlated with the mean concentrations of sucrose, free amino acid, glycine betaine, nitrogen (N) (%), and total carbon (C) (%) of the chestnut samples. The moisture content of the fruits was affected by longitude. The antioxidant and mineral content of the chestnut samples also varied by location. These findings may be helpful in site selection, production, and conservation of chestnut cultivars.

Composition and micromorphological determination of blue honeysuckle fruit (Lonicera caerulea L.) cuticular wax and its effects on fruit post-harvest quality

The chemical composition and structure of the cuticular wax in blue honeysuckle fruit were investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed that the cuticular wax was dense and uniform, taking on a tubular form. A total of 158 wax components were identified, including alkanes, terpenes, ketones, alcohols, fatty acids, and esters. The wax was found to be particularly rich in alkanes. After storage, the wax content decreased, whereas an increase in 1-undecanol. The destruction or reduction of cuticular wax resulted in a more rapid decline in storage quality, loss of nutrients, and a decrease in antioxidant phytochemicals. Meanwhile, wax metabolizing enzyme activity and gene expression increased. This study presents a deeper understanding of blue honeysuckle fruit cuticular wax composition and aids to developing effective measures to delay its postharvest fruit quality deterioration.

Rootstock Effects on Tomato Fruit Composition and Pollinator Preferences in Tomato

Food security is threatened by climate change and associated abiotic stresses that affect the flowering stage and the biochemistry of flowers and fruits. In tomato, managed insect pollination and grafting elite tomato varieties onto robust rootstocks are widely practiced commercially to enhance tomato crop profitability, particularly under suboptimal conditions. However, little is known about rootstock–pollinator interactions and their impact on the chemical composition of fruit. In this study, a commercial tomato F1 hybrid (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was self-grafted and grafted onto a set of experimental rootstocks and cultivated under optimal and saline (75 mM NaCl) conditions in the presence of managed bumblebee pollinators (Bombus terrestris). The number of visits (VN) and total visiting time (TVT) by pollinators to different grafted plants were monitored through an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tracking system, while targeted metabolites (hormones, sugars, and organic and amino acids) and mineral composition were analyzed in the fruit juice by UHPLC-MS and ICP-OES, respectively. Pollinator foraging decisions were influenced by the rootstocks genotype and salinity treatment. Experimental rootstocks predominantly increased pollinator attraction compared to the self-grafted variety. Interestingly, the pollinator parameters were positively associated with the concentration of abscisic acid, salicylic acid, malate and fumarate, and tyrosine in salinized fruits. Moreover, a high accumulation of sodium was detected in the fruits of the plants most visited by pollinators, while rootstock genotype-specific responses were found for nitrogen and potassium concentrations. In addition to the known effect on yield, these findings underscore the synergic interactions between rootstocks, pollinators, and environmental stressors on tomato fruit composition.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE CONTENT OF TOTAL NITROGEN, POTASSIUM AND THE METHOD OF CULTIVATION ON SOME QUALITATIVE FEATURES OF STRAWBERRY

The qualitative composition of the ripe fruits of strawberry (hybrid variety- Alba) was examined on growing areas in Glumova (open field) and Shishova (in greenhouse conditions) in the municipality of Saraj- Skopje, with some different agrochemical characteristics, i.e. in Glumova the average total nitrogen values of 0.182% and potassium (K2O) 29.50mg/100g soil were significantly higher than those found in Shishova (0.116% and 20.24mg/100g soil). In ripe strawberry fruits, the amounts of total sugars, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), total nitrogen and potassium found were significantly dependent on the agrochemical properties and the method of their cultivation. In strawberry fruits grown in greenhouse conditions (Shishova), the amount of total sugars 3.68%, ascorbic acid (64.57 mg/100g FW), total nitrogen 9.10 mg/g-1 DM and potassium (K) 1.64 % in DM were significantly lower in relation to the average values found in strawberry samples grown in an open field (Glumova).

Unraveling the key molecular events of Pinot noir berry ripening under varying crop load

Aligned to exploring the physiological and molecular complexity of grape berry development, there is a need to characterize the influence of the source:sink relationships on the genetic regulation of fruit composition. Crop load, as defined by the amount of fruit produced per unit vegetative growth at dormancy, is a common measure of source:sink relationships used to evaluate vineyard production efficiency. We studied the impact of varying crop load on the transcriptome and metabolome of Pinot noir grape berries by comparing the development and ripening of fruit grown on vines with either 50 % or 75 % of their grape clusters removed immediately following fruit set compared to unthinned vines for three consecutive vintages. A clear impact on the general phenylpropanoid pathway resulting in a redistribution between stilbenes and anthocyanins was revealed under varying crop loads and consistent with the transcriptomic profiles of the corresponding branches. Moreover, we identified genes, such as LBDIa3 and AG2, modulated by crop load around veraison, representing putative transcriptional key triggers of the berry ripening phase responding to differences in the vine source:sink ratio generated by the application of cluster thinning. Genes, specifically EXPA1 and EXPA18, involved in softening and other crucial events of ripening initiation responded to crop load and likely influenced the progression of the ripening process. Beyond the major impacts represented by a shift of the onset and completion of ripening, we were able to highlight more subtle effects of the crop load, related to the rate at which the molecular and metabolic changes occur. This study asserts that grape metabolism and transcriptome are remarkably flexible, and that manipulations such as cluster thinning induce extensive, genome-wide changes in expression during berry development. The insights gained here pave the way to progress towards the construction of robust models depicting the molecular network that characterizes berry development and the impact of crop load on its molecular regulation.

Analyzing the impacts of climate change on ecosystem services provided by apple orchards in Southeast France using a process-based model

We know that fruit production, especially in the Mediterranean, will need to adapt to climate change to ensure the sustainability of fruit tree-based agroecosystems. However, there is a lack of evidence on the long-term effects of this change on sustainability indicators. To fill this gap, we used a fruit tree model, QualiTree, to analyze the impacts ofclimate change on the ecosystem services provided by apple orchards in south-eastern France. To do this, a blooming model was parameterized to simulate blooming date on the basis of climate data, and QualiTree was supplemented with a model of nitrogen processes in the tree and a soil module describing resource input (irrigation, mineral and organic fertilization), transfer in the soil (water and nitrogen) and metabolic transformation-immobilization (mineralization, (de)nitrification). This type of extension makes it possible to simulate a wide array of ecosystem services, including C sequestration, nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions. The model was compared with data from an apple orchard in southeastern France. The predicted daily mean and variability over time of fruit growth, composition and soil water content were consistent with observed data. QualiTree was then used to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the ecosystem services supplied by apple orchards. For this purpose, weather variables from 2020 to 2100 were generated for three contrasted greenhouse gas emission scenarios, and simulations were performed under two irrigation schemes (no restriction and restricted use of water). Model outputs indicated that, on average, marketable apple yields would increase until 2050 and then subsequently decrease. The fruit refractometric index, an indicator of fruit quality, was projected to sharply decrease with the intensity of climate change. Ecosystem services such as C sequestration by the orchard will decrease with climate change severity, mainly due to a higher mineralization of soil humus, whereas N2O emissions will increase with larger denitrification rates. Soil water availability, fertility, drainage and leaching were predicted to depend more on the irrigation strategy than on climate change severity. The new functions performed in QualiTree broadened its predictive capabilities and allowed for a better understanding of ecosystem service delivery in fruit orchards under varying climate conditions.

Validation and identification of new QTLs for plant and fruit developmental and composition traits in eggplant under low N conditions

Enhancing plant adaptation to low input conditions is a fundamental goal for implementing sustainable agriculture. In the present study, two eggplant (Solanum melongena) accessions (MEL1 and MEL5), two introgression lines (ILs) derived from eggplant wild relatives S. dasyphyllum (IL-M1-D1) and S. insanum (IL-M5-I9), and a heterozygous version of this last IL (ILHet-M5-I9), along with hybrids among them were evaluated under low N (LN) conditions. IL-M1-D1 carries an introgressed fragment of 4.9 Mb in homozygosis from S. dasyphyllum on chromosome 2, while IL-M5-I9 and ILHet-M5-I9 carry an introgression of 21.5 Mb on chromosome 9 in homozygosis and heterozygosis, respectively, from S. insanum. Multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for several traits of interest were associated with both introgressions under LN conditions in a previous study with segregating advanced backcrosses. Here we evaluated the performance of these materials for 22 agronomic and developmental traits under low N fertilization (LN) conditions. Hybrids with the ILs enabled the study of genetic background effects on QTLs expression. The materials evaluated showed a significant phenotypic variation, particularly within hybrids segregating for the introgression from S. insanum in chromosome 9. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among hybrids carrying or not the introgression on chromosome 2 of S. dasyphyllum, and only slight differences were observed between the IL-M1-D1 and its recurrent parent S. melongena MEL1, suggesting a limited impact of this introgression on chromosome 2 on the phenotype variation. However, the differences observed between IL-M5-I9 and its recurrent parent S. melongena MEL5, together with the association between genotypic and phenotypic variation in hybrids segregating for this introgression, allowed the identification of 13 QTLs on chromosome 9. These results successfully validated the previously identified QTLs for flavonol content in leaves, nitrogen balanced index, fruit mean weight, and nitrogen content in leaves and, also revealed nine new QTLs associated with the introgressed genomic region in chromosome 9. This study emphasizes the influence of environmental conditions, genotypes, and genetic backgrounds on the phenotypic expression of eggplant QTLs introgressed from wild relatives and highlights the importance of QTL validation. These findings contribute valuable insights for developing new eggplant cultivars for a more sustainable agriculture, particularly with adaptation to LN conditions.

Leaf and soil nutritional composition of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) as influenced by organic nutrients amended with biofertilizer consortium

The use of organic nutrient regimes is regarded as holistic and ecological approach for agricultural sustainability. It offers improved soil health, increased crop growth and enhanced fruit quality, whilst minimizing costs and sustaining the use of natural resources. The present investigation was conducted over two consecutive seasons, viz. 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India to study the effect of different combinations of organic manures along with consortium of biofertilizers on leaf and soil characteristics of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims). The investigation comprises of fourteen treatments of various combinations of organic manures along with consortium of biofertilizers, viz. farmyard Manure (FYM) vermicompost (VC) pig manure (PIM), poultry manure (POM), Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), potash solubilizing bacteria (KSB), and vesicular arbascular mycorrhiza (VAM). The results demonstrated that the use of organic amendments in combination with biofertilizers enhanced leaf nutrient status as well soil properties in the passion fruit orchard. Among the different treatment combinations used in the investigation, POM + Azospirillum + PSB + KSB + VAM was the most efficient in improving the leaf and soil nutrient status of passion fruit. This consortium may achieve high microbial load, high nutrient availability for soil which results in better growth of the crop. This treatment may therefore be recommended as an alternative option to meet the demand for long term maintenance of soil fertility as well agro-ecosystem conservation and sustainability.

Variation in Craniodental Pathologies Among Cercopithecoid Primates.

Pathologies of the skull and teeth are well documented for many human populations, but there are fewer studies of other primates. We contrast lesion prevalence and patterning among cercopithecoid primates and map variation onto socioecological variables. We compare craniodental lesions in six species: Nasalis larvatus (n = 54), Colobus polykomos (n = 64), Cercopithecus mitis (n = 65), Macaca fascicularis (n = 109), Theropithecus gelada (n = 13), and Papio anubis (n = 76). One of us (C.A.K.) evaluated each adult skull for multiple lesion types using standard criteria. We also tested for a relationship between lesion prevalence and cranial suture fusion (age proxy). We used nonparametric tests for sex and species differences as well as pathology co-occurrence in SPSS. Socioecological data come from previous studies. Sex differences in lesion prevalence were only detected in P. anubis. Within taxa, some lesion types co-occurred. In Macaca, the presence of caries was associated with several other lesion types. Pulp cavity exposure co-occurred with TMJ osteoarthritis in multiple taxa. Among taxa, male P. anubis had higher lesion prevalences, particularly related to the anterior dentition and facial trauma. Because we did not detect a relationship between suture fusion and lesion prevalence, we propose that craniodental lesions may also be influenced by socioecological variables such as group composition and ratio of fruit to leaves in the diet. Our findings suggest that pain from pulp cavity exposure and related dental infections may alter chewing biomechanics and contribute to onset of TMJ osteoarthritis in nonhuman primates, as seen in humans. Further, we suggest that higher lesion prevalence in male baboons is likely related to male-male competition. Skeletal lesion analysis provides useful insight into primate socioecology, particularly for rare or difficult-to-observe phenomena, and provides additional biological context for our own species.

Nutritional Value, Fatty Acid and Phytochemical Composition, and Antioxidant Properties of Mysore Fig (Ficus drupacea Thunb.) Fruits.

Ficus drupacea is a fruit-bearing tree that is distributed in Southeast Asia and Australia. The objective of this research was to ascertain the following with regard to ripened fruits: (i) their nutritional value, (ii) their mineral status, (iii) the fatty acid composition of fruit and seed oil, (iv) their phytochemical makeup, and (v) their antioxidant properties. The ripened fruits contained 3.21%, 3.25%, 0.92%, 1.47%, and 2.20% carbohydrate, protein, fat, ash, and fiber, respectively. Fruits had an energy content of 30.18 kcal/100 g. In terms of mineral content, the fruit was rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, and nitrogen, with values of 21.03, 13.24, 11.07, and 4.13 mg/g DW. Iron, zinc, manganese, and boron had values of 686.67, 124.33, 114.40, and 35.78 µg/g DW, respectively. The contents of oxalate and phytate were 14.44 and 2.8 mg/g FW, respectively. The fruit and seed oil content were 0.67 and 8.07%, respectively, and the oil's physicochemical properties were comparable to those of fig fruit and seed oils. Omega-3 (α-linolenic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid), and omega-9 (oleic acid) fatty acids were abundant in the oils. Fruit extracts in acetone, methanol, and water have greater concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, total antioxidant activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays demonstrated increased antioxidant activities in close correlation with the higher concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The results of this study demonstrate that the fruits of F. drupacea are a strong source of nutrients and phytochemicals, and they merit more investigation and thought for possible uses.