Fruit Composition Research Articles

Supplementary Effect of Ensiled Ficus Fruit [Ficus nota (Blanco) Merr.] on The Growth Performance in Mallard Ducks [Anas platyrhynchos (Linnaeus), 1758

A study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing the ensiled ficus (EFF) fruit on the growth performance of mallard ducks. One hundred seventy-five (175) day old straight-run mallard ducklings were assigned with the following diets: A (control), B (5% EFF inclusion), C (10% EFF inclusion), D (15% EFF inclusion), and E (20% EFF inclusion) following Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with cage location as blocking factor. Data were run in general linear model of SAS v.9.4. TS1M8 and difference among treatments were determined using trend comparison and declared significant at =0.05. Results showed the ensiling can improve the chemical composition of the ficus fruits and make it favorable to mallard ducks when supplemented. The effect of supplementing EFF in mallard ducks showed a general increase in VFI with higher inclusion rate of EFF with comparable BW and WG. However, FCR was a bit higher with ducks given increasing EFF supplement. Lastly, RFCC was also lower in diets with EFF compared to the control group.

Managing Esca in Susceptible ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ Wine Grapes Through Trunk Renewal

Trunk renewal was evaluated as a treatment for highly susceptible ‘Sauvignon blanc’ wine grapes with moderate leaf and wood symptoms of the trunk disease Esca in a 17-year-old vineyard 7 years after symptoms first appeared. The trunk was cut above the graft union, removing all woody parts of the vine above it, including infected wood. A new trunk was retrained from a shoot off presumably healthy wood at the base of the trunk. Prior to trunk renewal, we detected Esca pathogens from 26% of 97 symptomatic vines. Five years after trunk renewal, 72 retrained vines were still asymptomatic, 24 were replanted (i.e., did not produce a shoot after trunk renewal), and one had leaf and fruit symptoms. Chemical composition of asymptomatic fruit from asymptomatic-retrained vines (RV-AF) was compared to that of vines that were not retrained, the latter of which included asymptomatic fruit from asymptomatic vines (AV-AF) and both asymptomatic fruit (SV-AF) and symptomatic fruit (SV-SF) from the same symptomatic vines. Given the high proportion of asymptomatic retrained vines after five growing seasons, trunk renewal was an effective cultural practice. Although there were no differences in chemistry parameters used to make harvest decisions (total soluble solids, pH, and titratable acidity), SV-SF was unique in having the highest concentrations of the flavonoids catechin and epicatechin and the lowest concentrations of the volatile-aroma compounds hexanal and 2-hexanal. These findings in all three blocks among fruit with visible spots may reflect a host-defense response and/or the effect of Esca on fruit ripening.

Comparative analysis of biochemical composition of fruits of local selection and introduced cherry varieties grown in conditions of foothill Dagestan

Comparative analysis of biochemical composition of fruits of local selection and introduced cherry varieties grown in conditions of foothill Dagestan

Selective Retention of Cross-Fertilised Fruitlets during Premature Fruit Drop of Hass Avocado

The productivity of many tree crops is limited by low yield, partly due to high rates of fruitlet abscission during early fruit development. Early studies suggested that cross-pollinated fruitlets may be selectively retained during fruit development, although paternity testing of fruitlets to test this hypothesis was technically challenging. We used MassARRAY genotyping to determine the effects of pollen parentage on fruitlet retention and fruit quality of Hass avocado. We identified the paternity of abscised and retained fruitlets at 6 and 10 weeks, and mature fruit at 36 weeks, after peak anthesis. We measured the embryo mass, pericarp mass, total mass and nutrient concentrations of fruitlets, and the seed mass, flesh mass, total mass, diameter, length, nutrient concentrations and fatty-acid composition of mature fruit. The percentages of progeny on the tree that were cross-fertilised increased from 4.6% at 6 weeks after peak anthesis to 10.7% at fruit maturity. Only 1.0% of freshly abscised fruitlets on the ground at 10 weeks after peak anthesis were cross-pollinated even though 6.5% of retained fruitlets on the tree were cross-pollinated. At this stage, cross-pollinated fruitlets had similar nutrient concentrations to self-pollinated fruitlets, but they had higher total contents of P, K, Al, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn due to having greater fruitlet mass. At maturity, cross-pollinated fruit were 6% heavier and had 2% greater diameter than self-pollinated fruit, without significant differences in flesh nutrient concentrations or fatty acid composition. The results demonstrate that Hass avocado trees selectively retain cross-pollinated fruitlets, which are larger than self-pollinated fruitlets and ultimately produce larger mature fruit. Avocado growers can increase fruit size and yield by improving the opportunities for cross-pollination, possibly by closely interplanting type A and type B cultivars and introducing more beehives into orchards.

Development of Cookies Using Fruit Waste Peel Powder

The main objective of the investigation was to prepare peel powder from pineapple, banana & watermelon fruit and prepare cookies by using its different compositions. The recipe for cookies was formulated and studied by keeping all the other ingredients same except varying compositions of cornific and fruit peels powder. All ingredients were weighed according to different compositions, in which milk powder (4%), custard powder (4%), sugar flour (25%), ghee (23%), baking powder (0.5%), milk (4%) and salt (0.5%) were kept constant for all the compositions. Three compositions of fruit peel powder (pineapple, banana and watermelon) in 1:1:1 proportion were (9%), (15%) and (21%) respectively. The cookies were evaluated for sensory qualities and the most acceptable cookies were selected for nutritional analysis. Results of sensory evaluation showed that sample with pineapple, banana and watermelon peel powder as 9% in 1:1:1 proportion was most accepted. Nutritional analysis reported that cookies with cornific only contains energy (258 Kcal), protein (1.93 g), fat (16.21 g) and crude fiber (0.08 %) whereas most accepted sample contains energy (290 Kcal), protein (2.85 g), fat (19.11 g) and crude fiber (0.11 %). Keywords: Fruit peel, Sensory qualities, Statistical analysis, nutritional analysis

Carbon dioxide sensitization delays the postharvest ripening and fatty acids composition of Capsicum fruit by regulating ethylene biosynthesis, malic acid and reactive oxygen species metabolism.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01471-4.

Antioxidant potential and mineral elemental profiling of young and mature fruit and leaf of Carica papaya L. cultivar 'Red Lady'

IntroductionCarica papaya is an economically important fruit crop belonging to the family Caricaceae. In this study, we assessed the antioxidant potential and mineral element composition of mature and young fruits, as well as leaves, of the ‘Red Lady’ cultivar of C. papaya. Materials and methodsThe DPPH free radical scavenging assay and the FRAP assay were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the crude methanolic extract and its butanolic fraction from the mature and young fruit parts and leaf of the C. papaya. The mineral elemental composition was analyzed through ICP-MS analysis. ResultsDPPH assay showed that butanolic fraction of young leaves (97±1.155%) and seeds (96.33± 0.8819%) exhibited superior antioxidant potential, followed by mature leaves (81.33 ± 1.856%), mature seeds (72.67± 0.8819%), mature pulp (51±1.155%), young pulp (43.67±2.028%), young peel (34.33±1.202%), and mature peel (30±2.309%). Assessment of metal reducing activity using FRAP assay revealed a similar pattern of antioxidant potential as demonstrated by the DPPH assay. The IC-PMS analysis identified eleven elements in both mature and young fruit parts and leaves of the plant. These elements include potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and cobalt (Co). In both mature and young parts of the fruit, as well as in young leaves, potassium (33,874.68 ± 0.0013 mg kg-1 to 8365.31 ± 0.00049 mg kg-1) was the most abundant element. It was followed by magnesium (14,255.82 ± 0.000282 mg kg-1 to 474.92 ± 0.00125 mg kg-1) and then calcium (9857.51 ± 0.00049 mg kg-1 to 366.84 ± 0.00088 mg kg-1). However, in mature leaves, magnesium (14,255.82 ± 0.000282 mg kg-1) was the most prevalent, followed by calcium (9857.51 ± 0.00049 mg kg-1). ConclusionThis research revealed the antioxidant and metal-reducing properties of both mature and young C. papaya fruit and leaves. These findings underscore the nutraceutical potential of C. papaya in combating diseases related to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the presence of essential mineral nutrients in both the young and mature fruit and leaves enhances their health benefits.

Internal Fruit Quality Is Maintained in Eggplant under Mild Long-Term Salt Treatment

Modern Solanum melongena varieties have been developed to improve the content of phenolics, sugars, and nutritionally relevant minerals in fruit. However, fruit composition might be altered due to abiotic stresses like salinity. Physiological and fruit quality traits were evaluated in four eggplant landraces under usual irrigation and moderately salty irrigation conditions (80 mM NaCl). Growing parameters measured included root length, leaf surface, and fresh weight, while fruit composition traits included sugars, phenolics, and mineral content determinations. Few differences were observed for agronomic traits, probably due to the mild tolerance of eggplant to salinity. Some varieties showed signs of salt tolerance like an increase in primary root length to overcome salt stress. Glucose was the metabolite more affected by the salt treatment in the fruit, while phenolic compounds and other metabolites studied were not altered. Significant differences were observed in the main minerals Na, K, Ca, P, and Mg, both between genotypes and treatments. Although salinity produced changes in some physiological and developmental traits, the composition of the fruit was not significantly modified for the accessions tested. Mineral, sugar, and phenolic contents were not particularly altered in unripe fruits, indicating tolerance of eggplant varieties to salinity in terms of fruit quality.

Nutritional Variation on Sequentially Harvested Shoots and Fruits of Lagenaria siceraria Landraces.

Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standley, a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is valued for its medicinal and nutritive properties. The nutrient status of sequentially harvested shoots and fruits at various growth stages in L. siceraria has not been documented to date. This study aimed to compare the nutritional status of L. siceraria landrace shoots and fruits harvested at different maturity stages. Micronutrients, macronutrients, and proximate composition of shoots and fruits were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Data were subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. The nutrient attributes differed significantly (p < 0.05) within and among landraces at different growth stages. Correlation of nutritional traits was primarily based on shared absorption sites and comparable chemical composition. The first five principal components in shoots and fruits had 90.218 and 89.918% total variability, respectively. The micronutrients Ca, Mg, K, P, and N in shoots and the macronutrients Fe, Zn, Cu, and Al in fruits were the main contributors to variability. The biplot and dendrogram clustered landraces with comparable nutrient values. Shoot traits classified landraces into three major clusters, where clusters I and II grouped landraces with superior and inferior Mg, P, K, N, Fe, K/Ca+Mg, ADL, and protein levels at 42-63 DAS. Cluster III consisted of landraces with more Ca, Na, Mn, Zn, and Cu. However, the fruit nutrient status classified landraces into two major clusters. Cluster I comprised landrace KSC (as a singlet) with the highest Ca, P, N, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Cu contents at various stages of growth (7-21 DAA). Cluster II had landraces with higher K, C/N ratio, Na, moisture content, ash, protein, and fat. The nutritional status of shoots and fruits determined at different stages of growth is essential for selecting the best harvest time and landrace(s) for required daily nutrient intake.

Phenolic Compounds from Cherries and Berries for Chronic Disease Management and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is increasing interest in dietary interventions to reduce risk factors associated with these conditions. Cherries and berries are rich sources of bioactive compounds and have attracted attention for their potential cardiovascular benefits. This review summarises the current research on the effects of cherry and berry consumption on cardiovascular health, including in vivo studies and clinical trials. These red fruits are rich in phenolic compounds, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have multiple bioactive properties. These properties include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects. Studies suggest that regular consumption of these fruits may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to lower blood pressure, improved lipid profiles, and enhanced endothelial function. However, interpreting findings and establishing optimal dosages is a challenge due to the variability in fruit composition, processing methods, and study design. Despite these limitations, the evidence highlights the potential of cherries and berries as components of preventive strategies against CVD. Further research is needed to maximise their health benefits and improve clinical practice.

Extraction, analysis of antioxidant activities and structural characteristics of flavonoids in fruits of Diospyros lotus L.

Flavonoid compounds are considered important components of new sources of natural antioxidants. This study was performed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction processes of flavonoids from date plum persimmon (DPP) fruits, along with the in vitro antioxidant capacities and identities of those components. First, the effects of liquid/solid ratio, ethanol concentration, extraction time, and extraction temperature on flavonoid yields were investigated by independent variables analysis. Then the response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction process, and the maximum flavonoid content was 3.05 ± 0.03 mg/g DW under the conditions of liquid/solid ratio 27:1 (mL/g), 74 mL ethanol/100 mL, extraction time 27 min, and extraction temperature 80 °C. Moreover, by DPPH and ABTS assays, the crude extracts of flavonoids in DPP fruits exhibited robust scavenging capacities with IC50 values of 1.76 and 0.82 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, 17 bioactive compounds of DPP were isolated and identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS, among which two were phenolic acid derivatives, two were flavanones, eight were flavones, four were pentacyclic triterpenoids and one was xanthone. This study provided information regarding the phytochemical composition and functional properties of DPP fruits, supporting future research to facilitate the development and utilization of DPP as a functional food.

Exploring the nutraceutical potential: Evaluating the nutritional and bioactive functions of five pomelo fruit varieties in Bangladesh

Pomelo (Citrus maxima), the largest citrus fruit, provides a variety of nutrients that have several health benefits, including antioxidant and antidiabetic functions. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reducing cellular damage. On the other hand, antidiabetic properties involve mechanisms such as enhancing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, inhibiting carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and regulating glucose metabolism. However, there is a lack of data on the comparative analysis of the physicochemical composition, bioactive properties, and antidiabetic effects of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh. To address this issue, the most common and popular high-yielding five cultivars of pomelo fruits grown in Bangladesh including LOCAL, BARI-2 (BARI: Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Batabi Lebu-2), BARI-3, BARI-4, and BARI-6 were evaluated concerning proximate, minerals, and physicochemical properties with their antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Research has revealed that all pomelo varieties contained a significant amount of proximate compositions and major minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, and Fe). The highest juice yield (75.37 ± 0.33 %), vitamin C content (79.56 ± 2.26 mg/100 mL of fresh juice), and carotenoid content (919.33 ± 0.62 μM β-Carotene Equivalent/g DM) were found in BARI-3 pomelo fruit and adhered to the sequence (p < 0.05): BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-4 > BARI-6 > BARI-2; BARI-3 > LOCAL > BARI-2 > BARI-4 > BARI-6, and BARI-3 > BARI-2 > BARI-6 > LOCAL > BARI-4, respectively. The anthocyanin content and inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase were found to be at their peak in the BARI-2 pomelo variety and the values were 50.65 ± 2.27 μg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g DM and 85.57 ± 0.00 μM acarbose equivalents/g DM, respectively. BARI-3 pomelo variety showed highest DPPH antioxidant capacity (170.47 ± 0.01 μM Trolox equivalents/g DM), while the BARI-6 pomelo variety exhibited the highest total phenolic content (6712.30 ± 1.84 μg gallic acid equivalents/g DM), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power activity (183.16 ± 0.01 μM Fe(II) equivalents/g DM). Therefore, this study explores the nutritional value and bioactivity of five popular pomelo varieties in Bangladesh, offering valuable insights for utilizing high-value citrus resources and understanding their health-promoting functions.

Nutritional composition and anti-nutritional properties of wild edible fruits of northeast India

Forageable fruits are an untapped wealth of nutrients and minerals, and huge numbers are found in the vast wilderness of northeast India, including the hilly state of Mizoram. However, their nutritional properties still need to be explored. Hence, the present study was carried to assess the nutritional and anti-nutritional aspects along with the mineral contents of seven selected wild edible fruits, viz. jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri), false mangosteen (Garcinia xanthocymus), mulberry (Morus nigra), thereju (Prunus jenkinsiii), wild raspberry (Rubus treutleri) and wild ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) to uncover their immense nutritional values, which could solidify their promising potential for an alternate source of nutrition and increase their economic importance. The research demonstrates that Garcinia xanthocymus contains significant amount of total sugars, reducing sugars, and vitamin E. Artocarpus heterophyllus exhibited higher levels of non-reducing sugar, total soluble solids, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and starch. Citrus jambhiri is rich in moisture, vitamin C, acidity, N, and P. Prunus jenkinsii has high anthocyanin, total carotenoid, K and Mn. Rubus treutleri is a rich source of crude fibre, Mg, Na, Co, Cu, and Fe. Ziziphus mauritiana has higher protein. The Morus nigra has higher fat, energy, Ca, and Zn. These findings suggest that all examined wild edible fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which makes them vital in combating malnutrition and highlights their potential for use in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors in futuristic research works. The outcomes of this present study will provide a database about the nutritional composition, potential health benefits, and economic values of these fruits and raise public consciousness about the conservation and enrichment of biodiversity.

The Effect of Freezing, Frozen Storage and Thawing on the Strawberry Fruit Composition

ABSTRACT Strawberries intended for processing are usually frozen to withstand storage and distribution. However, freezing and thawing can cause the degradation of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal conditions for frozen storage and thawing to minimize any loss of nutrients prior processing. Different freezing treatments (−20°C, shock-freezing with liquid nitrogen, −80 °C) up to 6 months of storage and thawing treatments (4°C, room temperature, 37°C, microwave) were compared based on the content of organic acids, sugars, and phenolic compounds as well as the activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. During frozen storage at −20°C over 6 months, the sucrose content decreased by 59%, but only a 17% loss of ascorbic acid was observed, and no significant loss of anthocyanins was detected. However, more significant changes in composition were detected after thawing. When thawed at 4°C for 24 h, ascorbic acid content decreased by 32%, anthocyanin content by 30%, and sucrose content by 66%. Based on our study, the frozen storage caused smaller changes in the fruit’s composition than thawing. From the thawing procedures, the microwave thawing showed minimal changes in the composition of strawberries.

Identification of Flavonoid 3′-Hydroxylase Genes from Red Chinese Sand Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) and Their Regulation of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Fruit Peel

The red Chinese sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) is native to China and exhibits a unique fruit coloration pattern. Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) catalyzes the hydroxylation of flavonoids, which subsequently determines the components of anthocyanins and the color of plant organs. Two genes encoding flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII, have been identified in red Chinese sand pears. The coding regions for PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII were 1542 and 1536 bp in length, respectively. PpF3′HI shared 95% of its amino acid sequence identity with PpF3′HII, and a highly conserved P450 superfamily domain was found both in PpF3′HI and in PpF3′HII. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII clustered with MdF3′HI and MdF3′HII, respectively. PpF3′H genes were highly expressed in anthocyanin-enriched tissues such as young leaves, and transcription of PpF3′H genes corresponded to anthocyanin biosynthesis during the developmental stages, bagging treatment, and postharvest UV-B/visible irradiation treatment. A Y1H assay showed that PpMYB10 and PpHY5 could interact with the −419 bp to 0 bp and −746 bp to −396 bp fragments of the PpF3′HI promoter region, respectively. Understanding the mechanism of flavonoid hydroxylation patterns will, in turn, promote the development of new technologies for modifying flavonoid and anthocyanin composition in fruits.

New Formulation for Organic Mineral Nutrition of Plums to Achieve Higher Yield and Better Chemical Composition of Leaves and Fruits

New Formulation for Organic Mineral Nutrition of Plums to Achieve Higher Yield and Better Chemical Composition of Leaves and Fruits

Comparative evaluation of the biochemical composition of fruits Malus spp.

To determine and compare the content of biochemical compounds in fruits of nine cultivars of M. domestica Borkh. and ten of Malus spp. (given in the research materials), to select the most promising for use in further breeding and recommend for use in various directions, considering the biochemical complex of characters, taste, and marketable qualities of fruits. The dry matter content, a sum of sugars, titratable acids, tannins, and ascorbic acid was evaluated for two years according to generally accepted operating methods. The large-fruited apple cultivars were found to have values of dry matter (11.2-22.8%) and small-fruited (15.5-30.9%); the total amount of sugars in large-fruited cultivars varies from 6.7 to 10.9%, in small-fruited from 7.5 to 12.7%; the amount of ascorbic acid in fruits of M. domestica fruits averaged from 6.0 to 12.2 mg.100 g-1, in crabapple from 6.6 to 22.8 mg.100 g-1; titratable organic acids in fruits of large cultivars ranged from 0.74 to 1.67%, in small ones from 1.50 to 2.34%; tannins content was found in the range from 0.06 to 0.52% in high-fruited cultivars and from 0.29 to 2.61% in lower-fruited ones. Comparative evaluation of the biochemical composition of fruits between large-fruited and small-fruited species and cultivars of apple trees showed that representatives of Malus spp. are more promising for use in breeding and industrial purposes. The dynamics of the decrease of dry soluble substance's weight and the increase of ascorbic acid content in apple tree fruits were also noted.

ПОВЫШЕНИЕ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ ПЕРЦА СЛАДКОГО ПРИ НЕКОРНЕВОЙ ПОДКОРМКЕ МИК-РОУДОБРЕНИЕМ «КАЛЬБИТ С»

The purpose of research is to study the effect of microfertilizer Kalbit C on the formation of the productivity of sweet pepper variety Podarok Moldovy and to establish the optimal dose of the agrochemical for foliar feeding in the irrigated conditions of the Volga delta. The object of research is the liquid innovative calcium chelate complex Kalbit C – a microfertilizer based on calcium in combination with ammonium lingosulfanate (LSA) containing calcium in a form that is easily accessible for consumption by plants. The choice of agrochemical was based on the importance of calcium in providing pepper plants during the frui¬ting phase. Data are presented on the study of the influence of microfertilizer Kalbit C on the growth and development of sweet pepper plants, the formation of the structure and size of the crop, the biochemical composition of fruits when grown in the Volga delta under drip irrigation. The main biometric indicators of sweet pepper plants with three times foliar feeding were determined and significant differences in plant height, increase in the number of leaves and leaf surface were noted. In the variants with fertilizing, the height of the plants exceeded the control by 7.3–15.8 %; by the number of leaves – by 17.3–22.6; by leaf area – by 16.6–25.3 %. The most optimal was the use of microfertilizer Kalbit C by three times foliar fee¬ding with a consumption of 1050 ml/ha, which increased the yield by 23.2 %; average fetal weight – by 11.2; the number of fruits set – by 10.2 %. Based on the results of the biochemical composition, it was revealed that the fruits of the sweet pepper variety Podarok Moldovy accumulated dry matter on average 8.08–8.24 %, total sugars – 5.48–5.79 %, ascorbic acid – 35.9–39.2 mg%, nitrates – 74.7–83.8 mg/kg (MPC – 200 mg/kg).

Nutritional composition of monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) as a candidate yogurt sweetener

Yogurt is a dairy product considered a healthy food due to its nutritional and health benefits. To add flavor to the yogurt, sucrose is added, which causes an increase in calories and makes it unsafe for diabetics. Monk fruit is the fruit of the Chinese plant Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii). Monk fruit is known for its sweet flavor. This study aimed to determine the nutritional compounds of monk fruit. This study will focus on characterizing the biochemical composition of monk fruit with the objects of peel (T1), flesh (T2), and whole fruit (T3). Each object consists of 6 replications with parameters: water content (%), ash (%), fat (%), protein (%), carbohydrate (%), and the percentage of total sugar (%). The data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA. The Duncan test was followed when performing the multiple comparisons. The results obtained showed nonsignificant differences (P>0.05) in total sugar (%). The flesh contains the least water and ash (P<0.05) compared to the peel and whole fruit; the peel contains the lowest protein and the highest carbohydrate (P<0.05), the whole fruit contains the lowest fat; but total sugar (%) is the highest compared to the peel and flesh (P>0.05). Based on the nutritional composition of this study, it is recommended that the best part of monk fruit as a candidate natural sweetener for yogurt is the flesh. Although total sugar (%) was not significantly different from other monk fruit parts, the flesh had the highest protein (P<0.05) and the lowest fat (P<0.05), which is equivalent to low calories. The flesh of monk fruit as a low-calorie sugar alternative can be used in functional foods that have many health benefits, so it is a great candidate for yogurt sweetener.

Effect of virus infection on the fruit quality of sour cherry cultivar Łutówka

A survey was carried out on a commercial sour cherry fruit orchard located in Lublin province in Poland to determine the influence of viruses on the fruit quality of sour cherry cv. Łutówka. Leaf samples from trees of sour cherry cv. Łutówka were tested for Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), Prune dwarf virus (PDV), Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1), Little cherry virus 2 (LChV-2), Cherry virus A (CVA), Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), Cherry rasp leaf virus (CRLV) and Cherry mottle leaf virus (CMLV) using the RT-PCR technique. The results indicated that PNRSV and PNRSV+CVA infected the samples. PDV, LChV-1, LChV-2, CGRMV, CNRMV, CRLV, and CMLV were not detected in any of the tested sour cherry trees. The effect of virus infection on the chemical composition of sour cherry fruits was investigated. The anthocyanin, total phenolic and vitamin C contents, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The total phenolic compound, vitamin C contents, and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in PNRSV- and PNRSV+CVA-infected than in virus-free sour cherry fruits. The total anthocyanin content in PNRSV- or PNRSV+CVA-infected fruits was lower than in control trees. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world about the effect of PNRSV or PNRSV+CVA infection on the anthocyanin compounds, total polyphenolic compounds, vitamin C contents, and the antioxidant activity of sour cherry fruits.