Total Dry Matter Content Research Articles

Impact of Cold Storage on Bioactive Compounds and Their Stability of 36 Organically Grown Beetroot Genotypes.

In order to exploit the functional properties of fresh beetroot all year round, maintaining the health-benefiting compounds is the key factor. Thirty-six beetroot genotypes were evaluated regarding their content of total dry matter, total phenolic compounds, betalain, nitrate, and total soluble sugars directly after harvest and after cold storage periods of one and four months. Samples were collected from two field experiments, which were conducted under organic conditions in Southwestern Germany in 2017 and 2018. The outcome of this study revealed a significant influence of genotype (p < 0.05) on all measured compounds. Furthermore, significant impacts were shown for storage period on total dry matter content, nitrate, and total phenolic compounds. The medians of nitrate content based on the genotypes studied within the experiment ranged between 4179 ± 1267–20,489 ± 2988 mg kg−1 DW (dry weight), and that for the total phenolic compounds varied between 201.45 ± 13.13 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW and 612.39 ± 40.58 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW (milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry weight). According to the significant influence of the interactions of storage period and genotype on total soluble sugars and betalain, the decrease or increase in the content of the assessed compounds during the cold storage noted to be genotype-specific. Therefore, to benefit beetroots with retained quality for an extended time after harvest, selection of the suitable genotype based on the intended final use is recommended.

Total soluble solids and dry matter of cucumber as indicators of shelf life

The objective of the present study was to show the relationship between total soluble solids (TSS) and dry matter content (DMC) at harvest and of shelf life of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cultivars. Two groups of cultivars with different production cycles were studied during two agricultural seasons. Sample cucumbers were stored for 28 d in the dark, at 10 °C, and 85–95 % relative humidity. The DMC, TSS, and commercial quality were determined every seven days. The crop cycle, harvest month, type of cultivar, and storage time affected cucumber DMC and TSS. The TSS content showed a linear relationship with DMC, which was maintained from harvest to senescence. In addition, the values of these two parameters decreased progressively during storage. The DMC and TSS at the time of collection may influence the shelf life of cucumbers, the higher their contents at harvest, the longer the shelf life. Therefore, the TSS and DMC of cucumbers measured at harvest can be used as indicators of cucumber shelf life.

IMPACT OF THE ESSENTIAL OILS OF MARJORAM OR BASIL DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION ON DEGRADABILITY, RUMINAL FERMENTATION AND TOTAL GAS PRODUCTION IN-VITRO

An in-vitro study was carried out to investigate the effect of using different levels of the essential oils of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) or Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) as a natural feed additive on ruminal fermentation, total gas production, ammonia concentration, dry matter and cell wall contents (NDF and ADF) digestibility.Eleven experimental groups were used by in-vitro batch culture technique. The basal diet consisted of a total mixed ration (TMR) in all treatments, the experimental treatments were: 50% CFM, 50% alfalfa hay (control), control diet plus 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ml of Marjoram oil or Basil oils / kg DM for T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9 and T10, respectively. No differences (p>0.05) were observed between Marjoram or Basil oils in pH, NDFd and ADFd at all different levels compared with the control diet. Ammonia concentrations showed significant (p < 0.05) decreased for all the experimental diets compared with the control diet, except T6. Also, short chain fatty acid (SCFAs) contents were decreased for all treatments compared with control, except T8 and T9. The values cleared that Marjoram oils supplementation to diets showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total gas production versus control which recorded the highest value (128 ml) except T8 and T9. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in dry matter degradability (DMd) between T4 and T9 compared with the control. Cell wall contents (NDF and ADF) digestibility values were not significant affected by oils supplementations. It could be concluded that supplementation of Marjoram or Basil oils to diets had negative influence on ruminal fermentation parameters (SCFAs, ammonia and total gas production). The Marjoram oil showed significantly superior DM degradability and reduction total gas production compared to the Basil oil.

Accumulation of total nutrients, dry matter and phytochrome content in Boesenbergia stenophylla R.M Smith as affected by different light conditions

A study was conducted to determine the best agronomic practices for the cultivation of jerangau merah as a new medicinal crop. Jerangau merah is scientifically known as Boesenbergia stenophylla is a ginger plants that is highly endemic to the Borneo Highland. This understorey herb grows in cluster and under the heavy shades of forest canopies and perceived only the sunflecks that pass through the forest canopies. Jerangau Merah has been consumed by the locals for its medicinal values since decades ago. Generally, B. stenophylla is well known for its function as antidote for alcohol. Moreover, the B. stenophylla is also beneficial for rheumatic pains, remedies for stomach ache and toothache and as antiseptic wash as well. This herb is not propagate by the locals due to its sensitivity to sunlight and lack of agronomic information for B. stenophylla. Harvesting it from their natural habitat, however, seen the decline it its population size hence cultivation is essential. This paper aimed to determine the total nutrients, dry matter yield and phytochrome content of Bosenbergia stenophylla R.M. Smith under different light regimes. A study for determining suitable planting media for B. stenophylla was conducted at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The treatments are: i) (M1) with the ratio of 3:2:1 top soil: sand: organic matter, media ii) (M2) consists of soil mixture 3:2:1 placed in water-logged polyethylene bags and media iii) (M3) contained only leaf litters. The results showed that the herbs showed significantly higher number of shoots and leaves in the common soil mixture. But, better root development in media containing leaf litters. The study proceeded with field experiment at Ba’Kelalan to determine the effect of different shade levels and fertilizing regimes on growth. B. stenophylla was cultivated under two different levels of shade cloths: 70% and 90% level of shade and different fertilizing regimes (T1 as control, no fertilizer applied to the plants; T2, chicken dung; T3, NPKMg and T4, mixed of chicken dung and NPKMg). The study for determining the effects of different shade level and fertilizing regimes on seedling’s growth which conducted at Ba’Kelalan in factorial randomized completely blocked design (RCBD). The data collected for 9 weeks of planting which include nutrient content in soil, leaf, PAR and phytochrome content and growth parameters. Regarding the nutrient uptake, the results showed no interactions between fertilizing regimes and shade levels. There were no significant different in nutrient elements except for magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is essential for the formation of chlorophyll which ensure efficiency of photosynthesis when under higher light intensity. Among all the fertilizer treatment, it was showed that chicken dung amendment has higher nutrient uptake. Thus, it is recommended chicken dung should be added into the NPKMg for better nutrient uptake. Further study on suitable fertilizer rates apply to B. stenophylla should be taken into consideration. Moreover, plants cultivated under 70% have been higher and have higher dry matter yield than those plants cultivated under 90%. The result also revealed that there was significant different in chlorophyll content of B. stenophylla cultivated under 70% which treated either with chicken dung and NPKMG respectively. However, plants under 90% have higher chlorophyll content than those under 70%. Based on the results, plants under 70% shade was taller than those under 90% and there were significant difference in height among treatments under 70%. It was observed plant treated with NPKMg was taller. This study showed that shade and fertilizers significantly affected the dry matter yield of B. stenophylla. Moreover, adding NPKMg to the treatments yields more dry matter content of jerangau merah. As for phytochrome content, there was no significant effect of fertilizer on phytochrome content. However, there was significant difference among the shade levels. 90% shade showed higher phytochrome content than those under 70%. In overall, both shade and fertilizer is important in cultivation of Jerangau Merah. 70% shade was observed to have significant effects on growth of jerangau merah and also more economical compared to 90%. Moreover, combination of organic matter and NPKMg also promote the growth of jerangau merah enhance the nutrient uptake efficiency of jerangau merah. However, further investigation of suitable fertilizer and application rate are required to determine suitable fertilizer for jerangau merah and application rate for optimum growth of jerangau merah.

Variability in pomological traits of dog rose (Rosa canina L.) under the ecological conditions of the Republic of Croatia

Wild or dog rose (Rosa canina L.) is a successful colonizer of various habitats and different soil types and is widely distributed across the Republic of Croatia. In this research, in order to estimate pomological variability in native dog rose populations, four genotypes from four locations in different geographic areas of Croatia were selected and sampled. The genotypes selected were: genotype G1, originating from the continental part of Croatia (Pitomača); genotypes G2 and G3, originating from the Mediterranean part of Croatia (Kukurini and Posedarje, respectively); and genotype G4, originating from the upland part of Croatia (Gračac). Fruits were harvested at optimum harvest dates in 2010 and 2012. Genotype had a significant effect on each studied pomological trait (length, width, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, volume, surface, shape index, weight, flesh weight, flesh ratio and total dry matter content), while year significantly affected all parameters except sphericity and shape index. The highest values for most pomological traits in 2010 and 2012 were found in the G4 and G3 genotypes, respectively. This research highlighted the existence of high variability in pomological traits among dog rose populations in Croatia, which emphasizes the possibility of further breeding and cultivation.

Effects of chemical mutagens on the physio-chemical traits of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

A field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha during Rabi 2017 and 2018 seasons. Five hundred seeds of variety Utkal Kumari (BT 10) were taken and subjected to single and combined mutagenic treatment as per the specification. The experiment was laid down in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Leaf area (dm2/plant), total dry matter and chlorophyll content were measured at 30, 60 and 75 days after transplanting(DAT). NAR (Net assimilation rate) and CGR (Crop growth rate) were also calculated at 30-40 DAT and 50-60 DAT. All the treatments showed increase in yield over control and buffer except in treatment Sodium Azide (SA) 0.06% which indicated that the mutagens had positive effect on the plant for increasing yield. The increase in yield depends on leaf area or photosynthesizing tissues, total respiring tissues or total biomass, photosynthetic efficiency as reflected by chlorophyll content, Net assimilation rate (NAR) and crop growth rate (CGR). Ethyl methane sulphate (EMS) at 0.6% concentration had shown maximum increase in yield which was attributed to maximum leaf area (55.19 dm2/plant), maximum total dry matter (19.44g/plant) and maximum crop growth rate (0.347g.m−2.day−1). The chlorophyll content and NAR (Net assimilation rate) were also significantly high for this treatment.

THE INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE CONDITIONS ON THE NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF SOME POTATO LINES TESTED IN CULTURE ON SANDY SOILS FROM SOUTHERN OLTENIA

In this paper are presented the results regarding the biochemical composition of the 7 potato lines studied at Dăbuleni ResearchDevelopment Station for Plant Culture on Sands in conditions of thermohydric stress. The obtained results highlighted differentiations depending on the genotype and depending on the climatic conditions of the 2 years of study (2020-2021). A high content of total dry matter, above the average of 22.87% presented 4 of the 7 potato lines studied, the highest values being recorded at line L 1901/11 (27.09%). Starch, the main biochemical component of potato tubers, showed values between 12.86% in 2020 and 13.08% in 2021, the highest average values of starch content in tubers being determined in line L 1895/1. The vitamin C content was higher in all the lines studied in the climatic conditions of 2021 year.

Siirt Ekolojik Koşullarında Mikrobiyolojik ve İnorganik Gübrelemenin Nohut (Cicer arietinum l.)’un Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkileri

Siirt ekolojik koşullarında mikrobiyolojik ve inorganik gübrelemenin nohut (Cicer arietinum L.)’ un verim, verim öğeleri ve nodülasyonu üzerine etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yapılan bu çalışma tesadüf bloklarında faktöriyel deneme deseninde 3 tekerrürlü olarak 2016-2017 ve 2017-2018 yılları arasında yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada simbiyotik bakteri olarak Mesorhizobium ciceri, asimbiyotik bakteri olarak azot bağlayıcı Basillus atrophaeus, fosfat çözücü olarak Basillus GC-group ve inorganik gübre olarak DAP gübresi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada; tane protein oranı, protein verimi, tane fosfor içeriği, tane potasyum içeriği, tane nem oranı ve tanede toplam kuru madde oranı özellikleri incelenmiştir. Çalışmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre, tane protein oranı %22.3-25.6, protein verimi 21.2-40.4 kg/da, tane fosfor içeriği %0.43-0.71, tane potasyum içeriği %0.96-1.58, tane nem oranı %4.02-6.01 ve tanede toplam kuru madde oranı %93.98-95.97 arasında değişim göstermiştir. Çalışmada en yüksek protein içeriği, Mesorhizobium ciceri + %50 DAP ve Bacillus atrophaeus (N) + %50 DAP uygulamaları ile elde edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, mikrobiyolojik gübre kullanımının inorganik gübrelere tamamen bir alternatif olmamasına rağmen kullanım miktarının azalmasına olanak sağladığı tespit edilmiştir.

Response of bajra in its growth and yield attributes to integrated nutrient management

Kumbu known as pear millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] is one of the important millet crops for arid and semi-arid climatic condition and serves as poor man’s staple source of food in short period relatively in arid regions of India. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) experiment was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2009- 10 to study the outcome of integrated nutrient management where the results have shown that on inoculating seed with azotobacter increased both pant height and in total dry matter content. A study conducted to analyse fertilizer effect on pearl millet revealed that under semi-arid inceptisols, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 tha−1 + Zn at 25 kg ha−1 + S at 25 kg ha−1 recommended can help in getting maximum yields of Bajra. At the Agricultural Farm of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur experiment was conducted to study phosphorus and zinc nutrients, their effect on overall nutrient uptake and quality in pearl millet. N, P and K content in grain and straw have been found to be increased from 1.56 to 2.02, 0.773 to 1.320, 1.10 to 1.97 % and 1.11 to 1.41, 0.23 to 0.50 and 0.68 to 1.20 %, respectively. In Annamalai University, on the basis of experimental data significant results were recorded in the nutrient content, quality and highest nutrient content, protein content, protein yield and water productivity were observed with PHB-3 among all the experimented genotypes of bajra. It was also found that using vermicompost @ 500 kg ha-1 gave highest nutrient content, protein content, protein yield and water productivity over the rest of the treatments. Considering all approaches giving out their benefits, the best approach for maximising yields in bajra under arid conditions by maintaining soil properties would be the Integrated Nutrient Management approach.

Comparative evaluation of several biologically active compounds content in &lt;i&gt;Anthriscus sylvestris&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Hoffm. and &lt;i&gt;Anthriscus cerefolium&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Hoffm.

Relevance. A rare representative of the Apiaceae family the garden chervil is widely used abroad in nutrition and in folk and traditional medicine.Methods. Evaluation of nutritional potential of Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm and Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffm grown in Moscow region is achieved using the parameters of ascorbic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, total antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts.Results. Garden chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) was characterized by lower concentrations of ascorbic acid (1.6-1.8 times), phenolics (2.2-2.5 times), flavonoids (1.8-2.2 times), total antioxidant activity (1-1.54 times) and dry matter content (2.4-4.9 times) than wild chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris) but demonstrated significantly higher levels of total dissolved solids. Significantly higher content of dry matter in leaves and especially stems of wild chervil correlates with low nutritional value of stems despite large total mass of plants compared to garden chervil. Contrary to wild chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium recorded unusually high concentrations of carotene in leaves and significantly lower levels of chlorophyll b. Seeds of garden chervil were also characterized by low antioxidant status contrary to wild chervil and seeds of curly parsley. High yield and significant nutritional value of garden chervil indicate important prospects of its wide-scale cultivation in Russia while Anthriscus sylvestris plants seem to be important in breeding processes.

Bioactive Compounds and Total Sugar Contents of Different Open-Pollinated Beetroot Genotypes Grown Organically.

The growing interest of consumers in healthy organic products has increased the attention to the organic production of beetroot. In this regard, six field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 in three different locations under the specific conditions of organic agriculture, and fifteen beetroot genotypes, including one F1 hybrid as a commercial control and one breeding line, were compared regarding the content of the total dry matter, total soluble sugar, nitrate, betalain, and total phenolic compounds in order to investigate the genetic potential of new and existing open-pollinated genotypes of beetroot regarding the content of their bioactive compounds. The results of this study indicated a significant impact of genotype (p < 0.05) on all measured compounds. Furthermore, results revealed a significant influence of the interactions of location × year (p < 0.05) on the beetroot composition, and, thus, the role of environmental conditions for the formation of tested compounds. The total dry matter content (TDMC) of beetroots varied between 14.12% and 17.50%. The genotype ‘Nochowski’, which possessed the highest total soluble sugar content with 14.67 °Bx (Brix), was among the genotypes with the lowest nitrate content. On the contrary, the cylindrical-shaped genotype ‘Carillon RZ’ (Rijk Zwaan), indicated the lowest sugar content and the highest nitrate concentration. The amount of total phenolic compounds ranged between 352.46 ± 28.24 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW (milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per 100 g of dry weight) and 489.06 ± 28.24 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW for the red-colored genotypes which is correlated with the high antioxidant capacity of the investigated genotypes. Due to the specifics of the required content of bioactive compounds for various products, the selection of suitable genotypes should be aligned with the intended final utilization.

Near- and mid-infrared determination of some quality parameters of cheese manufactured from the mixture of different milk species.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of both near-infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance and mid-infrared-attenuated total reflectance (MIR-ATR) in determining some quality parameters of a commercial white cheese made of unknown ratios of various milk species. For this purpose, 81 commercial Ezine cheese samples, a special ripened cheese produced in Turkey, containing unknown ratios of bovine, caprine, and ovine milk, were used. Reference analyses, including textural properties, protein content, nitrogen fractions, ripening index coefficients, fat, salt, dry matter-moisture, and ash contents as well as pH and titratable acidity levels, were conducted in the samples following the traditional gold standards. For NIR applications, the spectra of both intact cubes and hand-crushed cheese samples were collected, whereas the spectra of only hand-crushed cheese samples were collected for MIR-ATR. PLSR (Partial Least Squares Regression) calibration models were developed for each parameter (n = 61) and then validated using both cross-validation (leave-one-out approach) and an external validation set (n = 20). Overall, PLSR models developed for total protein, fat, salt, dry matter, moisture, and ash content, as well as pH and titratable acidity, yielded satisfactory performance statistics in the complementary use of NIR and MIR spectroscopy. However, PLSR models of the other parameters, including textural properties, nitrogen fractions, and the ripening index, could only separate high and low values and were not able to make accurate quantitative predictions. NIR spectroscopy was found to be more accurate than that of MIR-ATR spectroscopy for almost all the parameters except for pH and titratable acidity, for which MIR-ATR spectroscopy was superior.

Study of genetic divergence in kharif onion cultivars

Twenty-two diverse onion genotypes were evaluated to study the genetic divergence in kharif onion during Kharif season at C-block farm, BCKV, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal. All the genotypes were clustered into three groups based on Mahalanobis D2 statistic. Cluster I comprised of accessions with highest yield, yield related traits and TSS. Cluster II was composed of accessions having highest Total sugar, dry matter, pyruvic acid and phenol content. Cluster III was the largest cluster comprising of accessions having highest polar diameter, neck thickness, days to maturity, bolters and ascorbic acid content. Both total yield and marketable yield together explained almost 85 percent contribution of diversity, whereas the contribution of other traits were only 15 percent.

Effects of transplanting time on the yield and quality of onion (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Spices Research Sub-Centre (SRSC), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Faridpur, Bangladesh during the winter season of 2018-2019 to investigate the influences of transplanting times of seedlings and the varieties on the yield and quality of onion bulbs. There were six levels of transplanting time such as T1: November 15, T2: November 30, T3: December 15, T4: December 30, T5: January 14 and T6: January 29 under the trial. The varieties used in the study were: BARI Onion-1 and BARI Onion-4. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) of factorial concept with three replications. The results revealed that dates of transplanting, varieties and their combined effects had significant effect on the parameters studied with minor exception. The plant height, number of leaves/plant and incidence of bolting were decreased with the passage of transplanting time. The maximum values (54.51 cm, 8.53 and 71.28%) of the aforementioned traits were recorded at early transplanting on November 15, respectively. The reduced percent of bolting (2.22%) was observed at December 30. While no incidence of bolting was found under transplanting on 14-29 January. Bulb diameter, individual bulb weight, yield, total soluble solid content and dry matter content of bulb were increased up to transplanting on December 15. Afterwards the values of aforesaid parameters were gradually decreased. The highest yield (17.65 t/ha), total soluble solid content (17.02 0brix) and dry matter content of bulb (15.95%) were obtained from December 15 insignificantly followed by December 30 (16.30 t/ha). The delayed transplanting on 29 January markedly reduced the yield (6.72 t/ha), total soluble solid content (12.58 0brix) and dry matter content of bulb (11.61%) as well. The variety BARI Onion-4 performed better in respect of yield and yield attributes but it showed inferior quality. The combined effect of December 15 x BARI Onion-4 gave the highest yield attributes and yield of onion followed by the combination of November 30 x BARI Onion-4 and December 30 x BARI Onion-4 while the values among the three treatments were statistically similar.

Encapsulation of chia seed oil with curcumin and investigation of release behaivour & antioxidant properties of microcapsules during in vitro digestion studies

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of both using curcumin and microencapsulation method on in vitro release behaivour of chia seed oil and its antioxidant potential during simulated gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Maltodextrin (MD) and gum Arabic (GA) was used as wall materials for freeze dried capsules. Sample 6, having 1:3 MD to GA ratio, 1:5 chia seed oil to wall material ratio and 40% total dry matter content, was found to have the optimum results in terms of emulsion stability (CI% = 0), zeta potential (−32.2 ± 0.8 mV) and size distribution (600 ± 8 nm). Moreover, release profiles of encapsulated chia seed oil samples were evaluated to determine if curcumin addition has any significant effect. The results revealed that curcumin addition decreased the release of chia seed oil from 44.6% to 37.2%. On contrary, it increased total phenolic content of in fraction of intestine to 22 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/L.

Studies on assessment of growth, yield and quality of white onion (Allium cepa L)

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is commercially cultivated and widely consumed as vegetable and as spices in India. About 73.23 million tons of onions are produced in the world from 3.65 million ha area. India, being major onion-producing country, produces 20.13 million tons from 1.19 million ha, with a very low productivity of 16.24 t/ha. Lack of recommended or released variety of high yielding as well as good keeping quality in the country, it creates price fluctuation during off season arrival period. To meet out the domestic requirement and also to fulfill the export demand, selection of high yielding genotype under different agro-climatic conditions is necessary. The trial was conducted at Nashik and Karnal during Rabi 2016-17, revealed that at Nashik significantly highest gross yield (337.22 q/ha) and marketable yield (312.78 q/ha) were recorded in advance line-857 and were at par with check variety Agrifound white. The total soluble solid and dry matter content exhibited non-significant differences. At Karnal highest gross yield (394.93 q/ha) and marketable yield (322.07 q/ha) were recorded in advance line-798 and line-629, respectively, and were at par with advance lines-629, 810, 878 and 886 in respect of gross yield, however, advance lines 810, 885, 886 and check variety Agrifound White regarding marketable yield. The highest total soluble solid (15.27%) was recorded in advance line-629 and was at par with advance lines-791, 798 and 837. It is concluded that the above genotypes can be utilized for white onion breeding programme for develop a good quality variety for different agroclimatic condition.

Kiraz Domateslerde Donma Hızınn Kaliteye Etkisi

In this study, the effects of different freezing rates on some physical and chemical quality properties of cherry tomatoes were investigated. Cherry tomatoes were frozen slowly at -18°C at the freezer section of the home type refrigerator and quickly at -30°C in the modified freezer cabinet which is capable of blowing air at a speed of 1.2 m/s at -30°C, designed and produced by Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH (Çerkezköy, Turkey). The freezing rates were calculated on the bulk basis of the samples in the middle, bottom and top positions. The freezing rate in the middle for -30°C found as 1.55±0.16 (cm/h) which was slow freezing and 0.11±0.01 (cm/h) for -18°C between 4 and -15ᵒC which was in the range of quick freezing. Drip loss, total dry matter content, total soluble solid content (ᵒBrix), color values, pH, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, titration acidity and lycopene were investigated for cherry tomatoes frozen at different rates. Drip loss values were 11.01 ± 0.21% for quick frozen cherry tomato samples and 19.95 ± 0.44% for slow-frozen samples. The decrease in ᵒBrix value of slow frozen sample was more than quick frozen samples. Brightness and a/b values of the quick frozen tomatoes were better compared to the slow frozen ones. Ascorbic, phenolic and lycopene contents were found higher in quick frozen sample.

Popular Biofortified Cassava Cultivars Are Heavily Impacted by Plant Parasitic Nematodes, Especially Meloidogyne Spp.

The development of new biofortified cassava cultivars, with higher micronutrient contents, offers great potential to enhance food and nutrition security prospects. Among the various constraints affecting cassava production are plant parasitic nematodes (PPN), especially root-knot nematodes. In this study, six popular biofortified cultivars were field-evaluated for their response to PPN in Nigeria. A field naturally infested with a diversity of PPN but dominated by root-knot nematodes was used. Application of the nematicide carbofuran significantly reduced PPN densities, and at harvest, no root galling damage was observed, compared with untreated plots, which had heavy galling damage. Plant height, stem girth, plant weight, marketable storage root number and weight were significantly lower for most cultivars in untreated plots. Percentage yield losses in the range of 21.3–63.7% were recorded from two separate trials conducted for 12 months each. Lower total carotenoid and dry matter contents were associated with higher PPN densities in some biofortified cultivars, resulting in a loss of as much as 63% of total carotenoid and 52% of dry matter contents. The number and weight of rotted storage roots were significantly greater in untreated plots across cultivars, reducing in-field and post-harvest storability. This study demonstrates that natural field populations of PPN can substantially affect yield, quality and nutritional value of released biofortified cassava cultivars.

Characterization for Different Traits in Asiatic and European Type Carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa L.) Germplasm Lines

The present investigation was carried out to characterize the eighty one carrot genotypes through variability, heritability and genetic gain for different characters. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters. Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance were estimated for marketable and its component yield traits in 81 lines of carrot (Daucus carota var. sativa L.). The study showed high ranges for total yield (4.9-9.3 kg plot-1), marketable yield (4.6-9.2 kg plot-1), root length (13.8-30.8 cm) and root weight (101.4-127.2 g). Genotypes PC-161, PC-15, PC-173 (red), PCO-30, PCO-5, PCO-7 (Orange) PCP-2, PCP-1 and PCP-17B (Purple) were superior with respect to total and marketable yield per plot along with various horticultural traits. Magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters which indicated the role of environment on the character expression. Quantitative traits like Anthocyanin content (mg 100 g-1), Total sugar content (%), Carotene content (mg 100g-1) and Dry matter content (%) have higher values of GCV, heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain hence these were the most important traits for applying selection in carrot for crop improvement.

Assessment of the genetic diversity of sweetpotato germplasm collections for protein content

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is a relatively cheap source of nutrients for humans in most developing countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa. Breeding for essential quality traits is an important goal of sweetpotato breeding programs. This may include root protein content (RPC), since protein-energy malnutrition is a common problem worldwide. The objective of this study was to quantify the genetic diversity in RPC present among sweetpotato accessions maintained in the genebank of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) of South Africa in order to characterize and select the most promising clones for breeding. Both, Dumas combustion and Near-infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) were used to determine RPC for a diverse set of accessions. In addition, total root yield and dry matter content were determined and root flesh colour recorded. Data was subjected to standard analysis of variance. A total of 227 sweetpotato accessions (53 introduced accessions, 18 local cultivars, 24 local landraces and 132 ARC breeding lines) were screened for total RPC, and a large variation was observed. As measured by the Dumas combustion, RPC values varied from 2.65 to 6.45% on a dry weight basis (dwb). RPC estimated by NIRS ranged from 0.68 to 11.51%. The NIRS proved to be an efficient and quick tool that can be useful in sweetpotato breeding programs towards selecting for quality traits such as RPC. A total of 31 medium to high yielding accessions with high, intermediate and low RPC were selected for genetic analysis and breeding for enhanced nutrition. Some promising germplasm included the local informal market cultivar ‘Impilo’ (orange-fleshed) at 6.18%, and the breeding line ‘2012-29-4’, seed imported from Mozambique, at 6.45%. NIRS values for ‘Tanzania’ and ‘Maria Angola’ were promising. The study is one of only a few that provides protein data for a large set of sweetpotato accessions from various parts of the world and is useful for sweetpotato breeding programs. Future work can focus on the determination of the concentrations of individual amino acids.