Fruit Content Research Articles

Arabic gum/chitosan/Zn–NPs composite film maintains the quality of Hass avocado fruit by delaying ripening and activating enzymatic defense mechanisms

Avocado fruit is a climacteric fruit that has a short life after harvest. Chitosan (Ch) and Arabic gum (AG) have a pronounced effect on the storability of fruits. This investigation aimed to determine the effect of individual or combined use of Ch and AG as well as Ch/AG enriched with 2, 4, 8% Zn–NPs on physio-biochemical attributes and antioxidant capacity of Hass avocado fruit during cold storage (7 °C). The result showed that Ch or AG alone succeeded in maintaining fruit quality of Hass fruit during cold storage. Also, combined application of Ch/AG was more effective than individual application of Ch or AG in reducing fruit weight and polyphenol oxidase activity (PPO) as well as increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, Ch/AG coating enriched with 8% Zn–NPs recorded the lowest fruit weight loss, fruit decay %, TSS fruit content, fruit firmness and improved fruit skin and pulp color significantly compared to Ch/AG and control. Coating with Ch/AG/2%Zn NPs recorded the highest peroxidase (POD) activity, while Ch/AG/8% Zn–NPs recorded the highest TAC and the lowest PPO activity. Moreover, enriched Ch/GA with Zn–NPs recorded the highest CAT and POD activity compared to the control. This study shows the efficiency of Ch/AG enriched with Zn–NPs on preserving Hass avocado fruit quality during cold storage by delaying ripening process and activating enzymatic defense mechanisms.

Macro and microelements in persimmon fruits of Uzbekistan

The study’s findings on the macro and microelement contents of three pomological persimmon fruit varieties—Hiyakume, Zenju-Maru, and Denaus sugar—grown in the Republic of Uzbekistan’s weather-climatic circumstances are presented in this article. The research demonstrated that Uzbekistan’s climate favors persimmon cultivation, which is distinguished by a high concentration of macro and microelements. Studies have established that the accumulation of macro and microelements by fruits is significantly influenced by the pomological variety of persimmon fruits and the weather and climatic conditions of cultivation. As a result, compared to persimmon fruits grown in Surkhandarya region’s Bandykhan Valley, those grown in Fergana Valley have about three times the magnesium concentration. The salt level of the several persimmon fruit kinds under study varied considerably from one another as well. For instance, Fergana Valley persimmon Hiyakume fruits had 6.30 mg/100 g of this element; Bandykhan Valley persimmons of the same type had 28.70 mg/100 g of this element. The fruits of the persimmon variety Zendji-Maru from Fergana Valley were the richest in iron macronutrient content among the studied varieties. For example, the iron content in fruits of Zendji-Maru variety was 10.64 µg/100 g, i.e., almost two times higher than the iron content in fruits of the same variety grown in Bandykhan zone of Surkhandarya region. However, an inverse dependence on manganese content was observed. Persimmon fruits grown in the weather and climatic conditions of Uzbekistan were also rich in iodine content, which is deficient for the region. Overall, it was shown that persimmon fruits may be effectively employed in preventative nutrition and are a good source of potassium, salt, calcium, and several trace elements, including copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and iodine.

DETERMINATION OF VITAMIN C CONTENT IN DEWANDARU FRUIT (Eugenia uniflora L.) BY CONTENT MATURITY

Vitamin C is a vitamin that is very important to the human body as a source of antioxidants. Vitamin C is found in vegetables and fruits, and the amount of vitamin C in each ripeness content varies. Dewandaru fruits come in different fruit colors at each ripeness content. This study aimed to determine vitamin C contents in Dewandaru fruit according to maturity (unripe, unripe, ripe, and late). The iodometric approach was used in this investigation to measure the amount of vitamin C present. According to the study's findings, the vitamin C contents of Dewandaru fruit were found to be 0.036 mg/g when the fruit was raw, 0.105 mg/g when it was semi-ripe, 0.211 mg/g when it was ripe, and 0.155 mg/g when it was past ripe. This means that the graph shows that the vitamin C contents of Dewandaru fruit will rise until the fruit is ripe and fall once the maturity content has passed.

Total phenolic content and antioxidant activities in methanol extracts of medicinal herbs from Indo-Gangetic plains of India

The present study investigates total phenolics, flavonoids, and in vitro antioxidant activities in methanol extracts of roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of medicinal herbs (Phyllanthus fraternus G.L. Webster; Bhui-amla and Solanum nigrum L.; Makoi or black nightshade) of Indo-Gangetic plains of India. The results showed that biochemical attributes of methanol extracts of both the tested plants varied significantly with sites (P < 0.05). Contents of total phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant properties were found highest in fruits followed by leaf, stem, and least in root of P. fraternus and leaves, fruits, stem, and roots of S. nigrum plants. The present investigation revealed that total phenolic content in fruits of P. fraternus ranged from 26.69 to 61.48 mg GAE/g fw and from 8.89 to 24.69 mg GAE/g fw in leaves of S. nigrum plants, and thus, these plant parts can be promoted for pharmaceutical purposes and health benefits. It is also suggested that the individual phenolic compound in the different parts of tested plants should be analyzed to identify their elite population for their mass cultivation, conservation, and sustainable utilization.

Yield, quality and lightness of melons depending on nutrition conditions in Northern Turkmenistan

In the conditions of Northern Turkmenistan, to increase the sugar content in fruits, optimal and cost-effective rates of mineral fertilizers were calculated for the autumn-winter melon varieties Gulyabi Dashoguzskaya, nitrogen 90, phosphorus 90 and potassium 60 kg/ha. And also to increase soil fertility and melon productivity, it was recommended to apply manure of 30 t/ha once every three years for the main plowing. At the application rate (nitrogen 90, phosphorus 90 and potassium 60 kg/ha) in compliance with equal shares of nitrogen for pre-sowing treatment and in the phase of 3-4 leaves, phosphorus in equal shares for plowing and before sowing, potassium for plowing and the general agricultural background, it was obtained 27.0-29.0 t/ha crop.

Inoculação com fungo micorrízico arbuscular Rhizophagus clarus em tomateiro proporciona aumento de produtividade em cultivo orgânico

ABSTRACT: Organic agriculture comprises farming practices that discard synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Tomato production demands huge amounts of fertilizers and pesticides. Improving efficiency of the inputs allowed for organic tomato production is a challenge to upgrade yields. Thereby, we studied the effects of the inoculation of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus clarus, supplying rock thermophosphate and bioactivator, alone or associated, on tomato development and yield. The experiment was achieved in a greenhouse using undetermined tomato cv. BRS-Nagai sown in polystyrene trays and afterwards transplanted to pots. Treatments included R. clarus; thermophosphate (TH) (130 g/pot); bioactivator (PenergeticK® + Penergetic®) (BI); R. clarus + TH; R. clarus + BI; R. clarus + TH+ BI and TH + BI and control (CO). From the flowering onset, plant height, height of insertion of first truss, trusses space, length, and also the diameter and fresh weight of ripe fruits of the three first trusses were assessed. AMF colonization in the roots and macronutrients in leaves and petioles were also measured. Trusses spacing variable was affected by mycorrhiza and thermophosphate. R. clarus inoculation incremented 10 and 31.85% of fresh mass of ripe fruits and mass of ripe fruits per plant, respectively. Soluble solids contents in fruits and N, P and K in the leaves and petioles were similar among treatments. AMF colonization decreased on thermophosphate fertilized plants and increased in bioactivator treatment. Results showed that root inoculation with R. clarus promoted better plant development and yield and may be used as biological inoculant mostly on organic tomato production.

Perspective on utilization of Bacillus species as plant probiotics for different crops in adverse conditions.

Plant probiotic bacteria are a versatile group of bacteria isolated from different environmental sources to improve plant productivity and immunity. The potential of plant probiotic-based formulations is successfully seen as growth enhancement in economically important plants. For instance, endophytic Bacillus species acted as plant growth-promoting bacteria, influenced crops such as cowpea and lady's finger, and increased phytochemicals in crops such as high antioxidant content in tomato fruits. The present review aims to summarize the studies of Bacillus species retaining probiotic properties and compare them with the conventional fertilizers on the market. Plant probiotics aim to take over the world since it is the time to rejuvenate and restore the soil and achieve sustainable development goals for the future. Comprehensive coverage of all the Bacillus species used to maintain plant health, promote plant growth, and fight against pathogens is crucial for establishing sustainable agriculture to face global change. Additionally, it will give the latest insight into this multifunctional agent with a detailed biocontrol mechanism and explore the antagonistic effects of Bacillus species in different crops.

Production and postharvest quality of <i>Passiflora edulis</i> Sims under brackish water and potassium doses

<abstract> <p>The aim of this research was to assess the yield and postharvest characteristics of 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' sour passion fruits based on irrigation with varying levels of saline water and potassium fertilization. The study was conducted under field conditions at an experimental farm in São Domingos, Paraíba, Brazil. A randomized block design was implemented in a 5 × 4 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of water (ECw): 0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup>, and four potassium doses (KD): 60, 80,100, and 120% of the recommended amount, with 3 replications. The potassium dose equivalent to 120% of the recommended dose in combination with low-salinity water resulted in the highest fresh mass accumulation in the sour passion fruit. Water electrical conductivity up to 2.7 dS m<sup>−1</sup>, along with the lowest recommended KD, led to increased levels of soluble solids and ascorbic acid in the sour passion fruit. Irrigation with water of 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup> and using 80 to 100% of the recommended KD enhanced the total sugar content in the sour passion fruit. On the other hand, irrigation with water of 3.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup> combined with 60% of the recommended KD resulted in a higher pulp yield in the 'BRS Sol do Cerrado' sour passion fruit 160 days post-transplantation. Adjustments in potassium fertilization management at different irrigation water salinity levels played a crucial role in maintaining both the production and quality of the sour passion fruit.</p> </abstract>

A Study on Quality Properties of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) Fruit Powder Obtained by Different Drying Treatments

In this study, the quality characteristics of blackthorn fruit (Prunus spinosa L.) powders obtained by convective hot air-drying (HAD) and freeze-drying (FD) treatments were investigated. The drying time was carried out equally (24 h) for both treatments. According to the results, the moisture (%) and water activity of powder samples obtained by HAD and FD treatments were found as 7.51% and 0.2471, 9.13% and 0.2718, respectively. Considering the pH and total ash parameters, there was no statistically significant difference between the powder samples (p>0.05). However, both drying processes were effective on the color and changed the L*, a*, and b* values of the powders compared to fresh fruit values. The biological and antioxidant results of the powder obtained by FD treatment were higher than the HAD treatment (p<0.05). From this point of view, it was determined that the FD process had a minimal effect on the chemical content of fresh fruit, while the HAD technique applied at 40 °C combined with a fan system did not have an excessive negative effect on these values.

Effect of solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus on the protein content and other nutritional components of de-seeded carob fruits

Carob pulp is a currently underutilized by-product of locust bean gum production from carob pods.

Cercetări preliminare privind efectul aplicării extraradiculare a fertilizantului Eutrofit la cais

The article presents the data obtained during the years 2021–2022 regarding the study of the application of the organic fertilizer Eutrofit in part and in a mixture with the fungicide Cuproxat to the apricot crop. The purpose of the research is to obtain scientific data for the apricot crop cultivated in ecological style. The work includes the brief characteristics of the climatic conditions, the results of the analyzes of the content of nutritional elements in the leaves, chlorophyll pigments, the biochemical content of the Big Red apricot fruits.

In Vitro α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Potential of Green Banana Powder Extracts.

This study investigated the proximate composition and inhibitory potential of hot water and ethanolic extracts of the pulp, peel and whole fruit of green banana (Musa sapientum) on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis. In addition, the cytotoxic effect on human gingival fibroblast (hGF) was evaluated using the sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay. The results showed that the peel of green banana had the highest amount of ash (10.05%), fat (2.83%), protein (3.64%) and total dietary fibre (36.62%). The carbohydrate content of the whole fruit (81.79%) and pulp (81.50%) was higher than that of the peel (71.90%). The moisture content of the pulp (13.08%) was higher than that of the peel (11.58%) and whole fruit (11.30%). The ethanolic green banana peel extract showed a good inhibitory effect of α-amylase and α-glucosidase with the concentration necessary for 50% inhibition (IC50) of 0.512 and 0.100 mg·mL-1, respectively. The α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of the ethanolic green banana peel extract and the hot water green banana peel extract was not significantly different from that of acarbose (IC50 0.108 mg·mL-1). GC-MS analysis of the ethanolic green banana peel extract revealed fatty acids and fatty acid ester (9-octadecenamide (Z), octadecanamide and other compounds). The ethanolic peel extract exhibits a significant noncytotoxicity effect on hGF cells at concentrations ranging from 0.0001 to 1.0 mg·mL-1.

Micronutrient and antinutrient content of semi-processed fruit peels: Towards boosting immunity.

Fruits are excellent sources of micronutrients; hence, their consumption is highly recommended. However, fruit peels, often discarded, despite some being edible have been reported to contain essential nutrients and antioxidants, which contribute to disease prevention and well-being. This study sought to evaluate the micronutrient and antinutrient content of 10 edible fruit peels namely, orange, mango, pineapple, banana, lemon, mandarin, red apple, cucumber, guava and pawpaw peels. Laboratory analyses of the fruit peels were conducted at the University of Calabar, in a well-ventilated and temperature controlled environment to ensure accurate results. The research design was quantitative and experimental; laboratory analyses were carried out to determine the minerals, vitamins and antinutrients in fruit peels using AOAC standard methods. Data were analysed using ANOVA on SPSS version 20.0. Calcium was the most predominant of the minerals analysed, with values ranging from 33.12 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (cucumber peels) to 72.04 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (mango peels); calcium was followed by magnesium. Mandarin, banana and pineapple peels had statistically similar (p > 0.05) content of zinc (about 1.2 mg/100g), which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others. Mandarin peels had significantly higher content (100.48 ± 2.03 mg/100 g) of vitamin C, while cucumber peels recorded the lowest (27.50 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). The results show significant concentrations of micronutrients such as iron, selenium and vitamin K; among the antinutrients, hydrogen cyanide had the highest concentrations, followed by phytate. The values were within safe limits. Therefore, the processing of fruit peels, for use as dietary additives to enrich foods and boost immunity, should be promoted. The study shows the potential of fruit peels as food additives.

Machine Learning Evaluation of Fruit Ripeness with Multidimensional Sparse-Dataset Calibration

HighlightsThis article provides a machine-learning method for estimation of sugar content in target fruit using color appearance.Complex networks based on multidimensional datasets work effectively for color sensor calibration and data rebalancing.Beyond datapoint sparsity in datasets, estimation accuracy in sugar content is assured when an unsupervised-learning algorithm classifies the multidimensional datapoints composed of fruit color and relevant quantities.Abstract. In agriculture, harvests of fruits and vegetables depend on their ripeness, in which farmers should rely not only on the eye-sensed outlook but rigorously on constituents inside the targets, like sugar content. So far, detail measurements on the outlook color of fruits have been widely reported to detect suitable harvest times, where non-destructive instruments, which are costly in general agriculture fields, work well for color estimation whose resolution level is much higher than human eyes. In this study, we propose a scheme with a calibration procedure for sugar content prediction from outlook-color quantities, which is applicable even if a sensor includes systematic errors in output signals or the base dataset includes some datapoint sparsity. Most multidimensional data, which are both in agriculture and in other general cases, are imperfect in terms of several aspects, but they can be useful when we take appropriate sparsity detection and setting of rebalancing weights into account for machine learning procedures. We newly introduce a complex-network method for this purpose, and after the color calibration, we successfully obtain accurate hue and chroma, which are quantities representing a position on calibrated color coordinate, to predict °Brix sugar content in Japanese pears. Keywords: Asian pear, Color Elements, Fruit Ripening, °Brix Sugar Content, OHD.

Nutritional content of Ficus benjamina fruits consumed by Frugivorous birds in Taman Botani Johor

Ficus benjamina is a common tree in Taman Botani Johor and a food source for many frugivorous birds. This study investigated the nutrient content of F. benjamina fruits by analyzing the fruits of 7 species of birds that were observed safely feeding on the tree. The fruits were collected and analyzed for their nutrient content using a standard method for nutritional composition determination. The results showed that the fruits have a high carbohydrate content (19.7%), a low fat content (0.6%), and a moderate protein content (1.5%). The fruits also have a high moisture content (76.7%) and a low ash content (1.6%). The high carbohydrate content of fruits is likely attractive to frugivorous birds, as carbohydrates are an important energy source for reproduction, growth, and development. The low-fat content may also be beneficial to the birds, as excess fat can be harmful to their health. The results of this study provide valuable information on the nutrient content of F. benjamina fruits, which can be used to better understand the feeding ecology of frugivorous birds in Taman Botani Johor in a safe manner.

Determination of Yield and Quality Characteristics of Some Strawberry Varieties in Uşak Ecological Conditions

In this study, pomological properties, chemical compositions, and production possibilities of fruits harvested at the maturity stage of four strawberry cultivars (Albion, Camarosa, Amiga, and Sabrina) grown in a commercially produced orchard were investigated. Fruit weight (16.33 g) was found to be higher in the Albion variety. The fruit length of the Camarosa strawberry variety was 42.05 mm and the longest fruit width was 31.56 mm. The Camarosa variety reached the highest yield with 736.55 g per plant, followed by the Albion variety (523.88 g) and the Amiga variety (324.48 g). The total phenol content of strawberry fruits (231.76 mg GAE 100 g-1), and antioxidant capacity (322.51µmol TE 100 g-1 ) were highest in Amiga and the lowest in Sabrina (43.61 mg GAE 100 g-1). In terms of the amount of water-soluble dry matter (SSCM) of strawberry fruits, the highest SSC content was determined in the Camarosa variety with 7.60%. The highest amount of titratable acid, pH, and vitamin C were found in the Sabrina cultivar, 0.70 g citric acid 100 mL-1 , 4.04%, and 137.04 mg 100 g-1, respectively.

Increase of Anthocyanin, Vitamin C, and Flavonoid Content in Red Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) using Alternating Magnetic Field Exposure

Red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is widely consumed for its health benefits. With the a growing global population and limited land resources, there is a need to increase the nutritional content and bioactive compounds of vegetables or fruits. This research aims to increase the growth, productivity, and the content of anthocyanin, vitamin C and flavonoids in red lettuce leaves through exposure to magnetic fields during seeding. The research utilized red lettuce seeds as the research sample. Exposure was carried out using an alternating magnetic field (MF) with an effective magnetic flux density (MFD) of 0.4 mT, a frequency range of 25-125 Hz, and a dailyexposure time of 15 minutes. The treatment of each sample group was repeated for five days. The results showed that exposure to a MF with a frequency of 75 Hz resulted in optimum growth and weight, an increase of 65.15% and 60.18%, respectively. The optimum anthocyanin, vitamin C, and flavonoid content were obtained at an exposure to a frequency of 100 Hz, an increase of 22.52%, 40.70%, and 32.50%, respectively. Exposure to seeds uses an alternating MF; frequency is an important parameter for producing optimum enhancement.

Response of Olive Trees (Olea europaea L.) cv. Kalinioti to Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Nitrogen is the most commonly managed mineral nutrient in olive groves because it is essential for plant growth. The precise management of N fertilization in olive cultivation is still not fully clarified, but it is essential for providing sustainable production. A nitrogen fertilizer experiment with olive trees (cv. Kalinioti) was carried out over a six-year period. Seven levels of nitrogen fertilizer given as ammonium nitrate (control, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 kg/tree) were annually applied in order to determine the effect of nitrogen on vegetative growth, fruit set, fruit weight, yield, maturation index, and leaf N, P, and K concentrations. The results indicate that, under these conditions, application of up to 4 kg NH4NO3/tree significantly increased yield to 62.5 kg/tree compared to the control (37.09 kg/tree). The positive effect was attributed to the initial and final fruit set increases (7.63 and 3.73%, respectively at 4 kg NH4NO3/tree). However, the weight of 100 olives (W100 = 331 g) at 4 kg NH4NO3/tree obtained during harvest was considerably lower compared to the control (W100 = 384 g). Higher nitrogen rates decreased yield while increasing overall shoot growth. Nitrogen fertilization did not significantly influence the oil content of olive fruit. Fruit weight, maturation index, and concentration of oil reached maximum levels in the beginning of December, indicating a suitable start to olive harvesting. The concentration of N in olive leaves increased from 1.23% to 2.38% as fertilizer levels increased from 0 to 6 kg NH4NO3. Maximum yield was achieved at a level of 6 kg NH4NO3/tree, which corresponded to 2.01% N in leaves. The results suggest that application of 3 kg NH4NO3/tree can be recommended for table olive production, due to the fact that fruit weight was not decreased, while fertilization with 4 kg NH4NO3/tree was suitable for oil olives.

Investigation of the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of fermented Cornus mas and Rubus sanctus fruits

In this study antioxidant and antibacterial activities of fermented Cornus mas and Rubus sanctus berries collected from province of Bartın in the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye were analyzed. Prior to fermentation with S. cerevisiae, the fruits were tested for 58 pesticides such as Dicloran and Quintozene and none of the pesticides were detected. The presence of ascorbic acid in the fruits, which is a nutrient needed by the body, was also detected by FTIR. Then the pesticide free berries were crushed, and the samples were fermented separately. Testing after the fermentation process revealed the samples contained ethyl alcohol. Antioxidant activities of fermented samples were analyzed using CUPRAC, DPPH and Folin Ciocalteu methods. The results suggest high antioxidant contents of the fermented samples. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity was done through disk diffusion method using P.aeruginosa and S.aureus suggesting that these samples do not suppress these bacteria for the studied concentrations. Furthermore, the growth of C. albicans was examined immediately, demonstrating that the fermented samples do not show antifungal effects. The reason for these shortcomings could be inadequate concentration levels. The antioxidant content of these fermented fruits is intended to contribute to human health.

ARAPGİR'DE YETİŞTİRİLEN YABANİ BÖĞÜRTLEN MEYVELERİNİN ANTİOKSİDAN AKTİVİTESİ VE AROMA PROFİLİ

This research aimed to describe the physicochemical and pomological characteristics of blackberry fruits of the wild-type variety grown in the region of Arapgir (town of Malatya). The investigation focused on determining the indicators of bioactive characteristics, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and anthocyanin content of the blackberry fruits. Furthermore, the aroma profile was assessed by conducting volatile component analysis using the SPME/GC-MS technique. The blackberry samples exhibited a higher total phenolic content (2132.66 mg GAE 100g-1) compared to several studies, although their total anthocyanin content (356.19 mg cyn-3-O-gly 100g-1) was determined to be similar to earlier research findings. The methanolic extracts exhibited significant radical-scavenging activity, suggesting superior antioxidant capacity. The ABTS+• and DPPH• capacities were determined to be 19.38 mmol TE 100g-1 and 26.88 mmol TE 100g-1, respectively. For volatiles, a total of 67 components have been identified based on the research of the volatile components of the samples. The components represented a total of 13 aldehydes, 4 ketones, 20 alcohols, 24 esters, 4 terpenes, and 2 miscellaneous components.