Tamarillo Research Articles

Determining conditions for best pollen quality of red-purple tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) germplasm

The germination and viability of pollen are characteristics required for fecundation when individuals of different or the same species are crossed. For this reason, assessing these parameters in selected individuals to be used in breeding programs will increase the chances for the obtainment of new progeny. In this study, pollen from different accessions of the red-purple tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) was used: local cultivar (Morado Puntón), two commercial varieties (Large Red and Oratia Red) and six segregants [(Solanum unilobum x Solanum betaceum) x Solanum betaceum]. Three types of flowers were taken (A-day of anthesis, B-one day after anthesis, and C-two days after anthesis). The pollen was conserved in two temperatures (4° and 22° C) and four storage times (0, 5, 10, 20 days). The percentage of germination and pollen viability of the selected individuals were evaluated. It was observed that the commercial materials showed higher germination percentages than the segregants in flower A and B at a temperature of 4 ° C at all storage times, except for the segregants GT7P47 and GT7P48 at the same temperature on day 0. In addition, high percentages of viability were obtained both in flowers A and B, at both temperatures and at all storage times. However, the immediate use of pollen after it is collected is recommended because better germination is achieved. This study is helpful to improve breeding procedures in the initial stages of directed crosses.

De novo Transcriptome Assembly and Comprehensive Annotation of Two Tree Tomato Cultivars (Solanum betaceum Cav.) with Different Fruit Color

The tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) is an underutilized fruit crop native to the Andean region and phylogenetically related to the tomato and potato. Tree tomato fruits have a high amount of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, so far there are no studies at the genome or transcriptome level for this species. We performed a de novo assembly and transcriptome annotation for purple-fruited (A21) and an orange-fruited (A23) accessions. A total of 174,252 (A21) and 194,417 (A23) transcripts were assembled with an average length of 851 and 849 bp. A total of 34,636 (A21) and 36,224 (A23) transcripts showed a significant similarity to known proteins. Among the annotated unigenes, 22,096 (A21) and 23,095 (A23) were assigned to the Gene Ontology (GO) term and 14,035 (A21) and 14,540 (A23) were found to have Clusters of Orthologous Group (COG) term classifications. Furthermore, 22,096 (A21) and 23,095 (A23) transcripts were assigned to 155 and 161 (A23) KEGG pathways. The carotenoid biosynthetic process GO terms were significantly enriched in the purple-fruited accession A21. Finally, 68,647 intraspecific single-nucleotide variations (SNVs) and almost 2 million interspecific SNVs were identified. The results of this study provide a wealth of genomic data for the genetic improvement of the tree tomato.

Comprehensive Time-Series Analysis of the Gene Expression Profile in a Susceptible Cultivar of Tree Tomato (Solanum betaceum) During the Infection of Phytophthora betacei.

Solanum betaceum is a tree from the Andean region bearing edible fruits, considered an exotic export. Although there has been renewed interest in its commercialization, sustainability, and disease management have been limiting factors. Phytophthora betacei is a recently described species that causes late blight in S. betaceum. There is no general study of the response of S. betaceum, particularly, in the changes in expression of pathogenesis-related genes. In this manuscript we present a comprehensive RNA-seq time-series study of the plant response to the infection of P. betacei. Following six time points of infection, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in the defense by the plant were contextualized in a sequential manner. We documented 5,628 DEGs across all time-points. From 6 to 24 h post-inoculation, we highlighted DEGs involved in the recognition of the pathogen by the likely activation of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) genes. We also describe the possible effect of the pathogen effectors in the host during the effector-triggered response. Finally, we reveal genes related to the susceptible outcome of the interaction caused by the onset of necrotrophy and the sharp transcriptional changes as a response to the pathogen. This is the first report of the transcriptome of the tree tomato in response to the newly described pathogen P. betacei.

First report of Pseudococcus viburni (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Colombia: Morphometric and molecular analysis, with notes on morphological variation in specimens from Brazil and Colombia

AbstractThe obscure mealybug Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is recorded for the first time from Colombia based on specimens collected on Opuntia cylindrica (Lam.) DC., Mammillaria sp. (Cactaceae), Escallonia paniculata (Ruiz & Pav.), Roem. & Schult. (Escalloniaceae), Ficus carica L. (Moraceae), Coffea arabica L. (Rubiaceae), Citrus sp. (Rutaceae), Cestrum nocturnum L. and Solanum betaceum Cavanilles (Solanaceae). Multiple methods were used to identify P. viburni because it belongs to the “Pseudococcus maritimus” complex, a group composed of more than 60 species with high variation in morphological characteristics. The specimens were identified based on the morphology and morphometric analysis of third‐instar nymphs and adult females. This morphological identification was corroborated by data on geographical distribution, plant hosts and a molecular identification using two different loci, CO1 (mtDNA) and the 28S ribosomal gene (nuclear genome). An updated list of species of Pseudococcus Westwood recorded from Colombia and information on morphological variation found in the studied specimens from Brazil and Colombia are provided.

Effectiveness of Tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) Fruits Extract Towards Growth of Trichophyton rubrum: in vitro Study

Trichophyton rubrum is the most common cause of dermatophytosis. The use of synthetic-antifungals has several side effects and resistance. Exract of tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav.) fruits contains active compounds that have potential as antifungal, including alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolics, and flavonoids This study aims to determine the effectiveness of tamarillo extract as antifungals against the growth of T. rubrum. This study used ethanol extract of tamarillo fruits with a concentration based on volume/volume (v/v) percentage of 20%; 40%; 60%; and 80%, ketoconazole as positive control, and aquadest as negative control. The antifungal test was conducted by using well diffusion method on Saboraud-Dextrose-Agar medium and was incubated for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. Data were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis-test with the results p=0.01, p=0.000, p=0.000 respectively according to the length of incubation time. Data were analyzed for Post-Hoc by Mann-Whitney-test showing the three groups of data had significant differences in results between the two treatment groups. Most effective extract group was the extract with concentration of 20% at incubation time of 24 hours with relatively strong antifungal properties. The results showed that the tamarillo fruits extract as antifungal are effective towards growth of T. rubrum which indicated by the presence of inhibition zone at a concentration of 20%; 40%; 60%; and 80 after being incubated for 24 hours with diameters of 13,375 mm, 15,725 mm, 17,025 mm and 19.25 mm, respectively.

First report of Potato spindle tuber viroid infecting tree tomato in Kenya in mixed infection with Potato virus Y

First report of <i>Potato spindle tuber viroid</i> infecting tree tomato in Kenya in mixed infection with <i>Potato virus Y</i>

Design formula and product of beverages made from Tamarillo fruit (Solanum betaceum) and Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi L.) using Kano method

Tamarillo fruit and job’s tears contain polyphenol and phytosterol compounds known to encounter hyperlipidemia, so it is potentially used as ingredients to make a beverage product with health benefits. This study aims to obtain the consumer’s desired attribute and formulate the best sensory beverage products from the materials mentioned above. The research methods consist of a survey using Kano questionnaire, formulation, hedonic scale assessment, and economic production counting of the product. The results showed that six attributes could increase consumer satisfaction, including fruit-based drink, herbal-based drink, ready to drink product; has a predominantly fruity taste; low sugar content; and proven to have health benefits. All designed formula has hedonic assessment value as a mean from 4.21 to 5.02 (from 7 scale). Therefore, formula 4 was exhibited as the best product with lower cost compared to commercial products with highest tamarillo content.

Review on the ecophysiology of important Andean fruits: Solanaceae

The high Andean areas present ecophysiological conditions suitable for the cultivation of many fruit species, especially of the Solanaceae family. The objective of this review is to present important ecophysiological information on four fruit trees grown in cold climates: Cape gooseberry, tree tomato, lulo, and sweet cucumber o pear melon. The cape gooseberry is a species well adapted to cold tropical climate, it is grown between 1,800 and 2,700m a.s.l., with temperatures of 13 to 16°C. It is highly adapted to high solar radiation and to the abrupt changes between the day and night temperatures. It requires a precipitation of 1,000 to 1,800mm year-1 uniformly distributed throughout the year, and is sensitive to water deficit but also to waterlogging and strong winds. The tree tomato, in Colombia, produces better from 1,800 to 2,600m a.s.l., with temperatures between 13 and 20°C, annual rainfall between 1,500 and 2,000mm, relative humidity around 80%, and solar brightness of 1,800 to 2,300 hours/year; it does not resist strong winds, water deficit or waterlogging. The lulo requires environments with high precipitation (1,000 to 2,800mm) and penumbra because it loses a lot of water through transpiration but waterlogging also affects it; it grows well in areas between 1,600 to 2,400m a.s.l. and 16 to 24°C, with photosynthesis rates up to of 34.03µmol CO2 m-2 s-1. The sweet cucumber is of growing interest in many exotic fruit markets, it grows at 900-2,800m a.s.l. with temperatures &lt;25°C and responds well to air enrichment with CO2.

Assessing the utilization of naturalized alien plant species by community to inform its management strategy: A case study in Cibodas Biosphere Reserve, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Handayani A, Zuhud EAM, Junaedi DI. 2021. Assessing the utilization of naturalized alien plant species by community to inform its management strategy: A case study in Cibodas Biosphere Reserve, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 2579-2588. Alien plant species can have two side effects, either positively in terms of the utilization of these species to fulfill human needs, or negatively in terms of their invasion which might threaten biodiversity and reduce land productivity. Yet, it is not clear how an introduced plant species can be carefully managed and utilized (so-called Naturalized Alien Plant Species/NAPS) so that the NAPS does not become Invasive Alien Plant Species (IAPS). Using Cibodas Biosphere Reserves (CBR), West Java, Indonesia as a case study, this study aims to investigate the utilization of Naturalized Alien Plant Species (NAPS) by local communities in the buffer zone of CBR and quantify the utilization of NAPS based on cultural perspective using Index Cultural Significance (ICS) framework. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires and interviewing 90 respondents in three locations around CBR: Bodogol, Cibodas, and Gekbrong. The results showed that the community used 72 Naturalized Alien Plant Species, with 30% of the utilized plants were from Asteraceae family. Centella asiatica was the most widely used species, but the species with the highest Index Cultural Significance value was Artemisia vulgaris. Based on the ICS classification, there were ten species (13.89%) with high significance values, 17 species (23.61%) with moderate significance, 30 species (41.67%) with low significance, and 15 species (20.83%) with very low significance. Species with high significance values were Artemisia vulgaris, Chimonobambusa quadrangularis, Bidens pilosa, Mentha arvensis, Amaranthus spinosus, Centella asiatica, Cyphomandra betacea, Calliandra calothyrsus, Fragaria vesca, and Solanum torvum. Based on these results, the recommended strategy is to regularly harvest the Naturalized Alien Plant Species with high ICS value to control their population and fulfill community needs.

Efficient green synthesis of N,B co-doped bright fluorescent carbon nanodots and their electrocatalytic and bio-imaging applications

In this work, the nitrogen and boron co-doped carbon nanodots (NB-CNDs) were synthesized from the Solanum betaceum (S. betaceum) fruit extract viz. a simple hydrothermal carbonization method. The as-prepared NB-CNDs were characterized by regular spectroanalytical techniques. The nitrogen and boron co-doping on the surface of carbon nanodots were confirmed by FT-IR, EDAX and XPS studies. The optical properties of the NB-CNDs were studied using UV–Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy. The quantum yield (QY) for the synthesized NB-CNDs was found to be 35%. The HR-TEM results revealed that the NB-CNDs were spherical in shape and the average size was 5 nm. The XRD, Raman and SAED studies were confirmed the amorphous nature of the NB-CNDs. The electrocatalytic activity of NB-CNDs on oxidation of hydrazine hydrate (HH) was studied by cyclic voltammetric techniques. The NB-CNDs were efficiently utilized as an electrocatalyst for the hydrazine hydrate oxidation in the potential range between −0.4 V to 1 V with the scan rate of 50 mV/s. Further, the synthesized fluorescent NB-CNDs were used as an effective fluorescent staining agent for the in-vitro bio-imaging studies.

Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) grafted with a wild Solanum species

Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.) is an economically important tree from the Andes. This species was grafted onto cucubo (Solanum stellatiglandulosum Bitter). Cucubo was the rootstock and 3 tree tomato cultivars were used as scions. Trees were cleft grafted by introducing a 15 cm long tree tomato scion onto cucubo. Grafted trees had a survival rate above 94%. Fruits derived from grafted trees were longer, wider, and heavier than ungrafted ones. Best fruit weight results occurred in the grafted comun cultivar (193.7 g). Best fruit length results were obtained in the grafted mango cultivar (7.9 cm). Best fruit width occurred in the mora cultivar (6.7 cm). Grafted trees were more productive (about 30–40 fruits/tree) than ungrafted ones (about 10–15 fruits/tree). Fruit features were not modified in grafted trees i.e. color, shape, and taste. Large and small-scale growers worldwide could benefit from bigger-sized tree tomato fruits as a result of grafting. Grafting is key to improve tree tomato quality in global markets.

Effects of exogenous gibberellic acid on growth and cadmium accumulation in Cyphomandra betacea seedlings

AbstractThe contamination of orchards by the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is a serious problem partly because of the toxicity of the Cd accumulated in fruits. Accordingly, developing suitable methods for minimizing the toxic effects of Cd on plants is necessary. In the current study, a pot‐based experiment was conducted to assess the effects of various concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/L) of exogenous gibberellic acid (GA) on the growth and Cd accumulation in Cyphomandra betacea seedlings. The GA treatments promoted C. betacea seedling growth and increased the biomass as well as the chlorophyll, carotenoid, and soluble sugar contents. Additionally, the application of GA, especially the 300 mg/L solution, enhanced the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, the intercellular CO2 concentration, the transpiration rate, and the peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. In contrast, the Cd content of C. betacea seedlings gradually decreased in response to increasing exogenous GA concentrations. Thus, the application of a GA solution improved C. betacea seedling growth and decreased the toxicity of Cd, with 300 mg/L representing the most effective GA concentration.

Effects of indole acetic acid on the growth and selenium absorption characteristics of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings

To study the effects of indole acetic acid (IAA) on the growth and selenium (Se) absorption of fruit tree, a pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of different concentrations involved in the spraying of 0 (the control), 30, 60, 90, and 120 mg/L IAA on the growth and Se uptake of C. betacea seedlings. The concentrations of 30, 60, and 90 mg/L IAA increased the various organs’ biomass and net photosynthetic rate of C. betacea seedlings compared to the control, while the concentration of 120 mg/L IAA had no significant effect on that. Only the concentration of 60 mg/L IAA increased the chlorophyll (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll) contents in C. betacea seedlings compared to the control. The concentrations of 30, 60, and 90 mg/L IAA also increased the antioxidant enzymes’ (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase) activities and soluble protein content of C. betacea seedlings compared to the control. For Se content, compared to the control, the concentrations of 60 and 90 mg/L IAA increased the Se contents in roots, stems, leaves, and shoots of C. betacea seedlings, and also enhanced the Se bioconcentration factor. Therefore, spraying IAA with the appropriate concentration (60–90 mg/L) could promote the C. betacea seedlings’ growth and Se absorption, and the best concentration was 60 mg/L IAA.

Production of an Effervescent Powder from &lt;i&gt;Solanum betaceum&lt;/i&gt; Fruit Having Enhanced Antioxidant Properties

Currently, people have an increasing trend towards the consumption of healthy foods having a large content of antioxidants. These substances prevent the oxidative stress caused by several pathologic conditions. Particularly, studies have found a significant amount of phenolic compounds in the fruits of Solanum betaceum besides its nutritional properties. This study was focused on the production of an effervescent powder from the Solanum betaceum fruit, employing a mixture design in order to get an optimized product with a rapid solubilization time, and good sensory and microbial properties. The phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the optimized effervescent powder were also evaluated. Results showed the product containing lyophilized Solanum betaceum, maltodextrin, citric acid, saccharose, sodium carbonate and tricalcium phosphate at 30%, 22.8%, 20.0%, 15.0%, 12.0% and 0.2%, respectively, as optimal. The antioxidant activity of the effervescent powder was higher than that of the lyophilized powder. This was explained by the synergistic effect of the antioxidant power of the fruit and the excipients. The total phenolic content of the effervescent powder and lyophilized product were also measured and was the main responsible for the antioxidant power. On the other hand, the titratable acidity, pH, and total suspended solids of the final drink were 0.20 CAE /100mL, 4.06 and 0.9°, respectively. This product also showed no viable aerobic bacteria, molds or yeasts. This study proved that the Solanum betaceum fruit could be processed into an ideal effervescent antioxidant-rich powder.

Design formula and product prototype of beverage made from tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) fruit and sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan) using Kano method

People’s awareness of healthy foods and beverages has continued to increase. This phenomenon encouraged new product innovation of beverages with a health benefit. To be developed as a functional beverage, tamarillo fruit and sappan wood were well-known for their anti-hyperglycemic functionality. This study aimed to determine the design prototype of a beverage product from tamarillo fruit and sappan wood and determine the best formulation using the Kano method. The product design method was conducted using the Kano method, then the resulted data was used to formulate products. The results revealed four attributes categorized as one-dimensional, five attributes as attractive, one attribute as indifferent and one attribute as must-be. The optimum formula based on hedonic and product cost analysis was formula that consisted of 58.97% tamarillo extract, 9.83% sappan wood extract, 29.49% water, and a 1.7% stevia sweetener. The product prototype has several preferences criteria including ready to drink beverage, liquid-formed, bright-colored, using PET bottle as packaging, the inclusion of halal and nutrition fact label

Solanum betaceum in vitro seed germination and seedling development in response to pregerminative treatments

Germination and seedling development are critical stages in the life cycle of plants. Insufficient seedling emergence and inadequate establishment of woody plants are significant constraints in producing crops such as tamarillo. The application of pregerminative protocols improves the germination percentage, reduces the seedling emergence time, and improves several species in vitro. The present study was conducted to contrast three pregerminative treatments on Solanum betaceum seeds. When evaluating the pregerminative treatments, treatment T3 (imbibition for 24 hours) obtained the best results, showing an average of 21.62 days to germination, 73% germinated seeds, and 2.31 leaves per explant.

Essential Oil of Lepidium virginicum: Protective Activity on Anthracnose Disease and Preservation Effect on the Nutraceutical Content of Tamarillo Fruit (Solanum betaceum).

The essential oil from the annual plant Lepidium virginicum L. was chemically characterized in three consecutive years (2018-2020). The essential oils were evaluated in vitro and in situ on the causal agent of anthracnose in tamarillo fruits (Solanum betaceum). The main volatile constituents were phenylacetonitrile (>60 %), linalool (>10 %), limonene (>7 %) and α-terpineol (>5 %). The essential oil (MIC, 19-30 μg mL-1 ), phenylacetonitrile (MIC, 45 μg mL-1 ) and α-terpineol (MIC, 73 μg mL-1 ) caused a significant inhibition in the conidial viability from a wild strain of Colletotrichum acutatum, which was isolated and identified as a causal agent of anthracnose. The inoculation of conidia from C. acutatum in non-symptomatic tamarillo fruits, followed by the in situ treatment with different concentrations of the essential oil (>30 μg mL-1 ), phenylacetonitrile and α-terpineol, significantly (p<0.01) avoided the degradation of anthocyanins (delphinidin 3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside and pelargonidin 3-O-rutinoside) and carotenoids (β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene) as well as retarded yellowing and necrosis triggered by anthracnose at least for 10 days. Our results suggest the potential use of the essential oil from L. virginicum as a natural component to preserve the nutraceutical content of tamarillo fruits against C. acutatum infection.

Effects of uniconazole on the physiological characteristics and cadmium accumulation of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings

AbstractTo determine if the uniconazole concentration(s) whether could enhance the cadmium (Cd) tolerance of Cyphomandra betacea seedlings, the effects of spray treatments with various uniconazole concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mg/L) on the physiological characteristics and Cd accumulation of C. betacea seedlings were studied in a hydroponic experiment. The results indicated that uniconazole significantly decreased the Cd content of C. betacea seedling stems, leaves, and shoots, but significantly increased the biomass of all analyzed seedling parts. Additionally, the leaf chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents as well as the net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and CO2 concentration of intercellular were higher for the uniconazole‐treated C. betacea seedlings than for the control seedlings. The optimal uniconazole concentration significantly promoted the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities and the soluble protein content of C. betacea leaves. Moreover, uniconazole decreased the soluble sugar content of the C. betacea roots and stems, but had the opposite effect on the soluble sugar content of the leaves and shoots. The 20 mg/L uniconazole treatment resulted in the highest C. betacea seedling biomass and the lowest Cd content, indicating this concentration may be useful for improving C. betacea seedling growth in Cd‐contaminated soils.

Effect of Ethanolic Extract Terong Belanda (Solanum betaceum Cav.) Peels of Antioxidant Activity by In Vitro

The use of antioxidants from natural ingredients has been carried out research to test the antioxidant activity of Terong Belanda (Solanum betaceum Cav.) peels. Flavonoids contained in the peels of Terong Belanda (Solanum betaceum Cav.). Natural antioxidants could be inhibit the formation of free radicals in the body. Free radicals that too much in the body would be oxidative stress, thus requiried an antioxidant to inhibit it. This purpose of research to determine the antioxidant activity of flavonoid compounds from Terong Belanda (Solanum betaceum Cav.) peels by IC50 value. The method of ethanolic extract of Terong Belanda (Solanum betaceum Cav.) peels by maceration for 1x24 hours with 70% ethanol solvent. The filtrate obtained was then evaporated with waterbath until thick extract was obtained and continued for antioxidant testing. The antioxidant power in this extract determined by the radical capture test of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) used UV-Vis spectrophotometry with a wavelength of 517 nm. The results showed positive from Terong Belanda (Solanum betaceum Cav.) peels contained flavonoids with an average value of IC50 45,14 ppm, while vitamin C value of IC50 4,730 ppm both of showed very strong antioxidants.

Nutraceutical properties of tamarillo fruits: A vibrational study

Tamarillo (tree tomato) is a subtropical tree that produces edible fruits with health-beneficial properties, since it contains several components with potential therapeutic and chemoprotective activity. The present work reports the first complete vibrational study (Raman and infrared) of this edible fruit. This approach allowed us to determine where the most relevant nutraceutical compounds are located in the fruit, as well as their relative amounts. Particular vibrational signatures were obtained for each part of the fruit, reporting different components for the epicarp (outer and inner sections), the pulp and the seeds, especially regarding the content in phenolic compounds, unsaturated fatty acids/esters and polymeric chains from the cuticular wax. Valuable information, at the molecular level was gathered regarding the nutricional value of tamarillo's fruit, for its different fractions. This is expected to pave the way for its introduction as a promising nutraceutical, based on the potential therapeutic properties of its main components.