Dip Treatment Research Articles

Exposure to Cyantraniliprole Adversely Impacts Fitness of Harmonia axyridis: Acute Toxicity and Sublethal Effects on Development, Fecundity and Antioxidant Responses.

Extensive utilization of pesticides and their persistent residues inadvertently pose threats to the effectiveness and fitness of biocontrol agents in agroecosystems. However, these ecological consequences are generally disregarded when executing integrated pest management strategies (IPM). Cyantraniliprole (CNAP) serves as a wide-spectrum diamide insecticide and its sublethal effects have been well characterized on multiple insect pests, whereas its impacts on beneficial natural enemies remain unfathomed. Herein we exposed Harmonia axyridis, a predacious generalist, to lethal and sublethal concentrations of CNAP via dipping treatment (egg stage) and topical applications (1st-instar stage + adult stage). The acute toxicity tests revealed that LC50 of CNAP were 90.11, 86.11 and 240.50 mg/L against embryos, 1st instar nymphs and female adults, respectively, with safety factors ranging from 1.14 to 5.34, suggesting its medium toxicity for H. axyridis and larval stage was the most susceptible. The embryonic, larval and pupal durations of coccinellids ecdysed from CNAP-treated eggs and 1st instars were all elongated under sublethal concentrations, of which LC30 triggered more pronounced and significant retardations relative to control. Besides, exposed coccinellids displayed substantially diminished pupal mass and pupation rate, most notably for insects molted from the 1st-instar stage upon CNAP sublethal treatments. With respect to reproductive performance, LC10 and LC30 of CNAP all significantly suppressed female fecundity, as evidenced by reduced vitellin content, a prolonged pre-oviposition period (POP), mitigated laid eggs and the egg hatching rate. Specifically, there existed positive correlations between vitellin level (Vn) and number of eggs deposited by per female, indicative of CNAP affecting fecundity by regulation of Vn. In addition, the antioxidant system was also profoundly disrupted by CNAP, with compromised POD activity at different concentrations over time and induced hormesis of SOD/CAT activities post LC10 exposure. Activities of SOD and TAC were enhanced to exert protective functions during the first 48 h, while defense collapsed at 72 h following LC30 treatments that depleted all enzymatic activities. We speculated that fitness trade-offs may occur between reproductive capacity and antioxidant defenses to sustain physiological homeostasis in response to CNAP stress. Collectively, this study evaluated the ecological risk of CNAP and unmasked its adverse implications for overall fitness of H. axyridis, which highlighted rational application of agrochemicals to conserve biocontrol agents when implementing IPM strategies for sustainable pest control.

Exploring possibilities of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) production under organic management

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) was introduced as part of the Indian government's efforts to diversify and modernize agriculture in the region. Its introduction has helped J&K farmers to increase their income through higher market prices and to gain access to new markets and trade opportunities. It being a nutrient-demanding crop, farmers use high doses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and if consumed as salad or half-boiled in many culinary dishes, these chemicals are likely to impact the health of consumers and affect the environment. Therefore, alternative usage to these chemicals using combinations of organic inputs was aimed at producing a healthy crop of broccoli. It was concluded that the application of FYM@ 25 t/ha as a basal dose in the presence of seedling dip treatment of biofertilizers (Azotobacter @ 0.5 kg/ha + Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria @l kg/ha + Potassium-Mobilizing Bacteria @ 750 ml/ha) along with the scheduled application of Neem oil +Baeuveria bassiana at 1, 3, 7 and 15 days of interval after disease symptoms was found superior in obtaining higher curd yield (109.57 q/ha) and seed yield (604.96 kg/ha).

Physiological and transcriptomic analyses to determine the responses of the harmful algae Akashiwo sanguinea to phosphorus utilization

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient driving algal growth in aquatic ecosystems. Dissolved inorganic and organic P (DIP and DOP) are the main components in the marine P pools and are closely related to harmful algal blooms. The dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea is a cosmopolitan species which frequently causes dense blooms in estuaries and coasts worldwide, while the availability of P to A. sanguinea still remain unclear. Herein, the physiological and transcriptomic responses of A. sanguinea grown under P-deficient, DIP-replete and DOP-replete conditions were compared. P-deficient adversely suppressed the growth and photosynthesis of A. sanguinea, while genes associated with P transport, DOP utilization, sulfolipid synthesis, and energy production, were markedly elevated. Three forms of DOP, namely, glucose-6-phosphate (G-6-P), adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP), and β-Glycerol phosphate (SG-P), supported A. sanguinea growth as efficiently as DIP (NaH2PO4), and no significant difference was observed in biochemical compositions and photosynthesis of A. sanguinea between the DIP and DOP treatments. While the genes related to P transporter were markedly suppressed in DOP groups compared with the DIP group. Our results indicated that A. sanguinea is a good growth strategist under P-deficient/replete conditions, and this species had evolved a comprehensive strategy to cope with P deficiency, which might be a crucial factor driving bloom formation in a low inorganic P environment.

Prevalence and Management of Post-harvest Rots of Apple in Himachal Pradesh

During a survey of post-harvest diseases of apple in Himachal Pradesh conducted during July to September 2021, fourteen different types of rots were observed. Among these, Penicillium expansum (blue mould) was most destructive with exclusive incidence of 43.8%. Surveys of different markets/stores of Himachal Pradesh revealed that the total losses due to apple decay at various locations varied from 7.80 to 21.93%. Ten important commercial varieties of apple were screened for their comparative susceptibility against fruit decay.Tydeman’s Early Worcester was found to be most tolerant to all the rot causing fungi with mean per cent rotting of 23.26%.Cow urine was found most effective in providing 79.21% growth inhibition of test fungi under study. The next best bio-products were Emblica officinalis (amla), Melia azadirach (darek) and Dodonaea viscose (mehandu) with per cent growth inhibition of 75.66, 73.59 and 68.48%, respectively. Under in vitro conditions, mancozeb (0.1%) was the most effective fungicide providing 84.83% growth inhibition. The efficacy of mancozeb as dip treatment at 0.1% concentration was judged to be significantly superior followed by 0.05% carbendazim with per cent control of 95.97 and 92.35%, respectively. Preharvest spray of mancozeb (0.3%) was highly effective in checking all the test fungi under different type of storage for 2 months. 1-methyl cyclopropene (MCP) fumigation of apple fruits immediately after harvesting for 12 hours was most effective in checking the test fungi under study providing 89.60% control.

Application of silver nanoparticles synthesized from the calli of Centella asiatica for the management of Meloidogyne arenaria infection in cowpea plants

The green synthesis of AgNPs from the calli extract of Centella asiatica was confirmed by the detailed analysis of UV–Vis spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) which revealed the size, shape, chemical composition and functional groups involved in the AgNPs formation.The in-vitro raised cowpea plants were given root dip treatment in Murashige and Skoog (MS) suspension medium supplemented with LC50- 75 mg/mL AgNPs followed by their transfer to glass house conditions for acclimatization. To evaluate the efficiency of root dip treatment, the acclimatized plants were inoculated with 2000 J2s of M. arenaria and the plants were observed on weekly basis. A differential growth response was observed from the cowpea plants under glass house conditions. A treatment plan designed showed that P4 plants showed a significant defense response against the biotic stress of M. arenaria as indicated by the percentage response of several growth parameters such as- plant height of 49.22 ± 0.89 %, plant fresh mass of 46.12 ± 0.83 %, plant dry mass of 9.3 ± 0.17 % and nodule number of 38 ± 0.68 % were reported in P4 plants after 6 weeks of J2s inoculation.Confocal microscopy of root sections of P3 cowpea plants revealed the presence of M. arenaria J2s in the cortical and provascular regions, however, in case of P4 plants an intact cellular structure was maintained. The application of AgNP didn't show any toxic effect on the growth of plant.

Water‐soluble astaxanthin and silver enriched poly(vinyl alcohol)/silk fibroin crosslinking electrospun nanofiber for wound dressing

AbstractThe aim of this work is to fabricate a novel electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silk fibroin (SF) nanofibrous membrane containing astaxanthin (ASTA) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles as potential wound dressing. Since ASTA is typically liposoluble, the bioavailability could be greatly enhanced by improving its hydrophilicity. The antioxidant performance of eletrospun membrane is verified by ABTS radical scavenging assays. The beadless fibers could be fabricated at 16 kV when PVA (12, wt%) is blended with SF (6, wt%). In addition, the membrane is carefully chemically crosslinked by comparing the efforts (i.e., mechanical strength and water resistance) of glutaraldehyde dipping and vapor treatment. The morphology of the electrospun membrane is observed by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscope. The formation of Ag nanoparticles, which provides the membranes antibacterial properties, is also confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy and inhibition zone test. Meanwhile, the PVA/SF/ASTA/Ag compound membrane is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, thermo gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and water contact angle. The releasing of ASTA is also measured, and kinetic data are adjusted by Higuchi models. Finally, the biocompatibility is confirmed by in vitro cell staining experiments and in vivo rat models.

Effects of organic nutrient management on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)-linseed (Linum usitatissimum) sequence

The experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 at the Instructional-cum Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to study the impact of different combinations of organic nutrient sources on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) (rainy-kharif) and their residual effect on linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) (winter- rabi) crop for developing a double cropping sequence for rice growers of Assam with organic management. The experiment comprised three aromatic rice cultivars, viz. Kola joha, Keteki joha and Chakhao poireiton and five combinations of organic nutrient sources. Out of the organic nutrient sources, application of N @30 kg/ha through vermicompost along with pre-season green manuring of Sesbania bispinosa and root dip treatment of rice seedlings with Azospirillium and phosphorus solubilising bacteria @3.5 kg/ha each (N3) resulted the highest number of panicles/ m2 (216.72 in 2019 and 223.96 in 2020), highest yield of rice (30.26 q/ha in 2019, 32.58 q/ha in 2020 grain yield and 65.99 q/ha in 2019, 68.98 q/ha in 2020 straw yield). The highest seed yield (394.52 kg/ha in 2019, 416.97 kg/ha in 2020) and stover yield (890.09 kg/ha in 2019, 896.63 kg/ha in 2020) of succeeding relay sown linseed were recorded with the N3 treatment. The highest available N (250.10 kg/ha), P2O5 (20.40 kg/ha) and K2O (140.06 kg/ha), organic C (0.65%), soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (13.29 t/ha), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (183.43 µg/g of soil) in soil were recorded with the N3 treatment after harvest of linseed in 2020. The study affirmed the suitability of rice-linseed cropping sequence for efficient utilization and conservation of resources.

Control of crown rot with potassium carbonate in banana cv. Enano Gigante

AbstractThe postharvest antifungal activity of potassium carbonate (PC) against crown rot (CR) was investigated in banana cv. Enano Gigante by artificially inoculating with Colletotrichum musae (Cm) and incubating at 25 ± 1°C for 7 days. PC treatments were tested by in vitro and in vivo primary experiments. The in vivo preliminary concentration of 175 mM PC was selected as the most effective and was used in subsequent experiments on the influence of dip temperature on the effectiveness of PC. Curative dip treatments of 175 mM PC at 40°C for 20 min applied alone or combined with low doses of thiabendazole (TBZ) were evaluated on CR. Finally, the effect of PC on banana fruit quality was determined. PC at 150 and 200 mM totally inhibited mycelial growth and conidial germination of Cm. In in vivo primary experiments, 175 mM PC significantly reduced both the incidence (33.3% reduction) and the severity (90.5% reduction) of CR, but only in curative treatments. When the 175 mM PC dip for 20 min was tested at different temperatures, the curative dip at 40°C was the most effective, reducing CR incidence and severity by 91.6% and 98.8%, respectively, and was used for subsequent experiments. PC combined with TBZ at 225 μL L−1 did not improve the curative control effectiveness on CR compared to PC alone. PC did not affect the quality of banana fruit.

Eco-safe composite edible coating of hydrocolloids with papaya leaf extract improves postharvest quality and shelf life of papaya fruit under ambient storage.

Papaya postharvest management using low-temperature storage is discouraged as it is a tropical fruit. Extensive research is going on to preserve papaya quality at ambient storage using edible coatings and its composites. The present investigation examined the effects of an eco-safe composite edible coating consisting of hydrocolloid carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (1%), guar gum (1.5%), xanthan gum (0.3%), and Gum Arabic (10%) combined with papaya leaf extract (PLE) (1:1 ratio by volume) applied as dip treatment on "Red Lady" papaya fruit at ambient storage condition. Among all the attempted treatments, "PLE incorporated with CMC (1%)" was found to be the best, as the treated fruit exhibited the highest levels of biochemicals, whereas the lowest levels of physiological and enzymatic activity, which positively affected the shelf life. The "CMC+PLE" treatment enhanced the fruit gloss score by 70.1%, phenolics by 6.1%, ascorbic acid by 22.3%, total carotenoid content by 7.4%, and fruit predilection score by 22.0% over the control fruit. However, it lowered (controlling) the physiological loss in weight by 51.0%, decay incidence by 66.6%, and polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase activity by 24.92% and 35.29%, respectively, over control. Moreover, this treatment exhibited the highest fruit purchase predilection score and prolonged the storage life for >3 days on the physiological loss standard basis (≤10%). This study indicates that "CMC (1%) with PLE (1:1)" composite coating application on papaya under ambient conditions might be an effective, environmentally friendly, and health-friendly way to retain the quality and extend the storage life.

Management of seed borne inoculum of Xanthomonas cucurbiate causing bacterial leaf spot of pumpkin and bottle gourd

Bacterial leal spot is a common and destructive disease of cucurbits. Recent research revealed the seed borne nature of Xanthomonas cucurbitae. In this study, seeds wrapped in muslin cloth were dipped in various treatments involving hot water and chemicals. Hot water treatment of seeds at 55°C for both pumpkin and bottle gourd isolates resulted in minimum (28.73 and 23.33%, respectively) seedling infection. In vitro evaluation of fungicides and antibiotic (streptocycline) by using paper disc method revealed that Bordeaux mixture and copper oxychloride to be most effective against pumpkin and bottle gourd, respectively. Under chemical seed dip treatments, the minimum number of infected seedlings were recorded with streptocycline (37.64%) and copper oxychloride (40.80%) for pumpkin and bottlegourd, respectively. For both the isolates, maximum seed germination was recorded in seeds treated for 720 minutes (98.20 and 98.60%, respectively). A combination of streptocycline and copper oxychloride as seed treatment for three hours gave best results for both the isolates (16.33% and 15.67%, respectively). Under pot house conditions, combining streptocycline (100 ppm) and copper oxychloride (3000 ppm) as a seed dip treatment for three hours was found to be the most effective. The recorded minimum disease severity was 18.00 and 22.00%, respectively.

PENGARUH TEAT DIPPING MENGGUNAKAN EKSTRAK BUNGA CENGKEH (Syzygium aromaticum) TERHADAP RASA, AROMA, DAN WARNA SUSU SEGAR (Teat dipping effect used clove flower extract (Syzygium aromaticum) on taste, aroma, and color of fresh milk)

Bacterial contamination can reduce physical quality of milk by changing color, aroma, and taste. Teat dipping can be one of attempt reduce physical quality loss affected by bacterial contamination. Chemical synthetic solution as teat dipping leaving residue in milking yields. The attempt to reducing residue are by using herbal material for dipping solution. This study aims to analyze the effect of dipping used clove flower extract (Syzygium aromaticum L.) on the color, aroma, and taste of fresh milk. Research method are used experimental method with complete randomize design (CRD) with single factor and 5 replications. The treatment in this study were without dipping treatment (P0), dipping with a concentration of 5% clove flower extract (P1), dipping with a concentration of 10% clove flower extract. % (P2), and dipping with a concentration of 15% clove flower extract (P3). Organoleptic test was carried out by 30 panelists. Data analysis used descriptive analysis method with the help of SPSS 26 to find out the description of the organoleptic test data. The results of this study indicate that the dipping treatment did not change the color, aroma, and taste of fresh milk. Fresh milk were at its normal level and does not left the typical clove residue. Conclusion of this research is clove flower extract can used as dipping solution because does not leaving residue so didn’t changed color, aroma and taste of milk.

Pathogenicity of Metarhizium and Cordyceps isolates against larvae of different Agriotes species and populations in correlation with conidial size and germination

ABSTRACT Entomopathogenic fungi offers a promising approach to control Agriotes larvae, although virulence varies for different Agriotes species. Therefore, the first step was to look for a highly virulent fungal strain for different Agriotes species. To achieve this, six Metarhizium and two Cordyceps strains were studied. Several Metarhizium strains were highly efficient and achieved over 90% mortality over four months by dip treatment. The most promising strain to control A. lineatus and A. obscurus was the M. brunneum strain JKI-BI-1450, while M. robertsii strain JKI-BI-1442 was most effective against A. sputator. The Cordyceps strains had no pathogenic effect. In the second step, we investigated whether fungal strain-specific characteristics such as conidial size and germination could be related to the effect of the strains against Agriotes larvae. A correlation could not be confirmed for A. lineatus and A. obscurus. In contrast, against larvae of A. sputator shorter and wider conidia as well as those that germinate later and show a lower germination rate after 96 h were more effective. In the third step, we investigated whether populations of the same Agriotes species, differ in their susceptibility to entomopathogenic fungi. Different populations of A. obscurus larvae showed variable susceptibility. Significant differences in the Restricted Mean Time Lost (RMTL), but not in the final mortality, were determined for different populations of A. sputator larvae. In contrast, the efficacy on A. lineatus was similar among the various populations tested. Our study indicates highly specific and complex interactions between the Agriotes species and the Metarhizium strains.

Assessment of Various Fungicides, Bioagents and Natural Substances on Anthracnose Disease of Banana

The research was conducted to minimize the activity of harmful microorganism which is responsible for deterioration of fruit quality. The eight treatments were taken during the in-vitro study from which viz., six fungicides and two bioagents were tested for fruit dip treatment against anthracnose of banana. As a result of study, the most effective treatment was found carbendazim 12 % + mancozeb 63 % WP, which is showing the least disease intensity (20.26 %) and the highest reduction in banana anthracnose (52.56 %). Carbendazim and propiconazole also demonstrated significant disease reduction. Among non-hazardous chemicals, chitosan was the most effective (31.11 % disease intensity, 34.24 % reduction), followed by edible paraffin wax and yeast. Hot water treatment showed the highest disease intensity (44.49 %) and the least disease control (20.86 %). The study concluded that, carbendazim 12 %+ mancozeb 63 % WP and chitosan was the most effective against the post-harvest anthracnose disease of banana.

Effect of pimenta essential oil against Salmonella Agona and Salmonella Saintpaul in ground turkey meat and nonprocessed turkey breast meat

Salmonella enterica Agona (S. Agona) and Salmonella enterica Saintpaul (S. Saintpaul) are among the emerging drug-resistant Salmonella in turkey production and processing. Rapid solutions to control emerging and uncommon serotypes such as S. Agona and S. Saintpaul are needed. This study tested pimenta essential oil (PEO) as a processing antibacterial against S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in experiments representative of different stages of turkey processing. The compound effectively reduced S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in nutrient broth studies and with mature biofilm assays. PEO was tested against a combination of S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in ground turkey meat and nonprocessed breast meat. In the first experiment with ground turkey, samples were inoculated with a mixture of S. Agona and S. Saintpaul (∼3 log10 CFU/g) and treated with PEO at different concentrations (0% PEO, 0.25% PEO, 0.5% PEO, 1% PEO, 2% PEO, and 2.5% PEO). In the second experiment with turkey breast, samples inoculated with ∼3 log10 CFU/g (SA+SP) were dipped in different concentrations of PEO with chitosan (CN) for 2 min. In both these experiments, samples were stored at 4°C, and Salmonella recovery was carried out at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 d. All experiments followed a completely randomized design and were repeated 6 times (n = 6). Statistical analysis was done using the PROC-ANOVA procedure of SAS. In the ground turkey meat, PEO at or above 2% reduced 2 log10 CFU/g of Salmonella by day 1. PEO at 2.5% in ground turkey meat resulted in enrichment-negative samples by 1 min, indicative of the rapid killing effect of the compound at a high concentration of PEO (P ≤ 0.05). A maximum reduction of 1.7 log10 CFU Salmonella/g of turkey breast meat was obtained after 2 min of dip treatment containing CN and 2.5% PEO. Results indicate that PEO could be used as a plant-based processing antibacterial against S. Agona and S. Saintpaul in turkey processing. Upscaling to plant-level studies is necessary before recommending its usage.

Integrated management practices against an emerging Bakanae disease of rice under the hot-humid climate of Indo-Gangetic plains of India

Bakanae disease caused by Fusarium fujikuroi is emerging in India. In this work, fungicides and biocontrol agents were evaluated as seed, seedling treatment, and foliar spray(s) against bakanae disease in rice under field conditions. Carbendazim (50% WP) was found to be the most effective fungicide for seed and seedling root dip treatments. Soil drenching with 0.25% carbendazim (50% WP) 5 days before transplanting of seedlings was effective for large scale treatments. Foliar spray of 0.1% tebuconazole 50%+ trifloxystrobin 25% w/w (75 WG) significantly reduced the percentage of infected seeds (7.17%) compared with the control (32.50%). The minimum disease incidence (31%) was observed when seeds were treated with Talaromyces flavus. Individual treatments were integrated in the form of six management modules and evaluated under the field conditions of New Delhi (India) and Pusa Bihar (India) with the susceptible cultivars ‘Pusa Basmati 1121’ and ‘Pusa 1176’. Bakanae disease incidence was lower in the modules tested compared with the inoculated control or the individual treatment. The most favorable results at two locations achieved the lowest disease incidence of 7% and 2.41%.

Effect of Scion Dip Treatments and Growing Condition on Physiological Parameter of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Wedge Graft cv. Dashehari

The current study was carried out on wedge grafting in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Dashehari during the2022-23 at the Fruit Research Station, Imaliya, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV Jabalpur. This research includes the use of many different plant growth regulators, ZnSo4, and growing conditions. The research was carried out using a statistical design known as Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD).The primary objective of this study is to determine the influence that different scion dip treatments and growing conditions have on the physiological characteristics of the plant. According to the findings, among the various treatments, IAA 200 ppm + ZnSo4 500 ppm under shade net condition was proved superior with respect to maximum chlorophyll content index (27,18.5), leaf area duration (2720.67 cm2/day, 2,620.67 cm2/day), leaf area index (8.65,1035) and light transmission ratio (24.05,18.15) at 60 and 120 days after grafting (DAG). It was also noticed that scion dip treatments with IAA 200 ppm in combination with ZnSo4 500 ppm under the shade net condition were favorable as compared to the open condition.

Exploring the potential of ume-derived proanthocyanidins: novel applications for blueberry preservation.

Proanthocyanidins (PCs) extracted from ume have many well-known functional properties. The aim of this study was to explore a novel natural food preservative using ume plum pulp proanthocyanidins (UPPP). The crude product of PCs from ume plum was obtained by using ethanol as extraction solvent and ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and then the pure product of UPPP was obtained by purification with AB-8 resin. The bacteriostatic ability of UPPP and the freshness preservation effect on blueberry were analyzed. The results showed that UPPP had a high inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 1.563 mg/mL) and Escherichia coli (MIC of 3.125 mg/mL). Findings revealed that, in comparison to 0.02% potassium sorbate, blueberries treated with a high concentration of UPPP in a dipping treatment displayed superior quality maintenance after 7 days of storage at 4°C. Importantly, analysis of the various metrics showed that treatment with UPPP was significantly better compared to blueberries treated with 0.02% potassium sorbate. For example, the decay rate, weight loss, and total number of colonies of blueberries treated with 0.02% potassium sorbate were 55.56, 3.48%, and 4.24 ± 0.07 log CFU/mL, whereas the values of the above indexes for blueberries treated with 25 mg/mL of UPPP were 22.22, 3.09%, and 3.10 ± 0.17 log CFU/mL, respectively. Conversely, blueberries that were not dipped in any preservative displayed signs of deterioration as early as the 3rd day of the storage period, highlighting the potential of UPPP as a valuable method for preserving fruits and vegetables. Therefore, UPPP holds great promise as an innovative natural food preservative, effectively enhancing food safety, quality, and extending shelf-life.

Synergistic Promotion of Large-Current Water Splitting through Interfacial Engineering of Hierarchically Structured CoP-FeP Nanosheets with Rich P Vacancies.

The development of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts with high performance under large current density is still a challenge. Introducing P vacancies in heterostructure is an appealing strategy to enhance HER kinetics. This study investigates a CoP-FeP heterostructure catalyst with abundant P vacancies (Vp-CoP-FeP/NF) on nickel foam (NF), which was prepared using dipping and phosphating treatment. The optimized Vp-CoP-FeP catalyst exerted prominent HER catalytic capability, requiring an ultra-low overpotential (58 mV @ 10 mA cm-2 ) and displaying robust durability (50 h @ 200 mA cm-2 ) in 1.0 M KOH solution. Furthermore, the catalyst demonstrated superior overall water splitting activity as cathode, demanding only cell voltage of 1.76 V at 200 mA cm-2 , outperforming Pt/C/NF(-) || RuO2 /NF(+) . The catalyst's outstanding performance can be attributed to the hierarchical structure of porous nanosheets, abundant P vacancies, and synergistic effect between CoP and FeP components, which promote water dissociation and H* adsorption and desorption, thereby synergically accelerating HER kinetics and enhancing HER activity. This study demonstrates the potential of HER catalysts with phosphorus-rich vacancies that can work under industrial-scale current density, highlighting the importance of developing durable and efficient catalysts for hydrogen production.

Postharvest melatonin and chitosan treatments retain quality of 'Williams' bananas during ripening.

The effect of postharvest dipping treatments with 0.5mM melatonin (MT) and 1% chitosan (CT) either alone or in combination on quality of pre-climacteric 'Williams' bananas during ripening at ambient conditions were investigated. MT or CT treatments delayed ripening by retaining greener peel, higher firmness, titratable acidity (TA), but lower total soluble solids (TSS) and TSS/TA, weight loss, browning and electrolyte leakage than the control. Total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) in both peel and pulp increased up to 6days and then decreased and was higher in treated fruit than the control. Vitamin C content decreased up to 3days, then increased and was higher in treated fruit than control. MT and CT combination exhibited the highest TPC, TFC and vitamin C contents compared to other treatments. Radical scavenging capacity (RSC) of peel and pulp increased up to 6days, then decreased and was higher in treated fruit than the control. The treated fruit exhibited lower polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and hydrolytic enzymes but higher peroxidase (POD) activities in both peel and pulp than the control. Postharvest treatments with 0.5mM MT and 1% CT alone or in combination could be used to retain quality of 'Williams' bananas during ripening.

Postharvest quality evaluation on the hot water-dipped Zingiber officinale rhizomes stored at low-temperature storage

Storing ginger at chilling temperature will reduce its postharvest quality as they are prone to chilling injury (CI). Therefore, a study on hot-water dip treatment in alleviating CI in 'Bentong' ginger rhizome on physical and chemical properties was conducted. Fresh ginger rhizomes were harvested in the 9th month after planting. The fresh and cleaned rhizomes were hot-water treated at 45°C for 0, 5, 10 and 15 mins before being packed in a box and stored at 5°C for 0, 8 and 16 days. There was a significant interaction effect between dipping and storage durations on the physical and chemical properties of the rhizome. Exposed rhizome for 5, 10 and 15 mins was observed to maintain the ho and L* of the rhizome after storage at 5°C. The decreases in h° from yellow to slightly brown also indicated rhizome browning. Rhizome held at 45°C for 5 mins managed to reduce browning as compared to other durations. In addition, dipping for 15 mins resulted in a significant increase in total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and 6-gingerols. While 6-shogaols was maintained at 45°C for 5 mins. Preconditioning by the hot-water treatment could induce chilling tolerance upon storage at chilling temperature.