Fruit Exocarp Research Articles

Synthesis and toxicity profiling of sebacic acid-modified cellulose from unexploited watermelon exocarp

Several modified celluloses have shown profound benefits in several areas of application. However, there is a lack of little information on the safety profile of most modified celluloses such as cellulose ester. In response to this, cellulose (WMC) was isolated from the watermelon exocarp (WM) of the unexploited watermelon fruit. WMC was converted to cellulose ester (WMS) by simple modification with sebacic acid. WM, WMC and WMS were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size distribution (PSD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The diffractogram revealed that WMS might be classified as cellulose I with a crystallinity of 78.21%. Its surface appears homogeneous, lumpish, having white gel appearance with agglomerates. The impact of WMS on hepato-renal functional indices and hepatic oxidative stress parameters was examined in male Wistar rats for 14 days. At the end of the 14-day exposure, WMS reduced malondialdehyde and nitric oxide concentrations, while glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly elevated, especially at the dose of 200 mg/kg. Also, microscopic analysis of the hepato-renal organs revealed histological abnormalities. Quantum chemical parameters using the density functional theory (DFT) approach were applied to gain theoretical insight into the renotoxic effect exhibited by WMS in molecular terms. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) are distributed over the molecules of WMS, suggesting that its renotoxic effect may have occurred via donor–acceptor interactions. Taken together, our data suggest an increase in the susceptibility of kidney to toxicity after subacute exposure to WMS.

Chemical, microbial and antioxidant activity of Cola lepidota K. Schum fruits

This research was to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and microbial profiles of Cola lepidota fruits. One hundred grams each of the fruit exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp were blended and analyses were carried out by the following standard methods. Active acidity and vitamin C contents were 5.5 and 6.34 mg 100 g<sup>–1</sup> in endocarp, 4.5 and 14.39 mg 100 g<sup>–1</sup> in mesocarp and 6.7 and 10.02 mg 100 g<sup>–1</sup> for exocarp. Moisture and carbohydrate contents of 12.31 and 68.72% were in the mesocarp while protein and crude fibre contents of 8.13 and 26.18% were in the exocarp and endocarp. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) contents were 1.79, 0.27 and 0.57 mg 100 g<sup>–1</sup> in exocarp while lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) were absent in the endocarp. Predominant isolates were Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus flavus, Bacillus, Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species. C. lepidota had no antimicrobial effect against the tested organisms. Tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, coumarins and anthocyanins were present while alkaloids, quinolones, glycosides, steroids and cardiac glycosides were absent. The fruit was observed to have antioxidant property by hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. This study presents C. lepidota as good for human consumption and can be exploited for animal feed production.

Production and Testing of Biogas Using Cow Dung, Jatropha and Iron Filins

Biogas production was investigated in this study as an alternative to wood as fuel using slurries of cow dung (T1), jatropha fruit exocarp (T2), cattle dung and jatropha fruit exocarp (T3) and cow dung, jatropha fruit exocarp with 10 g of iron filings (T4). The 1000 mL of slurry which included 50 mL of inoculum that compensated for the dead or weak micro-organism was made for each sample. At the end of five weeks, the volume of biogas collected from the samples T1, T2, T3, and T4 when added up, gave 77, 154, 145 and 586 mL, respectively. The sample mixture of cow dung, jatropha fruit exocarp, and iron filings (T4), gave the highest yield of biogas production with an average weekly production of 59 mL/kg for four weeks and on the fifth week about six times emission of biogas was obtained. The production rate of the biogas was rapid after the gestation period and the T4 emerged as the most substantial emission of all the samples producing 350 mL/kg on the fifth week.

Carnauba (Copernicia prunifera) palm tree biomass as adsorbent for Pb(II) and Cd(II) from water medium.

Plant-based biomass (CFB (carnauba fruit biomass)) obtained from the fruit exocarp of the species Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore (carnauba) was evaluated for its viability as an adsorbent of potentially toxic metals in aqueous medium. The CFB was characterized by powder X-ray spectroscopy (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential to investigate the morphology of the biosorbent and its interaction with water soluble metal ions of Pb and Cd. The biomass presents an amorphous structure, with negative zeta potential (- 2.59mV), and the presence of functional groups such as O-H, C-O-C, C-H, and C=O. The removal potential of Pb(II) and Cd(II) was performed in a batch system, and monoelement solutions were tested to assess the effects of adsorbent dose and initial metal ion concentration, pH at the point of zero charge (pHPZC), sorption kinetics, and adsorption capacity. The most appropriate adsorbent concentration was 5g/L, and sorption studies were carried out at pH5.0 (pHPZC = 4.68), in which the surface of the adsorbent shows negative charges and favors the adsorption of metal ions. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-second order model best fit the experimental data, and equilibrium was reached at 120min of contact time. The experimental sorption capacity (SCexp) for Pb and Cd was around 28 and 34mg/g, respectively, and six different non-linear isotherm models were used to describe the sorption phenomena, among them, four with 2 parameters, i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR), respectively, and two with 3 parameters, namely, SIPS and Hill. The non-linear Temkin and Freundlich isotherm models best fit the experimental data for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. According to the Langmuir model, Qmax was 26mg/g and 58mg/g for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively, indicating the efficiency of CFB as a new alternative to conventional methods for the removal of potentially toxic metals from aqueous medium.

A review of current knowledge about the formation of native peridermal exocarp in fruit.

The outer skin layer in any plant is essential in offering a protective barrier against water loss and pathogen attack. Within fleshy fruit, the skin supports internal cell layers and can provide the initial cues in attracting seed-dispersing animals. The skin of a fruit, termed the exocarp, is a key element of consumer preference and a target for many breeding programs. Across fruiting species there is a huge diversity of exocarp types and these range from a simple single living cell layer (epidermis) often covered with a waxy layer, to complex multicellular suberised and dead cell layers (periderm), with various intermediate russet forms in between. Each exocarp can be interspersed with other structures such as hairs or spines. The epidermis has been well characterised and remains pluripotent with the help of the cells immediately under the epidermis. The periderm, in contrast, is the result of secondary meristematic activity, which replaces the epidermal layers, and is not well characterised in fruits. In this review we explore the structure, composition and mechanisms that control the development of a periderm type fruit exocarp. We draw upon literature from non-fleshy fruit species that form periderm tissue, from which a considerable amount of research has been undertaken.

Changes in Winter Squash Fruit Exocarp Structure Associated with Age-Related Resistance to Phytophthora capsici.

Phytophthora capsici is a destructive pathogen of cucurbits that causes root, crown, and fruit rot. Winter squash (Cucurbita spp.) production is limited by this pathogen in Michigan and other U.S. growing regions. Age-related resistance (ARR) to P. capsici occurs in C. moschata fruit but is negated by wounding. This study aimed to determine whether structural barriers to infection exist in the intact exocarp of maturing fruit exhibiting ARR. Five C. moschata cultivars were evaluated for resistance to P. capsici 10, 14, 16, 18, and 21 days postpollination (dpp). Scanning electron microscopy imaging of Chieftain butternut fruit exocarp of susceptible fruit at 7 dpp and resistant fruit at 14 and 21 dpp revealed significant increases in cuticle and epidermal thicknesses as fruit aged. P. capsici hyphae penetrated susceptible fruit at 7 dpp directly from the surface or through wounds before 6 h postinoculation (hpi) and completely degraded the fruit cell wall within 48 hpi. Resistant fruit remained unaffected at 14 and 21 dpp. The high correlation between the formation of a thickened cuticle and epidermis in maturing winter squash fruit and resistance to P. capsici indicates the presence of a structural barrier to P. capsici as the fruit matures.

Studies on the utilization and proximate composition of wild Aframomum anguistifolium (sonn.) K. Schum fruits in Nakaseke district, Uganda

Nakaseke district is located in the central region of Uganda and has high abundance of edible Aframomum anguistifolium (wild cardamom) fruit, locally known as “Amatuunguru’’. The fruit is consumed by only few people who access it from the wild and there is limited information on the nutritional benefits of the fruit. This study determined the utilization and consumptive benefits of A. anguistifolium fruits among the local communities of Nakaseke district as well as the proximate composition of the fruit. A cross-sectional survey using an interview guide was conducted to establish the utilization and consumptive benefits of the fruit while the proximate composition (crude protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber and ash, moisture) was determined using standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results revealed that fruits are collected and consumed by the local communities because of their nutritional and medicinal values. A. anguistifolium plant is not domesticated despite the different consumptive benefits accrued from it. The results revealed that children are the major collectors (consumers) of the fruit (48%) compared to women and men and they collect the fruit from the wild as they go about their chores like collecting firewood, tending grazing animals and fetching water. The fruit’s availability is highest in the rainy season and maturity indicators include the fruit exocarp turning red in colour. The exocarp is removed and thrown away during consumption leaving the inside part which is edible. The fruit was found to contain moisture (72.98%). The content of the dry matter was ash (13.97%), crude fat (4.35%), crude protein (6.82%), crude fiber (12.55%) and nitrogenfree extracts/NFE (62.30%). Hence the fruit is a suitable supplement for moisture, fats, proteins and crude fiber needed in human diet. The plant is still collected from the wild and grows mainly in swampy areas (wetlands) which are being cleared for agriculture, settlement and road construction. This plant could be endangered if its conservation is not prioritized.

Label-Free Mapping of the Biochemicals in Tomato Fruit by Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy

Raman scattering-based technique coupled with microscope provides information about the chemical structure of biological specimen at the molecular and cellular scale nondestructively without the requirement of chemical extraction. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy presents a new approach for investigating the cellular structure of vegetables and fruits and the biochemical contents in them. This study describes potential of the confocal Raman microspectroscopy for the evaluation of biomolecules and their distribution in the various parts of ripened tomato fruit. For this, Raman spectra of the exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp of the red tomato fruit have been acquired in the spectral region < 2000 cm−1 at a resolution of 4 cm−1 using confocal Raman spectrometer equipped with 785 nm excitation laser. The recorded spectra depict spectral signatures of cuticular wax which is detected only in the exocarp, while signatures of lycopene, carotene, phenolic compounds and carbohydrates (starch, glucose and fructose) show their presence in all the parts of tomato fruit with varying concentration. Amino acid and pectin are detected only in the region of mesocarp and endocarp. Principal component analysis has been applied to discriminate among the detected biomolecules in different parts of the tomato fruits.

Isolation of punicalagin from Punica granatum rind extract using mass-directed semi-preparative ESI-AP single quadrupole LC-MS

We are living in a era of alarming increases in microbial resistance to currently available antibiotics, and there is a growing need for new pharmaceutical products to treat infectious diseases. The pomegranate is an edible fruit that has virucidal and antimicrobial activities which is primarily attributable to the high concentration of hydrolysable tannins. Punicalagin, a high molecular weight tannin (1084.7), accounts for approximately 70% of the total and is concentrated in the fruit exocarp (rind). It is the focus of much research, although it is prohibitively expensive to purchase which presents an obstacle to further exploitation and development. Here we describe a method for the isolation of punicalagin from pomegranate rind extract and total pomegranate tannins using an Agilent preparative mass-directed LC–MS single quadrupole ESI-API system, where the ionization was set as negative and the mass signal acquired in Single Ion Monitoring. Thanks to the automatic fraction collector, the method can be used in automatic mode and is capable of producing punicalagin with >95% purity.

Transcriptomic changes in Cucurbita pepo fruit after cold storage: differential response between two cultivars contrasting in chilling sensitivity

BackgroundZucchini fruit is susceptible to chilling injury (CI), but the response to low storage temperature is cultivar dependent. Previous reports about the response of zucchini fruit to chilling storage have been focused on the physiology and biochemistry of this process, with little information about the molecular mechanisms underlying it. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic changes that take place after cold storage in zucchini fruit of two commercial cultivars with contrasting response to chilling stress.ResultsRNA-Seq analysis was conducted in exocarp of fruit at harvest and after 14 days of storage at 4 and 20 °C. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained comparing fruit stored at 4 °C with their control at 20 °C, and then specific and common up and down-regulated DEGs of each cultivar were identified. Functional analysis of these DEGs identified similarities between the response of zucchini fruit to low temperature and other stresses, with an important number of GO terms related to biotic and abiotic stresses overrepresented in both cultivars. This study also revealed several molecular mechanisms that could be related to chilling tolerance, since they were up-regulated in cv. Natura (CI tolerant) or down-regulated in cv. Sinatra (CI sensitive). These mechanisms were mainly those related to carbohydrate and energy metabolism, transcription, signal transduction, and protein transport and degradation. Among DEGs belonging to these pathways, we selected candidate genes that could regulate or promote chilling tolerance in zucchini fruit including the transcription factors MYB76-like, ZAT10-like, DELLA protein GAIP, and AP2/ERF domain-containing protein.ConclusionsThis study provides a broader understanding of the important mechanisms and processes related to coping with low temperature stress in zucchini fruit and allowed the identification of some candidate genes that may be involved in the acquisition of chilling tolerance in this crop. These genes will be the basis of future studies aimed to identify markers involved in cold tolerance and aid in zucchini breeding programs.

Apple fruit superficial scald resistance mediated by ethylene inhibition is associated with diverse metabolic processes.

Fruits stored at low temperature can exhibit different types of chilling injury. In apple, one of the most serious physiological disorders is superficial scald, which is characterized by discoloration and brown necrotic patches on the fruit exocarp. Although this phenomenon is widely ascribed to the oxidation of α-farnesene, its physiology is not yet fully understood. To elucidate the mechanism of superficial scald development and possible means of prevention, we performed an integrated metabolite screen, including an analysis of volatiles, phenols and lipids, together with a large-scale transcriptome study. We also determined that prevention of superficial scald, through the use of an ethylene action inhibitor, is associated with the triggering of cold acclimation-related processes. Specifically, the inhibition of ethylene perception stimulated the production of antioxidant compounds to scavenge reactive oxygen species, the synthesis of fatty acids to stabilize plastid and vacuole membranes against cold temperature, and the accumulation of the sorbitol, which can act as a cryoprotectant. The pattern of sorbitol accumulation was consistent with the expression profile of a sorbitol 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, MdS6PDH, the overexpression of which in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants confirmed its involvement in the cold acclimation and freezing tolerance.

Silicon bioavailability in exocarp of Cucumis sativus Linn.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) techniques have been used to detect the silicon bioavailability in the exocarp of warty cucumber surface. Warts appear at the time of anthesis and are remnant part of spines/trichomes which on further fruit maturation abscised from the exocarp. Results of EPMA and phytolith analysis clearly revealed that the surface of exocarp (fruit) of Cucumis sativus Linn. containing warts has greater quantity of silicon as compared to the other part of the fruit. Besides silicon, some other elements were also found, on the fruit exocarp and its surrounding area. The other elements are magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and sodium. The percentage of silica is highest followed by Ni, Ca, Al, P, Mg, Fe, S, Cu, K, and Cl. Thus, this study clearly demonstrates that Cucumis sativus Linn. fruits which are used as salads and appetizers on daily basis are loaded with silicon and other useful elements and possess numerous health benefits.

Effect of Resin Ducts and Sap Content on Infestation and Development of Immature Stages of Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Four Mango (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae) Cultivars.

We determined the influence of resin ducts, sap content, and fruit physicochemical features of four mango cultivars (Criollo, Manila, Ataulfo, and Tommy Atkins) on their susceptibility to the attack of the two most pestiferous fruit fly species infesting mangoes in Mexico: Anastrepha ludens (Loew) and Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart). We performed three studies: 1) analysis of resin ducts in mango fruit exocarp to determine the density and area occupied by resin ducts in each mango cultivar, 2) assessment of mango physicochemical features including fruit sap content, and 3) a forced infestation trial under field conditions using enclosed fruit-bearing branches to expose mangoes to gravid A. ludens or A. obliqua females. Infestation rates, development time from egg to prepupae and pupae, pupal weight, and percent of adult emergence, were assessed. 'Ataulfo' and 'Tommy Atkins' cultivars exhibited the highest resin duct density and sap content, the lowest infestation rate, and had a negative effect on immature development and pupal weight. In sharp contrast, 'Manila' and 'Criollo' cultivars, with the lowest resin duct density and sap content, were highly susceptible to A. ludens and A. obliqua attack. We conclude that sap content and the number, size, and distribution of resin ducts as well as firmness in mango fruit exocarp are all involved in the resistance of mango to A. ludens and A. obliqua attack.

Local phytochemical response of Musa acuminata × balbisiana Colla cv. ‘Bluggoe’ (ABB) to colonization by Sternorrhyncha

The interaction of two Sternorrhyncha species, the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae, Aphidinae)), vector of the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), and the latania scale (Hemiberlesia lataniae Signoret (Hemiptera: Diaspididae, Diaspidinae)) with Musa acuminata × balbisiana Colla (ABB Group) ‘Bluggoe’ (Musaceae) was investigated by a combination of conventional and spatially resolved analytical techniques, 1H NMR, UHPLC-MS, and matrix-free UV-laser desorption/ionization MS imaging. After infestation, the feeding sites of P. nigronervosa on the pseudostem and the exocarp of banana fruit developed a red tinge, in which tissue-specific accumulations of phenylphenalenones were discovered. Phenylphenalenones were also detected in the black mats of sooty molds growing on the banana aphid exudates and in the dorsal scales of H. lataniae. This suggests that although these secondary metabolites play a role in the reaction of banana plants towards attack by sucking insects, an aphid and an armored scale have established mechanisms to exude these metabolites before they deploy their deleterious effect.

Watermelon Fruit Rot Disease in Israel is Caused by a Distinct Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) Strain.

In spring 2014, unfamiliar watermelon disease symptoms were observed on 1,000 ha of watermelon plants (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) growing in open fields in Jordan and Beit-She'an Valleys, Israel. These represented systemic wilt and yellowing of leaves with necrosis on leaves and stems, in some cases leading to plant dieback, fruit exocarp deterioration, and rotting of the fleshy mesocarp, leading to unmarketable fruit. Virus purification was carried out from watermelon exocarp and necrotic leaves, and transmission electron microscopy revealed viral particles with flexible filamentous morphology. The disease was transmitted by mechanical inoculation from symptomatic fruit and by the silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci from symptomatic to healthy cucurbits. A reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test was conducted on purified virus preparation of Squash vein yellowing virus (SqVYV) using specific primers targeting the capsid protein gene revealing the expected amplicon size. The complete viral genome was sequenced and assembled by next-generation sequencing (NGS) Illumina MiSeq of small interfering RNA purified from symptomatic watermelon fruit, producing 92% genome coverage, and RT-PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing to close the genome gaps, validating the NGS sequence. The complete SqVYV-IL genome sequence shared 84% nucleotide sequence identity with the two complete genomes of SqVYV isolates from Florida, and 91% identity with the deduced amino acid sequence of the viral polyprotein.

Ester Cross-Link Profiling of the Cutin Polymer of Wild-Type and Cutin Synthase Tomato Mutants Highlights Different Mechanisms of Polymerization.

Cuticle function is closely related to the structure of the cutin polymer. However, the structure and formation of this hydrophobic polyester of glycerol and hydroxy/epoxy fatty acids has not been fully resolved. An apoplastic GDSL-lipase known as CUTIN SYNTHASE1 (CUS1) is required for cutin deposition in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit exocarp. In vitro, CUS1 catalyzes the self-transesterification of 2-monoacylglycerol of 9(10),16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid, the major tomato cutin monomer. This reaction releases glycerol and leads to the formation of oligomers with the secondary hydroxyl group remaining nonesterified. To check this mechanism in planta, a benzyl etherification of nonesterified hydroxyl groups of glycerol and hydroxy fatty acids was performed within cutin. Remarkably, in addition to a significant decrease in cutin deposition, mid-chain hydroxyl esterification of the dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid was affected in tomato RNA interference and ethyl methanesulfonate-cus1 mutants. Furthermore, in these mutants, the esterification of both sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions of glycerol was impacted, and their cutin contained a higher molar glycerol-to-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid ratio. Therefore, in planta, CUS1 can catalyze the esterification of both primary and secondary alcohol groups of cutin monomers, and another enzymatic or nonenzymatic mechanism of polymerization may coexist with CUS1-catalyzed polymerization. This mechanism is poorly efficient with secondary alcohol groups and produces polyesters with lower molecular size. Confocal Raman imaging of benzyl etherified cutins showed that the polymerization is heterogenous at the fruit surface. Finally, by comparing tomato mutants either affected or not in cutin polymerization, we concluded that the level of cutin cross-linking had no significant impact on water permeance.

In situ observations of the basal angiosperm Amborella trichopoda reveal a long fruiting cycle overlapping two annual flowering periods.

Amborella trichopoda is the sole living angiosperm species belonging to the sister lineage of all other extant flowering plants. In the last decade, the species has been the focus of many phylogenetic, genomic and reproductive biology studies, bringing new highlights regarding the evolution of flowering plants. However, little attention has been paid to in situ A. trichopoda populations, particularly to their fruiting cycle. In this study, an A. trichopoda population was observed during three annual flowering cycles. Individuals and branches were labeled in order to monitor the fruiting cycle precisely, from the flowering stage until the abscission of the fruit. Fruit exocarp was green during the first 9 months following flowering, turned red when the next flowering started a year later then remained on the branch during another year, between fruit ripping and abscission. Presence of fruits with two stages of maturity on shrubs was always noticed. Germination tests showed that seeds acquired their germination capacity 1 year after flowering, when fruits changed color. A. trichopoda's fruiting cycle is a long process overlapping two annual flowering periods. These results introduce a new model for flowering and fruiting cycles. The availability of mature seeds on shrubs for more than 1 year is likely to maximize opportunities to be dispersed, thus promoting the survival of this basal angiosperm.

Role of lenticels and microcracks on susceptibility of apple fruit to Botryosphaeria dothidea

Apple ring rot, caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea, is one of the most serious diseases affecting apple industry in East Asia. To study the correlation between fruit natural exocarp structures and susceptibility to B. dothidea, lesion length of Malus domestica cultivars and Malus germplasm accessions was measured 14 days after in vitro inoculation with B. dothidea mycelia at different developmental stages. Area per fruit surface (APFS) of lenticels and microcracks and thickness of cuticular wax were observed. Lesion length, lenticel APFS and cuticular wax thickness varied significantly among the 11 cultivars studied. A positive correlation between lesion length and lenticel APFS and a negative correlation between lesion length and cuticular wax thickness were detected among cultivars and during fruit development. In addition, similar correlations were validated in nine Malus germplasm accessions. Numerous microcracks were observed on surfaces of Golden Delicious and Golden Spur fruit, accounting for 90 % of the natural openings. The hyphae of B. dothidea penetrated into exocarp through both lenticels and microcracks. Fruit bagging with double-layered paper bags and exogenous GA4+7 reduced lenticel APFS, thickened cuticular wax and elevated resistance to disease. Natural openings on fruit exocarp are an important factor affecting susceptibility of apple to B. dothidea.

Characterisation of Sorbus domestica L. Bark, Fruits and Seeds: Nutrient Composition and Antioxidant Activity.

The aim of this work is to assess the nutritional value of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) bark, fruit exocarp and mesocarp, and seeds by establishing the levels of macro- and microelements, total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins. Our results revealed that all of the tested service tree samples were rich in potassium. Bark was the best source of calcium and zinc, while seeds were the best source of magnesium. Compared to the bark and seeds, fruit exocarp and mesocarp contained significantly lower amounts of these three elements. Immature exocarp and bark contained the highest amounts of total phenolics and showed the highest antioxidant activity. Maturation significantly decreased the amount of total phenolics in fruits, as well as the antioxidant activity of total phenolics and total tannins from exocarp, but not from mesocarp. Exocarp was the richest in total flavonoids. Based on the obtained data, we have concluded that the under-utilised species S. domestica L. could serve as an important source of mineral elements and antioxidants in the human diet.

INHERITANCE MODE OF VIRULANCE IN NECTRIA HAEMATOCOCCA MATTING POPULATION I

The difference in virulence of two standard strains in colonizing seedling hypocotyle and fruit exocarp suggested thatmulti-locus control of this trait. Whereas, Strain ATCC18099 was unable to infect uninjured cucumber and Zucchini fruits, both strains had high virulence against seedlings. The inheritance mode of this trait was studied by tetrad and random ascospore analysis with ascospores obtained from reciprocal crossings between ATCC18098 and ATCC18099. Segregation of MAT and perithecial color was also examined in both types of ascospore analyses. The results of tetrad analysis indicated 4:4 segregation for the high virulence associated with strain ATCC18098 in each tetrad, suggesting a Mendelian mode of inheritance. In random ascospore analysis, chi-square test supported that progeny with and without high virulence segregated in 1:1 in each cross and linkage analysis showed that such trait segregated independently from either MAT or perithecial color trait.