Fruit Firmness Research Articles

A vacuolar invertase gene SlVI modulates sugar metabolism and postharvest fruit quality and stress resistance in tomato

Abstract Sugars act as signaling molecules to modulate various growth processes and enhance plant tolerance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Moreover, sugars contribute to the post-harvest flavor in fleshy fruit crops. To date, the regulation of sugar metabolism and its effect in plant growth, fruit ripening, postharvest quality and stress resistance remains not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of tomato gene encoding a vacuolar invertase, hydrolyzing sucrose to glucose and fructose. SlVI is specifically expressed during the tomato fruit ripening process. We found that overexpression of SlVI resulted in increased leaf size and early flowering, while knockout of SlVI led to increased fruit sucrose content, enhanced fruit firmness, and elevated resistance of postharvest fruit to Botrytis cinerea. Moreover, the content of naringenin and total soluble solids was significantly increased in SlVI knockout fruit at postharvest stage. Transcriptome analysis showed a negative feedback regulation triggered by sucrose accumulation in SlVI knockout fruit resulting in a downregulation of BAM3 and AMY2, which are critical for starch degradation. Moreover, genes associated with cell wall, cutin, wax, and flavonoid biosynthesis and pathogen resistance were upregulated in SlVI knockout fruit. Conversely, the expression levels of genes involved in cell wall degradation were decreased in knockout fruit. These results are consistent with the enhanced postharvest quality and resistance. Our findings not only provide new insights into the relationship between tomato fruit sucrose content and postharvest fruit quality, but also suggest new strategies to enhance fruit quality and extend postharvest shelf life.

Effect of rootstock on fruit firmness in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars

Effect of rootstock on fruit firmness in mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars

Physicochemical quality retention of ‘Sucrier’ bananas (Musa acuminata AA group cv. ‘Kluai Khai’) by jicama starch-based postharvest treatment

The objective of this research was to develop a new type of edible coating using jicama starch (JS) in order to control the postharvest deterioration of ‘Sucrier’ bananas (Musa acuminata AA group cv. ‘Kluai Khai’) during the ripening process in ambient condition (25 ± 1 °C, 85-90 % RH). The preliminary experiment was carried out to investigate the impact of JS concentration (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 % w/v) on the postharvest quality of bananas. The application of JS demonstrated a delay in banana ripening, including color development, weight loss, and fruit firmness. Within the JS-treated banana groups, 5.0 % treated bananas displayed higher firmness compared to the other groups. Therefore, a validation experiment was conducted to verify the subsequent physicochemical alterations in bananas after subjecting bananas to 5.0 % JS coating in comparison to non-treated bananas during storage at ambient condition. The JS treatment maintained the color and visual appearance by minimizing the formation of malondialdehyde content and electrical conductivity during storage. Furthermore, it resulted in a delay in the increases in total soluble solid, titratable acidity, BrimA, and total carotenoid concentrations in the pulp. Nevertheless, the ascorbic acid and phenolic contents and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of the control samples were likely to be higher than those of the treated bananas, whereas the ferric reducing antioxidant potential of both control and treated bananas showed a comparable trend throughout storage. The outcomes demonstrate that the utilization of JS is an effective approach for improving the overall storage capacity of ‘Sucrier’ bananas.

Sustained-release composite films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil: Characterization, release kinetics and application for cherry tomato preservation

Food spoilage waste accelerated the development of bio-based active food packaging. Sustained-release composite films based on oxidized corn starch/ pullulan were prepared by incorporating cinnamon essential oil (CEO) nanoemulsion. The SEM, ATR-FTIR and XRD results showed that CEO was successfully encapsulated in film matrixes. The composite films exhibited the increase of thermal stability, UV-shielding, flexibility and water vapor resistance properties. The films containing CEO nanoemulsion (≥10%) showed excellent antimicrobial activities against S. aureus, E. coli and B. cinerea (the maximum inhibition zones achieving 27.23 ± 2.31 mm). The release kinetics results showed sustained release of CEO from the films with high content of CEO nanoemulsion, and the dominant release mechanism was Fickian diffusion. The composite films effectively maintained cell structure, weight, firmness and total soluble solids content of fruits during storage. Therefore, the sustained-release composite films could be a prospective packaging material for fruits preservation.

Preparation and characterization of a konjac glucomannan-based bio-nanocomposite film and its application in cherry tomato preservation

Strategies to overcome the limitations of konjac glucomannan (KGM) films, including their poor mechanical properties, low water resistance, and limited bioactivity, are being developed. In this study, fucoidan-chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating tea polyphenols (TP-FCNPs) were prepared using an electrostatic self-assembly method. Subsequently, a novel bio-nanocomposite film was prepared by incorporating TP-FCNPs as fillers into a KGM-based membrane. The microstructural, physical, and biological properties of the nanocomposite films were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations showed that in the KGM/TP-FCNPs containing 1–7% TP-FCNPs, the TP-FCNPs were uniformly distributed throughout the KGM film matrix. The highest tensile strength of KGM/TP-FCNPs films was 33.05 ± 1.57 MPa, which was 404.53% that of pure KGM film. Incorporating TP-FCNPs also significantly enhanced the UV absorption ability and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the bio-nanocomposite films, while reducing their transmittance. In addition, KGM/TP-FCNPs used as packaging effectively reduced fruit mass loss and firmness loss, inhibited microbial growth, and significantly prolonged fruit shelf-life on day 21 of the cherry tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var. cerasiforme A. Gray) packaging trial. In conclusion, the KGM/TP-FCNPs bio-nanocomposite films exhibit satisfactory properties, and thus, show potential for applications in fruit preservation.

Improving hawthorn fruit pulp processing and quality through optimized freeze-thaw cycles

Hawthorn fruit is firm, making it difficult to process into fruit pulp. To improve the processing suitability of hawthorn fruit pulp, one, two, and three freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs, frozen at −18 °C for 24 h, then thawed at 5 °C or 25° C for 6 h) were performed on hawthorn fruit in this study. Using unfrozen specimens as the controls, the study assessed fruit softening characteristics and rheological properties, taste traits, and nutritional components of the fruit pulp. Freeze-thaw treatments decreased fruit firmness and cell-wall stability, increased juice yield during pulp processing, and reduced the viscosity, sourness, and astringency of hawthorn fruit pulp, likely by enhancing pectin solubility. The treatment effect was influenced by both FTC number and thawing temperature. Two FTCs with a thawing temperature of 5 °C were most effective, promoting the transformation of protopectin into water-soluble pectin (WSP) to the fullest extent. The treatment reduced firmness to about 25 % of the initial value, increased juice yield by about 22 %, increased the sugar-acid ratio to 11.6, and reduced the sourness and astringency of the fruit pulp. It increased the contents of total flavones and anthocyanidins without affecting the contents of vitamin C. Therefore, the use of two FTCs with a thawing temperature of 5 °C can facilitate the preparation of hawthorn fruit pulp while preserving its nutritional properties and improving its taste profile.

Fruit-specific effects of tryptophan and melatonin as active components to extend the functionality of red fruits during post-harvest processing

Preserving quality attributes in the distribution chain is a challenging task, particularly in fruits with a brief shelf life. The application of melatonin in cherries, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries stored at room temperature was evaluated, as well as the effects of its precursor (tryptophan) to determine their specificity and interchangeable feasibility for post-harvest applications. The results demonstrated that melatonin is effective in all tested fruits, reducing deterioration rate and its severity, preserving fruit firmness and reducing darkening and weight loss. Furthermore, tryptophan applications incremented melatonin contents in strawberries and blueberries and delayed decay in both fruits. Melatonin reduced postharvest losses in all studied fruits related to its antisenescent properties, while the beneficial impact of tryptophan in extending shelf life was fruit-specific and appeared to be partly mediated by melatonin. Melatonin and tryptophan must be considered as active components of new formulations for extending the shelf life of red fruits during post-harvest processing.

Unraveling cell wall polysaccharides during blueberry ripening: insights into the roles of rhamnogalacturonan-I and arabinogalactan proteins in fruit firmness.

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) undergo significant texture changes during development and ripening, notably a consistent decrease in firmness, which affects fruit quality, consumer preference, transportability, and shelf life. This study examined the composition and structural modifications of the cell wall in five commercially available blueberry varieties with differing firmness levels at harvest. Our approach integrated various biochemical techniques for a comprehensive analysis of cell wall components to elucidate firmness differences at the harvest stage. One of the conclusions was the relationship between a low degree of pectin methylesterification and the presence of increased egg-box structures, which correlated with increased firmness. The data suggest that low-abundance pectins in blueberry cell walls, such as rhamnogalacturonan-I participate in firmness modulation through their side branches or by linking to arabinogalactan proteins. Additionally, the xyloglucan structure can be one of the determinants of fruit firmness. Although, this work provides a broad insight into the relationship between cell wall composition and firmness in blueberry, a more detailed analysis, specifically focusing on pectin and hemicelluloses, would be of significant value.

RESPONSE OF THE ‘POLESIE’ RASPBERRY CULTIVAR TO FOLIAR APPLICATION OF CHITOSAN WITH DIFFERENT MOLECULAR WEIGHTS

This study explored the effects of chitosan, a biodegradable and non-toxic natural polymer derived from chitin, on the yield and quality of raspberries. Various molecular weights (3.3–950 kDa) were assessed to determine the impact on raspberry plants and fruit development. These applications were made during key growth phases – the start of the vegetation period, during flowering and at the fruit-bearing stage – using a foliar method to ensure full coverage of both leaves and fruit without runoff. The results indicated that chitosan application influenced various parameters of fruit quality, including firmness, colour and antioxidant levels. Notably, chitosan with a molecular weight of 21 and 50 kDa significantly enhanced fruit yield and size compared with the control. Conversely, chitosan with a higher molecular weight (500 and 950 kDa) did not improve yield and appeared to induce stress in plants, although they did contribute to increased fruit firmness and potentially extended the shelf life due to their film-forming capabilities. The findings suggest that while chitosan can improve the yield and quality of raspberries, the effectiveness is highly dependent on its molecular weight. These results support the potential of chitosan as an alternative to traditional chemical treatments, promising a reduction in chemical inputs while sustaining or enhancing agricultural productivity and fruit quality.

Effect of pre-harvest application of potassium nitrate, naphthalene acetic acid and ethephon on ripening and shelf-life of guava cv. Allahabad Safeda

The current study, effect of pre-harvest application of potassium nitrate (KNO3), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and ethephon on ripening and shelf-life of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Allahabad Safeda was undertaken at the Fruit Research Farm, Dr B R S Agri at Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab. The experiment was carried out on an eight-year-old guava tree of the Allahabad Safeda. The trees were sprayed with various doses of chemicals, KNO3 (1.0, 1.5, 2.0%), NAA (200, 300, 400 ppm) and ethephon (200, 400, 600 ppm) during the third week of November. The fruits were harvested at the hard ripe stage on 19 December, placed in Corrugated fibre box (CFB) of 4 kg capacity and stored at ambient temperature. In ambient storage, guava fruits were remain acceptable for up to 6 days of storage without any adverse effect on fruit quality. KNO3 (1.5 and 2.0%), NAA (300 ppm) and ethephon (200 ppm) recorded a reduction in physiological loss of weight and spoilage and KNO3 (2.0%) maintaining fruit firmness (7.64 kg/cm2), palatability rating (8.00) throughout the storage period. However, the highest storage life and good-quality fruits was recorded with the application of KNO3 (1.5, 2%) during ambient storage. At lower concentrations, ethephon also helps to enhance the ripening of fruits, contrast to this fruits treated with NAA delayed the fruit senescense.

Enhancing sweet cherry resilience to spring frost and rain-induced cracking with pre-harvest melatonin treatments

Sweet cherry producers annually confront climatic challenges such as spring frost and fruit cracking. This vulnerability arises primarily from spring frost during bloom or cracking at critical maturity stages during persistent rainfall. With changing climate patterns, innovative strategies are essential to mitigate these adversities. Foliar applications of melatonin (MT) at 0, 0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mM were tested on the ‘Prime Giant’ and ‘Sweetheart’ cultivars over four different production cycles (2020–2023) to evaluate the effect on frost resilience on flower buds and fruit cracking reduction. MT-treated flower buds showed reduced malondialdehyde content and increased fruit set in most seasons, reducing their vulnerability to extreme weather events. In addition, MT consistently decreased sweet cherry cracking incidence across all studied seasons, indicating a strong effect between the fruit ripening stage and susceptibility to fruit cracking, which was cultivar dependent. Quality parameters at harvest, including fruit firmness, and colour at harvest, were either delayed or unaffected in MT-treated fruits compared with controls. However, other ripening parameters were stimulated by pre-harvest MT applications in several growing cycles, such as total soluble solids, which slightly reduced total acidity in MT-treated fruits. In summary, pre-harvest MT treatments can be a promising strategy for climate change adaptation and stress mitigation, potentially increasing sweet cherry production under extreme weather conditions.

Responses to foliar sprays of strawberry variety ‘Portola’ to biostimulants on growth, yield, quality, and bioactive compounds

The acceptance of strawberries in international trade has increased due to their organoleptic qualities, high nutritional value, and richness in antioxidants. This research evaluated the effect of foliar spray with chitosan, brassinosteroids, and thidiazuron as metabolic enhancers on growth, productivity, quality parameters, and bioactive compounds in ‘Portola’ strawberry cultivar in the first year of production. This experiment included six treatments and control with doses of CTS of 100, 300, and 400 mg L-1, of Brassinosteroids (Vitazyme™) 0.5, 1-, and 5-mL L-1 and 0.15 mL L-1 of TDZ (Charger plex™) in applications of these biostimulants alone and combination CTS and BRs. The findings indicated that CTS treatments increased plant length, leaf count, leaf area, and fruit firmness. The joint application of CTS and BRs significantly promotes crown diameter, photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, fresh and dry weight of roots and aerial parts, and ripening. Applications of CTS 300 mg L-1 and 1 mL L-1 of Vitazyme have shown the highest fruit length, diameter, and weight values. Regarding TDZ, this work showed an increase in crown diameter and in the fresh and dry weight of both the root and the aerial part without significant differences in the content of the chlorophyll and titratable acidity compared to the control. Therefore, it could be safely recommended that foliar application with CTS, BRs, and TDZ can be used as biostimulants to improve the growth, quality and bioactive compounds of strawberry cv ‘Portola’.

Guava ripening and quality in response to pre-harvest boron spraying

The physiological process of guava fruit ripening is difficult to manage in orchards. Boron (B) is a nutritional element with a physiological effect on fruit ripening through its role in ascorbate metabolism. This study evaluated the effects of single boron pre-harvest spraying on fruit ripening and post-harvest. The treatments consisted of B-monoethanolamine (MEA) sprays (11% B) at concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3ml L-1. Foliar sprays were applied on guava trees cv. Cortibel RG, at the physiological stage Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) 78 (fruits at 80% of final growth). The study used a randomized block design with five replicates. Fruits were harvested 5, 8, 15, and 17 days after B-MEA spraying. The nutritional content was assessed in the leaves and fruits. The fruits were analyzed for ascorbic acid content (AA), total sugars, reducing and non-reducing sugars, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ripeness index, total phenolic compounds, total carotenoids and total anthocyanins. Moreover, the fruit weight, length and diameter were measured and yield were assessed. Fruit firmness and mass loss were evaluated post-harvest. The data showed an increase in ascorbic acid content in the fruit in all treatments with B-MEA sprays. Spraying B-MEA 3 ml L-1, or 180.84 g ha-1, increased the earliness and standardization of ripening, which took place over a shorter period of time, maintaining firmness and reducing post-harvest fruit mass loss.

Practical 1-Methylcyclopropene Technology for Increasing Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) Storability in the Aksu Region.

In recent years, Aksu apple has become popular with consumers because of its unique texture and taste. At present, maintaining quality during storage is the key problem with the apples in the Aksu region. 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) can delay fruit senescence, so is widely used in fruit preservation. However, many factors affect the preservation effect of 1-MCP. The effects of 1-MCP concentration (0 µL·L-1, 1 µL·L-1, 3 µL·L-1, 5 µL·L-1, and 8 µL·L-1) and postharvest application time (0, 1 and 2 d after harvest) on the quality of stored apple were studied. It was found that 1 µL·L-1 1-MCP was more beneficial in improving the quality of stored apples, reduced the respiration intensity and decay rate, increased the fruit firmness and total soluble solid content, and reduced the relative content of ester volatile aroma components. In addition, 1-MCP treatment applied at different postharvest times also affected the sensory quality and flavor of apples. The effect of 1-MCP treatment immediately after harvest was better.

Research on prediction of yellow flesh peach firmness using a novel acoustic real-time detection device and Vis/NIR technology

Firmness is a critical indicator for predicting fruit ripeness, optimal harvest date, and shelf life. In this study, a novel fruit acoustic real-time detection prototype device and a conventional visible near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy real-time detection device were used to collect acoustic and spectral signals from yellow flesh peaches to jointly predict their firmness. The acoustic and optical signals were generated into one- and two-dimensional feature data by complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and Gramian angular field (GAF) data processing methods. Based on these data, a variety of yellow flesh peach firmness prediction models were constructed in this study, including partial least square (PLS), support vector regression (SVR), Swin Transformer (SwinT), and SwinT-PLS/SVR. The experimental results showed that the SwinT-PLS model based on the fusion of competitive adaptive re-weighted sampling (CARS)-acoustic image features and CARS-Vis/NIR spectral features showed the best prediction performance (R2P = 0.951, the RMSEP = 0.443 N/mm, RPDP = 4.339), and the prediction performance is significantly higher than that of the prediction model based on single acoustic and Vis/NIR spectral data. The method proposed can fast, non-destructively, accurately predict fruit firmness and has excellent prospects for commercial real-time fruit sorting applications.

Mutation of tomato xyloglucan transglucosylase/hydrolase5 increases fruit firmness and contributes to prolonged shelf life

Fruit ripening in tomato is a highly coordinated developmental process accompanied with fruit softening, which is closely associated with cell wall degradation and remodeling. Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are known to play an essential role in cell wall xyloglucan metabolism. Tomato XTH5 exhibits xyloglucan endotransglucosylase (XET) activity in vitro, but the understanding of its biological role in fruit ripening remains unclear. In this study, we revealed that SlXTH5 is highly expressed in mature fruits. Knockout mutant plants of SlXTH5 were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing strategy in tomato cultivar Micro-Tom. The mutant fruits showed accelerated transition from unripe to ripe process and earlier ethylene accumulation compared to wild type fruits. Although the mutation of SlXTH5 did not affect the size, weight and number of fruits, it indeed increased fruit firmness and extended shelf life, which is probably attributed to the increased cell layer and cell wall thickness of pericarp tissue. Pathogen infection experiment showed the enhanced resistance of mutant fruits to Botrytis cinerea. These results revealed the role of SlXTH5 in fruit ripening process, and provide new insight into how cell wall metabolism and remodeling regulate fruit softening and shelf life.

Variability Assessment of Banana Cultivars and Intercropping with Lemongrass Based on Fruit Quality Indicators

Bananas are one of the most consumed fruits in the world and are essential for food security and in the agricultural economy. Their sustainable production is vital for many communities. Herein, the effects of banana cultivars, cropping systems (monocropping and intercropping with lemongrass), and the interaction between these factors on the physicochemical characteristics of ripe and unripe fruit were evaluated. The intercropping of bananas with lemongrass did not alter the main quality indicators of the fruit. The ripe fruits of the SCS451 Catarina cultivar stood out for their higher fruit mass, pulp/peel ratio, and firmness, while the fruits of the Prata Anã and BRS FHIA Maravilha cultivars had the highest SS, SS/TA ratio, pH, and reducing and total sugars. The cultivar SCS451 Catarina had the highest mineral content in the unripe fruit, and for all cultivars, the order of mineral levels was K > N > Mg > P > Ca > Fe > Zn. The higher content of total and resistant starch in the unripe fruit of the Prata Anã and BRS FHIA Maravilha cultivars, combined with the characteristics of the ripe fruit, make them suitable for both fresh consumption and industrial use. Diversifying cultivars improves the quality of banana fruit, and intercropping with lemongrass can be a sustainable method of managing banana fields.

Regulation of crop load and quality in sweet cherry cv. ‘Sweet Heart’ using blossom thinning

ABSTRACT Self-fertile cultivars of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) produce heavy crop load that is often associated with small and poor-quality fruits. Therefore, a crop load-management strategy is required to improve the quality of the fruit. In this study, the effect of blossom thinners on fruit set, yield and quality of the fruits was evaluated. Three types of blossom thinners were used at three different concentrations viz., ammonium thiosulphate (ATS) (1, 1.5 and 2%), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (20, 40 and 60 ppm) and corn oil emulsion (1, 2 and 3%). These were sprayed at 80% of the bloom stage. The vegetative, flowering, fruit set and yield parameters were observed and recorded. Fruit quality was evaluated by measuring the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits at the harvest stage. Negative correlation was found between fruit set and quality of fruit. The reduction in the crop load was associated with enhanced vegetative growth, including higher leaf:fruit ratio, higher supply and availability of photosynthates to the remaining fruitlets and reduced fruit firmness and titratable acidity. Fruit size, weight, volume, hue value, chroma value, soluble solid content (SSC), total sugars, SSC/acid ratio, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content were enhanced as a result of thinning. The foliar spray of ATS at 2% and NAA at 60 ppm, at 80% bloom proved to be the most effective in reducing crop load and enhancing the fruit quality.

Postharvest Application of Different Coatings to Improve the Quality and Storage Stability of Papaya Fruit (Carica papaya L.) Cv. Red Lady

The Present investigation was carried out on title “Study on different post-harvest treatment for improving shelf life and quality of Papaya fruit (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red lady”. The Experiment was conducted in a Completely Randomized Design with 10 treatments viz. T0-Control, T1- Ethrel 500 ppm, T2- Ethrel 700 ppm, T3- Aloevera gel 1.0%, T4- Aloevera gel 1.5%, T5- Corn Starch 1.0%, T6- Corn Starch 1.5%, T7- Cassava Starch 1.0%, T8- Cassava Starch 1.5%, T9- (Corn Starch 1.5% + Cassava Starch 1.5%) and their three replications, during the year 2023. Aloevera gel 1.5% treated fruits showed the better results followed by the Aloevera gel 1.0%. This coating reduced the transpiration rate and slowed down the ethylene production and formed a layer on the surface of papaya fruits which helped in protection from microorganisms, fungus resulting in the increase in shelf life of fruits and storage quality. The Papaya fruits treated with Corn Starch 1.5% was also found to be significantly good treatments over the Control in respect of storage quality and shelf life of Papaya fruits during the storage. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that Aloevera gel 1.5% was found to be most appropriate treatment in papaya cv. Red Lady. Therefore, it can be used in Papaya cv. Red Lady for physiochemical traits ie., Physiological loss in weight, Decay percent, Fruit Firmness, Sensory Evaluation, Visual Appearance, TSS.

An ultra-dense linkage map identified quantitative trait loci corresponding to fruit quality- and size-related traits in red goji berry.

Goji berries are a small-fruited shrub with industrial importance whose fruit considered beneficial in both fresh and dried forms. Current germplasms of goji berries include small fruits with a short shelf life, less sweet and bitter taste, and a lack of appropriate genetic information. This study aimed to employ whole genome resequencing to generate an ultra-dense bin linkage map and to elucidate the genetic basis of goji fruit quality and size using quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping analysis in a cross-pollinated hybrid population. To achieve this goal, human sensory tests were carried out to determine the bitter taste (BT) and sweet taste (ST), and to quantify the soluble solid content (SSC), fruit firmness (FF), and fruit size-related traits of fresh goji fruits over three or four years. The results revealed that the goji bin linkage map based on resequencing spanned a total length of 966.42 cM and an average bin interval of 0.03 cM. Subsequent variant calling and ordering resulted in 3,058 bins containing 35,331 polymorphic markers across 12 chromosomes. A total of 99 QTLs, with individual loci in different environments explaining a phenotypic variance of 1.21-16.95% were identified for the studied traits. Ten major effects, including colocalized QTLs corresponding to different traits, were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8, with a maximum Logarithm of Odds (LOD) of 29.25 and 16.95% of explained phenotypic variance (PVE). In addition, four stable loci, one for FF, one for fruit weight (FW), and two for fruit shape index (FSI), were mainly mapped on chromosomes 5, 6, and 7, elucidating 2.10-16.95% PVE. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic architecture of goji fruit traits along with identified specific loci and markers to further improve and develop sweeter, less bitter and larger fruited goji berry cultivars with extended shelf life.