Fruit Color Research Articles

Effect of UV-C Radiation Intensity on Post-harvest Quality of Two Eggplant Varieties (Solanum aetipicum anguivi L and Solanum macrocarpon L)

In Côte d’Ivoire, eggplant is one of the most cultivated and consumed vegetables. However, this vegetable is very perishable. This work was developed to evaluate the effect of different UV-C concentrations on the conservation of eggplants with a view to identifying which one would provide better conservation of eggplants grown in Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, two eggplant varieties Solanum aetiopicum anguivi L (Klongbo) and Solanum macrocarpon L (Gbokouman) were treated with three doses of UV-C (960 Kj m-2; 1920 Kj m-2 or 2880 Kj m-2) in order to determine the optimal dose: non-deleterious while preserving or enhancing the qualitative attributes of the vegetable. The proximate composition and the infection rate were determined according to standard and referenced methods. Treatment at 960 Kj m-2 had no significant effect on fruit quality attributes compared to untreated fruit, while treatment at 2880 Kj m-2 accelerated fruit color changes and loss fruit mass. The treatment at 1920 Kj m-2 allowed the fruits to better preserve their quality over time. During this treatment, the infection rate was reduced by 45 % for the “Gbokouman” variety and 40 % for the “Klongbo” variety. With this same dose of UVC, mass loss was reduced by 10.74% for the “Klongbo” variety and 33.48 % for the “Gbokouman” variety. An increase in the content of phenolic compounds as well as that of antioxidant activity was also observed. The dose of 1920 Kj m-2 is therefore the optimal dose which would allow the “Gbokouman” and “Klongbo” eggplant varieties to be preserved for a long period of marketing and conservation.

Ripening-related gene expression analysis revealed the molecular impact of 1-MCP application on apricot fruit softening, color, aroma, and antioxidant capacity

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is globally the third most cultivated stone fruit, prized for its flavourful and nutritious fruit. However, its climacteric nature impacts postharvest behaviour, shortening shelf-life. While the role and interaction of key genes and proteins involved in the ripening process of this species have been extensively studied over the years, research on ethylene suppressors like 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and cold storage is still limited. Fruit samples from 10 genotypes were collected at commercial maturity from the CEBAS-CSIC research centre and divided into three groups: control (T0), one application of 1-MCP at harvest (T1), and two applications of 1-MCP at harvest and after seven days of cold storage (T2). The study aimed to assess the effects of these treatments on fruit quality traits, such as skin color, soluble solids, acidity, firmness, and ethylene production, after various cold storage periods (10, 20, and 30 days) at 1°C, followed by 48 hours at 20°C. Cold storage combined with 1-MCP effectively reduced fruit softening and ethylene production, with varying impacts on fruit quality traits depending on the genotype. '906–12' and 'Goldrich' were identified as the most contrasting genotypes in terms of ethylene production and fruit softening. Additionally, the application of 1-MCP reduced the expression of genes responsible for fruit softening, coloration and some organoleptic characteristics while enhancing those promoting antioxidant activity during ripening. This study sheds light on the molecular processes involved in apricot fruit ripening and highlights the potential of this approach for enhancing postharvest preservation.

Morphological and yield trait-based evaluation and selection of chili (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes suitable for both summer and winter seasons

Abstract Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is one of the most important vegetable cum spice crops grown throughout the world. Evaluation of genotypes based on morphological and yield contributing traits provides the opportunity to assess variability and select superior genotypes. The present investigation was carried out from April 2018 to November 2018 in the summer season and from December 2018 to June 2019 in the winter season in a net house and field, respectively, in the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh. A set of 30 qualitative and 13 quantitative characteristics developed by Biodiversity International were recorded to evaluate the genotypes for morphological and yield-contributing traits. The estimated Shannon–Weaver diversity for qualitative traits ranged from 0 to 1.334, where the maximum diversity was recorded for fruit color at an intermediate stage, stem color after transplanting, fruit surface, stigma position, calyx margin shape, and fruit set, while the minimum diversity (H′ = 0) was observed for the traits corolla shape and anthocyanin spots, indicating no diversity of these traits. Thirteen quantitative traits were also analyzed for the selection of the genotypes with the greatest yield. The quantitative traits also exhibited a wide range of variability according to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Moreover, the present study revealed a high heritability for almost all of the quantitative traits, which was confirmed by the values of genotypic coefficient of variation, phenotypic coefficient of variation, h 2 b, and GA for both the summer and winter seasons. This suggests that these traits are predominantly governed by additive genes, making them highly amenable to effective selection. The heatmap analysis based on the morphological quantitative traits revealed five clusters for both the summer and winter seasons for the studied chili genotypes, four distinct clusters in the summer season, and three distinct clusters in the winter season for the parameters studied. Using the multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index based on multiple trait information, the genotypes R-06, R-07, C0525-2, BARI (Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute) Morich-2, Tengakhali, and Rcy 002 were selected as promising for both the summer and winter seasons. Hence, they are recommended for commercial cultivation or use as parent materials in future breeding for the development of new cultivars adaptable to climate change.

Estimation of genetic parameters of resistance to Anthracnose disease in several genotypes of ornamental Chili (Capsicum annuum L.)

Abstract Ornamental chilies have attractive and varied shapes and fruit colors, so they are liked by consumers. However, ornamental chili plants are susceptible to disease, especially anthracnose. One control that can be done is by assembling resistant cultivars. Resistant cultivars can be determined by estimating genetic parameters to obtain selection characters for resistance to anthracnose disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic parameters of anthracnose disease resistance in several genotypes of ornamental chili plants. This study used a non-factorial randomized block design with four chili genotypes, namely Ayesha, Nazla, Violetta and Syakira, each of which was repeated three times. The results showed that heritability values with high criteria were found in the parameters of fruit length, fruit diameter, weight per fruit, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, productivity, incidence of ripe chili disease and disease intensity of ripe chili.

The VvHY5-VvMYB24-VvMYBA1 transcription factor cascade regulates the biosynthesis of anthocyanin in grape

Anthocyanins are important pigments and nutrients in fruits. Red grape is popular because of the high anthocyanin content. Previous studies have identified VvMYBA1 and its homologs as key regulators of fruit color; however, other transcription factors (TFs) that contribute to fruit color remain poorly understood. The present study identified the R2R3-MYB TF VvMYB24, whose gene expression levels were significantly higher in red berries (L51, Vitis vinifera × Vitis labrusca L.) than in green berries (L20, V. vinifera × V. labrusca L.). Overexpression of VvMYB24 in grape calli increased anthocyanin biosynthesis by upregulating the expression of specific structural genes (VvDFR and VvUFGT). Furthermore, VvMYB24 interacted with VvMYBA1 to form a protein complex that additionally increased the expression of VvDFR and VvUFGT. In addition, light-responsive TF VvHY5 could bind to the VvMYB24 promoters to activate its transcription. Taken together, the results reveal a regulatory module, VvHY5-VvMYB24-VvMYBA1, that influences anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape.

FcMET1 mediates low DNA methylation and promotes peel coloring in Ficus carica

Fig (Ficus carica L.) with purple-red peel cultivars are popular among consumers and exhibit better storability. While DNA methylation influences fruit ripening and color development, its specific role in fig fruit remains unclear. This study explores the impact of DNA methylation on the fig peel coloration. Enzymatic colorimetric detection revealed that the level of ‘Purple Peel’ fig DNA methylation decreases with fig fruit ripening and coloring. Treatment of young fruit with the DNA-methylation inhibitor azacytidine induced peel coloration, suggesting that a decrease in DNA-methylation level promotes fig peel coloration. Seven members of DNA methyltransferases and three members of DNA demethylases were identified from a high-level fig genome, highlighting FcMET1 and FcDRM2 as stable proteins, ensuring functional expression. Reference to the Arabidopsis protein interaction network map predicted that FcMET1 is in a central position, suggesting a crucial regulatory role in multiple biological processes. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between FcMET1 expression during peel development and the level of total DNA methylation. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified co-expression of FcMET1 with the color-related transcription factors MYB, bHLH and WD40, as well as with eight structural genes in the flavonoid-biosynthesis pathway. The expression of FcUFGT3 was negatively correlated with that of FcMET1. McrBC-PCR and Bisulfite Sequencing detection showed that a low methylation level of the FcUFGT3 promoter corresponds with its high expression in colored fig. This investigation of the mechanism of DNA methylation provides a theoretical basis for understanding the role of DNA-methylation modifications in fig ripening and coloring.

Innovative Date Fruit Classifier Based on Scatter Wavelet and Stacking Ensemble

Dates are essential fruits loaded with vital nutrients that keep bones healthy and prevent bone-related disorders. Approximately 8.46 million tons of different types of dates are cultivated and produced annually around the globe. There are more than 400 types of dates that are time-consuming and expensive to produce. Classifying them using conventional methods is labor-intensive, and this is one of the biggest problems for the date industry. Dataset fruit classification plays a vital role in the food industry. Dates can be classified from a luxury class to a less quality class. Accordingly, the food industry needs an automotive date fruit classifier that can work in food factories. This study proposes a pioneering method to classify date fruit that relies on extracting features from the texture of dates using Scattering Wavelet Transformation (SWT). The SWT yields in numeric coefficients were found to be immune to the deformation of invariants. This feature set trains an ensemble classifier that combines a voting mechanism to eliminate overfitting. The ensemble classifier consists of a random forest, a support vector machine classifier, and a logistic regression hyper-learner. Our novel approach was tested on two benchmarked datasets. The first data set scored F1 between 0.95 and 1.0 at the same time. The second dataset registered F1 between 0.96 and 1.0 in each of the 20 date classes. Some dates are close to each other in texture, resulting in high false positives or recall, causing a lower F1 score accuracy degree. The novelty of this approach comes from the featured representative of each date class, relying on the texture of the fruit as a discriminative feature, not on the fruit shape or color, which may not be robust enough as distinguishable features, especially in date classes that are close to each other in shape. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-02-010 Full Text: PDF

A comprehensive review on anthocyanin-rich foods: Insights into extraction, medicinal potential, and sustainable applications

Anthocyanins (ACNs) are natural pigments commonly found in plants which contribute to the vibrant colors of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The present review aims to cover the ACNs field in terms of sources, extraction/purification techniques, as well as characterization methods that are crucial for assessing their medicinal potential and sustainable applications. Characterization methods e.g. HPLC, UPLC-QTOF-MS, MS, and NMR are discussed as analytical tools for the identification and quantification of ACNs in various vegetable matrices. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anti-cancer and cardiovascular properties are, also, highlighted. Besides, the use of ACNs as natural colorants, preservatives, and functional ingredients is discussed considering their impact on the food industry. Likewise, due to their anti-aging and skin-protective properties, their employment in the cosmetic field is reported making them appealing for skincare formulations. This review provides a comprehensive overview, emphasizing the ACNs versatility in medicine, food industry, and cosmetic field, fostering future research and innovation.

Development of Gene-based Markers for capsanthin-capsorubin synthase and zeaxanthin epoxidase Genes to Distinguish Fruit Colors in Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.)

Development of Gene-based Markers for capsanthin-capsorubin synthase and zeaxanthin epoxidase Genes to Distinguish Fruit Colors in Paprika (Capsicum annuum L.)

Guidelines for the choice of stone fruit rootstocks

Rootstocks for stone fruits (Prunus spp.) provide numerous and diverse production benefits, not least of which is the ability to produce high quality improved clonal fruit varieties, but also for better adaptation to orchard site variations and adoption of improved production techniques. These include mitigation of potential abiotic (soil, climate) and biotic (disease, pest) production limitations, as well as modification of natural tree vigor, precocity, and canopy architecture. Stone fruit production has lagged far behind that of apples with regard to rootstock-based control of vigor, which has contributed to comparatively less efficient production methods. Sweet cherries were the first stone fruits to have to a full range of vigor-controlling rootstocks become commercially available, about 25 years ago. It is primarily over the past decade that rootstocks conferring an increasing range of vigor control have begun to look promising for the larger-fruited stone fruits (peaches, apricots, plums), based on various scientific and commercial evaluation trials. This is likely to be a significant component of the overdue adoption of improved orchard training systems, particularly planar or “fruiting wall” canopies that are more labor efficient for pruning, fruit thinning, and harvest, and often contribute to better and/or more uniform fruit coloration, ripening, and quality. Such training systems also facilitate new and developing orchard data acquisition technologies and precision management techniques. General guidelines for the choice of stone fruit rootstocks for both specific growing conditions and anticipated contemporary production systems are discussed.

High-throughput color determination of red raspberry puree and correlation of color parameters with total anthocyanins

BackgroundRed raspberry fruit color is a key driver of consumer preference and a major target of breeding programs worldwide. Screening for fruit color typically involves the determination of anthocyanin content and/or the assessment of color through a colorimeter. However, both procedures are time-consuming when the analyses involve hundreds or thousands of samples. The objectives of this study were to develop a high-throughput method for red raspberry puree color measurement and to test the correlations between color parameters and total anthocyanin content. Color coordinates were collected with a colorimeter on 126 puree samples contained in Petri dishes and with the Tomato Analyzer Color Test (TACT) module to assess the same samples prepared in Petri dishes and in 96-well plates. An additional 425 samples were analyzed using only 96-well plates. Total anthocyanins were extracted from all 551 samples.ResultsRegression models for L*, a*, b* measured with the colorimeter and TACT using Petri dishes were all significant (p < 0.001), but very consistent only for L* (R2 = 0.94). Significant (p < 0.001) and very consistent regressions (R2 = 0.94 for L* and b*, R2 = 0.93 for a*) were obtained for color parameters measured with TACT using Petri dishes and TACT using plates. Of the color parameters measured with the colorimeter, only L*, a*/b*, and hue significantly correlated with total anthocyanins (p < 0.05), but, except for L* (R = − 0.79), the correlations were weak (R = − 0.23 for a*/b* and R = 0.22 for hue). Conversely, all correlations with total anthocyanins and color parameters measured with TACT were significant (p < 0.001) and moderately strong (e.g., R = − 0.69 for L* and R = 0.55 for a*/b*). These values were indicative of darker colors as total anthocyanin content increased.ConclusionsWhile the colorimeter and TACT-based methods were not fully interchangeable, TACT better captured color differences among raspberry genotypes than the colorimeter. The correlations between color parameters measured with TACT and total anthocyanins were not strong enough to develop prediction models, yet the use of TACT with 96-well plates instead of Petri dishes would enable the high-throughput measurement of red raspberry puree color.

Rancang Bangun Alat Pemilah Biji Kopi Berdasarkan Kualitas Buah Menggunakan Sensor TCS3200

Coffee fruit is a trade commodity that has been known for centuries. Coffee fruit can be processed into a delicious drink, but when coffee farmers harvest at the same time, farmers combine immature and ripe coffee fruit in one container, this results in a decrease in the quality of the taste. significant. In this research, the fuzzy Sugeno method was used to determine the classification of ripe, semi-ripe and ripe coffee fruit. This tool uses an Arduino Uno Atmega328 microcontroller to control the TCS3200 color sensor as a reader for the color of the coffee fruit and uses a servo to sort the coffee fruit according to quality. In testing the automatic control system for separating coffee beans based on color using the TCS3200 Color Sensor, it was successful in directing the coffee beans to a predetermined container. Keywords— TCS3200 Sensor, Arduino ATmega328P,Coffee,Color,Quality,Fuzzy sugeno.

Protein kinase SnRK2.6 phosphorylates transcription factor bHLH3 to regulate anthocyanin homeostasis during strawberry fruit ripening.

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a model plant for studying non-climacteric fruit ripening regulated by abscisic acid (ABA); however, the signaling of ABA in the regulation of fruit coloration is not fully understood. In this study, we identified the transcription factor BASIC HELIX-LOOP-HELIX 3 (bHLH3) as being key to fruit coloration via yeast two-hybrid library screening using the bait SUCROSE NONFERMENTING 1 (SNF1)-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 2 (SnRK2.6), which is a core ABA signaling component that negatively regulates ripening. The interaction was also confirmed by firefly luciferase complementation assays and pull-down assays. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis confirmed that bHLH3 is expressed ubiquitously in strawberry tissues, and it is expressed stably during fruit development. Overexpression and RNAi of both bHLH3 and SnRK2.6 demonstrated that bHLH3 and SnRK2.6 promote and inhibit strawberry fruit coloration, respectively. Using EMSAs, we showed that bHLH3 promotes the expression of UDP-GLUCOSE: FLAVONOL-O-GLUCOSYLTRANSFERASE (UFGT), a key gene for anthocyanin biosynthesis, by directly binding to its promoter. We determined that SnRK2.6 can phosphorylate bHLH3 and that this inhibits its binding to the UFGT promoter, consequently suppressing expression. Altogether, we propose that increased ABA content during strawberry fruit ripening leads to decreased expression of SnRK2.6, which in turn releases the phosphorylation of bHLH3 and thereby enhances UFGT expression, ultimately promoting the coloration of the fruit.

A wild melon reference genome provides novel insights into the domestication of a key gene responsible for melon fruit acidity.

A wild melon reference genome elucidates the genomic basis of fruit acidity domestication. Structural variants (SVs) have been reported to impose major effects on agronomic traits, representing a significant contributor to crop domestication. However, the landscape of SVs between wild and cultivated melons is elusive and how SVs have contributed to melon domestication remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a 379-Mb chromosome-scale genome of a wild progenitor melon accession "P84", with a contig N50 of 14.9Mb. Genome comparison identifies 10,589 SVs between P84 and four cultivated melons with 6937 not characterized in previously analysis of 25 melon genome sequences. Furthermore, the population-scale genotyping of these SVs was determined in 1175 accessions, and 18 GWAS signals including fruit acidity, fruit length, fruit weight, fruit color and sex determination were detected. Based on these genotyped SVs, we identified 3317 highly diverged SVs between wild and cultivated melons, which could be the potential SVs associated with domestication-related traits. Furthermore, we identify novel SVs affecting fruit acidity and proposed the diverged evolutionary trajectories of CmPH, a key regulator of melon fruit acidity, during domestication and selection of different populations. These results will offer valuable resources for genomic studies and genetic improvement in melon.

Physical and chemical characterization of guava (Psidium guajava L.) genotypes grown in subtropical condition

Guava is a high-value tropical fruit that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. In the adaptation studies carried out in Turkey, guava was determined as the most prominent species with its cold resistance feature. The use of seedlings in cultivation created a genetic variation and differences were observed between the resulting genotypes, especially in terms of fruit size, shape and colour. Based on this observation, this study aimed to characterize 13 different guava fruit genotypes based on physical, chemical, bioactive and aroma properties. In the adaptation studies carried out in Turkey, guava was determined as the most prominent species with its cold resistance feature. There is only one commercial variety namely ‘Ruby Supreme’ grown in Turkey. Presently, the interest of the guava cultivation has been increased and farmers were used seedling material instead of vegetative to establish orchard. Due to the cross pollination, it has been observed great variation in the population. Therefore, it is important to select promising genotypes according to fruit size, shape and colour. The present study was evaluated 13 different guava genotypes according to physical, chemical, bioactive and aroma properties. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes. One genotype was found superior over all the genotypes, in terms of fruit weight (131.44 g) and length (82.00 mm). Although three genotypes were having lower values than the other samples in results of total soluble solids, they had higher results in terms of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. Two genotypes formed a separate group from all other genotypes in terms of (Z)-3-Hexen-1-yl acetate (sweet, pear, melon), 3-Hexenal (melon, tropical) and Ethyl alcohol (fruit and sweet) components. The flavor components are distinctive for the guava samples, as are the physical properties. It was also determined that the white guava genotypes had very different chemical and aromatic properties from other genotypes. The promising genotypes can be utilized in the future breeding programme to improve new guava varieties.

A highly resolved nuclear phylogeny uncovers strong phylogenetic conservatism and correlated evolution of fruit color and size in Solanum L.

Mutualisms between plants and fruit-eating animals were key to the radiation of angiosperms. Still, phylogenetic uncertainties limit our understanding of fleshy-fruit evolution, as in the case of Solanum, a genus with remarkable fleshy-fruit diversity, but with unresolved phylogenetic relationships. We used 1786 nuclear genes from 247 species, including 122 newly generated transcriptomes/genomes, to reconstruct the Solanum phylogeny and examine the tempo and mode of the evolution of fruit color and size. Our analysis resolved the backbone phylogeny of Solanum, providing high support for its clades. Our results pushed back the origin of Solanum to 53.1 million years ago (Ma), with most major clades diverging between 35 and 27 Ma. Evolution of Solanum fruit color and size revealed high levels of trait conservatism, where medium-sized berries that remain green when ripe are the likely ancestral form. Our analyses revealed that fruit size and color are evolutionary correlated, where dull-colored fruits are two times larger than black/purple and red fruits. We conclude that the strong phylogenetic conservatism shown in the color and size of Solanum fruits could limit the influences of fruit-eating animals on fleshy-fruit evolution. Our findings highlight the importance of phylogenetic constraints on the diversification of fleshy-fruit functional traits.

Kachri melon (a non-dessert form of Cucumis melo) diversity, germplasm utilization and varietal development under hot arid climate: Approaches and realization

The native crop plants genetic resource is very essential for nature’s resilient, region and season-specific varietal development and is also used in breeding programmes for resistance towards abiotic and biotic factors. Kachri and mat-kaachr or kachri melon (a non–dessert form of Cucumis melo var. callosus and agrestis) is an un-tapped arid zone cucurbit vegetable. Their vine plants are annual and short-duration in growth habit, and bearing 10.2–220.5 g weight fruits which are edible at maturity and unique in taste with ripening stages. It is wild and weedy types or semi-domesticated land-races and pre-dominantly grown mixed with the traditional farming in the north-western part of India. Intensive explorations and surveys were conducted in the state of Rajasthan from the year 1994 to 2001, and about 625 accessions were collected and studied over the period (1994 to 2012), and out of them, 68 germplasm lines were maintained for the conservation of regional diversity. The germplasm is evaluated repeatedly and characterized and categorized based on the plant morphology, maturity, utility of fruits and size, shape and skin colour of the mature fruits. On the basis of horticultural traits, fruit size, quality and yield components under the heat-stressed arid environment, the genotypes AHK-5, AHK-13, AHK-26, AHK-40, AHK-43, AHK-99, AHK-109, AHK-119, AHK-155, AHK-200, AHK-202, AHK-356, AHK-411, AHK-564 and AHK-572 were found the most promising and utilized in breeding programme. Unique quality, better fruit yielding, early harvesting and multiple stresses tolerating varieties, namely AHK-119 and AHK-200, developed for commercial cultivation. The development and recommendations of kachri melon production technology by ICAR-CIAH, Bikaner resulted in uniform and higher fruit yield (95–110 q/ha) as rainy and summer season harvest and now, its cultivation become much profit-making among the growers as a climate-smart crop. With the HBCPSMA concept, khejri and kachri technology exhibited high productivity of resources and family employment, and also returns @ Rs. 75,000–2,25,000 in comparison to the conventional cropping systems (Rs. 23,000–42,000) per ha/year under rainfed farming.

Influence of Bilberry Extract on Neuronal Cell Toxicity.

Increased intake of dietary antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which are enriched in colourful fruits, is a promising alternative to reduce the risk of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Since Amyloid β (Aβ) is one of the key components contributing to AD pathology, probably by reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, this study investigated the preventive effect of anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract (BE) and its anthocyanin fraction (ACN) on ROS generation and cell toxicity. The results showed a significant and concentration-dependent decrease in neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) viability by BE or ACN, whereas no cell toxicity was observed in HeLa cells. Incubation with BE and ACN for 24 h diminished the generation of induced ROS levels in SH-SY5Y and HeLa cells. In addition, low concentrations of BE (1-5 µg/mL) showed protective effects against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. In conclusion, our results suggest antioxidant and protective effects of BE and ACN, which could potentially be used to delay the course of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD. Further studies are needed to clarify the high potential of anthocyanins and their in vivo metabolites on neuronal function.

Growth, productivity and quality of colored capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by hybrids and plant growth regulators under controlled environment conditions

In developing countries like India, rapid urbanisation was under way and the diet habits of the people have been changing day to day. Under this transformation, a section of the population is focused on nutritional security where vegetables play a major role in daily diet. Among different vegetables coloured bell pepper which is commonly known as capsicum, has importance due to its nutritional quality and market demand. The quality and productivity of coloured capsicum can be improved by choosing the best performing hybrids and exogenous application of plant growth regulators. Considering the above, the present study was conducted from November to April of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Protected Cultivation Unit of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha under controlled environment conditions. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design consisting of two hybrids, namely, Orobelle (yellow colored) and Bomby (red colored); and eight treatments of growth regulators which were GA3 @ 25 ppm, GA3 @ 50 ppm, GA3 @ 75 ppm, GA3 @ 100 ppm, NAA @ 20 ppm, NAA @ 40 ppm, NAA @ 60 ppm and NAA @ 80 ppm. A total of 16 treatment combinations were worked out in the experiment which were replicated thrice. The results of the experiment revealed that there was no significant variation among the hybrids cultivated with respect to yield attributes, yield, quality parameters and growth attributes excluding plant height and number of leaves per plant at 60 DAS and 90 DAS. However, there was a significant impact of plant growth regulators on growth attributes, yield attributes, yield and quality parameters. The application of NAA @ 80 ppm resulted in early flowering (43.8 days after planting). Moreover, the maximum number of flowers per plant (32.5 flowers/plant), flower to fruit ratio (52.9), fruits per plant (19.5) and weight of the fruit (133.6 g) recorded in GA3 @ 100 ppm application. There was a significant interaction effect among treatment combinations in fruit yield where the highest value was recorded in Bomby hybrid with GA3 @ 100 PPM application. From the study it may be concluded that cultivation of both the hybrids can be considered as per the fruit colour and market demand along with the application of GA3 @ 100 ppm under controlled environment conditions.

FruitPhenoBox – a device for rapid and automated fruit phenotyping of small sample sizes

BackgroundFruit appearance of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is accession-specific and one of the main criteria for consumer choice. Consequently, fruit appearance is an important selection criterion in the breeding of new cultivars. It is also used for the description of older varieties or landraces. In commercial apple production, sorting devices are used to classify large numbers of fruit from a few cultivars. In contrast, the description of fruit from germplasm collections or breeding programs is based on only a few fruit from many accessions and is mostly performed visually by pomology experts. Such visual ratings are laborious, often difficult to compare and remain subjective.ResultsHere we report on a morphometric device, the FruitPhenoBox, for automated fruit weighing and appearance description using computer-based analysis of five images per fruit. Recording of approximately 100 fruit from each of 15 apple cultivars using the FruitPhenoBox was rapid, with an average handling and recording time of less than eleven seconds per fruit. Comparison of fruit images from the 15 apple cultivars identified significant differences in shape index, fruit width, height and weight. Fruit shape was characteristic for each cultivar, while fruit color showed larger variation within sample sets. Assessing a subset of 20 randomly selected fruit per cultivar, fruit height, width and weight were described with a relative margin of error of 2.6%, 2.2%, and 6.2%, respectively, calculated from the mean value of all available fruit.ConclusionsThe FruitPhenoBox allows for the rapid and consistent description of fruit appearance from individual apple accessions. By relating the relative margin of error for fruit width, height and weight description with different sample sizes, it was possible to determine an appropriate fruit sample size to efficiently and accurately describe the recorded traits. Therefore, the FruitPhenoBox is a useful tool for breeding and the description of apple germplasm collections.