Fruit Density Research Articles

Improvement of the technique applied to preserve species and varieties of <i>Fragaria</i> L. in the field genebank at Krymsk Experiment Breeding Station of VIR

A collection of Fragaria L. species and varieties established at Krymsk Experiment Breeding Station of VIR has been preserved for a long time and regularly updated. An algorithm for the work with its accessions was proposed and tested in practice in the field genebank of the Station. It is presented as a scheme that includes the following collections: quarantine/identification, in vitro, pomological/botanical, in-depth research, and genetic. The accessions are sources and donors of traits important for breeding and represent the most valuable material for targeted crossings in programs developing and releasing strawberry cultivars, primarily garden ones.The effectiveness of their utilization can be seen in the adaptable high-yielding cultivars developed at Krymsk Station in recent years: ‘Zenkora’ (Zenga-Zengana × Cardinal) was patented, and ‘Pelageya’ [Elizaveta II (clone Coroleva Elizaveta) × Irma] included in the State Register of the Russian Federation. All parents involved in the development of these cultivars were sources of useful agronomic traits identified in the genetic collection: ‘Zenga-Zengana’ (productivity and adaptability), ‘Cardinal’ (large fruit size and fruit density), ‘Elizaveta II’ (everbearing habit and drought resistance), and ‘Irma’ (productivity).Physical conditions of plant cultivation and planting rates per area unit have been optimized at all stages of maintenance of strawberry accessions to support their good growth and development. Such technique ensures complete safety of healthy accessions representing pure cultivars and wild species with a possibility of using the genotypes preserved in the genetic collection in breeding practice.

An in-depth study on post-harvest storage conditions depending on putrescine treatments of kiwifruit

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different doses (0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6 and 2.0 mM) of putrescine treatments on the post-harvest weight loss, decay, firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, respiration rate, L* , a* , b* , Chroma and hue angle and phenolic compounds, organic acids and vitamin C content of kiwi (cv. Hayward. The fruits were kept in a cold storage at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 140 days. The weight loss, soluble solids content, increases in respiration rate and high decreases in fruit density, firmness, and titratable acidity were detected in the control group fruits during storage. Among the putrescine treatments, 1.2 mM concentration was observed to be more effective than other concentrations and providing better protection for organic acids, while treatment with 2.0 mM was determined to be providing more protection in preventing the loss of vitamin C. The dominant organic acid of kiwi was determined as citric acid, followed by malic acid, succinic acid and vitamin C. Similarly, it was determined that treatment with 2.0 mM putrescine prevented the loss of phenolic acid and flavonoid more than the control group and other treatments. It was determined that the most common compound found among phenolic acids in kiwi was protocatechuic acid, followed by chlorogenic acid. At day 140 of storage, the minimum change was observed in protocatechuic acid with the application of 1.6 mM putrescine dose, while chlorogenic acid and catechin were the most conserved compounds under treatment with of 2.0 mM.

Use of a Doubly Robust Machine-Learning-Based Approach to Evaluate Body Mass Index as a Modifier of the Association Between Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Preeclampsia.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans rely on summaries of the effect of dietary pattern on disease risk, independent of other population characteristics. We explored the modifying effect of prepregnancy body mass index (BMI; weight (kg)/height (m)2) on the relationship between fruit and vegetable density (cup-equivalents/1,000 kcal) and preeclampsia using data from a pregnancy cohort study conducted at 8 US medical centers (n=9,412; 2010-2013). Usual daily periconceptional intake of total fruits and total vegetables was estimated from a food frequency questionnaire. We quantified the effects of diets with a high density of fruits (≥1.2 cups/1,000 kcal/day vs. <1.2 cups/1,000 kcal/day) and vegetables (≥1.3 cups/1,000 kcal/day vs. <1.3 cups/1,000 kcal/day) on preeclampsia risk, conditional on BMI, using a doubly robust estimator implemented in 2 stages. We found that the protective association of higher fruit density declined approximately linearly from a BMI of 20 to a BMI of 32, by 0.25 cases per 100 women per each BMI unit, and then flattened. The protective association of higher vegetable density strengthened in a linear fashion, by 0.3 cases per 100 women for every unit increase in BMI, up to a BMI of 30, where it plateaued. Dietary patterns with a high periconceptional density of fruits and vegetables appear more protective against preeclampsia for women with higher BMI than for leaner women.

CropPol: A dynamic, open and global database on crop pollination.

Seventy five percent of the world's food crops benefit from insect pollination. Hence, there has been increased interest in how global change drivers impact this critical ecosystem service. Because standardized data on crop pollination are rarely available, we are limited in our capacity to understand the variation in pollination benefits to crop yield, as well as to anticipate changes in this service, develop predictions, and inform management actions. Here, we present CropPol, a dynamic, open, and global database on crop pollination. It contains measurements recorded from 202 crop studies, covering 3,394 field observations, 2,552 yield measurements (i.e., berry mass, number of fruits, and fruit density [kg/ha], among others), and 47,752 insect records from 48 commercial crops distributed around the globe. CropPol comprises 32 of the 87 leading global crops and commodities that are pollinator dependent. Malus domestica is the most represented crop (32 studies), followed by Brassica napus (22 studies), Vaccinium corymbosum (13 studies), and Citrullus lanatus (12 studies). The most abundant pollinator guilds recorded are honey bees (34.22% counts), bumblebees (19.19%), flies other than Syrphidae and Bombyliidae (13.18%), other wild bees (13.13%), beetles (10.97%), Syrphidae (4.87%), and Bombyliidae (0.05%). Locations comprise 34 countries distributed among Europe (76 studies), North America (60), Latin America and the Caribbean (29), Asia (20), Oceania (10), and Africa (7). Sampling spans three decades and is concentrated on 2001-2005 (21 studies), 2006-2010 (40), 2011-2015 (88), and 2016-2020 (50). This is the most comprehensive open global data set on measurements of crop flower visitors, crop pollinators and pollination to date, and we encourage researchers to add more datasets to this database in the future. This data set is released for non-commercial use only. Credits should be given to this paper (i.e., proper citation), and the products generated with this database should be shared under the same license terms (CC BY-NC-SA).

Changes in the Retail Food Environment in Mexican Cities and Their Association with Blood Pressure Outcomes.

Shifting food environments in Latin America have potentially contributed to an increase in the consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages, along with decreases in healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Yet, little is known about the impact that such changes in the food environment have on blood pressure in low- and middle-income countries, including Mexico. We utilized individual-level systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) measures from the 2016 Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT, n = 2798 adults). Using an inventory of food stores based on the economic census for 2010 and 2016, we calculated the change in the density of fruit and vegetable stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Multilevel regression was used to estimate the association between the 2010–2016 food environment neighborhood-level changes with individual-level blood pressure measured in 2016. Declines in neighborhood-level density of fruit and vegetable stores were associated with higher individual SBP (2.67 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.1, 5.2) in unadjusted models, and marginally associated after controlling for individual-level and area-level covariates. Increases in the density of supermarkets were associated with higher blood pressure outcomes among adults with undiagnosed hypertension. Structural interventions targeting the retail food environment could potentially contribute to better nutrition-related health outcomes in Latin American cities.

Relação entre conteúdo de matéria seca, índices de maturação na colheita e qualidade de maçãs ‘Gala’ após armazenagem

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the relationship among dry matter content (DMC) and maturity indexes at harvest and quality of ‘Gala’ apples after storage. Apple fruit of four ‘Gala’ strains produced on two rootstocks and three growing regions were used for experiments 1 and 2. For all experiments, fruit harvest maturity was assessed one day after harvest and stored fruit was assessed after removal from storage plus seven days at 22 °C. For experiment 1, fruit were harvested weekly along the final stages of growth and maturation on the tree. For experiment 2, fruit were harvested at commercial maturity and stored under a controlled atmosphere at 0.7 oC for 195 days. For experiment 3, fruit from two orchards were harvested at commercial maturity and stored in air at 1oC for 50, 110, or 194 days. DMC did not change during the final stages of fruit growth, however, there were significant changes in fruit firmness, starch index, and soluble solids content (SSC) during the same period. At the commercial harvest, fruit DMC showed high correlation with SSC, titratable acidity (TA) and firmness. DMC assessed at the commercial harvest also showed high correlation after storage with SSC and TA but not with firmness or flesh browning (FB). DMC decreased slightly during storage. The results show that DMC is not a reliable index to determine ‘Gala’ apple maturity at harvest, or to predict fruit firmness and FB after storage. However, DMC at harvest has potential to predict SSC and TA after storage, two important fruit quality traits. Fruit density at harvest showed utility to predict risk of flesh browning after storage.

Післязбиральна обробка яблук препаратом Smart Fresh Protabs та її вплив на щільність та етилен-активність

To prevent losses during storage of apples in countries with developed horticulture, manufacturers use growth regulators based on 1-MCP. In Ukraine, preparations based on 1-MCP are recommended for use during long-term storage of apples for the purpose of restraining ripening and aging, preserving fruit quality. The purpose of the research was to establish the effect of post-harvest treatment with a new preparation for the Ukrainian market, Smart Fresh ProTabs, during refrigerated storage of fruits of Renet Symyrenka, Golden Delicious, Pinova, Red Jonaprinz, Red Delicious, Fuji apple varieties on changes in fruit density and ethylene activity. The storage chambers were loaded with fruits for four days. After the chamber was fully loaded with fruits, the air temperature was set at 5.5 ºC, after which the chamber was closed for 24 hours for cooling. The next day, before treating the chamber with Smart Fresh ProTabs, it was well ventilated for 30-40 minutes. After airing, the fans in the refrigerator chamber were turned on to the forced position, the place of the greatest air movement was determined, where the source of Smart Fresh ProTabs was installed. 24 hours after the start of treatment, the chamber was opened and well ventilated. As a result of research, the feasibility of processing apple fruits after harvesting with Smart Fresh ProTabs, which provides a significant difference in the pulp density of processed apple fruits, and control samples after a stress test, keeping them for 10 days at a temperature of 18-23 ºС, has been proven. Regardless of the variety, the difference was more than 1 kg/cm2. The research results showed a significant slowing down of the ethylene release of apple fruits treated with the Smart Fresh preparation, which ensures the preservation of the color of the fruits, their commercial appearance, slows down ripening and aging, as well as the loss of pulp density. The Golden Delicious variety responded most effectively to treatment with Smart Fresh ProTabs, for which the intensity of ethylene release decreased by 528 times compared to untreated fruits.

ПРОЧНОСТНЫЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ СОРТОВ И СОРТООБРАЗЦОВ ПЛОДОВ ТЫКВЫ, ВОЗДЕЛЫВАЕМЫХ МЕХАНИЗИРОВАННО В УСЛОВИЯХ УМЕРЕННОЙ ЗОНЫ

In recent years, industrial growing of pumpkin has been practeced in the temperate zone. The proportion of varieties and hybrids suitable for cultivation in temperate climates and mechanized harvesting is insignificant. Correct choice of varieties requires the knowledge of the physical and mechanical properties of pumpkin. To determine the varieties with the highest hardness, suitable for cultivation in temperate climates and mechanized harvesting, the authors studied the size and weight parameters (biometric), determined the bark and pulp hardness with a penetrometer and the density of pumpkin fruits by hydrostatic weighing. The research objects included sixteen both domestic and foreign pumpkin varieties and hybrids cultivated in a mechanized way: hard-barked (Spaghetti, Pivdennaya, Mozoleevskaya); large-fruited (Pastila Champagne, Barn, Marine Di Chioggia, No. 119-C); nutmeg (Butternut, No. 19-Pgv, Muscat of Provence, Beauty, Vitamin, No. 13-M, No. 26-Mch, No. 28-Ig); fig-leaved – No. 4480. The studies were carried out in the conditions of the Moscow region. Cultivation technology, setting up field experiments and statistical processing of the obtained results were carried out according to the standard method of B.V. Dospekhov. The research was carried out from 2016 to 2020. Based on the studies, the authors stated that the hard-barked pumpkin of the Spaghetti variety (1.20 and 0.80 kg/mm2), large-fruited – Pastila champagne (1.02 and 0.79), nutmeg – Muscat of Provence (1.10 and 0.65) and fig-leaved specimen No. 4480 (1.25 and 0.97 kg/mm2) feature the highest strength indicators. The total number of pumpkins is subject to the law of distribution in terms of size and weight, the weight of fruits on yearly average ranges from 1.56 to 3.3 kg. The obtained results provide enough grounds to recommend these varieties for cultivation in a temperate climate and mechanized harvesting.

Correlation between the subjective perception of the lifestyle and eating habits and the objective result of the lipid profile and anthropometric values in amateurs runners of ACAB

Introduction: in Argentina, 55% of those over 18 years of age do insufficient physical activity. A diet with high energy density and low intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains prevails. The increase in popular sport promotes a favorable change. Material and methods: Analytical, correlational study conducted in ACAB from 2016 to 2018 to correlate the subjective perception of lifestyle and eating habits with the objective results of the lipid profile and anthropometric values ​​in 46 amateur street runners. These instruments were used: GPAQ 2.0, Questionnaire on lifestyle practices and beliefs, DHQ I, ISAK and lipidogram. Results: the CC and the ICC were of low cardiometabolic risk. BMI was normal. 67% and 76% had desirable levels of TCol and LDLc, 48% high HDLc and 96% normal TG. The eating habits were adequate, although in 54% it was inappropriate for sweets and fats. Inadequate consumption of snacks and beverages were significant in relation to BF% and BMI, HDLc and ∑6s with lifestyle. The value of METs was high. 85% presented a Healthy Lifestyle. Conclusion: men were more overweight than women but better HWI, WC, BF% and Σ6s values, and women, better lipid profile. The majority presented adequate consumption, except for sweets and fats in all and refreshments in women. There was a significant correlation between refreshments and drinks and %BF and life style scores with cLDL, cHDL, BMI and ∑6s

Relationship between fruit density and physicochemical properties and bioactive composition of mulberry at harvest

The fresh fruit sector and its processing industry are always looking for reliable non-destructive methods to help them better understand fruit characteristics and control product quality. In this study, mulberry fruits harvested at commercial ripeness were sorted into eight groups (S1–S8) depending on their density. The physicochemical parameters, nutritional quality, bioactive compounds, and cellular structure were analyzed. Lower density mulberries were found to contain lower total soluble solids, higher 1-deoxynojirimycin, and chlorogenic acid. The highest contents of ascorbic acid, phenolics acid, and flavonoids were found in mulberries at the S6 stage, with 257.4 mg/100g DW, 524.06 mg/100g DW and 463.62 mg/100g DW, respectively. Moreover, The Order Performance based on the Similarity to Ideal Solution method (TOPSIS) analysis indicated that mulberry at the S6 stage had the highest nutritional value. Besides, a rapid decrease in fruit hardness, degradation of the middle lamella in the cell wall, and decrease in the content of bioactive compounds after the fruit density exceeded 1.025 g/cm3 indicates that they are not suitable for further storage and should be consumed or processed immediately. The findings of this study will provide a basis for precisely classifying mulberries for further fine processing.

SOME TREES AND FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS OF IMPORTANT STANDARD AND LOCAL POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) CULTIVARS GROWN IN KOCAKOY (DIYARBAKIR) DISTRICT

In this study, it was aimed to determine certain tree and Fruit characteristics of important Standard and local pomegranate cultivars grown in Kocaköy (Diyarbakir) province. In this context, 2 pomegranate species (Hicaz and Zivzik), 5 local pomegranate species (Hınara Tırş, Hınara Zer, Hınara Meğoş, Hınar Şirin and Hınara Sor) and 2 local pomegranate genotypes (Hınar-1 and Hınar2) were studied. In the study, Fruit weights ranged from 129.90 -314.59 g; Fruit heights ranged from 54.78-74.28 mm; Fruit diameters ranged from 62.92-86.43 mm; Fruit Volume strange from 129.20-293.50 ml; Fruit juice amounts ranged from 34.90-90.90 ml; Fruit densities ranged from 1.0-1.23 gr/ml; 100 seed weights ranged from 24.46-37.690 g; calix heights ranged from 9.65-21.00 mm and calix diameters ranged from 16.40-27.60 mm. In addition, Soluble solid contents (SSC) ranged from 14.60-17.29% brix; total acidity ranged from 4.02-24.51%; pH ranged from 2.55-4.15 and shape indices ranged from 0.69-0.94. Moreover, sub skin color, upper skin color, seed hardness, fruit taste, seed color, upper fruit compartment, sub fruit compartment, compartment number, compartment appearance, easiness in separating arils and Fruit pulp weights of the genotypes and cultivars were also determined.

Stopover behavior of Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus) during fall migration on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula

BackgroundFor migrating birds, stopover requires spending time and energy that otherwise could be allocated to flying. Thus, birds optimally refuel their subsequent migratory flight by reducing stopover duration or foraging activity in food-rich environments. In coastal habitats, birds may forego refueling and take short stopovers irrespective of local food availability. Given the paucity of studies exploring how migrants adjust stopover behavior in response to temporal variation in food availability, especially in the Neotropics, we fixed radio tags to 51 Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceous) over two years at two sites on the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.MethodsWe applied VHF radio tags during the fall of 2016 and 2017, and tracked birds using automatic and manual receiving units. We estimated stopover duration and activity levels (one site only) for between six and fifteen birds, depending on site and year. We measured fruit availability weekly along the net lanes where we captured birds. We used a generalized linear model to estimate the relationships between stopover duration/activity level and fruit density, bird body mass and year. We interpreted relationships for the model with the lowest AICc value.ResultsWe found that approximately half of the birds departed on the same day they were captured. For the birds that stayed longer, we could not discern whether they did so because they were light, or fruit density was high. On the other hand, lighter birds were more active than heavier birds but only in one of the two years.ConclusionsGiven our results, it is unlikely that Red-eyed Vireos refuel along the Yucatan coast. However, they still likely need to recuperate from crossing the Gulf of Mexico, which may necessitate foraging more often if in poor body condition. If the birds then move inland then stopover should be thought of as a large-scale phenomenon, where habitats with different functions may be spread out over a broad landscape.

Effects of Par on Plant Spacing in Relation to Yield Efficiency in Peach

Effects of PAR in relation with plant spacing in peach cultivar ‘Shan-i-Punjab’ during the year 2013-14 and 2014-15 were evaluated. The trees were trained to 4 different training systems and each system consisted of 2 spacings viz., 5 × 3 m and 5 × 2 m. Daily PAR was recorded at morning, midday and evening and it was found that irrespective of planting distance maximum light interception was recorded at midday hours. Plants spaced at 5 × 3m received more light inside the canopy during full day which directly influenced number of fruits per tree, number of picking, fruiting density, yield efficiency, relative pattern of fruit maturity whereas, fruit yield per hectare was maximum in 5 × 2 m. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 701-707, 2021 (September)

Performance evaluation of Fremont mandarin on different rootstocks under the hot arid environment of India

Performance of an inter-specific hybrid Fremont mandarin was assessed on different rootstocks in the hot arid regions of India as a potential scion species to expand citrus fruit availability in an arid region. Fremont scion attained superior growth and yield characteristics on Karna khatta rootstock by displaying the greatest plant canopy parameters followed by Rough lemon rootstock. However, the Pectinifera as well as the Troyer citrange resulted in dwarfness of the scion. The scion-rootstock compatibility indicators such as scion rootstock ratio, stionic difference and TCSA which were greatest in the Fremont/Pectinifera combination, confirm that the inhibited tree growth on Pectinifera rootstock was caused by intrinsic features of the rootstock rather than an incompatibility reaction. Furthermore, Karna khatta rootstock resulted in highest fruit yield and related traits followed by Rough lemon and Pectinifera rootstocks. The Pectinifera rootstock resulted in a similar response to all fruit physical attributes i.e., fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit index and fruiting density, except fruit number. The fruit maturity of Fremont was obtained earliest on Pectinifera, while it was most delayed on Karna khatta and Rough lemon rootstocks. Fruit quality parameters on Pectinifera rootstock were superior to those of common rootstock species (Rough lemon or Karna khatta) including fruit juice content as well as its nutritional constituents like TSS, ascorbic acid, pH, total sugar, organoleptic taste, ripening index, lower content of acidity and rind thickness. The total AAE, total flavonoids, total phenol contents were also noticeably higher than those obtained on other rootstocks, except Troyer citrange. Overall, Fremont mandarin can be considered a promising scion in arid regions to extend the harvesting period of superior quality fruits, especially on dwarfing Pectinifera rootstock. It would further ease harvesting operations vis-a-vis possible attainment of a better micro-climate due to small tree stature and high-density orcharding.

Tree Species Composition, Richness and Diversity in the Northern Guinea-Savanna Taraba State, Nigeria

The study investigated tree species composition, diversity and abundance in the Guinea savanna ecosystem, Taraba State, Nigeria. Three transects with a distance of 500 m apart were used for the study. Four sample plots of 25 m x 25 m size were laid in alternate positions along each transect at 250 m intervals. Identification of trees/shrubs was carried out in the forest reserves. Biodiversity indices such as; Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Species evenness, Simpson’s diversity index, Margalef’s richness index and Menhinick’s diversity index, were estimated at the end of the study. The result of floristic diversity assessment showed that the two forest reserves were able to conserve trees/shrubs species diversity. This was reflected by the value obtained for diversity indices for the two land use types: Shannon- Weinner (3.29, 3.08), species evenness (0.47, 0.49), Simpson (0.95, 0.93), Margalef (6.83, 6.49), Minhinck’s index (2.09, 1.79) for Sonkpa and Jabwanje forest reserves respectively. The density of fruit trees/shrubs encountered in the two forest reserves were (279, 414) which accounted for (47% and 56%) of the total woody population in Sonkpa and Jabwanje forest reserves respectively. Among the prominent fruit trees/shrubs encountered were Nauclea latifolia, Gardenia aqualla, Annona senegalensis, Prosopis africana, Vitellaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Strychnos innocua. However, the absence of Irvingia gabonensis and lower density of Afzelia africana was an indication that some important species are already going to extinction while others are endangered. Hence, the State government should, intensify the management of savanna forest by controlling the intensity of tree harvesting, stop illegal felling and encourage enrichment planting. Genetic improvement through germplasm collection and propagation studies should be carried out on the under exploited edible fruit species for genetically improved cultivars production.

Metil Jasmonat ve Modifiye Atmosfer Paketleme Uygulamalarının Soğukta Muhafaza Süresince Kayısı Meyvesinin Fiziksel ve Mekanik Özelliklerine Etkileri

In this study, the effects of methyl jasmonate [MeJA (0.5 and 1.0 mmol L-1)] and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) applications on the physical and mechanical properties of ‘Precoce de Thyrinthe’ apricot variety during cold storage were investigated. Fruit were stored at 0±0.5C and 90±5% relative humidity for 20 days. Physical properties of apricot such as geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, bulk and fruit densities; mechanical properties such as puncture-compression forces and friction coefficient were determined. It was observed that MeJA application did not produce a significant difference on the size characteristics of apricot compared to the harvest period. Regarding the storage time, decreases were observed in the change of compression force results obtained from the X-, Y- and Z- axes according to the increase in the storage time. Effect on the puncture force on three axes showed a lower tendency to decrease in MAP application than in the harvest period compared to the application without MAP. The coefficient of friction on laminate and galvanized sheet surfaces was lower than PVC, plywood and rubber surfaces.

Evaluation of biochemical changes and quality in peach fruit: Effect of putrescine treatments and storage

The effects of putrescine (0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 mM) on quality and bioactive compounds of peach fruit (cv. Monley) are the focus of this study. Fruits were stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 40 days. In the controls, increases in weight loss, decay and soluble solids concentration, and decreases in fruit density, firmness, titratable acidity, pH, respiration rate and L*, a*, b*, C* and H° detected higly throughout storage period. All these properties examined were delayed importantly after putrescine treatments. It was observed that the phenolics, vitamin C and organic acid contents of fruits in general decreased during storage. All doses of putrescine prevented the breakdown of phenolic compounds more than the control group. The least changes in chlorogenic acid (9.26 mg 100g-1) and rutin (5.74 mg 100g-1) contents on the 40th day were obtained in 1.6 mM. Malic acid, which is the dominant organic acid of fruits, was determined as 6.73 and 8.61 g kg-1 in the treatments of 1.2-1.6 mM putrescine on the 40th day, respectively. It was noted that 1.6 mM (12.90 mg 100g-1) application prevented the breakdown of vitamin C more than the control group (6.10 mg 100g-1).

Evaluation of the bioformulation of potent native strains of Trichoderma spp. against the foot rot/gummosis of Kinnow mandarin

BackgroundFoot rot/gummosis of citrus, caused by Phytophthora spp., is the most important disease of citrus, responsible for the yield losses of 10 to 30% in fruit production in major citrus growing countries. Considering the burden of disease, the present study was undertaken to evaluate different native potent strains of Trichoderma spp. against the foot rot/gummosis of citrus.ResultsBased on molecular characteristics, i.e., ITS ribosomal DNA sequence analysis, 3 isolates of Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica and 7 isolates of Trichoderma (6 isolates of T. asperellum and one of T. harzianum) were identified. Trichoderma isolates and Metalaxyl-M + Mancozeb were used to assess antagonistic activity against the foot rot/gummosis under field conditions. T. asperellum T20 mutant reduced gummosis lesion size (95.67%), improved feeder root density (0.0236 cm3), increased number (990.16), and yield of fruits (168.83 kg).ConclusionsThe talc-based bioformulation of T20 mutant (T. asperellum) strain, used as a soil treatment, was able to manage effectively the gummosis/foot rot of citrus and also exhibited the highest yield.

Optimization of Osmotic Dehydration of Autumn Olive Berries Using Response Surface Methodology.

Autumn olive fruits are a rich source of nutrients and functional compounds, making them functional foods against many diseases and cancers. To increase the consumption, its processing, and its transformation into new products would help spread them to the consumer’s table. In this study, after giving an overview of the physicochemical characteristics and the antioxidant activity, the objective was to optimize the osmotic dehydration (OD) of the berries. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the effect of dehydration factors: syrup concentration (30–70%), temperature (20–70 °C), and fruit-to-syrup ratio (1:10–2:10) on the water loss (WL), sugar gain (SG), weight reduction (WR), density (ρ), water activity (aw), and total color change (ΔE) of fruits after 10 h of OD. Results obtained by employing Box–Behnken design (three variables, three levels), and significant terms of regression equations indicated that the syrup concentration and temperature variation are the most affecting factors on the previously mentioned independent variables (WL SG, WR, ρ, aw, and ΔE). Fruits to syrup ratio appeared to have a significant effect only on WL. Under the optimum conditions found (70%, 70 °C, 1.8:10), the predicted values were 59.21%. 19.21%, 32.34%, 1.22 g/cm3, 0.850, and 3.65 for WL, SG, WR, ρ, aw, and ΔE, respectively.

Fruit trees and herbaceous plants increase functional and phylogenetic diversity of birds in smallholder rubber plantations

Rubber plantations are widespread in mainland South-east Asia. Intensive monocultural rubber cultivation practices predominate, which negatively impact biodiversity. Some plantations are managed as high-yielding agroforests, where the integration of fruit trees and other plant species marginally enhances crop diversity relative to monocultures, providing benefits for species richness of some taxa without compromising yields. A key question is whether these high-yielding agroforestry systems also support enhanced functional and phylogenetic diversity relative to monoculture. Focusing on birds in rubber monocultures and agroforests in two provinces of Southern Thailand, we study plantation habitat structure and wider landscape characteristics to identify effects on functional and phylogenetic diversity metrics. Functional diversity, phylogenetic diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness of birds were comparable between rubber monocultures and intensive agroforests. The density of fruit stems and taller herbaceous plants within agroforests positively influenced functional and phylogenetic diversity, and evolutionary distinctiveness. Functional and phylogenetic diversity was higher in landscapes with a greater proportion of fruit orchards, but was lower in landscapes with a greater proportion of degraded natural forest patches. Our study suggests that the integration of fruit trees and maintaining taller herbaceous plants within rubber plantations could help support bird diversity at evolutionary and functional levels. Small patches of degraded forest in areas dominated by agriculture may need time to generate positive spillover effects on the functional and phylogenetic diversity of birds within rubber plantations. Better management of existing rubber plantations could sustain higher diversity, while offering food security and alternative revenue streams.