Fruits In Iran Research Articles

Analyzing heavy metal contamination for one of the high-rate consumption fruits in Iran: A probabilistic health risk assessment

Good health and well-being is one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) that can be achieved through fruit consumption. This study measured cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) heavy metal concentrations. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to analyze the samples for heavy metal content. The uncertainty and sensitivity analyses of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic heavy metal intake via cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) consumption were assessed by Monte Carlo simulation. The mean ± SD levels of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and As were determined to be 157.87 ± 128.54, 33.81 ± 6.27, 288.46 ± 114.59, 35.22 ± 18.67, and 33.6 ± 18.1 μg/kg, respectively. The 95th percentile of HI related to heavy metal intake via cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) among children and adults were 2.64 and 1.75, respectively. Also, the 95th percentile of ELCR related to heavy metal were 8.26E-4 and 4.14E-3 among children and adults, respectively. The 95th percentile of LTCR of As among adults and As, Cd, and Pb among children were in the WHO target range (1E-04 to 1E-06) so reducing the concentration of them can help to reduce overall LTCR. When HQ and LTCR are below the cut limits, reducing heavy metals in high-consumption meals is a good way to lower them. In general, due to the wide consumption of various fruits, such as cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), the concentration of environmental pollutants in their edible tissues should be monitored regularly, and the concentration of pollutants in these tissues should be minimized by proper planning.

First report of Trichothecium roseum causing pink mould on strawberry fruit in Iran

First report of <i>Trichothecium roseum</i> causing pink mould on strawberry fruit in Iran

Interaction of Different Drying Methods and Storage on Appearance, Surface Structure, Energy, and Quality of Berberis vulgaris var. asperma.

Seedless barberry fruit is native small fruit in Iran. To examine the impact of various drying methods and storage on the biochemical attributes (Vitamin C, Anthocyanin, Phenol, pH, TA), color index (a*, b*, L*, ab, and Chroma), drying time, and fruit microstructure (by SEM) of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris var. asperma), and effective moisture diffusivity coefficient (Deff), specific energy consumption (SEC), energy efficiency (EE) of the dryers, this experiment was performed. Drying treatments include microwave (100, 170, and 270 W), oven (60 and 70 °C), cabinet (50 and 70 °C), shade, sun, and fresh samples (control) and storage 6 months after drying (in polyethylene packaging and at a temperature of 5–10 °C). Results showed minimum and maximum drying times (50 min and 696 h), were related to microwave (270 W) and shade methods, respectively. The highest color values were observed in fruits treated with control, shade and sun treatments and the lowest values were observed in cabinet (70 °C) methods. According to the SEM results, microwave significantly affected surface structure of the dried sample compared to others. The findings indicated that the use of artificial drying methods than natural methods (sun and shade) cause a more significant reduction in color indexes, while vitamin C, soluble solids, and anthocyanin were significantly maintained at a high level. Storage reduced anthocyanin content of fruits almost 12%. Moreover, it was discovered EE and SEC values varied in the range of 1.16–25.26% and 12.20–1182 MJ/kg, respectively. Deff values were higher in microwave 270 W.

Monitoring of pesticide and some metal residues in Mazafati date fruit cultivar and risk assessment to the health

Metals and pesticides pose risk to human health if accumulated in date fruits eaten for their distinctive sweetness and beneficial minerals. The present study evaluated the concentrations of metals and pesticides in Mazafati date fruit, soil, and irrigation water from three locations of Kerman province in Iran to show potential pollution hazards to consumers of date fruit in Iran. Levels of pesticides and metals were measured using chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The significant difference between the levels of Cu, Fe, chlorpyrifos, and malathion from three various locations was identified. The majority of metals except for Pb and Cd did not meet the safety limits concerning maximum allowable levels (MAL) in the Mazafati date cultivar. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of metals through date consumption (g/person/day) for all metals was above the tolerable daily intake in all studied locations. Furthermore, the concentrations of identified residues of chlorpyrifos, HCH total, and malathion are considerably upper than the maximum residue limits (MRL), showing a risky trend in the cultivation of date palm. As a result, the public consciousness of Iranian farmers should be raised to use pesticides more prudently. Also, consuming date fruits cultivated close to the industrial zones is hazardous and must be prevented.

Timing and Rate of Foliar Potassium Application to Improve Yield, Fruit Size and Quality Attributes of Pomegranate: Based on Data Generated in Field Experiments Conducted in Iran and Egypt

ABSTRACT It is proven that potassium (K) plays a key regulatory role in many physiological processes of plant growth and that K fertilization can improve the yield and quality attributes in fruit crops. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of timing and various concentrations of foliar sprays of potassium sulfate, during fruit growth and maturation, on yield and quality of pomegranate fruit in Iran and Egypt, which have different pomegranate production systems. In Iran one, two or three sprays of 1% or 2% K-Leaf® (a high grade foliar potash booster) was used, and in Egypt a single spray of either 10 or 20 kg/ha, and two sprays of 10 and 20 kg/ha K-Leaf® were applied. Results showed that in both experiments in Iran and Egypt, foliar K treatments increased total and marketable yield of pomegranates, as well as fruit weight and size, flavor index (the ratio of total soluble solids/total acid). The treatments also improved the fruit’s peel and aril color compared to the non-treated control plants. Results also demonstrated that multiple potassium sprays (two or three applications) were more effective than applying higher concentrations; as in many cases, there were no significant differences between 1 and 2% concentrations of K fertilizer in treatments with same number of applications (one, two or three sprays). Although three sprays of 2% K-Leaf® were the most effective treatments, it can be concluded that three sprays of 1% K-Leaf®) is probably more economically sound for use in pomegranate orchards.

Estimating of the vibration levels for truck transport in Iran

A wide-ranging of distribution environments could affect designing packages. The first step in the proper packaging design of agricultural products, particularly fruit, is to conduct a precise simulation of the truck transport. Thus, this research was conducted to analyze the vibration levels for truck transport using multi-sensor-based computing on packaged fruit in Iran (the first), one of the leading agriculture in Middle East Asia. Towards this goal, a wireless sensor network made of three sensor nodes with tri-axial accelerometers was designed to measure the vibration levels for truck transport at three package locations equipped with leaf-spring suspension in local and highway roads. To measure the vibration data a power spectral density function (PSD) levels were applied. Compared to the International Standards (ASTM 4728: West Conshohocken, USA, ISTA: Chicago, USA), the PSD levels of the truck in both roads types were higher in 1 to 35 Hz, and lower in 35 to 200 Hz. In particular, the differences in directional vibration levels were more pronounced in the low-frequency range of 10 Hz in both road types. The highest amount of truck bed acceleration occurred in the packages located at the rear end of the trucks. And, the peak PSD values were obtained as equal to 0.178 G2/Hz (rear-up), 0.136 G2/Hz (rear-down), and 0.096 G2/Hz (front-up) locations, respectively. Meanwhile, the road quality had affected the vibration levels in such a way that the peak PSD value obtained on highways was lower than that of the ones of the local roads. According to the results, the amount of acceleration on the heavy truck beds on the country’s roads can be considered 0.654 G. In sum, the current results can be used to simulate the truck transport conditions by programmable vibration simulators to reproduce the vibrationconditions for package testing in Iran roads. And, the findings are of high interest to improve packaging design, reduce fruit damage, maintain shelf life, smart transportation, and related industries.

Grafting Success of Berberis Integerrima Cv Bidaneh on Wild Type Barberries

ABSTRACT The seedless barberry, ‘Bidaneh,’ is one of the most important cultivated small fruits in Iran. This cultivar is propagated only by suckers, and so, the establishment of large-scale orchards is not possible in a short period of time. During this research, different grafting methods were evaluated on the grafting success rate of ‘Bidaneh’ on wild types of barberry. More than 1000 grafts including cleft grafting (with hard shoots and green/semi-hard shoots), omega grafting, T-budding, and chip budding (at mid-spring and late summer) methods were performed for two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). The results showed that the grafting methods have significant effects on the percentage of callus formation and graft success (P < .01). The chip budding method resulted in the maximum callus formation (36.7%), and graft success (30%). The rate of callus formation and graft success in the cleft grafting with semi-hard shoots was 2% and 18%, respectively. No callus formation and graft success were found in the cleft in hard stem and omega grafting methods. The graft success was zero in T-budding, despite of 18.33% callus formation. The results revealed the success of grafting of ‘Bidaneh’ on wild barberry species for the first time. However, increasing the graft success rate requires further research.

The comparative study of Iran's export of nuts and dried fruits with rival countries: USA, China and Turkey

The purpose of the article was to investigate the status of Iran's export of nuts and dried fruits compared to those of competing countries: US, China and Turkey. Research methods. The necessary data was collected from the faostat database for four countries (USA, China, Turkey and Iran). Also the data for production and export of nuts and dried fruits in Iran were also extracted from the Ministry of Agriculture and Statistics Center in Iran. Research results. The most important of nuts and dried fruits in Iran include pistachio and raisin. Sustainable non-oil export revenues, especially revenues from export of nuts and dried fruits in addition to the continuation of sustainable production can be achive to agricultural development and economic development of the country. The results of this research showed that Iran has 20% of the market value of exported products for nuts and dried fruit. But in recent years have been able to rival countries with proper planning a significant share of the global market gain of nuts and dried fruits. Scientific novelty. There is a significant competitor for Iran in the field of export of nuts and dried fruits with countries such as: USA, China and Turkey. Statistics and information provided shows that Iran, in order to maintain their competitiveness in the global market, should be have comprehensive properly planned. Practical significance. One third non-oil export of Iran is dedicated to the export of nuts and dried fruits. Futurism can be very important for the sustainable export of these products in the form of scientific research.

The Risk Assessment of Sulphite Intake through Dried Fruit Consumption in Hamadan, Iran

Background: Dried fruit is one of the main sources of sulphur dioxide (SO2) exposure. The major goal of the current study was to determine SO2 concentration in some widely consumed dried fruits in Hamadan, Iran. In addition, an estimate of sulphite intake was made through the aforementioned dried fruit. Methods: Totally, 126 dried fruit samples were randomly collected from local market in Hamadan, Iran. The sulfur dioxide, moisture contents, and pH of dried fruit samples were measured by iodometric titration, gravimetric method, and pH meter, respectively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software. Results: The mean sulphite residue in raisin, sultana, half-dried apricot, whole-dried apricot, dried prune, peach fruit leather, and apricot fruit leather was 236.49±231.34, 485.84±217.55, 1204.00±750.21, 2257.78±1406.63, 597.32±401.82, 84.74±109.22, and 38.28±32.40 mg/kg, respectively. Eleven out of 18 (61.11%) whole-dried apricot samples and 3 out of 18 (16.66%) half-dried apricot samples had unacceptable level of sulphite. The moisture contents and pH of all dried fruit were at an acceptable level. The amount of daily sulphite exposure through the consumption of dried fruits for preschool children, adult females, and adult males were 0.53, 0.35, and 0.30 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively. Conclusion: As the intake of sulphite through the dried fruit in Iran was lower than acceptable daily intake, it appears that the content of this food preservative in dried fruits consumed in Iran has no serious risk for Iranian consumers. However, consumers should be advised to avoid excessive consumption of dried fruits, especially whole-dried apricot.

The effect trade and exchange rate policies on the export of stone fruit in Iran

This study aims to investigate the effect of foreign exchange rate and trade policies on crop exports in Iran. Regarding foreign exchange policies, the exchange rate volatility index and the dummy variable of currency uniformity policy were considered, while economic openness index as well as the trade bias coefficient index was studied for business policies. Logarithmic model of export supply function based on the ARDL and error correction model were used to estimate long- and short-term relations between variables. The research data were collected from the websites of the International Trade Statistics Database and the Central Bank of Iran from 1997 to 2014. The results showed that variables of commercial deviation coefficient, real exchange rate, economic openness, domestic product price, stone fruits export value in previous years and the dummy variable of currency uniformity policy all had a positive effect, in the long term, on Iranian stone fruits export. The coefficient for error correction model equals -0.42, which is quite significant indicating a very high modulation pace to a long-term equilibrium. In addition, the results revealed that, in the event of shock and distortion in balance in each period, 0.58% of the short-term imbalance has been adjusted to achieve long-term equilibrium.JEL Classification: Q17, Q18, F13, F17, F39

Fungal contamination associated with some dried fruits in Iran

Fungal contamination associated with some dried fruits in Iran

Fungal contamination associated with some dried fruits in Iran

Fungal contamination associated with some dried fruits in Iran

Co-occurrence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in dried fruits in Iran: Dietary exposure risk assessment

In this study, the contamination levels of aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in 88 collected samples from Iran's market including dried mulberry, date, fig, and apricot were evaluated. The margin of exposure (MOE) was estimated to assess the risk of dietary intake of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and OTA. The incidence of AFB1 in dried mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples was 45.5, 40.9, 59.1, and 81.8%, respectively. Although the mean total AFs content in contaminated samples of date (2.61 μg/kg), fig (3.43 μg/kg) and apricot (2.91 μg/kg) was lower than the maximum limit set in the European Union (EU) (4 μg/kg), dried mulberry samples showed a higher contamination level (4.12 μg/kg). The co-occurrence of OTA and AFs were noted in 4 (18.9%), 2 (9.1%), 4 (18.2%), and 10 (45.5%) in the dried mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples, respectively. Based on the calculated MOE, the dietary exposure to AFs through the consumption of dried fruit in Iran poses a potential risk to consumer health. OTA was detected in 45.45%, 22.72%, 45.45%, and 50% of mulberry, date, fig and apricot samples, respectively. However, OTA levels in all types of dried fruit were below recommended level in EU regulation (10 μg/kg) and MOE >10000, representing no toxicological concerns for consumers.

Molecular identification of diverse ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma’ species associated with grapevine decline in Iran

AbstractGrapevine (Vitis vinifera) is one of the most important fruits in Iran where the provinces of Qazvin, Lorestan and Markazi are main producers. During 2013–2015, vineyards located in these provinces were surveyed to verify the presence of phytoplasma. The sample collection was based on symptomatology including decline, leaf yellowing and shortening of internodes. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic and symptomless grapevine samples and used in nested‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with phytoplasma ribosomal primers (P1/Tint followed by R16F2n/R2, R16mF1/mR1, R16(I)F1/R1 or 6R758f/16R1232r). Nested‐PCR products were obtained only for symptomatic samples while samples from symptomless plants yielded no PCR products. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses with Tru1I, TaqI and Tsp509I and direct sequencing of amplicons followed by phylogenetic analyses indicated the presence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini’, ‘Ca. P. aurantifolia’, ‘Ca. P. solani’ and ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’‐related strains. In Marzaki province, there ‘Ca. P. aurantifolia’ strains were mainly detected, while in the other two provinces, all the four ‘Candidatus species’ were identified with the prevalence of ‘Ca. P. solani’‐related strains. In both provinces in one case, mixed phytoplasma infection was also detected by RFLP analyses. The presence of different phytoplasmas in positive samples indicates great phytosanitary significance due to grapevine economic importance for country. Grapevine phytoplasma infection represents a threat for other crops suggesting grapevine as alternative host species for the phytoplasmas already reported in Iran, while the ‘Ca. P. fraxini’ is for the first time identified in Iran.

Enzyme Activity, Cold Hardiness, and Supercooling Point in Developmental Stages of Acrosternum arabicum (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Several species of pentatomid bugs feed on pistachio fruits in Iran. Acrosternum arabicum Wagner (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is one of the most important pests of pistachio in Rafsanjan, Iran. This study was carried out to investigate the carbohydrase activities, supercooling points, and cold hardiness profiles of different developmental stages of A. arabicum under laboratory conditions. The midgut amylolytic of A. arabicum showed an optimal pH at 7.0. The highest amylolytic activity was found in the female adults (35.41 ± 0.90 nmol/min/gut). The mean amylolytic activity measured in first instar nymph was 6.75 ± 0.54 nmol/min/gut. Midgut α- and β-glucosidase showed an optimal activity at pH 5 and 7, respectively. These activities increased from first (83 ± 5 and 54 ± 5 nmol/min, respectively) to fifth (881 ± 17 and 237 ± 14 nmol/min, respectively) instar nymphs. The enzyme activities increased in the adults. Midgut α- and β-galactosidase showed an optimal activity at pH 5. α- and β-galactosidase activities were low in the first instar nymphs (73 ± 5 and 21 ± 3 nmol/min, respectively). The level of α- and β-galactosidase activities in the female adults (533 ± 18 and 246 ± 6 nmol/min, respectively) was higher than the nymphs. The lowest super cooling points (−19 and −18.2 °C, respectively) and the highest cold hardiness (22 and 18% following 24 h exposure at − 20 °C, respectively) were recorded for the eggs and adult females.

A review of genetic resources of pome fruits in Iran

Iran is very rich in plant genetic resources, due largely to the diversity in the agro-ecological landscape. Protection, preservation and utilization of genetic resources would facilitate development of premium varieties and biotech products that can potentially lead to a change in the food, agricultural, pharmaceutical and chemical industries in Iran. This paper discusses the distribution, ethnobotany, diversity and utilization of wild and domestic genetic resources of pome fruit species in Iran including apple (Malus spp.), pear (Pyrus spp.), quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), hawthorn (Crataegus spp.), medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) and loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.), all of which are members of the Rosaceae family. The goal of this paper is to highlight the importance of Iran as a contributor to the diversity of pome fruit genetic resources in the world.

DNA barcoding, MALDI-TOF, and AFLP data support Fusarium ficicrescens as a distinct species within the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex

The Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) is one of the most common groups of fusaria associated with plant diseases, mycotoxin production and traumatic and disseminated human infections. Here we present the description and taxonomy of a new taxon, Fusarium ficicrescens sp. nov., collected from contaminated fig fruits in Iran. Initially this species was identified as Fusarium andiyazi by morphology. In the present study the species was studied by multilocus sequence analysis, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and phenotypic characters. Multilocus analyses were based on translation elongation factor 1α (TEF1), RNA polymerase subunit (RPB2) and beta-tubulin (BT2) and proved F. ficicrescens as a member of the FFSC. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the fungus is closely related to Fusarium lactis, Fusarium ramigenum, and Fusarium napiforme; known plant pathogens, mycotoxin producers, and occasionally occurring multidrug resistant opportunists. The new species differed by being able to grow at 37 °C and by the absence of mycotoxin production. TEF1 was confirmed as an essential barcode for identifying Fusarium species. In addition to TEF1, we evaluated BT2 and RPB2 in order to provide sufficient genetic and species boundaries information for recognition of the novel species.

First report of postharvest fruit rots of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Iran

Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) frequently isolated from soils and decaying plant materials. Members of FOSC are one of the common pathogens of tomato, causing soft rot in the west of Iran. Therefore, the objectives in this study were to isolate and identify disease-causing FOSC from infected tomato fruits based on the morphological and molecular characteristics. Fifteen isolates of Fusarium spp. were obtained from infected tomato fruits collected from the wet market in different regions of the west of Iran and identified as F. oxysporum and F. redolens through morphological characters. DNA sequencing of tef1 and tub2 genes was used to confirm the species identity. All of the isolates were evaluated for their pathogenicity on healthy tomato fruits in the greenhouse. This is the first report on morphological and molecular identification of F. oxysporum and F. redolens isolated from tomato fruits in Iran.

Variation in the essential oil constituents in indigenous populations of Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare from different locations of Iran

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical variation in indigenous populations of bitter fennel originating from Iran. Essential oils isolated from the fruits of eight different populations of Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare from different locations of Iran were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). According to the results, the essential oil content in the fruit varied from 2.7% to 4%. The major chemical constituents exhibited higher differences between the populations. trans-Anethole was found to be the main component of the oil with rates of 46.5% and 84% in fruits and this component was followed by fenchone (9.1–23.8%), which is the second major phenylpropanoid detected in fennel oil. Limonene, estragol (methyl chavicol), γ-terpinene, α-pinene and β-mercene are other main components identified in the fennel oils. trans-Anethole was detected at the highest level (84%) in ‘Zanjan’ population oil and the ‘Marvdasht’ population contained the highest concentration (12.2%) of estragol compared with other populations. Fenchone, limonene, γ-terpinene, α-pinene and β-mercene were in higher concentrations in ‘Ardabil’ population oil than the other populations, while trans-anethole was the lowest in this population’s oil. The results suggest that there were important variations among the fennel population’s fruit in Iran concerning the essential oil content and composition.

Analysis of Some Technological and Physical Characters of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) Fruit in Iran

Knowledge of the physical properties of date fruit is necessary for the design of postharvesting equipment such as cleaning, sorting, grading, kernel removing, and packing. Also, the physical and mechanical properties are incorporated in the development of the grading machine as a case study. In this study, some physical and mechanical properties of three mandarin cultivars, as promising fruits, were analyzed to help the design of handling machines. According to results, the greatest dimensional characteristics were found for Page cultivar, whereas Onsho cultivar showed the lowest sphericity value (93%), and the highest sphericity was observed in Clementine cultivar (97%). The specific gravity of Page cultivar was 0/97, and this cultivar had the biggest fruit. Thus, it may be used for export. The volume measured was 1% higher than the calculated assumed shape of the spheroid . The relationship between diameters and mass was linear, and the correlation was high for all studied cultivars and mixed cultivar (combined all data). There was a linear relation between mass and volume of the mixed cultivar of mandarin with a high coefficient of determination.