Fruit Mineral Element Research Articles

Effect of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) on the Content of some Mineral Elements in the Fruits of some Tomato (Solanum lycopersicom L.) Genotypes

This study was conducted to determine the reaction of 14 tomato (Solanum lycopersicom) genotypes to Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), and the effect of the virus on the fruit content of the genotypes Narcan, 123, and Summer 21. The field experiment was carried out in the western orchards of Samawah, Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq. All experiments analyzing mineral elements in tomato fruits were done in laboratories of Ghayat Al-Marefa Company, Babylon. The results of inoculation of the tomato genotypes with TYLCV and testing them by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that all these genotypes were susceptible to the virus with the difference of those genotypes in the time of appearance and severity of disease symptoms. The genotypes Nahrayn and Summer 21 were the most severely infected with TYLCV (96 and 87%, respectively) compared with the other genotypes. It was also found that the virus had a clear effect on the decrease in the fruit genotypes contents of the samples tested (123, Narcan, and Summer 21) of mineral elements of iron and zinc that reached 26.80 and 28.88 mg/L, respectively, and substantially different from their given values, which were 32.94 and 34.73 mg/L, respectively, in unaffected plants. Moreover, results proved that the content of TYLCV-infected fruits decreased significantly (1.26 mmol. L-1) with a significant difference from its normal level in non-infected plants which was 1.8 mmol. L-1. Results also showed that TYLCV had a significant effect in reducing the concentrations of magnesium and phosphorous (0.244 and 0.248%), respectively, in the fruits of tomato genotypes compared with their concentrations in non-infected plants that were 0.348 and 0.383%, respectively.

Foliar application of nanoceria attenuated cadmium stress in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Foliar application of nanoparticles (NPs) as a means for ameliorating abiotic stress is increasingly employed in crop production. In this study, the potential of CeO2-NPs as stress suppressants for cadmium (Cd)-stressed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) plants was investigated, using two cycles of foliar application of CeO2-NPs at 200, 400, and 600 mg/l. Compared to untreated stressed plants, Cd-stressed plants treated with CeO2-NPs presented higher pigments (chlorophyll a and carotenoids). In contrast, foliar applications did not alter Cd root uptake and leaf bioaccumulation. Foliar CeO2-NPs application modulated stress enzymes (APX, SOD, and GPx) in both roots and leaves of Cd-stressed plants, and led to decreases in Cd toxicity in plant’s tissues. In addition, foliar application of CeO2-NPs in Cd-stressed okra plants decreased fruit Cd contents, and improved fruit mineral elements and bioactive compounds. The infrared spectroscopic analysis of fruit tissues showed that foliar-applied CeO2-NPs treatments did not induce chemical changes but induced conformational changes in fruit macromolecules. Additionally, CeO2-NPs applications did not alter the eating quality indicator (Mg/K ratio) of okra fruits. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that foliar application of CeO2-NPs has the potential to ameliorate Cd toxicity in tissues and improve fruits of okra plants.

THE CONTENT OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND HEAVY METALS IN THE APPLES OF A RETAIL CHAIN IN THE LIPETSK REGION DEPENDING ON THE APPLE TREES VARIETIES

The relevance is based on the need to study the amount of biologically active substances and trace nutrients in apple varieties sold in the retail chain of the Lipetsk region. The purpose is to analyze the content of biologically active substances and trace nutrients of all apple varieties sold in the retail chain of the Lipetsk region. The article is the first to establish a close relationship between the term of apples ripening and the content of flavonols, pectic substances, anthocyanins, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Co in them. At the same time, the authors established a close correlation between the content of Fe and Zn in fruits (r = 0.8). Arbitration, titrimetric, photometric, iodometric, weight calcium-pectate, atomic-adsorption, ionometric, and correlation analysis methods were used to solve the tasks. In the Lipetsk region retail chain, the authors identified varieties of apples with the most significant mass of fruit and content of ascorbic acid, organic acids, dry substances, anthocyanins, flavonols, catechins, pectins, tanning and coloring substances, including tannin, carotenoids, including β- carotene, as well as mineral elements: Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Co. The authors also determined the content of heavy metals in apples relative to the maximum allowable concentration (MAC). Autumn varieties contain the highest amount of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, carotene, tanning substances and coloring substances, and tannin. Winter varieties contain the least catechins, tanning, and coloring substances. The content of pectic substances, anthocyanins, and flavonols, reaches its maximum in winter varieties fruits. The content of flavonols most strongly varies, and the least - pH and content of organic acids of all the biologically active substances in apple fruits. Iron content increases with the increase in zinc content. The content of mineral elements in the summer varieties is the lowest. The content of mineral elements and flavonols in apple fruits increases with the transition from summer varieties to autumn, and then to winter. The content of iron varies the most, and least of all - cadmium of the mineral elements in fruits. The content of all mineral elements varies most strongly in winter apple varieties.

Rootstock affects quality and phytochemical composition of ‘Big Top’ nectarine fruits grown under hot climatic conditions

This study aimed to evaluate the stability of ‘Big Top’ nectarine fruit quality (fruit weight, fruit mineral elements and fruit phytochemical composition such as soluble solids content, titratable acidity, individual sugars, individual organic acids, total ascorbic acid content, total phenolics content, and antioxidant capacity) when grafted on 20 Prunus rootstocks over two consecutive seasons. For most of the evaluated traits, rootstock was the main source of variability, whereas for Mg, malic and citric acids, and glucose most of the variability was observed among years. Similarly, the interaction year × rootstock was not significant for most traits (14 out of 21), hence highlighting that most rootstocks responded in a similar manner to changes in the weather conditions. Thus said, some important micro- and macro-nutrients such as Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, together with taste- (fructose, glucose and sucrose) or health-related (antioxidant capacity) compounds showed a differential influence of the rootstock depending on the year conditions and thereby suggested that climatic conditions can be a limiting factor in the choice of rootstocks for a given nectarine cultivar. Overall, the results from this study indicated that the cherry-plum hybrid Krimsk-1 and the peach-plum hybrid PS rootstocks are the most suitable rootstocks for ‘Big Top’ under the conditions investigated herein. Both rootstocks induced high values on sugar profile, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, and TPC of ‘Big Top’ nectarine being relatively stable regardless of the weather conditions. Finally, the rootstocks IRTA-1 and Rootpac-20 also induced good fruit quality and phytochemical properties to ‘Big Top’ fruit.

Interaction between Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation and fruit mineral element content in Olea europaea (Lamiales: Oleaceae) cultivars of global interest

Olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation levels were quantified in rainfed adult olive (Olea europaea L.) (Lamiales: Oleaceae) trees of seven cultivars originating from Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal and France to determine their relationships with fruit length, width, weight, oil and mineral element content and to investigate the effects of infestation on fruit properties. Fruit from the cultivars Koroneiki, Mastoidis, Picholine, Manzanilla, Arbequina, Branquita and Leccino was collected in November 2013 in Greece. Marked genotypic variation was observed for both total and alive fruit infestation with Manzanilla being the most susceptible and Arbequina the most resistant among the cultivars studied. Marked differences were recorded in the fruit mineral element content between the cultivars studied. B. oleae infestation was positively correlated with the fruit length, width, fresh weight, and K and Fe content. Also, B. oleae infestation caused significant changes in the P, K, Fe and Mg concentration in fruits, while an overall decreasing trend was observed for N. B. oleae infestation caused no significant changes in the fruit oil content of the studied cultivars. Results presented in this study supplemented with targeted integrated research on breeding resistant genotypes and developing improved pest control tools could contribute to important savings of resources as well as improvement of yields and food quality and safety.

Effects of irrigation with treated wastewater on root and fruit mineral elements of Chemlali olive cultivar.

Twenty-year-old “Chemlali” olive trees trained to vase and rainfed were investigated in either “on” (2004) or “off” (2003) year. A randomized block design with three blocks and three treatments was used and each experimental plot consisted of nine olive trees. Three treatments were applied: (1) rainfed conditions (RF, used as control treatment); (2) irrigation with well water (WW); and (3) irrigation with treated wastewater (TWW). Irrigation with TWW led to a significant increase of root N, P, Ca, Zn, Mn, Na, and Cl concentrations, in particular in the on-year. Data showed significant differences, between the two years, for the concentration of the mineral elements in the roots, with general lower values in the on-year, probably as a consequence of nutrients movement upward in the tree. Fruit N, P, K, Zn, Mn, and Cl contents were significantly higher in TWW irrigated trees with respect to both RF and WW trees, whereas similar values for Ca, Mg, Na, and Cl contents were measured for WW and TWW irrigated trees. The irrigation with TWW allowed to reuse problematic waters and to save nutrients inputs in the olive orchard thus moving towards a more sustainable management of olive orchards in countries where water is the major limiting factor for agriculture.

WATER RELATIONS, CALCIUM AND POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION IN FRUITS AND LEAVES DURING ANNUAL GROWTH IN MATURE KIWIFRUIT PLANTS

WATER RELATIONS, CALCIUM AND POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION IN FRUITS AND LEAVES DURING ANNUAL GROWTH IN MATURE KIWIFRUIT PLANTS

Fruit growth and mineral element accumulation in pacific rose™ apple in relation to orchard management factors and calyx‐end splitting

The effect of irrigation and crop load of apple (Malus domestica Borkh cv. Pacific Rose) on the fruit growth and mineral element accumulation was investigated. Fruit growth and changes in the concentration and contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) in the flesh of Pacific Rose™ apple fruit were recorded over a growing season at the Massey University Fruit Crops Units orchard in the 1998–99 crop season. Fresh mass showed a linear growth while fruit diameter followed a curvilinear growth pattern during the growing season. Low crop load significantly increased fruit size, particularly during the final expansion phase, whereas irrigation had little effect on this attribute. Both low crop load and frequent irrigation treatments increased fruit growth rate, but the effect of the irrigation treatments fluctuated considerably during the season. The incidence of frait splitting was detected at about 20 WAFB when the fruit attained an asymmetrical growth in shape (L/D). The concentrations of N, P, Ca, Mg, and K declined throughout the sampling period. There was however, an increase in concentrations of P and K at the last harvest. The quantity of individual nutrient elements accumulated by the fruit showed an increasing trend during the season. Nitrogen accumulation however, reached maximum at 16 WAFB after which it declined until the last harvest. Fruit mineral element analysis of sound and split fruit revealed that split fruit had higher concentrations and contents of Mg and K and lower contents of Ca and P. As a result, the ratios of Ca: Mg and Ca: K were lower in split fruit as compared with sound fruit.

Internal breakdown, mineral element concentration, and weight of mango fruit1

Internal breakdown in mango fruit is a disorder often attributed to a nutrient deficiency, particularly of calcium (Ca), in the fruit. The relationship between internal breakdown in mango fruit and fruit mineral element concentrations and fresh weight was investigated. Fruit were collected weekly from a commercial orchard beginning 4 weeks after fruit set (WAFS) until the fruit were ripe. The concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Ca, magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and boron (B) and fresh weight of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango fruit with and without internal breakdown were compared. Disordered fruit weighed more than healthy fruit 4 WAFS. However, when fruit were ripe there were no significant differences in fruit weight between healthy and disordered fruit. Disordered fruit contained significantly higher concentrations of N, P, Ca, and B than the healthy mango fruit, 4 WAFS. When fruit were ripe, there were no differences in N, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe, and B concentrations between healthy and disordered fruit. Ripe, healthy fruit had higher Cu and lower P concentrations than ripe, disordered fruit. Internal breakdown could not be specifically linked to a Ca deficiency in mango fruit at any stage of fruit ontogeny.

Whole fruit mineral element composition and quality of harvested ‘Delicious’ apples1

Abstract ‘Wellspur Delicious’ apple trees received preharvest foliar sprays of CaCl2 at rates of 0, 5.9 or 19.6 kg Ca/ha. season. Fruits of uniform size (7.65 to 8.05 cm diameter) were harvested on a single date and were allowed to ripen at 19°C or were placed in controlled atmosphere storage for five months and then allowed to ripen at 19°C. Fruit quality indices were measured at various times during ripening. The CaCl2 sprays failed to influence fruit mineral element composition, skin color, soluble solids, titratable acidity, firmness, bitter pit or watercore. At all times during ripening, fruit skin color, soluble solids, titratable acidity and firmness were independent of whole fruit Ca, Mg, K, N and P concentrations, and whole fruit Mg/Ca, K/Ca, (K+Mg)/Ca, K/(Ca+Mg), N/Ca and P/Ca concentration ratios. Fruits with and without bitter pit had identical whole fruit Ca concentrations and K/Ca concentration ratios. Whole fruit mineral element composition was an insensitive predictor of quality indices of harvested ‘Delicious’ apples.

Whole fruit mineral element content and respiration rates of harvested ‘delicious’ apples

Abstract Whole fruit mineral element analysis is used commercially in Great Britain to predict postharvest apple fruit quality and storage life. Similar commercial programs are under development in Washington State; however, mineral element concentration guidelines are not available for important Washington‐grown cultivars. The current study used fruit respiration rate as a criterion for evaluating optimal whole fruit mineral element concentration. ‘Wellspur Delicious’ apple trees (Malus domestica Borkh.) were treated with four biweekly sprays of D, 4.1 and 13.5 kg CaCl2/ha. Fruit of uniform diameter (7.65 to 8.05 cm) were harvested. Four intact single‐fruit samples per treatment were placed into individual respiration chambers maintained at 20°C. Humidified CO2‐free air was continuously pumped into the chambers. Evolved C02 was trapped in NaOH and analyzed by titration. Evolution of C02 was measured for 38 days after which the fruits were analyzed for whole fruit Ca, N, Mg, P and K concentrations. The C02 evolution data was analyzed by linear regression to generate average respiration rates. The preharvest CaCl2 spray treatments did not influence whole fruit Ca concentrations or respiration rates. The respiration rates were not influenced by mineral element concentration or selected ratios of concentrations. The Ca concentrations in the fruit (> 300 mg/kg dry mass) appear to have been sufficiently high to produce uniform low respiration rates and to mask possible influences of the other elements. The results suggest that whole fruit mineral element analysis may not be a sensitive indicator of average respiration rates of ‘Delicious’ apples during ripening.

Mineral Nutrition of Developing Fruits of the Western Australian Christmas Tree, Nuytsia floribunda (Labill.) R. Br. ex Fenzl

The mineral nutrition of developing fruits of the hemiparasite Nuytsia floribunda was studied in natural habitat near Perth, W.A. Nuytsia fruits were similar to those of other higher plants in their mineral nutrition. Changes in the contents of specific nutrients in fruits and their bracts were described. Accumulation of mineral elements in fruits and bracts was synchronized closely with the acquisition of dry matter. Bracts lost 45-75% of their nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc and copper, 16-29% of their potassium, magnesium, iron and manganese, but less than 5% of their calcium and sodium during senescence. Mobilization from bracts was estimated to provide 0-35% of the fruit's accumulation of specific nutrients. Analysis of xylem sap showed that asparagine was the main solute for transport of nitrogen. Mature seedsconsisted mainly of a thick layer of endosperm surrounding the embryo and cotyledons. Seeds contained 31% oil, 35% protein, but no storage carbohydrate. Scanning X-ray microprobe analysis on thin sections of endosperm showed that phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, magnesium and iron were associated with protein bodies. Manganese was localized in certain iron-rich protein bodies.

The effect of tree sprays of calcium, boron, zinc and naphthaleneacetic acid, alone and in all combinations, on the incidence of storage disorders in Merton apples

The effect of four whole-tree sprays at monthly intervals on the fruit mineral element content and on the incidence of storage disorders in Merton apples was investigated for three years. Calcium nitrate, boric acid, zinc nitrate and naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) were applied singly and in all possible combinations. There were no significant treatment interactions, which implied an absence of synergistic or antagonistic effects between spray components. Calcium nitrate was the only compound whose application consistently reduced the incidence of bitter pit and breakdown following cool storage for 4 months. In one year NAA reduced the incidence of these disorders, but it also reduced mean fruit size and increased the concentration of most of the mineral elements, including calcium, in the fruit at harvest. Zinc nitrate sprays had no effect. Boron application promoted the development of core flush in one year and of breakdown in two years, but did not affect the incidence of bitter pit. No relationship was observed between the levels of calcium and boron in the fruit.

Cultivar effects on leaf and fruit mineral composition in snapbeans, phaseolus vulgaris

Abstract Eleven cultivars of snapbeans were grown on an acidic Tifton loamy sand to compare yielding ability and leaf and fruit mineral element composition and to determine if leaf composition was associated with yield. A strong cultivar effect on leaf mineral element composition at full bloom and harvest and in fruit tissue was noted. The Ca and Sr level of leaf tissue at harvest was positively associated with yield, and yields varied significantly with cultivars. Significant correlations were obtained among many of the elements.

The effect of crop size and low levels of major elements on fruit characteristics and incidence of storage pit in Sturmer apples in pot experiments

Pot experiments in sand culture with Sturmer apple trees were continued to study the effects of low levels of major elements on the storage type of bitter pit. Compared with a complete treatment, the no calcium treatment induced high susceptibility to storage pit but had no other significant effects. The other treatments had no effect on pit. Pitted fruits had a lower calcium and higher protein nitrogen content than sound fruits but there was no evidence that the level of other mineral elements was affected. Other fruit responses to low level treatment are discussed. No nitrogen and no phosphorus prevented fruit set but no magnesium and no potassium increased it. However, many of the effects on fruit cell number and levels of mineral elements in fruits may be due to competition between the fruits for limited resources rather than any direct physiological effect. Differences between years in fruit responses may be due to alternate cropping with differences in carry over of reserves or differences in level of competition between fruit and vegetative growth and caution is necessary in interpreting results.