Fruit Quality Attributes Research Articles

Effect of Time of Girdling on Leaf Photosynthetic Performance and Kiwifruit Quality Characteristics at Harvest and Post-Storage

The present study investigated the impact of cane girdling on the ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit cultivar, both in terms of leaf physiological functions and fruit quality attributes, at harvest and post-storage. Four treatments were conducted: the control cane girdling conducted separately in August (GA), in September (GS), and both in August and September (double girdling) (GAS), using different canes. The results indicated that the carbon assimilation rate was reduced in girdled canes. Nevertheless, girdling resulted in increased fruit dry matter (by 1.7%), weight (by 6.4%), and dimensions without altering fruit shape. Additionally, fruits produced on girdled canes exhibited higher total soluble solids content (by almost 13%) and TSS-to-TA ratio post-storage. There were no significant differences in chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, organic acids, and most sugars assessed, both at harvest and post-storage. There were no significant differences among the treatments at harvest regarding total phenolic compounds, except for total flavonoids, which were lowest in the GA treatment. Post-storage, girdling (especially GAS and GS) was found to enhance the fruits’ total phenols and total flavanols, as well as its antioxidant capacity (1.88 μmol equiv. Trolox g−1 FW based on DPPH assay under GS versus (0.53 μmol equiv. Trolox g−1 FW under control). Overall, cane girdling can improve the quality of kiwifruit in terms of both fruit size and functional fruit properties.

Beeswax: A review on the recent progress in the development of superhydrophobic films/coatings and their applications in fruits preservation.

Recently, the design and fabrication of bio-inspired superhydrophobic materials using natural lipid additives such as beeswax (BW) have aroused great attention in food packaging as they can minimize the transfer rate of water molecules and have effective moisture barriers. This review discusses the recent progress in the design and fabrication of BW-containing edible films/coatings (e.g., emulsion and blend films, bilayer materials, bionanocomposites, and antimicrobial materials) and their potential applications on the postharvest life and quality attributes of various fruits. Incorporation of BW into polysaccharides- and proteins-based emulsion films effectively improved their hydrophobicity, water vapor, and UV/visible light barrier properties, as well as the film tensile properties. The addition of nanoparticles to BW-based polymeric matrices often results in improved physico-mechanical properties. BW coatings have been also applied to prolong the shelf-life of various climacteric fruits, however, optimization of the wax concentration can be further investigated to develop targeted food storage systems.

New Emerging Technique to Intensify Convective Air Drying Process: Impact of Interval Starting Accessibility Drying (ISAD) on Quality Attributes of Strawberries Fruits

New Emerging Technique to Intensify Convective Air Drying Process: Impact of Interval Starting Accessibility Drying (ISAD) on Quality Attributes of Strawberries Fruits

Effect of Different Mulching Practices on Bacterial Community Composition and Fruit Quality in a Citrus Orchard

Citrus fruit, the most abundant global fruit, is primarily concentrated in China. Mulching techniques have demonstrated a favorable effect on the soil’s hydrothermal environment, resulting in enhanced plant growth, yield, and quality. Nevertheless, the impact of mulching on the soil microbiome and fruit quality of Beni Madonna tangor (Citrus nanko × C. amakusa) remains unknown. This study aimed to examine the impact of different mulching techniques, namely traditional flat planting (CK), reflective film mulching (RM), black film mulching (BM), corn stalk mulching (CS), green film mulching (GM), and transparent plastic film mulching (TM), on the bacterial diversity, composition, cooccurrence networks, and bulk soil assembly during the ripening stage of Beni Madonna tangor. The various treatments employed in this study exhibited distinct impacts on fruit quality and soil temperature and humidity. Through comprehensively evaluating fruit quality and soil properties, it was found that RM treatment had the best effect, while CK treatment was the worst. The mulching results in a significant decrease in the Shannon indexcompared to the control group. Specifically, mulching with RM, CS, and GM led to a significant increase in Chloroflexi abundance (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the interaction complexity between bacteria was found to be lower under GM and TM treatments compared to the other mulching treatments. At the genus level, Chloroflexi exhibited a positive correlation with total soluble solid (TSS) and Vitamin C (Vc) contents, however, GP13 showed a converse result. It was determined that Chloroflexi, with a high abundance of RM, promoted an improvement in soil and fruit quality. Ultimately, it can be concluded that various mulching techniques yield distinct impacts on both the soil bacterial composition and citrus quality, with these effects being intricately linked to the core biota’s functionalities within each treatment.

Elevated CO2 along with inoculation of cyanobacterial biofilm or its partners differentially modulates C–N metabolism and quality of tomato beneficially

Diazotrophic cyanobacteria are known to influence nutrient availability in soil, however, their benefits under elevated CO2 environment, particularly on fruit quality attributes, is a less investigated aspect. Laboratory developed cyanobacterium-fungal biofilm (An-Tr), composed of Anabaena torulosa (An) as the matrix with the partner as Trichoderma viride (Tr), along with the individual partners were evaluated under ambient (aCO2-400 ± 50 ppm) and elevated (eCO2-700 ± 50 ppm) conditions, with and without tomato plants. An-Tr inoculation exhibited distinct and significantly higher values for most of the soil microbiological parameters, plant growth attributes and antioxidant/defense enzyme activities measured at 30 and 60 DAI (days after inoculation). Significant enhancement in soil nutrient availability, leaf chlorophyll, with 45–50% increase in the enzyme activities related to carbon and nitrogen assimilation, higher yields and better-quality parameters of tomato, with An-Tr biofilm or An inoculation, were recorded, particularly under eCO2 conditions. The fruits from An-Tr treatments under eCO2 exhibited a higher titrable acidity, along with more ascorbic acid, carotenoids and lycopene content, highlighting the superiority of this inoculant. Multivariate analyses revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) interactions among cultures, DAI, and CO2 levels, illustrating that cyanobacterial inoculation can be advocated as a strategy to gainfully sequester eCO2. Significant improvement in yield and fruit quality along with 50% N savings, further attest to the promise of cyanobacterial inoculants for tomato crop in the climate change scenario.

Application of Lavender and Rosemary Essential Oils (EOs), Their Mixture and Eucalyptol (EOs Main Compound) on Cucumber Fruit Quality Attributes and Microbial Load

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), one of the most widely consumed vegetables, presents high perishability during storage and marketing if it is not handled and stored properly. Currently, there is an increased interest of the food industry to reduce waste (due to quality losses) and to utilize natural products for the preservation of fresh commodities. This study’s goal was to evaluate the effects of lavender (Lav) and rosemary (Ros) essential oils (EOs), their mixture (Lav + Ros, 1:1 v/v) and their main compound (eucalyptol) via vapor phase on cucumber’s postharvest quality. The outcomes of this study demonstrated that 200 μL/L of Lav and Ros EOs increased the respiration rate of cucumbers after 10 days of storage at 11 °C, while 100 μL/L of the EOs mixture and Eucalyptol (100 and 200 μL/L) had no effect on respiration, on the same day. The application of Eucalyptol (100 and 200 μL/L) resulted in less acceptable fruits (less pleasant aroma and unpleasant taste). A decrease in fruit firmness was found in cucumbers exposed to Lav 200 μL/L and Ros 100 μL/L. Interestingly, Eucalyptol was found to accelerate the fruit ripening index after five days of storage, and to decrease organoleptic properties of the fruit (i.e., aroma, taste) on the fifth day of storage. The fruit revealed increased oxidative stress (i.e., increased lipid peroxidation), especially at a high concentration (200 μL/L) of Eucalyptol after 10 days. This has resulted in the activation of other non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanisms such as the increase in fruit ascorbic acid content. Notably, no effects on fruit weight loss, total soluble solids and color were observed with the examined treatments. Overall, this study suggests that the investigated products (EOs and their main compound) have a putative role in postharvest storage for the preservation of cucumbers. However, further investigation is needed for the determination of the optimum application conditions (i.e., concentration, time and method of application) on cucumbers and other fresh produce.

Synergism of microorganisms and seaweed extract on vegetative growth, yield and quality of cucumber fruit

Natural biostimulants, such as microorganisms and seaweed extracts, are used in agriculture to improve crop yields with a sustainable approach. However, the interaction effects between different biostimulants have not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this work was to evaluate the synergistic effects of microorganisms (Glomus intraradices and Azospirillum brasilense) and seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum and Macrocytis pyrifera) on growth, yield and fruit quality of cucumber plants under soilless cultivation. Two doses of microorganisms (0 and 10 spores mL-1 + 106 CFU) and four concentrations of seaweed extract (0, 250, 500 and 2500 ppm) were evaluated. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement (2 x 4), with four replications per treatment. The results showed that the equatorial diameter of the fruit, yield and titratable acidity improve when applying microorganisms and seaweed extract in combination; however, when applying the two biostimulants the values ​​of plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, biomass (fresh and dry), firmness, total soluble solids, vitamin C, chlorophyll (a and total) and indices of color (L* and b*) did not exceed those obtained when the biostimulants were applied individually. The combined application of microorganisms and seaweed extract improves cucumber yield, but not vegetative growth and, except for titratable acidity, fruit quality attributes.

Agro-productive response of pepper hybrids in a tropical sheltered production system

The present work aimed to evaluate the agro-productive response of bell pepper 'Robur F1' and 'Clair F1' hybrids. The experiment was conducted in a tropical sheltered production system at the "Valle del Yabú" Agricultural Enterprise. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates. The height and diameter of the main stem, length of internodes, and number of days to flowering were evaluated. Additionally, the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and yield, and fruit quality attributes (thickness of the pericarp, length, top width, color, shape, and number of lobes) were recorded. Results showed that 'Robur F1' reached a higher height (33.9 cm), the diameter of the main stem (12.9 mm) and the length of the internodes (9.84 cm). 'Clair F1' showed the highest number of fruits per plant (12), average fruit weight (273.60 g), and yield (3.87 kg/m2). A higher pericarp thickness and fruit width were observed in 'Clair F1', while the fruit was longer in 'Robur F1 (13 cm). Both hybrids had green bell peppers and fruits. With the knowledge of agro-productive characteristics of both pepper hybrids, Cuba may select the most remarkable genotype under a tropical sheltered production system. Keywords: agricultural yield, Capsicum annuum, fruit quality, morphological traits.

Enhancing the Fruit Yield and Quality in Pomegranate: Insights into Drip Irrigation and Mulching Strategies.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit tree that is globally distributed, especially in warm areas with low annual rainfall and limited water availability. This species exemplifies the critical role of water in agriculture and the need for efficient irrigation practices due to its characteristics, cultivation requirements, and geographic diffusion. In this study, we investigated the effects of drip irrigation and mulching on the vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality attributes of pomegranate. The experiment involved three irrigation regimes (100% of evapotranspiration, 80%, and 60%) and three mulching treatments (no mulch, plastic mulch, and organic mulch) in a factorial combination. Both irrigation and mulching had significant positive influences on the yield and fruit quality attributes. Specifically, deficit irrigation strategies showed a negative impact on the fruit yield per tree, with a greater effect observed as the severity of the irrigation deficit increased. Mulching, on the other hand, led to a significant increase in the fruit yield, primarily attributed to an increase in fruit size. Furthermore, the analysis indicated that irrigation and mulching treatments had distinct effects on fruit traits such as the fruit length, width, volume, and rind thickness. Interestingly, the study highlighted that the effects of irrigation and mulching on fruit quality attributes were mostly independent of each other, suggesting an additive influence rather than an interaction between the two factors. These findings underscore the importance of considering irrigation and mulching practices for optimizing fruit quality in pomegranate cultivation, particularly in semi-arid regions. The results contribute valuable insights for farmers and researchers seeking to enhance fruit production and quality.

Prediction of soluble solids content using near-infrared spectra and optical properties of intact apple and pulp applying PLSR and CNN

Soluble solids content (SSC) is one of the most important internal quality attributes of fruit and could be predicted using near-infrared (NIR) spectra and optical properties. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) is a conventional regression method in SSC prediction. In recent years, deep learning methods represented by convolutional neural network (CNN) was suggested to be implied in spectral analysis. However, researchers are inevitably facing problems with regard to the selection of spectral pretreatment methods and the evaluation of the performance of the chosen regression. This study employed PLSR and CNN regression to predict SSC of apple based on the collected diffuse reflectance spectra of intact apple, total reflectance and total transmittance spectra of apple pulp, and the calculated optical property spectra, i.e., absorption coefficient and reduced scattering coefficient spectra of apple pulp. Five different spectral pretreatment methods were exerted on these spectra. Results showed that at a given regression (PLSR or CNN), the built models based on the diffuse reflectance spectra of intact apple had the best SSC prediction, and the built models based on pulp’s reduced scattering coefficient spectra had the poorest prediction performance. The best prediction performance was achieved by PLSR models using Savitzky-Golay with multiple scattering correction (Rp = 0.96, RMSEP = 0.54 %) and CNN regressions using Savitzky-Golay with standard normal variational transformation (Rp = 0.95, RMSEP = 0.59 %), respectively. Additionally, when the unknown original spectra were used for modeling, CNN had a better performance compared to PLSR, indicating the outstanding preponderance of CNN in spectral analysis. This study provides an effective reference for the selection of chemometric method based on NIR spectra.

Micro Nutrient Management for Enhanced Growth, Yield, and Quality of Mango: A Comprehensive Review

This review paper delves into the intricate interrelationships among micronutrient interventions, carbohydrates, and osmostimulants, investigating their collective influence on diverse aspects of mango tree growth and fruit characteristics. Micronutrients, essential elements required in small quantities for plant health, play a pivotal role in shaping optimal plant development. The paper underscores the significance of these micronutrients by highlighting their roles in stimulating vegetative growth, influencing flowering dynamics, regulating fruit set processes, impacting yield metrics, and contributing to the nuanced attributes of fruit quality. This synthesis illuminates the complex network of processes governing mango tree growth and fruit production. Moreover, the study underscores the potential of well-structured nutrient management strategies as key catalysts for optimizing mango production outcomes. By carefully balancing the imperative of yield quantity and fruit quality, such strategies hold the promise of enhancing overall agricultural efficiency. Drawing insights from a comprehensive review of pertinent studies, this research paper contributes to a holistic comprehension of the intricate interactions involving micronutrients, carbohydrates, and osmostimulants, intricately connected with the diverse growth and fruit parameters within mango trees. Through this endeavor, the paper provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay of micronutrients within mango cultivation, offering a knowledge foundation for informed agricultural practices geared towards sustainable and high-quality fruit production. The paramount importance of micronutrients in fostering robust crop health and productivity underscores the broader implications of these findings for contemporary agricultural methodologies.

Consumers' insight and behaviour towards mango quality and safety attributes: implications for integrated value chain development

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to segment Pakistani consumers based on their insights and preference towards mango quality and safety attributes and to demographically characterise each segment so that effective value chain (VC) development strategies may be developed.Design/methodology/approachFactor and cluster analysis were applied to data collected from 400 mango buyers randomly selected from seven different cities in Pakistan.FindingsThis empirical study identified four distinct segments of mango consumers in Pakistan. The diversity of consumers' perception was mainly based on four factors: food safety, price and marketing, physical quality and shelf life. Based on their demographic characteristics and preferences for product attributes, the identified consumer segments can be classified as “traditional consumers,” “safety-conscious consumers,” price and market-sensitive consumers,” quality-sensitive consumers” and “perfect consumers.” This knowledge is useful to develop mango VCs that target specific consumer segments based on their chain level abilities and aspirations.Research limitations/implicationsThis study offers actors of mango VCs an enhanced understanding of consumer segments based on their perceived preferences towards the quality and safety attributes of mangoes, which would help VC actors design and develop business strategies that deliver value specific to each consumer segments. Findings of this study could also be useful to policy makers to design extension strategies that promote food safety and quality standards in mango VCs. Moreover, this study presents yet another case of consumer segmentation study for VC development in developing countries, adding a stepping stone towards a general VC theory development.Originality/valueThe findings stimulate the momentum of the growing literature, particularly in the developing countries on consumer insights and behaviour toward fruit quality and safety attributes of mangoes.

Diversity of Pollinator Species and Effect of Pollination on Strawberry Yield and Quality

Purpose: Insects constitute an important pollinator resource, and they are a key driver for both the fruit yield and the quality. It contributes in ensuring complete pollination and reproductive success of strawberries. However, the comprehensive benefits of insect pollinators in strawberry yield and fruit qualities through pollination are not quantified through empirical evidences. Therefore, this study quantifies the influence of pollinators on strawberry production.Research Method: The experiment was set up with two treatments (i.e., T1 - Open plots of strawberry, T2 – Mesh screen caged plot) arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications per treatment. Opportunistic visual encounter and observational plot methods were followed to collect the insect pollinators sample. Further, the complete enumeration sampling was applied to collect strawberry plants sample.Findings: The results showed that during strawberry blossom, Tetramorium sp. was the prominent visitor (n = 506) followed by Apis cerana (n = 322). Based on the insects’ foraging behavior, insect abundance and visit frequency, Apis cerana, Apis laboriosa, Xylocopa acutipennis, Bombus sp. and Junonia almana were recorded to be an effective Camarosa pollinator. The exclusion of pollinators in Camarosa resulted in smaller-sized and deformed fruits with inferior fruit quality attributes (color, shape and total soluble solids) compared to open plot fruits. The fruit quality attributes were significantly affected by pollination. Originality/value: This study is the first of its kind to record the insect pollinators visiting Camarosa cultivar and study reported Tetramorium sp. as a successful pollinator in strawberries for the first time.

Seasonal Difference of Fruit Quality Attributes and Physiological Disorders in Paprika Cultivars under a Simulated Export System

Seasonal Difference of Fruit Quality Attributes and Physiological Disorders in Paprika Cultivars under a Simulated Export System

Studies on Heterosis for Fruit Yield, Quality and ToLCV Resistant in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Aims: The current study was designed to investigate the nature and extent of heterosis for marketable fruit output, quality attributes, and resistance to tomato leaf curl virus.
 Study Design: Statistical Randomized Block Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: The current study was conducted in Horticulture Research Field at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences at Prayagraj U.P. India during Rabi, 2016–17.
 Methodology: The experimental included three testers and thirteen lines During Rabi, 2016–17, out of these, ten lines (female parents) were crossed with every three testers (male parents). The resulting 30 F1s were assessed for yield, fruit quality, and leaf curl virus resistance. To gather data, five plants from each replication were randomly tagged in each entry and analysis of variance was performed. Heterosis over better parent (BP) was calculated by treating each feature using the approach proposed by Hayes et al. [1]. The studied data were statically analyzed using the Indostat software Hyderabad program.
 Results: The standard heterosis for fruit yield ranged from -67.19 to 29.70% Check (Kashi Abhiman). Five crosses viz., Arka Abha x Kashi Aman, Arka Abha x Kashi Vishesh, Pant T-7 x Kashi Vishesh, S-22 x H-88-78-5 and Pant T-7 x Kashi Aman were exhibited sufficient amount of significant and positive heterosis for fruit yield over standard check. The hybrids Azad T-5 x Kashi Aman and Pant T-7 x Kashi Aman exhibited low incidence with negative heterosis for the ToLCV incidence and severity.
 Conclusion: Commercialization of hybrid vigor in tomato (Solanum lycopersium L.) has gained prominence due to various advantages of hybrids over pure line varieties, including higher marketable fruit output, component characteristics, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. According to data presented in the study it is concluded that hybrid vigour can obtain by crossing of parents having desirable characters in tomato.

Effect of Rootstock Selection on Tree Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Lemon Varieties Cultivated in Greece

Lemon is a prominent citrus fruit that supports regional economies worldwide. Several agronomic and fruit quality attributes are affected by the rootstock selection, thus its selection is essential for a successful grove. This study aims to compare the agronomic and quality attributes of four lemon cultivars (‘Mikrokarpo Messaras’, ‘Nouvel Athos’, ‘Femminello Commune,’ and ‘Zia gara Bianca’) grafted onto three rootstocks (‘Sour Orange’, ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’, and ‘Volkameriana’). The yield and rootstock/scion ratio were estimated along with fruit morphological characteristics (size, equatorial, and polar diameter). Internal fruit quality was also estimated (total soluble solids, total acidity, juiciness, ascorbic acid, total phenols, and total antioxidant activity). ‘Volkameriana’ rootstock stood out among the studied rootstocks, as all grafted lemon varieties increased their productivity. Its combination with the Italian cultivar ‘Femminello Commune’ exhibited enhanced tree vigor and tree yield. For all studied cultivars, the use of ‘Volkameriana’ or ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’ rootstocks decreased the total soluble content and total acidity, increased the ascorbic acid content, and did not influence the TSS/TA ratio, total phenols or total antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the vigorous ‘Volkameriana’ and ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’ rootstocks are a promising replacement for ‘sour orange’. This research provides valuable insights into the potential use of ‘Yuma Ponderosa lemon’ as a rootstock for lemons, as existing literature is rather limited.

Effect of Mucilage-Based Edible Coating Enriched with Oregano Essential Oil on Postharvest Quality and Sensorial Attributes of Fresh-Cut Loquat

Due to pulp browning, weight loss, firmness loss, and decay, loquat fruits, and even more minimally processed fruits have a very short post-harvest life. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage-based edible coating enriched with oregano oil on postharvest quality, microbial growth, and sensorial attributes of fresh-cut cv Martorana loquat fruit during cold storage. Fresh-cut loquat fruits were dipped in the mucilage-based solution enriched with oregano essential oil (MO-EC) and in distilled water used as control (CTR). According to our results, the mucilage-based edible coating enriched with oregano oil significantly improved the postharvest life of minimally processed loquat fruits by preserving quality, nutraceutical value, and sensory aspects. MO-EC had a barrier effect on fresh-cut loquat fruit, reducing weight and firmness losses, inhibiting TSS, TA, ascorbic acid content decrease, and enhancing the antioxidant activity until the end of the cold storage period (11 days at 5 °C). Microbiological analysis revealed that coated loquat fruits were characterized by a cell density of spoilage microorganisms 1 Log cycle lower than control fruits. The mucilage-based coating enriched with OEO positively affects the visual appearance of fresh-cut loquat fruits, at the end of the cold storage period, MO-EC samples did indeed report visual ratings that were five times greater than CTR samples. Our research suggests that applying mucilage-based coating enriched with OEO improves peeled loquat fruit shelf-life and allows the producers to sell products that are usually considered unmarketable (fruit with epicarp with large spot areas) to the market.

How Does Watermelon Grafting Impact Fruit Yield and Quality? A Systematic Review

Globally, there has been an increase in stringent regulations governing the use of chemical soil fumigants for controlling diseases, pests, and weeds. Grafting has been identified as an effective alternative to soil fumigation for managing soilborne diseases and pests in intensive vegetable cropping systems. The majority of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) grafting research confirms that selected rootstocks play a role in improving plant resistance or tolerance to common soilborne diseases. Currently, there is a lack of evidence-based literature on the effects of grafting on watermelon fruit quality attributes and yield components. Previous reviews report wide variation in the impact of grafting on watermelon production, depending on rootstock–scion combinations and environmental conditions. This review employed evidence-based synthesis methods to comprehensively and methodically summarize research results of the impact of grafting on watermelon, with a focus on fruit quality and yield. In this systematic review, 548 citations (studies published during 2011–21) were screened against strict inclusion criteria, and data were extracted from 47 studies. Meta-analysis of percent differences between the grafted watermelon treatment and the nongrafted or self-grafted watermelon control was performed using extracted data of yield components and a wide range of fruit quality attributes. Meta-analysis of research data with variance measures was also conducted based on a rather limited number of studies. Our findings showed higher levels of total yield, average fruit weight, fruit length and width, fruit lycopene and soluble solids content, rind thickness, flesh firmness, lightness, chroma, and flesh nitrogen (N) content in grafted watermelon treatments compared with the nongrafted or self-grafted control. In particular, total yield, average fruit weight, and flesh firmness exhibited significant increases of a more than 10% difference. In contrast, grafted plants demonstrated decreases in fruit pH, hue angle, and flesh calcium content, although the reduction was not greater than 10% relative to the control. Meta-analysis of research data with variance measures further confirmed significantly greater total yield and flesh N content in grafted watermelon treatments compared with the nongrafted or self-grafted control. In addition, the meta-analysis results confirmed greater benefits of watermelon grafting in the presence of known soilborne disease pressure in contrast to the production scenarios without soilborne disease problems.

Effects of acidic electrolyzed-oxidizing water treatment on the postharvest physiology, storability, and quality properties of navel orange fruit

Postharvest navel oranges are susceptible to fruit spoilage and quality deterioration, which restricts their storage-life and commercial values. Acidic electrolyzed-oxidizing water (AEOW) is a safe, economic and environmentally friendly postharvest treatment method that can maintain the quality of fresh products and prolong their storage life. Effects of AEOW with pH 2.5 and 75 mg/L of available chlorine concentration (ACC) on the storability and quality properties of ‘Newhall’ navel orange fruit during postharvest storage from 0 to 180 d were detected. Compared with the control group, AEOW-treated navel oranges displayed a lower respiration rate and cell membrane permeability, lower occurrence of fruit disease and weight loss, a higher commercially acceptable fruit rate, higher values of L*, b*, C as well as h°, and lower values of a* and citrus color index. Moreover, samples treated with AEOW were able to maintain higher contents of flesh carotenoid, flavonoid, and total phenolics. The AEOW treatment was conducive to maintaining higher fruit firmness and postponing the decomposition of flesh total soluble solids, total soluble sugar, sucrose sugar, reducing sugar, and vitamin C, and maintaining higher titratable acidity of navel oranges during storage. These findings corroborated that the AEOW treatment could be a means for maintaining quality attributes and improving the storability of navel oranges.

Effect of load regulation by winter pruning on fruit quality attributes of Duke and Legacy blueberry cultivars

Effect of load regulation by winter pruning on fruit quality attributes of Duke and Legacy blueberry cultivars