Fruit Quality Characteristics Research Articles

Gene action for yield components and fruit quality characters of tomato genotypes possessing mutant genes through generation mean analysis

Nature of gene action for fruit yield and quality charactersof tomato was determined analyzing the mean and variancesof the six genetic populations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1 and BC2) ofthree cross combinations involving parental linespossessing mutant genes viz., Alisa Craig AftAftx Alisa Craighp-1 hp-1, Alisa Craig Aft Aftx Alisa Craig ogcogc and AlisaCraig AftAftx BCT 115 dg dg. In most of the characters inthree cross combinations, simple additive / dominance modelwas inadequate to explain the gene action which indicatedthe involvement of epistasis in the control of the characterconcerned. The characters were under the control of bothfixable and non-fixable gene effects, but non-fixable geneeffects were predominant. Duplicate type epistasis for mostof the characters would hinder the pace of progress throughselection. Postponement of selection in later generationsand development of hybrids were the best breeding strategybecause non-fixable gene effects were predominant for mostof the characters.

Serada Sonbahar Dönemi Dolmalık Biber Yetiştiriciliğinde Hibrit Çeşit Adaylarının Meyve Kalitesi ve Verim Performansları

Sebzelerde düşük sıcaklık zararı; büyüme ve gelişmeyi olumsuz etkileyerek verim ve kalite kayıplarına neden olan önemli bir abiyotik stres faktörüdür. Örtüaltı sebze yetiştiriciliğinde düşük sıcaklıklar nedeniyle tür ve çeşitlere göre değişmekle birlikte verim ve kalite performansları yönünden önemli düzeyde azalışlar meydana gelmektedir. Bu çalışmada, üniversite sanayi iş birliğiyle yürütülen biber çeşit ıslahı programı kapsamında geliştirilen 28 hibrit dolmalık biber çeşit adayının ısıtmasız serada sonbahar dönemi yetiştiriciliğinde meyve kalite ve verim özellikleri yönünden performanslarının karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Isıtmasız serada ilk hasatlar, fide dikiminden itibaren 46-58 gün sonra yapılmıştır. Dolmalık biber genotipleri arasında meyve boyu değerleri yönünden istatistiksel olarak önemli düzeyde farklılıkların olduğu bulunmuştur. Meyve eni değerleri, 47.31-55.86 mm arasında değişim göstermiştir. Renk tonları yönünden dolmalık biber genotipleri arasında belirgin farklılıkların olduğu saptanmıştır. Hibrit biber çeşit adaylarında bitki başına meyve sayılarının ortalama 15.6-30.0 adet arasında değiştiği belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada, Samsun ekolojik koşullarında serada hibrit biber çeşit adaylarının dekara verim değerlerinin, 2560.5 kg (HD-16) ile 5102.5 kg (HD-8) arasında değişim gösterdiği saptanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda incelenen tüm parametreler birlikte değerlendirildiğinde; HD-4, HD-8 ve HD-24 genotiplerinin düşük sıcaklığa tolerant olduğu ve sonbahar dönemi yetiştiriciliği için ümit var hibrit dolmalık biber çeşit adayları olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Thermal Poststorage Treatment for Maintaining Fruit Quality and Extending Storage Life of Pomegranate Wonderful cultivars

Cold storage is a widely used method for prolonging pomegranate fruit shelf life. However, low storage temperature may result in fruit decayed and chilling injury. So, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different storage temperature (5, 10, and 20 °C with 85-90% RH) for maintaining quality criteria and storage period prolongation of pomegranate fruits cv. wonderful during 2018 and 2019 seasons. Fruit quality characteristics i.e., fruit weight, volume, length, and diameter, total aril weight, total juice weight and color parameters, of skin, aril and juice were investigated. Soluble solids content (TSS), total acidity (TA), ascorbic acid content (vitamin C), and total anthocyanin content were measured periodically for a storage period of 30 days for 5, 3 and 2 months respectively. Results indicated that pomegranate fruits stored at 5°C showed lower weight loss percent and higher firmness than that occurred in fruit stored at 10 and 20°C with more expand storage period. Pomegranates stored at 5°C recorded the highest fruit weight, fruit volume, aril weight and juice weight with the lowest fruit specific gravity after four months. While, the highest fruit length and diameter were noted at 10°C storage after the third month. The highest anthocyanin content was recorded for pomegranate fruits after five storage months at 5 ° C. Lightness (L) and Chroma (C*) color parameters in skin and aril of wonderful pomegranate fruits had higher gradual increment compared with its values at harvest. Meanwhile, hue angle (H0) color parameter clarified remarkable reduction trend throughout different storage temperatures such as 5, 10 and 20 °C with expanding storage periods. On the other side, fruit juice color (Lightness (L*) and Chroma (C*)) cleared a significant decrease with a noticeable increment for hue angle (ho) respectively compared with initial value at harvest. From these results it can be concluded that cold storage at 5°C was better than storage at 10 and 20 °C for expanding the market duration of pomegranate fruits.

Influence of High Tunnel Microclimate on Fruit Quality and Calcium Concentration in ‘Santina’ Sweet Cherries in a Mediterranean Climate

The use of protective covers, such as high tunnels, is recognized as an effective technology to reduce rain-induced fruit cracking in sweet cherries; however, there is a lack of information concerning the effects of this production system on the fruit’s mineral concentration, quality, and postharvest life. This study assesses the feasibility of using high tunnels on ‘Santina’ sweet cherries under the Mediterranean climate of the Central Valley of Chile to obtain earlier harvests of high-quality fruit with long storage life. The study included two plots: Plot 1 during the 2018/2019 growing season, and Plot 2 during the 2019/2020 growing season. High temperatures and relative humidity inside the high tunnels during bloom and fruit set decreased fruit yield, particularly in Plot 1. On average, trees inside the high tunnels were harvested 11 days earlier than those in the open. Fruit from covered trees were significantly larger (13%) and softer (10%) than those from the outside. Fruit quality characteristics, such as soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity, were not affected by high-tunnel-protected cultivation. Fruit from covered and uncovered trees maintained the firmness differences obtained at harvest between treatments, but showed similar postharvest quality after 45 days at 0 °C and a further 3 days at 20 °C on the other characteristics. The covered fruit had lower Ca concentrations (7.7 mg 100 g−1) and higher K:Ca, Mg:Ca, and N:Ca ratios. Significant relationships were found between Ca or K:Ca and fruit firmness at harvest. Lower Ca concentrations in the fruit may explain the lower firmness of fruit grown under plastic covers. There were no differences between covered and uncovered cherries in either cracking susceptibility or induced pitting. ‘Santina’ cherries were very sensitive to pitting damage, but this is not associated with the fruit’s Ca concentration. The results obtained show that high tunnels influenced fruit yield, development, and quality, and emphasize that the fruit’s Ca concentration under this growing condition plays a significant role in the firmness of ‘Santina’ sweet cherries.

An Early Calcium Loading during Cherry Tree Dormancy Improves Fruit Quality Features at Harvest

The possible role of an early calcium application via sprays (0.25, 0.5 and 1M CaCl2) on dormant buds to improve sweet cherry (cv. Ferrovia) fruit quality at harvest was investigated. Fruit quality characteristics were also investigated in response to the age of spurs, the ripening stage, and their interactions. Results indicate that calcium enters the dormant flower buds and the phloem but not to the dormant vegetative buds. At harvest, the levels of Zn, Mn, and Cu were declined in fruits by increasing CaCl2 doses of sprays. Fruit respiratory activity was higher and on–tree fruit cracking was lower in red-colour (unripe) cherries as well as in fruit that was produced by 2-year-old short spurs or by Ca-treated buds. Differences in the sweet cherry skin metabolic profiles were identified. Fruit produced from Ca-exposed spurs exhibited lower levels of ribose and other cell-wall-related sugars and higher sucrose, maltose, and quininic acid levels. Nutrient shift was increased in red cherries, while anthocyanins were boosted in the black ones. PCA analysis was performed between the high dose of calcium spray and a control for mineral element content and cherry quality traits. This study illustrates that the high dose of calcium application during bud dormancy can effectively improve sweet cherry fruit characteristics, in terms of calcium content, cracking incidence, and fruit set. Overall, the present study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of calcium nutrition in fruit crops, which will provide references for alternative nutrient management and quality control in sweet cherry production.

Identification of Key Periods of Temperature Influence on ‘Sirora’ Pistachio Nut Quality

The methodology of r contour mapping was used in this study of ‘Sirora’ pistachio (Pistacia vera) to establish whether there are any significant relationships between fruit quality characteristics in commercial pistachio production and air temperature in the year before the harvest of the crop as measured at a nearby meteorological station. The work was done near Mildura in Australia. Blank nut percentages were found to be reduced by lower minimum temperatures in mid to late August (southern hemisphere). The percentage of narrow-split nuts was decreased by higher maximum temperatures across almost the whole growing season. Damaged-shell nuts were reduced by higher average daily minimum temperatures between 26 Nov. and 3 Feb. The technique of r contour mapping is shown to have potential as a way to provide early warning of possible quality problems before harvest and as a means of generating hypotheses for future physiological studies

Influences of girdling and potassium treatments on fruit quality and some physiological characters of ‘Fremont’ mandarin variety

Abstract Growing citrus involves cultural treatments such as girdling and foliar potassium treatment to increase fruit size, yield and quality. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of single and double stem girdling, potassium nitrate (KNO3) treatment on leaves and combinations of these treatments on the fruit yield, size and quality characteristics, leaf chlorophyll concentration and leaf nitrogen content, leaf fluorescence (PSII) and leaf sugar content of the ‘Fremont’ mandarin variety. Girdling treatments were applied on the stem by removing 4 mm wide ring of bark at the end of anthesis and after the June fruit drop. Foliar KNO3 applications were applied at a concentration of 4% twice (90 days and 120 days after full anthesis) in the experiment. The single girdling (SG) and double girdling (DG) treatments on stems increased fruit yield (kg · tree−1) by approximately 40% relative to the control (C). Treatments did not significantly affect the internal fruit quality of the ‘Fremont’ mandarin variety except in fruit colour and appearance. The highest impact on fruit size was found in the DG + KNO3 treatment. According to treatments and periods, the SPAD values varied between 62.08 and 70.67, whereas the PSII values varied between 0.698 and 0.756. The treatments significantly increased the leaf nitrogen (N) concentration and the fructose, glucose and sucrose concentrations relative to the control. The highest N concentration content was detected in the foliar potassium treatment, and the highest total sugar content was detected in the SG treatment.

Comparison of sugars, organic acids and aroma components of five table grapes in Xinjiang

The sugar, organic acid and aroma Components are very important quality characteristics of fruits. In this study, sugars, organic acids and volatile substances in five varieties of Xinjiang table grape pulp were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that among the five varieties of table grapes in Xinjiang, fructose and glucose were the main sugars, accounting for 46.53-48.82% and 49.35-51.49% of the total sugar content, respectively. Tartaric acid and malic acid were the main organic acids, accounting for 55.72-60.07% and 28.54-39.52% of the total organic acids, respectively. The composition of sugars and organic acids ratio plays a significant role in the taste of table grapes. The sweetness of Red Globe was the highest while the acidity of Centennial Seedless was the highest. In addition, 87 varieties of volatile compounds were identified in table grape pulp with aldehydes as the major compounds (30.93-71.83%). In particular, trans-2-hexenal accounted for 19.33-44.56% of the total volatiles. Analysis of active odorants showed that nerol, geraniol, (Z)-3-hexenal, trans-2-hexenal, phenylacetaldehyde, citral and β-myrcene had great contributions to the flavors of Centennial Seedless and Muscat Hamburg, providing flowery, fruity, green and grassy flavors. Hexanol, trans-2-hexen-1-ol, damascone and ethyl butyrate had great contributions to the flavors of Rizamat, providing flowery, green and fruity flavors. Nonanal and 1-octen-3-one had great contributions to the flavors of Manaizi, providing mushroom and fruity flavors. The results provided the complete chemical characteristics of sugar, organic acids and volatile compounds of five varieties of table grapes in Xinjiang, China.

Eco-friendly control of licorice aqueous extract to increase quality and resistance to postharvest decay in apple and tangerine fruits.

Postharvest diseases in fruits and vegetables are one of the major problems in storing them as a fresh agri-product. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) aqueous extract against the Penicillium expansum and the Penicillium digitatum in apple and tangerine fruits as well as their postharvest decay during storage time. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the molds, and the decay inhibition percentage (%DI) with the P.expansum for apple and P.digitatum for tangerine after treatment with licorice aqueous extract were measured. Additionally, the lesion diameter, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and organoleptic properties were determined. The growth of molds was almost inhibited at the concentration of 62.5mg/mL. The ability of licorice aqueous extract to significantly control and reduce the growth of P. expansum in apple by 60 and 20 % after 7 days and 21 days of storage time was proved, respectively. Furthermore, significant differences in pH and TSS (p < 0.05) were observed in apples. Also, the growth of P. digitatum in the tangerine reduced by 33.3 % after 7 days, while there was no significant difference between the control and treatment groups in pH and TSS for apples, and similarly, there was no significant difference in TA for tangerine samples. Therefore, the licorice aqueous extract treatment could postpone the blue mold decay in apple fruits and green mold decay in tangerine without any significant effect on fruit quality characteristics. It can be considered as a new eco-friendly control in fruit preservation, while it did not result in any significant adverse effect on the quality.

Exploring Plant Performance, Fruit Physicochemical Characteristics, Volatile Profiles, and Sensory Properties of Day-Neutral and Short-Day Strawberry Cultivars Grown in Texas.

To assist increasing annual acreage of Texas-grown (U.S.A.) strawberries, it is essential to select cultivars with excellent plant and fruit quality characteristics suitable to the diverse environments. This study assessed multiple traits of 10 strawberry cultivars grown under high tunnels. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was observed for all traits, which possessed a wide variability of metabolites. Plant analysis (number of live plants, plant vigor, and harvest yield) indicated that the yield ranged from 226 to 431 g/plant, positively correlated to plant vigor. Fruit physicochemical characteristic analysis, including red color (absorbance at 500 nm) and taste-associated indicators [°Brix, titratable acidity (TA), and total soluble solids (TSS)/TA], showed that °Brix and TSS/TA ranged from 8.0 to 12.9 and from 9.1 to 15.3, respectively. More than 300 volatiles were identified using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and total volatiles varied 1.5 times with high variance of individual compounds between cultivars. Descriptive sensory analysis indicated that strawberry flavor was positively associated with sensory attributes of sweetness, jammy, fruity, buttery, fresh, and creamy while negatively related to bitterness, astringency, and sourness. Partial least squares regression indicated that strawberry flavor was highly correlated with sweet taste and volatile composition. No specific relationship between these traits and day-neutral or June-bearing varieties was identified. Ideal cultivars for Texas growing conditions with superior and balanced flavor qualities were Albion, Sweet Charlie, Camarosa, Camino Real, and Chandler.

Fruit picking time and fruit characteristics of the F2 population of local okra [Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench] crosses with introduced variety

Okra attains its best fruit quality when the pods are still tender. The previous research reported that the crosses of the local okra, i.e. okra Merah and okra Hijau with introduced variety VE022 and B291 success to obtain plants with extended picking time. This research aimed to evaluate the fruit picking time and fruit characteristics of the F2 population and obtain the F2 genotypes that have a more extended fruit picking time. The research was conducted at the Research Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University. The materials used are seeds collected from selfed-pollination of ten crosses [F2 populations] and okra Merah and okra Hijau cultivar as a control. Data collected based on an individual observation, and then the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and unpaired t-test at a 5% significance level. Results showed that a particular plant from the F2 population has a more extended picking time of up to nine days after anthesis, indicating improved fruit quality characters, i.e. fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit weight. Plants obtained with a longer fruit picking time of nine and eight days after anthesis are 14.4% and 67.0%, respectively. Selected plants, i.e. FOHVE022-8-13, SOMVE022-10-1, and FOHVE022-8-13 that consistently reveal a high number of fruits per plant, larger fruit size, and heavier fruit weight, need to be self-pollinated and evaluated in further research before releasing as a variety.

Agro-morphological characterization of yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa Degener) reveals elite genotypes for a breeding program in Colombia

Yellow passion fruit cultivation in Colombia lacks detailed genetic studies that allow the establishment of intraspecific variability as a basis for a breeding program. The aim of this research was to establish the genetic relationships among accessions of different geographic origins through an agro-morphological characterization. This research was carried out in the municipality of Palestina (Caldas) at the Luker farm located at 1050 m a.s.l. Fifty-two accessions from Colombia (47), Ecuador (3), Brazil (1), and Costa Rica (1) were characterized with 45 agro-morphological descriptors complemented with phytosanitary evaluations. The quantitative descriptors (25) were analyzed by variance decomposition and principal components (PCA), and the qualitative descriptors (18) were analyzed with the multiple correspondence factor analysis (MCFA). The classification analysis by the neighbor-joining (NJ) method was used for both types of descriptors. PCA results showed six components explaining 71.6% of the total variance that are mainly associated with descriptors related to the size of the flower (tube, nectar camera, and operculum) and weight of the fruit (pulp, shell, and juice content). Thirteen qualitative descriptors were selected, and four factors (44.38% inertia) were identified, mainly associated with pubescence and anthocyanins in the bract, petiole, leaf, and ripe fruit color. The NJ classification analysis showed no relationship between accessions by geographic origin, and the distance between individuals of the same accession was higher than among accessions for both types of descriptors. Thrips (Neohydatothrips signifier) and scab (Cladosporium cladosporioides) were the pests with the highest incidence in the accessions. Six elite accessions were identified according to the selection index with outstanding fruit quality characteristics, yield, and tolerance to phytosanitary problems. The high intra-accession variability and traits of certain accessions are the basis for future breeding programs to obtain more productive and tolerant cultivars.

Yield and Fruit Quality of Banana Musa (AAB) Nendran as Influenced by Nutrient Sources

The present study was conducted at Banana Research Station, Kannara, Kerala Agricultural University Thrissur, Kerala, India during 2017-2018. Evaluation was conducted by raising the crop under different manurial combinations. Banana yield and fruit quality characters were found to be influenced by the different treatments. Analysis was conducted for the biochemical constituents of mature and ripe Nendran banana fruits. Maximum starch (99.61 mg), protein (5.53 mg), crude fibre (3.95%) and tannin content (0.81 g) in mature fruits were obtained in Treatment-8 (FYM @ 29 kg, lime @ 0.5 kg and wood ash @ 4 kg plant-1 as basal dose+fertigation with extract of 14 kg FYM till one month after bunch emergence, once in four days+in situ green manuring). This treatment also recorded lowest titrable acidity (0.38%), highest β-carotene content (595.67 µg) in ripe banana fruits. Maximum TSS content (26.23 obrix) was obtained in Treatment-6 in which fertilizers applied as modified package of practices (POP) recommendation of KAU as per soil test). Maximum yield (160.88 kg plot-1) and fruit quality parameters; maximum total sugars (17.55%) and reducing sugars (11.38%), sugars/acid ratio (45.07) of ripe banana fruits were obtained in Treatment-3 where 15 kg FYM and 0.5 kg lime as basal+Poultry manure @ 14 kg plant-1+ash @ 4 kg plant-1 applied in two splits i.e. one as basal and one 3 MAP+in situ green manuring practised. It was evident from the study that application of organic manures improved fruit quality characters in Nendran banana.

Development of temperature regime of storage of frozen black currants

The process of ice formation in the pericarp of black currant depends on the pomological variety, the degree of ripeness of the fruit, and the method of freezing. During the slow and fast freezing of black currant, four ranges of fruit cooling temperatures are distinguished: 1) from the temperature of the fruit to the temperature of initiation of ice formation; 2) from the temperature of the front (initiation) of ice formation to the lowest possible temperature of the fetal mesocarp; 3) from the lowest possible temperature of the mesocarp to the lowest temperature of the fetal endocarp; 4) from the lowest possible endocarp temperature to fetal freezing temperature. Fast freezing boosts cooling, freezing and freezing from 37 min. (slow) up to 5.6 min. due to a halving of the temperature of initiation of ice formation, an increase of 1.3 times in the rate of heat extraction and an increase in the freezing temperature from –22...–24 °С (slow) to –20.8 °С. It is scientifically substantiated that the temperatures of freezing fruits significantly change the general existing recommendations (not higher than –18 °С) regarding the storage conditions of black currant fruits: with quick freezing, not higher than –21 °С, with slow freezing, not higher than –24 °С. The formation of the properties of black currant occurs during the growing season under various agro-climatic conditions and affects the parameters of ice formation indicators. The marketable condition, quality and organoleptic characteristics of black currant fruits depend on the method of freezing. The advantages of fast freezing of black currant fruits in a quick-freezing chamber with forced air circulation at a speed of 1.5–2.5 m/s at a temperature of –30...–32 °С in comparison with slow freezing in freezers at a temperature of –20 have been established. ..– 22 °С.

Kiwifruit maturation, ripening and environmental response is not affected by CENTRORADIALIS (CEN) gene-editing

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown the conversion of the perennial kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) to continuously flowering allows rapid cycling of generations. These plants are smaller, flower earlier and do not undergo dormancy. They provide a model system to rapidly test gene function in flowers and fruit, and allows for continuous production of fruit rather than seasonal production. In this study, the fruit of continuously flowering, CENTRORADIALIS (CEN) gene-edited, yellow-fleshed ‘Hort16A’ kiwifruit lines were assessed for a range of fruit quality characters. The fruit were smaller and often misshapen, but maturation and ripening occurred on a similar timeline to those of orchard-grown fruit. A single edited CEN line with balanced vegetative-floral production and fruit maturation was selected to assess the effects of growing conditions on fruit maturation and ripening. By lowering the temperature of the plants during maturation, starch breakdown and fruit softening were induced and degreening slowed. This result shows that despite the gene-edited plants flowering continuously and not experiencing a period of winter dormancy, the fruit they produce can complete a full cycle of development and ripening, and these fruit may be manipulated in a predictable manner through temperature within the controlled growing environment.

Analysis of Re-Heterosis for Yield and Fruit Quality in Restructured Hybrids, Generated from Crossings among Tomato Recombinant Lines

Randomized complete block design was used, with three replications. Heterosis for yield and fruit quality characteristics was studied, and expressed as Relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and Standard heterosis. It would be expected, according to the dominance model, that the heterosis recorded after crossing the recombinant lines, having only a small portion of recessive deleterious alleles, would be minimal. The results showed that the elite recombinant inbred lines became the parents of elite restructured hybrids, with increased levels of re-heterosis for all characters measured. This may prove that dominance is not the only case in explaining heterosis in tomato for yield components and fruit quality characteristics. Several recombinant lines, and most of the new reconstructed F1 hybrids, showed excellent productivity under a low input farming system. The evaluation and selection of the different types of cultivars (recombinant pure lines or reconstructed hybrids) under low input conditions could point towards the most suitable/ideal genotype for organic cultivation.

Effect of cellulose nanofiber-based coating with chitosan and trans-cinnamaldehyde on the microbiological safety and quality of cantaloupe rind and fresh-cut pulp. Part 2: Quality attributes

The quality characteristics of fruits and vegetables can be protected with coatings. The presented study aimed to evaluate the effect of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) based coatings with chitosan (CHI) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) on the quality attributes, including weight loss, total soluble solid (TSS) content, firmness, and color of whole and fresh-cut cantaloupe during storage at 22 °C and 4 °C, respectively. Results showed that CNF-based coating was effective in protecting whole cantaloupes from firmness reduction and color change in redness/greenness (a*) and yellowness/blueness (b*) during room-temperature storage for up to 11 days. Coating containing only CNF was not able to prevent the quality changes of fresh-cut cantaloupe during the cold storage, but CNF + CHI/CNF + CHI + TC significantly decreased the weight loss, decelerated the firmness increase and maintained the lightness (L*) of fresh-cut cantaloupe for up to 7 days. The incorporation of chitosan (1%, w/w) improved the protection effect of CNF-based coatings against quality changes during storage for both whole and fresh-cut cantaloupes, but TC (1%, w/w) did not show significant enhancement on the protection effects of coatings for most quality attributes. This study indicates that the CNF-based coatings have the potential to maintain quality attributes of whole and fresh-cut fruits during storage and distribution.

Earliness, yield, and fruit quality characteristics in low chill peach-nectarines: a comparison of protected and open area cultivation

This study was carried out to determine the effects of protected cultivation on the earliness, yield, and fruit quality characteristics of some lowchill peach-nectarine cultivars grown in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey. Phenological observations, yield parameters, and fruit quality characteristics were investigated. The chilling durations as CH (chilling hours), CU (chilling unit), and heat accumulations were determined. The `Astoria? cultivar reached the highest cumulative yield of 29.11 kg/tree and 38.72 t/ha, and fruit size was 131.89 g and 61.74 mm in protected cultivation. The CH and CU values under protected cultivation were 28% and 40% lower than in open area cultivation, respectively. The heat accumulation was 30% higher for GDH30 in the protected cultivation. The results of this study revealed that low chill peach-nectarine cultivars grown in protected cultivation showed variable earliness, yield, and fruit quality depending on chilling duration and heat accumulation.

Influence of tomato waste compost ratios on plant growth and fruit quality of cucumber and summer squash

ABSTRACT Peat-moss (Sphagnum spp.), is currently an expensive material and a nonrenewable resource with variable properties. Therefore, its use should be gradually reduced. Hence, there are numerous attempts aiming to reduce the use of peat-moss as a bulk substrate and to search for high-quality, locally available and low-cost alternatives to peat-moss. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to investigate the effect of partial replacing of peat-moss with tomato waste compost (TWC) on plant growth, productivity, fruit quality, and morphological features of two types of economic cucurbits species under greenhouse conditions. The plants were planted into pots containing different proportions of TWC (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 30%) with peat-moss, sand and clay as growing substrates. The results indicated that the plant height and the leaves number of both plants were significantly influenced by different substrate treatments. TWC ratios of 15% and 20% increased the amount of cucumber and summer squash fruit yield more than the commercial peat media but they had insignificant differences. Also, they were significantly improved fruit quality characteristics, particularly total soluble solid (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) of crop fruits more than commercial peat-moss treatment. Implications: Because of the high price of peat-moss and that it is a non-renewable material, farmers resorted to using other alternatives, including green residue compost. Thus, the aim of this work is to reduce the use of peat-moss by replacing it with the use of lokw percentages of TWC. When tomato plant residues return to the soil by converting them into compost, this is a valuable agricultural practice to improve soil fertility and increase the organic matter of the soil as well as increase the source of nitrogen (N) that supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms.

Comparative Evaluation of Tomato Hybrids and Inbred Lines for Fruit Quality Traits

Tomato is one of the most consumed fruit vegetables globally and is a high dietary source of minerals, fiber, carotenoids, and vitamin C. The tomato is also well known for its nutraceutical chemical content which strengthens human immune systems and is protective against infectious and degenerative diseases. For this reason, there has been recent emphasis on breeding new tomato cultivars with nutraceutical value. Most of the modern tomato cultivars are F1 hybrids, and many of the characteristics associated with fruit quality have additive gene action; so, in theory, inbred vigor could reach hybrid vigor. A sum of 20 recombinant lines was released from the commercial single-cross hybrids Iron, Sahara, Formula, and Elpida, through a breeding process. Those recombinant lines were evaluated during spring–summer 2015 under organic farming conditions in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) experimental design with three replications. A sum of eleven qualitative characteristics of the fruit was recorded on an individual plant basis. Results from this study indicated that the simultaneous selection of individual tomato plants, both in terms of their high yield and desired fruit quality characteristics, can lead to highly productive recombinant lines with integrated quality characteristics. So, inbred vigor can reach and even surpass hybrid vigor. The response to selection for all characteristics evaluated shows additive gene action of all characteristics measured. These recombinant lines can fulfill this role as alternatives to hybrid cultivars and those that possess high nutritional values to function as functional-protective food.