Fruit Quality Research Articles

Graph-Based Pangenome of Actinidia chinensis Reveals Structural Variations Mediating Fruit Degreening.

Fruit ripening is associated with the degreening process (loss of chlorophyll) that occurs in most fruit species. Kiwifruit is one of the special species whose fruits may maintain green flesh by accumulating a large amount of chlorophyll even after ripening. However, little is known about the genetic variations related to the fruit degreening process. Here, a graph-based kiwifruit pangenome by analyzing 14 chromosome-scale haplotype-resolved genome assemblies from seven representative cultivars or lines in Actinidia chinensis is built. A total of 49,770 non-redundant gene families are identified, with core genes constituting 46.6%, and dispensable genes constituting 53.4%. A total of 84,591 non-redundant structural variations (SVs) are identified. The pangenome graph integrating both reference genome sequences and variant information facilitates the identification of SVs related to fruit color. The SV in the promoter of the AcBCM gene determines its high expression in the late developmental stage of fruits, which causes chlorophyll accumulation in the green-flesh fruits by post-translationally regulating AcSGR2, a key enzyme of chlorophyll catabolism. Taken together, a high-quality pangenome is constructed, unraveled numerous genetic variations, and identified a novel SV mediating fruit coloration and fruit quality, providing valuable information for further investigating genome evolution and domestication, QTL genes function, and genomics-assisted breeding.

Transcriptional factor MdESE3 controls fruit acidity by activating genes regulating malic acid content in apple.

Acidity is a key factor controlling fruit flavor and quality. In a previous study, combined transcriptome and methylation analyses identified a P3A-type ATPase from apple (Malus domestica), MdMa11, which regulates vacuolar pH when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. In this study, the role of MdMa11 in controlling fruit acidity was verified in apple calli, fruits, and plantlets. In addition, we isolated an AP2 domain-containing transcription factor, designated MdESE3, based on yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) screening using the MdMa11 promoter as bait. A subcellular localization assay indicated that MdESE3 localized to the nucleus. Analyses of transgenic apple calli, fruits, and plantlets, as well as tomatoes, demonstrated that MdESE3 enhances fruit acidity and organic acid accumulation. Meanwhile, chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR), luciferase (LUC) transactivation assays, and GUS reporter assays indicated that MdESE3 could bind to the ethylene-responsive element (ERE; 5'-TTTAAAAT-3') upstream of the MdMa11 transcription start site, thereby activating its expression. Furthermore, MdtDT, MdDTC2, and MdMDH12 expression increased in apple fruits and plantlets overexpressing MdESE3 and decreased in apple fruits and plantlets where MdESE3 was silenced. The ERE was found in MdtDT and MdMDH12 promoters, but not in the MdDTC2 promoter. The Y1H, LUC transactivation assays, and GUS reporter assays indicated that MdESE3 could bind to the MdtDT and MdMDH12 promoters and activate their expression. Our findings provide valuable functional validation of MdESE3 and its role in the transcriptional regulation of MdMa11, MdtDT, and MdMDH12 and malic acid accumulation in apple.

Non-Destructive Detection of Cerasus Humilis Fruit Quality by Hyperspectral Imaging Combined with Chemometric Method

Non-Destructive Detection of Cerasus Humilis Fruit Quality by Hyperspectral Imaging Combined with Chemometric Method

Potassium silicate and vinasse enhance biometric characteristics of perennial sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) under greenhouse conditions.

An effective strategy for enhancing fruit production continuity during extended sweet pepper season involves adopting innovative biostimulants such as potassium silicate (PS) and vinasse. Adjusting PS and vinasse concentrations are crucial for maintaining the balance between vegetative and fruit growth, particularly in sweet pepper with a shallow root system, to sustain fruiting over prolonged season. However, the interaction between PS and vinasse and the underlying physiological mechanisms that extend the sweet pepper season under greenhouse conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS and vinasse treatments on the yield and biochemical constituents of perennial pepper plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. For two consecutive seasons [2018/2019 and 2019/2020], pepper plants were sprayed with PS (0, 0.5, and 1 g/l) and drenched with vinasse (0, 1, 2, and 3 l/m3). To estimate the impact of PS and vinasse on the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of pepper plants, fresh and dry biomass, potential fruit yield, and some biochemical constituents were evaluated. Results revealed that PS (0.5 g/l) coupled with vinasse (3 l/m3) generated the most remarkable enhancement, in terms of plant biomass, total leaf area, total yield, and fruit weight during both growing seasons. The implementation of vinasse at 3 l/m3 with PS at 0.5 and 1 g/l demonstrated the most pronounced augmentation in leaf contents (chlorophyll index, nitrogen and potassium), alongside improved fruit quality, including total soluble solid and ascorbic acid contents, of extended sweet pepper season. By implementing the optimal combination of PS and vinasse, growers can significantly enhance the biomass production while maintaining a balance in fruiting, thereby maximizing the prolonged fruit production of superior sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions.

Composite Coating of Oleaster Gum Containing Cuminal Keeps Postharvest Quality of Cherry Tomatoes by Reducing Respiration and Potentiating Antioxidant System

Exploring the green and affordable protection of perishable cherry tomato fruits during storage, herein, the protective efficacy, and its underpinning mechanisms, of a coating of oleaster gum, alone or incorporated with cuminal, on cherry tomatoes stored at ambient temperature was investigated. The composite coating of oleaster gum with 0.1% cuminal reduced the decay, respiration rate, weight loss, and softening of the fruits and decelerated the decreases in their total soluble solid, titratable acidity, and soluble protein levels, and therefore maintained their marketability. Furthermore, it reduced the accumulation of O•− 2 and H2O2 in the fruits and mitigated cell membrane lipid oxidation and permeabilization, thereby retarding their senescence. Instrumentally, it elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase and the levels of ascorbic acid and glutathione. This potentiation of the fruits’ antioxidant system makes this composite coating a promising approach to keeping the postharvest quality of perishable fruits.

Preharvest Sodium Nitroprusside Application Preserved Antioxidant Capacity and Storage Quality of Plum Fruit

Preharvest Sodium Nitroprusside Application Preserved Antioxidant Capacity and Storage Quality of Plum Fruit

Heat Stress and Water Irrigation Management Effects on the Fruit Color and Quality of ‘Hongro’ Apples

Increasing fruit crop production sustainability under climate change, particularly increasing temperatures, is a major challenge in modern agriculture. High temperatures affect apple fruit quality and decrease its color. Herein, we constructed an experimental field under temperature simulation to evaluate climate change mitigation strategies for apples. ‘Hongro’ apples were subjected to three treatments: (1) cultivation inside a vinyl house for heat treatment (heat induction), (2) cultivation under water irrigation (heat reduction), and (3) cultivation under normal atmospheric temperature (control). At harvest, the fruits of the heat treatment group exhibited poor coloration, with a lower gene expression and pigment accumulation than those of the water irrigation and control groups. Furthermore, the fruit quality of the heat treatment group decreased, with a lower soluble solid content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA), and smaller fruits. Additionally, a higher fruit disorder (cracking and spots) ratio was observed in the heat treatment group than in the water irrigation and control groups. However, the fruits of the water irrigation group exhibited higher quality indexes (flesh firmness, SSC, and TA) and less cracking than those of the heat treatment and control groups. Heat reduction, including water irrigation, may be used for orchard management to prevent climate change-induced increasing temperatures.

Improving mangoes' productivity and crop water productivity by 24-epibrassinosteroids and hydrogen peroxide under deficit irrigation

In nature, plants are frequently subjected to a wide range of abiotic stresses that drastically reduce crop productivity. Deficit in irrigation is one of the main factors of abiotic stresses that affect agricultural productivity. Nevertheless, not much research has been done on how to use water with brassinosteroids (Br) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)in deficit water conditions in order to reach comparatively good values of mango tree growth, productivity, and fruit quality as well as crop water productivity (WPC). A split-plot experiment in a complete randomized block system design study with 3 regulated deficit irrigation levels i.e. 100% IR (Irrigation requirement), 80% IR, and 60% IR was implemented in 2022 and 2023, each irrigation regime was combined with the foliar application of distilled water (control), 1 mg/L Br, 10 mM H2O2, 1 mg/L Br + 10 mM H2O2. Foliar treatments were applied at 3 different phenological stages: flower bud induction and differentiation, full bloom, and beginning of fruit set. The results showed that fruit shape index and acidity significantly improved as irrigation volume increased, however, the proportion of fruit mineral content and fruit chemical characteristics was inversely correlated with the volume of water. Meanwhile, moderate regular deficit irrigation (80% IR) achieved marked increases in leaf minerals and total chlorophyll content, fruit quality, yield, and water use efficiency. Drought stress (60% IR) significantly decreased fruit set, fruit retention, yield traits, and fruit physical and chemical properties, at the same time, significant improvements in the content of stress indicators (proline, total phenols, and carotenoids) were observed compared with control. All treatments with Br and H2O2 alone or in combination under drought stress had a pronounced effect in this regard. Overall, foliar spray of 1 mg/L Br+10 mM H2O2 was the most powerful treatment that emended the unpropitious effect of water stress.

Exploration of a European-centered strawberry diversity panel provides markers and candidate genes for the control of fruit quality traits

Exploration of a European-centered strawberry diversity panel provides markers and candidate genes for the control of fruit quality traits

Cassava Starch-Based Multifunctional Coating Incorporated with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle to Enhance the Shelf Life of Passion Fruit

Passion fruits are susceptible to numerous postharvest challenges including weight loss, ethylene production, peel shrinkage, microbial growth, and pulp liquefaction. To mitigate these issues, yellow passion fruits were treated with hydroxypropyl cassava starch zinc oxide (HCS-ZnO) nanoparticles at varying concentrations. Fruits were stored at 10°C for 42 days, and the treated fruits underwent periodic assessments for weight loss, electrical conductivity, reducing sugar, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, and peel color. The results showed that a 0.8% HCS-ZnO nanoparticle coating could significantly reduce the weight loss of passion fruit during storage. However, compared to other treatments, a 0.2% HCS-ZnO nanoparticle coating demonstrated superior preservation of physicochemical properties, delayed discoloration, slowed ripening, maintained cell membrane integrity (electrical conductivity 1337 μs/cm), and reduced nutrient loss (titrable acidity 3.35 g/100 mL, TSS 17.9%, reducing sugar 5.1 g/100 g) at 42 days of storage. This innovative approach holds promise for commercial application, offering a sustainable solution to mitigate postharvest losses of passion fruit. The study underscores the potential of HCS-ZnO nanoparticles as effective coatings to uphold fruit quality and extend shelf life, presenting compelling insights for future fruit preservation strategies.

Extension of guava shelf life through the application of edible coating formulated with mango and lemon leaves extracts

Innovative green encapsulation techniques using natural plant bioactives provide a sustainable method for extending the shelf life of fruits. Given the inherent perishability of climacteric fruits like guava, characterized by accelerated respiration and ethylene production during ripening, our study is planned to explore the efficacy of incorporating leaf extracts of Mangifera indica L. and Citrus limon L. in combination with Gum Arabic (GA) for bioactive encapsulation of guava fruits. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used and a total of 15 experimental runs were set. Mango leaf extract (MLE) and lemon leaf extract (LLE) were employed at concentrations ranging from 500 to 2000 mg/L, while Gum Arabic (GA) was utilized in concentration ranging from 5% to 15%. The concentrations of MLE, LLE and GA were stored at 10±1 °C and 40–45% relative humidity for further usage. The selected analysis like total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content, ascorbic acid content, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity are chosen as responses. Central experimental runs like R2, R11 and R14 (1250 mg/L MLE, 1250 mg/L LLE and 10% GA) remained effective in terms of physical appearance and quality of guava. At the same time, R1 (2000 mg/L MLE, 1250 mg/L, and 15% GA), R7 (500 mg/L MLE, 1250 mg/L LLE and 15% GA), R13 (2000 mg/L MLE, 500 mg/L, and 10% GA) and R15 (1250 mg/L MLE, 2000 mg/L LLE and 5% GA) were not effective at preserving the fruit quality as compared to other treatments. The control is below in all quality attributes as compared to all fifteen treatments. It is concluded that the combined impact of MLE and LLE along with GA had good potential for preserving guava fruits for longer period as compared to control, where no treatment was given.

Fine-grained recognition of bitter gourd maturity based on Improved YOLOv5-seg model

Bitter gourd, being perishable, requires timely harvesting. Delayed harvesting can result in a substantial reduction in fruit quality. while premature harvesting leads to underdeveloped fruit and decreased yields, the continuous flowering pattern in bitter gourd underscores the significance of accurately assessing fruit growth and ensuring timely harvesting for subsequent fruit setting and development. The current reliance on the experience of production personnel represents a substantial inefficiency. We present an improved real-time instance segmentation model based on YOLOv5-seg. The utilization of dynamic snake convolution enables the extraction of morphological features from the curved and elongated structure of bitter gourd. Diverse branch blocks enhance feature space diversity without inflating model size and inference time, contributing to improved recognition of expansion stages during bitter gourd growth. Additionally, the introduction of Focal-EIOU loss accurately locates the boundary box and mask, addressing sample imbalances in the L2 stage. Experimental results showcase remarkable accuracy rates of 99.3%, 93.8%, and 98.3% for L1, L2, and L3 stages using mAP@0.5. In comparison, our model outperforms other case segmentation models, excelling in both detection accuracy and inference speed. The improved YOLOv5-seg model demonstrates strong performance in fine-grained recognition of bitter gourd during the expansion stage. It efficiently segments bitter gourd in real-time under varying lighting and occlusion conditions, providing crucial maturity information. This model offers reliable insights for agricultural workers, facilitating precise harvesting decisions.

R2R3-MYB transcription factor CsMYB60 controls mature fruit skin color by regulating flavonoid accumulation in cucumber.

Skin color is an important trait that determines the cosmetic appearance and quality of fruits. In cucumber, the skin color ranges from white to brown in mature fruits. However, the genetic basis for this important trait remains unclear. We conducted a genome-wide association study of natural cucumber populations, along with map-based cloning techniques, on an F2 population resulting from a cross between Pepino (with yellow-brown fruit skin) and Zaoer-N (with creamy fruit skin). We identified CsMYB60 as a candidate gene responsible for skin coloration in mature cucumber fruits. In cucumber accessions with white to pale yellow skin color, a premature stop mutation (C to T) was found in the second exon region of CsMYB60, whereas light yellow cucumber accessions exhibited splicing premature termination caused by an intronic mutator-like element insertion in CsMYB60. Transgenic CsMYB60c cucumber plants displayed a yellow-brown skin color by promoting accumulation of flavonoids, especially hyperoside, a yellow-colored flavonol. CsMYB60c encodes a nuclear protein that primarily acts as a transcriptional activator through its C-terminal activation motif. RNA sequencing and DNA affinity purification sequencing assays revealed that CsMYB60c promotes skin coloration by directly binding to the YYTACCTAMYT motif in the promoter regions of flavonoid biosynthetic genes, including CsF3'H, which encodes flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase. The findings of our study not only offer insight into the function of CsMYB60 as dominantly controlling fruit coloration, but also highlight that intronic DNA mutations can have a similar phenotypic impact as exonic mutations, which may be valuable in future cucumber breeding programs.

Methyl salicylate affects fruit quality and aroma compounds of cherry during cold storage

Cherries are easy to soften and rot during the period of storage. This work was performed to assess the impact of different concentrations of methyl salicylate (MeSA, 0.1 mmol·L−1, 1.0 mmol·L−1, 2.0 mmol·L−1) on fruit quality and aroma compounds of cherries (‘Meizao’ and ‘Labins’) during cold storage (0 °C). Results showed that 1.0 mmol·L−1 of MeSA had the greatest effect on decreasing the respiration rate, improving the firmness and maintaining the soluble solids content (SSC) of cherry fruits. The main volatile aroma compounds in ‘Meizao’ and ‘Labins’ cherries were benzyl alcohol, hexanal, trans-2-hexenal, benzaldehyde and 2-hexenal. Additional observations revealed that MeSA could increase the ester aroma compounds and delay the loss of alcohol, aldehyde, ketone and terpenoid aroma compounds in postharvest cherries. Therefore, MeSA could effectively improve the quality and inhibit aroma loss of cherry fruits during cold storage.

Optimizing ventilated packaging design for strawberries: Assessing the impact on fruit quality from farm to retailer using physics-based modeling

Amongst fruits and vegetables, strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) are one of the most perishable products. Consequently, it is challenging to maintain their quality until they reach the consumer. Therefore, keeping optimal hygrothermal conditions around the berries from farm to the consumer is crucial to preserving them and avoiding food loss. Using ventilated packaging design is an established way to address this technological, economic, and environmental problem. Until now, strawberry packaging is often designed using a trial-and-error approach, and a multitude of packaging designs exist. Ideally, the packaging should be designed in such a way that it provides the best preservation of the fruit all the way from farm to retailer. This is challenging since the hygrothermal conditions change significantly along the supply chain. In this study, we use physics-based modeling to evaluate new strawberry packaging designs in regard to cooling performance, risk of condensation, mass loss, and respiration-driven shelf life of the fruit and assess their performance along the whole post-harvest export supply chain from Spain to Switzerland. Twelve packaging designs for strawberries with existing and newly-designed vent hole configurations were investigated. Simulations quantified how the berries physiologically and hygrothermally evolve inside these packages along the whole post-harvest supply chain. Implementing appropriate ventilation in open-and top-sealed trays for strawberries can help to minimize losses along the post-harvest supply chain. As commonly known, strawberries cool significantly faster in better-ventilated trays than in unventilated trays, and condensation-based time of wetness could be reduced by 45% by adding additional ventilation holes in a top-sealed tray. The height of the secondary packaging, the total opening area (TOA), the size, and the placement of the vents have a substantial influence on the performance of the packaging. We recommend a TOA between 5.5% and 7% and a diameter of the vents between 5 and 12 mm. Also, they should be evenly distributed. However, there is always a trade-off in packaging design: a reduced risk of condensation comes along with a higher mass loss of the strawberries. Strawberry packaging models enabled a unique insight into the evolution of the fruits along the supply chain and visualized the spatial distribution of condensation and mass loss inside the package.

A multilevel investigation to reveal the regulatory mechanism of lignin accumulation in juice sac granulation of pomelo

Granulation of juice sacs is a physiological disorder, which affects pomelo fruit quality. Here, the transcriptome and ubiquitinome of the granulated juice sacs were analyzed in Guanxi pomelo. We found that lignin accumulation in the granulated juice sacs was regulated at transcription and protein modification levels. In transcriptome data, we found that the genes in lignin biosynthesis pathway and antioxidant enzyme system of the granulated juice sacs were significantly upregulated. However, in ubiquitinome data, we found that ubiquitinated antioxidant enzymes increased in abundance but the enzyme activities decreased after the modification, which gave rise to reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents in granulated juice sacs. This finding suggests that ubiquitination level of the antioxidant enzymes is negatively correlated with the enzyme activities. Increased H2O2 is considered to be a signaling molecule to activate the key gene expressions in lignin biosynthesis pathway, which leads to the lignification in granulated juice sacs of pomelo. This regulatory mechanism in juice sac granulation of pomelo was further confirmed through the verification experiment using tissue culture by adding H2O2 or dimethylthiourea (DMTU). Our findings suggest that scavenging H2O2 and other ROS are important for reducing lignin accumulation, alleviating juice sac granulation and improving pomelo fruit quality.

Assessing the Seasonal Water Requirement of Fully Mature Japanese Plum Orchards: A Systematic Review

Assessing the Seasonal Water Requirement of Fully Mature Japanese Plum Orchards: A Systematic Review

Water Use Efficiency in a Deficit-Irrigated Orange Orchard

Water Use Efficiency in a Deficit-Irrigated Orange Orchard

FRUIT FRESHESS PREDICTION USING CNN

This Project proposes a methodology utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for the holistic assessment of fruit quality, encompassing freshness, ripeness, and health status. By integrating CNNs with multi-feature analysis, including image data and spectral signatures, the model aims to provide accurate classification of fruits into categories of fresh/rotten, ripe/unripe, and healthy/diseased. The methodology outlines data collection, preprocessing, feature extraction, CNN model development, evaluation metrics, and potential applications. Ensuring fruit quality is crucial for consumer satisfaction and food safety. Manual inspection is time-consuming and subjective, necessitating automated systems. This methodology proposes a CNN-based approach for comprehensive fruit quality assessment, addressing freshness, ripeness, and health status simultaneously. Key Words: CNN , Fresh/Rotten ,Fruit Quality, Deep Learning.

Fish Emulsions, Cyano-Fertilizer, and Seaweed Extracts Affect Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Plant Architecture, Yield, and Fruit Quality

Bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) were grown in a greenhouse to evaluate organic fertilizer and foliar seaweed application effects on plant architecture, yield, and fruit quality. Many organic fertilizers contain phytohormones intrinsically. Hydrolyzed and non-hydrolyzed fish fertilizer and cyano-fertilizer treatments were applied in split applications every 7 days over a 135-day growing period. Control plants received no supplemental N. Each fertilizer treatment received applications of one of two different foliar seaweeds or no foliar seaweed in a 4 × 3 factorial design with three replications. Both hydrolyzed and non-hydrolyzed fish fertilizers and cyano-fertilizer increased the number of branches per plant compared to the N-deficient control. The plants receiving cyano-fertilizer or non-hydrolyzed fish fertilizer yielded more than the N-deficient control, and those treatments received 2–3 times the auxin application as the hydrolyzed fish fertilizer. In addition, the leaves from the plants treated with non-hydrolyzed fish fertilizer contained substantially higher levels of abscisic acid, although no abscisic acid was detected in the fertilizers. Both seaweed products decreased the number of fruits that were “bell”-shaped and increased the number of “long”-shaped fruits. Organic fertilizers are complex matrices of nutrients, phytohormones, and other metabolites, making it very challenging to determine the mechanisms behind the observations.