Amount Of Fruit Research Articles

Characteristics of Liquid Smoke of Red Fruit (Pandanus conoideus. L.) Waste with Pyrolysis Method and Potentially as Biopesticide

This study aims to determine the yield and quality of liquid smoke in the form of pH values, acid levels, and phenol levels from the burning of red fruit seed waste as raw material for grade 3 liquid smoke using pyrolysis equipment. Liquid smoke is used as an alternative food preservative and flavor enhancer that it can use in the food processing industry to minimize the use of harmful preservatives such as formalin. But it also can be used as a biopesticide in agriculture so that it becomes an alternative to chemical pesticides in controlling pests. It was researched at the Research Laboratory of the Chemical Engineering Department FTI UMI Makassar in July 2020 and the Agrotechnology Laboratory of the Petra Baliem Wamena Agricultural Science College in April 2021. The research activity began by making grade 3 liquid smoke because liquid smoke can be used as a biopesticide at this level. Then proceed with the analysis of the chemical and physical content of liquid smoke. The research method used was an experimental method with six replications on the amount of red fruit seed waste 500 g, 1000 g, and 1500 g. The pyrolysis process was carried out at temperatures ranging from 300-400ºC for 180 minutes. The results of the observations from the tests carried out showed that the liquid smoke of red fruit seed waste produced was more in the weight or quantity of red fruit seed waste 1000 g was BM2 treatment which had a pH value of 3.35, the acid content of 14.20%, total phenol content of 4.91%, quite brown. Thick and smells like liquid smoke. The high levels of acid ranging from 13.73-14.20% and high levels of phenol ranging from 4.91-5.11% compared to previous studies with raw materials for liquid smoke of rice husks, coconut shells, and organic waste, made the liquid smoke of red fruit seed waste as a biopesticide with repellant and anti-inflammatory properties. Insects ate them because acids and phenols can provide an aromatic that insects do not like.

Comparison of chrysanthemum flowers grown under hydroponic and soil-based systems: yield and transcriptome analysis

BackgroundFlowers of Chrysanthemum × morifolium Ramat. are used as tea in traditional Chinese cuisine. However, with increasing population and urbanization, water and land availability have become limiting for chrysanthemum tea production. Hydroponic culture enables effective, rapid nutrient exchange, while requiring no soil and less water than soil cultivation. Hydroponic culture can reduce pesticide residues in food and improve the quantity or size of fruits, flowers, and leaves, and the levels of active compounds important for nutrition and health. To date, studies to improve the yield and active compounds of chrysanthemum have focused on soil culture. Moreover, the molecular effects of hydroponic and soil culture on chrysanthemum tea development remain understudied.ResultsHere, we studied the effects of soil and hydroponic culture on yield and total flavonoid and chlorogenic acid contents in chrysanthemum flowers (C. morifolium ‘wuyuanhuang’). Yield and the total flavonoids and chlorogenic acid contents of chrysanthemum flowers were higher in the hydroponic culture system than in the soil system. Transcriptome profiling using RNA-seq revealed 3858 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between chrysanthemum flowers grown in soil and hydroponic conditions. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment annotation revealed that these differentially transcribed genes are mainly involved in “cytoplasmic part”, “biosynthetic process”, “organic substance biosynthetic process”, “cell wall organization or biogenesis” and other processes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed enrichment in “metabolic pathways”, “biosynthesis of secondary metabolites”, “ribosome”, “carbon metabolism”, “plant hormone signal transduction” and other metabolic processes. In functional annotations, pathways related to yield and formation of the main active compounds included phytohormone signaling, secondary metabolism, and cell wall metabolism. Enrichment analysis of transcription factors also showed that under the hydroponic system, bHLH, MYB, NAC, and ERF protein families were involved in metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and plant hormone signal transduction.ConclusionsHydroponic culture is a simple and effective way to cultivate chrysanthemum for tea production. A transcriptome analysis of chrysanthemum flowers grown in soil and hydroponic conditions. The large number of DEGs identified confirmed the difference of the regulatory machinery under two culture system.

Effect of Spraying With Cal-Boron and Potassium Humate and Maturity Stage on Fruit Quantity, Quality Characteristics of Apricot Prunus Armeniaca L. cv. "Royal"

This study was conducted on apricot trees Royal cultivar 9 years old in a private field located northern Kirkuk city - Iraq during The period 2020-2021, to study the spraying whit Cal-boron and potassium humate on fruit quantity, quality characteristics of apricot with three levels of Cal-boron (0, 1and 2) ml.L-1 and three levels of potassium Humate (0, 3 and 6) g.L-1. In addition to the control treatment (untreated plants). Combination of 2 ml.L-1 Cal-boron and 3 g.L-1 of Potassium humate excelled on leaf area Leaves content of chlorophyll, Vitamin C, and T.S.S. parameter compared with treatment with distilled water (control). A Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D) was used to implement the experiment, with three replications.

Effects of different Danish food consumption patterns on Water ScarcityFootprint

Food production and consumption have been recognized as a major source of environmental impacts. To ensure food security and a sustainable food system, dietary changes have been identified as one of the valuable strategies to reduce impacts on the environment while promoting human health. The vast majority of scientific literature has been focused on the effects of food consumption on climate change while neglecting to assess the degree of water scarcity impacts due to water consumption embodied in food. The research paper investigates the nexus between food consumption and impacts on water consumption adding important findings to a more recent growing body of studies estimating the water footprint (WF) of different dietary scenarios. This study uses the Water Footprint Network methodology and the AWARE (Available Water REmaining) characterization model to assess both the WF and the blue WSF (water scarcity footprint), respectively, of four Danish diets: standard, carnivore, vegetarian and vegan. In order to make them comparable, a total intake of 2000 kcal person−1 day−1 was set as energetic reference for all the diet scenarios considered. Using detailed trade and production data of agri-foods, we were able to assess the location of primary production and consequently to reveal countries mainly affected by water scarcity associated with import to satisfy Danish diets consumption. We found that while the vegan scenario scored the best environmental profile requiring 1489 L/cap/day calculated with the volumetric WF approach, it has the largest potential impacts on blue WSF of 10,477 LH20-eq/cap/day. This study has shown that more than 90% of impacts on water consumption occur outside the national borders, as a consequence of large quantities of fruits and nuts imported by countries already threatened by high water scarcity conditions such as USA and Mediterranean regions. This methodological approach may be used to compare environmental performances of recommended dietary guidelines and to assess impact scenarios of new trade policies, protecting local water scarcity levels.

Market waste composition analysis and resource recovery potential in Kumasi, Ghana

ABSTRACT Municipal solid waste constitutes significant quantities of waste generated in markets. Markets produce substantial quantities of fruit and vegetable waste, a source of nuisance in landfills. In Ghana, market waste (MW) appears to be unexplored and has limited data available. The need for MW valorization in the face of a circular economy requires reliable knowledge of MW properties. The study determined the waste compositions of selected major markets from two different classes of settlement in Kumasi and the seasonal effect on the compositions. The chemical properties of organics were determined via proximate and ultimate analyses and the theoretical biomethane potential, with the Buswell equation. From the results, MW composition in the wet season is 59.6% organic, 11.4% plastics, 8.3% paper, 5.3% textiles, 4.7% inert, 4.1% miscellaneous, 2.1% metal, 1.8% glass and 2.8% leather. The dry season values are 45.8% organic, 14.6% plastics, 12.7% paper, 7.3% textiles, 6.4% inert, 4.3% miscellaneous, 2.3% metal, 2.6% glass and 3.9% leather. An ANOVA indicates significant differences between the two seasons and some waste components; organics, plastics, paper and cardboard, leather, and inert. The high calorific values recorded ranged from 14.8 MJ kg−1 to 16.6 MJ kg−1. The biogas potential and biomethane content ranged from 775.3 l/kgVS to 828.9 L/kgVS and 50% to 57% respectively. Implications: Market waste (MW) in Ghana appears to be an unchartered area and there is limited data on market generation and composition. The need for MW valorization requires reliable knowledge on MW properties. This study explores MW characteristics of six major market from two different classes of settlements in a developing country. Study findings suggest that the quantities of market organics are higher than household waste. Again, MW composition can be influenced by season and geographical location. Furthermore, the study establishes the potential of MW in considerable quantities of biogas and methane generation, in comparison with household waste.

Community supported agriculture plus nutrition education improves skills, self-efficacy, and eating behaviors among low-income caregivers but not their children: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAdults and children in the U.S. consume inadequate quantities of fruit and vegetables (FV), in part, due to poor access among households with lower socioeconomic status. One approach to improving access to FV is community supported agriculture (CSA) in which households purchase a ‘share’ of local farm produce throughout the growing season. This study examined the effects of cost-offset (half-price) CSA plus tailored nutrition education for low-income households with children.MethodsThe Farm Fresh Foods for Healthy Kids (F3HK) randomized controlled trial in New York, North Carolina, Vermont, and Washington (2016–2018) assigned caregiver-child dyads (n = 305) into cost-offset CSA plus education intervention or control (delayed intervention) groups. Following one growing season of CSA participation, changes in children’s diet quality, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity; caregivers’ nutrition knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and diet quality; and household food access and security were examined using multiple linear or logistic regression, with adjustment for baseline value within an intent-to-treat (ITT) framework in which missing data were multiply imputed.ResultsNo significant net effects on children’s dietary intake, BMI, or physical activity were observed. Statistically significant net improvements were observed after one growing season for caregivers’ cooking attitudes, skills, and self-efficacy; FV intake and skin carotenoid levels; and household food security. Changes in attitudes and self-efficacy remained one-year after baseline, but improvements in caregiver diet and household food security did not. The number of weeks that participants picked up a CSA share (but not number of education sessions attended) was associated with improvements in caregiver FV intake and household food security.ConclusionsCost-offset CSA plus tailored nutrition education for low-income households improved important caregiver and household outcomes within just one season of participation; most notably, both self-reported and objectively measured caregiver FV intake and household food security improved. Households that picked up more shares also reported larger improvements. However, these changes were not maintained after the CSA season ended. These results suggest that cost-offset CSA is a viable approach to improving adult, but not child, FV intake and household food security for low-income families, but the seasonality of most CSAs may limit their potential to improve year-round dietary behavior and food security.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov. NCT02770196. Registered 5 April 2016. Retrospectively registered.

The Development of Automatic Pineapple Washing and Drying Machine

Indonesia is a country that produce a large variety and quantity of fruit. One of the prominent fruits is pineapple. Small and medium-sized industries that process pineapples into derivative products have sprung up in various regions. However, most of the processing is still conducted manually. One thing that still needs to be improved is the washing and drying process. Therefore, this research developed an automatic washing and drying machine. The developed machine uses a one-tube system so it could reduce the transfer process from one stage to the next. Testing on the developed machines has been carried out. The test results show that this machine is capable to process as much as 6.5 kg of pineapple in one batch. Another test to determine the most effective duration of washing and drying process was also carried out. The test results show that the effective washing time is 180 seconds, and the drying process is 90 seconds. Apart from the level of cleanliness and dryness of pineapple, this test also observes the damage of pineapple as a result of the washing and drying process. Simulations to measure the total time to operate the machine have been carried out. The data shows that it takes 303 seconds, starting from inserting pineapple to the tube, washing, draining, and finally removing pineapples from the tube. By using both data of average total processing time and optimum weight, the capacity of developed machine could be calculated. The capacity of this machine is around 77 kg per hour or 8.008 kg per month. With this capacity, this machine can be used by SME with a large production capacity.

Plant Growth Regulators Modify Fruit Set, Fruit Quality, and Return Bloom in Sweet Cherry

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a valuable fruit crop worldwide. Farmers’ incomes are closely related to fruit quantity and quality, yet these can be highly variable across years. As part of a broader project for optimizing fruit set and fruit quality in sweet cherries, this study was conducted to evaluate the potential of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) for improving fruit set and fruit quality. Cytokinins, gibberellins, auxin, and polyamines were used as treatments. Treatments were applied as foliar sprays at full bloom to ‘Bing’ and three low-productivity genotypes, ‘Regina’, ‘Tieton’, and ‘PC8011-3’. We assessed the fruit set, fruit quality, and return bloom from each treatment. 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) increased fruit set by 53% and 36% in ‘Bing’ and ‘Tieton’, respectively. The combination of gibberellin (GA)3 + GA4/7 was more effective for improving fruit set than other isomers of gibberellin alone. Cytokinin treatments had slight adverse effects or no effect on fruit set except for CPPU. In ‘PC8011-3’, both N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU) and 4-CPA enhanced fruit set by ≈81% and 100% compared with untreated control. The response of cherry trees to polyamine sprays depended on the properties of the cultivars and the treatment concentration. Foliar application of GA3, GA4/7, or N-phenyl-N'-(1, 2, 3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea (TDZ) in ‘Bing’ trees has negative effects on return bloom, whereas GA1 can increase the yield and flower buds. These results suggest that PGRs may have varied effects on sweet cherry fruit set and that more work is needed to develop practical programs for improving yield security.

Pollen grain hormones of date palm pollinator cultivars and their relationship with hormones of different stages of ‘Piarom’ date fruit growth

The aim of this study was to investigate the metaxenia effect of pollen grain hormones of date palm pollinators on the hormones of different stages of fruit growth. The relationships between auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin and abscisic acid hormones of ‘Shahani’, ‘Kabkab’, ‘Zahedi’, ‘Beraem’, ‘Faryab’, ‘Sheikhali’, ‘Fard’ and ‘Jarvis’ pollen grains with the amount of the same hormones in different stages of ‘Piarom’ fruit development were studied. The results showed that pollen grains of different date palm pollinators have different amounts of these hormones. Pollen grains of ‘Fard’ and ‘Sheikhali’ cultivars have higher amounts of hormones compared to other cultivars. The amount of these hormones was also very variable at different stages of fruit growth. The highest amount of hormones in different stages of ‘Piarom’ date fruit growth was observed in trees that were pollinated with pollen grains of ‘Fard’ and ‘Sheikhali’ cultivars. Also the amount of these hormones in pollen grains and different stages of fruit growth had a positive linear relationship. The positive correlation between pollen grains hormones and hormones of different stages of fruit growth confirms the metaxenia effect of pollen grains on the characteristics of ‘Piarom’ date fruit. The presence of more hormones in the fruit, which is directly related to the amount of these hormones in pollen grains, improves the quantity and quality of date palm fruits.

COVID-19 Challenging Period and Agriculture Sector in Sri Lanka: Way to Lead

Realizing the gravity of COVID-19 pandemic, the governments around the world have been putting in place a range of policies and strategies to resume their food security level. Among varies of agricultural productions, most affected sectors are livestock farming, horticulture production. In this line, understanding the impact of COVID-19 on horticulture system is likely to become more widely and deeply felt in agricultural sectors and national economies. This study aims to highlight potential risks faced by; outlines the overall functioning of Sri Lankan horticulture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss policies need to change going forward to safeguard Sri Lankan horticulture sector from similar shocks in the future. The production and market data gathered from Agricultural Statistics, Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI), Department of Census and Statistics and Export Development Board which were gathered over years between 2016 and 2020. The data contain production quantity, average cultivated extent, retail and wholesale price per Kg, export quantity and value of fruit and vegetable products. Descriptive analysis methods used as the primary analysis techniques. The results imply that there is no declining pattern of all vegetables and fruits production volume. From the retail prices and wholesale prices, we can materialize that the supply chains in the agricultural products have strained to keep up, first with panic buying, followed by forced changes in food consumption patterns and immediate declined with the dropdown in purchasing power. The agricultural export sector is seemed to experience smaller trade impacts, most agricultural exports have continued to reach consumers in international markets. The pandemic is driving some changes that will likely remain part of the future agricultural practices. These include encouraging home garden practices, shifts in online marketing and selling platform, having higher demand for stable and safe food, a greater awareness of supply chain risks, increasing use of digital trade systems and the risk of creeping protectionism. Accordingly, agriculture policies need to change to safeguard of Sri Lankan horticulture sector from similar shocks in the future.

Agronomic performance of new strawberry cultivars in southern Brazil

The choice of cultivars to be used by strawberry farmers is essential since it could determine the success of the crop. The present study aimed to evaluate the productive and qualitative performance of strawberry genotypes grown in Vacaria, RS, Brazil. Twelve strawberry genotypes were compared, constituting the different treatments: cultivars Strawberry Festival, Oso Grande, Jonica, and Pircinque, and selections FRF PA3, FRF CE 51, FRF CE 56, FRF PIR 29, FRF PIR 54, FRF 85.04, FRF 149.18, and FRF 102.21. The seedlings were transplanted on May 13, 2014, in a semi-hydroponic cultivation system, adopting a randomized block design with four blocks and an experimental unit of ten useful plants. The variables evaluated were the number of fruits, total production per plant, productivity, commercial productivity, fresh fruit mass, commercial percentage, soluble solids, titratable acidity, soluble solids to total acidity ratio, pulp firmness, and production seasonality. The mean values ​​were subjected to an analysis of variance and multivariate analysis, and their means were compared by the Scott-Knott test at a 5% error probability. Cultivar Strawberry Festival and selection FRF 102.21 showed higher productions (1138 g plant-1 nd 1019 g plant-1, respectively) and quantities of fruits produced (85 un plant-1 and 87 un plant-1, respectively). Cultivar Jonica and selection FRF 85.4 showed higher percentages of marketable fruits. The Pircinque cultivar was prominent for sugar content, presenting a value 24% superior to the general average of the cultivars. Cultivars Strawberry Festival, Jonica, and Pircinque and selection FRF 102.21 showed the highest qualitative and quantitative gains for the region of Vacaria, RS, Brazil.

Recycling of agricultural wastes to vermicomposts: Characterization and application for clean and quality production of green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

With increasing agricultural production after green revolution in India, generation of agricultural waste is a concern for clean agricultural production system. The purpose of the study is to recycle locally available agricultural wastes into vermicompost and apply it on crops. In this study vermicomposts prepared from combinations of four sources of each plant biomass and animal excreta were characterized and tested for yield and quality of green bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.). Vermicompost samples were analyzed for macronutrients, micronutrients and enzymatic activities at intermediate (40 d) and final (80 d) stages of decomposition. During composting, total organic carbon content of the bedding material decreased and C: N ratio was narrowed down. Zinc, Cu, and Mn contents were decreased by 6.9–177.3%, 28.5–318.5% and 0.7–207.4%, respectively, while Fe content increased by 15.4–64.3% in the matured samples. Acid phosphomonoesterase and dehydrogenase activities were reduced by 2.5–26.0% and 15.5–84.1%, respectively; while the β-glucosidase activity of vermicompost from cow dung and pig dung was increased by 2.0–30.7% at maturity. Application of vermicompost along with NPK fertilizers enhanced morphological, biochemical and yield attributes of green bell pepper which in-turn improved yield (7.1–135.7%) over the control. Vermicomposts also improved soil fertility by increasing organic C and plant-available N, P and K. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the properties of mature vermicomposts were mainly determined by the animal excreta. Poultry litter along with paddy straw and Azolla pinnata proved to be superior raw material in the production of high quality vermicompost which could produce good quality and quantity of fruits. The study also suggests that production of vermicompost from locally available plant biomass and animal excreta will sustain crop harvest with quality produce and improve soil fertility.

Avocado oil: Production and market demand, bioactive components, implications in health, and tendencies and potential uses.

Avocado is a subtropical/tropical fruit with creamy texture, peculiar flavor, and high nutritional value. Due to its high oil content, a significant quantity of avocado fruit is used for the production of oil using different methods. Avocado oil is rich in lipid-soluble bioactive compounds, but their content depends on different factors. Several phytochemicals in the oil have been linked to prevention of cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and cardiovascular diseases and therefore have generated an increase in consumer demand for avocado oil. The aim of this review is to critically and systematically analyze the worldwide production and commercialization of avocado oil, its extraction methods, changes in its fat-soluble phytochemical content, health benefits, and new trends and applications. There is a lack of information on the production and commercialization of the different types of avocado oil, but there are abundant data on extraction methods using solvents, centrifugation-assisted aqueous extraction, mechanical extraction by cold pressing (varying concentration and type of enzymes, temperature and time of reaction, and dilution ratio), ultrasound-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid to enhance the yield and quality of oil. Extensive information is available on the content of fatty acids, although it is limited on carotenoids and chlorophylls. The effect of avocado oil on cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases has been demonstrated through in vitro and animal studies, but not in humans. Avocado oil continues to be of interest to the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries and is also generating increased attention in other areas including structured lipids, nanotechnology, and environmental care.

Resistant Starch Contents of Starch Isolated from Black Longan Seeds.

A large quantity of longan fruits (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) produced annually are processed into many products, one of which is black longan, from which the dried, dark-brown meat has been used medicinally in traditional medicine, while the starch-containing seeds are discarded. In this study, starch samples (BLGSs) were isolated from seeds of black longan fruits prepared using varied conditions. The in vitro digestibility was determined in comparison with those extracted from fresh (FLGS) and dried (DLGS) seeds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to evaluate the starch properties. The results showed that the yields of FLGS, DLGS, and BLGSs were 20%, 23%, and 16–22% w/w, respectively. SEM images showed starch granules of mixed shapes, with sizes up to 15 µm in all samples. XRD patterns confirmed an A-type crystallinity for FLGS and DLGS, with strong refraction peaks at 2θ = 15°, 17°, 18°, and 23°, while BLGSs also showed detectable peaks at 2θ = 10° and 21°, which suggested V-type structures. Thermal properties corroborated the changes by showing increases in peak gelatinization temperature (Tp) and enthalpy energy (ΔH) in BLGSs. The paste viscosity of BLGSs (5% w/w) decreased by 20–58% from that of FLGS. The FTIR peak ratio at 1045/1022 and 1022/995 cm−1 also indicated an increase in ordered structure in BLGSs compared to FLGS. The significant increase in the amounts of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) in BLGSs compared to FLGS, especially at a prolonged incubation time of 20 (4.2×) and 30 days (4.1×), was proposed to be due to the heat-induced formation of starch inclusion with other components inside the seed during the black longan production process. Thus, black longan seed could be a new source of starch, with increased RS content, for potential use in the food and related industries.

PERFORMANCE OF DATE PALM FRUIT MARKETING IN JIGAWA STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the performance of date palm fruit marketing in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Purposive and simple random sampling procedure were employed in selecting 122 marketers in the study area. Data was obtained through primary source with the aid of questionnaire and gross margin, marketing efficiency, Return on Investment (ROI) and marketing margin were employed in the analysis. The average gross margin of retailers and wholesalers were ₦0.46/kg and ₦2.01/kg, respectively. Gross margin for wholesalers revealed a total monthly revenue of ₦21,069,750.00 and ₦19,843,500.00 for retailers with 42555.38 kg as total quantity of date palm fruit traded by wholesalers and 47840.63 as total quantity traded by retailers. The result revealed that gross margin for both retailers (₦48.23/kg) and wholesalers (₦36.17/kg) were positive, an indication that both categories of respondents are making profit. The average marketing efficiency of wholesalers and retailers were 117.11% and 115.08%, respectively. The marketing efficiency of retailers (109.83%) in Shuwarin market was higher than that of wholesalers (107.30%); and efficiency of wholesalers (120.36%) was higher than retailers (117.53%) in Babaldu market. The result indicated that marketing efficiency of retailers (117.12%) was higher than wholesalers (116.10%) in Maigatari market and retailers (110.36%) had higher efficiency than wholesalers (106.33%) in Gumel market, while wholesalers (135.44%) had higher efficiency than retailers (130.48%) in Kazaure market which is an indication that both wholesalers and retailers are efficient in the marketing of date palm fruit in the area. The Return on Investment (ROI) indicated that marketing of date palm fruit was profitable since the ratio-values were greater than one implying that ₦1 invested into the business, marketers get an average of ₦0.15 and ₦0.17 for retailers and wholesalers, respectively. The average marketing margin of retailers and wholesalers were 16.20 and 20.41, respectively, an indication that wholesalers realized higher margin (higher profit) than retailers. In conclusion, wholesalers realized higher profit in bulk transactions while retailers realized more profit in smaller transactions. Purchase of large quantity of date palm fruit during peak period, provision of storage and processing facilities in the study area were recommended.

Beneficial horticultural responses from the application of solar thermotherapy to mature Huanglongbing-affected citrus trees

The detrimental effects of Huanglongbing (HLB) on citrus are well known and so is the need for effective methods to combat this disease. Solar thermotherapy (ST), one of the management methods to help alleviate some of the negative effects of HLB, is the process of heating trees to therapeutic temperatures by encompassing the tree within a plastic structure (Visqueen) to harness the sun's natural energy. ST was applied to mature ‘Valencia’ citrus trees in three locations. Tree vigor, yield, and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las) titer in leaves were monitored for two consecutive seasons post ST treatment, while fruit and juice quality were evaluated at the end of the second season. ST promoted an increase in canopy density in most groves tested and did not have a significant effect on fruit quantity, despite the prolonged exposure of the trees to increased temperatures. Moreover, Las titer was reduced in both leaves and juice processed from affected trees post ST. With respect to fruit quality, the ratio of total soluble solids to titratable acidity was higher post ST compared to controls as was the sucrose content of the juice in most treated groves, whereas limonin was higher in juice from control trees. Principal components analysis of aroma volatiles showed significant differences between juice from treated versus control trees with volatiles imparting top-note and freshness to orange juice, such as acetaldehyde, hexanal, Z-3-hexenol and linalool, being higher in juice from treated trees. Taste panels confirmed that flavor differences existed, ultimately showing that ST resulted in improved juice flavor in well-managed groves. Although the effects of ST on the trees appear temporary, such outcomes emphasize its utility when used as part of an integrated management strategy for HLB-affected citrus, imparting beneficial horticultural responses with minimal to positive effects on subsequent juice flavor.

The analysis of the degree of 10\u201313-year-old children\u2019s nutrition, dietary habits and physical activity in the selected rural and urban areas of Silesian Province (Poland)

BackgroundThe nutrition disorders in the children’s population, in the form of malnutrition, as well as overweight and obesity constitute a significant clinical problem in the contemporary world. As a result of the improper way of children’s nutrition, their physical and mental development becomes dysfunctional, which leads in their adult life to serious health consequences, among others, complications of cardiovascular system, metabolic and endocrinological and disorders, improper development of osteoarticular system and mental diseases and social withdrawal.ResultsFive hundred eighty-nine parents of children aged 10–13 participated in the survey questionnaire, where 304 respondents were constituted by girls (51.61%); however, the remaining 285 people were represented by boys (48.39%). It turned out that overweight and obesity concern approximately 44% of respondents; however, approximately 22% of children have too low body weight in relation to age and sex. While analysing dietary habits, it was observed that main meals are not consumed by all children; breakfast is consumed by approximately 90% of respondents, packed lunch just by 70% and lunch and supper by 90% of respondents. In the course of subsequent analyses, it turned out that over ¾ of respondents declared that their child drinks mineral water every day, only approximately 44% of them drink milk every day; however, almost 18% of children reach for sweet drinks. Children eat sweet or salty snacks too often (over 55% every day or several times a week), resigning from consuming fruit and vegetables (just half of respondents every day), fish and brown bread (below 30% of children eat these products less than once a week); every fifth child dedicates less than 3 h to physical activity, 39% of respondents do exercise from 3 to 5 h a week, the next 25% from 5 to 10 h.ConclusionsIt was observed in the analysed population that over half of them struggle with the degree of nutrition disorders in the form of overweight and obesity or malnutrition. We may conclude, based on the obtained results, that children have inappropriate dietary habits, consuming too small quantities of fruit and vegetables, brown bread, fish and drinking improper quantities of water and milk. Repeatedly, they replace these full-value products by consuming sweets and salty snacks and by drinking sweet drinks, they also more and more often reach for processed food in fast food bars. What is worrying, it was also observed that in the analysed population, children dedicate too little of their free time to physical activity and additional physical activities.

Biological control: a novel strategy for the control of the plant parasitic nematodes.

Plant parasitic nematodes (Root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp.) are rounded worms, microscopic, and cause many agricultural economic losses. Their attacks have a direct impact on the productivity of cultivated crops by reducing their fruit quantity. Chemical control is widespread all over the world, but biological control is the most effective way to reduce the number of pests that infect crops, particularly by the use of microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. Biological control is rapidly evolving, and more products are being sold worldwide over time. They can be produced by fungi, bacteria, or actinomycetes that can destruct plant parasite nematodes and feed on them. Nematophagous microorganisms as the natural enemies of nematodes have a promising way of controlling nematodes. Some of them create net-like substances and traps to take the worms from outside and finally kill them. Other parasites serve as internal parasites in order to produce toxins and to produce virulence to kill nematodes. Comprehension of the molecular basis for microbial nematode interactions gives important insights into how successful biological nematode control agents can be created. We discuss recent advances in our understanding of nematodes and nematophagous microorganisms, with an emphasis on molecular mechanisms that infect nematodes with nematophagous microorganisms and on nematode safety from pathogenic attacks. Finally, we addressed numerous key areas for future research and development, including possible approaches to the application of our recent expertise in the development of successful biocontrol strategies.

The Pollination and Fruit Quality of Two Kiwifruit Cultivars (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis 'AU Golden Sunshine' and 'AU Gulf Coast Gold') (Ericales: Actinidiaceae) Grown in the Southeastern United States.

Kiwifruit is a new emerging crop for the southeastern United States that requires cross-pollination to set fruit. However, the pollination requirements for varieties grown in the southeastern United States are unknown. Through insect surveys and a bagging experiment, we assessed the pollination requirements of two female kiwifruit cultivars (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis 'AU Golden Sunshine' and A. chinensis var. chinensis 'AU Gulf Coast Gold'). For each, fruit quantity (fruit set) and fruit quality (weight, size, seed count, firmness, soluble solid content, and dry matter) were compared among three pollination treatments (wind, insect, and artificial pollination). Low abundances of insects were observed visiting female flowers of both kiwifruit cultivars, and therefore likely minimally influenced kiwifruit pollination. Artificial pollination resulted in the greatest percentages of fruit set and marketable fruits, followed by insect and wind pollination. Artificial pollination resulted in fruits that were greater in weight, size, and contained more seeds, than insect- and wind-pollinated fruits. Firmness and soluble solid content did not vary greatly between pollination treatments, yet were greater in 'AU Golden Sunshine'. Dry matter content did not vary greatly between pollination treatments or between each cultivar. To maximize yields and optimize fruit quality, these results suggest that kiwifruit producers should place more effort into artificial pollination compared to wind and insect pollination. Future research should explore the use of managed bees (e.g., honey bees and bumble bees) within kiwifruit orchards to determine ways to utilize them as a secondary source for pollination needs.

The efficiencies and capacities of carbon conversion in fruit and vegetable waste two-phase anaerobic digestion: Ethanol-path vs. butyrate-path

To rapidly treat and stably utilize great quantities of fruit and vegetable waste (FVW), the strategies in anaerobic digestion pattern have been constantly improved. In this work, the efficiencies and capacities of carbon conversion in different FVW anaerobic digestion systems were studied. Compared to butyrate-path (BD) two-phase and single-phase anaerobic digestion (SD), the ethanol-path two-phase anaerobic digestion (ED) system showed the highest rate of converting insoluble into soluble carbon formation (82.2%) and methane yield conversed from soluble carbon which is 0.14 gCODCH4 (gVSS d)−1. It was also found that the coexistence of Bacillus and Methanococcus in the methanogenic phase maintained fatty acids and methane generation. The advantage of carbon conversion efficiency in ED can be elucidated from the highest acetification rate (704.10 mgCOD (L h)−1) which means more converted acetate can be smoothly used for methane generation. Compared to methanogenesis converted from butyrate and propionate, the thermodynamic condition of methanogenesis converted from ethanol was more feasible. Also, the highest capacity of max methane production (197773.7 mL) of ED was simulated. ED might be an efficient and advantageous option for FVW methane digestion. Furthermore, comparison of acidogenic product and methane in conversion efficiency revealed that fatty acids should think as ideal anaerobic product rather than methane.