Amount Of Fruit Research Articles

Talkin' About a Revolution. Changes and Continuities in Fruit Use in Southern France From Neolithic to Roman Times Using Archaeobotanical Data (ca. 5,800 BCE - 500 CE).

The use and socio-environmental importance of fruits dramatically changed after the emergence of arboriculture and fruit domestication in the eastern Mediterranean, between the 5th and the 3rd millennia BCE. Domesticated fruits together with cultivation techniques apparently reached the western Mediterranean via colonial activities during the 1st millennium BCE – early 1st millennium CE. However, the pace and chronology of this diffusion as well as the recompositions in diversity, to adapt to new socio-environmental conditions, remain poorly known. In this study we investigate archaeobotanical records in Southern France from the Neolithic to the end of the Roman empire (ca. 5,800 BCE – 500 CE) to assess changes in fruit use as well as the emergence, spread and evolution of fruit cultivation. We explore changes in native traditions faced with innovations brought by Mediterranean colonization and how domesticated fruit cultivation spread from the Mediterranean to more temperate areas. Archaeobotanical data from 577 assemblages were systematically analyzed distinguishing two datasets according to preservation of plant remains (charred vs. uncharred), as this impacts on the quantity and diversity of taxa. The 47 fruit taxa identified were organized in broad categories according to their status and origin: exotic, allochtonous cultivated, indigenous cultivated, wild native. We also analyzed diversity, quantity of fruits compared to the total of economic plants and spatio-temporal variations in the composition of fruit assemblages using correspondence factor analyses. Archaeobotanical data reflect variations and continuities in the diversity of species used through time and space. In the Mediterranean area, significant changes related to the arrival of new plants and development of fruit cultivation occurred mainly, first during the Iron Age (6th-5th c. BCE), then in the beginning of the Roman period. Large cities played a major role in this process. In agreement with archeological information, archaeobotanical data reveal the predominance of viticulture in both periods. However, arboriculture also included other fruit species that have been subject to less intensive and specialized cultivation practices. Most significantly, this study pinpoints the continuous contribution of native, supposedly wild fruits throughout the chronology. Despite the homogenizing Roman influence, results reveal clear differences between the Mediterranean and temperate regions.

Effect of Plant Spacing and Growth Regulator on Quality and Quantity of Mosambi Fruit Under Drip Irrigation

A field experiment was managed at the Water Management Research Farm, Renala Khurd, Pakistan to check the effect of the plant to plant spacing (3×3, 5×5, 7×7) and growth regulator (Isabion) on the quantity and quality of citrus fruit (Mosambi) under drip irrigation. The trail was arranged into a split-plot outline with six treatments under three blocks. Two foliar sprays were carried out at 40 days gap in September and November 2020. After 4 to 5 days of second foliar spray, data were collected. The results revealed that plant growth regulator isabion was more effective in improving plant traits like no. of fruits and leaf area in mosambi and plant to plant spacing only improved one plant trait, plant height. However, fruit weight was not affected by both plant to plant spacing and growth regulator treatments compared to control. The fruit quality analysis results showed that carbohydrate, vitamin, moisture and fat contents of mosambi fruits were increased by both plant to plant spacing and growth regulator treatments, while the increase in protein content was not found. In our study, plant growth regulator appeared to be more effective for improving plant traits while fruit traits were equally affected by both plant-plant spacing and growth regulator. In the future, both plant to plant spacing and growth regulator should be considered to improve citrus plant growth and fruit yield.

Profiling of Phenolic Compounds of Fruit Peels of Different Ecotype Bananas Derived from Domestic and Imported Cultivars with Different Maturity

Banana is one of the most produced and consumed fruits in the world and its fruit peel accounts for about 40% of the total fresh quantity of ripe fruit, which is usually regarded as waste and poses serious environmental hazards. However, it is a promising source of natural bioactive compounds including phenolic compounds. Determination of the phenolic compounds in fruit peel from different cultivars and subgroups over a range of maturities provides convincing information for making full use of them. This study developed a sensitive and reliable analytical method—ultra-high performance liquid chromatography—coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) for measuring phenolic compounds in fruit peel from different ecotype cultivars and subgroups with different maturity. The results showed that quinic acid had the highest concentration ratio among the main phenolic compounds in the green/ripe peel of all banana cultivars; among all banana cultivars, the total phenolic compound contents of green banana peel were significantly higher than that of ripe banana peel; the total phenolic compound contents in the green/ripe fruit peel of non-dessert bananas were significantly higher than that of dessert bananas (green: non-dessert banana 1.48 ± 0.44 mg/g vs. dessert banana 0.97 ± 0.12 mg/g; ripe: non-dessert banana 0.26 ± 0.13 mg/g vs. dessert banana 0.19 ± 0.06 mg/g). These data provide a basis for the rational utilization of phenolic compound extractions from banana peel with huge biomass in the next step.

Negative effects of light pollution on pollinator visits are outweighed by positive effects on the reproductive success of a bat-pollinated tree

Cities are home to several species of pollinators that play an important role in the reproductive success of wild and cultivated plants that grow in these ecosystems and their surroundings. Pollution is a main driver of pollinator decline. Light and noise pollution are more intense in cities than in any other ecosystem. Although nocturnal pollinators are heavily exposed to these pollutants, their effect on bat pollination is still unknown. Our goal was to assess the effect of light and noise pollution on the main pollination components (pollinator visits, pollen transfer, pollen germination, fruit, and seed set) of the tropical tree, Ceiba pentandra, in a heavily urbanized ecosystem. We measured these components in sites with contrasting intensities of artificial light and anthropogenic noise and statistically assessed the direct and indirect effect of pollutants on pollination components using structural equation modeling. We found that noise and light pollution negatively affected the visits by the bats that pollinate C. pentandra. However, these negative effects did not affect posterior pollination components. In fact, the direct effect of light pollution on reproductive success was positive and greater than the indirect effects via pollinator visits. We suggest that illuminated trees may be able to sustain a large quantity of fruits and seeds because they produce more photosynthates due to greater light radiation and delayed leaf abscission. We conclude that, despite the negative effect of light and noise on pollinator visits, these pollutants did not significantly impact the reproductive success of C. pentandra.

Healthy Eating Score–7 as a Measure of Diet Quality in a Military Population

ObjectiveIdentify potential revisions to the Healthy Eating Score (HES–5) that improve associations with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) –2015 total and component scores. MethodsPearson r correlations were determined from soldiers’ (n = 433) survey data, including the HES, proposed additional questions, and the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. ResultsAdding sugar-sweetened beverages and energy drink questions (HES–7) strengthened the HES and HEI–2015 correlation (HES–5; r = 0.42, n = 433, r2 = 0.18, P < 0.001) (HES–7; r = 0.52, r2 = 0.27, P < 0.001). The HES components and Block Food Frequency Questionnaire consumption correlations were as follows: quantity of fruit (r = 0.37, r2 = 0.14, P < 0.001), vegetables (r = 0.41, r2 = 0.17, P < 0.001), whole grains (r = 0.35, r2 = 0.12 P < 0.001), dairy (r = 0.34, r2 = 0.12, P < 0.001), fish (r = 0.31, r2 = 0.10, P < 0.001), and energy drink (r = 0.59, r2 = 0.35, P < 0.001). Conclusions and ImplicationsHES–7 had the strongest correlation with HEI–2015. Future studies can explore if including consumption quantity in the HES improves its representation of diet quality.

Anti-inflammatory Activities of Cranberry Fruit Extracts in Human THP-1 Monocytes are Influenced by Their Phytochemical Composition

The secondary metabolite content of cranberry fruits can vary with cultivar and environmental factors, which may in turn impact their potential biological activities. To evaluate the influence of composition on anti-inflammatory activity, cranberry fruits were collected from two major U.S. growing regions. Eight extracts from these fruits were prepared, analyzed for phytochemical composition, and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects in human monocytes (THP-1 cells). The extracts varied widely in polyphenol and triterpenoid content. All were able to reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) at 100 μg/mL, with inhibition ranging between 18.8 and 48.8%. Of these, three extracts high in anthocyanins, triterpenoids, or total polyphenols decreased levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) at concentrations of 0.1–10 μg/mL compared to LPS-exposed control. Several individual cranberry phytochemicals were also capable of reducing production of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. The data suggest that phytochemicals present in varying quantities in cranberry fruits including anthocyanins, hyperoside, ursolic acid, and corosolic acid play a role in the anti-inflammatory effects of cranberry extracts on human monocytes.

An Integrated Deep Learning Framework for Fruits Diseases Classification

Agriculture has been an important research area in the field of image processing for the last five years. Diseases affect the quality and quantity of fruits, thereby disrupting the economy of a country. Many computerized techniques have been introduced for detecting and recognizing fruit diseases. However, some issues remain to be addressed, such as irrelevant features and the dimensionality of feature vectors, which increase the computational time of the system. Herein, we propose an integrated deep learning framework for classifying fruit diseases. We consider seven types of fruits, i.e., apple, cherry, blueberry, grapes, peach, citrus, and strawberry. The proposed method comprises several important steps. Initially, data increase is applied, and then two different types of features are extracted. In the first feature type, texture and color features, i.e., classical features, are extracted. In the second type, deep learning characteristics are extracted using a pretrained model. The pretrained model is reused through transfer learning. Subsequently, both types of features are merged using the maximum mean value of the serial approach. Next, the resulting fused vector is optimized using a harmonic threshold-based genetic algorithm. Finally, the selected features are classified using multiple classifiers. An evaluation is performed on the PlantVillage dataset, and an accuracy of 99% is achieved. A comparison with recent techniques indicate the superiority of the proposed method.

Species diversity and infestation indices of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritedae) in guava ecosystem of southwest Haryana

The fruit flies are major pests of fruits and cause direct damage to guava fruits which has great impact on quality and quantity of fruits. In the present study, fruit fly diversity and infestation indices in guava fruits were investigated. Pheromone traps were installed, captured adults of species were examined and diversity was recorded. Two species viz Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel and B zonata Saunders were found in guava ecosystem in southwest Haryana. During the study, 1,179 specimens of fruit flies were collected from the traps and 179 from the fruits. The results revealed that B dorsalis was dominant species over B zonata which were 55.13 and 44.87 per cent respectively. While studying fruit fly diversity from infested fruits, 57.22 per cent of flies were those of B dorsalis and 42.22 per cent of B zonata. The mean pupal viability was found 52.49 per cent for entire observation period. The infestation indices were 45.88 pupae/kg and 7.8 pupae/fruit recorded during 2nd fortnight of September 2020.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES OF TOMATO PLANTS UNDER BACTERIAL INFLUENCE

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) is one of the most important vegetable crops widely grown around the world. However, the global economic productivity of this crop is limited to a number of phytopathogens. Bacterial spotting and mild rot of tomatoes caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, are one of the most common bacterial diseases that cause significant losses and reduce both the quality and quantity of fruits and impair the nutritional value of tomatoes. Tomato plants are affected by these pathogens throughout the growing season, the lesion is characterized by chlorosis, necrosis and rot. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact on the physiological and biochemical parameters of tomato sprouts affected by pathogens of P. syringae pv. tomato and P. carotovorum subsp. саrotovorum. It was found that strains of P. syringae pv. tomato IZ202014 and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum IZ207 cause a 30-40% decrease in germination energy and seed germination of Black Prince, Northern Queen, Riddle and Liana tomatoes compared to the control. According to the analysis of physiological and biochemical parameters, the most resistant to pathogens P. syringae pv. tomato, P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum variety Northern Queen. Treatment of tomato plants with a suspension of the studied strains causes a decrease in chlorophyll content in seedlings by 58-93%. According to the chlorophyll a/b ratio, the Northern Queen and Black Prince varieties have the highest resistance to bacterial damage. Under the influence of cell suspensions of P. syringae pv. tomato IZ202014 and P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum IZ207 showed changes in the activity of enzymes of the antioxidant system in tomato seedlings, which indicates a decrease in the oxidative processes of cells.

Deep Learning Based Automated Detection of Diseases from Apple Leaf Images

In Agriculture Sciences, detection of diseases is one of the most challenging tasks. The mis-interpretations of plant diseases often lead to wrong pesticide selection, resulting in damage of crops. Hence, the automatic recognition of the diseases at earlier stages is important as well as economical for better quality and quantity of fruits. Computer aided detection (CAD) has proven as a supportive tool for disease detection and classification, thus allowing the identification of diseases and reducing the rate of degradation of fruit quality. In this research work, a model based on convolutional neural network with 19 convolutional layers has been proposed for effective and accurate classification of Marsonina Coronaria and Apple Scab diseases from apple leaves. For this, a database of 50,000 images has been acquired by collecting images of leaves from apple farms of Himachal Pradesh (H.P) and Uttarakhand (India). An augmentation technique has been performed on the dataset to increase the number of images for increasing the accuracy. The performance analysis of the proposed model has been compared with the new two Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models having 8 and 9 layers respectively. The proposed model has also been compared with the standard machine learning classifiers like support vector machine, k-Nearest Neighbour, Random Forest and Logistic Regression models. From experimental results, it has been observed that the proposed model has outperformed the other CNN based models and machine learning models with an accuracy of 99.2%.

MALNUTRITION AND MATERNAL MORTALITY IN BAUCHI NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Malnutrition is one of the common global health challenges that may influence deaths in developing countries, especially among pregnant women and children under 5 years. This paper looks into the influence of malnutrition on maternal mortality. A cross-sectional survey was adopted as the research design, and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the respondents. The study was guided by gender equity theory. The study findings indicated that majority of the pregnant women dieting and nutritional intake were poor. Also, the study found some intermediary factors in addiction to malnutrition that influenced maternal health and maternal mortality. These factors include age, and occupation among others. The paper recommends that government should introduce a policy on pre-marital health education. Moreso, drugs or supplements containing the required quantity of protein, vegetables, and fruits should be made available to pregnant women, during the first and second trimester of pregnancy.

The Used of Attractants From Coffee at Various Heights Traps to Control Coffee Berry Borer and Quality Test of Coffee Berry

The coffee plant is a commodity that is widely grown in Toba Regency, Province of North Sumatera. Coffee berry borer (CBB) Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) is an essential pest in coffee plants which can reduce the quantity and quality of coffee fruit up to 50%. This research was to study the use of attractants derived from extract coffee bean and outer skin (pericarp) at various height traps to control CBB in Parsaoran Sibisa Village, Lumban Julu District, Toba Regency. This research method uses a factorial randomized block design with two treatments and three replications. For the first factor is the type of attractants (aqua-des, coffee beans and pericarp). The second factor is the height of the trap (0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 m). The results showed that the interaction of attactant type and trap height had no significant effect, but the attractiveness of coffee beans significantly affected CBB population trapped. The attractant of coffee beans caught 16.40 adults, 6.57 adults pericarp and 0.04 adults of distilled water. The best trap height is at 0.5 m with 8.50 adults followed by a height of 1.0 m and 1.5 m each with 8.28 adults and 6.24 adults.

Antioxidant Effect of Lycopene on Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Line

Purpose: Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of blindness among diabetics. Studies around the globe establish oxidative stress as one of the major players of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Epidemiological reports suggest that consumption of large quantity of fruits and vegetables of high carotenoid content decreases risk of diabetes-based complications including retinopathy. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant and a carotenoid family member having known health benefits. Thus, the present investigation was designed to evaluate the antioxidant property. Methods: The antioxidant potential of lycopene was determined using D407 retinal pigment epithelial cell lines through lycopene incorporation studies and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide cell cytotoxicity assay. Results: Lycopene showed good antioxidant effect in-vitro on retinal pigment epithelial cell line and it was devoid of any cellular toxicity in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Conclusion: The results suggest that lycopene can be a potential candidate to halt the progression of diabetic retinopathy due to its effective defense against oxidative stress and non-toxic nature on the retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Influence of boron and zinc on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of strawberry

Strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch.) is responsive to boron (B) and zinc (Zn) fertilizer application. Hence, an experiment was conducted in winter season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 to evaluate the effect of boron and zinc application on yield traits, yields, nutrient uptake and quality of strawberry. The experiment was planned with 16 treatment combinations involving four levels each of boron (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha−1) and zinc (0, 2, 3 and 4 kg ha−1) following factorial (4 × 4) randomized complete block design with three replications. As per results, application of B 2 kg ha−1 and Zn 3 kg ha−1 produced highest number of fruits (18.5) and most fruit yield (14.1 t ha−1) with higher total soluble solids (7.50°Brix) and vitamin C (72.0 mg/100 g) and greatest B uptake (0.205 kg ha−1) and Zn uptake (0.192 kg ha−1).The interaction effect of boron and zinc was dominant. The result suggests that combined application of B 2 kg ha−1 and Zn 3 kg ha−1 can increase the quantity and quality of strawberry fruit. The present findings may have potential for the area where imbalance uses of boron and zinc fertilizer in strawberry cultivation.

Impact of plant growth regulators spray on fruit quantity and quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars grown under plastic tunnels

The study aims to investigate the effect of foliar spray with three plant growth regulators (PGRs) p-Chlorophenoxyacetic acid (CPA) at 20 and 40 ppm; Gibberellic acid (GA3) at 20 and 30 ppm, 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at 10 and 20 ppm on the response of fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of some hot pepper cultivars (Chillina, Parbirian, Shampion, and Hyffa) grown in sandy soil under plastic tunnels as compared to the control. Spraying Chillina cultivar GA3 at 30 ppm significantly increased the number of fruits/ plant and fruit set (%), yield/plant, and total yield/fad. In addition, the contents of TSS and Vit C, furthermore, maximum capsaicin content were observed in chili fruits in both seasons. However, the interaction between Chillina cultivar and spraying with GA3 at 20 ppm ranked second in yield and quality. The interaction between Parbirian cultivars and spraying with GA3 at 20 or 30 ppm increased the number of flowers/plants in both seasons. On the other hand, the interaction between Shampion cultivar and spraying with tap water (control) gave the lowest values of the number of flowers/ plants, the number of fruits/ plant and fruit set (%), yield, and its components, and fruit quality in both seasons.

Mid-pregnancy consumption of fruit, vegetable and fruit juice and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A correlation study.

To determine the potential association between mid-pregnancy consumption of fruit, vegetable and fruit juice and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). An observational study with 2987 pregnant women was conducted in China from June 2013 to June 2014. Fruit, vegetable and fruit juice consumption during weeks 13-28 of pregnancy was assessed by using 24h dietary recall method and food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the association between fruit, vegetable and fruit juice consumption (in quartiles) and GDM risks, and One-Way ANOVA was used to compare the incidences of GDM at various levels of fruit, vegetable and fruit juice consumption, adjusted for gestational age, family history of diabetes, physical activity, fiber and meat intake. Among all the 2987 pregnant women, 405 (13.6%) were diagnosed as GDM for the first time. There was no association between total fruit and vegetable consumption and GDM. Quantity of grape, melon, potatoes and fruit juice consumption were positively associated with the incidence of GDM. In contrast, quantity of apple, orange and vegetables other than potatoes were negatively associated with the incidence of GDM. Our findings indicate that appropriate quantity of fruit and vegetable intakes throughout pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on preventing the development of GDM, whereas excess consumption of fruits, potatoes and fruit juices is associated with an increased risk of GDM.

Is the healthy start scheme associated with increased food expenditure in low-income families with young children in the United Kingdom?

BackgroundHealthy Start is a food assistance programme in the United Kingdom (UK) which aims to provide a nutritional safety-net and enable low-income families on welfare benefits to access a healthier diet through the provision of food vouchers. Healthy Start was launched in 2006 but remains under-evaluated. This study aims to determine whether participation in the Healthy Start scheme is associated with differences in food expenditure in a nationally representative sample of households in the UK.MethodsCross-sectional analyses of the Living Costs and Food Survey dataset (2010–2017). All households with a child (0–3 years) or pregnant woman were included in the analysis (n = 4869). Multivariable quantile regression compared the expenditure and quantity of fruit and vegetables (FV), infant formula and total food purchases. Four exposure groups were defined based on eligibility, participation and income (Healthy Start Participating, Eligible Non-participating, Nearly Eligible low-income and Ineligible high-income households).ResultsOf 876 eligible households, 54% participated in Healthy Start. No statistically significant differences were found in FV or total food purchases between participating and eligible non-participating households, but infant formula purchases were lower in Healthy Start participating households. Ineligible higher-income households had higher purchases of FV.ConclusionThis study did not find evidence of an association between Healthy Start participation and FV expenditure. Moreover, inequalities in FV purchasing persist in the UK. Higher participation and increased voucher value may help to improve programme performance and counteract the harmful effects of poverty on diet.

Introduction of nutri-garden for household food security in Mahabubnagar district

Healthy life starts with healthy diet. Nutritious rich food promotes productivity and performance of the individual throughout their entire lifespan. From past few years knowledge regarding this field is growing rapidly. It was well-known that vegetables and fruits contains high amount of nutrients, and thereby introducing the Nutri-garden concept to the farm families will not only provide them with required quantity of vegetables and fruits but also help them crud malnutrition. This paper describes the introduction of Nutri-garden for household food security in Mahabubnagar District of Telangana. The intervention started with a detailed baseline survey and its assessment in 2015-16 which motivated to design and promote Nutri-garden in the district. Vegetable Seed kits and saplings were distributed to farm women under the YFA-KVK demonstrations. This study examines intervention of Nutri-garden from the year 2017-18 to 2019-20. A representative sample size of 200 households was selected and their change in food consumption (quantity and frequency) was compared with the data of before (2015-16) and after (2020) intervention. Over the period (2017-2020) the vegetables and fruits produced under Nutri-garden was utilized for household consumption. Monthly per capita consumption (g/CU/person) of fruits and vegetables, both quantities consumed, and frequency of consumption was analyzed. Comparison of data taken at two time periods (before and after intervention), showed that there is a significant difference in the consumption pattern before and after the intervention of Nutri-garden with 99% confidence under paired t test. It was also witnessed that with the introduction of Nutri-garden, green leafy vegetable consumption was improved by 92 percent under daily consumption compared to zero consumption marked before intervention (2015-16) of garden. Therefore, it is concluded that, with the introduction of Nutri-garden there is an increased availability of different groups of vegetables that which fulfilled the daily nutritional requirements of farm families of Mahabubnagr district.

Performance of Early Fruit-Zone Leaf Removal in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in an Arid Climate

<h3>Summary</h3> <h3>Goals:</h3> Our goals were to evaluate how the timing of early fruit-zone leaf removal, done between prebloom and post-fruit set, influenced the risk of reduced fruit set, sunburn, and fruit quality in <i>Vitis vinifera</i> Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grown in the hot, arid, and irrigated region of eastern Washington State. <h3>Key Findings:</h3> Fruit set was reduced in <i>V. vinifera</i> Cabernet Sauvignon when fruit-zone leaf removal was completed during bloom. Prebloom and postbloom fruit-zone leaf removal did not reduce fruit set. Sunburn occurred on fruit on the westside of the canopy in both <i>V. vinifera</i> Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Sunburn severity increased with later-timed fruit-zone leaf removal. Overall, the maximum severity of sunburn was 15% of the cluster surface area. Vintage had a greater effect on fruit quality than timing of leaf removal for both varieties. This emphasizes the need to make canopy management decisions that are informed by weather forecasts to achieve desired management goals. <h3>Impact and Significance:</h3> Early fruit-zone leaf removal was traditionally avoided in eastern Washington, in favor of completing the practice after berries have reached pea-size. The later timing of leaf removal, however, can result in sudden exposure of the fruit during the typically warmest and sunniest time of the growing season. Results from this study show that many of the assumed risks associated with early fruit-zone leaf removal, such as extreme reduction in fruit set and sunburn, are not fully realized. This means that early fruit-zone leaf removal could be adopted in this hot, arid climate without a high risk of reduction in fruit quantity or quality.

Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods in a Sample of Adolescents With Obesity and Its Association With the Food Educational Style of Their Parent: Observational Study.

BackgroundBoth parental education and the food environment influence dietary intake and may therefore contribute to childhood obesity.ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) in a convenience sample of adolescents with obesity and to determine its association with the food educational style of their parent.MethodsThis observational study included 24 participants, 12 adolescents (8 boys and 4 girls) aged from 12 to 14 years and their 12 parents, who were followed in a specialized pediatric obesity clinic in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The adolescents were asked to take a photograph with a smartphone application of all meals and beverages consumed in their daily routine over 14 consecutive days. They evaluated their parent’s food educational style using the Kids’ Child Feeding Questionnaire. The parent who was present at the study visits also completed the Feeding Style Questionnaire. A dietitian analyzed the pictures to extract food group portions and to identify UPFs using the NOVA classification. A nonparametric statistical test was used to investigate associations between UPF intake and food educational style.ResultsOverall, the adolescents had unbalanced dietary habits compared to national recommendations. They consumed an insufficient quantity of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and starchy foods and an excessive amount of meat portions and sugary and fatty products compared to the current Swiss recommendations. Their consumption of UPFs accounted for 20% of their food intake. All adolescents defined their parent as being restrictive in terms of diet, with a mean parental restriction score of 3.3±SD 0.4 (norm median=2.1). No parent reported a permissive food educational style. A higher intake of UPFs was associated with a lower parental restriction score (P=.04).ConclusionsDespite being followed in a specialized pediatric obesity clinic, this small group of adolescents had an unbalanced diet, which included 20% UPFs. The intake of UPFs was lower in participants whose parent was more restrictive, suggesting the importance of parents as role models and to provide adequate food at home.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03241121; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03241121