Fruit Stalk Research Articles

Phytochemical Screening, Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Properties of Nypa frutican Sap

Abstract Nypa fruticans sap is a juice produced at the fruit stalks or called as inflorescence that used as beverages and addictive for food due to its sweetness. Traditionally, local people consume the sap of this plant for alternative sweetener to replace table sugar to prevent diabetes. The major part of this study to perform the phytochemicals screening that presence in the sap. Besides that, to study the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of nipa sap. All the samples were prepared by removing the water content using rotary evaporator then extracted using water, methanol and ethanol. The nipa palm vinegar (NPV) was produced as the sap was left at room temperature for 30 days. The four samples of water extract (WE), methanol extract (ME), ethanol extract (EE) and NPV were tested for phytochemical screening and showed the positive result for WE (Phenol, flavonoid and saponin), ME (phenol, flavonoid, terpenoids and tannin), EE (phenol, flavonoid, terpenoids and tannin) and NPV (phenol, flavonoid, terpenoids, and tannin). The antidiabetic properties of all four extracts of the sap were determined by inhibition of α-amylase and the result was compared to the synthetic drug which is acarbose. All the samples except WE showed the potent result for antidiabetic which are WE (100 mg/mL= 1.84% inhibition), ME (100 mg/mL= 52.16% inhibition), EE (100 mg/mL= 55.03% inhibition), and NPV (100 mg/mL= 56.67% inhibition) compared to the acarbose (100 mg/mL= 80.90% inhibition). Meanwhile, the antioxidant properties of the samples were determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The samples also showed a positive result which is WE (EC50 242.8), ME (EC50 463.7), EE (EC50 227.1) and NPV (EC50 228.3) compared to ascorbic acid (EC50 3.482). In conclusion, the sap contains useful phytochemicals that possess and helps in antidiabetic and antioxidant activities

Hydrochloric acid pretreated agro wastes as carbon source on CM-cellulases production by Aspergillus niger

Maximum cell growth 0.936g/100ml of Aspergillus niger was observed at pH 4.11 in hydrolyzed rice husk used as carbon source. Aspergillus niger was isolated from the soil of Khairpur. The collection and utilization of suitable Agro wastes used as a carbon source for cellulases production by fungi desires optimized fermentation process. Five agricultural wastes were considered for cellulolytic enzyme production using pretreatment methods acid. Acid pretreatment was found to be the most efficient method with higher enzyme production. Using this cheap and renewable residue, for cellulolytic enzyme production by Aspergillus niger boosts its economic value which is not comparable with its current use as animal feed. Agro wastes such as sugarcane peelar bagasse, sugarcane bagasse, banana fruit stalk, sorghum husk and rice husk were hydrolyzed with 0.6N HCl. Rice husk was found better substrate in comparison to other Agro wastes for the growth of Aspergillus niger and cellulases production. Maximum activity of cellulases was noted 4.811 (units/ml). The Cellobiase and salicinase maximum production 4.717 and 4.742 units per ml obtained at 240 hours respectively.

Predicting osmotic potential from measurements of refractive index in cherries, grapes and plums.

Studies of fruit tree water relations often require data on water potentials of fruit. However, this is sometimes difficult because the fruit stalks are not sufficiently long for use in a pressure bomb. Also, because fruit xylem function is often lost during maturation. In the absence of significant turgor, the osmotic potential of the expressed juice is a useful proxy for a fruit’s water potential. The osmotic potential of most fleshy fruit is determined largely by the concentration of soluble carbohydrates and this can be quantified by osmometry. Soluble solids may also be quantified by refractometry. Compared with osmometry, refractometry is markedly less expensive and also much faster. Hence, it is better suited to high-throughput analyses. The objective of this study was to establish relationships between the osmotic potentials of juices expressed from sweet cherries and sour cherries, grapes and plums as determined using a vapor pressure osmometer and their soluble solids concentrations as determined using a refractometer. The data reveal close relationships within all these species. Except for plums, the relationships between species were almost identical. This is due to similarity among cultivars and species in the relative abundances of the same set of major osmolytes—i.e. the carbohydrates glucose, fructose and sorbitol and the potassium salts of the organic acids malate or tartrate. For plums, the relationship between osmotic potential and soluble solids concentration was slightly displaced. Our findings indicate osmotic potentials may be reliably predicted from soluble solids concentrations determined by refractometry.

Influence of fruit stalk on reactive oxygen species metabolism and quality maintenance of peach fruit under chilling injury condition

Chilling injury (CI) is a physiological disorder of peach fruit, occurring at low temperature storage, especially at 5 °C. In this study, the influence of fruit stalk retention on fruit quality and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism of white-fleshed peach (cv. Okubo) was investigated. Fruit with and without stalk was exposed to chilling condition and subsequent shelf-life at 20 °C. Fruit physiological changes and ROS metabolism were monitored. The results showed that stalk retention effectively maintained fruit membrane integrity and reduced juice extraction rate under CI condition. ROS metabolism assay revealed that retention of fruit stalk significantly maintained activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), and reduced the peak level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) of fruit stored at 5 °C. Multivariable analysis (principal component, partial least squares and path analyses) demonstrated that the improvement of fruit quality indexes such as membrane integrity due to stalk retention was mainly achieved by maintaining APX and POD activities.

The effect of pre-harvest wind damage on post-harvest quality of ‘Triumph’ persimmon fruit

The post-harvest quality of ‘Triumph’ persimmon fruits grown in the Western Cape, South Africa varies with seasons. Poor post-harvest fruit quality is assumed to be associated with seasons that are characterized by violent wind occurrences. This study was carried out to investigate if pre-harvest wind damage to trees and fruit affects post-harvest fruit quality. The study was conducted in the 2012 and 2013 seasons. Wind and its damage were simulated by blowing trees with a mist blower, shaking trees, defoliating half of the trees and twisting fruit stalks 10 days prior to harvest. Fruit quality was evaluated at harvest, after 6½ weeks storage and after four days shelf-life. Simulated wind and its damage affected fruit quality at different stages during storage. Defoliation and twisting of fruit stalks increased soft fruits from 0% at harvest to 28% after storage in the 2012 season. Defoliation and blowing trees decreased total soluble solids after shelf-life in both seasons. Twisting fruit stalks delayed fruit colour development after storage and after shelf-life in the 2013 season. Blowing trees increased soft fruits to around 50% after shelf-life in both seasons. It can, therefore, be concluded that, post-harvest quality of ‘Triumph’ persimmon fruits is negatively affected by pre-harvest wind damage.

Biological Control Potential of Two Steinernematid Species Against the Date Fruit Stalk Borer (Oryctes elegans Prell, Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

The fruit stalk borer (Oryctes elegans) is an important pest of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) trees in Saudi Arabia. This study was conducted to determine efficacy of using two species of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema kushidai and Steinernema glaseri, against O. elegans under laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, both species of nematodes showed a significant effect on the mortality of O. elegans larvae. Significant variations were observed when insects were exposed to nematodes for variable durations under laboratory conditions. They showed no differences in insect larval mortality when tested either in aqueous suspensions or in Galleria-infected cadavers. Insects exposed to nematode aqueous suspension for 4 d and those treated with Galleria-infected cadavers showed the same rates of mortality, which differed when insects were exposed to nematode-infected cadavers under field conditions. Mean percentages of corrected mortality varied between nematode species and number of infected cadavers. S. kushidai caused significantly higher mortality percentages ± SE (72.17 ± 5.57, 95.83 ± 4.17, 94.43 ± 5.57, and 100%) compared with S. glaseri when the fruit stalk borer, O. elegans, was treated for 6 wk with two, four, six, and eight infected cadavers, respectively.

A Date Palm Disease (Bunch Blight) Caused by Acremonium strictum (Cephalosporium) in Saudi Arabia

Acrimonium strictum is reported as a new causal agent of a disease it names (bunch blight) in date palm (phoenix dactylefera) in Saudi Arabia. Symptoms and necrosis caused by A. strictum in susceptible cultivars showed small brown necrosis streak at midrib of fruit stalk in an early stage. There was an increase in number and size as the disease progresses; then extended to the bases of fruit strands due to death of bases and strands wilt, the infection of fruit strand caused drying the fruits and their fall. A. strictum attacks the bunches and move quickly inside and out the tissues causing brown necrosis and death of the tissues. A. strictum was isolated and pathogenicity tests were repeated more than once during two seasons and the identifications was caried several ways to confirm The confirmation of results by Biolog technique and DNA sequence were done. The proper temperature for infection was between 20-30 °C and the optimum 25 °C. When testing the susceptibility of varieties of infection, more varieties like Medjool, Saqae and Kholas were susceptible to infection and the most resistant to infection were Barhy and Khidri. The best results in the control of the fungus in vitro were due to use of Karpendazem followed Topsen M70, at the same time, the worst results were seen with the use of Abredion followed Karant (Cupper hydroxide).

Cellulase production by <i>Proteus</i> spp. JC402 from plantain fruits stalk biomass using submerged fermentation

Biodegradation of lignocellulosic biomass into a variety of value - added products (monomeric sugars) by the action of cellulolytic enzymes has recorded a significant value for industrial processes. This present work aimed at isolating and screening bacteria of soil origin capable of producing extracellular cellulase, and investigated hydrolysis of plantain fruit stalk biomass (PFSB) using submerged fermentation. Alkaline pretreated and untreated PFSB substrates were used for the cellulase production. Enzyme extract was assayed using carboxyl methyl cellulose assay method. Out of eight bacteria species screened for cellulase producing potential, four showed positive on screening medium indicated by clear or halo zone around growing microbial colonies. Proteus spp. JC402 was selected based on highest zone of inhibition (23 mm) on screening medium and 100% hydrolysis efficiency. Cellulase activity of pretreated PFSB 7.5% (w/v) substrates has the highest activity 3.2 ± 0.14 Uml-1 and untreated PFSB 2 % (w/v) has 2.76 ± 0.31 Uml-1 at 48 h. Cheap, unexploited, renewable and readily available agricultural cellulosic biomass has been effectively utilized for the production of a thermo stable enzyme as criteria for industrial application and environmental implications.

Ca Distribution Pattern in Litchi Fruit and Pedicel and Impact of Ca Channel Inhibitor, La3.

Calcium (Ca) deficiency in fruit causes various physiological disorders leading to quality loss. However, disorders related to Ca deficiency are not simply caused by a shortage of calcium supply. Ca distribution is also an important relation. This study examined Ca distribution pattern in fruit and pedicel in litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) and the influence of Ca channel inhibitor La3+ on fruit Ca uptake and distribution. In situ distribution of Ca in the phloem and xylem tissues of the pedicel was visualized by Ca mapping with X-ray microanalyzer. Ca2+ analogy Sr2+ was used to trace Ca2+ transport pathway to fruit as well as distribution pattern. The results showed Ca was more distributed in the pericarp, especially the distal part. Ca level in the bark/phloem was always significantly higher than in the xylem and increased with stem age, suggesting constant influx of Ca into the phloem from the xylem. La3+ increased the ratio of Ca in the xylem to that in the bark in the pedicel and significantly reduced Ca accumulation by 55.6% in fruit, suggesting influx of Ca into the symplast was involved in fruit Ca uptake. Sr2+ introduced from fruit stalk was found to be transported to fruit through the phloem as Sr was largely distributed in the phloem, and fruit stalk girdling significantly reduced Sr accumulation in the pericarp. Ca mapping across the pedicel revealed Ca-rich sites in the parenchyma cells in the phloem and along the cambium, where abundant Ca oxalate crystals were found. The results suggested extensive influx of Ca from xylem/apoplast pathway into the phloem/symplast pathway in the pedicel, which enables phloem/symplast pathway to contribute a considerable part to Ca uptake in litchi fruit.

Chitosan nanoparticles/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposites as a carrier system for the controlled release of repaglinide

The aim of the present work was to study the use of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and chitosan nanoparticles (CHNP) for developing controlled-release drug delivery system of the anti-hyperglycemic drug Repaglinide (RPG). CNC was isolated from palm fruit stalks by sulfuric acid hydrolysis; the dimensions of the isolated nanocrystals were 86–237 nm in length and 5–7 nm in width. Simple and economic method was used for the fabrication of controlled release drug delivery system from CNC and CHNP loaded with RPG drug via ionic gelation of chitosan in the presence of CNC and RPG. The prepared systems showed high drug encapsulation efficiency of about ~98%. Chemical modification of CNC by oxidation to introduce carboxylic groups on their surface (OXCNC) was also carried out for further controlling of RPG release. Particles size analysis showed that the average size of CHNP was about 197 nm while CHNP/CNC/RPG or CHNP/OXCNC/RPG nanoparticles showed average size of 215–310 nm. Compatibility studies by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed no chemical reaction between RPG and the system's components used. By studying the drug release kinetic, all the prepared RPG formulations followed Higuchi model, indicating that the drug released by diffusion through the nanoparticles polymeric matrix.

Membranes Based on Cellulose Nanofibers and Activated Carbon for Removal of Escherichia coli Bacteria from Water.

Cellulosic nanomaterials are potential candidates in different areas, especially in water treatment. In the current work, palm fruit stalks cellulose nanofibers (CNF), TEMPO-oxidized CNF (OCNF), and activated carbon (AC) were used to make thin film membranes for removal of E. coli bacteria from water. Two types of layered membranes were produced: a single layer setup of crosslinked CNF and a two-layer setup of AC/OCNF (bottom) and crosslinked CNF (up) on hardened filter paper. The prepared membranes were evaluated regarding their microstructure and layers thickness using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water flux and rejection of E. coli bacteria was tested using dead end stirred cells at 1 MPa pressure. Thickness of the cosslinked CNF layer in both types of membranes was about 0.75 micron. The results showed that exchanging water by isopropyl alcohol before drying increased porosity of membranes, and thus resulted in increasing pure water flux and flux of bacteria suspension. The two-layer AC/OCNF/CNF membrane had much higher water flux than the single layer CNF due to higher porosity seen on the surface of the former. Both types of membranes showed high capability of removing E. coli bacteria (rejection ~96–99%) with slightly higher efficiency for the AC/OCNF/CNF membrane than CNF membrane. AC/OCNF/CNF membrane also showed resistance against growth of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria on the upper CNF surface while the single layer CNF membrane did not show resistance against growth of the aforementioned bacteria.

Incidence Rates of Major Diseases of Kiwiberry in 2015 and 2016.

Incidence rates of diseases in kiwiberry orchards were investigated monthly from late June to late September in Gwangyang and Boseong in 2015 and 2016. The impact of postharvest fruit rot was investigated during ripening after harvest. Bacterial canker was only observed on one single tree in 2015, but black rot, powdery mildew, leaf spot and blight, and postharvest fruit rot diseases were problematic throughout the study period in both 2015 and 2016. Incidence rates of the diseases varied with kiwiberry cultivar, region and sampling time. Incidence rates of powdery mildew, leaf spot and blight diseases increased significantly during the late growing stages near fruit harvest, while black rot peaked in late August. Incidence rate of postharvest fruit rot on fruit without fruit stalks was less than half of fruit with fruit stalks, regardless of kiwiberry cultivars. Among the four cultivars, Mansu was relatively resistant to black rot and postharvest fruit rot diseases. In our knowledge, this is the first report of various potential pathogens of kiwiberry in Korea.

GENETIC RESOURCES OF TRADITIONAL PEAR VARIETIES IN THE REGION OF SKOPJE

In this paper, we present the results of the phenological characteristics (flowering and ripening time), fruit characteristics (fruit mass, length, width and hardness, length of fruit stalk, number of seeds in fruit, fruit colour and taste and content of stone cells) and chemical characteristics of fruits (soluble dry matter, total sugar and total acids) of 7 traditional pear varieties (Carigradsko avche, Evropsko avche, Letna kajkushka, Karamanka, Vodenka, Zimnica and Zimska kajkushka) in the Skopje region. In the Skopje region, the analyzed pear varieties start to flower in the first decade of April. The pear variety Carigradsko avche flowered at the earliest and Zimnica at the latest. According to the ripening time, the varieties Carigradsko avche, Evropsko avche, Letna kajkushka and Karamanka are summer pear varieties, Vodenka is an autumn variety, Zimnica and Zimska kajkushka are winter varieties. The pear Zimnica had the biggest fruits. The pears Carigradsko avche, Evropsko avche, Karamanka and Vodenka had long fruit stalks. Only the variety Zimska kajkushka contains high quantity of seeds in the fruits. The highest quality fruits, juicy, with very fine to excellent taste, are met in the pears Vodenka and Karamanka. Statistically significant differences among the examined pear varieties for all fruit characteristics were found.

Hopea macrocarpa (Dipterocarpaceae), a new species from Peninsular Thailand

A new species of the important timber tree family Dipterocarpaceae, Hopea macrocarpa Poopath & Sookch., from Hala-Bala forest, Narathiwat, Thailand is described and illustrated. Hopea macrocarpa is morphologically similar to H. mengarawan Miq. from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo in its leaf shape, leaf size, leaf blade texture and number of secondary nerves. The new species differs from H. mengarawan , however, by having bigger flower buds, bigger fruits and longer fruit stalks.

Design of an economically feasible nutrient medium for microorganisms using banana waste

The management of the generated waste is a major problem in developing countries. The waste generated in the agroprocessing has been used as sources of nutrients for the microbes. In the present study, a medium has been formulated with banana fruit stalk and the microbial growth was monitored. Growth and biomass production was examined on banana stalk agar (BSA) and broth (BSB), banana stalk dextrose agar (BSDA) and broth (BSDB) using commercial potato dextrose agar (PDA) and broth (PDB) as control. It was observed that the good microbial growth was observed when compared to that of other conventional growth media. The weight of the Aspergillus niger biomass in BSDB was 1.8 g after 4 weeks of growth and the weight of the biomass in PDB was 0.9 g. The remarkable growth on BSDB may be attributed that the banana stalk is highly rich in nutrients.

Design of an economically feasible nutrient medium for microorganisms using banana waste

The management of the generated waste is a major problem in developing countries. The waste generated in the agroprocessing has been used as sources of nutrients for the microbes. In the present study, a medium has been formulated with banana fruit stalk and the microbial growth was monitored. Growth and biomass production was examined on banana stalk agar (BSA) and broth (BSB), banana stalk dextrose agar (BSDA) and broth (BSDB) using commercial potato dextrose agar (PDA) and broth (PDB) as control. It was observed that the good microbial growth was observed when compared to that of other conventional growth media. The weight of the Aspergillus niger biomass in BSDB was 1.8 g after 4 weeks of growth and the weight of the biomass in PDB was 0.9 g. The remarkable growth on BSDB may be attributed that the banana stalk is highly rich in nutrients.

Seeds Characteristics of Gelam (Meulaleca leucadendra): Seed Maturity, Morphology, Germination and Storability

Gelam (Meulaleuca leucadendra (L.) L.) is a potential species for construction timbers adapted to degraded swamp forest. Cultivation of this species is still limited and needs supporting of information of seed procurement technology, such as seed maturity, germination technique and storability. The present paper deals with assessing of seed maturity, morphology, germination and storability of the species. The seeds were collected from three natural populations, i.e. Landasan Ulin, Gasing, and Jabiren, and tested in a laboratory. The results showed that seed maturity can be identified from source of fruit/stalk. Seeds from the second and third fruit stalks resulted the best germination capacity,i.e 984 seedlings -0.1 g and 809 seedlings -0.1 g , repectively. Fruit morphology, seed germination, and storability were significantly different among populations. Fruit from Gasing with length of 3.81 mm, diameter of 3.79 mm and weight of 0.037 g had higher sizes than fruits from Landasan Ulin and Jabiren. The best seed germination of the three seedlots was resulted from top paper method with 12 hours lighting period. In the nursery practices, the mixed media of sand and rice husk charcoal (1:1 v/v) gave the best result of germination. The best storage of seeds was refrigerator room wraped by impermeable plastic bag. Seeds from Jabiren provided the best germination and storability that gave a germination capacity of 925seedlings -0.1g and 731 seedlings -0.1 g before and after storage for one year, respectively.

Functional analyses of Populus euphratica brassinosteroid biosynthesis enzyme genes DWF4 (PeDWF4) and CPD (PeCPD) in the regulation of growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana.

DWF4 and CPD are key brassinosteroids (BRs) biosynthesis enzyme genes. To explore the function of Populus euphratica DWF4 (PeDWF4) and CPD (PeCPD), Arabidopsis thaliana transgenic lines (TLs) expressing PeDWF4, PeCPD or PeDWF4 plus PeCPD, namely PeDWF4-TL, PeCPD-TL and PeCP/DW-TL, were characterized. Compared with wild type (WT), the changes of both PeDWF4-TL and PeCPD-TL in plant heights, silique and hypocotyls lengths and seed yields were similar, but in bolting time and stem diameters, they were opposite. PeCP/DW-TL was more in plant heights and the lengths of primary root, silique, and fruit stalk, but less in silique numbers and seed yields than either PeDWF4-TL or PeCPD-TL. PeDWF4 and PeCPD specially expressed in PeDWF4-TL or PeCPDTL, and the transcription level of PeDWF4 was higher than that of PeCPD. In PeCP/DW-TL, their expressions were all relatively reduced. Additionally, the expression of PeDWF4 and PeCPD differentially made the expression levels of AtDWF4, AtCPD, AtBR6OX2, AtFLC, AtTCP1 and AtGA5 change in the TLs. The total BRs contents were PeDWF4-TL greater than PeCP/DW-TL greater than WT greater than PeCPD-TL. These results imply that PeDWF4 is functionally not exactly the same as PeCPD and there may be a synergistic and antagonistic effects in physiology between both of them in the regulation of plant growth and development.

SPEKTROFOTOMETRYCZNE OZNACZANIE ZAWARTOŚCI BIAŁKA W MONOCYTACH/MAKROFAGACH THP-1 – OPIS METODY

Proteins are the basic building block of tissue, and are part of enzymes and hormones regulating many important life processes. Changes in their concentration control the metabolic processes of the cell. Quantitative determination of the protein content is divided into indirect methods (e.g. Kjeldahl method) and direct methods (buret method, Lowry, immunoenzymatic, formol method, based on incorporation of dye in the range of ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and based on the phenomenon of selective absorption of radiation in the infrared range). One of the methods for the determination of protein content is the spectrophotometric method described by Bradford. The protein concentration assay procedure utilizes the phenomenon of formation of the dye (Coomassie Brillant Blue G-250)-protein and colour intensity is proportional to the protein content in the solution. The aim of this study was to verify the usefulness of this method for determining the protein content in THP-1 cells cultured with extracts of nettle fruit stalks (Urtica dioica L.). Aqueous and alcohol extracts at two concentrations were used. It has been shown that the spectrophotometric determination of protein content by the Bradford method is an effective and accurate method for determining the concentration of protein in THP-1 macrophages. The results indicate that this method can be recommended for the determination of the protein content in other cell cultures.

Morphometric Study of Several Species of the Genus <i>Jatropha</i> Linn. (Euphorbiaceae)

Morphological parameters of several Jatropha species, namely Jatropha curcas L., Jatropha gossypifolia L., Jatropha podagrica Hook., Jatropha integerrima Jacq. and Jatropha multifida L. were subjected to quantitative analysis within the present study. Twelve traits of the leaves, fruits and seeds were analysed: leaf length, leaf width, leaf length/width ratio, petiole length, petiole width, fruit length, fruit width, fruit length/width ratio, seed length, seed width, fruit stalk length and fruit stalk width were subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. Highly significant positive correlations have been noted, while negative correlation was observed between leaf width and leaf length/width ratio, fruit width and leaf length/width ratio. Traits such as leaf length, leaf width and leaf length/width ratio contributed significantly along with other traits to discriminate the studied Jatropha species. J. podagrica and J. integerrima were found to have more similarities, with a stronger coefficient of agglomeration (69.072) than J. curcas and J. podagrica with 315.028 coefficient of agglomeration respectively. The generated dendrogram showed the relationship between the studied Jatropha species, whereas great affinity was noted between J. podagrica and J. multifida as compared with J. gossypifolia and J. integerrima which are distantly related. The closeness observed between J. podagrica and J. multifida is in line with their current sub-generic grouping.