Fruiting Structures Research Articles

Changes in peel surface structures of pomegranate fruit (‘Wonderful’) during storage

Changes in peel surface structures of pomegranate fruit (‘Wonderful’) during storage

The Phylogenetic Significance of Fruit Structures in the Family Cornaceae of China and Related Taxa.

The fruit morphological structures of the Cornaceae of China and related taxa were studied using the wax GMA semi-thin section method and other methods to identify characters useful in delimiting clades circumscribed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of 27 fruit structural characters resulted in a generally poorly resolved strict consensus tree, yet one whose major clades matched those revealed previously. Cornaceae of China and related taxa are recognized in four significant clades with the following fruit structural features: (1) Helwingia, fruits lack trichome, the abdominal vascular bundles are close to the endocarp, and the endocarp sclereid is elongated; (2) Aucuba, single-cell lanceolate trichomes, pericarp without secretory structure; (3) Torricellia, polygon and elongated sclereids in the endocarp, pericarp without crystal and tannin; and (4) Cornus sensu lato, the trichome is T-shaped, the abdominal ventral bundle is absent, and the endocarp sclereid is nearly round. In Cornus sensu lato, this document supported that the cornelian cherries (CC, subg. Cornus) and the big-bracted dogwoods (BB, subg. Syncarpea) are sister groups. The dwarf dogwoods (DW, subg. Arctocrania) are sister to them, and the blue- or white-fruited dogwoods (BW, subg. Kraniopsis, subg. Yinquania, and subg. Mesomora) are the base of the Cornus sensu lato clade. The number of cell layers of endocarps and the types of crystals afford sound evidence for identifying their relationship. This study indicated that the fruit structures of Cornaceae might provide morphological and anatomical evidence for molecular phylogeny.

Truncation of MAT1-2-7 Deregulates Developmental Pathways Associated with Sexual Reproduction in Huntiella omanensis.

ABSTRACTThe MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 genes are thought to be the master regulators of sexual development in most ascomycete fungi, and they are often essential for this process. In contrast, it has been suggested that the secondary mating-type genes act to calibrate the sexual cycle and can be dispensable. Recent functional characterization of genes such as Aspergillus fumigatus MAT1-2-4, Huntiella omanensis MAT1-2-7, and Botrytis cinerea MAT1-1-5 has, however, shown that these secondary genes may play more central roles in the sexual pathway and are essential for the production of mature fruiting structures. We used a comparative transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) experiment to show that the truncation of MAT1-2-7 in the wood inhabiting H. omanensis residing in the Ceratocystidaceae is associated with the differential expression of approximately 25% of all the genes present in the genome, including the transcriptional regulators ste12, wc-2, sub1, VeA, HMG8, and pro1. This suggests that MAT1-2-7 may act as a transcription factor and that ΔMAT1-2-7 mutant sterility is the result of layered deregulation of a variety of signaling and developmental pathways. This study is one of only a few that details the functional characterization of a secondary MAT gene in a nonmodel species. Given that this gene is present in other Ceratocystidaceae species and that there are diverse secondary MAT genes present throughout the Pezizomycotina, further investigation into this gene and others like it will provide a clearer understanding of sexual development in these eukaryotes.IMPORTANCE Secondary mating-type genes are being described almost as quickly as new fungal genomes are being sequenced. Understanding the functions of these genes has lagged behind their description, in part due to limited taxonomic distribution, lack of conserved functional domains, and difficulties with regard to genetic manipulation protocols. This study aimed to address this by investigating a novel mating-type gene, MAT1-2-7, for which two independent mutant strains were generated in a previous study. We characterized the molecular response to the truncation of this gene in a nonmodel, wood-infecting fungus and showed that it resulted in widespread differential expression throughout the transcriptome of this fungus. This suggests that secondary MAT genes may play a more important role than previously thought. This study also emphasizes the need for further research into the life cycles of nonmodel fungi, which often exhibit unique features that are very different from the systems understood from model species.

Description of a new species of Hamamelistes forming galls on Fothergilla spp. (Hamamelidaceae) and the generic limits of Hormaphidini (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae).

Hamamelistes and Hormaphis aphids of the tribe Hormaphidini are distributed disjunctly in eastern North America and Eurasia. Host-alternating species have life cycles encompassing generations in a gall on witch-hazel (Hamamelis spp.) and generations on leaves of birch (Betula spp.). In Hamamelistes, generations on witch-hazel induce globular pouch galls on flower or leaf buds. Herbarium specimens of a related Hamamelidaceae genus, Fothergilla, contain large galls in place of the seed head. We obtained a fresh sample of these elongate pouch galls collected from F. milleri in Alabama, USA. The galls were formed in place of fruiting structures and contained numerous aphids. Examination of morphology and the cytochrome oxidase subunit I barcode DNA sequence confirmed that the aphids are an undescribed species of Hamamelistes. Here, we describe the new species, Hamamelistes blackmani Dederich von Dohlen sp. n., from the morphology of foundresses, immatures, and winged forms in the gall. The life cycle is presumed monoecious. In addition, we review the evidence for including other genera in Hormaphidini and recommend that this tribe be restricted to Hamamelistes and Hormaphis.

Promising antimalarials targeting apicoplast DNA polymerase from Plasmodium falciparum

Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which contains an essential non-photosynthetic plastid called the apicoplast. A single DNA polymerase, apPOL, is targeted to the apicoplast, where it replicates and repairs the genome. apPOL has no direct orthologs in mammals and is considered a promising drug target for the treatment and/or prevention of malaria. We previously reported screening the Malaria Box to identify MMV666123 as an inhibitor of apPOL. Herein we extend our studies and report structure-activity relationships for MMV666123 and identify key structural motifs necessary for inhibition. Although attempts to crystallize apPOL with the inhibitor were not fruitful, kinetic analysis and crystal structure determinations of WT and mutant apo-enzymes, facilitated model building and provided insights into the putative inhibitor binding site. Our results validate apPOL as an antimalarial target and provide an avenue for the design of high potency, specific inhibitors of apPOL and other A-family DNA polymerases.

Chemical Composition Assessment of Structural Parts (Seeds, Peel, Pulp) of Physalis alkekengi L. Fruits.

In recent years there has been an extensive search for nature-based products with functional potential. All structural parts of Physalis alkekengi (bladder cherry), including fruits, pulp, and less-explored parts, such as seeds and peel, can be considered sources of functional macro- and micronutrients, bioactive compounds, such as vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and dietetic fiber. The chemical composition of all fruit structural parts (seeds, peel, and pulp) of two phenotypes of P. alkekengi were studied. The seeds were found to be a rich source of oil, yielding 14–17%, with abundant amounts of unsaturated fatty acids (over 88%) and tocopherols, or vitamin E (up to 5378 mg/kg dw; dry weight). The predominant fatty acid in the seed oils was linoleic acid, followed by oleic acid. The seeds contained most of the fruit’s protein (16–19% dw) and fiber (6–8% dw). The peel oil differed significantly from the seed oil in fatty acid and tocopherol composition. Seed cakes, the waste after oil extraction, contained arginine and aspartic acid as the main amino acids; valine, phenylalanine, threonine, and isoleucine were present in slightly higher amounts than the other essential amino acids. They were also rich in key minerals, such as K, Mg, Fe, and Zn. From the peel and pulp fractions were extracted fruit concretes, aromatic products with specific fragrance profiles, of which volatile compositions (GC-MS) were identified. The major volatiles in peel and pulp concretes were β-linalool, α-pinene, and γ-terpinene. The results from the investigation substantiated the potential of all the studied fruit structures as new sources of bioactive compounds that could be used as prospective sources in human and animal nutrition, while the aroma-active compounds in the concretes supported the plant’s potential in perfumery and cosmetics.

Distribution chain diagrams for fresh fruit supply chains: A baseline for emission assessment

Background: Globalisation has undoubtedly revolutionised the way modern society functions by connecting different people, economies, cultures and technology. This integration depends on the adequate movement of goods by increasingly more complex and longer global supply chains (SCs). The structure of the distribution chain and the individual activities that jointly facilitate the transportation of commodities such as fresh fruit have not been well defined, making it difficult and ambiguous to determine greenhouse gas emissions. Mapping the various distribution scenarios of fruit and stating the emission-generating activities not only enable the analysis and management of these activities but also provide a basis for calculating emissions.Objectives: The key objective is to describe all the physical emission-generating distribution activities that take place during the international export of fresh fruit from South Africa. These activities were used to create distribution chain diagrams that define the structure of fresh fruit distribution.Method: To identify activities, a literature review, direct observation of distribution activities at logistical facilities and unstructured interviews with operational managers at these facilities were performed. Scenario planning was used to combine generic activities into realistic distribution chain diagrams. The activities and diagrams were validated by semistructured interviews with four industry experts.Results: Following the identification of emission-generating activities, five generic distribution chain diagrams were created that should represent all possible distribution scenarios for fresh fruit.Conclusion: The generic distribution scenarios not only capture the various methods by which fresh fruit is exported from South Africa but also form the basis of seven important emission-related managerial practices.

Firmness evaluation of watermelon and melon using velocity dispersion of surface-acoustic-wave

The surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) velocity was measured in the frequency range of 400–7000 Hz in watermelon and melon to evaluate the firmness nondestructively. We showed that the positive velocity dispersion (velocity increases with increasing frequency) observed was caused by the fruit structure, which consists of a hard pericarp and underlying soft flesh. In watermelon, the low-frequency limit of the velocity dispersion curve observed for the pericarp predicted the SAW velocity in watermelon flesh, which was measured to be independent of frequency. In melon, the positive velocity dispersions observed for the pericarp as well as the flesh suggested a distribution of elasticity in the depth direction. Ripening for fourteen days caused a decrease in the SAW velocity by 34%–57% depending on the frequency. The present results demonstrate that the SAW velocity dispersion is a good measure of the firmness and ripening of fruits.

The microbiome of candle beeswax drops on ancient manuscripts

Many ancient manuscripts are littered with wax drippings from the candles used while writing or reading them. Bacterial and fungal species associated with the wax in a manuscript containing an unusually large number of wax drops were analysed by metabarcoding with Oxford Nanopore Sequencing (MinION). In addition, culturable fungi and bacteria were isolated from the wax and tested for enzyme activities. The mechanism of colonisation of wax drops by airborne microorganisms was also reproduced. Imaging by electron microscopy showed the presence of mycelium and fungal fruiting structures on the wax particles. Wax is not a substance whose addition makes the paper more biodegradable, as the colonisation experiment conducted in this study has shown. However, the microanalysis highlighted that the drops represented points of accumulation of dust and material eroded from the pages that acted as nutritional hotspots for the development of a particular assemblage of microbial species.

New insights into the storage performance of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit from a comparison of three cultivars

ABSTRACT The global trade in kiwifruit started in the 1960s and was built on the good postharvest performance of a single cultivar, Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa ‘Hayward’, even though alternative cultivars were available. Even now ‘Hayward’ is still the dominant traded cultivar. So why is it that the ‘Hayward’ fruit has maintained its dominant position in the market? One key trait of ‘Hayward’ fruit is the ability to be successfully stored for long periods. In this study the storage performance of ‘Hayward’ fruit was compared with fruit of two other A. chinensis var. deliciosa cultivars, ‘Bruno’ and ‘Allison’, which were available at the start of the global kiwifruit industry. There are two key aspects for kiwifruit storage performance; firmness maintenance and resistance to chilling damage. Studies coupled investigations of the fruit structure (tissue zones) and maturation with softening and chilling expression in storage. Data showed that the good storage performance of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit is linked to its softening pattern, whereby it does not soften too fast to a too low firmness. This may be associated with fruit structure. In addition, at an equivalent maturity, ‘Hayward’ fruit had a greater tolerance of low storage temperatures without developing chilling damage.

Perbandingan Morfometrik Buah Padi Di Kecamatan Pulau Rimau Kabupaten Banyuasin

The research to analysis the morphometric of rice fruit was carried out till April to November 2021, with the aim of studying the morphometric of rice fruit planted in community in Pulau Rimau District, Banyuasin Regency. Sampling was done by purposive on one plot in each area of rice varieties. Parameters observed in this study include the morphometric of rice fruit from 8 varieties, namely Inpari 32 HDB, Black Ketan, Cimelati, Ciasem, IR 42, Ciherang, IR 64 and Mapan 05. Morphometric was carried out by measuring the length and diameter of the fruit using a caliper with a caliper. clamping the ends of each rice variety, the width (diameter) was measured using a caliper at the center of the fruit for each rice variety on 50 rice plants per variety. The weight was weighed using an analytical balance. The results showed that structure of fruit are slender, long to short and medium slender. Fruit colours are yellow to grayish black, with diameter of 25 - 28 mm, an length of 7.9 - 10.3 mm, and weight is 1.11 - 1.49 grams

Fruit Peel-Inspired Super-Stable Ionic Organohydrogel Electronics with Dense Hydrophobic Skin

Hydrogels are easily dehydrated during use and storage, making it difficult to maintain structural and performance stability, which greatly reduces their application value as wearable devices. Inspired by the structure of fruit, an ionic organohydrogel core containing Ca2+ and glycerol was first fabricated, and then, stearic acid (STA) was rivetted on the organohydrogel surface through (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane to obtain a dense hydrophobic coating (100 μm). The organohydrogel with hydrophobic skin presented better water spreading resistance and mechanical strength. In addition to the moisturizing effect of Ca2+ and glycerol, the skin also further blocks the contact between the organohydrogel and the air, thereby significantly enhancing the anti-dryness of the organohydrogel. Therefore, this organohydrogel has extremely outstanding structural, strength, and electrical conductivity stability. The developed strain sensor based on this organohydrogel can realize human motion monitoring capability at ultra-low temperature. This design idea, which combines multiple anti-drying mechanisms, has great expansion value for other gels suitable for various application scenarios.

FIELD CONTROL EFFECT OF 10 INSECTICIDES ON BEMISIA TABACI IN GREENHOUSE TOMATOES IN CHINA

Bemisia tabaci (tobacco whitefly) is one of the most harmful invasive species in the world. It causes devastating damage to many crops during the invasion process and is an important pest worldwide. B. tabaci harms crops mainly by directly feeding on plant juice, affecting plant nutrient metabolism, causing plant leaves to appear yellow spots, yellowing and falling off in severe cases, and abnormal or irregular fruit structure. Adults and nymphs of B. tabaci can also secrete honeydew to contaminate plant organs and induce coal pollution. When the density is high, the leaves can turn black, which seriously affects the photosynthesis of plants and reduces the quality of crops. Another important way of B. tabaci is to spread plant viruses. Generally, after an outbreak of B. tabaci, the virus transmitted by it will occur. These viruses can cause plant leaf curling, plant dwarfing and fruit abortion, causing serious losses. A single foliar spray of 10 pesticides was used in order to screen out high-efficiency pesticides for controlling B. tabaci on tomato. Control experiments to carry out at the initial stage of the occurrence of B. tabaci, and a survey of the control effect was carried out 1, 3 and 7 days after the treatment. The results showed that the best effect on B. tabaci had on F (5 % Diprofen) variant 1 day after treatment. It was 41 %, which was significantly higher than other test reagents. None of the reagents showed good fast-acting effects. Option C (22,4 % Spirotetramat) had the best control effect on B. tabaci three days after spraying – 72 %. The worst effect (62 %) was when treated with pesticides in experimental variants I (50 % Flonicamid) and G (10 % Cyantraniliprole). Spraying the plants gives the best effect of neutralizing the pest and is 86 % on option J (20 % Mevirpirazone) after 7 days, which is much higher than other test reagents. Phytotoxicity for tomatoes was not detected in three field studies conducted from 13 to 20 October 2020. We can choose in the field control process of pest B. tabaci 20 % Mevirpirazone suspension concentrate, which can be used in combination with 22,4 % Spirotetramat suspension concentrate and 5 % Diprofen dispersible concentrate to achieve better control effect. This method of pesticides selection will provide effective protection of greenhouse vegetables from the damage impact of pest B. tabaci.

Effects of Orientations and Regions on Performance of Online Soluble Solids Content Prediction Models Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Peaches

Predicting the soluble solid content (SSC) of peaches based on visible/near infrared spectroscopy has attracted widespread attention. Due to the anisotropic structure of peach fruit, spectra collected from different orientations and regions of peach fruit will bring variations in the performance of SSC prediction models. In this study, the effects of spectra collection orientations and regions on online SSC prediction models for peaches were investigated. Full transmittance spectra were collected in two orientations: stem-calyx axis vertical (Orientation1) and stem-calyx axis horizontal (Orientation2). A partial least squares (PLS) method was used to evaluate the spectra collected in the two orientations. Then, each peach fruit was divided into three parts. PLS was used to evaluate the corresponding spectra of combinations of these three parts. Finally, effective wavelengths were selected using the successive projections algorithm (SPA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS). Both orientations were ideal for spectra acquisition. Regions without peach pit were ideal for modeling, and the effective wavelengths selected by the SPA led to better performance. The correlation coefficient and root mean square error of validation of the optimal models were 0.90 and 0.65%, respectively, indicating that the optimal model has potential for online prediction of peach SSC.

Comparison of the mass tissue strength of strawberry fruit between vertical and horizontal compaction

Strawberries have very thin skin that is prone to damage during post-harvest handling. The strength of this fruit mass tissue has a difference between vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the strength of the strawberry mass tissue between vertical and horizontal directions using a compressive test at different speeds and compressibility levels. The research was conducted by placing a load on the sample from the vertical and horizontal directions. The variations in compression speed were 2, 4, and 6 mm/s, and the compressibility levels were 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30%, respectively. The results showed that the compacting from the vertical direction obtained a combined mechanical response between the fruit structure and mass tissue cells, while from the horizontal direction the mechanical response was only obtained from the fruit structure. Along with the duration of the compacting, mass tissue damage has started to occur. In this phase, the fruit cells begin to break down in the skin causing the mass tissue damage to decrease. The results of this study can be used to develop a more efficient and effective packaging model for strawberries that has never been disclosed before.

Experimental Assessment of the Elastic Properties of Exocarp–Mesocarp and Beans of Coffea arabica L. var. Castillo Using Indentation Tests

The development of selective coffee harvesting technologies requires detailed knowledge of the geometrical, physical, and mechanical properties of the subsystems of the coffee bush, including the elastic properties of the substructures of fruit and the coffee bean, which are directly related to the selectivity problem. The elastic properties of the mesocarp–exocarp and bean are not described in the literature due to the difficulty of characterizing these locally, since measuring each component of the coffee fruit structure (mesocarp–exocarp and bean) is not an easy task. However, determining the elastic properties (of the mesocarp–exocarp and bean) could help create realistic simulations as an initial estimation for selective coffee harvesting studies. The present work aims to bridge the gap in the mechanical characterization of the sub-structures of the coffee fruits by assessing the elastic properties of the mesocarp–exocarp and bean. Indentation tests were performed on eighty Coffee arabica L. var. Castillo fruits and beans, which were previously classified into four ripening stages using fruit color data in the CIELab color space. Young’s modulus and indentation hardness of the mesocarp–exocarp structure and beans were calculated, applying the Oliver and Pharr indentation model and Hertz contact theory.

Mulch Application and Plant Spacing Influence on Growth Traits, Pests, Insects and Weeds in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Varieties

Mulch Application and Plant Spacing Influence on Growth Traits, Pests, Insects and Weeds in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Varieties

Karakteristik Tanaman Hias Pekarangan Rumah di Kelurahan Plaju Ulu Kota Palembang

Research on the morphological characteristics of ornamental plant species in the home garden in Plaju Ulu Village, Palembang City, has been carried out from March to June 2021, aiming to determine the morphological characteristics of ornamental plants in Plaju Ulu Village, Palembang City. This study uses a descriptive survey method by exploring the village area as many as 3 RT. Observations were made by looking directly at the ornamental plants found and then recorded, photographed and then described morphologically. The results obtained 2 classes, 21 orders, 24 families, 36 genera and 36 species of ornamental plants. The species obtained had roots (Radix) with a fibrous root system (Radix adventicia) and tap (Radix primaria). The stem has a wet stem structure and woody shrubs and pseudo stems that are modified into rhizomes. Leaves are heart-shaped, shield, oblong, sword, lanceolate, elongated, triangular, ovoid, round and asymmetrical. Flowers have a single flower structure and compound flowers, cobs, bunches, umbrellas, grains, pots and cups. The fruit structure is a single true fruit dry, box fruit, buni fruit, bracket fruit, kendaga fruit and fleshy pseudo fruit. Accessory organs consist of tubers and spines. Keywords : Ornamental plants, Morphological characteristics.

The cost of fruit and the penalty of youth: Predicting mean annual seed production in single-species forest stands

Quantifying mean annual tree seed production is important for conservation and forestry applications, but its estimation remains a substantial challenge. Interspecies variation in seed production is often expressed as a trade-off between seed size and seed number, forming a key component of established models of mean annual seed production in forest stands. In this study we improved on these models by quantifying additional effects from accessory costs and reproductive maturity status, using data from temperate-zone Eucalyptus species to assess model performance.Firstly, by evaluating a range of reproductive traits, we found that seed rain density was more closely associated with ‘fruit cost per seed’ measures than seed size measures. For the most common measure of seed rain density (based on direct observations of free seed fall), woody capsule surface area per viable seed explained 70% of observed variation, while seed mass explained only 28% (n = 16 species).Secondly, an existing model based on seed mass, tree size and tree density was extended to include a stand maturity function, and to use alternative reproductive traits. For a smaller dataset with long-term observations and detailed stand measurements, the proportion of variance explained by the extended model ranged from 81 to 98% depending on trait selection (mean = 93%), with published models explaining less variance (75–83%, mean = 80%).By reframing interspecies variation in seed production as a trade-off between seed cost and seed number, we found evidence that investment in heavy fruit structures may represent a substantial constraint on seed output among forest stands from a common genus and region, although our results must be considered somewhat preliminary, given the small number of species examined. We have also developed an enhanced predictive model, which could be used with stand-level models for tree size and tree density to improve predictions of mean annual forest seed production in landscape simulations.

Fruit Anatomy of the Canarieae (Burseraceae).

Fruits historically have been the key character for delimitation of tribes in the Burseraceae. However, fruit structure is incompletely known within the family, thus the importance of this character is unclear. This study of fruit anatomy in the traditional tribe Canarieae examines the distribution of the tissues that correspond to the exo-, meso-, and endocarp. The detailed arrangement and measurement of the tissues are reported here for the first time in all eight genera in the tribe. The evidence suggests that in all cases except Pseudodacryodes, the endocarp has at least one layer of parenchyma cells within which a sclereid layer is evident and, in some cases, an inner epidermis. All Canarieae fruits exhibit secretory canals, and some taxa have epidermal glands with resin-like contents. Evidence of carpellar sutures was found for all Canarieae, and in Dacryodes, Haplolobus, Rosselia, and Santiria, an articulated plate is present that corresponds to an abortive locule. The anatomical and morphological characters presented here are useful in delimiting genera within Canarieae.