Marketable Fruit Research Articles

Effect of Plant Density on Mechanical Harvest Efficiency of New Mexico Pod-type Green Chile Pepper

Summary. New Mexico green pod-type chile (Capsicum annuum) has significant importance as a vegetable crop. The cultivation and trade of New Mexico pod-type green chile are culturally significant within New Mexico (USA) and contribute to the state’s economy by providing income and employment to farmers and through supporting industries. However, because of the high cost and limited availability of labor, New Mexico pod-type green chile acreage has declined. Traditionally, New Mexico pod-type green chile is hand-harvested when the fruit are full-size but physiologically immature. To preserve and expand the production of New Mexico pod-type green chile, the adoption of mechanical harvest technologies is essential. In 2015 and 2016, experiments were conducted at New Mexico State University’s Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center (Los Lunas, NM, USA) to examine the effects of increased planting density on New Mexico pod-type green chile fruit size, plant architecture, and mechanical harvest efficiency. Two commercial New Mexico pod-type green chile cultivars, NuMex Joe E. Parker and AZ-1904, were direct-seeded on 17 Apr 2015 and 14 Apr 2016. On 11 Jun 2015 and 14 Jun 2016, three plant density treatments were implemented at 39,000 (high), 23,000 (medium), and 15,000 (standard) plants/acre. Before harvest, plant measurements, including height, width, height to first bifurcation, stem diameter, and number of lateral basal branches, were obtained. Plots were mechanically harvested using an inclined double helix harvester, and harvested material was sorted into marketable green fruit, machine-broken fruit, and nonpod plant material. Fruit measurements, including fruit weight, width, length, pericarp thickness, and number of locules, were obtained. Both cultivars exhibited a 9% increase in height to bifurcation accompanied by fewer basal branches grown at high density. Plant density did not significantly affect the fruit length, width, number of locules, and pericarp thickness. Plants grown at high density had an increased percentage of marketable fruit, with ‘NuMex Joe E. Parker’ having a higher percentage of marketable green fruit compared to ‘AZ-1904’. The results demonstrated that an increase in planting density in production fields to 39,000 plants/acre coupled with cultivar selection enhanced efficiency in a mechanical harvest system.

IJCM_265A: Cellular Consequences of Fruit Juice Metallurgy: A Closer Look at Heavy Metal Influence

Background: The leaching of heavy metals from packaging materials into packed juices can have several adverse effects on the quality and safety of the products and potentially pose health risks to consumers. Objective: The research aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of heavy metals specifically vanadium, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, which are commonly found in packaging materials of marketable fruit juices which are leached into juices itself (orange and mixed fruit juices stored in cans, leak- proof bags, and tetraPaks). Methodology: The study utilized cell lines, namely HepG2 (human liver cancer) and HeK293 (human kidney), to assess the impact of these heavy metals on cellular viability, DNA damage, mitochondrial function, and cell cycle progression. Flow cytometry was used to analyse cell cycle alterations. Results: The MTT assay showcased dose-dependent decrease in cell viability with increasing concentrations of heavy metals. Annexin V Assay determined V, Hg and As had necrotic death pattern while Cd had apoptotic death pattern for both the cell lines in presence of heavy metal digests. Cells treated with heavy metals, and the resulting DNA damage observed to be high after quantified using comet tail length, olive tail movement, and tail moment measurements. Mitochondrial function assays in the presence of heavy metals revealed that increased mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial mass, and reactive oxygen species production. ROS generation assessed to understand the impact of heavy metals on cellular health and oxidative stress. Conclusion: This study shed light on the potential cytotoxic effects of heavy metals found in fruit juices. These findings contribute to our understanding of the potential risks associated with heavy metal exposure from consumer products and emphasize the importance of regulatory measures to ensure food safety and human health.

First report of Botryosphaeria dothidea causing fruit rot on Chinese olive (Canarium album Raeusch.) in Guangdong province of China.

Chinese olive (Canarium album Raeusch.) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, mainly cultivated in Guangdong and Fujian provinces in China (Lai et al. 2022). In October 2023, Chinese olive fruit spots were observed in all the Chinese olive orchards surveyed in Chaozhou city (23.75°N, 116.67°E) of Guangdong, with an incidence up to 15%. Early disease symptoms on fruits appeared as circular or irregular, dark brown to black spots with yellowish lesions, and later the spots slowly coalesced to form large necrotic areas, which seriously affected the fruit marketability. To isolate the causal agent, small pieces (~0.3 mm2) of fruit tissue were excised from the lesion margins, and surface-disinfested with 75% (v/v) ethanol for 1 min, followed by 1% NaClO for 3 min, and rinsed three times with sterile water. The pieces were then placed on potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and incubated at 27°C. Ultimately, four fungal isolates were obtained with similar morphology phenotypes, colonies initially appeared white with irregular margins and after 4-6 days turned dark gray gradually with dense aerial myceliu. Microscopy revealed conidia were single-celled, hyaline, aseptate, fusiform to subclavate, and measured 18.1-22.5 μm × 6.4-9.3 μm (19.8 × 7.4 m on average, n = 30), which were consistent with those descriptions of Botryosphaeria dothidea (Vasić et al. 2013; Zhang et al. 2023). To further identity the isolates, partial sequences of ribosomal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α), and β-tubulin (TUB2) genes were amplified using primers ITS1/ITS5, TEF-F/R, TUB2-F/R, respectively (Xu et al., 2023; Hong et al. 2006). The sequences of four isolates were identical, and those of representative strain GDCZ-1 were deposited in GenBank (ITS, OR584295; TEF1-α, OR685157; TUB2, OR685158). Using Neighbor-Joining algorithm, phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of ITS, TEF1-α, and TUB2 showed that GDCZ-1 clustered with B. dothidea. To fulfill Koch's postulates, pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy Chinese olive fruits using the needle-prick inoculation method. The fruits were wounded with a sterile needle at the equatorial area (depth of 3-4 mm), and inoculated with 10 µL of spore suspension (106 /mL). The control fruits were inoculated with sterile water. Inoculated fruits were placed in sterile plastic containers to maintain high relative humidity (almost 100%) and incubated at 27°C. After 4 days, the inoculated fruits showed similar symptoms with those observed in the field infected fruits, while the control remained asymptomatic. Pathogen re-isolated from the inoculated fruits showed identical morphological characteristics to the original isolate GDCZ-1. As far as we know, fruit rot caused by Alternaria alternata has been recently reported on C. album in China (Shao et al. 2024). To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. dothidea causing fruit rot disease on C. album in Guangdong. Our report will provide crucial information for studying the epidemiology and management of this disease.

Spatial development of the national fruit and berry market

Spatial development of the national fruit and berry market

Impact of pollination schedules on the fruit characteristics of kiwifruit

Timings of pollination are crucial for adequate fruit set, development, quality and yield of kiwifruit. A study was undertaken for three years (2020-22) to find out the effective pollination period (EPP) of commercial kiwifruit cultivars in Sikkim conditions. Ten-year-old vines of the female cultivar Monty and the male cultivar Allison were taken for the study. It was found that 8 am is the most important time to perform pollination for obtaining bigger-sized fruits. Fruit set was found to be 100% when pollination was performed at 9 am, 10 am and 3 pm. The yield was found to be the highest at 9 am (35.20 kg/plant) pollination time; TSS recorded 1.38-fold variations with the maximum at 8 am (19.1°B). Total acidity was recorded as the minimum at 9 am (0.64%) pollination. Further, ascorbic acid was recorded at to be the maximum at 9 am (118.9 mg/100g) pollination. Primary and secondary nutrients were also found to be higher in pollinated flowers from 8.00 am to 12.00 pm. Thus, efforts for producing good quality and marketable size fruits in kiwifruit the vines should the flowers should be within the 8.00 am to 12.00 pm pollination timings.

Physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics of kernels oil from two mangoes varieties (Amélie and Kent) harvested at Orodara in Burkina Faso

The mango tree (Mangifera indica) plays an important role for Burkina Faso people. This importance is due to its consumption, its pharmaceutical properties and its shade. However, all this importance is limited to the fleshy parts, leaves, bark and roots, whereas the mango tree's kernels are full of potential that can be exploited, but remain little known. Two mango varieties (Amélie and Kent) were sampled at the Bobo-Dioulasso fruit and vegetable market from Orodara. The fat content and physico-chemical parameters of the mangoes were determined using conventional methods. The results obtained show that the oil's biochemical composition gives it its full importance. This oil meets most of the standards set by the Codex Alimentarius for virgin oils. Mango kernels do indeed contain a fat content of between 3.039 and 6.486%. For moisture content, we found 56.095% and 56.070%, which already exceeds half the kernel's constitutional weight. In terms of chemical parameters, the highest acid value was 2.664 mg KOH/g, compared with 4.0 mg KOH/g as the maximum limit of the Codex Alimentarius standard. The peroxide value was equal to 9.523 mEqO₂/kg against 10 mEqO₂/kg as the maximum limit of the standard. We have a good concentration of saturated fatty acids at least 47% for the lowest concentration and 24% of unsaturated fatty acids for the lowest concentration. In view of these results, mango kernels should be valorized in order to add value to mango waste, with a view to use in cosmetics or medicine, as well as to depollute the environment.

Transcriptome, Plant Hormone, and Metabolome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Purple Pericarp Formation in 'Zihui' Papaya (Carica papaya L.).

The color of the pericarp is a crucial characteristic that influences the marketability of papaya fruit. Prior to ripening, normal papaya exhibits a green pericarp, whereas the cultivar 'Zihui' displays purple ring spots on the fruit tip, which significantly affects the fruit's visual appeal. To understand the mechanism behind the formation of purple pericarp, this study performed a thorough examination of the transcriptome, plant hormone, and metabolome. Based on the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS system, a total of 35 anthocyanins and 11 plant hormones were identified, with 27 anthocyanins and two plant hormones exhibiting higher levels of abundance in the purple pericarp. In the purple pericarp, 14 anthocyanin synthesis genes were up-regulated, including CHS, CHI, F3H, F3'5'H, F3'H, ANS, OMT, and CYP73A. Additionally, through co-expression network analysis, three MYBs were identified as potential key regulators of anthocyanin synthesis by controlling genes encoding anthocyanin biosynthesis. As a result, we have identified numerous key genes involved in anthocyanin synthesis and developed new insights into how the purple pericarp of papaya is formed.

Tomato breeding for open ground in the south of Russia

Relevance. Tomato is the most widespread vegetable crop in the southern regions of Russia and one of the most popular with the population in all natural and climatic zones of the country. The majority of products is produced in large vegetable-growing, farming and private household farms. One of the most important tasks is to improve the assortment taking into account natural and climatic conditions of cultivation and directions of use. In this regard, the selection of industrial tomato with a high level of flexibility and resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors for the south of Russia is an urgent task. The aim of the study is to evaluate economically valuable features of perspective lines and new hybrids of tomato of industrial type, adapted to the conditions of southern Russia. Material and methodology. The work was carried out in the open field conditions of experimental production farm of the Federal Scientific Center of Vegetable Industry (Moscow region) and Biryuchekutskaya vegetable breeding experimental station – branch of the FSBSI FSVC (Rostov region). The objects of research were breeding material and 6 perspective new hybrid combinations of tomato of selection of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific and Scientific Institution of the Russian Federation. Results and discussion. As a result of step-by-step study and selection, the most promising samples were identified for further use as source material for practical breeding: B-6-C-2014, VS-B-№7, VS-B-18, VS-B-20, VS-B-35, VS-B-38. As a result of the competitive testing, the best hybrid combinations were identified: F1 B-1, F1 B-2, F1 B-4, meeting the requirements of commercial production in the south of Russia. It is shown that the hybrid combination F1 B-2 exceeds both standard samples F1 Meteor and F1 Perfectpeel both in terms of total yield (by 10.9 t/ha and 9.6 t/ha), marketability of fruits, and dry matter content in fruits (6.1 % vs. 5.1% and 5.2 %). Taking into account the complex of economic characteristics, a precocious F1 hybrid of tomato F1 B-2 called F1 Profy has been submitted to the State Variety Testing, as it shows stable economic characteristics over several years of study.

Natural occurrence of tomato chlorosis virus on tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica) in the United States.

Tomatillo (Physalis philadelphica L.) is an annual plant native to Mexico and Guatemala, and cultivated in other tropical and subtropical regions. In October 2023, tomatillo plants with interveinal yellowing of leaves, marginal chlorosis, leaf thickening, and leaf rolling symptoms (Figure 1) were observed at Colquitt and Tift County, Georgia, US. The disease incidence ranged from 80-100 % which reduced fruit quality and marketability. Twenty tomatillo leaves exhibiting severe symptoms were collected, and, sub-sampled of the leaves were pooled into microcentrifuge tubes. Further, MagMAX 96 viral RNA isolation kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, US), was used for the extraction of (n=4) total nucleic acid (TNA) (Kavalappara et al. 2021). Symptomatic leaves were tested for the presence of insect-transmitted viruses such as begomovirus (tomato yellow leaf curl virus, TYLCV), potyvirus (turnip mosaic virus, TuMV), crinivirus (tomato infectious chlorosis virus, TICV; tomato chlorosis virus, ToCV), and tospovirus (orthotospovirus tomatomaculae, TSWV). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for detecting TYLCV, using gene-specific primers (Kumar et al., 2023). However, for ToCV, TuMV and TICV detection, cDNA was prepared using 100 ng of TNA as a template, followed by the PCR ( Liu et al., 2012). Moreover, the detection of TSWV was conducted using immuno-strips (Adgia, US) following the manufacturer's instructions. ToCV was detected from all the tested samples, while TuMV, TICV, TYLCV and TSWV were not detected in any symptomatic tissues. In addition, RT-PCR was performed using gene-specific primers targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene and the heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene of ToCV. The PCR amplicon of 439 bp encoding Hsp70 and 643 bp corresponding to RdRP was gel-purified and Sanger sequenced (Azenta Life Sciences, US). BLASTn analysis shows RdRP gene from ToCV-tomatillo (OR905600) has 100 % identity with ToCV of RNA1 segment (RdRP, GenBank accession no. AY903447, Florida, US), while Hsp70 gene (OR900219) has 100 % identity with ToCV of RNA2 segment (Hsp70, GenBank accession no. LC778246, Cairo, Egypt). In addition, the symptomatic tomatillo leaves were studied for transmission assay using tomato, employing non-viruliferous whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) with 48 h of acquisition access period. Further, two weeks post-infection, the presence of ToCV was detected from the test plants while other whitefly-transmitted viruses remins undetected. In 2023, ToCV is widespread in tomato-growing counties, infecting commercially grown tomato cultivars with intermediate resistance against TYLCV-IL (Israel strain). However, tomatillo plants infected with TuMV in California (Liu et al., 2012), TSWV in Georgia, (Díaz-Pérez and Pappu 2000) and TYLCV in Mexico (Gámez-Jiménez et al. 2009) were reported. This study suggests that tomatillo could be a permissive host for ToCV while restrictive to other prevalent viruses in the region. A recent investigation speculates a potential synergistic interaction between ToCV and TYLCV-IL, exacerbating the breakdown of host resistance in tomato (Fiallo-Olivé et al. 2019, Kumar et al. 2023). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report for the natural incidence of ToCV on tomatillo within the US. The findings will contribute to developing more effective management strategies against emerging viral threats.

Exploring multivariate associations of yield and yield-associated traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) accessions in the Northwestern Region of India

Evaluating genetic diversity simplifies the identification of superior genotypes, facilitating the development of high-yielding, resilient to climatic conditions and promoting effective crop improvement. The present study aimed to examine the divergence, correlation and path analysis across 55 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) germplasms for 17 traits during the summer season (March- July) of 2022. The experiment utilized randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in Phagwara, Punjab. Analysis of variance suggested a sufficient amount of genetic variation was found among all genotypes. Using Mahalanobis D2 analysis, the samples were classified into seven clusters, the largest being cluster I, composing 34 germplasm. Only one germplasm was found in Clusters II, IV, V, VI, and VII. The inter-cluster distance was highest between clusters II and VII, whereas the intra-cluster distance was greatest in Cluster III. The number of fruits per plant had the highest percent contribution to the divergence, accounting for 49.63%. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels, there was a strong positive correlation (+) observed between fruit yield and various characteristics, including plant height, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, number of marketable fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and the number of pickings. Genotypic path analysis revealed that characteristics such as the first flowering node, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height, inter-nodal length, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant, and average fruit weight exhibited a positive and direct effect on fruit yield. When selecting this trait to improve yield in okra through breeding, it is essential to focus on specific characteristics that directly contribute to higher production. This research will help resilient okra varieties understand yield-influencing factors in Punjab environmental conditions.

Ethical issues in un-organized market for fruits and vegetables in Mysore district

Ethical issues in un-organized market for fruits and vegetables in Mysore district

Yield Components and Nutritional Analysis of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Under Varying Rates of Vermicast Fertilizer

This study was conducted in a farmer’s field at Balantay, Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines, to evaluate the performance of different eggplant varieties with different levels of vermicast fertilizers. The different varieties were arranged in the plot while the levels of vermicast applied were set in the sub-plot using a two-factorial design in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Growth parameters such as the number of days to flowering and plant height at maturity were evaluated. The fruit yield and other parameters like yield per treatment in kgs, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, yield per hectare basis, and the chemical analysis of the nutritional value of eggplant fruits were also gathered. Based on the result of the study, growth parameters, and yield performance, particularly on the number of days to flowering, plant height in cm at maturity period, yield per treatment in kilograms, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, and yield in tons were significantly affected by the varying levels of vermicast application. However, a non-significant result was observed between different varieties of eggplant. For nutritional analysis, it was found that the application of higher rates of vermicast (10 tons/ha) resulted in a higher calcium, magnesium, and sodium content. In light of these findings, applying vermicast at 10 tons/ha as a substitute for synthetic fertilizer in eggplant production is recommended for a higher fruit yield and better farm profit.

The Promising Potential of Triploidy in Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Breeding.

Date palms are a vital part of oasis ecosystems and are an important source of income in arid and semi-arid areas. Crossbreeding is limited due to the long juvenile stage of date palms and their dioecious nature. The aim of this study was to create triploid date palms to obtain larger and seedless fruits and to increase resilience to abiotic stresses. A tetraploid date palm mutant was crossed with a diploid male palm, yielding hundreds of seeds suspected of containing triploid embryos. Six years after planting, four palms with confirmed triploidy reached maturity. They are phenotypically distinct from diploids, with a thicker rachis, thinner spines, wider and longer midleaf spines, and a longer apical spine. They were classified as sterile bisexual, sterile male and fertile female. One of the latter produced very tasty dates with a very small seed, which is promising for the marketability and profitability of date palm fruits. This first report on triploid date palms provides a way in which to make a significant leap forward in date palm breeding. Given the vigor and fruit quality of female triploid date palms, compared to their diploid counterparts, they will be the target of breeding programs and may spearhead new oases.

Consumer Decisions in the Bandung Fruit Market: A Study on Quality and Price

The purpose of this study was to determine how much influence product quality and price have on purchasing decisions at Rizki Illahi Store, Caringin Market, Bandung. The population of this study were customers of Rizki Illahi Store Caringin Market Bandung. The sample used in this study amounted to 60 respondents. The data analysis method used is descriptive quantitative and multiple linear regression analysis with SPSS tools. Descriptive survey method is a research method that takes samples from a population and uses a questionnaire as a data collection tool. In this study data and information were collected from respondents using a questionnaire or questionnaire. The results of this study indicate that there is an effect of product quality on purchasing decisions, there is an effect of price on purchasing decisions, and there is an effect of product quality and price on purchasing decisions at Rizki Illahi Store Caringin Market Bandung. by 69.5%. This means that product quality and price can explain the variation in purchasing decisions at Rizki Illahi Store Caringin Market Bandung by 69.5%.

Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Mulch on Field and Water Productivity of Tomato Under Drip Irrigation at Ambo Agricultural Research Center, West Shewa, Ethiopia

Ethiopia produces far fewer tomatoes than the world average due to poor management techniques. It was found that the soil moisture and agroclimatic conditions affected how tomatoes reacted to water management during irrigation. In order to assess the impacts of irrigation level and mulch types on the yield, yield components, water productivity, and economic return of drip irrigated tomato production, a field experiment was carried out at the Ambo Agricultural Research Center Farm Site in 2021–2023. The experiment was a two-factor factorial experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design. The two factors were the four irrigation levels (55%ETc, 85%Etc, 70%ETc and 100%ETc) and three mulch types (no mulch, wheat straw mulch, and white plastic mulch). The two-year data on fruit yield, yield components, and water productivity were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS 9.4 software with a significance level (p≤ 0.05). least significant difference test was applied for statistically significant parameters to compare means among the treatments. The best soil moisture depletion levels, as determined by statistical analysis, are 100% ETc, 85% ETc, and 70% ETc, with marketable fruit yields of 56,405 kg/ha, 45,331 kg/ha, and 41,769 kg/ha, respectively. As for mulch types, the best practices are wheat straw mulch and white plastic mulch, with marketable fruit yields of 45,721 kg/ha and 44,514 kg/ha, respectively, for the study area. However, the results of the partial budget analysis results showed that, with net incomes for onion production in the research region of 1,350,930 ETB/ha and 1,367,071 ETB/ha, respectively, 85% ETc and wheat straw mulch are the economically optimal methods.

Plant Growth, Fruit Yield, and Tomato Leaf Curl Disease of High Tunnel Organic Tomato Affected by Shade Net and Plastic Mulch Color

There is an increasing interest in producing organic tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) in high tunnels (HTs) in the southeast United States. HTs are unheated, passively cooled structures that allow tomato growers to harvest high-quality fruit out of season. However, excessive temperatures inside HTs may negatively impact tomato plant growth and fruit yield. Shade nets have been reported to reduce temperatures inside the HTs. Plastic mulch color has also significantly influenced plant growth and yield under high-temperature conditions. This study aimed to determine the effects of shade net color and plastic mulch color on plant growth, fruit yield, and incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl disease (TYLC) in ‘Red Snapper’ tomato grown in HTs under elevated temperatures (summer-fall) in southern Georgia, USA. Organic ‘Red Snapper’ tomato seedlings were transplanted in HTs in 2019 (Season 1) and 2020 (Season 2). The design was a split-plot randomized block where the main plots were externally mounted shade nets (black, silver, and unshaded; 30% shade factor), and the subplots were plastic mulches (black and white). Compared with black mulch, white mulch improved plant height and stem diameter but did not influence fruit yields. Shade nets reduced HT air temperature and root zone temperature (RZT) but did not affect plant height and stem diameter. The diminished photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) under the shade nets reduced marketable fruit yield. Thus, shade nets are not recommended once heat challenges do not limit HT tomato production in Georgia (after about mid-October). Shade nets and plastic mulch inconsistently affected TYLC incidence, severity, and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Additional fruit yield reductions occurred due to TYLC because the incidence was 100% 6 weeks after transplanting. Preliminary insect data showed that shade net treatments had similar sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) numbers. The high TYLC incidence indicates that ‘Red Snapper’ may not be suitable for fall HT tomato production in the southeast United States. More research on shading and heat stress management in HT organic tomato production is necessary.

Assessing the impact of despination and wax application on long-term cold stored cactus pears

Glochids and spines on cactus pears represent the main constraint that limit cactus pear consumption, thus their elimination is of pivotal importance for commercialization. Their removal causes abrasions and a reduction of epicuticular wax, which increase mass loss and microbiological spoilage. To mitigate the negative impact of glochids removal, in this study, ‘Gialla’ cactus pears of the second bloom, after despination through rotating brushes, were sprayed with two coating materials: Citrashine or Protégé at 33, 50 or 100%. Fruit were then stored at 20 °C for 1 week or at 6 °C for 4 or 8 weeks followed by 3 or 7 d at 20 °C to simulate marketing conditions. Weight loss, overall appearance and decay incidence were significantly higher in despined fruit compared to control fruit and coated fruit. When applied at 33% Protégé coating showed an overall beneficial effect that contributed to reduce mass loss, decay incidence and to improve fruit appearance without affecting chemical or sensory quality. Protégé at 50% and 100% reduced weight loss but resulted phytotoxic and worsened fruit appearance and had a negative impact on the percentage of marketable fruit, besides increasing the degradation of juice chemical compounds and altering sensory attributes. Citrashine had a good impact on preventing decay slowing down mass loss and overall appearance but altered the chemical and the eating quality as Protégé coating when applied at 50% or 100%.However, in fruit directly placed in simulated marketing conditions at 20 °C, despination neither altered fruit quality nor reduced fruit marketability. Thus, replacement of epicuticular waxes lost by despination with coatings can be beneficial for long term storage of cactus pear, provided that the applied material is not phytotoxic and does not impair the fruit gas exchange.

EXPLORING KAMALAM FRUIT (HYLOCEREUS SPP.): CULTIVATION, NUTRITIONAL VALUE, AND HEALTH BENEFITS. A REVIEW

This review aims to cover the cultivation techniques, nutritional content, and health advantages of Kamalam fruit. Kamalam fruit plants exhibit remarkable adaptability and thrive in slightly heavy-textured soils. Typically, these plants are propagated through stem cuttings. After approximately 15–18 months of planting, flower buds emerge, taking about 28–30 days to bloom. Kamalam fruit is renowned for its nutritional richness, being a valuable source of minerals, glucose, fructose, dietary fiber, and various vitamins. It contributes to fortifying the human immune system and is utilized in managing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, while also assisting in maintaining a healthy body weight. The yield and nutritional content of Kamalam fruit can fluctuate based on factors such as species, cultivation practices, geographic location, and harvest timing. Notably, the peel of Kamalam fruit shows significant potential as a natural dye. The number of commercial growers in various countries is steadily rising, driven by the attractive prices their products fetch in the market. At present, there is limited information available on the production aspects of Kamalam fruit. Research across different facets of cultivation and the health benefits of this fruit holds the promise of maximizing advantages for growers and consumers worldwide, thereby expanding the Kamalam fruit market.

Agronomic performance and fruit sensory and quality analyses of pineapple cultivars

The objective of this study was to assess the agronomic performance and fruit sensory and quality characteristics in traditional and modern pineapple cultivars grown in Tangara da Serra, MT, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with five replications and 20 plants per plot. Planting was carried out in double rows with spacing of 1.2×0.4×0.4 m, in May 2018. The evaluated cultivars were BRS-Ajuba, BRS-Imperial, BRS-Vitoria, Gigante-de-Tarauaca, IAC-Fantastico, Jupi, Perola, and Smooth-Cayenne. Gigante-de-Tarauaca exhibited the highest fruit weight but presented low soluble solids content and soluble solids to titratable acidity ratio (SS/TA); thus, it is not recommended for fresh fruit market. Jupi exhibited fruit weights (>1500 g) suitable for the market and soluble solids above 12 °Brix, but SS/TA below 20. Considering the modern cultivars, BRS-Ajuba presented the highest fruit weight, but BRS-Imperial and IAC-Fantastico were the most attractive to consumers, as well as the traditional cultivar Perola. However, BRS-Imperial and IAC-Fantastico yield small fruits, which reduces their per-unit value in the market, as pineapples are typically valued based on their sizes.

Optimization of an efficient hydroponic cultivation method for high yield of strawberry plants

The widely grown octoploid strawberry (2n = 8x = 56) (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.), cherished for its delectable flavour, rich nutritional content, and pleasing aroma has consistently held a significant position in global fruit market. Despite of rising demand, strawberry plants are not grown universally, likely due to variations in weather conditions across regions, available of infectious soil pathogen and insufficient knowledge of soilless hydroponic cultivation. The current research aims to establish an efficient nutrient medium that enhances the growth and yield of strawberry (Fragaria × Ananassa Duch.) Cv. Winter Dawn, using soilless hydroponic and semi-hydroponic cultivation methods. The fruit fresh weight and total fruit yield of formulation 2 treated plants (EC 2.41 mScm−1) in hydroponic condition exhibited a 1.73-fold and 2.18-fold higher respectively as compared to soil control plants. Among the five different growing medium treatments in semi-hydroponic condition, the fresh weight and total strawberry fruit yield was found to be maximum in treatment 3 and observed 2.04-fold and 3.03-fold increase respectively as compared to plants grown in soil control condition. The high yield may be due to higher uptake of macronutrients (NPK) by the plants supplemented with F2 formulation and T3 substrate medium the plants. As a result, the strawberry fruits of these plants accumulated higher amount of anthocyanin, which ultimately enhanced the fruit quality. The studies concluded that formulation 2 in hydroponic and treatment 3 in semi-hydroponic were most effective in terms of growth, nutrient uptake, physiology, fruit yield and anthocyanin content. The result of this study gives an alternative to the farmers for cultivation of strawberry plants in soilless hydroponic and semi-hydroponic conditions.