Fruit Quality Research Articles

Morphological and molecular diversity analysis vis-a-vis phylogenetic correlation among pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties

Abstract Identification of different pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes using morphological descriptors and further substantiated through molecular means is essential for a breeding program. Characterization using molecular markers has an advantage over its morphological counterpart due to its low expense, quick and reliable results, and the requirement of less sophisticated equipment. In this study, eight different pomegranate cultivars were characterized based on their morphological and molecular characters in sub-tropical regions between 2018 and 2019. Morphological experiments were conducted in a randomized block design replicated thrice for each cultivar, whereas RAPD markers were employed for molecular studies. Principal component analysis revealed significant morphological variation (79.61%) among the cultivars. A high level of polymorphism, similar to PCA, was observed with RAPD analysis (80.49%). Some discrepancies between morphological and molecular results were noted in UPGMA cluster analysis. However, eight primers (total = 41) distinctively separated the Bhagwa variety from others, with the maximum similarity coefficient value (ca. 0.54) and superior fruit quality distinguished in PCA analysis with the maximum mean Euclidean distance (ca. 16). Hence, RAPD markers could be used along with morphological markers for a quick screening of germplasms in further crop improvement programs.

Integration of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Wax Serves a Key Role in Preventing Leaf Water Loss in Goji (Lycium barbarum)

Drought stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that limit plant growth and affect fruit quality and yield. Plants primarily lose water through leaf transpiration, and wax effectively reduces the rate of water loss from the leaves. However, the relationship between water loss and the wax formation mechanism in goji (Lycium barbarum) leaves remains unclear. ‘Ningqi I’ goji and ‘Huangguo’ goji are two common varieties. In this study, ‘Ningqi I’ goji and ‘Huangguo’ goji were used as samples of leaf material to detect the differences in the water loss rate, chlorophyll leaching rate, wax phenotype, wax content, and components of the two materials. The differences in wax-synthesis-related pathways were analyzed using the transcriptome and metabolome methods, and the correlation among the wax components, wax synthesis genes, and transcription factors was analyzed. The results show that the leaf permeability of ‘Ningqi I’ goji was significantly lower than that of ‘Huangguo’ goji. The total wax content of the ‘Ningqi I’ goji leaves was 2.32 times that of the ‘Huangguo’ goji leaves, and the epidermal wax membrane was dense. The main components of the wax of ‘Ningqi I’ goji were alkanes, alcohols, esters, and fatty acids, the amounts of which were 191.65%, 153.01%, 6.09%, and 9.56% higher than those of ‘Huangguo’ goji, respectively. In the transcriptome analysis, twenty-two differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and six transcription factors (TFs) were screened for wax synthesis; during the metabolomics analysis, 11 differential metabolites were screened, which were dominated by lipids, some of which, like D-Glucaro-1, 4-Lactone, phosphatidic acid (PA), and phosphatidylcholine (PE), serve as prerequisites for wax synthesis, and were significantly positively correlated with wax components such as alkanes by the correlation analysis. A combined omics analysis showed that DEGs such as LbaWSD1, LbaKCS1, and LbaFAR2, and transcription factors such as LbaMYB306, LbaMYB60, and LbaMYBS3 were strongly correlated with wax components such as alkanes and alcohols. The high expression of DEGs and transcription factors is an important reason for the high wax content in the leaf epidermis of ‘Ningqi I’ goji plants. Therefore, by regulating the expression of wax-synthesis-related genes, the accumulation of leaf epidermal wax can be promoted, and the epidermal permeability of goji leaves can be weakened, thereby reducing the water loss rate of goji leaves. The research results can lay a foundation for cultivating drought-tolerant goji varieties.

Alteration in certain growth, biochemical, and anatomical indices of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) in response to the foliar application of auxin under water deficit.

Drought-induced stress represents one of the most economically detrimental natural phenomena impacting grapevine (Vitis vinifera ) development, yield, and fruit characteristics. Also, auxin is one of the most important plant growth regulators that can reduce damage caused by stress in plants. In this study, the impact of exogenously sprayed auxin (0, 50, and 200mgL-1 ) on growth, biochemical, and anatomical parameters was investigated in two grapevine varieties (cvs. 'Rashe' and 'Fakhri') under water deficit. According to our findings, water deficit led to a notable decrease in growth, protein content, and anatomical parameters; but significantly enhanced electrolyte leakage. Grapevines exposed to water deficit exhibited substantial increases in total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Applying 50mgL-1 napthalene acetic acid (NAA) reduced the effects of water deficit in both grapevine cultivars by decreasing electrolyte leakage (15% in 'Rashe' and 20% in 'Fakhri'), and accumulating protein content (22% 'Rashe' and 32% 'Fakhri'), total phenolic compounds (33%'Rashe' and 40% 'Fakhri'), and antioxidant capacity (11% 'Rashe' and 39% 'Fakhri'); anantomical parameters were also improved. However, application of 200mgL-1 NAA had adverse effects on growth and biochemical traits of grapevines, with a more pronounced impact on root growth and anatomical parameters compared to other NAA concentrations. In conclusion, the application of 50mgL-1 NAA enhanced grapevine growth, enabling them to better thrive under water deficit.

Identification of key gene networks controlling organic acid and sugar metabolism during star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) development

The sugar and organic acid content significantly impacts the flavor quality of star fruit, and it undergoes dynamic changes during development. However, the metabolic network and molecular mechanisms governing the formation of sugar and organic acid in star fruit remain unclear. In this study, 23 of 743 components were detected by metabonomic analysis. The highest metabolites contents were organic acids and derivatives. The highest sugar content in the fruit was fructose and glucose, followed by sucrose, which proved that A. carambola is a hexose accumulation type fruit. Genome identification preliminarily screened 141 genes related to glucose metabolism and 67 genes related to acid metabolism. A total of 7,881 unigenes were found in transcriptome data, 6,124 differentially expressed genes were screened, with more up-regulated than down-regulated genes. Transcriptome and metabolome association analysis screened seven core candidate genes related to glucose metabolism and 17 core genes highly related to organic acid pathway, and eight differentially expressed sugar and acid genes were selected for qRT-PCR verification. In addition, 29 bHLHs and eight bZIPs transcription factors were predicted in the glucose metabolism pathway, and 23 MYBs, nine C2H2s transcription factors and one GRAS transcription factor was predicted in the acid metabolism pathway, and transcription factors have both positive and negative regulatory effects on sugar and acid structure genes. This study increased our understanding of A. carambola fruit flavor and provided basic information for further exploring the ornamental and edible values of star fruit.

A Review of the Application of the Laser-Light Backscattering Imaging Technique to Agricultural Products

Growing concerns about food safety and waste have increased consumer demand for high-quality agricultural products, particularly at the postharvest stage. This demand has prompted the development of non-destructive methods to assess or inspect the internal quality of fruits and vegetables. The backscattering imaging technique, also known as diffuse reflectance imaging, is considered a highly promising approach. Numerous studies have focused on practical applications, using laser light at selected wavelengths to develop quick multispectral methods. Due to the rapid interaction of photons with biological tissue, together with the highly computational performance of machine vision, backscattering imaging can offer a valuable alternative to traditional methods. Its primary benefits include quick measurements without chemical sample preparation, easy integration with high-throughput automatic quality control, and reduced waste, since this non-destructive technique does not damage samples. This review presents a comprehensive overview of backscattering imaging, including the measurement geometry, data analysis, and design considerations for vision systems. Additionally, it explores this technique’s advantages, challenges, and accuracy, as demonstrated using various case studies.

Recent Advancements in Postharvest Fruit Quality and Physiological Mechanism

Recent Advancements in Postharvest Fruit Quality and Physiological Mechanism

Hydroxycinnamic Acid Oligomers-Based Biostimulant Nurspray® Enhances Tomato Yield, Fruit Quality, and Reduces Blossom-End Rot

Tomato production faces challenges such as high input costs, pests, diseases, and climate change. Biostimulants like Nurspray®, based on hydroxycinnamic acid oligomers, offer a promising solution. This study evaluated the impact of different application timings of Nurspray® on tomato yield and fruit quality under open-field conditions. Four treatments were tested: T1 (control), T2 (Nurspray® at BBCH 19–51), T3 (Nurspray® at BBCH 19–51–61), and T4 (Nurspray® at BBCH 19–23–51). The results showed significant improvements in root development, canopy cover, and flowering for T3 and T4, with root systems increasing by up to 103% in T4 compared to the control. Fruit yield and quality were enhanced, with a reduction in blossom-end rot (BER) incidence to 0% in T3 and T4, compared to 5% in the control. Additionally, T4 produced the highest dry matter content in fruits. The optimal application strategy was three doses of Nurspray® at BBCH 19–23–51, enhancing both yield and fruit quality. This study highlights the potential of Nurspray® as an organic biostimulant in sustainable tomato farming.

Improving fruit set and quality of Daisy mandarin through foliar application of nutrients

Daisy mandarin is a widely cultivated citrus species valued for its nutritional qualities and organoleptic properties, favored for both fresh consumption and processing. Optimal growth and fruit production is depend upon the availability of essential nutrients. However, soils of the central zones of Punjab are deficient in potassium which hinders the quality and production and their deficiency impairs physiological and biochemical processes, reducing fruit set, yield and quality. Potassium and calcium are vital for metabolic functions and cell wall integrity. A deficiency in any of these nutrients can results in smaller fruits, lower fruit retention and diminished organoleptic and nutritional qualities, such as reduced antioxidants content. So that, a research was conducted to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, calcium nitrate and boric acid along with paddy straw mulching on Daisy mandarin during the years 2021–22. The pooled data of this research showed that potassium nitrate (2%), is the best treatment with maximum fruit set (14.37%) and retention (72.35%) in Daisy mandarin. Additionally, the average fruit weight (207.50 g), number of fruits (162), fruit yield (33.79 kg/tree), fruit length (6.25 cm) and breadth (6.73 cm) also enhanced. Furthermore, potassium nitrate (2%) application increased the antioxidant activity (39.43%), phenolic content (230.00 mg kg−1 FW) and flavonoid content (3.69 mg RE g−1 FW). The findings suggest that application of potassium nitrate presents a promising strategy for enhancing fruit set, yield and quality of Daisy mandarin, providing valuable insights for improved cultivation practices.

Enhancing Citrus Resilience: Strategies and Advances in Abiotic Stress Management: A Review

Citrus, a major global agricultural crop is highly valued for its nutritional benefits and widespread consumption. However, as a subtropical plant, citrus is particularly sensitive to abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, waterlogging, nutrient deficiency, high irradiance and cold temperatures. These stresses pose significant challenges to citriculture, reducing yield and fruit quality. Traditional methods like rootstock selection and plant breeding have been used to improve stress tolerance to some extent. Recent advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology have enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind stress tolerance. Identifying and isolating specific genes and transcription factors have led to novel agricultural practices that economically benefit citriculture and mitigate the adverse effects of abiotic stress. This review paper emphasizes and summarises the citrus responses to abiotic stress and strategies developed to enhance stress tolerance in citrus plants.

Physiological characterization of bael genotypes of sub-tropical region of India for cold hardiness and fruit quality

Physiological characterization of bael genotypes of sub-tropical region of India for cold hardiness and fruit quality

Effects of reflective material deployed at bloom for 1, 2 or 5 months on ‘WA 38’ apple fruit set, quality and yield

The self-thinning nature of the apple variety ‘WA 38’ was previously characterized in Washington State; the self-regulating abscission of early-stage fruitlets lasts up to 8 weeks after full bloom and can result in the natural drop of 80 to 90% of the original flowers. Several approaches can be pursued to increase the fruit set, but in the present study, the focus was centered on A) alleviating the competition between young fruitlets during the early weeks of fruit development to reduce the loss by natural abscission and B) increasing the number of flower buds the following year. The study was set up in a 2018 planting of ‘WA 38’/G.935 orchard without hail-nets trained to V-trellis-system (4,975 trees/ha) in Central Washington (USA). The treatment consisted of the deployment, at early king bloom, of 80% reflective white material (RM, Extenday®) in the orchard inter-rows. The hypothesis relied upon the fact that enhanced light (mainly diffuse) could increase leaf C assimilation to support and nourish a higher proportion of fruitlets and decrease the natural abscission. The RM treatments had three different durations: reflective cover removed one month after installation (“RM for 1 M”), two months after (“RM for 2 M”) and until harvest (“RM until harvest”). They were compared against untreated control (“No RM (CTRL)”) in a 2-year trial. RM treatments did not result in a significant positive impact on fruit retention, net photosynthetic rate, yield, or return bloom. Trees subjected to whole-season RM had altered canopy and soil microclimates with drier and warmer canopies and cooler soil with higher moisture compared to untreated control. In the second season, a greater proportion of large apples (264-339 g or 72-64 apples/40-lb-box) was graded in RM until harvest treatment, indicating a positive influence of the enhanced light treatment in C allocation to fruit.

Soil-Mulching Treatment Enhances the Content of Stilbene in Grape Berries: A Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis

Soil mulching is a useful agronomic practice that promotes early fruit maturation and affects fruit quality. However, the regulatory mechanism of fruit metabolites under soil-mulching treatments remains unknown. In this study, variations in the gene sets and metabolites of grape berries after mulching (rice straw + felt + plastic film) using transcriptome and metagenomic sequencing were investigated. The results of the cluster analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis of the metabolites showed a difference between the mulching and control groups, as did the principal component analysis results for the transcriptome. In total, 36 differentially expressed metabolites were identified, of which 10 (resveratrol, ampelopsin F, piceid, 3,4′-dihydroxy-5-methoxystilbene, ε-viniferin, trans resveratrol, epsilon-viniferin, 3′-hydroxypterostilbene, 1-methyl-resveratrol, and pterostil-bene) were stilbenes. Their content increased after mulching, indicating that stilbene synthase activity increased after mulching. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that the turquoise and blue modules were positively and negatively related to stilbene compounds. The network analysis identified two seed genes (VIT_09s0054g00610, VIT_13s0156g00260) and two transcription factors (VIT_13s0156g00260, VIT_02s0025g04590). Overall, soil mulching promoted the accumulation of stilbene compounds in grapes, and the results provided key genetic information for further studies.

Influence of plant growth regulators on yield attributes and physical parameters of fruit quality in sapota under the eastern tropical region of India

The present study was conducted at Central Horticultural Experiment Station (ICAR-IIHR), Bhubaneswar, during 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the impact of the application of plant growth regulators on fruit set, yield and physical fruit quality of Sapota (Manilkara zapota L.) cv. DHS-1. The experiment was designed in a randomized completely block design with nine treatments consisting of NAA (50 and 100 ppm), CPPU (5 and 7.5 ppm), SA (150 and 300 ppm) and Homobrassinolide (10 and 15 ppm) and water as control. Treatments were imposed on 24-year-old, uniformly grown sapota trees, planted at 10m x 10m spacing, at flowering, fruit set and one month after fruit set. In general, the application of PGRs was effective in augmenting fruit sets, fruit retention, yield attributes and physical fruit quality over control. However, the application of NAA and CPPU performed better at higher doses. The treatment NAA @100 ppm resulted in the highest fruit set (34.76 %), fruit retention (57.46% at 30 DAFS, 28.48 % at 120 DAFS), yield (47.77 kg/tree) and physical fruit viz. pulp content (93.80%), dry matter (26.15%), fruit length (7.47 cm) and fruit width (6.57 cm). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed positive links among fruiting, yield, yield attributing traits and physical fruit quality parameters of sapota, as well as a negative correlation for peel content.

Biological and Molecular Characterization of a New Isolate of Tomato Mottle Mosaic Virus Causing Severe Shoestring and Fruit Deformities in Tomato Plants in India

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), the second most important vegetable crop globally, faces a significant threat from various viral diseases. A newly emerging disease, characterised by distinctive shoestring symptoms on leaves and the development of unripe, small, and hard fruit, poses a serious challenge to tomato cultivation in India. An initial survey in an experimental field revealed more than 50% of the plants displayed symptoms of the shoestring disease, resulting in substantial reductions in fruit yield and quality. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular analyses identified an isolate of the tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) in the affected plants. When the partially purified virus was mechanically inoculated into tomato cv. Pusa Ruby plants, it reproduced the characteristic shoestring symptoms, confirming its causal relationship with the disease. Notably, the present shoestring isolate of ToMMV (ToMMV-Tss) was found to induce similar shoestring symptoms in most of the major commercial tomato varieties when inoculated under controlled experimental conditions in the glasshouse, indicating its aggressive nature. Host range studies demonstrated that the ToMMV-Tss can infect several solanaceous species, while cucurbitaceous hosts remained unaffected. Moreover, the virus was found to be seed-transmissible, with a small percentage of seedlings from infected plants displaying symptoms. These findings underscore the significant impact of ToMMV on tomato production in India and emphasise the need for reliable diagnostic tools and effective management strategies to curb the spread and mitigate the impact of this virus on commercial tomato cultivation.

Impact of some fixed and essential oils application on fruit quality of pomegranate during cold storage.

Impact of some fixed and essential oils application on fruit quality of pomegranate during cold storage.

Impacts of Fruit Frosting Coverage on Postharvest Softening of Prunes under Vibration Stress

The surface of prune fruit has a thick layer of frosting, which is easily damaged and lost during prunes harvest or postharvest handling, and there is no clear information on the effect of prune surface frost on postharvest storage quality. To investigate the effect of fruit frosting on the softening of prune fruits during storage under vibration stress, prunes were divided into three grades according to fruit frosting in this study and were vibrated for 8 h at a frequency of 5 Hz at 4 °C; then, samples were selected once every 8 d. The results showed that the heavy fruit frosting (HFF) group maintained higher hardness (21.47%), L* (20.85%), and total soluble solids (12.79%) levels at the end of storage and inhibited cell wall-modifying enzyme activities (polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase, glycosidase, β-glucosidase, and cellulase) compared to frosting-less fruit (FF) group. This group also showed improved expression of key cell wall-modification genes (ADPG2, PME31, CESA1, BGAL3, XTH33, BGLU41) as well as chelate-soluble pectin (72.11%), Na2CO3-soluble pectin (42.83%), and cellulose (36.89%) solubilization and maintained lower water-soluble pectin (34.23%). Microscopic observations showed that the fruit frosting could delay the dissolution of pectin components and protect the cell wall structure. In summary, fruit frosting can effectively inhibit fruit softening and maintain fruit quality.

Correlation between Pulp Weight and Physio-Biochemical Traits of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Germplasms

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between pulp weight and various physio-biochemical attributes among 30 diverse mango (Mangifera indica L.) germplasms under the Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Place and Duration of Study: This investigation was carried out at Horticulture Research Centre, GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during the years 2021 and 2022. Methodology: The selected 30 germplasms included two commercially grown cultivars and 28 primary germplasms sourced from different eco-geographical locations of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand states of India. Pulp weight, physical characteristics (fruit shape index, pulp/stone ratio) and biochemical parameters (Brix/Acid ratio and pH) were measured for each germplasm and statistically laid out in completely randomized design (CRD), and their relationships were analyzed using simple linear regression and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Results: The maximum values recorded among the studied germplasms were 300.73 g for pulp weight (PMGC-19), 2.41 for fruit shape index (PMSS-31), 0.309 for pulp/stone ratio (PMGC-71), 140.87 for Brix/Acid ratio (PMGC-96) and 5.87 for pH (PMGC-96). Among the physical attributes, pulp weight exhibited a moderate positive correlation with fruit shape index (r = 0.419), indicating that fruits with a higher shape index tend to have increased pulp weight. Whereas, a moderate negative correlation was observed between pulp weight and pulp/stone ratio (r = -0.457), suggesting that as the pulp/stone ratio increases, pulp weight decreases. However, biochemical attributes such as Brix/Acid ratio and pH showed no significant correlation with pulp weight (r = 0.005 and r = 0.018, respectively), indicating an independent influence of these parameters on pulp characteristics. Conclusion: These findings provide important insights into the complex relationships between pulp weight and other physio-biochemical traits in mango, some traits for breeding programs aimed to improving fruit quality and pulp content and identified superior and promising germplasms for cultivation as well as potential parental genotypes in mango improvement programs.

Licorice-root extract and potassium sorbate spray improved the yield and fruit quality and decreased heat stress of the 'osteen' mango cultivar.

Heat stress, low mango yields and inconsistent fruit quality are main challenges for growers. Recently, licorice-root extract (LRE) has been utilized to enhance vegetative growth, yield, and tolerance to abiotic stresses in fruit trees. Potassium sorbate (PS) also plays a significant role in various physiological and biochemical processes that are essential for mango growth, quality and abiotic stress tolerance. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of foliar sprays containing LRE and PS on the growth, yield, fruit quality, total chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzymes of 'Osteen' mango trees. The mango trees were sprayed with LRE at 0, 2, 4 and 6 g/L and PS 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM. In mid-May, the mango trees were sprayed with a foliar solution, followed by monthly applications until 1 month before harvest. The results showed that trees with the highest concentration (6 g/L) of LRE exhibited the maximum leaf area, followed by those treated with the highest concentration (3 mM) of PS. Application of LRE and PS to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit weight, number of fruits per tree, yield (kg/tree), yield increasing%, and reduced number of sun-burned fruits compared to the control. LRE and PS foliar sprays to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit total soluble solids ˚Brix, TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content compared to the control. Meanwhile, total acidity percentage in 'Osteen' mango fruits significantly decreased after both LRE and PS foliar sprays. 'Osteen' mango trees showed a significant increase in leaf area, total chlorophyll content, total pigments, and leaf carotenoids. Our results suggest that foliar sprays containing LRE and PS significantly improved growth parameters, yield, fruit quality, antioxidant content, and total pigment concentration in 'Osteen' mango trees. Moreover, the most effective treatments were 3 mM PS and 6 g/L LRE. LRE and PS foliar spray caused a significant increase in yield percentage by 305.77%, and 232.44%, in the first season, and 242.55%, 232.44% in the second season, respectively.

Microclimate monitoring in commercial tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) greenhouse production and its effect on plant growth, yield and fruit quality

IntroductionHigh annual tomato yields are achieved using high-tech greenhouse production systems. Large greenhouses typically rely only on one central weather station per compartment to steer their internal climate, ignoring possible microclimate conditions within the greenhouse itself.MethodsIn this study, we analysed spatial variation in temperature and vapour pressure deficit in a commercial tomato greenhouse setting for three consecutive years. Multiple sensors were placed within the crop canopy, which revealed microclimate gradients.Results and discussionDifferent microclimates were present throughout the year, with seasonal (spring – summer – autumn) and diurnal (day – night) variations in temperature (up to 3 °C, daily average) and vapour pressure deficit (up to 0.6 kPa, daily average). The microclimate effects influenced in part the variation in plant and fruit growth rate and fruit yield – maximum recorded difference between two locations with different microclimates was 0.4 cm d-1 for stem growth rate, 0.6 g d-1 for fruit growth rate, 80 g for truss mass at harvest. The local microclimate effect on plant growth was always larger than the bulk climate variation measured by a central sensor, as commonly done in commercial greenhouses. Quality attributes of harvested tomato fruit did not show a significant difference between different microclimate conditions. In conclusion, we showed that even small, naturally occurring, differences in local environment conditions within a greenhouse may influence the rate of plant and fruit growth. These findings could encourage the sector to deploy larger sensor networks for optimal greenhouse climate control. A sensor grid covering the whole area of the greenhouse is a necessity for climate control strategies to mitigate suboptimal conditions.

New functionally substitutes cyclopropanecarboxylic acids as ethylene biosynthesis innovative regulators

Background: Derivatives of small carbocycles (cyclobutanes and cyclopropanes) are known as bioactive molecules. Both their natural and synthetic representatives have multiple applications. Particularly, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) serves as the well-studied ethylene biosynthesis precursor. The development of new functionally substituted cyclopropane carboxylic acids, which show promise as effective inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis, is crucial for regulating the plant cycle and preserving the quality of fruits and vegetables. Objectives: This research focused on the in-silico studies aimed at developing a universal and affordable methodology for synthesizing new analogs of ACC and assessing their modulating activity on ethylene biosynthesis in plants. The findings from this in silico research provide a foundation for the upcoming in vitro studies. Results: The elaborated efficient catalytic system [Cu(I) salt/amine/DMSO] enabled the synthesis of model compounds under mild conditions, resulting in increasing yields up to quantitative levels. For bioactivity preliminary assessment we performed in silico research of newly synthesized (E)-2-phenyl-1-chlorocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid and drug-design an appropriate 1-amino-derivative as the inhibitor of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase 2 (ACO2) of Arabidopsis thaliana. Docking results showed certain advantages of the newly synthesized compound in comparison to well-known inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis. Conclusions: The recommended synthetic technology has increased efficiency in yield quantification. In silico studies, a high affinity for ACO2 has been demonstrated. The synthesized compounds exhibit superior characteristics compared to widely used market preparations for regulating ethylene biosynthesis. More detailed comparative in vitro studies are planned. Keywords: plant growth regulation, cyclopropane carboxylic acids, ethylene biosynthesis inhibitors, molecular docking, atom transfer radical addition (ATRA), Cu(I) Complex catalyst.