Fruit Samples Research Articles

Quantitative Evaluation and Comparative Analysis of Toxic Heavy Metal Levels (Pb and Mn) in Pineapple, Papaya, Banana and Mango Fruit Purchased from Tepi Market

This study aimed to analyze the composition and safety of commonly consumed fruits, namely pineapples, papaya, banana, and mango, and evaluate their suitability as part of a balanced diet. The fruits were assessed for moisture content, ash content, and heavy metal concentrations, specifically lead (Pb) and manganese (Mn). The moisture content values obtained for pineapple (81.3% ± 0.8), papaya (75.8% ± 1), banana (76% ± 0.5), and mango (83.8% ± 1) indicate varying levels of water content in these fruits. In terms of ash content, the values measured for pineapple (0.66% ± 1), papaya (1% ± 0.5), banana (1.6% ± 1), and mango (2.3% ± 1) indicate the ash content present in these fruits. The concentrations of lead and manganese in the fruit samples were within acceptable ranges, with values for lead ranging from 0.04 ppm to 0.08 ppm, and values for manganese ranging from 0.002 ppm to 0.006 ppm. These results assure the safety of these fruits for consumption. However, further research is recommended to explore factors affecting fruit composition, such as varietal differences and environmental conditions. These findings emphasize the importance of sourcing fruits from reputable suppliers and practicing proper fruit handling and storage. Overall, including these fruits in a balanced diet provides essential nutrients and contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Continuous monitoring and research are crucial to ensure the quality and safety of these fruits for long-term consumption.

Stress response in tomato as influenced by repeated waterlogging.

Plants respond to water stress with a variety of physiological and biochemical changes, but their response varies among species, varieties and cultivars. Waterlogging in tomato reduces plant growth, degrade chlorophyll and increase concentration of oxidative parameters. Priming can alleviate stress in plants caused by waterlogging enabling plants to be more tolerant to an additional stress in the current or even subsequent generation. The aim of this study was to evaluate tomato genotypes for their sensitivity to waterlogging stress applied during early vegetative growth and at full flowering stage. The study included two local genotypes, Trebinjski sitni (GB1126) and Žuti (GB1129), and the reference variety Novosadski jabučar (NJ), which is the variety most commonly used in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The activity of class III peroxidase (POX), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured spectrophotometrically, and for quantification of individual phenolic compounds, targeted approach was adopted, using UHPLC/DAD/(-)HESI-MS2 instrument (Dionex UltiMate 3000 UHPLC system with a DAD detector, configured with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer TSQ Quantum Access Max (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Germany)). Oxidative parameters (H2O2 and MDA) exhibited an increase in content in leaves of tomato plants that underwent waterlogging stress compared to control plants. Moreover, oxidative parameters showed positive correlation with proteins and phenolics content. The obtained correlations can indicate that one of the response strategies of tomato plants to waterlogging is the increased synthesis of proteins and phenolic compounds. The POX activity was not correlated with other parameters except with the polyphenols. A positive correlation was shown between POX activity and the content of phenolic compounds, indicating their independent roles in the removal of ROS. Changes in the phenolic profiles after the exposure of plants to waterlogging stress are recorded, and these changes were more severe in leaves and fruits of GB1129 and NJ genotypes than in GB1126. Thus, genotype GB1126 is the most efficient in maintaining the phenolic profiles of leaves and fruits, and therefore of the nutritive and organoleptic qualities of fruits following the exposure to waterlogging. Also, genotype GB1126 exhibited the ability to maintain the content of oxidative parameters during waterlogging at certain growth stages, implying certain waterlogging tolerance. Waterlogging triggered stress memory but not at all growth stages. The most pronounced stress memory was obtained in fruit samples in the phase of full fruit maturity on the 1st truss. This study shed light on the defense mechanisms of tomato plants to repeated waterlogging stress from the perspectives of the changes in the composition of major phenolics, and pointed to the 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid and rutin as the chemical markers of the waterlogging stress tolerance in tomato. However, it remains to be determined whether this modulation has a positive or negative effect on the overall plant metabolism. Further investigations are needed to fully elucidate the benefits of waterlogging pretreatment in this context.

Technological aspects and requirements to raw materials for increasing the nutritional value of glaze

Glaze, giving confectionery products an aesthetically attractive appearance, provides the possibility of prolonging their shelf life. The main raw components of the glaze are sugar and fat, which determines its high caloric content. Modern trends dictate the need to create confectionery products enriched with essential nutrients found in vegetables, berries and fruits. The introduction of finely ground additives in the form of fruit and vegetable powder into the glaze formulation may entail changes in the rheological and crystallization properties of the glaze. The aim of the research is to develop technological methods of fruit and vegetable confectionery glaze production with increased content of dietary fibers and reduced amount of added sugar, as well as to establish requirements for fruit and vegetable powders as raw materials used in the production of confectionery glaze. The objects of the research were industrial samples of fruit and vegetable powders from raspberry, apple, carrot and beet, as well as samples of confectionery glaze produced in laboratory conditions. Common and special research methods were used in the work. The technological acceptability of using fruit and vegetable powders in the production of confectionery glaze according to their physical and chemical parameters has been determined. The yield stress of the glaze increased as the content of fruit and vegetable powder increased from 3 to 15% to varying degrees depending on its fat-absorbing capacity. The crystallization characteristic of the glaze changed: the solidification temperature decreased by 1-2 °C, the crystallization duration increased by 27-40% compared to the control sample. The nomenclature is substantiated and numerical values of quality criteria of fruit and vegetable powders to ensure technological properties of glaze are given. The influence of step-by-step introduction of surfactants on the value of yield stress of confectionery glazes with fruit and vegetable powders is shown. The technology of fruit and vegetable confectionery glaze with a high content of dietary fiber (9 g/100 g) and with a reduced amount of added sugar has been developed.

The pomological characteristics and values for public health of Crataegus tanacetifolia

This study aimed to determine the pomological characteristics and allometric relationships of Crataegus tanacetifolia, an endemic plant species in Türkiye, as well as to assess its significance for public health. Fruit samples collected from its natural habitat were subjected (Mihalıççık district of Eskişehir province, 1330-1350m) to pomological measurements. Subsequently, pomological characteristics were correlated with allometric relationships. The following pomological parameters were observed for Crataegus tanacetifolia: fruit length was 15.30±1.70mm, width was 19.51±2.30mm, thickness was 18.85±2.30mm, weight was 3.34±0.99g, flesh weight was 2.73±0.901g, arithmetic mean diameter was 17.89±2.04mm, geometric mean diameter was 17.78±2.02mm, sphericity index was 116.26±4.79%, surface area was 1005.55±223.28mm2, appearance ratio was 0.79±0.05, seed ratio was 0.19±0.04, peduncle length was 3.26±0.24mm, flesh hardness was 14.02±1.61kg/cm2, and fruit color (L*a*b) was 71.54±0.92*9.34±1.82*60.62±3.11. The fruit color ranged from light yellow to light pink, with green being the dominant color in unripe fruits. The seed length was 7.20±0.51 mm, width was 4.14±0.37mm, thickness was 5.42±0.43mm, weight was 0.12±0.02g, volume was 53.73±8.48mm3, and surface area was 80.09±9.29. There was a high relationship between fruit surface area and allometric relationships, with R²=0.9603 and R²=0.8729 confidence interval. The allometric relationships between seed ratio and fruit sizes were in the range of R²=0.3984 and R²=0.5045. In this study, it was determined that Crataegus tanacetifolia is important for public health, its fruits are used as food.

Assessment of bacterial and parasitic contamination of fruits gathered from specific local markets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BackgroundAround the world, food-borne illnesses are still a frequent and significant hazard to public health. Human infection outbreaks brought on by eating raw fruits have happened more frequently. Fruits have been connected in recent years to a number of outbreaks of food-borne illness around the globe, including in Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess bacterial and parasitic contamination of fruits gathered from specific local markets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out using fruits gathered from Addis Ababa local marketplaces. Convenient sampling were applied. With the assumption that each vendor provided 30 samples, a total of 120 fruit samples were gathered. Fruit samples were gathered in a plastic bag that had been sanitized and then brought to the lab for bacterial and parasitological investigation. All of the samples were checked for intestinal parasites and bacterial contamination. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data. The Pearson's Chi-square test was used to assess categorical variables. The student's t-test was utilized to compare continuous variables, which were represented as the mean ± standard deviation. Using both univariate and multivariate analysis, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Statistical significance was defined as a P < 0.05.ResultsThere was a 100 (83.3%) level of bacterial contamination. While Salmonella and Shigella species were not recovered, S. aureus isolates 16 (13.3%) were the most common bacterial contamination, followed by E. coli isolates 8 (6.7%). The samples of bananas, mangos, papayas, and avocados from all four sites had total coliform (TCC) bacteria ranging from 2.1 × 103 to 3.2 × 104, 8.3x 102 to 1.8x 105CFU/g, 1.6x 102 to 3.7 x 104, and 1.2x 102 to 3.8 x 104 CFU/g, in that order. No parasites were found in this investigation.Conclusion and recommendationIt is usually recommended that customers in this research region wash and handle infected fruits properly to prevent bacterial illnesses. In addition, fruit dealers should have their bacterial contaminations routinely inspected. Large-scale research is advised to support this discovery.

A smartphone-assisted portable on-site detection system for organophosphorus pesticides in vegetables and fruits based on all-in-one paper-based sensors: 2,2-Dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate as a model

The improper use of organophosphate pesticides (OPs) can lead to residue posing a serious threat to human health and environment. Therefore, the development of a simple, portable, and sensitive detection method is crucial. Herein, a bioenzyme-nanozyme-chromogen all-in-one paper-based sensor was synthesized. Initially, the Ce/Zr-MOF with peroxidase-like activity was grown on filter paper (FP) using in-situ solvent thermal method, resulting in Ce/Zr-MOF@FP. Subsequently, the AChE-ChO-TMB system was immobilized onto Ce/Zr-MOF@FP using biocompatible gelatin, which enhanced cascade catalysis efficiency through the proximity effect. Based on the inhibition principle of OPs on AChE, we integrated this sensor with Python-based image recognition algorithm to achieve detection of OPs. Using 2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (DDVP) as a model of OPs, it has good detection performance with a detection limit of 0.32 ng mL−1 and a recovery rate range of 95–107%. The potential for on-site detection of DDVP residues in vegetables and fruit samples is highly promising.

Comparative analysis of nutrient composition and antioxidant activity in three dragon fruit cultivars.

Dragon fruit has significant economic value in many countries due to has excellent nutritional content, health advantages, and adaptability to different climates, making it an important crop in the global fruit industry. This study aimed to gather comprehensive nutritional data on three dragon fruit cultivars by analysing the levels of micronutrients, fibre, carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in their pulps. Uniform dragon fruit samples underwent thorough analysis for proximate composition, mineral content, pigments, antioxidants, and vitamin C, with statistical methods used to assess significant differences among the parameters studied. The proximate composition analysis revealed significant differences among the three dragon fruit cultivars. Among the proximate components, protein (0.40±0.02g/100 g), moisture (91.33±0.88%), crude fibre (0.32±0.07 g/100 g), and ash (1.27±0.09 g/100 g) were more abundant in Hylocereus costaricensis than in Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus megalanthus. On the other hand, Hylocereus undatus had higher carbohydrate (17.02±0.63 g/100 g) and energy (69.74±2.44 kcal/100 g) contents. K (7.23±0.35 mg/100 g), Ca (1.61±0.13 mg/100 g), Fe (1.84±0.05 mg/100 g), and Zn (0.37±0.034 mg/100 g) are highly abundant in H. costaricensis. Additionally, Hylocereus costaricensis had the highest anthocyanin content (120.15±3.29 mg/g FW) and total carotenoid content (72.51±1.62 mg/g FW), along with the highest vitamin C content (8.92±0.13 mg/g FW) and total soluble phenolic content (572.48±20.77 mg/100 g). Its remarkable antioxidant activity was further highlighted by the lowest SC50 value (13.50±0.4 mg/mL) for its DPPH radical scavenging capacity. The total soluble sugar content was highest in Hylocereus megalanthus (8.72±0.30 g/100 g FW). Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct trait and genotype associations; among the studied cultivars, Hylocereus costaricensis demonstrated superior performance across multiple traits. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive correlations among several traits, while principal component analysis highlighted the contribution of each trait to overall variance, with PC1 explaining 73.95% of the total variance. This study highlights the nutritional variations among dragon fruit cultivars, with Hylocereus costaricensis showing superior performance, guiding dietary planning and functional food development.

In vitro bioactivities and shelf life protective properties of sumac extracts against foodborne pathogens and computational analysis of sumac compounds

The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant and shelf life protective potentials of infusion, decoction, and room temperature samples of sumac fruits prepared as used by the local people against three foodborne pathogens including Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from food samples. The room temperature samples of sumac showed a remarkable antibacterial activity (81.25%) against S. aureus. Infusion and decoction samples of sumac fruit showed an effective antibacterial activity (∼70%) against E. coli O157:H7. Moderate efficacy against B. cereus was observed in all treatment groups. Antibiofilm effects of sumac were observed against B. cereus and S. aureus, but not against E. coli O157:H7. The total antioxidant activity was found to be close to the reference compounds. The twenty-two phenolic and flavonoid chemical compounds (gallic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid, protocatechualdehyde, 4-OH-benzoic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, cafeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, rosmarinic acid, sinapic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, rutin, resveratrol, myricetin, naringenin, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, apigenin, and chrysin) were identified by Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) and these molecules were analyzed by computational analyses using SwissADME, admetSAR 3.0 and the AntiBac-Pred web tool. In addition, the antibacterial efficacy of sumac fruit extracts was tested on mixed Mediterranean salad samples to evaluate the shelf-life enhancing effect. The efficacy of sumac fruit against common foodborne pathogens suggests that the ethnobotanical use of sumac may provide protection against bacterial diseases and can be utilized as an additive and/or ingredient in the food industry.

Pesticides in vegetables and fruits from Brazil and risk assessment

ABSTRACT Levels of 237 pesticides were assessed in 1063 fruit and vegetable samples from 12 São Paulo markets spanning the period May 2015 to December 2022. The QuEChERS method was employed for extraction, followed by GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis. Findings indicated that 30% of the samples contained residues below the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), while 6% exceeded these. Additionally, 23% exhibited excessive residues for their respective crops and 40% had no detectable residues. Health risk evaluation focused on tomatoes, cabbage and oranges, revealing exposure within 0.002–0.9% of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI), indicating no chronic risks. However, pyraclostrobin in orange presented a potential acute risk for adults (112%). These results underscore the necessity for continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables to safeguard consumer health, especially considering the significant levels of consumption.

Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Citrus Limetta & Citrus Sinensis Irrigated by Wastewater.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different irrigation sources on the levels of potentially toxic metals (Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn) in the edibles of citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis and Citrus limetta). The samples of fruit, soil and water were collected from two locations (fresh water irrigated-FW I and sewage water irrigated-SW II) within the city of Sargodha. The samples utilized in the study for metal analysis were prepared utilizing the wet acid digestion method. Metal determination was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The potentially toxic metal values in the citrus samples ranged from 0.010 to 0.063, 0.015 to 0.293, 6.691 to 11.342 and 0.366 to 0.667mg/kg for Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn, respectively. Analysis of Citrus limetta and Citrus sinensis indicated that the highest concentration of Cr, Fe and Mn is observed at the sewage water irrigation site (SW-II), whilst the minimum levels of Cr, Fe and Mn were observed at the fresh water irrigation site (FW-I). The results show that the levels of these metals in soil and fruit samples meet the acceptable guidelines outlined by USEPA and WHO. It was found that the metal pollution constitutes a potential threat to human health due to the HRI values for Cd, Cr, and Fe being above 1, despite the DIM values being below 1. Regular monitoring of vegetables irrigated with wastewater is highly recommended in order to minimise health risks to individuals.

Designed fluorescence "on-off-on" probe based on cobalt, zinc, and nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots: A case of quinalphos sensing.

In this study, we developed a new fluorescence "on-off-on" sensor utilizing water-soluble cobalt/zinc-nitrogen co-doped graphene quantum dots (Co/Zn-N-GQDs) to recognize quinalphos pesticide in vegetable and fruit samples. Primarily, the synthesis method employed a one-pot hydrothermal approach, using betel leaves as a natural precursor and cobalt ("Co"), zinc ("Zn"), and urea ("N") as dopant sources. The Co/Zn-N-GQDs probes underwent comprehensive analytical characterization. The Co/Zn-N-GQDs were synthesized with a remarkable luminescence yield of 31.49%, exhibiting excitation at 320 nm and emission peak at 393 nm. Interestingly, the luminescence of Co/Zn-N-GQDs was selectively "Turned Off" by Cu2+ via a static quenching setup. Remarkably, quenched fluorescence was surprisingly reactivated upon adding quinalphos to the quench setup, indicating a direct correlation between luminescence reactivation and quinalphos concentration. Briefly, this phenomenon is ascribed to the functional groups in quinalphos, such as quinoxalinyl and phosphorothioate, which chelate with Cu2+ ions, disrupting the nonfluorescent Cu2+-Co/Zn-N-GQDs complex. The design sensor demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.11 μM and a broad linear span of 0.5 to 200 μM. In conclusion, Cu2+-Co/Zn-N-GQDs sensor showed immediate applicability, stability, and reproducibility, making it highly effective for quinalphos sensing in various samples.

Edaphoclimatic variation and harvest seasonality as determining factors of multidimensional quality in avocado cv. hass grown in the tropics

The increase in cultivated areas in tropical zones such as Colombia for avocado cv. Hass and the lack of knowledge on edaphoclimatic relationships with factors associated with quality led to the present research. The aim of this research was to establish the relationship of soil, climatic, spatial factors (plot location), and harvest seasonality (principal and transitory) with the multidimensional quality of avocado cv. Hass planted under tropical conditions. This research was carried out on eight farms located in three producing subregions. Soil, environmental and harvest data were recorded for three years (2015–2017) in each plot. Avocado fruit samples were used to determine the parameters of macronutrient, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamin E. Descriptive, inferential statistics, multivariate analysis, effect size, second-order exponential model, and causal relationships were used to determine variables associated with soil, climate, harvest seasonality, and spatial location, and to determine quality parameters. The results established a relationship between nutritional quality and the origin region. Similarly, it was possible to identify parameters associated with differential quality with a robust statistical methodology to propose origin as a differentiating factor for quality. This study provided useful information for the value chain that selected the best areas for avocado crops according to market expectations and nutritional quality criteria.

A novel, intelligent and computer-assisted electrochemical sensor for extraction and simultaneous determination of patulin and citrinin in apple and pear fruit samples

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor was fabricated for simultaneous determination of patulin (PT) and citrinin (CT) in apple and pear fruit samples. A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with graphene-multiwalled carbon nanotubes-ionic liquid (Gr-MWCNTs-IL) which was used as a platform to electrochemical synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) by using PT and CT as templates, maleic acid as a functional monomer, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a cross linker with the aim of preconcentration and simultaneous determination of the PT and CT. Experimental variables affecting fabrication of the structure of the sensor and hydrodynamic differential pulse voltammetric (HDPV) response of the sensor were optimized by a small central composite design and desirability function. After optimization, the HDPV responses of the sensor were calibrated by multivariate calibration methods in the ranges of 0.5–13 fM and 1.5–18 fM for PT and CT, respectively, with the help of PLS-1, RBF-PLS, rPLS, LS-SVM, and RBF-ANN with the aim of selecting the best algorithm to assist the sensor. Our results confirmed the best performance was observed from RBF-ANN which was used for the analysis of apple and pear fruit samples. Limit of detections of the sensor assisted by RBF-ANN for determination of PT and CT were 0.08 and 0.61 fM, respectively. Several commercial brands were analyzed by the use of sensor assisted by RBF-ANN and HPLC-UV, and the results confirmed performance of the sensor was admirable and comparable with the reference method with lower cost, faster response, and easier procedure which made it to be a reliable alternative method for simultaneous determination of PT and CT in real matrices.

Assessment of the microbial quality of ready-to-eat vegetable salads and berry fruit available on Polish market

The consumption and sale of ready-to-eat products, i.e., fresh-cut vegetable salads and fruit, have been growing tremendously in the present time. Therefore, the microbial safety of such products is of great concern. In the current study, a survey of general microbiological contamination (mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, molds, Enterobacteriaceae, coli bacteria, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli) of fresh-cut vegetable salads and berry-packed fruits available in Polish supermarket was undertaken.In ready-to-eat salads, the high number of mesophilic bacteria ranged from 6.43 to 8.56 log10 cfu g–1, and also Enterobacteriaceae with mean value from 3.45 to 4.08 log10 cfu g–1 was detected. Mesophilic bacteria, yeast, and Enterobacteriaceae were detected in all salad samples. The molds were detected in 45% of salad samples, and their mean number ranged from 0.63 log10 cfu g–1 in salads with carrot or beetroot to 1.80 log10 cfu g–1 in salads with rocket.Berry fruit was also heavily microbiologically contaminated. In particular, the means of mesophilic bacteria, molds, and yeasts were high. The number of molds detected in fruit samples, especially in raspberry samples, could be alarming. Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, and coli bacteria were detected in a few samples of berry fruit. None of the ready-to-eat salads and fruit samples were contaminated by Escherichia coli.Based on the tests that were conducted, it was found that the microbiological quality was not satisfactory. The findings suggest that following hygienic measures during processing and handling, the microbiological quality of vegetable salads and berry fruit available in Polish markets should be improved.

Assessment of apple soluble sugar content by hyperspectral vegetation indexes

Soluble sugar content in apple fruit is a crucial internal quality factor. Rapid and accurate estimation of soluble sugar content in apple fruit is helpful to predicting maturity. However, few studies have used an approach of hyperspectral vegetation indexes for monitoring apple soluble sugar content from ground-based handheld hyperspectral data. This study systematically analyzed the performance of hyperspectral vegetation indexes of apple in estimating the soluble sugar content. The visible and near infrared spectral of apple samples were measured by using a hyperspectral equipment, with the wavelength of 350–2500 nm. Eleven early-ripening apple varieties were collected from orchards located in five provinces of China, and the sugar content of each apple fruit sample was measured using laboratory methods. Two-band combination method was used to identify the effective spectral index. Results showed that the newly developed two-band ratio spectral index R833/R834 (Rλ is the reflectance value at wavelength λ) was recommended as the optimal index for monitoring early-ripening apple soluble sugar content, generated the coefficients of determination, root mean square error (RMSE) and residual prediction deviation (RPD) values between the measured and predicted values of 0.73%, 0.72%, and 1.38%, respectively. Result indicated that the newly developed two-band index R833/R834 can be used to nondestructively determine apple fruit soluble sugar content. The findings can provide insight into the relationship between the optical properties of apple fruit at different wavelengths and soluble sugar content.

A Novel UHPLC-MS/MS Based Method for Isomeric Separation and Quantitative Determination of Cyanogenic Glycosides in American Elderberry.

LC-MS/MS analyses have been reported as challenging for the reliable separation and quantification of cyanogenic glycosides (CNGs), especially (R)-prunasin and sambunigrin isomers found in American elderberry (Sambucus nigra L. subsp. canadensis (L.) Bolli). Hence, a novel multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-based ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated in the present study for simultaneous separation and quantification of five CNGs, including amygdalin, dhurrin, linamarin, (R)-prunasin, and (S)-prunasin (commonly referred to as sambunigrin). Initially, the role of ammonium formate was investigated as an aqueous mobile-phase additive in developing MRM-based UHPLC-MS/MS. Later, chromatographic conditions for the resolved separation of (R)-prunasin and sambunigrin were identified. Validation studies confirmed that the developed method has good linearity and acceptable precision and accuracy. A noticeable matrix effect (mainly signal enhancement) was observed in leaf samples only. This method was used to detect and quantify CNGs, including (R)-prunasin and sambunigrin, in leaf and fruit samples of American elderberry. Among the studied CNGs, only (R)-prunasin was detected in the leaf samples. Interestingly, (S)-prunasin (sambunigrin) was not detected in the samples analyzed, even though it has been previously reported in elderberry species.

Comparative expression profile of selected genes in Venturia inaequalis Cooke (Wint.) infecting apple fruits and leaves

Scab is a noxious fungal disease of apples (Malus domestica Borkh) in all apple producing regions caused by a host-specific phytopathogen Venturia inaequalis Cooke (Wint.). Its symptoms include black or brown lesions on leaves as well as on fruits, and causes fruit deformation. In this study, V. inaequalis was isolated from infected fruit samples and expression level of selected pathogenesis related genes in scab infected fruits and leaves was studied. The isolated fungus formed a brown coloured mat-like colony having septate mycelium and produced acute ovoid shaped conidia. Molecular characterization of the fungus was done by amplification and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and Cytochrome (CYP51A1) regions of the isolate. The Sanger sequencing of amplicons and sequence analysis using BLAST tool of the NCBI against GenBank database confirmed that the obtained sequence of ITS and CYP51A1 regions had 99.6 % and 98 % sequence identity with the reference V. inaequalis, respectively. The isolated strain of V. inaequalis was submitted in the fungal repository of Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC), India. The phylogenetic analysis of ITS region of the isolate revealed that the isolated strain of V. inaequalis was more closely related to Fusicladium eriobotryae compared to other Venturia species. The expression levels of pathogenesis related genes viz. CIN1, CE5 and VICE16 were higher in infected leaves as compared to infected fruits. Whereas expression of VICE12 and GH28 were higher in infected fruits compared to infected leaves. VICE4 gene showed equal level of expression during infection in both fruits and leaves, which was also maximum as compared to the control treatment. The transcript analysis of aforementioned genes of V. inaequalis gives the insights of the pathogen's expression profile during pathogenesis in fruits and leaves. This expression analysis can form a basis selecting pathogenesis related genes as targets for developing dsRNA expressing constructs with an aim to reduce RNAi mediated silencing of specific genes, in a futuristic biotechnological based solution to deal with apple scab disease.

Bioprospecting of Indigenous Microbial Species for Bioethanol Production from the Fruits of Some Selected Exotic Ornamental Plants

The study determined the ability of some selected indigenous microbial isolates, namely Bacillus subtilis, Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in the production of bioethanol from the fruits of some exotic plants (i.e. Ixora coccinea, Duranta repens and Syzygium guineense). B. subtilis was isolated from soil, while Z. mobilis and S. cerevisiae were isolated from palm wine using cultural methods. The organisms were identified based on their colony characteristics and morphological features, which were observed by microscopic examination of the stained smears of the isolates. The identity of the organisms was confirmed through the molecular study of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA regions of the microbial genomes using Polymerase Chain Reaction – Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR - DGGE). The fruit samples were collected, washed, blended, filtered using a clean piece of cloth and pretreated using ultrasonication and autoclave. Concentrations of reducing sugars in the fruit filtrates were determined using DNSA-UV-visible spectrophotometry. Seven (7) conical flasks (500ml capacity) were arranged for each fruit sample in duplicate, and 250ml of the fruit filtrates were dispensed in the flasks accordingly. The fermenting organisms were inoculated in the flasks containing the fruit filtrates singly and in combination. Flasks were incubated in shaking incubator for seven days at 35oC. After incubation, the concentrations of bioethanol produced were determined using the UV-visible spectrophotometry. Highest reducing sugars concentrations of 43.7% and 43.6% were found in I. coccinea and S. guineense, respectively, while 36.4% was recorded for D. repens. Highest bioethanol yield of 27.5m/L was found in I. coccinea fermented by S. cerevisiae and Z. mobilis, while the lowest yield of 17.25m/L was found D. repens. The yield in bioethanol production was higher in samples containing a combination of fermenting organisms compared to ones with individual cells. It was recommended that the fruits of these exotic plants should be considered for commercial production of bioethanol.

Research on Nondestructive Inspection of Fruits Based on Spectroscopy Techniques: Experimental Scenarios, ROI, Number of Samples, and Number of Features

Spectral technology is a scientific method used to study and analyze substances. In recent years, the role of spectral technology in the non-destructive testing (NDT) of fruits has become increasingly important, and it is expected that its application in the NDT of fruits will be promoted in the coming years. However, there are still challenges in terms of dataset collection methods. This article aims to enhance the effectiveness of spectral technology in NDT of citrus and other fruits and to apply this technology in orchard environments. Firstly, the principles of spectral imaging systems and chemometric methods in spectral analysis are summarized. In addition, while collecting fruit samples, selecting an experimental environment is crucial for the study of maturity classification and pest detection. Subsequently, this article elaborates on the methods for selecting regions of interest (ROIs) for fruits in this field, considering both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. Finally, the impact of sample size and feature size selection on the experimental process is discussed, and the advantages and limitations of the current research are analyzed. Therefore, future research should focus on addressing the challenges of spectroscopy techniques in the non-destructive inspection of citrus and other fruits to improve the accuracy and stability of the inspection process. At the same time, achieving the collection of spectral data of citrus samples in orchard environments, efficiently selecting regions of interest, scientifically selecting sample and feature quantities, and optimizing the entire dataset collection process are critical future research directions. Such efforts will help to improve the application efficiency of spectral technology in the fruit industry and provide broad opportunities for further research.

A comprehensive approach to detecting chemical adulteration in fruits using computer vision, deep learning, and chemical sensors

Contamination of harmful additives in fruits has become a concerning norm these days. Owing to the great popularity of fruits, dishonest vendors frequently use harmful chemicals to contaminate fruits to extend their shelf life, which is extremely dangerous for the general public's health. To mitigate this issue, machine-learning algorithms like Decision Tree Classifier, Naïve Bayes and a deep learning model named “DurbeenNet” are evaluated separately. Alongside, a computer vision-based detection method coupled with a hybrid model is proposed that combines deep learning and chemical sensor. Formaldehyde Detection Sensor is used in this experiment to take reading of the sensor data. Mango, Apple, Banana, and Malta are taken as sample fruits in this study. Sensor data for both fresh and chemical-mixed fruit is newly collected using Formaldehyde Detection Sensor. The above mentioned sensor data along with the previously captures images of both fresh and chemical-mixed state are being integrated to a hybrid model. Among two machine learning algorithms naïve bayes come up with 82 % accuracy. Using both sensor data and captured image data, the proposed model “SensorNet” provides highest accuracy of 97.03 % which is substantial than “DurbeenNet” model's accuracy. Through the utilization of these fruit samples, formaldehyde detection sensor provides instantaneous detection, identifying the specific toxic substances present in the contaminated fruits.