Fruit Growth Research Articles

Fade into you: genetic control of pigmentation patterns in red-flesh apple (Malus domestica)

The genetic basis of type 1 red-flesh color development in apple (Malus domestica) depends upon a particular allele of the MdMYB10 gene. Interestingly, type 1 red-flesh apples are fully red after fruit set, but anthocyanin pigmentation in apple fruit cortex may decrease during fruit growth and maturation, leading to variable red patterning and intensities in the mature cortical flesh. We developed a histogram-based color analysis method to quantitatively estimate pigmentation patterns. This methodology was applied to investigate the phenotypic diversity in four hybrid F1 families segregating for red-flesh color. Pigmentation patterns were found to be heritable allowing the identification of a new locus by QTL analysis. To further investigate the mechanisms involved in the spatial deposition of anthocyanin, metabolome, transcriptome and methylome comparisons between white and red flesh areas within the red-flesh genotype cv. ‘R201’ exhibiting flesh pigmentation patterns, was performed. Wide-targeted analysis showed that white-flesh areas accumulate more dihydrochalcones and hydroxycinnamic acids than red-flesh areas while red-flesh areas accumulate more flavonoids. Anthocyanin biosynthesis genes and anthocyanin positive regulators (MBW complex) were up-regulated in red-flesh areas, while a reduction in anthocyanin storage, transport and stability (increase of pH, down-regulation of MdGSTU22) and an increase in phenolic catabolism were concomitant with color fading process in white-flesh areas. Expression of MdGSTU22 was linked to a differentially methylated region (DMR) suggesting a potential environmental effect on the epigenetic control of gene expression involved in color fading. Altogether, these results provide the first characterization and functional identification of color fading in apple fruit flesh.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton & Rose)

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus Britton & Rose)

Calcium application regulates fruit cracking by cross-linking of fruit peel pectin during young fruit growth stage of citrus

Calcium application regulates fruit cracking by cross-linking of fruit peel pectin during young fruit growth stage of citrus

Mechanism of Exogenous Silicon in Enhancing Cold Stress Tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum L. Seedlings: Insights from Resistance and Quality Indicators

Environmental stress, notably the exposure to low temperatures during the early developmental stages of seedlings, has been identified as a critical determinant impacting the yield and quality of tomato crops cultivated in greenhouses. Silicon (Si), recognized as a beneficial element, is posited to mitigate the adverse effects of such stress on plant physiology. This study explores whether exogenous Si fertilizer can effectively alleviate the stress of low temperature and cold damage on tomato plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. Tomato plants were placed under low temperature conditions (6 °C at night, daily average temperature 15 °C), with normal temperature conditions as the control (below 16 °C at night, daily average temperature 28 °C), and two different concentrations of nano Si and ionic Si (50 mg·L−1 and 200 mg·L−1) were sprayed on the leaves, with an equivalent amount of deionized water as the control, for a total of 10 treatments. Relevant indexes were measured to investigate the effects of exogenous Si on tomato resistance, yield, and quality under low-temperature stress. The results show that compared with the control treatment, the plant height, stem diameter, and fresh weight of above-ground and underground parts of tomato seedlings decreased significantly by 46.52%, 42.53%, 28.81%, and 28.97%, respectively, after 15 days of low-temperature stress (p < 0.05), and in order to resist low temperature, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the content of osmotic adjustment substances were up-regulated in seedlings. Ultimately, low-temperature stress inhibited the morphological growth, nutritional quality, and yield of fruits. Both concentrations of Si application can promote the growth and biomass accumulation of tomato plants under low temperature conditions. Moreover, it significantly ameliorated the osmotic adjustment and antioxidant capacity of the plants, thereby alleviating the low-temperature stress. Under low-temperature stress, 50 mg L−1 ionic Si was the most effective for increasing tomato yield per plant, which was significantly increased by 22.44% compared with the control treatment (p < 0.05). Consequently, the study advocates for the application of 50 mg·L−1 ionic Si fertilizer as a strategy to mitigate the impact of low-temperature stress on tomato plants. Furthermore, the use of nano Si fertilizer has been demonstrated to exert a significant influence on enhancing both the yield and quality of tomatoes, with a 50 mg·L−1 concentration of nano Si fertilizer leading to a notable increase in yield by 20.15% under normal temperature conditions (p < 0.05). These findings are intended to furnish a theoretical foundation and practical direction for advancing research aimed at combating the detrimental effects of low-temperature stress in the context of protected vegetable cultivation.

Comprehensive Identification and Expression Profiling of Lipoxygenase Genes in Sweet Cherry During Fruit Development

Lipoxygenase (LOX) is involved in the oxidation of fatty acids in plants and is a ubiquitous oxygenase that plays an important role in the process of plant resistance to adversity. In this study, the LOX gene family in the sweet cherry genome was identified by bioinformatics methods, the chromosomal mapping of different LOX genes was carried out, and the homology alignment and functional domain analysis of the encoded proteins were performed. The results showed that there were nine LOX gene sequences in the sweet cherry LOX gene family, and the subcellular localization was mainly located in the cytoplasm, chloroplast, or plasma membrane, and was concentrated on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. During the ripening process of sweet cherry fruits, the LOX gene family showed five different expression patterns, the expression peak of different LOX genes reached the peak of expression at a specific development period, all LOX genes jointly promoted the growth and development of fruits, the enzyme activities of LOX in different varieties of early and late ripening cherries exhibited great differences during the development process, and the results of volatile content in the later stages also showed that different varieties of cherries had their specificity. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for further revealing the specific functions of LOX gene family members in sweet cherry.

Chemical Topping and Planting Density Interactively Affect Cotton Growth and Partitioning Index

Due to the labor shortage, replacing manual topping with chemical topping has become an important practice in cotton-producing areas such as Xinjiang, China. Similarly, increasing planting density is a common strategy to enhance cotton yields. This study aimed to quantify the interactive effects of chemical topping and planting density on cotton growth and assimilate partitioning. To achieve this, a two-year (2020–2021) field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, China. The main plots were assigned low (15 plants m−2) or high plant density (25 plants m−2), and the subplots were chemical topping using heavy amounts of mepiquat chloride (MC) or manual topping. The dynamics of dry matter accumulation and partitioning in cotton were well quantified using a beta-growth function with an overall nRMSE of 11.5%. Results indicated that chemical topping increased aboveground dry matter maximum by 4.88%, fruit dry matter maximum by 17.9% and seed cotton yield by 14.0% compared to manual topping. At low plant density, the partitioning index between vegetative and reproductive organs showed no significant differences. However, at high plant density, the time when 50% of assimilate partitioning to reproductive organs for chemical topping was 2.6 physiological days (under optimal temperature conditions) delayed than that for manual topping, resulting in a 2.7 physiological days delay in the time that fruits reached maximum growth rate. The results of the study suggest that applying chemicals for topping a little earlier in high-density planting could reduce the negative effects of delayed boll growth and promote carbon assimilate partitioning to fruit growth.

Training System Effect on Fruit Quality, Yield, Harvest Efficiency, Pruning Times and Growth in Sweet Cherries

Training System Effect on Fruit Quality, Yield, Harvest Efficiency, Pruning Times and Growth in Sweet Cherries

Time-resolved transcriptomic of single V. vinifera fruits: membrane transports as switches of the double sigmoidal growth.

By revealing that the grape berry loses one H+ per accumulated sucrose at the inception of ripening, adopting a single fruit paradigm elucidates the fundamentals of the malate-sugar nexus, previously obscured by asynchrony in population-based models of ripening. More broadly, the development of the individual fruit was revisited from scratch to capture the simultaneous changes in gene expression and metabolic fluxes in a kinetically relevant way from flowering to overripening. Dynamics in water, tartrate, malate, hexoses, and K+ fluxes obtained by combining individual single fruit growth and concentration data allowed to define eleven sub-phases in fruit development, which distributed on a rigorous curve in RNAseq PCA. WGCNA achieved unprecedented time resolutions in exploring transcript level-metabolic rate associations. A comprehensive set of membrane transporters was found specifically expressed during the first growth phase related to vacuolar over-acidification. Unlike in slightly more acidic citrus, H+ V-PPase transcripts were predominantly expressed, followed by V-ATPase, clarifying the thermodynamic limit beyond which their replacement by the tonoplast P3A/P3B ATPase (PH5/PH1) complex turns compulsory. Puzzlingly, bona fide aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT) kept a low profile at this stage, possibly replaced by a predominating uncharacterized anion channel. At the onset of ripening, the switch role of hexose transporter HT6 in sugar accumulation is confirmed, electroneutralized by malate vacuolar leakage and H+ pumps activation.

Fruit Growth and Oil Accumulation of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Cultivars at Different Locations Along a Latitudinal–Altitudinal Gradient

Environmental conditions during olive fruit development and genotype have shown to be important sources of variability in final fruit weight and oil concentration. There are fewer studies concerning how the environment and genotype modulate growth dynamics. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the timing of fruit growth, pit hardening, and oil accumulation in several olive cultivars under different air temperatures along a latitudinal gradient (29°–33° S) with a range of altitudes (450–1250 masl) in Western Argentina; determine parameters derived from the dynamics of fruit growth and oil accumulation along the same gradient; and explore possible relationships between derived parameters and air temperatures. The cultivars evaluated were Arbequina, Arbosana, Coratina, Changlot, and Picual. Pit hardening occurred 20 days earlier in warmer locations, leading to an earlier onset of oil synthesis. The final fruit dry weight was mainly influenced by the cultivar, which was explained by differences in fruit growth rates. Cooler locations had 39% higher average final fruit dry weight and 22% higher oil concentration than warmer ones. Differences in final oil concentration between genotypes × environments were primarily associated with the oil accumulation rate rather than the duration of the oil accumulation period. However, changes in this rate seem to be cultivar-dependent. Interestingly, the rate and oil accumulation duration showed a negative relationship. These results highlight the need to explore genetic variability in temperature response to limit the detrimental impacts of global warming on olive fruit growth and oil concentration.

Management of Cocoa Plant Pests & Diseases in East Luwu Regency

East Luwu Regency is one of South Sulawesi's regencies with potential in the plantation sector, especially cocoa plants, with a production of 12,250 tons/year. Cocoa productivity has yet to be achieved optimally due to the lack of care and maintenance carried out by farmers, which increases the intensity of pest & disease attacks. This study evaluates farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and actions in managing cocoa plants and plant pathogens in East Luwu Regency. This study was conducted through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire sent to 50 farmers in Burau and Wotu Districts, East Luwu Regency. Respondents were selected purposively, considering that they were easy to find and the location of the plantation was easy to reach. Data are presented in tabular, graphical, and descriptive forms in Microsoft Excel to explain the relationship between farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and actions in managing cocoa VSD disease. The results showed that most of the respondent were active farmer groups. Pests & diseases are problems farmers face in cocoa cultivation. Most farmers used the MCC 02 clone, and the planting distance was 3´3 m. The diseases most commonly found in farmers' cocoa fields include VSD, fruit rot, upas fungus, and stem cancer. Pest & disease control was done through chemical pesticides and pruning (cultivation techniques). Cocoa farmers in Burau and Wotu Districts routinely carry out pruning to control disease in cocoa fields. Farmers prune cocoa plants to remove diseased branches and stimulate the growth of flowers and fruit. Keywords: action, attitude, knowledge, questionnaire

Unraveling water relations in growing fruit: insights from the epidermal growth regulation hypothesis.

This review focuses on the intricate water relationships between internal and external tissues in growing fruits within the framework of the epidermal growth control hypothesis. It considers the components of water potential, including turgor pressure and osmotic potential of both internal and external tissues, taking into account factors such as fruit growth rate, sugar accumulation, cell wall metabolism, and climacteric. It also examines the effects of environmental conditions, genetic factors, and physiological influences in modifying water relations. By emphasizing the significance of skin tissue water potential components as indicators of growth stress, the review underlines their importance for a comprehensive understanding of water relations and associated physiological disorders in growing fruit.

A tomato ethylene-resistant mutant displays altered growth and higher β-carotene levels in fruit

The mutants resistant to ethylene are helpful in deciphering the role of ethylene in plant development. We isolated an ethylene-resistant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) mutant by screening for acetylene-resistant (atr-1) seedlings. The atr-1 mutant displayed resistance to kinetin, suggesting attenuation of the ethylene sensing response. atr-1 also exhibited resistance to ABA- and glucose-mediated inhibition of seed germination. Unlike the Never-ripe (Nr) mutant seedlings that were hypersensitive to glucose, atr-1 seedlings were resistant to glucose, indicating ethylene sensing in atr-1 is compromised in a manner distinct from Nr. Metabolically, atr-1 seedlings had lower levels of amino acids but higher levels of several phytohormones, including ABA. atr-1 plants grew faster and produced more flowers, leading to a higher fruit set. However, the atr-1 fruits took a longer duration to reach the red-ripe (RR) stage. The ripened atr-1 fruits retained high β-carotene and lycopene levels post-RR stage and had longer on-vine longevity. The metabolome profiles of post-RR stage atr-1 fruits revealed increased levels of sugars. The atr-1 had a P279L mutation in the GAF domain of the ETR4, a key ethylene receptor regulating tomato ripening. The atr-1 exhibits phenotypic traits distinct from the Sletr4-1 (G154S) mutant, thus represents a new ETR4 allele named Sletr4-2. Our study highlights that novel alleles in ethylene receptors may aid in enhancing the nutritional quality of tomato.

The effect of spraying Basfoliar Kelp SL and calcium on some physiological and physical characteristics of date palm fruits, Phoenix dactylifera L, Al-Shwaithi cultivar

This study was conducted during the 2023 growing season in one of the private orchards in Thi Qar Governorate, with the aim of studying the effect of spraying fruits with concentrations of Basfoliar Kelp SL (0, 2 and 4) ml L-1 and calcium (0, 2.5 and 5) ml L-1 and their interactions in Some physiological and physical characteristics of date palm fruits, Al-Shwaithi variety, at the Rubab stage. The experiment was carried out as a factorial experiment according to a completely randomized block design with five replications to calculate the studied characteristics. Concentrations of Basfoliar Kelp SL and calcium were sprayed 21 days after pollination and upon completion of fruit set, and 6 sprays between one another (15 days) and until fruit growth was completed and the coloring phase began. The results can be summarized as follows. The concentration of seaweed extract Basfoliar Kelp SL (4 ml L-1) showed a significant increase in most of the physiological and physical traits studied, and the highest rates were recorded for: maturity rate (87.68%), fruit length (3.76 cm), fruit diameter (2.41 cm), and fruit weight. (10.38 cm) and shoot weight (8.28 kg), in addition to the concentration (4 ml L-1) recorded the lowest rates, with a significant difference in the percentage of fruit drop (12.94%). The calcium concentration (5 ml L-1) showed a significant increase in most of the physiological and physical traits studied, and the highest rates were recorded in the maturity rate (86.38%), fruit length (3.68 cm), fruit diameter (2.38 cm), fruit weight (10.15 g), and bunch weight ( 7.61 kg) for the Rubab stage, in addition to recording the lowest rates with a significant difference in the percentage of fruit drop (10.66%). As for the effect of the interaction parameters between Basfoliar Kelp SL (4 ml L-1) and Calcium (5 ml L-1), it was significant in giving the highest rates of physiological and physical characteristics during the retag stage.

Thermal stability of stigmasterol and β-sitosterol glucosides in fresh-cut bitter melon fruit.

Charantin in M. charantia fruit comprises stigmasterol glucoside (STG) and β-sitosterol glucoside (BSG). Despite numerous studies on charantin quantification and health beneficial bioactivity, thermal stability of two components remains unclear. This study investigated the thermal stability of BSG and STG in the fruit growth stages (S1-S5). Freeze-dried fruit contained approximately twice higher BSG than STG, with the content tending to decrease during fruit maturation. A dramatic decrease in content was observed between S2 and S3, with a reduction of 70% for BSG and 75% for STG. In thermal processing, BSG significantly degraded above 30°C treatments, while STG remained stable. It was found that the thresholds of thermal stability were approximately 10°C for BSG and 30°C for STG. Therefore, minimal thermal processing or freeze-drying is recommended for preserving charantin in the fruit.

Effect of Calcium Sources and Their Mode of Application on Growth and Plant Nutrient Uptake of Two Apple Varieties Grown under High Density Planting System

Apples grown in Kashmir province are famous globally, but lack of post-harvest storage facilities deteriorate its quality and market acceptability. Calcium deficiency in acid soils deceives apple fruit quality. Calcium helps to reduce the occurrence of physiological disorders; it also plays essential role to improve growth and quality of produce. Modes of calcium application and its different doses on two apple varieties was tested in 3 factorial randomized block design to improve yield and quality at Ambri Apple Research Centre, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir, India in 2022. Foliar application of calcium to apple is most effective method for escalating fruit calcium content and quality. Among sources and their mode of application calcium nitrate foliar application at the rate of 3, 4 and 5 gram per litre of water performed better than foliar application of calcium chloride at the rate of 3, 4 and 5 gram per litre of water in improving fruit nutrients and yield of Golden Delicious than Red Chief Camspur, whereas soil application of calcium nitrate showed least response to improve fruit nutrient and yield in both varieties. Fruit length and fruit diameter improved with each enhanced calcium concentration in both varieties by different calcium sources and their mode of application. The partitioning of nutrients in plant leaves and fruits differed significantly, and in both varieties were dependent on applied calcium rates, calcium sources and their mode of application. Calcium nitrate foliar spray performed better than calcium chloride foliar spray or soil application of calcium nitrate in improving fruit growth and quality. Our study did not find any adversity of dosage in plants whether applied as foliar or to soil. The best results were observed in foliar application of calcium nitrate @ 5 g per lit water for all the parameters in both the varieties. Results of research evidenced that preharvest calcium sprays increase growth and improved fruit quality that led to reduce deterioration in post-harvest storage.

Effect of Organic Manures and Bio-fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus L.) under Western Uttar Pradesh Conditions

The field experiment was conducted at the Horticultural Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, during 2023. All treatments were applied in a randomized block design with three replications, including T0- Control (No manures), T1- 100% N as FYM, T2- 100% N as FYM + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya, T3- 100% N as FYM + NPK Microbial Consortium, T4- 100% N as FYM + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium, T5- 100% N as Vermicompost, T6- 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya, T7- 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium, and T8- 100% RDF. The application of treatment 100% N as Vermicompost + Jeevamrut + Panchagavya + NPK Microbial Consortium (T7) was found significantly superior in terms of number of new branches per pillar (12.67, 16, 18.67 and 20.33) at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after treatment, plant canopy spread (5.10 and 5.27 m2) at initial and harvest stage, number of flower per pillar(24), days taken from flowering to fruit harvest (29.93), number of fruits per pillar(19.33), length of the fruit (9.81cm), width of the fruit (9.02cm), fruit weight (390.85 g), peel thickness (3.65 mm), specific gravity(1.12), fruit yield per pillar (7.55 kg), fruit yield per hectare (8.38 t/ha), TSS (14.17° ⁰Brix), ascorbic acid content (8.74 mg/100 g) and minimum titratable acidity (0.24 %) of dragon fruit. The study highlights the potential of integrating organic manures and bio-fertilizers to enhance the growth, yield and quality of dragon fruit, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. Further research can explore the long-term impacts of these organic treatments on soil health, nutrient dynamics, and their adaptability to different agro-climatic regions for broader applicability.

The Effect of Nighttime LED Lighting on Tomato Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Content of Fruits

Food insecurity is a top economic and national security concern in many countries, and scientists worldwide are working to increase crop productivity in order to address this issue. In line with this information, the present study aimed to test the possibility of improving the yield and fruit quality of two tomato cultivars, namely ‘Vspyshka’ and ‘Lyana’. The effect of LSL (light of sodium lamps—control) and the short additional 4 h treatment of nighttime LED lighting (LSL+night LED) with an increase in the proportion of red, blue, and far-red spectra on tomato fruit yield as well as its physiological, biochemical, and consumer attributes were compared in this study. The results suggested that LSL+night LED significantly increased soluble solids concentration, vitamin C content, and polyphenolic compounds of tomato fruits, taking into account the varietal characteristics. Moreover, a moderate to high relationship was also observed between the polyphenolic complex, vitamin C content, and antioxidant activity. It was concluded that the LSL+night LED could further enhance the relationship between polyphenols and antioxidants, as well as soluble solids concentration. LSL+night LED treatment also provided an increased accumulation of five essential amino acids associated with the taste characteristics of fruits, namely histidine, valine, threonine, licin, and the sum of isoleucine. In addition, the contents of lysine and methionine increased in the ‘Lyana’ cultivar. LSL+night LED treatment was also noted to have a less pronounced effect on the contents of aspartic acid and asparagine, as bio stimulators of plant growth processes, as well as the amino acids arginine, serine, glycine, and tyrosine, which were additionally consumed to restore photosynthesis. LSL+night LED treatment reduced the concentration of nitrates in fruits, which is a toxic element for human health. Overall, the results of the study are believed to be demanded in practical applications, with potential benefits in improving the elements of resource-saving technology for growing vegetable crops.

Correlation Analysis of Soil Microbial Communities and Physicochemical Properties with Growth Characteristics of Sageretia thea Across Different Habitats.

This study aimed to investigate the growth characteristics of Sageretia thea and analyze the correlations between soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities in its native habitats. Soil physicochemical properties were characterized by organic matter (0.37-36.43%), available phosphate (57.96-315.90 mg/kg), potassium (0.11-1.17 cmol+kg-1), calcium (1.23-25.97 cmol+kg-1), magnesium (0.43-15.01 cmol+kg-1), sodium (0.04-6.16 cmol+kg-1), and pH (4.68-7.05), indicating slightly acidic to neutral conditions. S. thea exhibited variable growth characteristics across habitats; leaf length and width were largest in Jangnam-ri and Hacka-ri, respectively, whereas Docheong-ri promoted higher fruit growth. The soil microbial community composition was dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria at the phylum level (76.09%) and by Alphaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria_c, and Vicinamibacter_c at the class level (40%). Soil physicochemical properties were significantly correlated with Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi at the phylum level, and all microbial groups except Spartobacteria at the class level. Furthermore, growth characteristics were significantly correlated with all microbial communities except Acidobacteria and Firmicutes at the phylum level, and Acidobacteria, Thermoleophilia, and Rubrobacteria at the class level. These findings provide a foundation for developing efficient cultivation techniques for S. thea based on its soil microbiome and habitat conditions.

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity on Physiological Parameters and Yield of Tomato Plants Across Phenological Stages

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different irrigation water salinities on the stomatal conductance (gs) and chlorophyll content index (CCI) of tomato plants during different phenological stages, at both pre- and post-irrigation. For this purpose, gs, CCI, and Leaf Area Index (LAI) data were collected from tomato plants grown under four different irrigation water salinity levels. The gs and CCI data were classified according to the four different tomato phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, early fruit growth, and harvest). Differences in mean gs and CCI data across different irrigation water salinity levels at various phenological stages were determined using a two-way ANOVA. Differences between phenological stages within each irrigation salinity level and yield parameter were assessed using one-way ANOVA. The results indicated that irrigation water salinity levels of up to 7.5 dS m-1 did not affect the CCI at both pre- and post-irrigation (p >0.05). However, significant effects were observed depending on the phenological period (p <0.01) There was a significant decrease in both yield and CCI during the harvest period at each salinity level. The research findings are believed to contribute to optimizing drip irrigation practices using low-quality water in tomato cultivation.

Change Patterns of Major Functional Components in the Loquat Summer Shoot Leaf during Annual Growth

Loquat leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food processing as raw materials. To provide a theoretical basis for suitable harvesting periods based on the utilization of distinct components, the change patterns of major functional components in the annual growth of loquat leaves were investigated. In this study, the summer loquat leaves were sampled regularly during their annual growth, and the contents of seven main functional components and 13 monomer components were determined. The results showed that there was a regular change pattern for major functional components during loquat annual growth from Jul 2020 to Jun 2021; however, the change trend was different among different components. Among them, the contents of total flavonoids, total phenols, total triterpenoid acids, vitamin C, asiatic acid, quillaic acid, corosolic acid, and chlorogenic acid presented an overall upward trend. The content of maslinic acid showed a downward trend, whereas the content of neochlorogenic acid did not change much throughout the whole growth period. The content changes in the loquat leaves were affected by the light durations and temperature changes in different seasons, with mutual transit during the flowering and fruit growth processes. Sampling in May to June was found to be a most optimized option when applied in Chinese medicine processing; however, the degree of fibrosis is another indicator when it is used as food raw material. This study revealed the change pattern of major functional components of loquat leaves during the annual growth period and provides a theoretical basis for the reasonable harvesting period of loquat leaves as raw materials for processing different types of products.