Harvest Maturity Research Articles

Effects of Harvest Maturity on Storability, Ripening Dynamics, and Fruit Quality of ‘Geneva 3’ Kiwiberries

Maturity at harvest is an important determinant of fruit quality in kiwiberry [Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq.], a climacteric fruit that is harvested after reaching physiological maturity but not yet ready-to-eat ripeness. Although a recommended cultivar for commercial kiwiberry producers in the northeastern United States is ‘Geneva 3’, no published research exists regarding recommended harvest and postharvest practices for this variety. In this study, conducted across two seasons, ‘Geneva 3’ kiwiberries were harvested at a range of mean maturities (6.5, 8.0, and 10.0°Brix), held in cold storage for various durations (4, 6, and 8 weeks), and then ripened at room temperature. At regular time points during ripening (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 days), visual quality was assessed, and measurements were taken of soluble solids content, dry matter content, and firmness as a means of characterizing fruit quality. Results show that berries harvested at 6.5°Brix largely became visually unacceptable under cold storage conditions and resulted in lower overall quality fruit. Harvesting at 8.0°Brix resulted in high-quality fruit amenable to cold storage, and such quality was not enhanced by delaying harvest to 10.0°Brix. Fruit harvested at 8.0°Brix after 4 weeks in cold storage was found to be acceptable for consumption for, on average, a 3-day window after ripening at room temperature for 4 days. After 6 weeks in cold storage, the consumability window shortened to ∼2 days, starting after 3 days of ripening at room temperature. After 8 weeks in cold storage, the fruit were found to be largely visually unacceptable for fresh eating. In summary, the results indicate that harvesting ‘Geneva 3’ kiwiberries at 8.0°Brix produces berries with the greatest storability (at least 6 weeks in cold storage), the longest window of peak consumability, and the highest overall quality, while mitigating the risks associated with leaving physiologically mature fruit to ripen further in the field.

Exserohilum turcicum (Northern Corn Leaf Blight) Severity on Maize Hybrids and the Associated Crop Performance in O.R. Tambo District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

<i>Exserohilum turcicum</i> is a fungus that causes northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) and has deleterious effects on maize production globally. Therefore, it is prudent to mitigate the effects of NCLB using genetic diversity. The objective of this research was to assess the severity of NCLB disease on the growth and yield of various maize genotypes. A randomized complete block design field experiment, replicated three times, was conducted to evaluate the effect of <i>E. turcicum</i> on 10 maize hybrids. Percent disease index, plant height, and leaf area were recorded at the silk stage. Cob weight, grain fresh weight, and grain yields were determined at harvest maturity. All measured parameters were significantly different (<i>P</i><0.05) between the maize hybrids. Of the 10 genotypes, four (PAN 4R-528R, PAN 4R-728BR, PAN 3R-724BR, and P1788BR) were susceptible, five (DKC74-74BR, PAN 5R-582R, PAN 5R-890R, PAN 5R-854R, and PAN 5R-590R) were moderately susceptible, and one (DKC80-40BR) was moderately resistant. DKC80-40BR exhibited greater cob weight, while DKC74-74BR was superior in all other plant growth and yield components. Interestingly, although not significant (<i>P</i>>0.05) and high, maize growth and yield parameters had negative correlations with disease incidence, except for grain fresh weight. Therefore, DKC80-40BR may be selected for cultivation in areas prone to NCLB to reduce maize susceptibility to the disease, while DKC74-74BR may improve crop performance. These hybrids could be considered as potential sources of resistance or tolerance to NCLB for further validation by plant breeders.

Study on compositional changes of king coconut (<em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Cocos nucifera </em>var. aurantiaca) water and kernel during maturation  and evaluation of optimum quality characteristics targeting commercial applications

King coconut (Cocos nucifera var. aurantiaca) is a tropical nut with notable nutritional and medicinal values. King coconut water (KCW) and king coconut kernel (KCK) are sweet and refreshing. They undergo several changes during maturation. The objective of this study was to assess the physico-chemical changes of KCW and KCK with maturity. Three different maturity stages (6, 7, and 8 months) of the variety aurantica, known locally as ‘Nawasi Thembili’ were studied for several physico-chemical parameters. Whole nut weight (g), nut-circumference (cm), colour (water/kernel) (*L), nut-water volume (mL), kernel weight (g), and kernel thickness (mm) were assessed as physical parameters, while pH, total soluble solids (oBrix), titratable acidity (as % ascorbic acid), total sugars (g/100g; g/100mL), and minerals (mg/L; mg/kg) were analysed as chemical attributes. Sugars were estimated using Agilent 1260 HPLC and ICP-MS was used to measure the mineral profile. Results revealed that all the tested physical parameters of KCW and KCK increased significantly (p < 0.05) with maturity. The pH, TSS, total sugars, and acidity of KCW increased significantly (p < 0.05), while mineral content decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with maturity. However, the TSS and minerals of KCK decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with maturity and a higher sucrose content was reported in KCK compared to KCW at later maturity. The Ca+2 and Mg+2 were prominent in both KCW and KCK. The study concluded that the physico-chemical characteristics varied widely with the maturity of king coconuts. The selection of optimum harvest maturity to match the preferred attributes of intended applications is suggested.

Fruit colour progression in grapefruit with relation to carotenoid and Brix-acid ratio

In citrus, fruit colouration is considered one of the criteria to assess the optimum harvest maturity. The present study the fruit colour variations, β-carotene and its relation to soluble Brix/acid ratio (B/A ratio) during development in four grapefruit varieties viz. Marsh Seedless, Flame, Rio Red and Redblush were investigated. Among different grapefruit varieties, the highest peel colour coordinate a* value and β-carotene content were recorded in cv. Flame at 270 days after full bloom (DAFS). The peel β-carotene concentration varied from 3.61 to 61.42 μg.g-1 during fruit development. L*coordinate showed a declining pattern in the pulp, while it increased in peel till 270 DAFS. Likewise, b* values also increased in both peel and pulp. Chroma (C*) and B/A ratio values of fruit increased with maturity, while the hue angle (h°) decreased. L*a*b*colour coordinates showed a strong correlation with B/A ratio compared to β-carotene content. At the final fruit harvest, the higher value for L* coordinate in peel and pulp was noted in ‘Redblush’ and ‘Marsh Seedless’. In contrast, the highest b* coordinate was observed in the peel and pulp of the Marsh Seedless variety. Overall, a* coordinate was observed to be the most reliable colour parameter to determine the maturity index in the studied varieties of grapefruit.

Selection of a Proper Maturity Index for the Mechanical Harvesting of ‘Mihong’ Peach Fruit

Peaches are one of the most popular fruits around the globe. Selecting the optimum harvesting maturity for peaches is crucial in assuring high-quality fruits. This study is a model for determining the ideal harvest time for a robot harvester. Our study was carried out over two years on ‘Mihong’ peaches during days after full bloom (DAFB) 71 to 90 in 2021 and DAFB 64 to 84 in 2022 to select the optimal maturity index through a quality survey. The fruit size, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), firmness, peel color (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue), and ethylene production were investigated. Fruit size showed the regular double sigmoid curve, and SSC increased while firmness and TA decreased with time. The samples left in storage conditions in 2022 showed a massive change in SSC and firmness after DAFB 74, implying the optimum harvesting stage. Interestingly, color values manifest the same consequence with a*, b*, and hue by reaching a plateau with apex side color values after DAFB 74, indicating the desired maturity. Overall, the results show that color values are an outstanding non-destructive alternative to typical destructive measurements for determining the exact time to harvest ‘Mihong’ peaches.

PENGUJIAN BUCKET ELEVATOR GEN.01 TM

Post-harvest agricultural products are all activities carried out from the process of handling agricultural products to the process that produces semi-finished products. Improper post-harvest handling will result in yield loss, both weight and product quality. Readiness of mature harvest and post-harvest technology will improve the quality of rice and the understanding of farmers and technology users in efforts to reduce crop losses. Bucket elevator is a tool for moving material that can be used to lift grain during the grain milling process, which can help work to move grain from the surface into the milling machine. In the Bucket Elevator test results, the effective rotational speed is 352.5 Rpm using a 1 hp 3 phase motor. The design of model 1 is the optimal bucket for lifting grain, resulting in a net weight of 243 gr/bucket contents with a maximum capacity of 280 gr/bucket. When attached to the Bucket carrier belt with 3 test results with different 1 hp motors get test results 1 = 22.5 kg/m , test 2 = 21.3 kg/m , and test 3 = 22.7 kg/m , with average result– average 22.1 kg/m. The noise test on the Bucket Elevator gets the results of noise intensity at 3 different points with an average value of point 1 (front) = 77.7 dBA, point 2 (side) = 72.0 dBA, and point 3 (top) = 77, 1dBA.

1-methylcyclopropene and Harvest Maturity Impact ‘Ma’afala’ Breadfruit Postharvest Storage

Breadfruit marketing is limited by its rapid ripening and deterioration after harvest; therefore, improved postharvest practices may facilitate breadfruit marketing. This study examined the effect of harvest maturity and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the postharvest quality of ‘Ma’afala’ breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis). Breadfruit was harvested at 13, 15, and 17 weeks after flowering, and half of each harvest was treated with 1 μL⋅L−1 of 1-MCP for 20 hours. During storage, the weight of the fruit, hand feeling, skin color, respiration rate, and ethylene production rate were evaluated every other day until the fruit deteriorated. Compared with untreated fruit, 1-MCP treatment delayed the climacteric respiratory peak by 6 days (65% delay), delayed complete softening by 7 days (63% delay), and increased uniformity in the number of days to the climacteric respiratory peak and complete softening. Skin discoloration was delayed during the earliest harvest period by 5 days (108% delay). Picking breadfruit at early harvest maturity may be useful for preventing discoloration, and 1-MCP may be useful for preventing softening.

Yield, Nutritional Composition, and In Vitro Ruminal Digestibility of Conventional and Brown Midrib (BMR) Corn for Silage as Affected by Planting Population and Harvest Maturity

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of corn-planting population, using two conventional (Conv) and two brown-midrib (BMR) hybrids, and maturity stage at harvest on forage dry-matter (DM) yield, silage quality, and in-vitro fiber digestibility. The study was conducted in two fields with contrasting production potential, where both corn hybrids were planted at a theoretical planting population of 59,000, 79,000, and 99,000 seeds/ha. Corn was harvested at the early-dent (early) or 2/3 milk-line (late) maturity stage. An interaction between planting population and field existed for biomass yield. We observed a consistent increase in forage yield with increased planting population only in the field of higher production potential. Corn hybrids that contained the BMR trait did not penalize yield but had a consistently higher digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) compared to conventional hybrids. Except for starch concentration, no interaction existed between planting population and maturity for forage yield, fiber digestibility, and nutritional composition. A response to increasing planting population on starch concentration was observed only when corn was harvested at the L = late maturity stage. In conclusion, increasing corn-planting population may increase forage yield, but such an effect may depend on the soil’s growing potential. In addition, planting population had a negligible effect on the nutritional composition and fiber digestibility of corn silage and was minimally affected by the maturity stage at harvest.

Harvest aids did not advance maturity of non‐shatter pennycress

AbstractReliance on summer annual crops in the Upper Midwest results in fallow land from late fall through early spring, providing opportunities to integrate winter crops, such as pennycress (Thlapsi arvense L.), onto the landscape. Pennycress agronomics have primarily been studied using unimproved wild‐type lines prone to seed shatter, resulting in significant yield loss if not harvested early. However, high plant and seed moisture complicates harvest and seed storage. A new breeding line with a reduced‐shatter mutation made it possible to use harvest aids to reduce plant moisture without the risk of seed loss. The objectives of this study were to quantify the reduction in pennycress seed and biomass moisture after applying a harvest aid and to assess the seed yield, oil content, and crude protein of the reduced‐shatter line. This study was conducted over the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 growing seasons with ‘“IO217” pennycress in Rosemount, MN. Seed moisture decreased to a similar level by harvest maturity regardless of treatment while swathing was the most effective method of reducing biomass moisture. Natural senescence decreased pennycress moisture content to a harvestable level at the same rate as treated plants, indicating that a harvest aid is not required at this time. Seed yield was two to six times higher than in studies using unimproved pennycress lines. Challenges associated with wild‐type pennycress lines, such as uneven germination and late maturation, were prevalent in this study and further genetic improvement will be necessary to ensure successful pennycress production in the Upper Midwest.

Targeted and untargeted metabolites and antioxidant properties in chili pepper at different maturity stages

AbstractChilies (Capsicum sp.) are popular for their pungency and nutrition; however, these parameters vary with harvesting maturity. The effects of maturity stages on secondary compound levels and antioxidant activities in “super hot” chilies were investigated. Seven maturity stages were selected (i.e., 100% green to overripe stage). The differences in overall compounds were examined at each maturity stage, including the capsaicinoid, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) levels and the antioxidant activities. Untargeted metabolic analysis revealed that the abundance of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin, the pungency factors, was the highest among compounds, irrespective of maturity stage. The same was observed for piperidine‐containing compounds (e.g., piperidine propionic acid), which serve as an antidepressant and antioxidant agents. Targeted analysis showed that capsaicinoid levels in chilies increased from 100% green to 70% red stage, followed by a decrease and subsequent increase at the overripe stage. TPC was significantly the highest at the full red stage (13.51 mg GAE/g dry weight [DW]), whereas TFC was the highest at the 90% red stage (223.20 mg RUE/g DW). Regarding antioxidant activities, a decreasing trend was observed until the 90% red stage, followed by an increase thereafter. The capsaicinoid levels, antioxidant properties, and metabolites (e.g., 4‐piperidinol) were highest at the 80% green stage. However, the full red stage had high levels of eugenin, a phenol with antioxidant properties, and was preferred by consumers. Thus, it is recommended that the 80% green stage could be used in pharmaceutical industries, whereas the full 100% red stage could be consumed fresh or cooked.

Harvest Maturity and Preharvest Aminoethoxyvinylglycine Treatment Effects on Cold-induced Ethylene Production of ‘Gala’ Apples

Cold storage is a commonly adopted technology to maintain quality and extend shelf life; however, depending on the cultivar, ethylene production can be enhanced by short-term cold treatments. In this study, index of absorbance difference (IAD) values, which reflect skin chlorophyll concentrations of cold-influenced ripening patterns, of ‘Gala’ apples were investigated. Fruit that were untreated or treated with aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), which is a plant growth regulator that inhibits ethylene production of fruit, were harvested from a commercial orchard. Two IAD value categories 0.6 to 0.8 and 0.2 to 0.4 were chosen from a single harvest in 2019, whereas in 2020, the fruit in categories 0.6 to 0.8 and 0.2 to 0.4 were chosen for two harvests separated by 1 week, respectively. In 2019, only ethylene production was measured. In 2020, ethylene production, respiration, internal ethylene concentration (IEC), flesh firmness, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC), and malonyl 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (MACC) concentrations of fruit kept in air at 20 °C or stored at 0.5 °C for 21 days and then transferred to 20 °C were measured. The results were different from those described in the literature for cold-enhanced ethylene production of ‘Gala’ apples. Although ethylene production occurred without cold exposure of untreated fruit, exposure of fruit to 0.5 °C for 21 days resulted in more rapid and higher ethylene production rates and IEC than for fruit kept at only 20 °C. Ethylene production was suppressed by the preharvest AVG treatment, especially in 2020. The rates of respiration and softening of non-AVG treated fruit were enhanced by cold treatment. The effects of cold treatment were more significant for less mature fruit as indicated by higher IAD values.

Physiological disorders, textural property, and cell wall metabolism of ‘Gem’ pears (Pyrus communis L.) affected by oxygen regimes and harvest maturity under controlled atmosphere storage

The primary purpose of this study was to develop optimal controlled atmosphere (CA) strategies for the pear industry to utilize ‘Gem’ pears. The influences of two O2 regimes (1.0% O2 and 2.2% O2 [commercial practice concentration] with ∼0.05% CO2) on decay, physiological disorders (i.e. internal breakdown, superficial scald, and black speck), storage and eating quality attributes, cell wall components, and cell wall-modifying enzymes were evaluated at two harvest maturities (H1; 48.01 N; H2; 42.19 N) of ‘Gem’ pears. Earlier harvested pears (H1) stored under regular-air (RA) conditions had lower rates of superficial scald and internal breakdown relative to later harvested pears (H2), especially in extended storage (8–10 months). However, storage and eating quality for air-stored H1 and H2 fruit deteriorated after 6 months. CA regimes extended ‘Gem’ storage longevity from 8 to 10 months, with 1.0% O2 resulting in lower incidences of superficial scald and internal breakdown disorders and higher peel chlorophyll content and titratable acidity by delaying the peak of ethylene production rate (EPR) compared to 2.2% O2. Notably, the rates of black speck in H1 and H2 fruit were controlled at below 5% in both O2 regimes. Furthermore, 1.0 and 2.2% O2 stored H1 and H2 pears ripened and developed a melting texture with full flavor and juiciness during 6–8 months of storage. Additionally, the water-soluble (WSP), cyclohexanetrans-1,2-diaminetetra-soluble (CSP), and Na2CO3-soluble polyuronides (SSP) combined with pectin methylesterase (PME), α-arabinofuranosidase (α-ARF), and β-galactosidase (β-GAL) contributed to fruit softening and desirable eating quality in ‘Gem’ pears. In conclusion, 2.2% O2 with ∼0.05% CO2 improved the fruit quality of ‘Gem’ pears harvested at 48.01 N, while the quality of fruit harvested at 42.19 N or below could be improved by the application of 1.0% O2.

The response of ‘Monalisa’ apples to high CO2 storage conditions, harvest maturity and 1-MCP treatment

This study aimed to determine the effects of harvest maturity, 1-MCP treatment and storage conditions with high CO2 partial pressures on ‘Monalisa’ apples physicochemical quality and susceptibility to physiological disorders and decay during long-term storage, plus 7 d of shelf life at 22 °C. The study was composed by two experiments. In Experiment 1, fruit were harvested in one growing season (2011) at the same maturity stage and were treated or not treated with 1-MCP (1 µL L-1). In Experiment 2, fruit were harvested in two growing seasons (2019 and 2020), at two maturity stages. In both experiments, all fruit were stored under CA with four CO2 partial pressure (0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 kPa) and regular air (RA, standard of comparison) for 6 or 7 months at 0.8 °C, plus 7 d shelf life at 22 °C. CA was very effective on delaying fruit ripening, senescent disorders and decay incidences, regardless of the CO2 partial pressure. However, under CA, ‘Monalisa’ apples were very susceptible to CO2 injury, expressed as dark flesh browning and cavities that were exacerbated with increasing CO2 partial pressures. Therefore, ‘Monalisa’ apples should be stored under CA with CO2 no higher than 0.5 kPa. The response of ‘Monalisa’ apples to high CO2 is more pronounced in late harvested fruit, which were also more prone to develop senescent flesh browning, cracking and rough skin. 1-MCP application had no effect on ‘Monalisa’ apple susceptibility to CO2 damages, while it reduced fruit softening and acidity loss in both RA and CA storages.

Growing Degree Day Targets for Fruit Development of Australian Mango Cultivars

A forward estimate of mango (Mangifera indica L.) harvest timing is required for farm management (e.g., for organization of harvest labour and marketing). This forward estimate can be based on accumulated growing degree days (GDD) from an early stage of flowering to fruit harvest maturity, with fruit maturity judged on a destructive assessment of flesh colour and dry matter content. The current study was undertaken to improve GDD targets for Australian mango cultivars, to improve estimation of harvest maturity, and to document a methodology recommended for future work characterizing fruit maturation GDD for other mango cultivars. An alternate algorithm on GDD calculation involving use of a function that penalizes high temperatures as well as low temperatures was demonstrated to better predict harvest maturity in warmer climates. Across multiple locations and seasons, the required heat units (GDD, Tb = 12 °C, TB = 32 °C; where TB is upper base temperature of 32 °C and Tb is lower base temperature of 12 °C) to achieve maturity from asparagus stage of flowering was documented as 2185, 1728, and 1740 for the cultivars Keitt, Calypso and Honey Gold, respectively. GDD difference between the asparagus and two-thirds floral opening stages of flowering was 188 ± 18 for Calypso, 184 ± 12 for Honey Gold, 238 ± 21 for Keitt and 175 ± 10 for KP. Colour specifications for a colour card set suitable for maturity assessment of all cultivars was also proposed. A flesh colour harvest maturity card specification of 9 was proposed for the cultivar Honey Gold and 13 for the cultivar Keitt.

Evolving Promising Redgram (Cajanas cajan L.) Transplanting Techniques for Better Crop Establishment under Resource Constraint Dryland Areas of Southern India

Background: Redgram a predominant dryland crop is vulnerable to the whims of rainfall at initial stages of crop growth. Moreover, the wider spacing promotes transplanting over conventional method but, appropriate nursery technique is yet to be standardised to prevent root coiling which leads to poor plant stand under main field conditions. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai to identify suitable nursery techniques for raising redgram seedlings. Redgram was raised in poly bag, 98 cone protray, 50 cone protray and high density poly ethylene (HDPE) woven fabric mat for 20 and 30 days before transplanting. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design replicated thrice. Result: The results revealed that, raising redgram seedlings in HDPE woven fabric mat and transplanting at 20 DAS resulted in lesser root length, root volume but with lesser root coiling coefficient which is highly favourable. Moreover, after being transplanted the seedlings recorded higher plant height, leaf area index with increased photosynthetic activity, respiration andchlorophyll content. Similarly, higher yield and benefit cost ratio was attained over the conventional line sowing. Therefore, raising red gram seedlings in HDPE woven fabric mat can be considered as a cost-effective technology to attain higher yields and with the possibility to gap fill under poor seedling establishment without differential harvest maturity under the dry land tracts of southern Tamil Nadu, India.

Skin discoloration and softening are the primary factors impacting postharvest quality of hot water-treated mango (Mangifera indica L.)

About 85 to 90% of mangos imported to the United States from Mexico are hot water-treated (HWT). Mango chilling injury (CI) disorder limits prolonged low-temperature storage and affects the ability of shippers to transport mangos over long distances. Imported mangos display various CI symptoms that influence fruit postharvest quality, such as grayish, scald-like skin discoloration, lenticel spotting, skin pitting, loss of flesh color and flesh browning. There is limited information available on the interaction between harvest maturity, temperature and duration of exposure and their effects on postharvest life. We examined the relationship between cultivar, maturity stage at harvest, shipping temperature, and shipping duration of HWT mangos; the onset and severity of CI incidence, along with impact on consumer quality, and used the data to predict shipping-distribution postharvest life. Among the tested cultivars, ‘Tommy Atkins’ showed high incidence of skin damage (41%) after 10 days of cold storage, among all temperatures and maturity stages. Skin damage was the main barrier affecting postharvest quality. Within 24 days of simulated shipment, ‘Tommy Atkins’ showed a minimum of 11% incidence of flesh damage among temperatures and maturity stages. The onset of flesh damage occurred much later than skin damage and its incidence was low and manageable by selecting cultivar, harvest maturity and temperature during shipment to prolong postharvest life.To avoid CI during transportation and assure high consumer quality, HWT mangos should be transported at ≥ 10.0 to 12.5 °C. However, softening and decay incidence may become a problem during distribution at the destination. Therefore, improved packaging to protect soft mangos during handling at the receiving end and consumer educational programs are critical.

Seaweed Extract as a Biostimulant Agent to Enhance the Fruit Growth, Yield, and Quality of Kiwifruit

The kiwifruit [Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C.F. Liang & A.R. Ferguson] has attained significant importance for commercial cultivation in the mid-Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent during the last three decades. The fruit quality matching international standards has remained a concern. Keeping in mind the bio-stimulatory effects of seaweed extract, a marine bioactive component in horticultural crops, the current study conducted to elucidate the impact of seaweed extract on kiwifruit growth, yield, and quality was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science’s kiwifruit block at Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, India. For the studies, nine-year-old Allison kiwi vines of uniform size and vigor were planted at a spacing of 4 m × 6 m. With 11 treatments, the experiment was set up in a randomized block design viz, T1: Spray treatment of 1000 ppm (seaweed extract) SWE at fruit set (FS); T2:Spray treatment of 2000 ppm SWE at FS; T3: Spray treatment of 3000 ppm SWE at FS; T4: Spray treatment of 1000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after Fruit set (FS); T5: Spray treatment of 2000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after FS (DAFS); T6: Spray treatment of 3000 ppm SWE at FS and 10 days after FS; T7: Fruit dip treatment of 1000 ppm SWE at 10 days after FS; T8: Fruit dip treatment @ 2000 ppm SWE at 10 days after FS; T9: Fruit dip treatment @3000 ppm SWE at 10 days after fruit set; T10: Fruit dip treatment @ 5 ppm CPPU at 10 days after fruit set; T11: Control. The current study compared several seaweed extract treatments, which were applied at various times and concentrations, to N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenyl-urea (CPPU-5ppm) and untreated control. Seaweed extract (SWE) dip at 3000 ppm 10 days after the fruit set produced significant growth in fruit length and diameter in growing kiwifruit, which was non-significant with CPPU treatment and superior to control. The shape index, fruit weight, and total fruit yield were also found to be the highest with the same treatment. Fruit quality parameters, namely fruit soluble solids contents (SSC) and total sugars, were recorded at a maximum with the SWE Spray dose of 3000 ppm at FS and 10 DAFS. The SSC: Acid ratio and reducing sugars were recorded as the highest with an application of SWE dip at 3000 ppm 10 DAFS. The application of SWE dip at 2000 ppm 10 DAFS) was found to advance the harvesting maturity by 6 days and also exhibited the lowest physiological loss in weight (% PLW) with the highest ascorbic acid content. After 15 days of storage at ambient room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), the application of SWE dip at 3000 ppm 10 DAFS recorded the highest SSC acid ratio and the lowest titratable acidity. Thus, the application of seaweed extract dip at 3000 ppm 10 days after the fruit set can be recommended to the farmers as an appropriate alternative to the chemical treatment.

Postharvest Biology and Technology of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit is a rich source of carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, sugars, and organic acids. Although it is classified as a non-climacteric fruit, susceptibility to mechanical and physical bruising causes its rapid deterioration by moisture loss and postharvest decay caused by pathogens. Anthracnose, canker, and purple spot are the most prevalent postharvest diseases of loquat fruit. Cold storage has been used for quality management of loquat fruit, but the susceptibility of some cultivars to chilling injury (CI) consequently leads to browning and other disorders. Various techniques, including cold storage, controlled atmosphere storage, hypobaric storage, modified atmosphere packaging, low-temperature conditioning, heat treatment, edible coatings, and postharvest chemical application, have been tested to extend shelf life, mitigate chilling injury, and quality preservation. This review comprehensively focuses on the recent advances in the postharvest physiology and technology of loquat fruit, such as harvest maturity, fruit ripening physiology, postharvest storage techniques, and physiological disorders and diseases.

A comparison of cabbage crop growth parameters and harvest maturity indices under different planting methods, with an emphasis on mechanical harvesting

The predominant method of cabbage harvesting in India is manual labor, which is both time-consuming and physically demanding. However, the introduction of mechanical harvesting could offer a viable solution to this problem. A plant physical properties database is needed before the developing mechanical harvesting system design. In view of this, a study was conducted to examine the effect of planting methods (flat, ridge-furrow and ridge-furrow with plastic mulch) on physical growth and harvesting age of crop and thereby find out the most suitable planting method for mechanical harvesting. For two cabbage cultivars (Syngenta BC-79 and S-996), the effect of planting methods on physical growth parameters (plant height, plant diameter, length of leaf stem, length of stem, stem diameter, head diameter, and head weight) and harvest maturity indices (compactness, specific gravity, total soluble solids, pH, and pattern of wrapper leaves) was studied. The planting methods had shown a significant effect on growth parameters such as plant height (270.56 mm), plant diameter (549.39 mm), stem length (58.61 mm), stem diameter (34.58 mm), head diameter (144.89 mm) and head weight (1.12 kg) at harvest. The maximum number of matured heads (83.66%) was recorded in ridge-furrow with mulch planting. The interaction effect of planting methods and cultivars was found to be non-significant for all physical growth indicators. The findings of this study provide a valuable planting method for cabbage growers from the perspective of mechanical harvesting.

Quality attributes and biochemical changes in white and colored table grapes as influenced by harvest maturity and ambient postharvest storage

Maturity is a key factor that determines fruit quality and shelflife. Determination of the correct harvest stage is always challenging in non-climacteric fruits, and more complex with grapes because of varietal and climatic variations. Thus, the current study was conducted to determine the effect of different maturity levels on berry composition and postharvest quality of table grapes. Three grape cultivars (‘Sultanina-C’, ‘Flame Seedless’ and ‘NARC Black’) were harvested at early (M1) mid (M2) and late (M3) maturity stages, based on berry color development. Harvested fruits were kept at ambient conditions (25°C with 60-65% Relative Humidity) for physico-chemical and antioxidant evaluation until onset of decay. Results indicated that, regardless of storage duration, the fruit harvested at the second (M2) or third (M3) maturity stages exhibited significantly lower weight loss and berry shattering with better skin color (L*, a*, b*). Titratable acidity (TA) was significantly lower while total soluble solids (TSS), pH and TSS:TA ratio were significantly higher at M3. No significant difference in ethylene production was recorded in maturity stages but a significant linear increase was observed during ambient storage whereas, respiration rate was found to be higher in fruit harvest at early stage of maturity (M1) that increased gradually during ambient storage and start decreasing at the end of shelf life. Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant scavenging activity (ASA), and activities of antioxidative enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) significantly decreased with increasing maturity level. During ambient storage for 4 days, ASA and activity of SOD, CAT and PPO increased initially and then decreased, while TPC and POX activity decreased linearly. ‘NARC Black’ grapes had higher TPC, ASA, anthocyanins, SOD and POX than the other cultivars. Conclusively, grapes harvested at M3 exhibited better fruit physico-chemical quality attributes with least antioxidative characters which was higher at M1 irrespective to white or colored table grapes at ambient storage.