Higher Soluble Solids Content Research Articles

Desempenho de porta-enxertos de macieira da série Geneva® enxertados com ‘Gala Select’ em quatro diferentes solos de replantio no Sul do Brasil

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of the Geneva® series apple rootstocks G.202, G.213, G.210 and G.814. The rootstock G.202 and G.213 proved to be the less vigorous, being considered dwarfs. For replanting soil, ‘G.210’ was considered an efficient alternative. The ‘G.213’ was the most efficient, in a general point of view, demonstrating that it does not change its yield efficiency and stability characteristics, even under replanting conditions. All rootstocks reached the goal of 120 accumulated tons.ha-1 in Caxias do Sul-RS, highlighting the faster financial return to the growers. ‘G.213’ has higher soluble solids content, indicating the possibility of an earlier harvesting. It is concluded that the G.210 and G. 213 rootstocks are good options for the areas evaluated, under replanting conditions, mainly G.213 for more dense systems and G.210 for areas under extreme replanting conditions.

‘Kordia’ sweet cherry fruit quality as function of the rootstock and storage conditions

Sweet cherry fruit of the cultivar ‘Kordia’ derived from trees growing on the GiSelA 5®, Colt and Mazzard F12/1 rootstocks were harvested at the stage of consumption maturity and stored for three weeks in control atmosphere – CA (20% CO2 and 3% O2, RH 90%, 2 ±0.5°C), modified atmosphere packaging – MAP (2–4% CO2, 13–18% O2, 2°C ± 0.5°C) and air atmosphere – AA (RH 80%, 2 ±0.5°C). The rootstocks had a significant effect on all tested fruit quality parameters directly after harvest, except for respiration rate in the first year and fruit titratable acidity in the second year of the study. After sweet cherry storage, the influence of the rootstock on most of fruit quality parameters was proven. The GiSelA 5® rootstock contributed to the preservation of high firmness, high soluble solids content and high soluble solids content/titratable acidity (SSC/TA) ratio. MAP retained good fruit quality, although more favorable quality parameters were recorded after sweet cherry storage in CA, especially with regard to such features as fruit firmness, low respiration rate, small mass loss, low percentage of fungal diseases and good preservation of green color of the stem.

Promising varieties of sour cherry Prunus cerasus L. with a complex of fruit quality traits for growing in the southern Russia

Southern assortment of cherries does not quite meet the modern requirements of production. Many varieties are low-productive, not resistant to cherry leaf spot ( Coccomyces hiemalis ) and moniliosis ( Monilia cinerea ), small-fruited, with low taste qualities. However, new varieties have been created that have not been studied by the complex of consumer and commodity qualities of fruits. Thus, evaluation of new varieties for these traits is relevant. The aim of the research was to evaluate cherry varieties of different origin for commodity, biochemical, and consumer qualities of fruits. The research was carried out in the Kuban horticultural zone of the Krasnodar territory. Objects of the research were 9 varieties of sour cherry trees. Field and laboratory studies were conducted according to Program and methodology of varietal study of fruit, berry and nut crops (1999), Methodological instructions on chemical and technological variety testing of vegetable, fruit and berry crops for canning industry (1993). Statistical analysis was carried out according to B.A. Dospekhov (2014) and G.F. Lakin (1990). It was found that the average fruit weight of cherry varieties varied not significantly - from 2.72 to 6.45 g, which was confirmed by the coefficient of variation (23.3 %). Indicators of maximum and minimum fruit weight varied significantly in varieties, coefficients of variation were 27.2 and 29.7 %, respectively. The following cherry varieties with large fruits were identified: Timati, Igrushka, Duk Ivanovna, Duk Khodosa, Prizvaniya and Svetlaya. were distinguished. Cherry varieties with high sugar content in fruits were as follows: Feyа, Dzhusi Frut and Igrushka. Feyа, Duk Khodosa, Prizvanie, Svetlaya and Dzhusi Frut had fruits with low acidity; Feyа, Dzhusi Frut and Igrushka fruits were characterized by high content of soluble solids in fruits. Feyа, Igrushka and Duk Khodosa fruits had the highest content of vitamin C; Igrushka, Duk Khodosa, Prizvanie, Svetlaya and Dzhusi Frut were rich in Vitamin P; Duk Khodosa, Prizvanie, Dzhusi Frut and Duk Ivanovna had the largest anthocyanin content. Therefore, Igrushka and Duk Khodosa cherry varieties are recommended for growing in the southern Russia and breeding for improvement of fruit quality.

Selection of Mulberry Genotypes from Northern Serbia for ‘Ornafruit’ Purposes

The genus Morus L., mulberry, is an interesting taxonomic group on account of its existing genetic variability, functional food potential and commercial importance. Mulberry trees are found in a wide range of areas in Serbia, accounting for a large phenotypic diversity in its genetic resources. Tree and fruit characteristics of more than 300 mulberry specimens were surveyed, and 15 genotypes of Morus alba, Morus nigra and Morus rubra species were selected for further analyses. These were located at various sites in the province of Vojvodina, Serbia. The present study was undertaken to investigate the diversity of the collected material aiming to pre-select genotypes suitable for landscaping/ornamental and/or fruit production purposes. Genotypes BP 3/9, DT1, ZP3 and MR1 have semi-vigorous growth, dropping growth habits, different leaf shapes (ovate, oval, cordate) and leaf color (from light to dark green), corresponding to ornamental mulberries. In addition, the semi-vigorous genotype ZD1 with a spreading tree and interesting palmate-lobed leaves was distinguished as a unique genotype for landscaping purposes. The most vigorous annual shoot growth was detected in the ZP3 genotype (118.5 cm), followed by DT1 (108.2 cm), MR1 (101.8 cm) and ZP1 (100.5 cm) genotypes. Contrary, genotype DJ1 exhibited the lowest annual growth with only a 32.9 cm average length of the shoots. Due to the greater fruit mass (4.2–6.1 g), sweetness and acidity balance as well as chemical composition, genotypes BP 1/4, DJ1, MG, MR1, DT1 and ZP3 may be recommended for fresh consumption, while genotypes DJ1, DT1, MR1, ZD1, ZP1 and BP 3/9 could be appropriate for home processing. According to fruit chemical analyses, the most promising genotypes were MR1 and DT1 combining high soluble solids content (21.2% and 18.5%, respectively), total sugar content (17.41% and 15.20%, respectively) and ascorbic acid content (42.24 and 49.28 mg/%, respectively). Additionally, DT1 genotype was also characterized by the highest total phenolic content (221.08 mg 27 GAE/100 g fresh weight). The most ornamental genotypes from this study (BP 3/9, DT1, ZD1, ZP3 and MR1) combined with their pomological and chemical characterization can be recommended for edible gardening purposes due to both aesthetic appearance and nutritive value of the fruits.

Juvenile plumcot tree can improve fruit quality and economic benefits by intercropping with alfalfa in semi-arid areas

CONTEXTTo accelerate rural development, give play to regional advantages and improve economic benefits, the Chinese government has been promoting strongly the establishment of new agricultural operating entities, and adopting the planting of fruit-legume agroforestry system. However, the current popular planting pattern lacks comprehensive benefit evaluation from two aspects of yield and economy, and farmers lacks practical reference. OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to investigate the planting status, agronomical and economic benefits of agroforestry in large-scale professional farming households, and to determine the optimal planting pattern in Xinjiang. METHODSThis experiment consists of field measurements and a questionnaire. (1) According to the common planting patterns in this region, the following five treatments were compared in Xinjiang: plumcot + soybean intercropping (PSI) (1.2 m interval between two species, soybean wide narrow row planting), plumcot + alfalfa intercropping (PAI) (1.0 m interval between two species, 0.15 m interval between alfalfa rows), sole-cropped soybean (SS) (soybean wide narrow row planting), sole-cropped alfalfa (SA) (0.15 m interval between alfalfa rows), and sole-cropped plumcot (SP) (5 m interval between plumcot rows). The underground interspecific competitiveness index, yield, land equivalent ratio (LER), Soluble solids content (SSC), fruit firmness and economic benefit were measured. (2) A two-stage stratified sampling procedure was applied. Eighteen fruit-legume large-scale professional farming households in each selected administrative unit were stratified into intercropping with soybean or intercropping with alfalfa. The questionnaire survey investigated field management, sales channels, economic benefits and other information. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONLarge-scale professional farming households are scientific and market sensitive in developing agroforestry intercropping. Plumcot was consistently less competitive, and the main competitive area of the root system occurred at a depth of 0–0.2 m. The competition intensity of plumcot + alfalfa intercropping (PAI) was weaker than that of plumcot + soybean intercropping (PSI). Compared with sole-cropping, the yield of each species under intercropping decreased, especially that of alfalfa, but the land equivalent ratio increased. Plumcot intercropped with alfalfa had a higher soluble solids content. Intercropping has greater economic benefits, especially PAI. PAI was the most suitable planting pattern which can effectively solve the dilemma that fruit trees are not profitable in the juvenile growth stage of a plumcot. SIGNIFICANCEAn intercropping pattern can effectively solve the dilemma that fruit trees cannot make profits in the early stage of planting. There are few relevant research reports, and farmers lack decision-making suggestions on scientific planting and comprehensive economic benefits. Based on our findings, we suggest that large-scale professional farming households should develop the planting pattern of intercropping between fruit trees and legumes, especially new species of fruit trees and alfalfa. This will provide decision support for them to obtain benefits, improve land use efficiency and improve farmland ecology.

Farklı Olgunluk Evrelerine Göre Erik Çeşit ve Genotiplerine Ait Meyvelerin Agromorfolojik ve Biyokimyasal Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

This study was conducted on five commercial plum cultivars are grown in Iğdır province and five wild plum genotypes commonly found in the province. The pomological properties, vitamin C, organic acids contents and phenolic compounds contents of plum fruits were determined. As for the pomological properties, fruit weight was measured as 130.5 g in Autumn Giant cultivar, while fruit thickness was 56.4 mm, fruit length was 48.6 mm, and fruit width was 53.3 mm. The fruit stem length was 13.7 mm in Japanese cultivar. Among phytochemicals; in the highest titratable acidity was detected in Angelino cultivar (2.1%), while the highest soluble solid content was determined in Green Plum (21.4%), the pH in Type 5 genotype (3.7), vitamin C in Type 2 genotype (29.44 mg 100g-1); of organic acids, oxalic acid was determined to be the highest in Type 3 genotype (8.043 mg 100g-1), citric acid in Autumn Giant cultivar (27.142 mg 100g-1), malic acid in Black Splendor cultivar (5.121 mg 100g-1), succinic acid (5.541 mg 100g-1) and fumaric acid (7.071 mg 100g-1) was determined in Angelino cultivar. From phenolic compounds; gallic acid was determined to be the highest in Type 4 genotype (2.078 mg 100g-1), protocatechuic acid in Angelino cultivar (1.975 mg 100g-1), catechin in Type 4 genotype (6.971 mg 100g-1), chlorogenic acid (20.027 mg 100g-1) and vanillic acid (0.589 mg 100g-1) in Autumn Giant cultivar, caffeic acid in Type 4 genotype (1.016 mg 100g-1), syringic acid in Type 4 genotype (0.982 mg 100g-1), p-coumaric acid in Angelino cultivar (1.712 mg 100g-1), ferulic acid in Type 5 genotype (1,647 mg 100g-1), o-coumaric acid in Angelino cultivar (0.388 mg 100g-1), rutin in Black Splendor cultivar (0.981 mg 100g-1). It has been observed that there is a great diversity among the plum genotypes.

Meteorological and tree-management factors related to soluble solids content of apple fruit and crop load management for producing high soluble solids content fruit in high-density planted ‘Fuji’

Sweetness is one of the most important drivers of consumer preference in apples (Malus x domestica Borkh.). Despite the market demand for apples with high sugar content, cultural and agronomic practices applied in the field for producing apples with high soluble solids content (SSC) has not been established. We tried to clarify what factors regulate the SSC of fruit by creating a regression model that predicts SSC with factors related to meteorology and crop load management as variables. The highest correlation with SSC was obtained from six-year meteorological data using a four-week average solar radiation value starting August 28. When the SSC was estimated by a regression model using the average solar radiation (SR), the number of fruits per cm2 trunk cross-sectional area (CL), and the number of fruits per tree (NF), the estimated and measured values were close to each other, indicating that year- and tree-dependent variation in the SSC of fruit can be explained mainly by the SR and the CL or NF, respectively. The four weeks starting August 28 coincided with the time when starch was most accumulated in fruit, and a high correlation was found between the starch content in this period and the SSC at harvest. It could be said that it is necessary to restrict the number of fruits per tree by the period—90 days after full bloom—to produce fruit with high SSC in ‘Fuji’. A target number of fruit per tree for maximizing the cumulative yield of fruit with an SSC of 14 oBrix or more was estimated to be less than that for maximizing the cumulative yield without biennial bearing.

Pomological and physicochemical properties of traditional pear cultivars in Karlovac County, Croatia

Traditional pear cultivars are mainly found as hereditary single trees in backyards, yards, gardens, or as solitary trees in parks, along roads and on forest edges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pomological and physicochemical characteristics of 13 traditional Croatian pear cultivars, studied in Karlovac County area, in central Croatia, and to filter out potential cultivars for further cultivation or breeding. The analyzes traits showed that the cultivars differed significantly in the characteristics studied, i.e., fruit weight, height and width, fruit index, peduncle length and thickness, fruit firmness, number of sound and empty seeds in relation to the weight of sound seeds, soluble solids content, acidity, ratio of soluble solids to total acidity, pH. The cultivars ‘Krasanka’ and ‘Dugačka’ stood out for their fruit size and harmonious ratio of soluble solids and acids, while the cultivar ‘Tepka’ stood out for its high soluble solids content, which makes it a valuable raw material for distilling. Considering the diversity of pomological characteristics, their potential as sources of genetic variation, and their possible tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress factors, it is important to preserve traditional pear cultivars as a source of quality fruit for consumption or processing, protecting these valuable genetic resources together to the biodiversity of the area where they grow.

Differences in commercial quality and carotenoids profile of yellow- and white-fleshed nectarine fruit during low temperature storage and the regulation of carotenoids by sugar

The aim of this study was to assess commercial quality parameters, carotenoids and sugars in two different nectarine cultivars (‘Zijinhong’, yellow flesh, and ‘Ruiguang’, white flesh) to gain insight into their commercial quality differences and the interaction among carotenoid, glucose, sucrose and fructose in nectarines during low temperature storage. In comparison with the white-fleshed cultivar ‘Ruiguang’, higher storability by higher soluble solid content and slower decrease of fruit firmness were exhibited in yellow-fleshed ‘Zijinhong’ nectarine. The increased carotenoids accumulation and inhibition of glucose and fructose degradation occurred in both cultivars, and glucose were positively correlated with total carotenoid contents (0.9825). It was confirmed through an in vitro test that glucose and fructose induced the biosynthesis of carotenoids. In addition, the gene expression of phytoene synthase and carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase were highly correlated with carotenoid content in ‘Zijinhong’ nectarine flesh.

Fruit Quality and Contents of Some Bioactive Compounds in Selected Czech Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cultivars under Conditions of Central Poland

Dynamic changes have taken place in the production of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) in Poland over the last 20 years. New cultivars with both early- and late-ripening dates have appeared, and modern high-intensity cultivation techniques are being implemented. The main attribute of the fruit, in addition to its unique taste, is its health-promoting properties. In this research, which was conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in 2021, our main objectives were to evaluate seven selected Czech cherry cultivars (‘Jacinta’; ‘Horka’; ‘Tamara’; ‘Helga’; ‘Fabiola’; ‘Kasandra’; ‘Kordia’) with regard to their dessert quality and contents of biologically active compounds, and to indicate the most valuable cultivar under the conditions of central Poland. The cultivars tested differed in both the fruit quality and health-promoting properties. ‘Jacinta’, ‘Horka’, Tamara’ and ‘Fabiola’ had the largest fruits. The ‘Fabiola’ and ‘Kordia’ fruits had the highest firmness, while the ‘Jacinta’ and ‘Horka’ fruits had the highest soluble solid contents (SSCs) and titratable acidities (TAs). We found the highest SSC-to-TA ratio in the ‘Fabiola’ cultivar. ‘Jacinta’ proved to be the most valuable cultivar in terms of bioactive compounds, and it had the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH). Some of the traits were closely correlated with each other, mainly in relation to the biologically active compounds. Darker fruits contained more bioactive compounds and had a higher antioxidant activity. It was also proved that size of fruits as well as SSC and TA are also correlated with fruit color. Intensively colored fruit are larger and have higher SSC and TA. In sweet cherry fruit, the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as the high DPPH, are strongly determined by the high content of cyanidin-3-galactoside.

Production of Traditional Grape Pickle Using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Investigation of the Inhibitory Effect of the Product on Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli

Grape pickle is a traditional food that is made with grapes (Vitis vinifera), horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) and grape syrup. In this study, the survival of Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli in grape pickles produced with or without using probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus La-5 as well as microbiological, chemical and sensory properties of each group were examined during 35 days of ripening at 25°C and 5 months at refrigerated storage period. Molds and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) counts remained below the limit of detection (6 log in samples to be considered a probiotic product. E. coli counts rapidly declined to undetectable level within 7 days, while B. cereus numbers was found 1.56-1.72 log cfu/g at the end of the storage period. As a result, it was established that traditional grape pickle is not suitable food matrix for probiotication. High total soluble solid content (63 °Brix) and presence of horseradish in grape pickles ensure the microbiological stability as well as the safety of product.

Treatment of ‘Baigent’ apple fruit with nitric oxide in controlled atmosphere storage reduces decay and physiological disorders

The study was carried out to evaluate the effects of nitric oxide (NO) treatment at different doses and times during controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on quality of ‘Baigent’ apples. The evaluated treatments were: control; 10 µL L−1 of NO applied only at the beginning of CA storage; 1, 2 or 5 µL L−1 of NO applied every 30 d of CA storage; and 5 µL L−1 of NO applied at the beginning and at the end of CA storage. Fruit were stored for 7.5 months in 1.2 kPa O₂ + 2.0 kPa CO₂, 1.5 ± 0.2 °C, and relative humidity of 94 ± 2%. NO treatments, except 10 µL L−1 NO applied only at the beginning of CA storage, reduced ethylene production. At removal from CA storage, 5 µL L−1 NO, applied every 30 d of CA storage or at the beginning and at the end of CA storage, reduced respiratory rates. Control fruit and fruit treated with 2 µL L−1 NO every 30 d of CA storage had higher soluble solids content, and control fruit and fruit treated with NO at 1 or 2 µL L−1 every 30 d of CA storage had higher titratable acidity. NO treatments, regardless of the dose and application time during CA storage, delayed skin yellowing and reduced hydrogen peroxide content and the incidence of pulp mealiness. The application of 5 µL L−1 of NO at the beginning and at the end of CA storage maintained a higher total phenolic compound content and reduced the incidence of flesh browning. Treatment with 5 µL L−1 NO at the beginning and at the end of CA storage provided better quality maintenance of ‘Baigent’ apples.

Characterisation and pre-selection of Acca sellowiana genotypes by multivariate analysis

Feijoa (Acca sellowiana) is a native Brazilian fruit with a peculiar flavour, a considerable amount of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Even though this fruit tree is currently cultivated in several countries around the world, in Brazil, the process of domestication is underway, and the selection and breeding of new genotypes that are more productive and with better fruit quality is necessary. The objective of this work was to evaluate phenotypic diversity among and within progeny and to study the correlations among the quality variables of Feijoa fruit, seeking to select individuals with superior characteristics using principal component analysis. The parents who formed the progeny (families) were selected from a participatory breeding programme. We observed that individuals 47 and 93 had a combination of desirable fruit characteristics for selection, and individuals 15, 910, 98 and 410 should be selected for future crossings, as they had a high total fruit mass and soluble solid content or the highest percentage of pulp and rounded fruit shape. Larger fruit, in general, had a lower percentage of pulp. Principal component analysis is a viable tool in the pre-selection of new genotypes and potential progenitors for Feijoa breeding programmes.

Upgrading the physiochemical and sensory quality of yogurt by incorporating polyphenol-enriched citrus pomaces with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities.

Industrial pomaces are cheap sources of phenolic compounds and fibers but dumping them in landfills has negative environmental and health consequences. Therefore, valorizing these wastes in the food industry as additives significantly enhances the final product. In this study, the citrus pomaces, orange pomace (OP), mandarin pomace (MP), and lemon pomace (LP) were collected by a juice company and subjected to producing polyphenols and fiber-enriched fractions, which are included in functional yogurt; the pomace powder with different levels (1, 3, and 5%) was homogenized in cooled pasteurized milk with other ingredients (sugar and starter) before processing the yogurt fermentation. The HPLC phenolic profile showed higher phenolic content in OP extract, i.e., gallic acid (1,702.65), chlorogenic acid (1,256.22), naringenin (6,450.57), catechin (1,680.65), and propyl gallate (1,120.37) ppm with massive increases over MP (1.34–37 times) and LP (1.49–5 times). The OP extract successfully scavenged 87% of DPPH with a relative increase of about 16 and 32% over LP and MP, respectively. Additionally, it inhibits 77–90% of microbial growth at 5–8 μg/mL while killing them in the 9–14 μg/mL range. Furthermore, OP extract successfully reduced 77% of human breast carcinoma. Each of pomace powder sample (OP, MP, LP) was added to yogurt at three levels; 1, 3, and 5%, while the physiochemical, sensorial, and microbial changes were monitored during 21 days of cold storage. OP yogurt had the highest pH and lowest acidity, while LP yogurt recorded the reverse. High fat and total soluble solids (TSS) content are observed in OP yogurt because of the high fiber content in OP. The pH values of all yogurt samples decreased, while acidity, fat, and TSS increased at the end of the storage period. The OP yogurts 1 and 3% scored higher in color, flavor, and structure than other samples. By measuring the microbial load of yogurt samples, the OP (1 and 3%) contributes to the growth of probiotics (Lactobacillus spp) in yogurt samples and reduces harmful microbes. Using citrus pomace as a source of polyphenols and fiber in functional foods is recommended to enhance their physiochemical and sensory quality.

Biochemical characteristics of small-fruited citrus from distant crosses with Fortunella Sw.

Small-fruited citrus such as Fortunella Sw are becoming popular among a large variety of citrus fruits. Resistance, repeat flowering capacity, abundant fruiting combined with dwarfness, as well as the nutritional value of the fruits promote the use of the plants in hybridization to create new genotypes. The paper presents the quality characteristics of fruits of small-fruited hybrid forms derived from interspecific hybridization with Fortunella Margarita as the mother plant. The objects of the study were five promising forms: 202; 78; 90-3; Kip-14, Kalamondin-1, bred from interspecific hybridization under the auspices of the FRC SSC RAS. A brief pomological description of the size of the fruits and the juice extraction is presented in the paper. Moreover, two promising forms were established: 78 and 202. Kip-14 was distinguished by the smallest fruits with a mass of about 6.8 g and a thin skin. The study of the chemical composition of small-fruited hybrids showed that they were rich in vitamins, sugars and acids. In terms of quantity, sucrose predominates; its greatest amount was identified in the forms of Kalamondin-1 (38.09 g/kg), 78 (36.94 g/kg) and 202 (35.30 g/kg). It was revealed that in terms of sugar content, all hybrids were inferior to the original mother plant. 78 and Kip-14 were characterized by high content of soluble solids – more than 17%. 8 organic acids were identified in the fruits of the hybrids. Among the main organic acids, citric acid was dominant, the hybrid 202 – 6.53 g/100 g was indicated with high values of it. Kalamondin-1 had the highest amount of malic, succinic, acetic, lactic and oxalic acids. In terms of ascorbic acid, the hybrid Kip-14 was the leader (37.23 mg/100 g), and the fruits of this form were rich in sorbic acid (0.005 g/100 g). The largest amount of lactic acid (0.10 g/100 g) was observed in 90-3 hybrid. Fruits of 202 and Kip-14 did not contain oxalic acid.

Evaluation of introduced blackcurrant varieties for production and breeding

Thus far, the world’s blackcurrant range comprises about 1,200 varieties and is constantly being improved. The most successful breeding programs for black currant have been implemented in Poland, England, Belarus, Ukraine, Sweden, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, China and Russia. However, the climatic conditions of several regions of the Russian Federation make it difficult to fully realize the biological potential of foreign varieties and they often do not correspond to the characteristics declared by the breeder. The study is aimed at making comprehensive assessment of the introducers to establish their selection potential and the possibility of industrial cultivation. The study was conducted in 2018-2021 in the black currant collection site of the Kokino station of Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Bryansk region). 20 varieties of black currant of foreign breeding from different ecological and geographical groups were explored. A new local variety Kudesnik with average maturation time was taken for comparison. It was included in the State Register for Selection Achievements in 2022. An assessment of introduced black currant varieties by morphological character of plants revealed the features of their growth in the south-western conditions of the central Non-Black Earth region. Varieties that do not meet the requirements of modern intensive mechanized technologies have been established. In terms of plant height, the varieties Mriya, Nympha, Kupalinka, Cheryshneva, Amethyst, Sofiyivska and Triton do not meet the parameters appropriate for mechanical harvesting. It will be difficult to use berry harvesting equipment with the varieties Sofievskaya, Amethyst and Klussonovskaya due to the wide base of their bushes (>0.3 m). The varieties Sofievskaya and Klussonovskaya, with the highest yield (10 t/ha) do not meet the requirements of modern production in terms of bush mien and berries tearaway force. The best introducers (Sofievskaya, Klussonovskaya, Nympha, Mriya, Cheryshneva, Triton, Belorusochka, Kupalinka) with a yield of 8.3-10.0 tonnes/ha can be recommended for home gardening. A number of foreign varieties as genetic sources in breeding for berry strength (Cheryshneva, Ben Hope, Black Magic, Tiben); fruit size (Nympha); number of fruits in the claster (Triton, Cheryshneva); taste qualities (Mriya); high content of soluble solids (Ben Tirran, Sofievskaya, Mriya) and other characteristics of interest have been identified.

Combined effect of UV–C and passive modified atmosphere packaging to preserve the physicochemical and bioactive quality of fresh figs during storage

Figs are an important constituent of the Mediterranean diet, widely consumed fresh. Due to their very short shelf life, postharvest techniques to preserve quality and safety should be implemented. The current work aimed to study the combined effect of a postharvest UV–C treatment (5 or 10 kJ m−2) followed by packaging under passive modified atmosphere (MAP) on physicochemical and bioactive quality of fresh figs (cv. ‘Colar’) stored up to 12 d at 0 ºC (90–95% RH). As controls, UV–C untreated and air-stored (AIR) samples were used. The flesh firmness, skin colour, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), pH, total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity were monitored. The steady-state modified atmosphere reached since day 8 was 17 kPa CO2 and 4 kPa O2. UV-C treated samples did not show visual decay incidence, while mycelial growth was observed in untreated figs on day 12. Figs treated with 10 kJ m-2 UV–C and stored under MAP conditions showed the highest flesh firmness with values of 0.6 N, which is 50% higher than in AIR. Skin darkening observed among samples was higher in 10 kJ m-2 with Chroma decreases of 2.6 units on day 12 under MAP, although panellists preferred this treatment according to its visual appearance. Higher SSC and TA differences were found in UVC-treated samples during storage. Moreover, 10 kJ m-2 UV–C and MAP induced the highest total phenolic content accumulation, with 260% and 540% higher values from day 4 to day 12 for skin and flesh, respectively. In conclusion, a 10 kJ m−2 UV–C treatment after harvesting followed by packaging under MAP conditions may be considered a good tool to preserve the physicochemical and bioactive quality of fresh figs during 12 d at 0 ºC.

Fruit Characterization of Prunus serotina subsp. capuli

Prunus serotina is divided into five subspecies. Among these, P. serotina subsp. capuli, commonly known as capuli, is native to Central and South America. Its fruits are big, sweet, and consumed by locals in various forms, with the Ecuadorian Andes region providing the best fruit forms of capuli. The objective of this study was to characterize a collection of different genotypes of capuli’s fruit, and their endocarps, found growing in the wild in the Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Cotopaxi provinces of Ecuador. The fruits were characterized for weight (11.7–50.3 g), diameter (12.4–21.7 mm), height (11.4–19.7 mm), and soluble solids content (SSC) (13.4–27.6 °Brix) across two years. Similarly, the endocarps’ diameters (7.5–12.2 mm) and heights (8.1–13.6 mm) were measured. Significant differences were found for all the fruit and endocarp variables studied. A multivariate analysis showed that all the fruit and endocarp size characteristics, except SSC, were positively correlated with each other within a season. No clear population differentiation was seen among the genotypes from different provinces, suggesting a lack of clear morphological differentiation. The future breeding and selection of a capuli with superior, commercial, large fruit and a high SSC shows great potential.

Differences in optical properties and internal qualities of ‘Fuji’ apple produced in different areas of the Loess Plateau region

Present studies have shown that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) could be used to identify the producing area of apple. However, we still do not know whether the producing area affects the optical properties of apple, whether it affects the relationship between optical properties and internal qualities, and whether the optical parameters could be used to predict the apple-producing area. To answer these questions, the apples produced in three areas with different temperatures, precipitations, and altitudes in the Loess Plateau region, China, were used as samples to obtain the optical properties of apple pulp by a single integrating sphere system, analyze the differences in optical properties of apples produced in different areas, analyze the correlations between optical properties (absorption coefficient (μa) and reduced scattering coefficient (μs')) and internal quality indices (soluble solids content (SSC), moisture content and firmness), and investigate the feasibility of discriminating the apples produced in different areas and predicting the internal qualities using NIRS. The results showed that the apples produced in Luochuan had the highest SSC while Yangling apples had the highest moisture content. The μa had three absorption peaks at around 985, 1200, and 1430 nm, and the μs' of apples from three areas showed a similar trend with wavelength. The best correlation of μa with SSC and moisture content was found in Yangling apples with a correlation coefficient of −0.90 and 0.79, respectively. The built linear discriminant analysis based on μa spectra performed better in discriminating producing area. The established partial least squares regression models based on μa spectra had the best prediction performance for SSC and moisture content, while the model built with μs' had the best prediction performance for firmness. This study is helpful to understand the differences in optical property of ‘Fuji’ apple produced in different areas and offers information for identifying the producing area of fruit using NIRS technology.

Chemical properties and biological properties of four varieties of pomelo (Citrus grandis (L) Osbeck) in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam

Pomelo fruits with many different varieties are widely consumed in Vietnam that promote many beneficial health effects. This study provided the discrepancy in morphological structure, chemical properties, and biological properties in four pomelo varieties found in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam including Da Xanh, Nam Roi, Long Co Co, and Thanh Kieu. Da Xanh pomelo has pomelo segments of red-pink colour and high soluble solid content (11.88±0.26oBx). Nam Roi pomelo is recognized by the yellowish colour of the pomelo segment and low soluble solid content (10.62±0.53oBx) while Long Co Co and Thanh Kieu varieties present a pale pink colour. Pomelo segments were observed with high carbohydrate content, low protein and lipid content. Nam Roi pomelo showed the highest total polyphenolic content (TPC) as 2.42±0.01 mg GAE/g dry matter, total flavonoid content (TFC) of 9.57±0.03 mg QE/g dry matter, and vitamin C content of 42.04±1.02 mg/100 g compared to the lowest one (Da Xanh pomelo). Among these varieties, Da Xanh pomelo was favourable in the sensorial aspect of its visual appearance and sweetness while Nam Roi pomelo was observed to have the highest biological activities.