Higher Soluble Solids Content Research Articles

Ectopic Expression of VvSUC27 Induces Stenospermocarpy and Sugar Accumulation in Tomato Fruits.

Seedless fruits are favorable in the market because of their ease of manipulation. Sucrose transporters (SUTs or SUCs) are essential for carbohydrate metabolism in plants. Whether SUTs participate directly in causing stenospermocarpy, thereby increasing fruit quality, remains unclear. Three SUTs, namely, VvSUC11, VvSUC12, and VvSUC27 from Vitis vinifera, were characterized and ectopic expression in tomatoes. VvSUC11- and VvSUC12-overexpressing lines had similar flower and fruit phenotypes compared with those of the wild type. VvSUC27-overexpressing lines produced longer petals and pistils, an abnormal stigma, much less and shrunken pollen, and firmer seedless fruits. Moreover, produced fruits from all VvSUC-overexpressing lines had a higher soluble solid content and sugar concentration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed more genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism and sugar transport and showed downregulation of auxin- and ethylene-related signaling pathways during early fruit development in VvSUC27-overexpressing lines relative to that of the wild type. Our findings demonstrated that stenospermocarpy can be induced by overexpression of VvSUC27 through a consequential reduction in nutrient delivery to pollen at anthesis, with a subsequent downregulation of the genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and hormone signaling. These commercially desirable results provide a new strategy for bioengineering stenospermocarpy in tomatoes and in other fruit plants.

Evaluation of garden strawberry varieties against biochemical parameters and genetic aroma determinants

The paper presents the results of a long-term (2015-2020) study into a collection of domestic and foreign strawberry varieties cultivated in the Central Black Region, in terms of biochemical composition (content of soluble solids (SS), sugars, organic acids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins) and genetic aroma determinants. The varieties with a high SS content (above 12.0%) herewith include Alena, Divnaya, Kupchikha, Olympic hope, Torpedo, Flora; sugars (above 9.0%) – Alena, Lastochka, Olimpiyskaya Nadezhda, Flora, Privlekatelnaya; ascorbic acid (above 80.0 mg/100 g) – Divnaya, Kupchikha, Sudarushka, Festival chamomile; anthocyanins (above 100.0 mg/100 g) – Alena, Fireworks. Among the varieties addressesd, the Kubata, Tsaritsa (domestic selection), Kimberly, Marshall, Red Gauntlet, Vima Tarda (foreign selection) varieties are characterized by a combination of functional alleles of FaOMT and FaFAD1 genes for a complex aroma profile. The selected promising varieties can be used as sources of valuable quality attributes and biochemical composition of fruits.

Antifungal Effects of Cold Plasma, Coupled with Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Asparagus during Cold Storage

Asparagus spear is vulnerable to microbial groups which can cause deterioration and short shelf-life after harvesting. The effects of cold plasma, coupled with modified atmosphere (MA) packaging on microorganism development, and quality changes of green asparagus were investigated. The development of microorganisms was inhibited after sterilisation. After 21 days of storage, cold plasma for 6 h (P6h) and hot water combined with cold plasma for 3 h (HW+P3h) treatments obtained the lowest number of aerobic bacteria. Hot water (HW), P6h and HW+P3h treatments showed higher inhibition effect on yeast and mold, and also on E. coli. Visual quality and off-odour of P6h treatment were superior to and inferior to other treatments, respectively. Hot water and cold plasma treatments alone inhibited the firming. Cold plasma 1 (P1h) and 3 h (P3h) were better in retarding yellowing of asparagus. A difference in electrolyte leakage (EL) between control (43%) and sterilisation treatments (greater than 60%) was immediately observed on the sterilisation day. Treatments using HW and P1h decreased the EL after 21 days. The soluble solid content (SSC) decreased based on the initial content, and hot water treatment resulted in higher SSC. Increases in ethylene (C₂H₄) and carbon dioxide production and decrease in oxygen were observed during the first 3 days. The content of C₂H₄ under cold plasma treatments was higher than hot water and control on day 21. These results suggested that cold plasma 6 h treatment resulted in better sensory quality and less decay and softening for green asparagus.

Rootstock Affects the Fruit Quality of 'Early Bigi' Sweet Cherries.

The cherry rootstock influences the performance of the scion cultivar. It has an effect on cherry fruit quality, tree growth, yield and yield efficiency and floral and foliar nutrition. In this work, the influence of Saint Lucie 64 and Maxma 60 rootstocks on the fruit quality traits of cv. Early Bigi was evaluated. For this, several parameters, namely fruit weight (FW) and size (FS), soluble solids content (SSC), pH, titratable acidity (TA), flesh firmness (FF), epidermis rupture force (ERF), color and sensory profile, were assessed. Results showed that the fruits from trees on Saint Lucie 64 presented higher FF and ERF values and, consequently, better texture. On the other hand, fruits from trees on Maxma 60 showed sweeter cherries (higher SSC). Moreover, these trees presented the darkest cherries (lower values of L*, a*, b*, C* and hue°) and the highest SSC. Therefore, although the trees on Saint Lucie 64 produced firmer cherries, it was those with the Maxma 60 rootstock that produced sweeter and darker fruits. In conclusion, both scion–rootstock combinations proved to be good options for the region of Resende.

Intermittent temperatures in the conservation of ‘BRS Kampai’ peaches

This study aimed at evaluating the quality of peaches borne by the cultivar BRS Kampai when cooled at intermittent temperatures throughout storage. They were stored at 1°C and relative humidity between 80% and 90% in a cold storage chamber. The following treatments were applied: T1 - fruit stored at 1±0.5°C; T2 - fruit stored at 1±0.5°C and increase in temperature every five days to 25°C; and T3 - fruit stored at 1±0.5°C and increase in temperature every seven days to 25°C. Fruit were submitted to increase in temperature when they were withdrawn from the cold storage chamber and kept in a heated room. Evaluations were conducted when fruit were harvested, after 10 cold storage days and 2 days of commercialization simulation at 25ºC (10+2) and after 20 cold storage days and 2 days of commercialization simulation at 25ºC (20+2). Peaches were evaluated in terms of mass loss, pulp firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH and epidermis color. T1 exhibited higher mass loss, higher soluble solid content and higher pulp firmness after 20 cold storage days, by comparison with the other treatments. T2 led to lower mass loss after 20 cold storage days than the ones of the other treatments. However, T2 also showed higher loss of pulp firmness in the same period. The use of intermittent temperatures throughout storage of ‘BRS Kampai’ peaches may be an alternative to extend their post-harvest period.

Evaluation of foreign remontant raspberry cultivars for production and breeding

The over 100 remontant raspberry cultivars worldwide continue to variegate, with breeding mostly successful in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Poland, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Russia. In most native climates of Russia, foreign varieties unluckily do not realise their biological potential to not attain the originator-declared character. The research aimed at a comprehensive study of introduced remontant raspberry cultivars to clarify the prospects of their production and breeding. The study was being conducted over 2018-2020 on the genetic raspberry collection plot of the All-Russian Horticultural Institute for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery’s Kokino base station (Bryansk Region). Research focused on ten foreign remontant raspberry cultivars. The late-maturing Atlant variety of the state-permitted crop catalogue served a control. Research followed the generally accepted protocols. Statistical experimental data analyses were accomplished with Microsoft Excel. Phenotypic evaluation of the introduced remontant raspberry cultivars by plant morphology revealed their Middle Russia-specific traits of growth and development. The greatest yield surface (238-316 cm) was observed in Joan J, Imara, Himbo Top and Carolina foreign cultivars. The remontant varieties studied were found to distinguish by late maturity and low yield (2.9-6.1 t/ha), thusly being off-focus to industrial horticulture. Imara, Erika, Sugana, Joan J, Carolina and Himbo Top leading with a 5.0-6.1 t/ha yield can be recommended in home gardening. Selected foreign cultivars deserve attention as a genetic resource in breeding for larger fruit size (Poranna Rosa, Driscoll Maravilla, Sugana), higher soluble solid content (Kweli, Karolina, Kwanza), fruit strength (Kwanza, Driscoll Maravilla), optimal fruit detachment force (Himbo Top, Joan J, Imara, Kwanza) and compact bush habitus (Poranna Rosa).

Effects of alkaline electrolyzed water pretreatment on the physicochemical quality attributes of fresh nectarine during storage

Chlorinated water treatment has been extensively used to manage postharvest decontamination of fruits for decades. It has been well established that chlorine may produce undesirable by-products that have a potential carcinogenic impact on human health and toxic waste on the environment. Electrolyzed water is an eco-friendly technique that has been regarded as an effective method for decontaminating microbes on fruit surfaces. However, the impact of alkaline electrolyzed water (AEW) on the physical and biochemical quality attributes of nectarine fruit during postharvest storage is not fully understood. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of AEW treatment (200 mg/L, pH, 6.7), sodium hypochlorite, and nontreated (control) on the storability, quality attribute, and decay incidence of fresh nectarine stored at −0.5℃ and 95% RH for 31 days. Results obtained indicated that the AEW treatment effectively maintains firmness, reduced weight loss, and maintains high total soluble solid content with a slight decline in titratable acidity for nectarines. Furthermore, the AEW suppresses the decrease of color qualities of the peel L*, a*, b*, reduced the incidence of browning (h°) and surface decay compared with chlorine-treated and control fruit. Novelty impact statement Alkaline electrolyzed water (AEW) and its efficacy to minimize decay and maintain physicochemical quality of nectarine fruit compared with chlorinated water treatment were investigated. Treatment with AEW (200 mg/L, 10 min) effectively preserves the freshness of the nectarine fruit by reducing surface decay compared with the chlorine-treated and control fruit. The outcome of this study provides guiding tools for stone fruit pack-houses and other industry role players on the potential of EW as an alternative to chlorine treatments.

Seed-Propagated Summer Apples: Great Morphological and Biochemical Diversity

The northeastern Anatolia region of Turkey is one of the richest plant biodiversity areas in Turkey. This study describes some important tree and fruit characteristics of 20 seed-propagated summer apple genotypes from northeastern Anatolia using morphological and biochemical markers. The genotypes were evaluated morphologically for tree growth habit, ripening date, fruit weight, fruit firmness, fruit shape, fruit color, fruit taste, juiciness and aroma. The biochemical characteristics measured were organic acids, SSC (soluble solid content), titratable acidity, vitamin C, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. We found significant differences for most of the morphological and biochemical characteristics. The genotypes exhibited quite diverse harvest dates ranging from 4 July to 16 August. Summer apple genotypes had fruit weight between 101.9 g and 133.5 g. The genotypes had diverse fruit shapes, including round, conic and oblate, and over fruit colours such as pink, red, yellow and green. Genotypes GUM7 and GUM13 stood out for fruit weight, SSC, total phenolic and antioxidant capacity. GUM7 and GUM13 present dissimilarity from the other genotypes. While the first showed a lower average fruit weight, SSC, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, the second revealed higher average of fruit weight, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and higher SSC. Due to their favorable characteristics, GUM13 can be used for further crosses with genotypes of other groups, which also present favorable characteristics.

Identification of yeasts in different rubber leaf (Hevea brasiliensis) clones and their effects on the physical properties of fermented glutinous rice tapai

Tapai is one of the most popular traditional desserts in Malaysia and other Asian countries. Traditionally, tapai is wrapped in a rubber leaf to enhance the smell and increase its palatability. The study focused on identifying the yeasts present before and after the production of glutinous rice tapai wrapped in different rubber leaves clones, namely RRIM 2025, RRIM 2002, PB 260 and PB 350. The identification of the yeast was carried out using API 20C AUX test strips for all rubber leaves clones, glutinous rice tapai wrapped in RRIM 2025, RRIM 2002, PB 260, PB 350 and in a container (control). The results showed that Crytococcus laurentii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa 2, Candida famata, Rhodotorula minuta were present in rubber leaf clones. While the yeasts that had been identified in tapai wrapped in rubber leaf were Candida guilliermondii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa 2, Candida parapsilosis and Trichosporon mucoides and only C. guilliermondii was found in the container. The physical properties of the tapai that are wrapped in rubber leaves have a difference in texture, pH value and total soluble solids content compared to the control sample. The tapai sample wrapped in RRIM 2025 and RRIM 2002 had a high total soluble solid content of 45.8±0.14% and 45.78±0.16% °Bx, respectively. Meanwhile, the control sample has the highest pH value and the hardest rice kernels, which were 4.71±0.05 and 218.19±25.39 N, respectively. The results showed that the different yeasts present in the rubber leaf may cause changes in the physical properties of glutinous rice tapai.

Juice processing potential of different grape cultivars under conditions in southern Brazil

The objective of this study was to evaluate the juice quality of 11 grape cultivars over three productive cycles, aiming to identify which cultivars are indicated to complement the varietal matrix and allow the extension of the harvest period in the region of Vale do Rio do Peixe - SC. The grapes used to elaborate the juices were: BRS Rúbea (RUB), BRS Cora (COR); BRS Violet (VIO); BRS Carmen (CAR), BRS Magna (MAG), Bordô (BOR), Isabel (ISA), Isabel Precoce (IP), Concord (CON), Concord Clone 30 (C30) and SCS 421 Paulina (SCSP), produced in the EPAGRI experimental station vineyard, in Videira-SC. The physical-chemical variables analyzed showed statistically significant differences for the different cultivars. From the analysis of main components performed, it was possible to observe the noticeable differences between the levels of this factor and the correlations between the parameters. ISA and IP showed lower levels of anthocyanins and color, differing from VIO and MAG. CON and C30 stood out for their high acidity and low soluble solids content. BOR, SCSP and RUB presented juices with intense coloring, high content of bioactive compounds, nevertheless they presented lower levels of soluble solids and a higher acidity, while COR presented slightly higher contents for total soluble solids. The cultivars that brought together the greatest number of favorable characteristics (physical-chemical, sensory and extension of the harvest dates) for the juice elaboration in the studied region, proving favorable to complement the productive matrix composed of ISA and BOR, were VIO, MAG, IP, COR and CAR.

Predicting the sweetness level of avomango (Gadung Klonal 21) using multi-predictor local polynomial regression

One of the mango’s maturity aspects is the sweetness of the fruits. Mature Avomango has a high degree of sweetness, characterized by a high total soluble solids (TSS) content. Currently, many non-destructive tests are using Near Infra-Red (NIR) spectroscopy to find out the TSS content. NIR spectroscopy generates spectra data, which can be used as predictors to predict Avomangos sweetness level. This study aims to predict the level of Avomangos sweetness by using a multi-predictor local polynomial regression approach and compare it with multiple polynomial regression. In this study, we use 120 samples of Avomango divided into two parts, 100 as training data and 20 as testing data. The multi-predictor local polynomial regression has better performance with the value mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is 8.554% that categorized as a highly accurate prediction for predicting Avomangos sweetness level.

VARIABILITY OF THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FRUITS OF STRAWBERRY SELECTED HYBRID FORMS

The paper analysed three-year data (2017–2019) for chemical composition of fruit in promising selected strawberry seedlings (totally-more than 100 forms) from genetical pool of the I. V. Michurin Federal Scientific Center. Average values and the range of variation in the content of the main food and biologically active substances have been determined: soluble solids percentage varies from 8.7–17.0 % (mean 12.4 %), total sugars 5.8–13.2 % (mean 8.8 %), titrable acids — 0.54–1.34 % (mean 0.56 %), ascorbic acid — 44.0–110.4 mg/100 g (mean 72.9 mg/100 g), anthocyanins — 7.3–145.4 mg/100 g (mean 56.8 mg/100 g). In 2019 year the following selected forms 915-104 (298-22-19-21×Feyerverk), 20-8 (Prazdnichnaya×Dedanka), 28-19 (Lakomaya×Maryshka), 921-7 ([(516-167×Cardinal)×Feyerverk); 30-5 (Feyerverk×Privlekatelnaya) are characterized by high sugar accumulation (up to 10.0 %). In 2018 year the high vitamin C content (more over 100.0 mg/100 g) was observed in selected seedlings 914-27, 91459 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 56-9, 56-12 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya); high anthocyanin content (over 100.0 mg/100 g) was demonstrated (in selected seedlings 928-12 (298-19-9-43×Privlekatelnaya), 35-16 (922-67×Maryshka), 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka), 21-44 (Urozhainaya CGL×Rubinovy Kulon). High and stable content of soluble solids, sugars and optimal acidity of fruit are registered in selected seedlings 26-5 (Rubinovy Kulon×298-19-9-43), 56-9 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya). The selected seedlings 914-9, 914-27 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka), 56-8, 56-9 (Gigantella Maxim×Privlekatelnaya) exhibited the stable level of vitamin C content. High and stable anthocyanin content was confirmed in selected seedlings 914-9, 914-27 (Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya), 21-14 (Urozhainaya CGL×Rubinovy Kulon) and 25-1 (Rubinovy Kulon×Maryshka). According to the complex of biochemical characteristics the following selected forms were identified from the hybrid combination Festivalnaya×Privlekatelnaya: 914-27 (ascorbic acid — 90.2 mg/100 g, anthocyanins — 81.6 mg/100 g, sugars — 9.4 %), 914-9 (ascorbic acid — 89.8 mg/100 g, anthocyanins — 90.3 mg/100 g, sugars — 8.4 %).

Response of Red Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to Foliar Applications of Zinc

ABSTRACT An open-field study considering the responses of red pepper plants to foliar applications of zinc (Zn) was conducted with the aim to understand its effect on fresh fruit yield (FFY) and paste yield (PY), and some physical and quality properties of the fruits. Four different doses of Zn (control 0.0%, 0.05%, 0.10% and 0.20%) were applied from the plant leaves as zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H2O). The effect of Zn applications on plant height (PH) and crop canopy percentage (CCP) was in a positive direction. The longest plants were obtained from 0.10% Zn application. Treatments of 0.10% and 0.20% Zn positively affected the weight (FW), diameter (FD) and height (FH) of pepper fruits, significantly increased compared to control. The highest FFYs were obtained from 0.10% and 0.20% Zn applied plants. PY increased 33% in response to 0.10% Zn treatment when compared with control. The highest fruit dry matter (DM) was obtained from both applications (0.10% and 0.20% Zn), while the highest soluble solids content (SSC) was determined at 0.20% Zn application. These results indicate that foliar application of Zn could be considered for red pepper cultivation to improve plant development, yields and some quality properties, particularly in regions where Zn insufficiently is high.

Chemical composition and quality of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry processing products

Research on the quality of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry processing products was done at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy in 2019. For the studies, the juice was squeezed from the defrosted sea buckthorn berries, and was stored in the refrigerator until separated into three fractions: solids, oil (oil No. 1) and juice. The berry cake remaining after squeezing the juice was dried and filled with unrefined sunflower oil. After 2 weeks, the oil (oil No. 2) was separated from the cake. The aim of the research was to determine the chemical composition and quality indices of sea buckthorn berry processing products. The content of soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C and total carotenoid content were determined by standard methods in sea buckthorn juice, solids, berry press cake and in oil No. 1 and No. 2. The acid value, iodine value, peroxides value, induction period and colour of sea buckthorn berry oil No. 1 and No. 2 were determined. The research data were analysed by the factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). Arithmetical means and standard deviation of the data were calculated. Statistical reliability was assessed by Fisher’s LSD test (P < 0.05). The results showed that the solids had 1.3-fold higher soluble solids content, 1.1-fold higher vitamin C, 2.5-fold total carotenoid content and 1.0-fold higher titratable acidity compared to juice. Oil No. 1 was characterized by a 1.88-fold bigger content of vitamin C and 2.9-fold higher titratable acidity. The total carotenoid content was 8.7% higher in oil No. 2. Oil No. 1 was less resistant to oxidative degradation because the induction period of this oil was shorter by 0.45 h and for a 26% higher amount of free fatty acids. However, a 12% higher peroxide content was found in oil No. 2. Oil No. 1 was brighter; the intensity of red and yellow colour of this oil was more intense.

Önemli Çilek Genotiplerinin Tat Parametreleri Bakımından Değerlendirilmesi

Çilek dünyada ve ülkemizde eşsiz tat ve aromasından dolayı, üretimi giderek artan önemli bir meyve türüdür. Birçok meyve türünde olduğu gibi, çilek meyvelerdeki verim, tad ve diğer önemli kalite bileşenlerinin genetik yapıdan etkilendiği bilinmektedir. Bu kapsamda, özellikle son 100 yılda dünyadaki çilek ıslah çalışmaları sonucunda çok miktarda çilek çeşidi geliştirilmiştir. Bu bağlamda, Çukurova Üniversitesi bünyesinde de uzun yıllar farklı yoğunluklarda çilek ıslah çalışmaları gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu çalışmada, bölümümüzde gerçekleşen çilek ıslah programı sonucu ön plana çıkan ‘33‘, ‘36‘ ve ‘61‘ kodlu genotipler ile Akdeniz bölgesinde yaygın olarak yetiştiriciliği yapılan ‘Fortuna‘, ‘Rubygem‘ ve ‘Festival‘ gibi ticari çilek çeşitleri geniş hasat (Ocak-Mayıs) süresi boyunca meyve SÇKM, pH, asit miktarı ile et sertliği gibi özellikler bakımından karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda Akdeniz iklim koşullarında ocak ayında az miktarda ürün elde edilmiş olup, söz konusu ayda incelenen çeşit ve genotiplerde en yüksek SÇKM ve meyve et sertlik değerleri elde edilmiştir. Genotipler bakımından; ‘36‘ kodlu olan, sezon boyunca %8,0 ile %13,1 arasında değişen SÇKM değerleriyle diğerlerine göre yüksek olması yanında, nispeten düşük asit içeriğiyle de dikkat çekmiştir. Bu genotip tat bakımından güçlü yönüne rağmen, 0,63 lb/inch2 meyve et sertlik değeriyle ticari çeşitlere (1,10-1,20 lb/inch2) göre oldukça yumuşak bulunmuştur. Bütün bu bilgiler doğrultusunda, her yönüyle çok iyi bir çeşit elde etmenin fizyolojik ve genetik nedenlerden dolayı mümkün olmadığı düşünülmektedir. Bununla birlikte, çilek ıslahçıları belirledikleri temel amaçlar doğrultusundaki özellikleri en yüksek seviyelerde bünyesinde barındıran çilek çeşidi geliştirmeyi hedeflemelidirler.

Blochemical monitoring of genetic collections of strawberry in NCFSCHVW and CEBS

The article presents the generalized results of long-term research (2012-2020) of the assessment of the chemical composition of strawberries of 90 varieties of various ecological and geographical origin, growing in the genetic collections of NCFSCHVW and CEBS (branch of VIR). The advantage of varieties of Italian selection, as well as Russian (NCFSCHVW, CEBS) is the increased content of soluble solids and sugars. The varieties obtained in France and Russia are characterized by a high level of accumulation of vitamin C. The largest amount of vitamin P is contained in strawberries of American varieties. According to the results of a study of five groups of strawberry varieties of different ripening periods, it was found that varieties of an early ripening period accumulate less soluble solids and sugars, and late-ripening ones stand out with a high content of soluble solids, sugars, vitamins C and P. Highlighted varieties that are the sources of high soluble solids content (9-9.9%), sugars (6.8-7.5%), acids (1.0-1.28%), pectin substances (0.7-0.79%), vitamin C ( 65.1-74.5 mg / 100 g), vitamin P (90.0-120.1 mg / 100 g) and anthocyanins (92.0-127.0 mg / 100 g).

Evaluation of postharvest properties in different passion fruit species during ripening

During ripening, many transformations occur in passion fruits. The ripening stage affects fruit quality and post-harvest properties. Fruits with 65% yellow epidermis present chemical characteristics that meet industrial standards, facilitating harvest estimations and loss avoidance. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the post-harvest properties of passion fruit species (genotypes of the yellow passion fruit and sweet passion fruit, and yellow passion fruit cultivar FB 200) during ripening. The fruits were evaluated by the color of the epidermis and the chemical characteristics of the pulp (titratable acidity, vitamin C, carotenoids, soluble solids content, and ratio). This experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design and a split-plot arrangement, where the plots were the species and the subplots were the evaluation periods (50, 58, 66, 74 and 82 days after anthesis), with four replications and 10 fruits per plot. The yellow passion fruit genotype and cultivar, harvested at 82 days after anthesis, presented desirable characteristics for the juice industry and for fresh consumption. The sweet passion fruit had a higher soluble solids content and titratable acidity ratio because of its high content of soluble solids and low acidity, which translate to a better fruit flavor.

Phenology, bunch morphology and must quality of five grapevine hybrids grafted onto two rootstocks

ABSTRACT Phenology, bunch morphology, and must quality are essential factors to the selection of grapevine cultivars for winemaking. This study aimed to evaluate five grapevine hybrids grafted onto two rootstocks, looking for fruit with the best characteristics for producing wine. The hybrids studied were ‘BRS Lorena’, ‘IAC 21-14 Madalena’, ‘Moscatel de Jundiai’, ‘Moscato Embrapa’ and ‘SR 0.501-17’ grafted onto ‘IAC 572 Jales’ and ‘IAC 766 Campinas’ rootstock. Phenology was evaluated weekly, and the number of days from pruning to sprouting, flowering, and maturation was calculated. Fruit production, bunch morphology, and must quality were evaluated for each genotype and rootstock. ‘SR 0.501-17’ was classified as a genotype with a medium cycle, with fruit maturing 20 days earlier than the other hybrids, which were, therefore, classified as late-cycling. No interaction was noted between hybrids and rootstocks relative to bunch morphology. The must of ‘Moscato Embrapa’ grafted onto ‘IAC 766 Campinas’ rootstock had higher maturation index than that grafted onto ‘IAC 572 Jales’ rootstock. ‘BRS Lorena’ and ‘SR 0.501-17’ produced smaller berries, must with medium acidity, and higher soluble solid contents, as compared with other hybrids, resulting in the best bunch morphology and must quality for winemaking.

Quality Evaluation of Strawberries Grown in Various Regions by Singaporeans and Japanese

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of strawberries distributed in global markets. We obtained strawberries from Egypt, Mexico, the Republic of Korea, Spain, and the United States of America (US) being sold in Singapore, and compared them with Japanese strawberries (cv. Benihoppe) using instrumental analysis and sensory evaluation. Sensory evaluation was conducted by Singaporean and Japanese assessors. The results showed that the quality of strawberries in Mexico, Spain, and Egypt were relatively close, but the others were significantly different. The strawberries from the US and Japan had high total soluble solids (TSS) content, while those from Egypt, Mexico, Spain, and the US were firmer and had higher titratable acidity (TA). In the sensory evaluation, the assessors preferred strawberries with high total soluble solids (TSS) and low titratable acidity (TA). These findings suggest that varieties with high TSS and low TA are desirable for the global market. In addition, compared with the Japanese assessors, the Singaporean assessors tended to prefer strawberries with lower TA. These preferences may change depending on the eating habits of the region.

Changes in the Quality of Old Apple Cultivars After Freeze-Drying

Abstract There are several thousand different cultivars of apple trees but only a limited number are cultivated on an industrial scale. Old cultivars can be useful, for example, in the processing industry due to their different composition. In many cases, they have higher organic acid content. The content of mineral components, colour, and polyphenols in the fruit of 7 old apple tree cultivars, growing in the Wolinski National Park, was studied. The changes that occurred in the fruit after freeze-drying were also evaluated. The trees from which the fruit was picked for analysis, despite the lack of chemical protection, were fruiting and the apples had only a few symptoms of damage caused by pests or diseases. The fruit was characterised by a high soluble solids content (14.4-16.4%), in which sugars and especially fructose dominated. The number of organic acids varied greatly and ranged from 0.27 (Oberlander Himbeerapfel) g to 1.07 g/100 g (Winter Goldparmane). The content of polyphenols in fresh apples ranged from 186 mg (Horneburger Pfannkuchenapfel) to 354 mg/100 g (Winter Goldparmane) and increased after freeze-drying from 666 mg (Weisser Winterkalvill) to 1486 mg/100 g (Winter Goldparmane). The dominant group of polyphenolic compounds was phenolic acid. The freeze-drying process caused unfavourable changes in the colour of the pulp. The fruits of Oberlander Himbeerapfel cultivar were most susceptible to these changes. However, the least darkened fruit of Horneburger Pfannkuchenapfel.