Higher Soluble Solids Content Research Articles

Frost Tolerance of Flower Buds, Self-Pollination and Fruit Quality Traits in Local Sour Cherries of Latvia

Abstract The aim of the study was to characterise the variability of flower bud frost tolerance, self-pollination and fruit quality in Latvian local sour cherries; and to select the most promising aces-sions. Data on fruit set after self-pollination, frost tolerance of flower buds, fruit and stone weight, stem retention force and soluble solid content were collected for 29 accessions of local cherries in 2016–2019. Sour cherry cv. ‘Latvijas Zemais’ clones no. 64, D7, and 4 were the most promising for fruit processing; clones no. 62, 65, Matkules, and Lietuvas were promising as pollinators due to tolerance to spring frosts and high level of fruit set after self-pollination, and cv. ‘Latvijas Zemais’ clones Eglīša, Piïkas 3, Matkules, and Dumbrava had relatively high fruit weight and soluble solid content for fresh consumption. ‘Latvijas Zemais’ clone no. 62 was superior with stable fruit set after self-pollination (21.54%), cold resistant flower buds (89.5%) and high proportion of fruit flesh (93.8 %), clone no. 52 had high soluble solid content (18.88 Brix) and clone Eglīša had large fruit (5.56 g). The highest contribution to variability was provided by fruit weight, stone weight, and soluble solid content, which explained 79.90% of total variability.

Evaluation of Ribes Rubrum Cultivars in Estonia

Abstract The evaluation of cultivars of red and white currant (Ribes rubrum L.) was carried out in 2019–2020 at the Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences, South-Estonia. The aim of this study was to estimate traits of red and white currant cultivars of both Estonian and introduced origin. An evaluation plot was established in the autumn of 2016. During two consecutive years (2019–2020), 11 promising cultivars were evaluated for the beginning of flowering and fruit ripening, winter hardiness, resistance to diseases (expressed in scores 1–9), yield per bush, fruit weight, drop of flowers and premature berries, as well as the content of the soluble solids (°Brix), titratable acids, ascorbic acid, total phenols and total anthocyanins. The highest yield was determined in cultivars ‘Bayana’ and ‘Viksnes’, while cvs. ‘Rovada’, ‘Jonkheer van Tets’, ‘Kurvitsa 4’ and ‘Valko’ had larger berries. The highest soluble solid content was found in the berries of red currant ’Krameri punane’ (13.8 °Brix) and white currant ’Bayana’ (12.4 °Brix).

Morphological, phenological and pomological differentiation of commercial blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth.) cultivars

The genus Rubus is one of the most diverse in morphological and genetic terms, presenting a wide spectrum of wild and cultivated species that are desired for their edible fruits. In Ecuador, the cultivation of blackberry (R. glaucus and Rubus sp.) is presented along the inter-Andean alley, between 2,000 and 3,100 meters above sea level. This fruit is an economically important crop because of its high demand for fresh and processed consumption. This research was carried out at the Tumbaco Experimental Farm of INIAP (Ecuador) with the objective of finding characters to differentiate morphologically, phenologically and pomologically four cultivars of blackberry (Castilla, Andimora, Colombiana and Brazos). Three clusters (C) were formed by multivariate analysis. The cultivars Andimora and Colombiana (C3) do not have thorns, unlike Castilla (C2) and Brazos (C1), which have thorns. Colombiana was the earliest cultivar (161 days from sprouting to harvest) and Castilla the latest (186 days). Brazos had the highest fruit weight (5.85 g). Andimora had the highest soluble solids content (11.86 °Brix) and firm fruit. The differentiating characters observed in this study allow establishing parameters of distinction among the cultivars currently grown in Ecuador.

Early-Summer Deficit Irrigation Increases the Dry-Matter Content and Enhances the Quality of Ambrosia™ Apples At- and Post-Harvest

Ambrosia™ is an apple that naturally has limited post-harvest quality retention, which is accompanied by relatively low dry-matter content (DMC). This trial was proposed to improve the DMC of this apple by scheduling deficit irrigation (DI) conducted in a semi-arid orchard in the Similkameen Valley (British Columbia, Canada) in 2018 and 2019. Two irrigation regimes were implemented in the orchard: commercial irrigation (CI) and DI, which was defined as irrigation for 2/5 of the timespan of CI. Five irrigation treatments were conducted: 1—adequate irrigation (AI), which used CI for the whole season; 2—early-summer DI (ED), which used DI from 20 June to 20 July; 3—middle-summer DI (MD), which used DI from 20 July to 20 August; 4—late-summer DI (LD), which used DI from 20 August to 10 days before harvest; and 5—double-period DI (DD), which covered the interval of MD and LD. The DI treatments resulted in a significant decrease from AI −1.0 to −1.5 MPa in stem water potential (SWP), followed by subsequent recovery. Conversely, SWP did not recover, and instead reached a critical low of −2.5 MPa under continued deficit conditions (DD). This, in turn, correlated with significant differences in the DMC among the treatments. Specifically, ED resulted in a rapid and sustained increase in DMC throughout the summer. At the time of harvest, ED resulted in a five-fold increase in the proportion of fruit, with greater than 16% DMC and 15% DMC in 2018 and 2019, respectively, compared to AI. DD resulted in similar levels of DMC elevation compared to ED, but also caused irregular maturation and the increased incidence of soft scald disorder in the post-harvest period. MD and LD had variable effects on DMC, and also increased the incidence of soft scald disorder. Consequently, fruit collected from the ED resulted in the best blush color attributes, higher soluble solid content, and a significant improvement in the post-harvest retention of both fruit firmness and acidity. The ED irrigation model would be recommended as a practical way for Ambrosia™ growers in semi-arid regions to decrease water usage, and to ensure high fruit quality for superior marketing and sustainable production.

Improving Peach Fruit Quality Traits Using Deficit Irrigation Strategies in Southern Tunisia Arid Area.

The peach (Prunus persica L.) is one of Tunisia’s major commercial fruit crops and is considered one of the biggest water consumers of all crops. In warm and arid areas of southern Tunisia, irrigation is necessary to ensure orchard longevity and high yield and fruit quality. Nevertheless, under water-scarcity conditions and low water quality, water management should rely on efficient deficit irrigation strategies. In this study, sustained deficit irrigation (DI) and partial root-zone drying (PRD50) at 50% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were evaluated for their impact on the primary and secondary metabolites of the peach fruit of early cultivar Flordastar grown in the Tataouine region. A full irrigation (FI) treatment at 100%, etc., was used as a control treatment. Color, dry-matter content, firmness, organic acids, sugars, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, β-carotene and minerals were assessed on harvested mature fruits. Dry-matter content and firmness increased significantly under DI and PRD50 (13% and 15.5%). DI fruit had the highest soluble-solid content (SSC), reaching Brix values of 14.3°. Fruit sorbitol and sucrose contents were not affected by Di and PRD50. Higher glucose in fruit juice was observed in PRD50 (23%) and DI (21.5%) compared to FI, which had the highest malic acid content (33.5–37%). Quinic and citric acids decreased with DI and PRD50, while almost all individual phenolic compounds increased with deficit irrigation. Hydroxycinnamates and anthocyanins were significantly higher in fruits harvested from DI and PRD50 treatments. Proanthocyanidins (catechin and epicatechin) were only improved by DI, while flavone compounds and vitamin C were not affected by irrigation restrictions. β-carotene was higher in fruits yielded under FI (0.71 mg/100 g DM) than DI and PRD50 (0.21–0.43 mg/100 g DM). Macro- and micronutrients significantly increased in DI and PRD50 fruit. A significant difference between DI and PRD50 fruits was observed for Zn and Fe concentrations. This research highlights the positive impact of reduced irrigation on bioactive-fruit quality attributes and the suitability of PRD50 and DI as tools for irrigation management in arid areas of southern Tunisia, contributing to water-saving in orchards and the improvement of fruit commercial value.

The influence of cultivation system and modified atmosphere packaging on quality attributes of tomato fruit during cold storage

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the effects of cultivation system (organic and conventional) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on quality characteristics and bioactive compounds of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Şencan 9) stored in cold storage conditions, at 8°C ± 0.5°C and 90% ± 5% relative humidity, for 21 days. At the end of the cold storage period, lower weight loss and respiration rates were measured in the organically produced fruit compared with the fruit produced in the conventional production system. On day 14 and 21 of storage, higher firmness was measured in the conventional- and organic-MAP treatments and in the conventional-unwrap treatment than in the organic-unwrap treatment. On day 7, L* and hue angle measured in organic-MAP were significantly higher than in the other treatments. At the end of the cold storage period, higher soluble solids content, vitamin C, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were recorded for the organic tomatoes, compared with the conventionally grown fruit. The highest and lowest concentrations of total flavonoids and antioxidant activity were determined in organic-MAP and conventional-unwrap treatments, respectively. In conclusion, it was shown that the quality of the tomatoes grown in the organic production system and stored in MAP maintained higher quality characteristics during the cold storage period.

Preparation and characterization of natamycin-incorporated agar film and its application on preservation of strawberries

This study investigated the preparation and characterization of Natamycin-incorporated agar film and its antimicrobial effect on preserve quality of fresh strawberries. Natamycin-incorporated agar films were prepared by solvent casting method and characterized in mechanical, optical, water swelling, and barrier properties. Antimicrobial activity of the films and their preservative effects on strawberries stored at 4 °C and 20 °C were also assessed. As natamycin amount increased (0%, 0.33%, 0.66%, 0.99%, 1.33%, w/w of dry film), the antimicrobial activity of the film increased with inhibition zone of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae from 0 cm to approximate 28 cm, while there was no significant effect on water vapor permeability and swelling degree. On the other hand, with the increase of natamycin, tensile strength of the film declined (from 17.61 to 14.94 MPa), while oxygen permeability enhanced from 0.161 to 0.585 × 10−15 cm3 cm/cm2 s Pa. Furthermore, the natamycin can be released quickly from antimicrobial films within 2 days under aqueous solution in accordance with fick’s law. Along with the addition of natamycin, light transmittance of antimicrobial films trends to decrease whereas the haze and total color difference of film increase significantly. Compared to control group, fungal colony number of strawberry packaged in antimicrobial film was reduced by 0.51 and 1.05 log cfu g−1 at 4 °C and 20 °C, respectively. The strawberries packaged by antimicrobial film retained high total soluble solid content with higher hardness of 61.89% and 54.47% at 4 °C and 20 °C, respectively at the end of storage. Moreover, strawberries packaged with the natamycin-incorporated film showed lower rate of water loss during storage (1.43% and 7.66% at 4 °C and 20 °C, respectively). The obtained results indicate that natamycin-incorporated agar film could be used as environment-friendly packaging alternative to preserve perishable fresh produce and extend their shelf lives by means of antimicrobial activity and other merits.

Effects of different plant growth regulators on the pod setting, aborted seed, nutrient, and vitamin C content in okra using flower ovary injection

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of different concentration of indole acetic acid (IAA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on okra pod setting and size, soluble solids content (SSC), vitamin C and mineral contents using flower ovary injection method. The fruit set significantly increased in IAA and GA3 compared to the NAA at 100mg/L concentration. NAA had lower fruit setting than the IAA and GA3 treated plant. The higher pod (fruit) size was obtained in GA3 (18.8 cm²) as compared to the IAA (8.98) and NAA (8.72 cm²) at 100 (mg/L) of concentration. Moreover, the highest SSC was obtained by 100 mg/L of IAA concentration as compared to the GA3 and NAA. The maximum vitamin C was found in IAA and GA3 as compared to 100 mg/L NAA concentration. On the other hand, the higher mineral contents like K, Ca, Mg, Na and Fe was found in 100 mg/L IAA and GA3 concentrations than 100 mg/L NAA concentration. The higher concentrations (100 and 200 mg/L) of IAA and NAA greatly decreased the healthy seed percentage as compared to the lower concentration. However, GA3 increased the healthy seed percentage at 50 and 100 mg/L then decreased at 200 mg/L concentration. Aborted seed percent was increased from 25-100mg/L IAA and NAA and then decreased at 200 mg/L. however it was found increasing trend from 25-200mg/L GA3 concentration. It seemed that GA3 and IAA were better growth regulator as compared to the NAA for okra pod production and development of nutrient content.

Analysis of mechanism regulating high total soluble solid content in the parthenocarpic tomato fruit induced by pat-k gene

Total soluble solid (TSS) in tomatoes is an important trait that affects consumer's preference. Previous studies have observed high TSS content in parthenocarpic tomato fruits induced by a parthenocarpic gene, pat-k. However, the mechanisms regulating high TSS content remain unknown. Hence, we have investigated the water content, metabolites involved with high TSS content, and gene expression related to starch synthesis in tomato fruits to elucidate the mechanism regulating high TSS content. We have found that independent of fruit water content, parthenocarpic fruits induced by pat-k had higher TSS content than pollinated fruits on Pat-k homozygous plants. Additionally, metabolome analysis of mature fruits has revealed that fructose influenced the difference in TSS content between pollinated fruits on Pat-k homozygous plants and the parthenocarpic fruits on pat-k homozygous plants. Furthermore, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that not only fructose contents but also glucose contents were higher in the parthenocarpic fruits on pat-k homozygous plants than pollinated fruits on Pat-k homozygous plants, suggesting that increases in these sugar contents influenced the high TSS content in the pat-k-induced parthenocarpic fruits. We also have found that parthenocarpic fruits had high starch content and upregulated Sus4, which is involved in starch synthesis, during the early stages of fruit development. Since previous reports have suggested that high starch content during the early stages of fruit development attributed to high sugar content in mature tomato fruits, our results suggest that high accumulation of starch in young fruits could be involved with high TSS content in parthenocarpic fruits induced by pat-k.

Bud position influence the fruit quality attributes of three blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) cultivars

Blueberry farming can be considered an excellent alternative to diversify the family income. In addition, the fruits have several health benefits thanks to the presence of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, however blueberries chemical composition is affected by edaphoclimatic conditions and bud position within the shoot. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of the bud position on the total phenolic content, anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, and other quality parameters of blueberry fruits of three cultivars (Climax, Bluegem, and Powderblue) grown in the mesoregion of Pelotas, Brazil. Fruits of these cultivars were harvested from three shoot position. The fruits were evaluated for their total soluble solids content, pH, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids/total titratable acidity ratio, fruit color, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant potential against the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical. The bud position in the shoots influenced the physicochemical parameters of the blueberry fruits of all cultivars. Fruits harvested from apical levels had higher content of soluble solids, pH, phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant potential, demonstrating that studies aiming at evaluating fruits from different shoot levels are important, as they directly impact the quality of the fruits as well as their biological potentials.

Mango dry matter content at harvest to achieve high consumer quality of different cultivars in different growing seasons

Dry matter content (DMC) at harvest has been shown to be highly correlated with soluble solids content (SSC), which determines consumer acceptance of ripe mango. However, studies are required to evaluate the stability of the relationship among DMC x SSC x consumer acceptance for different mango cultivars under different climatic/seasonal growing conditions. The hypothesis of our study was that the minimum mango DMC required to achieve high consumer quality and acceptance is highly affected by the cultivar and climatic/seasonal growing conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the fruit DMC at harvest required to achieve high consumer quality and acceptance for ‘Palmer’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes produced during the summer and winter growing seasons in the São Francisco Valley, Brazil. The DMC of 'Palmer' and 'Tommy Atkins' mangoes linearly increased during the last month before harvest in fruit produced in both growing seasons. During the last month before harvest, the DMC accumulation rates were 4.4 and 5.7 g kg−1 per week in ‘Palmer’ and 8.1 and 8.5 g kg−1 per week in ‘Tommy Atkins’ mangoes produced in the summer and winter, respectively. At harvest, a portable Vis-NIR spectrometer was used to non-destructively determine the DMC of 'Palmer' and 'Tommy Atkins' mangoes that were then grouped into three different DMC categories for each cultivar and season, with ranges from 50 to 80 g kg−1. The fruit were then kept at 12 °C with relative humidity of 90–95% to simulate the shipping conditions, until they reached the ready-to-eat ripeness stage, with flesh firmness ≤ 15 N. The fruit were then subjected to physicochemical and sensory analyses. Higher DMC at harvest results in higher soluble solids content in ripe mangoes. Minimum DMC values at harvest to guarantee that consumers will respond with at least “like moderately” (score of 7 out of 9) in sensory testing of mango fruit were found to be 137 g kg−1 and 145 g kg−1 for ‘Palmer’ and 144 g kg−1 and 153 g kg−1 for ‘Tommy Atkins’ for summer and winter harvests, respectively. The minimum mango DMC required to achieve high consumer quality and acceptance was weakly related to cultivar and climatic/seasonal growing conditions.

Quality Comparison of Naturally and Artificially Ripened ‘Monthong’ Durian (Durio zibethinus) Fruits Harvested at Various Maturity Stages

The effects of artificial and natural ripening approaches on the quality of ‘Monthong’ durians harvested at various maturity stages were investigated. The fruits were harvested at the maturity stages of 110 (~ 80% maturity), 115 (~ 85% maturity) and 120 (~ 90% maturity) days after anthesis (DAA) and were then artifically ripened by smearing ethephon on peduncle cut surfaces, or were allowed to naturally ripen at room temperature (28±2°C). The ripening period and quality of the ripened durians were determined and compared with the tree-ripened durians (130 DAA). The fruits harvested at 110, 115 and 120 DAA fruits were naturally ripened on days 9, 6 and 4, respectively, after harvesting. All fruits treated with ethephon had ripened on 3 days. Durians at more mature stages had higher pulp yellowness and carotenoid content while the ripening approach had no influence on both parameters. Pulp firmness of naturally ripened durians was lower than artifically ripened fruits. The starch content of the130 DAA fruits was high and similar to durians harvested at 120 DAA, after ripening. The tree-ripened durians had the highest soluble solids content (SSC) and total sugars contents (TSC). The values of SSC and TSC of naturally ripened fruits were higher than those of artificially ripened fruits. Durians harvested at more maturity had higher antixodant capapcity compared to yourger durians. Natural ripening induced antioxidants more than artifical ripening. In conclusion, artificial ripening hastened the ripening period, and the quality of 120 DAA durians after ripening was close to that of 130 DAA fruit.

Quality of Different Coloured Tomatoes Depending on the Growing Season

Abstract Tomatoes have been widely used in nutrition, as well as in nutritional medicine. Red tomatoes are used for the treatment of anaemia, they contain the antioxidant lycopene, and the high concentration of organic acids promotes digestion. Yellow tomatoes have valuable amounts of ß-carotene, the pigment that gives orange and yellow tomatoes their colour, and helps to neutralise free radicals that may damage cells. The size of brown tomatoes is smaller than an average tomato, but they are sweeter, due to higher concentration of fructose. Cherry tomatoes are among the smallest tomatoes commercially available, but they are known for being rich in carotenoids, lycopene and phenolic compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate how the concentration of biologically active substances differs depending on the tomato growing season. The study examined four varieties of tomatoes (Bolzano F1 — yellow, Chocomate F1— brown, Encore F1 — red, Strabena F1— red cherry) grown in an industrial greenhouse “Mežvidi” (Latvia) using additional light. The concentration of biologically active substances (lycopene, ß-carotene, total phenolic compounds, and soluble solids) was determined in two vegetation periods — autumn (November) and spring (March). The obtained results showed that tomatoes harvested in autumn contained more biologically active substances than in spring, as many biological processes in plants occur more rapidly at the beginning rather than in the middle or at the end of the vegetation season. Therefore, the concentration of secondary metabolites in tomatoes is higher at the end of the season. In autumn, cherry tomatoes Strabena contained the highest amount of pigments, total phenols, and soluble solids, and therefore the taste index of this variety also was the highest. In spring, pigment concentration was significantly lower (on average by 20–30%), and phenols and soluble solids concentration (oBrix) was not significantly lower — on average by 2–4%. Of the large-fruit tomatoes, at the beginning of vegetation season (autumn), the highest amounts of pigments were in red tomatoes (Encore) — lycopene concentration 4.63 ± 0.04 mg·100 g−1; yellow tomatoes Bolzano were rich in phenolic compounds — 128.46 ± 3.25 GAE mg·100−1, and brown tomatoes Chocomate had the highest soluble solids concentration — 4.48 ± 0.05 oBrix. In spring, the concentration of biologically active substances was lower on average by 10–15%, regardless of the colour and variety of the tomato.

Quality testing of new Hungarian apple cultivars in normal atmosphere storage

Apples are a broadly devoured, rich wellspring of phytochemicals with many health benefits. Thus, the quality of new apple varieties should be of a high standard to please consumers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the postharvest quality of eight apple cultivars, which were picked at different times and stored for two months before chemical component analysis. Results of the study showed significant differences among studied cultivars. Cultivar ‘Isolda’ showed a high regular fruit shape index, rich in total soluble solids content with a favorable ratio of total soluble solids content and acidity. While ‘Damra’ had a high total soluble solids content as well as pectin content. Regarding three different picking times, there was also a variation among studied apples. It can be said that these apple cultivars are suitable for fresh consumption due to their high quality. Novelty impact statement To please consumers the quality of apples should be kept high. The finding of this study revealed that new Hungarian apple cultivars showed high quality due to the high total soluble solid content, acidity, and pectin, which makes them more suitable for consumption.

Caracterização morfológica e físico-química de frutos em populações naturais de Hancornia speciosa

This study aimed to morphologically characterize three natural populations of H. speciosa located in remnant areas of Cerrado in the municipality of Porto Nacional, Tocantins state, Brazil and to study phenotypic variability through physical and chemical attributes of fruits. The studied populations were: Canaã, São Judas Tadeu and Providência. Seven genotypes were selected in each population and twenty fruits of each genotype were collected for analysis. In the fruits were measured: transverse and longitudinal diameter, total mass, number of seeds and fresh seed mass, mass and pulp yield. From the total pulp of each genotype, pH and soluble solids (°Brix) were measured. For morphological characterization, descriptive statistics were performed and the comparison between the populations was performed using the Tukey test at 5% probability. The relationship between the variables was estimated by the Pearson correlation coefficient. For the study of phenotypic variability, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed. The population of São Judas Tadeu stood out for presenting more homogeneous fruits, bigger and with greater mass while the Providência for presenting fruits with higher content of soluble solids (ºBrix) than the other populations. It was possible to observe the trend of formation of groups of similarity involving the genotypes of each population.   

Agronomic performance of rootstocks on the juice grape ‘BRS Magna’ grown in a Brazilian semi-arid region

Abstract Rootstocks are widely used in viticulture worldwide and can affect the yield components and quality of grapes and their juices and wines. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the rootstock on the yield performance and physical and physical-chemical traits of ‘BRS Magna’ juice grapes grown in the Submédio do Vale do São Francisco. The study was performed over six production cycles in the period from 2015 to 2019 in the Bebedouro experimental field of Embrapa Semiárido in Petrolina, PE, Brazil. The treatments consisted of seven grapevine rootstocks: IAC 572, IAC 766, IAC 313, Paulsen 1103, SO4, Harmony, and Freedom. The following variables were evaluated: estimated yield, number of grape bunches per plant, branch and leaf fresh matter, bunch weight, bunch length and width, berry weight, total soluble solids content (SS), titratable acidity (TA), and SS to TA ratio (SS:TA). Significant effects of the rootstock were observed in all the variables except for SS. The rootstock ‘IAC 572’ led to increases of up to 61% in the yield of ‘BRS Magna’ grapevines, or 32.78 ton.ha-1, with significant responses in the other yield components. Results of the scatterplot in relation to the first three principal components allowed separation of the rootstocks in accordance with production cycles. The mean values for SS and TA characterize this cultivar in the Vale do Submédio São Francisco, with high soluble solids content and low acidity resulting in high SS:TA, as having potential for preparation of high quality juices, regardless of the rootstock used.

Evaluation of new Turkish apricot genetic resources from the Irano-Caucasian eco-geographical group

This study presents 19 characters of 86 apricot cultivars and genotypes of the Irano- Caucasian eco-geographical group evaluated using principal component analysis. The high variability and differences among the apricot genotypes in terms of morphological, phenological and fruit quality traits were defined. The fruit size of the genotypes was generally very small (9.3 %) or small (43.0 %), the total rate of big and very big fruit genotypes was only 16.3%. The data showed that 90.1 % of the genotypes had yellow ground fruit colour, 88.4% had sweet kernel and 65% had firmness ?5 kg/cm2. About half of the apricot genotypes have 20% or high total soluble solids content. Most of the genotypes (67.3%) were harvested in mid-season and other genotypes (23.3%) were harvested early, while 4.7% of them were harvested very late, 3.5 % of the genotypes late. Only one genotype (1.2%) was harvested very early. The fruit size was highly correlated with fruit weight, pit weight and fruit flesh/pit rate. The same correlation was also observed between the fruit ground colour and fruit flesh colour. On the other hand, the total soluble solids were moderately correlated with fruit flesh firmness and seed taste. The results of the principal component analysis show that the 55% of the total variation is represented for the first three main components (22.9, 19.8, and 12.3%, respectively). The germplasm presented a large variation in the evaluated characters and most of the genotypes were found having high total soluble solids and low titratable acidity which would be beneficial for future breeding programs held to improve the related characters.

Temporal Gene Expression in Apical Culms Shows Early Changes in Cell Wall Biosynthesis Genes in Sugarcane.

Multiple genes in sugarcane control sucrose accumulation and the biosynthesis of cell wall components; however, it is unclear how these genes are expressed in its apical culms. To better understand this process, we sequenced mRNA from +1 stem internodes collected from four genotypes with different concentrations of soluble solids. Culms were collected at four different time points, ranging from six to 12-month-old plants. Here we show differentially expressed genes related to sucrose metabolism and cell wall biosynthesis, including genes encoding invertases, sucrose synthase and cellulose synthase. Our results showed increased expression of invertases in IN84-58, the genotype with lower sugar and higher fiber content, as well as delayed expression of secondary cell wall-related cellulose synthase for the other genotypes. Interestingly, genes involved with hormone metabolism were differentially expressed across time points in the three genotypes with higher soluble solids content. A similar result was observed for genes controlling maturation and transition to reproductive stages, possibly a result of selection against flowering in sugarcane breeding programs. These results indicate that carbon partitioning in apical culms of contrasting genotypes is mainly associated with differential cell wall biosynthesis, and may include early modifications for subsequent sucrose accumulation. Co-expression network analysis identified transcription factors related to growth and development, showing a probable time shift for carbon partitioning occurred in 10-month-old plants.

Fruit Quality Indicators of Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) Cultivars Bred in Ukraine

Abstract As a result of the evaluation of the physical and biochemical quality indicators of the fruit of thirteen apple cultivars of Ukrainian breeding, it was found that the fruits of ‘Teremok’, ‘Skifs’ke Zoloto’, ‘Amulet’, ‘Perlyna Kyieva’, ‘Harant’, ‘Edera’, ‘Radohost’, ‘Todes’ and ‘Askol’da’ are characterized by high stability of market traits based on the maximum diameter of the equatorial dimension, which varies depending on the cultivar, from 70 mm to 78 mm. The firmness of the fruit flesh of the evaluated cultivars in the harvest maturity was over 7.0 kg·cm−2 but in ‘Solomiya’ and ‘Dmiana’ this indicator was 11.1 kg·cm−2. The fruits of ‘Harant’ and ‘Todes’ were distinguished by a high dry matter content (over 18%). The highest content of soluble solids (14.5%) was accumulated in the fruits of ‘Dmiana’, and the maximum amount of sugars (11.6%) in the fruit of the ‘Ornament’. The fruits of ‘Teremok’, ‘Skifs’ke Zoloto’, ‘Amulet’, ‘Edera’, ‘Perlyna Kyieva’, ‘Kateryna’ and ‘Dmiana’ were characterized by excellent taste quality based on the values of the sugar-acid index (20–25). In the fruits of ‘Kateryna’, ‘Dmiana’ and ‘Solomiya’, a stable pectin content (over 1%) was found. The fruits of ‘Harant’ accumulated a high content of ascorbic acid (11.5 mg·100 g−1 of fresh weight), while ‘Kateryna’, ‘Radohost’, ‘Solomiya’ and ‘Askol’da’ contained over 240 mg·100 g−1 of fresh weight of polyphenols. According to the complex of the quality indices, the fruits of ‘Teremok’, ‘Skifs’ke Zoloto’, ‘Perlyna Kyieva’, ‘Askol’da’ and ‘Dmiana’ were distinguished by high commercial value and excellent consumption properties. The fruits of ‘Kateryna’, ‘Ornament’, ‘Dmiana’ and ‘Solomiya’ were characterized by stable carbohydrate content, while ‘Harant’ and ‘Askol’da’ by a stable high content of ascorbic acid and polyphenols, respectively.

MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON PRODUCTION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL TRAITS OF FRUITS OF CONVENTIONALLY AND ORGANICALLY GROWN FIG1

ABSTRACT Fig (Ficus carica L.) is widely accepted due to its organoleptic and pharmacological properties. Search for innovations to improve the crop management has increased to reduce environmental impacts and improve the organoleptic quality and food safety of the fruits. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of fertilization methods and plant training systems on the production and physicochemical traits of fig. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design in a 5 × 4 factorial scheme, with three blocks and three plants per plot. The factors corresponded to five fertilizers (chemical, cattle manure, sheep manure, poultry litter, and organic compost) and four training systems (two branches, three branches, four branches, and espalier). Results showed that, when using chemical fertilizer and poultry litter, plants showed similar productivity and number of fruits, which had similar firmness, length, and peel color (L and °h). The highest production and number of immature fruits were obtained using cattle manure. Soluble solids content and soluble solids content/ titratable acidity ratio were higher in fruits from plants fertilized with cattle manure, sheep manure, and organic compost. On the other hand, plants trained with three and four branches or in espalier produced fruits with the highest soluble solids content and weight. Also, heavier fruits were obtained using chemical fertilization and conducting plants with two, three, and four branches.