Higher Brix Values Research Articles

Pengaruh Suhu Ekstraksi dan Kecepatan Pengadukan terhadap Karakteristik Crude Ekstrak Stevia

Stevia is a natural sweetener that is 250-300 times sweeter than sucrose and is low in calories. Stevia sweeteners are obtained from the extraction of stevia leaves. This study aims to determine the effects of temperature and stirring speed on the characteristics of crude stevia extract (yield, brix value, and IR spectrum). Maceration extraction was conducted with 70% ethanol for 1 hour, varying the temperature (28 ℃, 40 ℃, 55 ℃) and stirring speed (0 rpm, 50 rpm, 100 rpm, 150 rpm). The results showed that a temperature of 40 ℃ produced the highest yield at each stirring speed. The yield increased with the increase in stirring speed at each extraction temperature. The highest brix value was obtained at 55 ℃ and a stirring speed of 150 rpm. The IR spectrum results showed that the functional groups in the crude stevia extract were almost identical to those in commercial stevia.

Study on the Effect of Foliar Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of V108 Heat-Tolerant Cucumber Variety

This study evaluates the efficacy of various foliar fertilizers on the growth and yield of the heat-tolerant cucumber variety TV108. The experimental design included six different foliar fertilizers and a control, with applications made weekly at a concentration of 1 mL per liter of water. Results showed that all foliar treatments significantly enhanced plant height compared to the control. Among these, Treatment T4 (ATONIK foliar fertilizer) demonstrated the most pronounced effect, achieving a main stem height of 216.57 cm by the 70th day, which was significantly higher than other treatments and the control. Treatment T4 also excelled in increasing stem diameter, with a final measurement of 1.48 cm, and in promoting both male and female flower formation. The fruit set rate was highest in Treatment T4, reaching 28.67% on day 56 and maintaining at 8.67% by day 70. This treatment also proved most effective in reducing the incidence of key diseases and pests, including powdery mildew, white mold, green worms, and yellow beetles. Regarding yield, Treatment T4 produced the highest individual fruit yield (2.32 kg/plant), actual yield (33.8 tons/ha), and theoretical yield (84.91 tons/ha). Additionally, it enhanced fruit quality, as indicated by the largest fruit length (15.22 cm), diameter (4.13 cm), and the highest Brix value (3.50%). These results substantiate that Treatment T4 is the most effective foliar fertilizer for enhancing both growth and quality of heat-tolerant cucumbers under experimental conditions.

Physicochemical characterization, chemical composition and antioxidant activities of pyroligneous acids from cocktails of wood and agricultural residues from Ivory Coast

Physical, chemical characterization and antioxidant activities were assessed on six pyroligneous acids from four wood cocktails (WCV1, WCV2, WCV3, WCV4) and two types of agricultural residues (PA1, PA2) from Ivory Coast. Physical and chemical parameters of pyroligneous extracts were determined using a density meter, refractometer, pH meter, colorimetric titration, drying and sensory test. WCV2 alone simultaneously met all the standards set by the Japanese Pyroligneous Liquor Association, with a distinct smoky odour, a clear light-brown color, a pH of around 3, a density in the 1.010–1.020 g/mL range, and an ignition residue content of less than 0.2 %. In addition, WCV3, blackish in colour, had the highest Brix value (9) with a lower moisture content than the others (89.92 %), thus reflecting a high soluble tar content. Furthermore, all pyroligneous liquids had a high moisture content (89.92–99.08 %) and a low total acid content (0.90–2.10 %) compared with the literature. However, the results of GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of major compounds such as acetic acid, propionic acid, phenol, guaiacol and 3-methylphenol in the organic phase of pyroligneous extracts. FTIR analysis identified alkaloids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the aqueous phase of pyroligneous extracts. The presence of these compounds was confirmed by a phytochemical screening test. Finally, antioxidant activities with DPPH and ABTS methods showed that WCV2 had the best antioxidant properties due to its high guaiacol and syringol content. On the other hand, WCV3 showed a good antioxidant efficacy only by the DPPH method, probably due to its high flavonoid content.

Multi-year field trials provide a massive repository of trait data on a highly diverse population of tomato and uncover novel determinants of tomato productivity.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a prominent fruit with rich genetic resources for crop improvement. By using a phenotype-guided screen of over 7900 tomato accessions from around the world, we identified new associations for complex traits such as fruit weight and total soluble solids (Brix). Here, we present the phenotypic data from several years of trials. To illustrate the power of this dataset we use two case studies. First, evaluation of color revealed allelic variation in phytoene synthase 1 that resulted in differently colored or even bicolored fruit. Secondly, in view of the negative relationship between fruit weight and Brix, we pre-selected a subset of the collection that includes high and low Brix values in each category of fruit size. Genome-wide association analysis allowed us to detect novel loci associated with total soluble solid content and fruit weight. In addition, we developed eight F2 biparental intraspecific populations. Furthermore, by taking a phenotype-guided approach we were able to isolate individuals with high Brix values that were not compromised in terms of yield. In addition, the demonstration of novel results despite the high number of previous genome-wide association studies of these traits in tomato suggests that adoption of a phenotype-guided pre-selection of germplasm may represent a useful strategy for finding target genes for breeding.

Effect of foliar application of amino acid, humic acid and fulvic acid on the oil content and quality of olive

Olives are evergreen trees with a low growth rate that are cultivated in semi-tropical climates. The biochemical properties of three olive cultivars were explored under the foliar application of amino and organic acids in a two-factor factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Rudbar County, Iran. The first factor was assigned to olive cultivar (‘Zard’, ‘Arbequina’, and ‘Manzanilla’) and the second factor to the foliar application of organic acids at 9 levels of control, arginine, glutamine, humic acid, fulvic acid, arginine + humic acid, arginine + fulvic acid, glutamine + humic acid, and glutamine + fulvic acid. The recorded traits included the Brix value, content of oil, protein, chlorophyll, carotenoid, anthocyanins, phenols, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The Results showed that cv. ‘Zard’ had the highest Brix value, fruit protein content, carotenoid, anthocyanins, and phenols, and cv. ‘Arbequina’ had the highest oil fraction. The Results of the simple effects of organic acids revealed that the trees treated with arginine + humic acid had the highest fruit protein content and total chlorophyll, and those treated with humic acid had the highest anthocyanin and phenol contents. Data on the interaction of ‘cultivar × organic acids’ showed that ‘Arbequina × glutamine’ had the highest oil content, ‘Manzanilla × fulvic acid’ and ‘Manzanilla × glutamine + fulvic acid’ had the highest fruit protein content, ‘Zard × humic acid’ had the highest phenol content, ‘Arbequina × arginine’ had the highest superoxide dismutase activity, and ‘Arbequina × glutamine + fulvic acid’ had the highest peroxidase activity. Finally, it can be concluded that Arbequina cultivar produced the most oil when foliar sprayed with glutamine.

Physical-chemical characterization and sensory evaluation of coffees submitted to different post-harvest processing

Coffee is one of the agricultural products whose processing requires special attention, in order to maintain its qualities preserved, in the post-harvest, different grain patterns can be obtained due to the adoption of techniques and the use of equipment that enable the separation of fruits by maturation stage, thus enabling the formation of more homogeneous coffee batches when compared to the coffee batch without this separation (fruit mixture). The chemical composition of the coffee bean depends on genetic and environmental factors and pre and post-harvest management conditions. The presentwork aimed to characterize the physical-chemical attributes of the different coffee patterns obtained during the post-harvest of the fruits. Thirteen patterns were obtained, being: mix of dried fruits in high wind, mix of dried fruits in low wind, more mature green, natural float, natural raisin, float, natural cane green, natural ripe, natural ripe fermenting in water, natural ripe dried fermented, peeled, ripe peeled and pulped, in three random repetitions. The evaluated attributes were: Brix, total titratable acidity, pH, and ash content. The Natural Mature (MN) treatment was the best processing evaluated, as it provided the highest Brix value and the lowest titratable acidity value. The mature peeled, pulped mature, and natural mature treatments showed better sensory values, so they are recommended for post-harvest management to obtain a good drink quality.

The Potential of Ethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum in Sub-Saharan Africa as Affected by Variety and Sowing Time

Renewable bio-energy is receiving worldwide importance in view of depleting fossil energy. Research works on sorghum as bio-fuel crop in sub-Saharan Africa are meager. The study aimed to investigate the potential of sweet sorghum for ethanol production from stem-juice. The experiment was conducted in Sudan, Khartoum State, during 2016-2017. Forty local and exotic sweet sorghum varieties arranged in RCB Design were investigated under irrigated conditions across three sowing times. Yields of cane, juice, sugar, ethanol and related attributes were studied. Highly significant differences (P=.01) were detected among varieties and interaction with sowing time. Ethanol yield potentials for some varieties were comparable to those reported in India and USA (1162-1416 L ha-1). High brix values (20-22%) and cane yields (45-51 ha-1) were encountered. Juice yield was low (3673-13743 L ha-1) probably due to reduced milling efficiency. The exotic materials performed better than the local ones in theoretical ethanol productivity and related attributes other than cane yield. Eight exotic and five local varieties were recommended for ethanol production. None of the Ankolib materials appeared to have notable potential for ethanol production. Interaction of sowing time with variety has great impact on ethanol yield implying the importance of variety option for different sowing times. It was concluded that the study furnished basic data needed for assessing the economic feasibility of ethanol production from irrigated sweet sorghum in sub-Saharan Africa-Sudan.

Hasat Öncesi Sulamayı Sonlandırma Zamanının Damla Yöntemiyle Sulanan Salçalık Domatesin Verim ve Kalitesi Üzerine Etkisi

In this study conducted in 2019 in Bursa conditions, the effects of cutting irrigation water 4 (S1), 8 (S2), 12 (S3) and 16 (S4) days before harvest on tomato yield and quality were investigated in this study conducted on tomato paste Heinz-1015 variety. The experiment was carried out in 3 replications according to the randomized complete block design. The amount of seasonal irrigation water applied to the experimental treatments varied between 317 - 377 mm, the highest evapotranspiration (ET) was determined from S1 with 512 mm and the lowest ET was determined from S4 with 474 mm. The highest yield values were realized in S1 and S2 and the yield values decreased as the last irrigation was cut before harvest increased. The water productivity and irrigation water productivity values of tomatoes varied between 13.1-21.6 kg m-3 and 19.6-30.3 kg m-3, respectively, the highest values were determined in S2 and the lowest in S4 treatment. The highest Brix value in tomato fruits was measured at S4 with 6.53 and it was determined that Brix values decreased as irrigation was done close to harvest. The highest fruit hardness values were 1.13 kg and 0.99 kg from S4 and S3 treatments, respectively. L, a, b, C and h values for fruit color parameters were found to vary between 36.93-37.60, 36.37-38.40, 25.73-26.90, 44.33-46.30, 33.93-36.00, respectively. It is concluded that processing tomato is sensitive to the amount of irrigation water and time of cessation of irrigation before harvest, and if the last irrigation application is cut eight days before harvest, it leads to an improvement in quality parameters without a significant decrease in yield.

Evaluation of the general combining ability of S4 cherrytomato selfing lines and growth performance of the S5 lines

The study aimed to determine the suitable cherry tomato lines for using as a hybrid material production. Experiments were arranged in sequence without repeating. The results from estimating the General Combining Ability (GCA) of 25 tomato S4 selfing lines showed that ten S4 lines (D3.4; D10.4; D11.4; D12.4; D14.4; D15.4; D17.4; D19.4; D21.4 and D25.4) performed high GCA values based on the practical yield characteristic. Ten tomato S5 selfing lines were characterized by yielding 41.49 - 50.57 tons per ha, red ripened fruit, high brix values of 6.9 - 8.1% and medium resistance to Phytophthora infestans disease. In brief, those tomato lines could be a suitable material source for the production of F1 - hybrid tomatoes

RESEARCH ON THE PROCESS OF PRODUCING PASTEURIZED BEVERAGE FROM IMPERATA CYLINDRICAL BEAUV ROOT

The process of Imperata cylindrical Beauv root beverage was studied for making the best quality and shelf-life of products, diversifying herbal beverage products and being beneficial to health. The results showed that: Imperata cylindrical Beauv roots were treated at the temperature of 100°C with 40gin 02 liter watermass that brought a good sensory and high Brix value 2,05±0,04 for products. The products were mixed with 9°Brixby rock-sugar and 0,03% citric acid. Pasteurization products packing in glass bottles at the temperature was 90°C and P-values was 5 minutes, respectiveli. With the above treatment conditions, Imperata cylindrical Beauv roots beverage made products unchanged in flavor, yield good quality, microbiological safety and be preserved for a long time.

Evaluation of crop water stress index on Royal table grape variety under partial root drying and conventional deficit irrigation regimes in the Mediterranean Region

This research was conducted during 2009, 2010 and 2012 growing seasons in the experimental vineyard of the Department of Horticulture at Cukurova University in Adana located in the Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey on 12 years old Royal table grape variety to evaluate the crop water stress index under various deficit and partial rootzone drying irrigation strategies applied with drip system. In the study, six different treatments were considered; namely full irrigation (FI), deficit irrigations (DI-75 and DI-50), partial rootzone drying (PRD-75 and PRD-50) and rainfed (RF). In FI soil water deficit in the 80cm within the seven-day intervals was replenished to the field capacity. DI-75, DI-50, and PRD-75, PRD-50 treatments received 75 and 50% of water applied to FI. In PRD plots, drip laterals on both sides of the vine rows operated alternately. Experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications. Canopy temperatures were measured throughout the growing season with an infrared thermometer, and vapor pressure deficit of air was used for calculating the crop water stress index (CWSI). Lower and upper limits of basic graphic, which is necessary to CWSI calculation, were developed for grapevine. The effect of irrigation treatments on yield, vine growth and juice quality differred significantly among the treatments. Highest yield was obtained from the full irrigation (FI) as 30.2tha−1, and the lowest yield was obtained from the RF treatment as 14.2tha−1. PRD vines exhibited a stronger control over vegetative growth as compared with DI and FI plants. This was expressed by lower values of total leaf area at harvest. Higher water use efficiency (WUE) was observed in RF and PRD-75 treatments while the lowest WUE was obtained from DI-50 treatment. Results showed significant differences in grape quality components among treatments and seasons studied. The highest brix value was obtained in RF while the lowest brix value was from the FI treatment. Three years seasonal average CWSI values ranged from 0.20 in FI to 0.77 in RF. Significant linear relations were found between yield and CWSI in three experimental years. The results revealed that Royal variety should be irrigated when average CWSI value is approximately 0.20 for high yield. According to the experimental findings, PRD-75 application with water savings as compared to full irrigation might be a suitable strategy for irrigation under water scarcity.

نوشیدنی لیموترش فراسودمند و رژیمی، پایدارسازی و بررسی خصوصیات فیزیکوشیمیایی و حسی

نوشیدنی لیموترش با فرمولاسیون های مختلف حاوی شکر (0، 6 و 12 درصد)، استویا (0، 02/0 و 04/0 درصد) و زانتان (0، 18/0 و 26/0 درصد) تهیه گردید. همچنین به‌منظور پوشاندن پس طعم تلخ استویا، ترکیب فراسودمند اینولین به میزان 5/0 درصد به فرمولاسیون اضافه شد. در این تحقیق، جهت معلق کردن ذرات جامد پالپ و رسیدن به پایداری مطلوب از روش ژل مایع استفاده شد. ساختار ژل مایع، با افزودن محلول داغ هیدروکلوئید زانتان حین هم زنی به محلول نیمه‌رقیق شده نوشیدنی لیموترش تهیه شد. رفتار جریانی و توزیع اندازه ی ذرات مورد آزمون قرار گرفت. تنش تسلیم پویای نمونه ها محاسبه گردید و پایداری ذرات پالپ در نوشیدنی لیموترش با استفاده از تعیین نیروهای وارده بر ذره پیش بینی شد .زانتان با تأثیر قابل توجه بر رفتار جریانی نوشیدنی لیموترش در نرخ های برش پایین ویسکوزیته ی ظاهری بالایی ایجاد نمود. در نمونه های حاوی زانتان، تنش تسلیم مشاهده شد و با روش برون یابی بر اساس مدل هرشل بالکلی مقدار آن اندازه گیری شد. محاسبات معلق سازی بر پایه ی تنش تسلیم انجام شد که با نتایج مشاهده شده ی پایداری همخوانی داشت. ویژگی های فیزیکوشیمیایی (pH، اسیدیته، خاکستر، بریکس و چگالی)، حسی (ظاهر و طعم) و میکروبی نوشیدنی رژیمی لیموترش مورد بررسی قرار گرفت. با توجه به ویژگی های رئولوژیکی، خواص فیزیکوشیمیایی و حسی نوشیدنی لیموترش، نمونه ی حاوی 6 درصد شکر، 02/0 درصد استویا و 18/0 زانتان به عنوان بهترین فرمولاسیون انتخاب گردید.

Growth habit in mini tomato hybrids from a dwarf line

Few dwarf lines of mini-tomatoes with high Brix values are available for direct use in breeding. Therefore, little is known about the mini-tomatoes hybrids obtained from one dwarf parent, as well as the growth habit when the hybrids are obtained by the crossing of dwarf lines versus normal lines with different growth habits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the type of genetic segregation that occurs when crossing a mini-tomato dwarf line versus normal phenotype lines with indeterminate, determined and semi-determinate growth habit. The plants were grown in the field, which phenotypic measures of growth habit were determined from a cross between a dwarf line with normal lines of different growth habits [determinate, semi-determinate and indeterminate]. These crosses were then used to study inheritance. Confirmation of parent homozygosity (P 1 and P 2 ) and growth habit proportions of F 1 , F 2 , F 1 RC 1 (P 1 ) and F 1 RC 1 (P 2 ), were classified after checking the expected and observed frequencies using the χ² test (F= 0.05). Was concluded that, regardless of the parent growth habit, the hybrids always will show indeterminate growth when they are crossed with the mini-tomato dwarf line of this study. This result stimulates the development of more studies concerning hybrids from dwarf lines, in order to evaluate their agronomic potential.

Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum AK4-11 and different grape varieties on the properties of hardaliye

This article reports the effects of using Lactobacillus plantarum AK4-11 and different grape varieties on some properties of hardaliye. The results showed that grape variety did not have any effect on pH during fermentation period, but using red grapes resulted in higher pH 4.10 in hardaliye after 90 day storage. On the other hand using white grape resulted in higher brix values ranged from 12.90 to 14.00 at the end of the 14th day of fermentation. The colour results indicated that CI and redness values were higher (2.01-2.90 and 41.84-44.50, respectively) and yellowness values were lower (41.71-43.15) in hardaliye samples produced with red grapes. Using red grapes also increased the amount of phenolic compounds in hardaliye samples. Results of this study indicated that using L. plantarum AK4-11 and different grape varieties in hardaliye manufacture affected some quality parameters of hardaliye.

Fruit juice and puree characteristics influence enrichment requirements for real-time PCR detection of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris

Abstract Background Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a key spoilage causing bacterium commonly found in fruit juices and purees. Commercial real-time PCR based assays to detect this organism are available, but reportedly require 48 hours of enrichment for detection. The underlying hypothesis of this study was that fruit juice and puree characteristics influence the enrichment requirements of this organism, and that in some matrices, the organism can be detected within 24 hours even when present at low initial contamination. Thirteen different store-purchased fruit juice and purees were inoculated with 10 CFU/ml of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. The inoculated samples were enriched for 24 and 48 h. Aliquots from the un-enriched, 24 hour, and 48 hour enriched samples were taken, total community DNA extracted, and the real-time PCR assay performed using commercially available kits. Results A. acidoterrestris was detected by real-time PCR within 24 h of enrichment in most matrices (except ketchup and orange concentrate) even from a low starting concentration (10 CFU/ml). Juice and puree samples with high soluble solids contents (i.e. Brix values) required longer incubation periods for lower A. acidoterrestris Ct values. Conclusions The soluble solids (Brix) content of fruit juice and purees influence the enrichment requirements for real-time PCR detection of A. acidoterrestris. Samples with high Brix values should be diluted to reduce the inhibitors of A. acidoterrestris proliferation during enrichment.

통보릿가루를 첨가한 요구르트의 품질특성 및 항산화 활성

본 연구에서는 보릿가루를 발효식품에 이용하고자 Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus와 Streptococcus thermophilussei (1:1:1)등 3종의 혼합균주를 이용하여 탈지분유와 보릿가루로 요구르트를 제조하고 보릿가루첨가량에 따른 요구르트의 품질특성, <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-glucan 분석, 항산화 활성, 관능평가를 측정하였다. 보릿가루를 첨가하지 않은 대조군에 비해 1%와 3% 보릿가루 첨가군에서 pH는 낮았고, 적정산도와 당도는 높았다. 젖산균 수는 대조군에 비해 적었으나 점도는 높았고, 색도의 경우 L값은 낮았고, a값과 b값은 높았다. HPLC에 의한 유기산 분석결과 젖산이 주요 유기산 성분이었으며 3% 보릿가루 첨가군이 대조군에 비하여 높았고 초산의 경우에도 3% 첨가군이 현저한 증가를 나타내었다. <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-Glucan 함량과 항산화 활성은 보릿가루 첨가량이 증가할수록 증가하였으며 관능평가 결과 전반적인 기호도는 3% 보릿가루 첨가군이 대조군과 비슷하였고 보릿가루 첨가량이 증가할수록 기호도는 감소하였으며 연령대별 기호도는 보릿가루첨가에 따른 기능성 향상이라는 점에서 높은 연령대에서의 기호도가 높은 것으로 나타났다. 이와 같은 실험결과 보릿가루는 3% 이하로 첨가하는 것이 바람직한 것으로 판단된다. In this study, a yogurt containing skim milk powder and whole barley flour was fermented with lactic acid bacteria, and its quality and properties were estimated. The yogurts with 1% and 3% barley flour had lower pH values, higher titratable acidity, and higher Brix values than the control. In addition, the viable cell counts were lower and viscosity was higher. The value of L was low, and the values of a and b were high. The yogurt with 3% barley flour had more lactic acid than the control and showed a substantial increase in the amount of acetic acid. <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-Glucan content and antioxidant activity increased with the amount of barley flour added. In sensory evaluation, there was a similar preference for the yogurt with 3% barley flour and the control, and as the barley flour content increased, the preference decreased. Moreover, the preference for the yogurt was higher among old people.

Competitive advantage and tolerance of selected shochu yeast in barley shochu mash

A shochu yeast strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae BAW-6, was previously isolated from Kagoshima yeast strain Ko, and has since been utilized in shochu production. The BAW-6 strain carries pho3/pho3 homozygous genes in contrast to the heterozygous PHO3/pho3 genes in the parental Ko strain. However, absence of the PHO3 gene per se cannot explain the fermentation superiority of BAW-6. Here, we demonstrate the growth advantage of the BAW-6 strain over the Ko strain by competitive cultivation in barley shochu preparation, where alcohol yield and nihonshudo of the former strain were higher than those of the latter strain. In addition, the maximum growth rate of BAW-6 was less affected than that of Ko by high Brix values of barley koji medium, suggesting that BAW-6 is less sensitive to growth inhibitory compounds derived from barley or barley koji. The tolerance of BAW-6 to growth inhibitory compounds, cerulenin and diethylstilbestrol (an H⁺-ATPase inhibitor), was also higher than that of other yeast strains. Consistent with BAW-6's tolerance to diethylstilbestrol in the presence of 8% ethanol (pH 4.5), H⁺-ATPase activity, but not transcription of its gene, was higher in BAW-6 than in Ko. We conclude that the BAW-6 strain is associated with certain gene alterations other than PHO3, such that it can maintain cellular ion homeostasis under conditions of ethanol stress during the latter phase of fermentation.

Effects of harvest date, harvest time, and post-harvest management on quantitative and qualitative traits in seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.)

Seedless barberry is a native medicinal shrub that has been cultivated in Iran for more than two centuries. In order to study the effects of harvest dates, harvest times-of-day, drying and harvest methods on quantity and quality of seedless barberry fruits, three separate experiments were conducted in Soorand, Southern Khorasan province, Iran in 2008 and 2010. In the first experiment the effects of different harvest dates (9 September, 1 October, 22 October and 13 November), in the second experiment five harvest times-of-day (07.00, 10.00, 13.00, 16.00 and 19.00 O’clock) at two dates of harvest (16 September and 17 October) and finally in the third study the effect of picking methods (branch cutting and berry picking) and drying methods (sun drying and shade drying) were studied on quantitative and qualitative indices of seedless barberry. Results showed that the highest fresh and dry fruit yields were obtained at the final harvest date (13 November) in the first experiment. Moreover, the brix, pH and anthocyanin fruit content were increased but total titratable acidity was decreased by delaying in harvest date. Qualitative indices of seedless barberry were in maximum values before sunrise, then were decreased until noon and after that were increased until sunset. The maximum and minimum brix values were obtained at 07.00 and 10.00 (12.7% and 9.7%, respectively). In addition, the highest maturity index and anthocyanin fruit content (mg/100g dry berries) were obtained at 7.00 (3.40 and 128.5, respectively) and the lowest values of these indices were observed at 10.00 (3.03 and 83, respectively). The maximum value of brix (9.8%), total titratable acidity (3.5%), maturity index (2.8) and anthocyanin fruit content (63.5mg/100g dry berries) were observed in berry picking method. Moreover, the highest brix value (9.8%), total titratable acidity (3.6%), maturity index (2.7) and anthocyanin fruit content (72.5mg/100g dry berries) were obtained in the sun drying method. Generally, results of these experiments showed that berry picking in cool hours during the day and sun drying method are effective ways for improving barberry qualitative indices.

Screening Saccharum Barberi and Sinense Accessions for Flood Tolerance and Biomass Production

AbstractThis study evaluated the biomass production potential of Saccharum barberi (Jeswiet) and Saccharum sinense (Roxb. Amend. Jeswiet) accessions under short‐term flooded conditions. Plots were arranged in a completely randomized design with 20 S. sinense and 29 S. barberi accessions, two flood durations with non‐flooded controls and three replications of each treatment. There were no significant flood effects. However, in two individual accessions, ‘China’ and ‘Lu Cane’, sucrose production increased with additional flooding. The plant cane produced larger plants with a greater percentage of fibre and sucrose. Higher Brix values were obtained with the ratoon crop. Brix and fibre were negatively correlated with stem diameter. Stem length in S. barberi was the only physical characteristic that was correlated with sugar factors Brix and optical rotation. S. barberi accessions had high loadings for variables associated with sugar production and stem length, and fibre had moderate loadings for factor 1. Factor 1 explained 35 % of variance in the data. The second principal factor revealed high loadings for variables associated with plant size. Factor 2 explained 30 % of the proportional and together with Factor 1 explained 65 % of the cumulative variance in the data. Several accessions with low sucrose, high plot weight and low fibre were identified. These accessions make attractive selections in breeding for biomass production.

Evaluating Genetic Diversity and Optimizing Parental Selections in a Segregating Table-Grape Population

Classical breeding methods that were developed to enable indirect selection have rarely been applied to grape breeding. These methods involve evaluating genetic diversity for a broad array of traits to determine whether there are strong associations that might allow indirect selection for traits that are difficult or expensive to measure. In order to evaluate these methods and determine which traits were strongly associated, 113 progeny from a cross between D8909-15 ( Vitis rupestris x V. arizonica/girdiana ) x B90-116 ( V. vinifera ) were assayed for 13 traits: number of clusters, leaf morphology, cluster length, peduncle length, number of berries per cluster, weight of 10 berries, seed number, nature of seeds, berry color, Brix, pH, titratable acidity, and anthocyanin content. D8909-15 is a wild source of resistance to Pierce’s disease and the dagger nematode, Xiphinema index , and B90-116 is a large-berried seedless table-grape selection. Multivariate procedures were applied to estimate the genetic divergence among the genotypes. Genetic variability was observed for all traits. The Ward grouping method was able to divide the progeny into 10 separate clusters, some with good yield and high-quality characteristics as well as resistance to dagger nematode and Pierce’s disease. The estimated correlations between the characteristics suggest that selection of genotypes with good productivity (number of clusters), high Brix values, moderate pH and acidity, and few seeds is possible. Principal component analysis found that the nature of the seeds proved to be invariant in the population, and the leaf scores had the lowest relative importance for the characterization and discrimination of the genotypes tested.