High Carotenoid Content Research Articles

Climatic Influence on the Carotenoids Concentration in a Mediterranean Coastal Lagoon Through Remote Sensing

The Albufera of Valencia, a Mediterranean coastal lagoon, has experienced a shift to hypertrophic conditions over the past 40 years due to agricultural and urban-industrial pollution. From August 2023 to early 2024, the water of the lagoon turned reddish-brown. This change has been observed in the past, but never with this intensity or duration, which typically occurs during periods of drought. In this study, carotenoid concentrations were analyzed in relation to precipitation and temperature using field and remote sensing data from February 2016 to December 2023. In November 2023, samples showed unusually high concentrations of carotenoids. The study confirmed the effectiveness of a new algorithm for estimating carotenoids using Sentinel-2 imagery to complement chlorophyll-a data. Results showed that temperature and precipitation significantly influenced carotenoid/chlorophyll-a ratio, highlighting a climatic control of phytoplankton community structure. These results highlight the importance of long-term monitoring and conservation efforts to address climate change and human impacts. This research is a first step in using optical properties of lakes as an indicator of phytoplankton dynamics under environmental stress and warns of the potential for increased occurrence or persistence of such phenomena with future climate trends.

Functional, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activity of Edible Flowers

Edible flowers have been used since ancient times, but their potential for improving human health has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of bioactive compounds (organic acids, phenolics, and carotenoids) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nine flower varieties with high concentrations of carotenoids or total phenolic compounds. Ninety-three edible flowers were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic and carotenoid concentrations, and antioxidant activity (ABTS). Bioactive profiles were determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC), and antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Chrysanthemum x hybrid orange, Helianthus annuus yellow, Tagetes patula orange, Canna indica red, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (orange1 and yellow) showed significant concentrations of total carotenoids. In contrast, Pelargonium hortorum orange2, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1, and Rosa x hybrid variety medium yellow showed high levels of total phenolics. The predominant compounds in these species were citric acid (991.4 mg/g DW in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (936.2 mg/100 g DW in P. hortorum orange2), kaempferol (971. 9 mg/100 g DW in T. patula orange), quercetin glucoside (958.8 in C. x hybrid), quercetin (919.3 mg/100 g DW in T. patula), α-carotene, and β-carotene in T. patula orange (989.5 and 601.2 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. patula orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited bacterial growth, while C. x hybrid orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited Candida albicans, and the latter inhibited Candida tropicalis. These results indicate the potential of edible flowers as a natural source of bioactive compounds and as a tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Supercritical CO2 as a green technology for carotenoids-rich virgin palm oil production: Process optimization, kinetics and thermodynamics modeling

The experimental conditions of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction of virgin palm oil (VPO) from oil palm mesocarp fiber (OPMF) were optimized using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Results showed that a maximum of 28.68% of VPO extraction was obtained at the optimal experimental conditions of scCO2 extraction: pressure of 31MPa, temperature of 340K, and extraction time of 80min. The second-order rate equation, Arrhenius equation and Eyring theory were employed to assess the kinetics behaviour, activation energy and thermodynamics behaviour of scCO2 extraction of VPO from oil palm mesocarp fiber. The lower activation energy value (12.17kJ/mol) of scCO2 for the extraction of VPO from OPMF indicates that the scCO2 extraction technology is less dependent on temperature during the extraction of VPO from OPMF. The physicochemical properties and fatty acids compositions analyses reveal that the scCO2 extracted VPO contains high carotenoids content (982μg/g), low free fatty acids content (0.31wt.%), higher oxidative stability and higher unsaturated fatty acids content.

Co-application of silicon and biochar affected anatomical and biochemical properties of corn leaf (Zea mays L.) under soil nickel toxicity

Soil pollution with heavy metals is a threat to crop production. Practically, application of silicon (Si) with biochar can be a cost-effective approach to immobilize metals in contaminated soils. Investigation of the anatomical and biochemical changes of corn leaf is important for describing the mechanisms of Si and biochar soil application in alleviating the negative effects of nickel (Ni) toxicity. A factorial pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of Si (0, 250 and 500 mg Si kg-1 soil) in combination with rice husk biochar (RHB) or sheep manure biochar (SMB) prepared at two pyrolysis temperatures (300 and 500 °C) on anatomical and biochemical properties of corn leaves in a Ni-polluted soil. The length, width, area and weight of third-leaf, and metaxylem and protoxylem of midrib improved by application of Si250 with RHB more than SMB. At Si250, RHB300 and RHB500 improved the stomatal area by 31.7 and 27.7% compared to control (without biochar), respectively. The leaf membrane stability index was increased by increasing Si application level and reached 69% in RHB300. In contrast to total chlorophyll, the highest carotenoid content, catalase and peroxidase was obtained by control (without Si and biochar) followed by SMB. At Si250, the highest relative water content (RWC) was observed in RHB300 by 34.8% increase. Also, RHB300 had the highest total dry matter, with increases of 82.2, 120.0 and 83.1% at Si0, Si250 and Si500, respectively. By increasing the Si level and biochar application, the shoot Ni decreased between 42.1 to 133.3%. Combined application of Si250 with RHB300 resulted in the highest dry matter through improving the leaf dimensions, metaxylem and protoxylem areas of midrib, membrane stability index, total chlorophyll, and RWC, while Ni uptake was reduced.

Storage Effects on the Physicochemical Properties, Phytochemical Composition, and Sugars in Red-Fleshed Cultivars, ‘Rubycot’ Plumcot, and ‘Queen Garnet’ Plum

Domestic storage conditions can have a significant impact on the composition of phytochemicals and sugars in stone fruits. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two domestic storage temperatures (4 and 23 °C) on the physicochemical properties, phytochemical composition, and sugars of ‘Rubycot’ (RC) plumcot, a novel stone fruit variety, and ‘Queen Garnet’ (QG) plum. Initially, RC had a lower total anthocyanin concentration (TAC) than QG, but TAC in RC increased significantly (p < 0.05) during storage, peaking at +95% after 7 days at 23 °C, while QG reached +60% after 14 days. At 4 °C, TAC increased for both varieties (RC +30%, QG +27%). RC had a higher initial total phenolic content (TPC), which also increased for both fruits. QG had a significantly higher initial total quercetin concentration (TQC), increasing by 40% (p < 0.05) at 23 °C. The initial total carotenoid concentration in QG was higher than that in RC, but after 10 days at 23 °C, RC had a higher carotenoid concentration than QG. Both varieties showed similar sugar profiles, with QG starting higher but decreasing over time at both storage temperatures. Results from this study showed that ambient storage significantly increases total anthocyanins, total quercetins, and TPC in RC and QG. However, it is important to evaluate the textural and sensory properties of stored RC and QG in terms of consumer acceptability of the stored fruits.

Quantitative analysis of bioactive compounds in five black tea sortiments of the romanian market

Five black tea types, Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Oolong were tested for their chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, total phenolic content and essential oil content. English Breakfast had the highest chlorophyll content (834 mg/kg) and Earl Grey, the highest carotenoid content (360 mg/kg). Total phenolic content was the highest in Darjeeling (an average of 40,874 mg/kg ), while flavonoids, specifically, reached the highest concentrations in Oolong (498 mg/kg). Total essential oils were maximum in Assam tea blend (4,600 mg/kg). Tea pH values ranged between 6.13-6.66. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 555-560, 2024 (September)

Choosing the optimal technology for obtaining Crocus alatavicus extract with a high content of flavonoids and carotenoids

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for herbal medicines, due to the growing interest of consumers in natural and safe alternatives to synthetic medicines. In response to these trends, manufacturers are focusing on developing new formulas and extraction technologies to meet the increased demand for herbal medicines. Modern extraction methods make it possible to efficiently extract secondary metabolites from plant raw materials, maintaining an almost complete chemical composition and ensuring a high yield of extractives. The possibility of regulating the concentration of extracted biologically active substances during the process opens up new prospects for the use of plant raw materials as basic pharmaceutical substances. It was found that all the studied plant species of the genus Crocus L. demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activity. Crocus alatavicus, which is a representative of the flora of Kazakhstan, is of particular interest. The purpose of this study is to select the optimal extraction method for obtaining extracts with the maximum content of flavonoids and carotenoids from the aboveground part of Crocus alatavicus. The study of the technological parameters of obtaining an extract from this plant active substance is of practical importance for the further development of medicines and the formation of a scientific justification for their use.

Establishment of near-infrared rapid prediction model and comprehensive evaluation model for foxtail millet quality

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) is one of the earliest cereal crops in the world and is still an important food crop in Asia, Europe and Africa. However, there are few reports on rapid and comprehensive evaluations of foxtail millet quality. In this study, color, nutrient content, cooking quality and sensory quality of 45 varieties of foxtail millet from the main production areas of the country were determined. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR) was developed for rapid and nondestructive detection of foxtail millet quality, where NIRS models for ash, amylopectin, protein, and VB1 and VB2 were desirable. In addition, correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used for comprehensive evaluation of millet quality. The results showed that foxtail millet with low ash, protein, fat and fiber content and high amylopectin and carotenoid content has good cooking quality and was more preferred. This research will contribute to the quality evaluation and further processing of foxtail millet.

Cytotoxicity, chemical, and nutritional profile evaluation of biomass extracts of the Lemna aequinoctialis (duckweed) aquatic plant

ABSTRACT Lemna aequinoctialis (duckweed) is the smallest and fast-growing aquatic plant species producing protein-rich biomass with high protein nutritional value, phytoremediation capacity, and nutrient removal from wastewater. Duckweed may also be used as a new potential bioreactor for biological products, such as vaccines, antibodies, and pharmaceutical proteins. Based upon the potential importanc of L. aequinoctialis in phytoremediation and as a bioreactor the aim of this study was to (1) characterize the chemical and nutritional profiles of L. aequinoctialis biomass utilizing an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system (IMTA) and a pond, and (2) investigate the cytotoxic potential of different concentrations of organic extracts and fractions using the MTT bioassay. EDXRF and ICP-MS analyses indicated the presence of trace elements in lower amounts in relation to the biomass of L. aequinoctialis in the lagoon, emphasizing the importance of plant inclusion management to reduce bioaccumulation of these elements. Analysis of mineral profiles, fatty acids, and amino acids indicated a satisfactory nutritional composition for the use of biomass as a bioproduct. Pigment analysis showed a high concentration of carotenoids, especially astaxanthin. After standardizing the controls, the MTT cell viability test was carried out utilizing rat hepatoma cell line (HTC), which are metabolizing cells that were treated with aqueous or ethanolic extracts and the dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions at different concentrations. No apparent cytotoxic potential was observed following treatments, since there was no significant reduction in cell viability. Therefore, this study provides information regarding the biomass of L. aequinoctialis derived from the IMTA system, which might support further research into the application of this species as a bioproduct.

Effects of freeze–thaw pre‐treatment with different freezing methods on the microwave freeze drying of carrots

SummaryThree freeze–thaw (FT) pre‐treatments using different freezing methods that freezing at −80 °C (FT‐80), freezing at −25 °C (FT‐25) and vacuum freezing (VFT) were used for carrot slices, the effects and mechanisms of FT pre‐treatment on the drying characteristics and product quality of carrots during microwave freeze drying (MFD) were studied. The results showed that FT pre‐treatment under different freezing methods affected the water state of carrots, resulting in varying degrees of moisture loss and shortening drying time by 14.3% to 42.8%. VFT treatment caused the greatest water loss (35.33%) during FT and significantly increased the effective moisture diffusivity in the MFD process. FT treatments did not cause any significant degradation in the colour of the carrots. The VFT and FT‐80 treatments resulted in an elevated rehydration ratio, increased crispiness of MFD carrots and products with a porous microstructure and higher porosity. In contrast, the FT‐25 treatment led to a decrease in porosity due to destructive damage to the carrot cell structure. However, this damage favoured the extractability of carotenoids, resulting in a higher carotenoid content than the other treatments. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the practical implementation of FT pre‐treatment using various freezing methods on fresh foods prior to drying. It is recommended to employ VFT pre‐treatment before MFD due to its efficiency and effectiveness.

Study on the Metabolic Basis of the Color Formation of Two Color-Presenting Types of Jujube Fruits.

Jujube is a plant of the genus Ziziphus in the family Rhamnaceae; its fruit has high nutritional value, and it is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites. The color of its peel is an important indicator for evaluating the appearance of the fruit. However, the mechanism of the difference in color presentation between the seedling offspring of the 'Red Fruit' (TLHH) and the 'Green Fruit' (TLHL) of the fresh jujube cultivar 'Tailihong' is not clear. Therefore, this study used targeted metabolomics techniques to accurately and quantitatively analyze the metabolic pathways of carotenoid and anthocyanin metabolites during the ripening process of two color-presenting types of jujube fruits. Through the analysis of the dynamic changes in the pigment content of the jujube peel, it was found that 30 DAP (days after pollination), 80 DAP, and 110 DAP were the key periods for the development of the color of the peel of 'TLHL' and 'TLHH' jujube and that the substances responsible for the main differences were chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. Furthermore, we used an LC-MS/MS metabolic analysis to compare the differences in the carotenoids and anthocyanin metabolites between the two color-presenting types of jujube peels at the key periods of 30 DAP, 80 DAP, and 110 DAP. We detected 32 carotene metabolites and 75 anthocyanin metabolites, respectively, among which lutein had the highest content of carotenoids; it reached the maximum value (93.05 µg/g) and was higher than that of 'TLHH' (74.14 µg/g) at 30 DAP of 'TLHL'. Both showed a decreasing trend with fruit ripening. The anthocyanin with the highest content was cyanidin-3-O-(tartaryl)rhamnoside-5-O-glucoside, which reached the maximum value (258.32 µg/g) at 30 DAP of 'TLHH' and was 51.6 times that of 'TLHL'; similarly, both showed a decreasing trend with fruit ripening. These results elucidate the main metabolites of carotenoids and anthocyanins in the two types of jujube peel and their accumulation characteristics, suggesting that the key metabolites of the difference in color between 'TLHL' and 'TLHH' jujube fruits were lutein and cyanidin-3-O-(tartaryl)rhamnoside-5-O-glucoside, increasing the understanding of the color mechanism of jujube peel and providing a reference for targeted genetic breeding of jujube peel color.

Molecular protocol to develop β-carotene-biofortified rice events via molecular optimization

Providing food with nutrition and functionality is crucial for sustaining human life. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a representative staple crop with high carbohydrate content but low amounts of essential amino acids, micronutrients, and carotenoids such as provitamin A. To improve the nutritional quality, rice endosperm was biofortified to accumulate carotenoids such as β-carotene through genetic engineering (i.e., using synthetic carotenoid biosynthetic genes, a nonmammalian viral polycistronic sequence, and an optimized promoter and transit peptide) and high-throughput rice transformation (approximately 300 transgenic plants per construct). To facilitate the safety assessment of genetically modified food, molecular characterization was performed to select elite lines equipped with a single intergenic insertion of T-DNA, high transgene expression, in this case leading to high carotenoid content, and with phenotypic and compositional substantial equivalence. In this study, we present β-carotene-biofortified rice event candidate lines eligible for commercial use and a disclosed molecular protocol for the development of biotech rice crops.

Investigating the inhibitory effects of carotenoids-fortified Helix aspersa slime on oxidative stress, collagenase and tyrosinase enzyme activities.

The investigations of snail slime and its possible biological activities have been performed recently. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of Helix aspersa snail slime (HAS), and carotenoids-fortified slime (HASC). Snails were fed with carrots for 10 days. Slime was collected and extracted using water. Saponins identification, antioxidant, collagenase, and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition activities, carotenoids, total phenols, and flavonoids content, were determined. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis was performed for phytochemical characterization. Saponins were detected in the HAS extract only. However, HASC was shown to contain a higher carotenoid content than HAS (29.51 ± 0.4 vs. 18.11 ± 0.2 μg/g). similarly, total phenolic and flavonoid content were higher for the the HASC extract compared to the HAS (182.3 ± 5.2 vs. 150.28 ± 3.3 mg/g equivalent to gallic acid), and (77.62 ± 1.2 vs. 14.19 ± 0.9 mg/g equivalent to quercetin). As expected, the HASC extract exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to the HAS, using DPPH and the ABTS assays (IC50 = 7.75 ± 0.14 vs. 20.1 ± 0.4 μg/mL), and (IC50 = 7.6 ± 0.26 vs. 19.57 ± 1.4 μg/mL). UHPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of several phytocomponents of which, hexadecanoic acid and ascorbic acid, were observed in the HASC extract. Furthermore, HASC extract exhibited superior inhibitory activity compared to HAS against collagenase and tyrosinase enzymes (IC50 = 8.4 ± 1.19 vs. 15.3 ± 1.12 μg/mL) and (IC50 = 30.1 ± 0.91 vs. 35 ± 1.3 μg/mL). These findings highlight the potential of HASC as a valuable ingredient in various pharmaceutical applications, due to their content of various phenolic, antioxidants, carotenoids, hexadecanoic, and ascorbic acids. The latter is well known for its great cosmeceutical applications used for slowing the process of skin aging.

Foliar Sprays of Multi-Nutrient Fertilizer Containing Selenium Produce Functional Tomato Fruits with Higher Shelf Life.

Selenium (Se) is a nutrient whose daily intake is often below the recommended levels in people. Biofortification with Se is a method to increase this intake by raising the Se concentration in tomato fruits, an effect dependent on sources and modes of application. Additionally, Se application can promote the enhancement of other compounds in tomato fruits, altering their metabolism, which may increase the fruit's shelf life. This study aimed to determine how different strategies of applying a multi-nutrient fertilizer containing Se (SeMNF) can increase the Se content and other bioactive compounds and enhance the shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits. Different foliar fertilization strategies involving the use of SeMNF were evaluated in field trials conducted on commercial tomato crops. Indeterminate-growth tomatoes were used, and different Se doses and application strategies were tested. Harvesting was conducted in three phases according to fruit ripening. Each harvested fruit was assessed for the Se content, macro and micronutrients, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, pH, total titratable acidity, and total soluble solids in tomato fruits. Doses of 15 g ha-1 of Se, split into three applications, increased the Se content in the fruits at 1 and 2 harvests. The application of SeMNF at Se doses above 10 g of Se ha-1 increased firmness, days of ripening, and the nutritional quality of the tomatoes (higher contents of carotenoids (+39%), lycopene (+33%), antioxidant activity (+16%), total phenolic compounds (+38%), and vitamin C (+14%) in a dose-dependent effect of the application strategy used. These results contributed to an increase in the shelf life of tomatoes, consequently reducing food waste.

Effect of different cooking oils and methods on physicochemical, nutritional, and microbial safety for mixed vegetables focusing on Bangladesh

SummaryCooking is an essential aspect of everyday life. Cooking oils and methods exert enormous effects on the nutritional, physicochemical, microbial qualities, and bioactive compounds of vegetables. Most of them are either directly or indirectly related to human health. Hence, the present investigation was undertaken to find out the effect of two cooking methods (traditional and steam cooking) and four selected culinary oils (soybean oil, mustard oil, extra virgin olive oil, and extra virgin coconut oil) on the cooked vegetables. The results indicated that steam‐cooked mixed vegetables retained more nutrients than traditional ones. The traditional cooking method of preparing mixed vegetables with soybean oil revealed higher amounts of crude fat, 26.90 ± 0.10%, whereas steam cooking and traditionally cooked vegetables without oils showed lower amounts of crude fat, 1.21 ± 0.04%, and 1.94 ± 0.04%, respectively. The highest crude fibre from 5.68 ± 0.20 to 6.48 ± 0.02% was recorded by the steam‐cooked vegetables in comparison with traditionally prepared mixed vegetables. Traditionally cooked vegetables with mustard oil showed a higher crude protein (13.30 ± 0.10%). The mixed vegetables that were steam‐cooked using extra virgin olive oil revealed a decreased percent of carbohydrates, 49.42 ± 0.03%. Most of the essential minerals especially for the human body like Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn were found notable in both traditional and steam‐cooking processes using extra virgin olive oil, and mustard oil. The leading bioactive compound ß‐carotene 67.04 ± 0.04 mg/100 g was noted by the steam‐cooked vegetables with mustard oil. The highest anthocyanin 32.69 ± 0.02 mg/100 g and ascorbic acid 42.31 ± 0.01 mg/100 g were recorded in the steam‐cooked vegetables without culinary oils. Steam‐cooking with extra virgin coconut and olive oil resulted in high total carotenoid and phenolic content (31.60 ± 0.05 and 3.11 ± 0.04 mg/100 g, respectively). However, the findings suggest that culinary oils used in the present study retained more essential minerals and bioactive compounds than soybean oil. Only sufficient amount of edible oil may be used for vegetables cooking and proper functioning of fat‐soluble vitamins.

Carotenoid accumulation in aerial microalga Coelastrella rubescens KGU-H009 in light- and nitrogen-stress conditions

Some natural carotenoids remain unexplored in terms of their function because they occur only in trace amounts, or their stereochemistry is unclear. It is expected that scientists will discover new physiological activities that have a positive impact on human heath by analysis of such carotenoids. The purpose of this study was to analyze the carotenoids synthesized by the novel aerial microalga Coelastrella rubescens KGU–H009, and the dynamics of their accumulation. Cultivation experiments were conducted for 7 days at 25 °C, combining different light conditions with the presence or absence of nitrate ions. Short-term (2-h) cultivation was also performed, and tests were conducted with the addition of the inhibitor of photosynthesis 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1, 1-dimethylurea (DCMU). Strain KGU-H009 exhibited its highest carotenoid content (34.5 mg g−1) in the presence of nitrogen sources and strong light. Upon nitrogen source depletion, the content of zeaxanthin and β-carotene decreased, while the content of astaxanthin and adonixanthin increased. Strain KGU-H009 exhibited reversible control of the xanthophyll cycle to adapt to changes in light intensity, but the xanthophyll cycle was inhibited by the addition of DCMU. Strain KGU-H009 demonstrated the ability to synthesize carotenoids involved in both light harvesting and photoprotection, suggesting its adaptability to environmental change.

Raman spectroscopic analysis of human blood serum of glaucoma patients supplemented with macular pigment carotenoids.

As all major dietary carotenoids are contained in blood, it is a suitable substrate to evaluate their content, in vivo. Following 18-month supplementation of open-angle glaucoma patients with macula-pigment carotenoids (Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin) in the European Nutrition in Glaucoma Management trial, Raman spectroscopic analysis of the carotenoid content of pre- and post-supplementation participant blood serum was carried out, to investigate the systemic impact of the supplementation regimen and explore a more direct way of quantifying this impact using routine blood tests. Using a 532 nm laser source for optimal response, a consistent increase in serum carotenoid concentration was observed in the supplemented serum, highest in patients with initial high baseline carotenoid content. A shift in the 1519 cm-1 carotenoid peak also revealed differences in the carotenoid structural profile of the two groups. The findings highlight the potential of Raman spectroscopy toquantify and differentiate carotenoids directly in blood serum.

Integrated Nutrient Management of Papaya (Carica papaya L.): Application of Microbial Consortium Enriched Organic Manures for Yield and Fruit Quality Enhancement

An experiment was undertaken to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of papaya under Kerala conditions. The trial was conducted in RBD. Papaya variety used for the study was Surya with ten treatments. The results revealed that the applications of microbial consortium enriched organic manures in papaya plants (NPK (25 %) as PGPR mix-1 enriched vermicompost along with N, P and K 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers fertilizers ( 240 N: 240 P2O5: 480 K2O (g plant-1) + 10 kg FYM) resulted in the highest number of fruit production, enhanced fruit weight , total fruit yield per plant. It also resulted in the production of fruits with highest fruit length, girth, pulp percentage and flesh thickness. Fruit quality characters like high TSS, less acidity, higher carotenoid content, ascorbic acid content, highest total sugar content and reducing sugar content were enhanced in papaya. Organoleptic characters of fruit were also enhanced by adopting integrated nutrient management in papaya . Papaya being an important fruit crop of Kerala gaining importance nowadays. Integrated nutrient management (INM) involves efficient and judicious supply of all major and micro components of plant nutrients including local available resources on sustainable basis. Papaya is known to be a heavy feeder of nutrients (NPK) and information regarding the effect of INM is more important

Influence of Treatment with Natural Phytoregulators on Purple Carrots (Daucus carota L.) during Cold Storage

In this work, we investigated the effect of natural phytoregulators (i.e., methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid) on quality physicochemical parameters, carotenoid and anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity of purple carrots in storage at 5 °C for 21 days. As a result, study of the natural evolution of fresh-untreated purple carrots in storage exhibited increase in carotenoids (from 1.41 to 3.79 mg EβC g−1 DW) and stability of anthocyanins (2.18 vs. 2.23 mg ECGg−1 DW) but significant loss of organoleptic quality. Treatment with methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid resulted in similar or even higher carotenoid content (1.61 and 2.15 mg EβC g−1 DW for methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid, respectively) as compared with the value measured in fresh-untreated carrots before storage (1.41 mg EβC g−1 DW). In contrast to carotenoids, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity mostly decreased with the treatments. However, physicochemical parameters indicating organoleptic quality improved considerably, which was meaningful considering their importance in terms of consumer acceptance. These results reflect the slowing-down effect of natural phytoregulators on spoilage of purple carrots over storage. Optimization of this approach is scheduled to minimize anthocyanin losses. It can therefore be an interesting approach to extending purple carrot shelf-life with no need for artificial preservatives.

Screening of Zea mays L. Germplasm for the High Carotenoid Endosperm using Biochemical and Molecular Approaches

Background: In the rapid growing and busy world, the hidden hunger for the micronutrients, vitamins and protein is increasing on a high rate. Among which retinol is the key vitamin which cannot be synthesized by the humans and need to be supplied in the form of carotenoids. Methods: The present study focused in screening the best maize line with high carotenoid content. Carotenoid content was tested and quantified using HPLC. ε-LCY gene and β-HYD 3 were used to screen the best maize line. Result: Among 8 maize lines tested, 5732 showed high carotenoid content i.e., 24.47 mg/g when tested using conventional UV spectrophotometer studies. Quantification of individual carotenoid component was done by HPLC which showed lutein 7.548 mg/g, zeaxanthin 3.21 mg/g, b-cryptoxanthin 5.691 mg/g and b- carotene 8.455 mg/g were recorded in 5732 maize cultivars. Molecular screening using ε-LCY gene and β-HYD 3 revealed 5732 as the best carotenoid maize line with high carotenoid favorable alleles which can be further used for the inbreeding programs.