High Juice Research Articles

Physicochemical Characterization of Different Citrus varieties Grown Under Semi-Arid Conditions of Bundelkhand Region

This study evaluated the physical and biochemical characteristics of different citrus cultivars grown under semi-arid conditions in the Bundelkhand region of India. The study included four sweet orange, four mandarin, and four acid lime cultivars. The results showed significant variations in fruit quality among the different varieties, with some showing promising traits such as high juice content, acidity, and vitamin C levels. The study found that sweet orange variety Pusa Round had the highest fruit weight, length, and width, while mandarin variety Daisy had the highest juice content and acid lime variety Pusa Udit had the highest vitamin C content. The study also found significant differences in biochemical parameters such as titratable acidity, total sugars, and ascorbic acid content among the different citrus cultivars. The findings of this study have important implications for citrus cultivation and breeding in the region, suggesting that specific cultivars may be better suited to local agro-climatic conditions.

Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhzus) syrup: evaluation of parameters affecting the production process

Studies on the production of red dragon fruit syrup (Hylocereus polyrhzus) were carried out based on investigating the influence of concentration (0.1 - 0.4%) and hydrolysis time (15 - 45 mins) of pectinase enzyme on the process of pectinase hydrolyzed red dragon fruit juice. The recipe for red dragon fruit syrup with factors that change the concentration of citric acid (0.05 - 0.15%) and the concentration of Aspartame (0.1 - 0.5%) was investigated. At the same time, the concentration temperature was determined to achieve the quality syrup within the concentration temperature range (70 - 80℃). Research results showed that the 0.3% pectinase enzyme used for hydrolysis of fruit juice in 25 mins will yield a high juice recovery yield. Red dragon fruit juice (after hydrolysis) supplemented with 0.1% citric acid and 0.1% Aspartame at a concentrated temperature of 80℃ will produce a red dragon fruit syrup with a mildly sour taste, pungent taste and colour characteristic of red dragon fruit.

Fruit and Seed Development of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle ‘Pan Rampai’ Cultivar

The ‘Pan Rampai’ cultivar of Mexican lime is highly consumed for its lime aroma and high juice content. However, occasional instances of low juice content could be found, potentially due to premature harvesting. Moreover, the seed development of the ‘Pan Rampai’ lime has never been investigated. Hence, this study was aimed to explore the development process of the ‘Pan Rampai’ lime fruit, focusing on its fruit weight, juice weight, juice content, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit rind thickness, total soluble solids, titratable acid, TSS/TA ratio, and vitamin C content over the period of 11 to 18 weeks after flowering (WAF). Additionally, we examined the seed development by observing seed width, length, thickness, and germination percentage. Our findings revealed that fruit weight, juice weight, juice content, fruit diameter, and fruit length exhibited a consistent increase throughout the fruit development stages, while the fruit rind thickness decreased. Seed width and thickness remained relatively stable over 11 to 18 WAF, whereas seed length gradually increased. The study of germination percentage indicated that seed germination was mature from the 15th WAF, coinciding with the appearance of the secondary wall of seed coat. There results provide crucial insights into the optimal harvesting periods for juice (from 17 WAF) and seed (from 15 WAF) for the ‘Pan Rampai’ lime cultivar.

CHARACTERIZATION OF NEWLY INTRODUCED POMEGRANATE VARIETIES

The paper is focused on examining and selecting morphometric indicators of leaves and flowers from genotypes within the collection of the pomegranate varieties. The research was carried out on 6 varieties of pomegranate plants, collected and introduced from diverse ecological and geographical regions. The objective was to collect, cultivate and assess the technological features of pomegranate varieties and forms. The morphometric characteristics of generative and vegetative organs from the “Malas” and “Kirmizi Gazyan” varieties were studied for the first time. Observation of pomegranate flower petals revealed that different sizes could be found in both long toothed (LT), middle toothed (MT) and short-toothed (ShT) flowers, suggesting petal size is not determined by flower type. The difference between the leaves of these two varieties was found to be insignificant. Flower diameter showed variability across all three types of flowers. The biological and economic significance of the newly developed form F-6-8 and the varieties “Malta”, “Oleg” and “Devachi” was also assessed. “F-6-8” and “Malta” are sweet varieties, while “Oleg” and “Devachi” are sweet and sour varieties. “Malta” was distinguished by its fruit weight (380.4 g), thin skin (2.5 g) and high juice yield (50.4%).

Quality Evaluation of Bergamot Juice Produced in Different Areas of Calabria Region.

Citrus fruits are extensively cultivated worldwide, with Italy and Spain being major producers. In Southern Italy, particularly in Reggio Calabria, a typical citrus fruit is produced, namely, bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau), known for its mysterious origins and exceptional quality essential oil protected by the EU's PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) designation. Despite historical challenges, bergamot has regained prominence for its nutraceutical potential, especially its flavonoid-rich juice, offering significant health benefits. However, little attention has been paid to understanding the qualitative and quantitative differences of bergamot juice in Calabrian production areas. For this reason, this work aims to investigate the quality characteristics of bergamot juice produced in different areas of Calabria sites. The results showed the best quality attributes of bergamot fruits harvested in the PDO area. In particular, higher levels of total soluble solids, stable acidity, and higher juice were found. In addition, higher contents of ascorbic and citric acids, which are nutritionally valuable and tasteful, were found. The phenolic profile, characterized by the key compounds of bergamot, highlighted the better nutraceutical potential of the fruit grown in the PDO area.

ANN-GA optimized composite color protectant combined with magnetic field assisted freezing: Effects on the quality of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

Due to their high water content, frozen mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) were greatly affected by ice crystal formation, which can lead to the destruction of tissue structure, serious browning, high juice loss, and difficulty in maintaining good sensory characteristics. In order to improve the quality of frozen Agaricus bisporus, this study employed Artificial neural network and genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) to optimize the amount of composite color protectant, and identified the optimal freezing conditions for freezing Agaricus bisporus by determining the freezing curves under different magnetic field-assisted freezing conditions, the color variance, texture and structure, drip loss, and distribution of moisture. Furthering, using X-ray μCT three dimensional images were taken to characterize the microstructure of the samples. Among them, the 6 mT magnetic field-assisted freezing treatment group was significantly better than the control group, and the results showed that the magnetic field-assisted freezing combined with chemical color protectant as a composite processing technology improved the quality of frozen Agaricus bisporus. This provides a theoretical basis and technical support for enhanced processing of frozen Agaricus bisporus.

Beverage consumption and obesity in Kuwaiti school children.

Sweetened beverage consumption is particularly important in countries such as Kuwait, where the prevalence of obesity is high, and most children drink sweetened beverages daily. To assess the relationship between three most commonly consumed beverages, (soda, milk, and juice) and the incidence of obesity among Kuwaiti children at the critical age of 10-12 year, Longitudinal cohort data of 6,305 children on initial presentation in 2012 (age, 10 years) and follow-up in 2014 (age, 12 years) were obtained from the Kuwait Healthy Life Study. The servings for the three beverages (soda, juice, and milk) were calculated as servings per day groups (0, 1-2, and 3 servings/day or more). Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between developing obesity during 2012-2014 and soda, juice, and milk consumption. Model selection was based on clinically relevant covariates and potential confounders using stepwise model selection. Six percent children become obese between baseline and follow-up visits. High soda drinking showed significant association with developing obesity. High milk consumption (more than 3 servings a day) was also significantly associated with developing obesity. Potential confounders included in the final model were age, sex, governorates, and fitness level, of which none were significant confounders or effect modifiers for the association. Children with high soda consumption had significantly higher prevalence of obesity. High obesity prevalence was observed with high milk consumption at a lower significance level but not with high juice consumption.

Fruit Quality Assessment of Novel Hybrid Pummelo × Sweet Orange and Its Molecular Characterization Using Acidity Specific Markers.

There is considerable diversity in newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids. Most hybrids showed lower peel thickness and high juice yield but there is a lack of information on fruit quality parameters and molecular characterization. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the content of antioxidants and properties of the fresh juice of 24 new pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and the parental genotypes along with molecular characteristics determined using acidity specific markers. The correlation and estimate of inheritance of the fruit juice properties: ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant, total soluble solid and sugar contents, pH, titratable acidity, along with sensory evaluation was performed. Molecular characterization of these hybrids was carried out using de novo generated acidity specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The main constituents of the fruit juice of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids were observed in the range of w(ascorbic acid)=40.00-58.13 mg/100 g, total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents w(GAE)=40.67-107.33 mg/100 g, total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalents b(Trolox)=2.03-5.49 µmol/g, total flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalents w(QE)=23.67-59.33 mg/100 g, along with other properties: total soluble solids=7.33-11.33 %, w(total sugar)=2.10-5.76 %, w(reducing sugar)=1.69-2.78 %, w(non-reducing sugar)=0.39-3.17 % and titratable acidity 1.00-2.11 %. The above parameters differed significantly in the fruit juice of the evaluated pummelo × sweet orange hybrids. Considering these parameters, the hybrids SCSH 17-9, SCSH 13-13, SCSH 11-15 and SCSH 3-15 had superior antioxidant properties in terms of these parameters. A higher heritability (≥80 %) was also observed for all juice properties. Molecular characterization of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids showed that >50 % of the hybrids were grouped with medium acidity parents. Both molecular and biochemical parameter-based clustering showed that interspecific hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation with increased antioxidants that help alleviate the health problems. These newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids are a valuable source of high-quality antioxidants for a healthy diet. The identification of trait markers that enable selection at the seedling stage is of great benefit to citrus breeders, as the characteristic features of a mature tree are not yet visible at the juvenile stage.

Clusters of carbohydrate-rich foods and associations with type 2 diabetes incidence: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundAbout one in ten adults are living with diabetes worldwide. Intake of carbohydrates and carbohydrate-rich foods are often identified as modifiable risk factors for incident type 2 diabetes. However, strong correlation between food variables can make it difficult to identify true associations. The purpose of this study was to identify clusters of carbohydrate-rich foods and analyse their associations with type 2 diabetes incidence in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study cohort in southern Sweden.MethodsDietary intake of 26 622 participants was assessed using a validated three-part diet history method: a 7-day food diary, a 168-item food frequency questionnaire, and a 60-minute interview. K-means clustering analysis identified five clusters from 21 food variables. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was applied to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between clusters and incident type 2 diabetes.ResultsThe cluster analysis resulted in five clusters; high vegetables/low added sugar, high sugar-sweetened beverages, high juice, high fruit, and high refined carbohydrates/low fruit & vegetables (reference). During mean follow-up of 18 years, 4046 type 2 diabetes cases were identified. After adjustment for potential confounding (including lifestyle, body mass index, and diet), a high fruit cluster (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78, 0.94) was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes compared to the reference cluster. No other significant associations were identified.ConclusionsA dietary pattern defined by a high intake of fruits was associated with a lower incidence of type 2 diabetes. The findings provide additional evidence of a potential protective effect from fruit intake in reducing type 2 diabetes risk. Future studies are needed to explore this association further.

Evaluation of the mechanical and biochemical composition of rare citrus taxa fruits in the Russia’s humid subtropics

In the present study, an assessment was made of the mechanical and biochemical composition of the fruits of rare citrus taxa grown in the humid subtropics of Russia. The studies were carried out on the basis of the bioresource collection of citrus crops of the Federal Research Center "Subtropical Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences" (Sochi). The objects were 13 taxa of the genus Citrus belonging to the rare category: C. aurantiifolia Sw. (cv. ‘Tahiti’, cv. ‘Foro’), C. × aurantium var. myrtifolia Ker Gawl. cv. ‘Cinotto’, C. × bergamia Risso Poit., C. × ichangensis Sw., C. limon L. ‘Del Brasil’, C. × limonelloides Hayata, C. × limetta Risso cv. ‘Chontipico’, C. maxima Burm. Merr. cv. ‘Sambokan’, C. medica L. (var. sarcodactylus Sw.), C. × meyerii Yu. Tanaka. Measurement of the mass concentration of organic acids, sugars and vitamin C was carried out by capillary electrophoresis using the Kapel-105M system. The results showed that the studied taxa have fruits with different mechanical and biochemical composition. All studied rare taxa were divided into three groups according to fruit weight: small-fruited, medium-fruited and large-fruited. Taxa C. × meyeri, C. maxima cv. ‘Sambokan’, C. aurantifolia, C. aurantifolia had a high juice yield from 51.3 to 57.2%. The maximum levels of vitamin C were noted in C. × aurantium var. myrtifolia ‘Cinotto’, C. × limetta ‘Chontipico’ and C. medica. Among the organic acids identified, citric and malic acids were the most common, followed by tartaric and succinic acids, although other acids predominated for some taxa. Most samples have the highest amount of sucrose, followed by fructose and glucose. The least amount of sucrose was found in C. aurantifolia ‘Foro’, C. × aurantium var. myrtifolia ‘Cinotto’ and C. × limetta ‘Chontipico’ Fruits of C. × aurantium var. myrtifolia ‘Cinotto’, for C. maxima ‘Sambokan’, for C. × limetta ‘Chontipico’. For all the studied objects, a high assessment was given to the appearance of the plant, fruits, which indicates their decorative properties.

Physico-chemical properties revealed huge diversity in 50 date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) genotypes

ABSTRACT Date palm has excellent economic value all over the world. Date palm genotypes grown in Pakistan are diverse in nature. The current study aimed to explore the diversity in 50 date palm genotypes collected from two different research stations in Punjab, Pakistan. The study findings are as follows: Dhakki had the highest fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit width and fruit volume. Jaman had a longer fruit length. Eedel Shah and Begum Jangi had greater fruit thickness and fruit perimeter, respectively. Makran showed a higher fruit area. Dedhi showed the highest stone weight, thickness and volume. Halmain had a longer stone length, and Sundari had an extended stone width. Makhi exhibited a higher stone perimeter and area. The Danda genotype had low weight and a small length of the stone. Begum Jangi and Peeli Sundar had small stone width. Seib and Shado had a higher moisture content in their fruits. The fruits of Baidhar and Khudraw-2 genotypes had the highest dry matter and reducing sugars. Champa Kali and Shakri had higher TSS levels in fruits. Halmain had higher juice pH. The fruits of Pathri and Makhi genotypes exhibited higher non-reducing sugars and carotenoids. In this study, a dendrogram was constructed to cluster 50 genotypes into five different clusters based on their physico-chemical characteristics. The correlation matrix and variable plot revealed positive and negative correlations between fruits traits and their biochemical properties conducive to the improvement of desired traits. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that Dhakki, Chohara, Baidhar, Karbalaen and Eedel Shah showed a higher genetic diversity; hence, in the scatter plot and biplot, these genotypes deviated from the centre of origin. Physico-chemical characteristics of data palm genotypes indicated a huge diversity among them, which could help select diverse parents, which is important for different breeding purposes.

Challenges with very long beet campaigns

The 2021 beet campaign in Zeitz, Germany, was the longest in the sugar factory’s history at 177 days, while the 2022 campaign was 144 days. Both campaigns faced challenges with beet storage and supply, as well as climatic conditions causing damage to harvested beets. These challenges resulted in a reduction in the purity and pH value of the raw juice, and increased lime salts and turbidity in the thin and thick juice. Südzucker AG, to which the Zeitz factory belongs, implemented several measures, including technological adjustments, the use of dextranase, increased washing cycles, and filter sleeve changes. The high juice volumes from the campaigns led to year-round sugar production but also required blending lower quality juices with good quality ones. The long production periods resulted in short shutdowns used for maintenance and investment measures.

Phytochemicals, Bioactive Properties and Commercial Potential of Calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) Fruits: A Review.

The calamondin (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is a hybrid citrus fruit resulting from the crossing of a mandarin orange with a kumquat. It is a small, round-shaped fruit with thin, smooth skin ranging from orange to dark red. The aroma of the fruit is distinctive and unique. Calamondin is an excellent source of Vitamin C, D-Limonene, and essential oils, providing benefits to the immune system, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-cancer properties, and it exhibits various therapeutic effects. It also contains a good amount of dietary fiber from pectin. Its distinctive flavor and high juice content make calamondin juice a popular ingredient in many international cuisines. The juice also contains bioactive compounds, such as phenolics and flavonoids, which are a potential source of antioxidant properties. All parts of the calamondin fruit, including the juice, pulp, seeds, and peel, can be used in various applications, from food products like juices, powders, and candies to non-food uses in herbal medicine and cosmetics, showcasing their versatility and unique properties. This review will examine various bioactive components of calamondin and their related medicinal effects, and provide guidelines for their utilization, processing, and value addition on a commercial scale.

Quality and Flavor of ‘Aliza’ Fruit: A Unique Pomelo × Mandarin Hybrid

‘Aliza’ is a new pomelo × mandarin hybrid (Citrus maxima, cv. Red Chandler × Citrus reticulata, cv. Ora) developed by the Israeli citrus breeding program at the Volcani Institute. Here, we aimed to characterize the quality and flavor of ‘Aliza’ fruit as compared to other commercial citrus fruit, specifically pomelo (C. maxima), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), orange (Citrus sinensis) and mandarin (C. reticulata). ‘Aliza’ fruits have a similar size as grapefruits, but have a thinner peel and a unique yellowish/golden color. ‘Aliza’ fruits are completely seedless and have especially high juice contents. They also have a unique, highly preferred flavor, characterized by high sweetness and moderate bitterness and acidity, with strong citrusy and tropical fruity aromas. Sensory analyses conducted with the aid of a trained panel and an electronic tongue revealed that the flavor of ‘Aliza’ fruits is different from the flavors of other citrus species. Consumer acceptance and preference tests revealed that ‘Aliza’ fruit are highly appreciated and favored. The aroma volatile profile of ‘Aliza’ fruit was somewhat similar to those of pomelo and grapefruit, but very different from those of orange and mandarin. Overall, ‘Aliza’ fruits can be distinguished from other citrus fruits by their unique color, high juice content and exceptional, unique flavor.

Biochemical and antioxidant activity of wild edible fruits of the eastern Himalaya, India.

The eastern Himalayas, one of the important hotspots of global biodiversity, have a rich diversity of wild edible fruit trees. The fruits of these tree species have been consumed by the tribal people since time immemorial. However, there is limited information available on the biochemical and antioxidant properties of the fruits. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to study the physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of the nine most important wild fruit trees. Among the species, Pyrus pashia had the maximum fruit weight (37.83 g), while the highest juice (43.72%) and pulp content (84.67%) were noted in Haematocarpus validus and Myrica esculenta, respectively. Maximum total soluble solids (18.27%), total sugar (11.27%), moisture content (88.39%), ascorbic acid content (63.82 mg/100 g), total carotenoids (18.47 mg/100 g), and total monomeric anthocyanin (354.04 mg/100 g) were recorded in H. validus. Docynia indica had the highest total phenolic content (19.37 mg GAE/g), while H. validus recorded the highest total flavonoids and flavanol content. The antioxidant activities of the different fruits ranged from 0.17 to 0.67 IC50 for DPPH activity and 3.59-13.82 mg AAE/g for FRAP. These fruits had attractive pigmentation of both pulp and juice and were a good potential source for the extraction of natural edible color in the food industry. The fruits also possess high market prices; Prunus nepalensis fetched $ 34.10-$ 141.5 per tree. Therefore, these fruits are rich sources of antioxidants, pigments and have a high market value for livelihood and nutritional security.

Performance of Mandarin Orange Genotypes in Net House at Jaintapur, Sylhet

A study on performance of seven mandarin genotypes along with BARI Komala-1 as check was carried out at the Citrus Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Jaintapur, Sylhet from January 2016 to December 2018. The average highest number of fruits per plant (37.2), and the maximum fruit yield per plant (6.19 kg) and the maximum fruit yield per hectare (6.87 t) were recorded in the genotype CR Jai-017. The largest fruits (189.67 g) were found in the genotype CR Jai-015 (189.67 g) with the maximum fruit size. Edible portion was found the highest in CR Jai-017 (73.52%) followed by CR Jai-018(72.55%). The genotype CR Jai-016 gave the maximum percent total soluble solids (TSS) (13.58%) and the minimum (9.87) in CR Jai-015, whereas, the titratable acidity (TA) value was the lowest in CR Jai-014 (0.73%) followed by CR Jai-017 (0.75). Maturity index (MI)/sugar acid ratio (17.83) was found in CR Jai-016 followed by CR Jai-017 (15.46). Fruits of CR Jai-017 and CR Jai- 018 were dark orange colored. Fruit surface was smooth in BARI Komala-1 and CR Jai-015 whereas other genotypes with pitted skin. The genotype CR Jai-014 has a strong adherence of albedo to pulp, while others were medium to weak. Segment shape of CR Jai-014 and CR Jai-017 were not uniform but the others were uniform. Thickness of segment wall was medium to thick while fruit axis was semi hollow to hollow with light orange to dark orange pulp and pulp firmness was soft to intermediate with medium to high juice content in all the genotypes.
 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 46(3): 245-259, September 2021

Varietal Differences in Juice, Pomace and Root Biochemical Characteristics of Four Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.) Cultivars

The complex evaluation of varietal biochemical differences in rhubarb juice, pomace and roots is highly useful to develop an efficient processing technology. Research was carried out to compare four rhubarb cultivars (Malakhit, Krupnochereshkovy, Upryamets and Zaryanka) in terms of the quality and antioxidant parameters of juice, pomace and roots. The laboratory analyses showed a high juice yield (75-82%) with a relatively high content of ascorbic acid (125-164 mg L-1) and other organic acids (16-21 g L-1). Citric, oxalic and succinic acids accounted for 98% of the total acids amount. The juice of the cultivar Upryamets demonstrated high levels of the natural preservatives sorbic (36.2 mg L-1) and benzoic acids (11.7 mg L-1), which are highly valuable in juice production. The juice pomace proved to be an excellent source of pectin and dietary fiber, whose concentrations reached 21-24% and 59-64%, respectively. The total antioxidant activity decreased according to the following sequence: root pulp (161-232 mg GAE g-1 d.w.) > root peel (115-170 mg GAE g-1 d.w.) > juice pomace (28.3-34.4 mg GAE g-1 d.w.) > juice (4.4-7.6 mg GAE g-1 f.w.), suggesting that root pulp is a highly valuable antioxidant source. The results of this research highlight the interesting prospects of the complex rhubarb plant processing for the production of juice, containing a wide spectrum of organic acids and natural stabilizers (sorbic and benzoic acids), dietary fiber and pectin (juice pomace) and natural antioxidants (roots).

Morula Tree: From Fruit to Wine through Spontaneous Fermentation and the Potential of Deriving Other Value-Added Products

Sclerocarya birrea (Morula tree) is one of the indigenous trees bearing wild fruits with various applications in the African communities. Wine is a globally known beverage usually made from grapes; however, recently, other fruits, including wild fruits with a considerable amount of sugars, can be used for making wines. The marula fruit wine is also important in many communities for cultural activities and can be enjoyed by people of varying age groups depending on the age of the product. In recent years, there has been growing interest in shifting from traditional marula winemaking to developing technologies for the marula winemaking process and commercialisation. The process of marula winemaking is similar to the production of grape wines, which entails collection, selection and washing of the fruits; extraction of the juice and mashing; formation and removal of the scum; and ultimately spontaneous fermentation of the resulting juice. The new process in marula winemaking would take into consideration the use of starter cultures as either monoculture or mixed cultures developed from the native marula fruit microbiota and the pasteurisation of the juice. The main challenge or difficulty with marula is the extraction of sugar and other soluble solids from the pulp more than it is for the grapes. The other challenge confronting the sustainability of marula wine is the seasonality of the fruit and poor juice yield. It is therefore imperative to develop strategies to increase the juice yield without affecting the quality, to preserve the marula fruits to ensure the year-round presence of marula fruit wine in the markets and, consequently, to improve the income generation capacity of the households dependent on the product. In addition to achieving a high juice yield, it is imperative to ensure consistent quality wine products. This review gives an overview of the S. birrea subsp. caffra and the biochemical components of the fruits or juice. It also highlights the use of marula fruits for wine production in African communities. The potential economic sustainability of the marula fruit wine is explored, particularly in southern Africa, where the marula tree (Morula) is abundant and the marula fruit wine is popularly produced. The review also examines the opportunities, challenges and future prospects of the marula fruit wine.

Transient Heat Therapy Has Few Effects on Grapevine Performance in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

<h3>Summary</h3> <h3>Goals</h3> The goal of this study was to evaluate a commercially available machine (Agrotherm XT™, Agrothermal Systems®, Napa, CA) for transient heat application as a means of enhancing vineyard canopy temperatures during the growing season and to study the effects of transient heat application on grapevine performance, phenology and berry quality. The study was conducted over two growing seasons in three vineyards located in East and West Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada. <h3>Key Findings</h3> Transient heat application is not an effective management practice Results were not consistent among vineyard locations nor growing seasons. In 2019 only, treated Merlot vines had fewer berries per cluster but higher juice pH. In 2019, treated Chardonnay 2 vines had reduced leaf greenness but higher pruning weight. In 2020 only, treated Merlot vines had reduced leaf greenness but higher pruning weights. In 2020, treated Chardonnay 2 vines had reduced leaf greenness but higher berry weights and soluble solids. In 2021 only, treated Chardonnay 2 vines had higher fruitfulness (clu/sh). <h3>Impact and Significance</h3> Heat treatment did not have consistent effects on grapevine performance and berry quality, and no changes in grapevine phenology were observed. Given the high purchase costs, transient heat therapy is not an effective management strategy to improve grapevine performance and berry quality in the north central part of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.

Relationship between high bile juice amylase levels and chronic bacterial infections in patients with gallbladder cancer

Relationship between high bile juice amylase levels and chronic bacterial infections in patients with gallbladder cancer