Higher Soluble Solids Content Research Articles

Evolution of shelf life parameters of ready-to-eat escarole (Cichorium endivia var. latifolium) subjected to different cutting operations

The present work was carried out to investigate the microbiological and physicochemical parameters of minimally processed escarole (Cichorium endivia var. latifolium) subjected to two different transformation processes, a classic ready-to-eat process (cut leaves, CL) and a process that excluded the cutting operation (entire leaves, EL) as control trial. Both trials were monitored during the refrigerated (4 °C) storage extended until 15 d. Total mesophilic microorganisms, total psychrotrophic microorganisms and pseudomonads were detected at the highest cell densities in all samples. The genotypic characterization of the dominating microbial populations resulted in the identification of six Gram positive and 34 Gram negative bacterial strains and five yeast strains. Species within Pseudomonas genus were found at the highest levels and showed the highest biodiversity among the bacterial community of both CL and EL trials. The most numerous groups were represented by Pseudomonas fragi, Pseudomonas grimontii, Pseudomonas marginalis and Pseudomonas poae. Among yeasts, Candida spp. and Rhodotorula spp. were identified. A lower weight loss and colour variation and a higher soluble solid content and ascorbic acid initial retention were registered for EL production, while nitrates content and titratable acidity were not affected by processing. The integrated approach based on the monitoring of several parameters showed how the overall quality of fresh cut escarole decreased over time.

Effect of maturity and after-ripening on the formation of gel in the syrup made from Japanese apricot ‘Suiko’ fruits

To process clear syrup from ‘Suiko’ Japanese apricots, the effect of fruit changes on the amount of gel with pectin characteristics formed upon natural ripening or after-ripening was investigated. Little gel was formed in the syrup extracted from early-mature fruits subjected to after-ripening for 0 to 4 days, and from moderately mature fruits subjected to after-ripening for 0 to 2 days; conversely, a large amount of gel was formed in the syrup extracted from fully mature drop fruits. Uronic acid was found at a higher concentration and had a higher degree of esterification in the gel than in the liquid phase. Moreover, the gel contained larger amounts of high-molecular-weight polysaccharides than the liquid phase. In raw fruits, an increase in the duration of natural ripening and after-ripening reduced high-molecular-weight water-soluble pectin content, and increased the low-molecular-weight polymer. This suggests that low-molecular-weight pectin would actively convert into syrup in ripened fruits, while high-methoxyl pectin would recombine under conditions of low pH and high soluble solid content, thus resulting in gel formation. We conclude that early-matured fruits after a 4-day after-ripening treatment were best suited for processing because they showed the least gel formation in the clarified syrup, while preserving aroma.

Storage and Quality of Apples ‘Reinette Simirenko’, Depending on the Dose of Post-Harvest Treatment with Ethylene Inhibitor 1-MCP

Abstract Natural weight losses, flesh and core browning, senescent breakdown and fruit rot, ethylene-production, firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and taste of apple ‘Reinette Simirenko’ during storage, depending on the dose of postharvest treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) were studied. Fruits were collected in harvesting maturity and treated with 1-MCP at the recommended dose of 1000 ppb (SmartFreshTM 0.068 g·m−3) and experimental doses of 750 ppb (75% of the recommended dose) and 500 ppb (50%). Apples were stored at 2 ± 1 °C and air humidity 85–90%. After seven months of cold storage, irrespective of dose of 1-MCP, on the 20th day of shelf-life, ethylene production from the treated apples was 3.9–5.3 times lower than that of the untreated ones. During the seven months of storage, fruits with post-harvest treatment had high firmness – 8.8–9.0 kg without a significant difference in range of 500–1000 ppb 1-MCP. 1-MCP treatment provides 0.6–1.0% higher content of soluble solids (highest level is for the treatment of 750 and 1000 ppb). Content of titratable acidity was higher by 1.4–1.7 times (the highest acidity was at 1000 ppb and, respectively, 1.1 and 1.2 times lower when treated with doses of 750 and 500 ppb). There was no skin browning and senescent breakdown and no flesh browning at 750 and 1000 ppb, and no fruit rot at 1000 ppb. When smaller doses (as recommended) are applied, a more harmonious taste of apples without reducing storage ability is achieved.

Characteristics in autotetraploid kumquats (Fortunella spp.) induced by colchicine treatment to nucellar embryos and their utilization for triploid breeding

Three Fortunella (kumquat) species, the Meiwa kumquat (F. crassifolia Swingle), the Round kumquat [F. japonica (Thunb.) Swingle] and the Changshou kumquat (F. obovata hort. ex Tanaka), showing tetraploid, which had been induced by treating the seeds with colchicine, were examined for origin and horticultural characteristics (e. g. morphology of leaves, flowers, pollen and fruits). Additionally, these tetraploid kumquats were crossed to produce triploid kumquats. All of the tetraploids were confirmed to be derived from the nucellar embryo of each original kumquat by examining their chromosomal composition with chromomycin A3 staining. All of the tetraploid kumquats had the typical morphological characteristics of tetraploid Citrus plants, such as round and thick leaves, and large flowers and pollen grains. On the other hand, the fruits of these tetraploid plants showed desirable traits for kumquats such as thicker pericarp and higher soluble solids content. Furthermore, when these tetraploids were crossed with some diploid cultivars, triploid progenies were obtained from almost all of the cross combinations.

Físico-química de variedades de acerola em dois estádios de maturação

As áreas de plantios de aceroleiras para fins comerciais vêm aumentando progressivamente com a utilização da acerola pelas indústrias alimentícias e farmacêuticas. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar física e quimicamente variedades de acerola em dois estádios de maturação. Frutos de cinco variedades (BV1, BV2, BV4, BV6 e C6P3), cultivadas no pomar experimental da Unidade de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão do Instituto Federal do Ceará (IFCE) foram colhidos nos estádios de maturação verde e maduro e avaliados. Estes frutos foram transferidos para o laboratório de Química de Alimentos do IFCE e submetidos à seleção (verde e maduro) para realização das análises físicas e químicas. Os frutos foram colocados em bandejas de isopor. O delineamento utilizado foi o DIC, constando de 5 tratamentos representados pelas 5 variedades de acerola, com 5 repetições de 10 frutos por parcela. Foram avaliadas: massa fresca, comprimento, diâmetro, sólidos solúveis (SS), acidez titulável (AT), pH, SS/AT e conteúdo de ácido ascórbico. As variedades apresentaram características físicas adequadas à industrialização. Os frutos de acerola da variedade BV2 em estádio de maturação verde e as variedades BV1 e BV4 em estádio de maturação maduro apresentaram maiores teores de ácido ascórbico. As variedades BV4 (estádio verde) e BV2 (estádio maduro) apresentaram maiores teores de sólidos solúveis e SS/AT.

AVALIAÇÃO DAS CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICO-QUÍMICAS E ACEITAÇÃO DA ALFACE CROCANTELA PRODUZIDA EM SISTEMA HIDROPÔNICO NA CIDADE DE ARARAS, SÃO PAULO

A alface crocantela, do grupo de alfaces crocantes, foi desenvolvida com características similares às cultivares crespas crocantes, com rendimento alto tanto em cultivo em campo quanto hidropônico. Além da eficiência produtiva, é importante que a folhosa possua também qualidade nutricional e aceitação do consumidor. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as características físico-químicas e aceitação da alface crocantela e das cultivares comerciais crespa crocante (SVR-2005) e vanda (TE-112), cultivadas em sistema hidropônico. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas de pH, sólidos solúveis, ácido ascórbico, clorofila, cor instrumental, pressão de turgescência, perda de massa e aceitabilidade. A alface crocantela apresentou alta turgescência, resultando em boa aparência e qualidade para comerciantes e consumidores, devido, principalmente, a sua maior durabilidade pós-colheita, sendo que a crespa crocante apresentou características bastante similares à crocantela, que também se destacou por apresentar maior teor de clorofila e coloração escura. A alface vanda se destacou positivamente pelo sabor, devido ao seu alto teor de sólidos solúveis, e por sua cor clara, aroma e impressão global. Desta forma, com alta aceitação pelos consumidores semelhantes às cultivares já estabelecidas no mercado, a crocantela apresentou características favoráreis à boa aparência e qualidade do produto tanto para comerciantes quanto para consumidores.DOI: 10.12957/demetra.2018.31509

Influence of Postharvest Application of 28-Homobrassinolide on Storage Quality of Medlar Fruit

This study was conducted to determine the effects of 28-homobrassinolide (Hbl) applied postharvest on the storage quality of medlar fruit (Mespilus germanica L.). Fruits were submerged into the solutions containing 3 and 5 µM Hbl for 5 min. Control fruits were submerged into distilled water for the same duration. Treated and control fruits were stored at 0 °C and 95% relative humidity conditions for 60 days. Samples were taken at 15, 30, 45 and 60th day of storage. On the sampling dates, soluble solid content (SSC), pH, titratable acidity (TA) in malic acid, fruit firmness, weight loss, taste, browning, and color of the skin and pulp were analyzed. Results showed that these properties of the fruits changed over time in the storage and depended on the concentration of the homobrassinolide. 3 µM Hbl treated fruits kept their firmness and initial weight longer. Fruits with 5 µM Hbl application resulted in high TA and low SSC and provided best browning in the fruit skin. Taste was better attained and protected over a longer time with 5 µM Hbl treatment. In conclusion, 28-homobrassinolide exerted some effects on quality of medlar fruits.

Plant growth, yield and fruit quality of Clementine mandarin selections under subtropical climate in Brazil

Abstract In Brazil, few mandarin (Citrus reticulata, Blanco) cultivars are being currently exploited, limiting the availability of fresh fruit in the local market. This study was aimed to investigate the performance of 15 Clementine mandarin selections and 3 hybrids, seeking for alternative varieties for production under subtropical conditions. Fifteen Clementine selections, namely: ‘Oroval-SRA335’, ‘Tomatera-SRA535’, ‘Reina-SRA534’, ‘Bruno-SRA531’, ‘Nules-SRA389’, ‘Ragheb-SRA386’, ‘Oroval-Y45’, ‘2-Kr-Monreal’, ‘Commune-SRA88’, ‘Commune-SRA85’, ‘Caffin-SRA385’, ‘De Nules-VCR’, ‘Commune-SRA92’, ‘Clemenules-EECB128’ and ‘Marisol-EECB126’; three hybrids (‘Clemelin-IVIA335’, ‘Caçula-1’ and ‘Caçula-3’) and the standard commercial varieties ‘Ponkan’ and ‘Cravo’, grafted on ‘Swingle’ citrumelo [C. paradisi Mafad. cv. ‘Duncan’ x Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.], were evaluated in Bebedouro, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 2004 to 2008. The experimental plot was planted in 2001 with the 20 genotypes disposed in a randomized block design, with three replications and two plants per plot. The ‘Cravo’ variety and the ‘Clemelin-IVIA335’ hybrid presented the smallest plant size. The selections ‘Cravo’, ‘Caffin-SRA385’, ‘Clemelin-IVIA335’, ‘Marisol-EECB126’ and ‘Ragheb-SRA386’ had the smallest cumulative yield. Fruits of ‘Caçula-1’ had the highest soluble solids content and those of ‘Caçula-3’ showed the highest juice content. Among the Clementine selections, ‘Bruno-SRA531’, ‘Clemenules-EECB128’, ‘De Nules-VCR’ and ‘Reina-SRA534’ reached earlier maturity. In terms of yield efficiency, ‘Ponkan’ trees performed similarly or outperformed the other selections, with larger fruits and earlier ripening. The ‘Reina-SRA534’ selection outstood due to its high fruit yield and quality, with medium fruit size and early bearing, while ‘De Nules VCR’ and ‘Tomatera-SRA535’ had high yield, low alternate-bearing and fine fruit quality, despite of their large plant size. Good performance of Clementine selections and hybrids encourages further studies on cultural practices for growing this group of mandarins under subtropical climatic conditions.

Yield performance of new juice grape varieties grafted onto different rootstocks under tropical conditions

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield components and physicochemical characteristics of bunches and berries of new grape varieties for juice elaboration, which were ‘Isabel Precoce’ (Vitis labrusca L.) and the hybrids ‘BRS Carmem’, ‘BRS Cora’ and IAC 138-22 ‘Maximo’ grown onto ‘IAC 572’ and ‘IAC 766’ rootstocks under tropical conditions. The yield components (number of bunches and yield per vine, as well as productivity) and the physicochemical characteristics of the bunches and berries of the eight scion-rootstock combinations were evaluated in three seasons. All data were subjected to analysis of variance and principal components analysis. The varieties ‘Isabel Precoce’, ‘BRS Cora’ and IAC 138 22 ‘Maximo’ produced high fruit yield, with the number of bunches and yield per vine similar to one another and superior to those of ‘BRS Carmem’. Significant differences occurred among varieties in the physicochemical grape characteristics. ‘Isabel Precoce’ and ‘BRS Carmem’ grapes had balanced levels of sugar and acid content, and ‘BRS Cora’ presented large bunches and berries, reaching high soluble solids content despite the high acidity. IAC 138-22 ‘Maximo’ grape also had large bunches but small berries and limited potential in the accumulation of sugars. The ‘IAC 766’ rootstock resulted in the best performance across all four varieties evaluated, showing maximum results in terms of fruit yield and physicochemical quality attributes of grapes.

Lycopene andβ-carotene content during growth of ‘Manee-Esan’ pummelo (Citrus grandis(L.) Osbeck) fruit

'Manee-Esan' is a new promising pummelo cultivar of the northeast of Thailand. This cultivar was locally found in the orchard at Baan Bung 14 Tambon Nonthong, Amphoe Kasetsomboon, Chaiyaphum province in the northeast of Thailand. The flesh of this cultivar has an attractive deep red color. It is believed that it is rich in antioxidants, especially lycopene and β-carotene. The taste of the fruit is sweet with a slight acidity. However, there was no scientific information supporting its quality, especially its harvest maturity. The research that was conducted was given the name: “Production System of Quality Pummelo for Identifying Creation of Chaiyaphum Pummelo” and was supported by the Thailand Research Fund and Khon Kaen University during 2015-2017. It was conducted to determine the content of lycopene and β-carotene, as well as the total soluble solid and total titratable acidity during fruit growth. The results showed that during fruit growth between 150-300 d after full bloom (DAFB), the content of lycopene, β-carotene, and the total soluble solid gradually increased (2.75-8.65 mg 100 g-1 FW, 0.90-2.55 mg 100 g-1 FW and 9.89-10.34%, respectively) while the Hue angle, titratable acidity and pulp firmness gradually decreased (42.67-20.64, 1.32-0.66% and 54.13-17.77 N cm-2, respectively). Lycopene and β-carotene reached the maximum content on the 270th DAFB (8.65 and 2.55 mg 100 g-1 FW, respectively) and no significantly decrease on the 300th DAFB (7.13 and 2.31 mg 100 g-1 FW, respectively). The total soluble solid content reached the maximum (10.34%) on the 240th DAFB, there was nog no significant decrease on the days that followed (10.26 and 10.17%). The top most ratio of TSS/TA (15.54) was also found on the 270th DAFB followed by the second most ratio on the 240th DAFB (14.98). However, the granulation of the pulp was found on the 270th DAFB. It should be concluded that to have a good taste and high content of lycopene, β-carotene and total soluble solids, 'Manee-Esan' pummelo should be harvested at 240th DAFB.

Effects of Pre-Harvest Methyl Jasmonate Treatments on Fruit Quality of Fuji Apples during Cold Storage

Araştırma hasat öncesi farklı dozlarda uygulanan (1120, 2240 ve 4480 mg L-1) metil jasmonatın (MeJA) soğukta muhafaza süresince Fuji elmasının meyve kalite özellikleri üzerine olan etkilerini belirlemek için yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada, M9 anacı üzerine aşılı 5 yaşlı Fuji elma ağaçları kullanılmıştır. MeJA, 3 farklı zamanda (ticari hasattan 2, 3, ve 4 hafta önce) ağaçlara uygulanmıştır. Soğukta muhafaza süresince ağırlık kaybı üzerine MeJA’nın etkisinin uygulama dozuna bağlı olarak değiştiği tespit edilmiştir. MeJA uygulama dozu arttıkça, meyve etinde meydana gelen yumuşama önemli derecede geciktirilmiştir. Depolama süresince, MeJA ile muamele olan meyvelerin SÇKM ve asitlik içeriği daha yüksek bulunmuştur. MeJA ile muamele olmuş meyvelerin pH değeri düşük olmasına rağmen, nişasta indeksi üzerine MeJA uygulamalarının önemli bir etkisi gözlemlenmemiştir. Sonuç olarak, soğukta muhafaza süresince meyve eti sertliğinde meydana gelen kaybın MeJA uygulaması ile geciktirilebileceği belirlenmiştir.

Acid extraction and physicochemical characterization of pectin from cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum D.) fruit peel

Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) is a fruit from the Amazon region. Pectins were extracted from cubiu fruit peels using boling mineral acid (HNO3) or organic acid (citric acid) at pH 2 for 1h. The highest uronic acid content was obtained using HNO3. Extractions were then carried out with HNO3 at pH 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 for 2 or 4 h. Among the pectins with the highest yields, the one extracted using HNO3 at pH 1.5 for 2h (14.2% yield) had the highest uronic acid content (75.0%). The pectin obtained under these conditions was characterized by chromatographic, spectroscopic and spectrophotometric methods. The polymer was mainly composed of a high methyl-esterified homogalacturonan (degree of methyl esterification of 62%) with low acetyl content (5%). It formed gels in acidic medium (pH 2.5–1.5) with 60% sucrose and the gel strength increased with decreased pH, suggesting possible applications as an additive in acidic products with high soluble solids content.

Phenolic compound profile characterization by Q-TOF LC/MS in 12 Italian ancient sweet cherry cultivars

Twelve Italian ancient autochthonous sweet cherry cultivars were characterized for fruit quality parameters, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC) and pH, total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) content and antioxidant activity (AA). TPC, TMA and AA were evaluated by spectrophotometric and Q-TOF LC/MS analysis was performed to identify and quantify single phenolic compounds. SSC, TA, TPC, TMA and AA significantly differ depending on cultivar. Cv. Durona della Marca showed the highest SSC and TA, while pH was less variable among cultivars. The highest TPC (2680.2 mg gallic acid equivalents kg−1 fresh weight, FW), TMA (887.6 mg cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents kg−1 FW) and AA (1.11 μg trolox equivalents mg−1 FW) was found in cv. Nera di Bussolengo. Q-TOF LC/MS analysis allowed to identify and quantify 12 compounds of different classes. The major compounds detected in all the cultivars were neochlorogenic and p-coumaroylquinic acids, (-)-epicatechin, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside and cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside. TPC and TMA have an important role in determining AA. The highlighted differences are ascribable to the genetic traits, because cultivars were grown in the same agronomical, geographical and climatic conditions. This study represents a contribution toward the re-valuation of these ancient cultivars for consumption and breeding programs.

Modifiye atmosferde paketlemenin ‘0900 Ziraat’ kiraz çeşidinin meyve kalitesi ve derim sonrası ömrü üzerine etkileri

Kiraz meyveleri sınırlı muhafaza ve raf ömrü nedeniyle bozulmalara karşı oldukça hassastır ve bazı durumlarda pazarlama sonrası nihai tüketiciye optimum yeme kalitesinde ulaşamamaktadır. Bu nedenle, bu çalışmada, muhafaza ve pazarlama periyodunu uzatmak amacıyla, ‘0900 Ziraat’ kiraz (Prunus avium L.) çeşidinin derim sonrası ömrü ve meyve kalitesi üzerine modifiye atmosferde muhafazanın etkileri belirlenmiştir. Bu amaçla kirazlar 3 farklı modifiye atmosfer ortamında 0°C sıcaklık ve %90-95 oransal nemde 50 gün süreyle muhafaza edilmişlerdir. Çalışmada birinci grup kirazlar Xtend® marka torbalar (MAP-1) içerisinde, ikinci grup meyveler deliksiz polietilen torbalarda (MAP-2), üçüncü grup kirazlar ise delikli polietilen torbalar (MAP-3-Kontrol) içerisinde paketlenmiştir. Farklı muhafaza ortamlarından 10 gün aralıklarla meyve örnekleri alınmış ve meyvelerde farklı fiziksel ve kimyasal değişimler belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada en düşük ağırlık kaybı MAP-1 ortamında depolanan kirazlarda tespit edilmiştir. MAP-2 ortamında muhafaza edilmiş kirazlar en yüksek suda çözünebilir kuru madde miktarına sahip olmuşlardır. Titre edilebilir asitlik değerleri muhafazanın ilk 10 gününde artmış, daha sonra ise azalmıştır. En yüksek meyve eti sertliği, titre edilebilir asitlik, L*, C* ve tat değerleri MAP-1 ortamında depolanan kirazlarda tespit edilmiştir. Piting ve sap kararmasının kontrol altına alınmasında en etkili MAP uygulaması MAP-1 olarak belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, ‘0900 Ziraat’ kiraz çeşidine ait meyveler 0°C sıcaklık ve %90-95 oransal nemde 50 gün süreyle MAP-1 ortamında başarılı bir şekilde muhafaza edilmişlerdir.

Yield and Soluble Solids Content of Winter-grown Spinach in Unheated High Tunnels in New England

Fall planting of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) into high tunnels for harvest from late fall through early spring is widely practiced in the northeastern United States, but replicated studies focusing on this production system are lacking. The objectives of our study were to understand the effect of fall planting date (PD) and cultivar on yield and soluble solids content (SSC) of spinach. Three cultivars (Regiment, Space, and Tyee) were transplanted in unheated high tunnels in Durham, NH, in 2014–15 (Year 1) and 2015–16 (Year 2) at six different fall dates: 20 Sept., 30 Sept., 9 Oct., 19 Oct., 30 Oct., and 9 Nov. Five additional cultivars (Carmel, Corvair, Gazelle, Emperor, and Renegade) were included at the third date (9 Oct.) to compare yield and SSC among cultivars during winter months. A randomized complete block design with four replications was used for all experiments. Year and fall transplant date had a significant effect on total yield. Total yield of Year 2 was nearly double that of Year 1 for all PDs and cultivars. In both years, total yield decreased with later planting, such that yield from the 20 Sept. date was greater than a minimum of three of five subsequent PDs, depending on year. Total yield in spring (January through April) did not differ among the first four PDs in Year 1 or among any dates in Year 2, suggesting that a wide range of PDs will work well for those primarily interested in spring harvests. Combined analyses of the data from both years showed no significant differences in total yield among the eight cultivars planted only on 9 Oct. However, of the three cultivars grown at all PDs, Regiment produced significantly higher yields than Tyee. Harvest date, cultivar, and harvest date × cultivar affected leaf and petiole sap SSC in both years. SSC was most strongly negatively correlated with air and soil temperatures at a 10-day interval in Year 1 (R2 = 0.61 and 0.64, respectively) and a 7-day interval in Year 2 (R2 = 0.78 and 0.69, respectively). ‘Gazelle’ and ‘Emperor’ contained among the highest SSC in both years. Our work demonstrates total yield is highly dependent on fall PD and the growing conditions of a given year.

Quality and nutritional properties of ready-to-eat blackberry from different cultivars and pedoclimatic conditions

Minimal processing of fruit and vegetables involves different operations that increase the perishability of the final product and often cause a decrease in its nutritional properties. In this work three blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) cultivars ('Chester', 'Arapaho' and 'Triple Crown') grown in the hill (Valle Imagna, BG, Italy) or in the plain (Arcagna, LO, Italy) were evaluated immediately after minimal processing and after 3, 6 and 8 days of shelf-life at 3°C. Following parameters were evaluated: firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), acidity (AC), color (a*, b*, Hue), total anthocyanin (TA), total polyphenols (TP) and antioxidant activity (DPPH). All the cultivars, especially if grown in the plain, showed a slight decrease in firmness during shelf-life, however, they maintained adequate firmness values until the end of the storage. Blackberries grown in the plain had higher SSC and hue and lower acidity than those coming from the hill. 'Chester' was the richest in TP and in TA followed by 'Arapaho' and 'Triple Crown'. TA content was always higher in fruits cultivated in the plain compared to those from the hill. Minimal processing did not importantly affect TA, TP content and DPPH. The nutritional content of the fruit at the end of shelf-life was not statistically different from the harvest. All the evaluated cultivars showed good physico-chemical parameters and nutritional properties throughout the storage and, then, they have an interesting potential as ready-to-eat product.

Consumer preference and physicochemical evaluation of organically grown melons

Challenges in cultivar selection and availability has inhibited the expansion of the organic melon market. This study evaluated the sensory and physicochemical properties of four organically grown melon cultivars over a two-year period at three growing locations; two honeydew cultivars: ‘Dulce Nectar’ and ‘Jaune’, and two cantaloupe cultivars: ‘Athena’ and ‘Sivan’. Trained and consumer panels evaluated 17 sensory attributes, including appearance, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance. Physicochemical measurements included flesh color, texture, pH, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA). Results showed that ‘Sivan’ and ‘Athena’ were preferred by panelists for their flavor and overall eating quality; these cultivars also had relatively high SSC, high pH, and low TA. Conversely, ‘Jaune’ was the least preferred, with higher intensities of ‘veggie’ and ‘green’ flavors; this cultivar also had relatively low pH and high TA. Overall, ‘Sivan’ performed consistently better than all other cultivars both years, scoring highest in positive attributes, such as ‘sweetness’ and ‘juiciness’. This research can be used to support the organic melon industry in cultivar selection.

Minitomato cultivation with substrate under different fertigation management strategies

ABSTRACT The application of high level of fertilization and inadequate management of fertigation in tomato crop can promote increase of salinity of the solution, nutritional imbalance and physiological disorders in the plants, consequently reduces the productivity and the quality of the fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate different fertigation strategies in growth and production of mini tomato plants cultivated with substrate in a greenhouse. The experimental design was in randomized complete blocks with four treatments and twenty replicates. The treatments corresponded to four fertigation strategies, as follows: T1 [(control) fertigation with leaching of 20%]; T2 fertigation throughout the day and irrigation at the end of the day with leaching of 20%; T3 irrigation with leaching of 20%, followed by fertigation in all activations of the irrigation system; T4 fertigation with leaching of 20% and reuse of the leached solution. Stem height and diameter, number of clusters, total and commercial fruit production, fruit size, fruit color, total titratable acidity, soluble solids content and fruit texture were evaluated. No significant differences were detected among the treatments in relation to the growth variables of the mini tomato plants. The strategies of fertigation tested do not influence significantly the growth of tomato plants. The T1 and T4 managements provide higher commercial production and fruits with higher content of soluble solids when compared with other management strategies evaluated. Considering the nutritional factor, we recommend to reuse the nutrient solution used in the tomato cultivation with substrate, correcting daily the electrical conductivity of the solution.

Determination of bioactive compounds in ten cultivars of onions from Aragón and Castilla y León

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most important agricultural crops worldwide. The onion has high content of bioactive compounds and by this it is a food with healthy proprieties. The onion has two groups of compounds with these proprieties: S-alk(en)yl-cysteine sulphoxides (ACSOs), which are also flavour precursors, and non-sulfur compounds. In non-sulfur compounds, there are: flavonoids (mainly flavonols), fructans and saponins. Quercetin and its derivatives are the most important flavonols. Onion is an excellent source of quercetin, which is known to have various health benefits. The aim of this study was: cultivar selection according to the quantity of some bioactive compounds with healthy benefits. In this study, ten local onion landraces were supplied by the Vegetable Germplasm Bank in Zaragoza (BGHZ) Centro de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agroalimentaria (CITA) of Zaragoza (Spain), and these correspond to two Spanish autonomous communities: “Aragon” and “Castilla y Leon”. The ten onion cultivars were grown in a greenhouse (CITA) under the same conditions of time, temperature, climate, soil and nutrient supply. The samples were processed as follows: the two outer layers were removed (dry brown layers), cut and the central part were minced and frozen. The pyruvic acid content, total polyphenols, quercetin, antioxidant capacity, pH and soluble solids were evaluated. In relation to the pyruvic acid content in the different cultivars studied, it was found that all of them showed little pungency and can be classified as sweet. The cultivar ‘BGHZ-3096’ (“Cebolla Pequena”, Teruel) presented the highest content in total polyphenols, quercetin and antioxidant capacity, and the highest soluble solids content, of all the cultivars analyzed.

Active coating from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-based nanocomposite incorporated with Thai essential oils on mango (cv. Namdokmai Sithong )

Abstract Biopolymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) itself did not possess any antifungal activity. To enhance its antifungal activity, Thai essential oils (EOs) were incorporated into HPMC-based nanocomposite coatings and tested in mangoes cv. Namdokmai Sithong against an anthracnose disease. A reduction in weight loss, firmness loss, changes in colors and higher soluble solid content were observed in the coated mangoes. The mangoes coated with HPMC-based nanocomposite coatings incorporated with the antifungal EOs exhibited a higher score of overall acceptance than uncoated ones. The shelf-life of coated mangoes was extended to 18 days at 13 °C. All essential oils from ginger, plai and fingerroot incorporated into the HPMC-based nanocomposite edible coating delayed losses caused by C. gloeosporioides better than from using the HPMC-based nanocomposite coating alone. Therefore, active HPMC-based nanocomposite coatings incorporating Thai essential oils can inhibit the growth of C. gloeosporioides and prolong the fruit shelf-life of mango fruit without an adverse sensory effect.