Increase In Storage Duration Research Articles

The effect of UV-C stimulation of potato tubers and soaking of potato strips in water on density differences of intermediates for French-fry production

The paper describes the effect of UV-C stimulation of potato tubers and immersing of potato strips in water on differences in density of intermediate products for French-fry production. The density difference used for description of the experiment was defined as a relationship between the post-treatment density and pre-treatment density. The study was conducted on tubers of the Innovator variety. The studies of density changes induced by absorption of water involved measurements of the mass of potato strips in air and in water. Potato strips measured 10 × 10 mm and 60 mm in length. The strips were cut lengthwise along the longest tuber axis set between the proximal and distal tuber end. Water absorption was investigated by immersing strips in water (1) at a temperature of 20°C for 15 min and (2) at 40°C for 20 min. In addition, the study included the group (3) where strips were blanched at a temperature of 90°C for 2 min and a control group (0) which was not immersed in water. Potato tubers were irradiated by UV-C in the following ways: (1) irradiation on one side for 30 min, (2) irradiation on both sides for 15 min each, (0) control group (no irradiation). The studies were conducted at two dates: (0) after harvest and (1) after 3-month storage. Laboratory and storage experiments were conducted in 2016-2017. The density difference was statistically significantly influenced by storage time, UV-C stimulation and immersion conditions of potato strips. The density difference increased with the increase in storage duration of tubers, immersion duration of strips, water temperature (up to starch gelification temperature) and UV-C stimulation.

Studies on Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization and Foliar Feeding of Calcium and Bio Stimulants on the Growth, Yield and Post- Harvest Quality of Garlic II. Effects of Nitrogen, Chitosan and Storage Durations on Post- Harvest Quality of Garlic

xandria University in Abies, Alexandria, Egypt, during the winter and summer season of 2017, respectively. Thisstudy aimes to evaluate the effect of nitrogenrates (0, 50, 100 and 150 Kg Nfed-1) and chitosan (0, 1, 2 and 3 mll-1)and their interaction effects on postharvest quality of garlic plants. The results showed that the percentage of weight lossand chemical composition of garlic (T.S.S , dry matter and total carbohydrates) were significantly increased as N-levelincreased from 0 up to 150 Kg N fed-1 as well as chitosan concentrations was increased from 0 up to 3 ml/ l. The resultsindicated also that there were significant interaction effect due to nitrogen levels and chitosan concentrations on allcharacters. The storage durations months had significant effects on weight loss of garlic bulbs. It was observed thatweight loss of garlic bulbs gradually increased with the increase of storage duration up to 4 months. All minerals (N,P,K)and Protein contents of garlic bulbs were significant increased by the application of nitrogen fertilization up to 150 Kg Nfed-1as well as by spraying of chitosan up to 3mll-1. The interaction effects of nitrogen and chitosan on N andprotein contents of garlic bulbs before or after storage were significant, however, there were as no significant effects onP and K contents of garlic bulbs after storage.

Optimal storage protocols for cut Narcissus tazetta and Polianthes tuberosa stems

Abstract Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta L.) and tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) are commercially important cut flowers being grown in various countries, but their postharvest handling procedures need to be optimized to preserve quality and extend vase life. Effect of storage method (wet vs. dry) and durations were compared to improve the postharvest performance of cut narcissus and tuberose stems. Increasing storage duration reduced vase life, but more rapidly for stems stored dry compared to wet storage for both tested species. Narcissus stems last 1.4 d longer when stored in buckets containing water, while tuberose spikes lasted 1.2 d longer than dry-stored stems. Moreover, as storage duration increased from 0 to 6 d for narcissus and to 12 d for tuberose vase life gradually decreased. Narcissus stems stored up to 2 days at 3 ± 1 °C had a similar vase life to unstored stems, while storage duration of 4 or 6 days reduced vase life by 1.2 or 1.5 d, respectively. For tuberose, vase life decreased by 0.7 days when stored for 3 days to 2.1 d when stems were stored for 12 d. Water uptake also gradually decreased with increase in storage duration. In summary, storage in water may be used for short durations for holding cut stems of narcissus and tuberose.

Profiling of Physical and Chemical Properties of Mango at Different Ripening Stages

The experiments were carried out to assess the quality of mango at different ripening stages. The two factor experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The experiment comprised four varieties, viz., V1: BAU Aam-1, V2: BAU Aam-6, V3: BAU Aam-7, V4: BAU Aam-8 and five ripening stages. Among the attributes total weight loss, dry matter content, total soluble solids (TSS), sugar content (total, reducing and non-reducing), disease incidence increased, while the moisture, vitamin C contents and titratable acidity decreased with the increase in duration of storage. Among the four varieties, BAU Aam-6 showed better results in relation to the most of the characters examined. Ripening stage-5 of mango fruit was observed to be the best among the five ripening stages in relation to the most of the chemical characters examined. Finally, it can be concluded that the results of this experiment will be useful with particular reference to quality control, preparation for transportation and marketing, and will also be beneficial for both the growers and consumers.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(2): 121-126 2016

Effect of modified atmosphere packaging and storage duration on keeping quality of gladiolus spikes

Gladiolus has elegant spikes with bright florets and good keeping quality. The storage of spikes duringproduction period will be beneficial for the farmers during low production period. Thus, the present study was planned to investigate the effect of long term modified atmosphere storage on gladiolus spikes. The spikes of gladiolus cv. Alexander the Great, harvested at tight bud stage, were treated with sucrose (20%) + aluminum sulphate (300 ppm) for 20 h followed by sealing in LDPE and PP sleeves (25 μm) with and without perforations and stored vertically at 3–4°C for 0, 6, 12 and 18 days. After storage, vase-life was evaluated. The basal florets opened in all sleeves after 18 days of storage. Increase in storage duration hastened the opening of basal florets, whereas packaging did not affect significantly. Vase-life, opening of florets (%), floret diameter and physiological weight declined with increase in storage duration.

Evaluation of comparative efficacy of egg yolk and soya based extendersfor refrigeration preservation (5ºC) of buffalo semen

The aim of this study was to compare commercially available soybean based extenders, viz. Bioxcell® and Optixcell® (IMV, France) with standard Tris-citrate-fructose-egg yolk-glycerol (TFYG) extender for refrigeration preservation of buffalo semen. Forty eight good quality ejaculates (8/bull) having initial motility >70% obtained at weekly interval in AV from 6 mature Surti buffalo bulls were split-diluted (at 34°C keeping 100×106 sperm ml-1) in TFYG, Bioxcell and Optixcell extenders and stored in refrigerator at 5°C for 72 hrs. The mean percentages of progressively motile spermatozoa observed on dilution (0-hr), and after 24, 48, 72 hrs of refrigeration preservation of semen at 5°C were 78.54±0.30, 68.30±0.30, 59.38±0.35 and 51.63±0.47; live sperm 90.48±0.19, 76.89± 0.51, 69.51±0.35 and 61.86±0.45; morphologically normal sperm 93.85±0.08, 90.70±0.11, 89.08±0.10 and 87.66±0.10; intact acrosome 94.40± 0.12, 88.22±0.13, 84.60±0.14 and 81.70±0.17, and HOS reactive sperm 79.35 ±0.24, 65.99±0.31, 57.69±0.36 and 50.70±0.43, respectively, all of which decreased gradually and highly significantly (P is less than 0.01) with increase in storage time. The results were significantly (Pis less than 0.05) superior with Optixcell followed by TFYG extender than with the Bioxcell. The overall mean percentages of sperms with abnormal head, mid-piece and tail and those with different forms of acrosomal defects like swollen, ruffled, detached and denuded acrosome also followed the pattern of morphologically normal sperm and intact acrosomes. The values of all these traits increased significantly (Pis less than 0.05) with increase in storage duration at 5°C. The sperm protective ability of Optixcell extender was superior followed by TFYG and the least of Bioxcell. The Optixcell, a recently launched improved soybean milk based extender, excelled the Bioxcell extender and was statistically similar to TFYG in respect of all the sperm quality parameters to satisfactorily preserve the quality of buffalo semen at refrigeration temperature up to 3 days.

Change in chemical constituents and overall acceptability of frozen and dehydrated Aonla fruit pulp during storage

Ascorbic acid and total phenol in frozen aonla pulp on zero day of storage was found to be 365.5 mg/100g and 2.1 mg/g while in dehydrated aonla pulp it was 2.3 mg/100mg and 14.7 mg/g which was found to decrease with the increase in storage duration. However, significant increase (CD at 5% Level) in total soluble solids (TSS) and non-enzymatic browning was noticed with the advancement in storage duration. The decrease and increase in physico-chemical characteristics were more significant in dehydrated aonla pulp as compared to frozen aonla pulp. Mean score for sensory attributes of dehydrated aonla pulp at zero month of storage was fairly less than frozen aonla pulp. Moreover, there was more significant decrease in value of sensory attributes of dehydrated aonla pulp during six months storage period compared to frozen aonla pulp. Thus, present study was first in its kind to determine and compare chemical composition and overall acceptability of frozen and dehydrated aonla pulp obtained from aonla fruits cv. Chakaiya during storage for optimizing there use in further development of value added aonla product.

Standardization of Storage Conditions and Duration on Picroside-I and Picroside-II in Raw Material of Drug Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.)

The study of the proper storage of medicinal plants after being harvested becomes necessary to minimize the loss of active constituents from microbial reactions, heat, moisture, light and enzymes etc. In the present study, fresh rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) were collected from 2600 m to 3300 m altitude of Himachal Pradesh (Rohtang area), India. The harvested material was washed to remove soil and other adhering materials, and then cut into small pieces and dried under shade. The air dried samples were packed in the different packing materials (i.e. Gunny bags or poly bags), stored either at room temperature or in refrigerator at 4° to 6 °C or in humid environment (85% humidity and 25 °C) for different storage durations and then analyzed their chemical constituents bimonthly. The study showed that the content of picroside-I and picroside-II decreased with the increase in storage duration irrespective of storage condition. However, the loss in picroside-I and picroside-II with storage was maximum when “Kutki” samples were stored under humid condition (85% humidity, 25 °C) and minimum loss was observed when samples were stored at low temperature (4-6 °C). So, to minimize the loss of picroside-I and picroside-II content in the drug Kutki during storage, Kutki must be stored at low temperature.

<b>Effects of supplementing broiler diets with a combination of fermented red ginseng marc powder and red-koji on thigh meat quality of broiler chick during storage

We assessed the effects of supplementing broiler diets with a combination of fermented red ginseng marc powder and red-koji on thigh meat quality of broiler chick during storage. Broilers (n = 120) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control or treatment with 1% fermented red ginseng marc combined with red-koji. There were four replicates per group, each comprising 15 birds (10 male and 5 female). Neither the dietary supplementation group nor the number of storage days had a significant (p > 0.05) effect on meat pH. However, TBARS, a measure of lipid oxidation, was significantly affected (p 0.05) on the lightness (L*) of meat in group after 1 and 7 day of storage (included T1 group), or redness (a*) of meat in group at 1 through 7 days of storage, whereas the yellowness (b*) of meat in both groups increased significantly (p < 0.05) with an increase in storage duration. Our results suggest that supplementing broiler diets with fermented red ginseng marc combined red-koji powder does not affect meat color, even after storage. We conclude that dietary supplementation with 1% fermented red ginseng powder combined with red-koji can reduce lipid oxidation in broiler thigh meat after 7 days of storage.

Effect of temperature and storage duration of flowers on essential oil content and composition of damask rose (Rosa × damascena Mill.) under western Himalayas

Present study was conducted to investigate the effect of storage on the quality of damask rose (Rosa×damascena Mill.) flowers in western Himalayas during 2013. Damask rose flowers were harvested and distilled immediately (control), stored at 4±0.5°C and −20°C for 10, 20 and 30 days before distillation. The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC and GC–MS. Storage of flowers under different conditions affected the color of flowers. Essential oil content was not significantly affected by different cold storage treatments (P≤0.05). However, changes in essential oil compositions were observed during cold storage at 4±0.5°C and −20°C up to one month as compared with control. Oil compositions represented the least alterations and flowers kept their primary quality when stored at low temperatures, particularly at −20°C. The rate of geraniol decreased from 19.07±1.25 to 2.29±1.79% with increase in storage period from 10 to 30 days at 4±0.5°C as compared to control. The concentrations of hydrocarbons like hexadecane, nonadecane, tricosane and docosane in the flowers were increased with increase in storage duration 4±0.5°C. The optimal results in terms of rose oil content and components were obtained from the immediately distilled rose flowers after harvest as well as from the flowers stored at −20°C for 20 days.

Sludge dewatering and drying: about the difficulty of making experiments with a non-stabilized material

Due to increasing amounts of wastewater bio-sludges produced worldwide, a lot of research has been carried out to optimize their treatment in view of reducing their high water content. Large efforts have been made on bio-sludge conditioning prior to mechanical dewatering. Research about drying is more recent but becomes more and more important in order to produce pellets that can safely be used in agriculture or that can be incinerated to recover energy. The consequences of the dewatering step especially, the nature and dosage of the polymer used for conditioning, on further drying still need to be investigated. However, such studies require making a large number of experiments at the laboratory scale, which needs to use a liquid bio-sludge with constant properties in order to get relevant results. Within this context, this article emphasizes the difficulty of making experiments with an organic material, by showing dewatering and drying results obtained during two series of tests. The experiments were conducted with bio-sludge collected after thickening in a local wastewater treatment plant. During the first test series “W,” experiments, i.e. conditioning, dewatering and drying, were performed on three samples with one week apart, using the same initial bio-sludge. For the second series “D,” trials were done each day during a working week. The Zetag 7587 conditioner was used to evaluate bio-sludge flocculation behaviors. The dewatering was made using a normalized filtration-expression cell. Drying experiments were carried out in a convective micro-dryer. The results indicate that an increase in storage duration leads to changes in bio-sludge dewatering and drying behaviors, leading to poor repeatability of experiments. Consequently, any experimental design must be completed in a limited time span to obtain relevant results. About shrinkage response which develops during drying, a two-zone linear model was developed. It was observed that the first part of the curve was almost similar for all experiments, whereas the second part reached progressively to lower volumes with increasing storage duration. In future works, the impact of other polyelectrolytes' type and dosage at the laboratory scale on the dewatering and drying processes will be investigated more deeply.

Response of storage duration, harvest stages and polymeric packaging films on post harvest life of gladiolus cut spikes cv. White Prosperity

A study was conducted on response of storage duration, harvest stage and polymeric packaging film on modified atmosphere storage of gladiolus cut spikes cv. White Prosperity. The cut spikes were harvested at two distinct stages of floret development, i.e., S1- when 1–2 florets showed colour, S2 when- 4–5 florets showed colour, packed in various wrapping material and stored for four storage duration levels. Polymeric sleeves exerted varying effect on keeping quality of spikes. S1- spikes exhibited lower vase-life than S2- spikes. Vaselife was maximum in polypropylene-100 and minimum in low density polyethylene -200 gauge sleeves. The keeping quality of unpackaged cold stored cut spikes was highly deteriorated, which decreases with increase in refrigerated storage duration. An ideal level of higher CO2 (4.30%), lower level O2(10.64%) and C2H4 (0.50 ppm), respectively were recorded at 7 days storage duration with the spike harvested at 4–5 florets show colour and packed in polypropylene -100 guage interaction (D2S2P3). The spikes stored at D2S2P3 level also showed higher number of florets opened at a time (3.21), gain in fresh weight (6.01%), longevity of floret (3.46 days), opened florets per spike in vase (8.40), second floret diameter (10.42 cm), vase-life (8.40 days) and water uptake (67.86 ml), which continued to decrease with increase in storage duration. Hence, 7 days storage duration with 4–5 florets show colour on spike (S2) and packed in polypropylene -100 guage sleeves were found most suitable for post-harvest life under modified atmosphere storage of gladiolus.

Effect of Harvesting Time and Storage Duration of Viscum album Seeds on in vitro and ex vitro Germination on the Branch of Prunus mume

Viscum album var. coloratum (mistletoe) is considered as one of the endangered plant species in Korea. Our objective is to restore its population and multiplication of plant by ex situ method. In this research we explored the maximum germination (in vitro) of freshly harvested and stored seeds of mistletoe collected in different time intervals. Ex vitro germination after artificial inoculation on the branches of Prunus mume in different physiological conditions was also monitored. The research revealed that the lately harvested seeds (Feb. and March 2014) were superior over early harvested seeds (Nov. 2013 and Jan. 2014) of mistletoe due to the higher percentage of germination (above 93%). According to the data, it is also revealed that the survival and germination rate of mistletoe seeds decreased with the increase in storage duration. In ex vitro germination, the fluctuated temperature of a glass house in natural condition enhanced (four fold) the rate of germination on the branches of Prunus mume than the constant temperature condition in the glass house.

Effect of the packaging and storage conditions on the coagulation activity of spray-dried salt-extracted Moringa oleifera

Moringa oleifera is one of the natural coagulants considered as an alternative to synthetic coagulants. Several studies were carried out on the usage and extraction of this natural coagulant. In this study, the coagulation activity of spray-dried salt-extracted M. oleifera seeds powder was investigated under different storage conditions, packaging forms and storage duration. The spray-dried salt-extracted M. oleifera seeds powder was stored at room temperature (29°C) and refrigerator temperature (3°C); under different packaging forms; closed container and vacuum packed stored for 6 weeks. Optimization of spray-dried salt-extracted M. oleifera shows that the optimal dosage is half of the nonspray-dried salt-extracted M. oleifera. The results of residual turbidity of different packaging and storage conditions of salt-extracted M. oleifera show that there was no significant difference between them. The coagualtion activity decreased insiginficantly with the increase of storage duration during the study.

Seed germination requirements and responses to desiccation and storage of Apterosperma oblata (Theaceae), an endangered tree from south-eastern China: implications for restoration

Apterosperma oblata H. T. Chang is an endangered species in the Theaceae, and although it reproduces by seed its germination requirements are not known. To provide basic information for conservation and restoration programs, we studied the effects of temperature, light, desiccation, and storage on the germination of A. oblata seeds under laboratory conditions. Optimal temperatures for seed germination were 15 and 20°C. Photoperiod greatly affected final germination percentage, and constant darkness inhibited seed germination. Fresh harvested seeds had a high moisture content (56.4%), and they gradually lost their germination ability as dehydration occurred, suggesting that the seeds may be recalcitrant. Although short-term (2 months) dry storage at 4°C increased the germination percentage, the overall trend was a considerable decline in germination percentage with an increase in storage duration at 4°C and 20°C. Since seeds are recalcitrant and easy to germinate at maturity, we recommend seedlings establishment rather than seeds for conservation and restoration programs of the species.

The Quality of Physic Nut (Jatropha curcas) Seeds Affected by Water Activity and Duration of Storage

The quality of physic nut (Jatropha curcas) seeds should be maintained during storage, either as seeds for seedlings or oil production to be used for biodiesel. The effects of water activity and duration of storage on the quality, i.e. fungal population, lipid, fatty acid and free fatty acid contents, and viability of physic nut seeds were investigated. The results showed that the moisture content of seeds and total fungal population decreased at low water activities, and increased at high water activities (a w ). At a w 0.64, at the beginning of storage and after 20 weeks of storage, total fungal populations were 5.4 x 10 3 and 1.8 x 10 2 cfu g -1 dry basis (db), respectively. At a w 0.93, at the beginning of storage and after 20 weeks of storage, total fungal populations were 5.0 x 10 3 and 3.3 x 10 6 cfu g -1 db, respectively. At the beginning of storage fungi infecting seeds were field fungi, i.e. Cladosporium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium semitectum, and F. verticillioides. The population of field fungi decreased with the increase of storage duration. They were replaced by postharvest fungi, i.e. Aspergillus restrictus, A. penicillioides, Eurotium chevalieri, E. rubrum, Penicillium citrinum, P. implicatum and P. oxalicum. Lipid content and viability of seeds decreased with the increase of water activities and seed moisture contents, while free fatty acid contents increased with the increase of water activities and seed moisture contents during storage. Fatty acids of lipid were dominated by unsaturated fatty acids, i.e. oleic and linoleic acids. Physic nut seeds could be stored at a w 0.64-0.75 up to eight weeks when the seeds will be used for seedling, or up to 16 weeks when they will be used for producing oil. Key words: Jatropha curcas, physic nut, water activity

Variation in seed germination between populations of five sub‐alpine woody species from eastern Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau following dry storage at low temperatures

AbstractEffects of cold‐dry storage on dormancy break and viability were determined for seeds of the five sub‐alpine woody species Philadelphus incanus, Berberis vernae, Berberis dubia, Betula utilis, and Picea purpurea collected along an altitudinal gradient on the eastern part of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau in China. Germination tests were conducted at 20/5°C for seeds stored dry at ambient room temperature for 4 weeks and then at 3–4°C for 0, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Dormancy break during dry storage, i.e., afterripening, was indicated by an increase in germination percentages and rates. Duration of cold‐dry storage and altitude of seed collection had significant effects on germination. With an increase in duration of storage, germination percentages and rates of P. incanus and B. vernae increased with a decrease in altitude of seed collection, while they increased with an increase in altitude for seeds of B. utilis and P. purpurea. Seeds of B. dubia did not exhibit changes in germination percentages and rates with altitude because a high number of seeds remained dormant during storage. Seed viability after 24 weeks of storage ranged from high (88, 93.3, 92.7%) for B. utilis to low (15% for high altitude) for P. incanus. The potential for dormancy break to occur during cold‐dry storage should be considered when studies on basic seed dormancy are conducted or when seeds from various locations are stored prior to propagating plants from them.

Blood transfusion in the critically ill: does storage age matter?

Morphologic and biochemical changes occur during red cell storage prior to product expiry, and these changes may hinder erythrocyte viability and function following transfusion. Despite a relatively large body of literature detailing the metabolic and structural deterioration that occurs during red cell storage, evidence for a significant detrimental clinical effect related to the transfusion of older blood is relatively less conclusive, limited primarily to observations in retrospective studies. Nonetheless, the implication that the transfusion of old, but not outdated blood may have negative clinical consequences demands attention. In this report, the current understanding of the biochemical and structural changes that occur during storage, known collectively as the storage lesion, is described, and the clinical evidence concerning the detrimental consequences associated with the transfusion of relatively older red cells is critically reviewed. Although the growing body of literature demonstrating the deleterious effects of relatively old blood is compelling, it is notable that all of these reports have been retrospective, and most of these studies have evaluated patients who received a mixture of red cell units of varying storage age. Until prospective studies have been completed and produce confirmative results, it would be premature to recommend any modification of current transfusion practice regarding storage age.In 1917, Frances Payton Rous and J.R. Turner identified that a citrate-glucose solution allowed for the preservation of a whole blood unit for up to five days, thus facilitating the formative practice of blood banking[1]. Later, Loutit and Mollison of Great Britain developed the first anticoagulant of the modern era, known as acid-citrate-dextrose (ACD)[1]. ACD extended the shelf life of refrigerated blood to 21 days, and ACD remained in wide spread usage until the 1960s, when it was replaced by citrate-phosphate-dextrose (CPD) and citrate-phosphate-dextrose-adenine (CPDA) solutions that increased shelf life to 35 days and 42 days respectively. More recently, additive solutions containing saline, adenine, and dextrose have been developed to augment red cell survival following transfusion, although without any direct increase in storage duration[1,2].It is now well appreciated, however, that a number of morphologic and biochemical changes occur during red cell storage prior to product expiry, and these changes may hinder erythrocyte viability and function following transfusion. Despite a relatively large body of literature detailing the metabolic and structural deterioration that occurs during red cell storage, evidence for a significant detrimental clinical effect related to the transfusion of older blood is relatively less conclusive, limited primarily to observations in retrospective studies. Nonetheless, the implication that the transfusion of old, but not outdated blood may have negative clinical consequences demands attention. The purpose of this report is to describe the current understanding of the biochemical and structural changes that occur during storage, known collectively as the storage lesion, and to critically review the clinical evidence concerning the detrimental consequences associated with the transfusion of relatively older red cells.

THE QUALITY OF PHYSIC NUT(Jatropha curcas L.) SEEDS PACKED IN PLASTIC MATERIAL DURING STORAGE

The effect of storage duration on fungal population, moisture content, lipid and free fatty acid contents, lipase activity, viability and vigor of physic nut seeds was investigated. Physic nut seeds with initial moisture content of 7.9% were stored in plastic bags under warehouse conditions. Samples of physic nut were collected before storage, and subsequently after one to six months of storage. The results showed that the moisture contents increased after one month of storage, and became relatively constant up to six months of storage. The range of moisture contents (7.9 – 8.4%) was safe for storage of physic nut seeds. Sixteen fungal species were isolated from physic nut seeds during six months of storage. Fungal population decreased with the increase of storage duration. At the beginning of storage, most of the fungi that infected the seeds were classified as field fungi, such as Colletotrichum sp., Cladosporium spp., and Fusarium spp.. Their populations decreased with the increase of storage duration. After three months of storage, the existence of field fungi was generally replaced by storage fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium spp. dominate the population. Lipid contents, viabilities and vigors decreased with the increase of storage duration, while free fatty acids and lipase activities increased. Under uncontrolled condi­tions, physic nut seeds packed in plastic material can be stored up to one month for seeds to be planted, while it can be stored up to five months for producing oil.

Loss of viability of tomato pollen during long-term dry storage is associated with reduced capacity for translating polyamine biosynthetic enzyme genes after rehydration

The possibility that a loss of pollen viability during dry storage in a freezer is caused by the reduced pollen capacity to enhance polyamine biosynthetic enzyme activity after rehydration was investigated using pollen grains of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum=Lycopersicon esculentum) stored at -30 degrees C under dry conditions for up to 42 months. Pollen grains showed normal germinability for at least 12 months in storage, but those stored for longer than 24 months exhibited a significant reduction in germinability and fruit-setting ability. This age-dependent reduction in pollen viability coincided with the extent to which the pollen lost the capacity to increase arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) activities and polyamine contents upon rehydration. Immunoblot analysis indicated that the capacity of pollen to translate ADC and SAMDC mRNAs was impaired in accordance with the loss of viability. Also, the capacity to synthesize proteins in general decreased with the increase in storage duration. The addition of 1 mM putrescine, spermidine, or spermine to incubation medium promoted germination, impregnation of pollen grains with 1 mM spermidine restored fertilization ability, and the addition of 1 mM spermidine to incubation medium promoted protein synthesis exclusively in pollen grains which had been stored for a long time. These results indicate that the reduction in viability of tomato pollen during long-term dry storage in a freezer involves a decline in the capacity to enhance gene translation for polyamine biosynthetic enzymes upon rehydration.