Intact Fruit Research Articles

Frugivory and seed dispersal effectiveness in twoMiconia(Melastomataceae) species from ferruginouscampo rupestre

AbstractSeed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) is a useful framework to explore the evolutionary and ecological consequences of seed dispersal to plant fitness. However, SDE is poorly studied in tropical open grasslands. Here, we studied both quantitative and qualitative components of SDE in two species ofMiconia(Melastomataceae) from ferruginouscampo rupestre, a vegetation highly threatened by mining activities. We determined fruit traits and fruit availability and found that fruits of both species are produced in times of resource scarcity at the study site. Based on the number of visits and the number of fruits removed per visit, we calculated the quantitative component of SDE for both species. Finally, we explored the qualitative component of SDE by means of a controlled experiment that simulated the effects of gut passage on seed germination. Bird species differed strongly in the quantitative component of SDE. Gut passage did not affect germination compared with hand-extracted seeds, except for a minor negative effect on germination time inM. pepericarpa.However, seeds within intact fruits showed lower germination percentages compared with hand-extracted seeds. Our data indicate thatMiconiaspecies from ferruginouscampo rupestreare visited by a diverse assemblage of generalist birds that differ in quantitative, but not qualitative, seed dispersal effectiveness. We argue that plantingMiconiaspecies can overcome seed limitation in degraded areas and thus assist ecological restoration after mining abandonment.

Global potential distribution of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera, Drosophilidae).

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a species native to Western Asia that is able to pierce intact fruit during egg laying, causing it to be considered a fruit crop pest in many countries. Drosophila suzukii have a rapid expansion worldwide; occurrences were recorded in North America and Europe in 2008, and South America in 2013. Due to this rapid expansion, we modeled the potential distribution of this species using the Maximum Entropy Modeling (MaxEnt) algorithm and the Genetic Algorithm for Ruleset Production (GARP) using 407 sites with known occurrences worldwide and 11 predictor variables. After 1000 replicates, the value of the average area under the curve (AUC) of the model predictions with 1000 replicates was 0.97 for MaxEnt and 0.87 for GARP, indicating that both models had optimal performances. The environmental variables that most influenced the prediction of the MaxEnt model were the annual mean temperature, the maximum temperature of the warmest month, the mean temperature of the coldest quarter and the annual precipitation. The models indicated high environmental suitability, mainly in temperate and subtropical areas in the continents of Asia, Europe and North and South America, where the species has already been recorded. The potential for further invasions of the African and Australian continents is predicted due to the environmental suitability of these areas for this species.

Prediction of the level of astringency in persimmon using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy

Early control of fruit quality requires reliable and rapid determination techniques. Therefore, the food industry has a growing interest in non-destructive methods such as spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, in combination with multivariate analysis techniques, to predict the level and changes of astringency in intact and in the flesh of half cut persimmon fruits. The fruits were harvested and exposed to different treatments with 95% CO2 at 20 °C for 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h to obtain samples with different levels of astringency. A set of 98 fruits was used to develop the predictive models based on their spectral data and another external set of 42 fruit samples was used to validate the models. The models were created using the partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM) and least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM). In general, the models with the best performance were those which included standard normal variate (SNV) in the pre-processing. The best model was the PLSR developed with SNV along with the first derivative (1-Der) pre-processing, created using the data obtained at six measurement points of the intact fruits and all wavelengths (R2 = 0.904 and RPD = 3.26). Later, a successive projection algorithm (SPA) was applied to select the most effective wavelengths (EWs). Using the six points of measurement of the intact fruit and SNV together with the direct orthogonal signal correction (DOSC) pre-processing in the NIR spectra, 41 EWs were selected, achieving an R2 of 0.915 and an RPD of 3.46 for the PLSR model. These results suggest that this technology has potential for use as a feasible and cost-effective method for the non-destructive determination of astringency in persimmon fruits.

Generalist dispersers promote germination of an alien fleshy-fruited tree invading natural grasslands.

Plants with animal-dispersed fruits seem to overcome the barriers that limit their spread into new habitats more easily than other invasive plants and, at the same time, they pose special difficulties for containment, control or eradication. The effects of animals on plant propagules can be very diverse, with positive, neutral or negative consequences for germination and recruitment. Moreover, the environmental conditions where the seeds are deposited and where the post-dispersal processes take place can be crucial for their fate. Prunus mahaleb is a fleshy-fruited tree invading natural grasslands in the Argentine Pampas. In this study, we analyzed the importance of pulp removal, endocarp scarification and the effects of vectors on its germination response, by means of germination experiments both in the laboratory and under semi-natural conditions. Our laboratory results demonstrated that endocarp scarification enhances germination and suggests that vestiges of pulp on the stones have inhibitory effects. Frugivores exert a variety of effects on germination responses and this variation can be explained by their differing influence on pulp removal and endocarp scarification. Most frugivores produced a positive effect on germination under laboratory conditions, in comparison to intact fruits and hand-peeled stones. We observed different degrees of pulp removal from the surface of the stones by the dispersers which was directly correlated to the germination response. On the other hand, all the treatments showed high germination responses under semi-natural conditions suggesting that post-dispersal processes, like seed burial, and the exposure to natural conditions might exert a positive effect on germination response, attenuating the plant's dependence on the dispersers’ gut treatment. Our results highlight the need to consider the whole seed dispersal process and the value of combining laboratory and field tests.

Development of a near infrared calibration model with temperature compensation using common temperature-difference spectra for determining the Brix value of intact fruits

In order to create a calibration model with temperature compensation, the calibration method using the partial least squares regression based on the combined spectra measured at some different temperatures is promising. However, the method is time-consuming since it requires spectra acquisition at different temperatures. In addition, the sample quality may change during the period for the different temperature adjustment of samples. The spectra of the target fruit species of peaches, pears, and persimmons were measured at 25℃ using the interactance method. Spectra for 20℃ and 30℃ were created artificially using temperature-difference second derivative spectra from the 25℃-second derivative spectra. Then, the possibility of temperature-difference second derivative spectra of fruit(s) to create the correct 20℃ and 30℃ artificial second derivative spectra was evaluated. The temperature-difference second derivative spectra created from each target fruit species could be useful for each target fruit species while the common temperature-difference second derivative spectra created from the three target fruit species were useful for not only each target fruit species but also the other fruit species of apples. The calibration model for apples developed using the common temperature-difference second derivative spectra showed low standard error of performance and bias of 0.45°Brix and 0.09°Brix, respectively. The model could be applied well to the prediction sets of apples at 20℃, 25℃, and 30℃ with non-significant biases.

Procedures of Mitochondria Purification and Gene Expression to Study Alternative Respiratory and Uncoupling Pathways in Fruits.

We describe detailed procedures to get intact and well-coupled mitochondria from a variety of fruit species such as papaya (Carica papaya), guava (Psidium guajava), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) as well as the protocols to assess the capacities of AOX and UCP pathways in intact fruit mitochondria. The procedures presented here were tested for the species mentioned above; their use with other types of fruits must be tested for yield of intact and active mitochondria. This is possible from individual adjustments. Strict care during extraction, including the use of osmotic protectants (i.e., mannitol/sucrose) and antioxidants (i.e., cysteine, ascorbate) at defined concentrations, are critical factors to ensure mitochondrial integrity and to obtain higher yields. The mitochondria purified using the discontinuous Percoll gradients described here can be used for the analysis of the capacity of alternative respiration and uncoupling pathways in fruits. In addition, protocols for quantitative and semiquantitative PCR applicable for the analysis of AOX and UCP gene expression in fruits are shown. Microarray and RNA-seq data from public databases are also valuable for the analysis of AOX and UCP genes. In both cases having the sequences of genes or cDNAs to be used in primer design or probe identification is necessary.

Fruit firmness, superficial damage, and location modulate infestation by Drosophila suzukii and Zaprionus indianus: the case of guava in Veracruz, Mexico

AbstractThe exotic pestiferous flies Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) were recently identified in traps used for monitoring tephritid pests of guava, Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), in Veracruz, Mexico. To determine whether both drosophilids were infesting guava, a previously unreported host, samples were taken from fruits on trees and fallen fruits on the ground. Overall, 74 and 36% of visually intact fruits attached to the tree were infested by D. suzukii and Z. indianus, respectively. Under laboratory conditions, small artificial punctures on the surface of ripe guavas did not result in increased oviposition by D. suzukii compared to undamaged fruit, whereas Z. indianus almost completely avoided oviposition, or were not capable of developing in fruit. Females of D. suzukii were capable of ovipositing in early ripe guavas in laboratory tests (23% of fruits were used for oviposition), although a high penetration force is required to pierce fruit (mean ± SEM = 89.0 ± 3.0 cN). Fully ripe and overripe guavas were softer (52.2–53.5 cN penetration force) and were more frequently infested (ca. 60% infestation). Numbers of females that developed in guavas were not influenced by ripeness/firmness, whereas male development was reduced in early ripe fruit compared to ripe and overripe fruit. In laboratory choice experiments with crushed fruits, D. suzukii adults were equally attracted to guava and blueberry, independent of gender and age. However, raspberry was more attractive than guava. This study demonstrates that D. suzukii is attracted to guava, is capable of ovipositing in fruit and, under field conditions, is more abundant in fruits still attached to the tree compared to fallen fruit that remain intact. In contrast, Z. indianus was not capable of developing in intact guavas and, although present in fruits attached to the tree, was most abundant in fallen damaged fruits.

Size-based fruit selection by a keystone avian frugivore and effects on seed viability

ABSTRACTThe non-random selection of fruits by frugivores can affect plant demography by changing the probability of seedling recruitment. We investigated whether the New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) exhibits size-based preference of fruit in two indigenous tree species, Vitex lucens and Prumnopitys ferruginea, that have large fleshy diaspores containing single seeds. We also assessed if there was an advantage for seeds that were actively dispersed since birds may select fruits that have viable seeds (although the cue for such selection remains unclear) and whether a combined scarification–deinhibition advantage was conferred on germination due to seed passage through the gut. Using seed length as a proxy for fruit size, we compared the length of passively dispersed fruits in traps with the estimated fruit length of actively dispersed seeds in six trees of each species across three areas in one fruiting season. For both species, actively dispersed seeds were significantly longer than seeds from passively dispersed fruit, suggesting frugivore preference for larger fruit. Seeds from passively dispersed P. ferruginea fruit had significantly higher viability than actively dispersed seeds and there was no measurable scarification–deinhibition effect. For V. lucens, there was no significant difference in viability between actively and passively dispersed seeds and there was a total lack of seed germination in our trial. Our results show a significant preference by H. novaeseelandiae for larger fruit in both tree species, which was possibly associated with annual fruit production since P. ferruginea trees that had more fruit produced larger fruit on average. That H. novaeseelandiae selected longer fruit in our study is consistent with the prediction that birds will prefer larger fruit when beak gape limitation is absent. However, active dispersal of larger seeds may not always be advantageous since passively dispersed intact fruit germinated equally well and may even have had a viability advantage.

Evaluation of Mineral Profile, Texture, Sensory and Structural Characteristics of Old Pepper Landraces

Old traditional Serbian pepper landraces (Nizača, Lokošnička and Turšijara), grown in South Serbia and produced by seed sowing or transplanting, were evaluated in this study. Besides the basic morphological properties and composition, the features characterizing fruit color and pericarp anatomy were determined in order to analyze and systematize the traits relevant from the aspect of traditional end use of examined landraces. Landraces Lokošnička and Nizača, characterized with higher force needed to puncture fruit skin, larger number of mesocarp layers, thicker endocarp and thicker collenchyma tissue, followed with higher total soluble solids content are more suitable for intended traditional use than Turšijara. Production from transplants should be favored in order to obtain more uniform, darker red fruit color, ASTA value, higher TSS content as well as higher yields. There are genetic differences of the some quality differences between the cultivars. Lokošnička has higher mesocarp layers, thicker endocarp and collenchyma tissue. Practical Applications Pepper fruits dried in traditional way slowly in a draught are used in preparation of local ethno-gastronomic specialities, with special position in local customs related to dietary habits during the spring Orthodox fasting period. Intact fruit skin is also the prerequisite for successful utilization in traditional culinary specialties-stuffed dry pepper fruits previously soaked in water that remain whole during cooking and baking. Structure and texture of pepper fruit skin and pericarp can consequently be considered as one of the key aspects of technological quality of pepper based on which landraces were selected for described traditional preservation technique. The research for answers to this technological challenge was the motivation of this study, which evaluated the impact of different predrying process (type of landraces, production methods) on qualities of pepper fruit. The data shown would provide scientific rationales for obtaining high-quality whole fruit pepper as material for stuffing.

Recent Developments in Methods and Techniques for Rapid Monitoring of Sugar Metabolism in Fruits.

The major sugars in fruits, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose, play a critical role in fruit quality control and maturity evaluation. Many novel methods and techniques such as enzymatic and nonenzymatic biosensors, nuclear magnetic resonance, and near-infrared spectroscopy have been developed to provide the rapid estimation of sugar inversion under different storage conditions. This review provides a description of recent advancements in these technologies for the determination of sugar contents in fruits. The prospects of emerging spectroscopic technologies such as Raman spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and terahertz imaging, for assessing sugars in intact fruits are discussed. The challenges for further developments of these methods and technologies to meet the increasing demand for rapid and on-line quality control are also presented.

Time to Fracture and Fracture Strain are Negatively Related in Sweet Cherry Fruit Skin

Rain cracking of sweet cherry fruit (Prunus avium L.) is said to occur when the volume increase associated with water uptake, extends the fruit skin beyond its upper mechanical limits. Biaxial tensile tests recorded fracture strains (εfracture) in the range 0.17 to 0.22 mm2·mm−2 (equivalent to 17% to 22%). In these tests, an excised skin segment is pressurized from its inner surface and the resulting two-dimensional strain is quantified. In contrast, the skins of fruit incubated in water in classical immersion assays are fractured at εfracture values in the range 0.003 to 0.01 mm2·mm−2 (equivalent to 0.3% to 1%)—these values are one to two orders of magnitude lower than those recorded in the biaxial tensile tests. The markedly lower time to fracture (tfracture) in the biaxial tensile test may account for this discrepancy. The objective of our study was to quantify the effect of tfracture on the mechanical properties of excised fruit skins. The tfracture was varied by changing the rate of increase in pressure (prate) and hence, the rate of strain (εrate) in biaxial tensile tests. A longer tfracture resulted in a lower pressure at fracture (pfracture) and a lower εfracture indicating weaker skins. However, a 5-fold difference in εfracture remained between the biaxial tensile test of excised fruit skin and an immersion assay with intact fruit. Also, the percentage of epidermal cells fracturing along their anticlinal cell walls differed. It was highest in the immersion assay (94.1% ± 0.6%) followed by the long tfracture (75.3% ± 4.7%) and the short tfracture (57.3% ± 5.5%) in the biaxial tensile test. This indicates that the effect of water uptake on cracking extends beyond a mere increase in fruit skin strain resulting from a fruit volume increase. Instead, the much lower εfracture in the immersion assay indicates a much weaker skin—some other unidentified factor(s) are at work.

El tamaño sí importa: los frutos grandes de Juniperus deppeana Steud. (sabino) son más susceptibles a depredación por insectos

El siguiente trabajo documenta la relación entre el tamaño de los frutos (gálbulos) de Juniperus deppeana Steud. y el daño ocasionado por insectos depredadores de semillas en un fragmento de bosque de sabinos, característico del estado de Tlaxcala, México. En el estudio se seleccionaron árboles femeninos del sabino para cuantificar la maduración de los gálbulos y se clasificó la disponibilidad de éstos en tres categorías de tamaño: pequeños (5 a 9 mm), medianos (10 a 12 mm) y grandes (13 a 15 mm), cuantificando al mismo tiempo el número y la densidad de gálbulos intactos y aquellos que habían sido dañados por insectos, comparaciones que se realizaron durante cinco muestreos. La producción de gálbulos en J. deppeana fue continua durante las cinco fechas de colecta. Entre 21 a 46 de los individuos presentaron frutos en 50-70% del árbol (por estimación visual). También, las categorías de 5 a 30% de abundancia de gálbulos en las copas la presentaron entre 19 a 31 de los individuos femeninos de sabinos durante las cinco fechas de cuantificaciones porcentuales. Los sabinos hembras produjeron frutos continuamente de agosto de 2004 a agosto de 2005. Aunque hubo siempre una amplia disponibilidad de gálbulos grandes, pequeños y medianos, fueron los de mayor tamaño los más dañados por insectos, ya que hasta 30% de los frutos grandes presentaban orificios de salida de insectos depredadores de semillas.

Are birds, wind and gravity legitimate dispersers of fleshy-fruited invasive plants on Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile?

Although fleshy-fruited species are usually dispersed by animals and gravity, previous research shows that the fleshy fruits of invasive plants on Robinson Crusoe Island (RC) are also moved by wind. To determine whether a bird (Turdus falcklandii), wind, and gravity could be legitimate dispersers of fleshy fruits from the invasive plant species Aristotelia chilensis, Rubus ulmifolius and Ugni molinae, we carried out germination trials with seeds defecated by T. falcklandii and hand-cleaned in the laboratory, and added another trial in field conditions, sowing intact fruits. Whole fruits sown intact are used to represent dispersal by wind or gravity. The field trials for A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius were performed in canopy gaps and closed forests to evaluate the effect of shadow on seedling emergence. Field trials for U. molinae were only established in open shrubland, since this species does not occur in forests on RC. Laboratory trials showed gut-passed A. chilensis seeds increased the germination percentage while gut-passed seeds did not affect germination in R. ulmifolius and U. molinae. In the field, trials revealed that seeds from intact fruits germinated in a similar way to gut-passed or hand-cleaned seeds, with the exception of U. molinae, which did not germinate inside fruits. In all field treatments, the germination percentage of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius was higher in the canopy gaps than under closed canopy. These results indicate that T. falcklandii is a legitimate disperser for the three invasive species studied on RC. Wind and gravity should also be considered legitimate dispersers of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius. Microhabitat (i.e., canopy gaps) plays a more important role in improving the establishment of A. chilensis and R. ulmifolius than the dispersal mechanism itself.

Volatile profiling of two pear genotypes with different potential for white pear aroma improvement

Abstract. Chinese white pear (Pyrus bretschneideri) is sweet, juicy and crispy, but not fragrant. The two pears ‘Xiang-Mian Li’ (‘XML’) and ‘Mu-Tou Su’ (‘MTS’) with fragrant and large fruits were noted recently from pear germplasm screening. Their volatile profiles were compared with those of typical white pear ‘Dang-Shan Suli’ (‘DSS’) (P. bretschneideri) and fragrant pear ‘Nan-Guo Li’ (‘NGL’) (P. ussuriensis) in this study for a better understanding the chemistry of the differences among the tested cultivars. Headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrum (GC–MS) was used for sensitive intact fruit volatile profiling while a static headspace GC–MS system was employed for accurate volatile quantification. The rank of the tested intact fruits based on detected volatile numbers and total odor active values was ‘NGL’ > ‘XML’ > ‘MTS’ > ‘DSS’. Among many detected volatiles, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate and ethyl hexanoate were the most potent and pleasant odorants from the intact fruit and fruit pulp of ‘XML’ and ‘NGL’, but not from ‘MTS’ pulp. They were identified as the most important contributors to the volatile profile variance among the tested pear fruits. Our study indicated that compared to ‘MTS’, ‘XML’ had much more intense aroma and this genotype had potential for Chinese white pear aroma improvement.

Effect Of Light Environment On Harvest Quality And Postharvest Behavior Of Minimally Processed Sweet Pepper

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two light environments on two maturity stages of sweet pepper and the postharvest behavior of minimally processed product using passive modified atmosphere. The size and fruit morphology were measured at harvest. Overall visual quality, gas concentration inside the bags, weight loss, soluble solids, firmness, electrolyte leakage, carotenoids and ascorbic acid were determined during the storage period. Results showed that quality parameters were affected by radiation and processing. Shaded pepper fruits showed higher water content and lower size compared to fruits exposed to full radiation. Fruit nutritional value was maintained, but after six days was not marketable. Visual quality of intact fruit was not affected without differences between treatments. Shelf life processed red fruits as julienne was reduced, being the worst performing during storage. Post-harvest visual quality was in relation to gases composition (O2 and CO2) inside the trays.

Seed handling by primary frugivores differentially influence post-dispersal seed removal of Chinese yew by ground-dwelling animals.

Seed handling by primary frugivores can influence secondary dispersal and/or predation of post-dispersal seeds by attracting different guilds of ground-dwelling animals. Many studies have focused on seeds embedded in feces of mammals or birds; however, less is known about how ground-dwelling animals treat seeds regurgitated by birds (without pulp and not embedded in feces). To compare the effect of differential seed handling by primary dispersers on secondary seed removal of Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis var. mairei), we conducted a series of exclosure experiments to determine the relative impact of animals on the removal of defecated seeds (handled by masked palm civet), regurgitated seeds (handled by birds) and intact fruits. All types of yew seeds were consistently removed at a higher rate by rodents than by ants. Regurgitated seeds had the highest removal percentage and were only removed by rodents. These seeds were probably eaten in situ without being secondarily dispersed. Defecated seeds were removed by both rodents and ants; only ants might act as secondary dispersers of defecated seeds, whereas rodents ate most of them. We inferred that seeds regurgitated by birds were subjected to the highest rates of predation, whereas those dispersed in the feces of masked palm civets probably had a higher likelihood of secondary dispersal. Seeds from feces attracted ants, which were likely to transport seeds and potentially provided a means by which the seeds could escape predation by rodents. Our study highlighted that primary dispersal by birds might not always facilitate secondary dispersal and establishment of plant populations.

Prediction of Orange juice sensorial attributes from intact fruits by TD-NMR

The quality of orange juice is related to its total soluble solids (TSS) content, pH and titratable acidity (TA), which are indexes normally determined by invasive methods. In this study, we demonstrate that time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) and chemometrics can be used to classify intact oranges in terms of TSS, and to evaluate the sensorial attributes of orange juices. 210, 90 and 170 oranges were used for calibration, prediction and classification sets, respectively. TD-NMR decay signals were obtained using the Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (CPMG) sequence. The CPMG decay data were normalized between 0 and 1 and smothered with a Savitzky–Golay algorithm. These data were modeled using Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) that obtained a Square Error for Prediction (SEP) set for TSS and pH of 0.88 and 0.17, respectively. The noninvasive TD-NMR/PLSR approach allowed grouping oranges in terms of high TSS (Class 2) and low TSS (Class 1) contents. Sensorial evaluation revealed that juices from class 2 were sweeter than juices from class 1 within a confidence interval of 95%. Sensorial analysis results were also successfully associated with pH values, in which orange juices with high pH were sweeter than those exhibiting low pH. A nonparametric qui-quadratic statistics was performed between maturation index (MI) ratio and pH, which revealed a significant correlation (p<0.001); when pH is greater than 3.5, the MI ratio is higher than 11.39. The results confirmed that TD-NMR and chemometrics can be an alternative and powerful noninvasive method for classification of intact oranges.

Effects of nitrogen treatment and intra-row spacing on the morphological and physiological characteristics in pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Pumpkin (&lt;em&gt;Cucurbita pepo&lt;/em&gt; L.) is a medicinal plant recently under common cultivation in Iran. The seeds and its products are used in the treatment of some diseases. Due to the lack of information about the intra-row spacing and nutritional demands of the plant a factorial experiment with Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications was planned in Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University Research Field in 2013. The treatments were 5 levels of Urea fertilizer (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 kg/ha nitrogen), and intra-row spacing in 3 levels (30, 60 and 90 cm). The result showed that interaction effects of intra-row spacing and nitrogen treatment had significant effect on some morphological traits such as plant height, number of auxiliary branches and leaf number per plant. Application of 200 kg/ha nitrogen increased the plant height, the number for auxiliary branches and leaves as well as the leaves dry mass, mainly due to the prolonged vegetative growth period and delayed flowering and fruiting. 150 kg/ha nitrogen combined with 60 cm intra-row spacing hold the highest number of female flowers, fruit number and intact fruit number and fruit fresh weight, and the highest dry weight of the intact seeds. The results for some physiological traits showed that interaction effects of nitrogen and intra-row spacing had significant effects on chlorophyll b at the late stages of flowering period and the contents for chlorophyll a and carotenoids were significant at the end of growing season. The highest oil content was recorded in 150 kg/ha nitrogen and 60 cm intra-row spacing. Based on results obtained, 150 kg/ha nitrogen and 60 cm intra-row spacing were the best regime for the production of this plant.

Cancer-Related Constituents of Strawberry Jam as Compared with Fresh Fruit.

The health awareness recently shown by consumers has led to a demand for health beneficial products. In particular, researchers are currently focusing their studies on the search for foods for cancer prevention activity. In the present work, we study comparatively the effect of two different processing methods on the contents of phenolic compounds (i.e., ellagic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol) with antioxidant and antitumor properties in strawberry jams. In turn, the results obtained were compared with those of unprocessed fruit. Additionally carcinogenic heat-induced compounds formed by the two jam making methods were evaluated. Decreases of total ellagic acid from 138.4 µg/g to 86.5 µg/g were measured in jam as compared with the intact fruit. Even higher losses of up to 90% of total flavonols were found in strawberry after the jam-making process. A comparison between the two processing methods proved shorter heating periods (around 60 min) even at temperatures as high as 100 °C enabled losses of antioxidant phenolics to be minimized. Carcinogenic heat-induced volatile compounds, mainly Maillard reaction products, were formed as a result of thermal treatment during jam processing. However, shorter heating periods also helped reduce the formation of these harmful compounds. These results are deeply discussed. From a practical standpoint, the processing conditions here proposed can be used by industry to obtain strawberry jam with higher content of antioxidant flavonoids and, at the same time, reduced amounts of carcinogenic compounds.

Determination of Soluble Solids Content and Titratable Acidity of Intact Fruit and Juice of Satsuma Mandarin Using a Hand-Held near Infrared Instrument in Transmittance Mode

Determination of soluble solids content ( SSC) and titratable acidity ( TA) of intact fruit and juice of satsuma mandarin was carried out using a hand-held near infrared instrument (“NIR-Gun”) in transmittance mode. The resulting calibration model measured SSC in intact fruit and juice with a standard error of prediction ( SEP) of 0.33 °Bx and 0.42 °Bx, respectively. TA measurements yielded SEP values of 0.22% and 0.14% for intact fruit and juice, respectively.