Juice Percentage Research Articles

Analysis of vibration acceleration levels and quality deterioration of Chinese bayberry fruit in semi‐vacuum package by express delivery

AbstractRecent years have witnessed rapid advances in the transportation of Chinese bayberry fruit in China by express delivery (ED). The mainstream express packaging is a fruit basket filled with Chinese bayberry fruit. In order to analyze the vibration, impact and quality changes of bayberry fruit in the actual ED process, BiQi (BQ) and Dongkui (DK) bayberry fruit were selected as experimental objects. Real‐time acceleration and temperature of Chinese bayberry fruit in the package were recorded during ED transportation. Headspace CO2 gas concentration and squeezed juice percentage were measured when unpacking. The firmness and electronic nose (E‐nose) linear discriminant analysis (LDA) statistical results were measured during the 2‐day shelf life. The results show that semivacuum packaging can reduce the vibration intensity of Chinese bayberry fruit in the package. Whether it was BQ or DK bayberry fruit, the fruit quality of Chinese bayberry fruit sent by ED was considerably worse than that of road vehicle (RV) transportation when unpacking. The LDA statistics of E‐nose data showed that ED‐treated bayberry fruit barely constituted the fresh part. However, differences were noticed between the varieties. Compared with DK bayberry fruit, BQ bayberry fruit had more of its juice squeezed; further, its firmness had decreased more. In conclusion, multiple impacts and high‐intensity vibrations are the main reason for Chinese bayberry fruit damage during ED transportation. Compared to BQ bayberry fruit, DK bayberry fruit is more resistant to mechanical damage and is more suitable for ED.Practical ApplicationsCultivar Dongkui bayberry is more resistant to mechanical damage than BiQi bayberry after many aspects of comparison, and is suitable for express delivery (ED) transportation. To reduce the mechanical damage of bayberry fruit, it is suggested to improve the impact‐resistant design of existing packaging styles, with simply adding a layer of absorbent pad to the bottom of the fruit basket. The form of foam box semivacuum packaging is not only suitable to bayberry, but also to others such as strawberries during ED transportation.

Salicylic acid and nutrient immersion to maintain apple quality and bioactive compounds in postharvest

The world production of apples in the 2019 cycle reached 7´620,288 tonnes. For marketing purposes and to supply the demand, apple fruits need to be stored for different periods under refrigerated conditions. However, in the market, the shelf life of the fruit is short, the quality decreases in postharvest due to the dynamic changes of its physicochemical properties, which cannot be stopped, but can be slowed down to improve its shelf life. Postharvest treatments by immersing apple fruit in salicylic acid (SA) and nutrients are an innovative technological alternative to maintain their quality. In this study, 5 concentrations were tested for the immersion of apple fruits cv ‘Golden Delicious’, using a 56 factorial arrangement delimited to 25 treatments, using the Taguchi L25 structure: SA 0 - 1.440 mM, potassium (K) 0 - 2.250, calcium (Ca) 0 - 31.500 mM, cobalt (Co) 0 - 0.180 mM, molybdenum (Mo) 0 - 0.0900 mM and magnesium (Mg) 0 - 0.0900 mM. The study was conducted in the municipality of Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua, Mexico. After 7 months of storage and 13 days of shelf life, the combination of K, Ca, SA and Co with the appropriate concentration values can maintain the quality variables and bioactive compounds at the desired optimum. It is concluded that the quality variables; firmness, juice percentage, juice density, titratable acidity and total soluble solids and the bioactive compounds; total phenols and antioxidant capacity can be maintained at the desired optimum.

Effect of Harvesting Ages on Yield and Yield Components of Sugar Cane Varieties Cultivated at Finchaa Sugar Factory, Oromia, Ethiopia.

This study was initiated with the objective of determining the effect of different harvesting ages (12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 months) on yield and yield components of selected the two sugar cane varieties (B52/298 and NCo 334) grown in Finchaa sugar factory, Oromia, Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted at Finchaa sugarcane plantation using a randomized complete block design of a factorial arrangement of 2 × 5 with three replications. The data were performed using SAS version 9.3, and a significant difference was considered at p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that B52/298 variety had a higher estimated recoverable sucrose than NCo 334 variety. The results also indicated that as harvesting ages increase yield, yield components of sugar cane quality are increased. The maximum sugar yield of 1.89-ton ha-1 month-1 was obtained at the harvesting age of 15 months. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between harvesting age and sugarcane varieties on cane yield, sugar yield, brix percent juice, pol percent, and recoverable sugar. Generally, the findings imply that as harvesting ages in month increase, brix percent juice, estimated recoverable sucrose, and sucrose percentage in both varieties were simultaneously increased. The findings suggested that B52/298 sugar cane variety with harvesting age between 14 and 16 is highly recommended to obtain optimum sugar cane yield and yield components at the tropical areas of Finchaa sugar factory.

Effect of heat processing on phenolics and their possible transformation in low-sugar high-moisture (LSHM) fruit products from Kainth (Pyrus pashia Buch.-ham ex D. Don) fruit

LSHM fruit products were developed using 40% Kainth fruit juice (KJ40) and 10% pomace (KP10). The percentage of fruit juice and pomace was optimized based on the sensory analysis. The effect of heat processing on the nutritional and neutraceuticals parameters was studied. The product KJ40 was rich in free phenolics, while in KP10, it was bound phenolics. Both the products had good retention of phenolics, vitamins, minerals during processing and were microbiologically safe for up to six months. UPLC–ESI-HRMS was used for the identification and quantification of major phenolic compounds. Arbutin and catechin were the most stable phenolics during processing and storage. A slight change in catechin and chlorogenic acid contents was observed, which might be transformed or degraded. Tentatively, three unknown compounds were also identified using non-targeted analysis (Marker View Software, AB Sciex). Both products might offer health benefits as rich in phenolics and dietary fiber (≥5%).

Effect of organic fertilization with Moringa oleifera seeds cake and compost on storability of Valencia orange fruits

This study was carried out during two successive seasons 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 at the experimental research station of National Research Centre at Nubaria, El Behera governorate, Egypt. The work aimed to test the effect of moringa seeds cake and compost on Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) fruit quality during cold storage. Treatments included; moringa seed cake 100% (3 tons/fed), compost 100% (3 tons/fed), 1 moringa seed cake: 1 compost, 1 moringa seed cake: 2 compost, 2 moringa seed cake: 1 compost and control without moringa seed cake or compost. Results showed that, application of Valencia orange trees by moringa seeds cake at 100% or in combination with compost at 2:1 ratio significantly improved fruit quality at the harvest. In addition, these treatments significantly reduced weight loss percentage and firmness deterioration of fruits during storage. Moreover, delayed the changes of fruit weight loss percentage, color values (L* and h°), firmness, juice percentage, TSS: TA ratio, ascorbic acid and carotene content. Therefore, it could be recommended that fertilizing with moringa seeds cake as a natural organic fertilizer source for substitution of some chemical fertilizers, besides its positive role in improving the fruit quality at the harvest and during storage period.

EFFECT OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINK AND SALICYLIC ACID ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND YIELD CHARACTERISTICS OF HALAWANI GRAPE CULTIVAR (Vitis vinifera L.)

THis investigation aimed to study the effect of foliar application with zinc alone or in combination with salicylic acid on vegetative growth, yield, physical and chemical properties of Halawani grapevine cultivar during two successive seasons (2017 and 2018). Zinc was used at concentration of 2 and 4 g.L-1 in a chelated form and salicylic acid at concentration of (50, 100 and 150 mg. L-1) in addition to control treatment for each of them. The result obtained proved that all parameters such as leaf area, total chlorophyll, number and weight of cluster, yield, berries size and weight, as soon as TSS, total sugar, juice percentage and density, β-carotenes, Zn, N. proline content of leaves were increased significantly as compared with control, while total acidity and total phenols were decreased by all treatments as compared with control. Furthermore, combination between high concentration of zinc and salicylic acid improved all parameters in comparison with the control.

Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Barriers to Their Consumption among University Students in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Data on fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption and barriers to their intake by Kuwait college students are needed for health promotional activities to curtail obesity and related comorbidities prevalent in Kuwait. This study employed a cross-sectional survey aimed at assessing the median F/V intake in a sample of Kuwait University students to determine its relationship with gender, body weight, college affiliation, and family monthly income and to explore perceived barriers to eating F/V. The median total F/V intake was 2.06, and the median intake of F/V without fries was even lower. Significant gender differences were found in intakes of fruit juice and the percentage of juice from fruit intake, with males consuming more servings per day compared to females. Male students were found to consume proportionately more fried potatoes of total vegetable intake when compared to females, whereas female students were found to consume more vegetables without fries than males. Taste, inconvenience, and lack of knowledge on F/V intake recommendations and preparation methods were among the main barriers to consuming more F/V. College students require encouragement to consume more F/V through targeted campaigns to increase awareness of recommendations, health benefits, and ways to incorporate F/V in their daily diet.

Pre-Harvest Oxalic Acid Application Improves Fruit Size at Harvest, Physico-Chemical and Sensory Attributes of ‘Red Flesh’ Apricot During Fruit Ripening

Apricot is a highly nutritive stone fruit which ripens quickly after harvest and exhibits rapid fruit quality deterioration at ambient conditions. The current research work was executed to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest application of oxalic acid (OA); (0, 0.5, 1, and 2mM) on fruit quality of ‘Red Flesh’ apricot during fruit ripening at shelf under ambient conditions (25±1 °C; 60-65% RH). Fruit size, average fruit weight, fruit juice percentage was determined at harvest. While, fruit weight loss, fruit colour, fruit firmness, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solid contents (SSC), ratio of SSC to TA, ascorbic acid, total phenolics content (TPC), anti-oxidative scavenging activity (ASA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) enzymes activity were determined during fruit ripening. Fruit sensory attributes (fruit pulp colour, fruit taste, fruit flavour and overall acceptability were determined at fruit ripening. Pre-harvest application of 2mM-OA was found the most effective in improving fruit size, average fruit weight, juice percentage at harvest, about 5%, 6% and 15% higher than control, respectively. Additionally, pre-harvest application of 2mM-OA retained higher fruit firmness, ascorbic acid, TPC, ASA and activities of POD, CAT enzymes in apricot fruit during fruit ripening at ambient conditions. On day-5 of fruit ripening 2mM-OA-treated apricot fruit exhibited about 28%, 20%, 17%, 7%, 9% and 23% higher fruit firmness, ascorbic acid, TPC, ASA and activities of POD, CAT enzymes, respectively as compared to control. Moreover, significant lower fruit weight loss (35%), SSC (20%) and SSC:TA ratio (30%) were exhibited by the apricot fruit treated with 2mM-OA than unsprayed apricot fruit. However, fruit treated with 1 mM-OA exhibited better fruit sensory attributes compared to other treatments at fruit ripening. Conclusively, pre-harvest application of 2 mM-OA improved the fruit size, delayed fruit ripening, and retained higher fruit antioxidants of apricot at ambient conditions.

Influences of rootstock and agro-climatic condition on physico-chemical and bioactive compounds of Gunda Gundo orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) in the Northern Ethiopia

Rootstocks have a significant influence on adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress conditions and quality of fruit. So, choice of rootstock for a specific growing region is an important decision for a grower to make when establishing a commercial citrus orchard. This study was undertaken to assess effects of rootstock and location on quality of orange fruit. The study was conducted over two consecutive years (2017/18 and 2018/19). Scions from the Gunda Gundo orange grove were grafted on rough lemon and sour orange rootstocks and planted in Tigray and Afar, Ethiopia at four sites (Abala, Agulae, Adiha and Rama). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Data on different physico-chemical and bioactive compounds were collected and analyzed using R software (version 4). Compared to sour orange, rough lemon rootstock revealed higher fruit mass (151.96 g, 195.38 g), fruit length (62.27 mm, 68.88 mm) and fruit diameter (65.58 mm, 71.3 mm), in 2017/18, 2018/19, respectively. Among the four locations (Abala, Agulae, Adiha and Rama), higher juice percentage was found in Adiha (43.47% in 2017/18) and Abala (49.87%, in 2018/19). In 2017/18 higher total soluble solid (TSS, 13.87%), TSS/acid ratio (19.18) and fruit rag (32.77%), were obtained at the Rama site. On the one hand, higher vitamin C (826.6 mg·kg−1) and total phenolic content (208 mg·kg−1 GAE) were recorded at Agulae than Abala, Adiha and Rama sites from sour orange rootstock. High TSS, TSS/acid ratio and antioxidant were recorded from orange fruits at Rama site. This was expected to have resulted from hot climate conditions at the site. Besides, at a relatively cooler condition of the Agulae site, high phenolic, reduced ferric power and high vitamin C were recorded. Rough lemon rootstock improved fruit size, while rootstock did not affect the contents of TSS, TSS/acid ratio across the sites in both harvesting years.

Liveweight and Sex Effects on Instrumental Meat Quality of Rubia de El Molar Autochthonous Ovine Breed.

Simple SummaryA total of 84% of the autochthonous livestock breeds in Spain are in danger of extinction. This decline is mainly produced because they are not very productive and the farmers have been oriented to the most productive breeds, neglecting the rest. There are many factors that push us to conserve autochthonous breeds with little census. These animals are very adapted to their environment, so they are the ones that best exploit the geographical characteristics of their area; besides, their products have a high quality and these breeds have very beneficial genetic components: they are a source of very useful and not sufficiently known gene variants that make them a genetic heritage of undoubted value. If they become extinct, we would be losing an irreplaceable genetic quality. Rubia de El Molar sheep, an autochthonous breed of Madrid, Spain, is currently in serious danger of disappearing. In this work, the meat quality of lambs from Rubia de El Molar breed was studied to test both weight and sex effects on meat quality, assessed by means of instrumental methods. This is the first work that studies the instrumental quality of Rubia de El Molar suckling lamb meat.The effects of sex and weight on instrumental meat quality characteristics of Rubia de El Molar autochthonous ovine breed were studied. Four weight groups (10, 15, 20 and 25 kg, each of the groups with seven males and seven females) were assessed. A decrease of longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) lightness from 43.39 for 10 kg lambs to 38.84 for 25 kg group was observed. LT redness and yellowness indices and chromaticity values increased as weight increased. The percentage of juice expelled increased from 11.52 (10 kg) to 17.15 (15 kg). The percentage of intramuscular fat in biceps femoris (BF) and supraespinatus (SE) muscles increased as weight increased. Warner–Bratzler shear force (WBSF) in raw meat and hardness in cooked meat increased as liveweight increased. However, a decrease in the amount of soluble collagen in quadriceps femoris (QF), biceps femoris (BF) and infraespinatus (IE) muscles was observed as weight increased. Sex effect was only observed for intramuscular fat content in QF and BF muscles (2.4% in males and 2.9 in females) and WBSF in raw meat (26.12 N for males and 21.25 N for females). Weight had a greater effect than sex on Rubia de El Molar meat quality characteristics.

Misperceptions about added sugar, non-nutritive sweeteners and juice in popular children's drinks: Experimental and cross-sectional study with U.S. parents of young children (1-5 years).

Experts recommend against serving sugary drinks and non-nutritive sweeteners to young children, but misperceptions about drink ingredients may contribute to consumption. Assess parents' ability to identify added sugar, non-nutritive sweeteners and juice in children's drinks. Researchers recruited U.S. parents of young children (1-5 years) through an online survey panel (N=1603). In a randomized experiment, participants indicated whether eight popular children's drink products contained added sugar or non-nutritive sweeteners and percentage of juice after viewing (a) front-of-package alone or (b) front-of-package plus nutrition/ingredient information. Participants also viewed common statements of identity on children's drinks to identify product ingredients. When viewing front-of-packages alone, most participants accurately identified products with (83%-90%) and without (51%-65%) added sugar. Showing nutrition/ingredient information increased accuracy. However, the majority could not identify drinks with non-nutritive sweeteners (53%-58%), and many incorrectly believed that unsweetened juices contained added sugar (38%-43%), sweetened flavoured waters had no added sugar (24%-25%), and 100% juice contained less than 100% juice (37%). Furthermore, the majority could not identify product ingredients from statement of identity terms. Misperceptions about product ingredients under current labelling practices indicate that updated regulations are necessary, including clear disclosures of sweetener and juice content on package fronts.

Application of electronic nose with chemometrics methods to the detection of juices fraud

Today, consumer demands for fresh foods with desirable sensory properties are increasing. Lack of easy, cheap, and nondestructive methods to control the quality of fruit juices is one of the main challenges in the beverage industry. The present study has examined two types of natural and industrial juices. Machine olfaction with 9-metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) sensors was used for the experiments. Sensor response patterns were analyzed using chemometrics methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), linear and quadratic discriminant analyses (LDA and QDA), and support vector machine (SVM). According to the results, the classification accuracy of SVM, QDA, and LDA methods was 96.25%, 95.8%, and 94.4%, respectively. Practical applications It is important to note that most fruit juices sold in supermarkets contain only a small percentage of natural fruit juice and usually include added sweeteners. As a result, these juices lead to the intake of large amounts of calories without providing nutrients for the body. In addition, performing chemical tests to determine the quality of fruit juices are time-consuming, destructive, and costly and requires several glassware and reagents. E-nose could be used for real-time monitoring of the volatile components of the food to evaluate different features of the product. Generally, E-nose evaluates a mixture of smells released from a sample and is a reliable, nondestructive, cost-effective, and portable method with high feasibility and speed as well as simple use.

Assessing Ethanol Yield from Fermented Juice of Local and Exotic Sweet Sorghum Varieties Grown in Sudan

An experiment was conducted in 2017 at Alwaha Project, Khartoum State to study the potential of ethanol yield from fermented juice of local and exotic sweet sorghums. 40 genotypes were arranged in RCB design. Juice yield, ethanol yield as percentage of fermented juice, actual and theoretical ethanol yields were studied. The Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was used in the fermentation process. ANOVA tests, correlation and regression analysis of actual vs theoretical ethanol yield were performed. Significant differences were detected among genotypes for ethanol yields. High ethanol yields as percentage from fermented juice were obtained, but ethanol yield per hectare was relatively low due to low juice yields. The genotypes BlueRibbon and KensasCollies from exotic materials; 5AbjSG51 and S.154 Ab70 from local materials were identified as promising for ethanol production. Correlation between actual ethanol yield and Juice yield was positive and highly significant. Regression analysis indicated that theoretical ethanol yield was little bit overestimated. It was concluded that juice yield is more crucial than ethanol concentration in maximizing ethanol yield of sweet sorghum. More efforts are needed to develop high juice-yielding genotypes. Juice maximization can also be achieved by using efficient milling devices and optimizing cultural practices.

Does furrow irrigation system improve yield and water use efficiency of Kinnow mandarin (citrus reticulate blanco)?

In Pakistan, orchards are irrigated using flood irrigation system that is considered sub-economical regarding water use efficiency. Considering the importance of natural water resources, there was a need to devise the method of applying irrigation water that would save water consumption, environmentally friendly and easily adopted by the growers. Thus, a research trial was conducted at Citrus Research Institute, Sargodha, Pakistan on 0.41 ha area of Kinnow mandarin. The total area was divided into two parts, half of the area was used for furrow irrigation system and the remaining half was used for flood irrigation system. Tensiometers were installed in the soil in furrow and flood irrigation system to assess the moisture condition in the soil. Irrigations were applied when tensiometer readings reached 40 centibars. The quantity of water used for irrigation was measured with a flume meter and then percentage of water saving was calculated. The study revealed that furrow irrigation system significantly improved the number of fruits per tree (1153), fruit yield (179.89 kg per plant) and juice percentage (48.38%) compared with flood irrigation system where the number of fruits per tree were711, fruit yield was 110.61 kg per plant and juice percentage was 46.31%. However, TSS/acidity ratio, and peel and rag percentage were not affected by the different irrigation systems. In furrow irrigation system 24 irrigations were applied per year with average water saving of 46.14% and water use efficiency (WUE) was 4.58 kg m-3 whereas in flood irrigation system average numbers of irrigations were 15 per year and WUE was 2.34 kg m-3only. Therefore, furrow irrigation system is recommended for the citrus growers to improve the water use efficiency, yield and fruit quality of Kinnow mandarin.

Effect of foliar nutrition with calcium, boron, and potassium on amelioration of aril browning in pomegranate (Punica granatum cv. ‘Rabab’)

ABSTRACT Aril browning is a serious physiological disorder and major fruit quality anomaly in red-coloured pomegranates, under environmental stress such as temperature extremes. In this study, the single and combined effect of foliar nutrition with calcium, boron, and potassium on aril browning in ‘Rabab’ cultivar pomegranate (Punica granatumL.), were evaluated. Experimental factors were foliar nutrition with boric acid (0 and 2 gL−1), – calcium chelate (0 and 20 gL−1) and potassium chloride (0 and 20 gL−1). Results showed that the effect of foliar nutrition with potassium chloride, boric acid, and calcium chelate significantly reduced the browning index by 92.6%. Increment of fruit potassium content had a positive and significant correlation with fruit juice percentage (r = 0.96**), total soluble solids (r = 0.93**), and total acid (r = 0.83**), which had a significant and positive correlation with fruit juice total anthocyanin, phenolic and flavonoid content and negative correlation with the browning index. Foliar application of boric acid and calcium chelates a week before full bloom and four weeks after full bloom and their application along with potassium chloride before fruit ripening can be a new strategy to improve this complication. This recommended strategy could increase export profits by up to 75%.

Effect of kweni mango juice addition and percentage of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on the physicochemical characteristics of watermelon albedo fruitghurt

This research was conducted to determine the effect of kweni mango juice addition and percentage of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) on the physicochemical characteristics of watermelon albedo fruitghurt. The research used completely randomized design with two factors, i.e the addition of kweni mango juice (12.5%, 15.0%, 17.5%) and percentage of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) (0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%). The results showed that kweni mango juice addition and percentage of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) had highly significant effect on ash content, vitamin C content, total lactic acid bacteria, and viscosity. The addition of kweni mango of 17.5% and 0.7% of Carboxymethyl Cellulose was the best treatment, based on the parameters of ash content, vitamin C content, total lactic acid bacteria, and viscosity. The antioxidant activity of fruitghurt with the best physicochemical characteristics was analyzed. The results showed that it was 75.15 µg/mL.

Effect of growth regulators and micronutrients spray on physico-chemical properties of litchi (Litchi chinensis)

The experiment was conducted to find out the effect of plant growth regulator and micronutrients on physico-chemical properties of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) at the Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station, Dhaulakuan, Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, dring 2014–15. The experiment consisted of 19 treatments with three replications laid out in Randomized Block Design. The growth regulators and micronutrients applied were GA3 (Tj = 25 ppm, T2 = 50 ppm, T3 = 75 ppm), CPPU (T4 = 5 ppm, T5 = 10 ppm, T6 = 15 ppm), ZnSO4 (T7 = 0.25%, T8 = 0.50%, T9 = 0.75%), boric acid (T10 = 0.25%, T11 = 0.50%, T12 = 0.75%), GA3 + CPPU (T13 = 25+5 ppm, T14 = 50+5 ppm, T15 = 75+5 ppm), Boric acid + ZnSO4 (T16 = 0.25+0.50%, T17 = 0.50+0.50%, T18 = 0.75+0.50%) and T19 the control. The growth regulators and micronutrients significantly improved all physico-chemical properties (fruit size, fruit weight, fruit volume, fruit pulp content, pulp percentage, minimum peel percentage, pulp: peel ratio, pulp: stone ratio, peel colour and juice percentage) of fruit. Of which T2 (GA3 50 ppm) increased fruit size, fruit weight and volumes, Minimum peel percentage, pulp: peel ratio and peel colour were highly affected by boric acid alone or in combination with ZnSO4.

Initial production and fruit quality of scion-rootstock combinations in orange trees in Amazonas

Abstract The cultivation of orange trees in Amazonas, Brazil relies predominantly on grafted plants combining ‘Pera’ scion and ‘Rangpur’ lime rootstock. Alternative rootstocks better adapted to the conditions of the region have not been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this research was to test seven rootstocks for the production of high-quality oranges under the typical conditions of the Amazon. Citrus production was evaluated from May to August between 2017 and 2019, based on the variables of cumulative yield, yield efficiency, and crop-yield index over the study period. The fruit physicochemical quality was evaluated by quantification of total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, ratio, juice percentage, and technological index. ‘Indio,’ ‘BRS Bravo’, and ‘Riverside’ genotypes combined with ‘Pera’/CNPMF scion had the highest yield and good fruit quality. They are potentially the most suitable combinations to grow sweet oranges in the Amazon.

Harvest Maturity Influences Fruit Quality of Carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.)

Harvest maturity determines the shelf life and nutritional quality of fruits. The present study was planned to determine the effect of harvest maturity on fruit quality of carambola. Fruits of carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) cv. “Arkin” were harvested at five maturity stages, i.e., M1 (100% green), M2 (75% green and 25% yellow), M3 (50% green and 50% yellow), M4 (25% green and 75% yellow), and M5 (100% yellow) and subjected to physico-chemical analysis. At eating soft stage, a significant linear increase in fruit juice percentage, total soluble solids (TSS), ripening index (TSS/TA) and fruit juice pH, while a decrease in rag content, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and titratable acidity (TA) was observed as the maturity progressed from 100% green to 100% yellow. Sensory evaluation data of fruit skin colour, flavour, texture, and acceptability showed the highest score for fruits harvested at 25% green and 75% yellow (M4) stage. In conclusion, harvest maturity significantly influenced various biochemical quality characteristics and carambola fruits harvested at 75% yellow (M4) is considered as an optimal harvest stage that exhibited best sensory and nutritional quality attributes.

Bone and Subcutaneous Fat Influence on Yield, Physicochemical Traits, and Color Stability of Dry-Aged Loin From Grass-Fed Nellore Bulls

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the influence of bone and subcutaneous fat on yield, physicochemical traits, and color stability of dry-aged beef from grass-fed Nellore bulls. Paired bone-in loins (from the 10th thoracic vertebra to 6th lumbar vertebra) from 8 carcasses were collected and cut in half, and the sections from each carcass were assigned to 4 treatments (n = 8): bone-in with subcutaneous fat, bone-in without subcutaneous fat, boneless with subcutaneous fat, and boneless without subcutaneous fat. Loin sections were dry-aged for 21 d, at 2°C and 70% relative humidity. After dry aging, the half-loins were weighed, trimmed, and weighed again to determine the evaporation loss, trimming loss, and yield. Additionally, water activity, pH, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, moisture content, cooking loss, pressed juice percentage, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and color stability (during 9 d of display) were analyzed. No interactions (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between bone and subcutaneous fat were found for evaporation and trimming loss, yield, and physicochemical traits. The treatments did not affect Warner-Bratzler shear force, pressed juice percentage, thiobarbituric acid-reactive sub-stances, and pH values (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Regarding color stability, there was a bone-by-time interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for a* and b* parameters. Boneless treatments showed higher a* and b* values (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than bone-in treatments, after 6 and 7 d of display, respectively. Bone-in treatments and treatments with subcutaneous fat had lower evaporation and trimming loss and higher yield compared to boneless treatments and treatments without subcutaneous fat, respectively (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Therefore, although bone-in treatments showed lower color stability, bone and subcutaneous fat were considered important factors to the dry-aging process, as both resulted in a greater yield over dry-aged product that had bone and/or fat removed, without compromising other physicochemical traits of dry-aged beef from grass-fed Nellore bulls.