Fruit Pulp Research Articles

Volatile Constituents of Some Myrtaceous Edible and Medicinal Fruits from the Brazilian Amazon.

Native and exotic fruits from the Amazon have varied characteristics, with aroma being a decisive factor in their acceptance for medicinal use as a nutraceutical supplement. This work aimed to analyze the chemical constituents of the volatile concentrates of some Myrtaceous fruit species sampled in the Brazilian Amazon. The fruit's pulps were subjected to simultaneous distillation-extraction, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to analyze their volatile chemical composition. In the volatile concentrate of Eugenia stipitata (Araçá-boi) α-pinene (17.5%), citronellyl butanoate (15.6%), and pogostol (13.5%) were identified as primary constituents; Eugenia uniflora (Ginja) concentrate comprised curzerene (30.5%), germacrone (15.4%), atractylone (13.1%), and (E)-β-ocimene (11.1%); in Myrciaria dubia (Camu-Camu), α-pinene (55.8%), (E)-β-ocimene (13.1%), and α-terpineol (10.0%) were present; in Psidium guajava (Goiaba) were (2E)-hexenal (21.7%), hexanal (15.4%), caryophylla-4(12),8(13)-dien-5-β-ol (10.5%), caryophyllene oxide (9.2%), and pogostol (8.3%); and in Psidium guineense (Araçá), limonene (25.2%), ethyl butanoate (12.1%), epi-β-bisabolol (9.8%), and α-pinene (9.2%) were the main constituents. The analyzed volatile concentrates of these fruit species presented a significant diversity of constituents with a predominance of functional groups, such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and fatty acid derivatives, originating from the plant's secondary metabolism and playing an important role in their nutritional and medicinal uses.

Antioxidant Activity and Fatty Acid Profile of Sous-Vide Beef Marinated with Kiwiberry Fruit Pulp: Effects of Level Addition and Refrigerated Storage.

The purpose of the study was to determine the antioxidant activity (AA) and fatty acid (FA) profile of sous-vide beef previously marinated in brine with a 10, 20 and 30% addition of kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta cv. 'Ananasnaya') fruit pulp, as well as changes in the parameters studied after 0, 1, 2 and 3 weeks of refrigerated storage in a vacuum package. The FA profile, FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay), ABTS (2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-acid)), total polyphenols, chlorophylls and carotenoids were also determined in the fruit pulp. Lipid indices for meat were calculated based on the obtained FA profile. The values of FRAP and ABTS of experimental meat products were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than those of control samples but decreased with storage time. The proportion of unsaturated FA in the lipids of sous-vide meat was higher in samples with pulp than in control samples and insignificantly decreased with storage time. Meat marinated with kiwiberry pulp was characterized by a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher proportion of ALA (α-linolenic acid) and LA (linoleic acid), considerably affecting the more favorable value of polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA ratio. A troubling finding was the heightened level of palmitic acid (C16:0) in the lipids of beef subjected to 30% kiwiberry pulp, a factor recognized to play a significant role in the development of various diseases. Beef marinated with 20% kiwiberry pulp addition provides greater nutritional and health benefits than other sample variants because of optimal AA and FA profile changes during refrigerated storage.

Nutritional, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Characterizations of Wild Food and Medicinal Fruits Indigenous to Sudan: Sarcocephalus latifolius and Vitex doniana

ABSTRACT Sudan is a rich country in wild plants that play significant roles in securing food and medicine in rural areas, especially. This study explored Sarcocephalus latifolius (African peach) and Vitex doniana (black plum) for their fruits’ proximate composition, minerals, total soluble phenols, phenolic acids, total carotenoids, lutein, β–carotene, α–tocopherol, δ–tocopherol and total antioxidant capacity. African peach fruit and black plum pulp showed total soluble phenols amounting to 16.89 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g of Dry Weight (DW) and 7.56 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The paramount phenolic acids were cinnamic acid (895 mg/kg DW) in African peach fruit and protocatechuic acid (1200 mg/kg DW) in black plum pulp. Total antioxidant capacities reached 268 µmoles trolox equivalents (TE)/g DW in African peach and 214 µmoles TE/g DW in black plum, when measured from hydrophilic extracts (HPE) using 2, 2-DiPhenyl-1-PicrylHydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The contents of total carotenoid were 47 mg/kg DW and 22.6 mg/kg DW, lutein reached 18.50 mg/kg DW and 15 mg/kg DW whereas β–carotene showed 0.31 mg/kg DW and 0.23 mg/kg DW in African peach and black plum, respectively. African peach showed α–tocopherol (167 mg/kg DW) whereas black plum showed δ–tocopherol (398 mg/kg DW). From this study, we concluded that African peach fruit and black plum pulp could be good sources of nutrition and antioxidants and have high potential for human health.

Effect of Tamarindus indica L. fruit pulp and seed extracts on experimental ulcerative colitis in rats.

Tamarindus indica L. which has anti-inflammatory, radical scavenging, and ulcer healing effects can be useful for the alleviation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, the effects of T. indica fruit pulp (TIPE) and seed extracts (TISE) were investigated on experimental colitis. TIPE and TISE (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) were made by maceration (ethanol/water: 80/30) and administered to male Wistar rats with acetic acid-induced colitis. Prednisolone (4 mg/kg) and mesalazine (100 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs. The colon tissues were examined for macroscopic and pathologic parameters and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) values. The total phenols were 45.7 ± 1.1 and 453.0 ± 3.3 mg/g in terms of gallic acid for TIPE and TISE, respectively. Both of the extracts significantly improved most of the investigated parameters including body weight loss, the weight of colons, indices of ulcers, and total colitis. MPO activity and MDA in the treatment groups (except for TIPE at 125 mg/Kg) significantly decreased compared to the control. Both TIPE and TISE were effective in the treatment of colitis however it seems that the effective ingredients were more concentrated in seeds rather than pulp extract so the highest dose of seed extract had a competitive effect with reference drugs. More studies are needed to introduce T. indica as a suitable complementary medicine or food for patients with IBD.

Biological studies on annona fruit's pulp (Annona crassiflora) and its protective effect on rats with liver cancer

Biological studies on annona fruit's pulp (Annona crassiflora) and its protective effect on rats with liver cancer

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Vitex megapotamica: A study and selection of variables

AbstractFruits are widely used to obtain and study bioactive compounds. Among them, the tarumã (Vitex megapotamica) is still understudied. The extraction of bioactive compounds from the powdered pulp of the ripe fruit of the tarumã was studied from the selection of several variables of the extraction process through the experimental design Plackett–Burman: the pH, the solid:liquid ratio, agitation, and temperature in an extraction time of 3 h. The extracts obtained were evaluated for antioxidant activity by 2,2′‐azino‐bis‐(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and for total phenolic compounds, as well as the presence of flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and identification of bioactive compounds was assessed by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Using the experimental design, the best extraction condition was defined with a pH of 5, solid:liquid ratio of 1:30, stirring at 100 rpm, with a temperature of 80°C, obtaining 104.21 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE) 100 g−1 for phenolic compounds total, 742.71 μmol Trolox g−1 for ABTS, and EC50 of 2884.98 mg L−1 for DPPH. From HPLC, the presence of fumaric acid, gallic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and caffeic acid in the extracts was detected. Regarding flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, the values obtained were 6.38 mg ECG g−1, 1.67 mg ECG g−1, and 2.89 mg 100 g−1, respectively. The selection of extraction conditions allowed obtaining better levels of bioactive compounds in the powdered pulp of tarumã extract, even with the use of water as a solvent, to avoid the presence of chemical residues in the extract, with antioxidant potential and viability for application in food products.Practical applicationsRecent research suggests a change in perspective regarding the consumption of healthier foods from plants and fruits that have important health properties. In this regard, tarumã (Vitex megapotamica) fruit has been standing out as a potential source of bioactive compounds with significant medicinal properties. The extracts obtained have a significant amount of phenolic compounds, as well as the presence of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, in which all of these have great potential bioactive activities. Thus, a good methodology of extraction and characterization of tarumã extract becomes a crucial part of any food, chemical, or pharmaceutical industry sector. In this regard, the present study with experimental design Plackett–Burman extraction is the way ahead due to high bioactive retention and the cost implications of the process.

Microwave heating concentration of raspberry pulp: Evaluation of processing variables on concentration characteristics and quality attributes

Concentration of fruit pulp is an important unit operation in food processing and has a wide range of applications. In this study, the microwave heating concentration (MHC) of raspberry pulp at different microwave powers, heating times and sample masses were investigated considering concentration characteristics and quality attributes. The results showed that increasing microwave power/heating time or decreasing sample mass significantly decreased the moisture content but had no significant effect on the temperature of raspberry pulp, while these conditions resulted in loss of total anthocyanin content and deterioration of total color difference. LF-NMR and SEM results revealed that the changes in temperature and moisture content caused by MHC significantly affected the total anthocyanin content and total color difference of the final product. Microwave power of 800 W, heating time of 3 min and sample mass of 90 g are selected as suitable parameters for MHC of raspberry pulp. This study may provide guidance for the development of appropriate technology for MHC of berry pulp.

Bioactive compounds and physicochemical attributes of loquat fruits in Mexico

The loquat is a fruit found in some regional markets of Mexico, and information on its quality is limited. The physicochemical properties and antioxidant potential of loquat fruit pulp produced in the states of Mexico, Oaxaca, and Veracruz were evaluated. The fresh weight (fw) of the fruits was about 15 g. The acidity of the pulp showed variations between 0.60 and 0.93%. The Total soluble solids values were between 14.5 and 17.3 °Bx. The concentration of total phenols was 3.5 mg g-1dw, and the flavonoids represented 62% of the bioactive compounds. The content of carotenes was higher in fruits from the State of Mexico (75.4 µg EβC g-1dw) that achieved the largest fruit size. In the ABTS and FRAP assays, Veracruz fruits had the highest antioxidant capacity but the smaller fruit size. The total sugar mean content was 6.8% fw. In general, the loquat fruit was of commercial small size, and in the tropical conditions of Veracruz attained high phenolic contents.

Phytochemical screening, proximate and vitamin composition of Jack fruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) pulp and seed

The potential health benefits of plant are determined by the level of phytochemicals, proximate, minerals and vitamin composition of the plant material. The study was carried out to determine the phytochemical composition, proximate and vitamin content of Artocarpus heterophyllus pulp and seeds. The results revealed that Artocarpus heterophyllus is rich in phytochemicals such as Saponins, Alkaloid, Cardiac Glycoside, Phlobatannins, Terpenes, Steroids and Deoxy-Sugar. Proximate composition analysis indicated that the pulp has higher moisture, protein and lipid content, while crude fibre and carbohydrate were higher in the seed. The fruit pulp contained a greater percentage of vitamins A and C compared to the seeds. These phytochemicals, proximate composition, and vitamins offer numerous health benefits, suggesting that the consumption of jack fruit pulp and seeds may help in alleviating various health challenges.

A novel MYB transcription factor from durian (Durio zibethinus), DzMYB1, regulates flavonoid biosynthesis in fruit pulp

Flavonoids are phenolic substances and exhibit strong antioxidant properties. The biosynthesis of flavonoids is regulated by various transcription factors (TFs), with MYB TFs playing a key role in controlling essential genes within this pathway. In this study, we identified candidate MYB TFs from our pulp transcriptome database of durian ‘Monthong’ cultivar. MYBs exhibiting upregulation during the ripe stage were considered transcriptional activators, due to their positive correlation with flavonoid gene expression and flavonoid accumulation in ripe durian pulps. One candidate MYB activator, DzMYB1, which was highly expressed at the ripe stage, was selected for functional characterization. Studies involving transient expression of DzMYB1 in Solanum lycopersicum cv. Micro-Tom fruit demonstrated increased flavonoid content, as analyzed by LC–MS/MS, compared with the GFP control. Moreover, we showed that DzMYB1 controls flavonoid biosynthesis by interacting with the promoters of various flavonoid biosynthetic genes, including chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, and flavanone 3-hydroxylase, resulting in their transcriptional activation. Additionally, we found that DzMYB1 functions as a homodimer and binds to a homodimerized DzbHLH1 in the intricate regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. These findings provide comprehensive insights into the functional roles of MYB protein in the regulation of the flavonoid pathway within durian pulps.

Evaluation of Peel, Pulp and Juices of Citrus Fruits for Vitamin C Content, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity

Citrus fruits like Sweet Orange, Malta, and Lemon are extensively cultivated in India. This research aims to analyze the vitamin C, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of these fruits. Aqueous extracts from the peel, pulp, and juice of these fruits, along with samples stored at 4°C, were prepared for analysis. The DPPH method was employed for antioxidant assessment, antibacterial properties were evaluated using the Agar well diffusion method, and vitamin C content in juices was estimated pH-metrically. The results from the DPPH method indicated that storage at lower temperatures reduced antioxidant properties. All fruit juices exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to their peel and pulp counterparts. Orange juice demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, followed by Malta peel. Lemon juice was found to have the highest vitamin C content. None of the extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacillus cereus. The study suggests that orange juice is the most potent natural antioxidant among the selected citrus fruits. A mixture of all fruit juices exhibited synergistic effects, while combinations of any two juices showed antagonistic effects.

KAJIAN FORTIFIKASI DAGING DAN KULIT BUAH NAGA MERAH (Hylocereus polyrhizus) TERHADAP MUTU MIKROBIOLOGI DAN ORGANOLEPTIK TAPAI KETAN PUTIH

White glutinous tapai is a fermented food product in which yeast is added in manufacturing. Red dragon fruit can be added to increase the nutritional value, taste and product diversification of processed white sticky rice tapai. Besides being rich in nutritional value, red dragon fruit also contains antioxidant compounds, natural food fiber and natural colouring compounds that display a purplish-red colour. This study aims to determine the effect of fortification of red dragon fruit meat and skin on fiber content and organoleptic quality of white sticky rice. This study was experimental, using a completely randomized design (CRD), with the fortification of red dragon fruit meat and skin in the production of white sticky rice tapai. The type of treatment: T1 = white glutinous rice without red dragon fruit (control), T2 = white glutinous rice + red dragon fruit pulp, T3 = white glutinous rice + (flesh and skin) of red dragon fruit, and T4 = white glutinous rice + red dragon fruit skin). Observational data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level and follow-up test with HSD at the same significant level. The results of the analysis of the quantity of microorganisms in white sticky rice tapai yeast with fortification treatment of red dragon fruit flesh and skin showed that the sticky rice tapai contained 2.9x104 microbes in T1, 6.0x104 in T2, 7.1x104 in T3 and 4.0x104 in T4 and research results organoleptic properties of the colour, aroma, taste and texture score parameters. The best treatment preferred by the panellists was the T2 treatment (fortification of red dragon fruit pulp) with a fiber content of 4.13%, a pH value of 5.13, an aroma value score of 3.39 (slightly tapai flavour), a taste of 4.11 (liked it), texture 3.29 (slightly soft) with a purplish red appearance 3.86. The use of a mixture of dragon fruit, dragon fruit skin is able to produce the most suitable organoleptic assessment for white sticky rice compared to the use of dragon fruit skin from the results of organoleptic panelists and statistical tests. The use of dragon fruit in producing aroma, taste, and homogeneity are more preferred, while other parameters of color tend not to be affected. Total microbes, log 4.85, were the highest produced by fortification using dragon fruit skin. The use of dragon fruit flesh, which causes the sour taste is not strong and good color other treatments to be more acceptable to panelists.

QUALITY OF GOLDEN PAPAYA SOLD IN STREET MARKETS AND SUPERMARKETS IN JOÃO PESSOA - PB

Fruit production is a major sector of Brazilian agribusiness and papaya is one of the main fruits sold in the country. The papaya tree is believed to have originated in Central America. The physical characteristics of papaya vary according to the group and variety. There are several ways of selling the fruit, but the main ones are street markets and supermarkets, which follow the trend of modernization in commerce, with a more comfortable environment for customers and the fruit receiving greater care in packaging, handling, and the way it is presented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of papayas marketed in two locations in the city of João Pessoa-PB, in order to identify possible differences in quality attributes. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with five treatments: fruit from two street markets and fruit from three supermarkets. The following variables were assessed: total fruit mass (g) and pulp weight (g); diameter (cm), length (cm), and color using the Colorimeter app and the physicochemical variable SS/TA ratio. The data on the variables was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the F test up to a 5% probability of error level, and then the Scott-Knoot test was carried out at a 5% significance level. With regard to the variables mass, pulp weight, and fruit diameter, the supermarkets had a higher average than the street markets. For the length variable, there was no statistical difference between the treatments. Golden papayas sold in supermarkets in João Pessoa PB showed superior physical characteristics compared to street markets, especially in terms of fruit mass, pulp weight, and diameter.

Altitudinal variation of dragon fruit metabolite profiles as revealed by UPLC-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis

BackgroundGeographical factors affect the nutritional, therapeutic and commercial values of fruits. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp) is a popular fruit in Asia and a potential functional food with diverse pharmacological attributes. Although it is produced in various localities, the information related to the altitudinal variation of dragon fruit nutrients and active compounds is scarce. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the variations in metabolite profiles of H. polyrhizus (variety Jindu1) fruit pulps from three different altitudes of China, including Wangmo (WM, 650 m), Luodian (LD, 420 m), and Zhenning (ZN, 356 m). Jindu1 is the main cultivated pitaya variety in Guizhou province, China.ResultsThe LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy)-based widely targeted metabolic profiling identified 645 metabolites, of which flavonoids (22.64%), lipids (13.80%), phenolic acids (12.40%), amino acids and derivatives (10.39%), alkaloids (8.84%), and organic acids (8.37%) were dominant. Multivariate analyses unveiled that the metabolite profiles of the fruit differed regarding the altitude. Fruits from WM (highest altitude) were prime in quality, with higher levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, nucleotides and derivatives, amino acids and derivatives, and vitamins. Fruits from LD and ZN had the highest relative content of phenolic acids and terpenoids, respectively. We identified 69 significantly differentially accumulated metabolites across the pulps of the fruits from the three locations. KEGG analysis revealed that flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis were the most differentially regulated. It was noteworthy that most active flavonoid compounds exhibited an increasing accumulation pattern along with the increase in altitude. Vitexin and isovitexin were the major differentially accumulated flavonoids. Furthermore, we identified two potential metabolic biomarkers (vitexin and kaempferol 3-O-[2-O-β-D-galactose-6-O-a-L-rhamnose]-β-D-glucoside) to discriminate between dragon fruits from different geographical origins.ConclusionOur findings provide insights into metabolic changes in dragon fruits grown at different altitudes. Furthermore, they show that growing pitaya at high altitudes can produce fruit with higher levels of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids.

Changes in Hormonal Profiles and Corresponding Gene Expressions During the Initiation and Development of Juice Sac Primordia in Citrus Ovaries and Fruitlets

The edible part of citrus fruit is composed of juice vesicles/sacs which develop from the endocarp, the two to three inner cell layers of the white spongy peel termed albedo. Juice sac primordia usually appear 1 week after anthesis. Hormones, especially auxin and gibberellin, play a role in pericarp development during the ovary-to-fruit transition, but their effect on juice vesicle induction has not been studied. Here, hormone profiling in the pericarp and changes in the expression of their corresponding genes in the endocarp and pericarp were compared between two citrus cultivars: Calabria citron, in which juice sacs develop normally, and Yemenite citron, in which juice sac formation does not initiate. Most of the identified hormones, abscisic acid, gibberellin A4, indole-3-acetic acid, isopentenyladenine, jasmonic acid and zeatin riboside, were at higher levels in Yemenite than in Calabria. Overall, changes in abscisic acid levels in the pericarp were very well correlated with changes in the expression of abscisic acid-related genes in the endocarp. However, the application of various hormones, including abscisic acid, to Calabria flowers failed to arrest juice sac initiation. The possible involvement of abscisic acid and other hormones in the process of juice vesicle initiation and pericarp growth is discussed.

Development and Efficacy Evaluation of Innovative Cosmetic Formulations with Caryocar brasiliense Fruit Pulp Oil Encapsulated in Freeze-Dried Liposomes.

Encapsulation and drying technologies allow the engineering of innovative raw materials from plant biodiversity, with potential applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Lipid-based nanoencapsulation stands out for its efficiency, ease of production, and versatility in encapsulating substances, whether hydrophilic or lipophilic. This work aimed at encapsulating pequi oil in liposomes and freeze-dried liposomes to enhance its stability and functional benefits, such as skin hydration and anti-aging effects, for use in innovative cosmetic formulations. Pequi oil-extracted from the Caryocar brasiliense fruit pulp, a plant species from Brazilian plant biodiversity-is rich in secondary metabolites and fatty acids. Liposomes and dried liposomes offer controlled production processes and seamless integration into cosmetic formulations. The physicochemical analysis of the developed liposomes confirmed that the formulations are homogeneous and electrokinetically stable, as evidenced by consistent particle size distribution and zeta potential values, respectively. The gel-type formulations loaded with the dried liposomes exhibit enhanced skin hydration, improved barrier function, and refined microrelief, indicating improvements in skin conditions. These results highlight the potential of dried liposomes containing pequi oil for the development of innovative cosmeceutical products. This research contributes to the valorization of Brazilian biodiversity by presenting an innovative approach to leveraging the dermatological benefits of pequi oil in cosmetic applications.

Carob: A Mediterranean Resource for the Future.

For centuries, the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua L.) has contributed to the economy of the Mediterranean basin, mainly as food for livestock. Nowadays, the value of the carob tree extends far beyond its traditional uses, encompassing a wide range of industries and applications that take advantage of its unique properties and nutritional benefits. Despite its high industrial demand and European indications, there has been a 65% reduction in the area cultivated throughout the Mediterranean area in the 21st century. Given the threats posed by climate change, including reduced water availability and nutrient-depleted soils, there is a growing need to focus on this crop, which is well placed to cope with unpredictable weather. In this review, we use a bibliographic search approach to emphasise the prioritisation of research needs for effective carob tree exploitation. We found enormous gaps in the scientific knowledge of this under-utilised crop species with fruit pulp and seeds of high industrial value. Insufficient understanding of the biology of the species, as well as inadequate agronomic practices, compromise the quantity and the quality of fruits available to the industry. In addition to industrial applications, carob can also be used in reforestation or restoration programmes, providing a valuable crop while promoting biodiversity conservation and soil restoration. The carbon sequestration potential of the trees should be taken into account as a promising alternative in fighting climate change. This bibliographic search has highlighted clusters with different knowledge gaps that require further research and investment. The carob tree has untapped potential for innovation, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Assessment of foliar application of nutrients on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava)

Present study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020–2022 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to assess the effect of foliar application of nutrients on the yield and quality aspects of rainy season guava (Psidium guajava L.). Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 4 different foliar applications of zinc sulphate, viz. ZnSO4 @0% (Control); ZnSO4 @0.3%; ZnSO4 @0.6%; ZnSO4 @0.9%; and 4 foliar applications of potassium sulphate, viz. K2SO4 @0% (Control); K2SO4 @1.0%; K2SO4 @1.5%; and K2SO4 @2.0, and replicated thrice. However, foliar application of ZnSO4 @0.9% was found to be the best treatment in improving the fruit yield (46.2 kg/plant), fruit weight (135.2 g), fruit length (6.10 cm) and fruit breadth (5.64 cm) of rainy season guava (cv. L-49). Similarly, ZnSO4 @0.6% was found best for increasing the TSS (total soluble solids) (10.6 B) and ascorbic acid content (187.4 mg/100 g pulp). On the other hand, K2SO4 @2.0% increased the fruit yield (45.4 kg/plant), fruit weight (135.2 g) and ascorbic acid content (190.3 mg/100 g pulp) of guava fruit. The maximum N, P, K and Zn content for nutrient analysis in leaf was noted under foliar application of ZnSO4 @0.9% and K2SO4 @2.0%. The maximum N and Zn content in fruit was observed due to application of ZnSO4 @0.9% and maximum P and K content was observed with treatment ZnSO4 @0.6%. Similarly, K2SO4 @2.0% increased the N, P, K and Zn content of guava fruit.

Integrative metabolome and transcriptome profiling reveal key metabolic regulatory networks in Ziziphus jujuba cv. Dongzao pulp

‘Dongzao’ (Ziziphus jujuba ‘Dongzao’) is an economically important fresh fruit well known for its distinctive flavor and significant nutritional benefits. However, dynamic alterations in the genetic and metabolic networks that regulate the development of ‘Dongzao’ pulp are not fully elucidated. In this study, first, a metabolic regulatory network was constructed. Next, the metabolic landscape of the ‘Dongzao’ jujube fruit pulp was established during development and ripening by using a joint analysis of metabolomic and transcriptomic data. This dataset was used to establish a global map of changes in the major metabolites throughout ‘Dongzao’ pulp development. The potential regulatory networks were then dissected, and the key structural genes and transcription factors associated with modulating the metabolism of important jujube fruit ingredients were identified. Further bioinformatics analyses and transient gene overexpression revealed that ZjSHINE3 and ZjNAC29 act as key transcription factors involved in sucrose and malic acid accumulation, respectively. In summary, this study provides novel insights into the metabolic regulatory networks underlying jujube fruit pulp development and generates a useful resource for genetic improvement and breeding studies of jujube.

TEST OF RESISTANCE OF ALPUKAT (Persea americana mill) FRUIT EXTRACT ON THE GROWTH OF THE Streptococcus mutans

Introduction: Streptococcus mutans is one of the normal flora living in the oral cavity, but in excessive amounts is the main causative agent of dental caries. The active compounds of alkaloids, saponins and quinones in avocado pulp extract is an antibacterial alternative that can inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity. The aim of this research was to determine the inhibitory power that contain in avocado pulp against Streptococcus mutans . Materials and Methods: This study used 4 concentrations namely 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% with each repetition 4 times. Avocado pulp extraction was carried out by maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent. Inhibition zone testing was carried out using the Kirby baurer method. Results and Discussions: The zone of inhibition was determined using the Kruskal wallis test, which showed that there were significant differences in various concentrations against the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Avocado fruit pulp extract is able to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria because avocado fruit pulp extract has active compounds that cause antibacterial activity. Active compounds of avocado fruit flesh that are efficacious as antibacterials are alkaloids, saponins and quinones. Conclusion: Avocado pulp extract has been proven to have an antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans with an effective concentration level of 100%. Increasing the concentration of avocado pulp extract was also shown to affect the diameter of Streptococcus mutans inhibition zone