Nut Kernel Research Articles

Разработка поликомпонентных молочных консервов на основе сочетания сырья животного и растительного происхождения

Многочисленные исследования структуры питания населения различных регионов России, свидетельствуют о нарушениях пищевого статуса, которое выражается в дефиците полиненасыщенных жирных кислот, жирорастворимых витаминов, минеральных веществ и пищевых волокон. Создание композиции из молочного и растительного сырья является, в последнее время, распространенным способом корректирования состава молочных продуктов. Перспективной основой продукта может служить молоко цельное сгущенное с сахаром. Технологические особенности производства и особые условия хранения сгущенного молока исключают возможность протекания окислительных и окислительно-восстановительных реакций в добавляемых растительных компонентах. Для разработки рецептуры молочных консервов с сахаром использовали возможность внесения ядра кедрового ореха и ядра подсолнечника в нормализованное молоко с предварительной подготовкой сахарного сиропа. Основная цель исследований – разработка поликомпонентного молочного продукта на основе сочетания молочного и масличного сырья, сбалансированного по пищевой и биологической ценности, позволяющего удовлетворять потребности различных групп населения. Исследования выполнялись в условиях лабораторий ФГБОУ ВО Алтайский государственный технический университет им. И.И. Ползунова. Оценивали влияние ядра кедрового ореха и ядра подсолнечника на физико-химические и органолептические показатели молока цельного сгущенного с сахаром в количестве от 5 % до 25 % соответственно. Учитывая полученные результаты, рекомендовано внесение ядра кедрового ореха или ядра подсолнечника в количестве не более 20 %. Полученные продукты позволят не только расширить ассортимент молочных консервов, но и добавить в рацион потребителям полиненасыщенные жирные кислоты, жирорастворимые витамины, растительный белок и минеральные вещества.

Effect of Roasting on Oxidative Stability of Pistachio Nut

Pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.) is one of the most delicious and nutritious nuts in the world. Roasting process enhances the flavor, color, and texture of pistachio nuts and increases overall palatability of the valued products. Oxidative stability is also an important parameter for the quality assessment of pistachio nuts. The main objective of this study is to determine the effect of roasting on the oxidative stability of pistachio samples. For this purpose, pistachio kernels are roasted with two steps industrial roaster at different temperature; 110-120, 130-140, 150-160° C. Rancimat Method, which is one of the Accelerated Shelf – Life Test (ASLT) method, was used to determine the oxidative stability of raw and roasted pistachio nut kernel. The induction time (IT) of raw and roasted pistachio samples were automatically recorded at 100, 110, and 120°C. As the temperature increased induction time was significantly decreased during ASLT (p<0.05). The roasted pistachio sample was higher IT than IT of raw pistachio sample. Although increasing the oxidative stability with increasing roasting temperature, very high roasting temperature (150-160°C) decreased IT. As a result, roasting of pistachio nuts improved the oxidative stability of the nut. Keywords : Pistachio nut, roasting, oxidative stability, Rancimat method DOI : 10.7176/JSTR/5-5-14

The influence of pollen-parent and carbohydrate availability on macadamia yield and nut size

Cross-pollen parents can affect fruit set and yield, and can influence fruit and seed characteristics of many tree crops. Available carbohydrates also limit fruit set and yield, and tree carbohydrates can be manipulated by girdling trees and by defoliation. We investigated how different macadamia cross pollen-parents and the availability of carbohydrates interact to modify macadamia fruit set, kernel yield and kernel size. We manipulated tree carbohydrates by selecting different branch sizes and girdling branches on macadamia cultivar ‘HAES 246’ (‘246’) maternal trees. We applied pollens from two different commercial cultivars, ‘HV A16’ (‘A16’) and ‘HAES 814’ (‘814’) in two experiments. In Experiment 1, two branch sizes, 150 leaves and 500 leaves were girdled. In Experiment 2, three branch sizes, 150 leaves, 300 leaves and 500 leaves were both girdled and ungirdled. Final fruit set and kernel yield per branch were significantly higher on the girdled 500 leaf branches compared with the girdled 150 leaf branches in both experiments (P < 0.05). There was no pollen-parent effect on final fruit set or kernel yield per branch on girdled branches. Kernel mass was increased by the ‘A16’ pollen-parent in 4 out of 4 cases in experiment 1 and in 4 out of 6 cases in Experiment 2. Available resources also impacted on nut and kernel size. The ‘A16’ pollen-parent also increased kernel recovery significantly (P < 0.05) on some girdled and ungirdled branches. Carbohydrate supply and pollen-parents interact to determine final nut and kernel size and nut characteristics. Selecting suitable pollen-parents could improve macadamia profitability.

Yield and nut characteristics of ‘Tombul’ hazelnut growing at different elevations and in different orientations

This study compared nut yield and nut characteristics of 'Tombul' hazelnut growing at different elevations (low: 40 m, middle: 320 m, high: 650 m) and orientations (facing north or south). Nuts were harvested and evaluated from three orchards for each combination of elevation and orientation. The results showed differences associated with elevation and orientation. The number of nuts per cluster (3.12), protein content (14.49%) and yield per plant (512.34 g) were higher in the North-facing than in the South-facing orchards. The highest number of nuts per cluster was 3.26 at high elevation. Nut weight, kernel weight and kernel size were highest at low elevation. No differences were seen for nut size, nut shape index, and yield per trunk cross-sectional area.

Proximate Composition of Various Shea Nut Kernels

The proximate analysis carried out on shea nut kernel samples obtained from Illo . Kwanga and, Kwere areas of Kebbi state revealed the following; Crude protein (g/100g)DM; 9.04±0.13b, 10.00±0.18a and 10.2 ± 0.40c respectively, Moisture Content(g/100g) FP; 6.67 ± 2.89a, 8.33 ± 2.89a and 6.33 ± 3.21a respectively, Ash Content (g/100g) DM; 4.00 ± 1.73a, 5.67 ± 1.15a and 6.33 ± 3.40a respectively. Crude Lipid content (g/100g)DM; 2.28± 0.39a , 1.48 ± 0.18bc and 2.10 ± 0.07b respectively, Crude Fibre (g/100g)DM; 0.50 ± 0.14a, 0.33 ± 0.04a and 0.45 ± 0.35a respectively. Total Carbohydrate (g/100g) DM; 77.64±4.26ab, 74.29 ± 1.66c, 78.54 ± 4.58a respectively. The results showed adequate nutrients for both nutrition and health benefits.

Morphometric and chemical fruit variability of selected stone pine trees (Pinus pinea L.) grown in non-native environments

Few studies have been conducted on Stone pine (Pinus pinea) morphology, cone to kernel yield (KY) and composition. To study the species variability, a morphometric and chemical characterization of pine nuts was performed across the species distribution in Chile. Seventy-six highly productive trees were selected in three macrozones. Ten cones per tree were harvested, and cone weight, in-shell pine nut number cone−1 and size and weight of in-shell pine nuts and kernels were measured; KY was determined. Chemical and nutritional characterization of pine nuts was performed in 38 trees. Differences among macrozones were tested with mixed linear models. Partial correlation was used to test for correlation between cone and pine nut morphometric data, chemical features, and climate. Canonical correlation coefficients between groups were tested. Selected trees differed in cone and in-shell pine nut size, kernel morphometry, and KY, with lowest trait values being generally found in the coast. KY was higher than in Europe. Chemical composition was similar to values reported in producer countries, homogeneous among macrozones, with the exception of oleic acid and potassium. Detected differences would respond to the environment and to the interaction genotype × environment given the restricted origins of the genetic material, confirming the species adaptability.

Dense medium machine processing method for palm kernel/ shell separation

A machine processing method for the separation of cracked palm kernel from the shells using dense medium is presented. Cracked palm kernel is a mixture of kernels, broken shells, dusts and other impurities. In order to produce quality palm kernel oil, clean palm kernel nuts must be used, therefore the need for the separation of the palm kernel nuts from the shells. Several methods are used in the separation. The handpicking method yields good quality kernels but the method is slow, laborious and unsuitable for large scale productions. Salt solution method is unsuitable because of acidity of concentrated solution of salt used which affects the palm kernel as well as the quality of the oil produced. The clay suspension method is time consuming, laborious and cumbersome. The limitations of the above-stated methods of separation gave rise to the need for alternative methods of separation. A machine processing method using dense medium, a separator, a shell collector and a kernel collector was proposed. A machine was developed which produced kernels that contain 6.5% moisture content, 51% fat, 8.9% protein, 7% free fatty acid and 1.9% ash content. The kernels from the machine separation method were compared with the kernels produced by the other methods. The results revealed that the kernels obtained by hand picking method contains 7% moisture content, 52% fat, 9% protein, 7% free fatty acid and 2% ash content. The ones obtained using salt solution bath method contain 6% moisture content, 45% fat, 8% protein, 4.5% free fatty acid and 1.7% ash content. The ones obtained using conventional clay bath method contain 8% moisture content, 48% fat, 8.5% protein, 5.5% free fatty acid and 1.8% ash content. From the results obtained, the dense medium separation and clay suspension methods provide a better and cleaner means of palm kernel nut and shell separation because of the low moisture content and high fat, protein and ash contents among the methods of separation used. Keywords: Palm Kernel, Shell, Separation, Machine Processing Method, Dense Medium

Philippine Pili (Canarium ovatum, Engl.) varieties as source of essential minerals and trace elements in human nutrition

Macro and micro mineral profiles as well as potential toxic metals of both pulp and kernel of seven Pili nut (Canarium ovatum) varieties were established. Further, bioavailability was assessed through in vitro method simulating gastric and intestinal condition. Quantification was done using Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry. Major macro minerals in pulp are K and Ca while K, P, and Mg for the kernel. Pili nut also contains Na, Fe, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Cr. Potential antioxidant Se is below the limit of quantitation, same with toxic Pb and Cd. Bioavailability of the pulp’s and the kernel’s minerals in the small intestine is high for Mg (pulp: 75.8–90.3%, kernel: 54.4–61.2%) and Ca (pulp: 15.8–40.9%, kernel: 13.7–22.5%). After colonic fermentation of Pili nut kernel, appreciable amounts of Mg > Ca > Cu > Mn were still available for absorption. Fe and Zn are not detected in the large intestine due perhaps to an elevated phytic acid. Tannic acid is higher in pulp. Significant differences were observed in some established parameters that may be attributed to distinctions per variety. The Pili nut is a source of several essential minerals that are bioavailable for human nutrition.

Molecular and Functional Properties of Protein Fractions and Isolate from Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.).

Some molecular and functional properties of albumin (83.6% protein), globulin (95.5% protein), glutelin (81.3% protein) as well as protein isolate (80.7% protein) from cashew nut were investigated. These proteins were subjected to molecular (circular dichroism, gel electrophoresis, scanning electron microscopy) and functional (solubility, emulsification, foaming, water/oil holding capacity) tests. Cashew nut proteins represent an abundant nutrient with well-balanced amino acid composition and could meet the requirements recommended by FAO/WHO. SDS-PAGE pattern indicated cashew nut proteins were mainly composed of a polypeptide with molecular weight (MW) of 53 kDa, which presented two bands with MW of 32 and 21 kDa under reducing conditions. The far-UV CD spectra indicated that cashew proteins were rich in β-sheets. The surface hydrophobicity of the protein isolate was higher than that of the protein fractions. In pH 7.0, the solubility of protein fractions was above 70%, which was higher than protein isolate at any pH. Glutelin had the highest water/oil holding capacity and foaming properties. Protein isolate displayed better emulsifying properties than protein fractions. In summary, cashew nut kernel proteins have potential as valuable nutrition sources and could be used effectively in the food industry.

The study of the drying kinetic and the cutting performance in dried betel nut production machine

Betel nut kernel is an important raw material in the leather and dye industries. The quality control after harvest is necessary, especially, the excess moisture content may cause the spoilage. Therefore, this research aims to study the betel nut fruit drying using infrared ray combined with the rotated trays. The betel nuts fruits were placed in rotated trays. These trays were installed within drying chamber which had the infrared rod in 2 positions namely the center and wall of drying chamber. The drying temperature used at 80, 100 and 120°C. The revolution speed of tray was set at 2, 4 and 6 rpm. The dried betel nut fruits were cut into 2 pieces at the blade speed of 25, 30 and 35 rpm. The experimental results showed the installation of infrared rods at the center could decrease the moisture content faster than at the wall. The betel nut fruit should use the drying temperature of 120°C for 10 h and the revolution speed of 2 rpm. The blade speed of 30 rpm gave the most cutting performance about 76%. The colour of dried betel nut kernel (L*, a* and b*) did not significantly difference with the commercial betel nut.

Proximate Compostion Of Various Shea Nut Kernels

The proximate analysis carried out on shea nut kernel samples obtained from Illo . Kwanga and, Kwere areas of Kebbi state revealed the following; Crude protein (g/100g)DM; 9.040.13­­­­­b, 10.000.18a and 10.2 0.40c respectively, Moisture Content(g/100g) FP; 6.67 2.89a, 8.33 2.89a and 6.33 3.21a respectively, Ash Content (g/100g) DM; 4.00 1.73a, 5.67 1.15a and 6.33 3.40a respectively. Crude Lipid content (g/100g) DM; 2.28 0.39a, 1.48 0.18bc and 2.10 0.07b respectively, Crude Fibre (g/100g)DM; 0.50 0.14a, 0.33 0.04a and 0.45 0.35a respectively. Total Carbohydrate (g/100g) DM; 77.644.26ab, 74.29 1.66c, 78.54 4.58a respectively. The results showed adequate nutrients for both nutrition and health benefits.

ROASTED CASHEW NUT KERNEL (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE L.) SUPPLEMENTATION IMPROVES HEPATIC AND RENAL STATUS BUT NOT LIPID PROFILE IN RATS

ABSTRACTObjective: Although studies suggest that nut consumption is associated with a variety of beneficial health outcomes, however, there is a dearth of datain the literature to document this effect for roasted cashew nut kernel (RCNK). Our objective was to determine whether dietary consumption of RCNKcould improve lipid profile, hepatic and renal status in rats.Methods: A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into four groups: A control and three experimental groups fed with roasted cashew nutsupplementeddietatdifferentconcentrationsfor28consecutivedays.Aftertheexperimentalperiod,ratswereanesthetized withether andretroorbitalbloodsampleswerewithdrawn.Serumsamples wereobtained toanalyzelipid profile,markersof oxidativestress,hepatic andrenalstatususingstandardmethods.Results: The supplemented diet significantly decreased the liver function parameters in rats. All the concentrations of RCNK in diets significantlyreduced serum creatinine and urea levels. However, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly increased,whereas oxidative stress markers and malondialdehyde were improved by the supplemented diet, although insignificantly, as compared with thecontrol.Conclusions: These results suggest that RCNK may have beneficial health effects on the liver and kidney status although marked improvement wasnot demonstrated in oxidative stress markers. However, the significant increase in serum total and LDL-C indicates the need for further studies.Keywords: Roasted cashew nut, Anacardium occidentale, Lipid profile, Liver enzymes, Oxidative stress.

Replacement of Peanut by Residue from the Cashew Nut Kernel Oil Extraction to Produce a Type Paçoca Candy

A candy product was obtained using cashew nut kernel cake and its composition and stability were evaluated during storage at room temperature (28C) for 189 days. Sensory tests were performed to define the formulation, testing different cake contents (50.0, 59.5, and 69.5%), roasting time (0, 90, and 180 min), and sugar contents (20, 25, and 30%). The established formulation was 59.5% cake roasted at 100C for 90 min, 25% sugar, 0.5% salt, 5% cassava flour, and 10% corn oil. Proximate composition was 16.59% proteins, 30.28% lipids, 2.75% ashes, and 50.38% total carbohydrates. During storage it was observed that moisture and water activity increased and colour darkened. The product was considered microbiologically safe and shelf-stable at least for 6 months and sensory acceptance remained at an average value of 7.6 in a 9 points hedonic scale. The cake obtained as a residue from the cashew nut kernel oil extraction has nutritional value. It can be used to replace peanut in the production of a candy known as paçoca which is basically made by the mixture of ground peanut with other ingredients such as wheat flour, corn flour, sugar, honey, and oil in larger or smaller amounts. This study provides an alternative use to the by-product of the cashew kernel oil production.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A PALM KERNE NUT CRACKING MACHINE

Palm kernel, which is one of the by- products of palm tree is of great importance to the human race and highly sought for, because it contains oil which could be consumed directly or used as raw materials for other products. The plant is mostly found in the rain forest of Nigeria where the production ofª¤? palm kernel is not the major challenge, but the production ofª¤? clean and unbrokenª¤? kernel (high grade) to be sold to the palm kernel merchants who buy and supply to companies. The development of mobile palm kernel nut cracking machine was made to reduce drudgery, to enhance processing capacity and to determine processing loss. Palm kernel nut cracking occurs when nuts are loaded to rupture without crushing the embedded kernel. The aim of this research work was to assess the performance of the developed mobile palm kernel nut cracking machine. Total sample of four thousand (4,000) palm kernel nuts were divided into five groups of eight hundred palm kernel nuts and each group was further divided into four sub-groups of two hundred (200) palm kernel nuts.ª¤? Each group of five was fed into the hopper and cracked at different shaft speeds in revolutions per minute (rpm). The shaft speeds were determined with a tachometer and it was varied on the engine by adjusting the throttle lever. In a group of five, it was replicated for four different times at the same speed. The cracking efficiency and throughput capacity were calculated. The research work showed that the cracking efficiencies at speeds of 1200, 1800, 2200 and 2400 rpm were 98ª¤¡Þ0.3, 98.5ª¤¡Þ0.08, 98.5ª¤¡Þ0.01 and 99ª¤¡Þ0.04% respectively. The throughput of the machine increased from 10.91 to 38.00 g/s as the speed of the machine increased from 800 to 2400 rpm. Also the performance efficiencies of the developed machine were 93, 94, 95, 94.5 and 94% while the overall efficiencies were 90.86, 92.12, 93.58, 93.08 and 93.06% for the set speeds. It was concluded that the overall performance of this developed palm nut kernel cracking machine were effective because it fell within the range of betweenª¤? 90 to 98% overall efficiency.ª¤?

English

Proximate, vitamin and mineral compositions of palm kernel nut (Elaeis guineensis) in the raw and processed form was investigated using standard analytical methods. The proximate composition (g/100g) for the raw palm kernel nut was as follows: moisture 7.15±0.21, dry matter 92.86±0.21, ash 2.90±0.00, crude fibre 11.38±0.04, ether extract 52.40±3.11, crude protein 8.69±0.01 and carbohydrate 19.59±0.00. The mineral composition (mg/100 g) revealed for calcium 21.47±0.01, magnesium 28.29±0.54, sodium 37.80±0.07, potassium 20.30±0.023, phosphorus 5.78±0.02 and iron 1.14±0.08. The vitamin composition (mg/100 g) was as follows: vitamin B1 0.09±0.01, vitamin B2 0.05±0.01, vitamin C 1.51±0.01, vitamin E 6.16±0.23 and vitamin A 2.49±0.00. For the processed palm kernel nut had the following from the proximate composition (g /100 g): moisture 6.35±0.078, dry matter 93.66±0.078, ash 2.87±0.035, crude fibre 11.32±0.120, ether extract 49.56±0.057, crude protein 8.58±0.177 and carbohydrate 21.34±0.40. Results show that processing has little effect on the nutritional contents of palm kernel nuts. The vitamin composition was affected by processing; while the proximate and mineral compositions were not significantly altered. Palm kernel nuts may thus be consumed in any forms preferred by an individual except for patients deficient in certain vitamins. The nuts are good sources of energy and trace elements. Key words: Palm (Elaeis guineensis) kernel, nutrient composition, mineral, vitamin.

Assessment of the Diversity in Fruit Yield and Fruit Components among Sri Lanka Tall Coconut Accessions Conserved Ex-Situ

Characterization of conserved coconut germplasm has been undertaken globally for identification of important features of different accessions for them to be effectively used in coconut breeding. One hundred and fifty seven accessions comprising of local and exotic material have been conserved in ex-situ field genebanks of Coconut Research Institute in Sri Lanka. The objective of this study is to quantitatively characterize nut yield and fruit components by weights among Sri Lanka Tall (Typica) coconut accessions. Twenty local tall coconut accessions were characterized for nut yield and fruit components following Bioversity International descriptors for coconut. Bunch wise nut yield was recorded in all the coconut phenotypes in the six most mature bunches in 25 randomly selected palms from each accession. Sampled nuts were scored for weights of fresh nut, husked nut, split nut and kernel and the weights of husk, water and shell of each nut were derived from the scored data. Analysis of variance by general linear models procedure and mean separation by Duncan’s multiple range test were performed in SAS v8 and principal component analysis and cluster analysis using squared Euclidean distances were performed in Minitab V17. General linear models procedure revealed significant differences for nut yield and all the fruit components at 5% probability level. Walahapitiya recorded the highest average nut yield followed by the Razeena with statistically equal performances. Clovis recorded the highest values for most of the parameters for fruit component analysis followed by the accession Margaret, grouping together in Dendogram and the scatter plot. The highest per nut kernel producer, Clovis, was followed by Margaret with statistically equal performances and this is important because kernel is the main economically important component followed by the husk. Results revealed that there is no significant correlation between nut yield and all the fruit components in tall accessions indicating the importance of taking these two parameters separately to formulate germplasm conservation strategies.

English

Plant nutrient interactions and fertilization is one of the most important factors affecting the quality of hazelnuts. This study aimed to determine the relationships between some plant nutrients and some hazelnut quality criteria and yields. The trial was carried out at Tombul hazelnut orchards in Hazelnut Research Station between 2009 and 2011. The trial was designed as randomized complete blocks of magnesium nutrient at five different doses and three replications per treatment. Hazelnut orchards were fertilized with 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha-1 magnesium in each year. Magnesium fertilization significantly affected hazelnut yield and quality. However, increasing amounts of magnesium fertilizer in the soil, where they cause significant nutrient interactions were identified. The magnesium content of the soils significantly increased to 260.30 mg kg-1; however, because of the recent interactions, the available phosphorus and potassium of the soil decreased to 84.28 and 298.24 mg kg-1 significantly. The total yield was increased to 1747.05 kg ha-1 with 150 kg ha-1 magnesium fertilization. The protein quantity in the kernel was not changed but there was important increased in oil content, kernel ratio, shelled and kernel nut weight and healthy nut amounts, and also was decreased in the amount of empty and wrinkle nuts were identified. Although the total yield increased with increasing amount of magnesium fertilizer (200 and 250 kg ha-1), especially the phosphorus and potassium interactions were increased in the soil, and also some nut quality properties such as kernel ratio, shelled and kernel weights, total oil, healthy nuts, empty and wrinkle nuts were be getting worse. Key words: Corylus avellana L., fertilization, interactions, nutrients, quality.

Thermal properties of tannin extracted from Anacardium occidentale L. using TGA and FT-IR spectroscopy

The chemical nature of the polyphenols of cashew kernel testa has been determined. Testa contains tannins, which present large molecular complexity and has an ancient use as tanning agents. The use of tannins extracted from cashew testa, considered in many places as a waste, grants an extra value to the cashew. In this work we have analysed through high performance liquid chromatography, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermo gravimetric analysis the average molecular weight, main functional groups and thermal properties of tannins extracted from Anacardium occidentale L. The results of these analyses are compared with the commercial grade tannic acid. The FT-IR spectra showed bands characteristic of C = C, C–C and OH bonds. This important bioactive compound present in the cashew nut kernel testa was suggested as an interesting economical source of antioxidants for use in the food and nutraceutical industry.

Combining Lactic Acid Spray with Near-Infrared Radiation Heating To Inactivate Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis on Almond and Pine Nut Kernels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of near-infrared radiation (NIR) heating combined with lactic acid (LA) sprays for inactivating Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis on almond and pine nut kernels and to elucidate the mechanisms of the lethal effect of the NIR-LA combined treatment. Also, the effect of the combination treatment on product quality was determined. Separately prepared S. Enteritidis phage type (PT) 30 and non-PT 30 S. Enteritidis cocktails were inoculated onto almond and pine nut kernels, respectively, followed by treatments with NIR or 2% LA spray alone, NIR with distilled water spray (NIR-DW), and NIR with 2% LA spray (NIR-LA). Although surface temperatures of nuts treated with NIR were higher than those subjected to NIR-DW or NIR-LA treatment, more S. Enteritidis survived after NIR treatment alone. The effectiveness of NIR-DW and NIR-LA was similar, but significantly more sublethally injured cells were recovered from NIR-DW-treated samples. We confirmed that the enhanced bactericidal effect of the NIR-LA combination may not be attributable to cell membrane damage per se. NIR heat treatment might allow S. Enteritidis cells to become permeable to applied LA solution. The NIR-LA treatment (5 min) did not significantly (P > 0.05) cause changes in the lipid peroxidation parameters, total phenolic contents, color values, moisture contents, and sensory attributes of nut kernels. Given the results of the present study, NIR-LA treatment may be a potential intervention for controlling food-borne pathogens on nut kernel products.

Morphological and Pomological Evaluation of Almond (&lt;i&gt;Prunus dulcis&lt;/i&gt;) Cultivars under North West Himalayan Region of India

The main aim of this study to evaluate nine almond cultivars for morphological, flowering, nut yield and quality traits under north western Himalayan region of India. The results of four year pooled data indicated that maximum TCSA (152.02 cm 2 ) and canopy volume (11.53 m 3 ) were recorded in Non Pareil variety of almond. Earliest bud burst, flowering and fruit set were recorded in Makhdoom cultivar and late bud burst, flowering and fruit set were recorded in California paper Shell cultivar of almond. Significantly highest cumulative nut yield (19.66 kg/tree and 12.28 t/ha) was recorded in Pranyaj cultivar of almond. Highest nut weight (3.90 g) and kernel weight (2.06 g) was recorded in IXL cultivar of almond. Nut size, kernel size and ratio were maximum in California Paper shell. Minimum shell weight (0.55 g) and shell thickness (1.38 mm) were recorded in Merced cultivar of almond under North West Himalayan region of India.