Fruit Loss Research Articles

Actividad de recubrimientos de quitosano, nanopartículas de quitosano y ZnO contra hongos aislados e identificados molecularmente de frutas con potencial de exportación en la zona norte del Perú

Las pérdidas postcosecha de frutas de exportación originan cuantiosas pérdidas económicas, siendo la acción de hongos una de las principales causas. Para el control de estos se utilizan fungicidas, muchos de los cuales tienen alta toxicidad y poder residual. La búsqueda de alternativas al uso de estos se convierte en un tópico importante de investigación. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar recubrimientos basados en quitosano, nanopartículas (NPs) de quitosano y ZnO para inhibir hongos aislados de frutas con potencial de exportación en el norte del Perú. En primer lugar, los hongos se aislaron e identificaron, molecularmente en base al gen internal transcribed spacer (ITS), de arándano, limón, uva y aguaymanto. Se prepararon recubrimientos líquidos de quitosano, con diferentes concentraciones de nanopartículas de quitosano y ZnO. Estos recubrimientos fueron evaluados in vitro sobre parte de los hongos aislados utilizando la técnica de halos de inhibición. Los recubrimientos preparados presentaron efecto antifúngico contra Alternaria Alternata (arándano), Aspergillus tubingensis (limón), Aspergillus niger (limón), Thielaviopsis ethacetica (limón) y Aspergillus niger (aguaymanto). Se determinó que la concentración de NPs de quitosano no tuvo ningún efecto sobre la capacidad antifúngica de los recubrimientos, mientras que las NPs de ZnO si tuvieron un efecto directamente proporcional. Los recubrimientos en base a quitosano y NPs de quitosano y ZnO tienen un potencial de uso como agente antifúngico en frutas de exportación.

Active antioxidant and aromatic films blended with persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and orange peel flour (Citrus sinensis) as sustainable packaging

AbstractActive antioxidant and aromatic films based on persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) cultivated according to agroecological precepts with orange peel flour (Citrus sinensis) and glycerol addition were developed by casting technique and characterized. The films were largely red and yellow appearance color, indicating a natural tendency to maintain the color of the persimmon pulp ripe. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous and compact structure of the films, which obtained a rougher texture with the addition of glycerol. The addition of orange peel flour to the film‐forming solution proportionally increased the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the persimmon puree films. Volatile compounds belonging to different chemical classes were identified, including limonene, β‐ionone, linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and vaccenic acid, which influence the overall aroma, as they were detected above their odor thresholds, and the functional properties of these films. Furthermore, the thermogravimetric analysis showed two important degradation steps related to glycerol and pectin (130–230°C) and decomposition of the polymer structure (above 300°C), guaranteeing the processability of the raw materials under conditions of higher temperatures than those normally used in industrial food packaging products in a circular economy context. This study indicates the potential for formation of persimmon‐based films incorporated into orange peel flour as active antioxidant films for use in drinks and tea bags as a flavoring or as intermediate layers used between slices of cheese, avoiding direct contact with food, facilitating its separation, as some application examples.Highlights Persimmon and orange peel flour films were developed by casting. Antioxidant and sensorial properties of blended films were evaluated. Volatile compounds were identified, including limonene and vaccenic acid. Circular economy principles were used to avoid postharvest fruit losses.

Application of a fungicide system on tomato in open ground conditions in Primorsky Krai

Relevance. Tomato is one of the most beloved and popular vegetables among Primorye residents. But in the monsoon climate, the Far Eastern Primorye has the most intense infectious background in Russia. The yield losses of tomato fruits from alternariosis annually amount to 30% or more. Losses from late blight on the background of epiphytotics in years with wet and cold summers, as observed in 2019, depending on the stability of the variety, can reach from 17 to 100%. Despite the fact that the development and use of biological means of control has recently been a priority, it is still too early to abandon chemical protection measures. High efficiency and versatility of the correctly selected scheme of application of fungicides, short processing time – all this gives a quick and reliable result in protecting tomato crops and reducing the harmfulness of the complex of diseases.Methodology. The research was carried out in 2019-2021 at the Primorsky Vegetable Experimental Station (PVES) – a branch of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center in the monsoon climate of the coastal zone of Primorsky Krai. We studied the effect of chemical preparations Signum, Orvego and their tank mixture with igum + Orvego on the development of diseases, yield indicators and the structure of the tomato crop varieties Odyssey, and Fitilek. Agrotechnics of cultivation are generally accepted in Primorsky Krai for tomato culture.Results. Testing of chemical fungicides in the conditions of Primorsky Krai showed that the development of alternariasis, starting with the appearance of the first signs of damage in the first half of the growing season, effectively restrains the fungicide Signum, contributing to the preservation of the working leaf surface. It is advisable to use the tank mixture With igum + Orvego starting from the first or second decade of August, when a complex of phytopathogens develops on the leaf surface. The introduction of these two fungicides into the tank mixture leads to an increase in the biological and economic effectiveness of protective measures in the fight against alternariasis and late blight of tomatoes, compared with the standard fungicide Acrobat MC. Joint Signum Processing+Orvego, by reducing the intensity of disease development and the share of the non-commodity part of the crop, has a beneficial effect on the mass of commercial fruit and contributes to a more complete realization of the productive potential of Odyssey and Fitilek varieties.

Construction of photocatalytic coating for alleviating the shriveling of postharvest fruit cucumber after simulated transportation

The shriveling of fruit cucumber was commonly occurred during supply chain, photocatalyst exposed to UV light can endow the coatings with ethylene removal capacity to reduce the respiration of fruit and water loss. The study developed a novel photodynamic technology responsive photocatalytic coating with exceptional ultraviolet (UV) photocatalytic degradation of ethylene ability to decay the shriveling of postharvest fruit cucumber during supply chain. This coating involved the integration of Carbon dots (CDs)-loaded nano ZnO and the skillful selection of pullulan (Pul) and apple pectin (AP) matrix. The CDs/ZnO coatings boasted an impressive array of photocatalytic degradation of ethylene and adhesion properties, including high ethylene removal rates of 32.04 % in 60 min UV light stimulation. The decrease of cell-wall strength, degradation of the cell wall polysaccharides and water loss resulted in cucumber shriveling. Compared with CK sample, after UV-CDs/ZnO coating treatment, the higher firmness and cell wall polysaccharides were found in cucumbers with lower cell wall degrading enzymes activities, weight loss and water movement, which was associated with the decrease of respiration and ethylene accumulation. The UV-CDs/ZnO coatings possessed promising potential for alleviating the shriveling of postharvest fruit cucumber and applications in fruits preservation in the future.

Botanical biopesticides have an influence on tomato quality through pest control and are cost-effective for farmers in developing countries.

Synthetic insecticides heavily applied to manage agricultural pests are highly hazardous to the environment and non-target organisms. Their overuse through repeated treatments in smallholder farming communities is frequent. Botanical biopesticides are ideal for sustainable pest management in agricultural environments by keeping synthetic insecticide use at a minimum. Here we evaluated a locally prepared neem seed extract (NSE) alongside emamectin benzoate against both lepidopteran pests Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) on tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Mill under natural field conditions in Pakistan. We compared pest severity, fruit injury, quality, marketability, and cost:benefit ratio (CBR) between treatments. The concentration of azadirachtin A in the NSE was 26.5 ppm. NSE at 2% (20 mL/L) and the emamectin benzoate at the recommended field rate in Pakistan were sprayed weekly throughout the fruiting stage. The pest larvae were significantly more abundant on fruits than on flowers and leaves. Fruit injury and losses were significantly more important in untreated control compared to NSE and emamectin benzoate treatments. NSE efficacy varied with respect to the cultivars used and the seasons. Cultivar Eden harboured more pests than Adventa, and emamectin benzoate suppressed more pest individuals than NSE. Both the insecticidal treatments were comparable in terms of marketable yield productions as well as unmarketable, uninjured, and recovered fruit yields. NSE generated a higher CBR (1: 9.26) than emamectin benzoate (1: 3.23). NSE suppressed pests by acting as an antifeedant, similar to its synthetic counterpart. Smallholder growers can thus use NSE as a cost-effective solution in tomato pest management in Pakistan.

Exogenously applied abscisic acid accelerates wound healing of Chinese yam tubers (Dioscorea opposita) through promoting suberin polyphenolics biosynthesis

Water loss, nutrient elution and pathogen attacks caused by mechanical wounding are the primary sources of postharvest loss of fruit and vegetables. Continuously increasing information has unraveled that abscisic acid (ABA) can accelerate wound healing of fruit and vegetables via stimulating suberin polyphenolics (SPP) biosynthesis, whereas the effect of ABA in wound healing of Chinese yam tubers remains unclear. The treatment of ABA and fluridone (FLD, an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis) on postharvest wound healing of yam tubers was investigated in this study. The results showed that ABA treatment facilitated wound healing process of yam tubers, representing by the reduced weight loss and relative electrolyte leakage (REL). ABA enhanced the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL), cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), as well as the corresponding enzyme contents and activities. Correspondingly, the contents of major monomers such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid also increased. Simultaneously, ABA could improve the expression of peroxidase (POD), the enzyme content and activity, as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, which might contribute to the polymerization of SPP and lignin. Inversely, inhibition of ABA production by FLD application displayed an opposite effect to ABA treatment. These results demonstrate that application of ABA stimulated wound healing of Chinese yam tubers via improving the gene expressions of relevant enzymes, their contents and activities, so that maintain high quality of postharvest yam tubers.

Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Daun dan Pemangkasan Terhadap Produksi Belimbing (Averhoa carambola L.)

Flower and fruit loss and low fruit quality are complex problems faced in star fruit cultivation. The research aims to determine the effect of pruning twigs and applying foliar fertilizer on plant growth, quantity and quality of fruit. Factorial research using two treatment factors. . Factor I is the type of foliar fertilizer, consisting of D0 = No foliar fertilizer (control), D1 = SB foliar fertilizer (8-20-15), D2 = HP foliar fertilizer (10-40-15), and D3 = DN foliar fertilizer (10-30-37). Factor II is the interval for applying foliar fertilizer, consisting of I1 = once every 7 days interval, I2 = once every 10 days interval, and I3 = once every 14 days interval. The research used plant material of the same age, as replications, groups of plants were used that were differentiated according to the pruning model, namely P0 = Plants that were not pruned as replication I, P1 = Plants that only had their wiwilan branches pruned as replication II, and P2 = Plants that had their branches pruned wiwilan and clustered branches (remaining the good ones) as repetition III. The results showed that application of foliar fertilizer and pruning of branches increased the number of fruit, fruit weight and size of sweet star fruit. Pruning wiwilan branches and reducing clustered branches has the greatest effect on the number of fruit, fruit weight and fruit volume compared to other pruning intensities. The research results can be used as a reference for star fruit farmers in determining maintenance actions, especially in fertilizing and pruning to regulate the canopy. while increasing production.

Effect of dispersant on the performances of an ice slurry-wet precooling system

This study addresses the problem of prolonged precooling time and excessive weight loss of fruits and vegetables during postharvest processes. Ice slurry precooling system shows potential but faces challenges like low undercooling and ice blockage. Dispersants are introduced to optimize heat and moisture transfer as well as the flow characteristics of the ice slurry. This research investigates the effects of four dispersants on the performance of an ice slurry-based wet precooling system through experiments. Key parameters analyzed include temperature and humidity in the chamber, cooling rate, and weight loss rate of the tested load. Results show that the addition of dispersants effectively reduces the freezing temperature, enhancing the cooling rate in the system. Among the four dispersants tested, sodium diacetate yields the lowest freezing temperature of −6.4 °C and the highest cooling rate of 0.3 °C min−1. Furthermore, dispersants influence moisture transfer between ice slurry and circulating air, impacting the humidity within the precooling chamber. Notably, the addition of sodium diacetate results in the lowest weight loss rate of 2.74 %. This research shows the potential of using dispersants in ice slurry-based wet precooling systems to enhance the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.

SlCNR regulates postharvest water loss and wax accumulation in tomato fruit and directly represses the transcription of very-long-chain (VLC) alkane biosynthesis-related genes SlCER1-2 and SlCER6

Cuticular waxes play a crucial role in the control of quality and storability of fruit and many transcription factors (TFs) contribute to fruit wax accumulation and affect the postharvest water loss. The tomato SBP-box protein Colorless Non-Ripening (SlCNR) is commonly investigated as a TF regulating fruit ripening, and its regulation role in mediating postharvest water loss remains to be unknown. Here, we found that fruit of SlCNR knockout (KO) mutants (KO-SlCNR#16 and KO-SlCNR#23) generated by CRISPR/Cas9 editing system exhibited decreased postharvest water loss, while fruit of the SlCNR-overexpressing (OE-SlCNR#21 and OE-SlCNR#24) displayed increased water loss compared to the wild type (WT). The overall wax accumulation increased by 17–30% in fruit of SlCNR KO mutants and decreased by 26–42% in OE-SlCNR#21 and OE-SlCNR#24, accompanied by the change of major components of waxes, such as n-alkanes, triterpenoids, and primary alcohol. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression of numerous genes involved in wax biosynthesis were up-regulated in fruit of KO-SlCNR#23, including SlCER1–2, which encodes one part of the VLC alkane formation complex, and SlCER6, which encodes a β-ketoacyl-coenzyme A synthase. Furthermore, we proved that SlCNR directly represses the transcription of wax biosynthetic genes SlCER1–2 and SlCER6 in vivo and in vitro, thereby negatively regulating wax accumulation. These findings expand our understanding in the genetic regulatory mechanisms governing ripe tomato fruit wax accumulation and present SlCNR as a novel target of wax accumulation and postharvest water loss.

Storage Stability Assessment of Indigenous Guava Fruits (Psidium guajava L.) cv. “Gola” in Response to γ-Irradiation

Postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables pose a key challenge to the global horticulture industry. Improved storage stability of horticultural commodities through irradiation is a technological intervention which has greater compliance over more than 60 foods and food products. The present study was intended to explore the effect of γ-irradiation doses on the postharvest quality of fresh guava fruits stored under ambient (temperature 20 ± 2 °C, RH 85%) conditions. Various storage specific quality attributes including physiological weight loss, respiration rate (CO2), ethylene estimation, ripening index, fruit firmness, ascorbic acid, nutraceutical potential, and enzyme kinetics were evaluated during postharvest storage at four days of interval. The results indicated that the fruits irradiated at doses (0.8 kGy and 1.0 kGy) exhibited significant reduction in physiological parameters in contrast with untreated fruit samples. Firmness, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and radical scavenging activity were successfully retained in irradiated fruit samples up to twenty days of storage. The respiration and ethylene production rates were suppressed in irradiated guava fruits compared to control. Moreover, it has also been discovered that the fruits exposed to 1.0 kGy had considerably decreased the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity compared to nonirradiated fruits, thus resulting in lowering the enzymatic browning. Aside from that, irradiation guava fruits had considerably enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity ( P ≤ 0.05 ) in terms of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. In conclusion, the study revealed that γ -rays irradiation doses up to 1.0 kGy might be considered effective to improve the postharvest storage of native guava fruits variety with intact nutritional attributes.

Development and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Solar Dryer Integrated with Thermal Energy Storage System for Drying of Agricultural Products.

Passive solar dryers play a crucial role in reducing postharvest losses in fruits and vegetables, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa with low electrification rates and limited financial resources. However, the intermittent nature of solar energy presents a significant challenge for these dryers. Passive solar dryers integrated with thermal energy storage (TES) can reduce intermittence and improve the drying efficiency. Currently, phase change materials (PCMs) are popular heat storage materials in dryers, and paraffin wax dominates. The main problem with the use of PCMs is that it is necessary to closely constrain the temperature range of the process during charging and discharging. This can be a difficult condition to meet in simple solar dryers due to the variable availability of solar radiation. Instead, solid-phase materials, such as sand and rocks, are often used. Soapstone is one of the natural rocks with good thermal properties, but it has yet to be used as a TES material in solar dryers for drying agricultural products. Therefore, the main objective of the present study was to develop a novel solar dryer integrated with soapstone as a TES material and evaluate its performance. The proximate analysis to examine the quality of dried products using the developed technology was also carried out. The comparative experiments for the developed dryer were conducted in two modes: dryer with TES materials and without TES materials, and the results were compared with open sun drying (OSD) by drying 50 kg of fresh pineapple and carrot at different times. The drying times for pineapples in the dryer with TES, without TES, and OSD were 13, 24, and 52 h, respectively. However, the drying times for carrots in the dryer with TES, without TES, and OSD were 12, 23, and 50 h, respectively. Notably, the dryer integrated with TES materials could supply heat for around 3-4 h after sunset. The thermal efficiency of the dryer, collector efficiency, and storage efficiency of TES materials were calculated and found to be 45, 43, and 74.5%, respectively. Proximate analysis indicated that the dryer integrated with TES materials effectively maintained the quality of the dried products compared to OSD. Solar dryer integrated with soapstone showed great promise as sustainable and efficient solutions for reducing postharvest losses and enhancing food security in resource-constrained regions like sub-Saharan Africa.

Telosma mosaic virus: An emerging plant RNA virus causing production loss in passion fruit across Asia

AbstractTelosma mosaic virus (TeMV) is a highly infectious and rapidly spreading virus that infects a variety of natural hosts, with passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) being its primary host across parts of Asia. Symptoms of TeMV, which seriously threatens passion fruit production worldwide, include mosaic, deformities and lignification of fruit. We present here a review of the current state of knowledge of TeMV, including its structural characteristics, natural and experimental host range, symptoms and detection, and provide insights into control strategies. The mode of transmission of TeMV remains unclear, but it can be mechanically transmitted through grafting, cuttings and other artificial asexual propagation techniques, which unfortunately constitute the primary means of propagation in the passion fruit industry. Moreover, increasing detection rates of TeMV indicate that this virus probably causes more serious losses to the passion fruit industry than previously reported. No systematic control strategy for TeMV infection currently exists, and no TeMV‐resistant passion fruit varieties are currently available. As a speedy, short‐term solution for dealing with TeMV infection in the absence of a long‐term solution, we propose rapid plant propagation through virus‐free plant tissue culture techniques that can generate a substantial number of virus‐free passion fruit seedlings.

Retractable Netting and Evaporative Cooling for Sunburn Control and Increasing Red Color for ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple

Protective netting and evaporative cooling are commonly used for sunburn protection in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards in semiarid environments such as central Washington state. Sunburn is caused by a combination of solar radiation and heat, which can cause significant economic losses. Although protective netting and evaporative cooling can be effective for preventing apple sunburn, netting can also introduce new risks, including red color development on the fruit surface. This study evaluated whether retracting netting before harvest improves red color development and/or changes sunburn risk compared with leaving netting in place until after harvest. An experiment was conducted that compared three netting treatments: 1) netting from June until harvest, 2) netting retracted 10 d before harvest, and 3) no netting all season combined with the presence or absence of evaporative cooling. Fruit was harvested and assessed for sunburn incidence and external quality characteristics immediately after harvest. In retracted netting treatments, red color was higher when netting was retracted compared with the nonretracted controls, and sunburn risk did not increase with netting retraction. Evaporative cooling reduced sunburn incidence. Retractable netting can be used to minimize the loss of fruit to sunburn while allowing a full light environment that promotes red color near harvest. There is no inherent increase in sunburn risk from netting retraction, and the proportion of fruit with red color improved.

Exogenous melatonin activates the antioxidant system and maintains postharvest organoleptic quality in Hami melon (Cucumis. melo var. inodorus Jacq.).

Hami melon is prone to postharvest perishing. Melatonin is a signaling molecule involved in a variety of physiological processes in fruit, and it improves fruit quality. We hypothesized that melatonin treatment would improve the storage quality of Hami melon by altering its respiration and reactive oxygen species (Graphical abstract). Our results indicated that optimal melatonin treatment (0.5 mmol L-1) effectively slowed the softening, weight loss, and respiratory rate of the Hami melon fruit. Furthermore, melatonin markedly improved the antioxidant capacity of the fruit and protected it from oxidative damage by decreasing its contents of superoxide anions, hydrogen peroxide, and malondialdehyde. Melatonin significantly enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase. The total phenol, total flavonoids, and ascorbic acid contents were maintained by melatonin treatment. This treatment also repressed the activities of lipase, lipoxygenase, and phospholipase D, which are related to lipid metabolism. Thus, exogenous melatonin can maintain postharvest organoleptic quality of Hami melon fruit by increasing its antioxidant activity and inhibiting reactive oxygen species production.

Evaluation of chitosan-Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite for the enhancement of shelf life of chili and banana fruits

Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables account for a large share of food waste in the world due to improper handling and packaging. By using the sol-gel method, Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite was prepared in this study from micro-sized commercial TiO2 powder and incorporated in a chitosan-cellulose matrix for the purpose of promising food packaging. The particle size and distribution of Ag nanoparticles (9.2437 nm size) confirmed their successful inclusion in the TiO2 surface. The morphology of the package assured the successful and uniform disbursement of Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite into the chitosan-cellulose matrix, which led to enhanced water resistance and photocatalytic activity. The developed package is proficient in hindering the growth of fecal coliform bacteria (Esche (Escherichia coli) by 9 mm in the agar plate. Moreover, the efficient application of chitosan-Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite in food coating and packaging was examined in extending shelf life, minimizing water loss, and preventing microbial infection during the storage of chili (up to 7 days at 37 °C) and banana, respectively. It can be concluded from the results that chitosan-Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite-based food coating and packaging have competent potential for enhancing the shelf life of moist foods.

Progress in Fruit and Vegetable Preservation: Plant-Based Nanoemulsion Coatings and Their Evolving Trends

Innovative technologies in the food industry are focused on integrated approaches to improve the sustainability of the food system that cover the whole supply chain. Huge post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables and the use of synthetic chemical preservatives for this purpose are a matter of grave concern for any country. High demands for safe and healthy food have contributed to maximizing efforts to investigate post-harvest technology. Since fruits and vegetables are extremely perishable foods, they require the best post-harvest methods to maintain their storage stability and increase shelf-life. A solution for this emerging problem was found in the application of nanoemulsion edible coatings, described as thin-layered edible coatings or films with the possibility to provide additional benefits such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These coatings provide protection against moisture loss, respiration, gaseous exchange, microbial spoilage, etc., offering promising results to safeguard the physicochemical during the time of storage and transportation of fruits and vegetables. This review summarizes the newest studies of nanoemulsion coatings on fresh products, providing valuable information regarding preparation and application methods and applied polymers and bioactives. Moreover, it gives a detailed description of the influence of nanoemulsion coating application (shelf-life, weight loss, colour, etc.) on fresh fruits and vegetables during storage.

Hail netting: an economically competitive IPM alternative to insecticides for Midwest apple production.

Apple orchards are highly managed agricultural ecosystems where growers typically rely on insecticides to minimize the risk of pest-related fruit losses. Apple growers practicing integrated pest management require cost-effective alternatives to conventional insecticides for control of major pests such as codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.) and apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella Walsh). Exclusion netting has been shown to effectively control multiple insect pest species, limit fruit damage and reduce the use of insecticides while also conferring consumer and environmental benefits. In this study, partial budgeting was applied to explore the financial efficacy of using a hail netting (DrapeNet®) system as a sustainable pest management strategy for Midwest U.S. apple (Malus x domestica). The cost of the hail netting was compared to a common Midwest insecticide spray regimen for apples using yield and quality data from a field study at two Minnesota apple orchards in 2021-2022. The PB analysis indicated that the netting system was an economically competitive alternative to conventional insecticide applications. The economic results were robust across a range of apple prices and yields suggesting that Minnesota apple growers can benefit economically from the application of hail netting for sustainable pest management.

Design and fabrication of a gripper propotype for a fruit harvesting machine

In Vietnam, post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables are very high. According to analysis reports, Vietnam must invest more in harvesting and post-harvest technologies to enhance the global competitiveness of agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables. Fruit harvesting machines are an effective solution to enhance the quality of agricultural products, including fruits and vegetables. The gripper can be considered the most important component of a harvesting machine when it comes to horticulture products, since it acts as interface between the robotic system and product. To pick up fruits, which frequently have complex shapes and poor mechanical properties, a gripper must be designed carefully. In addition to being able to pick the produce, it is crucial that a gripper does not damage the fruit during harvest. The weak force may cause the gripper to be unable to pick the fruit. If excessive force is applied or improper picking technique is used, the grippers could damage fruits. However, Vietnam has not widely adopted the use of automatic machine in agriculture. This is due to the uniqueness of fruits in each region; for example, fruits in Vietnam have their own shape and mechanical properties. Therefore, it is occasionally inappropriate to utilize harvesters that have already been imported. This paper shows the development and fabrication of a gripper for common Vietnam fruit grasping. A new prototype has been fabricated by 3D printing method and tested in the laboratory. The prototype of a gripper has been subjected to simulation and experimental testing with real fruits to verify that the proposed model is capable of meeting all objectives’ requirements. The proposed gripper was straightforward and efficient. The developed device exhibited dependability and stability and is suitable for farmers who require independent harvesting. In addition, the designed gripper can be produced at a lower cost than comparable machines developed by other commercial products. Key words: Harvesting machine, gripper, Solidwork, prototype, 3D printing, low-cost production

Double CRISPR knockout of pectin degrading enzymes improves tomato shelf‐life while ensuring fruit quality

Social Impact StatementTomato fruit is an important and popular commodity producing $95.62 billion worldwide. Tomato fruit losses in the supply chain vary between 25% and 42% depending on the production area and the availability of postharvest technologies. For many decades, conventional tomato breeding programs have focused on extending the shelf‐life of fresh‐market varieties. However, in many instances, consumer‐based quality traits were not considered a priority. Consumers are now demanding safe, nutrient‐rich, high‐flavor, and convenient fruit. Here, we demonstrate the use of gene editing to improve fruit shelf‐life and positively impact quality, which can help significantly reduce tomato fruit losses and meet consumer expectations.Summary Finding alternative ways to extend tomato fruit shelf‐life without reducing the quality is critical to ensure the accessibility and likeability of this commodity worldwide. Improving fruit firmness in tomato fresh‐market varieties directly impacts their shelf‐life potential. We simultaneously knocked out two pectin‐degrading enzymes, polygalacturonase (SlPG2a) and pectate lyase (SlPL), key for tomato fruit softening. We expected this gene‐editing approach to result in longer‐lasting fruit without negatively impacting consumer‐based quality attributes. By generating the double clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) knockout PGPL, we evaluated the combined functions of SlPG2a and SlPL on fruit quality, including shelf‐life attributes like firmness and water loss, fruit marketability, and disease incidence. We also assessed additional attributes impacting consumer acceptance, such as taste and aroma. We revealed that the enzymes SlPG2a and SlPL act additively, significantly impacting fruit firmness and shelf‐life, with the double CRISPR knockout PGPL outperforming the wild‐type fruit. Additionally, fruit quality traits, such as sugar: acid ratio, aroma volatiles, and skin color, were improved or not affected in the double CRISPR knockout PGPL compared to the wild‐type. The discoveries of this research provide new insights into the influence of pectin backbone degradation on fruit physiology and postharvest quality, which can be used in crop improvement programs to make fruit more resilient in the supply chain without compromising quality.

Enzymatic tissue browning caused by biological membrane degradation in the young immature fruit of ‘Moriya’ persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.)

Determining the mechanism of fruit tissue browning is important to prevent fruit quality degradation and reduce fruit loss at the postharvest stage in persimmons. We aimed to provide a fundamental understanding of the mechanism of browning of mature persimmon fruit and contribute to develop a method for its prevention over the course of the marketing supply chain by analyzing the browning of young immature persimmon fruit. Tissue browning was first observed seven days after harvest (DAH), and spontaneous ethylene production was initiated at five DAH. The activities of the browning enzymes polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were sufficiently high to induce fruit tissue browning. As these enzymes are normally sequestered by biological membranes in cells, we hypothesized that biological membrane degradation occurs prior to browning. Electrolyte leakage and the increase in malondialdehyde content occurred during storage. An increase in malondialdehyde content provided evidence of progressive membrane degradation. The increased expression of phospholipase relative DkPLD alpha1, DkPLD beta/gamma1, and lipoxygenase relative DkLOX3 genes, probably induced by ethylene, indicated their significant roles in membrane degradation. The ascorbic acid may play a role in inhibiting the oxidation of phenolic substrates by PPO and POD owing to its antioxidant activity. The results of our study suggest that the hydrolysis of phospholipids by DkPLD alpha1 and DkPLD beta/gamma1 and peroxidation by DkLOX3 promote biological membrane degradation in both persimmon skin and flesh. Additionally, we hypothesized that the decrease in L-ascorbic acid content could induce browning, as a result of PPO and POD leaked from the biological membrane could react with phenolic substrates.