Minor Fruit Research Articles

A review on value-added goodies from different major and minor fruits from the perspective of India

A review on value-added goodies from different major and minor fruits from the perspective of India

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Minor Fruit Crops: Cultivation Practices, Market Strategies, and Contributions to Agricultural Diversity and Sustainability

Cultivating minor fruit crops constitutes a vital component of diversified agriculture, contributing to local economies, dietary variety, and niche markets. This explores the intricacies of minor fruit crop production, emphasizing the importance of suitable variety selection, meticulous cultivation practices, and effective pest management. Key considerations include water and nutrient management, pruning techniques, and post-harvest handling. Market strategies such as exploring local markets and value addition are discussed, highlighting growth opportunities. The cultivation of minor fruit crops not only enhances agricultural biodiversity but also fosters resilient and sustainable food systems. This encapsulates the essence of cultivating minor fruit crops, highlighting their significance in the broader agricultural landscape. Value addition through processing, such as making jams, jellies, or juices, is discussed as a means of enhancing market appeal and economic viability for growers. The role of minor fruit crops in promoting agricultural sustainability and resilience. By fostering biodiversity and offering alternatives to globally dominant fruit varieties, these crops contribute to the creation of dynamic and resilient food systems.

Enormous promise of Carissa carandas L: An underutilized minor fruit crop with nutritional and therapeutic activities in rural development and livelihood security

Enormous promise of Carissa carandas L: An underutilized minor fruit crop with nutritional and therapeutic activities in rural development and livelihood security

Invasion, population build-up and possible management strategy of rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) on minor fruit crops as well as on medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental plants in India – Current scenario

Invasion, population build-up and possible management strategy of rugose spiraling whitefly (Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin) on minor fruit crops as well as on medicinal, aromatic, and ornamental plants in India – Current scenario

Studies on Potential Pests of Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach) in Latvia

Abstract The objective of this research was to study potential pests of Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) plantations in Latvia. Studies were carried out in eight plantations during 2017–2019. Major pests that would regularly cause significant yield losses for this plant were not observed. Black-veined white (Aporia crataegi) was considered a local pest, mass outbreaks of which can occur in individual plantations and cause significant losses of plant foliage. Four species were considered minor pests: garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola), yellow-banded weevil (Chlorophanus viridis), silver-green weevil (Phyllobius argentatus) and copse snail (Arianta arbustorum); they are also pests of plant foliage. The European red spider mite (Panonychus ulmi) was not considered as a pest of Japanese quince. A small population was observed in summers only in one plantation, which was located next to a heavily infested orchard. Overwintering eggs were not found on the plants in any year, and we concluded that the species was an accidental immigrant in this plantation. No aphid (Aphididae) colonies were observed on the quince plants. Monitoring and evaluation of potential harmfulness of four tortrix moths – large fruit-tree tortrix (Archips podana), rose tortrix (Archips rosana), codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and holly tortrix (Rhopobota naevana) – was done. It was concluded that rose tortrix is a minor fruit pest, but the other three species were not yet considered pests of Japanese quince. Significant pests of quince flowers and fruits were not detected in our study.

Evaluation of the Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Potential of Rourea minor Fruits: An Underutilized Species

The present study focuses on the nutritional, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activities of the fruits of Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston., an underutilized plant species. The ripened seeds contained 0.28%, 12.39%, 25.70%, 1.4%, and 3.4% of fat, protein, carbohydrate, ash, and fiber, respectively, whereas ripened pulp possessed 0.19%, 0.34%, 0.90%, 0.35%, and 0.98% of fat, protein, carbohydrates, ash, and fiber, respectively. The ripened seed and pulp were also rich in mineral elements and especially microelements. The pulp, when ripe, had high levels of microelements such as boron, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese with values of 25.98, 2523.56, 499.12, 33.62, and 40.30 µg/g DW, respectively. Phytate and oxalate content were comparatively higher in ripened seeds (6.91 and 31.88 mg/g FW) than in the pulp. Acetone, absolute methanol, water, and 70% methanol were used for the extraction of phytochemicals, and 70% methanol extract contained the highest phytochemicals. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid content of unripe seeds was 180.47 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/DW, 68.95 quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW, and 0.35 atropine equivalent (AE)/g DW, respectively, and that of unripe pulp was 8.21 mg GAE/g DW, 2.97 mg QE/g DW and 1.20 mg AE/g DW, respectively. All the extracts showed remarkable antioxidant activity, proved by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, following a similar trend to the phytochemical composition. The study concludes that Rourea minor fruits, both seeds, and pulp, could be an excellent source of nutrients, microelements, and antioxidants.

Elite screening and nutritional profiling of Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston -an underutilized fruit tree

ABSTRACT Syzygium caryophyllatum is an underutilized minor fruit tree that bears globular fruits. When they ripen, they turn a deep purple or black colour. Even though the fruits are edible, consumption is low due to the low proportion of edible parts and limited supply of fruits. In the present study, twenty collections of S. caryophyllatum from various parts of Kerala State, India, were evaluated based on morphological (qualitative and quantitative), and biochemical traits of fruits. The findings revealed a wide range of variation among the collections. Among the selected candidate plus trees (CPTs), one CPT, SC3, appeared as a distinct candidate from all other collections in the dendrogram based on quantitative and biochemical traits. The grouping pattern in cluster analysis results was supported by a scatter plot based on Principal coordinate Analysis (PCoA). Various fruit traits of SC3 showed superiority and thus this tree was selected as the most promising among 20 CPTs with maximum pulp percentage, pulp-to-seed ratio, TSS, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, total sugar, and minimum seed percentage. The nutritional profiling of SC3 fruit showed a vital source of nutritious elements with antinutrient concentrations falling within the acceptable range.

Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Analysis of Six Minor Fruits of Bangladesh

Nutritional composition of six minor fruits of Bangladesh namely, Annona reticulata L., Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen, Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa, Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel., Averrhoa carambola L. and Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch-Ham. were studied. Dry matter, ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fibre and crude carbohydrate contents largely varied among the studied fruits. All fruits exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, phenols, and saponins. At premature stage, total phenolics and tannin contents varied from 14.59 to 1.32 and from 9.76 to 0.29 (mg GAE g–1 DW), respectively while at mature stage, these ranged from 9.82 to 0.87 and from 5.98 to 0.23. At premature and ripening stages, the maximum chlorophyll content was detected in A. reticulata and M. zapota, respectively. Based on the calorific value, Garcinia pedunculata performed better followed by M. zapota, and A. carambola the least among the studied fruits; although, A. reticulata possesses the largest amount of crude protein and crude fibre. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(1): 111-118, 2023 (March)

Micropropagation of Minor Fruit Crops of India: A Review

Micro-propagation refers to the technique of in vitro multiplication of plants in a short duration using any plant parts (nodes, leaves, flowers, seeds etc.) under aseptic conditions. It is advantageous over vegetative propagation and its application in horticultural aspects. It is well-proven method of surplus production of elite identical plants in a controlled environment which are uniform, stable, disease-free, true-to-type and are independent of any seasonal restrictions or limitations. India is homeland to diverse of significant but minor fruit crops such as Indian gooseberry, (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Karonda (Carissa carandas L.), Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L.), Jackfruit (Artocarpus hetrophylous L.) which bear high nutritional, medicinal, therapeutic values and of great commercial importance (medicinal, food and cosmetics). Due to a paucity of desirable planting materials, the commercial production process for these crops is restricted. Micropropagation has the potential to significantly increase the number of new cultivars or genotypes of such fruit crops. The objective of this review study is to compile existing research work done on the micropropagation of these underutilized fruit crops.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potentiality of some minor fruits of West Bengal, India

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potentiality of some minor fruits of West Bengal, India

Biochemical Mechanism Unlocking Their Potential Role in Salt Tolerance Mechanism of Zizyphus Germplasm

Salinity is one of the major constraints reducing plant growth and yield. Irrigation with poor quality and brackish water to orchards is a major cause of stunted growth and low yield. The salt tolerance mechanism is one of the complicated genomic characters that is very problematic to develop in fruit trees and becomes much more severe at any growth and developmental stage. Osmotic stress and hormonal imbalances are major constraints causing low biomass production. Fruit tree tolerance/sensitivity is chiefly based on the activation of a defense system comprised of super-oxidase dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalases (CAT), non-enzymatic compounds including ascorbic acid, phenolics, flavonoids, stress indicators [i.e., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and osmolytes containing proline, glycine-betaine (GB), ascorbates (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR)]. Tolerant genotypes must have higher antioxidant assays to cope with the adverse effects of salinity stress because their defense system had the potential to scavenge toxic ROS and protect from membrane leakage. Some work is conducted on agronomic and horticultural crops; however, underutilized fruit crops are still neglected and need serious consideration from plant researchers. Minor fruit crops especially Zizyphus had excellent nutritional aspects. The current study provides detailed insights into the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Zizyphus species to cope with the adverse effects of salinity by improving their plant defense system. The development of salt-tolerant germplasm is a requisite and can be developed by utilization of physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms. Application of different molecular approaches (i.e., genome mapping, genome editing, genetic transformation, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolites) are effective for higher yield by improving tolerance mechanisms.

Growth and Yield of Dragon Fruit in Aonla based Multistoried Fruit Production Model

The study was conducted at the aonla based agroforestry experimental field of the department of Agroforestry and Environment, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University from June, 2019 to July, 2020 to develop a multistoried food production model for the terrace ecosystem of Bangladesh. The experiment was carried out under twenty years old aonla orchard which was considered as upper storied component, while two minor fruits namely carambola and lemon were used as middle storied component. Dragon fruit was the test crop grown in the alley of tree lines. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor randomized complete block design with three replications. Three different production systems (T1: aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit, T2: aonla + dragon fruit, and T3: dragon fruit as sole) were considered as the three different levels of factor A. Two dragon fruit genotypes i.e. red fleshed dragon fruit (V1), and white fleshed dragon fruit (V2) were considered as the two levels of factor B. Red fleshed genotype produced the highest plant height, maximum number of branches and fruit yield compared to those of white fleshed genotype irrespective of treatment combinations. Total height increment, mean annual increment and current annual increment of plant height were found maximum in red fleshed genotype in multistoried conditions. A negative linear relationship was observed between plant height and Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) but a positive linear relationship was noticed between the yield of dragon fruit and PAR. The highest Land Equivalent Ratio was observed in aonla + carambola + lemon + dragon fruit with white fleshed genotype. The result revealed that red fleshed dragon fruit genotype was found suitable for partial shade conditions like aonla tree and successfully grown without scarifying the significant yield loss compared to that of the open field.

Nutritional Composition and Antioxidant Properties of the Wild Edible Fruits of Tripura, Northeast India

Fruits that are rich in nutrients and have antioxidant properties are essentially required for human health. These fruits are quite demanding to use pharmaceutically to produce natural drugs. Tripura, a Northeast state of India, is abundant in wild edible fruits, the nutritional values of which have not yet been fully explored. The nutrient composition and antioxidant properties of 06 (six) wild edible fruits viz. Wild orange (Citrus macroptera), Chinese lard (Hodgsonia macrocarpa Cogn.), Madhabilata (Stixis suaveolens Roxb. Pierre), Wild small black Jamun (Syzygium assamicum), Indian coffee plum (Flacourtia jangomas Lour. Raeusch), and Gamboge (Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Robs) were explored and are reported in this paper. All the observations were statistically analyzed and properly presented here. The study reveals that wild orange (220.75 mg/100 g) and Indian coffee plum (223.25 mg/100 g) are vitamin C-rich fruits. Madhabilata has high protein content (0.744%), whereas Gamboge yields an energetic fruit (124.92 Kcal/100 g). The energy parameter has a good correlation with ash (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.68), TSS (r = 0.62), and protein (r = 0.83). Nutrient minerals (mg/100 g), in general, are found quite high in wild orange (Na, 170.4; K, 55.40; Mg, 61.53; Zn, 6.85; Cu, 6.25). There is a good correlation between Na and K (r = 0.58). Antioxidant activity (81.15 μmol/g) and metal chelating capacity (MCC) (39.45 mg/mL) are high in wild orange, and they have an excellent correlation (r = 0.97). It has quite a high value of total phenolic content (TPC) (303.89 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid content (TFC) (36.78 mg QE/g) as well. TPC and TFC have good correlations with antioxidant parameters (r = 0.81 with TPC and 0.86 with TFC). Chloride (4.35 mg/100 g), nitrate (0.639 μg/100 g), and As(III) (0.27 mg/100 g) contents are found high in Indian coffee plum, Madhabilata, and Wild black Jamun, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that total sugar, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) are the important indicators to be given emphasis while studying the nutritional value of these minor fruits. Moreover, the results would provide a baseline database for the nutrient profile of these fruits as well as enhance awareness among the masses regarding the value of the fruit, which enhances and conserves the biodiversity of the forest area of Tripura.

Characterization of indigenous phalsa (Grewia subinequalis) genotypes using morphological traits and ISSR markers

BackgroundPhalsa (Grewia subinequalis L.) is a commercial and nutritionally important berry fruit. It is cultivated in Pakistan as a minor fruit crop without any variety characterization. Therefore, the objective of to assess genetic diversity through ISSR markers and morphological features of wild phalsa genotypes collected from different parts of Punjab, Pakistan. MethodsMorphological characteristics such as plant height, stem circumference, growth habit, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, leaf color and leaf apex shape showed high variation among genotypes. ResultsAmong the twenty inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) primers, UBC-812 exhibited the highest PIC values of (0.485) and Dj (0.389) compared to other primers, which considered it better for the identification of phalsa genotypes and prediction of diversity. Moreover, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis divided the sampled genotypes into five clusters (clusters A-E) based on morphological analysis, while molecular data divided the genotypes into eight clusters (clusters A-H). ConclusionThis study confirmed the high diversity in wild populations especially 'O1P2” and “O7P3” genotypes, with both DNA-based and morphological descriptors that depict their potential use for future phalsa breeding programs.

Chemical Constituents of Ulmus minor subsp. minor Fruits Used in the Italian Phytoalimurgic Tradition and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity Evaluation.

The phytochemical investigation of Ulmus minor subsp. minor samaras EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts is reported in this work for the first time, resulting in the isolation and characterization of twenty compounds (1: - 20: ) including one new flavan-3-ol (1: ), one new trihydroxy fatty acid (2: ), and two glycosylated flavonoids (6: - 7: ) whose NMR data are not available in the literature. Structure elucidation of the isolated compounds was obtained by 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Prior to further pharmacological investigations, the extracts (100 - 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds 1: - 12: (50 - 5 µM) were tested for their influence on viability of a murine macrophage cell line (J774A.1). Subsequently, extracts and compounds that did not impede viability, were studied for their inhibitory effect on some mediators of inflammation in J774A.1 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli (LPS). The NO release and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 were then evaluated and both extracts (50 - 6.25 µg/mL) and compounds (20 - 5 µM) significantly inhibited NO release as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression in macrophages. These data highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of several isolated compounds from U. minor samaras supporting their possible alimentary use.

Underutilized Sources of Pectin as Edible Coating

Natural and biodegradable materials are becoming a trend in the food processing and packaging industries to reduce environmental problems and minimize toxic waste production. The development of natural edible coating and thin films is a research interest among scientists. Pectin, a natural polysaccharide used in the development of edible films and coating, increases the shelf life of perishable food items by protecting them from the outer environment, delaying loss of nutrition, and helping in maintaining physical and chemical properties for a longer duration. Pectin is commercially produced from Apple and Citrus fruits because of its phenomenal gelling quality. However, many other fruits and vegetables also contain a good amount of pectin, but pectin has structure variation, making it versatile for a wide range of applications. The Indigenous minor fruits and vegetables also serve as a good source of pectin, which may differ in structural and gelling properties from commercial pectin but may have the ability to use in making the edible coating. The development of edible thin film and coating from underutilized sources of pectin increases the demand and cultivation of these sources on an industrial level, which are limited to local and small-scale industries. The present review focuses on different types of underutilized sources of pectin to develop natural edible thin films and coatings.

Fungal and Oomycete Diseases of Minor Tropical Fruit Crops

Minor tropical fruits are grown on a small scale and provide income to smallholder farmers. The cultivation of these fruit crops indirectly contributes to the economy of producing countries as well as to food and crop security. Dragon fruits, guava, passionfruit, lychee, longan, mangosteen, durian, and rambutan are common minor fruit crops. In recent years, the international trade of some of these minor tropical fruits, particularly dragon fruit, passionfruit, guava, and lychee, has increased due to their nutritional value, with various health benefits. Similar to other crops, minor fruit crops are susceptible to fungal and oomycete diseases. These diseases negatively affect the yield and quality of fruit crops, leading to substantial losses. In this context, the knowledge of disease types and causal pathogens is fundamental to develop suitable disease management practices in the field as well as appropriate post-harvest treatments.

Comparative Morphology and Biochemical Analysis of Nickel Toxicity in Minor Fruit Species (Grewia asiatica L., Syzgium cumini (L.) Skeels and Tamarindus indica L.)

We evaluated the growth potential of three minor fruit species (Grewia asiatica L., Syzgium cummini and Tamarindus indica L.) after exposure to increasing Ni levels (0, 10, 20 and 40 µg kg−1 soil). The growth attributes, lipid peroxidation, photosynthetic machinery, macro nutrients and capacity of enzymatic antioxidants; Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Peroxidase (POD) in both leaves and roots were investigated under Ni exposure. A significant reduction in the biomass elongation of tissues (root and shoot) and enhanced oxidative damage via malondialdehyde (MDA) were noticed in all three species. Ni exposure triggered an induction of antioxidant enzyme response in a concurrent manner. Simultaneous increases in the antioxidant activities in the roots of G. asiatica and in the leaves of S. cumini suggest the existence of a sequence response against tissue damage. However, the activities of antioxidant enzymes in the tissues of T. indica were insufficient to counteract the elevated MDA levels. G. asiatica exhibited its resilience through the restricted transfer of Ni to aerial tissue, adequate uptake of nutrients, robust chloroplasts with lesser biodegradation of chlorophyll molecules and enhanced capacity of antioxidant enzyme biosynthesis. Thus, lesser modulations of morpho-biochemical expressions and the activity of antioxidants seem to contribute important defense mechanisms against Ni stress in the species.

Exploration and Collection of Plant Genetic Resources in India: Status and Priorities

Plant exploration and germplasm collection is the foremost activity in PGR management system aimed at augmenting genetic resources for ex-situ conservation and utilization by end users. Organized PGR collecting was initiated in India way back in 1946, and so far, 2.82 lakhs accessions representative of nearly 1,695 crops/species have been collected through 2,838 explorations undertaken across the country mainly in collaboration with ICAR crop-based institutes and SAUs. Till two decades back, the focus has been shifted mainly on the collection of cultivated variability which has resulted in fair representative collections for important crops from across India. Now, increasing importance has been entrusted to crop wild relatives, minor fruits and wild edibles species, which has resulted in a phenomenal share of wild germplasm (18%) in the total collection. This communication highlights the collection trends, salient achievements made, emerging issues, and the priority areas which need adequate addressing for meaningful germplasm collections.

Standardization of propagation methods in minor wild fruit crops

The study was carried out to find out the ideal propagation techniques of wild and minor fruit crops at ICAR-IIHR, Bengalure, during 2016–19. Two year's data revealed that fresh seeds of most of the species, viz. karonda (Carrisa carandas), wood apple (Feronia limonia syn. Limonia acidissima) avocado (Persea americana) noni (Morinda citrifolia) wild jamun (Syzygium cumini) Alangeum (Alangium salvifolium) carombola (Averhoa carambola), Canito (Chrysophyllum cainito), bael (Aegle marmelos) kokum (Garcinia indica), yellow mangosteen (Garcinia xanthochymus) and Malabar tamarind (Garcinia gummigutta) did not have dormancy and their germination was more than 60 per cent. Although the days taken for germination varied in these fruits. Some fruits, viz. mulberry (Moris alba) gave good response (80%) for multiplication through cuttings. Air-layering was found successful in Governor's plum (Flacourtia indica) Karonda (Carrisa carandas) natal plum (Carrisa macrocarpa), Citrus hindsi Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora) and West Indian cherry (Malpighia emarginata) with 75% and 60% survival. The grafting was found successful (90%) in avocado (Persea americana) and wood apple (Feronia limonia)