Fruit Nutritional Value Research Articles

Medicinal Effect of Nutraceutical Fruits for the Cognition and Brain Health.

The recent era is witnessing evaluation of medicinal and nutritional value of fruits and fruit juices for the management and prevention of brain diseases like headache stress, anxiety, hypertension, and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases by the scientists and researchers worldwide. Fruits possess various chemicals such as antioxidants and polyphenols, which reduce and balance the effect of hormone in brain responsible for brain disease. Natural remedy is cheap, easily available, nontoxic, and easy to prepare and provides good mental health as compared to other remedies. The main objective of this review is to acknowledge medicinal benefits of fruits for the cognition and management of brain disease.

Biofortification of vegetables for the developed world

Biofortification can be defined as increasing the concentration of plant-derived nutrients in the edible organ during growth and development, over and above that which would be considered a LSQUOnormalRSQUO or LSQUOstandardRSQUO concentration. There has been considerable effort to biofortify staple crops to address micronutrient deficiencies (LSQUOhidden hungerRSQUO) in developing countries, but less effort has been focussed on biofortifying fruit and vegetables with phytonutrients to improve first world nutrition. Part of this could be related to the availability of pharmaceutical supplements containing plant-derived nutrients, which have had less regulatory restriction than the introduction of novel food products. There appears to be a growing trend however, away from a LSQUOpill-poppingRSQUO society towards preferences for more natural sources of nutrition and nutritious food. Increasing the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables through biofortification, or increasing their nutrient density, is an attractive means of increasing nutrition without necessarily increasing intake. First-world diseases or disorders are commonly different to those in developed countries, with more emphasis on age-related diseases (e.g., macular degeneration, prostate cancer) or over-consumption (obesity). Biofortification of fruits and vegetables with phytonutrients to address these diseases is underway, and currently includes examples such as phytonutrient-enhanced sweet-corn, tomatoes, and broccoli.

Fruit colour conceals endocarp dimorphism from avian seed dispersers in a tropical beach plant, Scaevola taccada (Goodeniaceae), found in Okinawa

Abstract:Theory predicts that honest signalling strategies will not always be evolutionarily stable in interspecific communication, yet to demonstrate such a transition of signalling modality between honesty and dishonesty in the wild would be difficult. An endocarp dimorphism has been found in Scaevola taccada fruits: a morph with a cork substrate that facilitates ocean current seed dispersal and a morph without the cork. Both types of fruit are covered with sugar-containing flesh, and are similar in size and colour to one another (at least from a human perspective). The apparent lack of external differences between morphotypes could potentially degrade mutualistic relations between the plant and seed-dispersing birds because the presence of a cork could lower the fruit's nutritional value. Thus, unless seed dispersers can discriminate between the different types of fruit, this system may provide an example of a transition between honest and dishonest signalling. We examined S. taccada fruit and leaf colours from an avian visual perspective. Even though the fruits and leaves were different in colour from one another to birds, there was no perceivable difference in the colours between fruit morphotypes. Therefore, fruit colour is not an honest indicator of reward to seed dispersers. Further, we propose an adoption of a statistical method in avian visual modelling studies that avoids the common statistical errors, such as violation of the congruence principle.

COMPARING FRUIT QUANTITATIVE AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF WILD BLACKBERRY (RUBUS SANCTUS SCHREB) GENOTYPES FROM NORTH AND SOUTH OF IRAN

Rubus sanctus is a blackberry species which is widely distributed in Iran from the wet climate in the north (Caspian Sea) to the cold climate in the west and even to some semi-arid climates in the southwest of the country. The present work aimed to compare the fruit quantitative attributes and nutritional value of 16 genotypes of this species growing in 16 sites located in two different climatic conditions, in the north and south of Iran. Pomological traits of the fruits were characterized by the fruit length, diameter, weight and number of drupelets measured. The chemical traits of the juice were also measured, precisely the amount of total anthocyanins, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenols, and titratable acid (TA). Results showed variability between fruits collected in the two parts of the country. Large sized fruits were found in the southern region. Fruit length and number of drupelets did not present significant differences between the two regions. The highest amount of anthocyanins and TA were also related to samples of the southern region but the highest amount of TSS and total phenols were related to samples of the northern area. Cluster analysis revealed two main clusters where the 16 accessions collected from the two regions were grouped independently of their origin.

Effects of salinity and nitrogen supply on the quality and health-related compounds of strawberry fruits (Fragaria × ananassa cv. Primoris).

Different nitrogen inputs and/or development under adverse water conditions (water stress/low quality and/or high salinity/electrical conductivity), such as those prevailing in Almeria (Mediterranean coast, south-east Spain), may affect overall fruit and vegetable quality. This study evaluated the influence of salinity and nitrogen reduction in hydroponic nutrient solution on strawberry fruit quality and nutritional compounds (Fragaria × ananassa Duch., cv. Primoris). Strawberries obtained under salinity treatments recorded the highest values for soluble solids content (SSC; all samplings); fruit taste was thus enhanced. Additionally, salinity improved fruit nutritional value, with higher contents of antioxidants compounds (first sampling). During first and second samplings, strawberries grown under N reduction and non-saline conditions showed higher values for firmness compared to fruits developed under other treatments. Regarding health-related compounds, few differences were found except for total polyphenols concentration and antioxidant activity for the first sampling, where strawberries grown under saline treatments obtained the highest values for both parameters. The use of low-quality waters, such as those found in Almeria (salinity, N9S and N5S) and low nitrogen inputs (N5, avoid environmental impact) for strawberry cultivation does not exert a negative impact on overall quality. Positive differences could be found in SSC, firmness and health-related compounds when compared against the control treatment (N9).

Internal versus external control of calcium nutrition in kiwifruit

AbstractHigher calcium (Ca) concentration in several fleshy fruit including kiwifruit is a pre‐requisite for lower incidence of Ca‐related diseases and improved fruit nutritional value. This review examines the internal and external factors operating along the soil‐to‐fruit pathway that are involved in the uptake and partitioning of Ca in kiwifruit vines. After a brief description of fruit growth and the dynamic of nutrient accumulation during fruit development, the review considers the role of soil Ca concentration and availability, root elongation, mass flow in the apoplast, fruit transpiration, competition between fruit and highly transpiring leaves, weather variables and soil moisture. How fruit morphological and anatomical traits, including skin anatomy, xylem development and hydraulic resistance, influence physiological processes such as transpiration and impact on Ca accumulation is also discussed. The review highlights that approximately 80% of the total Ca content of fruit is accumulated during the early weeks after fruit‐set, suggesting that failure of good fruit Ca nutrition at that time may lead to poor fruit Ca content at harvest. Therefore, based on the analysis of the internal and external factors that influence Ca accumulation, recommendations are made for orchard practices that maximize Ca accumulation in the kiwifruit berry, including optimal pollination, nutrient and irrigation management, and manipulation of canopy architecture.

Combined antibacterial activity of green tea extract with atmospheric radio-frequency plasma against pathogens on fresh-cut dragon fruit

The objective of this research was to observe the combined effect of green tea extract (at a tea: water; g ml−1, ratio of 2.5–10.0%) and cold plasma (20 W and 40 W) against bacteria pathogens (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes) that can be found on the fresh-cut dragon fruit. The change in pathogens after plasma treatment of a fresh-cut dragon fruit treated with green tea at 4 ± 1 °C was also investigated. Dragon fruit's nutritional value, mineral, total phenolic content, and sensory within and without plasma and green tea was determined. It was found that atmospheric radio-frequency (RF) plasma at 40 W could extend the protection against all pathogen growth on the surface of fresh-cut dragon fruit treated with at a 5.0% of green tea to at least 15 days. Without the plasma treatment, green tea of 2.5–10.0% could not inhibit all bacterial growth. In addition, higher values of total phenolic content, crude protein, crude fat and crude fibre were observed in the fresh-cut dragon fruit with green tea after the plasma (p < 0.05) treatment; however, no change was found (p > 0.05) regarding the minerals Fe, Cu, and Mn and the sensory test. The research indicated that green tea extract and atmospheric RF plasma in combination could protect against the growth of pathogens on fresh-cut dragon fruit and extend its shelf-life.

Preliminary results of fruit quality of resistant sour cherry clones in 2014

The richness of Hungarian sour cherry cultivars in the world is unique; they can be consumed in many ways. Sour cherry is a Hungaricum and has excellent fruit quality and nutritional value. Nowadays the demand for chemical-free fruits is increasing. Reducing the number of chemical applications can be achieved most effectively by the use of resistant varieties, technological developments and cultivar innovation. The domestic and international sour cherry breeding programs use almost exclusively the resistant ‘Csengôdi’ clones as a basis. They are mainly Monilinia and Blumeriella resistant and have higher dry matter and antioxidant content. These pathogens influence not only the qualitative and quantitative parameters of the fruits, but may play an indirect role in the deterioration of the overall condition of the trees as well. The cultivation of resistant varieties can greatly reduce the pesticide load of the environment, so we can produce fruit with excellent nutritional value with fewer chemicals. Our aim is the expansion of the sour cherry assortment by introducing new resistant cultivars. With this we can contribute to the spreading of environmentally sound production technologies and supply “super fruits” to the consumers.

Metabolomic fingerprints of 21 date palm fruit varieties from Egypt using UPLC/PDA/ESI–qTOF-MS and GC–MS analyzed by chemometrics

Date palm fruits of the species Phoenix dactylifera exhibit a great diversity in sensory attributes including skin color, smell and taste. This study attempts to elucidate the primary and secondary metabolite profiles of 21 date varieties from Egypt. A major difficulty is sugar rich matrix and skin-fibers embedding the secondary metabolites. A total of 49 metabolites extracted from the fruit skin were evaluated in a UPLC/PDA/ESI–qTOF-MS based metabolomics study. The total phenolic contents of the varieties varied from 233 to 1897mg/100g (2.3–19g/kg) dry weight. The predominant flavones were glycosides of luteolin and apigenin, quercetin conjugates were the principal flavonols, whereas caffeoyl shikimic acid was the main hydroxycinnamic acid conjugate. Aside from these major phenolic classes, a group of sphingolipids, fatty and other organic acids was also identified. The total non-fatty organic acid content correlates with reported shelf lives. GC–MS was further utilized to localize primary metabolites in fruits (i.e. sugars and organic acids) with glucose and fructose accounting for up to 95% of TIC among most varieties. Principal component and clustering analyses reveal that flavonols and sugars, both contribute the most to variety classification. This study provides the most complete map for polyphenol & sugar distribution in Egyptian date fruit varieties. By describing the metabolite profiles in a diverse dataset of P. dactylifera, this study provides the basis for future investigations of date fruit nutritional value beyond providing energy and its potential for nutraceutical enhancement or storability.

IMPROVEMENT OF SOME NUTRITIONAL VALUES OF TOMATOES VIA SALINITY

The antioxidant activity status is important to determine the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables. Increased antioxidant levels not only have high benefits in preventing widespread human diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular pathogens but also it enhances shelf life as well. This study was carried out to test the effects of 100 mM NaCl on some antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and some monosaccharides (glucose and fructose) of TYLCV virus-free tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicon) cultivar Castle Rock. The plants were treated at 30 days old with 100 mM NaCl for the next 45 days. At 75 days old, mature leaves were harvested and tested for TYLCV infection, as this virus affects the amount of antioxidants in tomato plants. Plants were kept in cages to avoid infection with TYLCV. The plants gave negative results, confirming that they are virus-free. Levels of vitamin C and vitamin E were determined by a reverse-phase HPLC technique while levels of glucose and fructose were determined using UPLC-MS in 75 days treated tomato leaves. Plants showed an increase in vitamin C, α-tochopherol, glucose and a slight increase in fructose contents versus the control plants. These results are of great importance from the nutritional and health points of view where salt stress improved the plant quality by increasing the concentrations of important antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E). In conclusion, the use of controlled salinity level can be an effective method to produce tomatoes of good nutritional quality and with higher market price.

Inter-Specific Back-Crosses and Intra-Specific Crosses to Generate Strawberry Genetic Material with Increased Fruit Sensory and Nutritional Quality

During the last few years, the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and requested by the consumers, especially for the general health benefits it can provide. In this study, offsprings from inter- and intra-specific strawberry cross combinations were studied with the aim to evaluate and identify new genotypes that can show the best compromise between sensorial and nutritional quality. Seventy-eight strawberry offsprings selection, originating from eight Fragaria spp. inter- and intra-specific crosses, were screened to study the role of the genetic origin of the parents in segregating new genotypes with an improved sensorial and nutritional quality of the fruit.

Transcriptional regulation of tocopherol biosynthesis in tomato

Tocopherols, compounds with vitamin E (VTE) activity, are potent lipid-soluble antioxidants synthesized only by photosynthetic organisms. Their biosynthesis requires the condensation of phytyl-diphosphate and homogentisate, derived from the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) and shikimate pathways (SK), respectively. These metabolic pathways are central in plant chloroplast metabolism and are involved in the biosynthesis of important molecules such as chlorophyll, carotenoids, aromatic amino-acids and prenylquinones. In the last decade, few studies have provided insights into the regulation of VTE biosynthesis and its accumulation. However, the pathway regulatory mechanism/s at mRNA level remains unclear. We have recently identified a collection of tomato genes involved in tocopherol biosynthesis. In this work, by a dedicated qPCR array platform, the transcript levels of 47 genes, including paralogs, were determined in leaves and across fruit development. Expression data were analyzed for correlation with tocopherol profiles by coregulation network and neural clustering approaches. The results showed that tocopherol biosynthesis is controlled both temporally and spatially however total tocopherol content remains constant. These analyses exposed 18 key genes from MEP, SK, phytol recycling and VTE-core pathways highly associated with VTE content in leaves and fruits. Moreover, genomic analyses of promoter regions suggested that the expression of the tocopherol-core pathway genes is trancriptionally coregulated with specific genes of the upstream pathways. Whilst the transcriptional profiles of the precursor pathway genes would suggest an increase in VTE content across fruit development, the data indicate that in the M82 cultivar phytyl diphosphate supply limits tocopherol biosynthesis in later fruit stages. This is in part due to the decreasing transcript levels of geranylgeranyl reductase (GGDR) which restricts the isoprenoid precursor availability. As a proof of concept, by analyzing a collection of Andean landrace tomato genotypes, the role of the pinpointed genes in determining fruit tocopherol content was confirmed. The results uncovered a finely tuned regulation able to shift the precursor pathways controlling substrate influx for VTE biosynthesis and overcoming endogenous competition for intermediates. The whole set of data allowed to propose that 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase and GGDR encoding genes, which determine phytyl-diphosphate availability, together with enzyme encoding genes involved in chlorophyll-derived phytol metabolism appear as the most plausible targets to be engineered aiming to improve tomato fruit nutritional value.

QUALITY, NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND NUTRACEUTICAL VALUE AS A NEW TASK FOR STRAWBERRY BREEDING

In the last few years, the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied by scientist and requested by the consumers, because it can protect against cardiovascular diseases, cancers and other diseases as well as for the general health benefits it can provide. These benefits can be ascribed mainly to the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of fruit which is determined by many bioactive compounds. These are generally related to specific characteristics of a genotype and its interaction with the environment. In this work, 80 strawberry offspring, originated from 8 Fragaria spp. inter- and intra-specific crosses, were screened for their Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Anthocyanin Content (ACY), Total Phenolic Content (TPH). This allowed us to identify and select new genetic material with an improved combination of these components of fruit nutritional quality. Here, progenies from strawberry crosses with F. virginiana glauca as a common parent showed a significant increase in their fruit quality and nutritional quality, which confirms the interest of the wild genotypes to improve several characters of cultivated strawberry.

Organic versus conventional – a comparative study on quality and nutritional value of fruit and vegetable juices

The study presents a comparison of some nutritional values of juices made from organic and conventional apple, pear, blackcurrant, carrot, beetroot and celery. Higher soluble solids content (SSC) for organic juices than for conventional ones was recorded for blackcurrant (14.9% and 12.5%, respectively) and beetroot (12.3% versus 8.3%). The highest organic acids content was noted for blackcurrant (3.7 g malic acid 100 g− 1), whereas the lowest was for celery (0.57 g 100 g− 1 on average). Higher organic acids content was shown in apple, pear, and especially blackcurrant grown organically. Amounts of juice NH4-N content were lower in organic vegetable juices than in conventional ones. The conventional farming method favoured greater NO3-N accumulation for beetroot (846 mg NO3-N kg− 1 f.w.) than for organic juice (229 mg NO3-N kg− 1 f.w.). The data showed the organic juices to have polyphenols and ascorbic acid contents similar to, and antioxidant activity slightly higher than, conventional juices.

Engineering Melon Plants with Improved Fruit Shelf Life Using the TILLING Approach

BackgroundFruit ripening and softening are key traits that have an effect on food supply, fruit nutritional value and consequently, human health. Since ethylene induces ripening of climacteric fruit, it is one of the main targets to control fruit over ripening that leads to fruit softening and deterioration. The characterization of the ethylene pathway in Arabidopsis and tomato identified key genes that control fruit ripening.Methodology/Principal FindingsTo engineer melon fruit with improved shelf-life, we conducted a translational research experiment. We set up a TILLING platform in a monoecious and climacteric melon line, cloned genes that control ethylene production and screened for induced mutations that lead to fruits with enhanced shelf life. Two missense mutations, L124F and G194D, of the ethylene biosynthetic enzyme, ACC oxidase 1, were identified and the mutant plants were characterized with respect to fruit maturation. The L124F mutation is a conservative mutation occurring away from the enzyme active site and thus was predicted to not affect ethylene production and thus fruit ripening. In contrast, G194D modification occurs in a highly conserved amino acid position predicted, by crystallographic analysis, to affect the enzymatic activity. Phenotypic analysis of the G194D mutant fruit showed complete delayed ripening and yellowing with improved shelf life and, as predicted, the L124F mutation did not have an effect.Conclusions/SignificanceWe constructed a mutant collection of 4023 melon M2 families. Based on the TILLING of 11 genes, we calculated the overall mutation rate of one mutation every 573 kb and identified 8 alleles per tilled kilobase. We also identified a TILLING mutant with enhanced fruit shelf life. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of TILLING as a reverse genetics tool to improve crop species. As cucurbits are model species in different areas of plant biology, we anticipate that the developed tool will be widely exploited by the scientific community.

Evaluation of F. x ananassa intra-specific and inter-specific back-crosses to generate new genetic material with increased fruit nutritional quality

During the last few years, the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and requested by consumers, especially for the general health benefits it can provide. Some of these benefits can be ascribed to the antioxidant capacity of fruit. Both quality and antioxidant attributes are currently considered as good tools to describe the nutritional quality of fruit. In this study, offspring from inter and intra-specific strawberry cross combinations were studied with the aim of evaluating and identifying new genotypes that can show the best compromise between quality and nutritional characteristics. Parents and offspring populations were studied by analyzing fruit nutritional quality taking in account the following parameters: Total antioxidant capacity, total phenol and anthocyanin content. Eighty strawberry offspring, originating from 8 Fragaria spp. inter and intra- specific crosses, were screened to study the role of the genetic origin of the parents in segregating new genotypes with an improved nutritional quality of the fruit. Strawberry progenies having F. virginiana glauca as a common parent showed a significant enhancement of their fruit quality and nutritional features confirming the interest that wild species are useful in improving several characteristics in cultivated strawberries.

COMBINING QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ATTRIBUTES IN THE STRAWBERRY: THE ROLE OF GENOTYPE

In the last few years the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and requested by the consumers, especially for the general health benefits it can provide. These benefits can be ascribed mainly to the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of fruit which is determined by a complex combination of bioactive compounds. Both quality and antioxidant attributes are good tools to describe the nutritional quality of fruit. In this work soluble solid content (SS) and titratable acidity (TA) were considered for strawberry quality attributes and TAC and total phenolic content (TPH) as nutritional attributes. All these attributes were screened in different strawberry genotypes (cultivars and selections) and progenies from different cross combinations, for selecting new genetic material (offspring) with increased nutritional quality.

STRAWBERRY BREEDING PROGRAM AT MARCHE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY

The strawberry breeding program at the Marche Polytechnic University (Ancona, IT) started in 1993, and after 10 years of evaluation 2 cultivars ('Adria' and 'Sveva') were released showing interesting agronomic characteristics associated with high adaptability to these cultivation conditions. In the last 5 years, 12460 seedlings were evaluated from which 44 selections are now under study, because they show interesting agronomic characteristics associated with high adaptability to these cultivation conditions and fruit quality. From all the program, the most advanced material is now represented by the following 4 selections: 'AN99.78.51' ('95.617.1' × 'Darselect'); 'AN00.235.52' ('Sveva' × 'Patty'); 'AN97.120.52' ('91.143.5' × '90.608.1') and 'AN01.211.51' ('CN 95.602.8' x 'CN 95.419.4'). Other two selections originated by Fragaria x ananassa and F. virginiana glauca (FVG), 'AN94.414.51' ('Don' × 'FVG') and 'AN94.474.51' ('FVG' × 'Miss') are considered of interest for the high fruit nutritional value.

Combining quality and antioxidant attributes in the strawberry: The role of genotype

The nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and is demanded by consumers, especially for protection against cardiovascular disorder, cancer and other diseases, as well as for general health benefits. These benefits can also be ascribed to the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of fruit. Fruit nutritional quality can be described by a standard quality parameter and the analyses of nutritional parameters, such as antioxidant capacity (and specific related compounds). In this study, firmness, colour, soluble solids content and titratable acidity were considered as quality parameters and TAC and total phenolic content as nutritional parameters. All these attributes were screened in 20 strawberry genotypes (cultivars and selections) for the selection of new improved genetic material (offspring) originating from different cross combinations, including an F1 Fragaria virginiana spp. glauca among parents. Results indicate that the effect of the genotype on strawberry nutritional quality is stronger than that of the cultivation conditions. However, commercial cultivation did not show a high range of variation of fruit nutritional quality, particularly for the nutritional parameters. The study of offspring originating from different cross combinations showed that fruit nutritional quality can be considered an inheritable trait and that the variability of fruit nutritional quality among commercial cultivars can be improved by breeding. Finally, results demonstrate the role of F. virginiana spp. glauca as an important genetic source of the fruit nutritional quality.

Breeding strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch) to increase fruit nutritional quality

In the last few years the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and requested by the consumers, especially for protection against cardiovascular events, cancer and others as well as for the general health benefits it can provide. These benefits can be ascribed mainly to the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of fruit which is determined by a complex combination of bioactive compounds, generally related to specific characteristics of the genotype and of its interaction with the environment. Strawberry breeding programs are currently used to acquire new varieties improved for specific agronomic (Yield and Size), qualitative (Firmness, Sugars Content and Acidity) and sensorial (Colour and Aroma) characteristics, all combined to increased disease resistance and plant adaptability. Nowadays, besides to all these parameters is necessary to look for the specific bioactive components well known for their effect on human health. This aspect is now highly requested by the consumer. By testing different commercial strawberry varieties, a wide difference among their production and fruit quality, mostly related to their adaptability to the local evaluation conditions, is generally detected. Regarding their nutritional values, only few varieties nowadays differ for their higher phenol content and total antioxidant capacity. By taking into account this knowledge different breeding programs specifically addressed to increase fruit nutritional value, have been started. A first approach is based on the use of inter-specific crosses within wild and cultivated genotypes, so to increase variability for these characters, while the second by considering the intra-specific crosses within cultivars already known for their agronomic behavior and good quality performance. Herewith, we report on the major aspects related to breeding program aimed to increase strawberry fruit nutritional quality and what we can expect for the improvement of consumer acceptability of this fruit.