Peel Thickness Research Articles

Agroecological Aptitude of the Northeast of Formosa (Argentinean Subtropical Region) for Banana Production Assessed by Multiple Factor Analysis

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important crop in the economies of many developing countries. In the north of Argentina, a subtropical region, banana plants grow in a suboptimal environment that limits yield because only one harvest per year is achieved. The objective of this work was to characterize the agroecological aptitude of Formosa, Argentina, for banana production through the behavior of three varieties of international use: Williams, Jaffa and Grand Naine, evaluated over five consecutive years. The three-way data analysis technique called Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) was used for evaluating the varieties’ performances across cycles of production. The results allowed for inferring the existence of a genotype x environment interaction (GEI), corroborated by two-way factorial ANOVA. In order to determine how this suboptimal environment affected the development of each genotype of this perennial crop, Dual Multiple Factor Analysis (DMFA) was applied to jointly analyze the correlation structure between the traits that contributed to the performance of each variety in each year. The correlation structures between variables were different in each population and varied between years. All traits showed great variation between the years and genotypes, with the fruit peel thickness being the most discrepant throughout the years. However, Formosa appeared as a promising subtropical agroecological environment to produce banana because the varieties’ performances were acceptable for large-scale production systems. In addition to evaluating the adequate aptitude for cultivating banana in Formosa considering the significant effect of the GEIs, this research made a methodological contribution by proposing the use of three-way data analysis in Agronomy Science via MFA and DMFA.

Analysis and evaluation of Camellia oleifera Abel. Germplasm fruit traits from the high-altitude areas of East Guizhou Province, China

Camellia oleifera, a significant woody edible oil species, was examined using 48 germplasm resources from high-altitude regions in East Guizhou Province, China, to analyze fruit quality. The analysis aimed to identify high-performance germplasm, providing theoretical and research foundations for selecting and cross-breeding superior C. oleifera varieties in these regions. Fifteen primary traits of mature fruits were measured and analyzed, including four phenotypic traits (single fruit weight, transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, peel thickness) and eleven quality traits (fresh seed yield rate, dry seed yield rate, dry kernel yield rate, seed kernel oil content, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid). A comprehensive evaluation employing cluster and principal component analyses (PCA) was conducted. The cluster analysis categorized the germplasms into five groups at a squared Euclidean distance of 14, with the first category comprising 17 germplasms, the second 28, and the third, fourth, and fifth each containing one. PCA reduced the 15 traits to five principal components (PCs), with PC1 having the highest eigenvalue of 3.57 and a contribution rate of 23.8%, mainly representing phenotypic traits. PC2, contributing 20.44%, represented linoleic acid, while PC3, PC4, and PC5, with contribution rates of 12.99%, 9.13%, and 7.45% respectively, predominantly represented seed kernel oil content, fresh seed yield, and palmitoleic acid. Employing a weighted sum method, a comprehensive evaluation function was developed to calculate total scores for each superior individual, forming the basis for rankings and selections. Notable variability was detected in single fruit weight, peel thickness, and fresh and dry seed yields, while oleic acid exhibited the lowest coefficient of variation. Dry seed yield showed a robust positive correlation with seed kernel oil content and the concentrations of palmitic and linoleic acids, whereas seed kernel oil content was inversely correlated with cis-11-eicosenoic acid levels. Five PCs with eigenvalues > 1 were identified, highlighting the top ten superior individuals: QD (Qian Dong: the code of eastern Guizhou Province)-33 > QD-34 > QD-48 > QD-38 > QD-27 > QD-15 > QD-35 > QD-5 > QD-14 > QD-36. Thus, the 48 C. oleifera germplasms from East Guizhou’s high-altitude areas demonstrate significant potential for enhancing traits such as single fruit weight, peel thickness, and fresh and dry seed yields. Specifically, QD-33, QD-34, and QD-48 exhibited superior comprehensive performance, designating them as prime candidates for variety selection and breeding.

Contribution of physical-chemical variables and passion fruit production in Baixo Acre

This study investigated the production and physical and chemical characteristics of eight sour passion fruit genotypes cultivated in Baixo Acre, AC. Evaluation of fruit number (FN), productivity (PRO), longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter (LD and TD), peel thickness (PT), average fruit mass (AFM), pulp mass (PM), juice yield (JY), soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), ratio, and pH of genotypes H1, H3, R, V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 was performed. Univariate, multivariate, and Pearson's correlation analyses were performed. Univariate analyses revealed that the genotype H1 stood out in terms of AFM, JY, and PRO; H3 for TD, LD, JY, and pH; H1, H3, V1, and R for LD; H3 and V5 for pH; and V4 and V5 for NF. A strong positive correlation was observed among the physical variables AFM, PM, LD, and TD. Four genotypes groups were obtained for both genetic divergence and PCA. The H1 genotype presented higher productivity, and the H3 genotype presented better fruit physical attributes.

Morpho-physiological and biochemical characterization of Kinnow (Citrus reticulata) in response to canker pathogens (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri)

Fruits play an important role in human life on our planet, since they supply a variety of essential services. One of the paramount crops in Pakistan is Citrus reticulata (Kinnow), which plays a vital role in the country's economy. The citrus crops are confronted with various challenges such as fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses, all of which have adverse effects on the quality and yield of the fruits. Citrus canker, in particular, stands as the most fatal disease, affecting numerous citrus species worldwide, inflicting devastating consequences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of citrus canker on the morphology, physiology of leaves, and the quality of citrus fruits. The research was conducted in four major citrus-producing tehsils of the Sargodha district. The study found significant differences in morphological and physiological traits between healthy fruits and those infected with citrus canker. Healthy fruits exhibited higher values in fruit weight (FW) of 149.02 g, peel thickness (PT) of 3.76 g, rag weight (RW) of 35.95 g, leaf area (LA) of 22.49 cm2, and juice weight compared to the citrus canker-infected fruits. The significant variations in fruit weight, juice weight, chlorophyll content, vitamin C content were present between healthy and diseased fruits and leaves. A biochemical study revealed that healthy fruits had greater levels of total soluble solids (TSS), TSS-acid ratio, vitamin C, and reducing power (RP), but citrus canker-infected fruits had a higher acidity percentage. The significant decreases in important morphological and physicochemical characteristics, emphasizing the necessity for immediate disease control techniques to safeguard the citrus sector and maintain food security.

Physiological and biochemical characterisation of split and healthy Daisy mandarin (Citrus reticulata Burm.) fruits

ABSTRACT Fruit splitting is a prevalent physiological disorder that has a significant impact on Daisy mandarin fruit production, posing challenges to farmers in terms of productivity and economic viability. Despite its impact, no prior research on fruit splitting in Daisy mandarin has been conducted. This study aimed to assess the effect of fruit splitting on quality, morphological characteristics, biochemical composition and nutrient content in Daisy mandarin. In 2022, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on both split and healthy Daisy mandarin fruits, budded on Rough lemon rootstock, to investigate their morphological characteristics, biochemical characteristics, mineral content and cell wall components. Additionally, the study examined the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes, such as peroxidase (POD), cellulase (Cx) and polygalacturonase (PG). The Results indicated that split fruits exhibited larger fruit size and weight and increased water content in both the fruits and peel compared to healthy fruits. However, split fruits had thinner peel thickness and lower peel content. The peels of split fruits also contained higher level of total soluble sugars, amino acids, and proline content. Furthermore, the peels of split fruits displayed much higher activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes than those of healthy fruits. The nutrient analysis of the split fruits revealed a decrease in boron, calcium and potassium content in the peel compared to healthy fruits. The study provides crucial insights into the mechanisms underlying fruit splitting, identifying biochemical and physiological differences between split and healthy fruits. These findings offer valuable information for developing strategies to mitigate fruit splitting, enhancing fruit quality and reducing economic losses for citrus growers. Future research should explore the genetic and environmental factors contributing to fruit splitting and investigate potential interventions to improve nutrient management and fruit integrity in Daisy mandarin cultivation.

Variability analysis of the Phenotypic Characteristics of some Grapefruit and Pomelo under Moroccan Conditions

Citrus is an economically important fruit crop with a long history of cultivation worldwide, and many citrus varieties are grown extensively in Morocco, both for domestic consumption and export. Nevertheless, the genetic diversity of this genus in Morocco has not been reported upon. Our objective was to explore phenotypic variations in grapefruit and pomelo genotypes for targeted breeding, enhancing key traits, and identifying opportunities for genetic improvement. We emphasize practical implications and outline future research directions for developing improved citrus varieties. This present study physiochemically analyzes eight grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) and two pomelo (Citrus maxima) cultivars to assess the genetic variability of these fruits’ physicochemical characteristics. The results revealed significant variance among the genotypes for all traits. For example, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits. Moreover, a high degree of heritability was recorded for seed number, β-carotene, vitamin C, juice yield (%), total soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturity index, fruit diameter, and fruit weight, whereas limited heritability was observed for fruit length, peel thickness, and segment number per fruit. The high genetic advance scores corresponded to the high degree of heritability estimates for seed number per fruit, β-carotene, juice yield, and vitamin C, suggesting the existence of additive genetic effects. Our principal component analysis (PCA) identified four components with cumulative variance of 93.20%, while hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the collection into five clusters. In conclusion, phenotypic distinctions among grapefruit and pomelo genotypes reveal opportunities for genetic enhancement through selection or hybridization. Varied traits, including seed count, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and juice yield, across genotypes suggest potential avenues for targeted breeding and practical applications in diverse citrus varieties.

The Serial Mediating Role of Acidity Content and total Soluble Solids in Linking Peel Thickness to Vitamin C Content in Some Accessions of Citrus limon (L.) Burm

This study aimed to examine whether the association between PT and VC content is influenced by the levels of TSS and AT content. More Specifically, the experimental analytical investigation involved 24 lemon Accession (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.), with a focus on the VC content in the fruits. Serial mediation analyses were conducted using Model 6 of Hayes’ PROCESS macro (version 4.2), with controls for weight, FL, number of seeds per fruits, and percentage of juice. The mediation analysis indicated that PT had a total effect of 31.74 (95% CI, 9.04-54.45) on VC content. This effect was divided into a direct effect of 7.13(95% CI, -14.15-28.40) and an indirect effect of 24.61 (95% CI, 12.16-37.93), with an estimated proportion of 77.54% being mediated by levels of TSS and AT. Additionally, TSS and AT were identified as independent factors contributing to the increase in VC content, serving as significant mediators in the relationship between PT and VC content. In summary, our findings suggest that levels of TSS and AT play crucial roles as mediators in linking PT to VC content. These findings have practical implications for optimizing vitamin C levels in citrus fruits

Sustainable innovations in postharvest conservation of passion fruit

The study aimed to evaluate the post-harvest quality of sour passion fruit using carnauba wax, cassava starch, and avocado seed extract coatings. The experiments were conducted in randomized blocks with five replications and two fruits per experimental unit. Two coatings associated with biofungicide were used. The carnauba wax treatment consisted of Control: fruits coated with pure carnauba wax, Wax and Extract 1:1, Wax and Extract 1:3, and fruits coated with avocado seed extract solution. The cassava starch treatment consisted of Control: fruits coated with avocado seed extract solution, fruits coated with pure cassava starch, Starch and Extract 1:1, Starch and Extract 1:3, and subplots consisting of six periods: 00, 03, 06, 09, 12, 15 conservation days, for both experiments. Fresh matter mass loss, peel color, longitudinal and transversal diameter, fruit mass, peel mass, pulp mass, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, ratio, and pH were evaluated. Coatings, individually or in combination, influenced physicochemical attributes, presenting more adequate values for peel thickness and citric acid percentage acid in the juice. The results highlight the influence of storage time on fruit characteristics, emphasizing the need to assess specific approaches to optimize post-harvest conservation.

Postharvest quality and ripening behaviour of un-explored genotypes of Himalayan plain mango diversity

India is renowned for its mango diversity, with more than 1000 genotypes reported. However, the Himalayan plains bear some elite genotypes which supposed to bear high postharvest value, the systemic postharvest study of which is yet to be attempted. The aim of present study is to evaluate the postharvest quality and ripening behviour of these important genotypes. Thus, 15 un-explored mango genotypes of this region were selected and evaluated for ripening behaviour and detailed postharvest profiling via internal (total phenolic and total flavonoid content), nutritional attributes (Brix: acid ratio, total carotenoid concentration, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant activity), sensory evaluation, fruit softening enzymes (polygalactouronase, pectin methylesterase and lipoxygenase), shelf life attributes (respiration rate, physiological loss in weight and storage life in days) external attributes (fruit weight, fruit firmness, peel thickness, fruit shape and dry seed weight) and mineral contents (Calcium, potassium and phosphorous) under ambient storage (25 ± 4 °C and 65 ± 5 % RH). The results revealed that the highest total flavonoid content (682.40 μg g−1), ascorbic acid (46.88 mg 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity (4.84 μmol TE g−1) exhibited by ‘Sukul’. The total phenolic content was recorded as the highest in ‘Safed Malda’ (510.42 μg GAE g-1 FW), and total carotenoid concentration was recorded as the highest in ‘Sipiya’ (7.30 mg 100 g-1) ‘Zardalu’ (7.04 mg 100 g-1) and ‘Mithua’ (6.98 mg 100 g-1). Interestingly, genotypes such as ‘Sukul’, Sipiya’ and ‘Krishna Bhog ‘exhibited a 4–5 days higher storage life than other selected genotypes. Screened genotypes exhibited a high diversity of nutritional and biochemical contents. The results of this study bear practical utility for research (quality improvement programme) and the processing industry.

Packaging Materials and Their Effect on Shelf Life and Quality of Banana in Kailali District of Nepal

The research was held in Kailali District of Nepal to assess the effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and quality of banana fruit. The experimental set up was done in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments of different packaging, each replicated four times. There were five different treatments used for the study and they were allotted as follows: T1: No packaging/open (control) T2: Banana leaf, T3: Straw, T4: Polythene bag, T5: Cardboard box. A digital hygrometer for measuring relative humidity and thermometer for measuring temperature were used. RH was recorded every 3rd day. Similarly, temperature was also recorded during those days. R-Studio 4.2.2 version was used for data analysis. TSS was found highest in polythene bag followed by cardboard box and lowest was control followed by straw. TSS (16.020 Brix) was found in polythene bag at 13th day and lowest TSS (5.250 Brix) in at 1st day. At 16th day, maximum TSS was found in polythene bag (15.320 Brix) and minimum in control (12.720 Brix). Titrable Acidity (TA) tends to increase at initial stage but later decreases with increase in storage time. The highest TA (0.32%) was found in polythene bag and lowest (0.24%) was found in control at day 16th. Physiological Loss in Weigh t(PLW) tends to increases with increase in storage time. The highest PLW (27.68 gm) was found in Control and lowest loss (21.61 gm) was found in polythene bag at day 16th. The firmness was decreased with the advancement in storage time in all treatments. The highest firmness (9.385kgcm-2) was found in polythene bag at 1st day and lowest (9.12 kgcm-2) was found in control at 1st day. At the end of the day i.e., at day 16th, maximum firmness was observed in Polythene bag (3.34 kgcm-2), and minimum was observed in control (2.07 kgcm-2) and pulp thickness tends to increase with increase in storage time. At day 16th, the highest pulp thickness (3.34 cm) was found on banana leaf and lowest (2.07 cm) on straw. Based on these findings, it is evident that packaging bananas in polythene bags resulted in significant improvements in weight loss, TA, firmness, TSS, pulp thickness, and peel thickness. This suggests that using polythene bags as packaging material provides better quality and extends the shelf life of bananas compared to the other materials tested in the study.

Comparative Evaluation of Secondary Metabolite Chemodiversity of Citrus Genebank Collection in Greece: Can the Peel be More than Waste?

Citrus fruits are among the most economically important crops in the world. In the global market, the Citrus peel is often considered a byproduct but substitutes an important phenotypic characteristic of the fruit and a valuable source of essential oils, flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids with variable concentrations. The Mediterranean basin is a particularly dense area of autochthonous genotypes of Citrus that are known for being a source of healthy foods, which can be repertoires of valuable genes for molecular breeding with the focus on plant resistance and quality improvement. The scope of this study was to characterize and compare the main phenotypic parameters (i.e., peel thickness, fruit volume, and area) and levels of bioactive compounds in the peel of fruits from the local germplasm of Citrus in Greece, to assess their chemodiversity regarding their polyphenolic, volatile, and carotenoid profiles. A targeted liquid chromatographic approach revealed hesperidin, tangeretin, narirutin, eriocitrin, and quercetin glycosides as the major polyphenolic compounds identified in orange, lemon, and mandarin peels. The content of tangeretin and narirutin followed the tendency mandarin > orange > lemon. Eriocitrin was a predominant metabolite of lemon peel, following its identification in lower amounts in mandarin and at least in the orange peel. For these citrus-specific metabolites, high intra- but also interspecies chemodiversity was monitored. Significant diversity was found in the essential oil content, which varied between 1.2 and 3% in orange, 0.2 and 1.4% in mandarin, and 0.9 and 1.9% in lemon peel. Limonene was the predominant compound in all Citrus species peel essential oils, ranging between 88 and 93% among the orange, 64 and 93% in mandarin, and 55 and 63% in lemon cultivars. Carotenoid analysis revealed different compositions among the Citrus species and accessions studied, with β-cryptoxanthin being the most predominant metabolite. This large-scale metabolic investigation will enhance the knowledge of Citrus peel secondary metabolite chemodiversity supported by the ample availability of Citrus genetic resources to further expand their exploitation in future breeding programs and potential applications in the global functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Development and Optimization of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) Peeling Machine

The conventional cassava peeling methods are inefficient, time-consuming, and labor-intensive This study aimed to create an enhanced cassava peeling machine with minimal flesh loss. The machine design includes components like a hopper, shafts, bearings, an electric motor, and a v belt connected to a pulley that drives the brush-equipped shaft. This locally sourced and fabricated machine, designed for 50kg of cassava tubers, was tested at operational speeds of 380, 420, and 460 rpm and retention times of 4, 6, and 8 minutes, optimizing the effects of machine speeds and peeling times on peeling efficiency using I-optimal Response Surface Experimental Design with a mean separation at P<0.05. Results pertaining to tuber properties, such as angle of repose, peel thickness, moisture content, peel penetration force, bulk density, and coefficient of friction, were utilized in the machine's design. The machine achieved maximum peeling efficiency of 74% at a speed of 380m/s when operated for 6 minutes. At this optimal efficiency, the machine reached an optimal throughput capacity of 171.4kg/h, with a 21% flesh loss, a peeling weight proportion of 25.8%, and minimal tuber damage (3.3%). The desirability, which signifies the extent to which these optimal values align with the optimization goal, was 0.83 (83%). In essence, this machine significantly advances cassava peeling mechanization.

Analytical study to measure the variability in quality factors attenuating the export of Kinnow/Mandarin fruit

The Kinnow (a King–Willow leaf mandarin hybrid) fruit is highly cultivated and produced in Pakistan. The Kinnow fruits collected from different orchard categories in three Tehsils, i.e., Sargodha, Kot Momin and Bhalwal of Sargodha District, from three plant elevations (top, center and bottom), were analyzed for physical (weight, size, uniformity in color, shape, citrus canker, rind blemishes, firmness, peel thickness, peel percentage and seed rate), chemical (total soluble solids, ascorbic acid contents and juice recovery) and sensory characteristics, as well as phytochemical evaluations. The weight of Kinnow fruit collected from the top of the plant in the orchard of Bhalwal ranged from 148.22 to 160.31 gs, whereas in Kot Momin it ranged from 149.62 to 170.96 gs. The highest percentage of fruits having orange color was present in Kot Momin (55–71 %), followed by Bhalwal (54–63 %) and Sargodha (51–54 %) areas. The fruits collected from Kot Momin showed the highest total soluble solids, i.e. 13.64–14.21 °Brix. Kinnow fruits collected from the orchards of Kot Momin Tehsil at the top level presented the highest ascorbic acid contents (38.43–48.25 mg/100 mL), followed by Bhalwal (29.73–40.38 mg/100 mL) and the least were found in Sargodha (21.63–28.58 mg/100 mL). In addition, the radical scavenging activity of fruit juices collected from the orchards of Kot Momin and Bhalwal was high. The results of all the attributes of each evaluation confirmed the wide range of differences between orchard location areas as well as fruit location on the plant. Such kind of conditions may lead to the attenuation of the exportable quality of Kinnow fruits. Due to these conditions, most of the fruits collected from the orchards of Sargodha were not considered as of export quality compared to fruits collected from Kot Momin and Bhalwal.

The Effects of a New Citrus Rootstock Citrus junos cv. Shuzhen No. 1 on Performances of Ten Hybrid Citrus Cultivars

The importance of rootstock in citrus production lies in its crucial role in determining tree growth, environmental stress tolerance, and fruit quality. Citrus junos Siebold ex Tanaka cv. Shuzhen No. 1, a recently developed rootstock, demonstrates excellent graft compatibility and abiotic stress tolerance. The objective of this study was to assess ten hybrid citrus cultivars grafted onto two C. junos rootstock selections, with the aim of determining the potential for industrial utilization of the new citrus rootstock. All graft junctions are mature and well established. Vigorous growth characterized all ten citrus cultivars on Shuzhen No. 1, with the largest tree’s height reaching 280.33 cm (Wogan scion) and the widest scion’s diameter being 67.52 cm (Chunjian scion). However, the scion-to-rootstock diameter ratio was the lowest at 0.62 (Chunxiang scion). C. junos rootstock selections significantly affected fruit weight (five of ten scions) and fruit color (seven of ten scions) but had negligible impact on peel thickness (nine of ten scions). Furthermore, rootstock type had a significant influence on fruit quality. In conclusion, our findings indicate strong graft compatibility between all scions and C. junos rootstocks, which can impact overall size and fruit quality. Based on these results, Shuzhen No. 1 is recommended as a valuable citrus rootstock.

Ploidy and fruit trait variation in oil-tea Camellia: Implications for ploidy breeding

Plant polyploidy often occurs in conjunction with higher yield and superior quality. Therefore, obtaining polyploid germplasms is a significant part of breeding. The oil-tea Camellia tree is an important native woody plant that produces high-quality edible oil and includes many species of Camellia with different ploidies. However, whether higher ploidy levels in oil-tea Camellia trees are related to better traits remains unclear. In this study, the ploidy levels of 30 different oil-tea Camellia strains in three different species in the Sect. Paracamellia were determined by flow cytometry and chromosome preparation, and the phenotypic characteristics and fatty acid compositions of the fruits were examined by field observations and laboratory analyses. The correlations between the ploidy level of oil-tea Camellia and the main traits of the fruit were investigated. Our results showed that 10 Camellia lanceoleosa strains were diploid, 10 Camellia meiocarpa strains were tetraploid and 10 Camellia oleifera strains were hexaploid. Hexaploid C. oleifera had larger fruit size and weight, more seeds per fruit, greater seed weight per fruit, higher oil content and greater yield per crown width than tetraploid C. meiocarpa and diploid C. lanceoleosa, but their fruit peel thickness and fresh seed rate were significantly lower, and these traits were significantly correlated with ploidy level. In addition, in terms of fatty acid composition, hexaploid C. oleifera had a higher oleic acid content than tetraploid C. meiocarpa and diploid C. lanceoleosa, but their linoleic acid, linolenic acid and arachidonic acid contents were lower. The contents of palmitic acid, stearic acid and total unsaturated fatty acids were not significantly correlated with ploidy level. In conclusion, certain correlations exist between the main characteristics of oil-tea Camellia fruit and the ploidy level, and increasing the ploidy level led to an increase in fruit yield with no effect on oil composition. The discovery of variations in the main characteristics of oil-tea Camellia fruit with different ploidies will facilitate germplasm innovation and lay a foundation for ploidy breeding and mechanistic research on fruit traits.

Morpho-biochemical characterization of a unique avocado (Persia americana Mill.) accession PA-026 (IC0644455)

A unique avocado accession PA-026 (IC0644455) bearing yellow colour fruits was identified and evaluated for morphological and biochemical parameters. The accessions PA-026 characterise as yellow coloured pulp, young shoots and leaf midribs, fruit weight (398.3 g), pulp weight (255.38 g), seed weight (92.35 g) and peel thickness (1.43 mm). The biochemical profiling showed that, it has high carotenoid content (7.17 mg/100 g), total phenols (102.24 mg GAE/100 g), FRAP activity (87.32 AEAC/100 g) and high β-carotene (3.85 μg/g) followed by α-carotene (1.03 μg/g), while, fatty acid profile showed presence of five fatty acids, among which oleic acid (52.11%) and palmitic acid (41.56%) were most dominant. In conclusion, avocado accession PA-026 was found unique with respect to yellow fruit, pulp colour, and high carotenoid content especially β-carotene, which could be used to improve the carotenoids content in avocado through breeding.

Fruit Quality Assessment of Novel Hybrid Pummelo × Sweet Orange and Its Molecular Characterization Using Acidity Specific Markers.

There is considerable diversity in newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids. Most hybrids showed lower peel thickness and high juice yield but there is a lack of information on fruit quality parameters and molecular characterization. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the content of antioxidants and properties of the fresh juice of 24 new pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and the parental genotypes along with molecular characteristics determined using acidity specific markers. The correlation and estimate of inheritance of the fruit juice properties: ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant, total soluble solid and sugar contents, pH, titratable acidity, along with sensory evaluation was performed. Molecular characterization of these hybrids was carried out using de novo generated acidity specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The main constituents of the fruit juice of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids were observed in the range of w(ascorbic acid)=40.00-58.13 mg/100 g, total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents w(GAE)=40.67-107.33 mg/100 g, total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalents b(Trolox)=2.03-5.49 µmol/g, total flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalents w(QE)=23.67-59.33 mg/100 g, along with other properties: total soluble solids=7.33-11.33 %, w(total sugar)=2.10-5.76 %, w(reducing sugar)=1.69-2.78 %, w(non-reducing sugar)=0.39-3.17 % and titratable acidity 1.00-2.11 %. The above parameters differed significantly in the fruit juice of the evaluated pummelo × sweet orange hybrids. Considering these parameters, the hybrids SCSH 17-9, SCSH 13-13, SCSH 11-15 and SCSH 3-15 had superior antioxidant properties in terms of these parameters. A higher heritability (≥80 %) was also observed for all juice properties. Molecular characterization of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids showed that >50 % of the hybrids were grouped with medium acidity parents. Both molecular and biochemical parameter-based clustering showed that interspecific hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation with increased antioxidants that help alleviate the health problems. These newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids are a valuable source of high-quality antioxidants for a healthy diet. The identification of trait markers that enable selection at the seedling stage is of great benefit to citrus breeders, as the characteristic features of a mature tree are not yet visible at the juvenile stage.

Analysis of the peel structure of different Citrus spp. via light microscopy, SEM and μCT with manual and automatic segmentation.

The peels of lime, lemon, pomelo and citron are investigated at macroscopic and microscopic level. The structural composition of the peels is compared and properties such as peel thickness, proportion of flavedo, density and proportion of intercellular spaces are determined. μCT images are used to visualize vascular bundles and oil glands. SEM images provide information about the appearance of the cellular tissue in the outer flavedo and inner albedo. The proportion of intercellular spaces is quantitatively determined by manual and software-assisted analysis (ilastik). While there are macroscopic differences in the fruits, they differ only slightly in the orientation of the vascular bundles and the arrangement of the oil glands. However, in peel thickness and flavedo thickness, the fruit peels differ significantly from each other. There are no significant differences between the two analysis methods used, although the use of ilastik is preferred due to time reduction of up to 70%. The large amount of intercellular spaces in the albedo but also the denser flavedo both have a mechanical protective function to prevent damage to the fruit. In addition, the entire peel structure is mechanically reinforced by vascular bundles. This combination of penetration protection (flavedo) and energy dissipation (albedo) makes Citrus spp. peels a promising inspiration for technical material systems.

Evaluation of Cassava Peeling Machine using Dimensional Analysis Technique

Cassava processing for various products requires an efficient peeling process. However, peeling – the first step in its processing – has been considered laborious and time-consuming; hence, the need for full mechanization. Several mechanical peeling approaches have been exploited by researchers toward achieving ideal peeling. In this study, an innovative abrasive cassava peeling machine, combining chemical and mechanical peeling methods, was used for the experiment using TMS 30572 and TME 419 cassava cultivars. The physical and technological characteristics of the motion of the roots within the peeling compartment were subjected to analysis. Model equations based on dimensional analysis were adopted to predict the functionalities between cassava and the peeler variables. The following cassava roots properties were established: distal diameter (TME 419: 15.20-26.50 mm; TME 30572: 10.20-35.10 mm), peel thickness (TME 419: 1.60-4 mm; TME 30572: 1.80-4 mm) and moisture content (TME 419: 59.20-61.18%; TME 30572: 58.40-60.40%). The machine’s peeling efficiency (μ), mechanical damage (λ), peel retention (P) and throughput capacity (η) were 62.02-86.45%, 1.26-2.90%, 8.26-11.63%, 900-1,210.5 kg/h, respectively, for both cultivars. A linear relationship was found between the machine speed, velocity of conveyance and peeling time. The study revealed that the machine resulted in the careful removal of the cassava peels achieving good peeling efficiency at a speed of 1,600 rpm < Nt < 2,600 rpm depending on the variety. It is recommended for peeling operations in cassava processing factories.

Fruit maturity evolution of Clementine Mandarin variety (strain 88) grafted on different citrus rootstocks

Abstract. The research was carried out at Ciano Research Station of Lattakia Research Center - General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research in Damascus in 2019. The fruit maturity evolution of Clementine Mandarin variety (Strain 88) budded on seven citrus rootstocks (Sour Orange, Citrumelo 4475, Citrumelo 1452, Troyer Citrange, Carrizo Citrange, Macrophylla and Cleopatra Mandarin) and planted in 1989 was studied for a period of 84 days, starting from 16th September 2019 to the start of reaping the fruits on 9th December 2019. There were insignificant differences in the average weight increase of the fruit among the studied treatments. Fruit peel thickness significantly increased by (50.15%) in the trees grafted on Macrophylla compared to those grafted on Cleopatra Mandarin, Troyer Citrange and Citrumelo 1452 whose fruit peel thickness increased by (19.21, 9.58 and 2.61%, respectively). The highest increase in total soluble solids (%) was in the trees grafted on Troyer Citrange by (38.10%), while total acids (%) significantly decreased by (18.33%) in the trees grafted on Citrumelo 1452.