Pepino Research Articles

Postharvest quality of pepino melon (Solanum muricatum Aiton) as influenced by NPK fertilizer rates, growing environment and storage temperature

The present study evaluated the effect of NPK fertilizer (17:17:17) rates (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg ha-1) on the postharvest quality of field and greenhouse grown pepino melons (Solanum muricatum Ait.) stored at room temperature (15-22°C) and at low temperature (7°C). The study was carried out in randomized complete block design with fruits from the field and greenhouse, five NPK fertilizer rates as treatments and the two storage temperatures replicated three times. Data were collected on percentage fruit weight loss (PWL), total soluble solids (TSS), firmness and shelf life. Results indicated that greenhouse and field grown fruits from the control and plants supplied with 100 kg NPK ha-1 had low PWL at both storage temperatures. Field grown fruits from the control stored at room temperature had the highest TSS and were firmer after 28 days of storage. Field grown fruits not supplied with fertilizer and stored at low temperature had a shelf life of 27 and 26 days in trial one and two respectively. Application of 100 kg NPK ha-1 and storage of pepino melon fruits at low temperature can be used to enhance quality and shelf life.

Morphological differences in vegetative and fruit characteristics among eight pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) cultivars in Japan

Morphological differences in vegetative and fruit characteristics among eight pepino (<i>Solanum muricatum</i> Ait.) cultivars in Japan

Extraction Processes with Several Solvents on Total Bioactive Compounds in Different Organs of Three Medicinal Plants.

The extraction of secondary metabolites by water, MeOH:water (8:2) containing NaF, methanol, ethanol and acetone (all of them diluted (7:3) in water)from the different parts (leaves, flowers, stems and roots) of Passiflora caerulea L., Physalis peruviana L. and Solanum muricatum Aiton via decoction and maceration methods was studied. The highest extraction yields were recorded by methanol for decoction and acetone for maceration. The total polyphenol content (TPC) obtained by decoction had the highest TPC contents, and MeOH containing NaF was the best solvent for the extraction of TPC. Maceration was suitable for flavonoid extractions, with ethanol and acetone being the best solvents. In general, the highest levels of TPC and flavonoids were obtained from Passiflora leaves regardless of the solvent or extraction method applied. Furthermore, the roots of Physalis and Solanum showed important levels of these compounds in consonance with the total antioxidant activity (TAA) evaluated in the different organs of the plant in the three species. In this study, the solvents and extraction methods applied were tools that determined significantly the level of extraction of bioactive compounds, showing a different impact on plant organs for each medicinal species studied.

Aqueous extract from Pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) leaves ameliorated insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia in mice with metabolic syndrome.

Solanum muricatum Ait. (Pepino) is a plant food commonly cultivated in the Penghu Island, Taiwan. This present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of aqueous extract of Pepino leaves (AEPL) in mice with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome animal model was induced by continuous high-fat diet feeding and low-dose streptozotocin (40mg/ml) for 5days. A 1% AEPL or metformin were given for 6weeks after streptozotocin injection. The results revealed that 1% AEPL effectively reduced fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia in metabolic syndrome mice. Histologic examination revealed lipid accumulation in liver decreased by 1% AEPL treatment. Further, western blot analysis revealed 1% AEPL treatment managed enzymes related to lipid synthesis and oxidation pathways and hepatic glucose production. Besides, 1% AEPL treatment increased liver antioxidant activities to against oxidative stress. These results concluded that AEPL treatment attenuated insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia of metabolic syndrome. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a multifactorial chronic disease which is characterized by dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia. However, there is no single drug or defined medication for MS so far. The present study revealed that AEPL treatment was able to regulate lipid metabolism and glycemic control at the molecular level to alleviate MS. AEPL has the potential to be a novo complementary medication for metabolic syndrome.

Pantoea agglomerans causing blight disease on pepino melon (Solanum muricatum) in China

In January 2018, necrotic symptoms were observed on the leaves of pepino melon (Solanum muricatum) in Huizhou city, Guangdong province, China. A bacterium was isolated from the necrotic tissues of the diseased pepino melon plants. The bacterium caused the same symptoms in pepino melon leaves by artificial inoculation. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of eighteen yellow bacterial isolates were the same as those of Pantoea agglomerans strain ATCC27155. In addition, eighteen isolates formed a monophyletic clade with four P. agglomerans strains according to the phylogenetic analysis results of 16 S rRNA, gyrB, pyrG, fusA, leuS and rplB genes. The causal bacterium was identified as P. agglomerans based on the result of the biochemical characteristics, pathogenicity test and multilocus sequence analysis. This is the first record of leaf blight caused by P. agglomerans on pepino melon.

Characterization of distinct strains of an aphid-transmitted ilarvirus (Fam. Bromoviridae) infecting different hosts from South America

Potato yellowing virus (PYV, original code SB-22), an unassigned member of the Genus Ilarvirus Family Bromoviridae, has been reported infecting potatoes in Peru, Ecuador and Chile. It is associated with symptomless infections, however yellowing of young leaves has been observed in some potato cultivars. Thirteen potato and yacon isolates were selected after routine screening of CIP-germplasm and twenty-four were identified from 994 potato plants collected in Peru whereas one was intercepted from yacon in the UK. These isolates were identified using high throughput sequencing, ELISA, host range and RT-PCR. Here we report the sequence characterization of the complete genomes of nine PYV isolates found infecting Solanum tuberosum, four complete genome isolates infecting Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon), and in addition 15 complete RNA3 sequences from potato and partial sequences of RNA1, 2 and 3 of isolates infecting potato and yacon from Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. Results of phylogenetic and recombination analysis showed RNA3 to be the most variable among the virus isolates and suggest potato infecting isolates have resulted through acquisition of a movement protein variant through recombination with an unknown but related ilarvirus, whereas one yacon isolate from Bolivia also had resulted from a recombination event with another related viruses in the same region. Yacon isolates could be distinguished from potato isolates by their inability to infect Physalis floridana, and potato isolates from Ecuador and Peru could be distinguished by their symptomatology in this host as well as phylogenetically. The non-recombinant yacon isolates were closely related to a recently described isolate from Solanum muricatum (pepino dulce), and all isolates were related to Fragaria chiloensis latent virus (FCiLV) reported in strawberry from Chile, and probably should be considered the same species. Although PYV is not serologically related to Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), they are both transmitted by aphids and share several other characteristics that support the previous suggestion to reclassify AMV as a member in the genus Ilarvirus.

Pengembangan Ekstrak Etanol Buah Pepino (Solanum Muricatum Aiton) dalam Bentuk Granul Effervescent dengan Variasi Bahan Pengikat

The aim of the investigation is to obtain a good preparations of effervescent granules of ethanol extract of pepino fruit (Solanum muricatum Aiton) based on parameter of flowability and repose angle, density, moisture content, loss on drying and dispersibility. Maceration method and ethanol 96% as the solvent is use to obtain the extract of pepino fruit (Solanum muricatum Aiton). There are three formula design of effervescent granules formula 1,2 and 3 each of which in variation of binder PVP K30 2%, 4% and 6% (w/w). The granules is obtain by wet granulation method in which ethanol extract of pepino fruit as the active ingredient. Results of evaluation showed that angle of repose range from 33.425-34.352o while flowability range from 5.84-6.66 g/second. Bulk density range from 0.519-0.570 g/ml, tap density 0.552-0.53 g/ml, true density 0.2005-1.22 g/ml. Uji porositas berkisar 6.36-44.609 % while the dispersibility range from 1.407-1.477 gram/second. Based on the results can be concluded that all granules possess good properties pharmaceutically.

Quality changes during refrigerated storage of pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) fruit

Quality changes during refrigerated storage of pepino (<i>Solanum muricatum</i> Ait.) fruit

Experimental and CFD survey of indirect solar dryer modified with low-cost iron mesh

In the present work, double-pass indirect solar dryer (DPISD) and double-pass indirect solar dryer with mesh absorber modification (DPISDMA) have been designed, analyzed, manufactured and tested. The main aim of this study is improving the thermal efficiency of double-pass solar air collector by integrating iron meshes. Pepino fruit (Solanum muricatum L.) samples in two thicknesses have been used in the experimental study. Also, CFD analysis of both solar air collectors and drying chamber and quality metrics such as phenolic, total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity have been conducted. Numerical simulation and experimental results showed that using mesh modification has positive influence on the performance of the collector. The highest value of the average efficiency of the dryer was obtained in DPISDMA for the thin sample thickness as 23.08%. According to quality analyses, the experiments which done in DPISDMA gave the best results with highest values of TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity values (p < 0.05). Drying data of the pepino fruit for different experiments were modelled according to 8 different most used mathematical models. Accordingly, the best fitted kinetics model was determined as Logarithmic model for all experiments which gave the most accurate statistical values.

Quality aspects of pepino dulce fruits in distinct ripening stages, packaging forms and storage conditions

Abstract Pepino dulce (Solanum muricatum Aiton) or Pepino has been growing to produce edible, juicy and attractive fruits. The imported fruits and national small scale of Pepino dulce production are currently stored and commercialized under the absence of postharvest handling recommendations. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the quality aspects of Pepino dulce fruits in distinct ripening stages, forms of packaging and conditions of storage. The trial was conducted in a 2x2x2 factorial scheme - 2 ripening stages (ripe and immature) x 2 forms of packaging (with and without wrapping in plastic film) x 2 conditions of storage (room: 25 °C ± 2 ºC and 57% ± 5% of relative humidity (RH); cold: under refrigeration 10 °C ± 2 °C and 85% ± 5% of RH) – in a complete randomized block design. Fruit quality attributes, such as vitamin C, chemical and phenolic content, fruit color (mesocarp), firmness, dry matter content, total titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solids and pH, were evaluated. Fruits showed a centesimal composition with low calories and a significant content of potassium (K), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg), which can contribute to the daily supply of these elements. For commercialization purposes, the association of packaging (plastic wrapping film) and refrigerated storage (cold: 10 °C ± 2 °C and 85% ± 5% of RH) to maintain the characteristics of fruit quality after a 15 days period is more important than its individual use.

Potential of Colorado Potato Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) to Adapt to Alternative Host Plants.

Twelve selected cultivated or wild solanaceae (Solanum dulcamara, Solanum nigrum, Solanum villosum, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum muricatum, Solanum melongena, Datura innoxia, Datura metel, Physalis spp., Capsicum annuum, Nicotiana alata, and Petunia spp.) (all species Solanales: Solanaceae) were tested as potential alternative host plants against Solanum tuberosum for a local population of the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say (CPB) in Estonia. Some CPB populations in America and southern Europe accept most of these plants. However, geographically isolated populations of beetles can differ in their acceptance of new host plants. Migrants from the southern Europe supplement Estonian beetle population regularly, so individuals may differ in their host plant preferences. S. melongena and S. dulcamara were well accepted by the beetles, Lycopersicum spp. (Solanales: Solanaceae) and N. alata were intermediate, and S. villosum and S. nigrum were least accepted. The beetles rejected S. muricatum, Physalis spp., C. annuum, Petunia spp., and D. metel. First-instar larvae completed a full life cycle only on S. dulcamara, N. alata, S. lycopesicum, S. melongena, although their development rate was slower, mortality was higher and emerging adults were underweight relative to those that fed on S. tuberosum. The fourth-instar larvae were less sensitive in relation to food. We found that S. dulcamara as a native plant could provide resources for CPB during early and late season. At the same time, the cultivated S. melongena would be suitable plant species for further testing as dead-end crop for integrated pest management.

Physicochemical Characterization and Immunomodulatory Activity of a Novel Acid Polysaccharide from Solanum muricatum.

To investigate the structure and immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharide from Solanum muricatum, a novel acid polysaccharide named SMP-3a was purified from Solanum muricatum pulp through DEAE-52 cellulose column and Sephadex G-200 chromatography. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that SMP-3a was mainly composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and galacturonic acid with the molar ratio of 1.09:2.64:1.54:1. The average molecular weight was found to be 227 kDa by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC). Thermal studies revealed the SMP-3a was a thermally stable polymer. Based on the results of methylation and NMR analysis, the backbone chain of SMP-3a was composed of →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→, →4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→ and →4)-α-d-Galp-(1→. The side chain was consisted of α-l-Araf-(1→ and →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→. Immunomodulatory assay indicated that SMP-3a could significantly promote the proliferation of macrophages and stimulate the secretion of cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Our results suggested that SMP-3a could be used as a novel potential immunomodulatory agent in functional food.

Study of physiological and quality parameters during development and ripening of pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) fruit

Study of physiological and quality parameters during development and ripening of pepino (Solanum muricatum Aiton) fruit

Effect of microwave and oven drying processes on antioxidant activity, total phenol and phenolic compounds of kiwi and pepino fruits.

Kiwi and pepino fruits are most valuable fruits as they contains substantial amounts of nutrients and bioactive compounds. These fruits exhibited several health potentials such as antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiobesity, antihyperlipidemia, and anticancer properties. However, studies on the effect of microwave and conventional drying methods on the antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of kiwi and pepino fruits are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the effect of microwave and oven drying methods on antioxidant activity, total phenolic, and phenolic compounds of kiwi and pepino fruits. Drying of the fruit samples was carried out using conventional (70°C for 20h) and microwave (720W for 3min) ovens. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging and colorimetric Folin-Ciocalteu assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents, respectively, of fresh and dried fruits. Both drying methods significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the moisture contents of both fruits compared to untreated controls. Concomitantly, drying methods also enhanced (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of both fruits with the highest improvement being observed for microwave-dried fruits compared to untreated controls. In addition, a significant increase was observed in catechin and 1,2-dihydroxybenzene content of kiwi and pepino after drying process. However, microwave drying method reduced the amount of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid in kiwi (ranging from 34.120 to 9.350mg/100g) and pepino (varied from 33.414 to 15.445mg/100g). Generally, the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic contents were reported in microwave oven dried samples, followed by samples dried in oven and fresh fruits. The results revealed that microwave drying could be more useful in fruit drying than conventional drying. In addition, dried kiwi and pepino fruits contains substantial quantities of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity compared to fresh fruits, and thus they are considered as healthy food.

Insect and mite pests of pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.) in Japan.

To further increase the basic knowledge regarding the establishment of pest control for pepino (Solanum muricatum Ait.), we conducted surveys of pepino pests in Japan. Thirty-four insect and four mite species were recognized as pests of pepino plants in the present study. Including the results of previous studies, a total of 41 species of insects and mites have been reported as pests of pepino plants in Japan. Three species, namely onion thrips (Thrips tabaci), two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae), and cotton whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci), are likely the most important insect and mite pests of pepino plants, because they were collected from more than half of the study sites and were much more abundant on pepino plants than the other pest species.

Solanum muricatum Ameliorates the Symptoms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta In Vivo.

Pepino (Solanum muricatum), which is an evergreen plant native to South America, is well-known for its effects in antioxidation, antidiabetic activity, anti-inflammation, and antitumor activity. A previous study in our lab indicated that Solanum muricatum (SM) extract promoted osteogenic differentiation by upregulating Wnt and BMP signaling pathway in rat bone marrow stromal cells. The osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) mouse model was used in order to further discover the osteogenic properties of SM extract in the present research. We utilized microCT analysis to collect bone mass and microarchitectural parameters at vertebrae and at femur metaphysis in OI mice. Raman spectrometry was applied to identify change of bone mineral and matrix composition during SM treatment. Finally, collagen synthesis marker PINP and collagen degradation marker CTX were detected using enzyme immunoassay. SM extract could improve the bone mass and microarchitectural parameters both at vertebrae and at femur metaphysis. It also significantly increased the collagen content by promoting its biosynthesis and inhibiting its degradation. By using heterozygous Col1a1Jrt /+ mice as a model of OI, 6 weeks treatment of SM extract could significantly ameliorate the symptoms in OI mice. Thus, SM holds potential for developing new drugs of bone formation and bone remodeling.

Biological and Molecular Properties of Wild potato mosaic virus Isolates from Pepino (Solanum muricatum).

In 1976, a virus with flexuous, filamentous virions typical of the family Potyviridae was isolated from symptomatic pepino (Solanum muricatum) plants growing in two valleys in Peru's coastal desert region. In 2014, a virus with similar-shaped virions was isolated from asymptomatic fruits obtained from pepino plants growing in six coastal valleys and a valley in Peru's Andean highlands. Both were identified subsequently as Wild potato mosaic virus (WPMV) by serology or high-throughput sequencing (HTS). The symptoms caused by two old and seven new isolates from pepino were examined in indicator plants. Infected solanaceous hosts varied considerably in their sensitivities to infection and individual isolates varied greatly in virulence. All seven new isolates caused quick death of infected Nicotiana benthamiana plants and more than half of them killed infected plants of Physalis floridana and S. chancayense. These three species were the most sensitive to infection. The most virulent isolate was found to be BA because it killed five of eight solanaceous host species whereas CA was the least severe because it only killed N. benthamiana. Using HTS, complete genomic sequences of six isolates were obtained, with one isolate (FE) showing evidence of recombination. The distances between individual WPMV isolates in phylogenetic trees and the geographical distances between their collection sites were found to be unrelated. The individual WPMV isolates displayed nucleotide sequence identities of 80.9-99.8%, whereas the most closely related virus, Potato virus V (PVV), was around 75% identical to WPMV. WPMV, PVV, and Peru tomato virus formed clusters of similar phylogenetic diversity, and were found to be distinct but related viruses within the overall Potato virus Y lineage. WPMV infection seems widespread and of likely economic significance to pepino producers in Peru's coastal valleys. Because it constitutes the fifth virus found infecting pepino and this crop is entirely vegetatively propagated, development of healthy pepino stock programs is advocated.

Application of fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with PLSR for the estimation of quercetin in four medicinal plants

Abstract Quercetin, a member of a large family of polyphenolic compounds, has received remarkable attention due to its overwhelming presence in nutritional supplements. It is believed to have protective effects against several degenerative diseases by preventing lipid peroxidation. In the current study, the estimation of quercetin in methanol extracts of four medicinal plants including Amaranthus cruentus, Berberis calliobotrys, Solanum muricatum and Ribes himalense was made by our developed fluorescence spectroscopic method coupled with PLSR. The results obtained indicated that methanol extract of R. himalense exhibited higher quercetin content (3.83 ± 0.01%) followed by B. calliobotrys (1.91 ± 0.01%), A. eruentus (1.83 ± 0.02%) and S. muricatum (0.87 ± 0.05%). These results were also cross validated with UV–visible spectroscopy and found to be in close proximity to florescence emission method.

Aqueous Extract of Pepino (Solanum muriactum Ait) Leaves Ameliorate Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Chronic alcohol intake leads to alcoholic fatty liver. The pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver is related to abnormal lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, endotoxins, and cytokines. Solanum muricatum Ait. (Pepino) is a plant food commonly cultivated in the Penghu island, Taiwan. Previous studies indicated that the aqueous extract of pepino was able to attenuate diabetic progression via its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms of the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of pepino leaf in preventing alcoholic fatty liver remain unknown. In this study, Lieber–DeCarli ethanol-containing liquid diet was used to induce alcoholic hepatic injury in C57BL/6 mice. The hepatoprotective effects and the related mechanisms of aqueous extract of pepino leaf (AEPL) were examined. Our results showed that 2% AEPL treatments protected the liver from ethanol-induced injury through reducing serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) (all p < 0.05). AEPL had the effects in improving the ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in mice under histological examination. Molecular data indicated that the anti-lipid accumulation effect of AEPL might be mediated via inducing hepatic levels of phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (p-AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, and reducing the expressions of hepatic lipogenic enzymes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (all p < 0.05). AEPL also decreased hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid relative substances (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (all p < 0.05). Moreover, AEPL significantly elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) content compared to the ethanol-fed group (all p < 0.05). Our present study suggests that AEPL could protect the liver against ethanol-induced oxidative injury and lipid accumulation.

The Evaluation of the Sensory and Microbiological Properties of the Yogurt Supplemented with Achillea melifolium and Solanum muricatum

This research explored the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of novel yogurt.The study aimed to develop a new type of yogurt through addition of microcapsules with Achillea melifolium infusion and jelly from the pepino fruit. The effect of yogurt supplementation with four different levels (0%,1%,3%,5%) of microcapsules with Achillea melifolium infusion (MI) and four levels (0%,3%,7%,11%) of pepino juice jelly (PJ) on sensory properties and the viability of lactic acid bacteria in yogurts during storage (21 days) at 4°C was evaluated. The yogurt supplementation with 3% microcapsules and 7% jelly significantly improves the stability of the lactic acid bacteria, that contained the recommended levels of 108 cfu/g lactic acid bacteria at the end of 21-days shelf life. All the yogurt samples, however, contained the recommended levels of (106–107 cfu/g) lactic acid bacteria at the end of 21-day shelf life.The yogurt with 3% microcapsules and 7% jelly was the most appreciated (6.78 points), followed by the classic yogurt (5.98 points). Total phenols content was 251 mg GAE/g for A. millefolium infusion and 117 mg GAE/g for pepino juice. The radical scavenging activity of A. millefolium infusion was 78% and for pepino extract 56.30%.