Persimmon Research Articles

Improvement of Postharvest Quality and Bioactive Compounds Content of Persimmon Fruits after Hydrocolloid-Based Edible Coating Application

Persimmon fruits are often affected by large postharvest losses due to rapid ripening and the early onset of senescence. To reduce such losses in fresh fruits, the application of hydrocolloid-based edible coatings was conducted. Therefore, a plant hydrocolloid-based gum, tragacanth gum (TCG), was applied to persimmon fruits at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% TCG concentrations, and stored at 20 ± 2 °C and 80–85% relative humidity for 20 days (analysis at 0, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th day). As a result of TCG application on persimmon fruits, there were greatly suppressed respiration rates, ethylene production, weight loss, decay incidence, and H2O2 and malondialdehyde content. In addition, TCG-coated persimmon fruits had higher concentrations of bioactive compounds including phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and soluble tannin. Higher enzymatic antioxidant activities and lower softening enzyme activities were also recorded for TCG-coated persimmon fruits. Uncoated persimmon fruits quickly lost fruit quality attributes like color, firmness, taste, and aroma during storage compared to coated ones. Based on our findings, the use of TCG, especially at the concentration of 1% TCG, can be recommended to be applied as the edible coating to maintain the nutritional, biochemical, and commercial quality of persimmon fruits during ambient storage.

Parasitic Nematodes of Plant Persimmon (Diospyros Kaki, l.) Rhizosphere in District Swat, Kp Pakistan

Purpose: Different species of plant parasitic nematodes of persimmon (Diospyros kaki, L.) were identified from various localities of District Swat KPK Pakistan namely Chail, Madyan, Piya, Jare, Chikrai, Thesil, Fateh pur, Baghdheri, Naway kalay, Shin, Pirpatay, Sambat and Gurra. Methods: Soil samples were collected from the bases of persimmon trees along with rhizospheres that show stunted growth. The collected samples were then processed by using modified Bearmann funnel technique. Nematode specimens isolated in cavity block were killed by heat and treated with TAF (Triethylamine formaldehyde) solution. Findings and Practical implication: After 24 hours, the specimens were transferred to 1.25 % glycerin with trace amount of picric acid for staining of nematodes. Nine different species of nematodes were reported from these localities were Tylenchus spp, Psilenchus spp, Meloidogyne larvae, Aphelenchus spp, Tylenchus juveniles, Filenchus spp, Pratylenchus spp, Helicotylenchus pseudorobustus and Helicotylenchus dihystera. Helicotylenchus species were more common in the collected samples. Conclusion: It is concluded from analysis of soil samples that plant parasitic nematodes associated with persimmon cause economic loss in district swat. Persimmon plants show stunted and retarded growth in soil which has high nematode population density. Keywords: Nematodes, Persimmon, Swat, Diospyros kaki, Triethylamine formaldehyde.

Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Accumulation Mechanism of Carotenoids and the Causes of Color Differences in Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Fruits

To explore the mechanisms of the color formation of different colored persimmon fruits, we used two different colored persimmon cultivars (yellow-peeled persimmon fruit ‘Zhongshi No.6’ and red-peeled persimmon fruit ‘Hongdenglong’) as materials to study the synthesis and accumulation of carotenoids in three stages (full green, color transition, and full yellow or red) using targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic methods. A total of 14 carotenoids and 30 carotenoid lipids were identified in the peel of the two persimmon cultivars. After analysis, it was found that the total carotenoid content of the red persimmon cultivar was higher than that of the yellow persimmon cultivar. The contents of lycopene, α-carotenoid, β-carotenoid, (E/Z)-phytoene, and β-cryptoxanthin are the main reasons for the difference in total carotenoid content between the two persimmon cultivars, especially lycopene. Twelve structural genes involved in the metabolism of carotenoids were also found in this study. In comprehensive metabolome and transcriptome analysis, we found that, between the two persimmon cultivars, lycopene was the key metabolite responsible for the color difference, and PSY, LCYE, and ZDS were the key genes that regulated the differences in lycopene accumulation. The results of this study provide us with new information regarding persimmon fruit synthesis and accumulation. In addition, they also provide a theoretical foundation for improving persimmon fruit germplasm.

Determination of bruise preventing capacity of the cushioning material in persimmon fruit under pendulum impact test

AbstractFruits, essential in human nutrition, go through many stages until they reach the consumption stage. Brıise may occur on the fruit during loading, unloading, and processing. One of the options applied to prevent bruises to fruits throughout the supply chain is to package cushioning materials. This study investigated the number of bruises caused by applying impact energies to the covered and uncoated (bare) persimmon fruits with foam net material. Impact energy applications were carried out with the developed pendulum impact test setup. Dynamic loadings at different impact energy levels, low (0.03 J), medium (0.06 J), and high energy (0.11 J) were applied to three other regions of persimmon fruits (blossom side, lateral diameter, and stem side). Statistical analysis showed that the effect of impact energy on bruise volume was significant (p ˂ 0.01). The study found a linear relationship between bruising volume on persimmons and impact energy. According to the experiment results, it was determined that the bruise volume values of persimmons with foam net used as cushioning material were significantly less than the bare persimmons. As a result of the applied impact energies, it was determined that the average bruise volume of the persimmons was 225.74 mm3 in the bare ones and 21.29 mm3 in the ones covered with foam net. It was also revealed that the blossom side of the persimmon was the most sensitive to impact energy, and the lateral diameter side was the most durable.Practical ApplicationsMechanical bruises to fruits and vegetables during post‐harvest processing can be significant. Bruise‐sensitive fruits such as persimmon increase the size of bruises due to falling from height during filling and unloading. Understanding where and how large the bruising effects caused by impact energies are can help reduce fruit bruises. Packaging practices, which are ways to prevent fruit bruising, play an important role in prolonging the shelf life of the fruit and reducing the risk of physical bruising. In the study, the effect of the cushioning material on the prevention of the size of bruises caused by the impact energy effect on the persimmon fruit was investigated. It is aimed to compare the bruise amount of foam‐coated and non‐foam‐coated persimmon fruits by considering the fruit regions in the applications performed with the pendulum test setup.

Multi-criteria sustainability performance assessment of horticultural crops using DEA and ELECTRE IV methods

AbstractThis paper presents a novel approach to multi-criteria sustainability performance assessment of horticultural crops. The crops are ranked by the decision-making method ELECTRE IV with environmental, energy and technological criteria. In total eight indicators are taken into consideration and calculated based on primary data collected from over 260 farms in northern Iran. Additionally, Data Envelopment Analysis is used to calculate the technical efficiency and potential for energy saving by different management of the production units. The novel contribution of this study is the comparison of several horticultural products (oranges, kiwis, persimmons and tangerines), when most of the previous studies have focused on one product. Moreover, novel calculations of the carbon footprint are presented for oranges, tangerines and persimmons. This paper also includes the first study on the environmental impact of persimmon fruit's production. The obtained results show that energy efficiency for orange, tangerine, kiwi and persimmon products: 1.1, 0.84, 0.53 and 1.22, respectively. In each hectare of kiwi orchards, the amount of CO2 emissions of 1219 kg and the ecological footprint of 3.21 hectares have been calculated, which is statistically significant compared to orange, tangerine and persimmon. The chemical and fuel inputs have the greatest potential for reducing energy consumption in the studied products. Results of ELECTRE IV showed that kiwi is the most sustainable selection for the studied region followed by orange, persimmon and tangerine, respectively. Kiwi has also relatively low technical efficiency. This means that this product has the greatest potential for a reduction of energy consumption, while maintaining the same amount of crop. It is recommended to include the development of kiwi orchards in the policies of Guilan, but with more careful management of the production inputs.

Leaf spot on persimmon caused by Neopestalotiopsis ellipsospora in China

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is an important fruit tree and has been cultivated widely for more than 2,000 years (Wang et al., 2018). China is the largest producer of persimmon fruit in the world. During 2019, small brown and black dots were observed on persimmon leaves in an orchard in Yangshuo, Guangxi, China (24°45′ N, 110°24′ E). The infection began as small brown/black dots that expanded and darkened as the disease progressed (Figure 1). Infected leaves were cut into 5 × 5 mm pieces, sterilised with 75% (v/v) alcohol for 10 seconds, 2% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for one minute, then rinsed three times in sterile distilled water and incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25°C under 12/12 hours light/dark for three to five days until hyphae emerged from the diseased tissue. Five isolates with similar morphology were collected and sub-cultured on fresh PDA plates. After seven days, colonies had spread radially with dense cream to brownish green-aerial hyphae (Figure 2). After two to three weeks, black fruiting bodies were present. Conidia were fusiform to clavate, with five cells and two or three setae, 17.60 to 27.35 × 5.03 to 8.11 μm (mean 21.95 × 6.36 µm, n = 100) in size, the apical and basal cells and setae were colourless, and three median cells were brown, the middle cell being the darkest brown (Figure 3). Morphological characteristics of the colonies and conidia matched the genus description of Neopestalotiopsis spp. (Maharachchikumbura et al., 2014). Isolate YSY6-1 was selected as a representative for molecular identification. Primer pairs ITS4/ITS5, BT2a/BT2b and EF1-526F/EF-1567R were used to amplify the DNA fragment of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (TUB2), and translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF1-α) (Shu et al., 2020). The sequences of the three loci of YSY6-1 were deposited in GenBank with Accession Nos. OK576920 (ITS), OK594055 (TUB2), and OK594056 (TEF1-α). Based on the combined sequences of ITS, TUB2, and TEF1-α, phylogenetic analysis by neighbour-joining was performed using MEGA10 (version 10.0). The result showed that the YSY6-1 was the most similar to Neopestalotiopsis ellipsospora (Figure 4). A pathogenicity test was done with isolate YSY6-1 on the youngest leaves of two-year-old persimmon seedlings in a greenhouse at 28°C. A 10 µl aliquot of a conidia suspension containing 0.1% Tween 20 (1 × 106 conidia/ml) was used to inoculate each of 11 young leaves per plant, previously damaged by lightly scratching the leaf with a toothpick. In total, three seedlings and 33 leaves were inoculated with YSY6-1 conidia. The control group were damaged and inoculated with sterile distilled water containing 0.1% Tween 20. All seedlings were covered with plastic bags to maintain high humidity and incubated in the greenhouse at 28°C. Seedlings were sprayed daily with sterile distilled water. After five days, all the inoculated leaves showed symptoms, while no symptoms were observed on the control leaves (Figure 5). The conidia of isolate YSY6-1 did not cause disease on unwounded leaves. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re-isolating the causal agent from inoculated leaves. Neopestalotiopsis ellipsospora has previously been reported causing canker on Acanthopanax divaricatus in Korea, leaf spot on Ipomoea batatas in Guizhou province, China, and as an endophyte in Diospyros montana in southern India (Yun et al. 2015; Maharachchikumbura et al., 2016; Reddy et al., 2016). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. ellipsospora causing leaf spot on persimmon in China and worldwide. The research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31860482) and Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biology for Crop Disease and Insect Pests (Grant No. 20-065-30-ST-04).

Analyzing Some Relationships between Physical-mMechanical and Thermal Parameters of Bio-Briquettes Produced from Persimmon Pruning Residues

Turkey imports a considerable part of its energy means from abroad. This creates a huge burden on the national economy. Turkey can be considered as poor in fossil fuel resources, but rich in renewable energy sources. Biomass is one these renewable energy sources which comes from various agricultural production lasting whole year due to four seasons richness of the climate in Turkey. In this study, solid cylindrical briquettes produced from persimmon tree pruning wastes under 2 different moisture contents (12% -15%), with 3 different particle sizes (3-5-8 mm) and under 4 different briquetting pressures (80 - 120 - 160 - 200 MPa) were analyzed for its solid fuel properties. The lowest lower heating value was found as 18.50 MJ/kg where the highest lower heating value was 18.90 MJ/kg. The lowest ash content was obtained as 1.73% at 15% moisture content, 3 mm particle size under 200 MPa briquetting pressure while the highest was 2.47% at 12% moisture content, 5 mm particle size under 120 MPa briquetting pressure. The relationships between some physical-mechanical and thermal parameters of the produced briquettes were also analyzed.

Occurrences and changes in aroma‐associated volatile compound profiles and prominent bioactive compounds at different stages of persimmon vinegar production process

In this study, the aim was to reveal the aroma-related volatile component profiles, major bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacities of mainly persimmon vinegar produced from persimmon fruit, as well as its juice and wine. Persimmon fruit is rich in functional compounds. However, its availability is limited due to not growing everywhere, soft texture, and it is also not preferred by consumers due to its quite astringent taste. In the study, persimmon vinegar was produced as a solution to these problems. Persimmon vinegar, stood out with high gallic, chlorogenic acid contents, and antioxidant capacity, even from apple and grape vinegars. Also, an aroma-associated volatile-compound profile of it was determined as mainly 2-butanol, acetic acid, propanol, propyl acetate, and phenethyl alcohol, and additionally chavicol, 2-butyl acetate and isovaleric -acid. Persimmon vinegar may suggest as an alternative and new product with positive health effects and different taste which can be preferred by consumers. Thus, this fruit should be used for vinegar production. Novelty impact statement Persimmon attracts attention with its rich bioactive properties and different flavor. The fermentation process causes changes in bioactive compounds and aroma components. Persimmon can be used as a novel substrate for vinegar production with bioactive compounds and distinct flavor. The aroma-related volatile component profiles, major bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacities of persimmon vinegar, juice, and wine were firstly revealed by this study.

Removal of astringency from persimmon paste via polysaccharide treatment

1Non-astringent persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) paste is typically produced by treating astringent persimmon fruit with alcohol or dry ice (to remove tannins) followed by abrasion. However, considering the large yield of astringent persimmons harvested in a short time, this long, laborious method has hindered the use of persimmon paste in food processing. Herein, the addition of polysaccharides was used to produce a non-astringent persimmon paste while maintaining its quality. Among the nine evaluated polysaccharides, high- (HM) and low-methoxyl (LM) pectins, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and sodium alginate exhibited high astringency removal efficiencies. No astringency recurrence was observed after freezing when HM or LM pectin, guar gum, carrageenan, or sodium alginate were added. Moreover, the addition of HM pectin, or LM pectin, or sodium alginate prevented astringency upon heating. Additionally, guar, xanthan, tara gum, or carrageenan effectively inhibited syneresis. Thus, high-quality pastes could be easily and efficiently produced using a combination of polysaccharides.

Effects of Persimmon Fruit Polyphenols on Postprandial Plasma Glucose Elevation in Rats and Humans.

Persimmon is a fruit rich in polyphenols (proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins). Using rats and humans, the effects of Kaki-tannin (Nara-type), persimmon polyphenols prepared using a new method, on postprandial plasma glucose levels were investigated in this study. Kaki-tannin (Nara-type) comprised mainly proanthocyanidins, composed of epicatechin : epicatechin gallate : epigallocatechin : epigallocatechin gallate in a ratio of 1 : 1 : 2 : 2 with a molecular weight of approximately 8,000 Da, with epicatechin gallate as a terminal unit. These polyphenols inhibited amylolytic enzymes, such as α-amylase, maltase, sucrase, and α-glucosidase in vitro, and sodium-dependent glucose transporter 1 in Caco-2 cells. These results suggested that the polyphenols suppressed digestion and absorption in the intestinal tract. The ingestion of 250 mg/kg body weight of the polyphenols significantly suppressed increased blood glucose levels after carbohydrate (2 g/kg body weight of glucose or maltose) loading in rats. In a human trial, 1.88 g of Kaki-tannin (Nara-type) significantly delayed increased plasma glucose levels after carbohydrate (150 kcal of maltooligosaccharides) loading. Thus, Kaki-tannin (Nara-type) holds promise to be developed as a food material that potentially improve blood glucose elevation after meals.

Physico-chemical Analysis of Fresh Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L) Fruit Pulp from Jammu Region India

This study was conducted in the division of the food science and technology SKUAST-Jammu in which the physicochemical analysis of the fruit of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L) was done in year 2020. The colour values L*, a*,b* values, crude protein content, crude fat content, solubility per cent, crude fibre, TSS, and ash per cent, total sugars per cent, ascorbic acid mg/100gm, total phenolic compounds mg GAE/g, Carbohydrates per cent ,FRAP nmol FeSo4/g were assessed. colour values were (L*) value of 99.6, (a*) value of 17.0, and (b*) value of 73.0, while solubility, moisture content, T.S.S, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat, and ash content were found to be, respectively, 78.5percent, 76.83percent, 15.12ºBrix,13.5percent, 1.32 per cent. Titratable acidity for fresh persimmon pulp was 0.11 percent, and total sugar content was 14.60 percent.

Effects of combinational use of controlled atmosphere, cold storage and edible coating applications on shelf life and quality attributes of fresh-cut persimmon fruit

BackgroundPersimmon fruits are cherished for their unique flavor and high nutrient content. In the present study, the effects of Aloe vera-based edible coatings (EC) added with 1% ascorbic acid, 1% citric acid and 5% calcium chloride in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and their impact on shelf-life quality of fresh-cut persimmon fruit, were investigated. The experimental design consisted of four treatments 1) Aloe vera edible coating + modified atmosphere packaging (EC + MAP), 2) untreated fruit packaged with MAP (CTR + MAP); 3) Aloe vera-based edible coating in passive atmosphere (EC PASSIVE); 4) untreated fruit in passive atmosphere (CTR PASSIVE). Persimmon fruit were stored at 5 °C for 3, 6 and 9 days. At each storage time, firmness, weight loss, sugar content, organic acids, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), browning index respiration rate, sensory and microbiological analysis, were investigated.ResultsOur results were confirmed also by the sensory analysis in which both EC-treated fruit scored the highest values for positive descriptors.EC + MAP treatment showed the most effective result in maintaining total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, glucose and CO2 inside packaging reducing the PPO activity and the flesh browning of persimmon slices. EC + MAP treatment controlled the growth of total mesophilic microorganisms, pseudomonads, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and molds.ConclusionsThe obtained results confirmed the importance of coating composition in controlling post-harvest decay and maintaining fruit quality.

Attenuation of Chilling Injury and Improving Antioxidant Capacity of Persimmon Fruit by Arginine Application.

Persimmon is a climacteric perishable fruit with a short storage life. In recent years, using natural compounds that are safe for human health and environment have obtained more attention in postharvest investigations. The current research was conducted to study efficacy of postharvest L-arginine treatment at 0, 0.3, and 0.6 mM in improving chilling tolerance and maintaining the nutritional quality of persimmon fruit during low-temperature storage. According to the results, the highest weight loss (4.3%), malondialdehyde (MDA (5.8 nmol g−1 FW)), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 (22.33 nmol g−1 FW)) was detected in control fruit. Fruit firmness was gradually decreased during storage, but it was slower in L-arginine-treated fruit. The highest tissue firmness (3.8 kg cm−2) was noted in fruit treated with 0.6 mM L-arginine. The chilling was gradually increased during storage. Fruits treated with L-arginine showed a lower chilling injury than the control fruit. Total soluble tannin compound and antioxidant enzymes activities in persimmons declined during cold storage. L-arginine treatment significantly maintained antioxidant enzymes activity, antioxidant capacity, and total soluble tannin compounds, while L-arginine had no significant impact on titratable acidity and total soluble solids. It seems that a reduction in oxidative damage and an increase in quality of persimmon during low-temperature storage manifested several defense mechanisms induced by exogenous application of L-arginine. These findings indicated that the application of L-arginine to maintain the quality and increase postharvest life of persimmon is very useful and can be applied during cold storage.

Dof Transcription Factors Are Involved in High CO2 Induced Persimmon Fruit Deastringency

High CO2 treatment is a widely used deastringency technology that causes the accumulation of acetaldehyde which precipitates the astringent soluble tannins from persimmon fruit, making them more attractive to consumers. The identification of DkADH1 and DkPDC2 (the key genes for acetaldehyde accumulation) and their regulators (e.g., ERFs), has significantly advanced our understanding of the fruit deastringency mechanism, but other TFs are also involved in the high CO2 response. Here, 32 DkDofs genes were identified from ‘Gongcheng-shuishi’ persimmon, with nine of them shown to differentially respond to high CO2 treatment. Dual luciferase assay indicated that DkDof3 and DkDof6 could repress the promoters of DkADH1 and DkPDC2, respectively. EMSA assay showed that DkDof3 and DkDof6 physically interacted with probes containing T/AAAAG elements from the DkADH1 promoter, whereas they failed to recognize similar elements from the DkPDC2 promoter. The expression of DkDof3 and DkDof6 was also found to be repressed in different persimmon cultivars in response to high CO2 treatment. It is proposed that DkDof3 and DkDof6 were involved in fruit deastringency by regulating the expression of DkADH1 and DkPDC2 in different persimmon cultivars.

Characteristics of the Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria Derived from the Rhizosphere of Persimmon Tree in Beijing and their Plant Growth-Promoting Potential

In this study, fourteen active phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were obtained by qualitative and quantitative experiments from the rhizosphere of persimmon grown in Beijing, China, with a relatively dry climate. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the PSB isolates were clustered under two phyla with Proteobacteria (accounting for 64.28%) and Firmicutes (35.72%). The former included four genera, Pseudomonas (28.57%), Phyllobacterium (21.43%), Variovorax (7.14%), and Mesorhizobium (7.14%), while Bacillus (21.43%) and Paenibacillus (14.29%) belonged to Firmicutes. These PSB strains showed different degrees of phosphate solubilization capacity from 8.36 to 226.28 mg/L in the fermentation culture. Further, the plant growth-promoting potentials include indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and proteases. Among them, eleven PSB strains produced IAA, ten strains had proteolytic activity, and four can produce siderophores. Significantly, this study was the first report of the PSB derived from the rhizosphere of persimmon trees, and the new functions of some isolates were detected as follows, V. soli SHI05 and M. helmanticense SHI08 can simultaneously produce IAA, siderophores, and proteases, P. knackmussii SHI01 and P. sophorae SHI12 can produce IAA, P. frederiksbergensis SHI02, P. illinoisensis SHI09, and P. illinoisensis SHI13 can secrete proteases, P. sophorae SHI03 can produce siderophores. The effect of bacterial inoculation on the early growth of mung bean revealed that V. soil SHI05 can distinctly improve the seed vigor index, total length, fresh weight, dry weight, and root activity of mung bean, increasing by 28.65, 28.71, 174.14, 237.56, and 9.39%, respectively, compared to the positive control (Bacillus megaterium). This showed that the rhizosphere of the persimmon tree was rich in diverse and multifunctional PSB, and V. soli SHI05 may have great potential to become a high-quality candidate microbial fertilizer agent in promoting the growth of mung bean.

Determining transpiration coefficients of ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmon trees under Mediterranean climatic conditions

There is scarce knowledge on what are the actual water requirements of persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki). Research on this topic is required to better adjust irrigation water supplies to the actual crop water needs. This study aimed to determine the transpiration coefficients (Kp) of persimmon ‘Rojo Brillante’ trees and assess how transpiration and Kp are influenced by environmental factors and the atmospheric demand under Mediterranean climatic conditions. This was done over the course of three growing seasons by means of sap flow measurements calibrated with whole canopy gas exchange chambers. Irrigation was applied aiming to avoid water limiting conditions for trees. This was verified by monitoring the trees’ water status across the growing seasons. Sap flow measurements were linearly and highly correlated (p < 0.001) with canopy transpiration (Ep) obtained with the whole canopy chambers, but either overestimated or underestimated it. Ep increased from April until June-July in response to canopy development and increased midday canopy light interception. There was a positive linear relationship between daily Ep, reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and solar radiation. However, a non-linear relationship was obtained between Ep and vapor pressure deficit (VPD). A positive non-linear relationship (p < 0.01) was observed between Kp (Ep / ETo in non-limited water conditions) and VPD, illustrating the low stomatal regulation that persimmon trees exhibit in response to air dryness. Kp varied over the growing seasons following the ETo pattern although showing comparatively a slighter decrease during the last part of the growing season. From June to September, Kp of persimmon ‘Rojo Brillante’ trees with a midday photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted of ~30 % ranged from 0.45 to 0.56. A strong relationship was obtained between Kp and percentage of midday intercepted PAR that can be used to estimate Kp of persimmon ‘Rojo Brillante’ trees with a range of ground canopy covers. This information is useful for deriving specific water use models for persimmon trees to be implemented in decision support systems. The monthly transpiration coefficients here provided will be useful for optimizing irrigation scheduling decisions in persimmon orchards and therefore irrigation water management.

Application of Aqueous Two-Phase System to the Purification of Persimmon Polyphenol Oxidase

Polyphenol oxidases (PPOs), which have recently become very popular among many researchers, catalyze the oxidation of phenolic compounds. Polyphenol oxidases are generally found in plants. Among them, persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) is known as a good source for polyphenol oxidases. In this study, the polyphenol oxidase enzyme was purified from persimmon fruit using aqueous two-phase (ATPS). The optimized system was composed of 18% (w/w) PEG4000, 7% (w/w) NaH2 P04 and 1% (w/w) NaCl (pH 8.5, 25°C and 5 g). The PPO enzyme was obtained from the system by 4.8-fold purification with 191% activity recovery. The molecular weight of the enzyme, 28 kDa, was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In summary, it has been shown that the PPO enzyme can be obtained from persimmon in a short time and at low cost using a non-chromatographic method-ATPS.

Obtaining clarified juice from ripe softened persimmon fruits

From such low-yielding fruits as persimmons, juices are obtained by diffusion with water, in which a lot of biocolloids are extracted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to facilitate the separation of the diffusion juice from the ripe persimmon. Food additives E330, E 509, Amylase XML, and Pectinex 5XL were tested for this purpose. The experiments were carried out with ripe persimmons of 4 varieties grown in the experimental farm of the Research Institute of Fruit and Tea Growing (Guba, Azerbaijan). The tested technology of clarified juice included grinding of ripe fruits for 10-14 minutes in a propeller agitator (500 min-1) with the addition of water in an amount of 30-80 wt.%, heating the mixture to 50-55° C and slow mixing for 30 minutes at this temperature with the introduction of food additives. The data showed that under these conditions, it is quite effective to use both of the above-mentioned enzymes at a concentration of 0.03 % by weight of persimmon. Between the ripe persimmon (regardless of its variety) and water, the optimal ratio is 1:0.3, at which it is possible to obtain primary juice fractions with a content of dry soluble substances (DSS) 12-22 o Brix, which do not need to be restored. It is only necessary to mix them with the expectation of obtaining clarified juice ready for bottling and pasteurization with a strictly regulated content of DSS 16 ° Brix, the yield of which is 80-85 % by weight of the raw material.

Valorization of Persimmon Fruit Through the Development of New Food Products

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fruits are among the most widely cultivated fruit crops worldwide, they are widespread in Asian countries and Europe, and their production is increasing along with the demand of consumers. Persimmon is a good source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially dietary fiber, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, among other bioactive phytochemicals. However, persimmon is among the fruits, with a significant postharvest loss over the last few years. The cultivation of persimmon has a limited shelf life; it is a seasonal fruit and is perishable and difficult to store and transport; therefore, many persimmons are discarded. Currently, there is an increase in the valorization of the discarded persimmon fruits to generate opportunities and create a more sustainable system, in line with a possible circular economy. Therefore, in this review, we aim to compile an updated and brief revision of persimmons’ main chemical and bioactive compounds and the potential use of persimmon surpluses and by-products in developing new food products.

Polyphenols from persimmon fruit attenuate acetaldehyde-induced DNA double-strand breaks by scavenging acetaldehyde

Acetaldehyde, a metabolic product of ethanol, induces DNA damage and genome instability. Accumulation of acetaldehyde due to alcohol consumption or aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) deficiency increases the risks of various types of cancers, including esophageal cancer. Although acetaldehyde chemically induces DNA adducts, the repair process of the lesions remains unclear. To investigate the mechanism of repair of acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage, we determined the repair pathway using siRNA knockdown and immunofluorescence assays of repair factors. Herein, we report that acetaldehyde induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in human U2OS cells and that both DSB repair pathways, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homology-directed repair (HDR), are required for the repair of acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage. Our findings suggest that acetaldehyde-induced DNA adducts are converted into DSBs and repaired via NHEJ or HDR in human cells. To reduce the risk of acetaldehyde-associated carcinogenesis, we investigated potential strategies of reducing acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage. We report that polyphenols extracted from persimmon fruits and epigallocatechin, a major component of persimmon polyphenols, attenuate acetaldehyde-induced DNA damage without affecting the repair kinetics. The data suggest that persimmon polyphenols suppress DSB formation by scavenging acetaldehyde. Persimmon polyphenols can potentially inhibit carcinogenesis following alcohol consumption.