Fruit Physical Properties Research Articles

Synergistic effect of seaweed extract and boric acid and/or calcium chloride on productivity and physico-chemical properties of Valencia orange.

Many citrus species and cultivars are grown successfully in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in arid and semi-arid regions with low levels of organic matter and low cation exchange, resulting in lower nutrient uptake by the plant. The essential nutrients needed for citrus flowering and fruit set are limited in winter due to a reduction in transpiration rate, negatively effecting vegetative growth, flowering, yield, and fruit quality. The present investigation was carried out to assess the nutritional status, fruit yield parameters, and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees after foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design (three levels spraying seaweed extract × four levels spraying calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations × four replicates × one tree/replicate). The results indicated that all of the characteristics measured, including leaf chlorophyll, leaf mineral contents, fruit yield parameters, fruit physical properties, and fruit chemical properties, were significantly affected by the foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations. Although all treatments increased the productivity and the physical and chemical properties of Valencia orange fruits compared to the control, a treatment of 10 g/L SW combined with 0.5 g/L boric acid and 1 g/L calcium chloride produced superior results. This ratio of SW, boric acid, and calcium chloride is therefore recommended to enhance productivity and improve the physico-chemical properties of Valencia orange for greater fruit yield.

Tree performances of eight rootstocks grafted with ‘Šumadinka’ sour cherry

Aim of study: This study was conducted to determine the suitability of seven clonal and one seedling rootstocks for grafting of sour cherry cv. ‘Šumadinka’ trough early tree growth, precocity, productivity and fruit quality. Aim of study: To evaluate the suitability of seven clonal rootstocks and one seedling rootstocks for grafting the sour cherry cv. ‘Šumadinka’ based on early tree development, precocity, productivity and fruit quality. Area of study: A sour cherry orchard in village Prislonica, Serbia, near Čačak city. Material and methods: The sour cherry cultivar ‘Šumadinka’ was grafted onto Colt, MaxMa 14, Krymsk 6, Adara, Cigančica, Gisela 5, Gisela 6 and Myrobalan rootstocks. Standard and validated procedures were used to measure tree growth, productivity (from 2017 to 2020), leaf area, fruit physical properties and fruit chemical composition (from 2019 to 2020). Main results: Significant differences were observed among rootstocks in leaf and petiole dimensions, leaf area, tree vigour, yield, fruit size, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, sugars and vitamin C contents, ripening and sweetness indexes. Trees grafted on Adara exhibited the highest tree vigour, while those on Gisela 6 produced the largest fruit size. On the other hand, Colt trees generally displayed the highest sugar content and sweetness index. Adara also showed improvements in fruit quality characteristics, whereas the properties associated with Myrobalan received the lowest evaluation scores. Research highlights: Adara rootstock demonstrated good adaptability to heavy and acidic soil conditions in Serbia, even though it was originally selected for cherry cultivation in heavy, waterlogged, and calcareous soils in Spain. This adaptability likely contributed to its higher vigour, yield, yield efficiency and good fruit quality.

Conventional vs. nano-micronutrients as foliar fertilization for enhancing the quality and nutritional status of pomegranate fruits

Currently, nanotechnology is widely used in agriculture and horticulture. Nanofertilizers are essential for encouraging vegetative growth and flowering, as well as enhancing productivity and fruit quality. These nanoparticles are viewed as growth promoters as well. The current study was therefore carried out during the two successive seasons of 2021 and 2022 on 14-year-old trees grown in clay soil in a field experiment at the Pomology Department Research orchard, Faculty of Agriculture, Assiut University, Egypt. The effects of conventional vs. nano-micronutrients as foliar fertilizers on the fruit yield, quality, and mineral nutrition status of pomegranate trees were studied. The foliar application of all treatments on pomegranate trees remarkably increased yield and physical properties of fruits as well as improved the levels of total soluble solids percentage, anthocyanin pigment, flavonol, total phenols, antioxidant activity and nutrients status compared with the controls during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The lowest fruit cracking percentages were obtained by the spraying of nano-micronutrients (4.33–5.70 %) compared with the other treatments and the control, which gave the highest percentages (10.45–11.43 %). The highest increments in yield, physical properties of fruits and levels of total soluble solids percentage, anthocyanin pigment, flavonol, total phenols, and antioxidant activity were noticed by the spraying of nano-micronutrients especially at 1000 and/or 1500 µg mL−1. It could be concluded that the use of nanofoliar fertilization in pomegranate cultivation may improve the yield, quality, and nutritional status of pomegranate fruits.

Influence of Different Levels of NAA and 2, 4, 5-T on Fruit Drop, Fruiting, Fruit Retention, Growth and Yield of Indian Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.)

The experiment was carried out at Horticulture Garden, Department of Fruit Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during the November 2020- March 2021 and November 2021- March 2022. Sixteen treatments viz. four levels of NAA (0, 20, 30 and 40 ppm) and 2,4,5-T (0, 10, 20 and 30ppm) were studies in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Spraying was done on eleventh November, 2020 in first year and fifteenth November, 2021 in second year at fruit setting stage (Pea Stage) with fine nozzle sprayer in each treatment to give uniform spray on all over the treatment of ber plant. Application of (NAA@40 ppm and 2,4,5-T@30 ppm) significantly maximized initial fruit set (162.00 and 163.66), maximum fruit retention (20.39 and 20.43 percent) and maximum initial fruit set percentage (79.60 and 79.56 per cent). The length and width of fruit was significantly (5.35 and 4.99 cm) and (4.24 and 4.27 cm) respectively increased by application same concentration mention above. The maximum (36.62 and 36.82 g) fruit weight and physical properties of fruits like volume (36.57 and 36.42 cc) recorded under treatment (NAA@40ppm and 2,4,5-T@30ppm). The minimum stone length (0.88 and 0.87 cm), minimum stone diameter (0.88 and 0.87 cm), minimum stone weight (0.65 and 0.66 gm) and specific gravity (0.94 and 0.94 g cc-1) significantly found under (NAA@40 ppm and 2,4,5-T@30 ppm). The yield of ber was significantly increased (39.53 and 40.49) kg per plant, yield per hectare (121.30 and 121.33quintal) with treatment combination (NAA@40ppm and 2,4,5-T@30ppm) both the years of experiment.

Computer vision model for estimating the mass and volume of freshly harvested Thai apple ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) and its variation with storage days

The physical properties of fruits are proportional to their mass and volume; this connection is used to determine the fruit qualities and in designing the novel postharvest machinery. The present study aimed to forecast the mass and volume of Thai apple ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) as a function of its physical properties measured using image processing techniques at different stages of ripening (1st day, 4th day, 7th day, and 10th day). The mass and volume models developed and analyzed the single variable regression, multilinear regressions, and mass regression based on volume. Among these models, linear support vector machine (SVM) was found appropriate. The experimental data analysis showed that the R2 of the linear SVM model for mass and volume of the projected area were 0.955 and 0.965, respectively. In contrast, for the multilinear regression model, R2 values were 0.967 and 0.972, respectively. For the mass prediction model, the R2 was 0.970 based on calculated volume showing a linear relationship. Thus, it was concluded that real-time measurement of physical properties of Thai apple ber using an image-processing technique to estimate the mass and volume is a precise and accurate approach.

Physical and nutritional properties of black monkey orange fruit and seeds: A preliminary analysis for food processing.

Strychnos madagascariensis is an underutilized South African fruit-bearing tree, with the pulp being the primary consumable component. However, the seeds hold the potential as a food source due to their high nutrient composition. The aim of this study was to determine the physical properties of S. madagascariensis fruit and seeds to aid in food processing equipment development. Fruit physical properties were determined at four progressive ripening stages, as well as the seed physical properties and mineral composition. The pulp contributed the most towards fruit composition across stages of ripeness (c 50%), followed by the rind (c 30%) and seeds (c 20%). Furthermore, significant variations in seed physical properties were observed at progressive maturity stages. The seeds showed significantly greater mineral compositions in unripe-green fruit in comparison to fruit at progressive ripening stages. The data provided may serve as a basis for the development of processing procedures and equipment and suggests that seeds of unripe-green fruit hold greater nutritional benefits.

Prediction of mass‐based process designing parameters of amla fruit using different modeling techniques

AbstractThe machine designing parameters such as size, volume, criteria projected area are important for quality evaluation at the time of packaging, grading, and sorting of fruits. All these designing parameters also depend on mass of the fruit sample. So, the correlation between mass and designing parameters could be useful for automation of the process industry. The research was inducted to predict the dimension, projected area, and volume of fruit as a function of fruit mass. Prediction modeling was done using different models, that is, mathematical model (MM), artificial neural network (ANN), and support vector regression (SVR). The mathematical model (linear, quadratic, and power) showed better prediction results than SVR modeling. In addition, the best results were achieved by neural network‐based prediction modeling. It showed the highest correlation coefficient of .884, .986, .992, .999 and the lowest error of 0.570, 0.241, 8.080, 0.059 for height, diameter, projected area, and volume, respectively. It is observed that the physical properties of fruit can be predicted using ANN‐based modeling which could be useful in automation and efficient designing of post‐harvest equipment.Practical ApplicationThe machine designing parameters are the essential and fundamental parameters for designing of grading, sorting, packaging, and handling equipments of various horticultural products including amla. Fruits and vegetables are non‐uniform in size and shape. So, minor changes in shape and size of fruits could decrease the efficiency of various processes and its equipment. The design parameters of fruits and vegetables are dependent on the mass of samples. So, accurate knowledge of mass and design parameters could help in designing the automatic grading system. Different models can be used to predict various designing parameter of amla or similar fruits. By using various models, fruit can be separated more accurately based on minor changes in shape and size rather than its mass. The ANN‐based prediction will be beneficial for the automation of the fruits grading system at an industrial scale.

EFFECT OF PIGEON MANURE TEA AND Spirulina plantensis ALGAE ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND FRUIT QUALITY OF SUCCKARY MANGO TREES

Nutritional status and fruit physical and chemical properties of Succkart mango trees grown in clay soil under Aswan Governorate conditions, Egypt in response partial replacement of mineral nitrogen by using pigeon manure tea + Spirulina plantensis algae were investigated during 2018 and 2019 seasons. Replacement of mineral N by using pigeon manure tea + Spirulina plantensis were very effective in improving all leaves mineral contents (macro elements; N%, P%, K% and Mg % and micro nutrients; Fe, Zn, and Mn ppm). However, nonsignificant differences were observed in leaves Cu contents. Furthermore, fruit physical properties (in terms of fruit length, fruit diameter & pulp/fruit ratio) and chemical properties (in terms of increasing TSS%, reducing, total sugars % & vitamin C contents and decreasing total acidity%) were improved. This positive effect continually until replaced 40% of mineral N fertilizer by using 20% pigeon manure tea + 20% Spirulina plantensis. However, gradual increasing of mineral N replaced ratio from 40% to 100% caused a gradual and significant decrement in all leaves mineral elements, fruit physical and chemical properties. However, the trees received 60% mineral N + 20% pigeon manure tea + 20% Spirulina plantensis present the best results. Contrary, the trees received 0.0% mineral N + 50% 50% pigeon manure tea + 50% Spirulina plantensis present the lowest contents of macro and micro elements as well as fruit physical and chemical properties.

Early removal of mango inflorescences increase tree production and fruit quality (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Tommy Atkins’)

The present investigation was carried out throughout the two successive seasons 2018 and 2019. Mango trees were grown in a private farm located at Wadi Elmullak El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of pinching early flowering in the winter severity on tree yield and fruit quality of Mango ‘Tommy Atkins’ cultivar. The old of the mango cultivar under this study was 15 years old and planted as 3x4 m apart grafted on ‘Saber’ seedling rootstocks, grown in sandy soil and irrigated through drip irrigation system. Mango trees were subjected to deinflorescence in mid-February by manual removing emerged inflorescence as follows complete removing (removing of 100% of emerging inflorescences), sever removing (75% of emerging inflorescences), moderated removing (50% of emerging inflorescences), light removing (25% of emerging inflorescences) and control (without removing inflorescences). Results showed that complete removing treatment significantly increased fruit yield as compared with other applications or untreated trees in the two studied seasons. Similar trend was observed regarding yield increment (%) where was superior to control treatment in the two seasons. Moderated and light treatments caused enhancement in some fruit physical properties when compared with 100% or 75% removal treatments. Complete removing treatment was superior to other treatments regarding total acidity percentage and vitamin C. In conclusion complete removing (100% of emerging inflorescences) in mid- Feb. could be a practicable choice for continued production for the ‘Tommy Atkins’ under the environmental conditions of exported mango orchards

Effect of Spraying Algae Extract and Potassium Nitrate on the Yield and Fruit Quality of Barhee Date Palms

The effect of foliar spray with algae extract and/or potassium nitrate on the quantity and quality of Barhee date palm yields was investigated during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Inflorescences of Barhee date palms were sprayed twice, after pollination (1st April of each season) and one month later, with algae extract at concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% and with potassium nitrate at concentrations of 1% and 2% applied individually or in combinations. The obtained results showed that all of the sprayed treatments enhanced the yield and fruit properties when compared to the controls. Spraying inflorescences of Barhee date palms with algae extract and/or potassium nitrate had a significant effect on the yield and on the physical and chemical properties of the fruit when compared with the untreated palms. The increase in yield and qualitative properties was associated with increasing concentrations of both materials (algae extract and potassium nitrate). The best results were detected with spray containing high rates of combined treatment (1% algae extract + 2% potassium nitrate) applied twice in both seasons studied because this treatment resulted in the highest value of fruit and bunch weight, increased the yield per palm compared to the control by about 60.2%, and improved the fruit physical properties (fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit shape index, flesh weight, and seed weight) and fruit chemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS); acidity; TSS/acid ratio; tannins; and reducing, nonreducing, and total sugars) of the Barhee date palm given the experimental conditions.

Fruit properties during the harvest period of eleven Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cultivars.

The geometric attributes and physical, mechanical, and chemical properties were determined for 11 Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cultivars grown in Saudi Arabia including Zaytoni, Kashmiri, Komethry, Um-Sulaem with spines, Toffahy, Um-Sulaem without spines, Abdel-Sattar, Pu-Yun, Pu-Pineau, seedy ber, and buddling ber. The geometric mean diameter, surface area, sphericity, and shape index of the fruits ranged from 20.61 to 42.48 mm, 1339.58–5666.92 mm2, 71.39–96.80%, and 110.25–275.18%, respectively. The fruit physical properties, i e fruit weight, fruit volume, stone weight, flesh weight, true fruit density, and pulp-stone ratio varied from 4.71 to 39.02 g, 4.78 to 42.75 cm3, 0.11 to 2.35 g, 4.61 to 36.67 g,0.913 to 1.055 g/cm3, and 7.90 to 43.11, respectively. In addition, the mean color value of L*, a* and b* for the fruits ranged from 64.48 to 96.33, 2.65–4.05, and 6.32–84.36, respectively. The mechanical properties, including elastic range, bioyield force, modulus of elasticity, plastic range, and rupture force ranged from 2.31 to 8.86 mm, 21.64–325.77 N, 14.15–124.09 N/s, 0.83–3.45 mm, 56.42–364.21 N, and 107.77–480.91 N/s, respectively. The greatest rupture force belonged to the Pu-Pineau cultivar and the smallest belonged to the Um-Sulaem without spines cultivar at the horizontal orientation of both cultivars. The fruit chemical analysis values for total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio, and vitamin C ranged from 13.43 to 23.55%, 0.48–1.27%, 14.24–39.85%, and 55.27–164.47 mg/100 g, respectively. The relevant data obtained for the 11 varieties of Indian jujube are valuable for developing and designing machines for processing operations, transportation, separating, packing, sorting, and harvesting. Additionally, the findings revealed considerable variation in chemical content, physical and mechanical characteristics among the tested cultivars.

Effect of some Citrus Rootstocks Types on Growth and Productivity of Gold Nugget Mandarin Trees

The present investigation was carried out during two successive seasons (2018/2019; 2019/2020) on almost 12-year old identical Gold Nuggettrees(Citrus reticulate, Blanco) (Wilking mandarin x Kincy mandarin), grafted on three rootstocks cultivated in a private orchard located in Al Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. The trees were grown at a distance of 2 × 6 m in silt soil under the Immersion irrigation system. This investigation aimed to study the effect of some citrus rootstocks on Gold Nugget mandarin trees Growth and Productivity. Three citrus rootstocks were: Troyer citrange Citrus sinensis 'Washington' x Poncirus trifoliate (Tr.), Sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) (SO.) and Volkamer Lemon (Citrus volkameriana) (VOL). The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with five replications. The obtained results showed that Gold Nugget grafted on Troyer citrange rootstock recorded the highest significant values of chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophylls, total carbohydrates, spring growth cycle, fruit set and yield. Whereas Gold Nugget grafted on Sour orange rootstock recorded the highest significant values of shoot thickness, Leaf surface area, Rate Increasing canopy, vitamin C and TSS/ acid ratio. Regarding Gold Nugget grafted on Volkamer lemon rootstock recorded the highest significant values of dray matter percentage, the number of leaves, tree Canopy, summer growth cycle, flowering, fruit Physical properties and acidity percentage.

Effect of some Treatments on Vegetative Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Gold Nugget Mandarin Trees

This investigation was conducted during two successive seasons (2019/2020; 2020/2021) on almost 12-year old identical Gold Nugget mandarintrees Citrus reticulata Blanco (Wilking mandarin x Kincy mandarin), grafted on Volkamer Lemon (Citrus volkameriana) (VOL) rootstock cultivated in a private orchard located in Al Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. The trees were grown at a distance of 2 × 6 m in silt soil under the Immersion irrigation system. To study the effect of hand thinning, chemical thinning using NAA at 400ppm, Potassium nitrate (5gm/L),Spirulina platensis ( algae extract) (2cm/L) and Potassium sulfate (1.25g/L) +Zinc sulfate (2.5g/L) +Salicylic acid (0.11g/L) on vegetative growth, fruit quality and yield of Gold Nuggetmandarin trees. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design with five replications. Results illustrate that most of the experimental treatments significantly increased tree canopy volume both hand or chemical thinning was the highest value and Chemical thinning treatment significantly increased leaf area. Potassium nitrate foliar spray significantly increased shoot thickness, number of leaves/ shoot. Spirulina platensis treatment enhancing of the spring growth cycle, number of flowers, fruit-set, number of fruits/tree, tree yield efficiency as the number of fruit / M3 canopy and vitamin C. as for Potassium sulfate + zinc sulfate+ Salicylic acid treatment was superior with statistic differences for tree yield as kg/tree and kg/ M3, fruit physical properties (fruit weight, fruit size, Juice volume, Juice weight and fruit Pulp Weight).

Impact of rootstock on fruit physical properties of 'Pink Lady' apple

During 2018 and 2019, we evaluated the main fruit physical properties [weight (FW), length (L), diameter (D), geometric mean diameter (Dg), length/diameter ratio (L/D ratio), sphericity (ph), surface area (S), fruit volume (V) and solid density (r)] of 'Pink Lady' apple grafted on dwarf M.9 T337, semi-dwarf M.26 and semi-vigour MM.106 rootstocks. Results showed that rootstocks significantly changed the properties evaluated with the exception of L/D ratio, ph and r. Among rootstocks, M.9 T33 7 produced the best properties, whereas lower and statistically similar values were obtained from M.26 and MM.106 rootstocks. All rootstocks promoted D higher than 66 mm, whereas only M.9 T337 induced D ≥70 mm. The rootstocks did not have the capacity to change the fruit shape of the 'Pink Lady' club cultivar.

Screening of the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Prunus salicina Pestil

In this study, the antioxidant properties, chemical compound profiles and some physical properties of fruit, pulp, pure pestil and hazelnut added pestil of plum (Prunus salicina) were determined. The chemical compound profiles of the samples were detected using GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). The antioxidant properties were determined by the total phenolic content and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity analysis. According to the results obtained, the total phenolic content of the samples varied between 130.915 mg GAE / g - 146.565 mg GAE/ g. In addition, it was determined that the concentration increase occurring in pulp and pestil production steps significantly increased the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities of the samples (p <0.05). Results of the GC-MS showed that the plum pulp, pure pestil and hazelnut added pestil contained 35, 32 and 28 chemical compounds, respectively. Furans, ketones, carbohydrates and aldehydes were the most abundant compounds found in both the pulp and pestil samples. 5-hydoxymethylfurfural was the main chemical compound in all of the samples (38.52-61.61%). In addition, the dry matter value was found to be between 19.335-89.067%, ash value was between 2.075-4.145%, pH value was between 3.680-3.835, protein value was between %0.315-4.385, L* values were between 21.775-29.385, a* values were between 3.120-13.090 and b* values were between 1.450-6.925, respectively.

Effects of fruit load intensity and irrigation level on fruit quality, water productivity and net profits of date palms

An integrated research coupling a field study with an agronomic-economic model (ANSWER-APP) was conducted to investigate the combined effects of irrigation levels and crop loads on fruit quality, water productivity and profitability of mature date palms. The study took place in Israel’s hyper-arid Arava Valley, where date palm trees are widely cultivated and rely exclusively on brackish water irrigation. Three fruit load intensities (low, FL1; commercial, FL2; high, FL3) and two irrigation levels (W1 and W2, equal to and higher than the local irrigation regime, respectively) were applied in a 22-year-old date palm orchard in 2018–2019. Irrigation amount, fruit quality and yield were measured. Profitability for each treatment was analyzed with the ANSWER-APP. Higher fruit load resulted in higher yield and water productivity, but on the other hand led to reduced fruit physical properties (size and mass), regardless of the irrigation treatment. The improved fruit physical properties and net profits in W2 compared to W1 treatment in each fruit load group resulted from excess salt leaching in the root zone. Notably, trees under W2FL2 treatment were found to have highest net profits. It is concluded that adequate irrigation amounts contribute to net profits in date palm trees treated with high fruit load intensity under saline irrigation conditions.

Modeling of engineering properties for predicting the mass of acid lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

Engineering properties and their relationships with mass for Phule Sharbati acid lime cultivar were investigated. Relationship between physical properties of fruits and its mass will create tremendous change in the packaging industry. The mean values of engineering properties such as minor diameter, intermediate diameter, major diameter, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, mass, surface area, volume and true density were found to be 42.55 mm, 41.20 mm, 40.41 mm, 0.94, 0.94, 38.17g, 49997 mm2, 33322.8 mm3 and 1 g/cc, respectively. Regression models were used to predict the effect of mass of acid lime and classified into two: 1–Single and multiple variable regressions of acid lime mass and dimensional characteristics and 2- Single variable regression for geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area and volume. Results indicated that mass modeling of acid lime based on minor diameter was found most appropriate in the first classification. In the second classification, the power-law model was noticed best on the basis of the geometric mean diameter, surface area and the volume.

Vineyard calcium sprays induce changes in grape berry skin, firmness, cell wall composition and expression of cell wall-related genes

Having a central role in cell wall pectin cross-linking, calcium has been increasingly used as supplement to promote fruit firmness and extended shelf-life. However, the molecular rearrangements associated to increased fruit robustness are still a matter of debate. In this study, mechanical, histochemical and molecular assays were conducted to understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of Ca in fruit physical properties. In a two-year field trial, grapevines were sprayed with exogenous CaCl2 throughout the fruiting season. Results showed an increase in berry Ca concentration at harvest, associated to increased fruit consistency and skin resistance. Scanning electron microscopy showed that fruits from Ca-treated plants had smoother skin surfaces than control fruits, and that microcracks encircling the lenticels were less prominent. Histochemistry assays suggested higher deposition of pectin-like material in skin cell walls in grapes from Ca-treated vines, but no evident modifications in cellulose content were observed. Accordingly, the expression of cellulose synthase family gene CesA3 was not affected by exogenous Ca, while polygalacturonase-encoding genes PG1 and PG2 were downregulated, together with EXP6 belonging to expansin family, and CER9 and CYP15 involved in cuticle biosynthesis. These results suggested that Ca acts by inhibiting pectin degradation and cell wall loosening, while remodeling cuticle structure.

Combining fruit quality and main antioxidant attributes in the sour cherry: The role of new clonal rootstock

In 2018 and 2019, we evaluated the influence of seven clonal rootstocks (Colt, MaxMa 14, Krymsk 6, Adara, Cigančica, Gisela 5 and Gisela 6) with different vigour on the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAc), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and main fruit physical properties of ‘Šumadinka’ sour cherry. In particular, ‘Šumadinka’ on Gisela 5, especially on Gisela 6 had the highest fruit and stone weight, fruit dimensions and ripening index (RI) value. MaxMa 14 as a semi-dwarf rootstock induced the best values of all phenolic compounds evaluated and TAC, whereas Gisela 5 as a dwarf rootstock promoted the poorest levels of these compounds and antioxidant activity. Krymsk 6 and Colt induced the highest and similar flesh rate, whereas Adara promoted the lowest. Cigančica induced the highest soluble solids content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA), but poor phenolic compounds content and antioxidant activity. In general, the more vigorous rootstocks produced significantly lower fruit weight, fruit size, SSC and TA, but induced better content of phenolic compounds in comparison with semi-dwarf and dwarf rootstocks, respectively.

An innovative hybrid steam-microwave sterilization of palm oil fruits at atmospheric pressure

Conventional sterilization in palm oil mills utilizes heat to soften the fresh-fruit bunch in a pressurized vessel to detach the mesocarp, kernel and nut from the fruitlet. It also inactivates the generation of lipase enzyme that triggers the formation of Free Fatty Acid (FFA) and breaks the oil-bearing cells for easier oil extraction. However, the utilization of a pressurized-vessel encounters frequent production interruptions due to regular inspections of pressure vessel, which finally reduces production efficiencies. To improve the efficiency of the sterilization process, the microwave irradiation technology was introduced to efficiently halt the reaction of enzymatic lipolysis leading to FFA production. The present study proposes an innovative atmospheric-pressured hybrid steam-microwave method to perform sterilization of palm oil fruits under a continuous process without a need to use the pressurized vessel. The analysis is focused at establishing the feasibility of the adoption of hybrid sterilization process for future implementation in palm oil industry. Physical properties of fruit were determined. It was observed that the microwave process heated up the kernel efficiently with a shorter duration. The post steaming process also maintained the moisture content of the mesocarp, which in turn yields better oil quality. The temperature under the hybrid system increased by 17.5% for the mesocarp and 25.1% for the kernel. The process exhibited shorter heating duration and could be useful for industrial applications.