Physicochemical Characteristics Of Fruits Research Articles

Ethylene-Induced Postharvest Changes in Five Chinese Bayberry Cultivars Affecting the Fruit Ripening and Shelf Life

Ethylene is an essential indicator of fruit ripening and climacteric or non-climacteric nature. This study investigated the postharvest behavior of five Chinese bayberry cultivars ‘Biqi’, ‘Dongkui’, ‘Fenhong’, ‘Xiazhihong’, and ‘Shuijing’. The fruits were harvested mature and stored at room temperature (25 °C) and under cold storage conditions (4 °C) to investigate the dynamics of ethylene production, firmness, anthocyanin content, and cell wall polysaccharide composition, as well as basic fruit physicochemical characteristics. The results show that Chinese bayberry is a climacteric fruit with ethylene production peaking shortly after harvest, especially at room temperature. Fruit color intensified over time due to anthocyanin accumulation, particularly in the flesh core. Darker cultivars produced more ethylene, which correlated with higher anthocyanin levels. At room temperature, ‘Biqi’ (black) had the highest ethylene production (4.03 µL·kg−1·h−1) and anthocyanin content (0.91 mg/g FW), while ‘Shuijing’, the white cultivar, had the lowest ethylene levels (1.9 µL·kg−1·h−1) and anthocyanin content (0.03 mg/g FW). Firmness significantly decreased at room temperature due to the degradation of hemicellulose and insoluble pectin, whereas cold storage mitigates this effect. After 3 days at room temperature, the average of firmness decreased by 23.7% in the five cultivars, compared to 12.7% under cold storage. Total soluble solids increase during storage, enhancing sweetness, especially at room temperature, with ‘Biqi’ increasing from 9.2 to 10.9% at 4 °C. Titratable acidity slightly decreased over time: the value for ‘Biqi’ decreased from 1.2% to 0.95% at room temperature and 1.1% at 4 °C. Citric, malic, and tartaric acid generally declined at room temperature but stabilized under cold storage. Sucrose, fructose, and glucose increased or remained stable, with significant varietal differences. Our results indicate that storing Chinese bayberry at 4 °C effectively preserves its quality and extends postharvest life. These findings underscore ethylene’s key role in regulating ripening, postharvest quality, and shelf life by influencing fruit color, firmness, and overall consumer appeal.

Conventional and Nano-Zinc Foliar Spray Strategies to Improve the Physico-Chemical Properties and Nutritional and Antioxidant Compounds of Timor Mango Fruits under Abiotic Stress

Zinc deficiency is common under heat stress, and further research is needed to determine how to enhance the fruit quality of mango trees through the use of three forms of zinc, namely Zn-NPs, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and chelated zinc (Zn-chelated), as a foliar spray. This research was carried out using ten treatments to investigate the effect of zinc forms on the fruit quality of Timor mango trees. With a few notable exceptions, every fruit quality measurement (physical characteristics, chemical properties, mineral contents, and antioxidant compounds) responded to every treatment looked into; however, the extent of the reaction differed depending on the fruiting measurement. Furthermore, the Zn-NPs created a larger difference in the fruiting measurements than the ZnSO4 and Zn-chelated forms. ZnO NPs at 100 ppm ranked first, followed by ZnO NPs in the first spray and zinc EDTA in the second spray, followed by ZnO NPs in the first spray and ZnSO4 in the second, for all mineral content and antioxidant compound measurements and most of the fruit physico-chemical characteristics. In contrast, the lowest levels of minerals and antioxidant compounds and most of the fruit physico-chemical characteristics were found in the controls. The outcomes of the other treatments after the three treatments lay somewhere between these two extremes, and this pattern was detected throughout two seasons. Spraying Timor mango trees with nano, chelated, and sulfate zinc can be considered a safe and environmentally friendly natural method for improving fruit quality in abiotic stress regions.

A Comparative Study of the Biometric, Germinative, and Physicochemical Characteristics of Fruits and Oils of Three Cannabis Strains (Cannabis sativa L.var indica) Cultivated in the Rif Region of Morocco

A Comparative Study of the Biometric, Germinative, and Physicochemical Characteristics of Fruits and Oils of Three Cannabis Strains (Cannabis sativa L.var indica) Cultivated in the Rif Region of Morocco

Pretreated Agro-Industrial Effluents as a Source of Nutrients for Tomatoes Grown in a Dual Function Hydroponic System: Tomato Quality Assessment

In a zero-waste approach for the agro-industrial sector, this study aimed to evaluate the reuse of cheese whey wastewater (chemical oxygen demand = 2.1 g L−1) pretreated by immediate one-step lime precipitation followed by natural carbonation as a nutritive solution for tomato production in hydroponic systems. Pretreated effluent, diluted with groundwater (1:6) and supplemented with nutrients, was utilized to irrigate different hydroponic systems designed to assess the influence of tomato rooting type (free/confined−setup_A) and the feed’s solution level (with/without water deep−setup_B). Plants and fruit development, fruit physicochemical characteristics and sensory analysis, and effluent quality after reuse were analyzed. Good quality tomato production with high crop yield was obtained. The highest marketable tomato weight per plant (682 g) was observed in setup_B with a deep-bed system, but setup_A, with free or confined rooting, presented similar values. The type of rooting, within setup_A or water deep within setup_B, did not significantly influence plant and fruit characteristics. The highest maturity and flavor indexes were observed for setup_A with free rooting. Regarding sensory analysis, setup_A often scored the highest in terms of overall appreciation with free or confined rooting. The reuse of cheese whey wastewater in hydroponics reduced freshwater consumption for crop production, allowed for a treated final effluent and prevented soil degradation in a sustainable circular economy methodology.

Studies on Variable Level of N Fertigation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari Kabuli

A field trial was conducted to study the effect of variable level of N along with recommended dose of P and K through fertigation on growth, yield and quality parameters of pomegranate on eleven year old pomegranate trees cv. Kandhari Kabuli under mid hill conditions of HP. Treatment consisted of five levels of Nitrogen fertilizer 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% along with 100% recommended dose of P and K through fertigation and conventional method of fertilizer application (with recommended dose of NPK) kept as control. Fertigation treatments had a promising effect over conventional method and treatment of 75% RD of N and RD of P and K through fertigation proved significant over other fertigation treatments and conventional method. Highest tree growth parameters, fruit set, fruit retention, average fruit weight and yield was recorded highest for 75% RD of N and RD of P and K through fertigation. Physico-chemical fruit characteristics viz. highest TSS, lower acidity, highest TSS acid ratio, highest sugars and ascorbic acid content (Vit. C) was also recorded for 75% RD of N and RD of P and K.

Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum on the quality and occurrence of anthracnose in bananas

The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis on postharvest control of anthracnose, the effects on postharvest quality in ‘Nanicão’ bananas, and the sensory acceptance of fruits. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed. The in vitro tests included the following treatments: control (distilled water), T. harzianum, B. subtilis, and thiabendazole. In vitro tests consisted of pairing Colletotrichum musae with T. harzianum and B. subtilis by daily measuring the mycelial growth of C. musae and by counting the spore germination of C. musae. For in vivo tests, the treatments were control (distilled water), T. harzianum, B. subtilis, T. harzianum + B. subtilis, and thiabendazole. In vivo tests consisted of a daily evaluation of the incidence and severity of anthracnose in ‘Nanicão’ bananas. Some physicochemical characteristics of fruits were evaluated (weight loss, color, pulp firmness, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, and SS/TA ratio), as well as the sensory acceptance of bananas. Based on the results, the application of T. harzianum in ‘Nanicão’ bananas was efficient in decreasing the severity of anthracnose caused by C. musae, but treatments with biological control agents were inefficient in this process. On postharvest quality, treatments with biological control agents seem to have accelerated the maturation process. However, results from the sensory analysis showed that fruit acceptance was not affected.

Cultivation of irrigated tomatoes with ozonised water under a Mediterranean climate in Algeria

This study presents the results of an experimental work carried out on tomato seedlings of the same varietal type, grown under a Mediterranean climate and irrigated with ozonised water at different ozonisation durations that vary from zero to 30 seconds. In order to assess the impact of aqueous ozone on the agronomic performances and the physicochemical characteristics of fruits. The tomatoes responded differently between themselves and the control batch. The results obtained showed precocity of germination, an increase in growth, development, and vigour in the experimental plants compared to the controls. The yield is proportional to the increase in the ozonisation time of irrigation water. During the reproductive phase of the plants, no negative effects were observed. The physicochemical characteristics of fruits could be evaluated; they are distinguished from higher sugar contents in the experimental tomatoes compared to controls, no great difference for the other criteria analysed, the latter were generally in accordance with the standardized values of the literature as well as with the applicable national regulations. Ozonisation of irrigation water is an effective and promising alternative method, which improves germination time and increases fruit yield without negatively affecting their marketability.

Effect of plastic roof and high tunnel on microclimate, physiology, vegetative growth and fruit characteristics of 'Santina' sweet cherry

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of plastic covers (roof and high tunnel) on microclimate, physiological response, vegetative growth, and physicochemical fruit characteristics of 'Santina' sweet cherry trees during two seasons. The study was conducted in a commercial orchard established in a Mediterranean climate in Chile. The covers reduced the incident solar radiation, generating a darker environment under the roof than under the high tunnel. At the upper tree level, the microclimate under both covers tended to be warmer and drier than in the open air; conversely, at the lower level, conditions under the roof were cooler and fresher than in the open air and high tunnel. These variations generated similar trends in thermal accumulation and environmental stress indicators in the two heights analyzed. Sweet cherry trees under both covers showed lower water stress in the first season, expressed as increased stomatal conductance and water potential compared to those grown in the open air; however, after harvest, stress was higher under both covers. Vegetative growth under the covers was affected only in one season. Fruit under the covers had slightly less intense color, and reduced firmness and titratable acidity: the differences were maintained after 30 days of storage in a modified atmosphere. Similarly, anthocyanin concentration in the fruit skin, total phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity in the edible fraction tended to be reduced. Fruit harvest was up to 29 days earlier in the high tunnels than in the open air. Considering that covers alter the physiological performance of the trees and fruit quality, adequate ventilation should be considered to avoid deteriorating the quality of the fruit and thus improve the crop's competitiveness in Chile's central zone.

Bio-inoculation of strawberry plants with Bacillus strains having promoting effect on growth, yield and quality

The quality of agricultural production and their modulation by biofertilizer application has gradually received attention. However, the importance of Bacillus strains has not been studied extensively especially in strawberry. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of Bacillus strains on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cv. Chandler during the year 2016-17 and 2017-18. The study indicates that various Bacillus strains significantly influenced growth, yield and quality of fruits. Among different Bacillus strains, HCA61 strain recorded the significantly higher fruit yield per plant (233.69 g). It also recorded the highest value concerning different growth parameters, viz., plant height (12.56 cm), spread (22.78 cm), number of leaves per plant (11.31), crown diameter (12.46 mm), fresh weight (43.86 g) and dry weight (12.36 g) of plant with minimum number of days (79.50 days) to flower in strawberry plants. Among different yield attributing characters like number of fruits per plant (22.13), fresh weight of fruit (10.56 g), fruit length (40.31 mm), fruit breadth (28.83) and moisture content in fruit (92.83%), HCA61 strain showed superiority than other Bacillus strains. Regarding various physicochemical characters, viz. TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content of fruits, Bacillus RCA3 strain, exhibited significantly highrt values. The Bacillus strain HCA61 caused improved growth and yield. However, concerning the physicochemical characteristics of fruits Bacillus RCA3 strain was found best. The results indicated that inoculation with Bacillus strains could be an eco-friendly and cost-effective technology for improving strawberry growth, yield and quality.

Combined Impact of Irrigation, Potassium Fertilizer, and Thinning Treatments on Yield, Skin Separation, and Physicochemical Properties of Date Palm Fruits.

Orchard cultural practices, i.e., irrigation, fertilizer, and fruit thinning, are crucially encompassed to enhance fruit yield and quality. Appropriate irrigation and fertilizer inputs improve plant growth and fruit quality, but their overuse leads to the degradation of the ecosystem and water quality, and other biological concerns. Potassium fertilizer improves fruit sugar and flavor and accelerates fruit ripening. Bunch thinning also significantly reduces the crop burden and improves the physicochemical characteristics of the fruit. Therefore, the present study aims to appraise the combined impact of irrigation, sulfate of potash (SOP) fertilizer, and fruit bunch thinning practices on fruit yield and quality of date palm cv. Sukary under the agro-climatic condition of the Al-Qassim (Buraydah) region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To achieve these objectives, four irrigation levels (80, 100, 120, and 140% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), three SOP fertilizer doses (2.5, 5, and 7.5 kg palm-1), and three fruit bunch thinning levels (8, 10, and 12 bunches palm-1) were applied. The effects of these factors were determined on fruit bunch traits, physicochemical fruit characteristics, fruit texture profile, fruit color parameters, fruit skin separation disorder, fruit grading, and yield attributes. The findings of the present study showed that the lowest (80% ETc) and highest (140% ETc) irrigation water levels, lowest SOP fertilizer dose (2.5 kg palm-1), and retaining the highest number of fruit bunch per tree (12 bunches) had a negative effect on most yield and quality attributes of date palm cv. Sukary. However, maintaining the date palm water requirement at 100 and 120% ETc, applying SOP fertilizer doses at 5 and 7.5 kg palm-1, and retaining 8-10 fruit bunches per palm had significantly positive effects on the fruit yield and quality characteristics. Therefore, it is concluded that applying 100% ETc irrigation water combined with a 5 kg palm-1 SOP fertilizer dose and maintaining 8-10 fruit bunches per palm is more equitable than other treatment combinations.

Caracterização físico-química de frutos de laranjeira-doce sobre diferentes porta-enxertos

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the physico-chemical characteristics of fruits of 58 sweet orange tops cultivars on four rootstocks, namely: ‘Sunki Tropical’ mandarin and ‘Trifoliata’ Citrandarin ‘San Diego’, ‘Riverside’ and ‘Indio’. For this purpose, a completely randomized experimental design was used, in a factorial scheme (58 x 4). The characteristics analyzed were: equatorial diameter, fruit mass, peel thickness, number of seeds, soluble solids, titratable acidity, Ratio and juice yield. All the characteristics analyzed were influenced by both the tops cultivar and the rootstock, demonstrating that both factors interfere in the physicochemical quality of the fruits. The tops ‘Pera D-3’, ‘Pera Olimpia’, ‘Pera Bianchi’, ‘Jaffa’ and ‘Westin’ on all rootstocks evaluated showed characteristics in their fruits with soluble solids greater than 10 ºBrix, Ratio above 9.5 and juice yield greater than 45%, characteristics that define fruits with quality standards. Also, the tops ‘Pera Olimpia’, ‘Sincorá’ and ‘Westin’ on the rootstock ‘Sunki Tropical’, ‘Pera D-3’, ‘Pera D-25’, ‘Sincorá’, ‘Aquiri’ and ‘Russas P.S.’ on the rootstock ‘San Diego’, ‘Pera C-32’, ‘Pera D-3’, ‘Pera D-6’, ‘Pera E-6’, ‘Pera Bianchi’, ‘Pera CE-03 ‘, ‘Salustiana’ and ‘Westin’ on ‘Riverside’ rootstock are suitable for the juice production industry with Ratio between 14 and 16 and juice yield greater than 50%. It is also worth noting that the tops ‘Crescent’, ‘Natal Folha Murcha’, ‘Valencia Midknight’ and ‘Valencia Delta’ produced fruits without seeds on all rootstocks.

Diversidade genética, produtividade e qualidade de frutos de caqui nos trópicos

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the genetic diversity, yield, and fruit quality of persimmon genotypes grown in the tropics, in order to select promising genetic materials. DNA extraction was performed on young leaves of 19 persimmon genotypes. For pomological characterization, 15 genotypes were selected. From each genotype, 50 fruit at the physiological maturity stage were harvested in the morning, in order to determine the following parameters: physicochemical characteristics; and the productive variables number of fruit per plant, average fruit fresh mass, average yield, and estimated average yield in two seasons. Twenty SSR markers were tested, out of which 12 were selected to evaluate genetic similarity, which allowed of the identification of distinct groups. The mean genetic diversity value found was 0.41, which is an indicative of low diversity among the analyzed persimmon genotypes. The 'Guiombo', 'Iapar 125', 'Kakimel', 'Mikado RJ', 'Rama Forte Tardio', and 'Taubaté' genotypes show a high yield. The genotypes classified as pollination-constant astringent ('Pomelo', 'Regina', 'Rubi', and 'Taubaté') and those classified as pollination-variant astringent ('Rama Forte', 'Guiombo', and 'Cereja') are potential materials for selection and genetic breeding programs due to their excellent fruit physicochemical characteristics. The investigation through molecular markers is an efficient approach to study the genetic diversity of persimmon genotypes grown in the tropics.

Amino acid metabolism and expression of genes involved in nitrogen assimilation in common oranges cv. Valencia Late

Biochemical and transcriptional approaches can provide crucial evidence about the physiological changes which can occur in organic and conventional cultivated common orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck]. This study aimed to investigate the change in physicochemical parameters, the concentrations of free amino acids and other N-containing compounds, and the expressions of key genes coding for enzymes linked to N assimilation in fruits of common orange cv. "Valencia Late". Two enzymes involved in different ways in N assimilation were considered: nitrate reductase (NR), catalyzing the conversion of nitrate into nitrite, and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), operating in the assimilation of ammonium (interacting with glutamate synthase), and in ammonium re-assimilation through glutamate deamination. Results showed that the different fertilizers did not affect the physicochemical characteristics of fruits but induced the different accumulation of free amino acids, with higher concentrations of proline and contemporarily lower concentrations of glutamate, in addition to upregulated the expression of GDH gene in fruits from organically managed tress. This study identified a possible adaptive response of common orange plants to organic or conventional fertilizers. The present work is intended as a first step to make the mechanisms underlying plant responses to N supply clearer by comparing organic and conventional cultivation. It also can support breeders to select the best citrus cultivars and agronomists to improve crop fertilization and production management.

Comparative Evaluation of Yield and Fruit Physico-Chemical Characteristics of Five Commercial Cultivars of Pomegranate Grown in Southeastern Italy in Two Consecutive Years

This study, conducted over two consecutive seasons (2018–2019), evaluates the yield and fruit physico-chemical traits of five commercial cultivars (‘Mollar’, ‘Dente di Cavallo’, ‘Acco’, ‘Jolly red’ and ‘Wonderful’) grown in the orchard at Foggia (Puglia region, southeastern Italy). The results show significant variations among the investigated cultivars for many measured parameters; seasons also significantly affected some data. As an average of the years, both ‘Dente di Cavallo’ and ‘Wonderful’ significantly showed the highest numbers (16.8 and 15.2, respectively) and weights (9.3 Kg, respectively) of fruit per tree. ‘Jolly red’ had the highest percentage of edible portions (58.5%), the most intense red color in juice (a* value, 11.7), a light-red skin color (despite its name) (a* value, 31.1) and the smallest fruits (26.7% of diameter ≤ 80 mm). Total soluble solids of all cultivars were considerable above the minimum value (12 °Brix) required for commercial use. ‘Wonderful’ significantly presented the highest value of juice acidity (2.5 g citric acid 100 mL−1) and the lowest MI value, and therefore it was classified as sour. Both ‘Dente di Cavallo’ and ‘Wonderful’ had significantly higher phenolic contents (591.0 and 519.1 mg 100 mL−1, respectively) than the other cultivars, while ‘Dente di Cavallo’ significantly showed the highest antioxidant activity value (6.4 mmol TE 100 L−1). The Stepwise Discriminant Analysis procedure allowed a significant differentiation among the cultivars. Correlation analysis showed a considerable relation among the different fruit traits. The present data are helpful in the selection of elite desirable pomegranate cultivars to be used for commercial production.

Physico-chemical properties of 'UBÁ' mango for identification of the ideal harvest point

Harvesting mangoes at the wrong time of maturation impairs the final quality of the product, therefore, deciding the correct time for the shape of the same is an essential factor for the fruits to have better physical, chemical and nutritional properties. Therefore, due to the lack of information to help in the proper choice of harvest time for this variety, the objective was to analyze physicochemical characteristics of fruits in four stages of development, aiming to identify the ideal harvest point for 'Ubá' mango. A completely randomized design was used, with nine replications for each stage. The skin and pulp color of 'Ubá' mango were evaluated through L*, a* and b coordinates, soluble solids content, titratable total acidity, pH and ratio. Thus, the results of this study concluded that the 'Ubá' mango can be harvested at the greenish stage, as it has a total soluble solids content of 12.05, a pH of 3.89 and a ratio of 89.63, values that are satisfactory according to the legislation. current, correlated with the yellowish color of the pulp, defined by the increase of the a* coordinate from 4.12 to 23.78 and the b* coordinate from 60.43 to 81.71, an important criterion for the commercialization of the fruit.

Effects of Pruning and Nitrogen Fertilization for The Rejuvenation and Physicochemical Characteristics Of Fruits of Declining Apricot Trees (Prunus Armeniaca L. CV. New Castle)

Effects of pruning and nitrogen fertilization for the rejuvenation and physicochemical quality of fruits, bearing on declining apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca L. cv. New Castle) were assessed. Studies were conducted from 2011 to 2015 on the 25 years old senile and declining apricot trees. Ten treatments comprised of a factorial combination of three pruning levels/severity (heading back of main scaffolds at 20, 40 and 60%) with three levels of nitrogen doses (500, 625 and 750g N/tree). For the first time in the year 2011, the experimental trees received the treatments during its dormant period (winter). In the successive years, all the treatments were followed by corrective pruning facilitate rapid restoration of growth and production of the orchard. The factorial treatment combination of heavy pruning (60%) with the lowest doses of nitrogen level (500g/tree) increased the qualities of fruits in terms of weight, volume, firmness, total soluble solids, sugars and acidity content. Whereas, the ascorbic acid content was facilitated by heavy pruning (60%) with the highest doses of nitrogen level (750g/tree) in all the following years. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(4): 1119-1126, 2021 (December)

Influence of pre-harvest fruit bagging and plant cover on peel colour, physical appearance and quality traits of pomegranate fruits in arid conditions

Aim: To study the influence of fruit bagging and plant cover on microclimate modification and its role on external quality traits and physico-chemical fruit characteristics of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa in arid conditions. Methodology: Fruits bagging was done with single layer bags of news paper (NP), brown paper (BP), white parchment paper (PP), non-woven polypropylene (NWP), complete plant covering with non-woven polypropylene (CNWP), and un-bagged with no cover was kept as control. Bagging was done 60 days after fruit set and continued until harvest, each year. Results: Bagging and plant covering modified the microenvironment which positively influenced the fruit development. Among the bags, inside air temperature was higher in BP followed by NP, PP and NWP, while RH was higher in PP. PP bags was most effective for the development of attractive red peel color (a* value = 44.4) followed by NWP (a* value = 39.6) or CNWP (a* value = 36.6). All four bags were able to check thrips incidence completely, while PP bagging provided physical scratches or fungal spot free fruits. Physical attributes of fruits including fruit weight, aril weight, peel thickness and juice content were considerably affected. Interpretation: Fruit bagging or plant covering is simple, cost-effective and eco- friendly way to produce quality safe pomegranate fruits under adverse climatic conditions of arid regions.

Biostimulatory Action of Vegetal Protein Hydrolysate and the Configuration of Fruit Physicochemical Characteristics in Grafted Watermelon

Foliar application of a vegetal-derived protein hydrolysate as a biostimulant was assessed for possible interaction with the ripening of diploid watermelon grafted onto interspecific hybrid rootstock. Assessment encompassed crop performance; fruit morphometric and sensory quality traits; soluble carbohydrates; macrominerals; and bioactive composition at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days post anthesis (dpa). The biostimulant effect on yield components was confounded by the vigorous rootstock effect. Pulp firmness declined precipitously with cell enlargement from 10 to 30 dpa, and the biostimulant phyto-hormonal potential on firmness and rind thickness was masked by grafting. Pulp colorimetry was determined solely by ripening and peaked at 40 dpa. The biostimulant effect reduced lycopene content by 8% compared to the control. Total sugars coevolved with soluble solids content, peaked at 30 dpa, and then stabilized. Fructose and glucose prevailed during rapid fruit growth from 10 to 30 dpa and sucrose prevailed at advanced ripeness between 40–50 dpa, whereas acidity peaked at 20 dpa and then decreased. Potassium, which was the most abundant micromineral, peaked before full ripeness at 30 dpa. The biostimulant effect on the watermelon fruit ripening process is not granted, at least regarding the conditions this study was carried out under. The absence of biostimulant effect might relate to rootstock vigorousness, the grafted watermelon physiology, or the type of biostimulant used.

Exploring Plant Performance, Fruit Physicochemical Characteristics, Volatile Profiles, and Sensory Properties of Day-Neutral and Short-Day Strawberry Cultivars Grown in Texas.

To assist increasing annual acreage of Texas-grown (U.S.A.) strawberries, it is essential to select cultivars with excellent plant and fruit quality characteristics suitable to the diverse environments. This study assessed multiple traits of 10 strawberry cultivars grown under high tunnels. A significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) was observed for all traits, which possessed a wide variability of metabolites. Plant analysis (number of live plants, plant vigor, and harvest yield) indicated that the yield ranged from 226 to 431 g/plant, positively correlated to plant vigor. Fruit physicochemical characteristic analysis, including red color (absorbance at 500 nm) and taste-associated indicators [°Brix, titratable acidity (TA), and total soluble solids (TSS)/TA], showed that °Brix and TSS/TA ranged from 8.0 to 12.9 and from 9.1 to 15.3, respectively. More than 300 volatiles were identified using solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and total volatiles varied 1.5 times with high variance of individual compounds between cultivars. Descriptive sensory analysis indicated that strawberry flavor was positively associated with sensory attributes of sweetness, jammy, fruity, buttery, fresh, and creamy while negatively related to bitterness, astringency, and sourness. Partial least squares regression indicated that strawberry flavor was highly correlated with sweet taste and volatile composition. No specific relationship between these traits and day-neutral or June-bearing varieties was identified. Ideal cultivars for Texas growing conditions with superior and balanced flavor qualities were Albion, Sweet Charlie, Camarosa, Camino Real, and Chandler.

Anthocyanin content, bioactive compounds and physico-chemical characteristics of potential new strawberry cultivars rich in-anthocyanins

BACKGROUND: High anthocyanin content and the presence of other bioactive compounds are attractive characteristics of strawberry fruits for healthy consumption. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the anthocyanin content and the presence of other bioactive compounds, including anthocyanin (total and predominant types) andantioxidant activity; and to determine the physico-chemical fruit quality parameters of two new strawberry cultivars. METHOD: Fruits of two new hybrids were extracted and total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity were determined usinga UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Individual anthocyanins and vitamin C were measured using an HPLC. Physico-chemical characteristics of fruits were analyzed. RESULTS: Hybrid No. 4 line 5 and hybrid No. 4 line 26 are two potential new strawberry cultivars that are rich in anthocyanins. The total anthocyanin contents of these two hybrids were approximately 31–38 mg/100 g FW with no significant differences between them. Cyanidin 3-glucoside and pelargonidin 3-glucoside were foundat amounts of approximately 15–24 mg/kgFW and 332–478 mg/kg FW, respectively. Total phenolic compounds and FRAP activity of the two hybrids were approximately 2295–2579 mg GAE/kgFWand 27–30 mmol Fe2 +/kg FW, respectively. CONCLUSION: The two new hybrid strawberry lines, hybrid No. 4 line 5 and No. 4 line 26, when compared to the parents, had higher levels of bioactive compounds, especially anthocyanins, total phenolics, and FRAP, together with improved physico-chemical quality, and higher vitamin C content. These results indicate a considerable potential of these hybrids for commercial cultivation in Thailand and other production regions.