Purple Fruit Research Articles

Effect of storage conditions and duration on quality of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) nectar

Passion fruit nectar was developed from yellow and purple passion fruit separately and also by blending both yellow and purple fruits, in different combinations of TSS and juice. It was initially subjected to organoleptic evaluation to determine the best combination of TSS and juice content in nectar. Organoleptic evaluation revealed that passion fruit nectar containing 20% juice and 20°Brix was more acceptable in all the three categories (yellow and purple separately, and yellow blended with purple). Total soluble solids, non-enzymatic browning, reducing, non- reducing and total sugars increased while, titratable acidity, vitamin C, total carotenoids, total phenols and total flavanoids decreased during storage. Organoleptic quality of passion fruit nectar declined during storage in all the treatments. The rate of decline was faster in nectar stored under ambient conditions compared to those stored under refrigerated condition. Microbial load in all the samples was within the acceptable limits even after three months of storage.

Effect of time and storage conditions on the physical and physico-chemical characteristics of the pulp of yellow and purple passion fruit

The aim of this study was evaluate the physical and physico-chemical characteristics of extracted fruit pulp of passion fruit with different skin color (yellow, light and dark purple) under refrigeration temperatures and storage times. The extracted pulp of passion fruit was stored at different temperatures: 10 °C, 25 °C; - 30 °C and - 80 °C and at four different storage periods: 0; 10; 20 and 30 days. The following physical and physico-chemical characteristics of the fruit were evaluated: color of fruit peel, fruit weight, diameter, length and width of the fruit, peel thickness, peel mass, pulp mass, pulp color, juice yield, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity and ratio. The physical and physico-chemical results indicate that all the passion fruit pulp, in natura as well as refrigerated, presented values in conformity to the identity and quality standards. The coloration of the fruit peel influenced the preservation of pulp color during the storage period and conditions. Purple fruits showed no change in the color of the pulp, even under different conservation procedures. The passion fruit pulp can be stored up to 30 days while preserving the physical and physico-chemical characteristics, similar to the pulp in natura.

Bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential of juçara fruits (Euterpe edulis Martius) subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

An in vitro method involving simulated gastrointestinal digestion was used to assess the bioaccessibility of fifteen minerals, twenty-two phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity in juçara fruit during seven ripening stages. For minerals and phenolics, respectively, initial contents were up to 1325.9 and 22.9mg100g-1, whereas after in vitro digestion, the maximum values were 556.7 and 14.43mg100g-1 (dry matter). Antioxidant capacity, determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), after in vitro digestion decreased 51-78% when compared to the crude extract. Bioaccessible fractions of quercetin, protocatechuic and p-coumaric acids presented positive and significant correlation with results of DPPH and FRAP. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that the ripening stages of juçara fruit influenced the bioaccessibility of compounds and antioxidant capacity, which presented higher levels in purple fruits collected 42-69days after the appearance of the red berries on bunches.

On the identification of folium by SERS: from crude extracts to illuminated codices

The ancient purple dye known as folium is still a mystery for both scientists and art historians. Today, it is commonly assumed that folium was produced from the fruits of Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A. Juss., a plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, and efforts have been mainly devoted to highlight the analytical features of the dyes extracted from this plant, whereas detection in ancient manuscripts has been mainly based on poorly selective, non‐invasive analytical techniques. As a consequence, the possibility that the actual source for the dye could have been so far misunderstood cannot be excluded. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a highly selective and sensitive analytical technique, has been used here to characterize both extracts from C. tinctoria and a microsample taken from a medieval manuscript. The behaviour of the dyes as SERS probes has been investigated in order to set up an accurate and selective procedure for the identification of the dye in ancient artworks.By unambiguously detecting the dye by SERS in the microsample of the medieval manuscript, we also demonstrated that the purple dye mentioned in ancient treatises is definitely linked with the aqueous extract from purple fruits of C. tinctoria. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rust resistance of fig landraces in an organic cropping system in Santa Catarina, Brazil

Commercial production of fig (Ficus carica), in Brazil is based on the cultivar Roxo de Valinhos, which is highly susceptible to diseases and pests. The aim of this study was to evaluate rust resistance of 34 fig landraces accessed from urban and rural areas of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil and cv. Roxo de Valinhos against rust (Cerotelium fici) The experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 at EPAGRI-Lages (27°35′W, 50°05′South) and IFC-Concórdia (27°11′W, 52°4′South), Santa Catarina, Brazil. Biweekly assessments of incidence and severity of rust started 30 days after transplantation and continued until the end of fruiting. Genotypes of thick, purple fruits from Lages (HTPL) and from Western Santa Catarina (CTPW) and the genotypes of thin, purple fruits from Lages (BThPL) and from Western Santa Catarina (FThPW) were highly resistant to rust. The availability of fig landraces that are rust resistant indicates that fig orchards can be diversified with local genetic resources less vulnerable than the highly vulnerable commercial cv. Roxo de Valinhos.

Genetically engineered anthocyanin pathway for high health-promoting pigment production in eggplant

Anthocyanins, natural pigments with high antioxidant activities, are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and play important roles in various physiological processes. Much effort has been committed to enhancing the anthocyanin content of these health-promoting pigments in vegetables and grains, for their eye-catching colors and special nutrients. Previously, we reported that the SmMYB1 gene encoding a R2R3 MYB transcription factor participated in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the peel of eggplant. In this work, we introduced SmMYB1 into a non-anthocyanin-accumulating eggplant cultivar (Solanum aethiopicum group Gilo) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Genetically engineered plants exhibited high concentrations of anthocyanin in leaves, petals, stamens, and fruit peels under normal growth conditions, especially in fruit flesh. Furthermore, highly methylated anthocyanins, malvidin 3-(p-coumaroyl)rhamnoside(glucoside)-5-glucoside and malvidin 3-(feruloyl)rhamnoside(glucoside)-5-glucoside, were separated from the purple fruit flesh and identified by HPLC–ESI–MS/MS. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that most anthocyanin structural genes were dramatically up-regulated in the tissues of transgenic lines compared with non-transformed plants. In addition, the transgenic seedlings had greater tolerance to freezing stress and better recovery under rewarming conditions. These results provide a good foundation for the breeding of new eggplant cultivars with more healthy agronomic traits in future studies.

<b>Characterization of ‘Sabará’ Jabuticabas at different maturation stages

This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and enzymatic activity of Sabara jabuticaba fruits, which were cultivated in Lavras, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, at different maturation stages. The fruits were harvested and separated into five different stages: totally green fruit, fruit with incipient pigmentation, fruit with a light purple predominance, totally purple fruit and totally dark purple fruit. These fruits were physicochemically analyzed and evaluated for polygalacturonase enzymatic activity. Chlorophyll degradation and the synthesis of anthocyanin on fruit rinds were observed, as well as the degradation of the cell wall and its consequent softening. In the pulp, increased soluble solids, pH and sugars were observed, while acidity decreased as maturation progressed.

Ectopic expression of snapdragon transcription factors facilitates the identification of genes encoding enzymes of anthocyanin decoration in tomato.

Given the potential health benefits of polyphenolic compounds in the diet, there is a growing interest in the generation of food crops enriched with health-protective flavonoids. We undertook a series of metabolite analyses of tomatoes ectopically expressing the Delila and Rosea1 transcription factor genes from snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), paying particular attention to changes in phenylpropanoids compared to controls. These analyses revealed multiple changes, including depletion of rutin and naringenin chalcone, and enhanced levels of anthocyanins and phenylacylated flavonol derivatives. We isolated and characterized the chemical structures of the two most abundant anthocyanins, which were shown by NMR spectroscopy to be delphinidin-3-(4'''-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside and petunidin-3-(4'''-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside. By performing RNA sequencing on both purple fruit and wild-type fruit, we obtained important information concerning the relative expression of both structural and transcription factor genes. Integrative analysis of the transcript and metabolite datasets provided compelling evidence of the nature of all anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, including those encoding species-specific anthocyanin decoration enzymes. One gene, SlFdAT1 (Solyc12g088170), predicted to encode a flavonoid-3-O-rutinoside-4'''-phenylacyltransferase, was characterized by assays of recombinant protein and over-expression assays in tobacco. The combined data are discussed in the context of both our current understanding of phenylpropanoid metabolism in Solanaceous species, and evolution of flavonoid decorating enzymes and their transcriptional networks in various plant species.

Microencapsulation of betalains obtained from cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus-indica) by spray drying using cactus cladode mucilage and maltodextrin as encapsulating agents

The microencapsulation of betalains from cactus fruit by spray drying was evaluated as a stabilization strategy for these pigments. The betalains used as active agent were extracted from purple fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica (BE) and encapsulated with maltodextrin and cladode mucilage MD–CM and only with MD. The microcapsulates were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis (TGA–DSC), tristimulus colorimetry, as well as, their humidity, water activity and dietary fiber content were also determined. The active agent content was measured by UV–Vis spectrophotometry and its composition confirmed by HPLC–ESIMS. A pigment storage stability test was performed at 18°C and different relative humidities. The addition of CM in the formulation increased the encapsulation efficiency, diminished the moisture content, and allowed to obtain more uniform size and spherical particles, with high dietary fiber content. These microencapsulates are promising functional additive to be used as natural colorant in the food industry.

DIFFERENTIAL GENE EXPRESSION ANALYSIS BETWEEN VITIS VINIFERA L. CULTIVAR 'YINHONG' AND ITS MUTANTS

In order to identify functional genes associated to early-ripening, aroma and peel color; the digital gene expression (DGE) profiles of the grape cultivar Vitis vinifera L. ?Yinhong? and its mutants (YH-20-1 and YH-20-2) were studied. The DGE libraries were constructed from the leaves of ?Yinhong? and its mutants, and then sequenced by the Illimina/Hiseq technique. Field observations and time-intensity (Osme) experiments were also carried out to record the main traits and characters as well as to evaluate the aroma intensity of mature fruit. The results showed significant differences in leaf and fruit traits between ?Yinhong? and its two mutants, under field conditions. Compared to the parent ?Yinhong?, the mutant YH-20-1 showed 3-lobed and deeper leaf blade, and purple black fruit skin; while the mutant YH-20-2 had pink fruit skin, denser leaf pubescence, and early-ripening. The time-intensity method identified a strong fragrance found in YH-20-1 as compared to YH-20-2 and ?Yinhong?. The DGE analysis showed the expression of early-ripening (GSVIVT01015220001 and GSVIVT01011638001) and aroma formation (GSVIVT01011944001, GSVIVT01036445001, GSVIVT01009752001, GSVIVT01009754001, GSVIVT01014569001 and GSVIVT01012363001) related genes were significantly up-regulated in YH-20-1; while in YH-20-2, only an early-ripening related gene (GSVIVT01015220001) was significantly up-regulated. There was no significant difference in aroma formation related genes. Moreover, it was found that resistance related genes (ERF, WRKY family and STS) and neutral amino acid related genes were also up-regulated. Our study suggests that both mutants (YH-20-1 and YH-20-2) were promising with stronger resistance than parent ?Yinhong? and early-ripening by showing purple black fruit skin and pink fruit skin, respectively.

Betalains, Phenols and Antioxidant Capacity in Cactus Pear [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] Fruits from Apulia (South Italy) Genotypes.

Betacyanin (betanin), total phenolics, vitamin C and antioxidant capacity (by Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays) were investigated in two differently colored cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) genotypes, one with purple fruit and the other with orange fruit, from the Salento area, in Apulia (South Italy). In order to quantitate betanin in cactus pear fruit extracts (which is difficult by HPLC because of the presence of two isomers, betanin and isobetanin, and the lack of commercial standard with high purity), betanin was purified from Amaranthus retroflexus inflorescence, characterized by the presence of a single isomer. The purple cactus pear variety showed very high betanin content, with higher levels of phenolics, vitamin C, and antioxidant capacity (TEAC) than the orange variety. These findings confirm the potential for exploiting the autochthonous biodiversity of cactus pear fruits. In particular, the purple variety could be an interesting source of colored bioactive compounds which not only have coloring potential, but are also an excellent source of dietary antioxidant components which may have beneficial effects on consumers’ health.

Temperate radiations and dying embers of a tropical past: the diversification of Viburnum.

We used a near-complete phylogeny for the angiosperm clade Viburnum to assess lineage diversification rates, and to examine possible morphological and ecological factors driving radiations. Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian approaches identified shifts in diversification rate and possible links to character evolution. We inferred the ancestral environment for Viburnum and changes in diversification dynamics associated with subsequent biome shifts. Viburnum probably diversified in tropical forests of Southeast Asia in the Eocene, with three subsequent radiations in temperate clades during the Miocene. Four traits (purple fruits, extrafloral nectaries, bud scales and toothed leaves) were statistically associated with higher rates of diversification. However, we argue that these traits are unlikely to be driving diversification directly. Instead, two radiations were associated with the occupation of mountainous regions and a third with repeated shifts between colder and warmer temperate forests. Early-branching depauperate lineages imply that the rare lowland tropical species are 'dying embers' of once more diverse lineages; net diversification rates in Viburnum likely decreased in these tropical environments after the Oligocene. We suggest that 'taxon pulse' dynamics might characterize other temperate plant lineages.

COLOURFUL DIET FOR GOOD HEALTH

We are surrounded by colour and they can affect us profoundly and in ways that we may not have thought of. It is a known fact, that colours can influence your moods, feelings and emotions. Colours influence your actions and how you respond to people, situations and ideas. Apart from the colour of interiors, exteriors, our clothing and other things, the colour of food and beverage products are also extremely important. Green fruits and vegetables support eye health and may help protect against certain types of cancer. Orange and yellows fruits and vegetables are high in Vitamins C and B/foliate which may reduce risk of birth defects. Red fruits and vegetables protect the cells from free radical damage and healthy for the heart. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke, heart disease, memory decline and aging-related diseases. White fruits and vegetables may lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as reduce risks of stomach cancer and heart disease. Therefore to keep ourselves in good health we should get a range of fruits and vegetables in varying hues over the course of a week.

An O-methyltransferase modifies accumulation of methylated anthocyanins in seedlings of tomato.

Anthocyanins contribute to the appearance of fruit by conferring to them a red, blue or purple colour. In a food context, they have also been suggested to promote consumer health. In purple tomato tissues, such as hypocotyls, stems and purple fruits, various anthocyanins accumulate. These molecules have characteristic patterns of modification, including hydroxylations, methylations, glycosylations and acylations. The genetic basis for many of these modifications has not been fully elucidated, and nor has their role in the functioning of anthocyanins. In this paper, AnthOMT, an O-methyltransferase (OMT) mediating the methylation of anthocyanins, has been identified and functionally characterized using a combined metabolomics and transcriptomics approach. Gene candidates were selected from the draft tomato genome, and their expression was subsequently monitored in a tomato seedling system comprising three tissues and involving several time points. In addition, we also followed gene expression in wild-type red and purple transgenic tomato fruits expressing Rosea1 and Delila transcription factors. Of the 57 candidates identified, only a single OMT gene showed patterns strongly correlating with both accumulation of anthocyanins and expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes. This candidate (AnthOMT) was compared to a closely related caffeoyl CoA OMT by recombinant expression in Escherichia coli, and then tested for substrate specificity. AnthOMT showed a strong affinity for glycosylated anthocyanins, while other flavonoid glycosides and aglycones were much less preferred. Gene silencing experiments with AnthOMT resulted in reduced levels of the predominant methylated anthocyanins. This confirms the role of this enzyme in the diversification of tomato anthocyanins.

Isolation and expression analysis of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in Morus alba L.

Anthocyanins from mulberry fruits are used in medicine. However, little anthocyanin can be detected in other tissues and sometimes also mulberry fruits are colorless. The aim of this study was to investigate which gene or genes have the strongest correlation with the anthocyanin biosynthesis. The expression of several anthocyanin synthesis genes were determined in different tissues of two white and two purple fruit cultivars. Genes encoding dihydroflavonol reductase (MaDFR) and anthocyanidin synthase (MaANS) showed a high expression only in fruit tissue of purple-fruit cultivars. During the development of mulberry fruits, the anthocyanin content was well correlated with the transcripts abundance of MaDFR, MaANS, and MaCHS (encoding chalcone synthase). The skin of female mulberry flowers turns red under irradiance because of up-regulated expressions of MaCHS, MaDFR, and MaANS. These three genes may control the anthocyanin biosynthesis in mulberry and up-regulation of them may greatly increase the anthocyanin content.

Near-isogenic lines enhancing ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and carotenoid content in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv Micro-Tom) as a tool to produce nutrient-rich fruits

A great emphasis of plant research is being placed on developing crops with increased nutritional value. Generating plant materials suitable for controlled studies as potential tools for pre-breeding is still the main hurdle. Improvements are needed in generating different allele combinations to stack various nutrients into a single genotype, without losses in fruit yield or quality, and in testing the specific effects of nutrients in their original matrix, avoiding the noise caused by the characteristic mix of compounds. An elegant approach in both pre-breeding and diet supplementation tests is the use of near-isogenic lines (NILs). Here, we tap on the large pool of monogenic mutants and natural genetic variation available in tomato to create a series of NILs in the genetic background of the cultivar Micro-Tom (MT). We describe the introgression of the mutations Anthocyanin fruit (Aft), atroviolacium (atv), Aubergine (Abg), Beta-carotene (B), old-gold crimson (og) and high pigment 1 and 2 (hp1, hp2) and characterize their fruit metabolic profiles in single, double and triple mutant combinations. We show that Brix can be raised without yield penalty, along with increases in lycopene, β-carotene and ascorbic acid, and a concomitant enhancement of anti-oxidant capacity. As proof-of-concept of the suitability of stacking alleles for breeding nutrient-rich tomatoes, we introduce three mutations leading to uniformly purple fruits and enhanced nutrient contents from MT into a commercial cherry tomato cultivar.

Dispersal spectra, diaspore size and the importance of endozoochory in the equatorial Andean montane forests

The dispersal syndrome hypothesis states that plant diaspores show morphological features that are the results of adaptation for dispersal by a particular vector. This can enable to identify the relative importance of dispersal agents within plant communities. Nevertheless, there is still little information about seed dispersal spectra and diaspore traits related to different dispersal agents in the equatorial montane forests, despite their high biodiversity and important ecosystem services as watersheds for human communities. Due to an increase in environmental stress at high elevations a reduction in the prevalence of endozoochory, and a reduction in the size of endozoochorous diaspores in plant assemblages could be expected. We reviewed published data from 64 Andean cloud forest plots to assess the dispersal spectra, the incidence of different traits related to seed dispersal, and the distribution of dispersal syndromes within cloud forests of northern South America. We then evaluated two questions related to seed dispersal in these forests: (1) Does the number and percentage of endozoochorous species in woody plant assemblages decrease at higher elevation? and (2) Does the mean diaspore size of endozoochorously dispersed tree assemblages decrease with elevation?Endozoochory was the main dispersal syndrome of the woody plant species evaluated. Associated diaspore traits, such as single seeded, small size and black or purple fruits, were the most common, probably because they are attractive to bird seed dispersers. The most common fruit types in cloud forests were berries, drupes and dehiscent capsules. On the other hand, the percentage of endozoochorous species in cloud forests was correlated to the mean annual temperature, rather than annual rainfall. We also found a distinct increase in anemochory with elevation. Furthermore, and as predicted, we found that the mean diaspore length of endozoochorous assemblages decreased with altitude. Our results suggest that in the equatorial montane forests, endozoochory is the most common dispersal syndrome although environmental stress in high elevation zones promotes an increase in the prevalence of anemochorous species. Anemochorous species produce dry fruits and small diaspores, probably favored at high elevations due to the low temperatures and nutrients availability and the high costs involved in the production of suitable pulp for animal dispersers.

Antinociceptive activity of Syzygium cumini leaves ethanol extract on orofacial nociception protocols in rodents

Context: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) is a tree with dark purple fruits, popularly known as “jambolão” or “jambolan”. In folk medicine, this plant is used for the treatment of diabetes and inflammatory conditions.Objective: We investigated the antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract (EE) from S. cumini leaves on orofacial nociception.Material and methods: The antinociceptive effects of the EE obtained from the leaves of S. cumini were evaluated in mice using formalin- and glutamate-induced orofacial nociception.Results: ESI-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that major constituents in the analyzed samples coincided with the mass of the phenolic acids and flavonoids. In pharmacological approach, pre-treatment with EE (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) the percentage of paw licks time during phase 2 (43.2, 47.1, and 57.4%, respectively) of a formalin pain test when compared to control group animals. This effect was prevented by pretreatment with glibenclamide and NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NOARG). The extract, all doses, also caused a marked inhibition (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) of glutamate-induced orofacial nociception (38.8, 51.7, and 54.7%) when compared with the control group. No effect was observed with the rota-rod model.Conclusions: We can suggest that the antinociceptive effect of the EE is mediated by peripheral mechanisms, possibly involving KATP channels and the nitric oxide pathways. These effects appear to be related to the presence of flavonoids compounds, such as quercetin.

Distribution, stability and fate of phenolic compounds in white and purple eggplants (Solanum melongena L.)

Eggplants rank among the vegetables richest in antioxidants, but little is known about the allocation, stability, and turnover of these metabolites. The distribution, accumulation and degradation of phenolic antioxidants in the inner and outer pulp of two commercially important eggplant types (white and dark purple), at harvest and after 14 and 30d of refrigerated storage under non-chilling conditions (10°C and 90% RH) were determined in this study. Chlorogenic acid (ChA) was histolocalized by fluorescence with 2-aminoethyl-diphenylborinate and the activity of phenolic compounds oxidizing enzymes (polyphenoloxidase, PPO and peroxidase, POD) as well as H2O2 concentration in both fruit regions was determined. During storage, dark purple fruit were more susceptible to dehydration and showed greater deterioration than white eggplants. Both genotypes accumulated higher sugar content in the inner pulp as opposed to acids, which were more concentrated in the outer region. At harvest, pulp antioxidant capacity was similar in both eggplant types. TEAC and DPPH assays and in situ localization, showed greater total antioxidants and ChA content in the core than in the outer pulp in both white and dark purple fruit. The stability of ChA was markedly different between genotypes. In white fruit, antioxidants increased during the first two weeks of storage, remaining stable afterwards. In contrast, in dark purple eggplants, phenolic compounds declined after an initial stage at which they accumulated. PPO and POD in vitro activities, associated mainly with fruit seeds, fibers, and vascular bundles did not correlate with pulp browning or loss of phenolic antioxidants. Instead, the reduction of ChA in the core of dark purple fruit was associated with increased production of H2O2. Results indicate that antioxidants are predominantly located in the inner pulp of eggplants regardless of the genotype, but are more stable in white fruit. Rather than being the result of browning reactions, substantial losses of phenolic antioxidants in whole eggplants under the recommended storage conditions likely result from seed coat development and vascular lignification in the immature fruit.

Simultaneous Determining the Total Elements in Purple Pepper Fruit by ICP-MS

Simultaneous Determining the Total Elements in Purple Pepper Fruit by ICP-MS