Purple Fruit Research Articles

Fine mapping of the Ca3GT gene controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in mature unripe fruit of Capsicum annuum L.

The anthocyanin biosynthesis gene Ca3GT was fine-mapped in a 110.5-kb region through a map-based cloning strategy. Gene expression and promoter analyses confirmed the strong candidate gene Capana10g001978. Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) fruit can be dark green, green, light green, purple, yellow, or ivory at the juvenile stage. Anthocyanins are responsible for fruit color formation in mature unripe pepper fruit, and transient accumulation of anthocyanins is the main problem in breeding pepper plants with mature purple fruit. Only a few genes controlling this trait have been cloned. The present study aimed to map and identify an anthocyanin biosynthesis gene from pepper using an F2 population derived from a cross between line '17C3808' (purple mature unripe fruit) and line '17C3807' (green mature unripe fruit). The trait was mapped on a 110.5-kb interval between markers SSR18213 and SSR18228 on chromosome 10. There were three open reading frames in this region; Capana10g001978 was predicted in this region as markers CAPS-78-708 and InDel146 co-segregated with it. Capana10g001978 is a structural gene encoding the GTB transcription factor involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins. Comparing parental sequences, two base mutations were identified in the exon of Capana10g001978, at positions + 528bp and + 708bp, which resulted in changes in the 176th and 236th amino acid residues, from glutamine (CAA) to histidine (CAC), causing a nonsense mutation (from CAG to CAA). Additionally, Capana10g001978 was highly expressed in the pericarp of mature, unripe pepper fruit. There were four single nucleotide polymorphisms, three sequence deletions, and one sequence insertion in the promoter region of purple, mature, and unripe pepper fruit, leading to the formation of a W-box and a GT1-motif. Thus, Capana10g001978 is a strong candidate gene of Ca3GT involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in mature unripe pepper fruit. These results provide important information regarding the isolation and characterization of Ca3GT, and they are the starting point for studying the regulatory pathway responsible for anthocyanin biosynthesis in pepper.

FRI0547 THE EFFECT OF CORRECTED INFLAMMATION, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION ON FMD LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH SELECTED CHRONIC DISEASES: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Background:While the pathophysiology of chronic disorders varies there are three basic mechanisms - inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction – that are common in many chronic diseases. These mechanisms, which have a dynamic structure, are key to homeostasis. However, the failure of these mechanisms to work synchronously can lead to morbidity complicating the course of many chronic diseases.Objectives:To evaluate the effect of anti-atherosclerotic liquid (AAL), anti-inflammatory capsules (AIC) and anti-oxidant liquid (AOL) supplementation on the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), inflammatory, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction markers in patients with selected chronic diseasesMethods:We analyzed data of 178 patients from cohorts with selected chronic diseases (Rheumatoid arthritis, familial Mediterranean fever, DM type-2, Hypertension, Multiple sclerosis, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Alzheimer disease and Cancer) in this quasi-experimental study. Endothelial dysfunction was determined by FMD and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels. Serum ADMA, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum PTX3, malondialdehyde (MDA), Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels and FMD were studied in baseline and after 12 weeks of Morinda citrifolia (AAL, 3 ml once per day), omega-3 (AIC, 3 capsules once per day) and extract with Alaskan blueberry and 21 different red purple fruit vegetables (AOL, 30 ml once per day). Stepwise multivariate regression analysis evaluated the association of FMD with clinical and serologic parameters.Results:Serum ADMA, MDA, PTX3, hsCRP and albumin levels, and proteinuria were significantly decreased and CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px and FMD levels were significantly increased following AAL, AIC and AOL therapies. FMD was negatively correlated with serum ADMA, MDA, PTX3, hsCRP levels, SBP and DBP and positively correlated to CuZn-SOD and eGFR levels both at baseline and after the 12-weeks treatment period. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that ADMA and PTX3 levels were independently related to FMD both before and after AAL, AIC and AOL therapies (Table 1, Figure 1).Conclusion:Our study shows that serum ADMA, MDA, PTX3 levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction in patients with selected chronic diseases. Short-term AAL, AIC and AOL therapies significantly improves FMD and normalizes ADMA, PTX3, hsCRP and MDA. This may have implications for adjunctive therapy in a number of chronic disorders.

Morphological Characterization of Prickled and Prickle-free Rubus Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Caneberry crops (raspberry and blackberry) are globally commercialized specialty crops with a high fresh market value. Field management of canes and harvesting of fruits can be complicated by the presence of prickles (the botanically accurate term rather than spines or thorns) on the stems, petioles, and underside of the leaves. Both field management and fruit harvesting could be simplified by the development of cultivars with prickle-free canes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze and compare prickle development in different Rubus species. Comparisons were made between prickled vs. prickle-free red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.), blackberry (Rubus hybrid), complex hybrid with purple fruit (R. occidentalis × R. idaeus), and the hairy and prickled wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim). Samples from stems and leaves with petioles attached were used for imaging. There were distinct differences between prickled vs. prickle-free phenotypes in each species. The images of prickle development suggest that prickles either develop directly from glandular trichomes (in red raspberry and wineberry) or that the signal originates from glandular trichomes (in blackberry). Black raspberry prickle development was similar to that of blackberry, suggesting that prickles developed after a developmental signal from glandular trichomes rather than as a direct development from glandular trichomes. The prickle development in the purple hybrid was unique in the presence of one-sided lumps in the trichomes, which has not been seen in any other Rubus species to date; however, both prickled and prickle-free plants exhibited simple nonglandular trichomes. Unlike previous studies, an increase in the number of simple trichomes was not specific to prickle-free plants, but rather variability among the different genotypes was observed. This study adds to the basic understanding of prickle development in the genus Rubus as a first step in the development of prickle-free versions of important cultivars through gene-editing procedures for improving the ease of field management and harvesting.

Fruiting and quality attributes of cambui (Myrciaria floribunda (West ex Willd.) O. Berg in the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil

Cambuizeiro is a fruit native to the Atlantic Forest biome that has potential for ornamental use and for human consumption, either raw or processed, due to the organoleptic characteristics of its fruits. Accordingly, the study objective was to evaluate the fruiting periods and quality attributes of two types of cambuizeiros, differentiated by fruit color. The plants studied were from a natural population from the Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros Experimental Station, in the municipality of Itaporanga d’Ajuda, state of Sergipe, Brazil. A total of 20 plants, 14 with orange and six with purple fruit, seven days after anthesis (DAA), were evaluated weekly during fruiting. After harvest, the fruits were evaluated for weight, length, width, number of seeds, pH, soluble solids (SS), total titratable acidity (TTA) and vitamin C content. There was heterogeneity in the ripening of the two cambuizeiro types. The highest peak of ripening occurred at 63 DAA (83.2% of orange and 68.3% of purple fruits). The purple fruits had superior physical attributes. However, the pulp of the orange colored fruits had a higher TTA content. Both types of fruits have potential characteristics for commercial exploration and use.

Expert System of Pest Diagnosis in Passion Fruit Plants using the Bayes Theorem Method

Purple passion fruit has the common name granadilla or passion fruit (English), passion fruit (Indonesian), including in the family Passifloraceae. It is estimated that there are 500 species of Passifiora in the Passidoraceae family, one of which is the form of edulis or purple forma known as purple passion fruit, which includes this form is acid passion fruit with purple fruit skin (purple) also called cucumber or purple passion fruit (P. Edulis f. Edulis Sims). Purple passion fruit passion fruit can only grow and develop well in subtropical and tropical highlands. This application is based on mobile with the Android operating system by utilizing the expert system of the Bayes Theorem method. With the Bayes theorem method implemented in the Application of control of passion fruit plants in order to make it easier to do an initial diagnosis without having to spend a lot of time calling a plant expert in the field of passion fruit plants. The characteristic of the Bayes Theorem method is that the Bayes Theorem is used to calculate opportunities in a hypothesis, by determining the probability value of the expert hypothesis and the evidence value obtained from the diagnosed object, then calculating the probability value. The expected results of this study are that applications can make it easier to find out the passion fruit pests and quickly provide countermeasures without having to take too much time to call or meet a plant expert and make it easier for users to use the android-based application.

Evaluation of the comparative morphological and quality in fig (Sichuan, China) with different colors under different ripening stages

Fig (Ficus carica L.) has been used in China as food and medicine for millennia, and globally has been consumed increasingly as a healthy food. Sichuan, especially the Weiyuan area, always had the reputation of producing best fig quality. The comparative morphological and quality of 6 fig cultivars were correlated with the main planting fig with three different colors in Sichuan, China: Yellow (Orphan, Browns Wick), Red (Bpjihon, Masui Dauphine, Wild-type), Purple (Japanese Purple Fruit). This study aimed to explore the morphological characteristics in fig, and composition, content and dynamic changes rule of the organic acids and anthocyanins in different parts (peel and pulp) of fruits under different ripening stages (eight mature and full mature). These provide important theoretical bases for the improvement, production, and quality assessment of fig cultivars. In this experiment, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of organic acids and anthocyanins in figs was established for the first time. Each organic acid and anthocyanin component had a linear coefficient of >0.996, and good values were obtained for linear correlation, precision, and reproducibility. During the ripening of fig, malic acid, quinic acid, and citric acid were the main organic acids of fig, followed by tartaric acid and succinic acid, with the lowest content found for fumaric acid. The highest anthocyanin content was observed for cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, followed by cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, and cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside had the least content. The accumulation pattern of organic acids and anthocyanins was observed to change. The organic acids accumulation pattern changed from malic acid and quinic acid to malic acid, citric acid accumulation or malic acid, citric acid and quinic acid to the accumulation of the three organic acids. The accumulation pattern of anthocyanins was mainly composed of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside accumulation, and the change during ripening was not significant. This pattern may play an important role in the determination of acidity, sweetness, and flavor quality of fig fruits in Sichuan, China.

Anatomical structure, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves and fruits on different age and maturity level

Abstract. Kuntorini EM, Nugroho LH, Maryani, Nuringtyas TR. 2019. Anatomical structure, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves and fruits on different age and maturity level. Biodiversitas 20: 3619-3625. Karamunting (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton.) Hassk.) is a native plant to southeast Asian countries, and is a well-known medicinal plant used to treat colic diarrhea, wounds, heartburn, abscesses, gynecopathy, and as a pain killer. However, the use of R. tomentosa has not been optimized. This research aimed to observe the anatomical structure, the location, and distribution of flavonoid and to find out the antioxidant activity based on the leaves age and the fruit maturity. Anatomical slides preparation of leaves and fruits were made using the paraffin embedding method with safranin staining. The distribution of flavonoid was analyzed by histochemical test and antioxidant activity was done with DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method. Leaf anatomical structure shows that the leaf bifacial (dorsiventral) consisted of upper epidermis, mesophyll (palisade and sponge), collateral vascular bundle, parenchyma midrib, abaxial epidermis, globular oil cavity, and non-glandular trichome. Transverse section of green fruit consists of exocarp (thin outer layer), mesocarp (thick inner layer, soft and runny) and endocarp (thin false septa) layers. The histochemical test showed that flavonoid was observed in the leaf epidermis, mesophyll, vascular bundles, secretory cavity, parenchyma and in all fruit types exocarp, mesocarp, endocarp. Antioxidant activity showed that the extract of the young leaves (IC50 = 14.67 ppm) was stronger than the old leaves (IC50 = 19.86 ppm). The antioxidant activity of the purple fruits extract (IC50 = 12.98 ppm) was stronger than the red fruits (IC50 = 28.63 ppm) and the green fruits (IC50 = 48.36 ppm) but it was weaker than quercetin (IC50 = 1.29 ppm). The purple fruit had the highest antioxidant activity compared to other extracts. This information will be useful for developing karamunting as a potential resource of natural antioxidants for functional foods and health products.

Evaluasi Karakter Kualitatif dan Kuantitatif Cabai Hias (Capsicum annuum L.) IPB

ABSTRACT Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a commodity that has a high economic value and has been known and cultivated by people throughout the world. Ornamental chili pepper has aesthetic value as ornamental plants such as the round or long round fruits and the diversity of fruit colors. This study was conducted to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characters of 11 genotypes of ornamental chili pepper to obtain superior ornamental chili pepper varieties. The analyzed variables were the plant height, stem length, stem diameter, stem color, shortened internode, plant habitus, leaf shape, leaf color, leaf length, leaf width, days to flowering, corolla color, anther color, flower position, harvest date, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit pedicel length, fruit diameter, fruit shape, fruit shape at blossom end, fruit color, and anthocyanin coloration. This study was conducted in green house of the Cikabayan Experimental Garden and the Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University, from January to June 2018. The experimental design was randomized complete block design with one factor (genotipe) and four replicates. All genotypes evaluated had diverse quantitative and qualitative characters especially in the character of fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit color. The most preferred genotypes were Ayesha 1, Violeta, and Nazla. Ayesha 1 was favored because of its rounded fruit, interesting and quite varied fruit colors. Violeta and Nazla were prefered because of the purple fruits. Nazla was prefered as pot ornamental plants for its short plant and the convenience to take care. Keywords: Capsicum annuum L, genotipe, ornamental chili pepper Cabai (Capsicum annuum L.) merupakan komoditas yang memiliki nilai ekonomi tinggi dan merupakan tanaman yang sudah dikenal dan dibudidayakan oleh masyarakat di seluruh dunia. Karakter cabai hias memiliki nilai estetika sebagai tanaman hias seperti bentuk buah yang umumnya bulat atau bulat panjang dan warna buah yang sangat bervariasi. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengevaluasi karakter kualitatif dan kuantitatif 11 genotipe cabai hias untuk menghasilkan varietas cabai hias yang unggul. Karakter yang diamati terdiri atas tinggi tanaman, tinggi dikotomus, diameter batang, warna batang, pemendekan ruas, habitus tanaman, bentuk daun, warna daun, panjang daun, lebar daun, waktu munculnya bunga, warna mahkota bunga, warna anther, kedudukan bunga, umur panen buah, bobot buah, panjang buah, panjang tangkai buah, diameter buah, bentuk buah, bentuk pangkal buah, perubahan warna buah, dan pewarnaan antosianin. Penelitian dilakukan di rumah kaca Kebun Percobaan Cikabayan dan Laboratorium Genetika dan Pemuliaan Tanaman, Departemen Agronomi dan Hortikultura, Fakultas Pertanian Institut Pertanian Bogor. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Januari sampai Juni 2018. Rancangan penelitian yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Kelompok Lengkap Teracak (RKLT) satu faktor yaitu genotipe dengan 4 kali ulangan. Semua genotipe yang dievalusi memiliki karakter kuantitatif dan kualitatif yang beragam baik antar genotipe uji maupun dengan varietas pembanding, terutama pada karakter bobot buah, panjang buah, dan warna buah. Genotipe yang paling disukai adalah Ayesha 1, Violeta, dan Nazla. Ayesha 1 disukai karena bentuk buahnya yang membulat dan warna buahnya yang menarik dan beragam. Violeta dan Nazla disukai karena buahnya berwarna ungu. Nazla lebih disukai untuk tanaman hias pot karena perawakannya yang pendek dan memudahkan perawatan. Kata kunci: Capsicum annuum L., cabai hias, genotipe

Anthocyanin content in mature/immature blueberry fruits under different storage temperature

The anthocyanins in blueberry ‘Brigitta’ mature and immature (purple) fruits stored in different temperature (4°C and 25°C) were analyzed by HPLC. The results showed that ‘Brigitta’ blueberry contained 9 anthocyanins. Anthocyanins contents in the purple fruit stored in 4° showed a trend of previous rise and end fall. In the mature fruit under 25°, anthocyanins contents kept on rising. In the mature fruits at 4° and purple fruits at 25°, same trends of decline first and then rose were revealed. This study suggested that in a certain storing during, anthocyanins contents in blueberry fruit fluctuated.

Passion fruit – a healthy fresh fruit

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) is a woody perennial climbing fruit plant belonging to the family Passifloraceae. The plant bears a delicious fruit and occurs in purple- and yellow-fruited forms (Passiflora edulis f. edulis and P. edulis f. flavicarpa) known as purple and yellow passion fruits. The fruits of the purple passion fruit are smaller but more aromatic than those of the yellow form. For juice processing, the fruit is allowed to attain a deep purple or yellow color. The seedy pulp can be taken as such or with sugar, cream, etc. or juice can be taken after the removal of seeds. Sugar and acidity content are the two important indices that directly decide the acceptability of a fruit. In Kerala both purple and yellow varieties of passion fruit are popular. A laboratory study was conducted at Agronomic Research Station, Kerala Agricultural University, Chalakudy with an objective of understanding the sugar and acidity content in the fruit juices of yellow and purple varieties. Results showed that average sugar content and acidity of purple fruit is much lower than the sugar content and acidity of yellow types. Lesser acidity in purple fruit helps to take the fruit directly without adding sugar. Also lesser acidity in the fruit gives good condition/comfort to the intestine. Presence of a lower sugar content in purple types protects the body from increased blood sugar level. The study showed that the purple fruit type of passion fruit is healthier than the yellow type.

The effect of different drying techniques on phytochemical content and in vitro antioxidant properties of Australian‐grown prickly pears ( Opuntia ficus indica )

Abstract Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica) is commonly consumed but limited by short harvesting seasons and shelf life. Drying may resolve such issues. The effects of different methods were examined to investigate the phytochemicals in Australian prickly pear (PP). White, orange and purple fruits were dried using freeze-drying, microwave, draft-oven, and dehydrator-drying (35°C, 55°C, and 75°C). Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonol Content (TFC), Total Betalain Content (TBC), Betacyanin (BE), and Betaxanthin (IE) and antioxidant characteristics (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH], Cupric Ion Antioxidant Reducing Capacity [CUPRAC], and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power [FRAP]) were determined as methanolic extracts (skin/flesh). The highest content is as follows: TPC (149 ± 5.06 µgGAE; microwave; purple skin), TFC (76.6 ± 1.98 µgCE; microwave; purple-skin), TBC (4.17 ± 0.846 mg/100 g; freeze-dried; orange-skin and flesh), BE (2.29 ± 1.00 mgBE/100 g; freeze-dried; purple-flesh), IE (3.42 ± 0.569 mgIE/100 g; freeze-dried; purple-flesh); DPPH (224 ± 41.2 µMTE; freeze-dried; white-flesh), CUPRAC (2,937 ± 43.3 µMTE; microwave; purple-skin) and FRAP (1,377 ± 27.0 µMTE; microwave; purple-skin). Significant differences (p < 0.05) occurred between drying methods. When compared to freeze drying, microwaving, in some cases elicited the highest content. Practical applications The gap between the nutrient-dense prickly pear fruit, and its consumption is prominent, particularly in Australia. This is potentially the consequences of social misconceptions, a short harvesting season and shelf life, thus potentially contributing to Australia's growing food waste challenge. Therefore, such obstacles could be reduced with the use of the most appropriate drying technique in order to extend the products shelf life. Our manuscript investigates the effect of different drying techniques on the phytochemical content of the prickly pear fruit. The investigated drying methods were considered accessible to small agricultural producers, the predominant farmers for this fruit in Australia. The findings of this paper can be potentially implemented in agricultural practice, assisting with year-round food supply and reduce on-site foods waste.

The fruit quality change of less mature blueberry in different postharvest storing temperatures

In this experiment, we investigated the effects of different postharvest temperature treatments on the quality of blueberry purple fruit. We compared the changes in weight, firmness, water content and soluble solids content of purple fruit at 4°C and 25°C respectively. The results showed that different treatments have different effects on preservation of blueberry ‘Brigitta’.

ESTUDIO CARIOLÓGICO DE Chrysobalanus icaco (CHRYSOBALANACEA) EN PARAÍSO, TABASCO, MÉXICO

Chrysobalanus icaco is a plant that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family. In Tabasco, Mexico, this plant is distributed in the municipalities of the coastline. The main purpose of this research was to characterize the chromosomal structure of phenotypes with pink and purple fruits by the use of conventional staining. To this end, mature fruits were collected in the community of Pénjamo, Paraíso, Tabasco. Seeds were allowed to germinate for 30 days at a constant temperature of 30° C. Roots of 1.00 cm in length were subjected to acid hydrolysis and subsequent staining with orcein. A total of 295 metaphases were photographed and chromosomes of 35 metaphases of the purple phenotype and 30 of the pink phenotype were measured. Both phenotypes presented 18 small chromosomes, which were ordered in nine homologous pairs according to their relative size. No morphological or numerical differences were observed between the karyotypes of both phenotypes. In addition, the t-Student (α=0.05) test did not reveal significant differences between the chromosomes complements of both phenotypes. Key words:karyotype, tropical shrubs

From the Chief Executive and News

From the Chief Executive and News

Relationship and correlation between antioxidant content and capacity, processing method and fruit colour of cactus pear fruit

Cactus pear fruit is a valuable source of antioxidants and could be an important functional ingredient in foods. Cultivars differ in fruit colour, which may indicate the presence of specific antioxidants. There is increased interest for cactus pear-derived products due to their potential nutraceutical effects, and determining antioxidant potential in processed foods is an important measure to ascertain the quality of a processed product. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of fruit processing method and colour with antioxidant content and activity in fresh and processed cactus pear fruit. Antioxidant components (ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, carotenes and betalains) and antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity towards 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and iron chelating capacity) were determined in fresh and processed (juiced, dried, preserved and chutney) fruits from four different coloured cultivars (purple, green, orange and pink). The highest antioxidant content and potential was found in purple (O. robusta cv Robusta) fruit products, attributed to the highest levels of betalains (1140.4 mg kg−1). Orange fruit (O. ficus-indica) products had the second highest levels, attributed to ascorbic acid and phenolics. Betalains were highly retained in all processed products, while ascorbic acid was mostly retained in the processed products that involved minimal heat treatment. Carotene and phenolic compounds became more available for extraction during processing and showed higher levels after processing. Principal component analysis makes it possible to identify fruit colours of fresh and processed products, which were mostly associated with a specific antioxidant. In the PCA biplot, PC1 (47.93%) and PC2 (21.93%) explained 69.15% of the total variation: a processing method rather than colour-correlated products in terms of antioxidant content and potential. PCA indicated that fresh purple fruit was correlated with chelating activity and betalains, while orange fruit was clustered with phenolics, ascorbic acid, carotene and DPPH. For the processed fruit products, most were clustered together with chelating activity, DPPH and the antioxidants. Orange and pink dried products had high ascorbic acid, phenolics, carotene and DPPH values, while dried and fresh purple fruit had high betalain content and chelating activity.

Effects of gastrointestinal digestion models in vitro on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of juçara (Euterpe edulis)

SummaryThis study evaluated the effects of different gastrointestinal digestion models in vitro on the bioaccessibility of phenolics and antioxidant activity in juçara frozen pulp. In the sequence, method 3 was applied to juçara fruit in three different stages of maturation (vitrin – reddish fruits, mature – purple fruits, tuíra – deep purple fruits). In the method applied, the final pH adopted was 5.0, in order to avoid interference in the assay used to determine the antioxidant activity, and BHT was used to prevent excessive oxidation in the system. In this method, higher values for antioxidant activity were obtained (3574.95–3719.10 μmol L−1 Trolox 100 g−1 pulp) compared with the other two methods tested (1969.14–3034.74 μmol L−1 Trolox 100 g−1 pulp). In relation to juçara fruit, the mature stage was found to be ideal for processing, showing generally higher values of the bioaccessibility for phenolics and antioxidant activity compared to other maturation stages.

Antioxidant potential and physicochemical characterization of yellow, purple and orange passion fruit.

This study evaluated yellow, purple and orange passion fruit in pulp, peel, and seed for physicochemical characteristics, proximate composition, minerals, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS), phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Yellow passion fruit presented higher concentrations of pectin (37.37g/100g) in peels; high cryptoxanthin, α-carotene, β-carotene, provitamin A, quercetin, and kaempferol in pulps and higher values of ash and total dietary fiber in seeds. The purple fruit was highlighted by a great value of anthocyanins (103.68mg/100g) in peels and seeds and the orange fruit reported higher levels of ash, carotenoids (mainly β-carotene with 21,274μg/100g), kaempferol in peels, higher contents of total soluble solids, lycopene (4405μg/100g), lutein, zeaxanthin, total carotenoids in pulps and phenolics in general. This research revealed that the pulp of passion fruit and his residues have a significant content of bioactive compounds, differing in type according the species analyzed.

Expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis-related genes reflects the peel color in purple tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important and popular vegetables worldwide. A wide range of tomato cultivars with different colored fruits is presently available. The purple peel of tomato fruit is due to the accumulation anthocyanin pigments, which are beneficial to both plants and humans. Cultivated tomatoes normally do not make anthocyanin in their fruit peel, but there are some wild relatives of cultivated tomato like Solanum chilense, S. habrochaites, S. cheesmanii, and S. lycopersicoides that do produce anthocyanins in their fruits. In this study, the purple fruit color was obtained by crossing ‘OSU blue’ (blue fruit) and ‘Purple mini’ (brown fruit) and subsequent self-pollination. Anthocyanins are produced via the flavonoid pathway and are regulated by the transcriptional complex of MYB, bHLH, and WD40 repeats transcription factors. We determined the expression profiles of genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in tomato genotypes with distinct fruit colors by qRT-PCR. Both the early and late biosynthetic genes of the anthocyanin pathway were up-regulated in the peels of purple tomato fruits, except Sl5GT. Moreover, the expression of the regulatory genes SlANT1 and SlAN1 was dramatically increased in the peels of purple tomato fruits. These results indicate that SlANT1 and SlAN1 might play an important role on anthocyanin biosynthesis in the peels of purple-fruited tomatoes via up-regulation of structural genes in the anthocyanin pathway.

Heredities on fruit color and pigment content between green and purple fruits in tomato

Abstract Fruit color and pigment content are two important traits that largely determine the quality of tomato fruits. In this study, six genetic populations, namely, P1, P2, F1, BC1, BC2 and F2, were generated using tomato plants with green and purple fruits as female and male parents, respectively. The genetic developments of fruit color and pigment content were investigated through multigenerational joint analysis of quantitative traits. Results demonstrated that the optimal genetic model of fruit color between green and purple fruits was MX1-AD-ADI. The major gene heritabilities of shade values in BC1, BC2 and F2 generations were 88%, 63% and 82%, and their polygene heritabilities were 9%, 11% and 14%, respectively. The heredity of lycopene content conformed to MX2-ADI-AD model. The heritabilities of major genes in BC1, BC2 and F2 were 67%, 78% and 97%, while those of polygenes were 21%, 0% and 0%, respectively. The genetic model of chlorophyll was MX1-AD-ADI. The heritabilities of major genes in BC1, BC2 and F2 were 62%, 77% and 62%, respectively, and those of polygenes were all 0%. The inheritance of carotene was in accordance with MX2-ADI-ADI model. The heritabilities of major genes in BC1, BC2 and F2 were 80%, 47% and 57%, while those of polygenes were 0.01%, 0.02% and 14%, respectively. This study provides valuable information for fruit quality improvement in tomato breeding.

An Update on the Biological Activities of Euterpe edulis (Juçara).

The palm tree Euterpe edulis, known as juçara, produces spherical and purple fruits, similar to those of the Euterpe oleracea and Euterpe precatoria palm trees, from which the common name açaí originates. Juçara fruit has been gaining prominence in the scientific world for its interesting nutritional composition, which is rich in antioxidants, and for its sustainable production model. Recently, relevant biological activities have been associated with the juçara fruit, and its use in alimentation has become an important nutritional, environmental, and economic alternative. The aim of this review is to compile recent scientific data about the phytochemical characterization and biological activities of E. edulis. A review of the literature was conducted in two electronic databases, Medline and Science Direct. The eligibility criteria were as follows: phytochemicals characterize of the E. edulis fruits and evaluate biological effects in vitro or in vivo with pulp, extract, juice, or product of juçara fruits. Investigations were excluded if they used other parts of the plant (seeds), did not assess biological activities, or have tested methodologies for compound extraction. From the identified reports, 25 articles were eligible for this study. The promotion of health benefits related to juçara fruits seems to have improved antioxidant activity in vivo, benefits to lipid and glycemic profiles, and modulation of inflammatory status in experimental studies in animals.