Fruit Quality Characteristics Research Articles

A Study on Quality Properties of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) Fruit Powder Obtained by Different Drying Treatments

In this study, the quality characteristics of blackthorn fruit (Prunus spinosa L.) powders obtained by convective hot air-drying (HAD) and freeze-drying (FD) treatments were investigated. The drying time was carried out equally (24 h) for both treatments. According to the results, the moisture (%) and water activity of powder samples obtained by HAD and FD treatments were found as 7.51% and 0.2471, 9.13% and 0.2718, respectively. Considering the pH and total ash parameters, there was no statistically significant difference between the powder samples (p>0.05). However, both drying processes were effective on the color and changed the L*, a*, and b* values of the powders compared to fresh fruit values. The biological and antioxidant results of the powder obtained by FD treatment were higher than the HAD treatment (p<0.05). From this point of view, it was determined that the FD process had a minimal effect on the chemical content of fresh fruit, while the HAD technique applied at 40 °C combined with a fan system did not have an excessive negative effect on these values.

The best examples of citrus crops from the breeding fund FRC SSC RAS

The Federal Research Centre, the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (FRC SSC of RAS), maintains and sustains a unique collection of citrus crops, comprising 144 varieties collected from different geographical zones. The collection serves as a foundation for breeding work aimed at developing new varieties adapted to the extreme conditions of the humid subtropics in Russia. The breeding focus is on early-ripening, high-yielding, large-fruited citrus varieties with high fruit quality parameters. An extensive hybrid pool has been created, with the study of 165 forms of citrus from various origins, of which 60 are identified as promising and 28 as elite. Through comprehensive evaluation of elite forms, early-ripening and large-fruited forms have been identified, characterized by good yields and high fruit quality characteristics. Early-ripening hybrids of C. reticulāta 02-1, 2-5, and 2-2; 01-04; 01-4 ripen in the second decade of October. Promising forms of C. paradīsi G-A-2 and G-A-1, characterized by large fruit size ranging from 240.1 to 345.1 g, have been selected. The largest fruits are observed in C. Bergamia 16; P-22, with an average weight ranging from 350.8 to 430.40 g. High vitamin C content is noted in forms of C. paradīsi G-A-1; G-A-2 (54.1-43.7 mg/100g) and C. maxima P-20 (42.3 mg/100g). The sweetest fruits are found in the form of C. Bergamia 16, with a sugar content of 255.94 g/liter. The selected forms hold significant value for further breeding research.

Identification of Novel Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Table Grape Fruit Quality Characteristics in a Segregating Population and Transferability of Existing Quality Markers

Grape (Vitis) production and fruit quality traits such as cluster size, berry shape, and timing of fruit development are key aspects when selecting cultivars for commercial production. Molecular markers for some, but not all, of these traits have been identified using biparental or association mapping populations. Previously identified markers were tested for transferability using a small (24 individual) test panel of commercially available grape cultivars. Markers had little to no ability to differentiate grape phenotypes based on the expected characteristics, except the marker for seedlessness. Using a biparental interspecific cross, 43 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) (previously identified and new genomic regions) associated with berry shape, number, size, cluster weight, cluster length, time to flower, veraison, and full color were detected. Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction markers designed on newly identified QTLs were tested for transferability using the same panel. Transferability was low when use types were combined, but they were varied when use types were evaluated separately. A comparison of a 4-Mb region at the end of chromosome 18 revealed structural differences among grape species and use types. Table grape cultivars had the highest similarity in structure for this region (>75%) compared with other grape species and commodity types.

Evaluation of Fruit Quality Characteristics in ‘Irwin’ Mango Grown via Forcing Cultivation in a Plastic Facility

Evaluation of Fruit Quality Characteristics in ‘Irwin’ Mango Grown via Forcing Cultivation in a Plastic Facility

EFFECT OF MORINGA LEAVES EXTRACT, CALCIUM, AND POTASSIUM SILICATE ON THE GROWTH, YIELD, AND QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY FRUITS

A field and storage experiments were carried out in order to evaluate the effect of the foliar application of Moringa leaves extract, calcium, and potassium silicate on the growth, yield, and quality characteristics of strawberry fruits. The field experiment with three replicates was included 27 treatments consisted of the foliar application of Moringa leaf extract at the concentrations of 0, 5, and 10% which were symbolized as M0, M1, and M2 respectively, calcium at the concentrations of 0, 1, and 2 g. L-1, which were symbolized as Ca0, Ca1, and Ca2 respectively, and potassium silicate at the concentrations of 0, 1.25, and 2.50 ml. L-1 that symbolized as S0, S1, and S2 respectively. The storage experiment was carried out according to the same design that applied in the first experiment, at a temperature of 0-2ºC. The results revealed that the M2 treatment was significantly increased the leaves content of chlorophyll, Leaves area, shoots dry weight, flowers number, the fruit set percent and number, leaves and fruits content of calcium, fruits firmness, and it also reduced the damage percent and the weight loss. While the treatment of Ca1 recorded the most significant values of growth and yield indicators, and the lowest damage percent and weight loss. Also, the Ca2 treatment recorded the highest leaves and fruits content of calcium, and firmness. S2 also recorded the highest values in the above indicators. The interaction treatments revealed significant values in the above-mentioned indicators, as the interactions of M2Ca1, M2S2, and Ca1S2 and the triple interaction of M2Ca1S2 were recorded the highest values compared to the control treatments.

Growth, fruit bearing behaviour, yield and quality of some apple cultivars

Apple is a temperate climate fruit species grown almost worldwide. Research and past experiences have shown that apples have different growth and fruiting behaviours. Knowing the growth and fruiting behaviours of apples, determining the training system, how to prune, will shed light on the cultural practices that need to be done in order to obtain quality and early high yield. In light of the above, the study aimed to determine the growth and fruiting behaviours of different apple. In the experiment, eight apple cultivars, ‘Jeromine’, ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’, ‘Granny Smith Challenger’, ‘Buckeye Gala’, ‘Rosy Glow’, ‘Golden Reinder’, ‘Ginger Gold’ and ‘Amasya’, grafted on M9 rootstock were used. The growth and fruiting behaviours of the cultivars were determined by phenological observations, canopy dimensions, tree dimensions, canopy volume, tree volume, number and size of annual shoots on the leader, number of spurs, internode distance, distribution of flowers on the tree and similar measurements and evaluations. In addition, yield and some quality characteristics of fruits were also recorded. It was determined that ‘Rosy Glow’ and ‘GS Challenger’ cultivars showed the best performance in terms of growth, and ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’, ‘Rosy Glow’, ‘Buckeye Gala’, ‘GS Challenger’ cultivars in terms of cumulative yield. Additionally, this study found that there was a positive relationship between yield and branch angles in the first two years. Considering all the years, it was determined that ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’ and ‘Granny Smith Challenger’ cultivars produced larger fruits than the others. In conclusion, it was revealed that the growth and fruiting behaviours of apple cultivars cannot be classified very clearly, and it would be more accurate to group them as spur, semi-spur, standard and tip bearer in general. It was claimed that the number of flowers in the cluster is not a characteristic of apples. Besides, ‘Fuji Zehn Astec’, ‘Rosy Glow’, ‘GS Challenger’ was suggested for high yield in the new training systems.

Gümüş nanopartiküllerin (Ag-NPs) kuraklık stresi altındaki domates bitkilerinin fizyolojik ve biyokimyasal özelliklerine etkisi

In this study, the effects of five different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 mg l-1) application on two different tomato cultivars grown at three different irrigation levels (25%, 50% and 100%) were investigated. Yield and quality characteristics of tomato fruits were investigated. The level of Ag-NPs that reduces the effects of arid stress on the plant genotypes physiologically and morphologically and their effects on the yield and fruit quality characteristics were also evaluated. Ag-NPs of 50 mg l-1 application was found to be more effective than the other applications in protecting tomato plants against the negativities caused by drought stress. In general, the total yield showed a decrease in AgNPs+stress applications according to Chlorophyll (SPAD) and Water use efficiency. In total yield Ag-NPs, Ag-NPs+50% stress and Ag-NPs+25% stress applications, the highest doses were found for Ag-NPs 25 mgl-1 (5489.66 g m2) and Ag-NPs 25 mg l-1 (4896.00 g m2), respectively. This study provides results that may be used by producers in places where tomato plants grown in arid regions. Silver nanoparticles can be used at ppm levels to produce quality tomato fruits by providing drought resistance of the plant.

Prediction of tannin content and quality parameters in astringent persimmons from visible and near-infrared spectroscopy.

Tannin content and postharvest quality characteristics of persimmon fruit are often determined by the destructive analysis that consumes time, does not allow the acquisition of data from the same fruit continuously, and requires expensive high-performance equipment. This research was done to investigate the potential for non-destructive estimation of astringency and quality parameters in persimmon fruit based on visible/near-infrared (VNIR) spectra. VNIR spectra readings, the reference tannin content, and quality parameters were measured from fruits of "Cheongdo-Bansi" and "Daebong" persimmon cultivars at harvest and throughout the ripening/deastringency period. The spectra readings from half of the total fruit were utilized for the calibration set, while the other half readings were used for the prediction set. To develop models correlating the spectra data to the measured reference parameters data, the partial least square regression (PLSR) method was utilized. In the case of 'Daebong', the coefficients of determination (R2) between VNIR spectra and the actual measured values of TSS, firmness, simple sugars, and tannin content were (0.95, 0.94, 0.96, and 0.96) and (0.93, 0.89, 0.96, and 0.93), for the calibration and prediction sets, respectively. Similarly, the R2-values of (0.86, 0.93, 0.79, and 0.81) and (0.83, 0.91, 0.75, and 0.75) were recorded in 'Cheongdo-Bansi' for the calibration and prediction sets, respectively. Additionally, the acquired data were divided into two sets in a 3:1 ratio to develop predictive models and to validate the models in multiple regressions. PLSR models were developed in multiple regression to estimate the tannin content of both cultivars from firmness and simple sugars with R2-values of 0.83 and 0.79 in 'Cheongdo-Bansi' for the calibration and prediction sets, respectively, whereas, R2-values of 0.80 and 0.84 were recorded in 'Daebong' for the calibration and prediction sets, respectively. The overall findings of this study showed the possibility of using VNIR spectra for the prediction of postharvest quality and tannin contents from intact persimmon fruit with quick, chemical-free, and low-cost assessment methods. Also, the multiple regression using physicochemical parameters could fairly predict the tannin content in persimmon fruit though destructively but save time and low-cost.

Fruit quality of ‘Tahiti’ lime grafted onto different rootstocks grown under salt stress

Salt stress is one of the main obstacles to citrus production in arid and semi-arid regions, limiting fruit production and quality, making it necessary to use tolerant genetic materials to improve the quality of citrus production in these regions. The objective of this work was to evaluate the fruit quality ‘Tahiti’ lime grafted onto different rootstocks grown under salt stress and to evaluate different storage days. Three ‘Tahiti’ lime genotypes, two electrical conductivity of irrigation water, and two storage time were studied. Salt stress increased the fruit quality of ‘Tahiti’ lime. Storage for 10 days increases ascorbic acid and soluble sugars, independent of genotype and salt stress, while all genotypes have desirable postharvest fruit quality characteristics. Genotypes 2 and 3 are promising to be cultivated in semi-arid regions, in addition to maintaining the fruit quality in conditions of salt stress. Therefore, grafting is a technique to increase the postharvest quality of ‘Tahiti’ lime grown under salt stress.

Quality Characteristics of Raspberry Fruits from Dormancy Plants and Their Feasibility as Food Ingredients.

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a soft red fruit consumed worldwide due to its bitter-sweet taste and phenolics-associated health benefits. During plant dormancy, raspberry fruits are discarded. However, this work hypothesised that these fruits have the chemical quality to be valorised, which would mitigate their waste if adequately stabilised. This can be achieved by drying. The Pacific Deluxe and Versailles varieties were dried by freeze- and convective-drying (30 °C and 40 °C). The freeze-dried fruits preserved their colour, drupelets structure, and phenolic content. Convective-drying promoted a significant fruit darkening, which was more evident at 30 °C due to the longer drying process, and a loss of drupelets structure. Both temperatures promoted a similar decrease in phenolic content, as determined by HPLC, although the ABTS●+ antioxidant activity at 40 °C was lower (IC50 = 9 compared to 13 μg AAE/mg dry weight). To incorporate dried raspberries into muffin formulations, while keeping their red colour, it was necessary to change the raising agent from sodium bicarbonate to baker's yeast. Sensory analysis by a non-trained panel revealed good acceptance, showing that fresh or dried raspberry fruits from dormancy had suitable characteristics for use as food ingredients.

Antimicrobial and biocompatibility nature of methanol extract of Lannea coromandelica bark and edible coating film preparation for fruit preservation

This research was performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of Lannea coromandelica bark against fruit damage causing microbes such as fungi: Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp., Botrytis sp., Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp., Phytophthora sp., and Trichoderma sp. The bacteria: such as Chromobacter sp., Enterobacter sp., Erwinia sp., Flavobacterium sp., Lactobacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Xanthomonas sp. was investigated. Furthermore, their biocompatibility nature was determined through animal (rat) model study and their fruit preserving potential was determined by edible coating preparation with chitosan and other substances. Interestingly, the extract showed dose dependent (1000 μg mL−1) activity against these microbes in the following order: Enterobacter sp. (26.4 ± 1.5) > Chromobacter sp. (25.4 ± 1.6) > Pseudomonas sp. (24.5 ± 1.3) > Flavobacterium sp. (24.3 ± 1.4) > Xanthomonas sp. (23.6 ± 1.6) > Erwinia sp. (23.6 ± 1.6) > Lactobacillus sp. (19.6 ± 1.3). Similarly, the antifungal activity was found as Penicillium sp. (32.6 ± 1.3) > Cladosporium sp. (32.6 ± 1.5) > Alternaria sp. (30.3 ± 1.2) > Aspergillus sp. (29.9 ± 1.8) > Botrytis sp. (29.8 ± 1.2) > Fusarium sp. (28.6 ± 1.5) > Trichoderma sp. (19.8 ± 1.4) > Phytophthora sp. (16.2 ± 1.1). The acute toxicity and histopathological study results revealed that the extract possesses biocompatible in nature. The illumination transmittance and active functional groups involved in interaction among test methanol extract and chitosan investigated by UV–vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses and found average light transmittance and few vital functional groups accountable for optimistic interaction to creak edible coating. Approximately four (set I-IV) treatment sets were prepared, and it was discovered that all of the coated Citrus maxima fruit quality characteristics including total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss (%), pH of fruit pulp juice, and decay percentage were significantly (p>0.05) better than uncoated fruit.

Fruit quality assessment based on mineral elements and juice properties in nine citrus cultivars

IntroductionCitrus fruit is considered a superfood due to its multiple nutritional functions and health benefits. Quantitative analysis of the numerous quality characteristics of citrus fruit is required to promote its sustainable production and industrial utilization. However, little information is available on the comprehensive quality assessment of various fruit quality indicators in different citrus cultivars.MethodsA total of nine different fresh citrus fruits containing seeds were collected as the experimental materials. The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine the morphological and juice properties of citrus fruits, (ii) to measure the mineral elements in the peel, pulp, and seeds, and (iii) to evaluate the fruit quality index (FQI) using the integrated quality index (IQI) and the Nemoro quality index (NQI) methods.ResultsThere were significant differences in fruit quality characteristics, including morphological, mineral, and juice quality, among the investigated citrus cultivars. The proportion of pulp biomass was the highest, followed by that of peel and seeds. N and Cu had the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively, among the measured elements across all citrus fruits, and the amounts of N, P, Mg, Cu, and Zn in seeds, K and Al in pulp, and Ca, Fe, and Mn in peel were the highest, dramatically affecting the accumulation of minerals in the whole fruit and their distribution in various fruit parts. Additionally, Ningmeng fruits had the highest vitamin C and titratable acidity (TA) but the lowest total soluble solids (TSS) and total phenolic (TP) contents, resulting in the lowest TSS/TA and pH values. In contrast, Jinju fruits had the highest TSS and TP contents. Based on the mineral element and juice quality parameters, principal component analysis showed that the citrus fruits were well separated into four groups, and the dendrogram also showed four clusters with different distances. The FQI range based on the IQI method (FQIIQI) and NQI method (FQINQI) was 0.382-0.590 and 0.106-0.245, respectively, and a positive relationship between FQIIQI and FQINQI was observed.ConclusionOur results highlight the great differences in mineral and juice characteristics among fruit parts, which mediated fruit quality. The strategy of fruit quality assessment using the FQI can be expanded for targeted utilization in the citrus industry.

Pre-harvest application of GABA and CaO delays senescence and maintains of physicochemical characteristics of fresh ‘‘Ahmad Aghaei’’ pistachio during cold storage

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of preharvest application of calcium oxide 1% (CaO), gamma-aminobutyric acid 20 mM (GABA), and the combined treatment of CaO and GABA on shelf life and quality of fresh pistachio in cold storage (at 4 ± 1 °C with 85 ± 5% RH) for 75 d. Post-harvest quality and biochemical characteristics of fruits were measured during 0, 25, 50, and 75 d of storage. The investigation results showed that with the increase in storage time, the hull and kernel firmness (63% and 75%, respectively) and kernel lipid (55%) decreased in treated fruits. Still, the phenolic compounds (45%) and antioxidant activity (10%) of the kernel, hull malondialdehyde (66%), and kernel and hull anthocyanin (71%) increased. Fruits treated with CaO 1% (contained the most kernel lipids and flavonoids and the lowest hull), kernel anthocyanin, and kernel carotenoids. As a result, CaO + GABA pre-harvest treatment was recognized as the best treatment by maintaining antioxidant properties, better overall acceptance, and a higher percentage of healthy fruits during storage. However, applying the treatment before harvesting in the orchard takes a lot of time, but water does not accumulate in the pistachio hull, and the treatment is better absorbed.

Effect of the Interaction of Nutrient Sources on the Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The present field investigation was conducted in the years 2021 and 2022 at Horticultural Farm, Faculty of Agriculture Science & Technology, Mansarovar Global University, Sehore (Madhya Pradesh). The experiment was carried out to find out the interaction effect of various sources of nutrients on the growth, yield, and quality of tomatoes. The study comprised a total of 16 different treatment combinations of inorganic plant nutrients; biofertilizers included a control. It was found that the application of treatment T8 (Azotobacter 1 kg/ha + 120kg N2 + 60kg P2O5) recorded significantly higher growth attributes (number of branches per plant), days to first flowering, and days to first picking crop duration than the control. It has been determined that the maximum yield of 409.82 q ha-1 was recorded in treatment T8, followed by treatment T12 (Azospirillum 1 kg/ha + 120 kg N2 + 60 kg P2O5) and T16 total yields of 394.74 q ha-1 and 361.91 ha-1. The maximum TSS of 5.45 °brix was recorded in treatment T12 (Azospirillum 1 kg/ha + 120 kg N2 + 60 kg P2O5), followed by treatment T8 (Azotobacter 1 kg/ha + 120 kg N2 + 60 kg P2O5) over the control. The ascorbic acid content of 33.56 mg per 100 ml of juice was recorded in treatment T7 (Azotobacter 1 kg/ha + 80 kg N2+ 40 kg P2O5), followed by treatment T11 (Azospirillum 1 kg/ha + 80 kg N2+ 40 kg P2O5) over treatment T1 (Control). The results obtained during the investigation with different combinations of nutrient sources of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers on the growth, yield, and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Hence, it is concluded that application of biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers with the combination significantly effect on growth parameters, yield attributing characters and fruit quality characters also significantly affected were maximum in Azotobacter 1 kg/ha + 120 kg Nitrogen + 60 kg Phosphorus.

Apple fruit quality characteristics during long-term storage as a function of cool-down regime

Apple fruit quality characteristics during long-term storage as a function of cool-down regime

Shelf life quality retention and decay inhibition of winter jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dalidongzao) using 1-methylcyclopropene

Winter jujube is susceptible to cold stress during cold storage, resulting in quality deterioration. Shelf life of winter jujube after cold storage has not been investigated. This study investigated the effects of 1.0 μL L−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) fumigation treatment for 24 h on the quality characteristics of jujube fruits (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dalidongzao) during cold storage. The jujubes from the early experimental stage (0 d) were stored at room temperature (20 ± 1 °C) to estimate the shelf life. The remaining jujubes were transferred to cold storage at 0 ± 1 °C and were removed during the middle (40 d) and the later (60 d) stages of the experiment. The decay rate, firmness, color, titratable acidity, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and antioxidant enzyme activity of winter jujube were measured every 3 days until the end of shelf life. The results indicated that the application of 1-MCP treatment extended the time for jujube to exceed a decay rate of more than 10 % by three days after 40 and 60 days of cold storage. 1-MCP treatment effectively retard the decrease of total phenolic and flavonoid content in jujube, and maintain high free radical scavenging ability and antioxidant enzyme activity throughout shelf life storage.

Reduction in Salt Stress Due to the Action of Halophilic Bacteria That Promote Plant Growth in Solanum lycopersicum.

Soil salinity is one of the most important factors reducing agricultural productivity worldwide. Halophilic plant growth-promoting bacteria (H-PGPB) represent an alternative method of alleviating saline stress in crops of agricultural interest. In this study, the following halophilic bacteria were evaluated: Bacillus sp. SVHM1.1, Halomonas sp. SVCN6, Halomonas sp. SVHM8, and a consortium. They were grown under greenhouse conditions in Solanum lycopersicum at different salinity concentrations in irrigation water (0, 20, 60, and 100 mM NaCl) to determine the effects on germination, fruit quality, yield, and concentration of osmoprotectors in plant tissue. Our results demonstrate the influence of halophilic bacteria with the capacity to promote plant growth on the germination and development of Solanum lycopersicum at higher salinity levels. The germination percentage was improved at the highest concentration by the inoculated treatments (from 37 to 47%), as were the length of the radicle (30% at 20 mM) and plumule of the germinated seed, this bacterium also increased the weight of the plumule (97% at 100 mM). They also improved the yield. The dry weight of the plant, in addition to having an influence on the quality of the fruit and the concentration of osmoprotectors (Bacillus sp. SVHM 1.1) had the greatest effect on fruit yield (1.5 kg/plant at 20 mM), by the otherhand, Halomonas sp. SVHM8 provided the best fruit quality characteristics at 100 mM. According to the above results, the efficiency of halophilic PGPB in the attenuation of salt stress in Solanum lycopersicum has been proven.

Effect of Processing Methods on the Postharvest Quality of Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) is an exotic tropical fruit of great national and international importance due to its nutritional and organoleptic properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate different postharvest treatments—coating, vacuum impregnation, and immersion—on the conservation of several quality characteristics of cape gooseberry fruit. Moreover, the different conditions of the selected treatments were studied. Weight loss was assessed with a gravimetric analysis of the fresh and treated fruit. Firmness was determined by the instrumental texture. A sensory analysis was conducted using a multidimensional profile approach. Of the treatments evaluated, the lowest weight loss was recorded with the use of coating and immersion. However, the immersion process resulted in the product with the highest overall quality according to the sensory analysis and presented the most appropriate texture according to the firmness values. Finally, in the evaluation of the immersion, a significant influence of the CaCl2 immersion time (p < 0.05) on the firmness values of the product was found, resulting in longer times leading to less firm products. Considering 10% as a commercial standard limit for weight loss, the fruit treated under immersion and coating processes can be stored for at least 12 days. The immersion process is highlighted because it improved the sensory characteristics with respect to the control (i.e., without treatment). Therefore, it is a promising alternative for the postharvest treatment of cape gooseberries.

Effect of Pre-Harvest Fruit Bagging on Fruit Quality Characteristics of Different Guava Cultivars during Rainy Season

The present investigation was carried out on 6-7 years old grafted guava plants at Guava Demonstration Centre, Bhuna, Haryana, India during the rainy season (2019-20). During the experiment, the fruits of different guava cultivars viz. Hisar Safeda, Hisar Surkha, Allahabad Safeda, and Shweta were bagged with different bagging materials immediately after the fruit set. Results showed that the fruits bagged with blue polythene exhibited maximum fruit volume (113.96 ml) and organoleptic score (8.8), while the minimum (95.30 ml and 6.3, respectively) values were observed in the control. The highest fruit firmness (6.62 Kg/cm2) was observed with green polythene, while the minimum (5.03 Kg/cm2) was in control. Additionally, bagged fruits showed better peel colour development. The fruit drop was also reduced in all treatments except for the control (20%), yellow paper (12.78%), and green paper (11.66%). Fruit drop was minimum in transparent polythene (5.55%) and green polythene. On the other hand, Decay loss was eliminated in yellow paper, green paper, blue paper, cotton cloth, and muslin cloth bags, and significantly reduced in all the treatments except the control (8.88%). Among the cultivars, the maximum fruit firmness (5.98 Kg/cm2) was recorded in Hisar Safeda, whereas the least firmness (5.64 Kg/cm2) was in Allahabad Safeda. In conclusion, pre-harvest bagging of fruits was found promising in enhancing the quality attributes of various guava cultivars which can also be applied in real farm situations to enhance the yield as well as the quality of guava crop.

Effect of intermittent microwave convective drying on quality characteristics of persimmon fruit

The present study investigates the quality parameters of dried persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit slice by the application of intermittent microwave convective drying (IMCD) method. For the experiment four microwave power 200, 300, 400 and 500 W and three pulse ratio cycle (PR) 1:5, 1:10 and 1:15 were used. Total of 12 experimental runs were conducted with different combinations of selected microwave power and PR to reduce the moisture content of persimmons fruit slice from 90±2% (w.b.) to a safer limit of around 9.86±1.62% (w.b.). Out of all the experimental runs the sample dried at microwave power of 500 W and PR of 1:5 found to have shorter drying time of 66 min and the longer drying time of 208 min was observed for the sample dried at 200 W and PR of 1:15. The functional properties such as total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity and total flavonoid content (TFC) decreased as drying progressed whereas the physical quality parameter change in color was increased with increase in drying time. The functional properties were fitted with first and second order kinetic model, and second order kinetic model found to predict the data with higher accuracy when compared with first order kinetic model. The change in color followed zero order kinetic model with parameter ranging from 0.105 to 0.323min−1. Overall, persimmon fruit slice dried at IMCD condition with power 500 W and PR 1:5 had the highest functional property with lower change in color.