Fruit Quality Research Articles

Changes in Postharvest Quality and Physiological Attributes of Strawberry Fruits Influenced by L‐Phenylalanine

ABSTRACTStrawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a popular fruit with rich nutrients and a delicious taste. But this fruit is very vulnerable to diseases and decay. Therefore, L‐phenylalanine (Phe) (0, 4, 8 mM) was considered to improve biochemical characteristics and activity of antioxidant enzymes in strawberry fruit cv. Sabrina under cold storage (5, 10, 15 days). After treatment and storage, traits including weight loss, total phenol (TP), antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin (TA), total flavonoid (TF), malondialdehyde (MDA), soluble protein content and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonialyase (PAL) were evaluated at 5‐day intervals. Our findings showed that the treatment of L‐phenylalanine in different concentrations prevented the weight loss of the fruit compared to the control and maintained and increased TP, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, TA, TF, soluble protein and SOD, CAT, APX, POD, and PAL enzymes activity. Also, Phe decreased the MDA content and peroxidation of lipid. The results showed that 4 mM Phe is the best treatment for improving phytochemical characteristics and maintaining fruit quality. The findings indicated that Phe treatment may be useful to improve quality and increase postharvest shelf life in strawberry fruits.

Chitosan Based Edible Coatings: Enhancing Shelf Life and Quality in Fruits and Vegetables

Chitosan-based edible coatings have gained considerable attention as a sustainable solution for harvested fruits and vegetables which are highly prone to post harvest decay and quality deterioration during storage. Chitosan, derived from chitin exhibits biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties making it an ideal material for edible coatings. Edible coating act as effective barriers to moisture loss, gas exchange and microbial contamination thereby enhancing the quality and extending the shelf life of produce. Research has shown that chitosan coatings can significantly reduce respiration rates, inhibit enzymatic browning and preserve the sensory qualities of fruits and vegetables, contributing to a reduction in food waste and improved food security. The effectiveness of chitosan based coating is influenced by factors such as chitosan concentration, the addition of other natural additives and the methods of application. Studies have demonstrated that chitosan coatings alone or in combination with essential oils or plant extracts effectively reduce weight loss, maintain firmness and prevent spoilage in horticultural perishables. Additionally, nano-encapsulated chitosan formulations have been explored for their enhanced protective effects offering more uniform coatings with superior barrier properties. The application of chitosan coatings is expected to evolve with the integration of nanotechnology, the development of functionalized chitosan molecules and the use of biocompatible additives. Chitosan coatings have been successfully applied commercially, such as in the preservation of perishables illustrating their potential as a sustainable solution with practical benefits for both scientific advancement and industrial application These innovations will further improve the efficacy of coatings by enhancing their moisture and gas barrier properties along with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, sustainability concerns are driving research into eco-friendly sources of edible coating and chitosan is a promising alternative to synthetic or chemical ingredients or fungicides. As the technology advances, chitosan based edible coatings are likely to have increased commercial adoption due to its sustainable and biodegradable nature. However, Chitosan-based coatings face challenges with solubility, application consistency, scalability, cost, allergen concerns, and varying regulatory standards.

Characterization of Drupe Traits in Sixty-Six Teak Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs) in Gujarat Forests of India for Enhanced Seed Collection and Fruit Production

The most valuable timber of the world i.e., teak was recognized as king of wood due to its wood quality such as durability, physical and aesthetic wood property for multiple uses. It is distributed throughout India and Southeast Asia and known for center of teak genetic diversity. It has a high demand in international market and national market due to multifarious uses. However, the natural population of Teak is decreasing in India due to anthropogenic activities, deforestation, climate change and other environmental factors. In addition, the poor seed yield per tree and extremely low seed germination rates are significant problems for the teak plantation industry and production of quality seed. Nevertheless, there are huge gap between demand and supply of industrial timber in India. This can be fulfilled by the teak plantation within agroforestry systems and degraded forest lands. Gujarat forest has natural teak populations which falls in the conjunction point of Western Ghats of India. Hence, sixty-six CPTs of teak were screened out for quality seed collection and reproduction from natural teak populations. Fruits of teak were collected from various CPTs with wide range of geographic locations in Gujarat forests of India. The drupe and stone morphometric traits were studied to capture the phenotypic and genotypic variations; to select better traits on the basis of repeatability coefficient; and to look geographic location effect on various fruit characters and inter-character correlations for quality seed collection and fruit production. Present result showed significant differences (p≤ 0.0001) in all the studied fruit traits among 66 CPTs of Tectona grandis. Drupe were lengthiest in GJNBD 0467 (12.36 mm), broadest in the GJNBD 0467 (14.75 mm) and heaviest in the GJAH 1056 (0.73 g) CPT, whereas smallest in GJNBD 1122 (8.3 mm), narrowest in GJNBD 1122 (9.91 mm) and lightest in GJNBD 1122 (0.32 g) CPT. Stone were longest in GJNBD 0467 (8.71 mm), thickest in GJAH 1056 (10.01 mm) and heaviest in GJAH 1056 (0.51 g) CPT, while shortest in GJNBD 1122 (6.06 mm), thinnest stone in GJNBD 1122 (7.56 mm) and lightest in GJNBD 0772 (0.22 g) CPT. Overall, GJNBD 0467, GJAH 1056, GJNBD 0950, GJAH 0844 and GJNBD 0470 CPTs were superior for studied traits as compared to others. CPT repeatability coefficient was higher for drupe characters as compared to stone parameters, where selection can be made for drupe length for future tree improvement programme. The genetic improvement via CPT selection is better option for maintaining genetic diversity of Teak, its conservation and management. Latitude showed strong negative correlation with drupe length, stone length and drupe mass. Longitude was negatively correlated with stone length and width. Thus, the geographical parameter has an impact on the seed formation, evolution and plant fitness. The strong correlations were found among seed morphometric characters which influenced to seed development and creating fitness interaction with continuous changing environment.

Impacts of Five Different Drying Methods on Volatile Organic Compounds in Mulberry Fruits.

The mulberry fruit is edible and medicinal, and it is commonly referred to as the "best health product of the 21st century". The purpose of this study was to find out whether different drying methods affect the quality of mulberry fruits and the main nature of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) they contain. This study used vacuum freeze-drying (VFD), vacuum drying (VD), sun drying (SD), hot-air drying (HAD), and microwave drying (MD) to treat fresh mulberry fruits. Gas-phase ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) was used to detect and analyze the VOCs in mulberry fruit samples treated with the different drying methods. There were 47 VOCs detected, with aldehydes and alcohols dominating. The obtained data were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), nearest neighbor fingerprint analysis, and partial least-squares regression analysis (PLS-DA). The conclusion was drawn that fresh mulberry fruits contain abundant VOCs, and mulberry fruits after VD contain many aldehydes; thus, VD promoted the synthesis of phellandrene and other compounds widely used in the preparation of cosmetics such as perfume and soap. HAD promoted the synthesis of esters commonly used in the preparation of fruit flavor and wine essence. The higher (E)-2-heptenal content with SD was conducive to the Maillard reaction. MD promoted the synthesis of heptanal and valeraldehyde with aroma characteristics such as fatty, green, fruity, grassy, and floral. According to the VIP results, VOCs (E)-2-heptenal, pentanal D, cyclohexanone, and 2-hexanone D influenced the VOCs in most of the mulberry fruit samples. The findings of this study provide an important reference for drying mulberry fruits, which, in turn, will help to ensure the safety and effectiveness of processed mulberry fruit products.

Intercropping grapevine with rosemary: A promising alternative to conventional agriculture in the current frame of global change

The Mediterranean region is well known for its long history of viticulture and the use of herbs and spices in its cuisine. Given the increasing focus on intercropping as a sustainable agricultural approach to maximize land use efficiency or improve soil fertility amid global change, we conducted a study to assess the feasibility of intercropping grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot) with rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.) in a Mediterranean vineyard. The trial was established in a 22-year-old vineyard, where rows of rosemary plants were cultivated between grapevine rows one year prior to the evaluation. To test intercropping feasibility and the abiotic stress effects on the harvest of rosemary, two sampling dates were set to monitor grape maturation (veraison and harvest) and rosemary quality in terms of antioxidant contents and composition, so that both crops were simultaneously analyzed under typical Mediterranean conditions, using both physiological and quality parameters. Results showed that intercropping with young rosemary plants did not affect grapevine physiology state, and observed differences in the two samplings were due to environmental stress only, indicating a positive coexistence between these crops in the context of global change. Regarding grape quality, variations in total soluble sugars, titratable acidity, and phenolic compounds were influenced by ripening during the summer, but not by intercropping, thus maintaining fruit quality. Rosemary contained high levels of antioxidants and exhibited strong antioxidant activity, particularly during mid-August (coinciding with vintage), indicating its potential as a valuable source of natural antioxidants for dietary intake, including phenolic diterpenes, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In conclusion, intercropping grapevines with rosemary did not negatively impact plant physiological performance or grape quality, promoting the production of two high-quality products with significant added value in the food sector under current stressful Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Effects of Tree Spacing and Branch Configuration on Production, Fruit Quality, and Leaf Minerals of ‘Aztec Fuji’ Apple Trees in a Tatura Trellis System Over 5 Years

Tree spacing and branch architecture are critical for the productivity of high-density orchards. The influence of two tree spacings of 45.7 cm × 366 cm and 91.4 cm × 366 cm each with two branch architectures or configurations of shortened branch (ShBr) or overlapped branch (OverBr) on tree growth, yield components, fruit quality, and leaf mineral nutrients in an ‘Aztec Fuji’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard with a 60-degree Tatura trellis (V) system was studied over 5 years. Trees planted with 91.4-cm spacing had a significantly greater trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA), higher number of fruit and greater yield per tree, and greater cumulative yield efficiency than those of trees planted with 45.7-cm spacing during 2012–16. Tree spacing did not significantly affect fruit weight and firmness at harvest or after storage. However, trees planted with 91.4-cm spacing always had higher fruit color, sunburn, fruit russet, and watercore at harvest and a higher soluble solids concentration but lower fruit bitter pit at harvest and after storage compared to those of trees with 45.7-cm spacing. These differences were often significant. Trees with 45.7-cm spacing had significantly higher leaf concentrations of potassium, iron, copper, and manganese and relatively higher leaf zinc than those of trees with 91.4-cm spacing. Trees trained according to ShBr architectures had a relatively larger TCSA than those of trees with an OverBr configuration every year. Branching architectures did not affect the number of fruits per tree, yield per tree, yield per hectare, yield efficiency, or biennial bearing index in any year. Trees with a ShBr architecture had significantly larger fruits than those with an OverBr system every year and over the 5 years. Trees with a ShBr architecture had higher average leaf fresh and dry weights and calcium concentration but a similar percentage of dry weight compared to those of trees with an OverBr architecture.

A deep learning approach to detect diseases in pomegranate fruits via hybrid optimal attention capsule network

In 2022, the production rate of pomegranate is estimated at approximately 4.8 million metric tons. Unfortunately, these fruits are susceptible to many different kinds of diseases caused by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Such diseases can have a major negative impact on fruit quality, production, and the profitability of pomegranate cultivation. Nowadays, several machine learning and deep learning methods are used to identify pomegranate fruit diseases automatically and effectively. In post-harvest pomegranate fruit disease detection, deep learning has great potential to extract complex patterns and features from large datasets. This can improve disease identification accuracy, enabling more efficient disease control, lower crop losses, and better resource management. The proposed work introduces an intelligent deep learning-based approach for accurately detecting pomegranate diseases, begins with Improved Guided Image Filtering (Improved GIF) and resizing to pre-process fruit images, followed by feature extraction (shape, color, texture) using GLCM and GLRLM to streamline classification. Extracted features are then fed into a novel Hybrid Optimal Attention Capsule Network (Hybrid OACapsNet), which classifies the images as normal or diseased, conditions such as bacterial blight, heart rot, and scab. Our analysis indicates that the proposed classifier has a classification accuracy of 99.19 %, precision of 98.45 %, recall of 98.41 %, F1-score of 98.43 %, and specificity of 99.45 % compared to other techniques. So this approach offers a, which is a feasible solution for automated detection of diseases in fruits, thereby benefiting farmers and supporting their farming operations.

Carvacrol maintains antioxidant capacity in goji fruit by increasing the content of bioactive compounds

Fresh goji berries are prone to decay and spoilage, resulting in economic losses. We investigated the effects of carvacrol (CVR) on the natural disease incidence and quality of goji berries by fumigating with varying CVR concentrations (0.06, 0.12, and 0.24 μL/mL). The results showed that CVR treatment inhibited the natural decay of goji berries by enhancing their quality, color, and total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio. Moreover, 0.12 μL/mL CVR was determined to be the optimal concentration, as it maintained the sensory quality (except for aroma) and inhibited the disease incidence and preliminary disease expansion of goji fruit inoculated with Alternaria alternata. The treated berries exhibited elevated total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ascorbic acid, glutathione, melatonin, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid levels. Higher hydrophilic and lipophilic total antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging capacities were also observed in the treated berries. Targeted metabolomics showed that treatment with 0.12 μL/mL CVR increased the levels of four phenolic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and protocatechuic acid) and two flavonoids (naringenin and quercetin) in goji berries, thereby activating the gene expression of the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway. In summary, CVR treatment delayed fruit senescence and the decline in fruit quality, promoted the accumulation of bioactive compounds, and improved antioxidant capacity and disease resistance by activating the phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway.

Pan-transcriptome analysis provide insights into resistance and fruit quality breeding of pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)

Pyrus pyrifolia, commonly known as sand pear, is a key economic fruit tree in temperate regions and possesses highly diverse germplasm resources for pear quality improvement. However, research on the relationship between resistance and fruit quality traits during the breeding of fruit species like pear is limited. Pan-transcriptomes effectively capture genetic information from coding regions and reflect variations in gene expression between individuals. Here, we constructed a pan-transcriptome composed of 506 samples from different tissues of sand pear, and explored the intrinsic relationships among phenotypes and the selection for disease resistance during improvement based on expression presence/absence variation (ePAVs). The pan-transcriptome contains 156,744 transcripts, among which the novel transcripts show significant enrichment in the defense response. Interestingly, disease resistance genes are highly expressed in landraces of pear but have been selected against during the improvement of this perennial tree species. We found that genetically diverse landraces can be divided into two subgroups and inferred that they have undergone different dispersal processes. Through co-expression network analysis, we confirmed that the formation of stone cells in pears, the deposition of fruit anthocyanins, and the ability to resist stress are interrelated. They are jointly regulated by several modules, and the expression of regulatory genes has a significant correlation. Moreover, we identified candidate genes such as HKL1 that may affect sugar content and are missing from the reference genome. Our study provides insights into the associations between complex fruit traits, while providing a database resource for pear disease resistance and fruit quality breeding.

Combined effect of water deficit and shading on lime tree water status, yield and fruit quality

Combined effect of water deficit and shading on lime tree water status, yield and fruit quality

Preharvest drought stress: which consequences on plant physiology and fruit quality in sour cherry?

Preharvest drought stress: which consequences on plant physiology and fruit quality in sour cherry?

Effect of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Frass as Organic Fertilizer on Postharvest Quality and Shelf Life of Open-field-grown Tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.)

Open-field-grown tomatoes in Saudi Arabia are stressed by poor soil fertility because of the low organic matter content, low nutrient availability, and high pH. Thus, high chemical fertilizer inputs are crucial for commercial production; however, they cause economic loss as well as negatively affect environmental sustainability. The use of efficient organic fertilizers would be useful for developing more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable agriculture. The current study evaluated the impact of Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) frass (BSFF) fertilizer applications as organic fertilizer on postharvest fruit quality and shelf life of open-field-grown F1 hybrid ‘Sinag Tala’ tomatoes compared with those grown under control treatment (received recommended doses of chemical fertilizers for tomato production under open field conditions). The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The results showed that the application of BSFF fertilizer, especially at the higher rate (5 ton/ha; BSFF3), improved the overall quality of tomato fruit. The BSFF fertilizer treatments reduced weight loss, maintained higher firmness, antioxidants [vitamin C, total phenol content (TPC) and total flavinoid (TFC)], total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA) contents, and lowered the TSS/TA ratio of fruits during shelf life compared with those of the control. The decay incidence was only detected after 9 days of shelf life and was significantly lower in all the BSFF fertilizer treatments (range, 8.40%-12.05%) than in the control (15.9%). In addition, BSFF fertilizer treatments reduced both disease incidence and severity of gray mold following pathogen inoculation during shelf life compared with those of the control. These results might be attributable to the higher antioxidants content (vitamin C, TPC, and TFC) and higher polyphenol oxidase activity in BSFF-fertilized tomatoes. In conclusion, BSFF fertilizer could be used as a potential eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers to improve tomato fruit quality during shelf life.

Antifungal Activity of Citrus Essential Oil in Controlling Sour Rot in Tahiti Acid Lime Fruits.

Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii, is a significant post-harvest disease in citrus, resulting in economic losses due to the lack of effective fungicides. This study investigates the antifungal activity of citrus essential oils in controlling sour rot in Tahiti acid lime fruits. Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation with chemical composition analyzed by CG-MS and tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays evaluated mycelial growth inhibition at 2 to 32 µL mL-1 concentrations. In vivo trials involved preventive and curative treatments on artificially inoculated fruits stored at 25 °C ± 2, and the results showed that Pera IAC sweet orange oil, at 32 µL mL-1, reduced disease severity by 96% in curative treatments. In contrast, Late IAC 585 willowleaf mandarin oil demonstrated moderate inhibition (44%) at the highest concentration in vitro. The oils did not affect key fruit quality parameters such as juice yield and total soluble solids. These findings suggest that citrus essential oils could be natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for post-harvest sour rot management, combining effectiveness with maintaining fruit quality.

A QTL on chromosome 17 identified by Genome-Wide Association Mapping controls postharvest cold tolerance of Cucurbita pepo L.

The worldwide cultivated Cucurbita pepo L. is one of the most diverse species in the plant kingdom. In this study, chilling tolerance over a wide range of cultivars was characterized to discover the allelic variants to improving the postharvest quality of the immature fruit during cold storage. For this purpose, fruits from 126 accessions of worldwide origin have been evaluated for weight loss and chilling injury after 3, 7 and 14 days of cold storage, classifying them into tolerant, partially tolerant, and sensitive accessions. To verify this classification, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation (MDA) of contrasting accessions (tolerant vs. sensitive) were assessed. The antioxidant capacity significantly decreased during cold storage in the sensitive accessions, while it was maintained in tolerant accessions. Additionally, the sensitive accessions presented a higher accumulation of MDA during this period. Finally, a GWAS analysis using GBS data available in CuGenDBv2, combined with weight loss percentage data, led to the identification of a candidate QTL located on chromosome 17 that regulates postharvest cold tolerance in zucchini. The region contains four SNPs whose alternative alleles were significantly associated with lower weight loss percentage and chilling injury indices during cold storage. Two SNPs are located in the 3' UTR region of the gene CpERS1, a gene involved in ethylene perception. The other two SNPs generate missense mutations in the coding region of a Pectin methyl esterase inhibitor gene (CpPMI). The role of this QTL and these variants in chilling tolerance is discussed.

Improving Mass Transfer by Vacuum Impregnation During Osmotic Dehydration of Ripe Kadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba) Fruit

ABSTRACTKadamb (Neolamarckia cadamba) is an underutilized fruit which has many nutritional and medicinal properties. The literature availability on utilization of kadamb as food is scarce. The present work was carried out to find the effect of vacuum impregnation during osmotic dehydration on the quality of kadamb fruit (Neolamarckia cadamba) candy (KC). The vacuum impregnation at 100 mbar for 15 min, brix value of hypertonic solution at 60°, 65°, 70°, and 75°, and time of osmotic dehydration 24, 36, 48, and 72 h were taken as variables in the process. Mass transfer parameters like water loss, solute gain, and weight reduction for all samples were calculated. The treatment with 75° Brix, 48 h, 100 mbar vacuum for 15 min got best results with more water loss (67.48% ± 1.11%), solute gain (19.63% ± 0.32%), and less weight reduction (40.51% ± 0.39%), respectively. No microbial load was found in the developed candy. Infrared (IR) spectrum, texture profile analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy tests revealed the availability of compounds, textural and microstructure of KC, respectively. The candy prepared from 75° Brix, 48 h, 100 mbar vacuum for 15 min has the highest organoleptic scores. The prepared candy cubes were packed into low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) pouches and stored under ambient conditions, and the quality changes during storage were studied.

FS2 encodes an ARID-HMG transcription factor that regulates fruit spine density in cucumber

Fruit spine density is an important commercial trait for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). However, most North China-type cucumbers, which are grown over large areas, have a dense-spine phenotype, which directly affects the appearance quality, storage, and transportation of fruits. Here, we isolated a novel few spines mutant (fs2) from the wild-type (WT) inbred line WD1, a North China-type cucumber with high density fruit spines, by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenic treatment. Genetic analysis revealed that the phenotype of fs2 was controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. We fine-mapped the fs2 locus using F2 and BC1 populations (1802 and 420 individuals, respectively) and showed that the candidate gene of FS2 (Csa4G652850) encoded an ARID-HMG transcription factor containing an A/T-rich interaction domain (ARID) and a high mobility group box domain (HMG). One SNP (C to T) and one InDel (a 40-bp deletion) in the coding region of FS2 resulted in amino acid variation and premature translation termination in the fs2 mutant, respectively. FS2 was highly expressed in the apical buds and young ovaries. In addition, the experiments suggest that FS2 participates in the regulation of fruit spine initiation by activating the expression of the Tril gene in cucumber. This work not only provides an important reference for understanding the molecular mechanisms of fruit spine development but also provides an important resource for fruit appearance quality breeding in cucumber.

Correction: Alotaibi et al. Preserving Postharvest Quality of Medjool Date Palm Fruits by Edible Oil Emulsions Application. Sustainability 2024, 16, 5528

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]

A rapid evaluation method for pumpkin sensory quality based on near‐infrared spectroscopy

AbstractThe sensory quality (SQ) of pumpkin fruit is one of the most important quality indexes for consumers. In this study, a rapid pumpkin SQ evaluation method based on near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was introduced. The starch and moisture contents of pumpkins were first determined by NIRS, and then the SQ of pumpkin could be estimated indirectly by these components. Test was carried out on 97 samples of 34 pumpkin fruits. The pumpkin starch and water NIRS models based on variable dimension particle swarm optimization combined moving window (VDPSO‐CMW) and standard normal variate transformation (SNV) showed the best predictive performances, whose predictive determination coefficients (R2p) were 0.775 and 0.932, respectively. A multiple linear regression model (correlation coefficient = 0.788) was established based on the prediction results of the two models and the SQ values obtained from cooking experiments. The proposed method has the potential to provide effective support for pumpkin breeding and production.

Effect of organic nutrients on fruit yield, quality, and economics in ridge gourd (Luffa accutangula L.) cv. Pusa Nasdar

Effect of organic nutrients on fruit yield, quality, and economics in ridge gourd (Luffa accutangula L.) cv. Pusa Nasdar

Diet quality is positively associated with nature Relatedness in a U.S. Population: A pilot study

BackgroundSustainable dietary practices can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote planetary health. The importance of investigating how to promote sustainable dietary practices is therefore crucial. Nature Relatedness measures an individual’s connection to nature and can predict environmental concern and stewardship. While emerging research has suggested those with a higher degree of Nature Relatedness report the intention to follow more sustainable dietary practices, the relationship between actual dietary intake and Nature Relatedness has yet to be fully explored. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the relationship between diet quality and Nature Relatedness. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, participants across the United States completed the online survey from September to November 2023. Diet History Questionnaire II and Nature Relatedness scale were completed by the participants. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020 total and component scores. Nature Relatedness total and subscale scores were computed. Pearson and Spearman Rho correlation coefficients assessed associations between HEI-2020 and Nature Relatedness. Simple linear regression models examined the relationships between HEI-2020 total and component scores and Nature Relatedness (controlling for age, gender, race, and education). ResultsThree hundred adults completed the study. HEI-2020 total score was positively associated with Nature Relatedness (p < 0.001). Total fruit, total vegetable, green and beans, and refined grains component scores were positively associated with Nature Relatedness (p < 0.001). Nature Relatedness significantly predicted diet quality and total fruit, total vegetable, greens and beans, and moderation of refined grains consumption. ConclusionsThere are positive and significant relationships between diet quality, components of dietary intake that may promote planetary health, and Nature Relatedness. Our findings may be used to inform future research and nutrition intervention programs promoting personal and planetary health through nature-based interventions.