Quality Of Commodities Research Articles

Mapping and transcriptomic profiling reveal that the KNAT6 gene is involved in the dark green peel colour of mature pumpkin fruit (Cucurbita maxima L.).

We identified a 580bp deletion of CmaKNAT6 coding region influences peel colour of mature Cucurbita maxima fruit. Peel colour is an important agronomic characteristic affecting commodity quality in Cucurbit plants. Genetic mapping of fruit peel colour promotes molecular breeding and provides an important basis for understanding the regulatory mechanism in Cucurbit plants. In the present study, the Cucurbita maxima inbred line '9-6' which has a grey peel colour and 'U3-3-44' which has a dark green peel colour in the mature fruit stage, were used as plant materials. At 5-40days after pollination (DAP), the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids in the 'U3-3-44' peels were significantly greater than those in the '9-6' peels. In the epicarp of the '9-6' mature fruit, the presence of nonpigmented cell layers and few chloroplasts in each cell in the pigmented layers were observed. Six generations derived by crossing '9-6' and 'U3-3-44' were constructed, and the dark green peel was found to be controlled by a single dominant locus, which was named CmaMg (mature green peel). Through bulked-segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) and insertion-deletion (InDel) markers, CmaMg was mapped to a region of approximately 449.51kb on chromosome 11 using 177 F2 individuals. Additionally, 1703 F2 plants were used for fine mapping to compress the candidate interval to a region of 32.34kb. Five coding genes were in this region, and CmaCh11G000900 was identified as a promising candidate gene according to the reported function, sequence alignment, and expression analyses. CmaCh11G000900 (CmaKNAT6) encodes the homeobox protein knotted-1-like 6 and contains 4 conserved domains. CmaKNAT6 of '9-6' had a 580bp deletion, leading to premature transcriptional termination. The expression of CmaKNAT6 tended to increase sharply during the early fruit development stage but decrease gradually during the late period of fruit development. Allelic diversity analysis of pumpkin germplasm resources indicated that the 580bp deletion in the of CmaKNAT6 coding region was associated with peel colour. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that CmaKNAT6 is a nuclear protein. Transcriptomic analysis of the inbred lines '9-6' and 'U3-3-44' indicated that genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis were more enriched in 'U3-3-44' than in '9-6'. Additionally, the expression of transcription factor genes that positively regulate chlorophyll synthesis and light signal transduction pathways was upregulated in 'U3-3-44'. These results lay a foundation for further studies on the genetic mechanism underlying peel colour and for optimizing peel colour-based breeding strategies for C. maxima.

Protecting celtuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. augustana) slices against storage-induced oxidative stress and discoloration by using diode laser exposure

Diode laser irradiation is a novel approach applied to preserve the quality of fresh commodities and minimise oxidative processes, including browning in fresh-cut products. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of diode laser treatment in enhancing the quality of celtuce slices during refrigerated storage at 4 °C. The celtuce slices were subjected to a 660 or 450 nm diode laser for 5 min and then stored for 10 d. Both laser treatments hindered the progression of weight loss and firmness increase in the celtuce slices. The use of a 450 nm diode laser effectively prevented the development of browning and preserved the surface colour by inhibiting the increase in a* and overall colour difference values, as compared to other treatments, during storage for 10 d. The diode laser treatment suppressed the increase in oxidative stress by lowering the levels of MDA, H2O2, and O-2 while retaining a high level of DPPH scavenging activity, AsA, and antioxdant enzyme activities, including SOD, CAT, APX, and GR, in comparison to the untreated slices. The treatment enhanced chlorophylls content due to the up-regulation of LsHEMA1 gene and down-regulation of LsNYC1 gene. The treatment also inhibited factors involving enzymatic browning reaction by suppressing PAL activity, total phenols content, PPO activity and LsPPO gene expression. These suggest that the blue diode laser exposure at 450 nm for 5 min is an effective approach hindering oxidative stress and discoloration of celtuce slices during storage.

BrWax1 function in wax biosynthesis was verified by allelic mutations in Chinese cabbage

The primary function of cuticular wax is to prevent non-stomatal water loss, while the wax deficiency conferring a glossy appearance on plants is conductive to crop commodity qualities. We previously mapped a wax-deficient gene BrWax1 in a natural mutant ‘08A235-2’ by SSR marker, and predicted Bra013809 (BrWax1) as the candidate gene in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). In order to verifying the function of BrWax1, two allelic wax-crystal deficiency mutants wdm4 and wdm8 from an EMS mutagenesis population of Chinese cabbage were screened. wdm4 was applied to identify the mutant gene, with the finding that BraA01g015290.3C, the homologous of AT4G24510 (AtCER2), was the candidate gene. Bra013809 in Brara_Chiifu_V1.5 and BraA01g015290.3C in Brara_Chiifu_V3.0 were annotated as the same gene in Brassicaceae Database. A SNP (C to T) on BrWax1 in wdm4 resulted in a stopgain, and a SNP (G to A) on BrWax1 in wdm8 led to the deletion of 38 bases which caused a stopgain at the 190th amino acid. These results finally verified the function of BrWax1 in the wax biosynthesis. Our findings emphasize the crucial role of the BrWax1 gene in cuticular wax biosynthesis in Chinese cabbage and suggest its potential as a valuable genetic resource for breeding for glossy appearance.

Shelf Life Extension of Fresh Cut Carrot by the Application of Cinnamon Extract Infused Edible Coating

The consumer demand for fresh cut fruits and vegetables is increasing rapidly owing to fast paced life style changes. The main problem with fresh cut fruits and vegetables is deterioration in term of color, taste, firmness etc. To solve these issues, researcher and processors have been using edible coatings to maintain quality of fresh cut commodities. Objective: To assess the potential effects of cinnamon extract infused edible coating formulated for shelf life extension of fresh cut carrots. Methods: Cinnamon extract was added as an antioxidant, aimed to aid in shelf life extension of fresh cut carrots. Cinnamon extract was obtained in an aqueous medium. The treatments were stored at 5oC for 21 days for shelf life study. The treatments were assessed for weight loss%, %acidity, TSS, firmness, color and ascorbic acid content at 7 days. Results: Coated treatments had better quality after storage period in term of wt. loss %, firmness and color, as compared to non-coated control treatments. Conclusions: Result suggests that edible coating enhanced with antioxidants have the potential to extend shelf life of fresh cut fruits and vegetables.

Fine mapping and transcriptome profiling reveal CpAPRR2 to modulate immature fruit rind color formation in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo).

A large fragment deletion of CpAPRR2, encoding a two-component response regulator-like protein, which influences immature white rind color formation in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). Fruit rind color is an important agronomic trait that affects commodity quality and consumer choice in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo). However, the molecular mechanism controlling rind color is unclear. We characterized two zucchini inbred lines: '19' (dark green rind) and '113' (white rind). Genetic analysis revealed white immature fruit rind color to be controlled by a dominant locus (CpW). Combining bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) and Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers, we mapped the CpW locus to a 100.4kb region on chromosome 5 and then narrow down the candidate region to 37.5kb using linkage analysis of 532 BC1 and 1613 F2 individuals, including 6 coding genes. Among them, Cp4.1LG05g02070 (CpAPRR2), encoding a two-component response regulator-like protein, was regarded to be a promising candidate gene. The expression level of CpAPRR2 in dark green rind was significantly higher than that in white rind and was induced by light. A deletion of 2227bp at the 5' end of CpAPRR2 in '113' might explain the white phenotype. Further analysis of allelic diversity in zucchini germplasm resources revealed rind color to be associated with the deletion of CpAPRR2. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that CpAPRR2 was a nuclear protein. Transcriptome analysis using near-isogenic lines with dark green (DG) and white (W) rind indicated that genes involved in photosynthesis and porphyrin metabolism pathways were enriched in DG compared with W. Additionally, chlorophyll synthesis-related genes were upregulated in DG. These results identify mechanisms of zucchini rind color and provide genetic resources for breeding.

Research on Price Formation Based on Resource Optimization Allocation

Global economic growth has weakened under the guidance of equilibrium price theory, which focuses on price competition. Therefore, developing a price formation mechanism that aligns with sustainable economic development is imperative. Based on a scientific definition of the boundaries of the constituent factors of wealth creation, this paper proposes a price formation mechanism centered on resource optimization allocation and constructs a price measurement model using the Leontief input–output analysis method. To test the price formation mechanism, this paper uses panel data from 31 provinces in China from 2003 to 2020 to overcome the limitations of single-year data, and the 2020 input–output table of China to calculate the product prices for 153 sectors (covering the entire industrial system) at the average social production level in 2020. These estimated prices are then compared with the approximate market prices of 72 sector products for the same year. The research shows that the following: (1) The price is determined by the techno-economic relationships among the labor, land, technology, and capital that constitute a commodity. It can objectively and fairly reflect the value information of the factors and the quantity of factors embedded in the commodity. (2) The balance and degree of deviation between the price measured by the techno-economic relationships among a commodity’s constituent factors and the market price of the sector’s products depend on effective market competition centered on commodity quality. Price, through the market’s effective competition mechanism, will incentivize and guide resources towards enhancing labor skills, technological upgrades, and the development of new technologies, products, and markets, thereby achieving sustainable economic growth.

Rapid discrimination of Alismatis Rhizoma and quantitative analysis of triterpenoids based on near-infrared spectroscopy

This study developed a rapid, accurate, objective and economic method to identify and evaluate the quality of Alismatis Rhizoma (AR) commodities. Traditionally, the identification of plant species and geographical origins of AR commodities mainly relied on experienced staff. However, the subjectivity and inaccuracy of human identification negatively impacted the trade of AR. Besides, liquid chromatographic methods such as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the major approach for the determination of triterpenoid contents in AR was time-consuming, expensive, and highly demanded in manoeuvre specialists. In this study, the combination of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics as the method was developed and utilised to address the two common issues of identifying the quality of AR commodities. Through the discriminant analysis (DA), the raw NIR spectroscopy data on 119 batches samples from two species and four origins in China were processed to the best pre-processed data. Subsequently, orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and random forest (RF) as the major chemometrics were used to analyse the best pre-processed data. The accuracy rates by OPLS-DA and RF were respectively 100% and 97.2% for the two species of AR, and respectively100% and 94.4% for the four origins of AR. Meanwhile, a quantitative correction model was established to rapidly and economically predict the seven triterpenoid contents of AR through combining the partial least squares (PLS) method and NIR spectroscopy, and taking the triterpenoid contents measured by UPLC as the reference value, and carry out spectral pre-processing methods and band selection. The final quantitative model correlation coefficients of the seven triterpenoid contents of AR ranged from 0.9000 to 0.9999, indicating that prediction ability of this model had good stability and applicability.

Vegetable Product Pricing Replenishment Strategy Based on WOA

In fresh food superstores, the freshness date of general vegetable commodities tends to be relatively short, and the quality of vegetable commodities will deteriorate with the delay of the sales time. Therefore, how to allow supermarkets to ensure that the daily replenishment of the amount of market demand for various types of vegetable products while trying to meet the premise of maximizing their profits has become an urgent problem, this study aims to propose an innovative vegetable product prediction model based on big data, which adopts the SARIMA model to accurately predict the daily replenishment amount of each type of vegetable product in supermarkets. Meanwhile, based on the replenishment amount, the WOA model takes the addition coefficient and sales of different vegetable products as the dependent variable, and the final profit as the independent variable. The corresponding pricing strategy is formulated to maximize the profitability of the supermarket. Through solving the model, it is found that the maximum profit of the supermarket's vegetable products in the next week is 3,649.65 yuan.

Physiological Processes Affecting Postharvest Quality of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are integral components of a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients and contributing to human health. However, the postharvest quality of these perishable commodities is greatly influenced by various physiological processes that occur after harvest. This article reviews the key physiological processes affecting postharvest quality, including respiration, transpiration, ripening, senescence, and enzymatic activity. Understanding these processes is crucial for optimizing postharvest handling practices to extend shelf life, maintain quality attributes such as texture, flavor, color, and nutritional content, and minimize losses. Strategies to manage these physiological processes, including temperature and humidity control, modified atmosphere packaging, and the use of postharvest treatments, are discussed. Additionally, emerging technologies and innovative approaches for enhancing postharvest quality and extending the storage life of fresh fruits and vegetables are highlighted. By elucidating the complex interplay of physiological factors influencing postharvest quality, this review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in the fresh produce supply chain, ultimately contributing to the promotion of food security and sustainability.

Fine-mapping and primary analysis of candidate genes associated with seed coat color in mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)

Seed coat color affects the appearance and commodity quality of mung beans (Vigna radiata L.). The substances that affect mung bean seed coat color are mainly flavonoids, which have important medicinal value. Mapping the seed coat color gene in mung beans would facilitate the development of new varieties and improve their value. In this study, an F2 mapping population consisting of 546 plants was constructed using Jilv9 (black seed coat) and BIS9805 (green seed coat). Using bulk segregated analysis (BSA) sequencing and kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, the candidate region related to seed coat color was finally narrowed to 0.66 Mb on chromosome (Chr.) 4 and included eight candidate genes. Combined transcriptome and metabolome analyses showed that three of the eight candidate genes (LOC106758748, LOC106758747, and LOC106759075) were differentially expressed, which may have caused the differences in flavonoid metabolite content between Jilv9 and BIS9805. These findings can provide a research basis for cloning the genes related to seed coat color and accelerate molecular marker-assisted selection breeding in mung beans.

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, AMINO ACID PROFILING, AND SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF PROCESSED NATURAL VEGETATION OF THARPARKAR

Some processing techniques tend to advance the overall nutritional quality of food commodities and thus may contribute to counter malnutrition in regions like Tharparkar. For scanning the efficacy of some selected processing treatments, the natural vegetation of Tharparkar (NVT) i.e., mung beans (MB), sesame seeds (SS), and pearl millet (PM), were sprouted, roasted, and blanched, respectively, and milled to flour after thermal drying. All fresh and processed NVT, i.e., sprouted mung bean flour (SMBF), roasted sesame seed powder (RSSP), and blanched pearl millet flour (BPMF), were analyzed for proximate composition, profiling of amino acids (AAs), and safety assessment. The results demonstrated statistically different (P<0.05) mean values of fresh and processed NVT for most of the analyzed parameters. It was found that processing significantly increased (P<0.05) ash, protein, fat, and fiber content whereas significantly decreased (P<0.05) phytic and oxalic acid in the NVT. In addition, some essential AAs significantly (P<0.05) enhanced in SMBF i.e., histidine (0.45g/100g), isoleucine (0.59g/100g), lysine (0.71g/100), methionine (0.23g/100g), phenylalanine (1.54g/100g), and valine (0.32g/100g); RSSP i.e., isoleucine (1.63g/100g), leucine (4.57g/100g), lysine (0.75g/100g), phenylalanine (3.14g/100g), tryptophan (0.81g/100g), and tyrosine (2.15g/100g); and in BPMF i.e., threonine (0.55g/100g), isoleucine (0.28g/100g), leucine (1.70g/100g), methionine (0.21g/100), tryptophan (0.11g/100g), and valine(0.17g/100g). Among non-essential AAs, the alanine and glycine remained significantly higher (P<0.05) in all processed NVT i.e., 1.56, 1.29, and1.43g/100g alanine in SMBF, RSSP, and BPMF, respectively. However, glycine remained at 0.56, 0.59, and 0.23g/100g in SMBF, RSSP, and BPMF, respectively. It is therefore concluded that processing techniques exerted a significant role in enhancing nutritional profile while mitigating the antinutrient load from the NVT. Consequently, it is recommended that SMBF, RSSP, and BPMF be utilized for developing various food products to counter malnutrition in regions like Tharparkar.

MODEL ALOKASI SUBSIDI DANA APBD DAN CSR UNTUK OPTIMASI PENGADAAN MESIN KOMODITAS LELANG: STUDY KASUS

Procurement of machinery is a facilitation to overcome auction problems in accordance with the strategic plan of the Dinas TPHPKP to maintain and improve the quality or quality of commodities so as to increase the selling value. To carry out this facilitation with limited funds, other sources of subsidized funds are needed, the government needs tools to determine the nominal funding decision, the decision to place the machine, and the feasibility study of the model. Based on surveys, interviews, and previous research, the research data was processed using goal programming with Excel and ILOG CPLEX. This study chooses scenario three as the optimal scenario because the nominal subsidy of funds is smaller than scenarios one and two, but results in machine option decisions on each quality improvement function with a positive benefit deviation value of Rp. 20,014,000. This study succeeded in formulating a fund allocation model, determining five locations for placing machines and stating the feasibility of a fund allocation model with a Benefit Cost Ratio value of 1.49. Future research is expected to be able to consider the cost of energy consumption in the next use of the machine, consider the form of village assets as a candidate for placing the machine, and calculate other feasibility study parameters.

Color and Firmness Quality Changes of Java Apple During Postharvest Transportation and Storage

Transportation vibration adversely affects fresh produce during transportation. In addition, storage temperature affects the quality of fresh commodities. The physical changes in Java apples during transportation and storage were evaluated in this study. Java apples were transported from local farms to wholesale markets (180 km). Java apples were stored at room temperature (28°C) for six days. Physical qualities such as weight loss and firmness of the Java apple samples were evaluated. The RGB image acquisition system was used to assess changes in the color of the Java apple. The vibration showed that more than 70% of the acceleration occurred between 220-290 cm/s2 in the vertical and horizontal directions during transportation. Analysis showed that physical qualities, such as weight loss and firmness, were strongly affected by the packaging used, vibration during transportation, and storage temperature. The weight loss and reduction in firmness was highest in Java apples transported using wholesaler packaging (packaging A). The lightness, yellowness, and hue values decreased significantly because transportation vibration was relatively high, and the Java apples were stored at room temperature. Redness, total color difference, and color index increased significantly in Java apples that were transported using package A and stored at room temperature. The results showed that the use of transportation packaging affected changes in the physical quality of Java apples. Packaging A generally increase in weight loss, hardness, and changes in fruit color than other packaging types.

Impact of Oil and Gas vs. Non-Oil and Gas Exports on Provincial Economic Growth: A Panel Data Analysis

Economic growth in Aceh Province, Indonesia, is expected to fluctuate due to the unstable growth rates of both oil and gas and non-oil and gas exports. This study aims to investigate the impact of these exports on economic growth in Aceh Province. Utilizing secondary data from the Statistics of Aceh Province (BPS Aceh), the study employed the panel regression method, specifically the random effect model, analyzing data from 23 districts/cities in Aceh Province over the period 2011-2022. Estimation results indicate that oil and gas export growth have a negative effect, while non-oil and gas export growth exerts a positive effect on economic growth in Aceh Province, both of which show robust statistical significance. Based on these empirical findings, it is suggested that there should be cooperation between the government and investors in Aceh Province to maximize the processing of oil and gas commodities for export, as well as to improve the quality of non-oil and gas commodities exported so that, in the future, the demand for non-oil and gas exports can remain stable, fostering sustainable provincial economic growth.

Perancangan Purwarupa Pengukur Kadar Air dan Kualitas Pangan Komoditas Beras dan Jagung Menggunakan Sensor Kapasitif

Water content is an indicator that can affect food quality and safety as well as commodity prices. Therefore, measuring the moisture content of commodities is important to ensure the food system viability. The development of increasingly sophisticated technology has led many companies to introduce water content measuring instruments called Moisture Content Meters (MCM). However, this tool is marketed at an expensive price. In this research, a prototype for measuring the moisture content and food quality of rice and corn commodities using a cheap capacitive sensor has been successfully made according to the design. Based on the testing results, this prototype has an accuracy value of 98,9%, precision of 97,4%, and error of 1,1%. The test results show that this prototype is accurate enough to measure the moisture contents of rice and corn samples, accompanied by consistent food quality indications according to applicable quality standards.

Application Analysis of Data Visualization in Tiktok E-commerce

With the rapid development of the e-commerce field, the application of data visualization technology is more extensive. Visual development in the field of Tiktok e-commerce can improve marketing accuracy and optimize consumers' shopping experience. However, visualization development in the field of Tiktok e-commerce has been affected. Based on this, the paper proposes to optimize Tiktok e-commerce by means of data optimization and integration. This paper uses the literature research method to analyze the application of data visualization in Tiktok e-commerce. Through reading a large number of literature, it is found that data visualization is of great help to the development of e-commerce. The technical realization and function summary of data visualization in Tiktok e-commerce are studied, but there are still some problems in commodity information, commodity quality, user positioning, logistics, and other aspects. Finally, some solutions are proposed.

MAIN DIRECTIONS OF SALE OF NON-FOOD PRODUCTS

This article examines the practical and theoretical aspects of commodity science, including the formulation and standards required for commodity quality. In market conditions, an important direction of corporate marketing activity is ensuring the effectiveness of product sales. This affects performance indicators such as product sales, profit, profitability, market share, etc. Successfully solving this problem depends in part on the approach to selling. The study examines the categorization and development trends of the non-food market in Ukraine, as well as various forms and types of trade. Trade is a branch of the economy, which sells goods through buying and selling. It combines production, distribution, exchange and consumption to transform manufactured goods into consumer goods. Trade is divided into domestic trade and foreign trade. Domestic trade is divided into the following types according to the form of ownership: state, communal, joint, private, family, individual, cooperative, etc. Being an important link in the economy, trade performs economic, social and educational functions. The results are presented regarding the peculiarities of the sale of non-food products, as well as the study of the needs and behavior of buyers in this market. Business entities are obliged to sell non-food products that are subject to mandatory certification, if the product acceptance document contains the registration number of the certificate of conformity or certificate of recognition of conformity or declaration of conformity, if this is provided for by the technical regulations. confirmation of product compliance. In addition, the article provides information on the fundamental theories and content of commodity science, in particular on the production, classification and evaluation of consumer properties and quality of goods for economic, cultural and household purposes. The integration of Ukraine's economy into the world economic system, as well as the principles of forming a trade assortment and ensuring quality control of goods, which are the first to be approached from a single point of view, were also studied.

Advance Research on the Pre-Harvest Sprouting Trait in Vegetable Crop Seeds.

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), the germination of seeds on the plant prior to harvest, poses significant challenges to agriculture. It not only reduces seed and grain yield, but also impairs the commodity quality of the fruit, ultimately affecting the success of the subsequent crop cycle. A deeper understanding of PHS is essential for guiding future breeding strategies, mitigating its impact on seed production rates and the commercial quality of fruits. PHS is a complex phenomenon influenced by genetic, physiological, and environmental factors. Many of these factors exert their influence on PHS through the intricate regulation of plant hormones responsible for seed germination. While numerous genes related to PHS have been identified in food crops, the study of PHS in vegetable crops is still in its early stages. This review delves into the regulatory elements, functional genes, and recent research developments related to PHS in vegetable crops. Meanwhile, this paper presents a novel understanding of PHS, aiming to serve as a reference for the study of this trait in vegetable crops.

Implementation of Additive Ratio Assessment Method in Decision Making on Fertilizer Supplier Selection at BBTPH Banyumas

The purpose of this study is to solve problems in the selection of fertilizer suppliers at BBTPH Banyumas by proposing a decision support system (DSS). The quality of fertilizer supplier performance that is less than meeting standards can have a direct effect on crop yields, affect the level of efficiency, and decrease the quality of horticultural commodities. Therefore, this study aims to obtain decisions on the most feasible suppliers to be partners in supplying fertilizers. The method used in this study is the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method which is a method for alternative ranking based on specified criteria. The criteria used are in the form of criteria data, namely quality, price, service, delivery, product, and warranty. Fertilizer supplier data is obtained from BBTPH Banyumas and processed using the ARAS method. The stages carried out are identifying criteria, weighting, determining alternatives, evaluating alternatives, calculating the score of each alternative and choosing the suggested solution. The results showed that the best fertilizer supplier was supplier A with an ARAS value of 0.421. Supplier A has advantages in price, quality, and reputation criteria. This research can provide recommendations to BBTPH Banyumas in choosing fertilizer suppliers that suit their needs and preferences. The ARAS method is very useful in solving complex problems and involves many factors. By using this approach, the decisions taken become more objective and supported by clear data. Therefore, the ARAS method can be adopted by other organizations to address similar problems.

BrKCS6 mutation conferred a bright glossy phenotype to Chinese cabbage.

BrKCS6 encoding 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthases was cloned through MutMap and KASP analysis, and its function was verified via allelic mutants in Chinese cabbage. Bright and glossy green appearance is an attractive commodity character for leafy vegetables and is mainly caused by the absence of epicuticular wax crystals. In this study, two allelic epicuticular wax crystal deficiency mutants, wdm9 and wdm10, were obtained from an EMS mutagenesis population of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). Genetic analysis revealed that the mutant phenotype was controlled by a recessive nuclear gene. BrKCS6 encoding 3-ketoacyl-CoA synthases was identified as the candidate gene by MutMap and KASP analysis. A SNP (G to A) on BrKCS6 in wdm9 led to the amino acid substitution from serine (S) to phenylalanine (F), and another SNP (G to A) in wdm10 resulted in the amino acid substitution from serine (S) to leucine (L). Both SNPs are located in the ACP_syn_III_C conserved domain, corresponding to two highly conserved sites among BrKCS6 and its homologs. These two amino acid substitutions changed the secondary structure and the three-dimensional structure of BrKCS6 protein. qRT-PCR results showed that the relative expression of BrKCS6 significantly decreased in the flower, stem, and leaves in mutant, and the relative expressions of the downstream key genes of BrKCS6 were down-regulated in mutant. We were the first to clone the precious glossy bright gene BrKCS6 which has a great potential for commodity quality breeding in Chinese cabbage.