Seasonal Fruit Research Articles

Effect of some growth substances application on growth and seasonal yield of acid lime trees (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) in Delta

This work aims to investigate the impact of chitosan and hydrogen peroxide on the growth and seasonal yield of lime trees cultivated in commercial orchards in Qalyubiyya Governorate, Egypt, during the 2021 & 2022 seasons. The treatments include foliar spraying of two concentrations of CHI (100 & 200 ppm) and H2O2 (2 & 4 cm/L), either individually or in combination, at two distinct times, one month after fruit set (1st week of September) and after two months. The hypothesis was that applying chitosan and hydrogen peroxide would improve tree growth, fruit quality, and total production. The obtained results indicated that the combinations of CHI with H2O2 improved tree growth, leaf mineral composition, seasonal yield, and fruit quality parameters. CHI at 200 ppm + H2O2 at 4 cm/L was the most efficient treatment and achieved the largest tree canopy. Treatment of 100 ppm CHI with 2 cm/L H2O2 showed superior yield in terms of tree yield (23.56 & 29.64 kg/tree), total production (8.15 & 9.16 t/ha) compared to other treatments. Likewise, combinations of CHI and H2O2 improved fruit characteristics. Findings of this study demonstrated that the foliar application of CHI with H2O2 could be a promising application to improve seasonal lemon yield and fruit quality in commercial orchards.

Development and evaluation of punching mechanism for de-seeding of ber fruit

Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) commonly known as Indian jujube, is an underutilized seasonal fruit rich in nutrients and consumed directly. A punching type mechanism was developed to separate the seed and pulp of ber fruit, based on the analysis of its physical (length, width, thickness measured by vernier caliper) and mechanical properties (cutting and extruding forces measured by texture analyzer). The Pearson correlation coefficient showed that the physical parameters (width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, arithmetic mean diameter) were strongly correlated with the sphericity and surface area of the ber fruits and seeds, whereas length was not significantly correlated. The developed punching type de-seeding mechanism consists of a fruit resting seat, punching rod, guider, crank and lever mechanism, supporting stand, handle, and base. The performance of the developed de-seeder was analyzed, showing fruit pulp wastage from 1.89% to 8.62% and efficiency from 91.38% to 98.11%. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicated that the performance parameters (pulp wastage and efficiency) of de-seeder are negatively correlated. The capacity of the developed de-seeder varies from 15 – 17 kg/ h and 220 – 280 fruits/ h. The developed de-seeder reduces the labour requirement by 67%. In economic evaluation, the de-seeder has reduced the cost of operation (₹ h−1) by 73% and increase the net benefit (₹ year−1) by 6960 over manual operation. Its high efficiency and less pulp wastage make the machine preferable for progressive farmers.Graphical

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Pumpkin Pulp During Storage Through the Ultrasonication Process

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a seasonal fruit and it contains large amounts of bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and anthocyanins, which lower the risk of cancers and prevent osteoporosis and hypertension. However, conventional pasteurization reduces the nutrient content of fruits and results in a loss of organoleptic properties. Food processing industries are exploring alternatives to thermal treatment (TT) due to the increasing demand for safe, high-quality, and minimally processed pumpkin pulp. The outcomes of thermal treatment and ultrasonication (US) on the overall quality of pumpkin pulp were examined in this study. Six treatments were used in the preparation of pumpkin pulp: T0 (control), T1 (TT at 90 °C for 2 min), and T2 to T5 (US of 37 kHz frequency for 5-20 min). Statistically analyzed data showed a significant increase in total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) in US-treated samples (216 to 222 mg GAE/100 g) and (7.53 to 12.9 mg CE/100 g) respectively. In contrast, a significant decrease in microorganisms was found in all US-treated samples. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays increased significantly in US-treated samples (29.20 to 33.71%), (0.92 mg TE/g to 1.36 mg TE/g), and (4.52 mg TE/g to 5.15 mg TE/g) respectively. Nevertheless, a significant rise in ascorbic acid levels was observed in the T5 sample (15.48 mg/100 g). All US-treated samples showed significantly fewer losses in bioactive compounds and effectively decreased microbial load during storage as compared to thermal treatment. This research indicated that the US T5 showed the best results and demonstrated an ability to enhance the overall quality of pumpkin pulp, which can be effectively utilized for processing in industries.

Cold Storage Effects on Quality Attributes and Bioactive Compounds of Moroccan Pomegranate Varieties

Pomegranate is a seasonal fruit known for its high nutritional quality but with a limited shelf life. Thus, cold storage is frequently utilized as a conservation technique to prolong the shelf life of pomegranate fruits. Nevertheless, the valuable nutritional properties and technological quality of pomegranates can degrade notably over storage time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemical and technological stability of five pomegranate cultivars (“Purple Queen,” “Smith,” “Mr100,” “Sefri Ouled Abdellah,” and “Kingdom”) during cold storage. These cultivars represent the most widely cultivated varieties in the region and are among the most significant and predominant in Morocco, but they have a limited postharvest shelf life. The study evaluated various aspects including technological quality (weight loss, color attributes (L∗, a∗, b∗, C∗, and h°)), physicochemical parameters (pH, total soluble solids (TSSs), and titratable acidity (TA)), and bioactive compounds (total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), condensed tannins (CTs), and total flavonoid content (TFC)) over 120 days of cold storage at 4°C. The findings indicated that the weight loss and pH increased gradually for all cultivars, with “Mr100” showing a significant increase in weight loss (0%–29.12%) and pH (4.01 to 4.76). Regarding TPC, TFC, and TAC, all cultivars exhibited substantial reductions in bioactive compounds over storage period, with the “Kingdom” variety experiencing high TAC losses, averaging 84.82%, while “Sefri Ouled Abdellah” showed notable TPC losses, averaging 69.97%. In addition, “Mr100” and “Smith” showed high CTs and TFC losses. Briefly, cold storage significantly impacts the chemical composition and overall quality of pomegranate fruits. This study offers new insights into the storage stability, conservation aptitude, and potential shelf‐life enhancement of these specific cultivars over 120 days of cold storage at 4°C. These findings can be valuable for producers and the food industry, as they highlight the importance of monitoring storage conditions to optimize pomegranate quality and extend shelf life, ultimately improving consumer satisfaction and reducing waste.

Seasonal Fruit Quality Profile of Three Orange Varieties in Teso Subregion—Eastern Uganda

Seasonal Fruit Quality Profile of Three Orange Varieties in Teso Subregion—Eastern Uganda

Effect of k-casein-chlorella-carvacrol coating for enhancing shelf life of sapodilla fruit

BackgroundAbout 40–45 % of harvested fruits and vegetables are exorcized due to spoilage, which is a major waste of food resources. Extending the shelf life of fruits/vegetables we ensure that the efforts of farmers are effectively utilized. Sustaining freshness, minimal food loss and availability of seasonal fruits are the added advantages for longer shelf life. MethodsIn this perspective, this research work was executed to explore the effect of k-casein-chlorella-carvacrol (kCC) aggregate as an edible coating on sapodilla to improve the shelf-life period. Fruits without coating were taken as control, and for coated fruits, the efficacy of the aggregate was evaluated by physicochemical and antimicrobial analysis. Compared to the control, the coated fruits showed a statistically noteworthy improvement (P < 0.05) in properties, including total soluble solids (TSS), antioxidant activity (AA), titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), weight loss (WL), and pH. The WL was reduced by 20 % over a 15-day storage period, compared to only 5 days for the control. TA and TSS results proved that the kCC coating can reduce the acidity. An AA and TPC result evince the delayed ripening of sapodilla up to 12 days. Significant findingsThe kCC edible coating can enhance the quality and extend the shelf life of sapodilla. Furthermore, it may be an effective edible coating for other perishable fruits and vegetables. The coating also demonstrated significant efficacy against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

System Dynamic Approach to Analyzing the Watermelon Supply Chain in Sidoarjo, East Java

The supply chain system will greatly affect the distribution channel that will be targeted, thereby affecting the availability of products and also the fulfillment of needs for the community. Sidoarjo Regency has the potential to produce watermelons independently; this is supported because Sidoarjo Regency is included in the Gerbangkartasusila region, with Surabaya City as one of the main supporting districts. Watermelon fruit has a very abundant amount of production in Sidoarjo Regency, but watermelon fruit is a seasonal fruit with erratic public consumption and tends to decrease, causing an excess supply of watermelon. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine supply chain behavior, then model and simulate it, as well as design a model for improving the watermelon supply chain in Sidoarjo Regency. Through a system dynamics simulation approach using Vensim software, the results show that the amount of watermelon stock in Sidoarjo is affected by production, consumption, and depreciation values. Then, the current total production of watermelons will be 1110 quintals in 2021. Through a simulation of the improvement model design with the addition of other regional distributions and the assumption of a distribution of 350 tons/year for the next 5 years, the supply of watermelons is still able to meet the needs of the people of Sidoarjo Regency. The improvement model reduces excess inventory in Sidoarjo Regency.

&lt;i&gt;Microchirita bimaculata&lt;/i&gt; (GESNERIACEAE), A NEWLY RECORDED SPECIES FOR THE FLORA OF VIETNAM

Plant specimens coded as Dung 051120221 at Hanoi (HN) Herbarium of the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, were identified as Microchirita bimaculata (D. Wood) A. Weber &amp; D. J. Middleton. This is a newly recorded species for the flora of Vietnam. The morphological comparison method is applied appropriately in the study. Microchirita in Vietnam includes 8 updated species: M. aratriformis (D. Wood) A. Weber &amp; D. J. Middleton, M. bimaculata (D. Wood) A. Weber &amp; D. J. Middleton, M. hamosa (R. Br.) Yin Z. Wang, M. involucrata (Craib) Yin Z. Wang, M. lavandulacea (Stapf) Yin Z. Wang, M. minor Z. B. Xin, T. V. Do &amp; F. Wen, M. purpurea D. J. Middleton &amp; Triboun, M. rupestris (Ridl.) A. Weber &amp; D. J. Middleton. M. bimaculata is distinguished from the remaining 7 species by the characteristics of ”bracts absent; corolla yellow with a red-brown patch inside”. The identification key for species of the genus Microchirita currently known in Vietnam was established. M. bimaculata in Vietnam has been described in detail with accepted scientific name, synonym, morphological description, loc. class., typus, ecology, flower and fruit season, distribution, research sampling, images.

Development of Wood Apple Jujube Jellies: Physicochemical, Sensorial and Stability Properties

Jujube looks like jelly and is prepared by addition of fruit,sugar ,Gelatin and water. In India production of fruit is second highest and wood apple is seasonal and underutilised fruit so to popularise this underutilised fruit and supply throughout the year, value added product jujube was developed. underutilised fruit so to popularise this underutilised fruit and supply throughout the year, value added product jujube was developed Limonia acidissima is widely recognized for its medicinal properties renowned for its therapeutic benefits and boosts numerous documented medicinal applications. The aim of this study is to develop value added wood apple jujube soft candy product and to evaluate physico-chemical, nutrient, sensory and storage studies of the developed product. The control group (which was made with the addition of 10g of citric acid) achieved the highest over all sensory score of 8.59 followed by wood apple jujube -1(which was made with the addition of 45g of wood apple pulp), recording scores of 7.55. Jujubes exhibited a protein content of 18.25g/100g, a notable moisture level of 47.55g/100g, followed by 32.20g/100g carbohydrates, with the lowest attributed to fat at 0.2g/100g. The amount of crude fiber was measured at 1g/100 g, alongside its calorific value. The jujubes, Wood apple jujube-1 (which comprises 45 g of wood apple and 30 g of sugar), were packed in High density poly ethylene and kept under normal and Refrigerated conditions. A decline in mean scores was observed for appearance (4.65), texture (5.4), color (5.5), aroma (5.75), flavor (5.2), and overall acceptability (4.6) when stored at ambient temperature over a nine-day span compared to the starting values.

Analysis of economic indicators of four drying methods applied on three apple cultivars

Fruits are one of the main components of a healthy diet. They have many benefits and are recommended for regular consumption as part of a varied healthy diet. However, they are seasonal fruits, some need to be processed to ensure more extended storage and consumption throughout the year. The research aims to analyse the economic indicators of three apple cultivars (Golden Delicious, Florina and Freedom) dried by four methods (sun-died, shade-dried, dehydration, lyophilization). The methodological framework of the study includes: (1) Theoretical overview of apple drying methods; (2) Analysis of the economic indicators of apple drying – gross output, production and additional costs, net income, and rate of return; (3) Determining the benefits and drawbacks of drying apple products. It was found that the drying methods – sun-dried, shade-dried, and lyophilization – have a higher rate of profitability, while dehydration has a lower rate. The lyophilization method is the most profitable for production with Florina, followed by Freedom and Golden Delicious. Keywords: dried apple method, gross output, rate of return, production costs, net income

Amelioration of Soil Fertility by the Application of Different Fruit Waste Composts

The soil health status of Bangladesh decreased day by day, particularly organic matter and major nutrient content. The organic matter content in most of the agricultural soil in Bangladesh is &lt;2%, which indicates poor soil health condition. In Bangladesh, almost every day, an enormous amount of waste material is produced from different kinds of seasonal and unseasonal fruit’s peels. Lack of proper recycling methods, most of these wastes are thrown away in drains, cannels, rivers, etc. which indicates a major threat to environmental safety. Composts derived from the wastes of different fruit’s peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and essential nutrients for soil health improvement. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the changes in physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil treated with compost prepared from different types of fruit’s waste. The compost was prepared accordingly using different types of fruits waste and then the collected compost was thoroughly mixed with the soil and kept for six months. The experimental treatment consisted of three organic composts (jackfruit peel compost, mango peel compost, and banana peel compost) and three rates of application (1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha-1). The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The analyzed data showed that, the physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil varied significantly with the use of different types of fruit’s wastes compared to no waste added soil, except in the case of particle size. Soil mixed with mango peel compost at a rate of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in a higher available N content (2520 mg kg-1) and available P content (42.56 mg kg-1), whereas the available K content (219.88 mg kg-1), EC (1.55 dS m-1) and CEC (1209.56 meq 100g-1) were found higher in soil treated with banana peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1. On the other hand, soil treated with jackfruit peel compost of 1500 kg ha-1 showed the higher available Ca content (1533.33 mg kg-1) and the jackfruit peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in the higher organic carbon (1.98%) and organic matter (3.41%). The findings of this experiment revealed that, compost prepared from different types of fruit peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients and among the tested composts, mango peel compost was better to improve the physiochemical properties of soil and supply sufficient nutrients for plant growth.

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness (John Keats)

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness (John Keats)

PELATIHAN PENGOLAHAN “PAYA BITES”, CEMILAN SEHAT BERBAHAN PEPAYA, BAGI ANGGOTA FKIF UNNES

&lt;em&gt;Papaya is a seasonal fruit that is rich in water content and has a relatively short shelf life. Nowadays, people's interest in consuming fruit directly after it is ripe is relatively low because some of them don't like fruit. For this reason, it is necessary to innovate fruit-based products, as an effort to overcome the problem of lack of fruit consumption. This article discusses "PAYA BITES", an entrepreneurial venture that presents papaya crackers as an innovative snack product made from papaya with a variety of contemporary flavors. In this activity, the method used was training (socialization) aimed at 41 members of the Islamic Physics Study Forum (FKIF) at Semarang State University. This activity aims to be a form of education and training for FKIF UNNES members in processing papaya fruit into papaya crackers and has the potential to be marketed to the general public. The result of this training is to provide knowledge and convenience for FKIF UNNES members in processing papaya fruit into papaya crackers which have so far been underutilized so that they become a more valuable commodity&lt;/em&gt;

Sustainable fresh strawberry consumption: environmental, genetically modified food, and climate concerns in Europe and North Africa

Background and gap in the literatureSeasonal strawberries are a tasty fruit with many significant health and environmental benefits. Despite these attributes, the determinants influencing strawberry consumption remain underexplored. Few existing research studies are focused on conventional factors, such as taste, freshness, and price, leaving aside some critical, current dimensions, such as consumers’ environmental attitude, sustainability, genetically modified (GM) food knowledge, and climate change concerns. This article aims to explore the impact of the aforementioned factors on the purchasing behavior of strawberries among consumers.MethodologyA designed questionnaire for a final sample of 2,378 consumers from Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco was used to collect data about sociodemographic attributes, strawberry purchasing habits, respondents’ level of knowledge on the topic of GM food, and climate change issue. The generalized ordinal logistic approach was performed deriving from the ordinal qualitative type of our two variables of interest (seasonal and non-seasonal strawberries purchase) and relaxing the assumption of parallel lines.Main resultsFrom the sociodemographic factors, the more educated individuals, living in urban areas and having higher income levels are more likely to purchase frequently seasonal strawberries, while older people buy less often non-seasonal strawberries. Individuals who are more aware of sustainability issues, exhibit sustainable behaviors, and have greater concerns about climate change are more likely to buy non-seasonal strawberries less frequently, which is the most important result of our analysis.ImplicationsThese results offer a comprehensive understanding of other drivers than the conventional ones related to seasonal and non-seasonal strawberry purchase patterns, giving significant insights for policymakers in formulating tailored interventions for other dimensions: promoting sustainable agricultural practices (following the seasonality of the fruit), increasing consumer awareness about the environmental implications of the non-seasonal fruit purchases, and shifting individual eating patterns toward more sustainable and healthy ones (fresh and seasonal fruit consumption).

A Qualitative Exploration of Participants' Experiences in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Weight Reduction Through a Nurse-Led Intervention.

Background Obesity presents a significant global health challenge, increasing the risk of various health complications. Nurse-led interventions offer a promising, patient-centered approach to weight reduction. However, qualitative research on participants' experiences in nurse-led weight reduction programs is limited. Objective The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of participants in a nurse-led weight reduction program over a period of 12 months. Methods Following a randomized controlled trial within a sequential mixed-methods study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 volunteers who successfully reduced their weight by at least 5% through a nurse-led intervention (NLI). The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis, with careful attention to ensuring both data credibility and participant confidentiality. Results Participants reported positive health improvements over 12 months, including reductions in weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and glucose levels. Four primary themes that surfaced were nutritional choices and habits, active lifestyle, support system and motivation, insights, and strategies from health journey participants. Participants adapted to healthier eating habits, incorporating protein-rich foods, millets, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Walking and yoga were primary physical activities, with participants emphasizing their importance and strategies to overcome barriers. Family support, healthcare guidance, and work-life balance played crucial roles in participants' weight loss journeys. Conclusion The study highlights the effectiveness of NLIs in promoting sustainable weight loss and improving metabolic health. Insights from participants' experiences underscore the importance of dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and social support in successful weight management. Further research is needed to validate these findings and develop tailored interventions.

Developing the Health Self-Reliance Potential of Lao Women in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

The present study aims to investigate the level of health self-reliance among Lao women in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) and to enhance their potential for health self-reliance by means of research and development. A variety of qualitative techniques were employed, such as brainstorming, focus groups, in-depth interviews, and observation. The target groups include experts from the Ministry of Public Health, leaders of Lao women, representatives of Lao women in Vientiane Capital, academics with relevant experience in Lao Women's Federation agencies, and representatives of the agency in charge of the project on promoting Laos mothers. It was found that: 1) Lao women in the Lao PDR have normal health and self-reliance; they avoid smoking, eat fermented foods and seasonal fruits and vegetables, and occasionally engage in aerobic and running exercise. Regarding reliance on one's health in the event of illness, research is being done to better understand different ailments. 2) The outcomes of transforming health behaviors and planning seven activities to enhance the health self-reliance potential of Lao women in the Lao PDR.

Long-term effects of COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and eating behaviour of the Italian population: a longitudinal study

BackgroundRestrictive measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic strongly impacted lifestyle and daily behaviour. The purpose of this longitudinal retrospective study was to investigate short-term and long-term effects of Covid-19 pandemic on physical activity and eating habits of the Italian population investigating three time periods: pre-, during- and post-lockdown.MethodsA sample of 2773 adults recruited through social media provided data by an online survey administered from July to October 2023. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and provided information about eating habits, socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics.ResultsThere was a significant increase (p < 0.001) in mean BMI from pre-pandemic period (24.53 ± 5.34 Kg/m2) to post-pandemic period (25.22 ± 6.0 Kg/m2). Physical Activity significantly decreased during the pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period (χ² = 271.97; p < 0.001; φ = 0.31) with an increase in inactive subjects from 25.7% to 52.8%. In the post pandemic period, there was an increase in the level of Physical Activity compared to the pandemic period (χ² = 413.61; p < 0.001; φ = 0.39) with a reduction of inactive subjects from 52.8% to 25.6%. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet score significantly (p < 0.001) increase from pre-pandemic (7.18 ± 1.58) to during-pandemic (7.29 ± 1.69) and post-pandemic (7.75 ± 1.63) periods with significant differences emerged in the consumption of single MEDAS items during the pandemic period by different BMI classes. Consumption of seasonal fruit and vegetables, water intake, the preparation/consumption of traditional or local dishes and the time dedicated for dinner and lunch significant increase (p < 0.001) during pandemic.ConclusionsThe Covid-19 pandemic changed people’s lifestyles, but in different ways for Physical Activity and diet. During the pandemic there was a negative effect for PA that decreased while the time spent sitting increased. This seems to be a temporary effect as, after the end of the phase of mandatory restrictions, it returns to the original level. The lockdown period improved the quality of the Italian population’s eating habits, with an increase in adherence to the Mediterranean diet even after the end of the pandemic showing a rediscovery of traditional dishes, increase in consumption of seasonal products, greater preference for local products and more time spent preparing meals.

Overwintering potential of the Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Austria.

The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), one of the most important invasive pests of fresh fruits and vegetables from the coastal Mediterranean habitats, is expanding its current geographic distribution to cooler more temperate areas of Europe. Every year since 2010 the fly is detected in the area of Vienna, Austria. However, whether it can establish permanent populations is not known. In this current paper, the capacity of C. capitata to overwinter in Vienna, Austria (48.1° northern latitude) was studied over 2 consecutive winter seasons (2020-2022). Overwintering trials with different life stages (larva, pupa, and adult) of C. capitata were performed in the open field and in the protected environment of a basement without a heating system. Control flies were kept under constant conditions in a climate chamber (25 °C, 60% RH, 14:10 L:D). Our data showed that no life stage of the Mediterranean fruit fly was able to survive the Austrian winter in the open field. However, in the protected environment C. capitata outlived the winter months in all studied life stages at least in small numbers and several surviving females were able to lay eggs at the time of the following fruiting season. Implications of these findings for the ongoing geographic range expansion of the pest in temperate European countries are discussed.

Transcriptome analysis provides new insights into the berry size in ‘Summer Black’ grapes under a two-crop-a-year cultivation system

Southern China has high temperatures and receives concentrated rainfall; therefore, the two-crop-a-year cultivation system has been applied to grape production so as to resolve the problem of relative seasonal surplus of grape yield. However, a common issue associated with this technique is the tendency of the second season fruits to be smaller than the first season fruits. We here used the first and second season fruits of ‘Summer Black’ at different ripening stages as research materials. Phenotypic and histological analyses revealed fewer cell number occurring between 7 and 14 days post anthesis (DPA) in the second season fruits, which ultimately resulted in a smaller fruit size compared with the first season fruits. To unravel the mechanism underlying this phenomenon, first and second season fruits of four time periods (7, 14, 21, and 28 DPA) were selected for RNA-seq analysis. This analysis identified 10 431 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs were classified into 9 clusters through GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Then the time-ordered gene co-expression network (TO-GCN) analysis with the breadth-first search algorithm showed that DEGs in the GCN were divided into 8 levels. The DEGs of early berry development (L1–L3) were enriched in heat stress- and cell division-related pathways. The field investigation of effective accumulated temperature confirmed that the growth and development of the second season fruits were subjected to high temperature stress during 7–14 DPA. Moreover, based on the results of interactive analysis of TO-GCN and transcriptional regulation prediction of L1–L3 genes, we constructed a unique hierarchical regulatory network for the heat stress regulation of berry size. The expression level of 5 candidate genes was verified through qRT-PCR. Vitvi10g00469 (HSFB2A), Vitvi16g00982 (HSFB2A), Vitvi02g00387 (HSFB2B), Vitvi15g01542 (NTL9), and Vitvi06g00592 (DIVARICATA) were upregulated in 7–14 DPA, whereas Vitvi18g00777 (HSFB4) was downregulated in 7 DPA. These results suggest that during intense cell division, heat stress might act as a major factor causing a reduction in cell number, thereby ultimately resulting in the smaller size of the second season fruits.

Bio-based films from quince by-products: A sustainable alternative for biodegradable food packaging

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller) is a seasonal fruit that is commonly processed by the food industry to produce marmalades, jellies and wines, resulting in a large amount of by-products. The filmogenic capacity of quince seeds has been well studied in the literature, but not that of the entire by-product generated in the industry. This work addresses the study of the filmogenic capacity of these by-products, at two formulation levels (QW1 and QW2), and compares them with that of only seeds (QS) in terms of physicochemical, optical, mechanical, morphological, antioxidant and thermal properties. The yield of mucilage obtained from both by-product formulations doubled the obtained from isolated seed (22–27 % vs. 10.9 %) and showed higher tensile strength (106–107 % vs. 85.3 %) and elongation at break values (2–3 vs. 1.9 MPa). The three types of films showed excellent protection properties against UV radiation, attractive optical properties and good DPPH radical scavenging capacity (34–37 %). Microstructural changes over time in the morphology of the three films were also observed by scanning electron microscopy between 24 and 48 h.