Soluble Dry Matter Research Articles

Ultrases Yıkama İşleminin Taze Çileklerin Soğukta Depolama Esnasında Kalite Özelliklerine Etkisi

Çilek karakteristik özellikleri ile tüm dünyada en çok tercih edilen meyveler arasında yer almaktadır. Taze çileğin morfolojik yapısı gereği hasat işleminden sonra soğukta depolama esnasında üründe kalite kayıpları gözlenmektedir. Bu nedenle, taze çileklerde yıkama işlemi özellikle mikrobiyal yükün azaltılması ve raf ömrünün artırılması adına önem arz etmektedir. Tüketici kaynaklı sağlık endişelerinden dolayı meyve ve sebzelerin endüstriyel yıkama işleminde kimyasal kullanımına alternatif olarak geliştirilen yöntemlere talep giderek artmaktadır. Ultrases yıkama, kimyasal yıkama işlemlerine kıyasla mikrobiyal yükün azaltılmasının yanında kalite özelliklerinin korunması açısından tercih edilmeye başlanan yenilikçi bir yöntem olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışma kapsamında hasat sonrasında taze çileklere ultrases (550 W/35 kHz) ve peroksiasetik asit (40 ppm) ile yıkama işlemleri uygulanmıştır. Yıkama işlemleri gerçekleştirilen çileklere soğukta depolama esnasında 14 gün boyunca pH, toplam asitlik, suda çözünür kuru madde (briks), C vitamini, toplam fenolik madde, antioksidan kapasite, toplam canlı mikroorganizma, küf ve maya sayısı analizleri uygulanmıştır. Ultrases yıkamanın, kavitasyon etkisi sayesinde çileklerde mikrobiyal yükün azaltılması ve biyoaktif özelliklerin korunumunda diğer yönteme kıyasla daha etkili olduğu belirlenmiştir.

EFFECT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZATION ON THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF MELON PRODUCTION

Growing environmental impact of conventional farming practices, gradually impacts soil structure and biological balance. This has forced the development of alternative practices to reduce and mitigate these effects. Types of fertilizers influence the quantity and quality of production. Following this idea, in 2016, in a crop of melon in a polyethylene tunnel, Lignohumat organic fertilizer was used, a granular humic product, which was applied during vegetation, in three stages and three fertilization doses: 100; 150 and 200 g/ha. Melon plants (Charentais variety) fertilized with Lignohumat at different doses showed positive results compared to the unfertilized variant. Results showed that application of the 150 g/ha dose significantly improved (P ≤ 0.05) the average number of fruits/plants, their average weight, fruit/plant production and the production/m2 but also the quality of fruits: soluble dry matter – 8.55%, total dry matter – 12.12%, reducing sugars – 3.40%, vitamin C - 21.12 mg/100 g, carotene - 36.42 mg/100 g f.m and antioxidant activity of 175.92 μMTE/100 g (ABTS method) and 228.16 μMTE/100 g (DPPH method). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 2.2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS). Significant positive correlations were identified for very importants parameters.

Reclamation of the Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Genotypes Cultivated around Karasu, Sakarya

This investigation was carried out during 2015-2016 in the Sakarya area. Strawberry trees were selected by including naturally growing trees. In this selection study, each tree was considered as a tree species and 50 species of strawberry trees were examined. In the study of phenological observation, pomological analysis and Weighted Grading method were applied on Strawberry tree genotypes. 100 fruit samples were collected during the research years of 2015 and 2016 and 10 fruits were studied because of the importance of each species. The fruit weight ranged between 1.70 g and 9.03 g, width from 11.42 mm to 30.52 mm, length 10,15 mm to 14.09 mm, and the handle thickness was 1.13 mm to 3.29 mm, the number of fruits in a bundle wass 3 to 8, the amount of soluble dry matter 15 to 32%, fruit juice pH 3,09 to 3.51. At the end of the study, 5 genotypes with superior characteristics were selected.

Assessment of the extractability of protein-carbohydrate concentrate from soybean meal under acidic and alkaline conditions

A soluble dry matter composed of proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals was obtained from soybean meal following both alkaline and acid extraction. The alkaline extraction was conducted at pH 8, 9, 10 whereas the acid extraction was carried out at pH 2 and 3. In both extraction modes, different NaCl concentrations were added to the medium (0.01, 0.025 and 0.05 M). The obtained results showed that both methods were effective in terms of extraction of soluble dry matter with significant qualitative and quantitative differences. The alkaline extraction was significantly more effective in terms of the total extracted dry matter and protein content in the extracted material with mean values of 39.97 ± 0.23% and 43.35% ± 2.90, respectively. The acid and alkaline extracts were characterized by high content (mg/100 g) of specific minerals such as potassium (334.93 ± 41.93), calcium (24.73 ± 10.32) and magnesium (35.34 ± 10.86). SDS-PAGE data confirmed the effectiveness of the alkaline mode in terms of quantitative protein content by the more evident bands. The highest turbidity was obtained at pH 4–5 for all the extracts whereas zeta potential indicated pI at pH 4–5 for alkaline extracts and at pH 7–8 for the acidic extracts. Carbohydrate profile showed a pH-dependent of the extracted sugars with a potential of using the extract as prebiotic. Overall, this study highlights the effectiveness and rational use of combined acid-alkaline extractions to enhance the soybean meal valorization for food applications and to reduce waste generated by the soybean oil industry.

Physicochemical Profiling of Different Released and Improved Desert and Cooking Banana Varieties

Banana (Musa spp.) is an important ingredient of several dishes and its nutritional and other biochemical composition of released and improved desert and cooking types are yet to be scientifically studied fully. In the present study, the most popularly cultivated species of cooking and desert type banana in Ethiopia selected. The objective of this study was to determine their physicochemical profiling and nutritional quality of desert and cooking banana varieties. The chemical composition and some physicochemical characteristics of the fresh fruit and flour obtained from seventeen different banana varieties are presented. A randomized complete design with three replications was used. Length, Width, Peel and pulp thickness, Pulp to peel ratio, total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, ash and moisture of desert banana (Fresh) and mineral contents are the most important parameters to evaluate the quality of banana including potassium. The different varieties affected the fruit physical characteristics significantly (P≤0.05). The Cardaba varieties fruit was found to be the heaviest and the longest. The Kitawira and Nijiru varieties had the smallest, shortest and thinnest fruit. The Cardaba, Nijiru, Matoke, and Kitawira contained more pulp weight than peel weight. Most fruit chemical quality parameters were significantly (P≤0.05) affected by the varieties. The chemical composition of the flour also varied according to the variety and types of banana. Among others, the Cardaba variety was found to have high fruit weight, juice volume, total soluble solids, dry matter, and low total titratable acidity. Banana flour is rich in potassium varied from 246.288 to 375.949 mg/100g according to the variety. The range obtained were 41.200 – 89.132 mg/100g phosphorus, 0.705 – 19.352 mg/100g sodium, 2.497 – 3.359% ash, and 71.529- 76. 564% moisture. The sensory analysis of desert banana type was evaluated. Thus, there was no significant difference between varieties at P≤0.05 and sensorial acceptability in most varieties. The current study revealed the variations of biochemical compositions of desert and cooking banana varieties. This will be useful for the exploitation of these crops to obtain and formulate the value-added products. These varieties are recommended for different food product development by food processors in Ethiopia.

Technological qualities of root crops and economic efficiency of growing sugar beet hybrids by the KWS company in the conditions of "Rasavske" Ltd. of Kaharlyk district, Kiev region

The paper deals with the results of research on the study of the technological traits changes in foreign hybrids root crops of the KWS company sugar beet enterprises under the influence of long-term storage and their economic efficiency. The conducted researches are especially relevant due to insufficiently studied issues of changes in the technological traits of the root crops of the newest hybrids during their storage in the crutches on the field or at the sugar factory. Estimation of new hybrids of sugar beet by regions of the Forest-steppe allows to predict the genetically determined degree of their plasticity and stability both in the yield and the quality. Hybrids with higher resistance to extreme temperatures are especially valuable. The researches were carried out during 2014–2015 at the "Rasavske" Ltd. of Kaharlyk district, Kyiv region. The sugar content in the root crops increased from 1.6% in the Alyona hybrid to 5.9 % in the Daria hybrid and 6.1 % in the Coryda hybrid, due to the loss of moisture during their prolonged storage. The content of soluble dry matter in the root crops increased from 1.7 % in the Alyona hybrid to 7.7 % in the Coryda hybrid for the same reason. The conducted calculations of cell juice quality showed that long-term storage resulted in the highest growth of this indicator by 8.2 % in the Cesaria hybrid and by 7.5 % in the Acatsia hybrid. In the Alyona hybrid, the growth rate of cell juice quality was only 0.8 %, while the Corida hybrid had the quality of the previous level. In the Olesya hybrid, this indicator decreased by 1.8 % compared with the previous determination period (October 10). The costs of growing root crops ranged from 17,859 to 20,726 UAH/ha. The highest profit was 17435 UAH/ha and the profitability level was 86.3 % for the Alyona hybrid, while the lowest economic efficiency figures were for the profit of 10,201 UAH/ha and the profitability level of 53.7 % in the Carmelite hybrid. The highest rates of the technological traits of root crops during the long-term storage of sugar beet were determined in the Alyona hybrid. The highest yield of root crops was in the Daria hybrid – 79.8 t/ha. According to the indicators of economic efficiency the Alona hybrid was the best in terms of profit (17,435 UAH/ha) and the profitability level of 86.3 %. Key words: sugar beet, hybrids, productivity, yield, sugar content, technological traits, profit, profitability level.

Nar Suyu İlavesiyle Üretilen Lokumların Bazı Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Bu çalışmada, formülasyonda kullanılacak suyun %20 ve %30‘u düzeyinde ekşi ve tatlı nar çeşitlerinden iki farklı yöntemle elde edilen taze sıkılmış nar suları kullanılmak suretiyle lokum üretilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Üretilen nar suyu ilaveli lokumlarda suda çözünür kuru madde, pH, toplam asitlik, toplam fenolik madde, toplam antosiyanin, renk, sertlik değeri, su aktivitesi analizleri yapılmış ve örnekler duyusal olarak değerlendirilmişlerdir. Nar suyu ilaveli lokum örneklerinin suda çözünür kuru madde değerleri 71,25-81,90 °Briks, pH değerleri 3,50-4,78, sertlik değerleri 0,75- 1,64N, toplam asitlik değerleri 0,042-0,240 g/100g, L* değeri; 27,43-43,94, a* değeri; (-0,66)-(+14,45), b* değeri ise; (-1,67)-(+4,08), toplam fenolik madde miktarı 201,33-760,33 mg GAE/kg, antosiyanin miktarı 23,37-42,15 mg siyanidin 3-glikozid/kg olarak belirlenmiştir. Duyusal değerlendirmede birçok özellik bakımından en yüksek ortalama puanı hidrolik pres ile elde edilen tatlı nar suyu (300 ml) ilaveli lokum örneği almıştır. Lokum formülasyonundaki suyun nar suyu ile ikamesiyle fonksiyonel bileşenler bakımından zengin ve tüketiciler tarafından tercih edilen ürünlerin üretilebileceği görülmektedir.

Evaluation of furanocoumarins from seeds of the wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. s.l.)

Although the wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L. s.l.) fruits are known to contain linear and angular furanocoumarins, the individual components of the seeds have not been fully identified and quantitated, and, in the case of immature seeds, reported. In view of this, the main furanocoumarin compounds were extracted using pyridine, and were isolated using semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structural elucidation of isolated compounds was done based on detailed spectral analysis conducted by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC–ESI/MS), 1H and 13C NMR and, where possible, by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The quantitative analysis of furanocoumarin compounds in the wild parsnip was conducted by analytical ultra–performance liquid chromatography (UPLC–DAD), calculated against the standard curves of isolated compounds. The total yields of furanocoumarin compounds from the seeds after extraction with pyridine were 107.2–222.8 mg g−1 (fresh weight) and 50.2–66.4 mg g−1 (soluble dry matter). Thirteen furanocoumarins were identified. The main compounds (percentage in FW) in immature seeds were bergapten (40.8), pimpinellin (10.5), methoxsalen (5.7), isopimpinellin (4.3), imperatorin (3.2), and phellopterin (7.2). Seven constituents previously not described in P. sativa seeds and its products were identified, namely, byakangelicol (14.4), heraclenin (8.5), isobergapten (2.5), byakangelicin (1.3), heraclenol (0.5), psoralen (0.3), and isobyakangelicin (0.8). The latter is a new compound of the Apiaceae family. Extraction of immature seeds using pyridine gave a much higher yield and a greater variety of furanocoumarins. This indicates that the wild parsnip, along with other Apiaceae family plants, may be an important source of bioactive compounds.

Influence of the Crown Shape on the Input of the Fruit and the Productive Potential of Cherry Trees in a High-Density System

The purpose of this study was to practice and improve the use of low volume crowns in a high-density system in order to obtain qualitative cherry production that would be competitive on the market and to make efficient use of the labor force. The research was carried out in the intensive cherry orchard planted in the autumn of 2011 with “Ferrovia”, “Kordia”, and “Regina” varieties, grafted on Gisela 6 (Prunus cerasus × Prunus canescens) rootstock interspaced at 4x2.5 m and managed according to the Ameliorated natural crown systems with low volume, Ameliorated Slender Spindle and Vase shaped crown. Harvest, diameter, firmness, dry matter content and fruit weight were determined. The trees started to yield in the third year after planting. The harvest in the second year of yielding was 4-5 kg/tree. The average harvest in the third year of yielding was 9640-13290 kg/ha. For all three varieties the harvested quantity and fruit size were correlated with the crown shape. The Ameliorated Slender Spindle crown provided the highest production per hectare, while the Flattened Vase Shaped crown provided the lowest yield but had the highest values of the fruit size (28.2-28.4 mm) and of the soluble dry matter in the fruit (17.9-18.6 Brix%).

Türkiye Dut Genetik Kaynaklarında Bulunan Çekirdeksiz Beyaz Dutların Fenolojik, Pomolojik ve Teknolojik Özellikleri

2015-2016 yıllarında yürütülen bu çalışmada Malatya Kayısı Araştırma Enstitüsünde bulunan 19 adet çekirdeksiz dut genotipinin fenolojik, pomolojik ve bazı teknolojik özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada; tam çiçeklenme zamanının 27 Nisan (Poser 24-07)-03 Mayıs (24 MRK 02), hasat başlangıcının 15 Mayıs (Poser 24-07)-31 Mayıs (Yediveren 24-08), hasat sonunun ise 5 Temmuz (Angut 009)-30 Ağustos (Yediveren 24-08) tarihleri arasında değiştiği belirlenmiştir. Meyve verme süresi 50 gün (Angut 009) ile 95 gün (Gemirgap Dutu 24-05) arasında değişmiştir. Pomolojik özelliklerden ortalama meyve ağırlığı 0,77 g (Angut 009) ile 2,46 g (Poser 24-07) arasında, SÇKM değeri ise %15,50 (Topu Beyaz 1) ile %29,60 (Angut 009) arasında değişmiştir. Teknolojik özelliklerden kurutma randımanı %15,79 (44 KE 10) ile %39,94 (Angut 009) arasında, kuru meyvede L renk değeri ise 25,97 (Poser 24-07) ile 50,20 (İstanbul Dutu 24-12) arasında değişmiştir. Çalışmada sonunda; Poser 24-07 genotipi erkenciliği ve sofralık tüketime uygunluğuyla, Yediveren 24-08 genotipi geççiliğiyle, İstanbul Dutu 24-12 genotipi kurutmalık özelliğiyle, Gemirgap Dutu 24-05 ve Gemirgap Dutu 24-06 genotipleri ise uzun süreli meyve vermesi ile ön plana çıkmıştır. Mevcut bulgular dut ıslah programlarına katkı sağlayabilir.

The potential of rumen fluid waste from slaughterhouses as an environmentally friendly source of enzyme additives for ruminant feedstuffs

Abstract Rumen fluid disposal from slaughterhouses represents a major environmental challenge due to the presence of high levels of ammonia and phosphorus. The loading of these limiting nutrients into the soil and aquatic systems triggers eutrophication. Fortunately, the fluid is also rich in fibrolytic and other enzymes that could, alternatively, be used to enhance feed utilization in animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate rumen fluid as a potential source of exogenous feed enzymes using a variety of test substrates. Hydrolytic enzyme activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, α-amylase and microcrystalline cellulase (avicellase) were measured in the rumen fluid to determine its enzymatic capabilities. Centrifuged and sonicated rumen fluid was used to pre-treat milled corn grain, barley grain, soybean meal, common vetch grain, bitter vetch grain, chickling vetch grain, alfalfa hay and common vetch straw substrates at 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mL per 100 g dry matter. Rumen fluid-treated substrates were subjected to a water solubility test and in vitro ruminal fermentation. The activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, avicellase and amylase were observed to be 377.8, 333.4 and 282 U/mL, respectively. Water solubility of dry matter in bitter vetch grain, chickling vetch grain, common vetch grain and soybean meal increased linearly with level of rumen fluid treatment. The highest solubility was observed in substrates treated with 4 mL rumen fluid per 100 g dry matter (P

Environmental variables in packing houses and their effects on the quality of grapes

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the thermal environment in the selection and packing areas of a packing house and its effects on the quality of table grapes produced in the São Francisco Valley, Brazil. The thermal environment was monitored during the winter and summer seasons. The highest value of air temperature (Tair) and the lowest relative humidity (RH) observed in the packing house were 35 °C and 40.0%, respectively, obtained during the summer, for 8 h. After observing the thermal environment data of the packing house, simulations were performed to evaluate the effect of the ideal environmental storage conditions and observed thermal conditions on the postharvest quality of “Thompson” grapes. Grapes were harvested and stored directly at the ideal temperature and RH of 0 °C and 90%, respectively, or previously exposed to a temperature of 35 °C and RH of 40% for 8 h, the thermal environment observed in the evaluated packing house, followed by storage at 0 °C and 90% RH. Fruit exposure to high temperature and low RH before the ideal storage conditions resulted in higher loss of berry firmness and weight, along with increased soluble solids and dry matter content of rachis and berry. Based on these results, the environmental conditions observed in the packing house result in berry dehydration, which accelerates the loss of fruit quality during storage.

Physico-Chemical Characterizations and Fuel Potential Assessment of <i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i> Fruits from Benin

This study aims to enhance agricultural resources and reduce post-harvest losses by assessing the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits and non-conventional vegetable oil extracted from <i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i> seeds in Benin. In this context, the fruits of <i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i> were collected in Tori (South Benin) and the morphological characteristics (mass, height and diameter at the equator) of the fruits, as well as the physico-chemical parameters (dry matter content, moisture content, ash content) were evaluated. The pH, soluble dry matter (Brix) and glucose levels of the juice were also evaluated. The extraction of vegetable oil from the seeds was carried out in Soxhlet followed by the determination of biochemical parameters such as quality indices such as acid, peroxide, saponification and iodine indices. The physicochemical characterisation of this oil was also carried out through the determination of density, refractive index and net calorific value (PCI). Analysis of these results reveals that the fruits of <i>Chrysophyllumalbidum</i> have a mean equator mass, size and diameter of 43.79±3.15g, 48.73±2.97mm and 41.11±1.13mm respectively. The levels of dry matter, moisture, and ash are respectively 51.60±0.47%, 48.40±0.47%, and 24.7±0.96% with a pH of 3.67±0.12 a Brix of 27.47±0.99 and a glucose level of 27.57mg/mL. The oil extraction efficiency is 21.52 ± 0.86% with a water and volatile matter content of 2.21 ± 0.64%. This vegetable oil has a dark red colour with an iodine value of 33.21 ± 0.08 g I2 /100 g-Oil, a saponification value of 188.40 ± 4.18 mg KOH / g-Oil, an acid value of 3.60 ± 0.23 mg KOH / g-Oil, a peroxide value of 10.46 ± 0.12 meq O2/g-Oil and an ester value of 155.19 ± 0.17 mg KOH / g-Oil. The density of vegetable oil at 30°C is 0.89. The refractive index of vegetable oil at 30°C is 1.48 with a lower calorific value of 40287.92 kJ/kg. The results thus obtained indicate possible ways of using <i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i> fruits as biofuel.

New tomato lines with genes of qualitative traits as sources for breeding

Goal. To evaluate bred multi-marker tomato lines for a set of economic traits. Results and discussion. The results of studying new multi-marker tomato lines in a competitive variety trial are given. Twelve lines were evaluated for the growing season length and its phases, traits of performance and chemical composition of fruits. It was revealed that according to the growing season length all the lines were early-ripening and gave yields 97-110 days after emergence. Line L-120/18 was selected by the shortest “emergence - the first fruit ripening” period (97 days) and by the shortest interphase “the first sprouts – anthesis” (52 days) and “anthesis - the first fruit ripening” (45 days) periods. In terms of performance, lines L-106/18 L-164/18 L-474/18 L-98/18 lines were the best, generating 2.6-3.5 kg of fruits per plant. The average fruit weight of the lines was lower than that of standard variety Karas and ranged from 40.5 g in line L-419/18 to 95.6 g in line L-106/18. As to the fruit number per plant (more than 24), lines L-419/18 L-164/18 L-474/18 L-473/18 L-106/18 L-98/18 L-125/18, and L-120/18 were distinguioshed. Biochemical assessments of tomatoes of the lines showed that most of the parameters under investigation were better in all the lines than those in the standard variety. The high content of soluble dry matter (6.8%) was found in line L-473/18; the total sugar content was the highest in lines L-473/18 (5.63%), L-99/18 (4.52%), L-106/18 (4.24%), L-102/18 (4.23%), and L-419/18 (4.23%); the vitamin C content was remarkable in lines L-125/18 (22.9 mg/100 g) and L-99/18 (23.0 mg/100 g); the titrated acidity was good in lines L-125/18 (0.75%) and L-474/18 (0.63%). Lines L-473/18 (15.6), L-99/18 (12.6), L-106/18 (11.8), and L-102/18 (10.8) stood out by their sugar-acid index. Conclusions. The study of new multi-marker tomato lines in the competitive variety trial revealed their peculiarities in expression of the major economic characteristics. We selected lines that were superior to standard variety Karas by the growing season length, perfoemance and fruit quality. Lines L-106/18 (sp, Aft, c, gf), L-164/18 (u, y, gf, B), L-98/18 (sp, u, Aft, gs, gf, j-2), L-125/18 (Aft, hp-2dg, alc, u), L-99/18 (sp, u, Aft, hp-1), and L-120/18 (sp, Aft , hp-1, u, o, j-2) were offered as sources for breeding. The expediency of using these lines also lies in the fact that, in addition to economic traits, they are carriers of mutant genes that which are easily identified and inherited by Mendel's simple laws, which facilitates their combination, significantly speeds up selection of desired genotypes and generation of forms with a set of specified traits.

Effect of fruit canopy positions on the properties of apricot (Prunus armeniacaL.) varieties

Effect of fruit position in the tree on properties of two commercially important apricot varieties (Hacihaliloglu and Kabaasi) was investigated. Principal component analysis separated apricots based on their variety and canopy position. Hacihaliloglu variety was distinguished from Kabaasi variety by its higher pH, weight, dry matter (DM), soluble solid, citric acid, and catechin content. Major features which contribute to variation of the canopy position were β-carotene, malic acid, catechin, ascorbic acid, soluble solid content, DM, malic acid, and neochlorogenic acid. Fruits located on the top of the tree were richer in phenolic compounds and exhibited higher degree of antioxidant activity measured by 2.2′-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid] (ABTS) method than those located on the bottom of the tree. Except for chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids, all other forms of phenolic compounds were higher in concentration in the fruits located on the top of the canopy especially for the Hacihaliloglu variety. Practical applications The results of this study may be of interest for apricot breeders as it provides important information about cultivar specific canopy effect on fruit quality. Furthermore, the results can be used by apricot producers for canopy management and pruning strategies to create of homogenous microclimate in the fruit canopy which would limit quality variation.

Effects of the percentage of terminal flowering on postharvest fruit quality in mango (Mangifera indica) ‘Calypso’™

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the percentage of flowering terminals, crop load and postharvest fruit quality in the mango cultivar 'Calypso'™ (B74) grown at Dimbulah in North Queensland. The percentage of flowering terminals was manipulated experimentally by removing flowers at anthesis to give eight treatments in which trees had 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 70 or 80% of their terminals with flowers. Fruit were sampled at harvest, ripened at 23°C and, at eating ripe, were assessed for fruit number and yields per tree and fruit quality parameters including: fruit size (length, width and depth), fruit weight, background skin colour, blush colour, flesh colour, total soluble solids (TSS), dry matter and internal physiological disorders (jelly-seed, soft nose). The 5% crop load treatment (removing 95% of inflorescences from terminals) significantly reduced the average fruit yield per tree. Average fruit weights were highest in trees with 5 and 10% of terminals flowering, followed by trees with 20% of terminals flowering. There was no difference in average fruit weight between trees with 30, 40, 60, 70 or 80% of terminals flowering. Average fruit length increased significantly in trees with 5, 10 and 20% of terminals flowering compared with those with larger numbers of flowering terminals, with the longest in the 5% treatment. Fruit length was similar in treatments with 30% or more terminals flowering. Similar trends were observed for fruit width, with the widest (89.35 mm) and deepest (80.53 mm) fruit found in the 5% treatment. Although the comparative results between treatments confirmed that the highest values of fruit TSS, dry matter and percentage of blush colour occurred in fruit from trees with only 5% of terminals flowering, observations did not differ significantly among treatments.

Pomologische und morphologische Eigenschaften sowie Inhaltsstoffe lokaler Birnensorten (Pyrus communis L.) in Gumushane (Türkei)

The aim of the present research was to investigate the fruit quality of twenty different local pear varieties (Pyrus communis L.), namely Ahlat, Ankara, Arpa, Bildircin, Cermai, Cinci, Gelin Bogan, Haci Hamza, Hahir, Kabak, Kizil, Kokulu, Mehrani, Menendi, Sulu, Şalgam, Tokat Sultani, Tursu, Yaz, and Yaz Meyrigi, grown in Gumushane province in terms of pomological and morphological characteristics and chemical compositions. The fruit mass, fruit width and length, fruit stem thickness and length, fruit kernel width and length, hardness of pulp, number of seeds, leaf width and length, leaf stem length and thickness, and water soluble dry matter (WSDM) of the pear fruits have been determined as pomological and morphological characteristics. On the other hand, the chemical compositions of the pear varieties have been evaluated in terms of protein, ash, sucrose, fructose, glucose, total sugar, titratable acidity, moisture, and mineral element levels. Both pomological and morphological results demonstrated that the local pear varieties are important in terms of rehabilitation studies and detailed selection studies on these local varieties should be performed. The chemical analyses result of the pear varieties revealed that there is no component that may be harmful to human health when consumed, and also these varieties contains the necessary amount of mineral elements.

The Effect of Processing on Chemical Constituents of Agaricus spp. Mushrooms

Agaricus spp. mushrooms are edible fungi of commercial and medicinal importance. Mushrooms convert nutritionally valueless substances into proteinous food with a very efficient bioconversion. Consumption of mushrooms, has increased substantially due to their delicacy, flavour, nutritional and medicinal value, being considered an excellent source of protein, which can contribute to the formulation of a balanced diet. Three species of Agaricus spp. mushrooms were used in this study: Agaricus campestris (L. ex Fr.), Agaricus bisporus (J.E. Lange) and Agaricus blazei (Murrill). This study aims to examine the effects of blanching, soaking and manufacturing processes (sun drying, oven drying and canning) on some chemical constituents of mushrooms (soluble dry matter, protein and total sugars). The analyses were performed initially at conservation and they were repeated after 6, 12 and 18 months of preservation. Since all treatments caused reduction of the dry matter content, it can be concluded that the smallest decrease during the storage period was recorded by soaked and sun dried A. blazei (1.6 g 100 g-1 FM). The maximum soluble dry matter loss was recorded at blanched and canned A. bisporus (2.8 g 100 g-1 FM). Blanching treatment of preheated (sun dried and oven dried) samples, after storage period, led the protein content to slightly decrease, between 0.4 g 100 g-1 DM and 0.8 g 100 g-1 DM. The smallest decrease of total sugars during the storage period was registered by canned, untreated A. campestris with 1.2 g 100 g-1 DM and the largest decrease was registered by blanched oven dried A. blazei with 2.9 g 100 g-1 DM.

Evaluating economic value properties of different beetroot varieties

The root vegetables have a pivotal role in the vegetable consumption and to form a healthy diet. The consumption of natural juices, like apple-beetroot are becoming more popular and the drying-, the pharmaceutical- and canning industry require more beetroot to process. For the processing, the industry requires easily peeled and round shaped roots, therefore to use the proper variety is very important. The primary quality parameters are the inner color intensity, uniform color and water soluble dry matter content.4 beetroot varieties were evaluated (Libero, Rubin, Detroit 2 and Cylindra) in the 3 years experiment which was carried out at the University of Debrecen, Institutes for Agricultural Research and Educational Farm, Botanical and Exhibiton Garden. The soil type was calcareous chernozem. Leaf length, shape index and water soluble solid content were measured, and sensory evaluation was carried out on taste, inner color intensity and white ring.To summarize, we can state the exception of Rubin genotype all of the varieties are suitable for second cultivation and good for processing (canned, juice, powder).

GENETIC RESOURCES OF TRADITIONAL PEAR VARIETIES IN THE REGION OF SKOPJE

In this paper, we present the results of the phenological characteristics (flowering and ripening time), fruit characteristics (fruit mass, length, width and hardness, length of fruit stalk, number of seeds in fruit, fruit colour and taste and content of stone cells) and chemical characteristics of fruits (soluble dry matter, total sugar and total acids) of 7 traditional pear varieties (Carigradsko avche, Evropsko avche, Letna kajkushka, Karamanka, Vodenka, Zimnica and Zimska kajkushka) in the Skopje region. In the Skopje region, the analyzed pear varieties start to flower in the first decade of April. The pear variety Carigradsko avche flowered at the earliest and Zimnica at the latest. According to the ripening time, the varieties Carigradsko avche, Evropsko avche, Letna kajkushka and Karamanka are summer pear varieties, Vodenka is an autumn variety, Zimnica and Zimska kajkushka are winter varieties. The pear Zimnica had the biggest fruits. The pears Carigradsko avche, Evropsko avche, Karamanka and Vodenka had long fruit stalks. Only the variety Zimska kajkushka contains high quantity of seeds in the fruits. The highest quality fruits, juicy, with very fine to excellent taste, are met in the pears Vodenka and Karamanka. Statistically significant differences among the examined pear varieties for all fruit characteristics were found.