Total Anthocyanin Research Articles

Impact of Production Location on the Postharvest Fruit Quality of Bari Mango-4

This study aimed to assess the impact of production location on the postharvest physiochemical attributes of BARI Mango-4. For this reason, mature ripe fruits of BARI Mango-4 were obtained from two different locations: Rajshahi and Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Fruits from both locations were then preserved for 5 days at room temperature, when they reached an ideal stage for processing. Various physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits such as- fruit weight, size of the fruit and seed in terms of length, width and thickness, proportions of peel, seed, edible portion, dry matter and total soluble solids, pH, vitamin C, anthocyanin, beta-carotene and antioxidant activity were estimated in 4 replications. The individual fruit weight of BAR Mango-4 obtained from the Rajshahi district was remarkably higher when compared to the Sylhet district. Significantly higher length and width of the Rajshahi district-grown mango contributed to the higher individual fruit weight. In addition to these, total soluble solids, vitamin-C, beta-carotene and antioxidant activity of the mangoes assembled from the Rajshahi district were markedly higher. Compared to the Rajshahi district, the Sylhet district-grown BARI Mango-4 had a higher value for the fruit hardness, dry matter content and edible portion. The results indicate a significant impact of the production location on the postharvest physiochemical attributes of BARI Mango-4. Studies identifying the factors that have impact on the mango fruit quality will help to enhance the postharvest quality of the fruits to meet the market requirements.

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Sargassum ilicifolium to enhance tomato resistance against Tuta absoluta

This study evaluated the effects of ZnO and green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Sargassum ilicifolium extract on the biochemical interactions between tomato leaves and the destructive pest Tuta absoluta. The average size and stability of ZnO-NPs were characterized using DLS, X-RD, and FE-SEM. Peaks in the FT-IR spectrum of the extract of the algae and ZnO-NPs, indicated the presence of carboxyl groups, amines, alkynes and alcohols. Treated tomato leaves exhibited increased total chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, particularly at 100 and 50 ppm, compared to the control. A significant increase in total flavonoid content was observed at 100 ppm, while total phenolic content was also enhanced at 50 ppm. In T. absoluta larvae, exposure to 50 and 100 ppm ZnO-NPs led to a reduction in α-amylase, total protease, total protein, and TAG levels, alongside increased catalase activity. Additionally, G6PD and ALT activities decreased at 50 ppm compared to the control. Lactate, MDA, and the RSSR/RSH increased at 100 ppm. Furthermore, ZnO-NPs at 50 and 100 ppm elevated larval aldolase activity, while AST and γ-GT activities declined. These findings indicate that ZnO-NPs enhance tomato defense mechanisms and mitigate larval damage, supporting their potential use in integrated pest management strategies against T. absoluta.

Enhancing sweet cherry quality: magnesium and potassium applications increase bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

Sweet cherry is highly valued around the world for its sensory qualities. Bioactive properties play significant roles in sweet cherry quality and consumer acceptance due to its health benefits. Plant nutrition through balanced fertilizer application helps in abiotic stresses mitigation, enhancing the biosynthesis of bioactive substances. For three consecutive years, magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) were applied as foliar sprays to sweet cherry trees of the Burlat cultivar, with the aim to improve phytochemical composition. Fruits from each treatment were harvested at the commercial ripening stage to evaluate cherry bioactive composition and antioxidant activity. Overall, the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity increased over the three trial years, reaching their highest values in 2021, highlighting the effects of continuous fertilization with Mg and K. The Mg treatments (especially Mg250 in 2019 and Mg125 in 2020) enhanced the phytochemical composition of sweet cherries by increasing total phenolics, flavonoids, ortho-diphenols, and anthocyanin contents, as well as boosting antioxidant activity. In contrast, K treatments (mainly K50) led to a decrease in all bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. The levels of individual phenolic compounds varied across treatments; however, catechin, epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside contents declined over the 3 years, while neochlorogenic acid and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside levels increased, stabilizing in 2020 and 2021. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing sweet cherry bioactive properties. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing nutritional quality of pigmented rice under salt stress: the role of temperature and environmental variability

ABSTRACT Salinity, worsened by climate change, poses a significant challenge to rice cultivation, affecting both yield and nutritional quality. Black rice, known for its high antioxidant content, has not been thoroughly studied under salt stress and varying environmental conditions. This study investigates the effects of salinity and temperature on black rice (variety-Asamurasaki) and white rice (variety-Hitomebore) through pot experiments and three years of field trials. The results show that salt stress negatively impacts grain yield in both varieties, with notable varietal differences in nutritional quality. Salt stress increased total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents in black rice, whereas white rice showed no such changes. Black rice also exhibited enhanced levels of crude protein, zinc, and iron. In the pot experiment, salt stress improved grain color parameters, enhancing black rice’s appearance. However, high temperatures caused brown spots on the grains, reducing the benefits of salt stress on appearance and nutritional content. While salt stress can improve black rice’s nutritional value, temperature management is crucial for optimal grain quality. Further research is needed to explore interactions with different black rice varieties.

Total Phenolic Content of Peel and Flesh of Muscadine Grape Genotypes: A Comparative Study

Muscadines (Muscadinia rotundifolia Michx) have a thick peel that is often discarded by consumers. To better understand the potential nutritional loss due to this practice, total anthocyanin concentration (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), and chemical attributes in peel and flesh of eight purple muscadine genotypes were evaluated to determine the nutritional value of each part. Muscadine genotypes that were used in this study included two commercial cultivars (‘Supreme’ and ‘Paulk’) and six selections (‘Ga.10-1-222’, ‘Ga.10-1-294’, ‘Ga.10-1-329’, ‘Ga.12-5-46’, ‘Ga.12-3-22’, ‘Ga.13-4-79’). Bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and titratable acidity (TA) were higher in the peel of all muscadine genotypes, while the flesh had more sucrose, glucose, and fructose. In the peel, TAC (20.68–37.53 mg·L− 1), TPC (382.84-577.31 mg·L− 1 GAE), ellagic acid (5.44–15.5 µg·mL− 1), TAA (436.07-1258.26 µmol·L− 1 TE), total soluble solids (TSS, 11.45–16.62%), TA (0.64–1.17%), TSS/TA ratio (10.92–24.46), pH (3.42–3.82), sucrose (13.73–69.49 mg·mL− 1), glucose (58.42–77.69 mg·mL− 1), and fructose (19.26–26.84 mg·mL− 1) varied significantly among different cultivars. Similarly, in the flesh, the ranges of TAC (0.38–2.33 mg·L− 1), TPC (11.48–26.52 mg·L− 1), ellagic acid (0.02–0.3 µg·mL− 1 GAE), TAA (14.65–21.62 µmol·L− 1 TE), TSS (12.25–17.3%), TA (0.43–0.73%), TSS/TA ratio (19.44–35.34), pH (3.44–3.73), sucrose (39.33-124.02 mg mL− 1), glucose (71.75–92.86 mg·L− 1), and fructose (24.25–32.25 mg·L− 1) were significantly different among different cultivars. The ‘Supreme’ peel exhibited the highest TAC, TPC, and TAA, while the peel of ‘Ga.12-3-22’ had the lowest values. In ‘Supreme’ fruit, the TAC values ranged from 0.382 mg·L− 1 in the flesh to 37.53 mg·L− 1 in the peel. The TPC values showed variability between 17 and 577 mg·L− 1 GAE in both flesh and peel. Furthermore, TAA values ranged from 1258 to 16 µmol·L− 1 TE in both peel and flesh. The peel contained over 90% of the ellagic acid in the fruit, with ‘Ga.12-5-46’ peel having the highest ellagic acid overall. The ellagic acid content in the peel of ‘Ga.12-5-46’ was 15.5 µg·mL− 1, which was 144 times greater than that in its flesh. ‘Ga.13-4-79’ had the highest TA in both peel and flesh. The highest sucrose content in both peel and flesh occurred in ‘Ga.10-1-329’ and ‘Ga.12-3-22’, while ‘Ga.12-5-46’ and ‘Ga.13-4-79’ had comparatively lower sucrose in flesh. Given the substantial phytochemical content present in muscadine peel, discarding the peel constitutes a missed opportunity of considerable magnitude to obtain the full nutritional benefits of muscadines. The full paper can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-024-02404-1

Assessment of nutritional quality of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott.) genotypes of the Eastern Himalaya, India

IntroductionThe eastern Himalayan region of India with diverse agro-climatic conditions is one of the important hotspots of the world’s biodiversity. A wide range of genetic variability of plant species like Colocasia is available in the region which is consumed by the local tribes.Materials and methodsA field study was conducted during 2022–23 to evaluate the yield, biochemical, mineral, and an-tioxidant parameters of 30 Colocasia esculenta L. Schott. genotypes under a split-plot design with three replications.Results and discussionSignificant (p < 0.05) variations were observed among genotypes for all traits. Tamachongkham exhibited the highest corm weight and yield, while Tamitin recorded the maximum cormel weight and total yield. Megha Taro-2 and Megha Taro-1 had the highest cormel numbers and cormel yield, respectively. In mineral composition, Tamitin had the highest N, K, Zn, Cu, and Mn, Tagitung White recorded the highest P, and BCC-2 had the highest Fe and Ca + Mg. Biochemically, Tamachongkham had the highest dry matter content; Khweng-2 had the highest starch, total sugar, and reducing sugar; Rengama had the highest crude protein, and crude fiber; and Mairang Local had the highest ash content. A significant positive correlation was observed between total yield and corm, cormel yield, cormel weight, and corm weight, while correlations with starch and other parameters were non-significant. Total phenolic content and anthocyanin were significantly correlated with Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP). Genotype-by-trait biplot analysis using the first two principal components (PC1: 19.4%, PC2: 14%) high-lighted total sugar, reducing sugar, cormel numbers, crude fiber, anthocyanin, and FRAP as major contributors to phenotypic diversity. The observed variations indicate the potential of these genotypes for future breeding programs aimed at improving taro production in the Eastern Himalayas.

UJI MUTU FISIK SEDIAAN LIP BALM DAN KADAR TOTAL ANTOSIANIN EKSTRAK DAUN JATI (Tectonagrandislinn., F.)

Lip balm is a product that serves to prevent dryness of the lips by increasing moisture and protecting them from the adverse effects of the environment. In making this lip balm, Teak leaves (Tectonagrandislinn., F) are used as a natural colorant because they contain pigments, especially anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant properties. This study aims to determine the total anthocyanin content in teak leaf extract and design a lip balm formulation that meets physical quality standards. In addition, the study also tested variations in concentration to find the best formulation. The type of research used with experimental methods involving physical quality tests of lip balm preparations and total anthocyanin levels of teak leaf extract.The results showed that lip balms with formula 0 (no extract), formula I (2% extract), formula II (3% extract), and formula III (4% extract) met the physical quality standards based on SNI 1-4399-1996, including in the aspects of homogeneity, adhesion, spreadability, viscosity, and pH. The total anthocyanin content in teak leaf extract was 68.298 mg/L. In addition, variations in extract concentration also affected the panelists' level of liking, where formula III with a concentration of 4% was the most preferred because it had an even composition, suitable pH, good spreadability and adhesiveness, and did not cause irritation.

Effect of Rain-Shelter Cultivation on Yield and Fruit Quality of Container-Grown Rabbiteye Blueberry in Central-Eastern China

The fruit ripening season for the rabbiteye blueberry often coincides with periods of heavy rainfall in central–eastern China. The use of rain shelters to protect fruit from rainfall damage has increased worldwide due to global climate anomalies. However, the effects of rain-shelter cultivation on the photosynthesis and fruit characteristics of the rabbiteye blueberry have not yet been fully explored. In the present study, 4-year-old container-grown rabbiteye blueberry plants were covered with polyethylene (PE) film from the berry coloration stage until fruit were harvested for three consecutive years in Nanjing, China. The results showed that rain-shelter cultivation did not affect the air temperature and relative humidity, but significantly reduced the photosynthetically active radiation and UV radiation reaching the canopy zone. However, the rain shelter conditions did not significantly decrease the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (E) of the rabbiteye blueberry leaves. Additionally, the fruit yield and berry weight of blueberries cultivated under the rain shelter were not significantly affected. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in total soluble solids, acidity, and total flavonoids content between fruits grown under the rain shelter and in the open field in all experimental years, but a significant decrease in total polyphenols and anthocyanins content was observed in fruits grown under the rain shelter in years with less rainfall. Our results suggest that simple rain shelter cultivation did not noticeably affect the photosynthesis and fruit yield of container-grown rabbiteye blueberry in rainy areas of central–eastern China, but its effects on the fruit quality vary depending on rainfall during the fruit ripening period.

Sustainable Extraction of Fresh Banana Inflorescence by ASE: Optimization and Characterization of Anthocyanin Rich Extracts by LC-UV-MS/MS

Sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction methods for natural bioactive compounds are gaining significant attention in the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries. Among these bioactive compounds, anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants, have garnered particular interest due to their health-promoting properties. Banana inflorescence, an underutilized agricultural by-product, is a rich source of bioactive compounds. However, the extraction of bioactive compounds is often energy-intensive, which raises concerns about environmental sustainability. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) has emerged as an efficient and less energy-consuming method for isolating these compounds. This study investigates the optimization of ASE for the extraction of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, from fresh banana inflorescence. The effect of extraction parameters, including temperature (60, 80, and 100 °C), solvent type (water, ethanol, methanol), and solvent composition (50% ethanol + 50% water, 75% ethanol + 25% water, 100% ethanol, 50% methanol + 50% water, 75% methanol + 25% water, 100% methanol, water), on the extraction efficiency was evaluated. The results showed that the most effective extraction conditions were 75% methanol + 25% water at 100 °C, yielding the highest concentrations of total phenolics (1239.58 ± 20.83 mg/100 g), antioxidant activity (2.21 ± 0.03 mg/mL), and anthocyanins (22.82 mg ± 1.91/100 g). LC-UV-MS analysis revealed three primary anthocyanidins: cyanidin-3-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside, and petunidin-3-rutinoside. These findings suggest that banana inflorescence, an agricultural waste product, can be efficiently utilized as a source of bioactive compounds using ASE, contributing to sustainable practices in the food and nutraceutical industries. The optimized extraction process provides a promising approach for the valorization of banana inflorescence, enhancing its potential as a functional ingredient in food products.

Effects of Different Yeasts on the Physicochemical Properties and Aroma Compounds of Fermented Sea Buckthorn Juice

Sea buckthorn juice (SBJ) has a sour taste and can lead to the demineralization of tooth enamel when consumed over a long period of time, whereas fermentation reduces the acidity of sea buckthorn juice, improves its taste, and enhances its antioxidant activity. Flavor components are important factors that affect the quality of fermented beverages. Yeast is one of the most important factors affecting the flavor of beverages during the fermentation process, where yeast converts sugars into alcohol and produces flavor substances. Therefore, two commercial yeast strains, Angel RW and Angel RV171, were selected in this study for the single and mixed bacterial fermentation of sea buckthorn juice (FSBJ). Physicochemical analyses showed that RV171-FSBJ had the highest total reducing sugar (0.069 ± 0.02 g/L) and total acid content (1.86 ± 0.03 g/L), as well as the highest fermentation efficiency and free radical scavenging capacity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) 98.54 ± 0.03%, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) 88.35 ± 0.14%, ·OH 48.61 ± 0.4%). RWRV-FSBJ had the highest content of functional compounds (total flavonoid content (TFC): 176.09 ± 0.44 μg/mL; total phenolic content (TPC): 157.9 ± 1.35 μg/mL; total anthocyanin concentration (TAC): 0.04 ± 0.004 μg/mL) and good color (L* 50.53 ± 0.04, a* 27.98 ± 0.04, b* 173.64 ± 0.34). Among the three FSBJs, a total of 54 volatile compounds were identified, with RV171-FSBJ having the highest content of volatile compounds. OAV analysis showed that 15, 14, and 11 volatile compounds of RW, RV, and RWRV, respectively, were greater than 1. Among them, ethyl hexanoate had the highest OAV, followed by ethyl isovalerate, phenylethyl alcohol, and 3-methylbutyl 3-methylbutanoate, which are characteristic flavor substances common to FSBJ.

Meatball properties as affected by substitution of tapioca with purple sweet potato

This research investigated the effects of substituting tapioca flour with purple sweet potato flour (PSPF) on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and microstructure of chicken meatballs during cold storage. Purple sweet potato is rich in anthocyanins, which act as natural antioxidants and colorants, potentially enhancing the functional properties of meat products. Chicken meatballs were formulated with different levels of PSPF substitution (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) and evaluated for cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), gel strength, pH, color, total anthocyanin content, lipid oxidation, and scavenging activity over 15 days at 4 °C. Results showed that PSPF substitution significantly influenced cooking loss, WHC, gel strength, and color. The addition of PSPF increased total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity, contributing to enhanced oxidative stability by inhibiting lipid oxidation. Microstructural analysis revealed that PSPF substitution led to a more homogeneous and compact matrix, reducing the porous nature of the meatballs. However, excessive substitution (≥10%) resulted in a decline in WHC and gel strength. The findings suggest that incorporating PSPF in chicken meatballs at a substitution level of up to 10% improves antioxidant properties while maintaining acceptable texture and physicochemical characteristics. This approach could serve as a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), aligning with the growing demand for healthier and functional meat products.

Study of anthocyanins and biochemical properties in several genetic resources from the European evaluation network Capsicum<i> chinese</i> chili pepper collection in Armenia

Introduction: Pepper crops are gaining increasing interest among vegetables due to their high content of vitamin C and P-active substances. Pepper fruits are also rich in carotene, thiamine, folic acid, proteins, minerals, and antioxidants. These peppers can be classified as dietary products with excellent taste properties, making them suitable for fresh consumption. Considering that chili peppers C. annuum, C. frutescens, and C. chinense share a common phylogenetic prototype, represented by a wild species, we studied C. chinense samples to breed new varieties. This study focused on their fruits' vitamin C content and antioxidant properties. Capsicum chinense holds great economic importance due to its characteristic pleasant aroma, pungency, and variety of shapes and colors. Objective: To study the effectiveness of various Capsicum chinense genetic resources conserved within the European Evaluation (EVA) Network, focusing on the anthocyanin content and biochemical properties of pepper fruits cultivated in Armenia. Methods: The study included Capsicum chinense pepper accessions 149, 153, 156, 157, 158, 166, 167, 170, 171, 174, 179, 183, 199, and 200 from the European Evaluation (EVA) Network. Biochemical properties and statistical analysis were conducted using accepted methods. Results: The total anthocyanin content in the accessions ranged from 0.11% to 0.98% by mass. Accessions 157, 199, 167, 149, 166, and 179 stood out for their high anthocyanin content, with values of 0.98%, 0.94%, 0.61%, 0.42%, 0.35%, and 0.34%, respectively. Dry matter content in the fruits of chili pepper accessions at the stage of technical ripeness was 3.6% - 5.2%, and at the stage of biological ripeness (before physiological ripeness), it was 4.9% - 6.5%. The sugar content in the fruits at the stage of technical ripeness was 0.8% - 2.8%, and at the stage of biological ripeness, it was 1.5% - 4.5%. The vitamin C content at the stage of technical ripeness was 32.85 - 53.85 mg% (mg/100g), and at biological ripeness, it was 45.35 - 69.55 mg%. Canned pickled peppers were prepared from fruits of different colors and shapes of Capsicum chinense. Conclusion: Several accessions from the EVA Network Capsicum chinense pepper collection exhibited high anthocyanin content and favorable biochemical properties in fruits cultivated in Armenia. Plants of different chili pepper accessions demonstrated varying rates of biological traits, phenotypic transitions, and diverse fruit colorations and shapes. Keywords: chili pepper, anthocyanins, dry matter, sugars, acidity, vitamin C, genetic resources

Impact of Winemaking Techniques on the Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Touriga Nacional Wines

The Touriga Nacional grape variety is renowned in Portuguese red wines for its intense color and aromatic complexity, largely attributed to its rich phenolic composition. Several factors influence the phenolic profile of wines, including edapho-climatic conditions, grape variety, and winemaking techniques such as fermentation, maceration, barrel aging, and maturation. In this study, the technique for winemaking was the only controlled variable, allowing for a specific evaluation of its impact on phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity. Ten single-varietal Touriga Nacional wine samples from the 2019 vintage, produced in the Cima Corgo sub-region of the Douro by different wineries, were analyzed. The phenolic composition was determined using colorimetric methods to quantify total phenols, ortho-diphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Since all wines shared the same grape variety, region, and harvest year, the fermentation technique was the main differentiating factor, enabling a direct comparison of its influence on phenolic extraction and antioxidant properties. Additionally, Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photodiode Array Detection coupled with Mass Spectrometry (RP-HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS) was employed to identify and quantify individual phenolic compounds. This study highlights the key role of winemaking techniques in modulating the phenolic composition and antioxidant potential of Touriga Nacional wines.

Melatonin application inhibits anthocyanin biosynthesis in postharvest peach fruit as revealed by transcriptional and liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric analysis

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnthocyanins are essential secondary metabolites in plants, significantly contributing to fruit coloration and offering a wide range of health benefits to consumers. This study investigated the effect of melatonin treatment on anthocyanin biosynthesis in ‘Baifeng’ peaches during storage. The peaches were treated with 100 μmol L−1 melatonin and stored at room temperature (25 ± 1°C) for 9 days. The total anthocyanin content, enzymatic activities, and gene expression levels were measured, and anthocyanin derivatives were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).RESULTSThe transcription factors (TFs) bHLH63 (Prupe.8G095700), MYB44 (Prupe.1G430000), and WD40‐1 (Prupe.2G319500) were identified through transcriptome sequencing. LC‐MS/MS analysis revealed that cyanidin‐ and pelargonidin‐derived compounds play the most significant role in color formation in ‘Baifeng’ peaches. In the melatonin‐treated group, fruit firmness was significantly higher than that in the control, whereas ethylene production, anthocyanin content, anthocyanin synthase activity, and the expression levels of anthocyanin‐encoding genes and TFs were markedly lower compared to the control group.CONCLUSIONThe application of melatonin inhibited anthocyanin synthesis in peach fruit, as evidenced by the suppression of upstream transcriptional regulation, gene expression, and downstream metabolite accumulation. This effect may be associated with melatonin's inhibition of ethylene production. Further in‐depth studies are needed to provide more detailed validation at the molecular level. The results have elucidated the underlying mechanisms responsible for the postharvest changes in the flesh phenotype of ‘Baifeng’ peaches following melatonin treatment. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Intermittent UV-B irradiation optimizes secondary metabolite production and growth in red rubin basil

Understanding the plant growth responses and secondary metabolite synthesis to artificial ultraviolet-B irradiation (UV-B) is important for selecting the crop, UV-B doses, wavelength, and exposure time for the application. Red rubin basil was grown in a glasshouse under supplemental LED lights and periodically irradiated with artificial 4 W UV-B lamp at a single wavelength of 315 nm, in an indoor UV-B chamber for 3 h and 6 h. These treatments resulted in cumulative UV-B of 43.2 kJ m−2 and 86.4 kJ m−2 respectively. Both UV-Bs improved the overall production, indicating a significant potential of artificial UV-B in development and improvement of red rubin basil. A thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay was carried out to assess the membrane oxidative damage to basil plants after the UV-B treatments. The results showed significant higher lipid peroxidation in UV-B treated basil in relation to control plants. Significantly increased concentrations of carotenoids was found for 43.2 kJ m−2 UV-B compared to 86.4 kJ m−2 while similar chlorophyll a and b concentrations were observed for 43.2 kJ m−2 UV-B compared to both 86.4 kJ m−2 and control. In vivo analysis revealed an increase of flavanols under post 86.4 kJ m−2 UV-B while the overall leaf performance index significantly reduced under this UV-B. The maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II declined for both UV-B treatments compared to the control while a significant increment was seen in terms of absorption and dissipation of heat on active reaction centers in post UV-B 86.4 kJ m−2 compared to post 43.2 kJ m−2 UV-B. Similarly, significant increment in phenolic index and total anthocyanins concentrations was seen for 86.4 kJ m−2 UV-B treated plants. The UV-B of 86.4 kJ m−2 exhibited a significant higher nitrate concentration compared to the control. Furthermore, the basil under 43.2 kJ m−2 UV-B significantly outperformed other treatments in terms of reducing sugars and sucrose while 86.4 kJ m−2 treated plants yielded lower total sugars between the treatments. The present findings provided an insight into how artificial UV-B could potentially affect the accumulation of phytochemical compounds.Graphical abstract

Characterization of Tobacco ringspot virus and its nematode vector, Xiphinema rivesi, infecting Highbush Blueberry in Washington State.

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants showing stunting and severe defoliation were observed in an organic blueberry farm in eastern Washington State. Initially, leaves of affected blueberry plants showed crinkling and mottling, chlorotic spots and red-colored rings with chlorotic centers. Subsequently, infected plants showed severe defoliation with overall decline within a few years. Symptomatic blueberry plants produced small berries of uneven size and poor ripening compared to berries of uniform ripening produced by healthy plants. Berries from symptomatic plants showed significant reduction in total soluble solids, juice pH and total anthocyanins, and increased titratable acidity compared to berries from healthy plants. High-throughput sequencing of total RNA extracted from symptomatic leaves revealed the presence of Tobacco ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus, family Secoviridae). The complete genome sequence of the RNA1 and RNA2 segments was determined, respectively, to be 7,512 and 3,925 nucleotides, excluding the 3'-terminal poly(A) tail. In RT-PCR assays, a portion of the Pro-Pol domain of RNA1 and the Coat Protein (CP) gene encoded by RNA2 were amplified only from symptomatic blueberry plants. In phylogenetic analyses, the TRSV isolate from blueberry clustered with viral species in Nepovirus sub-group A based on the conserved CG-GDD motif of the Pro-Pol domain of RNA1 and the conserved sequence in the CP of RNA2. The detection of TRSV in adult female dagger nematodes extracted from soil samples collected near symptomatic blueberry plants and in-field transmission assays using cucumber bait plants implicated nematode transmission of TRSV. The dagger nematode was identified as Xiphinema rivesi Dalmasso, 1969 using a combination of morphological and morphometric data and phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences specific to D2-D3 expansion domains of the 28S rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer region of nematode species within the genus Xiphinema.

Nutritional composition and in vitro bioaccessibility of minerals in the developed composite flours from Teff millet (Eragrostis tef) & guava leaves (Psidium guajava)

In the present study, combination of Teff flour and powdered guava leaf was utilized to develop composite flour mixes. Effect of two different drying techniques of hot air oven and solar drying was assessed on the guava leaves for the composition. The composite flour mixes were evaluated for physical, nutritional, mineral, anti-nutritional, phenolic and antioxidant components. Among the physical properties, the bulk density, tapped density, Carr index, Hausner ratio, water absorption capacity, swelling index, foaming capacity and water solubility index were evaluated. Protein was found to be highest in Teff flour (13.41 g/100 g) and among the combination of composite flours it ranged between 12.19 to 12.89 g/100 g. Whereas, the total dietary fiber among the composite flours was found to be between 4.18 to 5.04 g/100 g. The anti-nutrients of phytic acid and total tannin content among the analyzed samples was ranging from 0.48 to 0.66 g/100 g and 1.40 to 3.40 mg CE/g, respectively. The Fe and Zn content among the analyzed samples were ranging between 8.01 to 10.99 and 0.69 to 3.56 mg/100 g, respectively. Among the analyzed samples, the highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and total carotenoid content (TCC) was found in solar dried guava leaf (SGL) sample with 18.99 g GAE/100 g, 5.36 g CE/100 g, 1.48 mg/g, and 20.96 mg/100 g, respectively. Concurrently the highest antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assay methods was also found in SGL sample with 94.59% inhibition, 98.10% inhibition and 6.01 M Fe+/g, respectively. Solar drying method retained higher nutritional and phenolic components in comparison to the hot air oven drying method. In the present study, the composite flour combinations containing Teff flour and guava leaf powder provided optimum nutrients and bioaccessibility of minerals. Also, incorporation of guava leaf powder increased the phenolic components and the antioxidant activity of the formulated products.

Advancing anthocyanin extraction: Optimising solvent, preservation, and microwave techniques for enhanced recovery from merlot grape marc.

Advancing anthocyanin extraction: Optimising solvent, preservation, and microwave techniques for enhanced recovery from merlot grape marc.

Postharvest UV-B and UV-C treatments combined with fermentation enhance the quality characteristics of Capparis spinosa L. fruit, improving total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity.

Postharvest UV-B and UV-C treatments combined with fermentation enhance the quality characteristics of Capparis spinosa L. fruit, improving total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and antioxidant activity.

Chemometric tools to comprehend a recovery process for the bioactive ingredients from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): Box-Behnken design-based optimization and principal component analysis.

Chemometric tools to comprehend a recovery process for the bioactive ingredients from purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.): Box-Behnken design-based optimization and principal component analysis.