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Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural and Floricultural Crops".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 January 2025) | Viewed by 16406

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Dr. Luis Noguera-Artiaga

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Research Group “Food Quality and Safety (CSA)”, Department of Agro-Food Technology, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela (EPSO), Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH), Ctra. de Beniel, km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
Interests: food processing; nuts; volatile; antioxidants; organic; sensory quality; bioactive components; chromatography
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Dear Colleagues,

In accordance with Goal 2 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (“end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition by promoting sustainable agriculture, applying agricultural practices that increase productivity”), agriculture and horticulture should advance toward research that leads to more efficient production of fruits and vegetables, with better functional and nutritional properties, that is, products of higher quality. In this way, nutrient intake will be improved without increasing food consumption.

The different strategies of cultivation techniques, such as pruning, thinning, preharvest treatments, etc., as well as good control of agronomic factors such as irrigation, soil texture, fertilizer, soil–water relationships, cultural practices, etc., involve unquestionable changes in the composition of the fruits and vegetables obtained. Studies that relate the incidence of these agronomic factors with the physical, chemical, functional, and sensorial properties of fruits and vegetables are necessary to achieve improvements in their final quality that is reflected in a nutritional improvement of the same.

As a result of this, the present Special Issue is aimed at gathering outstanding cross-disciplinary approaches (reviews and original research) applying the combination of agronomical techniques as a tool for improving the quality of fruits and vegetables in order to provide very valuable information to farmers, manufacturers and consumers.

Dr. Luis Noguera-Artiaga
Guest Editor

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Keywords

agronomic factors
agricultural practices
antioxidants
biofunctional compounds
food quality
irrigation
mineral content
polyphenols
preharvest treatment

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Related Special Issue

Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—3rd Edition in Agronomy

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 2133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Reflective Ground Film on Fruit Quality, Condition, and Post-Harvest of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) cv. Regina Cultivated Under Plastic Cover in Southern Chile

by Ariel Muñoz-Alarcón, Cristóbal Palacios-Peralta, Jorge González-Villagra, Nicolás Carrasco-Catricura, Pamela Osorio and Alejandra Ribera-Fonseca

Agronomy 2025, 15(3), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15030520 - 21 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 597

Abstract

Plastic covers protect fruits from cracking caused by pre-harvest rains in sweet cherry orchards; however, they can decrease the quality parameters of cherries, such as firmness, titratable acidity, color, and sugar content. This study evaluated the impact of a reflective ground film used for 21 or 34 DBH (days before harvest) in a commercial sweet cherry orchard (cv. Regina) grown under plastic cover in southern Chile. Our study showed that the exposition of cherry trees to the reflective film increased firmness and total soluble solid (TSS) content in fruits at harvest, homogenizing the concentration of sugars in fruits along the tree canopy. Additionally, using reflective film for 21 DBH increased the proportion of fruits greater than 32 mm in the upper canopy and the quantity of mahogany-colored cherries in the lower canopy, compared to trees un-exposed to the reflective film. Concerning fruit condition defects, the results reveal that using the reflective film increased the incidence of cracking in fruits in both the upper and lower zones of the canopy. Furthermore, we found that the incidence of orange skin and pitting in fruits decreased at post-harvest in trees exposed to the reflective film, but depending on the canopy zones. Moreover, fruits of trees exposed to the film for 34 DBH exhibited a higher incidence of browning pedicel post-harvest. Finally, according to our results, the antioxidant activity increased in fruits exposed to the reflective film for 21 DBH. Therefore, we can conclude that using reflective films on sweet cherry orchards can improve and homogenize the maturity parameters and the antioxidant activity of fruits; however, this practice can negatively impact the condition of fruits post-harvest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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13 pages, 3431 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Harvest Time Based on Cumulative Temperatures to Produce High-Quality Cherry Tomatoes in a Plant Factory

by Dannisa Fathiya Rachma, Maitree Munyanont, Kazuya Maeda, Na Lu and Michiko Takagaki

Agronomy 2024, 14(12), 3074; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14123074 - 23 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1111

Abstract

Harvest time is one of the key factors for obtaining high-quality cherry tomatoes. This parameter depends on environmental conditions and tomato variety. In plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs), it is possible to control environmental conditions to enhance tomato production and quality. Since the ripening status of tomato fruit is correlated with cumulative temperature (CT), and the temperature inside PFALs can be easily controlled, CT could be used as an alternative method to predict tomato harvest time. In this study, three experiments were conducted to determine the optimal CT for harvesting high-quality cherry tomatoes in a PFAL. The experiments aimed to (1) evaluate the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes as affected by different harvest times based on CT (ranging from 900 to 1400 °C), (2) comparatively evaluate the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes that were still on the plant and off the plant (in storage) based on the same CT levels (i.e., 1100, 1200, and 1300 °C), and (3) investigate the fruit-cracking percentage during the ripening stage based on CT levels. The results showed that the fruit harvested at lower CTs exhibited higher hardness values, while those harvested at higher CTs had a higher sugar content. The on-the-plant treatment resulted in a higher yield and sugar content compared with the off-the-plant treatment, indicating that harvesting tomatoes early would come at the expense of a certain yield and sweetness. Moreover, the fruit-cracking percentage tended to increase with increasing CT, possibly due to the fast fruit growth rate and increased internal turgor pressure. These results indicated that producers can use CT as an index to predict the harvest time, thereby optimizing profits in cherry tomato production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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15 pages, 2635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preharvest Application of Melatonin Affects the Color, Strength, and Antioxidant Capacity of Pear Peels by Regulating Phenylpropane Metabolism

by Shuai Yan, Liangliang Zhao, Yufei Wang, Deying Zhao, Gongxun Xu, Cungang Cheng and Zhiqin Zhou

Agronomy 2023, 13(12), 2898; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122898 - 25 Nov 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

Melatonin is an important regulator of fruit growth and development. To explore the physiological mechanism whereby preharvest melatonin application regulates the polyphenol content of ‘Yuluxiang’ pear peel, we sprayed 0.1 mM melatonin during the first fruit expansion and early color change periods, and the control group were sprinkled with fresh water. Then, we measured the contents of anthocyanin, lignin, and major monomeric phenolics and the activities of key enzymes associated with phenolic metabolism. The results showed that melatonin application significantly increased the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, and lignin in the peel from the color change to mature development stages. Near maturity, the activities of all key enzymes, except dihydroflavonol-4-reductase, were higher than those in the control samples, but significant differences in enzyme activity occurred at different time points. Compared with the control group, the fruit peels of the melatonin-treated plants exhibited a higher antioxidant activity and accumulated more flavonols. Thus, preharvest spraying of melatonin can alter the activity of key enzymes associated with phenolic metabolism, increasing the total phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and lignin contents, which in turn, affects the color, strength, and antioxidant capacity of pear peels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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18 pages, 1894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Efficiency of Enzymatic-Assisted Extraction Method for Evaluating Bioactive Compound Analysis in Mulberry: An Optimization Approach

by Ainara Tizón Alba, María José Aliaño-González, Miguel Palma, Gerardo Fernández Barbero and Ceferino Carrera

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2548; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102548 - 3 Oct 2023

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3321

Abstract

The present investigation endeavors to optimize a method based on enzyme-assisted extraction for the efficient retrieval of bioactive compounds from mulberry, leveraging its notable health-promoting properties. A combined approach of Plackett–Burman design followed by Box–Behnken design was employed for determining the crucial extraction parameters and subsequently, refining the process. Optimal conditions consisted of heating 0.15 g of mulberry at 40 °C, using 15 mL of 70% EtOH as a solvent at pH 4, 38.46 enzyme units per g of sample, and shaking at 200 rpm. The optimum extraction time study revealed that 5 min of extraction was sufficient to reach the maximum concentration of the bioactive compound. The repeatability and intermediate precision assessment exhibited a coefficient of variation below 5%. Among the diverse mulberry varieties scrutinized, Morus nigra showed the highest anthocyanin content (27.90 ± 2.14 mg/100 g), while Morus rubra showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (121.10 ± 19.56 mg/100 g). Moreover, the extracted compounds showcased significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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15 pages, 2145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Effects between Zinc and Selenium on Mineral Element Accumulation and Fruit Quality of Strawberry

by Siyu Huang, Linyan Gao, Guohai Fu, Sen Du, Qi Wang, Huafen Li and Yanan Wan

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102453 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1874

Abstract

In this study, we evaluated zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) biofortification in strawberry fruits under substrate and soil cultivation, along with their effects on mineral element accumulation and fruit quality. To achieve this, foliar Zn (0.1% and 0.2%) and Se (0.003% and 0.006%) fertilizers were applied separately or in combination at the initial flowering stage. The Zn and Se contents in strawberry fruits increased with the spraying dosage. Compared to the control, the Zn content in the first batch of Zn-treated strawberries increased by 36.9–109% and 27.1–102% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while Se increased by 313–444% and 21.3–53.3%, respectively. However, foliar Zn application could not ensure long-term sustainability as Zn in strawberries gradually decreased in the two subsequent batches, while Se was more stable. Compared to the control, the Se content in the three batches of Se2 (0.006%)-treated strawberries grown in soil increased by 32.9%, 124%, and 109%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to Se alone, the Zn–Se combined application decreased the Se content in strawberries by 61.2–77.6% and 24.9–45.7% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while low doses of Se promoted Zn enrichment (by 8.62–40.9%) and high doses inhibited it (by 13.2–28.9%) under substrate cultivation. Moreover, the copper content in strawberries under substrate cultivation after the Se1 (0.003%) treatment was significantly higher (by 75.0%) than that in the control. A positive correlation was observed between Cu and Zn contents in strawberries under both substrate and soil cultivation. A consistent positive impact was also observed on fruit quality. The Se2 (0.006%) treatment caused an increase in ascorbic acid content (by 37.2%) in strawberry fruits. The soluble sugar content increased by 36.3% after the Zn1 (0.1%) treatment. The present study provides a practical basis for the biofortification of strawberries with Zn and Se. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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17 pages, 1884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Methyl Jasmonate on Fruit Coloration and Quality Improvement in Pears (Pyrus bretschneideri)

by Bo Li, Xiangzhan Zhang, Chunhong Han, Ruiwei Duan, Jian Yang and Huabai Xue

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2409; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092409 - 18 Sep 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2549

Abstract

Red-skinned pears with a bright red color and abundant health benefits are favored by consumers. However, fruit coloration and inner quality are usually affected by adverse factors, which lead to a decline in fruit quality and commerciality. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been reported to be involved in many plant processes, including anthocyanin accumulation, while the value of MeJA application for fruit coloration and quality improvement in red-skinned pears is still largely unclear. The application of 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mM MeJA at different fruit development stages significantly promoted red coloration in ‘Danxiahong’ pears. Moreover, MeJA treatment increased the fruit soluble solids, improved the total sugar content, decreased the fruit acid content, and significantly increased the total sugar/total acid ratio. However, no significant effect was observed on the fruit’s shape or longitudinal or transverse diameters. RT-qPCR analysis indicated that the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic regulatory and structural genes, including PbrMYB10, PbrbHLH3, PbrWD40, PbrPAL, PbrCHI, PbrDFR, and other genes, was induced by MeJA treatments. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the application of MeJA plays a significant role in promoting anthocyanin accumulation in pear peels, leading to enhanced fruit coloration. Furthermore, MeJA treatment also positively impacts the improvement of the inner fruit quality. These results not only provide valuable insights into the mechanism of MeJA-mediated coloration but also contribute to a better understanding of the overall role of MeJA in pear fruit development and quality enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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15 pages, 4337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improvement of Fruit Quality and Phytochemical Components of Pomegranate by Spraying with B₂O₃ and ZnO Nanoparticles

by Adel M. Al-Saif, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Ibrahim M. Taha, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Mohammed H. Farouk and Ashraf E. Hamdy

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092305 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1841

Abstract

Pomegranate is one of the most important and widely distributed trees. Boron and zinc are important nutrients for plant growth and fruit quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most innovative scientific fields in agriculture. This study was conducted to describe the changes in the physiochemical characteristics (weight, diameter, length, firmness and color), as well as the phytochemicals attributes (total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and antioxidant %) and minerals contents, of pomegranates fruits of the ‘Wonderful’ cultivar as a result of spraying pomegranate trees using nanomaterials (zinc oxide (ZnONPs) and boron oxide (B₂O₃NPs)). In three successive developmental stages (full bloom, 6 weeks after full bloom and one month before harvest time), the trees were sprayed with 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L ZnONPs, as well as 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L B₂O₃NPs during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The application of ZnONPs and B₂O₃NPs influenced the qualitative characteristics of the fruits in the studied seasons. The highest marketable % was observed for the 0.50 and 1 g/L ZnONPs and 1 g/L B₂O₃NPs compared to the other treatments. Also, a positive effect was recorded for the ZnONPs and B₂O₃NPs on the fruits’ physical properties. All of the ZnONP and B₂O₃NP treatments resulted in increasing the total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents and the antioxidant activity in the pomegranate juices. In conclusion, our results suggest that spraying pomegranate trees with ZnONPs and B₂O₃NPs improves the marketable fruit, enhances the fruit quality and increases the bioactive components and antioxidant activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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12 pages, 323 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deciphering Ciprofloxacin’s Impact on Growth Attributes and Antioxidant Compounds in Pasankalla Quinoa

by Adan Quisocala Ramos, Yoselin Mamani Ramos, Nora Magaly Quispe Camaticona, José Luis Ramos Tejeda, Clara Nely Campos Quiróz, Ingrid Maldonado, Nils Leander Huamán-Castilla and Franz Zirena Vilca

Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071738 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2491

Abstract

The utilization of irrigation water contaminated with antibiotics can potentially affect the growth and production of metabolites in crops. Thus, the effect of Ciprofloxacin (CIP) in irrigation water on the morphological characteristics and polyphenol content in the Pasakalla variety of quinoa was evaluated. Quinoa seeds were sown and irrigated twice weekly with different CIP doses (1, 10, and 100 µg/L). The plant was divided into roots, leaves, panicles, and grain to measure their morphological characteristics and antioxidant properties (the content of total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and polyphenolic profile). Root length and biomass of the plant were not affected by the dosage of CIP during physiological maturity. On the contrary, plant growth was reduced (16%) when 10 ug/L of CIP was used. On the other hand, the presence of high CIP concentrations (100 ug/L) improved the biosynthesis of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity by 52 and 59% compared to the control. Profile polyphenols show that vanillic acid and procyanidins A2 and B2 were significantly increased. Thus, the use of CIP could promote a higher enzymatic activity to produce specific polyphenols in order to inhibit the presence of ROS. Finally, under CIP-controlled conditions, the production of polyphenols could be improved without altering the plant’s expected growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)

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