Search Results (162)

Agro-industrial by-products are rich in polyphenols with potential applications as natural antimicrobials in food systems. This study evaluated the total polyphenol content (TPC) and antimicrobial activity of orange (Citrus sinensis), onion (Allium cepa), cacao (Theobroma cacao), and tamarillo (Solanum betaceum) peel extracts against Listeria monocytogenes, individually and in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. TPC was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using broth microdilution. Statistical analysis (two-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) assessed the effect of extract type and yeast addition on MIC values. The highest TPC was recorded in Theobroma cacao peel extract (85.3 ± 2.1 mg GAE/g DW). All extracts inhibited L. monocytogenes, with MICs ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg/mL. This was reduced to 1.25–5 mg/mL when combined with S. cerevisiae, indicating synergism (F = 11.42, p = 0.003). These results suggest that polyphenol-rich peel extracts enhanced by S. cerevisiae can be incorporated into beverage preservation systems, aligning with clean-label trends. This study integrates quantitative and mechanistic analyses to link extraction methods, polyphenol content, and synergistic inhibition with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, providing a coherent analytical framework for sustainable antimicrobial strategies. Full article

Post-harvest food loss significantly threatens global food security, and solar drying offers a sustainable preservation solution. The effectiveness of solar drying depends on consumer acceptance, in which color is a critical quality attribute. This study investigated how solar irradiance and temperature affect color degradation during the drying of pineapple (Ananas comosus), orange (Citrus × sinensis), and beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Experiments conducted in Zacatecas, Mexico, compared a Solar Dryer with Dynamic Irradiation Control (SDIC), which limited irradiance to 700 W/m², against an uncontrolled Cylindrical Solar Dryer (CSD). The results indicate that the controlled SDIC environment promotes gradual and uniform color preservation by minimizing rapid thermal stress. In contrast, the fluctuating high irradiance and temperature of the CSD caused faster, less uniform color changes. Statistical analyses confirmed that both irradiance and temperature significantly impacted color parameters (p < 0.05). The SDIC method reduced the total color change (ΔE) by 30–47% in pineapple and beet compared to the CSD. Regression models identified temperature as the primary driver of redness (a*) degradation, while irradiance was strongly correlated with changes in yellowness (b*). This research highlights the necessity of optimizing solar drying conditions to enhance the quality of dried produce. By improving visual appeal, this optimized green technology can help reduce food waste and support the transition to more sustainable fod processing systems. This controlled approach reduced the total color change (ΔE) by 30–47% in pineapple and beet compared to the CSD, demonstrating its significant potential for quality preservation. Full article

Cultivation practices such as fruit thinning and soil management with ground covers are commonly applied in Citrus orchards, yet their physiological impact on young trees remains poorly documented. This study evaluated the effects of manual fruit thinning and weed-control mesh on vegetative growth, fruit development, and leaf mineral composition of Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck cv. ‘Navelina’ grafted on Citrus macrophylla. A six-month field experiment was conducted in southeastern Spain under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions using six treatments that combined different soil coverage and subsurface drainage systems. After physiological fruit drop, trees were standardized to ten fruits per plant. Vegetative parameters (canopy and trunk dimensions), fruit growth (size, juice content), and foliar nutrient concentrations were monitored. Trees with ground cover showed significantly greater canopy expansion and juice yield compared to uncovered controls. A negative correlation between fruit number and canopy-to-fruit volume ratio highlighted the trade-off between vegetative vigor and fruit load. Foliar analysis revealed lower micronutrient concentrations (Fe, Mn, B, Zn) in uncovered trees, suggesting reduced nutritional status. These findings demonstrate that combining early thinning with weed-control mesh promotes vegetative vigor, improves juice yield, and enhances nutrient uptake, providing practical insights for optimizing orchard establishment and early Citrus productivity in water-limited environments. Full article

The citrus spiny whitefly Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance), recently found in Greece, causes severe damage to the leaves and fruits of tree crops, and treatment against it is urgent. In this work, integrated treatments for the management of the A. spiniferus pest on Citrus sinensis (L.) trees, which causes intense damage to orange orchards, were studied. The experiment was carried out in an orange orchard on the Aitoloakarnania plain, an agroforestry ecosystem, and three treatments were set up: (i) a combined treatment comprising the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Cordyceps fumosorosea, (ii) treatment with the application of a tetramic acid-based formulation, (iii) the control treatment. The damage caused by A. spiniferus was estimated by determining the pest stages on the C. sinensis leaves, samples of which were collected and examined at the entomology laboratory of the Agriculture Faculty of the University of Ioannina for the calculation of populations. The experimental results of this work encourage us to further investigate the use of the treatments against whiteflies, highlighting the potential of EPF for integrated pest management (IPM) in citrus trees. Full article

Background/Objectives: Kozan Misket orange (Citrus sinensis L.) is a regional Turkish cultivar valued for its unique flavor, yet the mechanisms underlying its aroma development remain unclear. Volatile compounds are key contributors to citrus sensory quality, and β-glucosidase is involved in releasing glycosidically bound aroma precursors. However, no previous study has examined the interaction between enzyme activity and volatile production during maturation in this cultivar. This study aimed to characterize the dynamic changes in volatile composition and β-glucosidase activity across different maturation stages of Kozan Misket orange. Methods: Fruits were harvested at three maturity stages (green, green–yellow, yellow). Physicochemical traits (TSS, TA, TSS/TA), volatile profiles (HS-SPME/GC-MS), and specific β-glucosidase activity were analyzed. Volatile compounds were identified, quantified, and compared across stages. Results: A total of 47 volatile compounds were identified, with monoterpenes dominating at all stages. D-limonene was the most abundant compound, exceeding 86% of total volatiles. Total volatile content increased with maturation, particularly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, whereas oxygenated monoterpenes (e.g., linalool, 4-terpineol, α-terpineol) declined at full maturity. Specific β-glucosidase activity decreased markedly from 20.15 to 8.25 U mg⁻¹ protein. This shift suggests that bound precursors contribute more to early-stage aroma release, while later-stage aroma accumulation may rely on metabolic conversions. Conclusions: This study provides the first integrated insight into aroma development in Kozan Misket orange, revealing a dual-phase mechanism linking volatile formation and β-glucosidase activity. These findings clarify cultivar-specific flavor development and offer guidance for harvest optimization and flavor management. Full article

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations (0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 mL/L) of essential oils from coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), and orange peels (Citrus sinensis) on biomass, lipid content, and lipid yield of the strains Yarrowia lipolytica Y-1094, Y. lipolytica YB 423, and Y. lipolytica IFP29. The fatty acid composition of the oils produced by the strains was also determined. The highest biomass (5.38 ± 1.80 g/L) and lipid production (0.98 ± 0.42 g/L) were observed in the presence of Y. lipolytica IFP29 and Y. lipolytica YB 423, respectively. The lipid yield showed the highest value at the level of 0.45 mL/L in the presence of the Y. lipolytica Y-1094 strain. The correlation heat map results indicate that 0.45 mL of tarragon affected biomass and lipid content more than the other essential oils used. Y. lipolytica Y-1094 produced higher levels in terms of myristic acid and palmitic acid in all three essential oil sources than the other strains. The highest oleic acid level of all strains was determined in coriander seed essential oil, and the lowest in tarragon essential oil. The oleic acid level of Y. lipolytica Y-1094 was lower than that of the other two strains in all essential oils. Regarding linoleic acid, the oil level did not have a significant effect in the presence of tarragon and orange peel. Full article

‘Pera’ sweet orange is a key variety for the Brazilian citrus industry, but orchards rely on a limited number of clonal selections, which restricts adaptability and productivity across diverse environments. This study assessed the agronomic performance of 13 ‘Pera’ selections grafted on Rangpur lime, cultivated under rainfed conditions in subtropical Brazil. From 2002 to 2010, trees were assessed for vegetative growth, cumulative yield, alternate bearing, and fruit quality. Market-specific performance indices were calculated to determine suitability for fresh fruit or juice processing. Substantial genotypic variation was observed across traits, particularly during early orchard stage. Selections such as ‘Morretes’, ‘Seleção 11’, ‘Seleção 27’, ‘Seleção 37’, and ‘IPR 153’ demonstrated high cumulative yield, stable productivity, and favorable canopy traits, supporting their use in both conventional and high-density systems. ‘IPR 153’ combined compact growth with high yield efficiency and excellent fruit quality, while ‘Morretes’ had the highest juice content and broad market adaptability. In contrast, ‘IPR 159’ showed low vigor and yield under rainfed conditions. The results emphasize the value of regionally targeted clonal selection to improve orchard performance and market alignment. The identification of dual-purpose genotypes offers a pathway to diversify citrus production and improve profitability under subtropical growing conditions. Full article

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity and residual functional compounds of blood orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) juice by-product extract (BJBE). The effects of dietary BJBE on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, immune parameters, and disease resistance against Vibrio harveyi were examined in juvenile black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). In total, 630 juvenile rockfish were randomly assigned to 21 rectangular tanks (50 L) for a feeding trial, with 30 fish per tank in triplicate. Seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated with BJBE at 0 (control, BJBE0), 0.1 (BJBE0.1), 0.2 (BJBE0.2), 0.3 (BJBE0.3), 0.5 (BJBE0.5), 0.7 (BJBE0.7), and 1.0 (BJBE1) g kg⁻¹. A disk diffusion assay confirmed BJBE’s strong antibacterial efficacy against V. harveyi. After an 8-week feeding trial, fish fed BJBE0.7 and BJBE1 exhibited significantly a greater final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate compared with those fed BJBE0. Feed efficiency was significantly higher in fish fed BJBE0.7 than in those fed BJBE0. The protein efficiency ratio was significantly higher in fish fed BJBE0.3, BJBE0.5, BJBE0.7, and BJBE1 relative to those fed BJBE0. Intestinal amylase activity was significantly higher in fish fed BJBE0.7 and BJBE1 compared with those fed BJBE0, and trypsin activity was significantly higher in BJBE0.7-fed fish than in BJBE0-fed fish. In comparison to the BJBE0 diet, the plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels of fish fed BJBE0.7 and BJBE1 diets were significantly higher. Lysozyme activity and immunoglobulin M level in fish fed BJBE0.7 and BJBE1 were significantly higher than that in fish fed BJBE0. After a challenge with V. harveyi, disease resistance was significantly higher in fish fed BJBE0.5, BJBE0.7, and BJBE1 compared with those fed BJBE0. Overall, 0.7–1.0 g kg⁻¹ is proposed as the optimal dietary BJBE inclusion level for enhancing growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, antioxidant status, immune parameters, and disease resistance against V. harveyi infection in juvenile black rockfish. Full article

Citrus fruits are major economic and nutritional crops that are sometimes subjected to serious attacks by many fungal phytopathogens after harvesting. In this study, we focus on the structures of potential antifungal nanocomposites from artichoke leaf extract (Art), Art-mediated nanosilver (AgNPs), and their nanoconjugates with chitosan nanoparticles (Cht) to eradicate the blue mold fungus (Penicillium italicum) and preserve oranges during storage via nanocomposite-based edible coatings (ECs). The biosynthesis and conjugation of nanomaterials were verified using UV and infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) analysis, and DLS assessments. Art could effectually biosynthesize/cap AgNPs with a mean size of 10.35 nm, whereas the average size of Cht was 148.67 nm, and the particles of their nanocomposites had average diameters of 203.22 nm. All nanomaterials/composites exhibited potent antifungal action toward P. italicum isolates; the Cht/Art/AgNP nanocomposite was the most effectual, with an inhibition zone of 31.1 mm and a fungicidal concentration of 17.5 mg/mL, significantly exceeding the activity of other compounds and the fungicide Enilconazole (24.8 mm and 25.0 mg/mL, respectively). The microscopic imaging of P. italicum mycelia treated with Cht/Art/AgNP nanocomposites emphasized their action for the complete destruction of mycelia within 24 h. The orange (Citrus sinensis) fruit coatings, with nanomaterial-based ECs, were highly effectual for preventing blue mold development and preserved fruits for >14 days without any infestation signs; when the control infected fruits were fully covered with blue mold, the infestation remarks covered 12.4%, 5.2%, and 0% of the orange coated with Cht Art/AgNPs and Cht/Art/AgNPs. The constructed Cht/Art/AgNP nanocomposites have potential as effectual biomaterials for protecting citrus fruits from fungal deterioration and preserving their quality. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of C. sinensis extract, orlistat, and their combination on biochemical, hormonal, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in female rats. The extract was characterized by the presence of citric acid, ferulic acid, and quercetin, along with antioxidant activity. Five experimental groups were established: (1) control; (2) obese; (3) orlistat (1.72 mg/kg); (4) C. sinensis extract (7.15 mg/kg); (5) a combination of both treatments. Treatment with the extract, orlistat, or their combination resulted in biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) that were comparable to the control group and significantly different from the obese group. Notably, only the C. sinensis extract alone restored pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8) to values similar to the control. All treatments improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase and glutathione peroxidase, while a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity was observed only in the extract group. Among the oxidative damage markers, TBARS was the most responsive to treatment, whereas protein carbonylation was less affected. Histological analysis showed that all treatments promoted structural normalization. These results provide a rationale for further pre-clinical and clinical investigations into the use of C. sinensis extract as an adjunctive therapy for metabolic disorders. Full article

Soil management significantly influences the structure and diversity of soil bacterial communities, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem functions. In semi-arid regions, water efficiency strategies like anti-weed netting are implemented, but their impact on soil microbial communities remains underexplored. This study evaluates the temporal evolution of soil bacterial communities in orange tree (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) plantations under two conditions: with and without anti-weed netting. Soil samples were collected at three time points over a period of 18 months since the establishment of the crop and analyzed using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing, assessing alpha and beta diversity, taxonomic composition, and functional pathways via KEGG analysis. The results indicate that weed control netting contributes to stabilizing bacterial diversity over time and increases the relative abundance of dominant phyla such as Planctomycetota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Acidobacteriota. Functional predictions revealed significant differences in metabolic pathways, including those associated with nitrogen fixation and organic matter degradation. These findings suggest that anti-weed netting not only influences the taxonomic composition of soil bacterial communities but also modulates their functional potential, with implications for sustainable agriculture in semi-arid environments. This study provides new insights into the interaction between soil management and soil bacterial communities, offering valuable information for optimizing agricultural practices and soil conservation strategies. Full article

In Gannan navel orange (Citrus sinensis) orchards—a typical sloped farmland ecosystem—selected native grasses outperform conventional green manure due to their stronger ecological adaptability and lower management requirements. However, few studies have investigated how native grasses enhance soil organic carbon and nitrogen contents at the soil aggregate level. A 5-year field study was carried out to analyze the impacts of the native grasses practice on the accumulation of soil organic carbon and nitrogen and the physicochemical properties and microbial communities of soil aggregates in navel orange orchards. Three treatments were tested: (i) clean tillage (CK); (ii) intercropping Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA); (iii) intercropping Stellaria media (L.) Cvr. (SM). Our work found that, compared to CK, the soil physical properties improved under the long-term management of native grasses, and the content of nutrients in the soil increased. The contents of SOC (+118.3–184.2%) and total nitrogen (TN) (+73.3–81.5%) changed significantly. The proportion of soil macro-aggregates and the stability of soil aggregates increased, and the contents of SOC and TN in the soil aggregates increased. In addition, under the long-term management of native grasses, the community diversity of beneficial microbes and the abundance of functional genes related to nitrogen cycling increased significantly in the soil aggregates. Native grasses increased the content of nutrients in the soil aggregates by increasing aggregate stability and the abundance of related microorganisms, altering the microbial community structure, and increasing the abundance of related genes for nutrient cycling, thereby enhancing the sequestration of SOC and TN in topsoil. Our results will provide a theoretical basis for the carbon enhancement and fertilization of native grasses as green manure in navel orange orchards and their popularization and application. Full article

It is known that nutrient deprivation following detachment can cause non-chilling peel pitting (NCPP) in citrus fruits when stored under a non-stressful environment and that this damage is reduced by pretreating the fruit with ethylene (ETH) (4 d, 10 µL L⁻¹). The present work investigates the effect of this pretreatment on jasmonate (JA) accumulation and transcriptional regulation in mature Navelate oranges (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) stored under non-stressful conditions. ETH increased the expression of abundant genes participating in the synthesis of cis-(+)-12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA), jasmonic acid (JA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). ETH also upregulated genes involved in jasmonoyl–isoleucine (JAIle) synthesis (CsJAR1) and decrease (CsCYP94B3 and CYP94C1), and CsSTA2, related to JA sulfation. The levels of these JA metabolites increased during fruit holding in ETH and after shifting them to air, with MeJA accumulation being especially remarkable. Overall, the beneficial effect of ETH on reducing NCPP appears to be related not only to this redirection of OPDA and JA metabolism towards the formation of JA derivatives but also to the regulation of JA signalling. Indeed, the repression of the receptor CsCOI1 and upregulation of various CsJAZs repressors caused by nutrient deprivation, together with the ETH-mediated induction of CsCOI1, CsTOPLESS, and abundant CsJAZs during long-term storage, suggests the occurrence of an ETH-enhanced negative transcriptional regulatory feedback loop in JA metabolism and signalling, by which the susceptibility of detached Navelate oranges to NCPP might be reduced. Full article

Essential oil-loaded edible films have emerged as promising natural systems for active food packaging due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. However, retaining volatile bioactives within hydrophilic matrices remains challenging. In this regard, this study compared the performance of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), citrus peel pectin (CPP), and potato starch (PS) edible films as encapsulating systems of orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) essential oil using Tween 80 as surfactant and glycerol as a plasticizer. Film-forming emulsions were characterized regarding droplet size distribution and rheological behavior. Films were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Limonene retention was quantitatively determined post-drying through gas chromatography. CMC-based films exhibited the highest retention (~65%), primarily due to their higher viscosity, which limited oil droplet mobility and volatilization. Despite presenting similar internal porosity, PS films showed significantly lower retention (~53%), attributed to larger droplet size and lower viscosity. CPP films, with the smallest droplets and intermediate viscosity, showed similar limonene retention to PS-based films, highlighting that high internal porosity may compromise encapsulation efficacy. The results emphasize that matrix viscosity and emulsion stability are critical determinants of essential oil retention. Although polysaccharide films, particularly CMC, are promising carriers, further structural and processing optimizations are required to enhance their encapsulation performance for commercial applications. Full article

This study investigated the chemical composition and anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils extracted from Citrus aurantium flower, Citrus sinensis, Brazilian Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon, Citrus bergamia, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium using steam distillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Their anti-inflammatory activities were assessed in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium essential oil (CRPEO) exhibited the most potent anti-inflammatory effects, with D-Limonene (76.51%), α-Pinene (2.68%), and Linalool (2.11%) as its primary constituents. The CCK-8 assay showed that the essential oil exhibited no cytotoxicity on HaCaT cells at a concentration of 50 μg/mL. CRPEO significantly preserved cell viability and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and nitric oxide (NO). Gene expression analysis via RT-qPCR further confirmed the downregulation of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) at the mRNA level. Network pharmacology and molecular docking studies were employed to identify α-Bulnesene as a key bioactive component of CRPEO and revealed that its principal target is the NLR Family Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. These findings highlight the strong anti-inflammatory potential of CRPEO and suggest its promising therapeutic application for inflammation-related conditions. Full article