Search Results (3,734)

In this study, the impact of moderate and high CO₂ and O₂ levels was compared to low and moderate gas combinations during prolonged storage on the quality of Regina sweet cherries harvested in different maturity stages, particularly in terms of decreasing internal browning. Fruits were harvested in two different maturity stages (Light and Dark Mahogany skin color) and stored in CA of 15% CO₂ + 10% O₂; 10% CO₂ + 10% O₂; 10% CO₂ + 5% O₂; 5% CO₂ + 5% O₂ and MA of 4 to 5% CO₂ + 16 to 17% O₂ for 30 and 40 days at 0 °C and 90% RH, followed by a marketing period. After the storage, both maturity stages significantly reduced internal browning, decay, and visual quality losses in CA with 10–15% CO₂ and 10% O₂. In addition, it preserved luminosity, total soluble solids (TSSs), titratable acidity (TA), and bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins and phenols. This treatment also maintained the visual appearance of the sweet cherries, favoring their market acceptance. At the same time, the light red fruits showed a better general quality compared to darker color after the storage. In conclusion, a controlled atmosphere with optimized CO₂ and O₂ concentrations, together with harvesting with a Light Mahogany external color, represents an effective strategy to extend the shelf life of Regina sweet cherries up to 40 days plus the marketing period, maintaining their physical and sensory quality for export markets. Full article

To improve the postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes and combat pathogenic, both bacterial and fungal contamination (particularly Alternaria alternata), a novel biodegradable coating was developed based on a water-in-water (W/W) Pickering emulsion system. The emulsion was stabilized by L. plantarum (Lactobacillus plantarum), with maltodextrin (MD) as the dispersed phase and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the continuous phase. Characterization of emulsions at varying concentrations revealed that the optimized W/W-PL^8 film exhibited superior stability, smooth morphology, and low water vapor permeability (WVP = 220.437 g/(m²·24 h)), making it a promising candidate for fruit and vegetable preservation. Furthermore, the coating demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with scavenging rates of 58.99% (ABTS) and 94.23% (DPPH), along with potent antimicrobial effects, showing inhibition rates of 12.8% against Escherichia coli and 23.7% against Staphylococcus aureus. Applied to cherry tomatoes, the W/W-PL^8 coating significantly reduced respiration rates, minimized decay incidence, and maintained nutritional quality during storage. Remarkably, the coating successfully controlled Alternaria alternata contamination, enhancing the storage duration of cherry tomatoes. These findings highlight the potential of W/W-PL^8 as an eco-friendly and functional packaging material for fresh produce preservation. Full article

Produce supply chains play a critical role in ensuring fruits and vegetables reach consumers efficiently, affordably, and at optimal freshness. In recent decades, hub-and-spoke network models have emerged as valuable tools for optimizing sustainable cold food supply chains. Traditional optimization efforts typically focus on removing inefficiencies, minimizing lead times, refining inventory management, strengthening supplier relationships, and leveraging technological advancements for better visibility and control. However, the majority of models rely on deterministic approaches that overlook the inherent uncertainties of crop yields, which are further intensified by climate variability. Rising atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, along with shifting temperature patterns and extreme weather events, have a substantial effect on crop productivity and availability. Such uncertainties can prompt distributors to seek alternative sources, increasing costs due to supply chain reconfiguration. This research introduces a stochastic hub-and-spoke network optimization model specifically designed to minimize transportation expenses by determining optimal distribution routes that explicitly account for climate variability effects on crop yields. A use case involving a cold food supply chain (CFSC) was carried out using several weather scenarios based on climate models and real soil data for California. Strawberries were selected as a representative crop, given California’s leading role in strawberry production. Simulation results show that scenarios characterized by increased rainfall during growing seasons result in increased yields, allowing distributors to reduce transportation costs by sourcing from nearby farms. Conversely, scenarios with reduced rainfall and lower yields require sourcing from more distant locations, thereby increasing transportation costs. Nonetheless, supply chain configurations may vary depending on the choice of climate models or weather prediction sources, highlighting the importance of regularly updating scenario inputs to ensure robust planning. This tool aids decision-making by planning climate-resilient supply chains, enhancing preparedness and responsiveness to future climate-related disruptions. Full article

Vaccinium oldhamii, a blueberry species native to Korea, is a deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family. Its fruit possesses various pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory effects and potential for treating osteoporosis. This study evaluated the effects of five fertilization concentration levels using Multifeed 20 (N:P:K = 20:20:20) on the growth and physiological characteristics of one-year-old V. oldhamii container seedlings. Treatments included 0 g·L⁻¹ (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g·L⁻¹. Increases in stem thickness, root length, and total dry weight were observed in the control, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g·L⁻¹ treatments, whereas growth declined at 2.0 g·L⁻¹. Mortality rates exceeded 15% at concentrations above 1.0 g·L⁻¹. Photosynthetic capacity and chlorophyll content increased with fertilization. However, while growth improved with increasing fertilizer up to a certain level, it declined at the highest concentration. A fertilization rate of 0.5 g·L⁻¹ proved to be the most economically and environmentally efficient for producing healthy seedlings. This study provides the first fertilization threshold for V. oldhamii, offering practical guidance for nursery production and forming a foundation for future domestication strategies. Full article

Background: There is a high demand for long-term postharvest storage of valuable perishables with high-quality preservation and minimal product loss due to decay and physiological disorders. Postharvest low-pressure storage (LPS) provides a viable option for many fruits. While recent studies have presented the details of technology, this pilot study presents the metabolomics changes due to the hypobaric storage of pomegranates as a model system. Methods: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics studies were performed on pomegranate fruit tissues, comparing fruit stored under LPS conditions versus the traditional storage system, with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) as the control. The metabolomic changes in the exocarp, mesocarp, and arils were measured using ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and the results were analyzed using multivariate statistics. Results: Distinguishable differences were noted between the MAP and LPS conditions in fruit quality attributes and metabolite profiles. Sucrose levels in the aril, mesocarp, and exocarp samples were higher under LPS, while sucrose levels were reduced in MAP. In addition, alanine levels were more abundant in the mesocarp and exocarp samples, and ethanol concentration decreased in the exocarp samples, albeit less significantly. Conclusions: This pilot investigation shows the potential for using NMR as a valuable assessment tool for monitoring the performance of viable long-term storage conditions in horticultural commodities. Full article

Dialium guineense (velvet tamarind), Parkia biglobosa Jacq. (African locust bean) and Adanosonia digitata L. (baobab) are fruits from African plants whose nutritional potential remains poorly characterised. As such, their pulps and seeds were analysed for colour (CIELab system), moisture, ash, protein, fat, soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, free sugars (HPLC-RI), organic acids (HPLC-PDA), macro and microelements (XRF analyser) and amygdalin (HPLC-PDA). The colours of their pulps differed considerable (ΔE > 38 between the velvet tamarind and African locust bean) and the moisture content was lower in seeds (about 7%) compared to pulps (9–13%). Seeds were more concentrated in protein (20–28%) and fat (5–22%), whereas pulps were richer in sugar (1–12%). African locust bean pulp was the sweetest (39% total sugar), while baobab pulp contained the highest soluble fibre (>30%) and citric acid (3.2%), and velvet tamarind pulp was distinguished by its tartaric acid content (3.4%). Seeds of the African fruits presented higher Ca, P, S and Fe contents, whereas pulps had higher K content. No amygdalin (<6.34 mg per 100 g of dry weight) or toxic heavy metal contents were detected. The PCA segregated samples by pulp and seed and the PC1 explains the sugar and moisture of the pulps, while protein, fat and minerals are associated with the seeds. These data confirm that African fruit pulps and seeds have distinct functional profiles, are safe for food use and can be consumed, which is important for efforts to promote the conservation of these tropical plant species. Full article

Chilling injury (CI) frequently occurs in postharvest flat peach fruit during cold storage, leading to quality deterioration and a reduced shelf life. Therefore, investigating the key factors involved in alleviating CI and developing effective preservatives are vital scientific issues for the industry. 2,4-Epibrassinolide (EBR) is a crucial endogenous hormone involved in plant response to both biological and environmental stressors. At present, most studies focus on the mechanisms of mitigating CI using a single concentration of EBR treatment, while few studies focus on the effects varying EBR concentrations have on CI. The purpose of this research is to explore the effects of varying concentrations of EBR on the postharvest quality and cold resistance of peach fruit, thereby establishing a basis for refining a technical framework of environmentally sustainable strategies to mitigate postharvest CI. The results show that EBR treatment effectively inhibits the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) by maintaining the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), thereby delaying the internal browning process of postharvest peaches. In addition, EBR treatment reduced the consumption of total phenolics by inhibiting the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). Experimental results identify that 5 μmol L⁻¹ EBR treatment emerged as the most effective concentration for maintaining core postharvest quality attributes. It significantly delayed the decrease in firmness, reduced weight loss, effectively inhibited the production of H₂O₂ and O₂⁻·, particularly during the early storage period, strongly restrained the activity of PAL, and maintained lower rot rates and internal browning indexes. While the 15 μmol L⁻¹ EBR treatment enhanced antioxidant activity, increased total phenolic content at certain stages, and maintained higher soluble solids and acid content, its effects on key physical quality parameters, like firmness and weight loss, were less pronounced compared to the 5 μmol L⁻¹ treatment. Full article

The Amazon represents a key source of food biodiversity and is home to native fruits with high nutritional and functional potential, many of which remain largely unstudied. This research aimed to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Miconia crenata, Grias neuberthii, Lacmellea oblongata, Pourouma cecprofiilia, and Annona edulis. Physical and chemical parameters, mineral content (atomic absorption), vitamin C, organic acid, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenols (liquid chromatography), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH), and antimicrobial activity (against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans) were determined. High concentrations of calcium, syringic acid, and antioxidant activity were found in the fruits of Miconia crenata; malic and caffeic acids in Grias neuberthii; citric acid, naringenin, and antioxidant activity in Lactuca oblongata; potassium, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid in Pourouma cecropiifolia; and tartaric acid and gallic acid in Annona edulis. Additionally, low antimicrobial activity was observed in M. crenata against E. coli (2.7 mg/mL), G. neuberthii against S. aureus (10.3 mg/mL), and L. oblongata against S. mutans (10.4 mg/mL), C. albicans (20.8 mg/mL), and C. tropicalis (20.8 mg/mL). The results confirm that these Amazonian fruits are a relevant source of functional bioactive compounds, highlighting their potential for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors. Full article

The impact of exogenous melatonin treatment on the postharvest quality and storability of blue honeysuckle fruit was investigated. Fruits were immersed in melatonin solutions at concentrations of 0 (control), 0.01, 0.05, and 0.25 mM for 5 min and subsequently stored at –1 °C for 63 d. Among all treatments, the combination of two-week storage without fruit puncturing and 0.05 mM melatonin application significantly delayed fruit softening and decay even at the initial stage of storage, while also increasing the concentration of phenolic compounds and enhancing antioxidant activity. During the later storage period (28–63 d), melatonin-treated fruits maintained higher levels of maltose, fructose, and sucrose, contributing to improved flavor retention. In contrast, both lower (0.01 mM) and higher (0.25 mM) concentrations were less effective or even detrimental to fruit quality. HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS² analysis revealed that 0.05 mM melatonin effectively preserved several functional phenolics, including p-coumaroylquinic acid, caffeoyl glucose, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and hydroxytyrosol. Thus, 0.05 mM melatonin is effective in delaying senescence and maintaining the postharvest quality of blue honeysuckle fruit. Full article

Viticis Fructus (VF), a fruit known for its unique flavor profile and various health benefits, demonstrates substantial quality variations depending on its area of production. Traditional methods of production area verification based on internal compound analysis are hampered by a number of technical limitations. This investigation systematically characterized the cuticular wax composition of VF sample from a diverse variety of production areas. Quantitative analyses were conducted to evaluate the spatial distribution patterns of the wax constituents. Significant regional variations were observed: Anhui sample exhibited the highest total wax content (21.39 μg/cm²), with n-alkanes dominating at 76.67%. High-latitude regions showed elevated triterpenoid acid levels, with maslinic acid (0.53 μg/cm²) and ursolic acid (0.34 μg/cm²) concentrations exceeding those of their low-latitude counterparts by four- and three-fold, respectively. Altitudinal influence manifested in long-chain alcohol accumulation, as triacontanol reached 0.87 μg/cm² in high-altitude sample. Five key biomarkers demonstrated direct quality correlations: eicosanoic acid, n-triacontane, dotriacontanol, β-amyrin, and α-amyrin. This study established three novel origin identification protocols: single-component quantification, multi-component wax profiling, and wax ratio analysis. This work not only reveals the latitudinal dependence of VF wax composition, but also provides a scientific framework for geographical authentication. Our findings advance wax-based quality evaluation methodologies for fruit products, offering practical solutions for production area verification challenges in food raw materials. Full article

Tomato crops are treated with high concentrations of synthetic fertilizers and insecticides to increase yields, but the careless use of these chemicals harms the environment and human health and affects plant pathogen resistance. The effect of foliar spray of three concentrations of chitosan (500, 1000, and 2000 mg L⁻¹) on plant growth, yield, fruit quality, and physiological performance in two tomato varieties (Floradade and Candela F1) was studied. Physiological traits such as photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and leaf area index of the plants were positively affected by chitosan, an effective compound that biostimulates growth, with increases in biomass of organs with respect to the control treatment. Chitosan also improved tomato quality, such as increases in polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, and total soluble solids in both tomato varieties. Finally, yield increased by 76.4% and 65.4% in Floradade and Candela F1, respectively. The responses of tomato plants to chitosan application were different depending on the variety evaluated, indicating a differential response to the biostimulant. The use of chitosan in agriculture is a tool that has no negative effects on plants and the environment and can increase the productive capacity of tomato plants. Full article

Although favorable effects of Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs or nSe) in tomato have been reported, research has concentrated on stress alleviation and disease management. From the above it is noticeable that the effect of NPs varies greatly depending on the model plant, nanoparticle (concentration, size, shape), and application (foliar or drenching). For this reason, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of biostimulating tomato plants under no stressor conditions (Solanum lycopersicum cv. ‘Pomodoro’ L.) with SeNPs on morpho-physiological and fruit quality parameters. Three doses of Selenium nanoparticles (5, 15, and 30 mg L⁻¹), and a control were applied via a foliar application after transplanting. The results indicate that a 5 mg L⁻¹ SeNP treatment improved the growth and yield of the tomato, with the exception of the root length and leaf weight. Moreover, all doses modified the evaluated physiology, bioactive compounds, and fruit quality parameters. This research helped in understanding the SeNPs’ effect on tomato plants in greenhouses under a no stressor condition. Full article

Magenta Cherry or Eugenia (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consumer maturity (CM) and OM: over-maturity. Morphometric analysis revealed size and weight parameters comparable to commercial berries such as blueberries. Fresh fruits were processed into pulverized material, and in this, a proximate analysis was evaluated, showing high moisture content (88.9%), dietary fiber (3.56%), and protein (0.63%), with negligible fat, indicating suitability for low-calorie diets. Phytochemical screening by HPLC identified gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and condensed tannins. Ethanol extracts showed stronger bioactive profiles than aqueous extracts, with significant antioxidant capacity (up to 803.40 µmol _Trolox/g via Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP assay). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analyses established structural transformations of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups associated with ripening. These changes were supported by observed variations in anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, both higher at the CM stage. A notable pigment loss in OM fruits could be attributed to pH changes, oxidative degradation, enzymatic activity loss, and biotic stressors. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed higher radical scavenging activity in CM-stage berries. Elemental analysis identified minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, although in moderate concentrations. In summary, Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn fruit demonstrates considerable potential as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These findings advocate for greater exploration and sustainable use of this native berry species in functional food systems. Full article

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims), belonging to the Passifloraceae family, is an economically important plant in tropical and subtropical regions. The advances in functional genomics research of passion fruit have been significantly hindered by its recalcitrance to regeneration and stable transformation. This study establishes the first efficient Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated hairy root transformation system for passion fruit. Utilizing the eGFP marker gene, transformation efficiencies of 11.3% were initially achieved with strains K599, MSU440, and C58C1, with K599 proving most effective. Key transformation parameters were systematically optimized to achieve the following: OD₆₀₀ = 0.6, infection duration 30 min, acetosyringone concentration 100 μM, and a dark co-cultivation period of 2 days. The system’s utility was further enhanced by incorporating the red visual marker RUBY, enabling direct, instrument-free identification of transgenic roots via betaxanthin accumulation. Finally, this system was applied for functional analysis using PeMYB123, which may be involved in proanthocyanidin accumulation. Overexpression of PeMYB123 produced a higher content of proanthocyanidin in hairy roots. Additionally, the PeANR gene involved in the proanthocyanidin pathway was strongly activated in the transgenic hairy roots. This rapid and efficient visually simplified hairy root transformation system provides a powerful tool for functional gene studies in passion fruit. Full article

Two triterpene saponins, hederagenin glucosides, including a novel monodesmoside: 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin (compound 1), were isolated from the fruits of Oxybasis rubra (L.) S.Fuentes, Uotila & Borsh (Amaranthaceae). These compounds, together with hederagenin itself (compound 4) and a commercially available 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl hederagenin ester (compound 3), were evaluated for cytotoxicity and selectivity across a wide panel of human cancer cell lines (skin, prostate, gastrointestinal, thyroid, and lung). All four compounds exhibited dose- and time-dependent effects, with varying potency depending on the specific cancer type. The isolated bidesmosidic saponin (3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] hederagenin 28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester—compound 2) showed the strongest activity and selectivity, with an IC₅₀ = 6.52 μg/mL after 48 h incubation against WM793 melanoma, and almost no effect on normal HaCaT skin cells (IC₅₀ = 39.94 μg/mL). Multivariate analysis of the obtained data using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) supported the assumption that cytotoxicity is influenced by the type of compound, its concentration, and the intrinsic sensitivity of the cell line. Structure-activity observations between closely related hederagenin derivatives are also briefly presented. Full article