Search Results (122)

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

Calcium (Ca²⁺) is a macronutrient essential for the growth, development, yield, and quality of vegetables and fruits. It performs structural, enzymatic, and signaling functions in plants. This review examines Ca²⁺ translocation from soil to the fruit via the plant xylem network, emphasizing the importance of Ca²⁺ compartmentalization within fruit cell organelles in the development of calcium deficiency disorders such as blossom-end rot (BER). The underlying causes of BER and potential control measures are also discussed. Soil-available Ca²⁺, transported by water flow, enters the root apoplast through membrane channels and moves toward the xylem via apoplastic or symplastic routes. The transpiration force and the growth of organs determine the movement of Ca²⁺-containing xylem sap to aerial plant parts, including fruits. At the fruit level, the final step of Ca²⁺ regulation is intracellular partitioning among organelles and cellular compartments. This distribution ultimately determines the fruit’s susceptibility to Ca²⁺-deficiency disorders such as BER. Excessive sequestration of Ca²⁺ into organelles such as vacuoles may deplete cytosolic and apoplastic Ca²⁺ pools, compromising membrane integrity and leading to BER, even when overall Ca²⁺ levels are adequate at the blossom end. Effective BER management requires cultural and physiological practices that promote Ca²⁺ uptake, translocation to the fruit, and appropriate intracellular distribution. Additionally, the use of BER-resistant and Ca²⁺-efficient cultivars can help mitigate this disorder. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of Ca²⁺ dynamics in plants is critical for managing BER, minimizing production loss and environmental impacts, and maximizing overall crop productivity. Full article

Limited comparative research exists on evaluating the performance of tomato rootstocks under different growing methods, resulting in growers facing challenges when deciding which rootstock and growing method to use for improved yield. The effect of growing methods (scion of a single stem or double stems and non-grafted plant as the control) and rootstock cultivars (Goldbac, SVTX6258, and Booster) on the yield and quality of tomatoes grown in a plastic tunnel and a shade net structure was investigated. The splice grafting method was followed. In a plastic tunnel experiment, grafting and rootstock cultivar did not significantly affect the total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) of the tomato juice, as well as percentage weight loss, yield, and fruit firmness. However, the Booster rootstock with a scion of 2 stems had high fruit Mg, K, P, and Fe contents, while the Goldbac rootstock with a scion of 1 stem and 2 stems had high fruit Ca and Fe contents compared to other treatments. The Goldbac and Booster rootstocks grafted to a scion of 2 stems had a high marketable yield. In a shade net experiment, the Booster rootstock with a scion of 2 stems had a high early harvest and total yield of tomatoes, followed by the Goldbac rootstock with a scion of 2 stems. Higher incidences of fruit cracking were noticed on the Booster rootstock grafted with a scion of a single stem. Generally, grafted plants on Booster and Goldbac had improved Mg, K, and P contents, unlike SVTX6258 with a scion of 1 stem. The Booster rootstock with a scion of 2 stems had significantly higher Mg, K, and P contents, while the sodium (Na) fruit content was high on the SVTX6258 rootstock with a scion of 1 stem. Grafting did not significantly affect fruit physiological disorders, weight loss, and TSS, or pH and EC of tomato juice. Grafting with a scion of two stems at the seedling stage significantly improved the tomato fruit mineral content and the total and marketable yield in a plastic tunnel and a shade net structure. Full article

Children with Down syndrome often face significant feeding difficulties and health comorbidities that may contribute to undernutrition or obesity. This study assessed dietary habits and nutritional status among 104 children with Down syndrome in Croatia, representing 11.5% of this population. Results showed that over 30% of children aged 1 to 15 were overweight. Over 60% never consumed whole grain bread, while more than 50% avoided fish, nuts, or seeds. Despite rural families more frequently producing their own food (meat p = 0.009; fruits/vegetables p = 0.035), no significant improvement was observed in the children’s diets compared to their urban counterparts. Urban children consumed milk (p = 0.008) and fermented dairy (p = 0.005) more often. Children of university-educated mothers had higher vegetable (p = 0.031), meat (p = 0.025), olive oil (p = 0.003), and nut (p = 0.029) consumption, and a lower intake of processed meats (p = 0.008) and salty snacks (p = 0.040). Families spending less than 50% of income on food also showed significantly healthier dietary patterns. Feeding difficulties in children with Down syndrome are commonly associated with sensory sensitivities, oral-motor impairments, and comorbid medical conditions. These challenges are often intensified by parental anxiety, delayed introduction of diverse foods, and inadequate professional support. Collectively, these factors contribute to selective eating, poor nutrient intake, and disordered eating behaviors. This study underscores the need for individualized nutritional interventions that address the unique physiological and sensory requirements of both children and adults with Down syndrome. Effective strategies should extend beyond general dietary recommendations to include early exposure to a variety of food textures, specialized feeding support, and the management of coexisting health conditions. Family education and engagement play a crucial role in achieving positive nutritional outcomes. Empowering parents and caregivers—especially those in socioeconomically disadvantaged or rural communities—can facilitate the alignment of food accessibility with healthy dietary practices. The findings of this research offer valuable guidance for the development and implementation of national strategies aimed at enhancing the nutrition and long-term health of individuals with Down syndrome. Full article

Physiological disorders (PDs) in durian lead to reduced commodity prices; therefore, reducing the PD rate in durian enhances the fruit’s value and farmers’ profits. Nutrient and soil management may affect the PD rate during fruit development. Herein, we used amendments such as organic manure (OM) and foliar fertilization (FF) applications to reduce the PD rate and improve the soil health and fruit yield of durian. This study was conducted in three durian orchards in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta from 2022 to 2024. The treatments were as follows: (i) control (unamended), (ii) OM, (iii) FF, and (iv) OM + FF. N−P−K fertilizers (0.45 kg of N, 0.45 kg of P, and 0.45 kg of K per tree) were uniformly applied to all durian trees. We measured the characteristics of the soil, such as the soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (AP), and exchangeable cations (K⁺ and Ca²⁺). The leaf nutrient (K and Ca) content, fruit yield (kg tree⁻¹), and fruit quality (PD rate, total soluble solids (TSS), and aril color characteristics) were also recorded. Our study indicates that OM + FF increased soil pH and SOC, AP, and exchangeable cations (K⁺ and Ca²⁺). In addition, the K and Ca concentrations in durian leaves increased by approximately 4% using OM + FF. Combining OM and FF decreased the PD rate of durian fruit (>85%) compared with the control. This practice increased the fruit quality TSS (13%), color, proportion of arils, and fruit yield (~10%) compared with conventional practice (control). Overall, using OM and FF contributed to improving durian production and values. Therefore, we recommend that farmers who cultivate durian apply OM + FF to their orchards to enhance soil health, fruit quality, and yield. Full article

Malformed coconut fruit occurrence exhibits dual impacts on agricultural productivity and economic returns, primarily through substantial yield reduction and compromised commercial value resulting from morphological defects. To elucidate the molecular determinants underlying this developmental anomaly, we conducted a systematic investigation integrating physiological profiling and transcriptomic sequencing on pulp tissues from malformed (MF) and normal (NF) coconut fruits. Notably, MF specimens displayed marked depletion in carbohydrate reserves, with soluble sugars (SS), reducing sugars (RS), starch (SH), soluble proteins (SP), and fat (FA) declining by 28.57%, 20.43%, 15.51%, 36.78%, and 50.18%, respectively, compared to NF controls. Conversely, a coordinated upregulation of phytohormones was observed, where indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), cytokinin (CK), gibberellic acid (GA), brassinosteroid (BR), jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA) levels increased by 31.82–92.97%, while ethylene (ETH) exhibited a paradoxical 30.09% reduction. Transcriptomic dissection revealed 6370 functionally annotated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), comprising 4235 upregulated and 2135 downregulated transcripts. These DEGs were predominantly enriched in critical pathways including plant hormone signal transduction, flavonoid/phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and carbohydrate metabolic networks. Particularly noteworthy was the enhanced activity of cell wall remodeling enzymes—cellulase (CEL), polygalacturonase (PG), and pectinesterase (PE)—accompanied by differential expression of nine cell wall-associated gene families (CEL, PE, PG, PEL, URG, UTR, VTC2, EXP, XET/XTH) and eight phytohormone-related gene clusters. Functional stratification analysis further identified key transcriptional regulators, with MYB, ERF/AP2, BHLH, WRKY, bZIP, and MADS transcription factors demonstrating significant expression divergence, suggesting their pivotal regulatory roles in MF pathogenesis. This multi-omics integration not only deciphers the molecular choreography of coconut fruit malformation but also establishes a novel conceptual framework for developmental disorder research in perennial crops. Full article

The Satsuma mandarin, a prominent fresh citrus variety cultivated in Asia, is susceptible to fruit cracking, a physiological disorder that significantly impacts yield and economic efficiency. This phenomenon occurs during the fruit expansion phase. The present study sought to further elucidate the correlation between citrus fruit cracking and fruit peel development or mineral elements, as well as to propose efficacious management measures. The present experiment was conducted on Citrus unshiu Marc. cv. ‘Miyagawa Wase’ over two successive seasons—2022 and 2023. The dynamic changes in fruit morphology were recorded using calipers, and the peel strength was assessed via a Plus Texture Analyzer. Paraffin sectioning technology was used to observe the morphological structure of peel cells. At 10 days after full bloom (DAFB), the peel cells exhibited vigorous proliferation, and the fruit and peel thicknesses underwent rapid expansion. At 50–60 d after full bloom, the longitudinal and transverse diameters of the fruit exhibited a marked increase in the growth rate of the former over the latter. At 80 d after full bloom, both the peel thickness change and the fruit growth rate exhibited a marked deceleration, and the albedo layer cells began to show signs of perforation. The following two time points were preliminarily proposed as the key points for the control of citrus fruit cracking: key point one was 50–60 days after full bloom; and key point two was 80–90 days after full bloom. The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents in the different orchards were measured via the semi-micro Kjeldahl nitrogen method, the molybdenum–antimony colorimetric method, and flame photometry, respectively. The determination of other mineral elements was conducted by means of inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. Principal component analysis was employed to analyze the 21-parameter indices of mineral elements in soil and leaf samples from the three orchards with different levels of fruit cracking. The study found that high concentrations of leaf Fe, P, and soil Cu, as well as organic matter content, contributed negatively to the extent of fruit cracking. The impact of diverse control measures on the incidence of fruit cracking was subsequently observed, following the implementation of tree crown spray treatments. The application of 0.5% calcium superphosphate and 0.006% EDTA-Fe, in combination with 10 ppm GA₃ sprayed during two critical periods, significantly reduced fruit cracking and did not adversely affect the internal or external quality of the fruits. The study emphasises the necessity of customising management measures according to the developmental characteristics of citrus fruits, given the observed varietal and regional distinctions in susceptibility to cracking. These findings are pivotal for advancing research in the field of fruit cracking and promoting the healthy development of the industry. Full article

Uneven fruit ripening (UFR) is currently causing a decrease in the quality and value of “Ri 6” durian fruit. The soil moisture and nutrient (K, Ca, and Mg) levels present during the fruit development stage are the two main factors affecting UFR in durian fruit. However, measurements that can be used to determine the decrease in the UFR rate of durian remain unknown. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the impact of plastic mulching (PM) and polyhalite fertilizer (PH) on improving the UFR rate and quality of durian fruit. A field study was conducted at three different durian orchards in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) throughout two seasons (2022–2023 and 2023–2024). We used PM a month before fruit harvesting, combined with PH applied during the fruit development stage. Four treatments were used: (T1) control; (T2) PM, plastic mulching a month before durian fruit harvesting; (T3) PH, polyhalite fertilizer application (3 kg tree⁻¹ year⁻¹); and (T4) PM + PH, polyhalite fertilizer application (3 kg tree⁻¹ year⁻¹) and plastic mulching a month before durian fruit harvesting. The farmer’s fertilization practice (450 g N–450 g P–450 g K per tree⁻¹ during the fruit development period) was used in all treatments. Parameters such as soil physicochemical properties, fruit quality, and leaf mineral nutrient concentration were investigated at the harvesting stage. The results show that using PM + PH decreased soil moisture (>15%) but increased the concentrations of K, Mg, and Ca in both soil and durian leaves, thereby reducing the UFR rate (>80%) compared with the control. Additionally, applying PM + PH increased the aril proportion (>18%) and total soluble solids (approximately 5%) in durian fruit in comparison with the control. In conclusion, combining PM and PH improved the UFR rate and durian fruit quality. Therefore, we recommend that farmers apply these methods to their durian orchards to decrease physiological disorders and enhance fruit quality, thus contributing to achieving sustainable durian production in the VMD. Full article

This study assesses the impact of two regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and one sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies on the fruit quality characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) compared to a fully irrigated control in a Mediterranean climate. Field trials were conducted over two growing seasons at the Cajamar Experimental Center in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain. The SDI strategy, which achieved considerable water savings of approximately 50%, led to a reduction in yield (both total and marketable), as well as a decrease in the size and unit weight of the fruits. However, it also produced arils with higher dry matter content and aril juice with higher soluble solids content, all without altering the maturity index. Notably, the SDI approach resulted in increased non-marketable production due to a higher incidence of cracking, particularly during the exceptionally hot and dry summer of 2023. Although the maturity index remained unchanged across the irrigation strategies, the SDI yielded a greater percentage of pink-red rind on marketable fruits compared to the other strategies. This is important because ‘Mollar de Elche’ pomegranates are typically harvested based on their external colour. Thus, the SDI strategy could allow for earlier harvesting, potentially enhancing the commercial value, as earlier harvests often command higher prices, which may partially offset some of the reduction in marketable yield. Conversely, both RDI strategies achieved a slight water saving without compromising marketable yield or the quality characteristics of the fruit. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) affect cadmium (Cd) accumulation and tolerance in host plants. However, the effects of AMF on Cd accumulation and phytotoxicity and their underlying mechanism in apples remain uncharacterized. In this study, the comprehensive physiological and molecular responses of uninoculated and Rhizophagus intraradices-inoculated Malus hupehensis Rehd. rootstocks exposed to 0 or 300 μM Cd were investigated. AMF inoculation mitigated Cd-induced growth and photosynthesis inhibition and nutrient ion disorders. It also lowered the concentrations of Cd in all tissues and reduced Cd transport to the shoots. Compared to uninoculated apple plants, those inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi reduced the mobility and toxicity of Cd by altering its form and binding it to the cell walls of the roots and leaves. AMF inoculation ameliorated Cd stress by altering endogenous phytohormone levels and triggering enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with AMF under Cd stress regulated carbohydrate and amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, as well as phytohormone biosynthesis and signal transduction. Furthermore, AMF inoculation downregulated certain genes involved in Cd uptake and transport while upregulating other genes involved in detoxification. These results suggest that AMF alleviate Cd phytotoxicity by orchestrated physiological and transcriptomic regulation in M. hupehensis Rehd., providing valuable insights into the efficacy of AMF inoculation in improving the heavy metal resistance of fruit trees. Full article

Polyphenols are micronutrients found in fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, cocoa, medicinal herbs, fish, crustaceans, and algae. They can also be synthesized using recombinant microorganisms. Interest in plant-derived natural compounds has grown due to their potential therapeutic effects with minimal side effects. This is particularly important as the aging population faces increasing rates of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. Studies have highlighted polyphenols’ capacity to reduce risk factors linked to the onset of chronic illnesses. This narrative review discusses polyphenol families and their metabolism, and the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols evidenced from in vitro studies, as well as from in vivo studies, on different animal models of cardiac disease. This study also explores the molecular mechanisms underlying these benefits. Current research suggests that polyphenols may protect against ischemia, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, and myocardial injury through complex mechanisms, including epigenetic and genomic modulation. However, further studies under nutritionally and physiologically relevant conditions, using untargeted multigenomic approaches, are needed to more comprehensively elucidate these mechanisms and firmly prove the cardioprotective effects of polyphenols. Full article

Fruit dropping represents a concern in many fruit species, including Vitis vinifera L. This research investigated the role of two plant growth regulators (PGRs), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), in mitigating preharvest berry dropping (PHBD) through affecting ethylene (ET) and auxin (AUX) metabolism and interactions, key hormones involved in abscission. The experiment was carried out on cv. Dolcetto, with PGR treatments applied at 43, 53, and 90 days after anthesis (DAA) for NAA and at 56 DAA for 1-MCP. Berry dropping incidence, yield parameters, and transcript levels of genes related to ET and AUX pathways were analyzed, including VIT_212s0059g01380, VIT_211s0016g02380, VIT_207s0005g00820, VIT_216s0013g00980, VIT_203s0091g00310, and VIT_207s0104g00800. Both NAA and 1-MCP significantly reduced PHBD, with NAA achieving a 92% reduction and 1-MCP an 82% reduction compared to control vines. Transcript analysis revealed differential gene expression patterns, indicating that NAA affects the ET biosynthesis pathway, while 1-MCP interferes with ET receptor signaling. The results suggest that both PGRs effectively reduced berry dropping, providing a basis for integrated crop management strategies to mitigate PHBD in grapevine cultivars susceptible to this physiological disorder. Full article

Fruit quality is one of the most important economic traits of fruit crops, directly influencing market prices and orchard revenues. Enhancing fruit quality has therefore become a critical objective in both fruit production and scientific research. External quality traits of fruits typically include size, coloration, shape, uniformity, and consistency. Internal quality traits refer to the nutritional value of fruits, which largely determine their flavor and palatability. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the formation and regulatory mechanisms of fruit quality, with numerous key functional genes associated with quality traits being identified. While substantial advancements have been achieved in studying specific aspects of fruit quality, there remains a lack of comprehensive and systematic reviews addressing the overall physiology of fruit quality, the interplay among various quality traits, and the diversity of regulatory mechanisms. Using Chinese pears as an example, this review summarizes the research progress in fruit quality regulation over the past five years. Key aspects include metabolic regulation of fruit traits such as sweetness, color, texture, and physiological disorders; factors influencing stone cell formation; sugar content regulation; roles of plant hormones including ethylene, gibberellins, and abscisic acid; translational regulation and post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination, methylation, and acetylation; as well as the application of genomic sequencing technologies. Furthermore, the review offers practical suggestions for improving pear fruit quality and provides insights for researchers in related fields. Finally, future trends in fruit quality research are discussed, offering a forward-looking perspective for advancing the field. Full article

Pineapple is one of the most important crops in tropical and subtropical areas. However, its production has been seriously impacted by the issue of fruit translucency in the past several decades. Fruit translucency is a physiological disorder of pineapple flesh with water-soaked core which results in a decline in pineapple quality. It has become a significant challenge for the sustainability of pineapple industry. Currently, the cause and pathophysiological development of pineapple translucency still have not been fully understood. The preventative and remedial measurements on the disease have yet to be effectively implemented in the production process. This review provides comprehensive information and the latest research progress on the possible pathogenesis, initiating factors, preventive and control practices, and detection techniques for pineapple translucency. Furthermore, the progress of research on apple and pear fruit translucency in recent years is reviewed and compared with pineapple translucency. The review offers theoretical guidance and insightful knowledge for the investigation of pineapple translucency disease. Full article

The increasing global population has heightened the demand for food, leading to escalated food production and, consequently, the generation of significant food waste. Factors such as rapid ripening, susceptibility to physiological disorders, and vulnerability to microbial attacks have been implicated as contributing to the accelerated senescence associated with food waste generation. Fruits and vegetables, characterized by their high perishability, account for approximately half of all food waste produced, rendering them a major area of concern. Various postharvest technologies have thus been employed, including the application of phytohormone treatments, to safeguard and extend the storability of highly perishable food products. This review, therefore, explores the physicochemical properties and biological aspects of phytohormones that render them suitable for food preservation. Furthermore, this review examines the effects of externally applied phytohormones on the postharvest physiology and quality attributes of fresh produce. Finally, the review investigates the mechanisms by which exogenous phytohormones preserve food quality and discusses the associated limitations and safety considerations related to the use of these compounds in food applications. Full article