Search Results (7,611)

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) quality is defined by integrated sensory and nutritional traits, including sugar–acid balance, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pigment-related attributes, and bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid and phenolics. These traits emerge from coordinated regulation of carbon allocation, mineral nutrition, ripening metabolism, and stress- and defense-related signaling pathways, which are strongly modulated by environmental conditions. Sustainable biological inputs are increasingly explored as tools to influence these regulatory networks; however, evidence linking such interventions to reproducible fruit quality outcomes in Passiflora remains fragmented. This review first synthesizes current knowledge on the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying passion fruit quality formation and maintenance, and then discusses how biofertilizers; microbial inoculants (including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria—PGPR and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi—AMF); fungal-derived elicitors such as chitosan and chitooligosaccharides; and complementary postharvest biological strategies may modulate these processes. Emphasis is placed on traits beyond yield, including sugar–acid balance, aroma and VOC profiles, color, nutritional quality, texture, and shelf life. By integrating genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and microbiome-based evidence, we examine how environmental modulation and key signaling pathways intersect with metabolic networks underlying fruit quality. Available studies indicate that responses to biological inputs are context-dependent and often non-linear. Key knowledge gaps and priorities for mechanism-informed sustainable management of passion fruit quality are identified. Full article

Ethylene is a key phytohormone regulating fruit ripening, the senescence of ornamental plants, and the post-harvest quality of horticultural products. Although numerous studies have described compounds that inhibit ethylene biosynthesis or perception, the available evidence remains fragmented across chemical groups, plant species, and pre- and post-harvest applications. This review addresses that gap by critically integrating current knowledge on the principal inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis and perception used in horticulture, with emphasis on their sites of action, practical effectiveness, and limitations. Biosynthesis inhibitors, including aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), aminooxyacetic acid (AOA), daminozide, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), and oxalic acid (OA), reduce ethylene production at different stages of the ethylene pathway, whereas perception inhibitors such as 1-methylcyclopropene, 1-DCP, silver compounds, alkenes, and diazocyclopentadiene interfere with receptor binding and downstream ripening responses. The available literature indicates that 1-methylcyclopropene remains the most widely used commercial inhibitor, while oxalic acid is emerging as a promising natural modulator of ethylene-related processes. However, the efficacy of these compounds is strongly dependent on species, maturity stage, dose, temperature, and storage conditions, and some are additionally constrained by regulatory concerns, incomplete mechanistic understanding, or inconsistent performance. Overall, ethylene inhibitors are important tools for extending shelf life, maintaining firmness, delaying senescence, and reducing post-harvest losses. Further comparative and crop-specific studies are needed to optimize application strategies, improve environmental safety, and support the development of effective natural alternatives. Full article

Blueberries are widely consumed due to their richness in nutrients, yet they are also prone to quality deterioration after being harvested, even at cold temperatures. Non-thermal physical technology is an important auxiliary method worth considering for maintaining the quality of this fruit while refrigerated. In this study, a static magnetic field (SMF) was applied as a complementary pretreatment strategy prior to cold storage of blueberries. The optimal SMF parameters were identified as 5 mT exposure for 12 h, as this significantly retarded decay and softening. The contents of ascorbic acid, total polyphenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins were elevated by 20.0%, 17.7%, 23.9%, and 9.1%, respectively. Concurrently, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging capacity, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity markedly improved. Targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that SMF pretreatment significantly regulated polyphenol metabolic pathways and redirected polyphenol biosynthesis toward more stable and functional compounds, including three hydroxycinnamic acids, quercetin, dihydromyricetin, glycosylated hesperetin, and acylated delphinidin derivates. The synergistic effect of these SMF-elevated phenolics and the reinforced antioxidant system preserved the overall cold-storage quality of blueberries. These findings underscore the potential of SMF pretreatment as an effective physical technique for reducing postharvest blueberry losses. Full article

The growing demand for clean-label foods has stimulated interest in minimally processed ingredients capable of improving the nutritional and technological quality of gluten-free bakery products. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is an underutilized Mediterranean crop whose seeds are mainly used for locust bean gum production, while other fractions of the fruit remain insufficiently valorized. This study investigated the potential of carob seed flour (CSF) and the whole carob fruit flour (pods and seeds; CSPF) as natural structuring ingredients in gluten-free flatbread (GFFB), combined with sourdough fermentation. The initial technological properties (pasting profile, baking loss, specific volume, color, and texture profile) and nutritional composition were evaluated, alongside storage stability, through textural and sensory changes during 72 h. The incorporation of carob ingredients improved the nutritional profile of GFFB, nearly doubling total dietary fiber and iron content without compromising sensory acceptance. CSF use resulted in an improved pasting profile and a 50% softer crumb structure. Sourdough fermentation successfully mitigated the increased hardness and lower sensory freshness perception in CSPF formulations. Carob seed flour, as well as whole carob fruit flour combined with sourdough, represent effective natural strategies for improving the technological properties, nutritional quality, texture profile, and freshness perception of gluten-free flatbread without compromising sensory acceptability. Full article

Tomato landraces possess distinct flavors, colors, textures and aromas, making them suitable for traditional cuisine. Tomato landraces contain a wide range of genes, including those involved in fruit quality, that can be isolated and used in local breeding programs. In regions recognized as centers of origin, domestication and diversification, traditional farmers play an important role in the preservation of tomato landraces adapted to local conditions and agricultural practices, on the whole maintaining high genetic diversity. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of the crop cycle (C), genotype (G) and C × G interactions on the contents of soluble solids, reducing sugars, lycopene, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as the pH and antioxidant activity, in fifteen tomato landraces (genotypes) undergoing phenotypic selection and a commercial tomato variety (control). All the varieties were grown in two crop cycles under uniform greenhouse management using a randomized block design with four repetitions. Fruit composition was analyzed with AOAC and spectrophotometric methods. Significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were detected in the soluble solid content, pH, flavor and maturity indices, polyphenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity between C, G and C × G interactions. In contrast, titratable acidity, reducing sugars, lycopene and vitamin C did not differ between cycles. Coefficients of phenotypic and genotypic variation and broad-sense heritability (H²) ranged from 4.3 to 33.7, 2.0 to 19.0, and 3.2 to 63.5%, respectively. H² for bioactive compounds ranged from moderate to slightly high (16.3–38.8%). These findings, supported by laboratory analyses, suggest that genotypes under agronomic selection have potential as parents to enhance fruit quality in current and future breeding programs. Full article

Proteomic research in the genus Vitis has progressed from early biochemical studies of soluble proteins to high-resolution, quantitative analyses encompassing all major organs and derived products. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of advances in grapevine and wine proteomics. In leaves, studies have revealed extensive remodeling of photosynthetic, antioxidant, and defense pathways under biotic (e.g., Plasmopara viticola, Erysiphe necator, Xylella fastidiosa, Candidatus Phytoplasma vitis) and abiotic stresses (drought, salinity, heat, light). Bud proteomics elucidated hormonal regulation and mechanisms of dormancy release, while root studies identified nitrate-dependent metabolic shifts and adaptive protein networks. Cell culture models enabled controlled investigation of elicitor responses, stilbene biosynthesis, and temperature-induced proteome changes. In berries, proteomics clarified developmental transitions from fruit set to ripening, emphasizing proteins related to secondary metabolism, vacuolar transport, and stress tolerance. Comparative analyses across cultivars and environments identified biomarkers linked to aroma, color, and texture. The wine proteome revealed selective persistence of grape-derived proteins (e.g., thaumatin-like proteins, chitinases) and yeast peptides influencing stability and sensory properties, while Botrytis cinerea infection significantly alters this balance by degrading PR proteins and introducing fungal enzymes. Altogether, the Vitis proteome emerges as a dynamic, multifunctional system crucial for understanding plant adaptation, enological quality, and biomarker discovery. Full article

Novel ingredients from rowanberry pomace were developed for French-type bread applications via supercritical CO₂ extraction and the enzymatic and ultrasound treatment of the defatted residue (DFR), which contained 6.367% of proteins, 8.36% of soluble, and 43.04% insoluble fiber. Proteolytic enzymes from Bacillus licheniformis and Aspergillus oryzae, and cellulolytic enzyme mixtures Viscozyme L and Celuclast, were used to increase the soluble fraction. Treating DFR with enzymes generated significant amounts of soluble substances containing oligosaccharides, fructose, and glucose, with Viscozyme L being more effective than proteases. Tri-, and tetrapeptides, chlorogenic acids, and dihydroxy coumarins were also present in the soluble extracts of fermented DFR. The antioxidant characteristics of treated DFR were evaluated by the in vitro assays. Substitution of >5% of wheat flour with untreated DFR significantly reduced bread volume and crumb porosity; however, these adverse effects were mitigated by using fermented DFR. The highest bread volume (1845 cm³) and porosity (78.38%) were observed in bread containing 5% pomace that underwent enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasound treatment. The substitution of flour with DFR significantly increased the antioxidant characteristics of bread samples and the substances generated during the in vitro digestion. It may be concluded that rowanberry pomace ingredients may improve bread nutritional quality and assist in the sustainable use of fruit processing by-products. Full article

Sustainable vegetable production requires strategies that optimize yield while conserving water and minimizing resource inputs. This study, conducted at the Horticulture Research Farm near Absaraka, ND, evaluated the performance of several paste-type tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cultivars under different irrigation strategies in high-tunnel and open-field production systems to identify cultivar and irrigation combinations that support sustainable production. Across seasons and production environments, cultivar significantly influenced marketable yield, fruit number, fruit size, and the proportion of unmarketable fruit, whereas irrigation treatments had limited effects on total and marketable yield. High-yielding cultivars such as ‘Granadero’, ‘Pozzano’, ‘Cauralina’, and ‘Amish Paste’ consistently produced greater marketable yields in both production systems, although ‘Cauralina’ also exhibited higher levels of fruit cracking and unmarketable yield. In high-tunnel production, deficit irrigation strategies based on soil moisture thresholds (10% and 30% management allowable depletion) maintained yields comparable to time-based irrigation, suggesting that water-efficient irrigation scheduling can sustain productivity. In the open field, cultivar responses varied under different irrigation regimes, highlighting the importance of selecting cultivars adapted to water-limited conditions. Fruit quality attributes, including soluble solids content and titratable acidity, were primarily influenced by cultivar rather than irrigation. Overall, the findings demonstrate that cultivar selection combined with water-efficient irrigation management can maintain tomato productivity while reducing water use and production losses. These results support the development of more sustainable tomato production systems that enhance resource-use efficiency, reduce waste from unmarketable fruit, and maintain fruit quality across diverse production environments. Full article

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) beans represents a significant threat to international food safety standards. This study evaluated the efficacy of microbial inoculants (efficient microorganism, EMs) combined with tropical fruit extracts (Musa × paradisiaca, Artocarpus heterophyllus, and Passiflora edulis) on mitigating Cd levels during cocoa fermentation. During fermentation, all treatments exhibited a progressive increase in pH and temperature, alongside a decline in total soluble solids, reflecting intensified microbial metabolic activity. Cd reduction was found to be dose-dependent on EM concentration and fruit extract, and synergistic effects were shown by EM and fruit extracts. The most effective treatment, i.e., 80% EMs + P. edulis extract, reduced 33.5% Cd levels, i.e., from 3.67 mg/kg to 2.44 mg/kg. Additionally, these biotechnological approaches improved post-harvest cocoa quality, with fermentation levels exceeding 95% for well-fermented beans and reducing defective beans to near zero. In conclusion, directed fermentation using EMs and tropical fruit extracts provides a robust strategy for Cd mitigation and qualitative enhancement of cacao beans. Full article

Fruit anthocyanins are primary determinants of color, sensory quality, and nutritional value in grapes; however, their endogenous biosynthesis is governed by complex interactions among genetic, environmental, agronomic, and postharvest factors. This review elaborates recent advances in physiology and molecular biology to clarify the biosynthetic mechanisms in grapes, including the coordinated action of structural enzymes, MYB–bHLH–WD40 regulatory complexes, hormone-mediated signaling pathways, and vacuolar transport processes. Key environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations, light exposure, water availability, and soil properties, regulate these networks, contributing to significant variation in pigmentation profiles across cultivars and growing regions. Strategic agronomic practices, including canopy management, regulated deficit irrigation, balanced nutrient management, and temperature-mitigation techniques, further influence pigmentation by modifying the microclimate of the fruit zone during development. Based on these mechanistic insights, this review evaluates targeted strategies for enhancing anthocyanin accumulation, highlighting recent progress in genetic improvement through CRISPR/Cas genome editing, transgenic approaches, and marker-assisted selection (MAS), which enable precise modulation of biosynthetic and regulatory genes. Complementary postharvest interventions, such as optimized cold storage, modified-atmosphere packaging, hormonal elicitors, and controlled oxidative technologies, provide additional opportunities to maintain or enhance pigment stability after harvest. Collectively, these advances establish a comprehensive framework linking molecular regulation with practical vineyard, breeding, and postharvest strategies, offering an integrated pathway to improve anthocyanin consistency, berry quality, and the phenolic characteristics of grape-derived products. Full article

Fruit flesh thickness is one of the key factors affecting the yield and quality of bitter melon, and its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. One thick-flesh germplasm (KF) and one thin-flesh germplasm (NF) with significantly different flesh thicknesses were screened from 70 bitter melon germplasms. Through phenotypic surveys, combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, and exogenous sugar treatments, the regulatory mechanisms on flesh thickness were preliminary investigated. The results showed that flesh thickness of the two germplasms remained stable during different years and seasons. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that fructose and mannose metabolism pathway significantly enriched in both omics datasets. The expression of key enzyme encoding genes from this pathway exhibited various expression patterns. In KF, most genes showed significantly higher expression levels than NF, with synergistic expression predominating among genes. Soluble sugar content was positively correlated with gene expression, while HXK, SDH, and TPI activities were negatively correlated with most genes, and FBP activity was positively correlated with most genes. Genes affect carbon source metabolic flux distribution by promoting sugar synthesis and inhibiting sugar respiration consumption. Exogenous sugar treatment exhibited germplasm-specific and concentration-dependent influence of gene expression, with KF primarily showing negative feedback and NF predominantly activating expression. Fruit flesh thickness was significantly positively correlated with the synergistic high expression of sugar metabolism genes and soluble sugar accumulation. This study provides a theoretical basis for molecular improvement of bitter melon fruit flesh thickness. Full article

Physalis peruviana L., a South American species, has been increasingly cultivated because of its bioactive compounds and high commercial value. This study evaluated the biochemical responses and fruit quality of physalis plants subjected to different water availability regimes (40%, 70%, and 100% of field capacity), followed by recovery periods. The experiment was conducted at São Paulo State University in a randomized block design with split plots. Plants were exposed to different irrigation regimes and subsequently rewatered over a 120-day period. Leaf and fruit analyses showed that water stress at 40% field capacity significantly increased both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels, thereby mitigating oxidative damage, as indicated by lower lipid peroxidation and reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation. However, this defense response was accompanied by marked reductions in fruit yield, fruit number, fresh mass, and fruit quality. Notably, although rewatering reversed several biochemical stress markers at the leaf level, fruit yield and commercial quality did not recover, suggesting irreversible damage to reproductive development during the stress period. These findings indicate that controlled water deficit may enhance antioxidant accumulation, highlighting the potential of stressed plants for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical applications. However, prolonged water stress, even when followed by a recovery period, impairs commercial fruit production. Therefore, irrigation management should be aligned with the intended production objective. Full article

The field production of tomato faces challenges regarding abiotic stress factors, which unfavorably impact fruit quality traits. Hedgerows, a form of agroforestry, offer a climate-resilient strategy to buffer temperatures and reduce the impact of direct wind stress on crop production. This study assessed the impact of hedgerow microclimate modulation effects on open-field tomato fruit quality, employing three genotypes (Roma, Ace55, and Szentlőrinckáta). Key quality traits (Total Soluble Solids (TSS), Titratable Acidity (TA), Sugar–Acid Ratio (SAR), Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Chroma (C*), and Hue (h^o)) were measured over two harvests per season, in two consecutive years (2023–2024). Plots were positioned at five distances (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 m from the hedge) on both windy and protected sides (W1–W5 and P1–P5, respectively, with 1 showing the closest position). We observed that the microclimate of the protected side was consistently warmer, with an average deviation from the reference temperature of +3.54 °C at mid-distances and +0.38 °C higher overall across both growing seasons. Results show that mid-distance zones (P3–P4, W3–W4) consistently exhibited the highest C* (up to 39.44) at W4 and TSS values at W1 (7.00 °Bx). Protected sides favored higher TA at P3 (0.70%) and Hue (h^o) values at P3 with (53.06 ± 0.30) with Ace55 and SAR at P3 (16.35) with Szentlőrinckáta. Windy sides significantly enhanced FRAP and TPC, with the Szentlőrinckáta genotype exhibiting the highest antioxidant capacity at W1 (23.67 mg AAE 100 g⁻¹, FRAP) and TPC (244.17 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹). At W4, Roma showed a 9.4% increase in TPC in the second harvest, while Ace55 showed the highest FRAP values during late-season sampling, highlighting genotype-specific antioxidant resilience under contrasting microclimates. These findings suggest that mid-distance zones and microclimatic variation between windy and protected sides remarkably influence fruit quality traits and antioxidant profiles. Full article

The transition toward industrial-scale, year-round production of Pleurotus pulmonarius necessitates efficient and standardized spawn production. Liquid spawn technology plays a pivotal role in this process; however, recommended formulations and science-based quality criteria remain lacking. This study aimed to screen a high-performance liquid spawn medium and define key quality parameters for industrial application. Ten culture media formulations were evaluated to determine their effects on mycelial growth, as well as the subsequent yield and quality of fruiting bodies. The optimal formulation (Formula 4) contained glucose (1.6%), soybean meal (0.3%), corn flour (0.2%), peptone (0.2%), KH₂PO₄ (0.1%), and MgSO₄ (0.055%). The growth rhythm of the selected formulation was meticulously tracked, leading to the identification of a critical inoculation window between 4.75 and 5.5 days. Spawn within this window exhibited a mycelial biomass of 1.60~1.86 g/L, pellet diameter of 1.83~1.92 mm, pellet density of 12.25~13.75 per mL, and fermentation broth pH of 6.35~6.44, which were strongly correlated with peak yield (up to 284 g/bag) and premium-grade ratio (up to 87.97%). The multi-parameter composite standard is proposed as a practical tool for quality control in industrial fermenters, enabling precise harvest timing and ensuring the consistent, high-yield, and high-quality production of P. pulmonarius. Full article

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is a globally significant vegetable crop, and its fruit quality remains a major focus of research. The hollow-heart trait, characterized by internal cracks or cavities, severely compromises both the commercial value and edible quality of cucumber fruit. In this study, a six-generation segregating population (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁P₁, BC₁P₂) was developed from the parental lines “JZ6-1-2” and “D0432-3-4”. BSA-seq was employed to map candidate genomic regions associated with the hollow-heart trait to chromosomes 2, 3, and 7. Subsequently, a major QTL for the trait was delineated on chromosome 7, spanning a region containing 98 genes. Comparative RNA-seq between the parental lines identified 2141 differentially expressed genes. The integration of QTL mapping and RNA-seq data revealed 11 candidate genes residing within the key QTL interval. Through further validation via qRT-PCR, gene sequence comparison, and gene annotation, Csa7G039280 was identified as a promising candidate gene regulating hollow-heart formation, potentially via the lignin biosynthesis pathway. The identification of these candidate regions and genes provides critical information for molecular breeding aimed at developing non-hollow-heart cucumber varieties, thereby enhancing the understanding of the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying this economically important trait. Full article