Search Results (742)

Fruit flies that belong to the genus Zeugodacus (Diptera: Tephritidae) pose significant threats as invasive pests of agricultural crops in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The intensification of transboundary trade in fresh horticultural produce has increased the risk of introducing invasive species such as fruit flies, more so through the inadvertent transport of their immature developmental stages. Such immature stages of fruit flies belonging to the Tephritidae family are frequently intercepted at the international borders worldwide and are unable to be identified to the species level using morphological characteristics. Molecular identification using mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene has proven to be quite useful, as they are not constrained by developmental stages, sex, or colour morphs of the pest species in question. Also, real-time PCR-based species-specific assays offer quicker turnaround time since they do not require any post-PCR procedures. This study evaluated the utility of a real-time PCR assay based on the COI gene region to identify Zeugodacus cucurbitae from other Tephritid species. The developed real-time PCR assay provides a swift and precise way of discriminating between these highly invasive pest species during an interception event for rapid decision making. High specificity, having no cross-reactions with closely related Tephritids, and sensitivity of the developed assay will be extremely useful in discriminating Z. cucurbitae from other closely related fruit fly species. Z. cucurbitae-specific real-time PCR developed in this study is appropriate for organizations that carry out routine diagnostics to facilitate fresh produce imports and exports. Our assay is fully optimized for rapid deployment at international borders, offering reliable detection of the target species regardless of developmental stage, sex, or geographic origins. Full article

Flavonoids constitute a broad class of naturally occurring chemical compounds classified as polyphenols, widely present in various plants, fruits, and vegetables. They share a common flavone backbone, composed of two aromatic rings (A and B) connected by a three-carbon bridge forming a heterocyclic ring (C). One representative flavonoid is chrysin, a compound found in honey, propolis, and passionflower (Passiflora spp.). Chrysin exhibits a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic effects. Its biological activity is primarily attributed to the presence of hydroxyl groups, which facilitate the neutralization of free radicals and the modulation of intracellular signaling pathways. Cellular uptake of chrysin and other flavonoids occurs mainly through passive diffusion; however, certain forms may be transported via specific membrane-associated carrier proteins. Despite its therapeutic potential, chrysin’s bioavailability is significantly limited due to poor aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, which reduces its systemic efficacy. Ongoing research aims to enhance chrysin’s bioavailability through the development of delivery systems such as lipid-based carriers and nanoparticles. 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

Objective: To explore the relationship between type of grocery store used (chain vs. independent), transportation access, food insecurity, and fruit and vegetable intake in Detroit, Michigan, USA, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from December 2021 to May 2022. Setting: Detroit, Michigan. Participants: 656 Detroit residents aged 18 and older. Results: Bivariate analyses showed that chain grocery store shoppers reported significantly greater fruit and vegetable intake (2.42 vs. 2.14 times/day for independent grocery store shoppers, p < 0.001) and lower rates of food insecurity compared to independent store shoppers (45.9% vs. 65.3% for independent grocery store shoppers, p < 0.001). Fewer independent store shoppers used their own vehicle (52.9% vs. 76.2% for chain store shoppers, p < 0.001). After adjusting for socioeconomic and demographic variables transportation access was strongly associated with increased odds of shopping at chain stores (OR = 1.89, 95% CI [1.21,2.95], p = 0.005) but food insecurity was no longer associated with grocery store type. Shopping at chain grocery stores was associated with higher fruit and vegetable intake after adjusting for covariates (1.18 times more per day, p = 0.042). Qualitative responses highlighted systemic barriers, including poor food quality, high costs, and limited transportation options, exacerbating food access inequities. Conclusions: These disparities underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve transportation options and support food security in vulnerable populations, particularly in urban areas like Detroit. Addressing these structural challenges is essential for reducing food insecurity and promoting equitable access to nutritious foods. Full article

The maturity of Korla fragrant pears directly influences their harvesting, packaging, transportation, and storage. Investigating the mechanical properties of fragrant pears at various maturity stages can help minimize damage during postharvest handling. This study employs micro-CT technology combined with reverse model scanning to develop a numerical model for force damage across different maturity stages, supported by experimental validation. The results demonstrate that both rupture force and rupture strain progressively decrease as the maturity of Korla fragrant pears increases, exhibiting a sudden transition. Simultaneously, the fruit’s microstructure shifts from distinct cellular organization to an irregular, collapsed state. The proposed numerical model, which accounts for this abrupt change, provides a better fit than models based on a single physical parameter, with the R² value improving from 0.7922 to 0.9665. Furthermore, this model accurately quantifies the mechanical properties of fragrant pears at all stages of maturity. These findings offer technical support for reducing postharvest losses and serve as a reference for developing damage prediction models for other fruits and vegetables. Full article

Mabroom dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are recognized as one of the most important crops in Qatar. Fresh fruit dates are susceptible to mould and post-harvest spoilage, resulting in a significant financial loss. Octanoic fatty acid (OFA) has been shown to regulate the growth of mould-causing organisms such as fungi and bacteria. It is known to have antibacterial properties. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of OFA on the post-harvest pathogens of Mabroom fruits. Fresh, apparently healthy, and fully ripe Mabroom dates were obtained from the National Agriculture and Food Corporation (NAFCO). The chosen fruits were packed in sterile, well-ventilated plastic boxes and transported to the lab under controlled conditions. The fruits were distributed into five groups (G1 to G5). The groups G1, G2, and G3 received 1%, 2%, and 3.5% OFA, respectively, while G4 was left untreated and G5 was washed only with tap water as a positive control treatment. Each group contained 200 g of fresh and healthy semi-soft dates. The samples were then dried and incubated in a humidity chamber at 25 °C ± 2 for seven days. The signs and symptoms of decay were monitored and recorded. The presence of pathogens was confirmed via phenotypic and microscopic-based methods. The results showed a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) among the groups. OFA at 3.5% had the strongest inhibitory action against post-harvest pathogens, followed by OFA2%. However, there were no differences (p ≤ 0.05) between OFA1% and the control groups. Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Botrytis spp. were most abundant in the control group, followed by OFA2% and OFA1%, respectively. In conclusion, octanoic fatty acid at 3.5% may improve the quality of date fruits through its high antimicrobial activity, reduce the effect of post-harvest decay, minimize the loss of date fruits during storage, and improve the sustainability of date fruits. Further experiments are necessary to confirm the effectiveness of OFA as a green solution for sustainable date fruit production. Full article

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a disorder of human lipid metabolism or transport, primarily characterized by abnormally elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. It is a key factor contributing to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statistics show that the prevalence of dyslipidemia among Chinese adults is as high as 35.6%, and it has shown a trend of younger onset in recent years, posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia carry significant social significance. The pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia is complex and diverse, and currently used medications are often accompanied by side effects during treatment, making the research and development of new therapeutic approaches a current focus. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids, which are abundant in most medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables, exert effects on regulating lipid homeostasis and treating hyperlipidemia through a multi-target mechanism. These compounds have demonstrated significant effects in inhibiting lipid synthesis, blocking lipid absorption, promoting cholesterol uptake, enhancing reverse cholesterol transport, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal microbiota disorders. This article reviews the latest progress in the mechanisms of flavonoids in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, providing a theoretical basis for future research on drugs for hyperlipidemia. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is becoming increasingly popular in China, but its postharvest quality deteriorates significantly during harvest storage and transport. Here, we investigated the efficiency of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on the quality and physiology of ‘Meizao’ sweet cherry during 60 days of cold storage (0 ± 0.5 °C). Fruits were sealed in four types of MAP low-density polyethylene (LDPE) liners (PE20, PE30, PE40, and PE50), with unsealed 20 μm LDPE packaging bags used as the control. Our findings demonstrated that PE30 packaging established an optimal gas composition (7.0~7.7% O₂ and 3.6~3.9% CO₂) that effectively preserved ‘Meizao’ sweet cherry quality. It maintained the fruit color, firmness, soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), and vitamin C (Vc) content while simultaneously delaying deteriorative processes such as weight loss, pedicel browning, and fruit decay. These results indicate that PE30 was the most suitable treatment for preserving the quality of ‘Meizao’ sweet cherries during cold storage. Furthermore, physiological research showed that significant inhibition of respiration rate was achieved by PE30, accompanied by maintained activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, and SOD), which consequently led to reduced accumulations of ethanol and malondialdehyde (MDA) during cold storage. To date, no systematic studies have investigated the physiological and biochemical responses of ‘Meizao’ to different thickness-dependent LDPE-MAP conditions. These observations highlight the power of the optimized PE30 packaging as an effective method for extending the fruit storage life, delaying postharvest senescence, and maintaining fruit quality of ‘Meizao’ sweet cherry. Full article

Anthocyanins are important phenolic compounds in grape skins, affecting the color, oxidation resistance, and aging ability of red wine. In recent years, global warming has had a negative effect on anthocyanin biosynthesis in grape berries. Ethylene serves as a crucial phytohormone regulating the development and ripening processes of fruit; however, the specific molecular mechanism and the regulatory network between ethylene signaling and the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway remain incompletely understood. In this study, 400 mg/L ethephon (ETH) solution was sprayed onto the surface of grape berries at the lag phase (EL-34), and the changes in anthocyanin-related genes and metabolites were explored through transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The results showed that ETH treatment increased Brix and pH in mature berries. In total, 35 individual anthocyanins were detected, in which 21 individual anthocyanins were enhanced by ETH treatment. However, the anthocyanin profile was not affected by exogenous ethylene. Transcriptomics analysis showed that there were a total of 825 and 1399 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) 12 h and 24 h after treatment. Moreover, key structural genes in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway were strongly induced, including VvPAL, VvCHS, VvF3H, VvF3′5′H, VvDFR and VvUFGT. At the maturity stage (EL-38), the expression levels of these genes were still higher in EHT-treated berries than in the control. ETH treatment also influenced the expression of genes related to hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction. The ethylene biosynthesis gene (VvACO), ethylene receptor genes (VvETR2, VvERS1 and VvEIN4), ABA biosynthesis gene (VvNCED2), and ABA receptor gene (VvPYL4) were up-regulated by ETH treatment, while the auxin biosynthesis gene (VvTAA3) and seven genes of the auxin-responsive protein were inhibited by exogenous ethylene. Meanwhile, ETH treatment promoted the expression of the sugar transporter gene (VvEDL16) and two sucrose synthase genes (VvSUS2 and VvSUS6). In EHT-treated berries, 19 MYB and 23 ERF genes were expressed differently compared with the control (p < 0.05). This study provides the theoretical foundation and technical support for the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in non-climacteric fruit. Full article

Potassium is the most abundant macronutrient in plants, participating in essential physiological processes such as turgor maintenance. A reduction in cell turgor is a hallmark of the ripening process associated with fruit softening. The dynamic of K⁺ fluxes in fleshy fruits is largely unknown; however, the reallocation of K⁺ into the apoplast has been proposed as a contributing factor to the decrease in fruit turgor, contributing to fruit softening. High-affinity K⁺ transporters belonging to the KUP/HT/HAK transporter family have been implicated in this process in some fruits. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the KUP/KT/HAK family of high-affinity K⁺ transporters in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) was conducted, identifying 60 putative transporter genes. The chromosomal distribution of the FaKUP gene family and phylogenetic relationship and structure of predicted proteins were thoroughly examined. Transcriptomic profiling revealed the expression of 19 FaKUP genes within the fruit receptacle, with a predominant downregulation observed during ripening, particularly in FaKUP14, 24 and 47. This pattern suggests their functional relevance in early fruit development and turgor maintenance. Mineral composition analyses confirmed that K⁺ is the most abundant macronutrient in strawberry fruits, exhibiting a slight decrease as ripening progressed. Membrane potential (E_m) and diffusion potentials (E_D) at increasing external K⁺ concentrations were measured by electrophysiology in parenchymal cells of green and white fruits. The results obtained suggest a significant diminution in cytosolic K⁺ levels in white compared to green fruits. Furthermore, the slope of change in E_D at increasing external K⁺ concentration indicated a lower K⁺ permeability of the plasma membrane in white fruits, aligning with transcriptomic data. This study provides critical insights into the regulatory mechanisms of K⁺ transport during strawberry ripening and identifies potential targets for genetic modifications aimed at enhancing fruit firmness and shelf life. Full article

Quality and mechanical resilience are crucial for reducing losses in fruit production and for supporting food chains. Indeed, integrating empirical data with rheological models bridges gaps in fruit processing equipment design. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze the relationship between the mechanical and physical properties of seven economically important fruits—nectarine, kiwi, cherry, apple, peach, pear, and apricot—to assess their mechanical behavior and post-harvest quality. Standardized compression, creep, and puncture tests were conducted to establish mechanical parameters, such as rupture force, elasticity, and deformation energy. Physical characteristics including size, weight, density, and moisture content were also measured. The results indicated significant differences among the various categories of fruits; apples and pears were most suitable for mechanical harvesting and long storage periods, whereas cherries and apricots were least resistant and susceptible to injury. Correlations were high among the physical measurements, tissue firmness, and viscoelastic properties, thereby confirming structural properties’ contribution in influencing fruit quality and handling efficiency. The originality of this research is in its holistic examination of physical and mechanical properties under standardized testing conditions, thus offering an integrated framework for enhancing post-harvest operations. These findings offer practical insights for optimizing harvesting, packaging, transportation, and quality monitoring strategies based on fruit-specific mechanical profiles. Full article

The quality and freshness of fruits and vegetables are critical factors in consumer acceptance and are significantly affected during transport and storage. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of greenhouse-grown tomatoes stored for 24 days by combining non-destructive image analysis, spectrophotometric assays (including total phenolic content and antioxidant and antiradical activity assessments), and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, water activity, moisture content, total soluble solids, texture, and color were evaluated. Most physicochemical changes occurred between days 14 and 17, without major impact on overall fruit quality. A progressive transition in peel hue from orange to dark orange, and increased surface irregularity of their textural image were noted. Moreover, the combined use of instrumental and image analyses results via multivariate analysis allowed the clear discrimination of tomatoes according to storage days. In this sense, tomato samples were effectively classified by ATR-FTIR spectral bands, linked to carotenoids, phenolics, and polysaccharides. Machine learning (ML) models, including Random Forest and Gradient Boosting, were trained on image-derived features and accurately predicted shelf life and quality traits, achieving R² values exceeding 0.9. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of combining imaging, spectroscopy, and ML for non-invasive tomato quality monitoring and support the development of predictive tools to improve postharvest handling and reduce food waste. Full article

Globally, the proportion of the consumption of fruits in the human diet shows an increasing trend. However, fruits may incur significant losses during the post-harvest storage and transportation process due to metabolic activities and mechanical damage. Post-harvest coating technology has been proven to be an effective means of reducing quality loss, and it offers the advantages of being environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and free of chemical residues. This article begins with an introduction to the three main mechanisms of coating preservation, including physical barrier effects, physiological metabolism regulation, and antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Secondly, this paper comprehensively reviews the latest progress of coating application technology in the field of fruit preservation, and summarizes the development of coating application technology in recent years, which is divided into two categories: traditional technology and fiber coating formation technology. Among these, the spraying method in traditional technology and microfluidic spinning technology in fiber coating formation technology are emphasized. This information will help to further develop coating application techniques to improve post-harvest fruit preservation. 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

Accurate estimation of fruit quantity is essential for efficient harvest management, storage, transportation, and marketing in the agricultural industry. To address the limited generalizability of single-species models, this study presents a comprehensive deep learning-based framework for multi-species fruit-load estimation, leveraging the MetaFruit dataset, which contains images of five fruit species collected under diverse orchard conditions. Four representative object detection and regression models—YOLOv8, RT-DETR, Faster R-CNN, and a U-Net-based heatmap regression model—were trained and compared as part of the proposed multi-species learning strategy. The models were evaluated on both the internal MetaFruit dataset and two external datasets, NIHS-JBNU and Peach, to assess their generalization performance. Among them, YOLOv8 and the RGBH heatmap regression model achieved F1-scores of 0.7124 and 0.7015, respectively, on the NIHS-JBNU dataset. These results indicate that a deep learning-based multi-species training strategy can significantly enhance the generalizability of fruit-load estimation across diverse field conditions. Full article