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• The intensity and duration of supplemental blue light co-regulate plant growth, anthocyanin and vitamin C production in red lettuce. • Given the same total amount of supplemental light, high-intensity blue light applied over a short duration was more effective at enhancing chlorophylls and carotenoids, while low-intensity blue light over a long duration resulted in the highest yield. • Adequate intensity and application duration of supplemental blue light are both required for anthocyanin production. • Vitamin C was enhanced under the lowest intensity blue light applied over long duration only. Red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) typically requires high light intensities for adequate production of anthocyanins, which are phytopigments with antioxidant properties and potential health-promoting benefits. Plants grown under relatively low light conditions, e.g., in an indoor farm, often have low anthocyanins accumulation and may be perceived as lower in quality. Blue light has been shown to promote anthocyanin production, however, high-intensity blue light often causes reductions in leaf expansion and biomass accumulation. We investigated whether the same daily cumulative amount of supplemental blue light applied at varying intensities and durations (i.e., lower intensity over a longer duration or higher intensity over a shorter duration) at the end of production (EOP) may differentially affect plant growth and the accumulation of beneficial phytochemicals. Two red lettuce cultivars, 'Rouxai' and 'Red Salad Bowl', were grown under six light treatments: 1). white light applied at 180 µmol m−2 s−1 for 16 h/day throughout production (W 180 ; control), 2–5). EOP supplemental blue light applied during the last seven days of production at 45 µmol m−2 s−1 for 24 h/day (EOP B 45), 67.5 µmol m−2 s−1 for 16 h/day (EOP B 67.5), 135 µmol m−2 s−1 for 8-h/day (EOP B 135), or 270 µmol m−2 s−1 for 4 h/day (EOP B 270), and 6). higher-intensity white light applied at 247.5 µmol m−2 s−1 for 16-h/day throughout production (W 247.5). The EOP supplemental blue light treatments significantly enhanced anthocyanins production in both lettuce cultivars compared to both the control and the W 247.5 treatments, with the highest anthocyanins content under intermediate supplemental blue light intensities and application durations (i.e., EOP B 67.5 and B 135). The extraction-based anthocyanin index in the EOP B 67.5 and B 135 treatments increased by 161–168 % in 'Rouxai' and by 180–181 % in 'Red Salad Bowl', compared to the control. However, a significant increase in total vitamin C level (by 47.2 %) was only found in 'Rouxai' receiving the B 45 treatment compared to the control. Plant yield also differed among the EOP blue light treatments, with B 45 resulting in the highest leaf area and fresh/dry biomass in both lettuce cultivars, comparable to those in W 247.5. Interestingly, EOP B 67.5 and B 135 treatments led to the lowest yield among the four blue light treatments in both cultivars, likely due to reduced leaf expansion and possibly lower photosynthetic light use efficiency because of high anthocyanins accumulation. Our results indicate that, given the same amount of EOP supplemental blue light, plant growth, and quality could be more effectively promoted by controlling the blue light intensity and application duration. Adequate intensity and application duration of supplemental blue light are both required for optimal anthocyanin production in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pre-harvest short-term continuous lighting (CL) of 150 μmol m−2 s−1 and 2 days is an economical and effective supplementary lighting condition for improving the nutritional and flavor quality of lettuce. • Pre-harvest short-term CL improves the nutritional quality by promoting anthocyanin and ascorbic acid accumulation and reducing nitrate content in lettuce. • Pre-harvest short-term CL improves the flavor of lettuce by increasing the soluble sugar content and decreasing the content of lactucin and lactucopicrin. Enhancing nutritional and flavor quality has always been a pursuit of growers in the hydroponic production of lettuce in plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs). While continuous lighting (CL) is a unique lighting mode that promotes plant yield and quality by eliminating the in-darkness period and prolonging the photosynthetic duration of plants, the specific method of CL that takes into account energy conservation is still unclear. In this study, the purple-leaf lettuce variety, 'Zixiangye', was used to investigate the effects of continuous LED lighting with different intensities and durations before harvest on the plant growth and quality of hydroponic lettuce. The results show that pre-harvest short-term CL with LED exerted a positive influence on the dry matter, as well as the nutritional and flavor quality of hydroponic purple-leaf lettuce. CL with increased light intensities (50,100,150 μmol m −2 s−1) and durations (2 days and 4 days) improved the levels of carotenoids, ascorbic acid (AsA), and anthocyanin, accompanied by a decrease in the content of nitrate, where CL of 150 μmol m−2 s−1 and 2 days is a better supplemental light condition in the study. Furthermore, 150 μmol m−2 s−1 CL gradually improved the nutritional and flavor quality of lettuce within 48 h, by promoting the accumulation of soluble sugar content and decreasing the content of lettuce bitterness, lactucin, and lactucopicrin. In summary, the utilization of pre-harvest short-term continuous LED lighting could improve the nutritional and flavor quality of hydroponic purple-leaf lettuce in PFALs. Our study proposes a light-environment strategy that uses pre-harvest short-term CL to enhance the nutritional quality and flavor of lettuce, which provides theoretical and technical guidance for the energy-efficient production of lettuce in PFALs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pectin coatings enriched with WLE improved strawberry shelf-life. • WLE significantly reduced strawberry weight loss during storage. • Pectin-based coatings effectively preserved strawberries' bioactive compounds. Fruits that are characterized by their fragile architecture are less durable and are a major source of waste. Thus, research on increasing the durability of such foods remains relevant. Pectin is an inexpensive and edible coating material derived from natural resources that can be used to preserve strawberries. The aim of the current research was to fortify pectin with grape pomace extract (GPE) and wine lees extract (WLE) that are rich in bioactive components. Physicochemical, microbiological and functional properties of coated and uncoated strawberries were investigated during the storage period (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20th day). GPE and WLE-supported pectin coatings helped preserve the antioxidant capacity, phenolic, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents of strawberries. Coated samples WLE-enriched exhibited significantly less weight loss compared to other samples. WLE coating was effective in inhibiting yeast mould populations on strawberries. WLE-enriched coatings acted as a wall material to preserve bioactive components and delayed quality changes compared to GPE, allowing them to reach a storage period of 20 days at 4 °C. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anthracnose and crown rot are economically devastating postharvest diseases in banana. • Greener chemicals were identified for better postharvest handling of banana. • 61 bacterial and 9 fungal isolates were screened. • Trichoderma asperellum (prr2) suppressed postharvest disease in dual antagonistic assay. • T. asperellum (prr2) showed shelf life of 65 days under 13.5°C with better firmness. Postharvest diseases viz., anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae and crown rot caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae severely impacts the banana trade and quality. The study aims to identify and develop biological control methods for the effective management of postharvest diseases and extending the shelf-life of banana. A total of 70 microbial (Sixty-one bacterial and nine fungal) isolates were evaluated under in-vitro against the pathogens. Among these, four out of 61 bacterial and two out of nine fungal isolates have recorded >50% inhibition of both C. musae and L. theobromae pathogens. Further, evaluation of these six microbes under in-vivo conditions (ambient temperature (28°C ±2°C) and cold storage (13.5°C)) revealed that only Trichoderma asperellum (prr2) completely suppressed the emergence of postharvest diseases and also significantly extended the shelf-life of banana compared to the conventional (Carbendazim at 500 ppm) process and control (without any treatment). Further to elucidate, the biocontrol T. asperellum (prr2) was compared with other existing postharvest treatments to study the influence on managing postharvest diseases and physico-chemical properties of banana. The results indicated that biocontrol agents expressed higher efficiency in controlling the emergence of anthracnose and crown rot diseases. Besides, physiological loss in weight increased drastically with the control whereas the application of Trichoderma asperellum (prr2) resulted lesser loss in weight till 60 days of storage with better bio-chemical characteristics like TSS, total sugar and ascorbic acid content. Considering the search for greener methods, the biocontrol agent T. asperellum (prr2) could be used as an effective substitute to chemicals for the management of postharvest diseases and extension of shelf-life of banana fruits in domestic and export trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CuSO 4 stress impacts spinach growth and physiology dose-dependently. • Biochemical shifts and hormonal regulation under CuSO 4 stress are elucidated. • Antioxidant response mechanisms are vital for CuSO 4 -induced stress mitigation. • Peak metabolic responses detected at elevated concentration of CuSO4 exposure. • Our findings emphasize the need for careful CuSO 4 management in agriculture. Copper sulfate (CuSO 4) stress profoundly affects plant growth by interfering with key metabolic pathways. This disruption leads to significant alterations in various physiological parameters, ultimately impacting the overall health and productivity of the plant. This study assessed the impact of CuSO 4 stress on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) through a pot experiment using CuSO 4 concentrations of 0, 75, 125, and 175 ppm. We noticed that at 75 ppm, CuSO4 improved plant height and the concentration of soluble sugar and ascorbic acid compared to the control. Additionally, amino acid, phenol, proline, fresh weight, and moisture content peaked at 175 ppm. Conversely, at 125 and 175 ppm, plant height, dry weight, leaf area, and concentrations of ascorbic acid and sugar significantly decreased. Moreover, at 175 ppm, there were substantial decreases in chlorophyll a (14.8%), chlorophyll b (73.6%), carotenoids (15%), and photosynthetic rates compared to the control. However, the chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b ratio increased by 29.53% at 175 ppm. In addition, protein and phenol contents diminished at 75 and 125 ppm. Elevated CuSO 4 levels increased non-protein thiol levels while reducing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase. Stress hormones such as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene increased with CuSO 4 stress, whereas growth hormones indol-acetic acid and gibberellic acid declined. This study demonstrates that spinach shows improved growth and metabolic function at 75 ppm CuSO 4 , indicating tolerance to mild stress. However, higher CuSO 4 concentrations (125 and 175 ppm) significantly reduce growth parameters, chlorophyll content, and enzyme activities, highlighting the need for careful CuSO 4 management in agriculture to avoid adverse effects on plant health and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Citral enhances quality of fresh Gastrodia elata. • Citral inhibited the activity and maintained high enzymatic activities degradation of cell wall-degrading enzymes. • Citral activated the phenylpropane metabolic pathway. • Citral treatment showed great potential to delay soften and senescence in post-harvest Gastrodia elata. Gastrodia elata is a valuable medicinal plant. However, it has a short shelf life, which is the main factor that limits its storage and transportation. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of citral on the interactions between quality, cell wall metabolism, and the phenylpropanoid pathway of G.elata during storage at a low temperature(4 ± 1 °C). The results showed that citral treatment maintained the hardness, titratable acid, soluble solids, soluble proteins, and vitamin C of G.elata and inhibited the increase in the decay index, weight loss, malondialdehyde, and relative conductivity. Citral treatment retained higher levels of protopectin, cellulose, and starch which was achieved by inhibiting the activities of cell wall degradation-related enzymes, including cellulase, amylase, α-amylase, pectinase, β -glucosidase, β -galactosidase, and α-l-arabinofuranosidase, and reduced soluble pectin content, thereby maintaining the cell wall structure of G.elata. In addition, citral application enhanced the enzymatic activities of phenylalanine-ammonia-lyase, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase, cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase, and cinnamaldehyde dehydrogenase and improved lignin, total phenolic and flavonoid content in G.elata. Collectively, these findings suggest that citral can retard senescence softening and maintain the quality of G.elata by modulating the cell wall metabolism and phenylpropanoid pathway at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Blackberries physicochemical quality was not affected by ozone treatments. • Gaseous ozone treatment enhanced blackberries firmness during storage. • The best sensory quality during cold storage was obtained in the O 3 -treated fruit. • Low gaseous ozone doses promoted bioactive compounds synthesis in blackberries. • The exposure to 0.7 µL l -1 ozone enhanced the antioxidant activity in blackberries. Andean blackberries are appreciated for their unique flavor, high nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties. In this study, the effectiveness of low doses (0.4; 0.5; 0.6 and 0.7 µL l -1 for 3 min) of gaseous ozone as an elicitor for health-promoting compounds was evaluated during 10 d of storage at 6 ± 1 °C. The physicochemical and sensory quality of the fruit was also determined. Ozone was used in a single application before storage. Initially, regardless of the dose applied, no negative effects of the O 3 treatments were observed in any of the parameters studied. In addition, the firmness, the antioxidant activity and the fructose, vitamin C and polyphenols contents were higher in the O 3 -treated fruit compared to the control. During storage, these differences were maintained except for the 0.7 µL l -1 dose. This indicates that low concentrations of gaseous O 3 could promote the synthesis of biocompounds and be effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of blackberries for at least 4 days of refrigerated storage. However, more research is needed to maintain these advantages during longer storage periods. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supplement plant cuticle applications were effective to reduce sunburn in pears. • Pear fruits with Parka® treatments had higher ascorbic acid than sunny pears. • Shaded and Parka®-treated pears showed higher chlorophyll content than sunny pears. Some natural products strengthening plant cuticles have proven effective against environmental stressors causing fruit damage. This study aimed to evaluate sunburn damage incidence and fruit quality of 'Beurré D´Anjou' pears in different canopy positions (Sun or Shadow) or applied with Parka®, a blend of food-grade phospholipids. The study was conducted over two seasons in an experimental plot located at INTA experimental station in Río Negro, Argentina. Sun damage was visually determined at harvest. Firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and starch degradation were also measured at harvest. Ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, polyphenols content, antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were determined in fruit peel. Parka® applications significantly reduced sunburn damage in pears. Higher ascorbic acid and chlorophyll contents were observed in 'Beurré D´Anjou' fruit peel treated with Parka®. Main changes in fruit quality with Parka® applications were also influenced by environmental conditions during both growing seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two hydroponic system designs were set up to compare growth, nutrients and water uptake patterns, yield and quality of lettuce during fall and summer growing conditions. • DWC system had better water quality properties than NFT to support lettuce with better photosynthetic rates, growth rate and fresh yield in fall. • NFT grown lettuce had significantly lower shoot calcium and magnesium concentrations than DWC in both fall and summer seasons. • NFT grown lettuce had greater yield, but more severe tip burn symptom than DWC in summer. • DWC grown lettuce had higher antioxidant concentrations (vitamin C, total carotenoids, non-acidified phenols and total chlorophyll) than NFT. Two hydroponic system designs (nutrient film technique: NFT, and deep water culture: DWC) were set up in a climate-controlled greenhouse to compare growth, nutrients and water uptake patterns, yield and quality of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. Butterhead) during fall (October through November) and summer (July-August) growing conditions. The research was conducted with four system replicates for each hydroponic design and each system contained nine lettuce plants. Plant photosynthetic properties, growth parameters, and irrigation solution nutrient concentrations were measured weekly. At the end of the production cycle, plants were harvested for leaf area, fresh and dry yield of shoots and roots, nutritional and phytochemical concentrations. In the study, DWC system had better water quality properties than NFT including less seasonal water temperature fluctuation, which supported lettuce with better photosynthetic rates, growth rate and fresh yield in fall. Tipburn symptoms were only observed in summer, and NFT grown lettuce had significantly lower shoot calcium and magnesium concentrations than DWC in both fall and summer seasons, which led to more severe tip burn symptom in summer. In addition, better water quality in DWC also benefited lettuce with higher antioxidant concentrations than NFT, which included 9.4 % higher vitamin C in fall, 34.6 % higher total carotenoids in fall, 40.6 % higher non-acidified phenols in fall, as well as 12.9 % higher total chlorophyll in summer. Although there were marginal differences in fresh yield, most types of mineral nutrients and antioxidants between DWC and NFT, DWC performed better than NFT with less tipburn in summer as well as increased yield, total carotenoids, vitamin C and non-acidified phenols in fall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The influence of pulsed light on composition and microbiology was assessed. • PL upto 12 J/cm2 resulted in increase in bioactive compound composition. • PL of total fluence 24 J/cm2 led to damage of root system. • Properly selected PL resulted in microflora reduction in alfalfa sprouts. The possibility of using pulsed light (PL) pre-harvest during the cultivation of alfalfa sprouts to reduce microflora and simultaneously enhance the bioactive concentration was presented. Different fluences were compared, and the effect of PL direction on sprout quality was determined. PL application up to 12 J/cm2 per day resulted in an increased accumulation of bioactive components (vitamin C, proteins, chlorophyll, and carotenoids), in response to the stress resulting from PL emission. More interestingly, the direction of incidence was found important, with different trends observed for different bioactive components depending on whether only leaves were illuminated, or both leaves and roots were illuminated. Pulsed light directed solely towards the cotyledons (24 J/cm2) reduced the level of total microbial counts by about 0.7 log cfu/ml, and yeast and mold counts by about 1 log cfu/ml. It was found that an excessive amount of PL directed towards the roots might damage the root system, which promotes the growth of bacteria and will lower increases in the accumulation of chlorophylls, carotenoids, vitamin C, and proteins. The work will guide the development of photo-energized cultivation chambers for the production of agricultural and food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dry weight of komatsuna roots increased significantly under near-infrared irradiation at 940 nm. • Specific wavelengths enhanced K, Mg, Ca, and vitamins in leaves and stems. • Except for boron, the trends in the increase in ion content in roots and leaves and stems due to irradiation at specific wavelengths were consistent. • Roots showed a photoreceptor mechanism, shifting focus from above-ground parts. • Wavelengths affected nutrient contents, unveiling nuanced responses in plant growth. Generally, plants grow without light exposure to their roots. Although the effects of light intensity and irradiation at different wavelengths on plant growth and composition in leaves and stems are becoming clearer, the effects of wavelength irradiation on roots remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this study, the effects of root irradiation with seven light wavelengths on the growth and ion and vitamin contents in hydroponically-grown komatsuna (Brassica napus) were investigated. Compared to the control treatment, the 940-nm treatment significantly increased root dry matter weight, whereas the other treatments exhibited no effect on leaves, stems, or roots. At specific irradiation wavelengths, the ion content of potassium, magnesium, calcium, boron, manganese, and zinc in the leaves and stems increased significantly compared to that in the control. The changes in ion contents in the leaves and stems were consistent with those in the roots, except for boron. Furthermore, regarding vitamins, the contents of nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, ascorbic acid, and phylloquinone in the leaves and stems increased significantly under irradiation compared with the control. Trends in the respective vitamin contents in leaves and stems did not coincide with those in roots. In some cases, irradiation significantly decreased the ion and vitamin contents compared to the control. These results indicate that a photoreceptor mechanism exists in roots, leaves, and stems and that irradiation of roots at different wavelengths affects the growth and nutrient content of komatsuna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sweet potatoes were assessed using correlations, PCA, clustering, and heatmap. • The Sweet potato genotypes grouped into four clusters. • H5.ej.10 and Moz1.15 exhibited the highest beta-carotene and storage root yield. • BARI Mistialu-12 and H9.7.12 were found to best performers based on MGIDI Index. • Findings significantly assist in shaping future breeding and cultivation strategies. Improving sweet potato traits and genotype selection based on specific traits of interest is crucial to motivate farmers and rural households to enhance their livelihoods by increasing income and improving nutritional intake. This research offers a thorough analysis of genotype selection guidelines considering multiple traits of sweet potatoes, including vine length (VL), average root length (ARL), average root diameter (ARD), marketable storage root number (MRN), marketable storage root yield (MRY), non-marketable root number (NMRN), non-marketable root weight (NMRW), dry weight of root (DW), beta-carotene content (BC), vitamin C content (VC), starch content (ST), total sugar content (TS), total soluble solid (TSS), and titratable acidity (ACD). The findings showed that the genotype Moz1.15 achieved the highest MRY at 46.46 t/ha, H5.ej.10 displayed the top BC level at 48.94 mg/100 g, and Moz1.9 had the highest VC (23.89 mg/100 g). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between VL and DW, TSS, ST, TS, and VC. Additionally, ARL, ARD, and MRN showed significant positive correlations with MRY. The principal component analysis (PCA) biplot further confirmed how traits were connected with each other. There were four separate clusters of genotypes found, each having its specific significant trait representation. The distance between these clusters ranged from 21.79 to 54.13, while within each cluster, the distances varied from 0 to 17.45. The factor analysis using the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) showed that sweet potato traits played a substantial role in three distinct factors during both growing seasons (2020-21 and 2021-22). This allowed for the selection of genotypes capable of achieving favorable genetic gains ranging from 1.86% to 75.4%, alongside a broad-sense heritability (h2 b) spanning from 64.9% to 99.8%. Through the application of the MGIDI index, a number of potential genotypes were identified, among which BARI Mistialu-12 and H9.7.12 stood out as consistently chosen across both years. These promising genotypes exhibited high performance while displaying their strengths and weaknesses in terms of their contributions to the identified factors. This thorough research offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between different traits in sweet potatoes and how genotype selection based on a multi-trait index can significantly assist in shaping upcoming breeding and cultivation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Broccoli microgreens are recognized as superfoods due to their high levels of bioactive compounds. • The study aimed to enhance the postharvest quality, shelf life, and safety of broccoli microgreens. • The microgreens treated with organic acid + MAP showed high consumer acceptability. Microgreens are categorized in the class of 'super foods' due to their high content of phytochemical and bioactive compounds. Rapid senescence and short life span are the restrictive parameters for the industrial production and marketing of these immature greens. Hence, there is a need to improve the production and storage conditions of microgreens to magnify postharvest quality, life span, and safety of microgreens, thereby emerging markets. To prolong their shelf life, effect of different postharvest treatments (MAP (modified Atmospheric Packaging) and GRAS chemical treatments) and storage temperature on physiological, nutritional and shelf life of broccoli (Brassica oleracea) microgreens studied. The effect of ascorbic acid + citric acid (0.25 % w/v each) along with MAP conditions (15 % CO 2 + 5 % O 2 + balanced N 2) stored at 5 °C was used for post-harvest quality evaluation of broccoli microgreens. Microgreens treated with an organic acid in high CO 2 conditions retained significantly (p < 0.05) higher bioactive compounds in terms of total phenols (1247.68 mg GAE/100 g FW), flavonoids (56.9 mg QE/100 g FW), and chlorophyll (42.12 mg/100 g FW) with better antioxidant activity (44.78 % inhibition). In addition, MAP conditions in the package significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the weight loss that helped to retain better firmness. The combined effect of organic acids and MAP conditions significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the microbial load with better color quality and higher overall acceptability. The results indicate that post-harvest treatment of ascorbic acid + citric acid along with MAP conditions could be the practical approach to enhance the shelf life of microgreens up to 12 days while maintaining the nutritional quality, to provide avenues for better marketability and commercial gains. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microbiological biopreparations improved strawberry fruit quality. • Biopreparations delayed the ripening of strawberries. • Increase in SSC, anthocyanin and vitamin C treated with biostimulants. • Lower number of fungal and bacterial microorganisms for fruits treated with biostimulants. • K6 formulation was the most effective in maintaining post-harvest quality of strawberries. Strawberries, as non-climacteric fruits, undergo unfavourable changes after harvest such as cell damage, softening and a loss in fruit quality. One of the methods of maintaining high-quality fruit is using ecological preparations defined as biostimulants, which also eliminate the usage of pesticides and support a sustainable agriculture approach. The effectiveness of microbial preparations used as biostimulants was studied in our experiment. The use of preparations containing Bacillus subtilis and Paenibacillus polymyxa strains and bioactive substances (K4, K5 and K6) delayed the ripening processes of the Honeoye and Rumba strawberry, which resulted in a brighter colour of the skin as compared to the control (K1 I, K1 II). After applying the biopreparations, the taste was improved and the nutritional value of the strawberries increased. An average of a 14 % increase in the soluble solid content (SSC) content was observed for Honeoye strawberries treated with K4 and K6 and also the Vibrant variety treated with K6, compared to the control samples (K1 I, K1 II). The antioxidant capacity, which was determined in terms of the DPPH level in the three cultivars of the strawberries (Honeoye, Rumba and Vibrant) treated with the tested preparations, was similar and ranged between 83 and 90 %. The greatest differences in the content of antioxidants were found for anthocyanins, whose content increased by an average of 27 % in the Vibrant (K5, K6) and Rumba (K3, K5, K6) strawberries. Together, these results show that the selected preparations improve the quality of strawberries of the Honeoye, Vibrant and Rumba varieties. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We first identified the APX gene family members in eggplant genome. • We first explored the transcript expression profiles of APX genes in eggplant leaves treated with high temperature stress and ABA. • We demonstrated that SmAPX2 acts as a positive regulator in eggplant response to high temperature stress. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) plays pivotal roles in regulating diverse biological processes in plants against biotic and abiotic stresses by eliminating hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). However, the function and information of APX gene family members in eggplant's response to high temperature stress remain largely unclear. Herein, we have identified nine APXs in the eggplant genome (SmAPXs), which were classified into three clades and the members of each clade exhibited similar gene structures and motifs. SmAPXs were distributed on seven chromosomes and contained phytohormone responsiveness-, defense and stress-related, and transcription factors binding cis -elements within their promoters. Transcript expressions of some SmAPXs , especially SmAPX2 that localize in cytomembrane and cytoplasm, were up-regulated by high temperature and ABA treatment. SmAPX2 exhibits APX enzyme activity, which enables to catalyze oxidation of ascorbic acid by H 2 O 2 in vitro and alleviate the H 2 O 2 accumulation under high temperature stress by SmAPX2 transient expression in vivo. SmAPX2 silencing decreased eggplant's tolerance to high temperature stress, accompanied by transcript expression down-regulation of high temperature defense-related and ABA-response-related genes, reduction of APX enzyme activity, and increase of H 2 O 2 content. These data provide comprehensive overview of SmAPX gene family, and indicate that SmAPX2 positively functions in eggplant response to high temperature stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Application of moringa leaf extract (MLE) reduced the harmful effects of salt stress on lettuce plants. • Lettuce plants grown from seeds treated with 5 % MLE and sprayed with 10 % MLE showed tolerance to salt stress. • Salt-stressed lettuce plants treated with MLE showed high antioxidant activity including ascorbic acid, CAT, and APX. • In MLE-treated lettuce, chlorophyll, nutrients, and relative water content increased, while electrolyte leakage and sodium content decreased. • Lettuce plants treated with MLE showed higher yield and lower nitrate concentration. The use of large amounts of synthetic chemicals in plant cultivation harms the environment and reduces food quality. Therefore, natural alternatives should be used to protect the environment, increase food quality, and decrease food contamination. This study investigated the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) as a plant stimulator to enhance growth, yield, and quality of lettuce grown in a saline environment. To examine the effect of application method and extract concentration, this experiment included three levels of seed priming (0, 5 %, and 10 % MLE) and three levels of foliar spray (0, 5 %, and 10 % MLE). MLE application, either by seed priming or foliar spraying, reduced the adverse effects of salt stress and increased lettuce growth, yield, and quality. However, the combined treatment of 5 % seed soaking and 10 % foliar spray showed the best results in increasing antioxidant levels (catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and ascorbic acid), relative water content (RWC %), nutrient concentration (N, P, and K), and chlorophyll content, and maintaining membrane integrity by reducing electrolyte leakage (EL %) and sodium accumulation, leading to improved yield parameters (head diameter, head weight, and total yield), and increasing lettuce head quality by reducing nitrate concentration. The results suggest that MLE (5 % seed soaking and 10 % foliar spray) is a practical, effective, and inexpensive approach to alleviate salt stress and improve lettuce yield and quality under saline conditions. However, despite the observed positive effects, further studies are needed to understand the factors determining the response of plants to MLE application. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Triacontanol mitigating the adverse effects of salinity stress. • Triacontanol mitigating oxidative stress. • Triacontanol promotes essential elements uptake and limits harmful ions accumulation. • Triacontanol application improves leaf water relations. Salt stress is a significant factor that leads to various detrimental effects on pomegranate trees. This study was undertaken with the primary objective of developing a treatment strategy aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of salinity in fields, and its negative reflections on the post-harvest quality of pomegranate fruit. At the commencement of the study, we utilized response surface methodology (RSM) to assess a range of triacontanol (TRA) concentrations along with different spray frequencies. Our investigation revealed that applying 10 and 20 µM TRA three times proved to be the most effective treatments. Accordingly, the effect of these concentrations was studied in depth. The treatment with TRA at concentrations of 10 and 20 µM demonstrated significant positive effects. TRA effectively mitigated the harmful impacts of salinity, preserved the plant's nutrient and antioxidant content, and led to an increase in productivity. Moreover, TRA treatments had a notable effect on enhancing post-harvest storability of fruits during storage at 5 ̊C and 90 % RH for 12 weeks. TRA treatments resulted in higher concentrations of mineral nutrients (N, P, K, and Ca), porphyrin concentration, relative water contents, activities of CAT, POD, and SOD, glycine betaine, proline, amino acids, total phenolics, and total carbohydrates, additionally, TRA treatments led to increased fruit weight and fruit yield compared to the control group. Moreover, TRA treatments attained lower hydrogen peroxide, membrane permeability, malondialdehyde, Na, and Cl compared with control. Indeed, the positive effects of TRA treatments extended to fruit storability. TRA treatments resulted in a notable decrease in the percentage of decay, weight loss, and softness. Furthermore, TRA treatments demonstrated efficacy in preserving TSS, husk color, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin content in the arils. These combined benefits highlight the potential of using TRA as a practical and effective method to alleviate salt stress and enhance pomegranate fruit storability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Melatonin treatment mitigated chilling injury in pear fruit. • Melatonin increased the accumulation of proline and GABA in pear fruit. • Melatonin immersion upgraded the metabolic level of ascorbic acid. • Melatonin application enhanced the sucrose content in pear fruit. Chilling injury manifesting as internal browning is an irreversible physiological disorder in cold-stored 'Yali' pear fruit, which seriously restricts postharvest handling and commercialization of pear fruit. This study investigated the impact of melatonin (MN) treatment on chilling injury and the metabolism of sugars, ascorbic acid (AsA), proline, and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during chilling injury development in 'Yali' pears. The findings revealed that MN-treated pear fruit exhibited considerably improved tolerance to chilling stress compared with untreated control fruit. MN application augmented proline accumulation, likely owing to increased activities and transcriptional concentrations of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase and ornithine-δ-aminotransferase as well as diminished activity and transcriptional level of proline dehydrogenase. MN immersion increased enzyme activities and gene expression related to the GABA shunt pathway, leading to increased GABA concentrations in cold-stored pear fruit. Furthermore, MN treatment elevated AsA concentrations in the fruit, exerting protective effects against cell membrane damage and mitigating oxidative stress damage caused by chilling. Compared with the control group, MN-treated fruit exhibited reduced neutral invertase enzyme activity and gene expression. Additionally, MN treatment increased both sucrose-phosphate synthase and sucrose synthase activities and gene expression in pear fruit. These observations indicated that the enhanced chilling tolerance of 'Yali' pear fruit following MN treatment may be associated with the regulation of proline, GABA, AsA, and soluble sugars metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seaweed extracts used, regardless of its type, had a positive effect on 'Golden Delicious' apple orchard. • Seaweed extract increased the yield of 'Golden Delicious' apples. • Seaweed increased fruit characteristics such as vitamin C, total phenol, and protein, thus increasing the nutritional value of apple fruit cv. 'Golden Delicious'. • With the consumption of seaweed extract, the concentrations of nitrogen, iron, phosphorus, chlorophyll, antioxidant enzymes, and the relative water content of leaves increased; therefore, this treatment can be effective in improving photosynthesis. Apple is one of the most important horticultural products, and the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar application of seaweed extract on the yield, physiological traits, and concentrations of some elements in apple cv. 'Golden Delicious'. The experiment was performed as a randomized complete block design with 5 replications in an orchard of Semirom. Treatments were included 2 extracts of seaweed Seafer-100 (800 and 1,200 mL/1000 L) and Macys BC28 (2,000 and 2,500 mL/1000 L) as well as control (spraying distilled water). In this study, we measured traits including yield characteristics (yield/tree and hectare, fruit weight, firmness, and diameter), physiological traits (titratable acidity, soluble solids content, ascorbic acid, proline, phenol, soluble sugars concentration, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, peroxidases, ascorbate peroxidases, catalases, proteins, and relative leaf-water content), and elements (N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Mg, and Cu). The general results showed that the application of seaweed extract lead to a significant increase in most of the studied traits compared to the non-application of this treatment. This means that by increasing the concentration of both seaweed extracts, yield characteristics, most of the physiological traits, and some elements increased significantly. After the use of seaweed extract, the concentration of N, Fe, and P, chlorophyll a and b, relative water content, fruit size, and yield increased. In general, the use of seaweed extract improved the fruit quantity and quality of this important product. Therefore, it is recommended to use seaweed extract in 'Golden Delicious' apple orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 31 aquatic yeast strains showed significantly different antagonistic ability against gray mold. • Volatile and non-volatile metabolite or site exclusion used to control gray mold. • Yarrowia lipolytica and Debaryomyces hansenii mainly used non-volatile and volatile metabolites to control gray mold respectively. • Y. lipolytica and D. hansenii reduced the microbial load and decay of strawberry. • Isolated yeasts increased the postharvest life of strawberry fruit at 4 and 20°C. Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is susceptible to postharvest decay, and thus its storage and shelf life are limited. Thirty-one aquatic yeasts isolated from different regions were tested by the dual culture method to assess their potential to control gray mold of strawberry fruit, and the two yeasts with the highest inhibitory effect (58 and 72% at 2 d) were selected. In the volatile metabolites test, yeasts grown for 48 h were more effective than 24 h-yeasts. Growth of Botrytis cinerea was 13, 51 and 53 mm in the MMW8 isolate, the MBC25 isolate and the control, respectively, at 5 days. In the non-volatile metabolites test, the MBC25 isolate was more effective than the MMW8 isolate. Using biochemical and molecular methods, the MBC25 isolate was identified as Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. l) and MMW8 as Debromayses hansenii (D. h). Yeast suspensions (10 6 CFU/mL) were sprayed on strawberry fruit, and the fruit were stored at 4 and 20°C. D. h had stronger establishment on the fruit surface (3.9 and 4.2 Log CFU/g at 4 and 20°C, respectively) compared with Y. l , although both yeasts did control gray mold disease in vivo. D.h and Y.l suppressed total yeasts and molds, and the populations of aerobic mesophilic bacteria were lower in both than in the control. The decay index in fruit treated with D.h. and Y.l. was lower compared to the control group. At 4 and 20°C storage, the decay index was 0.05 (at 20 days) and 0.4 (at 6 days), respectively, for fruit treated with D.h. and Y.l. , while it was twice as high in controls. Weight loss of treated fruit was lower than in controls after 4 d storage at 20°C (5 and 9%, respectively). Compared to untreated fruit, the treated fruit had less change in firmness, total soluble solids, TA, pH, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant capacity. Based on the findings, application of the selected yeasts as a biocontrol method has the potential to reduce strawberry postharvest losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AsA treatment reduces reactive oxygen species levels in fresh-cut potatoes. • AsA treatment inhibits SOD and POD activities and induces CAT activity. • AsA treatment decreases the expressions of suberization-associated StPOD genes. • AsA treatment enhances the metabolic activity of the ASA-GSH cycle. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of ascorbic acid (AsA) treatment on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle during wound healing of fresh-cut potatoes (FCPes). AsA treatment at two concentrations (5 and 10 g L−1) was used to measure changes in H 2 O 2 and O 2 .− contents, antioxidant enzymes of SOD, POD, and CAT activities, StPOD- related genes expression levels, and the AsA-GSH cycle metabolism activity. The results showed that AsA treatment could reduce the contents of H 2 O 2 and O 2 .−, downregulate the expressions of suberization-associated StPOD genes, decrease the activities of SOD, POD, MDHAR, and DHAR, induce the activities of CAT, APX, GR, and GPX, as well as maintain high levels of AsA and GSH and AsA/(AsA + DHA) and GSH/(GSH + GSSG) ratios. In summary, exogenous AsA treatment delayed the wound-healing process and maintained the quality of FCPes by reducing ROS production, inducing antioxidant enzyme activities, and enhancing the AsA-GSH cycle metabolism activity, thus improving the overall antioxidant capacity and balancing the generation of ROS and the antioxidant defense system. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects of cinnamon extract and Ɛ-polylysine on microorganisms and storage quality of fresh Brassica rapa L. (Chinensis Group) were investigated. • Cinnamon extract combined with Ɛ-polylysine was superior to cinnamon extract or Ɛ-polylysine treatment alone in microbiological and physico-chemical properties. • Cinnamon extract combined with Ɛ-polylysine reduced the weight loss and total color difference, as well as significantly inhibited the growth of microorganisms. • Cinnamon extract combined with Ɛ-polylysine declined polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, maintained the higher level of ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and total phenolic content. • Cinnamon extract combined with Ɛ-polylysine treatment could be an effective preservation technique for fresh Brassica rapa L. (Chinensis Group). The effects of cinnamon extract and Ɛ-polylysine on microorganisms and storage quality of fresh Brassica rapa L. (Chinensis Group) stored at 4 °C for 12 d were investigated. The results showed that 0.062% cinnamon extract combined with 0.057% Ɛ-polylysine was superior to 0.062% cinnamon extract or 0.057% Ɛ-polylysine treatment alone in microbiological and physico-chemical properties. Cinnamon extract combined with Ɛ-polylysine reduced the weight loss and total color difference, declined polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, maintained the higher level of ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and total phenolic content, as well as significantly inhibited the growth of microorganisms during storage compared to any single-factor. Therefore, cinnamon extract combined with Ɛ-polylysine treatment could be an effective preservation technique for fresh Brassica rapa L. (Chinensis Group). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phenyllactic acid was conducive to maintain the storage quality of winter jujubes. • Phenyllactic acid retarded chlorophyll degradation of winter jujubes. • Phenyllactic acid enhanced ascorbic acid metabolism of winter jujubes. Quality deterioration is the main factor that causes economic losses of winter jujube fruit during logistics. Winter jujube fruit was applied as the material to study the impacts of phenyllactic acid (PLA) dipping on postharvest quality and ascorbic acid (AsA) metabolism during storage at ambient conditions. Results demonstrated that PLA dipping effectively postponed the decline in soluble sugar and chlorophyll contents, as well as the increase of weight loss. Additionally, it significantly reduced malondialdehyde content and preserved the surface color of the fruit. PLA also enhanced the enzymatic activities and gene expressions of L-galactose-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase, L -galactose dehydrogenase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, and glutathione reductase in winter jujubes. Conversely, it led to a reduction in ascorbate oxidase activity. Moreover, PLA up-regulated the expressions of ZjGPI, ZjPMI1-like, ZjGMP , and ZjGGP1 involved in AsA synthesis, thereby enhancing the accumulation of AsA and glutathione. All these findings collectively suggest that PLA treatment has the potential to maintain higher quality of winter jujube fruit via stimulating AsA metabolism. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exogenous melatonin suppressed enzymatic activities linked to oxidative browning. • Melatonin down regulated expression of LcPPO, LcPOD and laccase genes. • Melatonin minimised the weight loss, decay, pericarp browning index and maintained biochemical attributes. Litchi fruit is valued for its characteristic flavor and attractive color. However, oxidative pericarp browning soon after harvest limits its shelf-life and availability. Melatonin has been reported to mitigate several abiotic stresses in plant and plant based products. In this investigation, the effects of postharvest application of melatonin (0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mM) on pericarp browning, shelf-life, and overall quality (weight and decay loss, TSS, ascorbic acid, total phenolic, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, browning enzymes) of litchi fruit were determined during ambient storage. Fruits underwent to 0.5 mM melatonin treatment recorded reduced activities of PPO and POD thereby resulting in delayed oxidative browning in pericarp. This was coupled with reduced weight loss with higher retention of antioxidant compounds and potential in treated fruits during storage. The gene expression analyses revealed that postharvest melatonin application down-regulated expression of genes such as LcPOD and LcPPO and up-regulated anthocyanin related genes, such as LcUFGT and LcDFR those were linked to pericarp browning. In sum, results showed that exogenous melatonin (0.5 mM) could effectively preserve the postharvest fruit quality of litchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• AEOW is an environmentally friendly and economical treatment for navel oranges. • AEOW reduced disease development and postharvest loss of navel oranges during storage. • AEOW retarded the quality deterioration of postharvest navel oranges. • AEOW retained higher rate of commercially acceptable fruit in harvested navel oranges. • AEOW retained higher nutritional ingredients in harvested navel oranges. Postharvest navel oranges are susceptible to fruit spoilage and quality deterioration, which restricts their storage-life and commercial values. Acidic electrolyzed-oxidizing water (AEOW) is a safe, economic and environmentally friendly postharvest treatment method that can maintain the quality of fresh products and prolong their storage life. Effects of AEOW with pH 2.5 and 75 mg/L of available chlorine concentration (ACC) on the storability and quality properties of 'Newhall' navel orange fruit during postharvest storage from 0 to 180 d were detected. Compared with the control group, AEOW-treated navel oranges displayed a lower respiration rate and cell membrane permeability, lower occurrence of fruit disease and weight loss, a higher commercially acceptable fruit rate, higher values of L *, b *, C as well as h° , and lower values of a * and citrus color index. Moreover, samples treated with AEOW were able to maintain higher contents of flesh carotenoid, flavonoid, and total phenolics. The AEOW treatment was conducive to maintaining higher fruit firmness and postponing the decomposition of flesh total soluble solids, total soluble sugar, sucrose sugar, reducing sugar, and vitamin C, and maintaining higher titratable acidity of navel oranges during storage. These findings corroborated that the AEOW treatment could be a means for maintaining quality attributes and improving the storability of navel oranges. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Preharvest MeJA and SA treatments improved secondary metabolites during storage. • Preharvest MeJA and SA treatments increased antioxidant activities during storage. • MeJA was more effective than SA in maintaining storage quality as judged by firmness. • Sensory qualities were not affected by preharvest MeJA and SA treatments. Recent studies claim that preharvest exogenous treatments with salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) mimic stress and enhance phytochemical compounds in different crops. In this study, antioxidant properties (total phenolics, flavonoids, vitamin C, lycopene, and β-carotene), antioxidant activities, free amino acid contents (mainly GABA), and storage qualities were investigated in preharvest MeJA- and SA-treated and the control fruit of 'Kumato' tomato during 24 d storage period at 12.5 °C, to examine whether MeJA and SA treatments affect storability and nutritional quality. The results showed that 0.5 mM SA and 0.25 mM MeJA maintained the firmness and TSS, and reduced weight loss and ethylene production of 'Kumato' tomato without affecting its color development. MeJA was more effective than SA in improving the contents of essential amino acids and maintaining the contents during the storage period. In contrast, SA was more effective than MeJA at enhancing the total amino acid content. However, there was no evident advantage of preharvest SA and MeJA treatment over the control regarding GABA content. The overall results of secondary metabolites suggest that the preharvest MeJA and SA treatments improve the biosynthesis of phytochemical compounds throughout the storage period. In addition, this study confirms the benefits of these treatments in increasing the antioxidant activities during the storage period without compromising sensory qualities. Based on the findings, preharvest MeJA and SA could be considered for commercial application to maintain the quality and antioxidant properties of tomatoes at harvest and during the storage period. However, further research is needed to explore the effects of these treatments on various tomato cultivars. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the quality of minimally processed mangoes irradiated with six different fluences (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.2, 5.7 and 7.2 × 104 J m−2) of nonthermal pulsed light (PL). On the 1st, 7th and 14th days of storage at 5 °C, the mango cubes were evaluated for several quality indicators and components of physical products, such as color (L * and b *), electrolyte leakage (EL), titratable acidity (TA), pH, soluble solids (SS), vitamin C, pectinamethylesterase and polygalacturonase activity, histological evaluations, antioxidant enzyme activities, and firmness severely. Independent dose fluency treatment, it was observed that PL did not change enzymatic antioxidant system and firmness of fresh-cut mango, keeping its cell wall integrity, which could be verified by optical microscopy. On the other hand, the intensity of the applied PL exhibited different effects for the postharvest quality maintenance of fresh cut mango, evidenced also by principal component analysis (PCA). The lower fluences of PL (1.5 and 3.0 × 104 J m−2) did not affect the color (L * and b *), membrane permeability (indicated by EL), vitamin C content and the SS/TA ratio, suggesting maintenance of the maturity of fresh-cut mango. Meanwhile, higher fluences (5.7 and 7.2 × 104 J m−2) promoted a slight loss in the vitamin C content. Some variables associated with color, such as b* and C, showed decreased values during refrigerated storage. These results suggest that the application of lower fluences of PL exhibited the best results for fresh-cut mango postharvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Garden rose petals have high antioxidant capacity, especially red-flowered cultivars. • Rose flowers are a source of vitamins C and B (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9). • Hydroxychloroquine was detected in plant material (rose petals). • Garden rose flowers are superb candidates for the food and nutraceutical industries. • Soluble oxalates are accumulated in petals at not health-threatening amounts. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of bioactive compounds in petals of 23 cultivars of garden roses. We found that flowers are a rich source of phenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, especially the cultivars with red petals. Chlorogenic acid content did not depend on the flower color. White cultivars as well as those with pale colors had highest level of hydroxychloroquine. Petals of all cultivars showed high content of vitamin C and low of vitamins B. Glutathione was detected at high levels in the majority of examined roses. Total antioxidant capacity was found to be very high and depended on the cultivar. For the first time the presence of hydroxychloroquine was detected in plant material. Soluble oxalates content was very low. High levels of phytochemicals in the rose flowers make them excellent candidates for the food and nutraceutical industry. Some cultivars i.e. 'Chorus', 'Abraham Darby', 'Graham Thomas', 'Mary Rose', 'Morning Jewel', 'Moje Hammarberg' are particularly rich sources of valuable bioactive ingredients such as phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three independent experiments on peach and nectarine cultivars and genotypes in Iran showed significant variations in growth, yield, and biochemical behaviors. • 'Henri' was found to have superior yield, tissue firmness, and total soluble solids. • Specific cultivars were found to have higher yield efficiency and nutrient levels compared to control cultivars, and the study recommends 'Flamino', 'Nectared', and 'Henri' as the best nectarine cultivars and 'Shasta', 'Sorkho-Sefid Mashhad', 'Suncrest', 'Fayette', and 'Shandabad-Hasteh-Joda' peaches as superior cultivars for specific locations. • These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars for optimal growth and yield and continued research in stone fruit breeding. Stone fruit breeders face a significant challenge in obtaining new and high-yielding cultivars, and utilizing unknown ones. Among stone fruit, peaches and nectarines are the most prominent fruits. To address this issue, three independent experiments were conducted on various peach and nectarine cultivars and genotypes at two locations in Iran during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed significant variations in growth, yield, and biochemical behaviors among the different genotypes and cultivars. 'Henri' was found to have superior yield, tissue firmness, and total soluble solids. Additionally, certain peach cultivars, such as 'Fayette', 'Sorkho-Sefid-Mashhad', and 'Shandabad', had higher yield efficiency than the control cultivar 'J.H. Hale'. Furthermore, 'PMsh-5′ had higher levels of ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity, and carotenoids. 'Haj-Kazemi' had the tallest average tree height, trunk diameter, and crown of the tree in Golmakan, while 'Anjiri-Zaferani' had the highest levels of total soluble solids, flavor index, and pH. Based on these findings, 'Flamino', 'Nectared', and 'Henri' are recommended as the best nectarine cultivars in Mashhad due to their high pomological and phenological traits. 'Shasta', 'Sorkho-Sefid Mashhad', and 'Suncrest', as well as 'Fayette' and 'Shandabad-Hasteh-Joda' peaches, are recommended as superior cultivars for Mashhad and Golmakan, respectively. This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate cultivars for optimal growth and yield and emphasizes the need for further research in stone fruit breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Eight cultivars belong to Prunus domestica L., P. insititia L. and Prunus × rossica Erem. were evaluated under Serbian conditions. • Twenty-four main agronomical and pomological traits were investigated. • Cultivar had the greatest influence on the tested traits, followed by year and interaction cultivar × years, respectively. • The best productivity had 'Metlaš', whereas superior fruit physico-chemical traits and antioxidant activity had 'Timočanka', 'Crvena Ranka' and 'Durancie'. • Multivariate analysis can be a very useful tool for segregating plum cultivars with the best yielding, fruit physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity. From 2017 to 2022, tree growth, yield components, fruit quality attributes and antioxidant capacity of autochthonous and rare plum cultivars of different genetic origin were investigated. The research was carried out in the environmental conditions of Serbia in orchard where intensive horticultural measures were applied. The results showed a wide variability of the examined parameters among cultivars and among plum types. The 'Olenka' plum had the most vigor trees, whereas 'Saint Julien' had dwarf trees. The Serbian autochthonous plums 'Metlaš' and 'Crvena Ranka' had the best yield components (Y, CY, YE). 'Timočanka' had the highest FW and fruit size, whereas 'Metlaš' and 'Saint Julien' had the weakest fruit physical characteristics. Unexpectedly, 'Saint Julien' had the highest content of soluble solids, both ripening and sweetness indexes and RS. The highest and similar content of TS was found in the fruits of 'Crvena Ranka', 'Timočanka' and 'Obilnaya'. 'Crvena Ranka' and 'Obilnaya' had the highest content of N-RS. The Czech autochthonous cultivars 'Durancie' and 'Chrudimská' had a similar and highest content of vitamin C, while the highest TPC and TFC were found in the fruits of 'Metlaš' and 'Olenka', respectively. The highest amount of anthocyanins had 'Obilnaya', whereas the lowest had 'Saint Julien'. Fruits of 'Durancie' had the highest TAC, followed by 'Timočanka' and 'Obilnaya', whereas fruits of 'Olenka' had the poorest antioxidant power. Considering their overall performances, evaluated plums can be grown in production orchards for different purposes or can be an alternative to the leading commercial cultivars in similar ecological conditions. Also, they can be used for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microbial inoculants in hydroponic lettuce and celery were performed. • Microbial inoculants improved the biomass, root activity and photosynthesis. • Microbial inoculants promoted the nutritional qualities of the two vegetables. Leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients such as vitamins and dietary fiber, which are essential to people's daily diet. Microbial inoculants play an important role in promoting plant growth and nutritional qualities. In this study, two combined microbial inoculants of Arthrobacter pascens BUAYN-122 and Bacillus subtilis BUABN-01 were applied in the hydroponic system for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and celery (Apium graveolens L.) cultivation. After harvesting, the agronomic characters, physicochemical properties and nutritional qualities of lettuce and celery were determined. The paper aimed to evaluate the application of the combined microbial inoculants on hydroponic cultivation of lettuce and celery. The results showed that the microbial inoculants significantly improved the aboveground fresh weight, underground fresh weight, root length, leaf length and leaf number of both lettuce and celery. The root dehydrogenase activity, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and total chlorophyll content of the two vegetables were significantly improved, indicating that the microbial inoculation can promote the root nutrient uptake and leaf photosynthesis. Furthermore, the microbial inoculants could significantly increase the total protein, vitamin C and total phenol contents of lettuce and celery, anthocyanin and total flavonoid contents of lettuce, and soluble sugar and total dietary fiber contents of celery. The results of this study confirmed that the application of microbial inoculants in hydroponics systems can promote the yield and the quality of lettuce and celery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• lower temperature (0 or 2 °C) retarded the development of pulp browning. • The storage life of peach fruit was longer at 0 or 2 °C than at 4 or 6 °C. • Peach fruit stored at warmer temperature accumulated higher levels of phenolics. • Antioxidant activity had a similar change pattern as phenolics. The aim of this experiment was to assess the effect of chilling temperatures on the quality, phenolic metabolism as well as antioxidant capacity accompanying pulp browning (PB) development of peach fruit over the long-term refrigerated storage. Fresh peaches were exposed to chilling storage at 0, 2, 4, 6 °C for 30 or 50 d. Pulp browning index, TSS, TA, vitamin C, phenolics content and antioxidant activity were assessed, along with PAL and PPO enzymatic activity. Our results indicated that lower temperatures (0 and 2 °C) retarded the development of PB and maintained the fruit appearance during refrigerated storage. The storage life based on fruit quality was longer at 0 or 2 °C than at 4 or 6 °C. Additionally, peaches exposed to 4 or 6 °C accumulated higher amounts of phenolics and antioxidant activity than those exposed to 0 or 2 °C to overcome the more seriously cold stress. In conclusion, for short storage life or immediate consumption, keeping peach fruit at warmer temperature (4 or 6 °C) is favorable for obtaining high antioxidants. However, if the goal is extending the cold storage period of the fruit, keeping the fruit at 0 or 2 °C is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N dose should be optimized when shadecloths are used to mitigate high temperatures. • Shading decreased yield when combined with a dose of 14 mM. • Shading did not affect sugars but decreased most of the studied bioactives. • Shading lessened the negative effect of N dose on β -carotene concentration. • Contrary to the effect observed for other metabolites, shade increased lycopene. Although the use of shade cloths is an economic and common practice to mitigate the effect of high temperatures in greenhouse crops in warm areas, the decrease of solar radiation may alter some physiological processes of the plant, modifying their nutritional needs and ultimately affecting production and quality. In this paper we study the effect of nitrogen dose and its interaction with the use of shade cloths on the quality of tomatoes, with particular attention paid to their bioactive compound content. The treatments consisted of three levels of N (14, 7 and 3 mM), combined with two levels of light intensity, control (100% light), and shading (60% light) provided by shade cloth. Shading adversely affected the production of tomatoes cultivated with 14 mM N, although a lower dose of N offset the negative effect of shade on performance. Shading did not affect the concentration of sugars in the fruit, but decreased the phenolic compound and vitamin C contents. By contrast, a decrease in the dose of N increased the concentration of phenolic compounds at 100% light and that of vitamin C with and without shading. Shading decreased the concentration of β -carotene only in the case of plants grown with the highest concentration of N. The concentration of lycopene, contrary to that observed for all other metabolites of interest, increased with shading. Under these shading conditions, the decrease in the dose of N did not affect the β -carotene and lycopene concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The liquid fermentation compound (LFC) was prepared with CHC and probiotics. • LFC strongly inhibited the growth of P. digitatum in vitro. • The postharvest quality of citrus fruit was improved by treating with LFC. • The disease incidence and severity of green molds in citrus fruit was reduced by treating with LFC. • LFC can act as an efficient natural antistaling agent for citrus fruit. In this study, we produced a novel liquid fermentation compound (LFC) from the co-fermentation of probiotics and Chinese herbs and assessed its benefits on the postharvest storage quality of citrus fruit. Harvested fruit were treated with sterile water (Control), probiotic suspensions (PS), a combination of Chinese herbs (CHC) or LFC for 5 min and then stored at 20 °C and 85–90% RH for 42 d. The results of in vitro tests showed that LFC strongly inhibited the growth of P. digitatum. Storage trials showed that PS, CHC and LFC treated fruits had lower weight loss and higher vitamin C and total soluble solid contents at day 42 after treatment. However, there were no significant differences in firmness among all groups. Only LFC-treatment significantly delayed the loss of titratable acidity content at day 21 after treatment. Interestingly, decay incidence in LFC treated-fruit was also significantly lower than both CHC- and PS-treated fruit (P < 0.05). PAL and PPO activity in LFC-treated fruit were significantly higher than other groups at days 4 and 6, respectively, after incubation (P < 0.05). After incubation with green mold for 8 d, the disease index of fruit treated with PS, CHC, or LFC was 50, 58.3 and 33.3%, respectively, whereas complete decay was observed in water-treated fruit. A significant reduction of lesion diameters, was recorded for LFC-treated fruit, as compared to other treatments. Based on these results, LFC can be considered as a novel, efficient and natural antistaling agent for citrus fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Calcium nanoparticles (CaNPs) blending with ascorbic acid (AA) at different concentration alleviates the internal browning (IB) of mangoes. • CaNPs-AA 9 mM treatment alleviates IB symptoms during cold storage. • CaNPs-AA 9 mM treatment maintains the phenolic compounds content. • CaNPs-AA 9 mM treatment minimizes cell wall degrading enzyme activities. The performance of calcium nanoparticles (CaNPs) blending in ascorbic acid (AA) to alleviate internal browning symptoms of 'Hindi Be-Sennara' mango fruit under cold storage otherwise the impacts of CaNPs-AA on browning enzyme activities such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO, EC: 1.14.18.1) and Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL, EC: 4.3.1.24) were assessed. The mango fruits were immersed with CaNPs with AA at the diff ;erent concentration (0, 6, and 9 mM) and stored at low temperature (6 °C and 95% RH) for 35 days. Fruit samples were picked every five days interval. The visual measurement of internal browning index (IB-index) was monitored. The chemical analysis, for instance, the total phenol (TP), and flavonoids (FL) content were measured. Moreover, the cell wall degradation enzymes for example lipoxygenase (LOX; EC: 1.13.11), pectinase (PT; EC: 3.2.1.15), cellulase (CEL; EC: 3.2.1.4), and cell membrane leakage percentage were measured. However, the cell wall termination compounds such as lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), and DPPH radical were determined. The CaNPs-AA 9 mM reduced significantly the IB incidence, maintained the phenolic compounds content by preserving cell wall structure and minimizing action of both PPO and PAL activities during cold storage. Moreover, the changes in cell wall degradation enzyme activities were inhibited by CaNPs-AA 9 mM treatment so less leakage percentage. In the same trend, the lowest accumulation of MDA and the highest concentration of DPPH was monitored too. As the main conclusion, using the CaNPs-AA 9 mM treatment for 24 h to fruit exhibited significantly a reduction of internal browning incidences of mango during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We applied 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or thidiazuron (TDZ) to litchi preharvest. • 5-ALA increased fruit weight, and anthocyanin, phenolic, and antioxidant contents. • TDZ reduced anthocyanin content but did not significantly alter antioxidant levels. • 5-ALA and TDZ treatment increased harvest browning index and relative leakage rate. • Preharvest colour promotion by 5-ALA was optimal for postharvest litchi storage. Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn. cv. 'Feizixiao') has a high market value. However, its value declines during postharvest storage because its quality deteriorates, and its pericarp turns brown. Therefore, safe and effective ways of improving litchi quality and inhibiting postharvest browning are required. In this study, 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) and thidiazuron (TDZ) were applied to litchi fruit before harvest to determine their relative effects on litchi colour and postharvest storage characteristics. The results showed that preharvest 5-ALA application significantly increased postharvest fruit weight, anthocyanins, total phenol, vitamin C and antioxidant activity relative to those in the untreated fruits. Compared with the control, TDZ significantly increased fruit weight but inhibited anthocyanin accumulation and did not significantly alter antioxidant activity. Both preharvest treatments significantly reduced the browning index, the relative leakage rate and polyphenol oxidase activity after 6 d of storage. A membership function analysis indicated that preharvest 5-ALA application was the most beneficial for postharvest storage whereas TDZ treatment was relatively less effective. Preharvest colour promotion was preferable for improving litchi quality and inhibiting postharvest browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• GA 3 at 150 mg L−1 retained more peel green color and less browning than control during 8 days of SL. • GA 3 at 150 mg L−1, BAP at 50 mg L−1 or CaCl 2 2% retained higher MSI, firmness and TA but lowered TSS and TSS/TA ratio. • Total phenolics fluctuated during SL and were higher in treated fruit, in contrast to vitamin C. • RSC of peel and pulp decreased during SL and was higher in treated fruit than control. • Hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes increased during SL and were lower in treated fruit than control, except for POD. Effects of GA 3 (150 and 300 mg L−1), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP, 50 and 100 mg L−1) or CaCl 2 (2 and 4%) dipping on quality and biochemical changes of 'Grand Nain' bananas were studied during 8 days of shelf life (SL) at 20 ± 2 °C and 60–70% RH. Weight loss increased during SL to 9.9% but was not affected by treatments. Firmness and membrane stability index (MSI) decreased during SL and were higher in treated fruit than control. Total soluble solids (TSS)/titratable acidity (TA) ratio increased during SL and was lower in treated fruit than control. GA 3 at 150 mg L−1 retained more peel green, darker and less yellow color than control and reduced peel browning that was more apparent after 8 days of SL. However, BAP at 50 mg L−1 retained more peel green color than control only during the first 3 days of SL with little or no effect for CaCl 2. Total phenol and flavonoid content in both peel and pulp fluctuated during SL and were higher in treated fruit than control. Vitamin C content decreased during SL and was lower in treated fruit than control. Radical scavenging capacity (RSC) of peel decreased during SL and was higher in treatments than control. While, RSC of pulp decreased, in most treatments, during SL and was higher in all treatments only after 3 days of SL. In both peel and pulp, polygalacturonase (PG), xylanase and α-amylase activities increased with fluctuation during SL and were lower in most treatments than control. Polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity increased during SL and was lower in treated fruit than control. While, peroxidase (POD) activity increased during SL and was higher in most treatments than control especially after 5 and 8 days of SL. In conclusion, postharvest dipping in either 150 mg L−1 GA 3 , 50 mg L−1 BAP or 2% CaCl 2 retarded ripening and retained quality of 'Grand Nain' bananas during SL. However, GA 3 was more effective in reducing peel browning and retaining green color than other treatments including control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • MAP significantly delayed the weight loss during cold storage. • MAP-treated fruit had the higher firmness, and had lower respiration rate. • At the end of storage, vitamin C of MAP-treated fruit was higher than the control. • At the end of storage, the highest total phenolic was found in AVG treatment. • All treatments delayed the losses of the total flavonoid and antioxidant activity. Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effects of postharvest aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) treatments on quality traits and bioactive compounds of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. 'Hayward') during cold storage and shelf life periods. In the study, treatments were selected as control, AVG (225 mg L−1 as dipping for 2 min), MAP and AVG + MAP. Kiwifruit were stored at 0 ± 0.5 °C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) for 180 days. Fruit were kept at 21 ± 1 °C and 70 ± 5% for shelf life (5 d). MAP significantly delayed the weight loss during cold storage. In measurement of last cold storage and shelf life, MAP-treated fruit had higher firmness compared to the control and AVG, but had lower respiration rate. On 180th day of cold storage, MAP-treated fruit was higher than the control in terms of vitamin C content, whereas at the shelf life all treatments were higher values than control. In measurement of last cold storage and shelf life, the highest total phenolic was found in AVG treatment. Also all treatments significantly delayed the losses of the total flavonoid and antioxidant activity compared to the control. It was revealed that MAP could be used as an efficient tool for delaying the losses which occurred the fruit quality and bioactive components of kiwifruit during cold storage and shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The packaging design for figs enabled precise control of the internal environment. • Nutrients loss of figs during storage were effectively reduced by the design. • The packaging environment effectively inhibits the decay of the figs. • The decline in sensory quality of figs was slows down in the packaging environment. • The design prolong the shelf life of figs to 4 days and more than 6 days. Abstract To extend the shelf life of figs (Ficus carica, 'Blanrick') stored at ambient temperature (25 ℃), we designed two new types of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), namely, DMAP and TMAP. DMAP comprised of O film and W film with an area ratio of 1:1. TMAP comprised of B film, W film and M film with an area ratio of 1:2:1. O and B film primarily supplies O 2. W film is mainly responsible for discharging water vapor. M film is a piece of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) releasing film. Gas composition in the head space of the packaging, water loss, firmness, rate of decay, total soluble solids (TSS) content, titratable acidity (TA) content, vitamin C content, and sensory quality of figs were monitored during storage for 6 days at 25 ℃ to evaluate the efficacy of this design. Results corroborate that DMAP and TMAP can prolong the shelf life of figs from 2 days to 4 days and up to 6 days at 25 °C. Compared with the control group, figs packed in DMAP and TMAP maintained a lower loss of water, firmness, rate of decay, TA content, vitamin C content, and high sensory quality during storage. The change in the content of fig's TSS of TMAP and DMAP was smaller than that of the control group. TMAP had the best preservation effect on figs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The six hybridization combinations were performed between three Japanese cultivars (two 8 x and one 10 x) and two high-ploid individuals (10 x and 12 x) in strawberry. • A number of decaploid strawberry hybrids were obtained from five combinations. • Two ploidy strawberry hybrids (9 x and 10 x) were achieved from Akihime (8 x) × YH15-10 (12 x) and their origins were speculated. • The 18 decaploid strawberry hybrids with good cold resistance and fruit quality were obtained. Abstract The reciprocal crosses of Akihime (8 x) and YH15-10 (12 x), Sagahonoka (8 x) and YH15-10, and Tokun (10 x) and AY175 (10 x) were performed to select decaploid (10 x) seedlings with improved cold resistance and fruit quality of strawberry. The hybrids were obtained from any other cross combinations except for YH15-10 × Sagahonoka. All of the observed hybrids were decaploids except for one enneaploid (9 x) from the cross of Akihime × YH15-10. Some of the decaploid hybrids from the five cross combinations had obviously increased in cold resistance. For instance, 80.00% and 75.00% hybrids respectively from YH15-10 × Akihime and AY175 × Tokun showed higher cold resistance than their lower cold resistant parent 'Akihime' and 'Tokun'. The mean LT 50 value of hybrids from YH15-10 × Akihime was -16.6 ℃, which was the highest among the five cross combinations. There was an obvious improvement in fruit quality, some of the hybrids exhibited larger fruit, higher contents of soluble solids, vitamin C, anthocyanin, total phenol and total antioxidant capacity compared to their parents and standard cultivar 'Sachinoka'. In summary, 18 advanced decaploid selections showed substantial improvement for cold resistance and fruit quality. These decaploid selections have potential values in commercial production and cultivar improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Hyperbaric pressures were evaluated in tomato during postharvest storage. • Pressures of 400–800 kPa induced an increase in CAT enzymatic activity. • Pressures of 200–800 kPa induced a decrease in POD enzymatic activity. • Hyperbaric pressure did not stimulate the accumulation of bioactive compounds. Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the application of hyperbaric pressures 100 (control), 200, 400, 600 and 800 kPa at ambient temperature (23 ± 1 °C) for 2, 4 or 6 d, followed by 2 d at under ambient conditions (23 °C, 50% RH and 100 kPa), on the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the concentrations of bioactive compounds in cv. 'Débora' tomatoes. Between the 2nd and 6th day of hyperbaric pressure application, there was an average increase of 37%, 33% and 27% in the content of malondialdehyde MDA, total polyphenols and ascorbic acid in tomatoes, respectively, which is related to accelerated maturation of the tomatoes. Consequently, at the end of storage (6 + 2), the fruits, on average, showed 86% higher antioxidant activity than that of the initial content (412.78 μmol TEAC kg−1 FW). However, hyperbaric pressures between 400 kPa and 800 kPa induced an increase in enzymatic activity of CAT and the reduction of POD activity due to the reduction of oxidative stress and the delayed senescence of tomatoes. The results of this research indicate that hyperbaric pressure did not stimulate the accumulation of bioactive compounds but did stimulate the activity of CAT and a reduction of POD activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Ethephon treatment promoted lemon peel degreening to improve fruit external color. • Ethephon degreening had no deleterious effects on lemon fruits flavor quality. • Ethephon degreening enhanced antioxidant capacity of lemon by increasing total phenolics. Abstract External color of citrus fruits is a key factor that affects consumer acceptability, and ethephon has been commonly used to the degreening of citrus fruits in the industry. In this study, the green-peeled 'Eureka' lemon fruits were treated with ethephon solution (1000 mg/L), and then stored at 20 °C (RH 85%) for 9 days. The fruit color, flavor and antioxidant capacity were investigated during the degreening process, and the qualities of ethephon-degreened fruits were compared to those of yellowish bagged fruits. The results showed that the postharvest ethephon treatment improved the external color, which was indicated by the increases in the citrus color index (CCI) and chroma (C*), and declines in hue angle (h°) and total chlorophylls. Titratable acidity (TA) was lower than that of bagged fruits after ethephon treatment. Soluble solids content (SSC), SSC/TA ratio and ascorbic acid were decreased slightly, but they were still higher than those of bagged fruits. Although individual organic acid and sugar fluctuated after ethephon treatment, no deleterious effects were observed. The taste-active amino acids increased slightly both in the fruit peel and pulp, and the volatile compounds in fruit peel were obviously increased about 1 time as compared to the untreated fresh fruits. Most interestingly, we found that the antioxidant capacity of the degreened fruits was increased by ethephon degreening treatment, and their DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP values of peels and/or pulps reached the highest at the end of storage. In corroboration this, our data also showed that the enhancement of antioxidant capacity was strongly associated with the increase of total phenolics (r>0.9). Taken together, our study shows that postharvest ethephon degreening treatment is an effective and economical approach to improve the peel color and potentially the internal quality of lemon fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Pseudomonas dominated minimally processed escarole. • A high diversity of strains and species was found among Pseudomonas genus. • Uncut leaves retained quality parameters better than RTE escarole. Abstract The present work was carried out to investigate the microbiological and physicochemical parameters of minimally processed escarole (Cichorium endivia var. latifolium) subjected to two different transformation processes, a classic ready-to-eat process (cut leaves, CL) and a process that excluded the cutting operation (entire leaves, EL) as control trial. Both trials were monitored during the refrigerated (4 °C) storage extended until 15 d. Total mesophilic microorganisms, total psychrotrophic microorganisms and pseudomonads were detected at the highest cell densities in all samples. The genotypic characterization of the dominating microbial populations resulted in the identification of six Gram positive and 34 Gram negative bacterial strains and five yeast strains. Species within Pseudomonas genus were found at the highest levels and showed the highest biodiversity among the bacterial community of both CL and EL trials. The most numerous groups were represented by Pseudomonas fragi , Pseudomonas grimontii , Pseudomonas marginalis and Pseudomonas poae. Among yeasts, Candida spp. and Rhodotorula spp. were identified. A lower weight loss and colour variation and a higher soluble solid content and ascorbic acid initial retention were registered for EL production, while nitrates content and titratable acidity were not affected by processing. The integrated approach based on the monitoring of several parameters showed how the overall quality of fresh cut escarole decreased over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • NaCl and glucose increased the health-promoting properties in mung bean sprout. • Low to moderate levels of NaCl and glucose had no effect on mung bean sprout yield. • Levels less than 100 mM NaCl and 150 mM glucose were the appropriate treatments. Abstract The demand for healthy foods with high functional value has encouraged the search for alternatives to enhance beneficial food characteristics. Special attention has been given to edible sprouts due to their high nutritional value. This study conducted on mung bean sprout to assess the effect of various concentration of NaCl (1, 10, 50, 100 mM) and glucose (5, 10, 50, 100, 200 mM) solutions plus a control with distilled water on sprout growth and health-promoting properties—ascorbic acid, phenolic compound and flavonoid contents as well as the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and the antioxidant activities. Low to moderate levels of NaCl (1–50 mM) and glucose (5–100 mM) solutions had no effect on the fresh weight of sprout. Moderate to high concentrations of NaCl and glucose solutions significantly increased the health-promoting properties. The highest phenolic content, PAL and reducing power activities were observed in the treatment of 150 mM glucose (51.30, 34.68 and 42.05% higher than the control, respectively), whereas the highest amount of flavonoid and ascorbic acid as well as radical scavenging activity were recorded in 100 mM NaCl (37.66, 235.21 and 43.55% higher than the control, respectively). Although the sprout fresh weight significantly decreased with 100 mM NaCl and 150 mM glucose treatments, these results suggest that concentrations of NaCl and glucose less than 100 and 150 mM, respectively, were the appropriate treatments for the enhancement of most of the health-promoting properties in the sprout without adverse effects on their yield. These findings indicate that NaCl and glucose could be considered alternative technologies for the production of low-cost functional foods to diversify the bean market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Aloe vera coating prevented the loss in weight of papaya. • The firmness of coated papaya fruits was not proportional to the colour of the peels. • Higher concentration of Aloe vera resulted in better postharvest quality of papaya fruits. • Aloe vera coated fruits were still marketable after 15 days of storage. Abstract The use of gel from A. vera for fruit coating has been shown to enhance shelf life of fruits. In the present study, papaya fruits were coated with A. vera and its effect on quality attributes, shelf life and antioxidant activity were evaluated during storage at 3 days interval for 15 days. Fresh and food grade A. vera gel (at 0, 15, 25 and 50%, v/v) were used to coat papaya fruits for 15 days at room temperature (28 ± 2⁰C). Papaya fruits coated with the two types of A. vera showed no significant different in delaying ripening, suppressed fungal growth and maintained the quality of papaya fruits after 15 days of storage especially at 50% gel concentration. A. vera coated fruits were able to reduce loss in weight and firmness and maintained higher soluble solid concentration (SSC), pH, titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (AA), total carotenoids content, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and DPPH scavenging activity as compared to uncoated papaya fruits that decayed within 12 days of storage. Evidences from present study indicate that coating fruits with A. vera can effectively extend the shelf life of papaya fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Low O 2 treatment for extending the shelf life of red amaranth was investigated. • Respiration rates were reduced by low temperature and low O 2 treatments. • Total betacyanin content changed slightly after storage for 3 days. Abstract We investigated the effects of different O 2 concentrations (air or 2 kPa O 2) and temperatures (5 °C or 20 °C) on the respiration rate, betacyanin content and VC content to provide basic information on the most optimal conditions for practical storage and transportation of red amaranth. The respiration rates were obviously reduced by low temperatures and low O 2 treatments. However, an increase in the CO 2 production was detected in red amaranth stored at 20 °C-2 kPa O 2 after 30 h. The total betacyanin content changed slightly after storage for 3 days, and there was no significant difference among storage treatments. The VC contents of all the treatments were greatly reduced (more than 50%) after storage. The VC content of red amaranth stored under low temperature either with or without low O 2 was not different from the control. Nevertheless, low O 2 (2 kPa) at 20 °C significantly slowed the loss of VC. Our results mainly suggested that the O 2 level is one of the key factors affecting the quality of red amaranth during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Low temperature increased the total phenolics and reduced PPO enzyme activity. • Kernels treated with walnut husk extracts had the lowest total yeast and mold. • PPO enzyme activity was inhibited by Ascorbic acid. Abstract This study assessed the effects of antioxidant edible coating on the walnut green husk extract (WGHE) in combination with ascorbic acid (AsA) and the effects were studied on the postharvest quality of fresh kernels (FKs). FKs were dipped in distilled water (Control), WGHE (0.15 and 0.3 g L−1), AsA 1 % and the combination of treatments. The samples were stored for 60 days at 4 ± 1 °C with 93 % relative humidity. The results showed that low temperature increased the levels of total phenols (TP), reduced the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activities after 15 days of storage and preserved the antioxidant activity (AC) for up to 30 days of storage. Compared with uncoated kernels, all coated samples inhibited the increase in microbial growth, peroxide index (PI) and PPO activity. The values of TP, AC, color and sensory properties were also significantly preserved as a result of coating the FKs. In summary, all edible coatings may be used to extend the shelf life of the FKs in dry environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • 1-MCP effectively maintained the fruit quality of 'Yali' pear under cold storage. • 1-MCP decreased H 2 O 2 content in the core of 'Yali' pear. • 1-MCP maintained higher levels of AsA and GSH in the core. • 1-MCP reduced phenolics content and PPO activity in the core. • 1-MCP markedly inhibited the expression of PbPPO1 and PbPPO5. Abstract 'Yali' pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd. cv. Yali) is susceptible to core browning after a long term of cold storage. In this study, the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) with different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 μL L−1) on the quality and core browning of 'Yali' pear fruit were investigated. The results showed that 1-MCP significantly reduced the ethylene production, kept higher firmness and titratable acidity (TA) content, and lowered core browning. Moreover, the most effective concentration of 1-MCP was found at 1.0 μL L−1. Compared with control, 1.0 μL L−1 1-MCP treatment decreased the content of H 2 O 2 , while maintained higher levels of ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) of core, and meanwhile, it reduced phenolics content and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity of core. In addition, among the four encoded the enzyme of PPO genes (PbPPO1 , PbPPO4 , PbPPO5 and PbPPO6), the expressions of PbPPO1 and PbPPO5 were markedly inhibited by 1-MCP. It suggested that 1-MCP could effectively keep fruit quality, and inhibit core browning which was resulted from the inhibition on accumulation of reactive oxygen species, reduction on phenolics content, PPO activity and its associated genes (PbPPO1 and PbPPO5) expression of core in 'Yali' pear during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • LTC combined with MeJA suppressed the development of CI. • LTC combined with MeJA delayed increase of MDA content. • LTC combined with MeJA inhibited the decline of chlorophyll and V C content. • LTC combined with MeJA enhanced the enzyme activities of POD, CAT and APX. • LTC combined with MeJA enhanced the relative gene expressions of POD, CAT and APX. Abstract Bell pepper is a highly perishable vegetable and chilling injury is a principal physiological factor that negatively impacts the postharvest quality of peppers during transportation and storage. This study parsed the effects of low temperature conditioning (LTC) combined with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on chilling injury during the storage of bell pepper fruit. The results showed that treatments of LTC combined with MeJA effectively maintained quality of bell pepper, suppressed the development of chilling injury index, delayed increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, inhibited the decline of chlorophyll and Vitamin C content, enhanced the activities and relative gene expressions of Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT) and Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX). The results obtained point to treatments LTC combined with MeJA can be used as a useful technology for enhancing tolerance of postharvest chilling injury in bell pepper fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • In recycled hydroponics growth and yield of strawberry plants inhibited by autotoxicity. • Strawberry plant roots exudates benzoic acid during autotoxicity. • Benzoic acid degradation was faster in electrode using alternate current than direct current. • AC-ED in non-renewed solution improved growth, yield and quality of strawberry. Abstract Strawberry plants grown in closed hydroponics accumulate root exudates and cause autotoxicity-a form of intra-specific allelopathy. Root exudate contains several allelochemicals and among them benzoic acid (BA) found as the most potent growth inhibitor. In this study, we applied electro-degradation (ED) to the culture solution in order to degrade their root exudates and improve growth, yield and quality of strawberry. There were four types of nutrient solution used in this study viz. renewed, non-renewed, non-renewed with direct current electro-degradation (DC-ED) and non-renewed with alternative current electro-degradation (AC-ED). Every three weeks interval, culture solutions were changed with fresh 25% standard Enshi nutrient solution in renewed treatment, while DC- and AC-ED treatment were applied in non-renewed solutions. Significantly greater fruit yield (225.9 g plant−1) was obtained from renewed nutrient solution, which was statistically similar to fruit yield in non-renewed solution with AC-ED application. Compared to renewed solution, fruit yield was decreased to about half (114.0 g plant−1) in non-renewed solution while non-renewed with DC-ED produced intermediate yield between non-renewed and renewed solution or non-renewed with AC-ED. In general, growth performance was greater in renewed solution followed by non-renewed with AC-ED, while it was decreased significantly in non-renewed solution with DC-ED similar to non-renewed solution. A similar trend was also observed in vitamin C content while brix and citric acidity was not varied. Minerals such as calcium and iron concentration in the culture solution were significantly decreased in DC-ED, consequently their contents were also found lower in crowns and roots compared to other solutions used. Therefore, it is evident that growth, yield and quality of strawberry can be improved through application of AC-ED in non-renewed solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]