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Background: Sunscald is a physiological disorder that occurs in many horticultural products when exposed to excessive solar radiation and high temperatures. Traditionally, sunscald is controlled using physical barriers that reflect radiation, however this practice is not always efficient. A possible alternative would be the use of chemical barriers, such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which protect aquatic organisms against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Thus, this study aimed to develop a lipid-based emulsion containing MAAs for using in the preharvest of horticultural products., Results: Emulsions were developed using 10% (w/v) of corn oil (CO) and soybean oil (SO), carnauba wax (CW), and beeswax (BW) as lipid bases (LBs). The emulsion containing CW and ammonium hydroxide was the most stable, resembling commercial wax. Therefore, this formulation was used as the basis for the incorporation of the commercial product Helioguard™ 365, a source of MAA, in concentrations of 0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% (v/v). The MAA incorporation resulted in little modifications in the stability of the emulsion, providing an increase in the absorbance with peaks in the UV-B ranging from 280 to 300 nm., Conclusion: The lipid-base emulsion containing MAAs could be used as a chemical barrier to control sunscald in horticultural products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the successive projection algorithm for interval selection in partial least squares (iSPA-PLS) together with near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as a feasible method to determine the total anthocyanin content (TAC) of intact jaboticaba fruit [Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) O. Berg]. A total of 579 jaboticaba fruit were collected in three different harvests in three separate years (2011 and 2013). The correlation coefficients between the predicted and measured TAC were between 0.65 and 0.89, the RMSEPs were 7.55 g kg(-1) and 9.35 g kg(-1) (good accuracy) for prediction set, respectively. The RPD ratios for TAC were in the range of 2.57-3.19 with iSPA-PLS, which showed better predictive performance (acceptable precision). These results suggest that the NIR spectroscopy and wavelength selection (iSPA-PLS) algorithm can be used to determine the TAC of intact jaboticaba fruit., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR) as a rapid and non-destructive method to determine soluble solid content (SSC) in intact jaboticaba [Myrciaria jaboticaba (Vell.) O. Berg] fruit. Multivariate calibration techniques were compared with pre-processed data and variable selection algorithms, such as partial least squares (PLS), interval partial least squares (iPLS), a genetic algorithm (GA), a successive projections algorithm (SPA) and nonlinear techniques (BP-ANN, back propagation of artificial neural networks; LS-SVM, least squares support vector machine) were applied to building the calibration models. The PLS model produced prediction accuracy (R(2)=0.71, RMSEP=1.33 °Brix, and RPD=1.65) while the BP-ANN model (R(2)=0.68, RMSEM=1.20 °Brix, and RPD=1.83) and LS-SVM models achieved lower performance metrics (R(2)=0.44, RMSEP=1.89 °Brix, and RPD=1.16). This study was the first attempt to use NIR spectroscopy as a non-destructive method to determine SSC jaboticaba fruit., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Açaí is a fruit from the Brazilian Amazon region, with an exotic flavor, possessing high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on these properties, the fruit is classified as one of the new "super fruits." The mean daily consumption of açai pulp may reach 300 ml in several Brazilian regions. Further, this fruit is also gaining popularity in Europe and North America. In this context, the aim of this study was to assess the levels of some essential minerals in freeze-dried açaí pulp obtained in different Brazilian locations. It was found that açaí pulp is rich in essential minerals (Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn), but the levels of copper (Cu) and especially manganese (Mn) are surprisingly markedly higher than the traditional sources of these elements in the human diet. A daily consumption of 300 ml açaí pulp leads to a Mn daily intake exceeding at least sixfold (14.6 mg on average) the reference daily intake for an adult. Consequently, Mn intake may surpass the permitted daily maximum intake of 11 mg, which leads to a special concern, particularly for children, vegetarians, and individuals with anemia, since iron (Fe) absorption is impaired by Mn. Our findings demonstrate that this fruit is a potential source of several nutrients and a good dietary supplement to resolve malnutrition problems. However, due to the expressive levels of Mn, further studies are necessary to evaluate potential adverse effects associated with açaí consumption.

The aim of this study was to evaluate near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR), and multivariate calibration potential as a rapid method to determinate anthocyanin content in intact fruit (açaí and palmitero-juçara). Several multivariate calibration techniques, including partial least squares (PLS), interval partial least squares, genetic algorithm, successive projections algorithm, and net analyte signal were compared and validated by establishing figures of merit. Suitable results were obtained with the PLS model (four latent variables and 5-point smoothing) with a detection limit of 6.2 g kg(-1), limit of quantification of 20.7 g kg(-1), accuracy estimated as root mean square error of prediction of 4.8 g kg(-1), mean selectivity of 0.79 g kg(-1), sensitivity of 5.04×10(-3) g kg(-1), precision of 27.8 g kg(-1), and signal-to-noise ratio of 1.04×10(-3) g kg(-1). These results suggest NIR spectroscopy and multivariate calibration can be effectively used to determine anthocyanin content in intact açaí and palmitero-juçara fruit., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Jaboticaba (Myriciaria jaboticaba (Vell) Berg.) is a highly perishable Brazilian berry with a shelf life of only 2 days under ambient conditions. Low temperatures and controlled atmosphere (CA) have been used to extend the shelf life of perishable fruit. Thus the aim of this study was to determine the effect of CA with varying concentrations of oxygen (1, 5, 10, 15 and 21 kPa) during cold storage (12.5 °C) of 'Sabará' jaboticaba fruit., Results: Atmospheres with lower oxygen concentrations (1 and 5 kPa O(2) ) significantly reduced jaboticaba respiration rate. Fruit stored under these conditions had higher L values, and titratable acidity (TA), and lower ratios of soluble solids content (SSC)/TA. However, at the lowest concentration of oxygen (1 kPa O(2) ), firmness decreased markedly compared to fruits stored at higher O(2) levels (P < 0.05). After only 2 days of storage at ambient temperature jaboticaba received a score of 1.6 (dislike strongly - 1) compared to fruit stored under CA, which scored 7.4 (like moderately - 7). After 9 days of storage, fruit from all treatments remained above the limit of acceptability (score 5) and were rated as 6.2. With respect to appearance, statistical differences between treatments were not observed. The total anthocyanin content was not affected by oxygen concentration but decreased 40.4% during CA storage., Conclusion: 'Sabará' jaboticaba fruit can be satisfactorily stored under atmospheres containing 5-21 kPa O(2) at 12.5 °C for up to 6 days., (Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.)

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Summary: Due to the importance of banana consumption in developing countries and producing zinc‐rich foods, the objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of banana bunch sprays and bunch stalk feeding with Zn aiming to biofortify this fruit. Zn sprays were carried out with a dose of 80 g ha−1 using ZnCl2 and ZnCl2 combined with a chelating agent in two banana cultivars ('Maravilha' and 'FHIA 18'). Bunch stalk feeding with Zn was carried out by fixing plastic bags on the stem end containing solutions of ZnSO4 (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g L−1) in two banana cultivars ('Williams' and 'Prata Anã'). Both strategies resulted in a maximum fruit Zn content of 0.14 mg 100 g−1. Although it was possible to increase the Zn content in banana fruit from 'FHIA 18' and 'Prata Anã' cultivars, both strategies did not result in biofortified banana fruit with a Zn level which would fulfil the Zn dietary reference intake (DRI) of 2 mg dia−1 for children. Banana bunch sprays with Zn did not affect the fruit quality, but bunch stalk feeding with Zn resulted in fruits with lower ratio, pH and ascorbic acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Dovyalis species Dovyalis abyssinica Warb. and Dovyalis hebecarpa Warb. were introduced into Brazil, but the fruit quality of these species is not appropriate for fresh consumption due to their high titratable acidity (TA) and low soluble solids content (SSC). With the selection of new D. abyssinica clones with lower acidity and the hybridization of these two dovyalis species (D. abyssinica and D. hebecarpa) the fruit quality improved and the better physical–chemical characteristics make them more suitable for fresh consumption. The objective of this study was to develop partial least squares (PLS) models using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the determination of SSC, TA and pH in intact dovyalis hybrid fruit (D. abyssinica Warb. × D. hebecarpa Warb.). RESULTS: The best SSC prediction model was developed with PLS regression (root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.71 °Brix, prediction data set (RP2) of 0.74 and residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 2.82). Although interval PLS was tested, genetic algorithm PLS performed better for TA (RMSEP of 4.8 g kg−1, RP2 of 0.40, and RPD of 1.67), and for pH (RMSEP of 0.03, RP2 of 0.90, and RPD of 6.67). CONCLUSION: NIRS can be used as a non‐destructive method to determine quality parameters in intact dovyalis hybrid fruit. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pre-harvest spray programs affected apple fruit quality. • Antimicrobial and antimicrobial + insecticide resulted in higher fruit mass. • Holistic spray treatment reduced the disease severity relative to controls. • These results contribute to understand the factors impacting apple fruit quality. • PLS-DA was useful to discriminate fruit quality. Apple trees cv. 'Golden Delicious' and 'York' were sprayed from bloom to fruit maturity with different products to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest treatments on fruit quality, including insect/disease damage and physicochemical fruit traits. Apple trees were assigned to five treatments: unsprayed (control), holistic solution (foliar nutrients and probiotics), insecticides, antimicrobials (fungicides and antibiotics), and a combination of antimicrobials + insecticides. The treatments started soon after bloom and were carried out every two weeks until fruit were ready to harvest. Diseases such as sooty blotch (complex of several fungi) and flyspeck (Zygophiala jamaicensis Mason) were the major source of damage on fruits. 'Golden Delicious' trees had a higher percentage of undamaged fruit than 'York', but all trees had some percentage of damaged fruit. Damage was most severe in the control (unsprayed) and insecticide treatments, intermediate in the holistic treatment, and much lower in the antimicrobial and antimicrobial + insecticide treatments (p < 0.003 for all comparisons). There was also a significant interactive effect (p <.0001) of cultivars and pre-harvest spray treatment on apple fruit mass. For both cultivars there was a strong effect of spray treatment on size, with larger apples produced in the antimicrobial and antimicrobial + insecticide treatments, but these effects were more pronounced in 'York' than in 'Golden Delicious' apples. 'Golden Delicious' trees produced 1.4-fold heavier and bigger fruits compared to 'York' and 'Golden Delicious' fruit were more mature than 'York' at harvest. Pre-harvest treatments also affected other quality parameters of apple fruit, such as soluble solids content (SSC) and starch-iodine index. Using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), 'Golden Delicious' fruit could be well classified according to the holistic, antimicrobial, and antimicrobial + insecticide treatments. Control and insecticide samples clustered together, indicating similarities between fruit quality. Overall, pre-harvest spray treatment affected the quality of 'Golden Delicious' and 'York' apples, mainly the fruit mass and disease infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pseudostem injection can be used to biofortify banana fruit with zinc. • A single injection 15 days before harvest tripled the zinc content. • The RDA of Zn for children at the age of 1–3 years (3.0 mg day-1) was achieved. • The RDA of zinc for children was achieved with 81.9–88.5 g of dried bananas. • Postharvest shelf-life of biofortified fruits was not affected by the Zn injections. The diets of populations in developing countries are mainly composed of plant-based foods, which are low in micronutrients and may lead to the incidence of nutritional deficiencies. The deficiency of zinc (Zn), among other nutrients, has been associated with growth deficit in children, especially when the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of Zn is not achieved. In these countries, bananas and plantains are considered staple foods of massive consumption, but with low Zn content. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of the fortification and biofortification of banana fruit aiming to reach the RDA of Zn for children at the age of 1–3 years (3.0 mg day−1) and to verify the effect of these treatments on the postharvest shelf-life and fruit quality. Banana fruit fortification by immersion was not effective due to the low infiltration of the acid blue 9 dye, used to predict the infiltration of zinc sulfate solutions (ZnSO 4 *7 H 2 O). On the other hand, it was possible to biofortify the banana fruit by means of the injection of zinc sulfate solutions into the pseudostem, tripling the Zn content in the fruits compared to the control. The consumption of 81.9 or 88.5 g of dehydrated bananas from the treatments that received 20 and 40 g L−1 of zinc sulfate, respectively, supplies 100 % of RDA of Zn for children at the age of 1–3 years. Likewise, the consumption of three biofortified fresh bananas per day from these treatments would supply this RDA. The postharvest shelf-life of zinc sulfate biofortified bananas was not affected by these treatments, but it was observed a decrease in the organic acids content and an increase in ratio, which might improve the acceptability of biofortified fruits, without compromising its nutritional potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]