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Selenium (Se) is a nutrient whose daily intake is often below the recommended levels in people. Biofortification with Se is a method to increase this intake by raising the Se concentration in tomato fruits, an effect dependent on sources and modes of application. Additionally, Se application can promote the enhancement of other compounds in tomato fruits, altering their metabolism, which may increase the fruit's shelf life. This study aimed to determine how different strategies of applying a multi-nutrient fertilizer containing Se (SeMNF) can increase the Se content and other bioactive compounds and enhance the shelf life of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits. Different foliar fertilization strategies involving the use of SeMNF were evaluated in field trials conducted on commercial tomato crops. Indeterminate-growth tomatoes were used, and different Se doses and application strategies were tested. Harvesting was conducted in three phases according to fruit ripening. Each harvested fruit was assessed for the Se content, macro and micronutrients, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, pH, total titratable acidity, and total soluble solids in tomato fruits. Doses of 15 g ha -1 of Se, split into three applications, increased the Se content in the fruits at 1 and 2 harvests. The application of SeMNF at Se doses above 10 g of Se ha -1 increased firmness, days of ripening, and the nutritional quality of the tomatoes (higher contents of carotenoids (+39%), lycopene (+33%), antioxidant activity (+16%), total phenolic compounds (+38%), and vitamin C (+14%) in a dose-dependent effect of the application strategy used. These results contributed to an increase in the shelf life of tomatoes, consequently reducing food waste.

This paper aimed to explore the non‐destructive detection of apple firmness based on portable acoustic signals for consumers. The acoustic eigenvalues processed by Time‐domain, Fourier Transform (FT), and Hilbert Huang Transform (HHT) are used to analyse the correlations with apple firmness. The apple firmness prediction models are established through Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The results proved that the acoustic eigenvalues of wave index form and total energy of 8–9 kHz correlated with apple firmness (P < 0.05), the significant acoustic eigenvalues of sound intensity, amplitude difference, max frame energy, maximum power spectral density, power spectral density characteristics and total energy of 0–1 kHz significantly correlated with apple firmness (P < 0.01). The average relative error of ANN model was significantly lower than that of MLR model (P < 0.05). Compared with Time‐FT, the acoustic eigenvalues processed by a combination of Time‐FT‐HHT possessed a superior effect on the prediction model established by ANN of apple firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-field and non-invasive determination of internal quality and ripeness stages allows for a selective harvest for Feicheng peach. In this study, a portable hyperspectral imager was used for on-site capturing the images of mid-ripe and ripe peaches on trees, and soluble solids content (SSC) and firmness of the fruit were measured as the reference standards. These samples were split into calibration set and validation set by samples set partitioning based on joint X–Y distances (SPXY) algorithm. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were established using effective wavelengths selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and random frog (RF), respectively. The more promising performances were achieved by RF-MLR model with R v 2 of 0.88 and RMSEV of 0.54 for SSC, and CARS-MLR model with R v 2 of 0.81 and RMSEV of 1.17 for firmness. Furthermore, LIBSVM model was employed to discriminate the ripeness of Feicheng peach using effective wavelengths selected by sequential forward selection (SFS) algorithm, with classification accuracy of 91.7% in the validation set. It can be concluded that portable hyperspectral imager can be applied to determine the internal quality and ripeness stages of Feicheng peach in orchard, providing support for the in-field and nondestructive quality inspection and timely harvesting of Feicheng peach. • In-field capture of hyperspectral images of mid-ripe and ripe Feicheng peaches. • Establish the predictive models for soluble solids content and firmness. • Develop the discrimination model of Feicheng peaches ripeness stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degree of ripeness is a key factor for consumption, marketing, and minimal processing of fruits. This study was conducted to describe the physicochemical changes (geometrical and gravimetrical properties) and the relationships between different ripeness indexes i.e. pH, total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), firmness, dry weight content (DW) and color of date fruit during four ripening periods on-palm including kimri, khalal, rutab and tamr stages. These four stages were selected by visual fruit color and days after anthesis (DAA). Duncan’s multiple tests was performed to separate means at a 5% level of significance. A correlation analysis by Pearson correlation matrix method was also made between the colorimetric ripeness parameters and pH, TSS, TA, firmness and DW from kimri to tamr stage. Significant (p<0.05) decrease in geometrical properties (except width) and gravimetrical properties (fruit mass, true volume of fruit) was observed during ripening. Parameters as L*, b*, C*, linearly decrease during ripening; conversely, h° decreased as a result of color change from green to black. The results showed that fruit firmness decreased from about 20.5 N at the start of the ripening period (kimri stage) to about 2.5 N at its end (tamr stage). Additionally, pH, TSS and TA values increased when ripening was developed. So, the highest pH value and TSS of date juice were 4.76 and 19.45 %, respectively at tamr stage. The results of Pearson correlation between ripeness indexes allowed to establish model equations for destructive tests values such as TSS and firmness with nondestructive test such as CIEL*a*b* and CIEL*C*h scales. The results show that studied models are a feasible alternative to be used as a practical detection system in the ripening, avoiding eventual human errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Washington State University's apple breeding program (WABP) was initiated in 1994 to select new apple cultivars with improved eating quality, appearance, and storability that are suitable for production in the main growing regions of the state. Fruit quality is phenotyped using various instrumental measures, such as penetrometers (texture), titrator (acidity), and refractometer (soluble solids concentration; SSC), as well as sensory assessment. The selection regime of WABP occurs in three sequential phases: phase one (P1)—single, unreplicated seedlings at one site, phase two (P2)—replicated selections at three geographically diverse sites, and phase three (P3)—highly replicated elite selections at one to two grower sites. Most of the data collection of WABP occurs in P2. Knowledge of trends/changes associated with advancing selections is essential for understanding the selection criteria and progress of WABP throughout the changing compositions of advancing and culling selections. For each post-harvest trait, P2 data from harvest years 2005 to 2019 were split across sites, and between selections and reference cultivars (e.g., Cripps Pink, Gala, and Honeycrisp). Means of instrumental crispness (Cn) and inner cortex firmness for the advancing selections increased gradually over this period and were significantly higher than those for cultivars. Means of outer cortex firmness measurements were stable for selections but significantly higher than those for cultivars. The average fruit acidity of selections increased marginally over this period and was higher than that of the cultivars. Meanwhile, the average fruit SSCs of selections and cultivars were statistically indistinguishable. These 15-year trends indicate that WABP has been selecting apples with improved eating quality and storability through increased crispness and inner cortex firmness, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microwave heating has become widely popular in potato processing because of its high heating rate, short processing time, and for controlling undesirable changes in starch. In the experiment potato columns of TPS potato ‘BARI TPS-1’ and local potatoes ‘Diamant’, ‘Tel Pakri’ and ‘Romana’ were heated with 50 mL of water for 0, 20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 240, and 300 sec by a microwave oven; and the changes in potato columns were analyzed physiologically and histologically to investigate how potato tuber and starch condition changes in local potato and TPS tubers after microwave heating. The ‘BARI TPS-1’ potato columns resulted comparatively higher rate of weight loss and firmness loss percentage than the other seed potato varieties, indicating that temperature rapidly increased in TPS tuber columns than that of the others. Among local varieties ‘Tel Pakri’ gave a relatively higher weight loss and firmness loss percentage than the others. This study also showed comparatively higher solubility percentage in ‘BARI TPS-1’ tuber than the other local varieties, suggesting rapid disruption of swollen starch granule and faster starch degradation in TPS than the other local potato starches. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of starch granule showed rapidly ruptured and clumped starch granules in ‘BARI-TPS-1’ than the others, indicating TPS starch might obtain gelatinization temperature within a shorter period of microwave heating than that of the other varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wide range of components, including amino acids, small peptides, and osmoactive substances (proline, glycine betaine), makes protein hydrolysate a promising biostimulant type, encouraging plant productivity both under smooth or adverse environmental conditions. Plantbased biostimulants can boost growth, yield, quality, and bioactive compounds in a variety of crops. The present study examined the effects of an enzymatic protein hydrolysate formulation (Activeg) applied different times (3, 6, or 9), compared to an untreated control, on production and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) 'miniplum' fruits grown in a greenhouse during the autumn-winter season. This study was carried out at the University of Federico II, Department of Agriculture (40°49' N, 14°20' E). A randomized complete block design was used to distribute the experimental treatments in the field; the obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA. The biostimulant applied 3 or 6 times led to the highest yields, whereas 6 or 9 sprayings enhanced fruit firmness, dry residue, soluble solids and antioxidants. The biostimulant treatment repeated 6 times resulted in the best overall tomato performances in terms of fruit yield, quality and antioxidant content, in the autumn-winter season, which suggests the chance to reduce the chemical fertilizer input, thus contributing to the vegetable crop system sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of UV-C radiation on strawberry postharvest life was evaluated from a response surface central compound design (CCD). The postharvest life of strawberry (Fragaria vesca L) var Big Bear was modeled based on the UV-C dose (4-15 kJ/m2), time (15-30 min), and storage temperature (12-24 °C) for a total of 19 experimental runs. The fruits were analyzed based on four key indicators of deterioration: firmness, weight, contamination, and color that defined the postharvest quality variable, expressed as the difference between controls and treatments when 10% quality losses were reached. The result of the ANOVA was a second-order mathematical model that predicts 92% of the variation of the postharvest life of Fragaria vesca with respect to the controls, from the study factors, with a coefficient of variation of 9.2%. Both coefficients indicate the validity of the model and its potential to be applied throughout the design space. It is concluded that the postharvest life of the strawberry (Fragaria vesca L) var Big Bear can be extended up to four days with doses of 15 kJ/m2 for 30 min at a temperature of 12 °C. The model showed a zone of maximum response in the design space suggesting that a broader response could be found in design spaces that were not explored in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit maturity at harvest on fruit quality during long-term storage at −0.5 ◦C was evaluated by harvesting the fruit several times, at different stages of maturity. The progress of maturation on the vine was monitored weekly from 136 DAFB (days after full bloom). Fruit were harvested for storage at three points and stored for 3–6 months in regular air (RA), or for 6–10 months in a controlled atmosphere (CA), with or without prestorage exposure to 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The softening rate under both storage regimes decreased with the advance in fruit maturation on the vine, as indicated by increasing soluble solids content (SSC), and declining firmness. As a result, the fruit from the first harvest (152 DAFB), which were the firmest at harvest, were the softest at the end of both storage regimes. Delaying harvest also decelerated the decline in acidity during storage, so that fruit picked last maintained the highest titratable acidity (TA) upon removal from storage. The overall fruit quality after shelf life, following prolonged storage in either RA or CA, was improved by delaying harvest to late November (ca. 200 DAFB). The harvest criteria for fruit with the best storage potential were dry matter (DM) > 17%, SSC > 7%, TA 2.0–2.6%, with more than 40% of the DM non soluble. From a commercial aspect the rule should therefore be ‘Last in, last out’ (LILO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Washington State University's apple breeding program (WABP) was initiated in 1994 to select new apple cultivars with improved eating quality, appearance, and storability that are suitable for production in the main growing regions of the state. Fruit quality is phenotyped using various instrumental measures, such as penetrometers (texture), titrator (acidity), and refractometer (soluble solids concentration; SSC), as well as sensory assessment. The selection regime of WABP occurs in three sequential phases: phase one (P1)—single, unreplicated seedlings at one site, phase two (P2)—replicated selections at three geographically diverse sites, and phase three (P3)—highly replicated elite selections at one to two grower sites. Most of the data collection of WABP occurs in P2. Knowledge of trends/changes associated with advancing selections is essential for understanding the selection criteria and progress of WABP throughout the changing compositions of advancing and culling selections. For each post-harvest trait, P2 data from harvest years 2005 to 2019 were split across sites, and between selections and reference cultivars (e.g., Cripps Pink, Gala, and Honeycrisp). Means of instrumental crispness (Cn) and inner cortex firmness for the advancing selections increased gradually over this period and were significantly higher than those for cultivars. Means of outer cortex firmness measurements were stable for selections but significantly higher than those for cultivars. The average fruit acidity of selections increased marginally over this period and was higher than that of the cultivars. Meanwhile, the average fruit SSCs of selections and cultivars were statistically indistinguishable. These 15-year trends indicate that WABP has been selecting apples with improved eating quality and storability through increased crispness and inner cortex firmness, respectively.

Fruit growers are looking for effective solutions to preserve the high quality of apples after storage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of pre- and postharvest use of 1-MCP on the quality of ‘Gala Schniga® SchniCo Red(s)’ apples harvested at the optimal harvest date and at a delayed harvest date and stored for 9 months under conditions similar to DCA (0.6% CO2 and 0.6% O2). Four treatments: control (1-MCP untreated), 1-MCP treated 7 days before harvest (Harvista™), 1-MCP treated 7 days after harvest (Smart-Fresh™), and 1-MCP treated before and after harvest (Harvista™ + SmartFresh™) were used, respectively, for each of the above harvest dates. After 5, 7, and 9 months of storage and after an additional 7-day shelf-life period, the following properties were determined: flesh firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, and ethylene production rate. The harvest date and the 1-MCP application date affected ethylene production rate which was reflected in fruit flesh firmness and acidity (p < 0.05). Apples collected at the optimal harvest date from trees sprayed with Harvista™ before harvest retained high firmness (>55 N) after 7 days of shelf-storage at 20 °C, even if previously stored for 9 months. Apples collected later showed firmness similar to the best preferred by consumers only if treated with 1-MCP after harvest.

Nitrogen fertilization is a basic agrotechnical orchard treatment, and affects quality and size of the crops. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nitrogen fertilization on the yield and quality of sour cherry fruit of the ‘Łutówka’ cultivar. The course of climatic conditions in relation to the timing of flowering and fruiting was analyzed. The trials were carried out in three different experimental sour cherry orchards (quarters) with different planting dates (1999, 2001 and 2002) located at the experimental orchard of the Poznań University of Life Sciences in Poland. In each orchard, three levels of fertilization were used: control without fertilization, fertilization at a dose of 60 kg N ha−1 and fertilization at 120 kg N ha−1. Increasing the dose of N did not have a significant effect on sour cherry yield. However, it resulted in a reduction of fruit weight, extract content, acidity and TSS/TA ratio, whereas the brightness (L*) and redness (a*) of the fruit surface color increased. Temperature and precipitation had the greatest influence on the course of flowering, fruiting and fruit ripening. Particularly important was the course of climatic conditions at the beginning of the growing season, especially during flowering, when there is a high risk of spring frosts. The timing of flowering and fruiting was correlated with the sum of active temperatures. The greatest relationship for the flowering date was found for SAT (sum of active temperatures) when the base temperature equals 11 °C and the temperature for the harvest date equals 9 °C.

Dynamic changes have taken place in the production of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) in Poland over the last 20 years. New cultivars with both early- and late-ripening dates have appeared, and modern high-intensity cultivation techniques are being implemented. The main attribute of the fruit, in addition to its unique taste, is its health-promoting properties. In this research, which was conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in 2021, our main objectives were to evaluate seven selected Czech cherry cultivars (‘Jacinta’; ‘Horka’; ‘Tamara’; ‘Helga’; ‘Fabiola’; ‘Kasandra’; ‘Kordia’) with regard to their dessert quality and contents of biologically active compounds, and to indicate the most valuable cultivar under the conditions of central Poland. The cultivars tested differed in both the fruit quality and health-promoting properties. ‘Jacinta’, ‘Horka’, Tamara’ and ‘Fabiola’ had the largest fruits. The ‘Fabiola’ and ‘Kordia’ fruits had the highest firmness, while the ‘Jacinta’ and ‘Horka’ fruits had the highest soluble solid contents (SSCs) and titratable acidities (TAs). We found the highest SSC-to-TA ratio in the ‘Fabiola’ cultivar. ‘Jacinta’ proved to be the most valuable cultivar in terms of bioactive compounds, and it had the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH). Some of the traits were closely correlated with each other, mainly in relation to the biologically active compounds. Darker fruits contained more bioactive compounds and had a higher antioxidant activity. It was also proved that size of fruits as well as SSC and TA are also correlated with fruit color. Intensively colored fruit are larger and have higher SSC and TA. In sweet cherry fruit, the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as the high DPPH, are strongly determined by the high content of cyanidin-3-galactoside.

The aim of the study was to describe the physicochemical properties, with particular emphasis on nutritional value, of apples ‘Chopin’ and clone ‘JB’. The new cultivars were compared with the cultivars commonly cultivated in Polish orchards, namely ‘Gala Brookfield’, ‘Šampion’, ‘Ligol’ and ‘Idared’. The study focuses on the evaluation of physicochemical characteristic (firmness, soluble solids content and titratable acidity) and the content of monosaccharides, sucrose and organic acids based on HPLC with an RI detector. In addition, the nutritional value of apples were described separately for the flesh and peel of the fruit, focusing on the assessment of the antioxidant activity and the content of total polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonols using the HPLC technique. ‘Chopin’ and ‘JB’ clone apples are characterized by very high acidity, over 1%, which is related to the high content of malic acid. The red flesh ‘JB’ clone is characterized by a high content of bioactive compounds in both the peel and flesh of apples. High temperatures and a lack of precipitation contribute to a higher polyphenol content in apples, which proves that apart from the genetic features of the cultivars, the climatic conditions also determine the nutritional value of the fruit.

This study aimed to explore the applicability of electronic-nose (E-nose) as a rapid method in discriminating samples of sweet cherry cv “Ferrovia” stored in high-CO2 (16% O2 + 20% CO2 + 64% N2) or air (control) up to 21 days. Projection to Latent Structures (PLS) methods applied to E-nose data showed that fresh fruit and the packaged or unpackaged samples can be distinguished, according to both the storage condition and the storage days. Moreover, a correlation analysis between E-nose sensors and 45 volatile compounds were overall, obtained from all the investigated sweet cherry samples by Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction (HS SPME) coupled to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). These methods allowed to associate samples with a specific flavour profile to one or more E-nose sensors. Finally, quality attributes (visual quality, colour, firmness, antioxidant activity, total phenols, and sugar content) were assessed during storage. Among these, visual quality and berry deformation resulted affected by storage conditions, showing that high-CO2 treatment better preserved the fruit quality than control.

Nondestructive estimation of fruit properties during their ripening stages ensures the best value for producers and vendors. Among common quality measurement methods, spectroscopy is popular and enables physicochemical properties to be nondestructively estimated. The current study aims to nondestructively predict tissue firmness (kgf/cm), acidity (pH level) and starch content index (%) in apples (Malus M. pumila) samples (Fuji var.) at various ripening stages using visible/near infrared (Vis-NIR) spectral data in 400–1000 nm wavelength range. Results show that non-linear regression done by an artificial neural network-cultural algorithm (ANN-CA) was able to properly estimate the investigated fruit properties. Moreover, the performance of the proposed method was evaluated for Vis-NIR data based on optimal NIR wavelength values selected by a genetic optimization tool. Regression coefficients (R) in estimated acidity, tissue firmness, and starch content properties were R=0.930±0.014, R=0.851±0.014, and R=0.974±0.006, respectively, using only the three most effective wavelengths from the acquired spectra.

Bruise damage is one of the mechanical injury problems that could appear in fresh produce during the post-harvest supply chain. The study investigated three main effects (drop impact level, storage temperature, and storage duration), which can expand the level of bruising and cause some quality changes that contribute to the damage of pear. Pear fruit samples were purchased from the market and delivered to the post-harvest laboratory. Each pear was impacted by a ball with a known mass at three different drop heights (20, 40, and 60 cm), stored at 22°C with 45 ± 5% RH and 10°C with 85 ± 5% RH for 14 days storage period. Bruise area (BA), bruise volume (BV), and bruise susceptibility (BS) were calculated. Different quality analyses were done like color, firmness, and total soluble solids (TSS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, and pearson correlation coefficient were performed. With increasing drop height and temperature for 14 days storage, BA, BV, BS, lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), color saturation (Chroma), and total color difference increased. However, firmness was highly reduced (92.82%) due to the increase in drop height (60 cm), storage temperature (22°C), and storage duration (14 days). Color purity (Hue), redness (a*), and TSS were not affected by drop height (impact level). A strong relationship with a strong linear regression (R2) was found between BS and CIE L*, a*, and b* color coordinates. A positive and strong correlation was also found between BS and CIEL*a*b* color parameters with a strong and negative correlation with firmness. Overall, this study can be considered as guideline for horticulture researchers and in fresh produce supply chain during post-harvest operations.

In this study, the physical and chemical quality attributes of apples were measured experimentally during the storage after harvesting, using well-defined procedures and techniques. Overall quality index (OQi) models were formulated in terms of measured quality attributes. Firmness (F) and total soluble solids (TSS) varied from 11.88 ± 0.25 to 7.68 ± 0.24 N and 14.1 ± 0.1 to 12.7 ± 0.1 % Brix, respectively, whereas acidity and density varied from 0.163 ± 0.003 to 0.081 ± 0.001 % and 0.995 ± 0.003 to 0.951 ± 0.004 gm/cm3, respectively. The gloss values at 45° and 60° angles of incidence were found to be in the range of 7.9 ± 0.2 to 4.1 ± 0.3 and 6.8 ± 0.1 to 2.5 ± 0.3, respectively whereas, the Hunter color values L, a, b were found to be in the range of 51.75 ± 1.33 to 57.01 ± 0.98, 24.20 ± 0.86 to 30.12 ± 1.13, and 19.53 ± 1.61 to 22.96 ± 1.12, respectively. Formulated models were validated with the sensory scores. OQi predicted by the Model ML2 was found to be in consonance with the variation in the sensory overall quality scores. The OQi, as per the model ML2, was estimated as the ratio of the product of the constant C (265.5), acidity (A), and firmness (F) to the mod of the product of Hunter color values a and b. Finally, the predicted values of OQi were correlated with the measured quality parameters to check the possibility of predicting OQi non-destructively by using any one of those measured attributes during the storage.

Strawberry is an allo-octoploid crop with high genome heterozygosity and complexity, which hinders the sequencing and the assembly of the genome. However, in the present study, we have generated a chromosome level assembly of octoploid strawberry sourced from a highly homozygous inbred line ‘Wongyo 3115’, using long- and short-read sequencing technologies. The assembly of ‘Wongyo 3115’ produced 805.6 Mb of the genome with 323 contigs scaffolded into 208 scaffolds with an N50 of 27.3 Mb after further gap filling. The whole genome annotation resulted in 151,892 genes with a gene density of 188.52 (genes/Mb) and validation of a genome, using BUSCO analysis resulted in 94.10% complete BUSCOs. Firmness is one of the vital traits in strawberry, which facilitate the postharvest shelf-life qualities. The molecular and genetic mechanisms that contribute the firmness in strawberry remain unclear. We have constructed a high-density genetic map based on the ‘Wongyo 3115’ reference genome to identify loci associated with firmness in the present study. For the quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification, the ‘BS F2’ populations developed from two inbred lines were genotyped, using an Axiom 35K strawberry chip, and marker positions were analyzed based on the ‘Wongyo 3115’ genome. Genetic maps were constructed with 1,049 bin markers, spanning the 3,861 cM. Using firmness data of ‘BS F2’ obtained from 2 consecutive years, five QTLs were identified on chromosomes 3-3, 5-1, 6-1, and 6-4. Furthermore, we predicted the candidate genes associated with firmness in strawberries by utilizing transcriptome data and QTL information. Overall, we present the chromosome-level assembly and annotation of a homozygous octoploid strawberry inbred line and a linkage map constructed to identify QTLs associated with fruit firmness.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), also called squash is a mass consumption fruit used in agroindustrial transformations to obtain new food products. This study aimed to evaluate the physical, physiological and physicochemical properties during a storage period of 42 days and the nutritional compounds of the freshly harvested fruit fractions. According to the CIEL*a*b* space, both the pulp and peel did not present significant changes in L* and a* values during the evaluated storage time; however, in the peel, a change in the b* values was evidenced. In addition, there was a decrease in the firmness of 10.8% in the fruit with peel and in the pulp, it was of 19.8% was observed, with a whole fruit weight loss of 2.33% and an average respiration rate of 6.9 mg CO2 kg-1h-1. According to physicochemical characteristics evaluated in the pulp, the values of pH, percentage of humidity, acidity, water activity and total soluble solids had no statistically significant changes occurred during the storage time. At the nutritional level, pumpkin is a good source of minerals, with a high concentration of potassium in all its fractions, and also has in total carotenoids (4.11±1.6 mg of β-carotene g-1 oven dry (o.d) in pulp and 6.24±2.7 mg of β-carotene g-1 (o.d) in peel). It was possible to conclude that the pumpkin has a low respiration rate, maintaining its physicochemical characteristics suitable for consumption throughout the evaluation period, presenting suitable conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arracacha is used by farming families as a fundamental crop for food security because of its caloric content. In Colombia, there are diverse cultivars that have been scarcely studied. The postharvest quality and starch content of seven arracacha cultivars were characterized. A completely randomized design was used with seven treatments, consisting of the cultivars 'yema de huevo', 'paliverde', 'palirrusia', 'yucatana', 'blanca de tarro', 'palinegra' and 'amarilla de tarro'. The results showed that the pH, the total soluble solids, and the maturity ratio increased for all cultivars except for 'palinegra' during the first 8 days after harvest. The total titratable acidity decreased for 'amarilla de tarro'; in the rest of cultivars, there was a slight increase over time. The respiratory rate and firmness increased in all cultivars until day 12, with higher values for 'palinegra'. Starch content, respiratory rate, and firmness decreased, while L* increased. The loss of mass had the highest values in the first 3 days of storage. The color index and the L* and b* parameters increased over time; therefore, increases in luminosity and yellow colorations were observed. 'Paliverde' showed the highest starch content, being the cultivar less suitable for industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in physicochemical traits, peel colour, and juice attributes of four blood orange cultivars (‘Moro’, ‘Tarocco’, ‘Sanguinello’, and ‘Sanguine’) were evaluated during 180 days at 2 and 5 °C plus 2 days at 20 °C for shelf life. ‘Tarocco’ had the lowest weight and firmness losses at both temperatures during storage. Titratable acidity (TA) at 5 ◦C was higher than 2 °C, with ‘Sanguinello’ and ‘Tarocco’ showing the highest and lowest TA, respectively. Juice content decreased during storage at both temperatures, although ‘Sanguinello’ had the highest juice content among the tested cultivars. Peel colour parameters including L* (lightness), b*, hue angle (h°), and chroma (C* ) decreased during cold storage, while a* and citrus colour index (CCI) increased in all cultivars at both temperatures. The order for CCI was ‘Tarocco’ > ‘Moro’ > ‘Sanguinello’ > ‘Sanguine’. Overall, prolonged storage at 5 ◦C was considered as optimum temperature for all cultivars, although ‘Sanguinello’ cultivar had a better aptitude for the citrus juice industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aqueous hexanal in prolonging the storage life of apple cv. 'Royal Delicious' while maintaining its quality. The influence of different concentrations of aqueous hexanal (1 mM, 2 mM and 3 mM) as a dip treatment for 2, 3 and 4 min was tested. Fruits given no hexanal treatment were taken as control. The treated and control apple fruits were stored under 1–2 °C and 80–90% RH for a period of 90 days and evaluated for physical and biochemical changes at regular interval of 15 days. The current study demonstrated that exogenous application of 1 mM hexanal applied as dip treatment for 3 min soaking time given to 'Royal Delicious' apple fruits retained higher firmness, reduced decay and improved the overall quality of the fruits upto 3-month storage under 1–2 °C. To conclude, postharvest application of aqueous hexanal as dip treatment holds promise in prolonging postharvest storage life and preserving quality of apple cv. 'Royal Delicious'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the effects of different rootstocks (Ma × Ma 14, GiselA 5, GiselA 6 and SL 64) on quality properties and bioactive compounds of '0900 Ziraat' sweet cherry fruit. Fruit weight, thickness and length of Ma × Ma 14 and SL 64 was higher than the GiselA 5 and GiselA 6. Firmness of GiselA 6 was lower than the other rootstocks (Ma × Ma 14, GiselA 5 and SL 64). The chroma value of GiselA 5 was greater than the other rootstocks, whereas the hue angle of SL 64 was lower than the other rootstocks. While the lowest SSC and acidity was obtained in GiselA 5, the highest vitamin C was determined in Ma × Ma 14. Total phenolics and total flavonoids, thus antioxidant activity of GiselA 6 and SL 64 rootstocks was higher than Ma × Ma 14 and GiselA 5 rootstocks. Catechin was the major phenolic acid in '0900 Ziraat' sweet cherry fruit. GiselA 6 had higher catechin and 4‑hydroxybenzoic acid content than the other rootstocks. As a result, it was revealed that sweet cherry rootstocks were effective on bioactive compounds and fruit quality characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Our research focuses on the formation of ice crystals and evaluating the structure of preserved frozen and freeze-dried strawberries. Strawberries were frozen in two ways. One-half of strawberries were frozen at − 30 °C under conditions of convective heat exchange. The other half of strawberries were frozen under the same conditions with an additional effect on the strawberries of micro-vibrations created in the air of the freezer according to a specific program. A digital frequency synthesizer that generates 250 W/m3 electromagnetic field rectangular pulse packets in the frequency bands of 2500–5000 kHz creates micro-vibrations. The microstructure of strawberries, the number of cells that have retained their structure and firmness were determined in frozen strawberries. The strawberries retained 25–30% of the cell structure of their total number during traditional freezing, and 65–70% of the cell structure when frozen under micro-vibration. The data of the penetration and shear stress showed that the strawberries frozen under micro-vibration conditions were 10–15% stronger. Then researched strawberries were vacuum freeze-dried. The primary drying temperature was 30 + 1 °C below zero and at the secondary drying the temperature was 38–40 °C. The microstructure and firmness of strawberries were researched in dried samples also. Freeze-dried strawberries frozen under micro-vibration had small and evenly distributed capillaries and their firmness was 8–10% higher than freeze-dried strawberries frozen by the traditional method. Thus, freezing strawberries with the additional effect of micro-vibration have a positive effect on the firmness of both frozen strawberries and freeze-dried strawberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicums lose water very rapidly after harvest and the moisture loss causes severe shriveling making them unmarketable within 2–3 days. The moisture loss occurs even under low temperature conditions, though at lesser rates. Bell peppers packed in corrugated fiber board boxes (CFB) tend to lose moisture continuously as these boxes are permeable to both water vapour and respiratory gases even if they are non-ventilated. To reduce the moisture loss and maintain freshness, yellow colour capsicum (cv. Bachata) were packed in CFB boxes and over wrapped with different semi-permeable films using shrink wrapping technology. This box shrink wrapping significantly lowered the weight loss and maintained firmness of capsicum at ambient (25.7–33.2 °C and 25–63% RH) and low temperature (8 °C ± 0.5 and 80 ± 5% RH) conditions. Yellow colour capsicums packed in this way could be stored for 11 days at ambient temperature with a weight loss of < 6% as compared to about 20% weight loss in non-wrapped fruits. The storage life could be extended to 5 weeks by storing these shrink wrapped boxes at 8 °C without any shriveling and with a weight loss of < 5%. In addition to maintaining high humidity, the lower O2 and higher CO2 levels maintained surrounding the produce in the wrapped boxes helped to avoid shriveling and to retain the quality in terms of surface colour, firmness and other quality traits. The absorption of excessive relative humidity by CFB itself in the over wrapped boxes helped in avoiding condensation of water droplets. This in turn avoided the development of fungal growth and thus the risk of fruit decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry is an allo-octoploid crop with high genome heterozygosity and complexity, which hinders the sequencing and the assembly of the genome. However, in the present study, we have generated a chromosome level assembly of octoploid strawberry sourced from a highly homozygous inbred line 'Wongyo 3115', using long- and short-read sequencing technologies. The assembly of 'Wongyo 3115' produced 805.6 Mb of the genome with 323 contigs scaffolded into 208 scaffolds with an N50 of 27.3 Mb after further gap filling. The whole genome annotation resulted in 151,892 genes with a gene density of 188.52 (genes/Mb) and validation of a genome, using BUSCO analysis resulted in 94.10% complete BUSCOs. Firmness is one of the vital traits in strawberry, which facilitate the postharvest shelf-life qualities. The molecular and genetic mechanisms that contribute the firmness in strawberry remain unclear. We have constructed a high-density genetic map based on the 'Wongyo 3115' reference genome to identify loci associated with firmness in the present study. For the quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification, the 'BS F2' populations developed from two inbred lines were genotyped, using an Axiom 35K strawberry chip, and marker positions were analyzed based on the 'Wongyo 3115' genome. Genetic maps were constructed with 1,049 bin markers, spanning the 3,861 cM. Using firmness data of 'BS F2' obtained from 2 consecutive years, five QTLs were identified on chromosomes 3-3, 5-1, 6-1, and 6-4. Furthermore, we predicted the candidate genes associated with firmness in strawberries by utilizing transcriptome data and QTL information. Overall, we present the chromosome-level assembly and annotation of a homozygous octoploid strawberry inbred line and a linkage map constructed to identify QTLs associated with fruit firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective was to evaluate the effect of beeswax as a coating, and the application of garlic and willow extracts in the conservation of the Cavendish banana clone Gran Naine. Two hundred healthy and mature green fruits (40 per treatment) were used to undergo 5 treatments: T1 = control, T2 = beeswax, T3 = aqueous extract of willow 1:10 w/v, T4 = aqueous extract of garlic 1:10 w/v, T5 = aqueous extract of garlic combined with beeswax. The fruits were stored at room temperature. Weight loss (%), fructose (°Brix), total soluble solids (SST, °Brix), sucrose (°Brix), peel color (G), firmness (N), pH and titratable acidity (TA, %) were measured every 48 h. In addition, a sensory evaluation was performed when the fruits reached full maturity. All the treated fruits (T2-T5) maintained the green color during the study period. The use of garlic extracts (T3) and beeswax (T2) alone and in combination (T5) helped to maintain the shelf life of the fruits for longer. The use of aqueous extracts of willow and garlic resulted in sweeter fruits, with a greater smell of banana and honey, and with greater chewiness. The use of beeswax to coat fruits, as well as aqueous extracts of garlic and willow, individually and in combination, allows the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of the banana Gran Naine to be maintained for a longer time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High berry yield and quality of conventionally and organically grown cranberry stands require proper nutrient sources and dosage. Our objective was to model the response of cultivar "Stevens" to N, P, K, Mg, Cu, and B fertilization under conventional and organic farming systems. A 3-year trial was conducted on permanent plots at four production sites in Quebec, Canada. We analyzed yield predictors, marketable yield, and fruit quality in response to fertilization and soil properties. Cranberry responded primarily to nitrogen fertilization and, to a lesser extent, to potassium. Berry yield was closely related to the number of fruiting uprights (r = 0.92), berry counts per fruiting upright (r = 0.91), number of reproductive uprights (r = 0.83), and fruit set (r = 0.77). Nitrogen increased berry yield nonlinearly but decreased berry firmness, total anthocyanin content (TAcy), and total soluble solids content (◦Brix) linearly, indicating a trade-off between berry yield and quality. Fertilizer dosage at a high-yield level ranged between 30 and 45 kg N ha-1 in both conventional and organic farming systems. Slow-release fertilizers delayed crop maturity and should thus be managed differently than ammonium sulfate. Berry weight increased with added K. Redundancy analysis showed a close correlation between marketable yield, berry quality indices, and soil tests, especially K and Ca, indicating the need for soil test calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A biocoating was produced for sweet potato export. • The use biocoating increases nutraceutical properties in sweet potato. • Biocoating provides more attractive color, adding value to the sale of roots. • Microwave cooking positively affects bioactive compounds. Sweet potatoes have high economic relevance in developing countries. Therefore, the adoption of post-harvest technologies for their conservation for long-distance markets is crucial. In this work, the effect of the combined use of cactus-based edible coating, packaging and refrigeration on the quality of sweet potatoes was evaluated. Four coating and packaging treatments were evaluated: (Control, Coating, Packaging, and Packaging + Coating) and seven storage periods (0, 7, and 14 days at 8 °C, and 17, 20, 23, and 26 days at 23 °C simulate refrigerated transport and shelf conditions respectively). Coating treatments consisted of immersion in 0.04 g L −1 of forage cactus mucilage + 300 mL L −1 glycerol for 1 min. After 14 days of cold storage, sweet potatoes were maintained at 23 °C for up to 26 days. Raw and cooked (microwaved for five minutes) sweet potato samples were evaluated at 0, 7, 14, 17, 20, 23, and 26 days. The refrigerated condition maintained sweet potato quality based on visual analysis for up to 14 days, regardless of the use of the edible coating. However, only packaged sweet potatoes, with or without coating, maintained higher visual scores after transfer to room conditions, exhibiting lower fresh weight loss up to 26 days. Sweet potatoes subjected only to edible coating maintained an acceptable visual appearance until 23 days. Additionally, firmness, visual analysis, DPPH and FRAP antioxidant activity, soluble phenolic and starch contents were more stable in raw and cooked sweet potatoes packaged (with or without coating) for up to 26 days, which is a sufficient time to reach more distant markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 'Xuxiang' kiwifruit, the outer pericarp and core soften at different rates, leading to a hard-core and reducing consumer acceptance. Studies have reported that the differences in respiration intensity result in different ripeness levels in various zones of fruit; however, no one has delineated the association between the softening rates and respiratory metabolism in 'Xuxiang'. Therefore, the current work analyzed the respiration and energy status of the outer pericarp and core of 'Xuxiang' and assessed the association of these features with the firmness decrease during postharvest ripening. Compared to the core, the outer pericarp showed a quicker firmness decrease, starch degradation, and citric acid reduction during postharvest ripening. The outer pericarp showed lower nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide kinase (NADK) activity and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and NADPH (reduced form of NADP) levels but higher nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and NADH (reduced form of NAD) levels than the core. It also showed higher adenosine triphosphate (ATP), diphosphate (ADP), and monophosphate (AMP) levels and energy charge (EC) than the core. Among the two tissue zones, the outer pericarp displayed an earlier expression of energy metabolism-related genes (AdAAC1 , AdAtpB , and AdAOX2). Finally, the Pearson correlation analysis associated the decline in outer pericarp firmness during postharvest ripening with the respiratory substrates, respiration, and energy status in 'Xuxiang' kiwifruit. These observations suggest that the outer pericarp exhibited higher respiration and energy levels than the core, at least in part, which resulted in a rapid decline in the outer pericarp firmness in 'Xuxiang'. [Display omitted] • Outer pericarp showed faster starch degradation and citric acid loss than core. • The outer pericarp had higher NAD and NADH contents than the core. • The outer pericarp had higher ATP content than the core. • The outer pericarp firmness decrease linked to respiration and energy status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With up to 19% of mango fruit being lost during ripening, the need for non-destructive technologies to predict internal physiochemical traits is paramount. This study compared two non-destructive technologies, visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (visNIRS) and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), for predicting the ripeness of mango fruit in two cultivars, 'Kent' and 'Keitt'. An internal quality index (IQI) in 'Kent' was predicted using visNIRS (R P 2 = 0.729, RMSEP = 0.532) using partial least squares regression, which gave a single measure for ripeness incorporating firmness, sweetness, and pulp colour. This model was improved by using the sum of the individual sugar contents (glucose, sucrose, and fructose) over the conventional total soluble solids (TSS) measure. LDV provided poor predictions of firmness (R2 < 0.5) in both 'Kent' and 'Keitt' using least squares regression line. The resonant frequency, as measured by LDV, decreased linearly with time, while firmness quantified destructively (quasi-static) showed an exponential decrease, suggesting the vibrational and destructive firmness measure distinct characteristics, which would contribute to poor model performance. These results showed that LDV is not suitable for assessing mango ripening. While visNIRS models have been successful at predicting quality traits, our results suggested that using individual sugar content in place of TSS can improve the prediction of ripening. This understanding of the strengths and limitations of both visNIRS and LDV, and how they relate to destructive quality measurements, can be used to improve postharvest management practices whilst reducing commercial losses in the mango industry. • VisNIRS outperformed LDV for mango ripening prediction. • Prediction of the internal quality index was improved by using total sugars over TSS. • The resonant frequency measured by LDV poorly predicted mango firmness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the postharvest quality of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit, this study investigates alterations in cell wall metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism during near-freezing temperature (NFT) storage, and explores their impact on fruit softening. The fruit was stored at 25 °C, 5 °C, 2 °C, and NFT, respectively. NFT storage retarded firmness loss and chilling injury in comparison with 25 °C, 5 °C, and 2 °C. NFT storage delayed the decrease of ionic-soluble pectin (ISP) and cellulose (CLL) contents by suppressing cell wall degradation enzyme activities. Correlation analysis showed that cell wall degradation enzyme activities were positively correlated to rates of ethylene release and respiration. Moreover, NFT storage maintained higher levels of DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities, activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, as well as ascorbate-glutathione cycle (ascorbic acid, glutathione, glutathione disulfide, ascorbate peroxidase, cycle-related enzymes), thereby inhibited the increase of ROS content, malondialdehyde content, and cell membrane permeability. Fruit firmness and chilling injury were correlated with the contents of hydrogen (H 2 O 2), superoxide anion (O 2 .-), ISP, and CLL. These results suggested that NFT could suppress fruit softening and chilling injury by inhibiting cell wall degradation through delaying respiration and ethylene production and suppressing ROS production via activation of antioxidant systems, thereby maintaining quality and prolonged storage life during avocado fruit storage. • NFT storage suppressed the avocado fruit softening and chilling injury. • NFT storage inhibits the degradation of cell wall polysaccharides. • NFT storage inhibits ROS accumulations and increases antioxidant ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Early applications (Stage I of fruit development) of 44CaCl 2 increased Ca concentrations and contents in sweet cherry leaves and fruits. • The later the foliar 44CaCl 2 application, the lower 44Ca recovery in sweet cherry leaves and fruits. • Most of the 44CaCl 2 aerial uptake during fruit development was carried out by spur leaves. The younger the leaves, the higher the 44Ca recovery. • Spur leaves were more efficient than developing fruits in the uptake of 44CaCl 2. • Aerial Ca sprays early during fruit development were more efficient, particularly during the period of fruit cell division (Stage I). In sweet cherry, foliar Calcium–based products are used to mitigate rain–cracking in fruit and to improve its firmness during storage. Information on foliar Calcium (Ca) absorption efficiency by fruit and leaves in the field is scarce. In part, this is due to the limitations of the traditional analytical techniques for assessing Ca levels in these organs. Here, we hypothesize that leaves and fruit differ in their abilities to uptake surface applications of Ca and, moreover, that their abilities are influenced by phenology. To test this hypothesis, foliar 44Ca (0.05% 44CaCl 2) was used to enrich sweet cherry fruit and leaves of the combination 'Lapins'/'Colt' during the 2019–2020 growing season in the Central Valley of Chile (34° 0' S, 71° 41' W). Six treatments were applied, represented by different timings (days after full bloom, DAFB) of isotopic labeling of either fruit or leaves. Labeling was applied at Stage I, SII and SIII of fruit development. Fruit or leaves were 'painted' with 44CaCl 2 (0.05%, 97 atom%) using a brush. Each labeling date considered a different group of similar fruiting spurs on the two-year-old wood of individual vertical branches. Additional samples were collected to measure natural abundance of 44Ca. Labeled fruit were removed 48 h after aerial 44Ca enrichment and at harvest (87 DAFB). Uptake of 44Ca by fruit and leaves was observed throughout the period of fruit development. Fruiting spur leaves (FSL) and fruit absorbed 44CaCl 2 and were highly enriched 48 h after labeling. The earlier the labeling date, the higher the 44Ca tracer recovery detected in both organs. However, FSL showed higher δ44Ca ‰, 44Ca concentrations and 44Ca contents than fruit during the whole period of fruit development. After 48 h, the aerial uptake at SI (expressed as δ44Ca ‰) was 3.4 times higher in immature FSL and 5.7 times higher in immature fruit than SIII of fruit development, which indicates that Ca sprays should start soon after fruit set. We conclude that in sweet cherry, foliar Ca is absorbed by fruit and spur leaves, but the absorption is more efficient in the early stages of fruit development and for young leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study's objective was to investigate the application of plasma-activated water (PAW) for treating goji berries and assess its effectiveness in preventing softening during storage. This objective was achieved by analyzing the water distribution and content of goji berries during storage using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The findings showed that PAW treatment shortened the relaxation time of T 22 and T 23 , making the consistency of water freedom or binding degree of the four water environments in the treated goji berries higher compared with the control group. Furthermore, the PAW-treated group's vacuolar and cell wall water contents were 4.532% and 86.544% at the late storage period; these values were all higher compared with the control group's values. PAW treatment delayed the decrease of the goji berries' vacuolar and cell wall water contents, reduced water loss, and regulated the water dynamic balance. In addition, the PAW treatment of goji berries increased the absorption peak of pectin at 1420 and 1735 cm−1, delayed the degradation of cell wall substances, and inhibited the deformation and damage of the cell wall structure; this resulted in a substantially higher pectin content compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the PAW-treated group's polysaccharide content, hardness, and frangibility were 92.53 mg/g, 22.94 N, and 16.68 N respectively at the late storage period; these values were all higher compared with the control group's values. The study's results demonstrated that the PAW treatment of goji berries improves hardness and frangibility, reduces gumminess, and maintains texture characteristics, water content, and nutrients, especially polysaccharides, thereby delaying the softening process during storage. [Display omitted] • PAW reduced water loss and regulate water dynamic balance of goji berries. • PAW delayed the degradation and damage of cell wall substances. • PAW improved texture characteristics and nutrients in berries. • PAW delayed the softening process of goji berries during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rise of various and different need theories demonstrates human constant occupation for the recognition of self. Every one of these theories which predominantly overlaps the others introduces diverse categories but we find out with a certain deliberation that all theories lead to satisfy a need and that is a "need to Firmness". Firmness may be known a lack of constant occurrence of events, behaviors or stimulations that could unsettle performance and equilibrium of a human and social system. Therefore, in the event of occurrence of firmness, the equilibrium will prevail the system. Since the firmness's bear stages, a real human legal system or legal organizations system may have much more acquisitiveness to satisfy their needs, temporarily unsettle their firmness in order to achieve a superior firmness. Just as an investor who invests in a project temporarily, put their economic stability at risk to achieve growth. In this doctrinal paper tries to bring closer the need and firmness theories to make a contribution to a new science in the fields of administrative and behavioral sciences.

Abstract Background Polygalacturonase (PG), as an important hydrolase participating in the degradation of pectin, plays an important role in softening process of fruit. However, information on PG gene family in pear genome and the specific member involved in fruit softening is still rudimentary. Results In this study, a total of 61 PG genes, which could be divided into six subclasses, were identified from the pear genome with diverse chromosome locations, gene structures, motifs and cis-acting elements. Most PbrPGs were derived from WGD/segmental duplication blocks, and purifying selection was the main driving force for their expansion. The expression profiles of PbrPGs in pear were tissue/development-stage/cultivar-dependent. During ‘Housui’ pear storage, associated with the reduction of firmness was the accumulation of PG activity. Totally, 28 PbrPGs were expressed during fruit storage, which could be classified into five categories based on different expression patterns; most demonstrated an increased trend. Of these, PbrPG6 were proposed to account for pear softening in combination of the phylogenetic and correlation analysis among firmness, PG activity and PbrPGs. By constructing the silencing vector, a higher firmness was observed in PbrPG6-silenced fruit when compared with that of the control (empty vector). In a further study, we found that the expression of PbrPG6 was regulated by postharvest 1-MCP/ethrel treatment, and several PbrERFs might function in this process. Conclusions We identified 61 PbrPG genes from pear genome; of these, PbrPG6 was involved in fruit softening process; furthermore, the expression of PbrPG6 might be under the control of PbrERF. This study provides a foundation for future work aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying pear softening.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium fertilizer treatments on fruit quality and distribution of calcium in apple fruit (Malus domestica Borkh. cv. Idared). Four treatments were tested: application of calcium nitrate through the fertigation system, foliar application of calcium nitrate, application of calcium oxide through soil, and control treatment (without calcium fertilizer). In the experiment, freshly picked apples harvested in Gorazde region (eastern Bosnia) in September 2018 were analyzed. The highest impact to increase calcium content in apple had a treatment where calcium nitrate was added through the fertigation system. It was the result of the balance between calcium and nitrogen in the applied solution as well as the fertigation capacity to timely deliver nutrition to the main rooting zone. Calcium distribution was not uniform within the fruit: the highest content was found in the apple core, decreasing in the apple flesh, and rising again in the apple skin, regardless of fertilizer treatment. There was no difference among calcium fertilizer treatments in total soluble solids and titratable acidity of apple, indicating that these treatments were insufficient in order to improve the examined parameters of fruit quality.

Today, nondestructive methods are widely used to determine the quality of agricultural products. Meanwhile, visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy is regarded as one of the most widely used methods in the field of quality assessment of agricultural products. In this study, a system was developed to measure the Vis/NIR spectra of tomato fruit samples in the half-transmittance mode of measurement. Halogen lamps were used as the sources of irradiation and a portable fiber optic spectrometer was utilized to collect the spectra in the range of 400-100 nm. Immediately after collecting the spectra of 170 tomato samples, harvested at different stages of ripening, the firmness of the samples was measured using the standard Magness-Taylor penetration test. In order to eliminate the effects of irregular factors, different preprocessing methods were applied to the collected spectra. Then, partial least squares (PLS) regression was implemented to develop the firmness predictive models. Preliminary results showed two absorption peaks around 670 and 990 nm in the acquired spectra that were related to the chlorophyll and water contents of tomato, respectively. The spectroscopy method could nondestructively predict the tomato fruit firmness with a correlation coefficient (rp) of 0.920 and the root mean squares error of prediction (RMSEP) of 2.5 nm.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of large, medium, and small fruit sizes on fruit quality, shelf life, and microbial activity in cherry tomatoes. Large (31.28 mm), medium (28.52 mm), and small (24.16 mm) tomatoes were harvested at light red maturity in Gangwon Province in the Republic of Korea. The quality of the tomatoes was measured at harvest time. Following harvest, the tomatoes were stored at 5 ℃; they were kept in boxes, acting as controls, or packed with a 20,000 cc oxygen transmission rate (OTR), acting as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) to measure postharvest quality. The large tomatoes showed lower rates of respiration and ethylene production compared to the other sizes. The rate of fresh weight loss was the highest in the small tomatoes. A prolonged shelf life was observed in the large tomatoes. The rate of fungal incidence was lower in the large tomatoes compared with the medium and small ones. On the final day of storage, the large tomatoes retained the highest level of firmness and the concentrations of titratable acidity and vitamin C. However, the small tomatoes contained the highest level of soluble solids among the different sizes. Bacterial and fungal counts were the lowest in the large tomatoes. Based on the above results, large tomatoes may be better than smaller tomatoes for exporting over long distances.

Onion is one of the most important vegetable bulb crops in the world. A field experiment was carried out at the experimental fields of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia in 2017 with the aim to examine the effect of three nitrogen (N) fertilization rates on the physico-chemical characteristics of bulbs of five onion varieties. Three autochthonous and two hybrid onion varieties were evaluated. During the growth 0, 162 and 324 kg Nha-1 were applied. The number of fleshy scale leaves, bulb weight, height, diameter and firmness were determined on onion bulbs. In addition, the total soluble solids and total sugars were analysed. Both factors, i.e. variety and N fertilization rate, significantly affected the number of fleshy scale leaves, while N fertilisation rate also affected bulb firmness and the variety influenced the content of total soluble solids and bulb height. Hybrid varieties had lower total soluble solids compared to autochthonous varieties.

Local Kadirli radises were harvested and divided into four different groups. The crops were selected according to their uniformity, and then cut manually using a sharp knife. Treatments with 1% calcium chloride, 1% chitosan coating and 1% calcium chloride + 1% chitosan coating were applied to the fresh-cut radish slice samples and stored in a polypropylene box at 0° C in the 90% relative humidity for 12 days. The treated fresh-cut radish samples were analyzed for mass loss, firmness, ethylene production, color (Chroma), sensory analysis, chemical (TSS, pH), microbiological and E.C. membrane integrity for 3-day intervals during storage. When the data obtained from the study were evaluated, it was determined that the calcium chloride application had significant effects on the mass loss (%) and firmness (N) of the samples examined, whereas CaCI2 exerted a significant impact on the firmness and E.C. (%) membrane integrity of the samples examined. According to the results of microbiological analysis, the chitosan application was found to exert a notabe effect on the development of total aerobic bacteria.

A 53 m3 solar-powered evaporative cooler for temporary storage of tomato fruit was developed to improve the shelf life of tomatoes under hot and humid climatic conditions. This study investigated the effect of indirect air-cooling combined with evaporative cooling (IAC+EC), maturity stage at harvesting and period of storage on the quality of tomatoes. The effect of total soluble solids, firmness, color, physiological weight loss (PWL), and marketability of tomatoes (star 9037) was investigated by monitoring the storage of green and pink maturity stage harvested fruit over 28 days under both IAC+EC and ambient conditions. The three factors had a significant effect (P < .001) on the overall quality of tomatoes. The tomatoes stored in the IAC+EC system were 18.9% firmer, maintained 10.5% lower concentration of sugars, increased the hue angle by 3%, had 6.31% lower PWL and were 24.8% more marketability than tomatoes stored under ambient conditions. The tomatoes harvested at the green stage were 20.2% firmer, had 6.6% lower total soluble content, increased the hue angle by 4.9%, had a 3.1% lower PWL, and were 11.6% more marketable than the pink harvested tomatoes. This study clearly demonstrated the efficacy of IAC+EC under sub-humid and hot conditions in improving the quality and marketability and increasing the shelf life of tomatoes by reducing the rate of ripening and utilization of sugar.

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) has been cultivated around the Mediterranean basin since ancient times, ‘Arbequina’ being one of the most widely grown varieties. To improve the knowledge on ripening-related firmness changes in olive fruit, cell wall metabolism was studied in irrigated and rain-fed ‘Arbequina’ olives grown at ‘Les Garrigues’, a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) in Catalonia (NE Spain) where harsh environmental conditions occur during fruit development. Fruit samples were picked periodically from September to January. Time-course dynamics of firmness loss during maturation were characterised by a first phase of rapid firmness loss followed by a second phase of moderate change. Compositional changes in cell walls and related enzyme activities were studied in fruit samples. Fruit firmness was significantly higher in rain-fed than in irrigated olives. Neutral sugar loss, an early event in ripening-related cell wall modifications, was lower in rain-fed samples, which, moreover, retained higher uronic acid amounts in the chelator-soluble fraction, thus resulting in attenuated firmness loss in these fruits.

Yield and fruit quality are two of the most important parameters for the profitability of vegetable crops. In commercial vegetable production, nitrogen (N) is commonly applied in excess, which is associated with nitrate (NO3−) leaching loss. In addition, excess N application may affect yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N applications of very deficient N (N1, 2 mmol L−1), deficient N (N2, 8 mmol L−1), and conventional N (N3, 14 mmol L−1), according to local fertigation practices, in soil-grown muskmelon and sweet pepper crops in Almeria, South-Eastern Spain. The evaluation was conducted in three cultivars of each species. The yield and the fruit quality parameters of firmness, colour, total soluble solids (TSS) and morphometric variables were evaluated in two years for each species. For most parameters in both species, the effects of N, when significant, occurred regardless of cultivar. In muskmelon and sweet pepper, application of 8.2 mmol N L−1 (i.e., N2) was sufficient to achieve a maximum yield of 6.7 and 7.4 kg m−2, respectively. In muskmelon, very deficient N application led to an increase of 58% in the percentage of fruit discarded, mostly due to malformed and undersized fruits. Fruit firmness and red–green axis coordinate (a*) were not consistently affected by N in any of the crops. However, the fruit lightness (L*) increased with N addition in both species, likely because of increased chlorophyll pigments. With N addition, fruit TSS slightly decreased in muskmelon and slightly increased in sweet pepper. However, fruit TSS of both species were within reference values for commercialisation in the three N treatments. There were differences in yield between cultivars in muskmelon but not in sweet pepper, likely due to differences in fruit number in muskmelon. There were differences between cultivars in TSS and colour a* coordinate in both muskmelon and sweet pepper. Cultivars with higher TSS and a* coordinate will likely be more desirable for consumers because of the sweeter taste and more intense orange colour in muskmelon and reddish colour in sweet pepper. Overall, our manuscript showed that N application can be reduced, relative to the conventional N application, without reducing yield or fruit quality in muskmelon, yet additional studies should be conducted in sweet pepper to complement the results of the 2020 crop.