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Postharvest Res. 2020; 3: 125-140 10 Shin J.S., Park H.S., Lee K.W., Song J.S., Han H.Y., Kim H.W., Cho T.J. Advances in the strategic approaches of pre-and post-harvest treatment technologies for peach fruits (Prunus persica). The microbiological safety of horticultural plants (vegetables, fruits, spices, flowers, other edible crops, ornamental plants, etc.) is important for both human health and the product quality of edible and ornamental plants [[1]]. [Extracted from the article]

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Copyright of Misr Journal of Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study analyzed the effects of two ranges of drying down of substrate moisture content (SMC) before re-watering on plant growth and development, postproduction quality, and economic value of bedding plants grown in 1.67-L containers during greenhouse production. The two SMC treatments were wide-range (WR) SMC (WR-SMC) for dry-down from container capacity (CC) of 54% SMC dried down to 20% SMC or narrow-range (NR) SMC(NR-SMC) for dry-down from CC of 54%SMC dried down to 40% SMC. Six bedding plant cultivars were used [Solenostemon scutellarioides 'French Quarter' (coleus); Petunia 3hybrida 'Colorworks Pink Radiance' (petunia); Lantana camara 'Lucky Flame' (lantana); Impatiens 3hybrida 'Sunpatiens Compact Hot Coral' (SCC); 'Sunpatiens Spreading Lavender' (SSL) (impatiens); and Salvia splendens 'Red Hot Sally II' (salvia)]. Shoot dry weight was reduced with WR-SMC on petunia, lantana, impatiens SCC, and salvia at the end of production. With WR-SMC, the petunia and impatiens SCC root ball coverage percentages were greater on the bottom of the container, whereas those of impatiens SSL and salvia were reduced. TheWR-SMC increased petunia postproduction quality by increasing the flower number. Lantana and impatiens SCC inflorescence/flower and/or bud number were reduced with WR-SMC. The impatiens SSL flower number was unaffected by SMC treatment. Salvia grown with WR-SMC had increased postproduction quality. WR-SMC reduced postproduction water potential in petunia, lantana, and coleus, suggesting that plants with WR-SMC during production were acclimated to reduced irrigation administered during postproduction.WR-SMC saved labor due to less frequent watering and overhead-associated costs due to reduced bench space, with the exception of coleus and impatiens SSL, which used the same bench space as NR-SMC. Considering production and/or postproduction quality, using WR-SMC during greenhouse production is beneficial as an irrigation method for coleus, petunia, impatiens SSL, and salvia, but not for impatiens SCC or lantana grown in 1.67-L containers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinach is an annual, cool-season, green leafy vegetable that in temperate areas can be grown year-round. However, different seasons can influence the quality and shelf life of the produce. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different seasons on the quality of baby spinach leaves during growing and postharvest storage. The study was initiated in early Nov. 2013 and culminated toward the end of Oct. 2014, then was repeated from Nov. 2014 until Oct. 2015. A 4 3 5 3 3 factorial experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replicates per treatment. The treatments were arranged as follows. In autumn, winter, spring, and summer, leaves were kept up to 12 d at three different temperatures: 4, 10, and 20 °C. Parameters recorded are weight loss, leaf length, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Results of the study demonstrate that the level of antioxidants in winter remained stable during storage, specifically at 4 °C, followed by autumn and spring. In contrast, the summer season reflected the worse potential of retaining a level of antioxidants compared with the other seasons. On day 12, at a storage temperature of 4 °C, winter maintained 0.55 mg·g-1 dry weight (DW), whereas autumn, spring, and summer had 0.41, 0.40, and 0.11 mg·g-1 DW, respectively. In conclusion, it is recommended that baby spinach growers consider winter, autumn, and spring for growing baby spinach to manage the quality favorably during the postharvest storage period in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chile is the third largest exporter of kiwifruit in the world. Its varietal production has traditionally been focused on green-fleshed kiwifruit varieties, with 'Hayward' being the most exported variety. 'Soreli' is a new Italian kiwifruit variety, which is characterized by its early ripening, big size, sweet taste, as well as its yellow flesh. This gives 'Soreli' a good opportunity to promote the consumption of yellow-fleshed varieties, and a wider assortment of kiwifruit in the market. The aim of this work is to evaluate postharvest traits and consumer acceptance in kiwifruit var. 'Soreli', with a combination of storage temperatures of 0 °C and 20 °C and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) applications. Cold storage and 1-MCP treatments caused a positive response in kiwifruit var. 'Soreli'. In the case of fruits stored at 20 °C, 1-MCP treatment extended the postharvest life of the fruits at least 3 weeks while the fruits stored in cold at 0 °C treated with 1-MCP reached 8 weeks. In general, the respiration rate was higher in the control treatments with respect to the 1-MCP treatments, as well as the ethylene emission occurred earlier in the control. In addition, the kiwifruit sensory quality attributes were adequate in all cases, reaching a medium or high acceptability in the evaluation panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicums (bell peppers) are an important international crop that has specific postharvest handling requirements due to a high susceptibility to quality deterioration from water loss. When harvested green, capsicums are susceptible to chilling injury if stored below ∼7°C for long periods, although red fruit can withstand lower temperatures. Chilling injury usually manifests as spots of surface pitting that can develop into large regions of pitted areas. Extending storage life to enable sea freight from countries distant from their final market (such as New Zealand) means that fruit must be exceptionally well cleaned to allow high humidity to be maintained during storage so that rots do not develop. A range of postharvest treatments that might reduce chilling injury is discussed, although few if any of these have entered commercial practice. This review also covers biology and consumer attributes including colour, taste and flavour, and texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest partial dehydration is a technique used in the production of important dry and sweet wines in Italy. An accurate management of the dehydration environmental parameters allows for the modulation of berry metabolism and the maintenance/improvement of the enochemical quality of grapes. As it is known that water loss induces oxidative processes in berries, our hypothesis was that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and ozone (O 3 ), as postharvest treatments before partial dehydration, might be beneficial for grape berry quality. Grape bunches were postharvest treated with 10 or 100 μM MeJA at 20 °C or with ozone gas at 10 °C, in 70% relative humidity (RH) and air flow, for 12 h; the control bunches were untreated and kept at 20 °C for 12 h. Subsequently, partial dehydration was performed at 10 °C until a 30% weight loss (w.l.) was reached. MeJA hastened grape berry water loss. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents at the end of the partial dehydration were lower in the MeJA-treated berries than in the control and ozone samples. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activity rates increased in the treated samples. In contrast, lipoxygenase (LOX) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) had lower activities in the MeJA-treated samples than in the controls. It would seem that MeJA accelerates grape water loss but at the same time activates the antioxidant system. Ozone does not accelerate grape water loss but induces the antioxidant system and increases polyphenol content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea , is one of the major causal agents of postharvest decay in table grapes, contributing to 20% losses world-wide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. cinerea at different phenological growth stage (full bloom, pea size and fully mature berries) and the impact of agro-climatic sites on pathogen incidence. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was used simultaneously with culture based methods to detect and quantify B. cinerea . Botrytis cinerea was detected at different phenological stages on asymptomatic grape samples. Prevalence and level of B. cinerea differed between phenological stages and sites. Full bloom stage of site B showed the highest prevalence of B. cinerea (82.9%) compared to site A (33.3%). For the latter phenological stages (pea size and mature stage), site A had the highest prevalence (100% for both), compared to 35.2% and 44.4% observed at site B, respectively. Furthermore, the B. cinerea concentration varied between stages within the two sites. The concentration of B . cinerea at site A showed a threefold increase from pea size (2.67 copies μL −1 of DNA) to mature berry stage (9.16 copies μL −1 of DNA), compared with the decline noted for similar growth stages at site B. Botrytis cinerea inoculum build up on asymptomatic grapes could be effectively monitored as the berry develops at critical phenological stages. Preharvest monitoring of the pathogen can help growers improve well-established cultural and management practices, hence limit the risk of postharvest decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aroma significantly contributes to flavor, which directly affects the commercial quality of strawberries. The strawberry aroma is complex as many kinds of volatile compounds are found in strawberries. In this review, we describe the current knowledge of the constituents and of the biosynthesis of strawberry volatile compounds, and the effect of postharvest treatments on aroma profiles. The characteristic strawberry volatile compounds consist of furanones, such as 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐hydroxy‐3(2H)‐furanone and 4‐methoxy‐2,5‐dimethyl‐3(2H)‐furanone; esters, including ethyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, methyl butanoate, and methyl hexanoate; sulfur compounds such as methanethiol, and terpenoids including linalool and nerolidol. As for postharvest treatment, the present review discusses the overview of aroma volatiles in response to temperature, atmosphere, and exogenous hormones, as well as other treatments including ozone, edible coating, and ultraviolet radiation. The future prospects for strawberry volatile biosynthesis and metabolism are also presented. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit aroma development depends on ripening. Abscisic acid (ABA) has been reported to be involved in the regulation of tomato fruit ripening. In the present study, the effects of exogenous ABA on aromatic volatiles in tomato fruit during postharvest ripening were studied. The results showed that exogenous ABA accelerated color development and ethylene production as well as the accumulation of carotenoids, total phenolics and linoleic acid in tomato fruit during ripening. Moreover, exogenous ABA increased the accumulation of volatile compounds such as 1-peten-3-one (2.06-fold), β-damascenone (1.64-fold), benzaldehyde (3.29-fold) and benzyl cyanide (4.15-fold); induced the expression of key genes implicated in the biosynthesis pathways of aromatic volatiles, including TomloxC , HPL , ADH2 , LeCCD1B and SlBCAT1 (the values of the log 2 fold changes ranged from −3.02 to 2.97); and promoted the activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). In addition, the results of promoter analyses revealed that cis -acting elements involved in ABA responsiveness (ABREs) exist in 8 of the 12 key genes involved in volatile biosynthesis, suggesting that ABA potentially affects aromatic volatile emissions via the regulation of gene expression profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of cassava, the most important staple root crop in the world, is constrained by the short shelf life of the cassava storage roots that are undergoing post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) shortly after harvest. PPD reduces starch quality and renders the roots unpalatable and unmarketable. PPD is a complex process involving enzymatic stress responses to wounding, changes in gene expression and protein synthesis as well as accumulation of secondary metabolites. PPD can be strongly influenced by environmental factors making the identification of genotypes with delayed PPD trait difficult. In the present review, we propose an integrative presentation of PPD phenomenon based on a comprehensive analysis of several key PPD studies. We discuss recent progress in the standardization of methods to assess and score PPD tolerance in cassava roots. Traditional and improved storage techniques to extend cassava shelf-life are presented and prospects of transgenic approaches to delay PPD are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The early generation selection of cassava quantitative and qualitative traits saves breeding resources as it can shorten breeding schemes. Inheritance analysis provides important breeding information for developing new improved varieties. This study aimed at developing an F1 segregating cassava population and determining mode of gene action of pulp colour and selected traits at early generation selection (F1 seedling and clones). RESULTS: The 15 families exhibited significant (P < 0.05) phenotypic variation between offspring. The general combining ability (GCA) was significant for all traits except cassava brown streak disease on leaves, whereas specific combining ability (SCA) was significant for all evaluated traits. The Garukansubire and Gitamisi genotypes were the best general combiners for improving fresh storage root yield, while G1 and G2 were the best general combiners for improved carotenoid (yellow/orange pulp colour) and delayed physiological postharvest deterioration. The pulp colour had the highest GCA/SCA ratio and percent sum of squares due to GCA. CONCLUSION: The 15 F1 families exhibited essential genetic diversity for cassava improvement. The expression of most cassava traits was controlled by both additive and non‐additive gene action. The study elucidated the role of dominance effects over the additive effects for the evaluated traits. However, the pulp colour was predominantly controlled by additive gene action. This implies the possibility of improving cassava through conventional breeding using recurrent selection for most traits. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid postharvest physiological deterioration largely reduces the quality and marketability of cassava. The molecular mechanism underlying cassava postharvest physiological deterioration and quality loss is largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of calcium and its relationship with melatonin in cassava postharvest physiological deterioration. Transcriptomic analyses indicate that most of the calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) sensor genes are upregulated in cassava tuberous roots at different postharvest stages. Exogenous CaCl 2 reduces postharvest physiological deterioration, increases the endogenous levels of Ca 2+ and melatonin, reduces the degradation of ascorbic acid and starch, and induces the expression of genes related to melatonin biosynthesis after harvest. These effects are reversed by the exogenous application of a Ca 2+ chelator (EGTA). Exogenous melatonin also increases endogenous melatonin levels and reduces ascorbic acid and starch degradation during postharvest physiological deterioration but do not affect endogenous Ca 2+ content. Together, these findings demonstrate that calcium-induced activation of melatonin biosynthesis plays a role in reducing postharvest physiological deterioration and quality loss in cassava. Additionally, pretreatment with EGTA arrests the melatonin-induced reduction of postharvest physiological deterioration, suggesting the possible crosstalk between melatonin and calcium during postharvest physiological deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The market for fruits and vegetables is mainly controlled by the mass distribution channel (MDC). MDC buyers do not have useful instruments to rapidly evaluate the quality of the products. Decisions by the buyers are driven primarily by pricing strategies rather than product quality. Simple, rapid and easy‐to‐use methods for objectively evaluating the quality of postharvest products are needed. The present study aimed to use visible and near‐infrared (vis/NIR) spectroscopy to estimate some qualitative parameters of two low‐price products (carrots and tomatoes) of various brands, as well as evaluate the applicability of this technique for use in stores. RESULTS: A non‐destructive optical system (vis/NIR spectrophotometer with a reflection probe, spectral range 450–1650 nm) was tested. The differences in quality among carrots and tomatoes purchased from 13 stores on various dates were examined. The reference quality parameters (firmness, water content, soluble solids content, pH and colour) were correlated with the spectral readings. The models derived from the optical data gave positive results, in particular for the prediction of the soluble solids content and the colour, with better results for tomatoes than for carrots. CONCLUSION: The application of optical techniques may help MDC buyers to monitor the quality of postharvest products, leading to an effective optimization of the entire supply chain. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research successfully developed a novel thermally buffered package using a paraffin-based thermo regulating material (5 °C) microencapsulated in melamine powder (MMP). MMP was used to coat a poly-textile, and the results were compared with those of a commercially available TRM (temperature regulating material), i.e., tetradecane. The major real-world difficulty of containing the liquid phase was overcome in this study via microencapsulation. A corrugated package constructed of MMP poly-textile and lined with LDPE bag liners containing 400 g of MMP provided a sufficient thermal buffering capacity to maintain the temperature inside the package at 5 °C while the package was held at ambient temperature for 30–60 min. A similar experiment with mushrooms ( Agaricus bispours ) packed inside the thermally buffered package was performed to determine whether it could provide effective thermal buffering during transport and temporary storage. The MMP and MMP-coated poly-textile were characterized using TGA, DSC, SEM, and FTIR to evaluate their thermal, chemical, and morphological properties. The quality of the mushrooms packed into the thermally buffered package was determined by measuring the pH, color, texture, weight loss, and PPO activity. The thermally buffered package, which combines the effects of a pure MMP bag liner and an MMP + poly-textile package, demonstrated excellent ability to control temperature. All of the quality aspects of the mushrooms were within acceptable limits during the storage study. This developed package will solve some of the restrictions faced by mushroom producers and distributers in order to maintain stable quality throughout the storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their health benefits, high concentrations of antioxidative compounds in vegetables and fruit are important for end-consumers. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of continuous red light and short periods of daily ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the postharvest quality of green tomatoes. Green tomatoes were exposed for 30 min to UV radiation, continuous red light or a combination of both for up to 20 d. Non-treated (control) fruit ripened within 15 d while fruit exposed to red light and a combination of red light with UV radiation required five days less to reach the same maturity level. In addition, the exposure to red light alone or in combination with UV raised concentrations of lycopene, ß-carotene, total flavonoids and phenolics. This possibility to steer the concentrations of health-promoting antioxidants through light treatments is a safe method to increase fruit quality according to customer wishes and demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. is one of the most important postharvest diseases of stone fruit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of the main postharvest operations of fruit - hydrocooling, cold room, water dump, sorting and cooling tunnel - in the development of M. laxa on peaches and nectarines artificially infected 48, 24 or 2 h before postharvest operations. RESULTS Commercial hydrocooling operation reduced incidence to 10% in 'Pp 100' nectarine inoculated 2 and 24 h before this operation; however, in 'Fantasia' nectarine incidence was not reduced, although lesion diameter was decreased in all studied varieties. Hydrocooling operation for 10 min and 40 mg L−1 of sodium hypochlorite reduced brown rot incidence by 50-77% in nectarines inoculated 2 h before operation; however, in peach varieties it was not reduced. Water dump operation showed reduction of incidence on nectarine infected 2 h before immersion for 30 s in clean water at 4 °C and 40 mg L−1 sodium hypochlorite; however, in peach varieties it was not reduced. Cold room, sorting and cooling tunnel operation did not reduce brown rot incidence. CONCLUSION From all studied handling operations on stone fruit packing houses, hydrocooling is the most relevant in the development of brown rot disease. Duration of the treatment seems to be more important than chlorine concentration. In addition, hydrocooling and water dump were less relevant in peaches than in nectarines. As a general trend, hydrocooling and water dump reduced incidence on fruit with recent infections (2 or 24 h before operation); however, when infections have been established (48 h before operation) diseases were not reduced. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesca di Bivona', 'Murtiddara', 'Bianca', 'Agostina' and 'Settembrina' are non-melting white flesh peach landraces characterized by a persistent aroma and excellent flavour highly appreciated by Italian consumers. The aim of this work was to assess the persistence of their quality and sensory profiles after storage at 0°C for 28 days, using destructive and non-destructive analyses. The IAD index, measured either at harvest or at fruit removal from cold storage, was correlated to TSS, TA and firmness of all the landraces. 'Settembrina' and 'Agostina' harvested at the commercial ripening time (50.5 ± 4.3 N) and stored at 0°C during 4 weeks kept harvest quality in terms of sensorial attributes, flesh firmness, chlorophyll content, TSS, TA and reduced weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the safety of fresh high quality convenience products, high hydrostatic pressure treatments (HHP) may provide a gentle, quality retainion alternative to traditional chemical preservation. However, information about the potential impact of HHP on metabolic functionality of fresh produce is rare; the few published studies indicate HHP has effects on physiological activity. These effects were highly product specific due to pronounced variations in both pressure sensitivity and stress responsivity. Biomembranes generally seem to be major physiological targets of HHP treatments. Cell turgor inevitably requires fully intact cell membranes. Turgor has an important impact on the fresh appearance of fresh produce, especially texture. Up to now, there is no investigation available that has directly evaluated the effects of HHP treatments on turgor of fresh vegetable tissue. In this study, the pressure probe technique was applied to comprehensively analyse the turgor of red cabbage tissue by directly measuring the hydrostatic pressure of individual cells. The effects of HHP on the cell turgor were tested at pressures ranging between 150 MPa and 250 MPa, applied for 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. As pronounced changes in pressure could result in related temperature changes, the effects of temperature (35 °C to 55 °C) on turgor was characterised separately. At 35 °C and 45 °C, leaf turgor transiently declined after HHP treatment of 150 MPa (for up to 10 min) but recovered again within 24 h; at 55 °C, however, it irreversibly dropped to near zero. The same occurred when HHP of 175 MPa or above was applied. In general, HHP treatment and temperature increases as well as the duration of treatments interactively affected cell turgor of red cabbage leaves. Critical process parameters derived for gentle application of HHP were 150 MPa at 45 °C for 10 min treatment time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell wall invertase gene ( LIN5 ) was reported to be a key enzyme influencing sugar uptake of tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum ) fruit. It was additionally revealed to be a key regulator of total soluble solids content in fruit as well as for reproductive development, being mainly involved in flower development, early fruit and seed development but also in ripening. Here, we demonstrate that silencing of the LIN5 gene promotes changes affecting fruit cuticle development which has a direct effect on postharvest properties. Transformants were characterized by reduced transpirational water loss in mature fruits accompanied by several other changes in the cuticle. Quantitative chemical composition, coupled with microscopy of isolated cuticle fruits revealed that the cuticle of the transformants were characterized by an increase of the thickness as well as significant increase in the content of cuticle components (cutin, phenolic compounds, and waxes). Furthermore, detailed analysis of the waxes revealed that the transformants displayed changes in waxes composition, showing higher levels of n -alkanes and triterpenoids which can shift the proportion of crystalline and amorphous waxes and change the water flux through the cuticle. Expression of the genes involved in cuticle biosynthesis indicated that LIN5 influences the biosynthesis of components of the cuticle, indicating that this process is coupled to sugar uploading via a mechanism which links carbon supply with the capacity for fruit expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was carried out at Fruit Research Farm, Department of Fruit Science at College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar during 16 September, 2014 to 1 March, 2015 to study the individual effect of Pre -harvest spray of Calcium nitrate, Zinc sulphate and Boric acid as well as their interaction on Storability of Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) after fruit set stage. Among different pre-harvest treatments, T27 treatment (Ca 3.0% + B 0.6% + Zn 0.6%) treated fruits had the longest shelf-life of 15 days at ambient conditions with lowest PLW (9.27 %), decay per cent (15.23 %) and better organoleptic ratting(8.41/10) and higher retention of juice percent (39.12 %) till end of storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of microwave heating (2450 MHz) was studied as a postharvest treatment on the quality of beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL.). Two of the most consumed bean varieties in Mexico were considered: ‘Bayo’ and ‘Negro’, with 11.3% and 10.7% (w.b.) of moisture content, respectively. Different power levels – 370, 510 and 950 W – were evaluated. The different treatment times were determined as the time needed to reach 48.9 °C at the centre of the beans, this target temperature is recommended to control bean weevil. Then, the beans were cooled with air flowing at 2.8 m/s at a temperature of 24 °C (60% RH). Several quality parameters were evaluated after treatment (moisture content, water activity, germination ability, hardness and cooking time). Cooking time was well modelled by Fermi equation. The treatment that showed the best results was 370 W for 72 s in ‘Bayo’ variety and 54 s in‘Negro’variety. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Crown rot caused by fungal pathogen is the most prevalent postharvest disease in banana fruit that results significant economic losses during transportation, storage, and ripening period. Antifungal effects of ultraviolet C ( UVC) irradiation at doses varied from 0.01 to 0.30 kJ m−2 were investigated in controlling postharvest crown rot disease, maintenance of fruit quality, and the effects on antioxidant capacity of Berangan banana fruit during ripening days at 25 ± 2°C and 85% RH. Fruits irradiated with 0.30 kJ m−2 exhibited the highest (i.e., 62.51%) reduction in disease severity. However, the application of UVC at all doses caused significant browning damages on fruit peel except the dose of 0.01 kJ m−2. This dose synergistically reduced 46.25% development of postharvest crown and did not give adverse effects on respiration rate, ethylene production, weight loss, firmness, color changes, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, and pH in banana as compared to the other treatments and control. Meanwhile, the dose also enhanced a significant higher level of total phenolic content, FRAP, and DPPH values than in control fruits indicating the beneficial impact of UVC in fruit nutritional quality. The results of scanning electron micrographs confirmed that UVC irradiation retarded the losses of wall compartments, thereby maintained the cell wall integrity in the crown tissue of banana fruit. The results suggest that using 0.01 kJ m−2 UVC irradiation dose as postharvest physical treatment, the crown rot disease has potential to be controlled effectively together with maintaining quality and antioxidant of banana fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile terpenic and norisoprenoids profile from elderflowers ( Sambucus nigra L.) was established for two cultivars by multidimensional gas chromatography. From 47 monoterpenic, 13 sesquiterpenes and 5 norisoprenoids components, 38 are reported for the first time on elderflowers. Elderflower seasonality implies proper handling and storage conditions, for further processing, thus the impact of freezing, freeze-drying, air drying and vacuum packing, was evaluated on these potential aroma metabolites. The most suitable preservation methods, regarding the total metabolites content, were vacuum packing and freezing for intermediary storage times (24–32 weeks) with a reported overall decrease of the volatile terpenic and norisoprenoids of up to 58.6%; and freezing, for longer period (52 weeks), with a decrease of up to 47.4% (compared to fresh elderflowers). This study presents the most detailed terpenic and norisoprenoids elderflower profiling, and linalool oxides were proposed as markers for a more expedite assess to the impact of postharvest conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chilean volcanic soil, crop production often is limited by a combination of the low available P and high concentration of toxic aluminum (Al). In this study we aimed to isolate Al-tolerant plant-growth-promoting bacteria from the rhizosphere and the endosphere of ryegrass grown in acidic Chilean volcanic soil in order to characterize a bacterial consortium capable of contributing to alleviation of Al 3+ toxicity and supporting plant growth in Andisol. Five strains, i.e. Klebsiella sp. RC3, Stenotrophomonas sp. RC5, Klebsiell a sp. RCJ4, Serratia sp. RCJ6 and Enterobacter sp. RJAL6, were selected based on their capacity to tolerate high Al concentration (10 mM) and to exhibit multiple plant-growth-promoting traits (P solubilization, indole acetic acid production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity, and exudation of organic acid anions and siderophores). Based on the results, we can suggest that selected bacteria could alleviate Al stress by forming Al 3+ -siderophore complexes. The plant-growth-promoting potential of the bacterial consortium was confirmed in an assay with ryegrass plants. In the treatment with cattle dung manure, the consortium promoted plant growth and the phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil. Increased phosphatase activity coincided with elevated P concentration in shoots. Our results suggest that a combination of native Al-tolerant bacteria and cattle dung manure is effective in decreasing Al toxicity and promoting plant growth in Andisols of southern Chile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of putrescine (Put) (1 and 2 mM for 10 min) and ultrasound treatments (32 kHz for 10 min) alone or in combination on changing biochemical compounds and extending postharvest life of grape. After treatments, clusters were packed in boxes with modified atmosphere packaging and stored at 1-2 °C with 90-95% relative humidity for 60 days. The weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total anthocyanins, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, stem browning, decay rate and visual appearance at 0, 20, 40 and 60 days after harvest were recorded. Statistically significant differences were observed between different treatments in all measured parameters except for weight loss and total soluble solids. The data showed that individual Put or ultrasound treatment had a positive response in maintaining grape quality during storage, but conjugation of Put with ultrasound treatments showed better effects. Combination treatments maintained higher levels of anthocyanins, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and reduced the loss of sensory acceptability and decay incidence compared to control. At the end of the storage, control grapes markedly lost their quality, reaching below the critical marketable level while all the treatments preserved better the visual quality. These results demonstrated that the combined treatments of Put and ultrasound could be a promising approach to maintain postharvest storage quality of grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phospholipase D (PLD) in plants plays vital roles in growth, development, and stress responses. However, the precise role of PLDs in pineapple remains poorly understood. In this study, 10 putative PLD genes, designated as AcPLD1–AcPLD10, were identified based on the pineapple genome database. The 10 AcPLDs could be clustered into five of the six known PLD families according to sequence characterization. Their deduced amino acid sequences displayed similarities to PLDs from other plant species. Expression analyses of PLD mRNAs from pineapple pulp were performed. The 10 PLDs exhibited differential expression patterns during storage periods of fruits treated with hexaldehyde (a specific PLD inhibitor) which could alleviate internal browning (IB) of pineapple after harvest. Functional subcellular localization signaling assays of two PLD proteins (AcPLD2 and AcPLD9) were performed by fluorescence microscopy. To further detect the potential action mechanism underlying PLD involved in the IB defense response, PLD, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and H2O2 associated with antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, NADPH, and ascorbate peroxidase were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This report is the first to provide a genome-wide description of the pineapple PLD gene family, and the results should expand knowledge of this family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a high-value fruit that continues to increase in consumer demand. A population of 'Hass'-'Bacon' hybrids was planted at USDA-ARS, Fort Pierce, as part of a study to find selections with good horticultural and postharvest quality traits for Florida. Extensive phenotypic data on quality were collected over 3 years. Ten selections were identified in 2014 and 2015 with promising fruit quality and postharvest shelf life characteristics and were tested in sensory panels using store-bought 'Hass' as the standard. In general, the selections had fruit quality similar to commercial 'Hass'. Avocados that were most liked were described as creamy in texture with buttery and nutty flavor. Only one selection (R7T54 in 2014) and one store-bought control ('Hass' in 2015) were disliked, which was associated with greater firmness at the time of evaluation, likely relating to insufficient postharvest conditioning. Furthermore, CA 'Hass' commercial requirements for minimum dry matter (20.8%) were generally achieved by these selections under Florida conditions, ranging from 18.4% to 25.7%. This study identified 10 selections with composition and sensory quality similar to 'Hass' that are suitable for further testing and development in Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to evaluate the postharvest quality of 'Roxo de Valinhos' fig fruits grown in semi-arid conditions, this experiment was carried out in November, 2014, where fig fruit variety 'Roxo de Valinhos' were harvested from plants located at the didactic orchard of the Federal Rural University of Semi-Arid (UFERSA), Mossoró-RN, Brazil. Fruits were randomly harvested from 30 fig plants, spaced 2 m x 1.5 m, with 2 years old, according to three the fruit development stages (50%, 75% and 100% mature). The fruits were analyzed in Postharvest Physiology Laboratory, where the physical and chemical characteristics were evaluated, using 10 fruits for each stage. The evaluated characteristics were: weight, length, diameter, firmness, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and vitamin C. For the physical characteristics, fruits 100% mature presented the best results for weight, length and diameter, except for firmness which in fruits 50% mature presented the best results. For the chemical characteristics, only the soluble solid variable was signiicant and fruits 100% mature showed the best result, in this way, the fig tree 'Roxo de Valinhos' achieved the postharvest fruit quality and is viable for the semiarid region of the Rio Grande Norte State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Henna ( Lawsonia inermis L., Family- Lythraceae) has been used for number of cosmetic purposes, including body painting, palm colouring and dyeing of hair. In spite of huge demand for cosmetic applications, no validated analytical method is available for the quality assessment of henna. Therefore, present validated method demonstrates the simultaneous quantification of eight marker compounds. Chemical markers, namely 1 ) gallic acid, 2 ) quercetin, 3 ) fraxetin, 4 ) luteolin-7- O - glucoside, 5 ) p -coumaric acid, 6 ) lawsone, 7 ) luteolin and 8 ) apigenin were chosen for the quality assessment of henna. The method was also applied to assess the effects of postharvest treatments (PHT) on the quality of henna leaves as well its derived product i.e. oil mixed paste. Both the chemical and thermal blanching treatments severely (p < 0.5) changed the content of targeted secondary metabolites ( 1 – 8 ). The contents of fraxetin and lawsone were found to increase on deep freezing, remaining six phytochemicals reduced significantly on blanching. Luteolin-7- O - glucoside in henna was most susceptible to both salt and liquid nitrogen treatment. Additionally, the effects of mixing of oils (olive, castor oil, and mentha) on modulation of chemical markers and color intensity over palm were also evaluated. We observed a significant increase in the color intensity attributed to mixing of castor >> menthol > olive oil. The apigenin content was about 2.4 times higher in olive oil mixed henna paste than control, while, fraxetin content reduced to half. Mixing of castor oil in henna paste has produced the most intense color; while the mentha oil facilitated the persistence action when applied for palm ornamentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An industrial sweetpotato cultivar, CX-1, offers several advantages as an alternative crop for bioethanol production, including high agronomic productivity and high starch content as well as viable coproducts for additional bioenergy recovery. A two-year agronomic field trial resulted in a root yield of 12.3 dry t ha −1 after optimization of planting strategy and improved site drainage. Starch content (73.5% dry matter (DM) for Year 1 and 72.1% DM for Year 2) exceeded that of any other industrial variety grown in the Southeastern USA. In contrast to other industrial cultivars, starch concentrations were maintained over a six-month storage period, making this a favorable year-round feedstock. The bioethanol potential of the CX-1 (4.2 t ha −1 or 5300 L ha −1 ) was determined based on the conversion of CX-1 dry biomass into ethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation combined with the agronomic root yield from the Year 2 field trial. The cull rate was 36% of the overall root yield, as determined based on United States Department of Agriculture culinary grades. However, assessment of the culls from an industrial processing perspective would significantly reduce the cull rate. Approximately 45% of the culls were classified as cull material (i.e. secondary rootlets) that could feasibly be converted into ethanol. The remaining 55% of the culls could be used for biogas recovery to offset the energy required to produce ethanol from sweetpotatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amarone wine is different from regular dry wine due to the postharvest withering of Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella grapes. Grapes were withered in a commercial facility with variability in terms of temperature and relative humidity (R.H.). Sugar content reached 230–240 g L −1 and 280 g L −1 at 20% and 30% mass loss, respectively. Most of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) decreased during withering but few VOCs increased during withering and we considered as markers; in Corvinone they were methylhexanoate, dimethylsuccinate, nerol, nonanoic acid, and benzyl alcohol; in Corvina, benzyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, 1-hexanol, p-cymen-8-ol, 2,3 pinanediol, 3-oxo-ionol and 3-methyl-1-pentanol, coumaran and damascenone; in Rondinella, hexanol, nonanoic acid, methyl vanillate, damascenone, 3-oxo-ionol, eugenol, p-cymen-8-ol, 2,3 pinanediol, coumaran and raspberry keton. Olfactive descriptors of the wines and the potential aroma of the combination of Corvina wine with the wines of the other two varieties at different percentages of mass loss are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postharvest life of fruits and vegetables is influenced by several parameters, such as physiological properties and biotic/abiotic stresses. In particular, a consistent portion of the product is lost, mainly due to fungal diseases, which represent a concern not only to retailers but also to consumers, due to the presence of mycotoxins. Indeed, some species of postharvest genera , i.e. Aspergillus , Penicillium, and Alternaria , produce toxic secondary metabolites, which pose a health risk to humans and animals, so that maximum content in harvested commodities and derived products have been established for certain toxins by national and international organizations. Although some mycotoxins are poisonous to competing microorganisms or plants, their biological role is still unclear. Recent studies support their involvement in disease onset/development, so that a reduction in mycotoxin production might have a disease control perspective. Indeed, the use of synthetic fungicides is not always possible or effective in postharvest, because of restrictions on residue content and the appearance of resistant strains. Moreover, the application of suboptimal concentrations of fungicides may even increase mycotoxin biosynthesis. Thus, the demand for alternative control means ( e.g. microbial antagonists, natural or generally regarded as safe compounds, and physical means) is growing. In this review, a synopsis of the main postharvest mycotoxigenic genera is given with particular reference to their control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compound 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a key precursor in the biosynthesis of porphyrins, such as chlorophyll, heme and phytochromobilin, and has multiple physiological effects on plants. Varying concentrations of ALA (50mg L-1, 100mg L-1, and 150mg L-1) and water (control) were applied to white stage 'Sweet Charlie' strawberry fruit. All ALA treatments delayed senescence and improved the qualities of strawberries fruit during storage. Among the treatments, 150mg L-1 ALA was the most effective dosage concentration. Exogenously applied ALA significantly reduced the decay index, respiration rate, O²- production rate (O2 -), H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase activities (APX), total soluble solids (TSS) content, titratable acidity (TA) and anthocyanin content during the initial stage of storage. These results supported the pre harvest application of ALA as a beneficial strategy for the prevention of postharvest decay of strawberry fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 2008–2011, model field experiments were carried out at the Joniškėlis Experimental Station of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry on a clay loamEndocalcaric Endogleyic Cambisol. The study was aimed to establish the comparison of various postharvest practices (mineral nitrogen fertiliser alone or together with a bioactivator Penergetic k, livestock slurry, red clover biomass and straw incorporation in the soil by a stubble cultivator at a 10 cm depth) on the acceleration of the initial (nine-month period) decomposition of winter wheat straw. During this period, straw mass decomposition intensity was 20.7–29.1%, carbon (C) concentration decreased by 6.5–22.8%, while an increase in nitrogen (N) by 1.1–2.2 times was observed. The highest straw decomposition rate was recorded when after straw incorporation autumn was warm and humid. That year straw mass C to N ratio (C/N) was 38–46. Under less-favourable autumn conditions, the highest decomposition of straw was achieved, having applied mineral N (with and without Penergetic) and livestock slurry and having incorporated the straw in the soil (C/N = 40–55). A slower decomposition rate was observed for the straw spread on the soil surface with mineral N addition or on undersown red clover. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study aimed to verify the best storage temperature in the postharvest quality conservation of inflorescences of gerberas cv. 'Intenza'. Inflorescences were kept in distilled water and stored at the temperatures of 22°C (control); 12°C; 8°C and 4°C. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in split plot with two factors: 4 treatments (temperatures) X 4 evaluation dates (0, 3, 6 and 9 days). It was used three replicates, with three inflorescences each. It were evaluated the variation of fresh mass, relative water content, soluble and reducing sugars content and longevity. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by Tukey test at 5% of probability. The inflorescences of gerbera maintained at 4°C, 8°C and 12°C showed a greater postharvest life compared with the inflorescences of the control, highlighting those kept at 4°C which presented less loss of mass and higher soluble sugar content; thus, maintaining the quality of gerberas for a longer period, with vase life of approximately 15 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of short-term nitrogen (N2) treatment on fruit quality and respiratory enzymes of Yali pear (Pyrus bretschneideriRehd.) were investigated. Fruit were N2shocked by exposing them to N2for 48 h, and then stored at 0–1°C under ambient atmospheric gas concentrations for 4 months. Results showed that titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) contents in N2-shocked fruit were higher than those in control fruit. At the end of storage, the core browning rate in N2-shocked fruit was 29.9% lower compared to the control. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity was inhibited by N2-shock treatment during the first 90 days of storage. In addition, N2-shocked fruit had lower succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, while cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity was induced to high levels compared to the control. N2-shock treatment may be applied as an alternative technology to extend the shelf life of Yali pear fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Soluble sugars plays an important role in the ripening of strawberry fruit and whether hot water (HW) treatment has a significant impact on sugar content is yet unclear. This study investigated the impact of hot water treatment (35 and 45 °C) and dipping duration of 5 or 10 min on the physicochemical quality, individual sugars, antioxidant activity and visual quality of freshly harvested ‘Sonata’ strawberries stored in open packaging trays at 4 °C for 9 days and then transferred to 16 °C for 3 days. Hot water treatment and duration had significant impact on measured quality attributes of strawberries (p < 0.05). Hot water dip induced an initial sharp increase in transpiration rate (TR). Calculated TR for ‘Sonata’ strawberries ranged from 11.4 to 63.1 μg kg −1 s −1 across all treatments during storage. An initial decline in colour parameters chroma (61.3 ± 6.7) and hue angle (41.2 ± 5.4) was observed until day 6 and thereafter, they increased until the end of storage, across all treatments. A significant increase in total soluble solids and titratable acidity was observed. Concentration of sucrose declined sharply and significantly from 131.9 to 28.7 mmol L −1 during the storage period, followed by glucose and fructose. Percentage relative concentration decrease in sucrose, glucose and fructose was in the range of 60–78%, 10–20%, and 1–10%, respectively, at the end of storage. At the end of storage, antioxidant capacity was better retained in samples dipped at 45 °C for 5 and 10 min (14.3 and 14.5 μmol g −1 Trolox Equivalent, respectively). Overall, HW-treatment of 45 °C for 5 min had no detrimental effects and best maintained quality attributes of strawberries and prevented incidence of decay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post harvest life has always being of critical importance in high value flower crops. Our investigation was concerned in evaluating the varietal response of different preservative soloutions on post harvest life of Narcissus (daffodil). The effects of the application of citric acid, aluminium sulphate, silver thiosulphate and calcium chloride at three different levels 0, 100 ppm, 200 ppm along with carbohydrate source sucrose 4% on different floral attributes of Narcissus (daffodil) cultivars California, Pheasants eye and Acetea were studied. The recorded traits included water loss/water uptake ratio, scape length, cup depth, cup diameter, relative water content and membrane stability index. Results of this study showed that within all treatments aluminium sulphate + sucrose 4% showed the best effect. Among the cultivars evaluated California proves best in term of parameters studied (overall post harvest life). The minimum values for these traits were recorded in the untreated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To better understand the function of melatonin in tomato fruit ripening and quality improvement, a label-free quantitation method was used to investigate the proteins that differ between the control ( CK) and 50 μ m melatonin treatment (M50) fruits. Proteomics data identified 241 proteins that were significantly influenced by melatonin. These proteins were involved in several ripening-related pathways, including cell wall metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, carbohydrate, and fatty acid metabolism. Moreover, the application of exogenous melatonin increased eight proteins that are related to anthocyanin accumulation during fruit ripening. Additionally, the affected protein levels correlated with the corresponding gene transcript levels. Further, the total anthocyanin content from M50 increased by 52%, 48%, and 50% at 5, 8, and 13 DAT (day after melatonin treatment), respectively. The melatonin-mediated promotion of fruit ripening and quality might be due to the altered proteins involved in processes associated with ripening. In this work, we indicated that a senescence-related protein was downregulated in the M50 fruit, while a cell apoptosis inhibitor ( API5) protein was upregulated. In addition, peroxidases ( POD9, POD12, peroxidase p7-like) and catalase ( CAT3) significantly increased in the M50 fruits. Based on the previous studies and our data, we inferred that melatonin might be positively related to fruit ripening but negatively related to fruit senescence. This research provides insights into the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying melatonin-mediated fruit ripening as well as the anthocyanin formation process in tomato fruit at the protein concentration level, and we reveal possible candidates for regulation of anthocyanin formation during fruit ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of "dedo-de-moça" 'BRS Mari' pepper fruits at different maturity stages, and determine the ideal harvest stage for fresh consumption. The pepper plants were grown in the experimental field of Embrapa Hortaliças (Brasília, DF, Brazil) in 2012, and their fruits were evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 days after anthesis (DAA) to determine the soluble solid content (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, color (hue angle and lightness), a, b, and total chlorophyll, total phenolic compounds (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), and capsanthin. It was observed that SS content increased until 70 DAA, and TA increased until 50 DAA, with decrease at 80 DAA. The a and total chlorophyll decreased until 60 DAA. Values for chlorophyll b were high until 30 DAA, and then decreased. The values for hue angle and lightness decreased until 60 DAA, indicating a change from green to red in fruits external color, with small changes in color from 60 to 80 DAA. The TPC content increased until 60 DAA, and then small increases occurred until 80 DAA. The AA increased as the fruit ripened, and the capsanthin content increased until 70 DAA. These results indicated that the ideal stage for harvest of the "dedo-de-moça" 'BRS Mari' pepper fruits is at 70 days after anthesis, when they also have a full development of red color in the fruit epidermis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Table grapes (Vitis vinifera cv. Cardinal) are highly perishable and their quality deteriorates during postharvest storage at low temperature mainly because of sensitivity to fungal decay and senescence of rachis. The application of a 3-day CO2 treatment (20 kPa CO2 + 20 kPa O2 + 60 kPa N2) at 0°C reduced total decay and retained fruit quality in early and late-harvested table grapes during postharvest storage. In order to study the transcriptional responsiveness of table grapes to low temperature and high CO2 levels in the first stage of storage and how the maturity stage affect these changes, we have performed a comparative large-scale transcriptional analysis using the custom-made GrapeGen GeneChip®. In the first stage of storage, low temperature led to a significantly intense change in grape skin transcriptome irrespective of fruit maturity, although there were different changes within each stage. In the case of CO2 treated samples, in comparison to fruit at time zero, only slight differences were observed. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that major modifications in the transcriptome profile of early- and late-harvested grapes stored at 0°C are linked to biotic and abiotic stress-responsive terms. However, in both cases there is a specific reprogramming of the transcriptome during the first stage of storage at 0°C in order to withstand the cold stress. Thus, genes involved in gluconeogenesis, photosynthesis, mRNA translation and lipid transport were up-regulated in the case of early-harvested grapes, and genes related to protein folding stability and intracellular membrane trafficking in late-harvested grapes. The beneficial effect of high CO2 treatment maintaining table grape quality seems to be an active process requiring the induction of several transcription factors and kinases in early-harvested grapes, and the activation of processes associated to the maintenance of energy in late-harvested grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pencillium expansum , the causal agent of blue mould rot, is one of the most destructive postharvest pathogens of pome fruit. It is also considered as the main source of the mycotoxin patulin which can lead to serious health problems. In the present study, the effects of exogenous boric acid (BA) on virulence and patulin production of P. expansum were evaluated. The results showed that 0.3% BA significantly inhibited the development of P. expansum in vitro and resulted in lower virulence to apple fruit. Moreover, BA suppressed the metabolism of carbohydrate, lipid and protein, reduce patulin production in P. expansum . Further analysis revealed that the expressions of the majority of the 15 genes involved in patulin biosynthesis were down-regulated under BA treatment. In addition, a global view of proteome alteration of P. expansum spores in response to 0.3% BA was acquired by an iTRAQ-based (Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation) quantitative proteomic analysis. A total of 315 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (87 up-regulated and 228 down-regulated) were identified, and these DEPs were mainly involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolic pathways. Among them, septins and proteins related to ribosome component or ribosome biosynthesis were noticed for their significant up-regulation. Our results provided novel information for understanding the mechanism, by which BA regulated the growth of P. expansum and its virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing awareness of the relevance of food composition for human health has increased the interest of the inclusion of high proportions of fruits and vegetables in diets. To reach the objective of more balanced diets, an increased consumption of legumes, which constitutes a sustainable source of essential nutrients, particularly low-cost protein, is of special relevance. However, the consumption of legumes also entails some constraints that need to be addressed to avoid a deleterious impact on consumers' wellbeing and health. The value of legumes as a source of nutrients depends on a plethora of factors, including genetic characteristics, agro-climatic conditions, and postharvest management that modulate the dietary effect of edible seeds and vegetative material. Thus, more comprehensive information regarding composition, especially their nutritional and anti-nutritional compounds, digestibility, and alternative processing procedures is essential. These were the challenges to write this review, which focusses on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, an emerging crop all over the world intended to provide a rational support for the development of valuable foods and feeds of increased commercial value. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Babyleaf salads such as spinach ( Spinacia oleracea L.) and spinach beet ( Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla var. cicla) are an important dietary source of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Such compounds may be important in disease prevention in consumers but the level of these compounds in leaves frequently declines after harvest. As such, methods to maintain antioxidant levels in fresh produce are being sought. RESULTS Irrigation deficits were used to apply water stress to S. oleracea and B. vulgaris plants. This treatment prevented postharvest decline of leaf ascorbic acid content in S. oleracea but not in B. vulgaris. Ascorbic acid levels in leaves at harvest were unaffected by the treatment in both species compared to well-watered controls. CONCLUSION We have shown that restricted irrigation provides a viable means to maintain leaf vitamin content after harvest in S. oleracea, an important finding for producers, retailers and consumers alike. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study represents the first time that the extraction of phenolic compounds from the seeds is assessed from instrumental texture properties for dehydrated grapes. Nebbiolo winegrapes were postharvest dehydrated at 20 °C and 41% relative humidity. During the dehydration process, sampling was performed at 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% weight loss. The extractable fraction and extractability of phenolic compounds from the seeds were determined after simulated maceration. The evolution of mechanical and acoustic attributes of intact seeds was also determined during grape dehydration to evaluate how these changes affected the extraction of phenolic compounds. The extractable content and extractability of monomeric flavanols and proanthocyanidins, as well as the galloylation percentage of flavanols, might be predicted easily and quickly from the mechanical and acoustic properties of intact seeds. This would help in decision-making on the optimal dehydration level of winegrapes and the best management of winemaking of dehydrated grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato production has increased in recent years due to the economic and nutritional importance of the crop. This increase is made possible by the numerous research advances made along the entire value chain. However, scientific research has been focussed mainly on production whilst neglecting postharvest issues. Tomato producers have therefore enjoyed good harvests in recent times, though the good harvests of those from developing countries do not translate into profit as most are lost after harvest. From this study, it was revealed that the postharvest quality and shelf life of the fruit in part will depend on some postharvest handling practices and treatments carried out after harvest. Handling practices like harvesting, precooling, cleaning and disinfecting, sorting and grading, packaging, storing, and transportation played an important role in maintaining quality and extending shelf life. Using appropriate postharvest treatments like refrigeration, heat treatment, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) application was also vital. It was concluded by this study that the quality of the harvested fruit can be maintained and shelf life extended by using appropriate postharvest handling practices and treatment methods. Failure to adhere to these practices will result in a high amount of loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of various concentrations of 24-epibrassinolide ( EBR) treatments on the control of grey mould in artificial Botrytis cinerea inoculation test and on the maintenance of postharvest quality of table grapes without inoculation in cold storage were researched. In the cold storage, clusters of grapes with exogenous EBR application ( EBR1, 0.1 mg L−1 EBR; EBR2, 0.4 mg L−1 EBR; EBR3, 0.8 mg L−1 EBR) were stored at 0 ± 1 °C. Fruits' quality attributes including berry firmness, weight loss, berry drop, decay berry percentages, total sugar and titratable acidity were measured at 15, 30 and 60 days. The results showed that EBR treatments exhibited a higher berry firmness and a lower percentage of weight loss, berry drop and decay berry. In the artificial inoculation trial, single berries were immersed in EBR1, EBR2 and EBR3, then inoculated by spraying with a B. cinerea spore suspension and stored at 25 ± 2 °C and 95% relative humidity. Disease severity ( DS), lipid peroxidation and defence-related enzymes of these berries were analysed every 2 days. EBR-treated berries resulted in an increase in activities of defence-related enzymes including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase compared with control berries inoculated by B. cinerea. Simultaneously, significant decreases in DS and production of superoxide anion radical and malondialdehyde were observed. These results suggested that exogenous application of EBR could play a protective role in controlling the grey mould of postharvest grapes and maintaining the postharvest quality during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]