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This research explores how the use of jackfruit mesocarp waste can improve the sensory and chemical aspects of red dragon fruit skin, considering the high pectin and fiber content in jackfruit dami, despite its lack of taste and color. Red dragon fruit is added to compensate for this deficiency. The research used a Completely Randomized Block Design with five comparisons of red dragon fruit and jackfruit dami: 100% : 0%, 75% : 25%, 50% : 50%, 2% : 75%, and 0% : 100%, each tested in five repetitions. The analysis carried out included testing data homogeneity with the Bartlett test, followed by the Tuckey range test, analysis of variance, and the Honest Significant Difference Test (HSD) at a significance level of 5%. This study concluded that the proportion of jackfruit dami significantly influences the sensory (texture, color, aroma, taste, and overall liking) and chemical properties (moisture content, ash content, acidity, vitamin C, and reducing sugars) of the fruit skin. The optimal composition found was a 50:50 mixture of dami jackfruit and red dragon fruit, which produced the desired sensory characteristics (a texture value of 3.87 indicated very elastic, a color value of 3.55 indicated a red color, an aroma value of 3.24 indicated favorable, taste value of 3.11, and overall preference rating of 3.60) and good chemical properties (moisture content 14.09%, ash content 0.88%, pH 4.26, vitamin C content 1.11 mg/g, and reducing sugar content 23.73%).

Introduction: The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the predominant oil crop in the world. In addition to triacylglycerols, crude palm oil (CPO) extracted from the mesocarp of the fruits, contains high amounts of provitamin A (carotenes) and vitamin E (tocochromanols). Because of their unsaturated nature, the carotenes are prone to oxidation and therefore are in part limiting for the shelf life of CPO. Results: In the present study, a wild Oil Palm tree (C59) from Cameroon was identified that lacks α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol and instead accumulates the respective γ forms, suggesting that the activity of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (VTE4) was affected. Sequencing of the VTE4 locus in the genome of plant C59 identified a G/C polymorphism that causes the exchange of a highly conserved tryptophan at position 290 with serine. The W290S exchange renders the VTE4 enzyme inactive, as shown after expression in Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis thaliana. The oxidative stability of carotenes in the mesocarp of the wild palm C59 was enhanced compared with control accessions. Furthermore, supplementation of commercial palm oil with different tocochromanols showed that γ-tocotrienol exerts a stronger effect during the protection of carotenes against oxidation than α-tocotrienol. Methods: A tree with unusual toochromanol composition was identified by HPLC screening of the mesocarp of wild trees. Polymorphisms in a candidate gene were identified by DNA sequencing. The candidate protein was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli coli and Arabidopsis thaliana to test for enzyme activity. Oxidative stability of the CPO was studied by following carotene degradation over time. Discussion: Therefore, the introduction of the high γ-tocotrienol trait into elite breeding lines represents a potent strategy to protect carotenes against oxidation and extend the shelf life of CPO, hence allowing the development of a value added high-carotene CPO to be used to fight against vitamin A deficiency [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Bio-based materials from proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids have been studied as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics, as well as matrices for incorporation of bioactive substances. In this context, pectin is a polysaccharide used to produce flexible food packaging films. Propolis is a complex mixture of resinous substances with antimicrobial and other biological properties that can be used to generate active food packaging. However, the application of such materials is still limited due to their hydrophilic nature. Thus, this experimentally evaluated the sorption isotherms and isothermal heat of sorption of pectin-propolis films at temperatures of 15, 25, 30, and 35 °C, and determined the mathematical model that best fits the experimental data obtained. The pectin was extracted from pequi mesocarp, a widely consumed fruit in the Brazilian cerrado biome that generates large amounts of peels (exocarp and mesocarp) which are discarded. Among the mathematical models studied, the Sigma Copace model was found to best represent the hygroscopic behavior of the pectin-propolis films. The isothermal heat of sorption decreased with increasing water content, and the films presented similar behavior to agricultural products. The understanding of such film’s behavior contributed to the application of pectin-propolis films produced using pequi mesocarp as a pectin source.

Abstract Background Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) is a palm tree well distributed in Latin America, whose fruit has a mesocarp and kernel used for human feeding, and empirically related to the treatment of gastritis, vaginitis, and wound healing. Main body of the abstract The activities attributed to babassu can guide new research on health applications and, for this reason, this study aimed to report in vitro and in vivo biological activities of O. phalerata constituents through a systematic review. Searches terms were applied in five world databases and the data from the publications were collected according to PICOS criteria, including the fruit component, concentration/dose, time of exposure, and comparative groups. All outcomes were reported and the most relevant outcomes were described by a narrative synthesis and a risk of bias assessment. A total of 28 in vitro (n = 15) and in vivo (n = 11) studies were included, and two showed both experimental designs. The studies were heterogeneous, with the predominance of metabolic analysis, wound and peptic ulcer healing, besides in vivo toxicity, among others. For in vitro analysis, antioxidant tests, cell viability and antimicrobial activity predominated. All in vivo ones used rodents. Meanwhile, tumor and non-tumor cell lines, bacteria strains, Leishmania amazonensis, Artemia salina, and antioxidant reactions were considered for in vitro protocols. Short conclusion The most frequent applications included mesocarp and kernel in a wide range of extracts, emulsions, and concentrations. Their low in vitro lethality and cytotoxicity, and no acute toxicity in vivo open possibilities for the development of long-term toxicity assays with repeated doses in rodents and interventions in clinical trials. Graphic abstract

According to modern phylogenetic data, the monotypic subfamily Enkianthoideae is sister to all other subfamilies of the family Ericaceae s.l. Aiming to determine the peculiarities of development and structure of Enkianthus pericarp and to reveal the principal characters of its structure, which can be original for the Ericaceae, we have studied fruit anatomical structure at different stages of development in four species of the genus Enkianthus belonging to three sections: Meisteria , Enkiantella , Enkianthus. The pericarp of superior loculicidal capsule of Enkianthus is differentiated into three histogenetic zones: (i) one-layered exocarp, (ii) multilayered mesocarp differentiated into two histological zones: the peripheral parenchymatous one, and the inner sclerenchymatous one, and (iii) one-layered endocarp composed of tangentially elongated sclereids. It has been shown that the lignification of cells of the endocarp proceeds after the lignification of the inner zone of the mesocarp. Our investigation demonstrates that the superior loculicidal capsules of Enkianthus are capsules of Hamamelis type, which are recognized as the probable ancestral (plesiomorphic) fruit type for other subfamilies of Ericaceae. This fruit type is recognized as the original in several modes of morphogenetic transformations of fruit in Ericaceae family, from which other types of capsules, pyrenariums, and berries originated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the juice from grape berries is at the basis of the definition of technological ripeness before harvest, historically evaluated from global sugar and acid contents. If many studies have contributed to the identification of other primary and secondary metabolites in whole berries, deepening knowledge about the chemical composition of the sole flesh of grape berries (i.e., without considering skins and seeds) at harvest is of primary interest when studying the enological potential of widespread grape varieties producing high-added-value wines. Here, we used non-targeted DI-FT-ICR-MS and RP-UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS analyses to explore the extent of metabolite coverage of up to 290 grape juices from four Vitis vinifera grape varieties, namely Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Meunier, and Aligoté, sampled at harvest from 91 vineyards in Europe and Argentina, over three successive vintages. SPE pretreatment of samples led to the identification of more than 4500 detected C,H,O,N,S-containing elemental compositions, likely associated with tens of thousands of distinct metabolites. We further revealed that a major part of this chemical diversity appears to be common to the different juices, as exemplified by Pinot noir and Chardonnay samples. However, it was possible to build significant models for the discrimination of Chardonnay from Pinot noir grape juices, and of Chardonnay from Aligoté grape juices, regardless of the geographical origin or the vintage. Therefore, this metabolomic approach opens access to a remarkable holistic molecular description of the instantaneous composition of such a biological matrix, which is the result of complex interplays among environmental, biochemical, and vine growing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the predominant oil crop in the world. In addition to triacylglycerols, crude palm oil (CPO) extracted from the mesocarp of the fruits, contains high amounts of provitamin A (carotenes) and vitamin E (tocochromanols). Because of their unsaturated nature, the carotenes are prone to oxidation and therefore are in part limiting for the shelf life of CPO.MethodsA tree with unusual toochromanol composition was identified by HPLC screening of the mesocarp of wild trees. Polymorphisms in a candidate gene were identified by DNA sequencing. The candidate protein was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli coli and Arabidopsis thaliana to test for enzyme activity. Oxidative stability of the CPO was studied by following carotene degradation over time.ResultsIn the present study, a wild Oil Palm tree (C59) from Cameroon was identified that lacks α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol and instead accumulates the respective γ forms, suggesting that the activity of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (VTE4) was affected. Sequencing of the VTE4 locus in the genome of plant C59 identified a G/C polymorphism that causes the exchange of a highly conserved tryptophan at position 290 with serine. The W290S exchange renders the VTE4 enzyme inactive, as shown after expression in Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis thaliana. The oxidative stability of carotenes in the mesocarp of the wild palm C59 was enhanced compared with control accessions. Furthermore, supplementation of commercial palm oil with different tocochromanols showed that γ-tocotrienol exerts a stronger effect during the protection of carotenes against oxidation than α-tocotrienol.DiscussionTherefore, the introduction of the high γ-tocotrienol trait into elite breeding lines represents a potent strategy to protect carotenes against oxidation and extend the shelf life of CPO, hence allowing the development of a value added high-carotene CPO to be used to fight against vitamin A deficiency.

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Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is the most important tropical oil-bearing crop species worldwide. MADS-box proteins, which play crucial roles in plant growth and development and are involved in various physiological and biochemical processes, compose one of the largest families of plant transcription factors. In this study, 42 MADS-box genes were screened from the mesocarp transcriptome database of oil palm fruit, and their phylogenetic relationships with Arabidopsis thaliana MADS-box genes were analyzed. Based on the results, MADS-box genes from oil palm mesocarp were classified into four groups: MIKCc-type, MIKC*-type, Mα-type, and Mγ-type MADS-box genes. Members of the subfamilies were classified according to the presence of three specific protein motifs. To explore the differential expression of the MADS-box genes, the dynamic expression of all selected MADS-box genes in oil palm was measured by RNA-seq. The high expression of specific MADS-box genes in the mesocarp of oil palm during different developmental stages indicates that those genes may play important roles in the cell division of and metabolite accumulation in the fruit and could become important targets for fruit development and oil accumulation research in oil palm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous biochemical processes are involved in fruit maturation, such as ethylene production, phenolic compounds accumulation, and antioxidant enzymes production. Therefore, the aim of the present work was the evaluation of ethylene production, and the bioactive compounds change in the exocarp and mesocarp of five peach [Prunus persica (L.)] cultivars during three ripening stages, (1) early ripening (ER), (2) commercial maturation, and (3) full ripening (FR) in order to establish the best stage to harvest each peach variety. The experiment was applied to five peach cultivars growing within an arid bioclimatic environment covering the whole peach production season: two early cultivars, Flordastar and Early Maycrest; one variety of mid‐season Rubirich; and two late cultivars, Sweet Cap and O'Henry. Ethylene production, phenolic compounds, and oxidative stress through antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, peroxidases [PODs] Class III, and ascorbate‐POD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production were determined in the exocarp and mesocarp of peach fruits. The results showed a significant increase in ethylene production during fruit ripening. However, a parallel decrease in the level of phenolic compounds as well as in antioxidant enzyme activities was observed. The FR stage was also characterized by an important accumulation of MDA and H2O2. In conclusion, important changes in fruit quality associated with the production level of ethylene were observed. Fruits harvested during the ER stage would be more suitable for delivering to distant markets and more appreciated by the peach industries due to their highest phenolic acid content, best antioxidant enzyme activities, and lowest oxidative stress indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the accumulation and distribution of metals in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) fruits grown with wastewater. The concentrations of nine metals (Co, Cd, Mn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, and Pb) were analyzed in wastewater collected from the study site. Four metals with substantially higher concentrations in wastewater, namely Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb, were selected for further analysis in soil, plant organs, and parts of tomato fruits. In addition, the concentrations of essential nutrients (Na, K, Ca, P, and N) in all samples were also analyzed. Concentrations of Zn (0.77 mg L−1) and Pb (0.44 mg L−1) were found to be the maximum, and Mn concentration was the minimum (0.16 mg L−1) in wastewater samples. However, in soil samples, the concentrations of Fe (35.88 mg kg−1) and Pb (29.62 mg kg−1) were the highest, which ultimately led to their higher accumulation in plant tissues. When metal accumulation in the whole plant and tomato fruit was compared with the WHO permissible limits, the accumulated concentrations of Zn (16.35, 12.98, and 23.85 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively), Mn (7.08, 7.75, and 4.6 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively), and Pb (30.05, 29.42, and 34.95 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively) exceeded the safe limits except for Fe (13.6, 32.3, and 63.43 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively). Thus, the irrigation of tomato fruits with wastewater can cause health risks to humans under prolonged consumption, and the regular monitoring of metals is necessary to reduce the health risks from human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the current reassessment of the phylogeny of Hamamelidaceae, the problem of revealing the apomorphies and plesiomorphies in this group arises and peculiarities of histogenesis of the reproductive structures deserve recognition. With the aim to fill in the gap in the data on fruit structure in Hamamelidaceae, we focused on investigating the processes of fruit organogenesis and histogenesis of the fruit wall in Loropetalum. The fruit of L. chinense is an almost inferior dimerous syncarpous loculicidal (dorsoventrally dehiscent) capsule with the mature fruit wall differentiated into epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp. The main tissue of the epicarp and the peripheral zone of the mesocarp are composed of thin-walled cells with scattered brachysclereids, whereas the inner zone of the mesocarp consists of fibre-like sclereids. The endocarp finishes its differentiation at the young fruit stage and is represented in mature fruit by several layers of thin-walled cells. The fruit of L. chinense represents capsules of the Forsythia type, which have not been previously described for Hamamelidaceae, and it differs from capsules of the Hamamelis type described for Hamamelis , Corylopsis and Fothergilla. The revealed characters of L. chinense fruits indicate the possibility of transformation of the explosive capsule into a pyrenarium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most commercial products of dehulled hemp seeds frequently include dark green remnants of shells. The entire removal of shell particles including seed coats and pericarp pieces can improve the quality of hempseed-based products. In this study, the structural characteristics of fruit walls (pericarp) and seed coats of Cannabis sativa were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The pericarp was comprised of three distinct zones, exo-, meso-, and endocarp. The exocarp and the mesocarp were tightly fused to form a thick layer. The endocarp was characterized by its sclerenchymatous columnar cells, which contained greatly thickened and multi-porous cell walls. On the other hand, the seed coats were comprised of two leathery coats, the outer and inner coats. The outer seed coat was a conspicuous layer with a reticular-shaped structure like a net. However, the three-layered inner seed coat was composed of two thin layers (inner seed coat 2, inner seed coat 3) and a large rectangular cell layer (inner seed coat1) at the lower position. This work provides a better understanding of the structural characteristics of hemp shells. It will lead to the improvement of dehulling machinery of hempseed and help ensure stringent quality control of hempseed-based products.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops as it provides 20% of calories and proteins to the human population. To overcome the increasing demand in wheat grain production, there is a need for a higher grain yield, and this can be achieved in particular through an increase in the grain weight. Moreover, grain shape is an important trait regarding the milling performance. Both the final grain weight and shape would benefit from a comprehensive knowledge of the morphological and anatomical determinism of wheat grain growth. Synchrotron-based phase-contrast X-ray microtomography (X-ray µCT) was used to study the 3D anatomy of the growing wheat grain during the first developmental stages. Coupled with 3D reconstruction, this method revealed changes in the grain shape and new cellular features. The study focused on a particular tissue, the pericarp, which has been hypothesized to be involved in the control of grain development. We showed considerable spatio-temporal diversity in cell shape and orientations, and in tissue porosity associated with stomata detection. These results highlight the growth-related features rarely studied in cereal grains, which may contribute significantly to the final grain weight and shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most commercial products of dehulled hemp seeds frequently include dark green remnants of shells. The entire removal of shell particles including seed coats and pericarp pieces can improve the quality of hempseed-based products. In this study, the structural characteristics of fruit walls (pericarp) and seed coats of Cannabis sativa were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The pericarp was comprised of three distinct zones, exo-, meso-, and endocarp. The exocarp and the mesocarp were tightly fused to form a thick layer. The endocarp was characterized by its sclerenchymatous columnar cells, which contained greatly thickened and multi-porous cell walls. On the other hand, the seed coats were comprised of two leathery coats, the outer and inner coats. The outer seed coat was a conspicuous layer with a reticular-shaped structure like a net. However, the three-layered inner seed coat was composed of two thin layers (inner seed coat 2, inner seed coat 3) and a large rectangular cell layer (inner seed coat1) at the lower position. This work provides a better understanding of the structural characteristics of hemp shells. It will lead to the improvement of dehulling machinery of hempseed and help ensure stringent quality control of hempseed-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut mesocarp is a residual material from the production of coconut on the Pacific Coast of Caucana; however, coconut fiber and pith can be extracted from the mesocarp, the latter, with a high potential for use for the production of culture substrates. Therefore, the objective of this study was to make a morphological, physical and phytotoxicity characterization of the coconut pith from coconut samples of the typical, Malay and hybrid varieties from the municipalities of Guapi, López de Micay and Timbiquí, on the Pacific Coast of Cauca. The proportion of the mesocarp at morphological level with respect to the fruit did not differ between the plants and ranged from 35.27 % to 48.48 %. The particle size with a proportion greater than 2.0 mm and less than 0.24 mm was found in the samples T-A2 and G-A2, respectively, while the parameters of water retention capacity, apparent density, pH, and electrical remained similar in all samples, with values between 92.73 ± 0.04 to 94.55 ± 0.03 % p/p; 0.04 to 0.0528 g/cm3; 5.593 to 6.032 and 3.51 to 3.83 dS/m, respectively. While the Munoo-Liisa vitality index was in a margin similar to the control (%MVL = 100), only a slight inhibitory effect was present in the degree of germination in the 1.0 g/L dilution, with which, there is no direct risk to the plants and it can be a usable material in the preparation of a culture substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit production has increased, which has led to an increase in fruit wastage, opening up new opportunities for the use of non-standard fruits as starch sources. Herein, the physicochemical properties of mango starches isolated from the pulp and kernel of four cultivars were investigated. The pulp starches showed higher purity with total starch ranging from 97.84 to 98.09% (dry basis). The kernel starches had a higher percentage of other components (ash, fiber, lipids, protein, sugars). The main mineral in the starches was potassium (0.37 to 1.32 g/kg). Pulp starches were circular and smaller (15–79 to 16.70 µm) and kernel starches were oval and larger (19.75 to 25.33 µm). Differential scanning calorimetry and rapid viscosity studies showed that the kernel starches had higher gelatinization properties. The mango starches were A-type with varying crystallinity levels (28.37–32.35%). PCA analysis showed the greater impact of gelatinization properties on the grouping of cultivars. These findings would be useful for adding commercial value to mango agricultural and industrial waste and for industries in terms of using the starch as an ingredient in food products and other industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of the juice from grape berries is at the basis of the definition of technological ripeness before harvest, historically evaluated from global sugar and acid contents. If many studies have contributed to the identification of other primary and secondary metabolites in whole berries, deepening knowledge about the chemical composition of the sole flesh of grape berries (i.e., without considering skins and seeds) at harvest is of primary interest when studying the enological potential of widespread grape varieties producing high-added-value wines. Here, we used non-targeted DI-FT-ICR-MS and RP-UHPLC-Q-ToF-MS analyses to explore the extent of metabolite coverage of up to 290 grape juices from four Vitis vinifera grape varieties, namely Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Meunier, and Aligoté, sampled at harvest from 91 vineyards in Europe and Argentina, over three successive vintages. SPE pretreatment of samples led to the identification of more than 4500 detected C,H,O,N,S-containing elemental compositions, likely associated with tens of thousands of distinct metabolites. We further revealed that a major part of this chemical diversity appears to be common to the different juices, as exemplified by Pinot noir and Chardonnay samples. However, it was possible to build significant models for the discrimination of Chardonnay from Pinot noir grape juices, and of Chardonnay from Aligoté grape juices, regardless of the geographical origin or the vintage. Therefore, this metabolomic approach opens access to a remarkable holistic molecular description of the instantaneous composition of such a biological matrix, which is the result of complex interplays among environmental, biochemical, and vine growing practices.

Carotenoids serve as protective antioxidants, and function in normal vision, bone growth, cell division and differentiation, and reproduction. Winter squash (Cucurbita spp.) is an excellent dietary source of carotenoids. The range of colors from yellow to red in Cucurbita species indicates that increasing carotenoid levels through plant breeding is possible. The objective of this research was to determine the heritability of flesh color in winter squash in both Cucurbita moschata Duchesne and Cucurbita pepo L. Segregating families representing F2, BC1P1 and BC1P2 populations were created in two families of C. pepo (‘Table Gold Acorn’ × PI 314806 and ‘Table King Bush’ × PI 314806) and one family of C. moschata (‘Butterbush’ × ‘Sucrine DuBerry’). Broad-sense heritabilities were calculated for the F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2 populations within each of the three families. Heritabilities ranged from 0.19 to 0.82 for L*, 0.28 to 0.97 for chroma, and 0.12 to 0.87 for hue across all families. Transgressive segregation for color space values L* was identified in the ‘Table King Bush’ × PI 314806 C. pepo population. Our results indicate that it is possible to breed for improved flesh color in Cucurbita, but the population size and number of test locations for evaluation need to be increased to provide better heritability estimates. Cucurbita species are grown throughout the world and their availability and low price makes them an important potential source of carotenoids for human nutrition and health for all ages.

Palm fruits show great structural complexity, and in-depth studies of their development are still scarce. This work aimed to define the developmental stages of the fruit of the neotropical palm Butia capitata and to characterize the ontogenesis of its pericarp. Biometric, anatomical, and histochemical evaluations were performed on pistillate flowers and developing fruits. The whole fruit develops in three phases: (I) histogenesis (up to 42 days after anthesis – DAA), when the topographic regions of the pericarp are defined; (II) pyrene maturation (42 to 70 DAA), when the sclerified zone of the pericarp is established; and (III) mesocarp maturation (70 to 84 DAA), when reserve deposition is completed. During pericarp ontogenesis (i) the outer epidermis and the outer mesophyll of the ovary give origin to the exocarp (secretory epidermis, collenchyma, parenchyma, sclerenchyma, and vascular bundles); (ii) the median ovarian mesophyll develops into the mesocarp, with two distinct topographical regions; (iii) the inner ovarian epidermis originates the endocarp; and in the micropylar region, it differentiates into the germination pore plate, a structure that protects the embryo and controls germination. (iv) Most of the inner region of the mesocarp fuses with the endocarp and, both lignified, give rise to the stony pyrene; (v) in the other regions of the mesocarp, carbohydrates and lipids are accumulated in a parenchyma permeated with fiber and vascular bundles. The development of the B. capitata pericarp presents high complexity and a pattern not yet reported for Arecaceae, which supports the adoption of the Butia-type pyrenarium fruit class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grafting of vegetables, in addition to the effect of increasing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, has been proven to have an effect on increasing the yield and quality of produced products. The pepper cultivar Somborka was the object of the study since the market demands are high for its taste and nutritional value. The study's objective was to evaluate grafted seedlings' effects on yield and fruit quality of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), Somborka cultivar under common open field conditions. The experiment was carried out at an open field farm located in Skenderaj municipality of Kosovo. Pepper grafted seedlings (GS) in two different rootstocks (Rokal and Fortama F1) and non-grafted seedlings (NG) were applied for the pepper cultivar Somborka. The effects of grafted seedlings on yield (kg/variant) the number of fruits (fruits/variant), mesocarp thickness (mm), and fruit weight (gr) were estimated under common open field conditions. The results of the experimental data revealed that the application of the grafted seedlings (GS) recorded significantly the highest yield, more fruits per plant, and the mesocarp thickness was higher compared with non-grafted (NG). No significant differences exist between the two applied pepper rootstocks on estimated parameters. These results confirm that using grafting techniques in pepper crops is a good strategy to have a higher yield and better quality. The obtained results emphasize the positive effect of grafting peppers on the average production compared with nongrafted plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red mesocarp, characterized as a unique pigment trait of newly identified Camellia drupifera cv. 'Hongrou No.1'('HR'), is believed to act as the plant's protective shield against diverse adversities. Comprehensive metabolic profiling revealed that the ectopic deposition of polymeric insoluble proanthocyanidins (PAs) in cell walls is responsible for the "red" pigmentation of 'HR' mesocarps. Furthermore, structural equation modeling and variation partitioning analysis demonstrated that a molybdenum-dependent aldehyde oxidase, encoded by CdGLOX1, was induced in 'HR' mesocarps and deemed to be a dominant determinant of polymeric insoluble PA accumulation through the putative oxidative condensation of PA subunits. This study provides a background for an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of unperceived pigmentation in fruits., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Aiming to adds value to agricultural products and develop environmental-friendly and cost-effective materials, the present work investigates the influence of babassu mesocarp (BM) flour extractives and the addition of maleic anhydride-modified polyethylene (MAPE), as a coupling agent, on the properties of additivated polyhydroxybutyrate (PHBad)/BM biocomposites. The extractives were partially and completely removed from BM flour by detergent and soxhlet extraction, respectively, before biocomposites melt processing. The thermal, mechanical, structural, morphological, and flow properties of biocomposites with extracted BM flours were determined and compared to the properties of biocomposite with BM flour in natura. In addition, the influences of MAPE incorporation in the properties of each biocomposite were also studied, in order to understand their role in biocomposite compatibilization. The particle treatments resulted in biocomposites with lower tensile strength than biocomposites with BM in natura. Despite the low compatibility of MAPE with PHB, the addition of MAPE increased the tensile strength of the respective PHB biocomposite, reaching values of tensile strength similar or slightly higher than the PHBad-MAPE matrix. Therefore, MAPE acted as an effective additive for BM flour, probably, due to reactive processing with the starch polar surface groups. Since BM was abundantly and cheaply available, its use with PHB and MAPE resulted in biodegradable material with similar mechanical properties of neat PHB and concomitant reduction in cost.

The present study assessed the accumulation and distribution of metals in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) fruits grown with wastewater. The concentrations of nine metals (Co, Cd, Mn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, and Pb) were analyzed in wastewater collected from the study site. Four metals with substantially higher concentrations in wastewater, namely Fe, Zn, Mn, and Pb, were selected for further analysis in soil, plant organs, and parts of tomato fruits. In addition, the concentrations of essential nutrients (Na, K, Ca, P, and N) in all samples were also analyzed. Concentrations of Zn (0.77 mg L−1) and Pb (0.44 mg L−1) were found to be the maximum, and Mn concentration was the minimum (0.16 mg L−1) in wastewater samples. However, in soil samples, the concentrations of Fe (35.88 mg kg−1) and Pb (29.62 mg kg−1) were the highest, which ultimately led to their higher accumulation in plant tissues. When metal accumulation in the whole plant and tomato fruit was compared with the WHO permissible limits, the accumulated concentrations of Zn (16.35, 12.98, and 23.85 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively), Mn (7.08, 7.75, and 4.6 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively), and Pb (30.05, 29.42, and 34.95 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively) exceeded the safe limits except for Fe (13.6, 32.3, and 63.43 mg kg−1 d.wt. in peri-, endo-, and mesocarp, respectively). Thus, the irrigation of tomato fruits with wastewater can cause health risks to humans under prolonged consumption, and the regular monitoring of metals is necessary to reduce the health risks from human consumption.

The composition of phenolic compounds of ethanolic extract taken from mesocarp and exocarp parts of Citrus maxima and Citrus sinensis peels cultivated in Iran have been identified. The Phenolic compounds in ethanolic extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD. Different amounts of phenolic compounds were detected in the samples including hesperidin, t-ferulic acid, catechin, sinapic acid, vanillin, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. The most represented compound in both plants was hesperidin. It was the main phenolic compound detected in both exocarp and mesocarp parts of both species, with the maximum amount belonging to mesocarp of C. sinensis. The average amount of hesperidin detected in mesocarp and exocarp of C. maxima was 15.04 and 7.42 mg g−1 dry weight, while it was 17.34 and 7.63 mg g−1 dry weight for C. sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aimed to capitalize on the active principles and properties of Punica granatum extracts. An antibacterial product for external use was made using Punica granatum exocarp extract and a food supplement for internal use, with Punica granatum mesocarp extract, rich in substances with antioxidant properties. We obtained an extractive solution of Punica granatum, from exocarp, and another from mesocarp. We performed the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the two extracts, we determined qualitatively and quantitatively the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, using the spectrophotometric method. I dosed vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, by titration with Tillman reagent. We obtained two pharmaceutical forms, respectively, a syrup and a soap, having as active principle the extract of punica granatum or in other words, pomegranate.

Red mesocarp, characterized as a unique pigment trait of newly identified Camellia drupifera cv. 'Hongrou No.1'('HR'), is believed to act as the plant's protective shield against diverse adversities. Comprehensive metabolic profiling revealed that the ectopic deposition of polymeric insoluble proanthocyanidins (PAs) in cell walls is responsible for the "red" pigmentation of 'HR' mesocarps. Furthermore, structural equation modeling and variation partitioning analysis demonstrated that a molybdenum-dependent aldehyde oxidase, encoded by CdGLOX1, was induced in 'HR' mesocarps and deemed to be a dominant determinant of polymeric insoluble PA accumulation through the putative oxidative condensation of PA subunits. This study provides a background for an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of unperceived pigmentation in fruits. • Mesocarp red pigmentation is defensive in C. drupifera cv. 'Hongrou No.1'('HR'). • Ectopic polymeric insoluble PA deposition causes red pigmentation in 'HR.' • Molybdenum-dependent aldehyde oxidase is induced in 'HR' mesocarps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color development in avocado fruits is a complex mechanism influenced by several factors. To understand this process, a comparative analysis was conducted between fruits of 'Fuerte' and 'Hass' avocado cultivars using metabolomic approaches. Pigment content in the exocarp differs between cultivars, accumulating anthocyanins in 'Hass' avocado. Carbohydrate abundance differed at ready-to-eat stage showing that 'Hass' accumulated higher amounts of sucrose, mannoheptulose, and perseitol than 'Fuerte' in both tissues. Higher amounts of fatty acids were observed in both tissues of 'Fuerte'. Polar metabolites indicated differences in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolisms between cultivars. Hormone analysis suggested that abscisic acid is involved in pigment biosynthesis. These findings showed that hormone and primary metabolites cross-talk plays an important role in color development in the exocarp and in the softening in the mesocarp of 'Hass', opening new perspectives about this metabolic interplay and its relation to the development of the exocarp-mesocarp synchronization during ripening. [Display omitted] • 'Hass' avocados accumulated higher amounts of sucrose, mannoheptulose, and perseitol in both tissues. • 'Fuerte' avocados accumulated stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid in the exocarp. • Cultivars presented differences in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolisms. • 'Hass' avocado exocarp showed higher abscisic acid and salicylic acid content. • Cytokinins, trans -zeatin and dihydrozeatin were found accumulated in 'Fuerte' skins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senescence is the last critical stage of the fruit life cycle, which directly affects the maintenance of fruit quality and post harvest lifespan. The pericarp consists of various cell types, making it challenging to elucidate their roles in fruit senescence. In this study, an expression atlas of H. undatus pericarp was constructed using scRNA-seq profiles, encompassing data from thousands of individual cells. Five different algorithms, including deconvolution (SingleR and SciBet), supervised learning (RCTD and CARD), and multi-modal cross-analysis (MIA), were employed to assign 17 transcriptionally distinct cell clusters identified in single cells to four different cell types: exocarp, mesocarp, endocarp, and vascular bundles. Pseudotime trajectory analysis revealed a clear spatiotemporal transition from ROS-induced stress and disease resistance to senescence during the fruit ripening process, moving from the exocarp to the mesocarp. Previously unknown early response genes related to senescence and resistance were identified, providing novel tools for fruit senescence prediction based on mesocarp and enhancement of fruit resistance based on exocarp. [Display omitted] • A transcriptome landscape of pericarp was profiled at single-cell resolution. • Five algorithms were used for integration analysis of sc and st RNA-seq. • Differentiation trajectories of exocarp and mesocarp tissues were elucidated. • Senescent-related gene regulatory network was constructed by SCODE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is a crucial enzyme involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation. To investigate the regulation of DGAT genes in the mesocarp of oil palm, a key transcription factor, EgbHLH63, was identified by a yeast one-hybrid assay. The interaction between EgbHLH63 and the EgDGAT1 promoter (proEgDGAT1) and its potential role in TAG synthesis were investigated. Binding of EgbHLH63 to proEgDGAT1 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and EMSA in vitro. Overexpression of EgbHLH63 in oil palm protoplasts resulted in a significant reduction in EgDGAT1 expression. Silence of EgbHLH63 in transgenic embryoids restored high levels of EgDGAT1 expression and significantly increased TAG content. In addition, two other transcription factors, EgULT1 and EgZFP, were identified as interacting with EgbHLH63. They recognized B-box and AT-rich motifs in the EgDGAT1 promoter, respectively. These two transcription factors also negatively regulated EgDGAT1 expression, thereby affecting oil accumulation. Collectively, the results shed light on the lipid mechanism pathway involving EgDGAT1 in the mesocarp and offer promising research avenues for improving oil yield and quality in oil palm. • EgbHLH63, a bHLH-like transcription factor, regulates EgDGAT1 in oil palm mesocarp. • EgbHLH63 overexpression reduces EgDGAT1, while silencing boosts TAG content. • EgULT1 and EgZFP interact with EgbHLH63, impacting EgDGAT1 expression. • Insights into the EgDGAT1 lipid mechanism pathway in oil palm mesocarp are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: EgMYB108 regulates VLCFA anabolism in oil palm. Very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which are fatty acids with more than 18 C, can not only be used as a form of triglyceride (TAG) but also provide precursors for the biosynthesis of cuticle wax, and they exist in plant epidermal cells in the form of wax in higher plants. However, which and how transcriptional factors (TFs) regulate this process is largely unknown in oil palm. In this study, a MYB transcription factor (EgMYB108) with high expression in the mesocarp of oil palm fruit was characterized. Overexpression of EgMYB108 promoted not only total lipid content but also VLCFA accumulation in oil palm embryoids. Subsequently, transient transformation in protoplasts and qRT–PCR analysis indicated that the EgKCS5 and EgLACS4 genes were significantly increased with the overexpression of EgMYB108. Furthermore, yeast one‑hybrid assays, dual-luciferase assays and EMSAs demonstrated that EgMYB108 binds to the promoters of EgKCS5 and EgLACS4 and regulates their transcription. Finally, EgMYB108 interacts with the promoters of EgLACS and EgKCS simultaneously and finally improves the VLCFA and total lipid contents; a pathway summarizing this interaction was depicted.. The results provide new insight into the mechanism by which EgMYB108 regulates lipid and VLCFA accumulation in oil palm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of flowering for fruit formation, it has been considered very little in breeding programs involving fruit species, including olives. We evaluated the principal morphological flower-quality components in the olive cultivars, 'Arbequina' and 'Picual', and in the progenies of their crosses. Wide ranges of variation were obtained for all the inflorescence traits and ovary tissue sizes. An analysis of variance indicated that the residual error was the main contributor to the inflorescence traits, except for the number of perfect flowers, underlining the need to evaluate adequate numbers of inflorescences for accurate measurements of these traits. However, the high repeatability obtained for the inflorescence traits suggests that simple evaluation procedures could be accurate enough for genotype characterization. The average values for 'Arbequina' were in the upper range for all the traits; the opposite occurred for 'Picual', and the values for most of the progenies were intermediate. No significant differences between the maternal and paternal effect on inheritance were found. Some interesting transgressive segregants showed a higher flower number, greater ovary and mesocarp size, or percentage of ovaries with all four fully developed ovules. The correlations among the parameters may have reflected a relatively consistent distribution of the ovaries' structural components and a close relationship between the ovaries and their mesocarp growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut is widely used as a food source in producing countries, and during consumption, the waste that is generated needs to be reduced through by-products processing to ensure environmental sustainability. This study aimed to assess the functionality of by-products (endo- and mesocarp) of coconuts at early and mature stages. The aqueous and ethanolic (50 and 100% ethanol in water) extracts of coconut by-products were evaluated for the DPPH radical scavenging activity and subjected to linoleic acid-β-carotene system assay in contrast with synthetic antioxidants. Ultrasound-producing extract of young coconut mesocarp provided the highest antioxidant activity with a lower IC50 value (117 µg mL−1) than butylhydroxytoluene (BHT, 170 µg mL−1). Based on the linoleic acid-β-carotene system assay, the extract exhibited a higher antioxidant activity (1.25×) than tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ, 200 µg mL−1); and comparable with butylhydroxyanisole (BHA, 250 µg mL−1). Therefore, extracts of coconut by-products, particularly the young mesocarp, can be an alternative natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an agriculturally and economically important vegetable crop worldwide. The thickness of mesocarp is an important quality pertaining to edibility. The development of mesocarp, however, has received little attention. In this study, we selected one thick mesocarp line D8 to analyze the gene expression profiles of mesocarp at 0, 3, 6, and 9 days after pollination (DAP) by RNA sequencing. Genes mainly related to ribosomes, carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, and oxidative phosphorylation were up-regulated at 3 DAP. From 3 to 6 DAP, the genes related to oxidative phosphorylation, photosynthesis, and phagosome were highly induced. From 6 to 9 DAP, the genes related to plant hormone signal transduction were highly induced. Differentially expressed genes linked to cyclin, hormone biosynthesis and signaling, carbon metabolism, and transcription factors MYB and WRKY were common up-regulated at 3, 6, 9 DAP in comparison with 0 DAP. The auxin-responsive and cytokinin-responsive genes were significantly up-regulated in mesocarp development. The higher expression levels of the auxin-responsive gene indole-3-acetic acid-amido synthetase 3.6 and the cytokinin response regulator 3/4b in the thick mesocarp cultivar D8 than in the thin mesocarp cultivar XUE1 might have explained the different growth rates of the mesocarp.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important crops as it provides 20% of calories and proteins to the human population. To overcome the increasing demand in wheat grain production, there is a need for a higher grain yield, and this can be achieved in particular through an increase in the grain weight. Moreover, grain shape is an important trait regarding the milling performance. Both the final grain weight and shape would benefit from a comprehensive knowledge of the morphological and anatomical determinism of wheat grain growth. Synchrotron-based phase-contrast X-ray microtomography (X-ray µCT) was used to study the 3D anatomy of the growing wheat grain during the first developmental stages. Coupled with 3D reconstruction, this method revealed changes in the grain shape and new cellular features. The study focused on a particular tissue, the pericarp, which has been hypothesized to be involved in the control of grain development. We showed considerable spatio-temporal diversity in cell shape and orientations, and in tissue porosity associated with stomata detection. These results highlight the growth-related features rarely studied in cereal grains, which may contribute significantly to the final grain weight and shape.

Fruit production has increased, which has led to an increase in fruit wastage, opening up new opportunities for the use of non-standard fruits as starch sources. Herein, the physicochemical properties of mango starches isolated from the pulp and kernel of four cultivars were investigated. The pulp starches showed higher purity with total starch ranging from 97.84 to 98.09% (dry basis). The kernel starches had a higher percentage of other components (ash, fiber, lipids, protein, sugars). The main mineral in the starches was potassium (0.37 to 1.32 g/kg). Pulp starches were circular and smaller (15–79 to 16.70 µm) and kernel starches were oval and larger (19.75 to 25.33 µm). Differential scanning calorimetry and rapid viscosity studies showed that the kernel starches had higher gelatinization properties. The mango starches were A-type with varying crystallinity levels (28.37–32.35%). PCA analysis showed the greater impact of gelatinization properties on the grouping of cultivars. These findings would be useful for adding commercial value to mango agricultural and industrial waste and for industries in terms of using the starch as an ingredient in food products and other industrial applications.

Plant biomass is a complex mixture formed mainly by cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, being of great importance as a source of renewable assets of great interest to industries, due to millions of tons/year of wastes produced and their great potential to yield a wide range of high added-value products. In this study, processes and physicochemical characterizations were developed for baru wastes (mesocarp and endocarp). This biomass was subjected to acid hydrolysis and slow pyrolysis steps in order to yield biobased products, among them bio-oil (> 28%) and biochar (> 48%). Analytical techniques such as mid-infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, surface area and pore size, thermal analysis, and proximate and elemental analysis, helped in the elucidation, identification, and quantification of such compounds. Based on these results, it was possible to conclude that baru wastes have potential for application in several branches of industry, since compounds like vanillin (3.2%), syringol (9%), guaiacol (29%), creosol (22%), and palmitic (32%), and levulinic (4%) acids were found in significant amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water and fertilization management are the main concerns of farmers in order to achieve an economic yield and high fruit quality. This study evaluates conventional farmer's fertilization practices in commercial peach orchards (Regueb region) and sets suitable nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) supplies to improve yield and fruit quality. Different farmers' N-P-K supply practices (called Farm NPK) were applied during the different developmental stages of the growing season (S1 budburst and swelling; S2 flowering and fruit set; S3 fruit development; and S4 fruit ripening). Seven cultivars (Flordastar, Plagold5, Plagold10, Plagold15, Plawhite5, Plawhite10, and UFO3) were considered. Depending on cultivars and growth stage, the ranges of total N-P-K supplies were 95–208, 44–84, and 67–103 kg ha−1, respectively. Total fresh yield was quantified, and fruit quality (pomology, phenolic composition, main sugars, and organic acids) was determined in the mesocarp and exocarp. The results revealed that NPK supplies from 95–65–76 to 165–84–103 kg ha−1 induced the highest yield that varied between 50 and 68 kg tree−1, especially with high N supplies during S2. In all cultivars, high N and K supplies in S3 and S4 induced the best weight and fruit size, with the highest total soluble solid content in the fruit, while P supply appeared to be negatively correlated with total sugar content. Analysis of phenolic composition showed that flavan-3-ols varied between 209 and 7114 mg kg−1 DW. In conclusion, the optimum supply of N, P, and K at the appropriate stages, mainly S2 for N supply, and S3 and S4 improved color and ensured appreciable quality. • N-P-K supplies from 95–65–76 to 165–84–103 kg h−1 increased yield (≥50 -kg tree−1). • N fertilizer supply eexceeding 165 kg/h had no positive impact on fruit yield. • N and K supply during fruit development and ripening improved weight and TSS. • Fruit received higher N and K had the best color and anthocyanin contents. • Higher P supply reduce sugar contents and phenolic compounds in peach fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Mexico there are more than 201 400 ha grown with different mango (Mangifera indica L.) cultivars. This may cause variations in mineral requirement, fruit mineral concentrations and nutrient removal. The objective of this research was to make a survey of mineral concentration in fruit tissues and calculate nutrient removal by fruit tissues during harvest of the most important mango cultivars (Ataulfo, Kent and Tommy Atkins) from several production regions (Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Nayarit, and Sinaloa) of Mexico. Fruit at physiological maturity were harvested from commercial mango orchards and concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and boron (B) was determined for skin, mesocarp, endocarp, and seed tissues. Each tissue was cut into thin slices and they were dehydrated in a forced air oven at 70 °C, after that, were pulverized and they were analyzed: nitrogen by semi-microKjeldahl digestion, phosphorus with the ascorbic acid method and the other nutrients with atomic absorption. The removal of nutrients was calculated considering the weight of the fruit and the content of nutrients in each tissue. Significant differences in the concentration of N, K, Mg, and Zn were found among cultivars and tissues. Concentration of P, S, Cu, and Mn in the skin, Ca, Cu, and Mn in the mesocarp, Ca, S, Mn, and B in endocarp, and S, Fe, and Mn in the seed were not affected by mango cultivar. Production region affected concentration of minerals in ‘Ataulfo’ fruit more than in ‘Tommy Atkins’ and ‘Kent’. Nutrient removal by mango fruit tissues was little affected in cvs. Ataulfo, Tommy Atkins and Kent. The regions with the greatest nutrient removal were Oaxaca, Campeche and Sinaloa for ‘Ataulfo’, ‘Tommy Atkins’ and ‘Kent’, respectively.

WRINKLED1 (WRI1), a member of the APETALA2 (AP2) class of transcription factors regulates fatty acid biosynthesis and triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in plants. Among the four known Arabidopsis WRI1 paralogs, only WRI2 was unable to complement and restore fatty acid content in wri1-1 mutant seeds. Avocado (Persea americana) mesocarp, which accumulates 60-70% dry weight oil content, showed high expression levels for orthologs of WRI2, along with WRI1 and WRI3, during fruit development. While the role of WRI1 as a master regulator of oil biosynthesis is well-established, the function of WRI1 paralogs is poorly understood. Comprehensive and comparative in silico analyses of WRI1 paralogs from avocado (a basal angiosperm) with higher angiosperms Arabidopsis (dicot), maize (monocot) revealed distinct features. Predictive structural analyses of the WRI orthologs from these three species revealed the presence of AP2 domains and other highly conserved features, such as intrinsically disordered regions associated with predicted PEST motifs and phosphorylation sites. Additionally, avocado WRI proteins also contained distinct features that were absent in the nonfunctional Arabidopsis ortholog AtWRI2. Through transient expression assays, we demonstrated that both avocado WRI1 and WRI2 are functional and drive TAG accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. We predict that the unique features and activities of ancestral PaWRI2 were likely lost in orthologous genes such as AtWRI2 during evolution and speciation, leading to at least partial loss of function in some higher eudicots. This study provides us with new targets to enhance oil biosynthesis in plants.

WRINKLED1 (WRI1), a member of the APETALA2 (AP2) class of transcription factors regulates fatty acid biosynthesis and triacylglycerol (TAG) accumulation in plants. Among the four known Arabidopsis WRI1 paralogs, only WRI2 was unable to complement and restore fatty acid content in wri1-1 mutant seeds. Avocado (Persea americana) mesocarp, which accumulates 60-70% dry weight oil content, showed high expression levels for orthologs of WRI2 , along with WRI1 and WRI3 , during fruit development. While the role of WRI1 as a master regulator of oil biosynthesis is well-established, the function of WRI1 paralogs is poorly understood. Comprehensive and comparative in silico analyses of WRI1 paralogs from avocado (a basal angiosperm) with higher angiosperms Arabidopsis (dicot), maize (monocot) revealed distinct features. Predictive structural analyses of the WRI orthologs from these three species revealed the presence of AP2 domains and other highly conserved features, such as intrinsically disordered regions associated with predicted PEST motifs and phosphorylation sites. Additionally, avocado WRI proteins also contained distinct features that were absent in the nonfunctional Arabidopsis ortholog At WRI2. Through transient expression assays, we demonstrated that both avocado WRI1 and WRI2 are functional and drive TAG accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. We predict that the unique features and activities of ancestral PaWRI2 were likely lost in orthologous genes such as AtWRI2 during evolution and speciation, leading to at least partial loss of function in some higher eudicots. This study provides us with new targets to enhance oil biosynthesis in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of flowering for fruit formation, it has been considered very little in breeding programs involving fruit species, including olives. We evaluated the principal morphological flower-quality components in the olive cultivars, ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Picual’, and in the progenies of their crosses. Wide ranges of variation were obtained for all the inflorescence traits and ovary tissue sizes. An analysis of variance indicated that the residual error was the main contributor to the inflorescence traits, except for the number of perfect flowers, underlining the need to evaluate adequate numbers of inflorescences for accurate measurements of these traits. However, the high repeatability obtained for the inflorescence traits suggests that simple evaluation procedures could be accurate enough for genotype characterization. The average values for ‘Arbequina’ were in the upper range for all the traits; the opposite occurred for ‘Picual’, and the values for most of the progenies were intermediate. No significant differences between the maternal and paternal effect on inheritance were found. Some interesting transgressive segregants showed a higher flower number, greater ovary and mesocarp size, or percentage of ovaries with all four fully developed ovules. The correlations among the parameters may have reflected a relatively consistent distribution of the ovaries’ structural components and a close relationship between the ovaries and their mesocarp growth.

Coconut is widely used as a food source in producing countries, and during consumption, the waste that is generated needs to be reduced through by-products processing to ensure environmental sustainability. This study aimed to assess the functionality of by-products (endo- and mesocarp) of coconuts at early and mature stages. The aqueous and ethanolic (50 and 100% ethanol in water) extracts of coconut by-products were evaluated for the DPPH radical scavenging activity and subjected to linoleic acid-β-carotene system assay in contrast with synthetic antioxidants. Ultrasound-producing extract of young coconut mesocarp provided the highest antioxidant activity with a lower IC50 value (117 µg mL−1) than butylhydroxytoluene (BHT, 170 µg mL−1). Based on the linoleic acid-β-carotene system assay, the extract exhibited a higher antioxidant activity (1.25×) than tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ, 200 µg mL−1); and comparable with butylhydroxyanisole (BHA, 250 µg mL−1). Therefore, extracts of coconut by-products, particularly the young mesocarp, can be an alternative natural antioxidant.

Twenty-six major and trace elements, in the seed and the mesocarp of wild and cultivated rosehips from different locations in Serbia, were quantified by means of inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES). The cultivated rosehip was investigated for the first time. In both wild and cultivated rosehips, the most abundant elements were K and Ca. Among trace elements, Mn (in both seed and mesocarp); Fe (in seeds); and B, Ba, and Sr (in mesocarp) were quantified in the highest concentrations. The higher content of Cu, K, Mn, P, and S in the seed of cultivated rosehip, as well as Ca, Mg, and Sr in the mesocarp of wild rosehip, was observed, both significant at p < 0.05. Additionally, differences between the seed and the mesocarp of studied rosehip were noticed in the content of B, Cu, Fe, K, Ni, P, S, Sr, and Ti (p < 0.05). Nutritional assessment revealed that both wild and cultivated rosehips are a valuable source of essential elements (Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, and P). The absence of toxic and potentially toxic elements additionally contributes to the quality of studied Serbian rosehip. A high impact of factors such as variety, location, as well as their interaction on the content of elements in cultivated rosehip mesocarp and seed was observed. Pattern recognition techniques, principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied in order to provide insight into similarities among the analyzed samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antifungal effectiveness of aqueous extracts of coconut mesocarp (Cocos nucifera L.) (AEC) and commercial chitosan (CQ) applied individually and in combination was evaluated against Rhizopus stolonifer in terms of mycelial growth, sporulation, spore germination, as well the primary growth models at two storage temperatures (15-25 oC) was obtained. The use of AEC applied individually, significantly reduced the mycelial growth of R. stolonifer (> 45 %); on the other hand, CQ (1.5 %) showed up to 87 % of control, however, the combination of AEC (10 %) with CQ (1.5 %) was more effective in reducing mycelial growth (> 93 %). All treatments were effective in inhibiting spore production (> 94 %) compared to control (agar). CQ combined with AEC was more effective by inhibiting the germ tube elongation (> 98 %) compared to the individual treatments (< 48 %). The modified Gompertz model showed an adequate fit for both temperature ranges (> 98-99 %), observing significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the variables maximum speed (Vmax) and latency period (ƛ), however all treatments showed a fungistatic effect on the mycelial development of R. stolonifer. The combination of AEC and CQ can be an eco-friendly alternative against soft rot in soursop fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]