Sensory and chemical characterization of the aroma of a white wine made with Devín grapes

The aroma profile of a Slovak white wine made with Devín grapes was evaluated by 13 expert judges. The panel evaluated the orthonasal and retronasal aroma profiles, as well as the profile of residual wine aroma found in the empty glass after the consumption. For the majority of attributes, the orthonasal perception was the most intense, followed by retronasal, and finally by the residual odor. Varietal wine Devín possessed primarily a "Muscat" odor by nose, together with intense fruity, sweet, and herbaceous notes. Data were analyzed by generalized procrustes analysis. Two primary clusters separated orthonasal ratings from both retronasal and residual odor ratings. Similar results were obtained by analysis of variance. The relative proportion of "heavy" aroma notes, likely related to polar odorants, increased in retronasal and residual odor profiles. The gas chromatography-olfactometry profile revealed a great complexity and showed that the characteristic aroma of this variety seems to be a mixture of Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon-Blanc, being rich in linalool, cis-rose oxide, and 4-methyl-4-mercaptopentanone.     

The chemical characterization of the aroma of dessert and sparkling white wines (Pedro Ximénez, Fino, Sauternes, and Cava) by gas chromatography-olfactometry and chemical quantitative analysis

Wines from Pedro Ximénez (PX), Fino, botrytized Sauternes, and Cava were screened by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), and the most relevant aroma compounds were further quantified in six different wines of each group. The comparison of GC-O and quantitative data with similar data from white young wines has made it possible to identify the aroma compounds potentially responsible for the specific sensory characteristics of these wines. Results have shown that all these wines are relatively rich in 3-methylbutanal, phenylacetaldehyde, methional, sotolon, and the ethyl esters of 2-, 3-, and 4-methylpentanoic acids. While Cava has a less specific aroma profile halfway between these special wines and young white wines, PX is richest in 3-methylbutanal, furfural, beta-damascenone, ethyl cyclohexanoate, and sotolon; Fino in acetaldehyde, diacetyl, ethyl esters of branched aliphatic acids with four, five, or six carbon atoms, and 4-ethylguaiacol; and Sauternes in phenylacetaldehyde, 3-mercaptohexanol, and 4-methyl-4-mercaptopentanone.     

Which impact for beta-damascenone on red wines aroma?

beta-Damascenone, a C-13 norisoprenoid compound, is usually presented as an impact odorant in red wines. Its direct contribution to their aroma was investigated. Both free beta-damascenone and beta-damascenone precursors were isolated from various French red wines and then analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, revealing concentrations in the vicinity of 1 and 2 microg/L for free compounds and both forms, respectively. Gas chromatography-olfactometry analyses were also performed on dilutions of both red wine extracts and pure beta-damascenone. The very low detection threshold in olfactometry for this compound explains why it is found at the highest dilution factor in aroma extract dilution analysis methods. Moreover, determination of beta-damascenone's odor thresholds confirmed the huge importance of the matrix: beta-Damascenone is characterized by a very low perception threshold in hydroalcoholic solution as compared to red wine, where it is over 1000-fold higher. In hydroalcoholic solution, beta-damascenone enhanced fruity notes of ethyl cinnamate and caproate and masked the herbaceous aroma of IBMP. Globally, these results suggested that beta-damascenone has more an indirect than a direct impact on red wine aroma.     

Similarities in the aroma chemistry of Gewürztraminer variety wines and lychee (Litchi chinesis sonn.) fruit

GC/O analysis of canned lychees indicated that cis-rose oxide, linalool, ethyl isohexanoate, geraniol, furaneol, vanillin, (E)-2-nonenal, beta-damascenone, isovaleric acid, and (E)-furan linalool oxide were the most odor potent compounds detected in the fruit extracts. However, on the basis of calculated odor activity values (OAVs), cis-rose oxide, beta-damascenone, linalool, furaneol, ethyl isobutyrate, (E)-2-nonenal, ethyl isohexanoate, geraniol, and delta-decalactone were determined to be the main contributors of canned lychee aroma. When these results were compared with GC/O results of fresh lychees and Gewürztraminer wine, 12 common odor-active volatile compounds were found in all three products. These included cis-rose oxide, ethyl hexanoate/ethyl isohexanoate, beta-damascenone, linalool, ethyl isobutyrate, geraniol, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, 2-phenylethanol, furaneol, vanillin, citronellol, and phenethyl acetate. On the basis of OAVs, cis-rose oxide had the highest values among the common odorants in the three products, indicating its importance to the aroma of both lychee fruit and Gewürztraminer wines. Other compounds that had significant OAVs included beta-damascenone, linalool, furaneol, ethyl hexanoate, and geraniol. This indicated that while differences exist in the aroma profile of lychee and Gewürztraminer, the common odorants detected in both fruit and wine, particularly cis-rose oxide, were responsible for the lychee aroma in Gewürztraminer wine. When headspace SPME was used as a rapid analytical tool to detect the levels of selected aroma compounds deemed important to lychee aroma in Gewürztraminer-type wines, cis-rose oxide, linalool, and geraniol were found to be at relatively higher levels in Gewürztraminers. No cis-rose oxide was detected in the control wines (Chardonnay and Riesling), while lower levels were detected in the Gewürztraminer-hybrid wine Traminette. Gewürztraminers produced in the Alsace region showed differences in the levels of the 3 monoterpenes when compared to those from New York State, which could be attributed to differences in viticultural and enological practices between regions.     

Chemical characterization of aroma compounds in essential oil isolated from “Holy Basil” (Ocimum tenuiflorum L.) grown in India

Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (“Holy Basil”/“Tulsi”) is an indigenous Ayurvedic medicinal plant of India, widely distributed in tropical and warm temperate regions. Plant is well known for its enormous therapeutic activities and prevention against diseases. In the present study, thirty-two accessions of O. tenuiflorum germplasm collected from different regions of Northern India were evaluated for their essential oil content and composition. Essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation was analyzed by GC and GC/MS for aroma compounds. Essential oil content in O. tenuiflorum germplasm showed wide range of variation from 0.13 to 0.45 % on FWB. GC and GC/MS profile of O. tenuiflorum oil showed phenylpropanoids, mainly eugenol constituted the major proportion of essential oil. The range of major chemical constituents identified were eugenol (1.94–60.20 %), methyl eugenol (0.87–82.98 %), β-caryophyllene (4.13–44.60 %), β-elemene (0.76–32.41 %). Eugenol and methyl eugenol rich two chemotypes were identified in O. tenuiflorum germplasm. The accessions, IC583281, IC583285 and IC583322 were found to contain high eugenol content (>55 %), while three accessions IC583279, IC583284 and IC583278 were found to possess high methyl eugenol content (>70 %). Eugenol has been reported to be largely responsible for the therapeutic potentials of tulsi, while methyl eugenol is a high value aroma chemical used as flavouring agent. The results suggest holy basil have a potential as a new essential oil crops and can provide oil yields and composition typical for the respective species.     

Evaluation of Mercury,Lead, Arsenic,and Cadmium in Some Species of Fish in the Atrato River Delta,Gulf of Urabá, Colombian Caribbean

The concentrations of mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic were evaluated in 96 samples, 12 by each one of the following eight fish species: snook (Centropomus undecimalis), crevalle jack (Caranx hippos), Serra Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), southern red snapper (Lutjanus purpureus), blue runner (Caranx crysos), Atlantic tarpon (Megalops atlanticus), ladyfish (Elops saurus), and Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara), which were collected during 1 year in the Atrato River Delta in the Gulf of Urabá, Colombian Caribbean. Three fish were caught from each of the following sites the community usually uses to catch them (known as fishing grounds): Bahía Candelaria, Bahía Marirrío, Bocas del Roto, and Bocas del Atrato. The quantification of metals was performed by microwave-induced plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The Pb concentration fluctuated from 0.672 to 3.110 mg kg^?1, surpassing the maximum permissible limit (MPL?=?0.3 mg kg^?1) for human consumption for all species. The Hg concentration ranged between < Limit of detection and 6.303 mg kg^?1, and in the crevalle jack and Atlantic tarpon, concentrations exceeded the MPL (0.5 mg kg^?1). The levels of Cd and As were not significant in the studied species and did not exceed the MPL (0.05 mg kg^?1).     

Free and bound volatile composition and characterization of some glucoconjugates as aroma precursors in melón de olor fruit pulp (Sicana odorifera)

Free and glycosidically bound volatiles obtained from the fruit pulp of Sicana odorifera by liquid-liquid extraction and by chromatography, followed by enzymatic hydrolysis with Rohapect D5L, respectively, were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography (HRGC), HRGC-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS), and HRGC-Olfatometry (HRGC-O) analyses. A total of 37 free volatiles was detected, with the major components being 3-methyl-2-butanol, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, ethyl 3-hydroxybutanoate, and (Z)-3-hexenol. Among the 22 detected glycosidically bound compounds, 4-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, and 2-phenylethanol were found to be the major constituents. Additionally, two glucoconjugates were isolated in pure form by multilayer coil countercurrent chromatography (MLCCC) of the glycosidic extrac and further purification. Their structures were elucidated by MS and NMR analyses to be the novel [4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzyl] 2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutanoate 2, and the known 4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzyl alcohol 1. Compounds 1 and 2 are precursors of 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, one of the major volatiles generated by enzymatic hydrolysis of the glycosidic fraction.     

Effect of calcium sprays,time of harvest,cold storage,and ripeness on fruit quality of ‘anjou’ pears 1

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂), increased Ca concentrations in fruit cortex and peel of ‘Anjou’ pears (Pyrus communis L.). Calcium sprays reduced the fruit disorders: brown core, cork spot and superficial scald. Fruit size (weight) increased while fruit Ca concentrations decreased with fruit at the later harvest dates. The earliest harvest date was associated with a lower incidence of fruit disorders. Superficial scald increased in fruit held longer in cold storage and in ripened fruit. Shelf‐life and fruit quality of Ca‐sprayed fruit was improved due to higher Ca concentrations in fruit peel and cortex resulting in overall enhancement of fruit appearance, and in improvement in the control of the incidences of cork spot, scald, brown core, and external and internal rots, and in amelioration of fruit juiciness and fruit color.     

Distribution of Total and DTPA‐Extractable Zinc,Copper, Manganese,and Iron in Vertisols of India

Abstract

Vertisols of India are developed over isohyets of 600 to 1500 mm, and their chemical cycles are set by drainage, landforms, and particle size, which results in variable pedogenic development within the otherwise homogeneous soils. The purpose of this study was to identify pedogenic processes in the distribution of total and DTPA‐extractable zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). The soils are developed over basaltic parent material of Cretaceous age. Soil samples were drawn from genetic horizons of the 13 benchmark profiles and analyzed by using HF–HClO₄ acid for total and DTPA extraction. Correlation coefficients were calculated taking all samples together. The total concentration varied from 24 to 102 mg kg^?1 for Zn, 21 to 148 mg kg^?1 for Cu, 387 to 1396 mg kg^?1 for Mn, and 2.36 to 9.50% for Fe. Their variability was proisotropic and haplodized, and their concentrations increased with advancing isohyets. Within the isohyets, hindrance in drainage caused retention of Zn and Cu but loss of Fe. The piedmont soils had more Fe than alluvium soils. The spatial distribution of total contents of Zn, Cu, and Fe was influenced by the pedogenic processes associated with Haplusterts but not with provenance materials. Surface concentrations of the elements by biotic lifting and/or harvest removal were negated by the pedoturbation that further contributed to the irregular distribution of the elements in the profiles. Total Zn and total Cu had positive coefficients of correlations with coarse clay, whereas total Mn and total Fe were positively correlated with fine clay. The DTPA‐extractable forms were functions of isohyets and drainage and showed association with organic carbon content and coarse clay.     

Impact of Supplemental Calcium Chloride on Yield,Quality, Nutrient Status,and Postharvest Attributes of Tomato

Little is known regarding the impact of calcium chloride applications during growth and development on tomato postharvest quality. This trial investigated supplemental calcium chloride applications on yield, nutrient content, texture, and postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Calcium (Ca) nutrient solution concentrations were: 60, 180, and 360 mg·L^?1 calcium, while foliar applications were (0, 1, and 2% calcium chloride w/v). Plants grown with 60 mg·L^?1 Ca had a high incidence of blossom end rot, which was not affected by calcium chloride sprays. Fruit nutrient concentrations were affected by calcium delivered through the nutrient solution. As fruit cluster position increased, fruit nutrient concentrations significantly decreased. Foliar calcium chloride sprays affected fruit soluble solids content and dry weight, but did not affect texture. Pericarp elasticity increased concomitantly with calcium in the nutrient solution. Postharvest disease incidence was not affected by calcium treatment, though weight loss during storage was negatively affected by calcium chloride sprays.     

Influence of trenching,soil amendments,and mulching on the mineral content,growth, yield,and quality of “Italian” prunes

Abstract

Yields were evaluated three years after applied treatments to determine if responses that were not evident during earlier years eventually occurred. Potassium sulfate was applied to established, non‐irrigated, K deficient trees on fine textured soil by banding, placing in augered holes, adding to the backfilled trenches, and by injecting into the soil. Trenches were dug in the fall beside trees to break roots and ammended during backfilling with K₂SO₄, dolomite lime or combinations of the two. Additional trees received a heavy compost mulch in the early fall. Trenching treatments were generally detrimental. Trenching alone reduced yield and leaf Ca but increased fruit soluble solids content. Trenching plus K₂SO₄, trenching and lime, all soil amendments, and mushroom compost elevated leaf K from deficient or below normal to the normal range, but decreased leaf Mg. Most K application techniques eventually increased yield, but simple surface applications of K₂SO₄ in a narrow band were as effective as other more costly procedures. Mulching treatments appear to be as effective as K additions and produce quicker yield responses. Mushroom composts and alfalfa increased leaf N and yield in two years. Mushroom compost doubled yield even three years after a single application.     

Influence of olive storage period on oil quality of three Portuguese cultivars of Olea europea,Cobrançosa,Madural, and Verdeal Transmontana

Olives (Olea europaea cv. Cobran?osa, Madural, and Verdeal Transmontana) used for oil production were stored, in plastic containers, at 5 +/- 2 degrees C (70% relative humidity) for three different periods before oil extraction: 0, 7, and 14 days (T(0), T(7), and T(14), respectively). In the crop year 1997/1998 this procedure was done only for cv. Cobran?osa and in 1998/1999 for the three cultivars. After storage, the oils were extracted from the fruits, and the acidity, peroxide value, coefficients of specific extinction at 232 and 270 nm, stability, color, p-anisidine value, fatty acids, and tocopherols compositions were determined. The results confirm that storage of fruits produces losses in the olive oil quality. Acidity and stability to oxidation indicate a progressive deterioration of oil quality as fruit is stored. The storage time affects the total tocopherols contents, namely, alpha-tocopherol, which clearly decreased during fruit storage. The oil quality of the Verdeal Transmontana cultivar deteriorated more rapidly than that of Cobran?osa and Madural cultivars. This study also shows that cv. Cobran?osa, the main cultivar in the region, is a good choice in terms of final olive oil quality.     

Comparison of mehlich 3, mehlich 1, ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA, 1.0M ammonium acetate,and 0.2M ammonium chloride for extraction of calcium,magnesium, phosphorus,and potassium for a wide range of soils

Abstract

Extractants employed for routine soil analysis vary from one laboratory to another. Lack of a universal soil extractant is a serious limitation for interpretation of analytical results from various laboratories on nutritional status of a given soil. This limitation can be overcome by developing functional relationships for concentrations of a given nutrient extractable by various extradants. In this study, extractability of Ca, Mg, P, and K in a wide range of soils (0–15 cm) from citrus groves in Florida representing 21 soil series, with varying cultural operations, were compared using Mehlich 3 (M3), Mehlich 1 (M1), ammonium acetate (NH₄AOc), pH = 7.0 (AA), 0.2M ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl), and ammonium bicarbonate‐DTPA (AB‐DTPA) extractants. Soil pH (0.01M CaCl₂) varied from 3.57 to 7.28. The concentrations of Ca or Mg extractable by M3, M1, AA, and NH₄Cl were strongly correlated with soil pH (r² = 0.381–0.482). Weak but significant correlations were also found between AB‐DTPA extractable Ca or Mg and soil pH (r² = 0.235–0.278). Soil pH relationships with extractable K were rather weak (r² = < 0.131) for M1 and NH₄Cl but non‐significant for M3, AB‐DTPA, and AA. Concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K extractable by M3 were significantly correlated with those by either M1, AA, or NH₄Cl extractants. Mehlich 3‐P was significantly correlated with P extractable by M1 extractant only. Mehlich 3 versus AB‐DTPA relationship was strong for K (r² = 0.964), weaker for Mg and P (r² = 0.180–0.319), and non‐significant for Ca. With the increasing emphasis on possible use of M3 as an universal soil extractant, data from this study support the hypothesis that M3 can be adapted as a suitable extractant for routine soil analysis.     

Influence of different calcium materials and spray timing on mineral composition,yield, fruit quality,and control of fruit disorders of ‘anjou’ pears

During a six‐year period (1980, 1985–1989), 20 different calcium (Ca) materials were sprayed at an early (3X; June to July), late (3X; July to August), and an early plus late (5X; June to August) timing on 25‐year‐old ‘Anjou’ pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees. Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) sprays increased fruit Ca in the cortex by an average of 10.5% greater than in unsprayed controls and cork spot was reduced by an average of six‐fold. Yield from trees sprayed with Ca materials averaged greater than 13% more crop load than the unsprayed control trees. Leaf and fruit injury from CaCl₂ sprays in 1980 were near borderline acceptability, but injury was reduced slightly by halving the spray concentration rate to 681 g CaCl₂ per 379 liters of water in 1985 to 1989. Due to temperatures above 26°C, leaf and fruit injury from Ca sprays, particularly calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂], were more severe for the late or early plus late sprays than for the early sprays. Fruit size was slightly larger on trees sprayed only three times (early or late sprays) versus trees sprayed five times during the season (early plus late sprays). Best control of cork spot occurred with early plus late sprays. Best control of alfalfa greening and black end occurred with late or early plus late sprays. The importance of fruit Ca for controlling cork spot is illustrated when triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA) was sprayed on trees which resulted in reduced fruit Ca and increased incidence of fruit disorders, alfalfa greening, black end, and cork spot. Sprays containing nitrates or sulfates were frequently associated with a higher incidence of fruit disorders. Although fruit quality was not significantly influenced by Ca treatments or spray time, it was related to Ca in fruit peel or cortex due to annual variations in Ca concentrations.     

Distribution of Chemical Forms for Co, Cr, Ni and V in Typical Soils of China

Co,Ni,Cr and V in 25 typical soils of China were fractionated into exchangeable,carbonate bound (calcareous soils),Mn oxide bound,organically bound,amorphous Fe oxide bound,crystalline Fe oxide bound and residual forms using a seven-step sequential extraction procedure,so as to study the distribution of chemical forms of these metals as well as the effects of soil proiperties on the distribution.The results showed that most of soil Co,Ni,Cr and V were present in residual forms,and the distribution ratio averaged 48.2% for Co,53.0% for Ni,81.5% for Cr and 68.7% for V.The speciation of heavy metals was greatly influenced by soil physico-chemical properties and the chemistry of elements.The results also indicated that the recovery of metal elements by the sequential extraction procedure was satisfactory,with the relative difference between the sum of seven forms and the total content in soils averaging 9.5% for Co,12.8% for Ni,6.6% for Cr and 7.2% for V.