Effects of nitrogen application on flavor compounds of cherry tomato fruits

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of N application on volatile compounds, taste compounds, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits. Each pot was filled with 8 kg of clean sand. The experiment consisted of six nitrogen (N)‐application rates with 0, 2.25, 4.50, 9.00, 18.00, and 36.00 mmol N L^–1 in the nutrient solution. Volatile compounds, soluble sugars, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits were measured. The results show that increasing N application increased the concentrations of 1‐penten‐3‐one, hexanal, cis‐3‐hexenal, 2‐methyl‐4‐pentenal, trans‐2‐hexenal, 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one, titratable acidity, soluble sugars, and soluble solids. By contrast, increasing N supply decreased the concentration of phenylacetaldehyde and first increased and then decreased the concentrations of 2E–4E‐hexadienal and the firmness of fresh tomato fruits. Close relationships between the concentration of various volatile compounds, titratable acidity, soluble sugars, and soluble solids were found. However, concentrations of these flavor compounds were very poorly correlated with fruit firmness. Based on contributions of these compounds to tomato flavor, we assume that moderate high N supply improves tomato flavor, whereas excessive N supply can deteriorate it.     

Effects of Potassium Application on Flavor Compounds of Cherry Tomato Fruits

ABSTRACT

A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of potassium (K) application on volatile compounds, taste compounds, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits. Each pot was filled with 8 kg of clean sand. The experiment consisted of six K application rates with 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mmol K L^?1 in the nutrient solution. Volatile compounds, soluble sugars, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and firmness of fresh tomato fruits were measured. The results show that the concentrations of 3-methylbutanal, 1-penten-3-one, hexanal, cis-3-hexenal, 2-methyl-4-pentenal, trans-2-hexenal, 2E-4E-hexadienal, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, phenylacetaldehyde, phenylethanol, soluble sugars, and soluble solids tended to increase at first and then decrease between 0 to 10.0 mmol K L^?1. K application rate obtaining the highest values of the concentrations ranged from 1.4 to 3.0 mmol K L^?1, with the exception of cis-3-hexenal (1.1 mmol K L^?1), phenylacetaldehyde (4.5 mmol K L^?1), and phenylethanol (4.8 mmol K L^?1). By contrast, increasing K supply increased the concentration of titratable acidity, decreased the ratios of soluble sugars to titratable acidity and soluble solids to titratable acidity. Close correlations were observed between the concentrations of various volatile compounds, soluble sugars, and soluble solids. Based on contributions of these compounds to tomato flavor, we assume that moderate K supply (1.4–3.0 mmol K L^?1) improves tomato flavor, whereas tomato fruits with either no K or high K fertilization have poor flavor due to having undesirable levels of flavor compounds.     

Physicochemical characterization of a new pineapple hybrid (FLHORAN41 Cv.)

The physicochemical characteristics (pH, total and soluble solids, and titratable acidity), sugars, organic acids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, volatile compounds, and cell wall polysaccharides of a new pineapple hybrid (FLHORAN41 cultivar) were measured throughout maturation and compared with the Smooth Cayenne cv. At full maturity, the FLHORAN41 cv. has a higher titratable acidity and soluble solids content than the Smooth Cayenne cv. The golden yellow flesh and red-orange to scarlet shell of ripe FLHORAN41 cv. fruits are due to carotenoid and anthocyanin levels that are, respectively, 2.5 and 1.5 times higher than those of the flesh and shell of the ripe Smooth Cayenne cv., respectively. During maturation of the FLHORAN41 cv., there was an increase in all classes of aroma compounds (mainly terpene hydrocarbons and esters), although their relative proportions were similar in both cultivars at full maturity. Cell wall polysaccharides undergo little change during maturation.     

Changes in physicochemical characteristics and volatile constituents of yellow- and white-fleshed nectarines during maturation and artificial ripening

Changes in the volatile composition during maturation and artificial ripening of yellow-fleshed nectarines were investigated by means of GC-FID and GC-MS over three years (1999-2001). Unripe and commercially ripe fruits were placed in ripening chambers until complete ripening and compared to tree-ripe nectarines. Firmness, weight, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, organic acids, and sugars were also determined. Furthermore, the tree-ripe and artificially ripened yellow-fleshed nectarines were subjected to sensory analysis by a taste panel. In 2001, a similar experiment on white-fleshed nectarines (cv. Vermeil) was performed to compare with the results obtained on yellow-fleshed nectarines. Levels of volatiles compounds, in particular, lactones and C(13) norisoprenoids, were found to be the same or higher in the artificially ripened nectarines compared with the tree-ripe nectarines. In addition, no significant difference was observed for sweetness, sourness, and the intensities of "peach odors" or "peach aroma" in the sensory analysis between the tree-ripe samples and the artificially ripened nectarines. However, in the latter the levels of SS and the SS/TA ratio were very close to those observed in the initial unripe samples and significantly lower than those observed in tree-ripe nectarines.     

Postharvest changes in physicochemical properties and volatile constituents of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.). Characterization of 28 Cultivars

To investigate the changes in physicochemical properties and volatile constituents in apricot during postharvest ripening, the volatile compounds of 28 apricot cultivars were investigated by means of liquid-liquid microextraction (LLME), GC-FID, and GC-MS. Fruits picked at their optimal harvestable stage of maturity were analyzed at harvest and after ripening at 20 degrees C under controlled conditions. Soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), levels of sugars (saccharose, fructose, and glucose), and organic acids (citric and malic acids) were also determined. Thirty-three volatile compounds, including 6 esters, 5 C6 compounds, 4 alcohols, 3 carbonyl compounds, 6 terpenic compounds, and 9 lactones, were identified. Changes in the levels of volatiles have been found to increase greatly during post-harvest ripening in comparison to the modifications observed for the other physicochemical characteristics. The discrimination of the 28 apricot cultivars into four distinguishable aroma groups was achieved by statistical treatment of the data including ANOVA, principal component, and cluster analyses.     

Ripening attributes of new passion fruit line featuring seasonal non-climacteric behavior

The passion fruit hybrid cultivar 'Passion Dream' (PD) produces two cycles of fruiting per year, in the summer and winter. Self-hybridization of PD created various lines, including 'Ripens during Summer' (RS), which lacks the ability to abscise during winter, suggesting a seasonal nonclimacteric behavior. The two lines were characterized by several quality traits: PD produced high ethylene levels in both seasons; RS produced significantly less ethylene during summer and almost none during winter. The ratio of total soluble solids to titratable acidity (TSS/TA), and aroma volatiles production, as determined by solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (SPME/GC-MS) techniques, and taste indices were highest in PD summer fruits and lowest in RS winter fruits. Peel color in PD was affected by environmental and storage temperatures, whereas RS fruits always showed a strong purple color. The present findings suggest that ethylene production levels in passion fruit greatly influence various ripening processes, including acid degradation, increased TSS/TA ratio, accumulation of aroma volatiles, and tastiness.     

Growth and Fruit Chemical Characteristics of Blackberry (Rubus Fruticosus) Cultivated with Vermicompost,Glomus Mosseae and Phosphate Rock

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of vermicompost (V) and phosphate rock (PR) on blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) plants inoculated with Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerdemann & Trappe (AMF). Plant growth parameters, total phenol compounds and total flavonoids were evaluated on leaves. Anthocyanin contents, soluble solids (SS), pH, titratable acidity (TA) and SS/TA ratio was evaluated in blackberries fruits. Blackberry plants were obtained from cuttings from field plants, which were distributed in soil according to a randomized complete block design with three repetitions. Treatments were vermicompost (10?g plant^?1), phosphate rock (1?g plant^?1), Glomus mosseae (AMF), (1?g plant^?1), PR + AMF, V + PR, V +AMF, V + PR+ AMF and control without any amended. Plant height and stem diameter were measured five months after treatments, while total phenols and total flavonoids in leaves were evaluated eight months later. Anthocyanins, SS, pH, and TA were determined in blackberry fruits ten months after. Plant height was not statistically affected (p≤0.05), although total phenol compounds were higher (21.1?mg g^?1 dry plant) in the V+PR+AMF treatment, whereas the V + AMF treatment produced more dry plant total flavonoids (1.4?mg g^?1), compared with control plants. Blackberries produced with the vermicompost treatment had more anthocyanins (9.54?mg g^?1) than control plants. Soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity were not statistically (p≤0.05) affected by any treatment.     

Multivariate approach to the measurement of tomato maturity and gustatory attributes and their rapid assessment by Vis-NIR spectroscopy

Standard methods for determining quality and maturity are time- and labor-consuming and generally measure individual criteria at a specific time, without considering relationships among quality parameters. To propose a rapid and nondestructive analysis method describing multidimensional quality variables, an experiment was undertaken with mature green to overripe tomato fruits found on the North American retail markets. Factor analysis was used to analyze results. Four factors were considered, representing 81% of total variance. The first one, tomato maturity stage (TMS), is related to color, lycopene content, firmness, titratable acidity (TA), pH, and soluble solids (SS). Nondestructive rapid assessment by vis-NIR spectroscopy can predict TMS (r(2)=0.93). Factors 2 and 3 are both related to taste and should be considered simultaneously. Factor 2, called the gustatory index, is linked to electrical conductivity (EC), SS, TA, and pH. Factor 3, defined by SS, can be directly measured by a refractometer. Four categories of taste are proposed; the most desirable one ranks high both in soluble solids (above 4.5 degrees Brix) and in gustatory index (above 0). It was not possible to measure the gustatory index by vis-NIR spectroscopy (r(2)=0.17), but it can be estimated by EC, using a simple formula. The proposed limit between high and low gustatory index then corresponds to an EC of 5.4 mS/cm. Factor 4, variety, mostly discriminates the pink tomato type and field-grown samples from other varieties.     

Cold-storage potential of four yellow-fleshed peach cultivars defined by their volatile compounds emissions, standard quality parameters, and consumer acceptance

'Early Rich', 'Royal Glory', 'Sweet Dream(cov)', and 'Elegant Lady' peaches were stored at -0.5 °C for up to 40 days and then subjected to ripening at 20 °C for up to 3 days. Firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), color, consumer acceptance, and volatile compounds were then determined. The observed physicochemical changes included a significant decrease in firmness during both storage and commercialization periods. In contrast, the SSC, TA, and color remained constant during storage. Ten days of cold storage produced the highest total volatile emissions and the greatest consumer acceptance for 'Elegant Lady' and 'Sweet Dream(cov)', whereas similar results were obtained after 40 and 20 days for 'Royal Glory' and 'Early Rich', respectively. Volatile compounds that most consistently exhibited a positive correlation with consumer acceptance were dependent on the cultivar.     

Physico – biochemical properties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) grown in heavy – metal contaminated soil

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of soil contamination with heavy metals on physico-biochemical properties of tomato fruit. The deleterious effect of soil contamination on the quality and quantity of tomato plant yield was determined. Harvested tomato fruit characteristics including fruit length, diameter, volume and fresh and dry weights, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, lycopene and carbohydrates contents were measured in tomato fruits cultivated in soil contaminated with industrial effluents. In addition, some secondary metabolites (total phenols and flavonoids), micro- and macronutrients were also detected. Residual heavy metals (Cd, Co, Ni and Pb) were examined in the harvested fruits. The obtained results were compared with those of tomato fruits cultivated in non-contaminated soil. Results demonstrate that soil contamination with heavy metals have a negative effect on tomato fruits characteristics, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, lycopene, ascorbic acid, micro-elements and carbohydrates content. Moreover, fruits originated from plants grown in contaminated soil possess high phenols and flavonoids contents and higher heavy metals content compared to control fruits. It is recommended that fruits cultivated in that area not to be eaten by large quantities, to avoid excessive accumulation of heavy metals in the human body.

Abbreviations: (AsA): Ascorbic acid; (DTPA): diethylenetriamine penta acetic acid; (TA): Titratable acidity; (TSS): Total soluble solids     

Relationships between leaf and fruit minerals and fruit quality attributes of apples grown under northern conditions

Field experiments were conducted during 1994–1995 in seven apple (Malus spp.) orchards located in the southwest of Finland (the mainland and the Åland Islands). The cultivars were ‘Transparente Blanche’, ‘Samo’, ‘Melba’, ‘Raike’, ‘Red Atlas’, ‘Åkerö’, ‘Aroma’, and ‘Lobo’. Leaf samples from branches bearing fruits (BF) and not‐bearing fruits (BNF) were collected two times during the growing seasons. Fruit samples were picked about one week before commercial maturity. Macronutrient concentrations in fruits and leaves, fruit diameter and juice pH, titratable acidity (TA) and soluble solids concentrations (SSC) were determined. Leaf nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were higher, but calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were lower in BNF. Branch types (BF and BNF) were closely related in leaf N, P, and Ca, but not in leaf K and Mg at the first sampling time. Fruit N, P, K, and Mg were closely related to each other but not to fruit Ca. Mean fruit N and Ca and leaf P and Mg were low compared with the recommended levels. Relationships between fruit and leaf nutrient concentrations were found only in P and Mg. Fruit diameter increased and juice SSC decreased with increasing leaf N concentration. Fruit P declined with increasing fruit diameter and juice TA increased and SSC/TA decreased with increasing leaf P and Ca concentrations.     

Storage temperature effects on blood orange fruit quality.

Orange fruits of two blood varieties (Tarocco and Moro) were stored at 8 degrees C and 22 degrees C for 85 and 106 days, respectively, and analyzed periodically for standard quality parameters (total soluble solids, total acidity, ascorbic acid, juice yield, and rind color) and sensory influencing parameters (anthocyanins, and total and free hydroxycinnamic acids). A decrease in total acidity (TA) and juice yield during storage was observed for both cultivars; total soluble solids (TSS) increased only in the Tarocco oranges stored at 8 degrees C. The increase in TSS observed for Tarocco and the simultaneous decrease in TA in both varieties resulted in a higher maturity index (TSS/TA) for the two cultivars. No loss of vitamin C was noted in Tarocco orange at either temperature, whereas a sharp reduction in vitamin C occurred in the first 50 days of storage for Moro. A significant increase in anthocyanin content was observed in Tarocco and Moro stored at 8 degrees C. Overlong storage induces extensive hydrolysis of hydroxycinnamic derivatives to free acids in Moro orange and these, in turn, could develop the malodorous vinylphenols.     

Factors affecting taste scores of early season seedless table grape cv. Mystery and Prime.

Table grapes of cv. Mystery and Prime were harvested from 10 farms in two growing areas of Israel over two seasons. The grapes were separated on the basis of sucrose solutions from 12 to 18%; soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), and pH were determined; and taste tests were conducted. SSC gave the best correlation with taste tests, and multiple regression of SSC, TA, and pH improved the correlation. There were both seasonal and regional differences in the measured maturity parameters. Lower TA and higher pH were found in grapes from the Jordan Valley. Volatiles were predominantly C(6) compounds hexanal and 2-hexanal, contributing a fresh aroma to the grapes. It is concluded that Mystery and Prime grapes have good organoleptic quality if harvested at SSC levels of >14%.     

Stripped corn oil controls scald and maintains volatile production potential in golden supreme and delicious apples

Effects of stripped (alpha-tocopherol < 5 mg L(-)(1)) corn oil on flesh firmness, skin color, acidity, soluble solids content (SSC), scald, and fruit volatiles during 6 months at 0 degrees C were studied using Golden Supreme and Delicious apples. Treatment with 10% oil emulsion reduced production of ethylene, alpha-farnesene, and major volatile esters in the first 3 months of storage, but this trend reversed after 5 months. After 6 months at 0 degrees C plus 7 days at 20 degrees C, oil-treated fruit were firmer and greener and had higher levels of titratable acidity than the controls. In addition, control fruit developed 27% and 42% scald in Golden Supreme and Delicious apples, respectively, whereas oil-treated fruit were free from scald. Soluble solids content and ethanol production were unaffected by oil treatment.     

施氮水平对富士苹果果实钙形态及品质的影响

[目的]钙是影响苹果果实品质最重要的元素之一,施氮量影响树体对钙的吸收.探究不同施氮量对果实品质、钙形态以及二者之间的关系的影响,以期为通过科学施肥改善苹果果实品质提供参考.[方法]本研究选择5年生盆栽富士(基砧为组培山定子,中间砧为SH38)为试材,共设6个施氮水平:0(N0)、50(N50)、100(N100)、2...     

Fruit antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, total phenol, quercetin, and carotene of Irwin mango fruits stored at low temperature after high electric field pretreatment

Greenhouse-grown tree ripe (TR) and mature green (MG) mangoes (cv. Irwin) were exposed to high electric field treatment before 20 and 30 days of storage at 5 degrees C. MG fruits were allowed to ripen at room temperature after low-temperature storage. Fruit physical quality attributes, ascorbic acid, carotene, quercetin, total phenols, and antioxidant capacity were estimated before and after the storage period. Antioxidant capacity of fruit juice was estimated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Fruit firmness decreased significantly during storage. Titratable acidity decreased 20 days after storage. Total soluble solids did not change during storage. Antioxidant capacity of fruits remained unchanged up to 20 days of storage period and decreased thereafter. Total phenol and carotenes increased during storage. Antioxidant capacity of fruits was significantly correlated only to ascorbic acids. Peel color and carotenes were higher in TR fruits, whereas titratable acidity and firmness were higher in MG fruits. There was no significant difference in other parameters between the stages of picking. Electric field pretreatment affected the respiration and antioxidant capacity of TR fruits and did not have any significant affect on other parameters. TR mangoes of cv. Irwin are more suitable for low-temperature storage and can be successfully stored for up to 20 days at 5 degrees C without any significant losses in functional properties and quality attributes.     

Role of the cultivar in choosing Clementine fruits with a high level of health-promoting compounds

Thirteen cultivars and two hybrids of Clementine fruits (Citrus clementina Hort. Ex. Tan) cultivated in Italy were characterized according to pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamin C, hesperidin, rutin, narirutin and naringin and radical scavenging activity. The presence of rutin in Clementine fruit juice is reported for the first time here. The results indicated that all chemical parameters statistically differentiated each cultivar (P < 0.001). In particular, principal component analysis showed a clear discrimination of five cultivars from all the other varieties based on vitamin C and total polyphenols for the Caffin cultivar, which showed also the highest antioxidant activity; narirutin for the Etna hybrid cultivar; hesperidin, rutin and total soluble solids for the SRA 89 cultivar; and naringin, hesperidin and rutin for the Esbal cultivar. Moreover, the Mandalate hybrid cultivar showed the lowest antioxidant activity as well as vitamin C and total polyphenols content, while titratable acidity and naringin level were the highest. The antioxidant activity assessed in all the fruits was closely correlated with vitamin C and total polyphenols content, rather than with the flavonoid compounds.     

不同采收期对苹果常温贮藏品质和衰老的影响

以通辽地区的‘塞外红’苹果为试材,研究了生长发育期在116~134 d内的3个采收期果实常温(20±1)℃贮藏品质和软化衰老的变化,以确定‘塞外红’苹果的最佳采收成熟度和适宜采收期。结果表明,随着采收期的推迟,果实硬度逐渐降低,可溶性固形物和可滴定酸含量逐渐升高,种子颜色逐渐变褐到全褐。随着贮藏时间的延长,3个采收期果实的硬度、维生素C和可滴定酸含量均逐渐下降,从采收到贮藏结束,采期Ⅰ果实的硬度一直保持最高,采期Ⅱ保持了果实较高的维生素C和可滴定酸含量,采期Ⅲ果实的可溶性固形物含量SSC一直保持最高。结果还表明,采期Ⅰ的果实常温贮藏期间虽然具有较高的原果胶和纤维素含量,而且抑制了可溶性果胶的生成,推迟了果实多聚半乳糖醛酸酶PG活性和纤维素酶活性高峰,延缓了果实呼吸高峰和乙烯释放高峰的出现时间,但果实的外观色泽、口感和风味相对较差;采期Ⅲ的果实丙二醛和乙醇含量积累较多,果实衰老快。综合分析,采期Ⅱ的‘塞外红’苹果具有良好的内在品质、外观色泽和贮运性能。因此,建议通辽地区‘塞外红’苹果的采收期以9月5—10日为宜(可适当晚采1~2 d),采收成熟度参考标准为:果实生长发育天数123~128 d、果肉硬度11.0~11.5 kg/cm^2、SSC≥16.5%、种子的颜色3/4左右变褐、淀粉染色为4.5级左右。     

Effect of dips in a 1-methylcyclopropene-generating solution on 'Harrow Sun' plums stored under different temperature regimes

The effect of postharvest dips in a 1-methylcyclopropene-generating solution of the formulation AFxRD-038 (Rohm & Haas) on plum fruit (Prunus salicina Lindell cv. 'Harrow Sun') quality and ripening during storage was determined. Fruit weight loss, tissue firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), ethylene production, respiration, and the activities of the cell wall modifying enzymes polygalacturonase (PG), 1,4-beta-D-glucanase/glucosidase (EGase), beta-galactosidase (beta-gal), and pectin methylesterase (PME) were measured. Fruit reddening, anthocyanin content, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity were also analyzed. The 1-MCP-treated fruit showed reduced ethylene production and respiration rate and delayed softening, which was associated with the reduction in the activity of PG, EGase, and beta-gal. The immersion in 1-MCP-generating solutions also decreased weight and acidity loss without modifying the fruit SSC. The immersion treatment was particularly effective in the fruit stored at 5 degrees C, keeping higher overall quality, maintaining lower levels of anthocyanins and PAL activity, and preventing flesh reddening. The present data show that beneficial effects in delaying plum fruit ripening and controlling chilling injury can be obtained by dipping the fruits in a solution of this novel 1-MCP-generating formulation.     

Changes in sugars,acids, and volatiles during ripening of koubo [Cereus peruvianus (L.) Miller] fruits

The columnar cactus Cereus peruvianus (L.) Miller, Cactaceae (koubo), is grown commercially in Israel. The unripe fruits are green, and the color changes to violet and then to red when the fruit is fully ripe. The content of soluble sugars was found to increase 5-fold during ripening. Glucose and fructose were the main sugars accumulated in the fruit pulp, and each increased from 0.5 to 5.5 g/100 g fresh weight during ripening. The polysaccharides content decreased during ripening from 1.4 to 0.4 g/100 g fresh weight. The titratable acidity decreased and the pH increased during ripening. The major organic acid found in the fruit was malic acid, which decreased from 0.75 g/100 g fresh weight at the mature green stage to 0.355 g/100 g fresh weight in ripe fruits. Citric, succinic, and oxalic acids were found in concentrations lower than 0.07 g/100 g fresh weight. Prominent accumulation of aroma volatiles occurred toward the end of the ripening process. The main volatile found in the ripe fruit was linalool, reaching concentrations of 1.5-3.5 microg/g fresh weight.