A Comparison Investigation on Antioxidant Activities,Physicochemical Properties and Phytochemical Contents of Kiwifruit Genotypes and Cultivars

The present work was conducted to find the physicochemical properties, chemical components and antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit hydroalcoholic extracts (B-31, HO-1-14, J-242, Bruno, Greenlight, Hayward, Monty, Topstar) grown Yalova, Turkey. Phytochemical tests were performed to determine total phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid. Moreover, the kiwifruit extracts were subjected to evaluate their antioxidant potential using different in vitro assays such as total antioxidant, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reducing power, metal chelating, free radical, H₂O₂ and superoxide anion scavenging activities at 50–500 μg mL^?1, and also found EC₅₀ and IC₅₀ values. The soluble solid content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and pH were analyzed in all the genotypes and cultivars. The highest total phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content were found in J-242 (89.53 mg GAE/100 g), J-242 (109.13 mg QE/100 g) and HO-1-14 (64.15 mg/100 g), respectively. The linoleic, palmitic, stearic and oleic acid methyl esters were detected in all kiwifruit extracts by GC/MS. Significant differences were found between genotypes and cultivars in the antioxidant tests. The extracts showed high inhibition of lipid peroxidation and compared to standards, significantly (p < 0.05). The GC/MS analyses confirmed quantitative variability in the antioxidant profiles. The SSC, TA and pH of kiwifruit genotypes and cultivars showed a moderate level. The key parameters for the most active kiwifruit included the following: total antioxidant activity for B-31, H₂O₂ scavenging activity for J-242 and metal chelating activity for Topstar. In conclusion, this study exhibited the important role played by the genotypes and cultivars background on the chemical content and antioxidant profiles.     

Response of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. Allison) to post-harvest treatment with 1-methylcyclopropene

Summary

Experiments were conducted to observe the effect of different concentrations of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the post-harvest life and quality of ‘Allison’ kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). Fruit were treated with 1-MCP at 0.5 µl l^–1, 1.0 µl l^–1, or 2.0 µl l^–1, un-treated fruit served as controls. Each 1-MCP treatment was applied for 24 h at 20°C. After treatment, fruit were transferred to ambient temperature storage (22º ± 4ºC; 65 – 70% relative humidity) for 18 d, during which time observations on various physical, physiological, and biochemical parameters were recorded at 3 d intervals. Our results indicated that 2.0 µl l^–1 1-MCP was the most effective treatment to delay softening and ripening in ‘Allison’ kiwifruit, as such fruit showed the lowest mean weight loss (9.8 ± 0.2%), the highest mean fruit firmness value (32.7 ± 0.2 N), and began to ripen only after 12 d in storage, whereas untreated fruit started ripening on day-6 of storage. The activities of fruit softening enzymes such as polygalacturonase (PG; 58.5 ± 0.3 µg galacturonic acid g^–1 FW h^–1), and lipoxygenase (LOX; 3.96 ± 1.3 µmoles linoleic acid oxidised min^–1 g^–1 FW h^–1) were lower, and total phenolics (TP) contents (24.3 ± 0.3 mg 100 g^–1) and anti-oxidant (AOX) activities (12.5 ± 0.03 µmol Trolox g^–1 FW h^–1) were higher in 1-MCP-treated fruit than in untreated fruit (PG, 98.3 ± 0.5 µg galacturonic acid g^–1 FW h^–1; LOX, 4.39 ± 1.0 µmoles min^–1 g^–1 FW h^–1; TP, 5.3 ± 0.6 mg 100 g^–1; AOX, 4.7 ± 0.02 µmol Trolox g^–1 FW h^–1, respectively). In addition, 1-MCP-treated fruit exhibited lower rates of respiration (48.3 ± 0.4 ml CO₂ kg^–1 h^–1) and ethylene production (30.2 ± 0.02 µl kg^–1 FW h^–1) than untreated fruit (58.9 ± 0.6 ml CO₂ kg^–1 h^–1; 38.7 ± 0.04 µl kg^–1 FW h^–1, respectively). Similarly, 1-MCP-treated fruit had higher titratable acidity (TA; 1.33 ± 0.3%) and ascorbic acid (AA) contents (115.9 ± 2.6 mg 100 g^–1 pulp) and lower soluble solids contents (SSC; 8.33º ± 0.2º Brix) than untreated kiwifruit (TA, 1.0 ± 0.2 %; AA, 105.3 ± 2.2 mg 100 g^–1 pulp; SSC, 13.7º ± 0.3º Brix, respectively). Thus, 2.0 µl l^–1 1-MCP can be used for the post-harvest treatment of ‘Allison’ kiwifruit to enhance its shelf-life and marketability by approx. 6 d.     

Determining the Physico-Chemical Characterstics of the Rosehip Genotypes Grown Naturally in Adiyaman Province

Turkey is an important gene centre of rosehip populations and rosehip is naturally grown in the province of Ad?yaman. This study has been conducted on rosehip fruits found in various altitudes in Ad?yaman to determine the changes of their physico-chemical characteristics. The fruit weights of the genotypes used in the study ranged between 2.72?g–1.29?g, fruit width between 14.12–10.44?g and fruit length has ranged between 23.18?mm–18.62?mm. The rosehip genotypes to be processed to food are required to have a bulky fruit and a high amount of fruit flesh. The genotype with the highest fruit flesh ratio was found to have the lowest seed weight by 0.25?g, while the genotypes with the highest seed weight had this value ranging between 0.50–0.59?g. Rosehip genotypes dry matter ratio has ranged between 44.27 and 37.11%. While the a*, b*, C* and h° values of rosehip fruits had significant differences based on the genotypes, L* values had similarities. Genotypes had ranging WSDM contents of 33.56–22.50%, TA contents of 2.96–1.57%, pH values of 4.06–3.82, C vitamins of 782.34–352.16?mg/100?g, total phenol contents of 5.42–3.62?mg GAE/g DM and antioxidant activities of 113.60–56.80?µmol TE/g DM. The rosehip fruits containing high levels of fructose and glucose were found to be low in saccharose content. Fructose, glucose and saccharose contents of rosehip genotype fruits were found to be 22.93–16.86, 20.22–13.77 and 0–0.90?g/100?g DM, respectively. According to the outcomes of the study, physico-chemical characteristics of the rosehip fruits displayed significant differences, and these differences were affected by type, genotype and ecologic conditions.     

Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Some Iranian Pomegranate Cultivars

Persia is one of the main origin centers of pomegranate; hence, a diverse germplasm has evolved in the area over the past centuries. This study was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of fruits of ten Persian pomegranate cultivars. The plants used for this experiment had been collected from different parts of Iran and were established in a repository. Wide variations in the main properties of the ripe fruits of the cultivars were observed. The size, weight, skin thickness and weight, and juice content of the fruits were within the range of 55.14–71.76 mm, 98.55–199.40 g, 1.07–3.93 mm, 28.96–66.95 g, and 2.00–89.33 ml, respectively. Seed weight, Aril numbers, fresh and dry weight of 100 arils were 33.80–72.90 g, 170.70–570.30, 23.16–42.82 g, and 17.22–33.87%, respectively. The levels of total anthocyanin, total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, total phenolics, electrical conductivity, and TSS/TA ratio were ranged between 5.91–180.70 mg/100 g, 9.35–13.93 °Brix, 0.16–2.28%, 7.15–1061 mg/100 ml, 3578–5108 mg/100 g, 2.51–4.93 dS/m, and 4.09–80.34, respectively. The results emphasized on the role of plant genotype on fruit taste parameters, bioactive compounds, and yield. The variations in the fruits indicated differences in nutritive quality, which may satisfy diverse consumer acceptance in different areas. Moreover, it provides great opportunities for improving crop yield and quality.     

‘长富2号’苹果果实类黄酮组成和含量研究

采用反相高效液相色谱法对‘长富2号’苹果果皮和果肉中的类黄酮进行了测定,并对6个产地‘长富2号’苹果的类黄酮组成与含量进行了比较研究。结果表明:果皮含4类16种类黄酮,总含量810.12～1304.59mg·kg-(1黄酮醇占58.3%～73.1%);果肉含3类11种类黄酮,总含量79.87～124.88mg·kg-1(黄烷醇占67.5%～85.5%);果肉中各种类黄酮含量均很低,特别是黄酮醇,含量仅为果皮的0.1%～3.1%;6个产地‘长富2号’苹果所含类黄酮种类完全相同,产地间果皮黄酮醇液相色谱指纹图谱相似度高达0.922～0.990;不同产地间类黄酮含量多有明显差异(P0.05),陕西白水样品果皮中类黄酮含量最高而果肉中最低,河北昌黎样品果皮类黄酮含量最低,山东牟平样品果肉类黄酮含量最高;平均单果含类黄酮35.14mg,其中,果皮类黄酮占41.3%,果肉类黄酮占58.7%。     

Morphological Characterization of Autochthonous Apple Genetic Resources in Montenegro

Autochthonous apple varieties are still keeping their importance in Montenegro and they are valuable resources as human food and an important part of rural landscape. The aim of this study was to study and preserve morphological diversity of 30 autochthonous apple varieties in Montenegro between 2008 and 2010. We found a great variation on blooming period and maturation time among varieties and classified them as very early, early, mid and late for blooming and early, middle, late and very late for maturation. Fruit weight varied in wide range from 40.76 g to 206.74 g and ‘Krupnaja’, ‘Krstova?a’ and ‘Babova?a’ produced biggest fruits (191.83–206.74 g). Soluble solid content (SSC) varied between 11.0 to 16.1?% among varieties and ‘Borova?a’, ‘Aleksandrija’, ‘Krstova?a’, ‘Dapsi?anka’, ‘Bosnika’, ‘Rebra?a’ and ‘Babova?a’ had the highest SSC values imply that they can be commercially used in production of spirits, wine, concentrate and jam and also for drying. Based on 3-year average data for 25 properties, UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) dendrogram showed a high degree of variability among the studied varieties dividing them into 5 groups and 3 independent accessions.     

Effect of storage temperature on ripening and quality of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) fruits

Summary

The effect of storage temperature on ripening, shelf life and chemical composition of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) fruits stored at 10,15,20 and 25°C was studied. The safe range of storage temperature was found to be between 15 and 20°C, with maximum shelf life at 15°C. The ripening of fruits was observed on days 4, 6 and 9 of storage at 25,20, and 15°C respectively. The colour of the pulp, texture, taste and flavour of ripe fruits held at 25 and 20°C were superior followed by fruits stored at 15°C. At 10°C, the fruits became hard with surface blackening, messy pulp and less sweetness. The major changes during ripening were a continuous decrease in fruit firmness and starch content and a continuous increase in TSS and sugars, the changes being more rapid at 25 and 20°C than at 15 and 10°C. The acidity and ascorbic acid contents increased slightly during the initial stages of ripening followed by a decline, in the fruits stored at different temperatures. Custard apple fruits stored at 25 and 20^CC had a clear climacteric peak whereas those stored at 15 and 10°C did not show any distinct rise in respiration rate. Ethylene peak (2.40 µl kg^–1 h^–1) coincided with the respiratory climacteric at 25^CC storage, corresponding with the peaks in TSS, sugars, ascorbic acid and acidity.     

Antimicrobial,Antioxidant, and Antimutagenic Activities of Five Turkish Pear Cultivars

The pear (Pyrus spp.) is one of the most important fruits consumed in daily life. The aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic and ascorbic acid contents, as well as the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antimutagenic activities, of various pear cultivars. The fruits of five pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars (‘Deveci’, ‘Kizil’, ‘Egirsah’, ‘Gugum’, and ‘Banda’) were used in this study. It was determined that the peel and pulp of the ‘Kizil’ pear had the highest total phenolic content (402.5?mg/100?g and 215.2?mg/100?g, respectively), while those of the ‘Banda’ pear had the lowest total phenolic content (326?mg/100?g and 126.1?mg/100?g, respectively). Additionally, the ‘Kizil’ pear showed the highest antioxidant capacity in the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric-reducing ability assay (FRAP) (1.72 μmol TE/g FW and 161.25?μmol Fe II/g FW, respectively) and the highest ascorbic acid content (16.02?mg/100?g). The ‘Banda’ pear showed the highest antibacterial activity against the test bacteria. However, none of the pear extracts displayed antifungal activity. While all doses of the ‘Kizil’, ‘Gugum’, and ‘Banda’ pear extracts used in this study, except 80?μL/plate, exhibited antimutagenic activities, only the lowest dose (10?μL/plate) of the ‘Deveci’ pear extract showed the antimutagenic activity against induced mutagenesis in the Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 strain. Consequently, the five Turkish pear cultivars used in this study exhibited different levels of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antimutagenic activities.     

Phenotypic and Bioactive Diversity on Medlar Fruits (Mespilus germanica L.)

Mespilus germanica, known as the medlar, is a large shrub or small tree. The fruit has been cultivated since Roman times, and is unusual in being available in winter, and in being eaten when bletted.  In this study twelve medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) genotypes were harvested at commercial maturity stage (skin brownish, pulp white, fruit hard) from Rize provinces located eastern black sea region and were analyzed for their some important fruit phenotypic (fruit mass, shape index, fruit firmness, ostiole diameter and fruit flesh ratio) and bioactive characteristics (total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and phenolic compounds). A wide variation among genotypes on most of the searched parameters was found. Fruit mass and flesh ratio varied from 12.3 g (KRD-1) to 23.6 g (KRD-8) and 83.6?% (KRD-2) to 93.0?% (KRD-4) indicating high variability among genotypes. The total phenolic contents of twelve medlar genotypes varied from 157 to 227 mg gallic acid equivalent in 100 g fresh weight basis. Chlorogenic acid, rutin and p-coumaric acid were dominant in medlar fruits.     

Spritzungen mit Calciumchlorid erhöhen die Calcium- und reduzieren die Kaliumkonzentrationen der peripheren Schichten von Apfelfrüchten

Eight year old apple spindle trees (‘Elstar’, ‘Gala’, ‘Karmijn de Sonnaville’, ‘Pinova’, ‘Pilot’) were sprayed 12 times with aqueous CaCl₂ (400?l/ha) from July through September 2004. Controls (Fu) were trees sprayed with fungicides only (Captan 80, Dithane Ultra, Euparen M and Malvin). The treatment (FuCa) was sprayed with fungicides plus CaCl₂ (increasing concentrations from 5 to 25?g/l during the season) and the treatment FuCaTe contained in addition the surfactant Plantacare 1200 UP, which reduced surface tension to 29–30?mN/m. Ca concentration in the first layer (0–5?mm) of the control fruits (Fu) ranged from 7.6 (‘Elstar’) to 9.8?mg/100?g fresh weight (‘Pilot’). Ca concentrations in the second layer (5–10?mm) were lower and ranged from 4.5 (‘Pinova’) to 6.2?mg/100?g (‘Karmijn de Sonnaville’). CaCl₂ applications to fruits (FuCa) increased Ca concentrations in the first layer to 12.7 (‘Elstar’) or 14.2?mg/100?g (‘Pinova’ and ‘Pilot’). Ca concentrations in the second layer were also increased by the treatments. They ranged from 5.4 (‘Karmijn de Sonnaville’) to 9.1?mg/100?g (‘Pinova’). Adding the surfactant (FuCaTe) further increased Ca concentrations (‘Pilot’) up to 17.4 and 10.6?mg/100?g in the first and second layers, respectively. This effect of the surfactant was the result of faster penetration into fruits of CaCl₂ which reduced losses by rain shortly after spraying. Potassium concentrations were about 70?mg/100?g in both layers. Treatments with CaCl₂ leading to higher Ca concentrations in the fruits resulted in a decrease in K concentrations to 21 (first layer) or 50?mg/100?g (second layer). It is not clear if this was caused by a reduced K-influx into fruits or by displacement of K from peripheral into deeper layers of the fruits.     

Determination of Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value with Fatty Acid Compositions of African Mangosteen (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Garcinia Livingstonei</Emphasis>)

African mangosteen (Garcinia livingstonei T. Anderson) is native to Africa and is exotic to other parts of the world. It is a fruit bearing tree with multiple uses. This study was purposed to determine, by analysis, the chemical compositions and nutritive value of the fruits of African mangosteen. Proximate compositions varied with the portions such as epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp and seed tested. All fruit portions contained carbohydrate (37.67–95.02%) and crude protein (0.65–31.76%) as their major components. Moisture (0.45–3.42%), crude fat (1.23–19.55%), crude fiber (2.93–21.13%) and ash (1.76–5.44%) were also found at different levels, depending upon the portions. All portions of fruit were rich in macro and micro elements. The fruits also possessed phenolics (174.02–10.725?mg GAE per g), flavonoid (19.25 to 99.98?µg QE per g) and alkaloid (1.56 to 9.49?mg/kg) contents. The constitution of tannins and oxalate which contribute towards the anti-nutritive value was also low, thus making the fruits beneficial for consumption. Quality attributes like relative amount of oleic acid, total unsaturated fatty acid, acid value, free fatty acid, peroxide value and iodine value showed that the seed oil of African mangosteen can become one among the oleic acid based vegetable oils for consumption.     

Storage conditions and ripening of papaya ‘Bentong’ and ‘Taiping’

The optimum storage and ripening temperature for the 2 cultivars was approximately 20°C. Both cultivars ripened earlier after exogenous application of C₂H₄ combined with the removal of CO₂. The storage life of the fruits could be extended by maintaining them in an atmosphere devoid of C₂H₄ but containing 5% (v/v) CO₂ and with a high relative humidity. Chilling-injuries occurred at temperatures below 15°C when the papayas were stored for more than 7 days. The nutritional value of ripe fruit decreased rapidly with prolonged storage. At the “eating-ripe” stage, the glucose, protein and ascorbic acid contents were 2.23 g, 209 mg and 33 mg per 100 g pulp in ‘Bentong’, and 2.15 g, 196 mg and 30 mg per 100 g pulp in ‘Taiping’, respectively.     

Comparison of Nutritional Value,Antioxidant Potential,and Risk Assessment of the Mulberry (Morus) Fruits

Ethnomedicinal uses, chemical composition (major nutrients, essential/toxic metals, phytochemical constituents), and antioxidant properties of the fruits of five Morus species (M. alba, M. laevigata, M. macroura, M. nigra, and M. serrata) were evaluated in this study. Standard methodology was used for the analysis of the nutrients, major/trace metals, phytochemicals, and antioxidant potential of the fruits. Highest average contents of the proteins (13.1%), fats (12.4%), fibers (8.02%), and carbohydrates (80.5%) were found in M. macroura, M. laevigata, M. nigra, and M. serrata, respectively. Among the metals, highest concentration in the fruits was shown by K (1080–1230 mg/kg), followed by Mg (84.4–207 mg/kg), Ca (54.8–146 mg/kg), Fe (13.6–59.0 mg/kg), Na (5.43–14.8 mg/kg), and Zn (2.15–5.57 mg/kg). The phytochemicals and antioxidant activities were measured in the water and acetone extracts of the fruits. Relatively higher total phenolics (85.6 mg GAE/100 g, FW), flavonoids (85.8 mg RE/100 g, FW), flavonols (99.8 mg RE/100 g, FW), and ascorbic acid (4.12 mg AAE/100 g, FW) contents were found in M. nigra, which also revealed significantly higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (93.8%). Considerably higher OH radical and H₂O₂ scavenging activities were observed in M. macroura and M. alba, respectively. Comparatively higher ferrous ions chelating activity (37.8%) was noted in M. serrata, which also showed highest value for phosphomolybdenum assay (183 µM AAE/100 g, FW). Highest ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (69.9 µM GAE/100 g, FW) was found in M. leavigata. The Morus fruits were a good source of the nutrients, minerals, and phyotchemicals along with superior antioxidant potential. Health risk assessment showed no significant non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic health risk associated with the consumption of these fruits.     

A Note on the Graft Compatibility of Native Wild Species. I. With Apple and Pear

Summary

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important tropical fruits in the World. Mango leaves, bark, and fruit (pulp, peel, and stone) are rich sources of bio-active compounds (BaCs) such as proteins [0.36 – 0.40 g 100 g^–1 fresh weight (FW) of pulp; 1.76 – 2.05% (w/w) of peel; 66.1 g kg^–1 of kernel flour; and 3.0% (w/w) of leaves], vitamin A [0.135 – 1.872 mg 100 g^–1 FW pulp; 15.27 International Units (IU) in kernels; 1,490 IU in leaves], vitamin C [7.8 – 172.0 mg 100 g^–1 FW of pulp; 188 – 349 µg g^–1 FW of peel; 0.17 g kg^–1 DW of kernel flour; 53 mg 100 g^–1 dry matter (DM) in leaves], carotenoids (0.78 – 29.34 µg g^–1 FW of pulp; 493 – 3,945 µg g^–1 FW of peel), mangiferin (1,690.4 mg kg^–1 DM in peel; 4.2 mg kg^–1 DW of kernel extract), phenolic compounds, dietary fibre (DF), carbohydrates, minerals, and other anti-oxidants known to have medicinal, nutritional, and industrial benefits. Bio-active compounds exist in functional foods and can protect us against diseases via several mechanisms. The anti-oxidant properties of several BaCs are important to protect against diseases related to oxidative stress. Fruit intake provides us with anti-oxidants that may act in a synergistic way to offer protection. In mango fruit, only the pulp is used, while all other parts are discarded and cause environmental pollution. The importance of all the different parts of mango fruit and trees should not be disregarded. With a global increase in health issues there is an increasing demand for natural foods. Hence, there is need to study all the bio-active constituents in mango to provide greater insights into their medical, nutritional, and industrial applications, as well as their role(s) in defending of the plant. This review aims to assist in the proper utilisation of mangoes to improve nutrition and health, as well as to improve our understanding of the defence mechanisms in plants that depend on these compounds.     

Comparative studies on the postharvest physiology of fruit from different species of Annona (custard apple)

Summary

Fruit of three Annona species, viz. cherimoya (A. cherimola Mill), sugar apple (A. squamosa L.) and custard apple (atemoya, Annona X) were ripened in ethylene-free air and under propylene. Differences were found in patterns of respiration, ethylene production and fruit firmness changes during ripening. Cherimoya and custard apple fruits showed two successive rises in respiration rate whereas sugar apple fruits showed only one. Ethylene production showed one main peak but the onset of rapid ethylene production occurred after the beginning of the respiration climacteric in all three species. Custard apple fruit had acceptable eating quality (as judged by sensory assessments and chemical analyses of pulp) for up to four days after first detectable softening, when ripened at 20°C in ethylene-free air or under propylene. Fruit ripened in ethylene-free air had better ripe fruit quality than fruit ripened under propylene.     

Antioxidant Compounds,Nutritional Quality and Colour of Two Strawberry Genotypes from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fragaria</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ananassa</Emphasis>

In this study, average weight, colour, soluble solids content and titratable acidity were determined as quality parameters of strawberry fruits while ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total phenolics, total flavonoids, minerals and trace elements content as nutritional parameters. All these attributes along with the DPPH radical scavenging activity were screened in two strawberry genotypes grown on the same site at the ripe stage. Also, the phenolic profiles of the strawberry fruits were obtained by HPLC. Except colour, results showed no significant differences between cultivars in quality parameters. Ascorbic acid found for ‘Premial’ cv. (81.62?mg/100?g) was twice the amount found in ‘Magic’ cv. (42.15?mg/100?g), total phenolics varied from 207.95 (cv. ‘Premial’) to 249.98 (cv. ‘Magic’) mg GAE/100?g while total flavonoid content in fruits of ‘Magic’ cultivar (79.56?mg/100?g) was 2?fold higher than the one of the ‘Premial’ cv. The quercetin content ranged from 2.72 to 4.66?mg/100?g, whereas free ellagic acid ranged from 6.79 to 9.03?mg/100?g. The pale shiny fruits of ‘Premial’ cv. (higher L*, h^o and chroma index) had a lower total anthocyanin content (19.07?mg CG/100?g) than the bluish fruits of the ‘Magic’ cv. (23.96?mg CG/100?g). An inverse relationship between the levels of ascorbic acid and anthocyanin contents was also noticed in strawberry samples. Significant differences were found also in minerals and trace elements content of the two strawberry cultivars. The results revealed the importance of genetic background for the content of antioxidant compounds in strawberry fruits.     

Some physico-chemical characteristics of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes from Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey

In this study, some selected physico-chemical properties (antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, fatty acids, fruit colour, fruit juice yield, fruit weight, organic acids, pH, total phenolic and total soluble solid contents) of five black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes grown in the Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey was investigated. The total phenolic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of black mulberry fruits were determined according to Folin-Ciocalteu and β-carotene bleaching method assays, respectively. Fatty acids of mulberry fruits were determined by using gas chromatography. Total phenolic content was observed in black mulberry fruits between 1943 and 2237 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh mass. The vitamin C content of genotypes varied between 14.9 and 18.7 mg/100 ml. The major fatty acids in all mulberry fruits were linoleic acid (53.57–64.41%) and palmitic acid (11.36–16.41%). Antioxidant activity of black mulberry genotypes was found between 63% and 76%, which lower than standard BHA and BHT. Regarding organic acid content, malic acid was the most predominant with a range of 123–218 mg/g followed by citric acid (21–41 mg/g). The results of the study are helpful for attempting crop improvement in black mulberry for bringing to cultivation.     

Multi Criteria Assessment of Zero Residue Apple Production

During the 2008–2010 growing seasons, an alternative ‘zero residue apple production system’ was compared with integrated apple production with cvs ‘Idared’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Jonagold’ and ‘Gala’ in commercial orchards at several locations throughout Slovenia, using data envelopment analysis (DEA), and multi criteria assessment by an analytical hierarchical process (AHP). The principle of the ‘zero residue apple production’ is a combination of integrated (IP) and organic apple production. During the first 3 months of the growing season (1 April–30 June), pesticides used in IP with rapid degradation (8–10 applications) were used to control pests and diseases. During the second part of the season from 1 July to harvest, organic products (6–12 applications) were employed compared with 19–25 applications overall in IP. The goal of the alternative system was to reduce the amount of applied conventional pesticides by 40 % and to minimize pesticide residues in fruits to below the limit of 0.5 % of the legal maximum residue level (MRL) or below the residue concentrations of 0.005–0.01 mg/kg and to retain the high long-term level of yield, fruit quality, and net income per hectare. The number of pesticide residues was reduced from 4.2–5.5 in IP to 1.8–3.4 in zero residue cultivation, while 3 year average yields (class 1 fruit) were 4–9 % lower than in IP. The break even prices ranged from € 0.31 for Idared in IP, € 0.34 for ‘Elstar’ of both production systems to € 0.35/kg for zero residue cultivated ‘Golden Delicious’. Overall, a price increase of just € 0.02/kg for residue free apples would make this new ‘zero residue apple production’ profitable then representing a realistic alternative to the standard integrated apple production system.     

Synergistic effects of modified atmosphere and minimal processing on the keeping quality of pre-cut papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Summary

Pre-cut papaya is a highly perishable product and requires suitable pre-treatment and storage protocols for commercial utilisation. Papaya was peeled, cut into slices (5 cm 0.6 cm 0.7 cm) and surface sanitised with chlorinated water (0.1 g l^–1). The slices were then subjected to minimal processing pre-treatments with a tissue firming agent (1 g l^–1 CaCl₂) for 10 min, anti-microbials (0.4 g l^–1 potassium sorbate and 0.4 g l^–1 sodium benzoate) and anti-browning agents (0.2 g l^–1 ascorbic acid) for 30 min, followed by acidification (7.0 g l^–1 citric acid) for 2 min. The pre-treated slices were kept under UV light (2.5 kJ m^–2 for 10 min) and subsequently packed in a modified atmosphere (3% O₂ + 6% CO₂ + 91% N₂) under partial vacuum (30 kPa), or in air, in polyethylene (PE) pouches (12 cm 10 cm; 25 µm thick; 100 g fill-weight) or in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles (2 l; 500 g fill-weight) with a 2.25 cm² silicone membrane diffusion window. Samples were stored at 6° ± 1°C and analysed for changes in their physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory attributes, along with their head-space gaseous composition. The pre-treatments acted synergistically with the modified atmospheres to stabilise the papaya slices, physiologically, as well as restricting the proliferation of microbes (e.g., total plate counts of coliforms, yeasts and moulds). Physiological stability was characterised by a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in respiration rate, reduced losses of texture and ascorbic acid, delayed increases in electrical conductivity and in colour co-ordinates, without impeding the sensory quality of the product. Pre-treated papaya slices, kept under different modified atmospheres, had storage lives of 44 – 60 d at 6° ± 1°C, which may facilitate bulk storage and long-distance transportation.