Carotenoid biosynthesis changes in five red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars during ripening. Cultivar selection for breeding

Changes in the biosynthesis of individual carotenoid pigments have been investigated during fruit ripening of five cultivars of red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): Mana, Numex, Belrubi, Delfin, and Negral (a chlorophyll-retaining mutant when ripe). The study was carried out throughout the ripening process, and with special emphasis on the ripe stage, to discover possible differences between cultivars and to characterize these by their carotenoid pattern and content for selecting the best varieties for breeding programs. Ripening fruit of the five cultivars showed the typical and characteristic pattern of carotenoid biosynthesis for the Capsicum genus. In the five cultivars, lutein and neoxanthin, both characteristic chloroplast pigments, decreased in concentration with ripening and eventually disappeared. beta-Carotene, antheraxanthin, and violaxanthin increased in concentration, and other pigments were biosynthesized de novo: zeaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, capsanthin, capsorubin, capsanthin-5,6-epoxide, and cucurbitaxanthin A. A pool of zeaxanthin stands out of the rest of pigment during ripening, which reveals the importance of this pigment as a branching point in the carotenoid biosynthesis in Capsicum. Quantitatively, Negral cultivar showed the highest increase in total carotenoid content (48. 39-fold), followed by Mana and Delfin with 38.03- and 36.8-fold, respectively, and by Belrubi and Numex with 28.03- and 23.48-fold, respectively. In all the red varieties, there was an inverse relationship between total carotenoid content and the red to yellow isochromic pigment fraction ratio (R/Y) and the capsanthin-to-zeaxanthin ratio (Caps/Zeax). This seems to be related to the carotenogenic capacity of the cultivar, and thus selection and breeding should not only seek a higher total carotenoid content but also attempt to increase these ratios. In the present study, the cultivar Mana had the highest total carotenoid content (13 208 mg/kg dwt), but the lowest R/Y (1.25) and Caps/Zeax (3.38) ratios, which are therefore the parameters to improve. The cultivar Negral had a high carotenoid content (8797 mg/kg dwt) and high R/Y and Caps/Zeax ratios and could be used for transfer of these characters in direct crosses with the cultivar Mana. The cultivar Numex had the highest Caps/Zeax ratio (7.17) and is thus an ideal progenitor for this character.     

Nutritional value of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Cv. Naomi F1) harvested at different ripening stages

The average content of some classes of antioxidants is generally higher in cherry tomatoes than in normal-sized berries. The aim of this work was to assess the nutritional value of cherry tomato (cv. Naomi F1) by investigating the compositional pattern of berries harvested at different ripening stages and evaluating, in particular, all of the main antioxidants (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, and alpha-tocopherol) and the antioxidant activity of the water-soluble and water-insoluble fractions. Results confirmed the relatively high level of carotenoids in cherry tomato but showed that not all biologically active compounds necessarily increase in tomatoes picked at later stages of ripeness. Cherry tomatoes harvested at full ripeness exhibited the highest level of carotenoids and antioxidant activity in the water-insoluble fraction. On the other hand, no significant differences in ascorbic acid content were observed at different ripening stages, whereas the main phenolics content and the antioxidant activity of water-soluble fraction showed slight, but significant, decreases at later stages of ripeness.     

脱落酸对番茄部分果实性状和营养品质的影响

为研究脱落酸(ABA)对番茄果实品质的影响,本研究测定了番茄ABA生物合成缺失突变体not和flc及其野生型各成熟时期果实,以及外源100 μmol·L^-1 ABA处理后不同天数的番茄果实的外观品质和营养品质。结果表明,内源ABA缺失抑制番茄果实增重并促进果实纵向生长,但对果实硬度无明显影响。同时,内源ABA可影响番茄果实可溶性固形物含量并促进破色期和转色期的还原糖积累。not和flc果实中番茄红素、β-胡萝卜素、叶黄素和总类胡萝卜素含量均显著高于其野生型,且外源喷施试验表明,与对照组相比,外源100 μmol·L^-1 ABA处理能显著抑制番茄果实中番茄红素、β-胡萝卜素和总类胡萝卜素的积累。综上,ABA在调控番茄果实外观品质方面,可促进番茄果实增重并抑制番茄果实纵向生长;在调控番茄果实营养品质方面,可促进还原糖积累并抑制类胡萝卜素积累。本研究结果为利用ABA调控番茄果实品质提供了一定的理论依据和技术支持。     

Olive fruit cell wall: degradation of cellulosic and hemicellulosic polysaccharides during ripening

Cellulose and hemicelluloses obtained from the cell walls of partially depectinated olives have been studied at three stages of ripening (green, cherry, and black). Hemicelluloses were fractionated into two groups, the amounts of which diminished during ripening: those soluble in 4% KOH diminished between the cherry and black stages, whereas those soluble in 24% KOH did so between the green and cherry stages. Arabinoxylans, xyloglucans, and homo- and/or rhamnogalacturonans to a lesser extent were present in these fractions. After ion exchange and size exclusion chromatographies, decreases in the molecular weights of hemicelluloses, mainly in the neutral fractions, were observed. The amount of cellulose also decreased, but at the second stage of the ripening process. Approximately 2 mg/fruit of glucose was lost from cellulose, and the amount of uronic acids increased (0.23 mg/fruit).     

Impact of the stage of ripening and dietary fat on in vitro bioaccessibility of beta-carotene in 'Ataulfo' mango

Pulp from "slightly ripe", "moderately ripe", or "fully ripe" mangoes was digested in vitro in the absence and presence of processed chicken as a source of exogenous fat and protein to examine the impact of stage of ripening of mango on micellarization during digestion and intestinal cell uptake (i.e., bioaccessibility) of beta-carotene. The quantity of beta-carotene transferred to the micelle fraction during simulated digestion significantly increased as the fruit ripened and when chicken was mixed with mango before digestion. Qualitative and quantitative changes that occur in pectin from mango pulp during the ripening process influenced the efficiency of micellarization of beta-carotene. Finally, the uptake of beta-carotene in micelles generated during simulated digestion by Caco-2 human intestinal cells confirmed the bioaccessibility of the provitamin A carotenoid in mango.     

Carotenoid profiling and biosynthetic gene expression in flesh and peel of wild-type and hp-1 tomato fruit under UV-B depletion

Although light is recognized as one of the main factors influencing fruit carotenogenesis, the specific role of UV-B radiation has been poorly investigated. The present work is addressed to assess the molecular events underlying carotenoid accumulation in presence or absence of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) light in tomato fruits of wild-type and high pigment-1 (hp-1), a mutant characterized by exaggerated photoresponsiveness and increased fruit pigmentation. Gene expression analyses indicated that in wild-type fruits UV-B radiation mainly negatively affects the carotenoid biosynthetic genes encoding enzymes downstream of lycopene both in flesh and peel, suggesting that the down-regulation of genes CrtL-b and CrtL-e and the subsequent accumulation of lycopene during tomato ripening are determined at least in part by UV-B light. In contrast to wild-type, UV-B depletion did not greatly affect carotenoid accumulation in hp-1 and generally determined minor differences in gene expression between control and UV-B-depleted conditions.     

Chlorophyll and carotenoid patterns in olive fruits, Olea europaea Cv. arbequina

In olive fruits of the cultivar Arbequina, the chlorophyll pigments decrease significantly throughout ripening, while the carotenoids decrease more gradually and discontinuously. There is no degradation of the carotenoid fraction in stages before complete ripeness. The presence of esterified xanthophylls exclusively in this variety suggests that the chloroplast pigment metabolism is different from that in other olive varieties studied previously. There are increases of specific carotenoids, violaxanthin, neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, lutein epoxide, and esterified xanthophylls between the light green and yellowish green ripening stages. Such increases are related to the detection of precursor carotenoids (phytofluene and xi-carotene) in the yellowish green stage. Chlorophyllides (a and b) and alpha-carotene have also been detected exclusively in this variety. Quantitatively, the drastic change in color between light green and yellowish green ripening stages characteristic of this variety can be explained by the considerable reduction found in the chlorophylls/carotenoids ratio. The study of the pigments present in skin and pulp has shown that the pattern of carotenoid distribution differs depending on the fruit part concerned.     

Abscisic acid improves tomato fruit quality by increasing soluble sugar concentrations

Abscisic acid (ABA) is crucial in fruit maturation and senescence and is considered as the other ripening control factor other than ethylene. Important components in ripening fruit are soluble sugars, which make the fruit sweeter and carotenoids, important flavor compounds in ripened fruit. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of foliar ABA and calcium (Ca) fertilizer treatments (individually and in combination) on determinate beef-steak greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids, fruit carotenoids, and soluble sugar concentrations. Foliar spray treatment of 500 mg L^?1 ABA increased zeaxanthin (ZEA) and β-carotene (BC) in tomato leaf tissue. Increases in Ca fertilizer treatments significantly decreased tomato leaf violaxanthin (VIO), but no effect on other carotenoids. The application of 500 mg L^?1 ABA foliar spray significantly increased glucose and fructose concentrations in tomato fruit tissue. Foliar application of ABA treatments can increase overall chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and fruit quality.     

印度梨形孢对樱桃番茄产量、品质及采后抗性的影响

为探讨内生真菌印度梨形孢(Piriformospora indica)对樱桃番茄(Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)产量、品质及采后抗性的影响,本研究以杭杂5号樱桃番茄幼苗为试验材料,于温室大棚盆栽条件下在植株根部接种印度梨形孢,待果实成熟时测定果实的产量、自然腐烂率、对病原菌的抗性及贮藏期的...     

猪血蛋白水解物对盆栽樱桃番茄生长和品质的影响

  【目的】  研究外源喷施不同浓度猪血蛋白水解物 (PP)对樱桃番茄植株生长和品质的影响,以期为高产优质樱桃番茄生产提供理论参考。  【方法】  以樱桃番茄品种“盆栽红”为试验材料,采用基质栽培,设置3个PP浓度:0 g/L (CK)、1 g/L (PP1)、2 g/L (PP2),在开花期进行叶面喷施,整个生育期共喷施6次。樱桃番茄在第三穗果实完全成熟后收获,分析外源PP对樱桃番茄植株生长、光合作用、养分吸收以及果实品质的影响。  【结果】  PP1和PP2处理不同程度地增加了番茄地上部、根部以及果实中氮、磷、钾含量,显著提高了叶片叶绿素含量、净光合速率 (Pn)、蒸腾速率 (Tr)和气孔导度 (Gs),植株地上部鲜重比CK处理分别增加了18.2%和40.6%,干重分别增加了42.3%和57.4%,且PP2处理的效果好于PP1处理。与CK处理相比,PP2处理番茄的产量、单果重、横径、纵径和硬度分别增加了37.4%、26.6%、16.3%、10.3%和30.8%,并有效改善了果实色泽,提高了樱桃番茄的外观品质。PP2处理有利于樱桃番茄果实中可溶性糖、可溶性蛋白、抗坏血酸和谷胱甘肽的积累,较CK分别增加了24.2%、25.5%、96.6%和30.9%;番茄果实中的总酚、类黄酮和花色素苷含量分别增加18.7%、33.3%和56.2%,DPPH自由基清除能力和铁还原抗氧化能力分别增加了27.7%和29.4%,显著提高了番茄果实的抗氧化活性。  【结论】  外源喷施2 g/L的猪血蛋白水解物能有效改善番茄植株的养分吸收和光合作用,促进植株生长和番茄品质的提升,是一种提高樱桃番茄产量、改善营养和功能性品质的高效有机措施。     

Characterization of carotenoid high-producing Capsicum annuum cultivars selected for paprika production

Twelve selected pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars, bred for mechanical harvesting (grouped ripeness) and adaptation to different cultivation cycles (short to long), have been characterized by their carotenoid pigment content and composition with the aim of producing high-quality paprika. A detailed analysis of the carotenogenesis was performed throughout the ripening process, but with special emphasis on the ripe stage, with the aim of selecting the best cultivar for paprika production. The MA1 cultivar (with grouped ripeness and very short cultivation cycle) showed the highest carotenoid content (12697.58 mg/kg dwt), followed by DN5 and RN2 cultivars with 11086.88 and 10393.29 mg/kg dwt, respectively. Most of the cultivars (MA3, RN1, LR2, LR7, DN3, DR6, Datler, and Mulato) showed a total carotenoid content in the range of 7000-9700 mg/kg dwt. In general, chlorophyll-retaining character was related to high carotenoid content (cultivars DN3, DN5, MA3, Mulato, RN1, and RN2). The general trend of the cultivation cycle was that the shorter the cycle, the higher the total carotenoid content (as exemplified by the cultivar MA1). The lowest total carotenoid content was found for the RR1 cultivar (4856.77 mg/kg dwt), which showed the longest cultivation cycle. Carotenogenic capacity of the cultivars has been discussed relative to total carotenoid content and the R/Y and Caps/Zeax ratios, the main quality traits for breeding cultivars for production of high-quality paprika. The cultivar MA1, with the highest total carotenoid content, high R/Y (2.11) ratio, and highest Caps/Zeax (9.85) ratio, was found to be the most suitable cultivar for paprika production in terms of carotenoid pigment biosynthesis capacity. Moreover, this cultivar has a short cultivation cycle and grouped ripeness, which are both important characteristics for a proper application of mechanical harvesting. The potential improvement of other varieties is also discussed.     

乙烯受体基因LeETR1和LeETR4的克隆及在番茄果实中的表达

摘要：为研究野生型番茄（Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv . Lichun）和转反义ACS 番茄果实中乙烯受体基因LeETR1和LeETR4的表达与乙烯的关系，实验用RT-PCR方法扩增了乙烯受体基因LeETR1和LeETR4片段，用两片段作探针进行Northern 杂交。结果表明：两受体基因的表达在番茄果实成熟进程中变化不明显，LeETR4在同一时期的果实外果皮中表达水平低于其在辐射壁和中柱的表达。转反义ACS番茄果实中LeETR1和LeETR4的表达水平显著低于野生型番茄果实，外源乙烯处理转反义ACS番茄果实，促进两个受体基因的表达。可见果实中LeETR1和LeETR4的表达受乙烯调控的影响。     

DNA fingerprinting and quality traits of Corbarino cherry-like tomato landraces

Twenty-five landraces of the cherry-like tomato named Corbarino, a typical niche product grown in the Sarno valley of the Campania region, have been characterized. The landraces used have been compared to eight cultivars widely spread in the same area of cultivation. The genetic diversity within and between landraces was evaluated through the comparison of DNA fingerprints obtained with (GATA)(4) probe hybridized to TaqI digested genomic DNA. Twenty-two of the Corbarino landraces were homogeneous and were unequivocally characterized by their DNA fingerprints. The others are probably "population varieties" in that within each of them polymorphic DNA fragments were identified. According to the characterization of fruit shapes, four groups were identified. One landrace from each group, harvested at the same ripening degree, was further characterized for yield, fruit quality components, antioxidant activities, and carotenoid contents and compared to Faino F(1) and Tomito F(1) hybrids. The Corbarino landraces were all characterized by high yield, a high level of carbohydrates, and high levels of soluble and total solids. Interestingly, the biotype named ISCI 05 was the most suitable for canning. Landraces ISCI 07 and ISCI 05 gave the highest value of antioxidant activities and carotenoid content. These data, together with previously published results, suggested that ISCI 05 should be proposed for the institution of a Label of Origin.     

Chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of sweet cherry at different ripening stages

The development and ripening process of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L. cv. 4-70) on the tree was evaluated. For this purpose, 14 different stages were selected in accordance with homogeneous size and color. Some parameters related to fruit quality, such as color, texture, sugars, organic acids, total antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid were analyzed. The results revealed that in sweet cherry, the changes in skin color, glucose and fructose accumulation, and softening process are initiated at early developmental stages, coinciding with the fast increase in fruit size. Also, the decrease in color parameter a was correlated with the greatest accumulation of total anthocyanins. Ascorbic acid, total antioxidant activity (TAA), and total phenolic compounds decreased during the early stages of sweet cherry development but exponentially increased from stage 8, which coincided with the anthocyanin accumulation and fruit darkening. TAA showed positive correlations (r(2) = 0.99) with both ascorbic acid and total phenolic compounds and also with the anthocyanin concentration from stage 8. Taking into account the reduced shelf life of sweet cherry and to ensure that these fruits reach consumers with the maximum organoleptic, nutritional, and functional properties, it is advisable to harvest sweet cherries at stage 12 of ripening.     

水氮耦合供应对温室番茄果实硝酸盐累积的影响

采用2水平灌水量(W1:4541.0、W2:2270.6 m3/hm2)×3水平氮肥追施量(N1:747.4、N2:373.7及N3:0 kg/hm2),研究了不同灌溉、施氮量对日光温室番茄果实硝酸盐累积的影响。结果表明,番茄果实硝酸盐含量随果实成熟度的提高而降低、随结果部位的提高而提高。水氮耦合供应可以显著影响番茄果实中硝酸盐含量。在施氮量相同的情况下,果实硝酸盐含量随着灌水量的增加而降低;而在灌水量相同的情况下,果实硝酸盐含量随施氮量的增加而增加。     

外源5-氨基乙酰丙酸对番茄成熟过程中果实品质和矿质元素含量的影响

5-氨基乙酰丙酸(ALA)为高等植物中叶绿素等卟啉类化合物的生物合成前体,在促进作物生长、增强抗逆性及提高产量方面发挥着重要作用。为探究ALA对番茄果实成熟过程中品质和矿质元素含量的影响,本研究以原味1号品种为试验材料,向绿熟期番茄果实表面涂抹不同浓度(0、50、100、200、300 mg·L^-1)ALA溶液,筛选出促进设施栽培番茄成熟及品质形成的最佳ALA施用浓度,并进一步研究其对设施番茄果实成熟过程中硬度、可溶性固形物以及矿质元素含量的影响。结果表明,外源ALA通过降低果实硬度促进了果实的成熟,并通过提高番茄果实中可溶性固形物含量提升了果实品质。另外,在坐果后40 d,200 mg·L^-1ALA处理的K、Ca和Fe元素含量分别比对照提高了21.82%、56.25%和12.86%,但P、Mg和Cu元素含量分别比对照降低了9.92%、21.74%和25.00%。相关性分析结果表明,可溶性固形物含量与K含量呈正相关关系,与Cu含量呈负相关关系;果实硬度与K含量呈负相关关系。成熟期番茄果实中P含量与Cu含量呈正相关,与Mn、K和Ca含量呈负相关...     

氮素供应及修剪方式对设施樱桃番茄产量及氮素营养的影响

以“千禧”樱桃番茄为试材,研究不同氮素供应水平及植株打顶后的修剪方式对樱桃番茄的果实发育、产量及氮素营养的影响。结果表明,与传统修剪方式（Pc）相比,在氮素供应充足条件下,优化修剪方式（Po）可明显提高樱桃番茄的产量和果实单果重。其中在适宜氮素供应水平下,樱桃番茄产量提高49%,平均单果重提高20%;在氮素过量供应条件下,樱桃番茄产量提高27%,平均单果重提高25%。进一步分析表明,优化修剪能显著提高樱桃番茄果实的干物质积累比例,并通过提高植株叶片中的氮含量来促进番茄源活力,说明在适宜的氮素供应水平下,改善打顶后的樱桃番茄的库源关系可以显著提高番茄的产量。     

Simultaneous transgenic suppression of LePG and LeExp1 influences fruit texture and juice viscosity in a fresh market tomato variety

Tomatoes are grown for fresh consumption or for processing of the fruit. Some ripening-associated processes of the fruit can either contribute to or degrade attributes associated with both fresh and processing quality. For example, cell wall disassembly is associated with loss of fresh fruit firmness as well as with loss of processed tomato product viscosity. Several enzymes contribute to cell wall polysaccharide disassembly. Polygalacturonase (PG, poly[1,4-alpha-d-galactouronide] glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.15) is among the most abundant polysaccharide hydrolases in ripening tomato fruit and is the major contributor to pectin depolymerization. Expansin (LeExp1) is also abundant in ripening fruit and is proposed to contribute to cell wall disassembly by nonhydrolytic activity, possibly by increasing substrate accessibility to other enzymes. Suppression of either LePG or LeExp1 expression alone results in altered softening and/or shelf life characteristics. To test whether simultaneous suppression of both LePG and LeExp1 expression influences fruit texture in additive or synergistic ways, transgenic Lycopersicon esculentum var. Ailsa Craig lines with reduced expression of either LePG or LeExp1 were crossed. Fruits from the third generation of progeny, homozygous for both transgenic constructs, were analyzed for firmness and other quality traits during ripening on or off the vine. In field-grown transgenic tomato fruit, suppression of LeExp1 or LePG alone did not significantly increase fruit firmness. However, fruits suppressed for both LePG and LeExp1 expression were significantly firmer throughout ripening and were less susceptible to deterioration during long-term storage. Juice prepared from the transgenic tomato fruit with reduced LePG and LeExp1 expression was more viscous than juice prepared from control fruit.     

Irrigation with salt water affects growth,yield, fruit quality,storability and marker-gene expression in cherry tomato

The use of saline water for plant production will become increasingly necessary over future decades. In some cases, fruit quality such as in tomato, can be improved by irrigation with saline water. The influence of different salt concentrations on physiological responses and the expression of some selected genes of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L), cv. West Virginia 106, was examined. Tomato plants were grown in peatmoss substrate and irrigated with 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 or 150?mM sodium chloride (NaCl) in a glasshouse. The NaCl treatments of 75, 100 and 150?mM salt resulted in shorter plants, decreased stem width, a lower plant dry weight, fewer flowers, and smaller leaf area, while yield was reduced by treatment with concentrations of 50?mM NaCl and above. Average fruit weight and fruit number were also negatively affected by treatment with 50?mM salt and above. Salinity treatment led to increased fruit total soluble solids, titratable acidity and firmness and improved the taste index. Salt-responsive marker genes identified in Moneymaker were also induced in cherry tomato but not at the highest salt concentrations. Our results indicated that cherry tomato treated with 25?mM NaCl produced fruit with improved quality in comparison with non-salinized control plants without compromising yield, while at 50 and 75?mM the improved fruit quality was accompanied by a reduction in yield.     

Identification and quantification of stilbenes in fruits of transgenic tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by reversed phase HPLC with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with photodiode array (PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection was employed to study the accumulation of stilbenes and other naturally occurring polyphenol intermediates of flavonoid pathway in tomato fruits of plants genetically modified to synthesize resveratrol. The transgenic tomato fruits were obtained by overexpression of a grapevine gene encoding the enzyme stilbene synthase in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Stilbenes and flavonoids, either glycosylated or free, were simultaneosly identified by electrospray interface (ESI)-MS in negative ionization mode and were quantified by PDA detection at the wavelength corresponding to their maximum absorbance. The two detectors were coupled online with an HPLC system utilizing a narrow-bore C18 reversed-phase column, which was eluted by a multistep gradient of increasing concentration of acetonitrile in water containing 0.5% (v/v) formic acid. The results of these analysis revealed that the genetic modification of the tomato plants originated different levels of accumulation of four stilbenes (i.e., trans- and cis-piceid and trans- and cis-resveratrol) in their fruit depending on the stages of ripening. Either at immature or at mature stages of ripening the stilbenes were preferentially accumulated in the fruit peel as the glycosylated form. The highest amount of trans-piceid and trans-resveratrol were found in the peel of fruits harvested at mature stage of ripening. The variations in the levels of rutin, naringenin, and chlorogenic acid found in the samples extracted from the fruits of transgenic tomato plants, in comparison to that determined in the control lines, seemed to be related to the genetic transformation, whose effect on the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway needs to be elucidated by additional studies.