Late season harvest and storage of Rubus berries—Major antioxidant and sugar levels

Late season production of raspberries and blackberries has become more common due to increased consumer demand and new production techniques, but information is scarce regarding the effect on nutritional quality, especially during storage. Antioxidant levels in berries can be influenced by pre-harvest climate conditions (light intensity, day length and temperature) and post-harvest storage time. This study analysed the effect of these factors on the content of different antioxidants (vitamin C, ellagic acid, anthocyanins and total phenolics) in raspberries (Rubus idaeus L. cv. Polka) and blackberries (Rubus fructicosus L. cv. Loch Ness) during storage. The analyses were performed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with photodiode array detection. Ellagic acid content during storage ranged between 104 and 114 mg/100 g fresh weight in raspberries and 172 and 182 mg/100 g fresh weight in blackberries. Anthocyanin content increased during storage from 64 to 77 mg/100 g fresh weight in raspberries, but decreased from 199 to 162 mg/100 g fresh weight in blackberries. Vitamin C content in raspberries ranged during storage between 22 and 28 mg/100 g fresh weight, but in blackberries values were lower (10–12 mg/100 g fresh weight). Significant changes in total phenolics and sugars occurred during different storage periods (0–9 or 10 days). The results suggest that late season raspberries and blackberries maintain high quality in terms of antioxidant content.     

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of high-lycopene tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars grown in Southern Italy

In this study, the antioxidant components and of six high-lycopene (Lyco 1, Lyco 2, HLY 02, HLY 13, HLY 18 and Kalvert) and one ordinary (Donald) tomato cultivars (cvs) grown simultaneously in an open-field of the Southern Italy were investigated. Lycopene, β-carotene, lutein, total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid (AsA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and total vitamin C (AsA + DHA) contents, as well as hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidant activities (HAA and LAA) were determined. Significant differences were detected among tomato cvs in all studied antioxidant components, as well as in the antioxidant activity of their hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions. High-lycopene tomato cvs showed higher lycopene, β-carotene, HAA and LAA when compared to cv Donald. Cv HLY 18 showed the highest lycopene and β-carotene content with 232.9 mg/kg fresh weight (fw) and 19.4 mg/kg fw, respectively. Except for Kalvert, high-lycopene tomato cvs also obtained higher total vitamin C levels, with cv HLY 13 top ranking with an average of 352.8 mg/kg fw. LAA ranged from 133.5 μM Trolox/100 g fw in cv Donald to 540.1 μM Trolox/100 g fw in cv Lyco 2 and was significantly correlated to lycopene (r = 0.53; p < 0.01) and β-carotene (r = 0.56; p < 0.01) contents. A variation between 2.7- and 4.0-fold was found in LAA of high-lycopene tomato cvs compared to Donald. HAA was significantly correlated to the amount of DHA (r = 0.61; p < 0.01) and total vitamin C (r = 0.60; p < 0.01). Although these data require confirmation over a longer period of time, this investigation suggests a promising use of the high-lycopene tomato cvs for the production of tomatoes with higher nutritional quality.     

Lipid evaluation of cultivated and wild carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) seed oil growing in Turkey

Studies were carried out on the oil content, fatty acids, tocopherols and sterols in the seeds of two carobs (Ceratonia siliqua), cultivated and wild, from Turkey. The oil yields of cultivated and wild carob seeds were established as 1.73 and 1.82% on a dry weight basis, respectively. The main fatty acids in cultivated and wild carob seed oils are linoleic (49.1% and 51.0%), oleic (30.4% and 26.5%), palmitic (10.3% and 12.0%) and stearic (3.5% and 4.6%), respectively. Tocopherols and phytosterols are important constituents of the unsaponifiable fraction of several seed oils. The major tocopherol in both seed oils was γ-tocopherol. The composition (mg/100 g) was as follows α-tocopherol (69.06 and 70.39 mg/100 g), P8 (22.29 and 24.78 mg/100 g), δ-tocopherol (8.70 and 10.66 mg/100 g), β-tocopherol (2.30 and 1.85 mg/100 g). The total tocopherol contents had 208.45 and 223.14 mg/100 g, respectively. The total content of sterols of both oils were determined as 16400.94 and 30191.55 mg/kg, with β-sitosterol as the predominant sterol that accounted for more than 70% of the total amount of sterols other sterols, campesterol (5.33–5.32%), stigmasterol (0.58–11.43%) 7-avenasterol (3.45–3.03%), 7-stigmasterol (2.16–2.4%), and chlerosterol (1.33–1.0%) were detected in both carob oils. As a result, the accurate quantification of these analyses has very important applications for the nutrition sciences.     

Physico-chemical characteristics of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Northern Areas of Pakistan

In order to ascertain physico-chemical, functional and geometrical traits of apricot fruit from Northern Areas of Pakistan, six predominantly grown varieties namely, Alman, Habi, Khakhas, Mirmalik, Neeli and Shai were selected in this study. Proximate composition as crude fat (2.1–3%), crude protein (6.18–8.7%), crude fiber (11.85–13.6%), ash (9.45–12.1%) and total sugars (56.8–64.9%) were determined on dry weight basis. The data showed variations among the investigated parameters in all varieties. Functional properties of apricot fruit viz. ascorbic acid (67.39–90.94 mg/100 g), total phenolic compounds (4590–7310 mgGAE/100 g), total carotenoids (10.09–18.13 mg/100 g β-carotene) and antioxidant activity (56.84–82.33%) were also recorded. The data pertaining to mineral contents (mg/100 g) revealed K as the predominant element (2040–3000) followed by P, Mg, Ca, Na and Fe among all the tested samples. Furthermore, geometrical characters of apricot varieties were also determined as important sensory and technological attributes on fresh weight basis. The result from the present study showed that all the tested varieties are highly nutritious and rich in functional components.     

Changes in kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) carotenoid and chlorophyll pigment concentrations during leaf ontogeny

There has been recent market interest in “baby” salad greens. However, little information exists on the nutritional differences between immature “baby” greens and produce traditionally sold at the fully mature stage. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C.) contains high levels of lutein and β-carotene, which possess important human health properties. Kale was grown in a controlled environment and pigments were measured in young (<1 week), immature (1–2 weeks), mature (2–3 weeks), fully developed (3–4 weeks) and senescing (>4 weeks) leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant differences were observed for all pigments during leaf development. Pigment accumulation followed a quadratic trend, with maximums occurring between the 1st and 3rd week of leaf age. The highest concentrations of lutein measured 15.1 mg/100 g fresh mass and occurred in 1–2 week old leaves. The remaining pigments reached maximum levels at 2–3 weeks (β-carotene at 11.6 mg/100 g; chlorophyll a at 251.4 mg/100 g; and chlorophyll b at 56.9 mg/100 g fresh mass). Mature fully expanded kale leaves accumulated higher carotenoid concentrations than immature or “baby” leaves, with senescent leaves having the lowest carotenoid concentrations. Harvesting kale leaves at a mature stage of development resulted in maximum carotenoid values. Cultural management practices that increase carotenoid concentrations would be expected to improve nutritional quality for fresh markets.     

Investigation of physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of twenty Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars

Pomegranate is one of the native fruits of Iran which contains high genetic resources, but there are insufficient information regarding properties of the fruit. The objective of the present study was to investigate the physcio-chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of twenty pomegranate cultivars grown in Iran. This study showed that there were significant differences among the cultivars in all measured factors except the length/diameter ratio of fruit. The fruit weight, skin percentage, aril percentage and juice percentage were within the range of 196.89–315.28 g, 32.28–59.82%, 37.59–65% and 26.95–46.55%, respectively. The total soluble solids content varied from 11.37 (°Brix) to 15.07 (°Brix), pH values from 3.16 to 4.09, titratable acidity content from 0.33 g 100 g⁻¹ to 2.44 g 100 g⁻¹ and total sugars content from 13.23 g 100 g⁻¹ to 21.72 g 100 g⁻¹. The results also showed that the values of ascorbic acid ranged from 9.91 mg 100 g⁻¹ to 20.92 mg 100 g⁻¹. The total anthocyanins content was observed in pomegranate cultivars between 5.56  mg 100 g⁻¹ and 30.11 mg 100 g⁻¹. The level of total phenolics was varied from 295.79 mg 100 g⁻¹ to 985.37 mg 100 g⁻¹. The antioxidant activity of pomegranate cultivars was found between 15.59 and 40.72%. These data demonstrated that the cultivar was the main parameter which influences the physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity in pomegranates.     

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.     

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.     

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of the apple flesh and peel of eleven cultivars grown in Brazil

The total phenolic, flavanol, monomeric anthocyanin contents and the antioxidant activity of flesh and peel of 11 apple cultivars from Brazil were investigated. Concentrations of the parameters measured differed significantly among the apple cultivars and were highest in the peel compared to the flesh. Total phenolic content (mg GAE/100 g fresh matter) ranged from 128.3 (Golden Delicious) to 212.0 (Epagri-F₅P₂₈₃) in the flesh and 304.6 (Golden Delicious) to 712.6 (Catarina) in the peel. Total flavanol content (mg CAE/100 g fm) varied from 11.7 (Epagri-SJ11) to 28.2 (Epagri-F₄₃P₂₃) and from 32.4 (Epagri-SJ11) to 147.7 (Catarina) in the flesh and peel, respectively. COOP-24 peel had the highest total anthocyanin content. The Epagri-F5P283 and Epagri-F43P23 flesh and Catarina peel had the highest antioxidant activity while Golden Delicious flesh and peel had the lowest. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were significantly correlated in both flesh (R² = 0.717) and peel (R² = 0.716). The contribution of phenolics to the antioxidant activity in peel suggests that their removal may induce a significant loss of antioxidants.     

The genotypic effects on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries grown in Turkey

In this study, chemical composition of berries of 10 sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) genotypes in Turkey was investigated. The total phenolic content of the berries ranged from 21.31 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g dry weight basis to 55.38 mg GAE per g. The highest antioxidant activity was 93.54% (similar to the standard BHT at 200 mg/L) and the lowest was 80.38%. There was no correlation (R = 0.688) between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity. The major fatty acids in berries were palmitoleic acid (35.48%), followed by palmitic acid (28.13%), oleic acid (22.89%) and linoleic acid (3.96%). Total soluble solid content of sea buckthorn genotypes varied from 10.15 to 14.80%, titratable acidity varied from 2.64 to 4.54%, the pH varied from 2.63 to 2.98 and Vitamin C varied from 19 to 121 mg/100 mL. The average content of minerals in the sea buckthorn berries of different genotypes was 20,800 ppm N, 7100 ppm P, 7260 ppm K, 1960 ppm Ca, 1465 ppm Mg, 32 ppm Zn, 24 ppm Cu, 22 ppm Mn and 7 ppm Fe.     

Variation in total phenolics and antioxidant capacity among European plum genotypes

Our objective was to determine the amount of variation in total phenolics and antioxidants present in European plum fruits, so that it can be utilized in breeding programs to enhance the health benefits. Total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the fruit, and the fruit skin color were determined in 20 genotypes, comprising of released varieties and advanced selections of European plums. Among the 20 genotypes, the total antioxidant capacity ranged from 105 to 424 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g fresh weight (FW) while the total phenolic content was 86–413 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g FW. The two parameters had a strong correlation of r² = 0.96. A direct correlation between skin color intensity and total phenolic content could also be observed. This study demonstrates that there is adequate variation in total phenolic compounds and antioxidants within European plums and hence there is potential for improvement towards enhancing these health-promoting phytochemicals in this fruit.     

Influence of ventilation and sucrose on growth and leaf anatomy of micropropagated potato plantlets

Potato single nodes were cultured in vessels containing MS medium supplemented with 10, 20 and 30 g/l of sucrose. Vessels were closed with a clear polypropylene lid with or without 10 mm microporous polypropylene membrane. Sucrose concentration significantly increased plantlet height, shoot fresh weight and chlorophyll a content. Plantlets grown in ventilated vessels were significantly shorter, had lower shoot fresh weight and higher shoot dry weight than those in non-ventilated vessels. The highest leaf chlorophyll a content (21.83 mg/g fresh weight) was found in plantlets grown in ventilated vessels using MS medium with 20 g/l of sucrose, whereas those grown on medium with 10 g/l of sucrose had the highest chlorophyll b content (24.00 mg/g fresh weight). Total chlorophyll content was significantly higher when plantlets were grown in ventilated vessels containing medium with 10 or 30 g/l sucrose than in non-ventilated vessels. There was no significant difference in total chlorophyll content among plantlets grown in ventilated vessels with different concentrations of sucrose. Stomatal density was significantly lower when plants were grown under ventilated conditions. Leaf replica examination showed that stomata under non-ventilated condition were spherical with wide openings whereas, those in ventilated vessels were elliptical with narrow openings. Plantlets grown in non-ventilated vessels had thinner leaves and failed to build up a distinct defined upper epidermis, palisade parenchyma layer and spongy cells. On the other hand, leaves under ventilated conditions showed comparatively well organized layers with small intercellular space. The vascular system of leaves under the ventilated conditions demonstrated very well developed xylem unlike leaves under non-ventilated conditions. Thus, ventilated vessels with the 20 g/l of sucrose under ambient CO₂ in the growth room could successfully promote photomixotrophic culture and produce healthy plantlets.     

The influence of flesh colour and growing locality on polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity in potatoes

Compounds contained in potato tubers that may act as antioxidants have been attracting increased attention. The main antioxidants in potatoes are polyphenolic compounds. The total polyphenolic (TP) content and antioxidant activity (AA) in potato tubers of four yellow-fleshed cultivars and two purple-fleshed cultivars from the 2004 harvest were tested. The total polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent (FC) and the antioxidant activity, with the DPPH method using stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·). Significant differences were found in total polyphenolic content between the yellow-fleshed cultivars Karin, Impala, Ditta, and Saturna. Significant differences between yellow and purple-fleshed potatoes were found: the yellow-fleshed cultivars had an average of 2.96 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per kg DM, the purple-fleshed cultivars 4.68 g GAE per kg DM. Significant differences in AA between the yellow and purple-fleshed cultivars were determined (yellow-fleshed in an average of 139.3 mg equivalents of ascorbic acid [EAA] per kg DM, purple-fleshed 332.3 mg EAA per kg DM) as well as between the purple-fleshed cultivars Valfi (298 mg EAA per kg DM) and Violette (366 mg EAA per kg DM). The major antioxidants in purple-fleshed cultivars were anthocyanidins petunidin (Valfi 92%_rel) and malvidin (Violette 85%_rel). Cv. Violette contained three times higher content of anthocyanidins than cv. Valfi. Among four experimental localities, the higher situated potato-growing region of Stachy (locality with the lowest average annual and daily minimum temperatures and the highest sum of precipitation in the vegetative period) differed significantly from other localities by a higher TP content, AA and yield in the analyzed cultivars. A high positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total polyphenolic content with R = 0.8648, R² = 0.7478 (P = 0.0001) was found.     

Effects of cultivar,orchard elevation,and storage on fruit quality characters of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Fruit quality characters were analysed in the sweet cherry cultivars, Burlat, Van, Tragana and Mpakirtzeika, harvested from low (39–59 m), medium (216 m) or high (490–546 m) elevation sites. The effects of storage for 2 or 4 days at 2 °C and 1 day at 20 °C on the fruit antioxidant contents were also evaluated. Tragana and Mpakirtzeika had greater fruit fresh weight (FW) and total soluble solid content compared to Van and Burlat, the latter being the most red colored. Tragana and Burlat had greater total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity, measured by DPPH extinction, compared to Mpakirtzeika and Van (mean values 204.4 mg vs. 103.7 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g⁻¹ FW, and 176.1 mg vs. 79.3 mg ascorbic acid equivalent 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively). The geographic elevation had a marked influence on the cherry antioxidant content in all studied cultivars, apart from Van, with high elevation orchards producing cherries with greater contents of antioxidant compounds compared to lower elevation orchards. Changes in the antioxidant contents during storage were depended on the cultivar and some times on the orchard elevation. Total antioxidant capacity was significantly correlated with total phenolic content in Tragana, Burlat and Mpakirtzeika, but not in Van; nevertheless this was not the case during storage.     

Antioxidant capacity and phytochemical properties of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) genotypes in Iran

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) is a naturally growing dogwood species in Arasbaran (East Azerbaijan, Iran). Antioxidant capacity, total anthocyanins, total phenols, ascorbic acid and total flavnoids of a number of selected cornelian cherry genotypes were investigated. The total phenolic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of cornelian cherry fruits were determined according to Folin–Ciocalteu and DPPH method, respectively. The range of ascorbic acid content of genotypes was 183.25–299.5 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). Genotype C24 had the highest total antioxidant capacity (82.37) and total phenolic (2695.75 mg galic acid per 100 g FW basis). The highest total anthocyanin was observed in C27 genotype (442.11 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g FW). This genotype also had the highest total flavonoid (669 mg catechin per 100 g FW basis). There are linear relationships between the antioxidant capacities with total phenols, total flavonoid and ascorbic acid. But, No statistically significant correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and total anthocyanins. According to Path analysis, the highest direct effect on antioxidant was observed in total flavonoid (0.38). The present study demonstrates the potential of certain cornelian cherry genotypes, notably C24 and C27, for improvement of nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.     

Physiological response of onion plants to foliar application of putrescine and glutamine

Two field experiments were carried out in Egypt during two successive seasons (2007/2008 and 2008/2009). This study aimed to investigate the response of growth, yield quality and some metabolic constituents of onion (Allium cepa L. cv. ‘Giza 20’) to foliar application of putrescine (Put; 25, 50 and 100 mg L⁻¹) and glutamine (Glut; 50, 100 and 200 mg L⁻¹), the former a diamine and the latter an amino acid, either alone, or in combination. Foliar application of Put and Glut, either alone or in combination, significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight of leaves/plant, fresh and dry weight/plant, leaf area, leaf area/plant, bulb length, bulb diameter and weight, as well as yield of onion and quality of bulbs. Total soluble sugars, sulfur compounds, total soluble phenols, total free amino acids and total photosynthetic pigment content in leaves were increased by increasing Put and/or Glut concentrations up to 100 and 200 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Generally, foliar application of Put at 100 mg L⁻¹ and Glut at 200 mg L⁻¹ singly, or combined, effectively increased bulb yield and quality. In conclusion, the yield-contributing characters and quality of onion could be improved by application of Put and/or Glut.     

Total antioxidant activities,phenolics, anthocyanins,polyphenoloxidase activities of selected red grape cultivars and their correlations

Sixteen red grape cultivars (Md. Jean Matthias, Öküzgözü, Muscat Hamburg, Cabarnet Sauvignon, Tekirda? Çekirdeksizi, Gewürztraminer, 2B/56, Kalecik karas?, Carignan, Kokulu Siyah, Alfonse Lavallée, Bo?azkere, Adakaras?, Papazkaras?, Mourvedre and Cinsaut) which are grown in Tekirda? Viticulture Research Institute were analyzed for determination of antioxidant activities, total phenolics, anthocyanins, external colour, polyphenoloxidase activities, sugar and acidity. The lowest antioxidant activity (percentage of inhibition on peroxidation in linoleic acid system; AA) was determined in Tekirda? çekirdeksiz extracts as 87.58% and the highest AA was in Mourvedre (93.78%). Total phenolic content (TP) varied from 817 to 3062 μg/ml GAE in the same varieties, respectively. The total anthocyanin (TA) content ranged from 40.3 to 990.8 mg/l fresh weight. The lowest PPO activity was found in Bo?azkere and the highest was in Kalecik karas?. The total sugar content in the analyzed varieties varied between 13.29 and 24.46%. There was stronger correlation between AA and TP than AA and TA.     

Effects of cultivar and rootstock on the antioxidant content and physical characters of clingstone peaches

A study was conducted to investigate the variability in the fruit antioxidant content and physical characters of six clingstone cultivars and three breeding selections of peach grafted on three rootstocks. The parameters measured were fruit weight, fruit and stone dimensions, flesh color using CIELAB color variables, total antioxidant activity using the radical DPPH, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, soluble solids and total acid content. Fruit from cultivar PI-E45 had the highest total antioxidant activity (10.7 mg g⁻¹ DW) and total phenolic (6.9 mg g⁻¹ DW) content, which were up to 6.3- and 5.3-fold greater, respectively, compared with the rest studied cultivars. The highest ascorbic acid content was found in Fortuna (7.3 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW) and was up to 1.4-fold greater compared with the rest studied cultivars. A high correlation between AEAC and the phenolic content was found, but not between AEAC and the ascorbic acid content. The largest fruit was harvested in cultivar Andross followed with a descending order by PI-E45, PI-IB42, PI-A37 (seedlings of Andross), Fortuna and Loadel ? Everts and Catherina ? Romea. Changes in the fruit weight were usually according to changes in stone width. The fruit and stone shape differed among the cultivars but not among the rootstocks studied. Effects of rootstock on the fruit antioxidant contents were not pronounced. Nevertheless rootstocks altered the fruit weight since in all cultivars, apart from Romea and Catherina, when grafted on GF 677 produced the largest fruit (mean 186 g) followed by PR204 (mean 176 g) and even smaller by KID1 (mean 161 g). Results from correlation analyses showed that flesh brightness (measured in frozen fruit) may suggest for more nutritional flesh and small sized fruit may contain a redder and less bright colored flesh.     

Morpho-pomological and chemical characterization of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) genotypes in Apulia region,Southeastern Italy

A recent increasing demand in Western countries for pomegranate products by consumers is especially supported for the nutritional and medicinal characteristics, due to the antioxidant properties of this fruit. Some studies have been published on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of pomegranate fruits in some Mediterranean countries, but little information is available about the genotypes present in Italy and in particular in Apulia (Southeastern region of Italy). This study (2008–2009) evaluated morpho-pomological and chemical parameters of eight pomegranate genotypes localized in private small orchards. Significant differences were observed among the pomegranate genotypes for many of the parameters investigated. In particular, fruit weight ranged from 168.9 g (SouMol) to 574.9 g (SouOst), °Brix from 14.7 (ComTri) to 18.0 (SouMol), titratable acidity from 5.4 (ComMol) to 25.0 (SouTri) g/L. SouMol showed the highest polyphenols (97.1 mg/L) and vitamin C (236.3 mg/L) contents. Oil content of the seeds was between 5.90% and 10.30%, no differences have been observed for the fatty acid composition with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers as the most abundant fraction (81.23%). Considering all the evaluated parameters, and especially those referring to the organoleptic characteristics and antioxidants content, it must be stated that the best genotypes worthy to be considered from agricultural and industrial points of view were AdeSgi for fresh market and SouOst for the juice industry.     

Improved shoot regeneration due to prolonged seed storage

Regeneration in vitro from cotyledon explants of commercial squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) cultivars is generally efficient on Murashige and Skoog [Murashige, M., Skoog, F., 1962. A revised medium for rapid growth and bioassays with tobacco tissue cultures. Physiol Plant. 15, 473–497] medium augmented with 4.4 μM benzyladenine. However, cotyledon explants from certain seed batches of cultivars Bareqet and Ma’yan could regenerate only buds, leaf primordia or very small shoots with storage for up to 2 years at 4 °C. Seed storage of cultivars Bareqet and Ma’yan at 4 °C for 6–8 years resulted in significant increases in shoot regeneration, shoot growth and explant growth, returning to the normal range of values for C. pepo. For example, for cv. Bareqet shoots regenerated per explant increased from 0.4 after storage for 2 years to 1.21 after storage for 8 years; shoot length increased from a mean of less than 2 mm after storage for 2 years to 22 mm after storage for 8 years. Additionally, the final explant fresh weight of cv. B increased from 181 mg after storage for 2 years, to 1389 mg after storage for 8 years. Similar responses were observed for seedling-derived explants of cv. Ma’yan following storage’ for 2–7 years. However, total regeneration (number of explants regenerating buds, leaf primordia or shoots) was not affected by prolonged storage for either cultivar. This is the first report of stimulation of in vitro shoot regeneration of a seedling-derived organ caused by prolonged seed storage. Moreover, the great improvement in regeneration due to long-term seed storage provides a new mechanism for the understanding of non-repeatability of plant tissue culture results.