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.     

Effect of top-dressed potassium fertilization on the yield and quality of cucumber

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of top-dressed potassium (K) application on the production of hybrid cucumber “Sapphire.” The experimental design was a randomized complete block, with five blocks of 0.80 × 0.40 m² each and eight replicate plants per block. The five fertilization rates of K used were 0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 kg K₂O ha^?1. Data collection consisted of the estimation of fruit diameter, fruits length, fruit fresh and dry weights, the number of fruits per plant, and the weight of fruits per plant. The number of fruits per hectare and the fruit fresh weight per hectare were calculated. Fruit tissue was analyzed for determination of macronutrient concentrations, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, sugar contents, and protein content. The data were statistically analyzed using regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). There was a significant effect of the fertilization rate of K on fruit diameter, fruit fresh and dry weights, macronutrients concentrations in fruits, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and reducing sugars. A quadratic equation was adjusted for the number of fruits per plant and per hectare; fruit yield per plant and per hectare, with maximum top-dressing doses, was estimated to be between 60 and 95 kg K₂O ha^?1. A linear increase was obtained in the pH. An increase in the K fertilization rate caused a linear decrease in the fruit length.     

Effects of substrate hydroponic systems and different N and K ratios on yield and quality of tomato fruit

The present study was carried out to determine the influence of wick and drip substrate hydroponic systems and different ratios of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) in the nutrient solution on fruit yield and quality (titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, total soluble sugars, firmness, lycopene, carotenoids) in tomato. Summer and winter tomato crop was raised under two substrate hydroponic systems. Four nutrient solutions (N:K ratios in four combinations) were tested in both the growing seasons at vegetative and reproductive stages of plant development. Among the different nutrient solutions, the solution containing N and K in the ratio of 1.4:3 at vegetative and 1.7:3.5 at reproductive stage increased the total fruit yield and quality of tomato irrespective of hydroponic system or season. Among the hydroponic systems, wick system produced higher fruit yield and better quality in terms of firmness, ascorbic acid, and total soluble sugars in winter crop.     

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     

Changes in physicochemical characteristics and volatile constituents of strawberry (Cv. Cigaline) during maturation

Changes in the volatile composition of strawberries (cv. Cigaline) at six stages of maturity, from 28 to 44 days after anthesis, were investigated over two harvesting seasons. Volatiles were isolated by direct solvent extraction and analyzed by means of GC-FID and GC-MS, with special attention to the quantification of furanones. Firmness, skin color, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, organic acids, and sugars were also determined. With increasing maturity, soluble solids, SS/TA ratio, Minolta a value, and levels of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and malic acid increased, whereas Minolta L value, hue angle (), titratable acidity, and levels of citric acid decreased. Furanones and esters were generally not detected before half-red fruits, whereas C(6) compounds were the main compounds in immature fruits. During maturation, levels of these so-called green components decreased drastically, whereas levels of key flavor compounds increased significantly and were closely correlated with skin color development. Maximum volatile production was observed in fully red fruits.     

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.     

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.     

硅酸钠处理对杏品质和风味物质的影响（英）

硅酸盐作为一种安全有效的物质,已被广泛用于果蔬等采后病害的控制,为了研究其处理对园艺产品品质的影响,该文以兰州“大接杏”（Armeniaca vulgaris Lam. cv. Lanzhou Dajie）为试验对象,在室温（22±2℃）下使用硅酸钠（10 mmol/L）化学诱抗处理,探讨硅酸盐对杏果实品质,特别是挥发性风味物质的影响。结果表明,硅酸钠处理可延缓果实硬度的下降和腐烂率的升高,在贮藏结束后,其分别是对照组的1.95倍和58%。并能够减少贮藏过程中可滴定酸、可溶性固形物及Vc含量的下降,但对果实总糖含量的影响不显著。采用固相微萃取（SPME）结合气相色谱质谱联用（GC-MS）的方法分离鉴定了“大接杏”果实的香气成分,共分离鉴定出超过100多种挥发性成分。硅酸钠处理样挥发性物质的释放总量低于对照。同时,处理后的杏果还表现出醛类物质、萜类物质和β-紫罗兰酮的释放增大和酯类物质的释放减少的现象。与对照相比,该处理能够更好地保持杏果实良好的品质,是一种可行的杏果保鲜处理方法。     

Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.)

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) variety 'English Morello' fruits were stored for up to 20 days at 2°C in air or controlled atmosphere (CA) consisting of 25% CO₂+10% O₂, 15% CO₂+10% O₂, or 5% CO₂+10% O₂. The effects were compared on decay, juice optical density, titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids content and firmness. CA treatment has a great potential for sour cherry storage in maintaining quality and in extending the length of the storage period. The study has indicated that the decay of sour cherry can be greatly reduced by 25% CO₂. High CO₂ concentration gave the best retention of red colour and titratable acidity throughout the storage period. Fruit juice optical density and firmness increased with storage time. Fruits stored in 25% CO₂+10% O₂ had higher soluble solids content compared with fruits stored in air.     

Plant growth and fruit quality of two pepper cultivars under different potassium levels of nutrient solutions

Potassium (K) is a major nutrient element that has effects on growth, yield, and quality production of agricultural crops. In the present study, the effects of various K concentrations in a nutrient solution including 150, 235, 300, 400, or 500 mg K L^?1 were evaluated on two pepper cultivars; chili pepper (Capsicum annuum Avicolare) and bell pepper (California Wonder) under greenhouse conditions. Hoagland's formula was used for preparation of nutrient solutions. The vegetative growth parameters including plant height, leaf area, SPAD value, and shoot fresh weight were significantly increased by 300 mg L^?1 K in both cultivars. The highest yield and fruit quality parameters including fruit length/diameter ratio, fruit dry matter percentage, fruit vitamin C, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity in chili pepper and bell pepper were obtained under application of 300 and 400 mg K L^?1 in nutrient solution, respectively. In either cultivar there was increase in leaf K, nitrogen, and zinc concentrations, while in bell pepper calcium was reduced by higher K levels in the nutrient solution. The results indicate that for better growth and quality production of pepper, higher levels of K in nutrient solutions can be beneficial.     

Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilization Affect Apple Fruit Quality in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) are usually found in higher concentrations than other macronutrients in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh) fruits and are most frequently associated with changes in fruit quality. The aim of this article was to evaluate the effects of N and K fertilization on some fruit quality attributes of Fuji apple. The experiment was conducted at São Joaquim, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil, during 2004 and 2005. A factorial design was used with N and K annual fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 200 kg ha^?1 of N and K₂O) replicated in three orchards. Fifteen days prior to harvest, three fruit samples were collected from each treatment and site. One sample was used for total soluble solid content (TSS), titratable acidity, pulp firmness, and fruit color parameter analyses, and the other samples were refrigerated in a conventional atmosphere for 3 and 6 months for subsequent determination of fruit quality. Nitrogen fertilization negatively affected fruit color, flesh firmness, and TSS content. These same variables were positively affected by K fertilization, except for flesh firmness.     

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.     

Zucchini growth,yield, and fruit quality in response to sodium chloride stress

Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L. cv. Moschata) plants were grown in a pot experiment under greenhouse conditions at Almería (Southeastern Spain) in 1994 and 1995. Sodium chloride (NaCl) added to the irrigation water at 0 (control), 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 g L^‐1 and complemented with a fertilizer solution. Yield was determined on number and weight (kg) of fruit per plant. The hidric content (%W) per fruit was calculated using fruit fresh and dry weights. Fruit diameter, fruit length, and fruit firmness were also measured. Electrical conductivity, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, and pH as well as non‐structural carbohydrates concentration were determined. Zucchini yield, quality, and quantity increased as NaCl concentration was increased to 1 g L^‐1. This cultivar appears to suitable to be grown in coastal locations where soil and irrigation water contain salt concentration that limit the growth of other crops less tolerant to salinity.     

Mitigation of ammonium toxicity by silicon in tomato depends on the ammonium concentration

Ammonium toxicity in hydroponically grown crops can affect tomato development. However, it has been shown that the silicon (Si) attenuates ammonium toxicity in plants depending on the plant species, the stage of development and the ammonium concentration in the nutrient solution. Thus, in order to investigate how Si attenuates stress caused by ammonium in tomato, a study was carried out involving plants cultivated up to 40 days after seed germination using nutrient solutions containing ammonium concentrations (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8?mmol?L^?1), in the absence or presence of Si (1?mmol?L^?1). The accumulation and efficiency of nitrogen and Si use, as well as the concentrations of chlorophyll, carotenoids, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and growth parameters was assessed. At a concentration of 1?mmol?L^?1 ammonium, Si increases the accumulation of nitrogen and Si, the nitrogen use efficiency, the root area and dry biomass of the shoot. At concentrations of 1 and 2?mmol?L^?1 ammonium, Si increases the leaf area and root dry biomass, and in higher concentrations, there was no effect of Si after the supply of ammonium. It was observed that the addition of Si mitigates ammonium toxicity by 1?mmol?L^?1 ammonium, and we can recommend its use in the nutrient solution (Si?=?1?mmol?L^?1) to grow tomato cropsthat employs ammonium concentration of 1?mmol?L^?1.     

Amendment of hydroponic nutrient solution with humic acid and glutamic acid in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) culture

Abstract

Can humic acid (HA) and glutamic acid (GA), when added to tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. ‘Hongyangli’) nutrient solution in a hydroponic system, improve growth? Tomato seedlings were grown in six nutrient solutions: (1) control (C), (2) C + 25 mg L^?1 HA (HA1); (3) C + 50 mg L^?1 HA (HA2); (4) C + 100 mg L^?1 GA; (5) HA1 + GA; (6) HA2 + GA. Various biochemical and physiological parameters were measured. HA increased photosynthesis rate and mesophyll conductance. HA did not significantly affect transpiration, stomatal conductance, titratable acidity, or antioxidant activity. In addition, GA improved protein and sugar content, mesophyll conductance and yield. The combination of HA and GA was more effective, especially with 50 mg L^?1 HA. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidases (POD) did not change in the presence of HA or GA. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased by 30% in HA2 together with GA. HA has a positive effect on tomato hydroponic growth when applied with GA. This expands the use of HA and GA for horticultural commodities in hydroponic systems.     

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.     

Effects of Boron and Paclobutrazol on Growth,Fruit Set,Nutrient Uptake,and Alternate Bearing of Muye Red Bayberry

Alternate bearing, resulting mainly from boron (B) deficiency, and excessive fruits in the alternate years of red bayberry trees are the most important limiting factors for production. This investigation was conducted on 18-year-old Muye red bayberry trees (Myrica rubra Sieb. et Zuca) in a commercial red bayberry orchard located in Laxi County, Zhejiang Province in 2006–2007.The results indicated that foliar application of paclobutrazol (PB) significantly increased the vegetative growth parameters (i.e., spring shoot incident and spring shoot length). Spring shoot incidents and spring shoot lengths of red bayberry were increased with increasing PB concentrations, but the optimum fruit yield and quality were obtained from foliar-applied PB at 100–200 mg L^?1 at full bloom. Foliar application of PB increased the contents of N and K in the leaves with increases of PB concentrations up to 300–600 mg L^?1. Fruit quality of red bayberry trees treated with PB or and boron fertilizer (BF) was improved at full bloom. Foliar application of PB reduced the percentage of fruit set by 62.1% in the year after treatment with PB but increased the yield by 49.0% the following year. Foliar application of PB at 100–300 mg L^?1 gave the most significant improvement in fruit quality: increase in fruit weight, soluble solid content, and the ratio of soluble solids (SS)?/?total acidity (TA) and decrease in total acidity. Foliar application of BF slightly reduced the fruit yields in the current year but significantly increased those the following year. Combined application of BF and PB or application of PB alone markedly reduced the fruit yields in 2006 by 40.5% and 43.8%, respectively, but markedly increased those by 44.6% and 17.8% in 2007, respectively. The effects of alleviating alternate bearing of red bayberry for different treatments followed the order of combined application of FB + PB > PB > BF > control. It is suggested that PB and BF can be used to alleviate alternate bearing.     

日光温室不同时段补光对番茄果实品质及挥发性物质影响

为探明日光温室中提高番茄产量和品质的最佳补光时段,以"粉太郎"番茄为试材,从植株定植后第25天到第一穗果完全成熟时进行补光,利用LED灯设置3种补光时段:揭帘前补光5 h(T1)、盖帘后补光5 h(T2)、揭帘前盖帘后分别补光2.5h(T3),以不补光作为对照(CK),研究其对番茄产量、果实品质以及挥发性物质成分和含量的影响。结果表明:补光处理可提高番茄平均单株产量、果实可溶性糖含量、可溶性固形物含量、糖酸比、挥发性物质总数量和总质量分数,但会降低有机酸含量,T1处理效果最显著(P<0.05)。4个处理共检测出83种挥发性物质,包括12种酮类、22种醛类、22种醇类、6种酯类、6种烃类和15种其他类物质。各处理挥发性物质总数量和总质量分数由大到小为:T1(68种,3 107.98μg/kg)、T3(65种,2 610.74μg/kg)、T2(63种,2 438.96μg/kg)、CK(59种,2 086.03μg/kg)。每个处理醇类含量最多,烃类含量最低,并且含量最高的物质均是顺-3-己烯-1-醇。3种补光处理均可提高酮类、醛类、醇类和其他类物质含量,但显著降低烃类物质含量(P<0.05),酯类物质含量只在T1处理时有所提高。所有被检测出的挥发性物质包含11种番茄特征香气成分,主要分为花香、果香与青香3种类型,其中青香味物质含量最多。综上,对番茄进行补光尤其是揭帘前补光5 h可有效提高番茄产量、果实品质和风味,是当地日光温室越冬茬番茄栽培的较优补光时段。研究结果可为设施番茄种植的光环境调控技术提供科学依据。     

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...     

Calcium sprays,time of harvest,and duration in cold storage affects fruit quality of d'Anjou pears in a critical year

Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) sprays increased calcium (Ca) concentrations in d'Anjou fruit (Pyrus communis L.), reduced the incidence of cork spot and improved shelf‐life by increasing fruit firmness in a critical year that had lower fruit Ca concentrations due to record high spring and late season temperatures. The third and final harvest in late September resulted in larger fruit size, lower fruit Ca concentrations, higher incidence of cork spot, more extractable juice and yellow fruit skin color, higher soluble solids and sucrose concentrations, but lower acidity than earlier harvested fruits. Fruit held longer in cold storage (145 days) had higher concentrations of fruit Ca, lower concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and ethylene (C₂H₄), less fruit firmness, soluble solids and acidity, lower concentrations of sucrose, glucose and fructose, and less green color of fruit skin than short term storage (45 days). Shelf‐life of CaCl₂‐sprayed fruit was improved because of higher concentrations of fruit Ca that resulted in a lower incidence of cork spot and brown core, fruit firmness was higher, levels of CO₂ and C₂H₄ were lower, and soluble solids, acidity, and extractable juices were affected less for ripened fruit.