Journal of Horticultural Research 31(1) 2023

ABSTRACT

Emerging trends and advancements in the biopreservation of fruits

Fruits are natural, healthy, economically feasible, ready to eat, and provide essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, making them a fascinating food. Deterioration of fruits during transportation can cause food security concerns and financial losses. Globally, about 45% of horticultural crops are spoiled and wasted for numerous reasons, such as environmental contamination during growth, harvesting under unsuitable conditions, and improper storage, handling, and display. There are three groups of factors affecting the spoilage of food: physical, chemical, and microbial, which damage the size, color, taste, and texture of fruits. Conventional methods of preserving food products include chemical preservation, freezing, drying, and pasteurization, which can result in the loss of nutrients and the addition of unwanted chemicals produced during processing. Therefore, “green” technology is required to preserve fresh produce, which protects and enhances nutritional value in equal measure. This review will present emerging trends and advancements in the biopreservation of fruits, such as lactic acid bacteria, essential oils, herbal extracts, nanoparticles, microcapsules, edible films and coatings, bacteriocins, and bacteriophages. These biopreservative techniques should be easy, inexpensive, eco-friendly, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the World Health Organization (WHO).

TRANSLATION

Contemporary trends in fruit biopreservation

Fruits are a natural product that is ready to eat in their raw state, providing essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Fruit spoilage during transportation can cause food supply problems and financial losses. Around 45% of horticultural crops are wasted worldwide due to various reasons, such as environmental pollution during cultivation, harvesting in inappropriate conditions, and improper storage, handling and display. Food spoilage is caused by three groups of factors: physical, chemical and microbiological, which affect the size, colour, taste and texture of the fruit. Conventional methods of preserving food products include chemical preservation, freezing, drying and pasteurization, which can result in loss of nutrients and the addition of unwanted chemicals during processing. Therefore, fresh produce preservation requires a “green” technology that equally protects and enhances the nutritional value. This review will present new trends and advances in fruit biopreservation such as lactic acid bacteria, essential oils, herbal extracts, nanoparticles, microcapsules, edible coatings, bacteriocins, and bacteriophages. These biopreservation techniques should be easy, inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and generally recognized as safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).

ABSTRACT

Prediction of fruit production in India: an econometric approach

Forecasting is valuable to countries because it enables them to make informed business decisions and develop data-driven strategies. Fruit production offers promising economic opportunities to reduce rural poverty and unemployment in developing countries and is a crucial component of farm diversification strategies. After vegetables, fruits are the most affordable source of essential vitamins and minerals for human health. India's fruit production strategies should be developed based on accurate predictions and the best forecasting models. This study focused on the forecasting behavior of production of apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, guavas, and pineapples in India using data from 1961 to 2015 (modeling set) and 2016–2020 (predicting set). Two unit root tests were used, the Ng–Perron (2001) test, and the Dickey–Fuller test with bootstrapping critical values ​​depending on the Park (2003) technique. The results show that all variables are stationary at first differences. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing (ETS) models were used and compared based on goodness of fit. The results indicated that the ETS model was the best in all the cases, as the predictions using ETS had the smallest errors and deviations between forecasting and actual values. This result was confirmed using three tests: Diebold–Mariano, Giacomini–White, and Clark–West. According to the best models, forecasts for production during 2021–2027 were obtained. In terms of production, an increase is expected for apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, mangosteens, guavas, and pineapples in India during this period. The current outcomes of the forecasts could enable policymakers to create an enabling environment for farmers, exporters, and other stakeholders, leading to stable markets and enhanced economic growth. Policymakers can use the insights from forecasting to design strategies that ensure a diverse and nutritious fruit supply for the population. This can include initiatives like promoting small-scale farming, improving postharvest storage and processing facilities, and establishing effective distribution networks to reach vulnerable communities.

TRANSLATION

Fruit Production Forecasting in India: An Approach
econometric

Forecasting is important to make informed business decisions and develop data-driven strategies. Fruit production offers promising economic opportunities for reducing rural poverty and unemployment in developing countries and is a key element of farm diversification strategies. After vegetables, fruits are the cheapest source of essential vitamins and minerals for human health. Fruit production strategies should be developed based on accurate predictions and best forecasting models. The study focuses on forecasting the production of apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, guavas and pineapples in India based on data from 1961–2015 (model data) and 2016–2020 (predictor data). Two tests were applied, the Ng–Perron test (2001) and the Dickey–Fuller test with critical values ​​obtained by bootstrap method according to Park (2003). The results show that all variables are stationary. The auto-regressive (ARIMA) and exponential smoothing (ETS) models were used and compared based on the model fit measures. The results indicate that in all cases the ETS model was the best, as the predictions using ETS had the smallest errors and deviations between the predicted and actual values. This result was confirmed by three tests: Diebold–Mariano, Giacomini–White and Clark–West. The best models produced production forecasts for the period 2021–2027, which predicted an increase in the production of apples, bananas, grapes, mangoes, mangosteens, guavas and pineapples in India. The current forecast results can enable policymakers to create favorable conditions for farmers, exporters and other stakeholders, which will lead to stabilized markets and higher economic growth. Policymakers can use the insights from the forecasts to develop strategies to ensure the supply of diverse and nutritious fruits to society. This could include initiatives such as promoting smallholder farming, improving storage and processing facilities, and creating efficient distribution networks that effectively reach vulnerable communities.

ABSTRACT

Impact of maturity stages, shrink-wrap packaging and storage temperature on shelf life and quality of pineapple (Pineapple comosus (L.) Merr.) fruit 'Mauritius'

Pineapple is widely grown in tropical countries, and the fruits are well-known for their unique flavor. The ideal stage of maturity, optimal storage temperature, congenial relative humidity, and adequate type of packaging are critical factors that determine the shelf life and quality of pineapple fruits. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to determine the effect of maturity stage and shrink-wrap packaging, along with ambient and low-temperature storage in order to determine the impact of these factors on extending the shelf life and quality of pineapple fruits. The results revealed that fruits with 75% yellow tubercles at the harvesting stored under ambient temperature had a shelf life of just 7 days compared to the fruits having 25% yellow tubercles subjected to shrink-wrap packaging, followed by low-temperature storage, which had a shelf life of 49 days. The findings of this study conclusively proved that harvesting pineapple fruits with 25% of yellow tubercles, followed by shrink-wrap packaging in 25 µ polyolefin film and subsequent storage in a cool chamber at 12–13 °C and 85% relative humidity can prolong the shelf life and will also maintain the quality of pineapple fruits.

TRANSLATION

The influence of the stage of maturity, foil packaging and storage temperature on the storage period and quality of pineapple fruit (Pineapple comosus (L.) Merr.) 'Mauritius'

Pineapples are widely cultivated in tropical countries because of their unique flavor. The right stage of ripeness, optimal storage temperature and relative humidity, and well-chosen type of packaging are the most important factors that affect the durability and quality of pineapple fruit. Studies were conducted to determine the effect of the stage of ripeness and shrink wrapping and storage at ambient and low temperatures on the extension of the shelf life and quality of pineapple fruit. It was shown that the shelf life of fruit that had 75% yellow tubercles at the time of harvest and was stored at ambient temperature was only 7 days. On the other hand, the shelf life of fruit that had 25% yellow tubercles at the time of harvest and was packed in shrink wrap and then stored at low temperature was 49 days. The results clearly showed that harvesting pineapple fruits at the 25% yellow nodule stage, then packaging them in 25 µ shrink film and then storing them in a cold room at 12–13 °C and 85% relative humidity can extend the shelf life and maintain the high quality of the fruits.

ABSTRACT

Vinegar extract produced using ripe fruits of wild genotype of Citrus depressed Hayata in Okinawa

Shikuwasa (Citrus depressed Hayata) is known as Taiwan tangerine. Various local cultivars are grown, among which the most famous is the 'Kugani', which is considered a breeding cultivar. The fruits of this cultivar are used for various purposes (juices, jams, vinegar, etc.) and as a fruit for consumption. The local landrace Ishikunibu is considered wild and is not cultivated on a larger scale because it is dwarf and tastes sour even when harvested in February. This article showed the results of experiments that aimed to show that Ishikunibu fruits are suitable as an addition to the cultivation of these fruits for producing vinegar extract. The results indicate that the vinegar extract of Ishikunibu has properties similar to that of 'Kugani'. Such vinegar extracts using Ishikunibu have more ascorbic acid (115.2 µg·L^-1 vs. 38.9 µg·L^-1) and titrable acidity than that of 'Kugani'. The other quality parameters of such produced vinegar extracts did not differ significantly. The sensory evaluation of vinegar extracts showed no differences in aroma, green smell, and general flavor but vinegar extract of Ishikunibu tasted less bitter. Therefore, Ishikunibu, the wild genotype of shikuwasa, is deemed useful in producing vinegar extracts.

TRANSLATION

Evaluation of the vinegar extract from ripe fruits of the wild genotype Citrus depressed Hayata

In Japan, various local varieties are cultivated Citrus depressed Hayata (Taiwanese mandarin or green lime), the most famous of which is 'Kugani', considered a cultivated variety. The fruits of this variety are used in various ways - they are eaten raw or in the form of juice, jam, vinegar, etc. The traditional variety Ishikunibu is not cultivated on a large scale because it is stunted and has a sour taste, even after delayed harvest. The results of experiments are presented to show that Ishikunibu fruits can be used to produce vinegar extract. The results indicate that the vinegar extract from Ishikunibu has properties similar to those of 'Kugani'. The vinegar extracts from Ishikunibu have more ascorbic acid than from 'Kugani' (115,2 µg·L-1 vs. 38,9 µg·L-1) and higher titratable acidity. The remaining quality parameters of the tested vinegar extracts did not differ significantly. Sensory evaluation of the extracts did not show any differences in aroma, green smell or overall taste, but the vinegar extract from Ishikunibu had a less bitter aftertaste. Therefore, Ishikunibu (wild genotype Citrus depressed) may be useful in the production of vinegar extracts.

ABSTRACT

Biochemical composition of persimmon fruit (Diospyros khaki L.) bred in Ukraine

The study of the fruit quality of five Ukrainian persimmon cultivars 'Pamiat Cherniaeva' ('Memory of Cherniaev'), 'Chuchupaka', 'Sosnivska', 'Bozhyi Dar' ('God's gift'), and 'Dar Sofiivky' ('Gift of So-fiivka') showed that their fresh mass varies from 48.4 g ('Chuchupaka') to 113.2 g ('Pamiat Cherniaeva'). 'Pamiat Cherniaeva' and 'Dar Sofiivky' produced the largest fruits. 'Dar Sofiivky', 'Sosnivska', and 'Chuchupaka' fruits had the highest dry matter content. The highest sweetness level expressed in the sugar-acid index was in the 'Dar Sofiivky' fruits, the lowest in 'Pamiat Cherniaeva'. This cultivar also had the lowest amount of total pectins and polyphenols. All evaluated parameters varied considerably between cultivars.

TRANSLATION

Biochemical composition of persimmon fruit (Diospyros khaki L.) varieties bred in Ukraine

The quality study of five persimmon varieties (hebanowiec, persimmon, persimmon) grown in Ukraine: 'Pamiat Cherniaeva', 'Chuchupaka', 'Sosnivska', 'Bozhyi Dar' and 'Dar Sofiivky', showed that their fresh weight ranged from 48,4 g ('Chuchupaka') to 113,2 g ('Pamiat Cherniaeva'). The largest fruits were produced by the 'Pamiat Cherniaeva' and 'Dar Sofiivky' varieties. The highest dry matter content was characteristic of 'Dar Sofiivky', 'Sosnivska' and 'Chuchupaka' fruits. The highest level of sweetness, expressed by the sugar acidity index, was found in 'Dar Sofiivky' fruits, the lowest in 'Pamiat Cherniaeva'. This variety was also characterized by the lowest content of pectins and polyphenols. All evaluated parameters differed significantly between varieties.

ABSTRACT

Alternative methods to manage silverleaf whitefly [Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)] in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Whiteflies are the most detrimental insect pest for cucurbit crops in Georgia, USA. Plant growth and yield are severely reduced due to whitefly feeding and, more importantly, many plant viruses they vector. Chemical management of whiteflies has been ineffective. An integrated pest management (IPM) strategy is needed to reduce whitefly numbers to an acceptable level in cucurbit crops in Georgia. This study evaluated the impact of plastic mulch color, exclusionary row covers, particle clay, and organic insecticidal solutions (soap and neem oil) on plant growth, fruit yield, and whitefly index (WFindex) in zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.). The study was conducted during the fall of 2019 and 2020. Particle clay applications reduced zucchini foliar temperatures and WFindex and increased zucchini fruit yields. Black plastic mulch reduced fruit yield due to increased root zone temperature and did not impact whitefly numbers. Neem oil and soap decreased the WFindex but inconsistently affected fruit yield and quality. Our findings indicate that neem oil, soap, and particle clay may be part of an IPM program for whiteflies. However, further evaluations are needed in large plots and commercial fields to confirm the preliminary results of this study.

TRANSLATION

Alternative methods of controlling silverleaf whitefly [Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)] on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.)

The tobacco whitefly is the most serious pest of cucurbit crops in Georgia (United States). Plant growth and yields are severely limited by the whitefly feeding and, more importantly, by the many plant viruses that are transmitted by it. Chemical control of these insects is not effective. To reduce the number of whiteflies to acceptable levels in cucurbit crops, it is necessary to develop an integrated pest management strategy. The experiment evaluated the effect of the color of plastic mulch for row covers, clay, and organic insecticidal solutions (soap and neem oil, Azadirachta indicates) on plant growth, fruit yield and whitefly population on zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.). The study was conducted in the fall of 2019 and 2020. The application of fine-grained clay reduced zucchini leaf temperature and whitefly population and increased zucchini fruit yield. Black plastic mulch reduced fruit yield due to increased root zone temperature but had no effect on whitefly numbers. Neem oil and soap reduced whitefly population but had no consistent effect on fruit yield and quality. The results indicate that neem oil and soap and particulate clay can be part of a whitefly control program. However, further trials in large plots and on commercial crops are needed to confirm the initial results of this study.

ABSTRACT

The storage ability of broccoli after 1-methylcyclopropene treatment

The study evaluated the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment on broccoli quality and storage ability. Broccoli 'Parthenon' was treated the day after harvest with 1.0 or 3.0 cm³· m^-3 1-MCP. The treatment was performed at 5 °C for 20 h, and then the plant material was stored at 0–1 °C for 30 or 60 d. After 30 d of refrigerated storage, broccoli was transferred to conditions simulating retail (15 °C) for 6 d. During 30 d of storage, the broccoli crowns maintained excellent quality. The fleshy stalks were slightly inferior due to the darkening of the leaf scar areas. After 60 d, there was a marked reduction in broccoli quality. Still, the positive effect of 1-MCP treatment on broccoli was observed as inhibiting the senescence of the remaining petiole fragments. During shelf life after 30 days of cold storage, broccoli treated with 1-MCP retained better quality of the crowns and fleshy stems, evident after six days of shelf life evaluation. The study did not find that 1-MCP treatment inhibited the respiration rate of broccoli, or ethylene production.

TRANSLATION

Possibility of storing broccoli treated with 1-methylcyclopropene

The study evaluated the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the quality and storage stability of broccoli. Broccoli 'Parthenon' was treated the day after harvest with 1,0 or 3,0 cm³· m^-3 1-MCP. The treatment was carried out at 5 °C for 20 hours, and then the plant material was stored at 0–1 °C for 30 days (one batch) and 60 days (the second batch). After 30 days of storage, broccoli was transferred to simulated commodity turnover (SOT) conditions (15 °C) for 6 days. During 30 days of storage, broccoli heads retained excellent quality. The fleshy stems were in slightly worse condition due to darkening of leaf scars. After 60 days, a clear reduction in broccoli quality was observed. Despite this, a positive effect of treating broccoli with 1-MCP on inhibiting the senescence of the petiole fragments remaining on the stem was observed. In SOT conditions, after 30 days of cold storage, broccoli subjected to postharvest treatment with 1-MCP retained better quality of heads and fleshy stems. Differences in broccoli quality were particularly evident after 6 days of storage in SOT. The study found no effect of 1-MCP on broccoli respiration intensity or ethylene production.

ABSTRACT

Searching for suitable cultivation system of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cycle (L.) WDJKoch) in the tropical lowland

Swiss chard as a leafy vegetable (Beta vulgaris subsp. cycle (L.) WDJKoch) is rarely cultivated in the tropical climate zone because this plant has not been recognized by local farmers. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of three cultivation systems, ie, conventional, floating, and bottom-wet culture systems on three Swiss chard cultivars with different petiole colors, ie, 'Red Ruby', 'Yellow Canary', and 'Pink Passion'. The best result was obtained if the Swiss chard was cultivated using the floating system since the water was continuously available by the capillarity force through the bottom hole of the pots, as indicated by the highest number of leaves, total fresh weight, leaf blade dry weight, and petiole dry weight. Fresh weight amongst the three cultivars cultivated in each system did not show a significant difference. 'Yellow Canary' produced a larger petiole and heavier fresh weight of individual leaves, but a lesser number of leaves per plant. The leaf area estimation model using the leaf length × width as the predictor, and the zero-intercept linear regression was accurate for all Swiss chard cultivars, as the coefficient of determination was significantly high in 'Red Ruby' (0.981), 'Pink Passion' (0.976), and 'Yellow Canary' (0.982), respectively

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Research on leaf beet cultivation systems (Beta vulgaris subsp. cycle (L.) WDJKoch) in the tropical lowlands

Leaf beet (chard, Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla (L.) WDJKoch) is rarely cultivated in the tropical climate zone, the plant has not gained recognition among local farmers so far. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of three cultivation systems: conventional - in the substrate, floating and percolating, three varieties with different petiole colors - 'Red Ruby', 'Yellow Canary' and 'Pink Passion'. The best result (the highest number of leaves, total fresh weight, dry weight of leaf blade and dry weight of petioles) was obtained in the case of growing chard in the floating system, in which water was constantly available through the bottom hole of the pot by capillary force. The fresh weight of the three varieties grown in each system showed no significant difference. 'Yellow Canary' plants produced larger petioles and higher fresh weight of individual leaves, but lower number of leaves. The leaf area estimation model using leaf length × width and linear regression with zero intercept was appropriate for all Swiss chard cultivars, because the coefficients of determination were high ('Red Ruby' – 0,981, 'Pink Passion' – 0,976, 'Yellow Canary' – 0,982).