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The color and aroma of nectarines experience adverse effects from cutting, resulting in the fast senescence of fruit tissue. Therefore, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) was used to treat postharvest nectarines before cutting, and its effect on the surface browning and aroma alteration were investigated. The results indicated that 1-MCP restrained the soluble quinone (SQC) accumulation in fresh-cut nectarines by regulating the peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities and the metabolism of phenolic compounds. Compared with the control, 1-MCP pre-cutting treatment maintained the ultrastructural integrity of the cell wall in fresh-cut nectarines, which also showed reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities. Electronic nose and GC-MS analysis revealed that the aroma profiles presented significant differences in the control and 1-MCP treatment during the storage at 0 °C for 10 days. The browning value of the 1-MCP pre-cutting treatment was 29.95% lower than the control, which prevented the loss of aroma on day 10. The fresh-cut nectarines could still maintain the characteristic flavor, while the flesh maintains its firmness. The 1-MCP pre-cutting treatment improves the sensory and aroma characteristics of fresh-cut fruits, which is beneficial to the preservation of fresh-cut fruits, improves transportation efficiency, and then improves the overall quality and market attractiveness of the fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit rots caused by filamentous fungi such as Monilinia fructicola and Monilinia laxa have a strong impact on crop yield and fruit commercialization, especially as they affect a wide variety of stone fruits. The antifungal efficacy of benzylidene-cycloalkanones has been previously described in in vitro assays against M. fructicola; so, this study aims to evaluate the in vivo inhibitory potential of these hybrids on fruits that have been inoculated with M. fructicola, and use molecular docking to visualize the main interactions of these molecules in the active site of the enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). The results indicate that compound C achieves the highest inhibition of both Monilinia species (15.7–31.4 µg/mL), spore germination in vitro (<10 µg/mL), and has promising results in vivo, without causing phytotoxicity in fruits. The results from molecular docking suggest that hydroxyl groups play a crucial role in enhancing the binding of compound C to SDH and contribute to the formation of hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues on the enzyme active site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nectarines have remarkable nutritional value, low caloric content, and are rich in antioxidants. However, despite substantial local and global demand, their susceptibility to rapid spoilage during peak summer harvest is limited. To address this issue, the current study investigated the potential benefits of using melatonin (MLT), an antioxidant biomolecule, in combination with edible hydrocolloid coatings like carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and gum Arabic (G.A.) on 'Snow Queen' nectarine fruits. The nectarines were treated with various combinations of coatings, including 1% and 1.5% CMC, 8% and 10% G.A., and 0.1 mM melatonin. These coated and non-coated samples were stored under standard supermarket conditions (18 ± 1 °C, 85–90% R.H.) for 16 days. The outcomes demonstrated that the most effective treatment was the combination of 1% CMC with 0.1 mM melatonin. This treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the rate of respiration, curbed fruit decay by approximately 95%, minimized weight loss by around 42%, and maintained approximately 39% higher levels of total phenol content and roughly 30% greater antioxidant (AOX) activity. These positive effects were accompanied by preserved firmness and overall quality attributes. Moreover, the treatment extended the shelf life to 16 days through retarding senescence and suppressing the activities of lipoxygenase (LOX) and pectin methylesterase (PME), all without compromising the functional qualities of the nectarine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fruit and vegetables are highly perishable. In an era where reducing food waste is absolutely essential, packaging is important for maintaining the postharvest quality of these fresh products. Research is working to reduce the use of synthetic materials, not safe for the environment and human health. In this perspective, chitosan emerges as a viable solution for this purpose, as it is biodegradable, biocompatible and also safe for food application. The growing interest in using insects as a source of chitin has allowed for increased exploitation of insect-based waste products to recover valuable materials, such as biopolymers. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) is the most widely reared species in Europe for feed production and waste management. Results: In this work, fresh mature apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.), nectarines (Prunus persica vulgaris Mill.) and yellow peaches (Prunus persica var. laevis Gray) were coated with 0.5% and 1% chitosan from the pupal exuviae of Hermetia illucens, applied by spraying and stored at room temperature or 4 °C until they decay. Then, to validate the effectiveness of chitosan as a polymer for fruit preservation, several parameters including pH, TSS and weight loss were evaluated. Conclusions: The results showed that chitosan derived from the black soldier fly is as effective as or better than the commercially available crustacean chitosan in maintaining more stable some storage parameters in fresh apricots, nectarines and peaches. Thus, insects, especially Hermetia illucens, are confirmed as a viable alternative source of the polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objects of research are sixteen cultivars nectarines and elite, which data were reported for the period 2019-2021 on the territory of the Fruit Growing Institute - Plovdiv. The purpose of the study is to group and evaluate according to the degree of frost on their flowers. For this purpose, single factor analysis of variance and Tukey’s test were applied for difference estimation as well as hierarchical cluster analysis. It was established that during the three years of research, the Sunfree cultivar freezes 100%, which made it the most susceptible variety to temperature effects. The least consequences of negative temperatures on the flowers are the least in the Gergana variety for 2019 (33%), the Morciani 90 for 2020 (84%), and the El. 4-151 in 2021 (72.66%). As a result of the studies, it was established that the resistance to low temperatures in different cultivars and elites is largely determined by the degree of coincidence of the phenological stages: early bloom and full bloom with those negative temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monilinia is the causal agent of brown rot in stone fruit. The three main species that cause this disease are Monilinia laxa, M. fructicola, and M. fructigena, and their infection capacity is influenced by environmental factors (i.e., light, temperature, and humidity). To tolerate stressful environmental conditions, fungi can produce secondary metabolites. Particularly, melanin-like pigments can contribute to survival in unfavorable conditions. In many fungi, this pigment is due to the accumulation of 1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene melanin (DHN). In this study, we have identified for the first time the genes involved in the DHN pathway in the three main Monilinia spp. and we have proved their capacity to synthetize melanin-like pigments, both in synthetic medium and in nectarines at three stages of brown rot development. The expression of all the biosynthetic and regulatory genes of the DHN-melanin pathway has also been determined under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Finally, we have analyzed the role of three genes involved in fungi survival and detoxification, and we have proved that there exists a close relationship between the synthesis of these pigments and the activation of the SSP1 gene. Overall, these results deeply describe the importance of DHN-melanin in the three main species of Monilinia: M. laxa, M. fructicola, and M. fructigena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted during the period 2017 - 2018 at the Agricultural Experimental Station - Khan Krum, Shumen region. The experimental orchard was established in the spring of 2011. The following nectarine cultivars were studied: Fantasia, Golden Grand, Morsiani 51, Cassiopeia and Fairlane grafted on a seedling rootstock (Elberta) and clonal GF 677, as well as the frost - resistant dessert-type cultivar Redhaven. In the period 2017 - 2018, negative temperatures were reported, at the end of March and at the beginning of April (-3.6°C and -5.0 °C respectively)which coincided with the full blooming phenological phase; as a result of which the blossoms froze (76 - 100%). A relatively low percentage of frozen blossoms was observed in cultivars grafted on rootstock GF 677. In 2017, the blossom damage was relatively low and yields were obtained, unlike in 2018. Negative spring temperatures had a negative impact on productivity if blossom damage percentage exceeded 80%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a three-year traceability (2018, 2019, 2020) of biometric results of the fruits of eight peach and nectarine varieties. The study covers the fifth, sixth and seventh vegetation period from the period of full fruiting. Varieties included in this investigation were "Filina" (peach, clingstone), "Gergana" (nectarine, clingstone), "July Lady" (peach, semi-clingstone), "Ufo 4" (flat peach, semi-clingstone), "Laskava" (peach, freestone), "Morsiani 90" (nectarine, freestone), "Flat Queen" (flat peach, freestone), and "Evmolpiya" (peach, freestone). The experimental collection plantation was created in the spring of 2014 on the territory of the Fruit Growing Research Institute, Plovdiv, (lat. 42.10384828045957 and long. 24.72164848814686). The data analysis shows that the varieties "Laskava" and "Evmolpiya" produce fruits with the highest weight - 319.60 g and 303.60 g, respectively. Medium weight is registered in the "Morsiani 90" variety (226.07 g) and the "July Lady" variety (193.87 g). "UFO 4" is characterized with the smallest fruits -- an average of 143.83 g and the highest flesh yield. Considering the fact that the "Filina" variety is very early ripening, its fruits can be treated as large for the season - 170.21 g. The stones of the "July Lady", "Morsiani 90" and "Evmolpiya" varieties have the largest average mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Cheminova A/S submitted a request to the competent national authority in Spain to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance acrinathrin in peaches and sweet peppers. The data submitted in support of the request were found sufficient to derive MRL proposals for both crops. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of acrinathrin and its enantiomer in the plant matrices under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.02 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short- and long-term intake of residues resulting from the use of acrinathrin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postharvest technologies play a key role in enhancing shelf life and maintaining quality characteristics of tender fruits, such as nectarines (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch var. nectarina). This research investigated the effects of an enhanced freshness formulation (EFF), containing hexanal as the key ingredient, in enhancing the shelf life of field grown nectarines and its effects on the composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 'Fantasia' nectarine fruits at two commercial orchards in the Niagara region were subject to preharvest sprays of 2% EFF (15 and 7 days preharvest) and stored at ambient conditions (25 °C) with volatile analyses conducted at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 11 days postharvest. The volatile analysis study indicated for the first time that hexanal is naturally present in nectarine fruit. This was confirmed by GC–MS analysis and validated with standards. GC–EIMS analyses of targeted VOCs validated with standards indicated reduced levels of VOCs associated with fruit ripening and fruity odor, such as lactones, in hexanal-treated fruit, and an increased level of C6 compounds associated with unripe fruit. Principal component analysis biplot with scores and loadings of the fruit VOCs and quality parameters indicated a tight association between TSS and lactones, which was inversely associated with firmness, ground color, acetates, and ester compounds. Pearson correlation coefficients also indicated a very high positive correlation between hexanal and levels of VOCs, such as 1-hexanol, E-2-hexanal, 3-hexanal, hexen-1-ol, and other C6 acetates. These findings may indicate a delay in the ripening process caused by hexanal formulation, which may be associated with modulated expression of key ripening-related volatile pathways, therefore enhancing the shelf life and quality of nectarines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the main indicators reflecting the evolution of the peach and nectarine production and marketing sector in Romania for the period 2012-2017. The most important indicators which are analyzed refers are production of peach and nectarine at the national level, but also macroregional and regional, the average level of price for each of them, the value of import and export. From an economic point of view, peach plantations are a particular importance, occupying the third place, after apple and plum. In Romania, the peach occupied significant areas, but after 1990, they have diminished massively. Peach plantations in Romania is more popular compared to nectarine. The data used in the paper was taken from the National Institute of Statistics and specialized international sites. The results of this analysis have been highlighted in relevant tables and graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was to determine the level of soil contamination with lead and perform risk assessment by calculating the Hazard Quotient Index (HQI). The research was carried out during 2015 and 2016 at three locations in Herzegovina (Mostar, Čapljina, and Stolac), where nectarine cultivars ('Big Top' and 'Caldesi 2000') were cultivated. At the Mostar and Čapljina locations, the total content of lead in the soil exceeded MPC values in both years of research. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and estimated weekly intake (EWI) values of lead in the studied nectarine varieties showed no acute or chronic risk for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last twenty years, stone fruit production in Slovenia has considerably decreased. Acreage with peaches and nectarines has been significantly reduced. Orchard renewal has decreased for various reasons; among them, the frequent occurrence of various diseases is the most significant. These diseases make the economic feasibility of stone fruit production difficult if not impossible. This review addresses the most important stone fruit diseases in Slovenia: European stone fruit yellows, sharka, bacterial leaf spot, bacterioses caused by Pseudomonas spp., perennial canker, and Fusicoccum canker. Additionally, this review focuses on the possibilities of reducing the damage caused by these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of osmotic pretreatment on nectarines with solutions of glucose syrup and sorbitol and subsequent dehydration at different temperatures (60 °C, 70 °C, or 80 °C) was evaluated. The kinetics of moisture loss during drying was obtained and mathematical models were adjusted to estimate the kinetic parameters. Effective diffusion coefficients were calculated using Fick's second law. All drying kinetics exhibited only a falling-rate period during hot-air drying owing to moisture loss in the osmotic pretreatment. Moisture loss was favoured by the use of sorbitol, whereas the diffusivity of water increased when glucose was used as an osmotic agent. Logarithmic and Midilli et al. models best described the changes in moisture over time, whereas Fick's second law estimated water diffusion coefficient values between 4.96×10−9 and 2.43×10−8 m2 s−1. These models may be employed to predict the optimum conditions for osmo-dehydrating nectarines under hot-air drying at the industrial level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of cold storage and shelf life of 'Big Top,' 'Honey Blaze,' 'Honey Royale,' 'Venus,' 'August Red,' and 'Nectagala' nectarines were evaluated. Volatile compounds, firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, color, and degree of consumer acceptance of the fruit were determined at harvest, after storage at −0.5 °C for 10, 20, or 40 days and following 3 days at 20 °C. Ten days cold storage plus 3 days at 20 °C produced the highest total ester emission for 'Nectagala' and 'August Red,' while similar results were obtained after 10 days cold storage for the 'Big Top' and 'Honey Blaze' and 20 days cold storage for 'Honey Royale' and 'Venus.' For 'Nectagala,' this higher total ester emission coincided with the greatest percentage of satisfied consumers. Increased consumer acceptance was associated with the cultivars and storage time that resulted in firmer fruits and greater concentrations of specific volatile compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work is to study the kinetics of osmotic dehydration of Caldesi nectarines ( Prunus persica var. nectarina) evaluating the effect of osmotic solution concentration, type of solute, temperature, fruit/solute ratio and process time on moisture content, water loss, soluble solids content and solids gain. The process analysis was carried out experimentally and numerically through the mathematical modelling of mass transfer. Hypertonic solutions of glucose syrup and sorbitol (40 and 60 % w/ w) were used for dehydration, during 2 h of process at temperatures of 25 and 40 °C, with fruit/osmotic agent ratio of 1:4 and 1:10. Water loss and solids gain showed significant differences depending on the type and concentration of the osmotic agent, process time and fruit/solution ratio. The concentration interacted significantly with all variables; in addition, there was an interaction between the type of osmotic agent and the relationship between fruit and the osmotic agent. The effective diffusion coefficients were obtained from the analytical solution of Fick's second law applied to flat-plate geometry and by solving the mass transfer microscopic balances by finite element method, taking into account the real geometry of the nectarine pieces. The values obtained from Fick's law varied between 1.27 × 10 and 1.37 × 10 m s for water and from 1.14 × 10 to 1.08 × 10 m s for soluble solids, while the values calculated by finite elements method ranges were between 0.70 × 10 and 4.80 × 10 m s for water and between 0.26 × 10 and 1.70 × 10 m s for soluble solids. The diffusion coefficients values obtained from the numerical solution are consistent with those published in literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of drying treatments including dryer type, drying conditions, and sample preparation on the composition of volatile compounds in two cultivars of dried Australian nectarines were investigated in this study. A cabinet dryer, a tunnel dryer, and a heat pump dryer were evaluated. The sample preparation included halving or slicing the fruit to different slice thickness and in different directions. The volatile compounds in fresh and dried nectarines were isolated using Likens Nickerson simultaneous distillation and extraction technique and identified by gas chromatography. The results indicated that a heat pump dryer was the best system for preservation of volatile compounds in sliced dried fruit in terms of lactones and terpenoids followed by cabinet dryer and tunnel dryer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sulfur-containing salts, classified as food additives, sodium metabisulfite (SMBS), potassium metabisulfite (PMBS), aluminum sulfate (AlS), and aluminum potassium sulfate (AlPS), were evaluated for their activity against Monilinia fructicola, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Geotrichum candidum, the most economically important fungal pathogens causing postharvest disease of stone fruit. In in vitro tests with potato dextrose agar (PDA) Petri dishes amended with different concentrations of the salts (0, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 mM), SMBS and PMBS at all concentrations, AlS above 20 mM, and AlPS above 30 mM, completely inhibited the mycelial growth of the three fungi after incubation at 25 °C for up to 10 days. In in vivo primary screenings with artificially inoculated nectarines, aqueous solutions of the four salts reduced the incidence and severity of brown rot (BR) at concentrations of 10 and 50 mM, whereas only AlS and AlPS reduced Rhizopus rot (RR), and none of the salts was effective against sour rot (SR). Solutions at 100 mM were phytotoxic and injured the fruit peel. In small-scale trials, 1 min dip treatments at 20 °C in SMBS or PMBS at 10 mM significantly reduced the incidence and severity of BR after incubation at 20 °C for up to 8 days. Conversely, dips in AlS and AlPS reduced neither BR nor RR. Results highlight the potential of SMBS and PMBS as new nonpolluting tools for the integrated control of BR, but not RR and SR, on stone fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of both antagonistic bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (SF14) and Alcaligenes faecalis (ACBC1) used in combination with salicylic acid (SA) to effectively control brown rot disease caused by Monilinia fructigena. Four concentrations of salicylic acid (0.5%, 2%, 3.5%, and 5%) were tested under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Furthermore, the impact of biological treatments on nectarine fruit parameters' quality, in particular, weight loss, titratable acidity, and soluble solids content, was evaluated. Regardless of the bacterium, the results indicated that all combined treatments displayed a strong inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of M. fructigena and disease severity. Interestingly, all SA concentrations significantly improved the biocontrol activity of each antagonist. The mycelial growth inhibition rate ranged from 9.79% to 88.02% with the highest reduction rate recorded for bacterial antagonists in combination with SA at both concentrations of 0.5% and 3.5%. The in vivo results confirmed the in vitro results with a disease severity varying from 0.00% to 51.91%. A significant biocontrol improvement was obtained with both antagonistic bacteria when used in combination with SA at concentrations of 0.5% and 2%. The lowest disease severity observed with ACBC1 compared with SF14 is likely due to a rapid adaptation and increase of antagonistic bacteria population in wounded sites. The impact of all biological treatments revealed moderate significant changes in the fruit quality parameters with weight loss for several treatments. These results suggest that the improved disease control of both antagonistic bacteria was more likely directly linked to both the inhibitory effects of SA on pathogen growth and induced fruit resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]