Search

The spiced beef is exposed to the invading of spoilage bacteria including Listeria monocytogenes. In the present study, the antimicrobial effects against L. monocytogenes of the chitosan (CS) films incorporated with apricot (Prunus armeniaca) kernel essential oil (AKEO) at 0.5% and 1.0% were demonstrated in solid medium, micro-atmosphere, liquid media and spiced beef. In the refrigerated storage for 24 days at 4 °C, compared with the control sample, the levels of peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) of the spiced beef packed by CS films incorporated AKEO at 0.5% and 1.0% were decreased to 4.8 and 3.6 meq peroxide/kg, and 0.5 and 0.4 mg MDA/kg (p < 0.5 or p < 0.1), and the levels for pH and total carbonyls (TC) were decreased to 5.8 and 5.7, and 0.7 and 0.6 nmol/mg protein (p < 0.5 or p < 0.1) on the 24th day, respectively. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation exhibited that the spiced beef packed by CS films incorporated AKEO at 1.0% had better sensory attributes including taste, color, texture and overall acceptance during the whole storage period. Consequently, CS films incorporated AKEO at 1.0% can be developed to be one packaging material for spiced beef. • The essential oil from apricot kernel was defined as AKEO. • Chitosan films incorporating AKEO inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. • Chitosan films incorporating AKEO increased the quality of spiced beef. • Chitosan films incorporating AKEO improved the sensory properties of spiced beef. • Chitosan films incorporating AKEO could be developed as packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold and silver nanoparticles (Au- and Ag-NPs) were biosynthesized using the gum extract of Prunus armeniaca. These were characterized with UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, EDX, XRD and atomic absorption (AA). The effect of gum and metal ions concentration, reaction temperature and time on the synthetic stability of nanoparticles was studied along with their post-synthetic stability against varying pH and salt concentrations, long term storage and extreme of temperature. Au- and Ag-NPs were also tested for antibacterial, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Formation of Au- and Ag-NPs was confirmed from the surface plasmon resonance centered at 555 and 450 nm respectively and was further corroborated from the results of FTIR, EDX, XRD and AA. SEM analysis showed that Au- and Ag-NPs were mostly spherical and in the size range of 5–40 nm. It was observed that 0.5% w/v gum, 3 mM Au/Ag ions solution, reaction temperature of 80 °C and reaction time of 4 h were suitable for the efficient synthesis of Au- and Ag-NPs. The results of post-synthetic stability revealed that Au- and Ag-NPs were stable in different concentrations of NaCl (1–3 M), neutral to acidic pH (7–2) and without any long term storage (eight months) or thermal (100 °C) induced degradable changes. The TGA spectrum further confirmed their thermal stability, where three successive weight losses were observed in the temperature range of 50–800 °C. Au- and Ag-NPs possessed mild to moderate antibacterial activity as observed from their zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (10 ± 0.3 mm, 18 ± 0.5 mm), Escherichia coli (9 ± 0.5 mm, 10.2 ± 0.8 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.9 ± 0.3 mm, 11.2 ± 0.3 mm). Au-NPs significantly alleviated the acetic acid induced writhes at much lower doses of 40 mg/kg (P < 0.01) and 80 mg/kg (P < 0.001) compared to that of gum extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001). At similar doses, Au-NPs also significantly inhibited the carrageenan induced paw edema during the 1st h (P < 0.05) and 2–5 h (P < 0.001) of the study duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apricot kernel essential oil (AKEO) was extracted from kernels of bitter apricot which is considered to be a major agricultural seed waste. The chemical composition of AKEO revealed that oleic acid is the major fatty acid present in AKEO. Also, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which is a strong antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, is present in a significant quantity. Chitosan films incorporated with AKEO in different concentrations were prepared using solvent casting method and were used for active food packaging application for the very first time. Its successful incorporation in the film was confirmed by Fourier Transform-Infra Red (FT-IR) spectra and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) images. The modified films show an improved water resistance and 41% enhanced water vapor barrier property when CS to AKEO ratio is 1:1. The elongation percentage value increased significantly for the film with oil ratio 0.125 with respect to CS, but thereafter a sharp decrement is observed. However, a continuous increment in tensile strength value was observed with increasing AKEO concentration and a substantial 94% enhancement was observed for the film with AKEO ratio equal to that of CS. The films also show excellent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties as compared to neat chitosan films and successfully inhibited the fungal growth on packaged bread slices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transferring desirable traits between Prunus species • S-allele determination in plumcots hybrids. • Fruit pubescence is an unequivocal characteristic for verifying the "real" plumcots. • PPV tolerance could be linked to the presence of resistance alleles coming from apricot. Japanese plum is a very important temperate tree fruit, ranking in the second position among the stone fruits, after peaches. In this species, there are very few self-compatible varieties and a lack of resistance to sharka disease (plum pox virus, PPV). In this context, interspecific crosses between Japanese plums and self-compatible, sharka-resistant apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars have been performed in recent years to obtain resistant and self-compatible plumcots. The plumcot provides a new fruit typology combining the horticultural and market characteristics of these two Prunus species. In this work, new interspecific plumcots have been obtained and characterized. An initial screening of more than 600 seedlings was carried out for interspecific hybrid verification using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. In addition, floral compatibility by S-allele genotyping and phenotypic characterization and PPV resistance evaluations in controlled conditions were performed in the interspecific genotypes. The results show some interspecific hybrids with the desired characteristics of self-compatibility alleles and sharka tolerance together with new fruit typologies with an attractive skin and flesh color and different valued organoleptic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, 40 Kashmiri apricot cultivars/genotypes were assessed for 28 morphological traits. The results displayed a high level of variability among all the cultivars/genotypes. The fruit characteristics such as fruit size, shape, fruit volume, flesh and skin color which determines the quality and marketability of apricot exhibited huge variation. Two groups were identified based on fruit size; small fruit (<30 g) and large fruit (>30 g). PCA revealed that 84.28% of the total variance among cultivars/genotypes was explained by the first ten components. UPGMA cluster analysis divided apricot cultivars into two groups. Cluster I contains the 33 cultivars/genotypes and cluster II contains six cultivars/genotypes. The present study highlighted that the characters related to fruit morphology such as, dimensions, shape, fruit flesh color and leaf dimensions and shape are valuable traits for fast and easy discrimination of apricot cultivars. This is the first report on genetic diversity analysis of apricot cultivars/genotypes from the region. This study would provide a sound and authentic basis for effective management and sustainable utilisation of apricot germplasm in future breeding programmes in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme climatic conditions and hypobaric hypoxia at high altitude hinders the growth and productivity of chickens. The present study was carried out to examine the effect of aqueous extract of Prunus armeniaca seeds on health, survivability, antioxidants, plasma biochemical parameters, and immune status of broiler chickens at high altitude. Phytochemical analysis of extract revealed the presence of high phenolics, flavonoids, and carotenoids contents. Before the in vivo study, in vitro efficacy evaluation indicated a significant protective effect of the extract in chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes. For in vivo study, experimental groups include control (fed the basal diet), and treatment T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 which received an aqueous extract of P. armeniaca in drinking water at concentrations of 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of chicken respectively, along with basal diet for 42 days. Body weight was significantly increased in all treatment groups as compared to control group and the highest body weight was recorded in T3 group. Higher profit was gained in treatment groups due to lesser mortality in chickens. Moreover, chicken in the treatment groups had significantly higher total antioxidant capacity, free radical scavenging activity, interleukin-2, total protein, albumin, globulin level and lower malondialdehyde, interleukin-6, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, ALT and AST level as compared to control group. Results suggest that, P. armeniaca extract at 200 mg/kg body weight of chicken, exhibited the beneficial effect on growth performance and survivability rate of broilers and therefore, could be useful as phytogenic feed additive for broiler chickens at high altitude cold desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Glucosidase catalyzes the sequential breakdown of cyanogenic glycosides in cyanogenic plants. The β-glucosidase from Prunus armeniaca L. was purified to 8-fold, and 20% yield was obtained, with a specific activity of 281 U/mg protein. The enzyme showed maximum activity in 0.15 M sodium citrate buffer, pH 6, at 35 °C with p -nitrophenylglucopyranoside as substrate. The β-glucosidase from wild apricot was used successfully for the saccharification of cellobiose into D-glucose. This enzyme has a V max of 131.6 μmol min −1 mg −1 protein, K m of 0.158 mM, K cat of 144.8 s −1 , K cat / K m of 917.4 mM −1 s −1 , and K m / V max of 0.0012 mM min mg μmole −1 , using cellobiose as substrate. The half-life, deactivation rate coefficient, and activation energy of this β-glucosidase were 12.76 h, 1.509 × 10 −5 s −1 , and 37.55 kJ/mol, respectively. These results showed that P. armeniaca is a potential source of β-glucosidase, with high affinity and catalytic capability for the saccharification of cellulosic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apricot is a natural source of polyphenols and other phytochemicals such as β-carotene and ascorbic acid that contribute to its antioxidant activity. Various organic solvents such as hexane, ether, methanol, and ethanol are used to obtain fruit extracts for different purposes. However, to extract the vital phytochemicals from a fruit, an efficient solvent along with certain other process parameters could reduce the process inputs thereby increasing the process efficiency. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the conditions for antioxidant potential and polyphenols from apricot powder ( Prunus armeniaca L.) using four independent variables: methanol (20%, 35%, 50%, 65% and 80%), solvent/sample ratio (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30), temperature (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C) and time (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min). The results showed that antioxidant potential and total polyphenols in the experiments varied from 76.15% to 96.68% and 8.77 to 12.11 mg GAE/g, respectively. The F -values for antioxidant potential and total polyphenols were 0.99 and 4.44, respectively. The coefficients of determination ( R 2 values) for antioxidant potential and total polyphenols were found to be 0.4799 and 0.8057, respectively. Under the optimum conditions of 35% methanol, 15 solvent/sample ratio, 30 °C temperature and time 30 min, the values for antioxidant potential and total polyphenols were 91.165% and 10.702 mg GAE/g, respectively. The present process could be employed on a commercial scale for the extraction of antioxidants from apricot fruits for their nutraceutical and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apricot ( Prunus armeniaca L.) is one of the most important stone fruits grown in the world, basically due to its good taste and multi uses. In many areas of world and also Iran, apricot production is limited by spring frosts that can damage the sensitive non-dormant tissues. The current study was conducted within a seedling population of apricot to select superior genotypes in term of consistent late-flowering date and high fruit quality. In the first step, the pre-selection was carried out according to flowering date among 894 genotypes. As a result of pre-selection, 73 trees were late-flowering. Then, the selected 73 late-flowering trees were further evaluated according to vegetative and fruit characteristics. The variation was observed for traits related to fruit. Variability found in fruit weight was between 33.01 and 66.01 g, in fruit flesh weight between 31.45–62.43 g, and in total soluble solid (TSS) between 15.00–23.00%. Fruit dimensions and weight were in significant positive correlation with each other. Cluster and principal component analyses confirmed considerable diversity in the studied germplasm. All of the studied 73 late-flowering genotypes could be useful as a parent to improve flowering season of cultivars. Furthermore, among them, nine genotypes including Gharekahriz-69, Gharekahriz-65, Gharekahriz-13, Gharekahriz-47, Gharekahriz-59, Gharekahriz-34, Gharekahriz-17, Gharekahriz-58 and Gharekahriz-38 were superior in terms of consistent high fruit quality and can be singled out for cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ACLSV corroborated to be a very complex virus for works in artificial conditions. • We have obtained new apricots showing combined resistance to ACLSV and PPV. • There no interaction between both viruses, establishing independently. Spain is one of the most important producers of fresh apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.). Traditional production was based on several local cultivars with good quality and well adapted to the industry. However, most are susceptible to important viral diseases that affect fruit production and quality. The main viral diseases are sharka (Plum pox virus , PPV) and viruela (Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus , ACLSV). Using foreign resistance sources to PPV, new resistant cultivars have been released. More recently, two new resistance sources to ACLSV have been identified: the Spanish cultivar 'Mauricio' and the French cultivar 'Bergeron'. With the objective of obtaining new genotypes resistant to both diseases simultaneously, two crosses between the apricot selections '5–26' and '11–1' from CEBAS-CSIC (resistant to PPV) and ACLSV-resistant cultivars 'Mauricio' and 'Bergeron' were achieved, and the descendants were evaluated for resistance to these diseases. Molecular markers were also used to evaluate the genitors and descendants. Results showed that 100% and 75% of seedlings were resistant to PPV and ACLSV, respectively, and 70% were resistant to both diseases simultaneously. In general, no interaction between both viruses was detected, infecting the plant independently. For the first time, apricot plants resistant to PPV and ACLSV simultaneously have been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyphenols of ten Moroccan apricot clones were analyzed using a Thioacidolysis-UFLC combination technology in order to evaluate their evolution pattern and their contribution to antioxidant activity during ripening. Procyanidins were the predominant polyphenol class with concentrations varied from 30 to 1091 mg kg−1 in M1 (commercial stage) and from 398 to 1411 mg kg−1 in M2 (consumption stage). Procyanidins with catechins, the two classes constitute the principal contributors to antioxidant activity of studied apricots. The impact of ripening was very limited compared to genotype, especially for size and skin color of the fruit. The Thioacidolysis-UFLC technology highlighted the contribution of procyanidins to antioxidant activity of apricot and established a typology based on the clone skin color. Indeed, dark red and orange apricots had higher phenolic contents and antioxidant activities than clear ones. This indicates the importance of fruit color to predict apricot bioactive compounds and the crucial role of phenolic compounds in the antioxidant activity of these fruits. • Ten new apricot clones were assessed for phenolic profile and antioxidant activity. • Thioacidolysis-UFLC was efficient in evaluating phenolic classes of apricot. • Apricots showed high polyphenols content and an important antioxidant activity level. • Procyanidins were the predominant phenolic antioxidant class in apricot. • Ripening was very limited impact compared to clone, especially apricot skin color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effect of N fertilizers releasing speed and rate on apricot morpho-physiology, yield and fruit quality was assessed. • The 6-month controlled-released fertilizer had higher yield than conventional in the second growing season. • The 150 kg ha−1 N rate increased fruit yield (compared to 75 kg-N ha−1) but reduced sucrose and a* (redness) color coordinate, the visual guide for consumers to choose ripe fruits. • The long-term use of controlled-release fertilizers hold promise for increasing apricot production and reducing environmental contamination. The objective of this two-year field study was to assess the effects of controlled-nitrogen (N) fertilizers releasing speed and rates on tree morphology, physiology, yield and fruit quality of apricot (Prunus armeniaca cv. Mogador). In this study, four different releasing speed (conventional: < 1 month, controlled-release: 3, 6 and 9 months) and three N rates (56, 75, and 150 kg ha−1 which is equivalent to 75%, 100% and 200% of recommended rates, respectively) were used. Parameters evaluated included: gas exchange (photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance), chlorophyll content index, leaf and soil N concentration, fruit yield and quality component [total soluble solids, sugar content, fruit color coordinates (L*, a*, b*), firmness, and radical scavenging activity]. The physiology and fruit quality of apricot trees responses to 6-month controlled-release fertilizer was comparable to the conventional. In both growing seasons (2019–2020), gas exchange, soil and leaf N concentration and fruit quality components from the 6-month controlled-release fertilizer were similar or higher (never lower) than conventional. Interestingly, the 6-month controlled-release fertilizer had higher yield than conventional in 2020. This study revealed that the response of apricot trees to controlled-release N fertilizers was significant after two years of application. Higher N rate (150 kg ha−1) significantly increased fruit yield and reduced sucrose content compared to 75 kg N ha−1 in both years. In 2019, high N rate (150 kg ha−1) reduced fruit redness coordinate (a*) which is considered a visual guide for consumers to select ripen fruits. Overall, this study highlighted the usefulness of using controlled-release fertilizer as an alternative "less waste" N source. The long-term use of controlled-release fertilizers hold promise for increasing apricot production and reducing environmental contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological characters were assessed for 112 Tunisian apricot accessions using 42 qualitative and quantitative traits according to the UPOV descriptor. The results showed a distinction among all the accessions, and each morphological variable tested was polymorphic except mucron and rootstock. This characterization revealed that Tunisian apricot germplasm complied with many of the listed UPOV descriptor modalities, with the exception of a rectangular-plate fruit shape, which is characteristic of six Tunisian cultivars and not included in the UPOV apricot testing guidelines. The morphological characters with the best discriminatory ability included fruit size, fruit shape, over color of the fruit skin and flesh, and leaf size. The variability structure highlighted two different apricot categories: (i) Bargougs characterized by very small fruit size with high FW/FLW and absence of over color, (ii) grafted cultivars characterized by medium to relatively large fruit and the presence of over color. Morphological variability was structured according to the geographical origin of the plant material. Four regions were clearly distinguished: north, center, south and oasis. The assessed Tunisian apricot germplasm presented great variability, similar to that of Turkish, Spanish and Italian apricots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Apricot cultivars in North China maintained a high level of genetic diversity. [•] Chinese and Central Asian cultivars exhibited higher diversity parameters. [•] Cultivars grouped in agreement with their geographic origins and pedigrees. [•] Kernel-using apricot is a natural hybrid type of P. armeniaca and P. sibirica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Dormancy is required not only to survive winter, but also for proper flowering. [•] Winter temperatures affect chilling requirements, which are cultivar specific. [•] We evaluate that winter cold temperatures relate to anther meiosis time. [•] Chilling fulfilment correlates with anther meiosis and flowering time. [•] Anther colour also changes, constituting a visual indicator of breaking of dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Timing and duration of deficit irrigation affect vegetative growth and apricot yield. [•] Regulated deficit irrigation reduced apricot yield only at severe water deficits. [•] Continuous deficit reduced apricot yield due to vegetative and fruit growth reduction. [•] Fruit size and yield decrease when deficit irrigation relief delays beyond stage III. [•] Deficit irrigation increased apricot root length density close to the drip-line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] At the species level no model provided accurate prediction of dormancy release date. [•] The separation of cultivars into three groups allowed better prediction. [•] Different groups showed significant differences in the bud temperature response. [•] The temperature response functions of cultivar and precocity groups were in line. [•] Smoothed Utah model provided the best prediction of dormancy release date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ripening of climacteric fruits involves a complex network of biochemical and metabolic changes that make them palatable and rich in nutritional and health-beneficial compounds. Since fruit maturation has a profound impact on human nutrition, it has been recently the object of increasing research activity by holistic approaches, especially on model species. Here we report on the original proteomic characterization of ripening in apricot, a widely cultivated species of temperate zones appreciated for its taste and aromas, whose cultivation is yet hampered by specific limitations. Fruits of Prunus armeniaca cv. Vesuviana were harvested at three ripening stages and proteins extracted and resolved by 1D and 2D electrophoresis. Whole lanes from 1D gels were subjected to shot-gun analysis that identified 245 gene products, showing preliminary qualitative differences between maturation stages. In parallel, differential analysis of 2D proteomic maps highlighted 106 spots as differentially represented among variably ripen fruits. Most of these were further identified by means of MALDI-TOF-PMF and nanoLC–ESI–LIT–MS/MS as enzymes involved in main biochemical processes influencing metabolic/structural changes occurring during maturation, i.e. organic acids, carbohydrates and energy metabolism, ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall restructuring and stress response, or as protein species linkable to peculiar fruit organoleptic characteristics. In addition to originally present preliminary information on the main biochemical changes that characterize apricot ripening, this study also provides indications for future marker-assisted selection breeding programs aimed to ameliorate fruit quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Microarray analysis is a technique that can be employed to provide expression profiles of single genes and new insights to elucidate the biological mechanisms responsible for fruit development. To evaluate expression of genes mostly engaged in fruit development between Prunus mume and Prunus armeniaca, we first identified differentially expressed transcripts along the entire fruit life cycle by using microarrays spotted with 10,641 ESTs collected from P. mume and other Prunus EST sequences. A total of 1418 ESTs were selected after quality control of microarray spots and analysis for differential gene expression patterns during fruit development of P. mume and P. Armeniaca. From these, 707 up-regulated and 711 down-regulated genes showing more than two-fold differences in expression level were annotated by GO based on biological processes, molecular functions and cellular components. These differentially expressed genes were found to be involved in several important pathways of carbohydrate, galactose, and starch and sucrose metabolism as well as in biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites via KEGG. This could provide detailed information on the fruit quality differences during development and ripening of these two species. With the results obtained, we provide a practical database for comprehensive understanding of molecular events during fruit development and also lay a theoretical foundation for the cloning of genes regulating in a series of important rate-limiting enzymes involved in vital metabolic pathways during fruit development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular markers have been used for genetic study and identification of cultivars belonging to different fruit species for a long time. In this study ISSR, RAPD and SSR markers were used to evaluate genetic variation and relationships among 95 apricot and one plumcot cultivar located in the Apricot Germplasm Repository in Malatya, Turkey. All three marker systems distinguished the apricots in various levels. The highest polymorphism (98%) was obtained with simple sequence repeat (SSR), followed by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) (88%) and randomly amplified polimorfic DNA (RAPD) markers (77%). The similarity values were between 0.49 and 0.94 among apricot cultivars. ‘Sekerpare Igdir’ and ‘Sekerpare Benzeri’ were the most similar (0.94). The UPGMA dendrogram constructed using combined data of three marker systems separated the genotypes into two main clusters: one cluster included genotypes originating from Malatya and the other regions, and the second cluster contained cultivars mostly from Mediterranean region. The plumcot cv. ‘Kayisi Erigi’ was outgroup. These results supported that apricots in Turkey indicated considerable genetic diversity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Apricots are climacteric fruits with a high susceptibility to flesh softening and loss of flavor during postharvest storage, and most of the ripening processes are regulated by ethylene, which also has an effect on its own biosynthesis. To understand this process in apricot, inhibition of ethylene biosynthesis and perception was performed for studying key genes involved in the ethylene biosynthetic pathway. Apricots, cv. “Patterson”, were harvested with yellow-green ground color and immediately treated with either the ethylene perception inhibitor 1-methyl cyclopropene (1-MCP) at 10μLL−1 or the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) at 1gL−1. After treatment, quality and physiological attributes such as firmness, color, total soluble solids, acidity, fruit weight, ethylene production and respiration rates were evaluated every 2d until they ripened at 20°C. Gene expression analysis was performed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Both ethylene inhibitors were effective in reducing ethylene production, respiration rate and fruit softening. Three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic-acid synthase (ACS) genes were characterized, but only the expression of ACS2 was highly reduced by ethylene inhibition, suggesting a key role in ethylene synthesis at ripening. Contrarily, ACS1 and ACS3 showed a higher expression under ethylene inhibition suggesting that the corresponding genes are individually regulated in a specific mode as observed in other climacteric fruits. Finally, changes in 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic-acid oxidase genes did not show a consistent pattern of ethylene modulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) is an important medicinal edible plant species commonly known as “apricot”. Apricot is one of the most delicious and commercially traded fruits in the world. The plant is rich in mono- and polysaccharides, polyphenols, fatty acids and sterol derivatives, carotenoids, cyanogenic glucosides, and volatile components due to its appealing smell. P. armeniaca has been also investigated for various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antimutagenic, inhibitory activity against several enzymes, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive as well as antioxidant activity. Among these activities, antioxidant activity of apricot has been studied extensively and the plant displayed a high antioxidant effect in both in vitro and in vivo test systems. In this review, the relevant literature summary is given on phytochemistry and biological activity reports published on apricot. The literature survey for this review was performed using the key words “Prunus armeniaca and apricot” through the search Scopus, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, and Web of Science data bases between 1950 and 2010. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstracts: In this study, apricot (Prunus armeniaca) seed kernel oil was transesterified with methanol using potassium hydroxide as catalyst to obtain apricot seed kernel oil methyl ester. Neat apricot seed kernel oil methyl ester and its blends with diesel fuel were tested in a compression ignition diesel engine to evaluate performance and emissions. Apricot seed kernel oil methyl ester and its blends can be successfully used in diesel engines without any modification. Lower concentration of apricot seed kernel oil methyl ester in blends gives a better improvement in the engine performance and exhaust emissions. Therefore lower percent of apricot seed kernel oil methyl ester can be used as additive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eight polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers located in the G1 linkage group of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) were previously developed and evaluated in a small set of cultivars. Those primers were used for studying variability in 77 apricot cultivars belonging to five different geographical groups, such as Chinese, Asian (Irano-Caucasian and Central Asian), North American, Mediterranean and Western European as well as Middle European cultivars. Six of the markers were polymorphic and revealed a total of 71 alleles ranging from 5 (aprigms11) to 20 (aprigms1) alleles per locus with a mean value of 11.83 alleles per locus. In conclusion, the SSR loci located in the G1 linkage group show a level of polymorphism which is similar to loci dispersed throughout the entire genome. The total number of alleles and the number of unique alleles were the highest in Chinese apricots and the lowest in Middle European cultivars. Heterozygosity also showed a decrease from Asia and China to Middle Europe. No association could have been observed between any SSR markers tested and plum pox virus (PPV) resistant phenotype of cultivars. PPV resistant cultivars did not form a separate clade on the dendrogram obtained by UPGMA cluster analysis. Middle European and Chinese cultivars formed separate clusters while other genotypes formed smaller multiple sub-groups or scattered among different clusters. Our results support previous hypotheses on the origin of PPV resistance in North American apricots. The allele data was also presented in a form that allowed the easy observation of allele frequencies in each geographical group at each locus. Using this data field, differences and similarities between cultivar groups can be easily assessed. The analysis demonstrated the links between the North American and Mediterranean apricot germplasm and confirmed that the Chinese and Eastern European cultivars are distantly related. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This work reports the transferability and polymorphism of previously reported SSRs in 10 Prunus species. The availability of a large number of SSRs in the genus Prunus makes marker choice random, while preventing comparison of results in fingerprinting studies. The availability of SSR markers, polymorphic in a wide sample of Prunus species, would facilitate marker choice, while allowing the comparison of results. In this work, microsatellite markers useful for analyzing 10 different Prunus species (P. persica, P. dulcis, P. armeniaca, P. domestica, P. insititia, P. salicina, P. cerasifera, P. avium, P. cersus and P. mahaleb) were searched through screening SSRs previously reported to be conserved and/or polymorphic in more than one Prunus species. A selected group of 13 SSRs, transferable to the 10 species, was analyzed in terms of their usefulness for analyzing these species. The amplification range, polymorphism and variability detected by these loci are reported. The information provided will be useful for Prunus genetic studies as well as conservation and management of Prunus germplasm resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fruit aroma is a complex trait, particularly in terms of the number of different biosynthetic pathways involved, the complexity of the final metabolites, and their regulation. In order to understand the underlying biochemical processes involved in apricot aroma, four cDNAs (Pa-aat, EU784138; Pa-adh EU395433; Pa-pdc EU395434; and Pa-lox EU439430) encoding an alcohol acyl transferase (AAT), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), and lipoxygenase (LOX), respectively, were isolated and characterized at four stages of maturity in Prunus armeniaca L. cv. Modesto. We observed a reduction in aldehyde and alcohol production between early-harvested fruit and late-harvest fruit, concomitant with an increase in ester production. qPCR analyses showed that the expression levels of the adh gene and the lox gene stayed constant at all stages. Interestingly, aat levels showed a sharp increase in the late-harvest stages concurrent with the changes observed in ester levels. The significance of these changes in relation to aroma production in apricot is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Acidity and organic acids content varied widely in apricot germplasm. • Malate, citrate and succinate were the most abundant organic acids. • Organic acid profiles were consistent between fruit flesh and skin of each accession. • The large phenotypic diversity may be useful for breeding novel varieties. Consumers continuously report a lack of taste in many apricot cultivars currently available on the market, highlighting the necessity of renewing the apricot varietal landscape grown worldwide. Sugars and acids content largely affect sweetness and aroma perception, being an important driving factor of consumers' preferences and purchase. In this work, a large apricot germplasm collection of 164 accessions was evaluated for several fruit organoleptic attributes: maturity date, fresh fruit weight, flesh firmness, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and organic acid content separated for fruit flesh and skin and dry matter. A major focus was reserved to ten organic acids (cis-aconitate, citrate, fumarate, galacturonate, malate, oxalate, quinate, shikimate, succinate and tartrate) composition in both flesh and skin tissues, quantified by HPLC technique coupled to UHPLC HRMS. Malate, citrate and succinate were the most abundant, accounting for 98.5% and 97.2% of the total organic acids in fruit flesh and skin, respectively. The tested accessions showed consistent fruit acidity contents and almost similar organic acids profiles between flesh and skin, albeit some exceptions of acidity higher in flesh than in skin -and viceversa - occurred. This work highlights an extremely large diversity in apricot germplasm, representing a valuable genetic resource to be long term preserved and exploited in new fruit-quality oriented breeding programs. Also, a better understanding of phenotypic diversity will help the characterization of apricot accessions and a more effective management of germplasm for selecting phenotypes with improved taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important factors limiting apricot quality is the loss of flavor during storage, particularly overall aroma. To characterize fruit aroma, several techniques have been used, including both instrumental- and sensory-based methodologies. Despite the importance of aroma in fruit quality, limited information is available regarding the effects of long-term cold storage and ripening on the apricot’s volatile compound profile. The objective of this research was to characterize the aroma of two lots of Castlebrite apricots at different stages of initial maturity using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), electronic nose (e-nose) analysis, and a sensory panel. GC measurements were performed on both intact fruit and ground fruit tissue. Evaluations were performed at harvest, after 15 or 30d of cold storage at 0°C under a normal air atmosphere and also after a simulated shelf-life period at 20°C. Among the volatiles identified by GC–MS, aldehydes and esters were the primary constituents of Castlebrite apricot aroma, and differences in volatile aroma profiles were observed between intact and ground fruit. Only the concentrations of aldehyde compounds, primarily hexanal, were different between maturity stages. Furthermore, the e-nose was able to successfully differentiate between the two different stages of fruit maturity examined, but only after simulated shelf-life storage. Interestingly, despite the changes detected by GC and the e-nose, the sensory panel could not identify any differences between apricots at different stages of maturity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study we compare the evaluation of Plum pox virus (Sharka) resistance of 29 apricot genotypes in controlled greenhouse conditions by grafting onto infected ‘GF305’ peach seedlings growing in pots, and in natural conditions by grafting onto infected 5-year-old apricot trees growing in the orchard. Apricot genotypes evaluated were initially classified into three groups: susceptible to PPV (presence of PPV symptoms and ELISA positive in greenhouse and field assays), resistant (absence of PPV symptoms and ELISA negative in both assays) and undetermined (evaluated differently in both assays). Results showed a similar behavior against Plum pox virus in both assays in 20 out of the 29 apricot genotypes studied (69%). However, in the other nine genotypes results were different (31%). Evaluation in field was more accurate, detecting a higher number of susceptible genotypes, probably due to the higher inoculation pressure in the old trees in comparison with the GF305 rootstocks in pots. However, greenhouse evaluation let to work in controlled isolated conditions with a higher number of genotypes. This situation is greatly required in areas where Sharka is not widely spread. Greenhouse evaluation could be then the first screening method to evaluate Plum pox virus resistance of apricot genotypes, and could be complemented with the evaluation onto infected trees in natural conditions in insect-proof quarantine shelter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aroma compounds are presents in raw foods, freely and glycosidically-bounded (aroma precursors). In the present work, the volatile fraction of eight varieties of apricot were analyzed using simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE), solid phase extraction (SPE) with reverse phase (C18), liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The free aroma compounds were identified by GC–MS, finding common compounds such as linalool, α-terpineol, β-ionone and γ-decalactone and specific compounds due to the extraction method used. The ANOVA showed a significant effect in the extraction techniques and on the varieties in the free aromatic fraction from apricot as well. In spite of a large number of volatile compounds extracted by SPE, the technique that allowed for the most number of compounds to be extracted was SPME. On the other hand, aroma potentials were evaluated. Chemical hydrolysis involved in SDE thermal treatments favoring the release of terpenes, aldehydes and lactones while phenol compounds, alcohols and ketones were released after the exogenous enzymatic hydrolysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The resistance/susceptibility level of 213 descendants from three different crosses between the French apricot cultivar ‘Polonais’ (susceptible to Plum pox virus, sharka), and the North American cultivar ‘Stark Early Orange’ (resistant) was evaluated during four cycles of study under controlled greenhouse conditions. Resistant:susceptible ratios were 83:17 in the case of the ‘Stark Early Orange’ open-pollination descendants, 62:38 in ‘Polonais’בStark Early Orange’ descendants, and 28:72 in ‘Polonais’בPolonais’. These ratios were checked against the expected ratios of different genetic control hypotheses, combining one, two or three genes involved in the expression of this trait and with the resistance being a dominant (Hypothesis A) or recessive trait (Hypothesis B). In addition, two other, more complex hypotheses were proposed: that the resistance is controlled by 2 independent genes, the resistance being recessive for one and dominant for the other (Hypothesis C), and another hypothesis considering the resistance to be controlled by one dominant gene and admitting a 25% error in the evaluation process (Hypothesis D). The χ 2-test was applied to compare the goodness-of-fit of the proposed hypotheses. Hypothesis D seems to be the most consistent in the three apricot crosses studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mast seeding is a very common phenomenon in plants that are dispersed by seed scatter-hoarding animals. This reproductive strategy has been explained as adaptation to satiate predators, and predator abundance affect the seed availability and the extent of satiation. We studied how mast seeding and rodent abundance co-influenced seed predation and dispersal by rodents in Prunus armeniaca (Rosaceae) in the Dongling mountain of Beijing, China. We tracked the individual seeds marked with coded tin tags. The effects of seed crop size and rodent density were examined in May, August and October of a mast year (2000) and a non-mast year (2001). The seed removal rate was slower in mast seeding year than that in non-mast seeding year. There were more scatter hoarding and less larder hoarding with farther seed dispersal distance in the mast seeding year than that in the non-mast seeding year. The seed removal rates were positively correlated to the rodent abundance when data of six seasons of 2 years were pooled. There was high proportion of buried seeds in spring for both years. These results indicate that mast seeding and/or low rodent density increases scatter hoarding and dispersal distance, and then benefit seeding regeneration under effect of predator satiation; photoperiod seems not be very important in determining scatter hoarding activities of rodent in spring in the study region. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The study investigated the role of phenols in apricot graft incompatibility. Assays of phloem with cambium from 1-year-old apricot trees of cultivars Marlen, Leskora and Betinka which were grafted on the rootstocks of different genetic origin: M-LE-1, Lesiberian, MY-KL-A, Tetra, Penta, Green Gage, Julior, MRS 2/5 and Isthara were analysed with HPLC (together 23 scion/stock combinations). The phloroglucinol, catechin, p-coumaric acid and further non-identified phenols with the retention time 23–25 and 30min were determined. The content of individual phenol compounds was related to specific cultivar/rootstock combination. The minimum number of statistical significant differences in the phenol content between tissues above and below graft union was established in homospecific combinations (P. armeniaca/P. armeniaca). Cultivars Marlen, Leskora and Betinka differ in the degree of compatibility or incompatibility with rootstocks. The pattern of non-identified phenol 23 in different graft combinations is similar to catechin and p-coumaric acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chemical changes of polysaccharides and lignin in Prunus armeniaca decayed by the ascomycete fungus Hypocrea sulphurea were investigated. Solid-state 13C NMR spectra showed that polysaccharides were the main components of fresh and decayed wood. Decomposition of cellulose and hemicellulose by the fungus was minimal although a slight preference for crystalline as compared with amorphous cellulose was recognised. Comparison of the signal intensity of the resonance at 145ppm in fresh and decomposed wood suggested that the fungus had decomposed tannin constituents. Thermochemolysis with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and product identification by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry revealed that the ratio of syringyl-type (S) units to guaiacyl-type (G) units decreased from 1.8 to 1.1 following fungal attack. Increases in both guaiacyl and syringyl acid-aldehyde ratios (Ad/Al)G, (Ad/Al)S together with an increase from 0.82 to 3.54 in the ratio of methyl 3,4-dimethoxybenzoate to the sum of 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-1,2,3-trimethoxypropane (threo and erythro-isomers) Γ G from the decayed wood confirmed oxidative Cα–Cβ cleavage for the mechanism of lignin decay by this ascomycete. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Seventeen peach simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been used in the molecular characterization of 8 apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars from Spain, North America, France, and Greece; a new breeding line from the apricot breeding program of INRA (Avignon, France); and 13 breeding lines and 3 new releases from the apricot breeding program of CEBAS-CSIC (Murcia, Spain). DNA fingerprints have been developed establishing the genetic relatedness among cultivars, new releases, and breeding lines. Amplification of SSR loci was obtained for all 17 primer pairs and 14 of them produced polymorphic amplification. The number of presumed alleles revealed by the SSR analysis ranged from one to nine, although most primers revealed three alleles or more. The mean number of alleles per locus was 4.1. Results allowed the molecular identification of all the apricot genotypes assayed. Apricot genotypes clustered into seven principal groups in accordance with their origin and pedigree. The implications of these results for apricot breeding programs in terms of protection of new release and design of new crosses are also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

High-pressure liquid chromatographic and fluorometric methods were utilized to determine the vitamin (A, C, E and β-carotene) and selenium levels in apricot fruit. The vitamins (A, C, and E), β-carotene and selenium levels of both fresh and sulphurized (sulphur-dried) apricot fruit from several common cultivars and wild type, grown in different regions, were analysed. The effects of post-harvest processing, regional difference and cultivar type on the levels of these nutrients were investigated. Cultivated varieties possessed significantly higher vitamin C (P<0.01), vitamin A and E (P<0.05) than the wild type. The vitamin C levels of fresh and sulphur-dried apricot from cultivated forms, for example, were 1.8–2.7- and 2.9–4.6-fold, respectively, higher than those of wild type ones. Among cultivated varieties, H cultivar was determined to have significantly highest vitamin A, E and β-carotene contents (P<0.05). In general, the vitamin, β-carotene and selenium levels were determined to be significantly different, both between varieties and between different regions within the same variety. Cultivars in region ES, a high altitude region, for example, had significantly (P<0.05) higher vitamin C content than the same cultivars grown in other regions. The selenium content, however, was significantly (P<0.01) higher only in fresh fruit from variety HB in region ES than the other two regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Various nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizer rates and dates of application were assessed in an apricot orchard. High N fertilization enhanced vegetative growth, yield and average fruit weight and aggravated fruit pitburn incidence. Increasing K fertilization enhanced fruit soluble solids and colouring, but did not affect pitburn. Pre-harvest versus post-harvest applications of fertilizers did not influence vegetative growth, yield or average fruit weight, but tended to reduce fruit soluble solids and colouring. At all times of evaluation of pitburn, there was a positive correlation between fruit N content and pitburn incidence. Furthermore, for a given fruit N content, pitburn appeared to increase with the duration of conservation. A high fruit N content has to be considered as a main predisposing factor for pitburn in apricot. A negative correlation between pitburn incidence and fruit Ca content also was detected a week after harvest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

‘Canino’ apricots and ‘Royal Zee’ plums were treated with 1000 nl l−1 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at 20 °C for 20 h following harvest before 0 °C storage. After 5 days storage for apricots and 10 days for plums and after 30 days storage for both, fruit were moved to 20 °C for ripening. In addition, apricots were stored for 20 days and then treated with 1-MCP concentrations of 10, 100 and 1000 nl l−1 at removal and held for ripening. Ethylene production and respiration rate, as well as fruit quality of apricots varied with treatment. Ethylene production was efficiently inhibited by 1000 nl l−1 1-MCP in fruit treated after storage but not in fruit treated before storage. Fruit softening was associated with ethylene production and affected by 1-MCP in a concentration dependent manner when treated after storage, while 1-MCP did not affect softening in prestorage treated fruit. The color change of fruit was ethylene-independent and not affected by 1-MCP. Internal flesh browning was decreased by 1-MCP regardless of the concentration when treated after storage, while it was enhanced in fruit treated before storage. Decay development in apricots was decreased by 1-MCP in a concentration dependent manner. Ethylene production and respiration in ‘Royal Zee’ plums was greatly inhibited by 1-MCP during ripening after both short-term (10 day) and long term (30 day) storage. Parameters associated with ripening processes were decreased significantly by 1-MCP, including softening, color change, and loss of titratable acidity. These data demonstrate that 1-MCP has potential to delay ripening of apricots and plums, but the cultivar, maturity of fruit, and time of application must be chosen carefully. It is suggested that 1-MCP is more efficient for extending the shelf life and improving the quality of ‘Canino’ apricots directly marketed or after storage, whereas it might be a potent compound for extending both storage period and shelf life of ‘Royal Zee’ plums. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Prunus armeniaca (L.) is a member of the Rosaceae, subfamily Prunoideae, shows anticancer, antitubercular, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cardioprotective activities. Here we fractionated the leaves extract of this highly medicinally important plant for antileishmanial activity. In the current study, the leaves extract was fractionated and characterized using column and thin layer chromatography by n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvents. Twelve fractions were isolated and subjected for evaluation of their cytotoxicity and in vitro antileishmanial activity against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania tropica. Among all fractions used, the fraction (F7) exhibited the strongest antileishmanial activity. The bioactive fraction was further characterized by spectroscopy (FTIR, UV–Vis), and GC-MS analysis. The in silico docking was carried out to find the active site of PTR1. All derived fractions exhibited toxicity in the safety range IC 50 > 100 μg/ml. The fraction (F7) showed significantly the highest antipromastigotes activity with IC 50 11.48 ± 0.82 μg/ml and antiamastigotes activity with IC 50 21.03 ± 0.98 μg/ml compared with control i.e. 11.60 ± 0.70 and 22.03 ± 1.02 μg/ml respectively. The UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis revealed the presence of six absorption peaks and the FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of alkane, aldehyde, carboxylic acid, thiols, alkynes, and carbonyls compounds The GC–MS chromatogram exhibited the presence of nine compounds: (a) benzeneethanol, alpha, beta dimethyl, (b)carbazic acid, 3-(1 propylbutylidene)-, ethyl ester, (c)1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester, (d)benzeneethanamine a-methyl, (e)2aminononadecane, (f)2-heptanamine-5-methyl, (g)cyclobutanol, (h)cyclopropyl carbine, and (i)nitric acid, nonyl ester. Among all compounds, the 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester bound well to the PTR1 receptor. Fraction (F7) showed acceptable results with no cytotoxicity. However, in vivo studies are required in the future. • Prunus armeniaca fractions displayed antileishmanial activity against Leishmania tropica. • The compound 1, 2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester bound well to the PTR1 receptor by in silico docking. • These findings can help to constitute an effective alternate of harmful drugs for cutaneous leishmaniasis. • P. armeniaca have no cytotoxicity subsequently in vivo studies are suggested for drug formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is an important fruit crop that is widely planted throughout the world. But drought affects both yield and quality of apricot. In order to study the effects of long-term drought on the molecular and physiological mechanisms of apricot, we used transcriptome sequencing and measured physiological indices. First, 322 million high-quality clean reads were obtained, and 74,892 unigenes were generated for the transcriptome. Among the assembled unigenes, 18,671 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 5581 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of the DEGs revealed that starch and sucrose metabolism, plant-pathogen interaction and plant hormone signal transduction pathways are enriched. Additionally, we used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to confirm the RNA-seq results with 11 drought-related DEGs. Second, through the physiological analysis of apricot leaves under constant drought stress, and the results show the internal microstructure of apricot leaves changed to withstand drought stress. At the same time, plants exposed to long-term drought stress showed higher degree of membrane damage, which reduced photosynthesis in the damaged leaves. Our findings enrich the genome resources for apricot and refine our understanding of the molecular and physiological mechanisms of drought response in this fruit crop, providing insights into drought adaptation of the apricot. Image 1 • Transcriptome sequencing of apricot was performed for the first time. • To explore the differentially expressed genes of apricot under drought stress. • To reveal the molecular mechanism of response of apricot to drought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]