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Background: Dates are highly perishable fruits, and maintaining their quality during storage is essential for both commercial viability and consumer satisfaction. One effective strategy for preserving their nutritional and functional properties is through drying, which reduces moisture content and inhibits microbial growth while concentrating essential nutrients. This study compared the impact of three drying methods (sun drying, hot air oven drying, and cabinet drying) on the chemical, functional, and microbial properties of date flour. The flesh of two date varieties, Amber and Sukkari, was processed by washing, drying at 65°C, milling, and sieving to obtain fine flour, which was then subjected to analysis. Results: The results revealed that fat (5.35 ± 0.07%), protein (10.50 ± 0.00%), and crude fiber (8.57 ± 0.59%) contents were higher in hot‐air oven‐dried amber date fruit. Moisture (12.94 ± 0.63%), ash (2.37 ± 0.03%), and vitamin C (0.024 ± 0.00 mg/100 g) contents were reported to be higher in sun‐dried Sukkari date due to the slower drying process and exposure to lower drying temperatures during sun drying, which allows for minimal thermal degradation of heat‐sensitive compounds like vitamin C. Oven‐dried Amber date powder displayed greater water absorption (1.10 mL/g) and solubility (66.60%). In terms of microbial analysis, both hot air oven‐dried Amber and Sukkari dates had the lowest total viable count (1.19 × 105 and 9.45 × 104 CFU/mL, respectively). Conclusion: Hot air oven drying is a suitable method for drying date fruit as it results in the highest retention of protein, fiber, and ash content while also maintaining low moisture levels, reducing microbial growth, and improving shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing ant abundance associated with climate warming has been observed in temperate ecosystems. However, how enhanced ant activity affects plant development and phenology remains unclear.In this study, individuals of a perennial forb (Potentilla tanacetifolia) during flowering with and without an ant (Proformica) nest were marked to explore the impacts of ant nests on plant growth and phenology in a temperate steppe on the Mongolian Plateau.Ant nests delayed the start and end flowering dates simultaneously and, consequently, had no effect on flowering duration. However, presence of an ant nest postponed the fruiting date of individuals. Nests further increased numbers of aborted flowers and thus decreased fruit set. These observations suggest that the delayed flowering phenology disrupted synchrony between plant reproduction and pollinators and thus reduced pollination efficiency under ant nests.Given the increasing abundance of ants with rising temperatures under climate warming, plant delayed reproductive phenology and reduced reproductive output will potentially have negative consequences for plant fitness and plant–arthropod interactions, with consequent impacts on resistance and resilience of perennial species in temperate steppes under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are commonly found in the environment due to human activities like industrialization and development. These metals are toxic and often contaminate water, food, and edible plants, leading to human exposure. This study investigates Cd and Pb levels in 68 date samples from supermarkets across various regions of Sindh, Pakistan, including 30 samples provided by companies that export date palm fruits globally. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with conventional wet acid digestion (CAD) was used for metal determination. Optimization was carried out by Plackett–Burman design (PBD), central composite design (CCD), and response surface methodology (RSM). Results indicated that Cd levels in export samples ranged from 0.012 ± 0.001 to 0.061 ± 0.004, with an average value of 0.031 ± 0.002 mg/kg. Lead levels in these samples varied from 0.028 ± 0.001 to 0.079 ± 0.03, averaging 0.055 ± 0.004 mg/kg. These levels were within the safety limits. However, local market samples exhibited slightly higher Pb levels, ranging from 0.15 ± 0.01 to 0.32 ± 0.03, with an average of 0.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg, exceeding the recommended safety limits. In contrast, the Cd content in local market samples ranged from 0.12 ± 0.01 to 0.16 ± 0.02 mg/kg, remaining below the WHO/FAO. These contaminants may originate from cultivation, water, air, transportation, processing, and so forth. The method was validated by standard addition recovery test, triplicate analysis, procedure blanks, and standard reference material (SRM). The average daily intake (ADI) values for TMs, along with the hazard index (HI) and target hazard quotients (THQs) were calculated to assess potential health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For thousands of years, date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been a popular diet in arid and semi‐arid locations. It has religious importance for Muslims and is especially important during the holy month of Ramadan. The global output of date fruits has been continuously expanding, with Arab nations accounting for a sizable portion. The emphasis of this research is on two popular semi‐dry Algerian date fruit types, Deglet Noor and Arechti, which are grown in the Ziban region. These fruits' physical parameters, such as size, sphericity, surface area, volumes, and density, were determined. The goal of this study was to create a mass model based on these physical attributes to help in the grading and sorting of date fruits. Fruit mass was shown to be closely connected to linear dimensions, arithmetic and geometric mean diameters, surface area, and volumes. Correlations between mass and physical attributes were established using a variety of mathematical models, including linear, quadratic, S‐curve, and power models. The results demonstrated the applicability of specific factors for mass modeling, offering useful insights for the development of system sizing and conservation. With good correlation, multivariate data analysis was employed to correctly estimate the mass of both kinds. This research advances our understanding of the physical features of Algerian date fruits and their connection to mass, allowing for better handling, sorting, and packing processes in the worldwide date market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry production is under threat from the emerging fungal pathogenic genus Cladosporium. We used amplicon‐sequencing, coupled with qPCR, to investigate how fruit age, fruit location within a polytunnel, polytunnel location and sampling date affected the fruit epiphytic microbiome. Fruit age was the most important factor impacting the fungal microbiome, followed by sampling date and polytunnel location. In contrast, polytunnel location and fruit age were important factors impacting the bacterial microbiome composition, followed by the sampling date. The within‐tunnel location had a small significant effect on the fungal microbiome and no effect on the bacterial microbiome. As fruit ripened, fungal diversity increased and the bacterial diversity decreased. Cladosporium was the most abundant fungus of the fruit epiphytic microbiome, accounting for nearly 44% of all fungal sequences. Rotorod air samplers were used to study how the concentration of airborne Cladosporium inoculum (quantified by qPCR) varied between location (inside and outside the polytunnel) and time (daytime vs. nighttime). Quantified Cladosporium DNA was significantly higher during the day than the night and inside the polytunnel than the outside. This study demonstrated the dynamic nature of epiphytic raspberry fruit microbiomes and airborne Cladosporium inoculum within polytunnels, which will impact disease risks on raspberry fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the concentrations of major and trace metals (Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in date palm fruit samples collected from diverse regions, including Afar (Ethiopia), Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, utilizing flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The wet acid digestion method was employed for sample treatment, with optimization of the key parameters such as reagent volume ratio, oven temperature, and digestion time for analytical applications. Under the optimized parameters, average metal concentrations in date palm fruit samples ranged from 205–299, 134–320, 38.8–115, 25.1–42.2, 9.27–27.9, 7.11–16.3, and 0.002–1.15 mg/kg for Ca, Na, Fe, Ni, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively. Cd and Pb levels were below detection limits within the linear range. Generally, date palm samples exhibited higher Ca and Na contents and lower concentrations of Cu and Mn than other metals. Pearson correlation analysis revealed very strong positive correlations between Fe and Na, Na and Zn, Na and Mn, Ca and Zn, Fe and Ni, Fe and Mn, and Mn and Ni. Strong negative correlations were observed for Ni and Na, Fe and Cu, and Cu and Ni. Weak correlations were noted among Na and Cu, Ca and Fe, Ca and Ni, Ca and Mn, Ca and Cu, Fe and Zn, Ni and Zn, Zn and Mn, and Zn and Cu. A recovery study using the spiking method demonstrated acceptable percentage recoveries ranging from 91.6% to 97.8%. Health risk assessment, including chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), total exposure hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR), indicated CDI, HQ, and HI values below 1.0, except for the HI value for Ni. This suggests that the metals pose no probable public health risk, with the absence of Cd and Pb in date palm samples affirming no carcinogenic threats associated with their consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although maturity date (MD) is an essential factor affecting fresh fruit marketing and has a pleiotropic effect on fruit taste qualities, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we functionally characterized two adjacent NAM‐ATAF1/2‐CUC2 (NAC) transcription factors (TFs), PpNAC1 and PpNAC5, both of which were associated with fruit MD in peach.PpNAC1 and PpNAC5 were found capable of activating transcription of genes associated with cell elongation, cell wall degradation and ethylene biosynthesis, suggesting their regulatory roles in fruit enlargement and ripening.Furthermore, PpNAC1 and PpNAC5 had pleiotropic effects on fruit taste due to their ability to activate transcription of genes for sugar accumulation and organic acid degradation.Interestingly, both PpNAC1 and PpNAC5 orthologues were found in fruit‐producing angiosperms and adjacently arranged in all 91 tested dicots but absent in fruitless gymnosperms, suggesting their important roles in fruit development. Our results provide insight into the regulatory roles of NAC TFs in MD and fruit taste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The date palm is a resilient, socioeconomically valuable desert fruit tree renowned for its heat, drought, and salinity tolerance. Date palm fruits are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and their beneficial health properties can mitigate current and future food security challenges. However, it is challenging to improve date palm production through conventional breeding methods due to its slow growth. Date palm seeds do not produce true‐to‐type progeny, and commercial propagation relies on direct organogenesis from maternal tissue. Consequently, numerous economically important and valuable cultivars are lost due to tissue recalcitrance and challenges in inducing cell dedifferentiation and regeneration. Moreover, genetic engineering of date palms is currently impossible due to the lack of a stable genetic transformation protocol. This hampers the development of genetic resources in date palms. This study established a tissue culture pipeline and a genetic transformation protocol for various commercially important date palm cultivars. We used the non‐invasive visual reporter RUBY and four morphogenic regulators to validate and improve date palm transformation potential. We found that the date palm BABY‐BOOM (PdBBM) and the WOUND INDUCED DEDIFFERENTIATION (PdWIND1) enhanced transformation efficacy. We show that PdBBM can induce embryogenesis in hormone‐free media and regenerate roots and shoots in recalcitrant varieties. On the other hand, PdWIND1 maintained embryogenic cells in their undifferentiated state. Our study provides a foundation for genetically improving date palms and a potential solution for preserving economically valuable varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Egypt, the climate has a direct impact on the dried date fruit production. The traditional drying method or open sun drying (OSD) leads to pollution of the final product caused by sand-laden winds, rain, or animals and harmful insects, etc. This study is aimed at designing, implementing, and experimentally validating a solar dryer based on IoT technology and integrated with a PV system in Aswan, Egypt. The purpose of the dryer is to monitor and control the quality of the three most popular date fruit varieties and determine the most effective drying method, with an algorithm that operates the system automatically for optimal performance and high-quality products. The automatic solar dryer (ASD) significantly affects the final moisture content and color characteristics and reaches the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) at a faster rate for dried date samples compared to the OSD. The drying rate of ASD was 29.03% (Sakkoti), 31.04% (Malkabi), and 25.49% (Gondaila) higher than OSD. Also, the dried date fruit samples reached EMC on the ASD after 8 days for both Malkabi and Gondaila and 9 days for Sakkoti, while it took 14 to 15 days on OSD. The maximum open circuit voltage V oc , short circuit current I sc , and output power P output were 41.70 V, 8.84 A, and 365.09 W, respectively. All values of total color change ( Δ E ∗ ) after open-air drying of dry date varieties were higher than solar drying for both drying systems. This study can be then more helpful for producers of dried foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ghars date fruit is very rich in polysaccharides, which qualifies it to be exploited as a green corrosion inhibitor. Ghars date is produced in large commercial quantities in Africa and Asia, which gives them the opportunity to be used as a cheap raw material for the industry of eco‐friendly inhibitors. Objectives: The synergy between the Ghars date extract (GDE) and iodide ions is investigated for the first time to improve the inhibition efficiency for API 5 L X70 pipeline steel in 0.5 mol L−1 sulfuric acid. Methods: The synergistic effect of the GDE and iodide ions is studied by potentiodynamic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Results: The inhibition efficiency is 45.5% at 2 g L−1 GDE at 20°C, while it increases to 97.9% when 5 × 10−4 mol L−1 of potassium iodide is added at 25°C. The GDE/iodide ion system follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, involves both physical adsorption and chemical adsorption and acts as a mixed‐type inhibitor. Conclusions: It is found that significant corrosion inhibition can be obtained in a synergistic manner between Ghars date extract and iodide ions for the API 5 L X70 pipeline steel in sulfuric acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoenix pusilla (Arecaceae), commonly known as "small wild date palm", is regarded as one of the underutilized fruit crops in South India. Methanol extract of P. pusilla ripened fruits (PPRF) was analyzed for in vitro porcine pancreatic alpha‐amylase (PPAA) and rat small intestine alpha‐glucosidase (RIAG) inhibition activities, and through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis. The GC‐MS analysis showed the presence of 25 phytoconstituents from PPRF which was further assessed on the docking behavior of five targeted enzymes diabetes mellitus (DM) namely (i) human aldose reductase, (ii) protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, (iii) pancreatic alpha‐amylase, (iv) peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, and (v) dipeptidyl peptidase IV by using the AutoDock Vina method. In addition to this physicochemical, bioactivity score, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) analysis was performed using the Molinspiration and pkCSM free online servers. Methanolic extract of PPRF showed 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) at 69.86 and 72.60 μg/mL levels against PPAA and RIAG enzymes activities, respectively. Interestingly in the present study, GC‐MS analysis showed the presence of 25 phytoconstituents from PPRF. Physicochemical analysis of PPRF has exhibited that 13 ligands have complied well with Lipinski's Rule of Five (RoF). With regard to ADMET analysis, one ligand (9,12‐octadecadienoic acid [Z,Z]) has predicated to possess both the hepatotoxicity (HT) and skin sensitization (SS) effect. The docking studies showed that 1‐formyl‐2,5‐dimethoxy‐6,9,10‐trimethyl‐anthracene exhibited the maximum atomic contact energy (ACE) for all the five target enzymes of DM. Thus, the current study suggested that the methanolic extract of PPRF and its phytoconstituents could be considered as potent antidiabetic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruits can be found at the highest point of the palm tree, so harvesting can be a dangerous task for humans. In this study, a robotic arm is presented to harvest date fruits. A manipulator, traveling on a U‐shaped rail with four prismatic joints and one revolute joint, was designed and constructed to approach the fruits efficiently. The end‐effector of the manipulator was an electric chainsaw capable of cutting the date bunch. Two cameras were located on the manipulator in perpendicular directions to capture images, which were then transmitted to a decision‐making unit to control the speed of the manipulator links. The decision‐making unit included three fuzzy inference systems that used the location data of the fruit bunch stems and the area of tree leaves in the images to determine the speed of electromotors of the trolley, horizontal link, and vertical link. An artificial palm tree with dimensions similar to a real palm tree was constructed to evaluate the performance of the robot. The performance of the robot was evaluated in various lighting conditions. The results showed that the introduced image processing algorithm could adequately detect the stems of the date bunches with accuracy, precision, and recall of 0.88, 0.92, and 0.96, respectively, in suitable lighting, that is, when there was sufficient natural lighting. Moreover, the experimental results revealed that the accuracy of the control system in cutting the stems was 87%, with a production loss of 5%. The proposed robot makes it possible to improve the capacity of using mechanized harvesting in date palm fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Although changes in plant phenology are largely attributed to changes in climate, the roles of other factors such as genetic constraints, competition, and self‐compatibility are underexplored. Methods: We compiled >900 herbarium records spanning 117 years for all eight nominal species of the winter‐annual genus Leavenworthia (Brassicaceae). We used linear regression to determine the rate of phenological change across years and phenological sensitivity to climate. Using a variance partitioning analysis, we assessed the relative influence of climatic and nonclimatic factors (self‐compatibility, range overlap, latitude, and year) on Leavenworthia reproductive phenology. Results: Flowering advanced by ~2.0 days and fruiting by ~1.3 days per decade. For every 1°C increase in spring temperature, flowering advanced ~2.3 days and fruiting ~3.3 days. For every 100 mm decrease in spring precipitation, each advanced ~6–7 days. The best models explained 35.4% of flowering variance and 33.9% of fruiting. Spring precipitation accounted for 51.3% of explained variance in flowering date and 44.6% in fruiting. Mean spring temperature accounted for 10.6% and 19.3%, respectively. Year accounted for 16.6% of flowering variance and 5.4% of fruiting, and latitude for 2.3% and 15.1%, respectively. Nonclimatic variables combined accounted for <11% of the variance across phenophases. Conclusions: Spring precipitation and other climate‐related factors were dominant predictors of phenological variance. Our results emphasize the strong effect of precipitation on phenology, especially in the moisture‐limited habitats preferred by Leavenworthia. Among the many factors that determine phenology, climate is the dominant influence, indicating that the effects of climate change on phenology are expected to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing countries, especially those in hot and dry areas, need more attention to achieve sustainable development as they apply excessive inputs in production processes. The present study aims to quantify the amount of environmental emissions and determine the most appropriate pattern of energy use in the date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) production process using thermodynamic analysis. The information was gathered through questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews. From the results, cumulative exergy and energy demand for one Mg of date fruit production were calculated as 697 and 1640 MJ, respectively. Carbon dioxide emission was also measured at 197 kg Mg–1. Moreover, cumulative exergy consumption illustrated that manure and diesel fuel consumption is high, though diesel fuel and N consumption are given the most cumulative energy demand. Renewability indicator, cumulative degree of perfection, and the recoverable exergy ratio value of the date fruit production process were calculated as 0.62, 2.68, and 4.32, respectively. The date's chemical exergy value was calculated to be 14.96 MJ kg–1. Dates have a high chemical exergy value because of their high carbohydrate content and low water content. As a result, crop chemical combinations have a direct impact on the production process. The total direct greenhouse gas emissions induced by the inputs consumption were 310.02 kg Mg–1. Emissions to air, soil, and water were 308.76, 5.60 × 10−1 and 6.96 × 10−1 kg Mg–1. In general, date production in Khuzestan province is partially renewable. Core Ideas: The renewability indicator and recoverable exergy ratio values of date production were calculated as 0.6 and 4.3.Crop chemical combinations have a direct impact on the date production process.The total direct greenhouse gas emissions induced by the inputs consumption were 310.02 kg Mg−1.Emissions to air, soil and water were 308.76, 5.60 × 10−1 and 6.96 × 10−1 kg Mg−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the efficacies of almond and date fruits on redox imbalance and enzymes relevant to the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. The total polyphenol contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and vitamin C content were determined spectrophotometrically. Phenolic and amino acid compositions were quantified using HPLC; meanwhile, the antioxidant activities were determined using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and metal chelation. Also, the effect of almond and date extract on advanced glycated end‐products (AGEs) formation, arginase, and phosphodiesterase‐5 activities was evaluated in vitro. Thereafter, the influence of almond and date supplemented diets on copulatory behaviors in normal rats was assessed, followed by arginase and phosphodiesterase‐5 activities determination in vivo. The results revealed that date and almond extracts exerted antioxidant properties, prevented AGEs formation in vitro, and inhibited arginase and phosphodiesterase‐5 activities in vitro and in vivo. Besides, almond and date supplemented diets significantly enhance sexual behaviors in normal rats when compared with the control. Among the active compounds identified were gallic acid, ellagic acid, quercetin, and rutin. All the 20 basic amino acids were identified. Given the aforementioned, date and almond could represent a reliable source of functional foods highly rich in compounds with antioxidant activity, and arginase and PDE‐5 inhibitory properties. Practical applications: Fruits are essential part of the human diet that furnish the body with important nutrients. Despite the crucial roles of fruits in human diets, some fruits like almond and date are underutilized among Nigerians. However, we characterized the important compounds present in these fruits and how their presence contributes to the biological activities of the fruits. Finally, we relate the chemical composition and the observed biological activities to the overall health and wellness of the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sun‐drying has proven to be the most sustainable technique for preserving food and agricultural products. However, conventional sun‐drying has limited drying capacity and can lead to significant losses in product quality. Greenhouse and indirect solar drying are advanced drying methods with improved product quality. In this article, the natural convection greenhouse dryer and natural convection indirect solar dryer were developed to study date palm fruits' drying characteristics (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in terms of moisture ratio and convective heat transfer coefficients. At the same time, the thermal performance of drying units was examined in terms of energy efficiency. The greenhouse dryer's higher convective heat transfer coefficient reduced drying time, and the indirect solar dryer's energy efficiency was obtained. The experimental data were fitted in various drying models, of which the Lewis model was found to be best fitted. The experimental errors were analyzed in terms of percent uncertainties. The drying costs of dried date palm fruits under greenhouse dryer and indirect solar dryer were found to be INR ₹ 22.37/kg (US$ 0.30/kg) and INR ₹ 30.14/kg (US$ 0.40/kg), respectively. Drying units could be a sustainable way of product drying, particularly in the rural areas where advanced drying mechanisms are still unavailable (1 USD = 74.8 INR as on 03 Feb, 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming has significantly altered the phenology of plants in recent decades. However, in contrast to the widely reported warming‐induced extension of vegetative growing season, the response of fruit development period (FDP) from flowering to fruiting remains largely unexplored, particularly for woody plants. Analyzing >560,000 in situ observations of both flowering and fruiting dates for six temperate woody species across 2958 European phenological observations sites during 1980–2013, we found that in all species both flowering and fruiting phenology, that is, the FDP, advanced with climate warming. However, the advancing rates of the two events were not necessarily equal for any given species, resulting in divergent changes in the length of FDP among species with climate warming. During 1980–2013, not only the temperature during FDP but also the forcing requirement for fruit development increased, both affecting the length of FDP. The shortened FDP was mainly due to elevated temperature, thus accelerating the accumulation of forcing, whereas the prolonged FDP was primarily caused by the substantial increase of the forcing requirement of fruiting, which could be fulfilled only in a longer time and thus slowed down the advance of fruiting. This study provides large‐scale empirical evidence of warming‐induced advances of FDP but divergent changes in its length in temperate woody species. Our findings demonstrate the contrasting reproductive phenological strategies among temperate woody species under the pressure of warming climate, contrary to the lengthening of vegetative growing season, which is by and largely similar with different woody species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of unpollinated Barhi date fruit (UBDF) (at khalal maturity stage) pulp and its effect as fiber source or fat replacer on the quality characteristics of camel meat burgers were investigated. The UBDF was characterized by high total carbohydrate, fiber, and mineral contents. It contains substantial amounts of fiber (19.60%) and low-fat content. Prepared UBDF pulp was added to camel meat burger as a fiber source at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 15% instead of camel meat and as a fat replacer at 50, 75, and 100% instead of camel-back fat during manufacturing of camel meat burgers. Chemical composition, mineral content, instrumental color, cooking characteristics, and organoleptic properties were evaluated. Results indicated that adding UBDF as fiber source significantly reduced moisture and protein contents and increased total carbohydrates, including fiber content. In camel meat burgers, K and Ca significantly increased in UBDF level-dependent manure. Adding UBDF as a fat replacer significantly increased moisture and total carbohydrate contents, while a significant reduction in fat content has been remarked. Increasing the levels of UBDF pulp as either fiber source or fat replacer in camel burgers improved (p < 0.05) shrinkage, cooking loss, and cooking yield in roasted camel burger level-dependent manure. The incorporation of UBDF pulp in camel burgers increased the lightness ( L ∗ ) values and decreased the redness ( a ∗ ) and yellowness ( b ∗ ) significantly. The formulated camel burgers with different UBDF pulp levels revealed better organoleptic characteristics than normal camel meat burgers. Interestingly, adding UBDF as fiber source at 7.5-15% presented overall acceptability of more than 90% compared to the control sample of 81.7%. In the same context, adding UBDF as a fat replacer at 100% replacing the level of added fats scored overall acceptability of more than 93.60% compared to the control sample of 67.4%. Generally, according to the results of this study, it could be concluded that UBDF pulp could be used as a functional additive to produce high-fiber and/or low-fat camel meat burgers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Somatic mutations may alter important traits in tree fruits, such as fruit color, size and maturation date. Autumn Gala (AGala), a somatic mutation from apple cultivar Gala, matures 4 weeks later than Gala. To understand the mechanisms underlying the delayed maturation, RNA‐seq analyses were conducted with fruit sampled at 13 (Gala) and 16 (AGala) time‐points during their growth and development. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) of 23 372 differentially expressed genes resulted in 25 WGCNA modules. Of these, modules 1 (r = −0.98, P = 2E‐21) and 2 (r = −0.52, P = 0.004), which were suppressed in AGala, were correlated with fruit maturation date. Surprisingly, 77 of the 152 member genes in module 1 were harbored in a 2.8‐Mb genomic region on chromosome 6 that was deleted and replaced by a 10.7‐kb gypsy‐like retrotransposon (Gy‐36) from chromosome 7 in AGala. Among the 77 member genes, MdACT7 was the most suppressed (by 10.5‐fold) in AGala due to a disruptive 2.5‐kb insertion in coding sequence. Moreover, MdACT7 is the exclusive apple counterpart of ArabidopsisACT7 known of essential roles in plant development, and the functional allele MdACT7, which was lost to the deletion in AGala, was associated with early fruit maturation in 268 apple accessions. Overexpressing alleles MdACT7 and Mdact7 in an Arabidopsis act7 line showed that MdACT7 largely rescued its stunted growth and delayed initial flowering while Mdact7 did not. Therefore, the 2.8‐Mb hemizygous deletion is largely genetically causal for fruit maturation delay in AGala, and the total loss of MdACT7 might have contributed to the phenotype. Significance Statement: Fruit maturation date is a developmental trait of great horticultural importance. However, the trait remains poorly understood in apple. By sequencing the fruit mRNA of Gala and its somatic mutant, Autumn Gala (AGala), we revealed that a large deletion that occurred concurrently with a retrotransposon insertion is the primary genetic cause for fruit maturation delay in AGala. We also provide evidence that MdACT7, an actin encoding gene, is likely an important factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From the past decade, consumption of ready‐to‐eat food and ease of access to fast food increased the onset of several diseases. Thus, there is a need to shift the trend from consumption of unhealthy food item to natural and healthy alternatives. In this context, fruits can be considered as functional food, which have ability to provide essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. These compounds when consume in adequate amount would have the potential to lower the onset of diseases. In this regard, Phoenix dactylifera or date fruit is an important source of functional carbohydrates and bioactive compounds for their use as functional foods. The major functional carbohydrate in date fruit are in the form of dietary fiber, such as β‐glucan, cellulose and fructans along with other bioactive compounds. Additionally, it is also a good source of other important nutrients such as sugars, minerals, along with minor quantities of proteins and lipids. Due to these functional compounds, date fruit have shown a wide range of pharmaceutical properties such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐diabetic, hepatoprotective and anticancer. This review provides latest information regarding functional and nutraceutical carbohydrates of date fruits along‐with mechanism of action on different diseases reported in recent years. Practical applications: This will provide information to food industries for the development of innovative food products by using date fruit. Moreover, bioactive components from date fruit may prove to enhance global health and wellness. However, further research is needed on clinical trials for the development of functional food products by using date fruit for functional foods and pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to global warming, the risk of aflatoxins exposure through the consumption of contaminated food has increased. Aflatoxins pose serious health hazards to humans' and animals' health because of their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic properties and their immunosuppressive effects. Aflatoxin contamination in various agricultural commodities has attracted much attention worldwide. Date palm fruits are among these important commodities that are vulnerable to fungal contamination and consequent aflatoxins production. Furthermore, dates are often consumed directly without any further processing, which may result in direct exposure to aflatoxins. Moreover, dates are the second dried fruits traded worldwide, which reflects the widespread consumption of dates due to their nutritive values in addition to religious and cultural values. Accordingly, this review summarizes and discusses the frequency and incidence of aflatoxin contamination in dates worldwide and outlines the analytical procedure for aflatoxin determination in dates for the first time. The susceptibility of date palm fruits to aflatoxins contamination has been documented at various levels in several regions. The findings urged the importance of conducting more comprehensive studies on aflatoxin occurrence and contamination levels in dates as a likely contributor to the dietary exposure to aflatoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date paste is an intermediate food product from date palm fruit containing valuable nutrients having a great potential as sugar substitute or filler in various food formulations. The study aimed to investigate the physicochemical, rheological, tribological, structural, and thermal characteristics of date paste prepared from five cultivars of date palm (Aseel, Muzawati, Dhakki, Rabai, and Karbalain). Dynamic rheological analysis demonstrated viscoelastic nature of all samples. The elastic modulus (G′) was higher than viscous modulus (G″) for all samples, indicating gel‐like nature. All samples showed the typical Stribeck tribological curves, wherein the friction coefficient in the boundary regime in Dhakki, Muzawati, and Rabai pastes were higher than Karbalain and Aseel samples. The friction coefficient was reduced at mixed regime, enhancing lubrication by prevention of surface contact. Endothermic peaks were observed for all samples wherein peak temperature ranged between 138.49 and 154.13°C. The microstructure properties of date paste samples were similar except Muzawati paste. Practical applications: Recently, there has been a renewed interest in the date palm fruit in order to make better use of off‐grade fruit as a component in various food preparations such as health foods, baking products, and confectionery. Date paste (processing waste) can be used as alternative to sugar for making several food recipes like cakes, desserts, sweets, biscuits, soups, sauces, and so on. Date paste can also be used in salad dressing to add a distinctive sweet taste. Spread date paste simply on toast or swirl it into morning oatmeal or consume it individually in breakfast to gain more energy during the whole day. It is a preferred ingredient for different diets, such as vegan and paleo diets. The current study describes comprehensive information regarding the rheological behavior, textural, tribological, and phytochemical nature of date fruit paste of top commercial cultivars of date palm from Pakistan. The obtained data may provide a general guideline when considering the use of date paste from different cultivars in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the physicochemical, color and sensory attributes of wines produced from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces while substituting granulated sugar with Phoenix dactylifera fruit extracts in the ratio 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. The sample mixture was subjected to fermentation at 28 ± 2℃ for 8 days to produce the fermented must which was divided into two portions, with one portion clarified to age for a period of 6 weeks while the other remained un-clarified. Result showed that both clarification and inclusion rate of date fruit extract led to significant differences (p < .05) in the physicochemical, color and sensory characteristics of aged wines. However, panelists affirmed that clarified aged wine from 75% Roselle calyces and 25% date palm fruit extracts were the most preferred. Thus, date fruit extracts could serve as a substitute for granulated sugar for the production of good quality Roselle wine in the food industry. Practical applications There is strong interest in the food industry to produce good quality wines from tropical fruits and vegetables like Roselle calyces. Recent development has established that addition of date fruit extracts to Roselle calyces as a substitute to granulated sugar would enhance commercial production of low alcoholic wine with good quality characteristics that possesses several highly health promoting factors such as antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-hyperlidimic activity and hepatoprotective activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study, it is aimed to determine whether the harvest can be delayed with the application of MeJA in sweet cherry fruits. For this purpose, some of the fruits were collected on the estimated harvest date, while some were kept on the tree for an extra week. Delayed harvest caused a significant increase in fruit mass of control and MeJA treatment performed 1 week before the estimated harvest. On the other hand, in MeJA treatments made 2 or 3 weeks before estimated harvest, there were no significant differences between harvest dates in terms of fruit mass. Fruit firmness showed a significant decrease because of delayed harvest in both control and MeJA treatments. Firmness measured in late harvested fruits was lower in MeJA treatments compared to the control. Control fruits had higher cracking index than fruits treated with MeJA at normal harvest and delayed harvest date. Delaying harvest resulted in increases in vitamin total phenolics, total flavonoids, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity of fruits in both control and MeJA treatments. In the study, the effect of MeJA applications on the change in fruit quality characteristics during storage was also investigated. Compared to the control, MeJA treatments reduced weight loss and respiration rate during storage. The total phenolics, total flavonoids, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activities measured during the storage period were also found to be higher in MeJA applications compared to the control. Practical applications: The study provides knowledge on the cold storage of sweet cherry. It presents the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) sprayed on trees in different regimes before harvest on the quality characteristics and bioactive compounds of sweet cherry during harvest and cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blast furnace slag functionalized with sulfamic acid (zwitterion) shows an extraordinary potential for the removal of biogenic amines from spiked water and real wastewater samples. The functionalized slag is characterized using scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and acid site density test. Its performance toward the removal of selected biogenic amines (putrescine, tyramine, and 2‐phenylethylamine) is evaluated at different experimental conditions that include pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration. The central composite experimental design is employed in investigating the effect of these individual factors and their interactions. The adsorption experiment results fit both the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model based on the computed high coefficient of determination (R2) values. Maximum adsorption capacity values of 80.64 mg g−1 for 2‐phenylethylamine, 12.5 mg g−1 for putrescine, and 64.52 mg g−1 for tyramine are estimated from the Langmuir isotherm model. Hydrogen bonding interaction between the S═O groups of the functionalized slag and protonated amino groups of biogenic amines is speculated as the possible mechanism of adsorption. The prepared functionalized slag also exhibits good adsorptive removal of biogenic amines in a date palm fruit processing industrial wastewater sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black mould, caused by Aspergillus niger, is the main fungal disease affecting date fruits. Symptoms develop inside the fruit, at the inner space between the pulp and the seed. This study focuses on the aetiology of black mould disease in Medjoul fruit. We followed symptom appearance naturally and after artificial A. niger inoculation at different development and maturity stages. Symptoms developed in only a short period during early fruit ripening. However, fruits were commonly colonized at earlier stages of development. Artificial inoculation of flowers and setting fruitlets increased the level of fruit colonization, while fungicide spraying at these stages decreased colonization. Several weeks following flower inoculation by A. niger, mycelium could be detected on degenerating stigmas and carpels as well as between the fruit and the calyx. Following inoculation with an A. niger strain expressing green fluorescent protein (A. nigerGFP), the pathogen was detected on stigmas of setting fruitlets but not within the stigmatic tissue or the transmitting tract of the carpel. The A. nigerGFP strain was detected during fruit development below the base of the large fruitlets and above the calyx surrounding the vascular bundle leading into the fruit. The results suggest that A. niger can infect and colonize flowers and setting fruitlets, grows on the degenerating carpels, and remains latent at a protected site at the base of the fruit until ripening. It then induces the typical black mould symptoms. The significance of these results for developing means to cope with the disease is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Date fruit is an excellent source of nutritional and health benefits. The chemical composition of dates includes carbohydrates, dietary fibre, proteins, fats, minerals and vitamins, enzymes, phenolic acid and carotenoids, all of which are directly linked to nutritional and health benefits for consumers. A number of studies have also confirmed the therapeutic effects of dates and their efficacy in the treatment of many disease conditions. As a result, a number of food products such as date syrup, date juice and date paste have been developed in order to harness the nutritional potential of dates. Adequate sources of nutrition are important for all consumers, especially for active lifestyle individuals such as athletes and sportspeople. As the goal of every athlete is to enhance athletic performance and prevent energy deficit, the use of dietary supplements has been highly recommended as a solution in this regard. For example, nutrition bars are one source of high energy and nutrients that can provide the required energy for enhanced athletic performance, and date fruits could be valorised into nutrition bars in order to help athletes to achieve their performance and nutritional goals. In this paper, we review the chemical composition and health benefits of date fruit, its food application and consequently its formulation in nutrition bars for athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) are rich in nutritional compounds, particularly in sugars. Sugars offer anaerobic fermentation, used for bioethanol production. Recently, researchers and industrialists finding ways to produce low‐cost bioethanol on large scale using agricultural wastes. Date palm residual is the largest agricultural waste in Pakistan, which can be the cheapest source for bioethanol production, whereas the current study was designed to explore the possible utilization and the potential of date palm waste for bioethanol production through Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown in yeast extract, Bacto peptone, and d‐glucose medium. The fermentation process resulted in the production of 15% (v/v) ethanol under the optimum condition of an incubation period of 72 hr and three sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) were found in date waste. The functional group of ethanol (C2H5OH) was also found via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Therefore, S. cerevisiae could be recommended for ethanol production due to short fermentation time at 25% inoculum in 30°C and reduced the processing cost. Common date varieties of low market value are a preferred substrate for the process of producing industrial ethanol. Additionally, proximate analysis of date fruit by near‐infrared spectroscopy revealed moisture contents (16.84%), crude protein (0.3%), ash (9.8%), crude fat (2.6%), and neutral detergent fibers (13.4%). So, date fruit contains various nutrients for microbial growth for ethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medjool date fruit is one of the new varieties to be grown in Egypt. An air‐blast freezing system was used to investigate the effect of the freezing rate (FR) at three different setting freezing temperatures (−20, −25, and −30°C) on quality parameters of Medjool. The overall FR at the three forenamed setting temperatures were determined to be 2.61, 3.51, and 4.35°C min−1, respectively. A texture profile analysis (TPA) test was conducted on fresh and thawed fruits for determining the mechanical properties of fruits, as affected by FRs. Hardness, Gumminess, and Chewiness were significantly influenced by FRs. The least effect was found at the highest FR. Adhesiveness, Cohesiveness, and Springiness index were not significantly affected by FRs. The effect of FR on color, total soluble solids (TSS), and electrolyte leakage (EL) was also investigated. The highest FR was the most conserving rate to color, TSS, and EL. Practical applications: Freezing time and FR data are essential in designing the freezing systems. Clarifying the effect of FR on the Medjool dates quality is important for the operators of the date freezing systems. Applying the proper freezing conditions depends on the targeted fruit quality after freezing and the consuming purpose (fresh table or processing). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child malnutrition is one of the biggest problems in developing countries with higher level of food insecurity. Pakistan is 5th largest producer of date fruit; therefore, its processing and products should be explored in various dimensions. Being rich source of minerals and sugars, it can contribute in weaning foods in a good manner. In current study, three blends were prepared with specific proportions of spray‐dried date powder and rich in specific proportions. They were compared with each other and control (free of date powder). The nutritional profile of the formulations revealed that 100 g of each formulation included all macronutrients in compliance with the requirements of Food and Agriculture Organization for weaning formulations; moreover, they are enriched with minerals due to presence of date powder. The iron contents reached up to 12.74 ± 0.16 mg/100 g. The phosphorus, zinc, and potassium contents also increased with the increase in date powder subsequently. Physicochemical properties exhibited in compliance with the requirement of the weaning foods. The protein quality was assessed both in vivo and in vitro. Amino acid profiling indicated that the limiting amino acid in F1 and control were lysine but in F2 and F3 were threonine. This is suggested that date powder might contain good quality protein that was further explained in biological studies, the formulations that contained higher amount of date powder reveled better PDCAAS score 86.76 ± 4.5, true digestibility 84 ± 4.36, biological value 69.45 ± 0.69, net protein utilization 73.82 ± 1.46, and protein efficiency score 1.18 ± 0.07. The sensory evaluation revealed that F2 showed better result in overall acceptability. Thus, date powder is suggested to be used as good constituent that can fortify mineral contents and sugar contents of the weaning foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm counts among the oldest fruit crops of the world and is mainly cultivated for its highly nutritious fruits consumed as a staple food in many countries, especially in the Gulf region. Dates are enriched with numerous therapeutic bioactives and functional compounds such as phenolics, flavonols, carotenoids, minerals, and vitamins that not only provide an appreciable amount of energy required for the human body but also act as an effective therapeutic agent against several diseases. This review aimed to provide a deep insight into the nutritional as well as phytochemicals profile of date fruit and its seeds in order to explore their biological (anti‐cancer, anti‐diabetic, cardio‐protective, anti‐inflammatory properties), functional food, and nutra‐pharmaceutical attributes. Practical applications: This review provides updated information regarding the date fruits and seeds phytochemicals composition together with highlighting dates potential as a natural therapeutic agent against several diseases. The study also urges the importance of consuming dates as a great package to live a healthy life due to the functional food and nutraceutical properties of this valuable fruit. The study also provides information first time as recommending dates to cope with the hidden hunger or micronutrient deficiency faced by the third world inhabitants. Hence, the review may further help the industry and researchers to explore the potential of dates for future medicinal and nutra‐pharmaceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit of date palm trees are an important part of the diet for a large portion of the Middle East and North Africa. The fruit is consumed both fresh and dry and can be stored dry for extended periods of time. Date fruits vary significantly across hundreds of cultivars identified in the main regions of cultivation. Most dried date fruit are low in sucrose but high in glucose and fructose. However, high sucrose content is a distinctive feature of some date fruit and affects flavor as well as texture and water retention. To identify the genes controlling high sucrose content, we analyzed date fruit metabolomics for association with genotype data from 120 date fruits. We found significant association of dried date sucrose content and a genomic region that contains 3 tandem copies of the beta‐fructofuranosidase (invertase) gene in the reference Khalas genome, a low‐sucrose fruit. High‐sucrose cultivars including the popular Deglet Noor had a homozygous deletion of two of the 3 copies of the invertase gene. We show the deletion allele is derived when compared to the ancestral allele that retains all copies of the gene in 3 other species of Phoenix. The fact that 2 of the 3 tandem invertase copies are associated with dry fruit sucrose content will assist in better understanding the distinct roles of multiple date palm invertases in plant physiology. Identification of the recessive alleles associated with end‐point sucrose content in date fruit may be used in selective breeding in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant activity values and total phenol contents of date flesh samples changed between 6.61 (Osailah)–10.72% (Rothanh Qassim) and 50.64 (Osailah)–98.61 mgGAE/100 g (Rothanh Qassim), respectively. Hence cultivars showed significant (p ˂.05) variations. Among phenolic compounds, gallic acid contents of date flesh varied between 1.61 (Sbakah) and 11.23 mg/100 g (Rushudiah), 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid between 0.30 (Rushudiah) and 2.68 mg/100 g (Rothanh Qassim), and (+)‐catechin between 0.29 (Osailah) and 2.98 mg/100 g (Nabtat Ali). Fatty acid composition of date flesh showed palmitic acid changing from 12.77 (Osailah) to 16.04% (Rothans Qassim), elaidic acid from 39.21 (Osailah) to 67.99% (Sbakah), and linoleic acid from 11.61 (Sbakah) to 18.95% (Osailah). Crude protein contents of date flesh samples were between 2.06 (Nabtat Ali) and 16.67% (Osailah). Ca, K, Mg, and P were the major elements in date fruits. Ca, K, and P contents of date flesh samples were found between 10.90 (Sbakah)–237.18 mg/kg (Rushudiah), 54.17 (Rothanh Qassim)–214.66 mg/kg (Rushudiah), and 8.24 (Nabtat Ali)‐26.77 mg/kg (Rushudiah), respectively. Practical applications: The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the mankind's oldest cultivated plants. The date derivatives are rich in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Date flesh has nutritive components as potentially active antioxidant phytochemicals. The date has been an important crop in the desert regions of Arabian countries. Dates are rich in certain nutrients and provide a good source of rapid energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Second‐grade dates can be valorized by its uses in the production of nutritive foods with health benefits. Date syrup (DS), date powder (DP), and their different concentrations, using D‐optimal mixture design, were used for the formulation of dairy desserts: syrup dairy dessert (SDD) and mixture dairy dessert (MDD). The optimized mixture proportions of the best dairy dessert formulation, containing date syrup (14%) and powder (2%) as a sugar substitute (0%), were determined to achieve the desired sensory for the effective formulation process. Significant differences in water, protein, fat, and sugar contents were found between SDD, MDD, and commercial dairy dessert (CDD) used as standard, respectively. SDD exhibited the highest total phenolic content (0.65 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g), DPPH inhibition (4.00 ± 0.82%), and reducing power (2.75 ± 0.10%) followed by MDD and CDD. The absence of germs indicated a high microbiological quality of dairy desserts. Rheological measurements revealed that all samples exhibited a weak gel structure and shear thinning behavior. Desserts supplemented with dates led to desserts with an homogeneous structure. Practical applications: The evolution of technological processes, conservation techniques, and distribution has led to the development of a wide range of "milks for consumption". The success of these fresh dairy desserts is explained by their beneficial effect on health and organoleptic properties that are appreciated by the consumers. The most delicate in the production of dairy dessert is the development of a "formulation" with the choice of ingredients, and their respective proportion; the amount of sugar, aroma, taste, and color. Phoenix dactylifera L. have a vital therapeutic properties, it represents an inexhaustible source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. So the objective of the present study is to formulate new dairy desserts with date syrup and powder (by‐products from common date fruits) as a sweetener‐ingredient in order to substitute sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pomegranate butterfly Deudorix (=Virachola) livia Klug 1834 (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) was encountered for the first time infesting dates (Phoenix dactylifera, variety Deglet Nour) in the oasis of Gafsa, Southern Tunisia in September 2011. Larvae of D. livia only caused damage on date fruits at the phenological stages kimiri (green fruits) and khalal (yellow fruits). The average infestation rate of dates was 10%. In addition, 7.1% of the infested fruits dropped to the ground. Damage caused by this insect on dates is described, the current situation in Tunisia is provided and possible control methods in Tunisia are briefly discussed. Although this pest has previously been reported in Tunisia on pomegranate this is the first report of D. livia on dates in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Contamination of date fruit with mycotoxigenic fungi is a hazardous threat. The present study investigated the effectiveness of natural derivatives for controlling this. Chitosan (Cts) was produced from Aspergillus niger mycelia and characterized and then nanochitosan (NCt) particles were synthesized from fungal Cts. Edible‐coating films were formulated based on Cts, NCt, pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and their composites and these were evaluated as antifungal materials against mycotoxigenic fungi, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus and Fusarium moniliforme. RESULTS: The Cts produced had 88.7% deacetylation, a molecular weight of 24.5 kDa and 98% solubility in diluted acetic acid, whereas the particle diameters of synthesized NCts ranged from 35 to 65 nm. The inhibition zone assay emphasized the antifungal effectiveness of the entire coating films. The most effective agent for preparing edible film was the blend of NCt + PPE followed by Cts + PPE based films. The practical application of antifungal films for date decontamination with respect to mycotoxigenic fungi demonstrates that the films were very effective for controlling the entire fungal strain and preventing growth on the fruits. CONCLUSION: The NCt + PPE and Cts + PPE based films were found to be the most effective because they could completely eliminate the growth of any fungal spore on date fruit after 48 h from the coating experiment. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of two different drying methods, that is, spray drying and oven drying on physicochemical and nutritional attributes of date flesh powder of dhakki, aseel, and rabi varieties. Date powders were prepared using mixture of maltodextrin and acacia gum (50:50) as drying aid at the rate of 0.4 kg per 1.0 kg of date fruits (dry weight basis). The oven‐drying conditions were 60°C for 48 hr, whereas in spray drying, flow rate of 30 ml/min at 150°C was maintained. Date powder was obtained in both treatments from three varieties. Nutritional profile in all six powders was explored specifically with quantification of sugars using HPLC‐RI, followed by physicochemical characterization. The total phenolic compounds, color (L*a*b* values), hygroscopicity, bulk density, wettability, solubility index, and glass transition temperatures (using differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), were determined for the date powders. The nutritional profile and total phenolic contents and sugars (sucrose, fructose, and glucose) were significantly different for the varieties, while treatments showed insignificant effect. The physicochemical characteristics of date powder varied significantly with respect to the date varieties. The colored values were affected due to treatments also, and the spray‐dried powders showed better color values. The drying methods also showed effects in some parameters such as wettability time. Similarly, bulk density was different in both treatments for rabi and aseel. The glass transition temperatures were significantly varied in varieties due to difference in sugar contents, but within the treatments, they remain unaffected. The highest glass transition temperature of spray‐dried rabi was 53.2 ± 1.31°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Insect infestation caused by Ectomyelois ceratoniae or carob moth is one of the main postharvest problems that can lead to a decrease of the marketable quality of dates. The control of carob moth is a mandatory process for exported fruits, and the main chemical method used to prevent pest diseases of palm date is treatment with methyl bromide. However, its use is being restricted due to direct harmful effects on the environment and indirect effects on humans. Freezing treatments could be physical alternatives to methyl bromide and other chemicals. Three freezing treatments at −18°C (50 h, 77 h, and 125 h) were studied for E. ceratoniae mortality in Deglet Noor date fruits. Results. The results showed that freezing at −18°C led to 100% mortality of all the stages of E. ceratoniae found in naturally infested dates. Fruit quality was examined under a selected sanitizing freezing treatment (50 hours at −18°C). This freezing treatment induced an increase of monosaccharides and a reduction in antioxidant activity (40 to 45%, measured with FRAP and DPPH assays). However, other parameters such as color, amino acids, total phenolic content, and microbial and sensorial quality were not affected by that treatment. All samples remained above the limit of marketability as there was no chilling injury. Conclusion. This treatment can be recommended as a green alternative to chemical treatments to control carob moth while yielding optimum-quality Deglet Noor date fruits that could be exported to developed countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzes the effect of voluntary food labeling, with focus on genetically modified organisms (GMO), pesticide usage, and region of origin. We focus on Medjool dates because though U.S. production of this crop has rapidly grown in recent years, no research exists related to consumers' preferences and WTP for this crop. We conducted online choice experiments with a sample of over 1,400 consumers from the U.S. to determine WTP for production and region of origin labeling accounting for simultaneous versus individual labeling. Results indicate consumers prefer dates grown in Arizona over dates not labeled for region of origin. Also, pesticide‐free and GMO‐free dates are preferred, with pesticide‐free having a larger impact on choices. Furthermore, accounting for interactions between these two labels reveals that they can be considered subadditive in that labeling the product with both designations reduces WTP relative to "pesticide‐free" labeling only. [EconLit citations: M31, Q13] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the effect of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seed (DPS) extract at 0.5%, 1%, 2% and 4% as a dietary supplement over 60 days, on the growth and immune‐physiology of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings. The weight gain in fish fed with 0.5% DPS was significantly greater than other treatments and fish fed a control diet with no DPS (p < 0.05). With increasing DPS dosage above 0.5%, weight gain and growth rate gradually declined. Feed conversion ratio in fish fed 0.5% DPS was lower than other treatments, but not significantly so, except for the highest DPS concentration (4%). With respect to immunophysiological variables, fish treated with 0.5% DPS leucocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte and monocyte counts that were generally equivalent to fish on a control diet, but significantly lower than fish treated with greater concentrations of DPS (p < 0.05). Chemilumincene response and lysozyme activity, as well as levels of total protein and albumin, were higher in all treated groups than the control. The highest levels of iron and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were observed in fish fed with 0.5% DPS, while the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDH), thyrotropin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine were lower level in fish fed with 0.5% DPS than in all other treatments. In aquaculture practice, use of 0.5% DPS in commercial carp feed can improve the growth rate and condition of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The acid value of date seed oils were determined between 1.09 mg KOH/g (Taleese) and 1.44 mg KOH/g (Ghars). Iodine values of oil samples changed between 67.18 g I2/100 g (Allig) and 71.23 g I2/100 g (Deglet Nur) (p < .05). Oleic, linoleic, lauric, palmitic, myristic and stearic acids were the key fatty acids of date seed oils. Among fatty acids determined, oleic was the predominant fatty acid (39.7–49.7), followed by lauric (9.7–24.6%), myristic (7.3–12.8%), palmitic (7.8–14.2%), linoleic (6.2–17.3%) and stearic acids (1.3–4.9%) (p < .05). The predominant tocopherol was α‐tocotrienol (31.76–37.41 mg/100 g oil), followed by ɣ‐tocopherol (7.61–11.84 mg/100 g), ɣ‐tocotrienol (4.27–8.47 mg/100 g oil), δ‐tocopherol (1.13–2.81 mg/100 g), and β‐tocopherol (0.69–1.33 mg/100 g oil) (p < .05). While gallic acid contents of date seeds change between 2.43 (Boufgous) and 6.91 (Dore), syringic acid contents changed between 1.28 (Talees) and 4.86 (Adwi) (p < .05). In addition, catechin contents of date seeds changed between 2.86 (Dora) and 7.23 (Ghars). Practical applications: Date is an important plant in some countries. Date seed is a waste product of many date products such as pitted dates, date powders, date syrup, date juice, and date confectionery. The ground and roasted seeds are used as plain or mixed with coffee. In addition, date seeds are used for animal feed in the cattle, fish, sheep, camel, and poultry industries. Also, the date and their derivatives are rich in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Date seeds are a by‐product of date fruit industry and a rich source of polyphenols. In this study, in vitro bioaccessibility and colonic fermentation of major polyphenols from date seed powder (DSP) and DSP‐fortified yoghurt (DSPY) were investigated using HPLC. Catechin, epicatechin and procyanidin A2, B1 and B2 were stable during simulated gastric and sequential intestinal digestion. Bioaccessibility was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for all compounds from DSPY compared with DSP. After in vitro colonic fermentation of insoluble digestion materials, most of the target compounds were metabolised by faecal bacteria to ferulic acid, 3‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3‐phenylpropionic acid and 3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid. DSPY contained significantly (P < 0.05) higher level of free polyphenols as indicated by higher bioaccessibility; however, the stability of the polyphenols and their fermentation products from DSPY were similar to that of DSP alone. These data would be useful in product developments incorporating DSP as a source of polyphenols in food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Fermented foods produced using dates are used in Gulf countries as beneficial and healthful foods. The beneficial microbial flora in fermented dates contributes to maintaining the nutritional properties of dates by preventing the growth of spoilage fungi. Here, we examined the antifungal, probiotic, and antioxidant properties of the novel Lactobacillus strain D-3 isolated from fermented dates. RESULTS Analyzing the morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of this strain demonstrated that it was similar to Lactobacillus species, and molecular-level amplification of the 16S rRNA gene showed that it belonged to Lactobacillus paraplantarum. Under shake flask cultivation using date juice, the strain produced significant amounts of ethanol and lactic, succinic, and acetic acids. Purification of benzoic acid extracted from the extracellular fermentation medium was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared and mass spectral data revealed minimum inhibitory concentration values of 10, 20, 10, 5, and 10 mg mL−1 for Aspergillus fumigates, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum, Gibberella moniliformis, and Penicillium chrysogenum, respectively. The strain showed several advantages, including the ability to survive under conditions similar to the gastrointestinal tract (low pH, bile salts, and antimicrobial susceptibility) and high levels of extracellular enzyme activities. The strain's growth patterns under various concentrations of H2O2 and its scavenging properties towards hydroxyl radical (64.85%) and DPPH (84.97%) were also interesting properties. CONCLUSION The antifungal, probiotic, and antioxidant properties of L. paraplantarum D3 may provide health benefits to consumers. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new commercially available fungicide seed treatment, fluopyram, has potential for allowing producers to utilize optimal soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting dates while simultaneously reducing the impact of sudden death syndrome (SDS). A study was conducted in 2015 and 2016 at three locations throughout Wisconsin (Arlington, Hancock, and East Troy) to examine interactions between planting date and fluopyram seed treatment use on SDS symptom development and soybean seed yield. Three seed treatments: (i) non-treated (control); (ii) Ever-Gol Energy + clothianidin + Bacillus firmus (Poncho/VOTiVO, P/V [Bayer CropScience, Research Triangle Park, NC]); and (iii) EverGol Energy + clothianidin + Bacillus firmus + fluopyram (Poncho/VOTiVO/ILeVO [Bayer CropScience, Research Triangle Park, NC], P/V/I) were tested on two cultivars that differed in SDS susceptibility. Experiments at Arlington and Hancock were planted on three target planting dates (1 May, 20 May, and 10 June). In 2015, fluopyram use decreased disease index (DX) by 92% at East Troy and 82% at Hancock in the 1 May planting date. However, a 7% yield response (330 kg ha-1) from fluopyram use was observed only at the East Troy location in 2015 which had the highest level of foliar symptom development recorded in this study. In 2016, fluopyram use decreased DX at Arlington by 100% in the May planting dates while no visual difference among treatments was found in the June planting date. These results indicated fluopyram decreases SDS symptom development, but a positive yield response was only observed with high levels of SDS foliar symptom development associated with earlier planting dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to promote the artificial ripening of Algeria's dry Deglet-Nour dates commonly named Frezza, by successive treatments using hot water soaking and hot vapor steaming. The main objective of the study was to optimize the gain in mass during the proposed hydrothermal process using an experimental design method. Water uptake during rehydration has been optimized according to two complete factorial designs; the first 23 based on eight experiments and the second 22 of four experiments. The conducted experimental investigations showed a maximum of water gain by water soaking and a little part by steaming operation. Obtained and analyzed results led to optimal conditions defined by soaking in water at 30 °C during 8 h followed by hot vapor treatment in a confined chamber at 60 °C under 90% RH. Practical Applications Artificial ripening of Deglet-Nour dates, with different hydration techniques, is an industry practice known in Algeria since the 1950s, but under nonoptimized operating conditions. This paper presents a contribution to the optimization of the rehydration process of dates by water soaking and hot vapor steaming. The results of the study will be useful in the sense of ensuring an added value by enhancing the product quality. The obtained results also permit to minimize the necessary energetic consumption for steam production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel chocolate spreads were enriched by soluble and insoluble dietary fibers from Tunisian Deglet Nour date seeds at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% levels in the conventional chocolate spread. Defatted Deglet Nour date seeds, date seed soluble fiber concentrate (DSSFC) and date seed insoluble fiber concentrate (DSIFC) were characterized by high levels of dietary fibers (80-90%). Chocolate spread enriched with 5% of DSSFC presented the highest oil binding capacity (304.62%) compared to the control (102%). Whatever the DSIFC and DSSFC incorporation levels, no significant difference was recorded between the firmness, chewiness, and adhesiveness of prepared chocolate spreads compared to the control ( p < .05). Sensory evaluation revealed that all prepared chocolate spreads enriched by DSIFC and DSSFC were accepted by panelists. These results indicated the value of date seeds as new source of dietary fibers to develop chocolate spread and could also improve health benefits and functional properties. Paractical application Tunisia is considered to be one of the dates-producing countries. The mean annual yield of date fruits is about 200,000 tons. From this, around 20,000 tons of date seeds could be collected. This by-product of date processing industries could be regarded as an excellent source of dietary fiber with interesting technological functionality and many beneficial effects on human health. Then, date seeds could present a value addition by extraction and use of date seed fiber concentrate in chocolate spread formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, water sorption isotherm for date powder of Istameran variety was obtained using static gravimetric method. Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer model was adequately fitted to the whole range of water activities and the model parameters were estimated within a reasonable range. The monolayer moisture contents for Brunauer, Emmett and Teller model and Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer model were obtained to be 3.97 and 0.147 gwater/gdry solids, respectively. The modeling procedure for predicting Tg was performed using various model systems including water as well as fructose and glucose as the major sugars found in Istameran. Brostow et al.'s model based on WFG with an even ratio of glucose and fructose showed the best prediction. Moreover, for modeling Tg as a function of Aw, Roos model indicated an acceptable fitting. By increasing the water mass fraction from 0.006 to 0.214, Tg of the samples decreased linearly from 21.5 to −65.7 C. The use of the multicomponent mixtures and modeling procedure held a rational approach for theoretical determination of Tg of date powder as a function of water mass fraction as well as Aw. Practical Applications The present study would be economically advantageous as it explains water sorption isotherm and various model systems for predicting and modeling glass transition temperature for Istameran date powder as one of the most important commercial date varieties. The powder is produced from secondary quality dates. The results are applicable by date powder producing industries during processing and storage for controlling the stickiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm is a popular and high-revenue crop, and the consumption of date fruits is no longer limited to the Middle Eastern countries. Date fruit has gained interest due to its nutritional value and taste, and date seeds have recently been identified as sources of valuable bioactive ingredients. Australia has excellent agronomic conditions for cultivating date palm, and the value of this crop has been identified by the Australian government and private sectors. However, more work needs to be done to raise awareness of this industry among potential investors and researchers in order to develop a sustainable date palm industry in Australia. Several date varieties have been successfully grown at a small scale in Central and Southern Australia. Medjool and Barhee have been among the most recommended varieties due to their high market potential in domestic and international markets. Date seeds have also been recognized as a source of valuable functional ingredients including dietary fiber and natural antioxidants. Date seed extracts have shown very good bioactive properties potentially useful in treating some neurodegenerative diseases, and possibly cancer. The utilization of date seeds, which is an abundant by-product of date processing, could improve profitability and financial security of this industry. This review discusses the emergence of the date fruit and seed industry in Australia and its associated benefits to farmers and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berhi date palm fruits were harvested at the khalal stage, coated with different edible materials: pea starch ( PS), zein protein ( ZP), pea starch + carnauba wax ( PS + CW) and zein protein + carnauba wax ( ZP + CW) and stored at 3 or 25 °C for 21 days. Different fruit maturity indicators (colour, firmness, total soluble solids, moisture and tannins) and fungal numbers were monitored during storage. PS and ZP coatings at 3 °C were the most effective in retarding fruit maturation by extending the khalal stage from 7 to >14 days. They were less effective at 25 °C, where the khalal stage was extended only ≤7 days. PS + CW and ZP + CW coatings prevented sample moisture loss, but they accelerated degradation of simple sugars at 25 °C, and this indicated a shift to anaerobic fruit respiration. The PS + CW and ZP + CW coatings, particularly at 3 °C, were the most effective in preventing fungal growth, whereas the PS coating promoted fungal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]