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Blueberries have a high commercial value on the international market but deteriorate rapidly after harvest, which is caused by high temperature and humidity. In the present work, the effects of high CO2 (25%) were evaluated at 0 °C for 35 days on the quality and Antioxidant capacity (AC) of blueberries (Vaccinium spp.). The results indicated that 25% CO2 treatment significantly delayed the respiration rate and preserved the aroma compounds. Meanwhile, the levels of aldehydes and limonene were enhanced, but esters and ethanol contents were decreased by 25% CO2-treated. In addition, the activity of the enzymes (Peroxidase (POD), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD)) was promoted, while 25% CO2-treated inhibited Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. Simutanously, 25% CO2 increased the accumulation of antioxidants (Total phenolic [TPC], flavonoid, Ascorbic acid [AsA] and Glutathione [GSH]), and the free radical-scavenging capacity (hydroxyl (·OH) and 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)) was also enhanced. This study showed that high CO2 could maintain the quality of blueberries by inhibiting respiration as well as maintaining the aroma and AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cherry production, the assimilate supply to the fruit is a crucial factor for growth and formation of quality parameters. The assimilate supply per fruit is limited by the relative growth capacity of trees, represented by the leaf area to fruit ratio (LA:F). In the present study, the required leaf area per fruit (LAdemand [cm2 fruit-1]) of two sweet cherry cultivars, 'Bellise' and 'Regina', was estimated in 2018 and 2019, based on measured and interpolated values of fruit growth and fruit respiration rates. LAdemand changed daily with an overall increase during fruit development, showing average values in stage III in 2018 and 2019 of 139 cm2 and 175 cm2 in 'Bellise', while 199 cm2 and 212 cm2 were found in 'Regina', respectively. Estimated LAdemand for both cultivars was compared with measurements in cherries grown on girdled branches. In both years, estimated values exceeded measured values. In both years, positive correlation between LA:F and fresh mass, soluble solids content, and coloration was observed. The data obtained can be applied to evaluate the tree’s crop load for precise management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of rain protective covering (RPC) together with Parka and gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) treatments on cracking rates and quality attributes of jujube fruits. RPC was mounted 5 weeks before the commercial harvest date. 1% Parka (containing 7.5% stearic acid, 5% cellulose and 1% calcium) and GA 3 (15 mg L −1 ) were sprayed to experimental trees 3 and 2 weeks before the commercial harvest date. As compared to the control, all treatments (Parka, GA 3 and GA 3 +Parka) yielded lower cracking rates. Cracking rates were also significantly lower in covered trees than in uncovered trees. However, GA 3 +Parka treated fruit had significantly lower cracking rates than both the control and the other treatments. GA 3 treated fruits had significantly higher weight, width, hue angle and firmness values, but significantly lower L* values than the control fruits. As compared to the control, all treatments yielded a significantly lower respiration rate and soluble solids content, but higher titratable acidity, vitamin C and total phenolics. The covered fruits had significantly higher hue angle, respiration rate, vitamin C, total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity (free radical scavenging activity on DPPH and FRAP) than the uncovered ones. It was concluded based on the present findings that rain-protective covering could be used as an efficient tool to reduce cracking rates in jujube fruits without any negative effects on the other quality attributes. It was also concluded that Parka and GA 3 treatments reduced cracking rates significantly and such a reduction was more remarkable with combined GA 3 +Parka treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pretreatment with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and the application of edible coatings (xanthan, sodium alginate or gellan) on the ripening rate, quality parameters and shelf life of pre-cut jackfruit. The jackfruit bulbs dipped in potassium sorbate/calcium chloride “PS/CC” (T 1 ) and PS/CC/1-MCP (T 2 ) showed a more rapid ripening and greater microbial growth at 7 and 12 days of storage. However, jackfruit bulbs with PS/CC/1-MCP and covered with xanthan, sodium alginate or gellan (T 3 , T 4 , and T 5 , respectively), showed a decrease in the ripening rate; thus weight loss and respiration rate were lower and the higher quality values as colour (°Hue), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA) as well as pH were achieved until 12 days of storage. Firmness values were higher in bulbs under T 3 , T 4 , and T 5 compared to bulbs under T 1 and T 2 . Microbial growth was delayed until the 12th day of storage in jackfruit bulbs with T 3 , T 4 , and T 5 . In general, manually peeled jackfruit stored at 5 °C and coated with 1-MCP/edible coatings, maintained the quality and sensory acceptability of fresh-cut jackfruit and with a longer shelf life than previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of short-term nitrogen (N2) treatment on fruit quality and respiratory enzymes of Yali pear (Pyrus bretschneideriRehd.) were investigated. Fruit were N2shocked by exposing them to N2for 48 h, and then stored at 0–1°C under ambient atmospheric gas concentrations for 4 months. Results showed that titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) contents in N2-shocked fruit were higher than those in control fruit. At the end of storage, the core browning rate in N2-shocked fruit was 29.9% lower compared to the control. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity was inhibited by N2-shock treatment during the first 90 days of storage. In addition, N2-shocked fruit had lower succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, while cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activity was induced to high levels compared to the control. N2-shock treatment may be applied as an alternative technology to extend the shelf life of Yali pear fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

There has been recent interest in pomegranate fruit production and research due to its high nutritional and health benefits. The increase in demand of the fruit necessitates the need to improve quality, storability and shelf life to meet consumers’ expectations of consistent supply of quality fruit. However, pomegranate fruit is susceptible to various postharvest quality problems including high weight loss, decay and susceptibility to physiological disorders such as chilling injury and husk scald. To improve fruit storability and shelf life, physical and chemical postharvest treatments have been applied. However, these treatments have varied effects on the external and internal quality attributes of fruit. This review therefore discusses the different postharvest treatments applied to enhance storage of pomegranate whole fruit and arils and highlights the effects of the treatments on the fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The changes in ripening parameters of ‘Spadona’ pears were monitored from 95 days after full bloom (DAFB) until the end of the harvest season in 2 orchards during 3 years, in an attempt to predict the timing of the pre-climacteric minimum (PCM), as a tool for determining the optimum harvest maturity for extended controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. A model based on the pre-harvest rates of changes of fruit weight, firmness, starch degradation and seed colour was found to predict the timing of the PCM with an accuracy of 24 h of its occurrence ( R 2 = 0.9925). Changes in soluble solid content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) did not improve the model. Fruit quality assessed at removal from CA storage after 6 months, followed by 2 weeks of shelf-life at 20 °C, verified that the optimal time for harvest of ‘Spadona’ pears was at the PCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been renewed interest in locally grown and underutilized wild species as sources of bioactive compounds. Barberry ( Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is among the southernmost growing fruit bearing species worldwide. The aim of this study was to characterize this species. We evaluated the antioxidant capacity of ripe barberry fruits as compared to pear, orange, apple, strawberry and blueberry. In a second set of experiments ripe barberry fruit was harvested and treated with ethylene and 1-MCP and the changes in ethylene production and respiration rate during storage were assessed. Finally, ripe barberries were harvested and stored at 0, 5 or 10 °C for 0, 3, 7, 11 or 15 days. During this period we determined weight loss, respiration rate, the percentage of rotten and physiologically decayed berries, firmness, sugar content, acidity, pH, anthocyanins, phenolics and antiradical capacity. Barberries showed 10-fold higher antioxidant capacity than apple, orange and pear and superseded four times that of antioxidant-rich fruits such as blueberry. 1-MCP treatments increased ethylene production suggesting that the hormone auto inhibits it biosynthesis. The fruit stored best at 0 °C and this should be the recommended temperature to minimize deterioration and prevent losses of bio-active compounds. The fruits show a non-climacteric physiology, with ethylene biosynthesis being under negative feedback control. Barberries are an extraordinary high source of antioxidants among fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Two cherimoya varieties showed important differences in respiration rates after harvest. [•] Both varieties had characteristic double-sigmoid respiration curves. [•] Overall aroma was mainly determined by esters and terpenes in both varieties. [•] There were differences in pattern changes within each aroma-related compound. [•] Activity of alcohol acyl transferase increased during fruit ripening concomitant with ester accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of locality and orchard management on fruit quality, ‘Samar Bahisht Chaunsa’ fruit harvested from two commercial orchards were stored at 11°C and 80%–85% RH for 4 weeks. Physical fruit quality, fruit rot, and disorders were not influenced by locality. However, at the ripe stage, fruit harvested from orchard-1 exhibited reduced respiration rate (5.84 mmole kg−1h−1), higher peel color (3.35), pulp color (7.33), aroma (6.66), taste (7.33), flavor (7.33), SSC:TA ratio (139.1), reducing (4.06%), non-reducing (10.38%), and total sugar (14.99%) contents. In conclusion, quality of mango fruit following cold storage is significantly influenced by locality and orchard management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] At 0°C cherry respiration rate was not affected by O2 at 21–10% but declined at 10–1%. [•] MAP with 9.9–14.4% O2 +5.7–12.9% CO2 had little effect on inhibiting flavor loss. [•] MAP with 1.8–8.0% O2 reduced fruit respiration rate and acid loss and maintained flavor. [•] MAP with 5–8% O2 may be suitable for commercial application to maintain cherry flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Chitosan applied pre- or postharvest slows respiration and ethylene production in raspberry fruit. [•] Chitosan is able to control decay incidence and weight loss in raspberries. [•] The postharvest chitosan application maintained anthocyanin contents of the fruit. [•] The postharvest life of raspberries was prolonged by chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujube yield and fruit characteristics can be clearly modified by water deficit imposed during fruit maturation. One essential (cystine (Cys-cys)) and seven non-essential (4-hydroxyproline (p-Hyp), α- aminoadipic acid (AADA), ornithine (Orn), β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIB), α-amino-n-butyric acid (AABA), cystathionine (Cysta), and homocystine (Hcys-cys)) amino acids were identified for the first time. Fruits from plants exposed to moderate water deficit during the maturation stage (T1) initiated the ripening phase earlier than control (T0) fruits and had an improved eating quality. Fruits subjected to severe water deficit (T2) showed changes in their physical characteristics and reached a more advanced degree of ripening than T0 and T1 fruits, with not only most of the fruit chemical characteristics that determine taste being improved but also the nutritional value. The decrease in the asparagine (Asn) content of the fruit as a result of severe water deficit is a positive aspect, which prevents acrylamide formation during heat-processing of the fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Understanding the effect of time and temperature on the respiration rate (RR) of fresh-cut produce, towards the design of a suitable modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system, requires an adequate mathematical model for prediction of RR as a function of both time and temperature. This study investigated the effect of temperature (5, 10, and 15 °C) and storage time (1 to 5 d) on the RR ( and ) of 2 pomegranate cultivars (cv. ``Acco'' and ``Herskawitz'') fresh arils. and were 3 to 4 folds significantly higher with increased temperature from 5 to 15 °C and were within the range of 2.51 to 7.59 mL/kg h and 2.72 to 9.01 mL/kg h, respectively, for both cultivars. At 15 °C increased significantly from 8.4 to 25.96 mL/kg h from day 1 to 5, respectively, while at 5 °C changed from 2.9 to 2.05 mL/kg h from day 1 to 5. Temperature had the greatest influence on RR and the interaction of time and temperature also significantly affected and . The respiratory quotient (RQ) estimated by linear regression was 0.98 at 95% significant level. The dependence of RR on temperature and time was accurately described with a combination of an Arrhenius-type and power equation model for and of fresh pomegranate arils. Practical application: Predicting the respiration of fresh and fresh-cut produce is important in designing postharvest handling systems. Mathematical models to predict respiration rates of pomegranate fresh arils have been developed taking into account the effects of storage time and temperature. These models have practical application in designing modified atmosphere packaging to maintain quality and shelf life of pomegranate arils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research was conducted to understand the effect of harvesting method and postharvest temperature on fruit quality of 'Brightwell' and 'Tifblue' rabbiteye blueberries (Vaccinium ashei Reade). Mass loss, firmness and fruit respiration were measured under refrigerated (1°C) and ambient (22°C) conditions for both machine harvested (MH) and hand harvested (HH) berries of each cultivar. Few differences were found between cultivars for the various postharvest quality parameters. Firmness ofMHblueberries was diminished by an overall average of 36.2% as compared to HH berries. MH berries placed at 22°C had a mass loss rate of 2.6% per day as compared to 0.2% per day at 1°C during the first two days of storage. Respiration rate ofMHberries at ambient temperature was 31.1% higher than HH berries. Refrigeration reduced respiration rates by an overall average of 79%. Refrigerated HH blueberries had the best overall fruit quality after storage, and firmness measures suggested that HH berries had an extended shelf-life of about one week as compared to MH berries. Thus, MH and HH fruit differ in their postharvest handling needs. Also, multiple quality measures are valuable in more clearly assessing fruit storage life. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]