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The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of cold storage at 2 °C for 180 days on water content, total acids, reducing and total sugar, antioxidant activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, and polyphenol profile of three Croatian traditional apple cultivars (‘Kanadska Reneta’, ‘Ilzer Rosenapfel’, ‘Wagener’). A significant variation in polyphenol profile of apple cultivars under investigation was noted. The most represented polyphenols in all apple cultivars were procyanidin B2 followed by chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and phloridzin. After storage, the content of procyanidin B2 and chlorogenic acid was higher, while content of epigallocatechin after storage was lower in all investigated apple cultivars. Water content before storage ranged between 79.17 and 80.76 %, and after storage between 75.62 and 78.56 %. Total acids, polyphenol oxidase activity, and flavonoids had decreased during storage, while reducing and total sugar content was higher after storage. Moreover, after storage, cultivar ‘Kanadska Reneta’ had the highest antioxidant activity measured by both ABTS and DPPH methods, 1.65 and 0.70 mmol trolox kg–1, respectively. A significant variation in polyphenol profile of apple cultivars under investigation was noted. The most represented polyphenols in all apple cultivars were procyanidin B2, followed by chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and phloridzin. After storage, the content of procyanidin B2 and chlorogenic acid was higher, while content of epigallocatechin after storage was lower in all investigated apple cultivars. Overall, it can be concluded that investigated apple cultivars, after storage, preserved most of the antioxidants and functional properties., Cilj ovog rada bio je istražiti utjecaj skladištenja kontroliranom atmosferom na 2 °C tijekom 180 dana na polifenolni profil, sadržaj vode, ukupne kiseline, reducirajuće i ukupne šećere, antioksidacijsku aktivnost i aktivnost polifenol oksidaze triju hrvatskih tradicionalnih sorti jabuke (´Kanadska Reneta’, ‘Ilzer Rosenapfel’, ‘Wagener’). Uočena je značajna varijacija u profilu polifenola ispitivanih sorti jabuke. Najzastupljeniji polifenoli kod svih sorti jabuke bili su procijanidin B2, zatim klorogenska kiselina, epigalokatehin, epikatehin i floridzin. Nakon skladištenja sadržaj procijanidina B2 i klorogenske kiseline bio je veći, dok je sadržaj epigalokatehina nakon skladištenja bio manji kod svih ispitivanih sorti jabuke. Sadržaj vode prije skladištenja kretao se između 79,17 i 80,76 %, a nakon skladištenja između 75,62 i 78,56 %. Tijekom skladištenja došlo je do smanjenja ukupnih kiselina, aktivnosti polifenol oksidaze i udjela flavonoida, dok je sadržaj ukupnih šećera bio veći nakon skladištenja. Štoviše, sorta ‘Kanadska Reneta’ nakon skladištenja imala je najveću antioksidacijsku aktivnost mjerenu ABTS i DPPH metodom, 1,65 odnosno 0,70 mmol trolox/kg–1. Uočena je značajna varijacija u polifenolnom profilu ispitivanih sorti jabuke. Najzastupljeniji polifenoli kod svih sorti jabuke bili su procijanidin B2, zatim klorogenska kiselina, epigalokatehin, epikatehin i floridzin. Nakon skladištenja sadržaj procijanidina B2 i klorogenske kiseline bio je veći, dok je sadržaj epigalokatehina nakon skladištenja bio niži kod svih ispitivanih sorti jabuke. Sveukupno se može zaključiti da su ispitivane sorte jabuka nakon skladištenja sačuvale najveći dio antioksidativnih i funkcionalnih svojstava.

Mandarin is a plant species which belongs to the group of winter seasonal fruit. It is highly valued for its vitamin C, potassium and magnesium content. When buying mandarins, consumers do not have the information on the exact mineral composition of mandarins so a study was conducted to determine the content of macroelements potassium and magnesium in mandarins as well as to compare the results with regards to the place of purchase of individual samples. Mandarin sampling was carried out in the city of Zagreb at 3 markets, 3 retail chains and 3 organic product stores. After digestion with concentrated HNO

The enzyme polyphenol oxidase (PPO) catalyses the oxidation of phenolic compounds into highly reactive quinones. Polymerization of PPO-derived quinones causes the postharvest browning of cut or bruised fruit. In this work, we investigate the activity of PPO and its role in anthocyanins degradation during the storage of Croatian traditional apple varieties. Polyphenol oxidase was extracted from five Croatian traditional apple varieties (‘Austrougarka’, ´Božićnica´, ´Čelenka´, Ílzer Rosenapfel´ and ´Kraljevčica´) after harvest and after three months of storage. Furthermore, the activity of polyphenol oxidase (POA) was determined with the substrate catechol by a continuous spectrophotometric test at 410 nm. The monomeric anthocyanin pigment content of extracts was determined using the pH-differential method. After harvest, the highest activity of polyphenol oxidase was determined in ´Božićnica´ (302%) and the lowest in ´Čelenka´ (172%). During storage, the activity of polyphenol oxidase was decreased in four apple varieties while in ´Ílzer Rosenapfel´ the activity of polyphenol oxidase was increased. After three months of storage, the highest activity of polyphenol oxidase had ´Ílzer Rosenapfel´ (349%) and the lowest had ´Čelenka´ (171%). Considering anthocyanins, the highest content of anthocyanins after the harvest had ´Čelenka´ (48.09 mg/L) and the lowest had ´Kraljevčica´ (3.0 mg/L). The highest content of anthocyanins after three months of storage had ´Čelenka´ (47.59 g/L) and the variety without anthocyanins after storage was ´Ílzer Rosenapfel´. The increase of polyphenol oxidase activity during storage caused degradation of anthocyanins in Ílzer Rosenapfel´ apple variety which leads to discolouration. This is due to the ability of polyphenol oxidase and polyphenol peroxidase to break covalent bonds between anthocyanin glycosides. In conclusion, varieties with the highest activity of polyphenol oxidase had the lowest content of anthocyanins and vice versa.

In the classical Grimm Brothers story the witch is trying to kill the Snow white with cursed apple, but without success. The prince comes by and brakes the spell by "love's first kiss". On the other hand, the Witch could also use naturally occurring mycotoxin in apples – the Patulin. In our research, we investigated patulin accumulation in conventional and traditional apple cultivars infected by Penicillium expansum. This mould causes blue mold rot in apples during storage, and also the patulin synthesis. The apples use their polyphenols as natural defence mechanism against microbes, so apples with higher polyphenol content should be more resistant toward fungal attack. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of sufficient data regarding the resistance of different apple cultivars to P. expansum infection and patulin accumulation. In this work, we investigated the polyphenol profile of 12 traditional and 8 conventional apple cultivar and their resistance to P. expansum CBS 325.48. Eight polyphenolic compounds were detected ; the most prominent were catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid. The highest content of catechin was detected in ‘Apistar’— 91.26 mg/100 g of fresh weight (FW), epicatechin in ‘Bobovac’—67.00 mg/100 g of FW, and gallic acid in ‘Bobovac’ and ‘Kraljevčica’—8.35 and 7.40 mg/100 g of FW, respectively. The highest content of patulin was detected in ‘Kraljevčica’ followed by ‘Apistar’—1687 and 1435 µg/kg, respectively, while in apple cultivars ‘Brko’, ‘Adamčica’ and ‘Idared’, patulin was not detected. Those results can greatly help the evil Witch to plan next attack on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Prince.

China is the world leader in peach production and export. Peaches are prone to rapid deterioration after harvest, especially when honey peach export chain always is longer and complex. Both traceability and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) are considered as the effective tools to improve quality control and chain transparency. This paper presents an effort to develop and evaluate a multi-sensors-managed traceability system for honey peach export chain. The key traceable information and quality control point were identified based on the principles of HACCP; a traceability system, integrated multi-sensors and a HACCP based quality control plan, was developed to monitor identified traceable information in real-time and provide the quality evaluation and control decision; The system was evaluated and validated at a sampled honey peach export chain from Shandong, China to Singapore. The results show that the critical ambient parameters (CAPs) in the honey peach export chain are temperature, relative humidity (RH), O2, CO2 and ethylene. The temperature influences the change of RH, CO2 and ethylene. The traceability system can improve the transparency and quality control by tracing the CAPs in honey peach export chain and provide the tracking service. The quality loss of honey peach export chain decreased from 25% to 30% to below 13% based two years’ statistics with the system application.

Cilj ovog rada je predstaviti mikorizu u voćarstvu, te njezino djelovanje na rast i rodnost voćaka na temelju dosadašnjih istraživanja. Mikoriza je simbioza korijena viših biljaka i gljiva. Postoje tri vrste mikorize: endomikoriza, ektomikoriza i endoektomikoriza. Ova simbiotska zajednica donosi brojne povoljnosti biljkama, koje su u ovom radu predstavljene kroz interakciju s biotskim i abiotskim čimbenicima. Od biotskih čimbenika analizirano je štetno djelovanje patogena na voćke, a od abiotskih čimbenika djelovanje vode, soli, teških metala, svjetlosti, temperature i hranjiva. Mikoriza pomaže preživljavanju voćaka u uvjetima suše, ali i pomaže pri obnavljanju šteta uzrokovanih viškom vode u tlu. Mikorizacijom voćaka navodnjavanih zaslanjenom vodom znatno se smanjuju štetne posljedice djelovanja soli na rast i razvoj biljaka, i povećava im se rodnost. Mikoriza pomaže pri usvajanju biljnih hranjiva, i omogućava bolji rast, razvoj i rodnost voćaka koje su pretrpjele temperaturni stres izazvan visokim temperaturama, ali je pri temperaturama ispod biološkog minimuma njezino povoljno djelovanje smanjeno. Mikorizacija znatno povećava fotosintetsku aktivnost voćaka te time direktno utječe na rast i rodnost. Mikorizacijom se značajno može smanjiti štetno djelovanje teških metala. Ona je učinkovita u borbi protiv patogena te se može rabiti umjesto štetnih kemijskih sredstava za zaštitu bilja. Kod mikoriziranih voćaka povećanje priroda može iznositi i do 50%.

Penicillium expansum is a necrotrophic plant pathogen among the most ubiquitous fungi disseminated worldwide. It causes blue mould rot in apples during storage, transport and sale, threatening human health by secreting patulin, a toxic secondary metabolite that contaminates apples and apple-derived products. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of sufficient data regarding the resistance of different apple cultivars to P. expansum, especially ancient ones, which showed to possess certain resistance to plant diseases. In this work, we investigated the polyphenol profile of 12 traditional and 8 conventional apple cultivar and their resistance to P. expansum CBS 325.48. Eight polyphenolic compounds were detected, the most prominent were catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid. The highest content of catechin was detected in ‘Apistar’—91.26 mg/100 g of fresh weight (FW), epicatechin in ‘Bobovac’—67.00 mg/100 g of FW, and gallic acid in ‘Bobovac’ and ‘Kraljevčica’—8.35 and 7.40 mg/100 g of FW, respectively. The highest content of patulin was detected in ‘Kraljevčica’ followed by ‘Apistar’—1687 and 1435 µg/kg, respectively. In apple cultivars ‘Brčko’, ‘Adamčica’ and ‘Idared’, patulin was not detected. Furthermore, the patulin content was positively correlated with gallic acid (r = 0.4226, p = 0.002), catechin (r = 0.3717, p = 0.008) and epicatechin (r = 0.3305, p = 0.019). This fact indicates that higher contents of gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin negatively affected and boost patulin concentration in examined apple cultivars. This can be related to the prooxidant activity of polyphenolic compounds and sensitivity of P. expansum to the disturbance of oxidative status.

Influence of two apple cultivars (cvs. Cripps Pink and Idared) and two commercial strains of Saccha- romyces bayanus (Lalvin EC1118, Fermol Blanc) on the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of apple wines was tested. Chemical parameters (alcohol, sugar-free extract, reducing sugars, titratable and volatile acidity) of the analyzed wines were strongly affected by apple variety. Ash and sugar-free extracts in Cripps Pink wines were significantly higher than Idared wines. Polyphenols and main organic acids were determined in apple juice and wines. Chlorogenic acid was the most abundant polyphe- nolic compound with the significantly higher concentra- tions detected for Idared wines. Total phenolic acids, as well as total flavan- 3-ols content, were also higher for wines made from Idared variety where fermentation was conducted with Fermol blanc yeast. Among organic acids significantly higher succinic acid content was determined in wines where Fermol Blanc yeast was used while Lalvine EC1118, irrespective of apple variety, significantly influ- enced the concentration of lactic acid. Sensory evaluation showed the pronounced influence of variety but also the yeast used, singling out Idared cultivar and Fermol Blanc yeast achieving the best overall quality results.

Bitter pit is a physiological disorder that significantly reduces the quality of apples. Although it has been detected since the beginning of the last century, still there is little known about the mechanism of its occurrence. According to numerous studies, bitter pit is formed as a result of calcium deficiency in the fruit. Some authors cite the high concentration of gibberellins, later in the production season, most probably caused by excessive activity of the roots, as the chief causative factor. Beside Ca, there are several factors that can also contribute to its development, like imbalance among some mineral elements (N, P, K and Mg), cultivar, rootstock, the ratio of vegetative and generative growth, post-harvest treatments and the storage methods. There are some prediction models available that can estimate the risk of bitter pit in apples, but even those are not always reliable. The aim of this review was to encompass the pre and postharvest factors which cause bitter pit and point out the directions for solving this problem.

The quality of the nine old apple cultivars (‘Bellefleur’, ‘Carević’, ‘Čelenka’, ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’, ‘Paradija’, ‘Paulaner weinapfel’, ‘Perovnjača’, ‘Winter Banana’ and ‘Zuccalmaggio’) was studied. Cultivars ‘Gelber Bellefleur’, ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’‘Paulaner weinapfel’ and ‘Winter banana’ had significantly highest fruit mass, and ‘Carević’, ‘Čelenka’, ‘Paradija’ and ‘Zuccalmaggio’ the lowest. Cultivar ‘Gelber Bellefleur’ had significantly the highest fruit height and cultivar ‘Čelenka’ the smallest. Cultivar ‘Perovnjača’ had significantly the highest fruit width, and cultivar ‘Zuccalmaggio’ the lowest. Cultivar ‘Paradija’ had significantly the highest shape index and cultivar ‘Perovnjača’ the smallest. Among the red-colored cultivars, cultivars ‘Carević’ and ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ had significantly higher L and a - values, while cultivar ‘Čelenka’ had significantly higher Chroma and Hue angle. Hue angle in this cultivar was 72 % higher than in cultivar ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ and 51 % higher than in cultivar ‘Carević’, showing nice and intensive red coloration of this cultivar. Among yellow-colored cultivars, ‘Winter Banana’ had significantly the highest L-value. There were no significant difference in a- value among cultivars ‘Bel Fleur’, ‘Paradija’, and ‘Zuccalmagio’, and they had the highest values. Cultivar ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’ had the highest b- and Chroma values, and there were no significant differences among cultivars in Hue angle. Cultivar ‘Zuccalmaggio’ had the highest firmness and ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’ the smallest. Cultivar ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ had significantly highest SSC, and ‘Perovnjača’ the smallest. Cultivar ‘Perovnjača’ had significantly highest TA, and there was significant difference compared to ‘Čelenka’. Cultivars ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’, ‘Paradija’, ‘Winter Banana’, ‘Paulaner Weinapfel’ and ‘Zuccalmagio’ had significantly lowest TA and there were no significant differences among them. Cultivar ‘Crvena jesenska rebrača’ had significantly highest SSC/TA ratio, and ‘Perovnjača’ the lowest. There were no significant differences in seed number per fruit among cultivars. The main disadvantage of these cultivars is small fruit size, which is important trait for fresh consumption. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate improving the fruit size in these cultivars by pruning, fertilizing and thinning before their reintroduction into production.

The skin and pulp colour of olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea) fruit is the most widespread and usual parameter for making a decision of harvest time. During ripening process the fruit skin changes its colour from green to purple and black. Colour is not a parameter for virgin olive oil evaluation by official standards, but consumers still mostly make an evaluation of quality and buy depending on olive oil colour. In this study colour parameters of olive fruit and virgin olive oil from Picholine cv. cultivated in the same orchard situated in Istria (Croatia) were analysed. Fruit colour was measured after classification in four groups (green, turning colour, purple and black) on benchtop colorimeter. After processing on laboratory olive mill, pigments and colour characteristics of virgin olive oil were analysed spectrophotometrically. In different coloured olive fruits, from green to black colour, the lightness, intensity of yellow and Chroma value were decreased, while intensity of red colour was increased. The colour index decreased rapidly from green to purple fruits, and after full pigmentation of skin it decreased slowly. The lightness and red colour intensity increased while Chroma value and intensity of yellow colour decreased in virgin olive oils obtained from green to black olive fruits. During ripening chlorophylls decreased from 11.65 mg/kg (green) to 3.35 mg/kg (black) and carotenoids from 6.16 mg/kg (green) to 2.07 mg/kg (black) in corresponding virgin olive oils. Virgin olive oils with different characteristics can be produced in the same harvest period with separation of olive fruits depending on the colour.

Four anti-hail and anti-insect nets (red, white and yellow anti-hail and Stop Drosophila Normal) were used on apple cv. ‘Braeburn’ grown in northern Croatia in order to evaluate their effect on fruit colouration that was measured with the colorimeter (expressed as: L* – lightness, a* – yellow/blue b* – green/red) on two sides of fruit (“green” side and “red” side), and also they were used in order to evaluate their effect on the coloured surface percentage, apart from their anti-hail and pest damage protection properties. The fruits were harvested on 12th October 2015. Most differences were found between the fruit grown under the white anti-hail net and the fruit grown without the anti-hail net. Colour value “a*” was lower on the red side of the fruit under the white net in comparison with the red net. On the green side, “a*” value was lower and “L*” value was higher under the white net in comparison with control fruit. Different net colour had no influence on total colour difference. Regarding to the colouration, differences among the nets are found in classes 0–25% and 50–75% of skin coloured fruit. The fruit grown under the white nets had the higher percentage of fruit in class 0–25% than those grown without the net. The lower share of fruit in class 50–75% of skin colouration was recorded under the white net than under the red net or in the control fruit. Colouration index was lower in the fruit grown under the white net than in the control fruit. It can be concluded that the white anti-hail net promotes ripening, but at the same time it decreases red colouration. No significant differences in fruit colour have been found in the fruit grown under the red, yellow and Stop Drosophila Normal nets. Some accepted colour parameters such as a*/b* ratio are not appropriate for describing colour changes in ‘Braeburn’ apple in this study.

During 2014, apples ‘Pink Lady®’, showing white haze (WH) symptoms, were harvested in an orchard near Vratisinec (Croatia). Fungi were isolates from symptomatic epidermal tissue on Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar. After 7 days of incubation in the dark at 26°C, from whitish to cream colonies with irregular margin, single spore were isolated and transferred on Potato dextrose agar (PDA). Pathogenicity was tested on 20 apples ‘Pink Lady®’ and the pathogen was inoculated by aerosol diffusion on the sterilized surface. Symptoms occurred and T. pallescens was reisolated from inoculated fruit on PDA. Control fruits were symptomless. After 7 days at 26°C, the colonies and the morphology of conidia were the same as those of the original isolates. PCR amplification was carried out, from single spore DNA extraction, using universal primers ITS1 and ITS4. Two amplified sequences (AN KR269863 and KR269864) were blasted in Genbank obtaining 100% homology with strains of Tilletipsis pallescens. To confirm the species DNA sequences were aligned with CLUSTAL W with closely related species of Tilletiopsis (T. pallescens GQ281316.1, DQ317636.1 ; T. washingtoniensis DQ025483.1 ; T. lilacina AB025683.1, AB025689.1T ; T. cremea AB025690.1 ; and an undefined species Tilletiopsis sp. GQ281313.1) and a phylogenetic analysis with the Neighbor Joining method based on Maximum Composite Likelihood model (bootstrap 1, 000) was performed (supplementary material). The phylogenetic tree confirmed the identity of the isolates to the species Tilletiopsis pallescens. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Tilletiopsis pallescens causing postharvest white haze on apple in Croatia.

Potential of acoustic impulse method for determining the quality of two nectarine cultivars (Diamond Ray and Venus) fruit was studied. Among acoustic properties (resonant frequency, stiffness, peak width), only peak widths was significantly different (P≤0.001) between cultivars. Standard quality measurements (fruit weight, firmness, stone share, soluble solids concentration (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC/TA ratio), only stone share (P≤0.001), TA (P≤0.01) and SSC/TA (P≤0.05) was significantly different between cultivars. No clear acoustic signal could be observed in measured fruits. There was no significant correlation between the stiffness and firmness and any other quality characteristics. Major reason is probably a stone resonance which distorts acoustic signal. Based on the above study, acoustic impulse method can not be used for nectarine fruit.

The paper deals with the impact of meteorological conditions on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth during the initial phases of male flowers development of pedunculate oak. Phenological observations of male flowers and pollen sampling were performed on the field trial established with grafted pedunculate oak clones. During the investigation, weather conditions (absolute minimum and maximum daily air temperature, minimum absolute relative humidity of air and amount of precipitation) were recorded by an automatic meteorological station installed at the field trial. Influence of meteorological conditions on pollen germination and pollen tube growth was studied in the following stages of male flower: (i) during the last ten days of flower buds dormancy, (ii) during their swelling, (iii) during the bud burst and beginning of male catkins elongation, (iv) during the final stage of male catkins elongation. Pollen germination after incubation times of 2, 4, 6 and 24 hours ranged from 0, 0 to 8, 9 % ; from 0, 0 to 55, 6 % ; from 0, 0 to 59, 3 % and from 5, 9 to 90, 7 %, respectively. Pollen tube lengths after the same incubation times ranged from 15, 3 to 45, 0 μm, from 17, 0 to 88, 3 μm, from 20, 9 to 101, 9 μm and from 39, 9 to 241, 1 μm, respectively. High temperatures and low relative air humidity during the bud burst and beginning of male catkins elongation reduced pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Weather conditions did not significantly affected pollen germination and pollen tube growth during the swelling of flower buds, as well as in the final stage of male catkins elongation.

A dog rose (Rosa canina L) is one of the most widespread wild species of the genus Rosa in our country, and fairly represented in the natural, rural and even urban areas. Although in the world a dog roses are studied, cultivated and refined, in Croatia its cultivation almost does not exists. In nature you can see major differences between plants, especially considering the size of the fruit, often in very small habitats. The study was conducted at 8 rose dog bushes at about 1 ha of abandoned experimental field 'Jazbina' in Zagreb. From each plant, 120 fruits were randomly collected at a technological maturity. The average fresh fruit weight ranged from 1.88 to 2.96 g, the average fresh flesh portion from 65.4 to 74.7 % and the average dry flesh matter content (after drying at 105 °C), in relation to the fresh fruit weight, from 22.9 to 28.6 %. The length, width, thickness, and shape of the fruits were significantly different (P≤0.05). Since plants were grown in uniform climatic and edaphic conditions, it can be concluded that a relatively large phenotypic, and probably the genotypic variability of dog rose plants exists in such a small location. With the reasonable assumption that the Croatian territory has a lot of similar dog rose habitats, the results of this study indicate a rich genetic potential of dog rose, which could be used for initial selection of plants with superior characteristics intended to be introduced in cultivation.

Uloga ambalažnog materijala je da se sačuvaju prehrambena i senzorička svojstva proizvoda, prema navedenim nutritivnim vrijednostima informira potrošača, olakša skladištenje i manipulativni uvjeti. Danas se za razvoj i komercijalnu proizvodnju biorazgradive ambalaže, osim papira, koriste i materijali iz drugih obnovljivih izvora biljnog porijekla. Daljnji razvoj tržišta biorazgradivih polimernih materijala ovisi o osiguranju stalnog, pouzdanog i jeftinog izvora sirovina. Biorazgradiva ambalaža, osim minimalne kontaminacije okoliša mora održati kakvoću i svježinu voća i povrća. U borbi za svoj dio tržišta biopolimeri imaju jake adute poput proizvodnje iz održivih izvora i biorazgradivosti. U borbi za svoj dio tržišta biopolimeri uživaju veliku potporu politike i zakonodavstva, naročito u Europi., The role of packaging material is to preserve the nutritional and sensory properties of product, inform consumers about the nutritional values, facilitate storage and handling. Today, the development and commercial production of biodegradable packaging materials, other than paper, is focused on materials from other renewable sources of plant origin. Further development of biodegradable polymer market is dependent on securing a permanent, reliable and cheap sources of raw materials. In the battle for their share of the market, biopolymers enjoy strong support from policy and legislation, particularly in Europe. Attractive and efficient packaging contribute to the development of new products, provides an interesting presentation to consumers, lowers production costs, improves the food product and defines the specific ‘’brand’’.

Three concentrations of NAA (0, 10, 15 and 20 μl·l-1) were studied at three application timings (flower, fruit and the combination of each other) in order to evaluate the thinning effect on physico-chemical attributes of apple cv. Braeburn. NAA concentration was more significant factor than timing in terms of fruit production. The number and yield of fruits over 70 mm in diameter significantly increased in all application timings within all concentrations of thinner as compared to control. Thinning at 15 μl·l-1 in flower application appeared the best. The highest share of fruits over 70 mm was acquired using 20 μl·l-1 NAA in fruit application timing. The untreated trees yielded highest total number of fruits with maximum total yield efficiency and total yield efficiency in terms of number of fruits. NAA at 15 μl·l-1 increased the yield efficiency in terms of number of fruits over 70 mm and yield efficiency in terms of yield of fruits over 70 mm in diameter. Significant differences were found regarding the effects of NAA concentration and combination of both timing and concentration while timing alone showed non-significant results for SSC, TA, SSC/TA and starch. NAA at 20 μl·l-1 resulted in highest fruit firmness, SSC and TA in fruit application time. The highest levels of SSC/TA and starch degradation level were recorded with NAA at 15 μl·l-1 sprayed in combination of flower and fruit applications. Comparatively, application of 10 μl·l-1 NAA at both flower and fruit application timing is recommended to achieve best results.

One of the main problems during peach and nectarine cold storage is the associated chilling injuries, which can include woolliness, mealiness, leatheriness, flesh browning, internal reddening, and flesh or pit cavities. Woolliness is one form of chilling injury. It manifests as a lack of juiciness and a dry ‘woolly’ texture of the fruit flesh. Its occurrence is correlated with pectin metabolism and is controlled directly or indirectly by the pectolytic enzymes (i.e., polygalacturonase, pectin esterase, cellulase, lipoxygenase). Chilling injury to these fruit also results in changes in the fruit physiology and cell anatomy. A reduction in woolliness is possible with post-harvest treatments, such as with heat (which must be carried out carefully), calcium, ethylene (blocking or producing), nitrogen monoxide, or a controlled atmosphere. This paper focuses only on woolliness and factors affecting its occurrence. In this paper the role of pectin metabolism, temperature and postharvest treatments on occurrence of woolliness is discussed. The role of some enzymes, such as pectin esterase, and postharvest treatment with 1-MCP still remain unclear and further research is needed to elucidate physiological mechanisms that lead to development of woolliness.

One of the most important postharvest diseases of peach and nectarine is brown rot caused by the fungus Monilinia laxa. Increasing concern related to the toxic effect of the pesticide residues on fruits has enhanced the interest for the control of postharvest pathogenic fungi using biologically active constituents of plants such as essential oils. Species from genus Ocimum are known to possess essential oils with antifungal and fungicidal properties. The present paper reports the results of essential oil composition of four basil taxa and preliminary screening of their antifungal activity against M. laxa. The greatest effectiveness was achieved by the essential oils from Ocimum basilicum var. purpurascens and Ocimum tenuiflorum, whose activity was high throughout the testing period of twenty-three days.

The effect of hot water dip (48° C) duration (6 or 12 minutes) (HWD 48° C 6' and HWD 48° C 12') and length of storage at 0° C in normal atmosphere (two or four weeks) on chemical and sensory quality of nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina cv. 'Venus') was studied. After two weeks of storage, HWD-treated fruits had significantly lower weight loss and SSC compared to control. There was no significant difference between HWD 48 °C 6' and HWD 48 °C 12' – treated fruit. HWD 48 °C 12' - treated fruit maintained sensory quality after two weeks of storage. After four weeks of storage, control fruit received higher scores compared to HWD – treated fruit for all traits, except for aroma which was still higher for HWD 48 °C 12' - treated fruit. Duration of hot water dip is significant factor for maintaining postharvest quality of nectarine fruit.

Ubrano voće mora što dulje zadržati svježinu, imati što bolja organoleptička svojstva, i ne smije pokazivati simptome bolesti i ozljeda. To nije uvijek lako postići, ali u novije vrijeme razvijeni su tehnološki postupci kojima se ovaj cilj lakše ostvaruje. Takav je postupak primjena 1-metil ciklopropena (1-MCP). 1-MCP se ubraja u derivate ciklopropena, a koristi se kao sintetski regulator rasta biljaka. Strukturno je srodan s prirodnim biljnim hormonom etilenom. 1-MCP je inhibitor aktivacije etilena koji sprječava djelovanje ovog hormona dozrijevanja kod većine klimakterijskog voća, ali se učinak razlikuje od vrste do vrste. Kod jabuka 1-MCP značajno smanjuje sintezu etilena i održava tvrdoću plodova dulje vrijeme dok je sinteza etilena kod bresaka samo neznatno smanjena ili ostaje nepromijenjena. Primjena 1-MCP učinkovito sprječava negativne fiziološke promjene tijekom skladištenja i čuvanja većine voća, ali su moguće i neke o negativne posljedice njegove uporabe. 1-MCP je 2011. godine registriran i u Hrvatskoj pa ovaj rad ima za cilj pregled najvažnijih istraživanja u ovom području kako bi se dale korisne smjernice za praksu., Picked fruit should maintain its freshness as longer as possible, have the best possible organoleptic traits and shouldn’t manifest any symptoms of disease and damage. That is not always easy to achieve, but technological procedures that help accomplish this goal have been developed lately. One such procedure is the application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). 1-MCP belongs to cyclopropane derivatives and it is used as synthetic plant growth regulator. It is structurally related to natural plant hormone ethylene. 1-MCP is the inhibitor of ethylene activation, which prevents the activity of this hormone of maturation with most of climacteric fruit, but its effect differs in different kinds of fruit. 1-MCP significantly decreases synthesis of ethylene and maintains firmness of apples for a long period of time, whereas the synthesis of ethylene in pears is only slightly decreased or remains unchanged. The application of 1-MCP effectively prevents negative physiological changes during storage of most fruit kinds, but some negative consequences of its usage are also possible. 1-MCP was registered in 2011 in Croatia too, so this paper has the aim to review the most important researches in this area in order to give useful guidelines for its usage.

Jabuka je jedna od najvažnijih voćnih vrsta, i na tržištu je dostupna tijekom cijele godine. Potrošači sve više pozornosti pridaju kakvoći ploda i načinu proizvodnje te je tome potrebno posvetiti više pažnje. Prorjeđivanje cvjetova i plodova jabuke važno je za postizanje tržišne kakvoće plodova. Ono se provodi kemijskim sredstvima ili ručno. Osim postizanja optimalne kakvoće plodova, prorjeđivanje plodova poboljšava diferencijaciju rodnih pupova za sljedeću vegetaciju. U ovom radu uspoređuju se prednosti i nedostaci mehaničkog, kemijskog prorjeđivanja cvjetova i plodova jabuka s naglaskom na ekološki prihvatljiva sredstva i postupke., Apple is one of the most important fruit species, and it is accessible on the market throughout all year. Consumers have been paying attention to the quality of the fruit and the method of manufacture much more than before. Thinning of flowers and fruits of apple is important to achieve market quality fruit. It is carried out by chemical means or by hand. In addition to achieving optimum fruit quality, fruit thinning improves the differentiation of buds for the next vegetation. This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical, chemical thinning of flowers and fruits of apple with emphasis on environmentally friendly tools and procedures.

The effect of hot water dipping (HWD) at 40, 44 and 48 °C for 6 and 12 min on germination of conidia of brown rot fungus (Monilinia laxa) in vitro and the effect of HWD at 48 °C for 6 and 12 min on the fruit quality and development of M. laxa on peach cv. ‘Roig’ and nectarine cv. ‘Venus’ after artificial inoculation in cold storage were studied. Temperature and duration of treatment significantly affected germination of conidia. After HWD at 48 °C for 12 min the lowest germination of conidia (9%) was recorded, which was more than 10 times lower than control (93 %). After 3 d from inoculation, there were 80 % of inoculated spots with visual symptoms of decay caused by M. laxa on control peaches and 40 % of such spots on control nectarines. Successful infections were recorded on only 5% of inoculated spots of nectarine and 10% of inoculated spots of peach after HWD at 48 °C for 12 min. HWD at 48 °C for 12 min significantly decreased titratable acidity and increased soluble solids concentration : titratable acidity ratio in nectarines. No visual symptoms of heat damage were found on fruits as a consequence of any of the studied treatments. The results show that it is possible to control postharvest brown rot (M. laxa) on peach using HWD at 48 °C for 12 min and on nectarine using HWD at 48 °C for 6 min without a significant loss of fruit quality.

Alelopatija je kemijska interakcija između dvaju biljaka koja se ostvaruje putem specifičnih kemijskih spojeva - alelokemikalija. Osim kao odnos između biljaka, alelopatija postoji i kao odnos mikrob-mikrob, biljka-insekt, biljka- mikrob, ili biljka- biljojed. Alelokemikalije se iz biljke koja ih sintetizira oslobađaju na četiri načina, a biljka na koju alelokemikalije djeluju ih upija preko korijena. Prvi je način u obliku plinova koji se oslobađaju iz lišća. Drugi je način ispiranje alelokemikalija s lišća ili stabljike za vrijeme kiše, rose, magle i snijega. Treći je način izlučivanje alelokemikalija iz korijena. Četvrti je način putem razgradnje biljnih ostataka pri čemu alelokemikalije dospjevaju u rizosferu. Alelokemikalije se u biljci nalaze u obliku vodotopivih glikozida i mogu se podijeliti u nekoliko skupina: antibiotici, fitoncidi, marazmini i kolini. One se razlikuju po kemijskom sastavu, načinu djelovanja i vrsti organizama na koje djeluju. Njihovo izlučivanje je reakcija biljke na okolišne parametre, prisutnost kompetitora i herbivore, odnosno stres u bilo kojem obliku. Jedan od glavnih ciljeva alelopatskih istraživanja je primjena alelokemikalija kao dodatne mjere borbe protiv korova i biljnih štetočina kao što su nematode radi smanjenja uporabe sintetičkih pesticida i smanjenja njihovog negativnog utjecaja na okoliš.

Alelopatija je kemijska interakcija između dvaju biljaka koja se ostvaruje putem specifičnih kemijskih spojeva - alelokemikalija. Osim kao odnos između biljaka, alelopatija postoji i kao odnos mikrob-mikrob, biljka-insekt, biljka-mikrob ili biljka-biljojed. Alelokemikalije se iz biljke koja ih sintetizira oslobađaju na četiri načina, a biljka na koju alelokemikalije djeluju upija ih preko korijena. Prvi je način u obliku plinova koji se oslobađaju iz lišća. Drugi je način ispiranje alelokemikalija s lišća ili stabljike za vrijeme kiše, rose, magle i snijega. Treći je način izlučivanje alelokemikalija iz korijena. Četvrti je način putem razgradnje biljnih ostataka, pri čemu alelokemikalije dospijevaju u rizosferu. Alelokemikalije se u biljci nalaze u obliku vodotopivih glikozida i mogu se podijeliti u nekoliko skupina: antibiotici, fitoncidi, marazmini i kolini. One se razlikuju po kemijskom sastavu, načinu djelovanja i vrsti organizama na koje djeluju. Njihovo izlučivanje je reakcija biljke na okolišne parametre, prisutnost kompetitora i herbivore, odnosno stres u bilo kojem obliku. Jedan od glavnih ciljeva alelopatskih istraživanja je primjena alelokemikalija kao dodatne mjere borbe protiv korova i biljnih štetočina kao što su nematode radi smanjenja uporabe sintetičkih pesticida i smanjenja njihovog negativnog utjecaja na okoliš., Allelopathy is a chemical interaction between two plants, which is achieved through specific chemical compounds - allelochemicals. Except as the relationship between plants, allelopathy also occurs as microbe-microbe, plant-insect, plant-microbe or plant-herbivore relationship. Allelochemicals from plants that synthesize them are released in four different ways and are adsorbed by the receiving plant through the roots. The first way is in the form of gases that are released from the leaves. Another way is flushing allelochemicals from leaves or stems during the rain, dew, fog and snow. The third way is secretion from the roots. The fourth way is through the decomposition of plant residues containing allelochemicals. Allelochemicals exist in a plant in the form of water soluble glycosides and can be divided into antibiotics, phytoncides, marasmines and cholines. They differ in chemical composition, mode of action and type of organisms on which they operate. They are synthetized as reaction of plant to different environmental parameters, such as the presence of competitors and the herbivore, or stress in any form. One of the main objectives of tallelopathic research is the application of allelochemicals against weeds or other pests such as nematodes in order to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides and reduce their negative impact on the environment.

Spoj 1-metil ciklopropen (1-MCP) predstavlja revoluciju u održavanju kakvoće voća poslije berbe zbog svoje djelotvornosti na sintezu i negativne učinke etilena. Na tržište dolazi u obliku pripravka naziva SmartFresh ® koji proizvodi tvrtka Agrofresh. Iako nema poznatih negativnih utjecaja na zdravlje čovjeka i onečišćenje okoliša, registracija pripravka još uvijek nije završena u svim zemljama, ali relativno niska cijena garantira da će biti u širokoj primjeni. Da bi postigao potpunu učinkovitost, potrebno je poznavati uvjete i način njegove primjene. Stoga ovaj rad ima svrhu pregleda najvažnijih čimbenika o kojima ovisi djelotvornost 1-MCP-a kako bi se dale korisne smjernice za praksu kada ovaj spoj bude dostupan i u Republici Hrvatskoj., 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is a compound which brings a revolution in maintaining postharvest fruit quality because of its efficiency on synthesis and negative effects of ethylene. It is found on the market as a product called SmartFresh®, produced by Agrofresh company. Although there aren’t any known negative effects on human health and environmental pollution, its registration hasn’t yet been finalized in all countries, but its relatively low price guarantees that it will be widely used. In order to achieve its full effect, it is necessary to be familiar with conditions and the way of usage. Therefore this paper aims to review all the most important factors that influence the efficiency of 1-MCP in order to give useful guidelines for practice once this compound becomes available in the Republic of Croatia.

Na plodovima nektarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina cv. Fantasia) čuvanih dva tjedna na 0° C i tri dana na sobnoj temperaturi utvrđivan je broj plodova napadnutih fitopatogenim gljivama. Najzastupljenjiji patogen bila je Monilia laxa (56.95 % zaraženih plodova) dok su Monilia fructigena i Rhizopus stolonifer napale po 8,33 % plodova. Manji dio plodova (6.94 %) bio je napadnut patogenom koji se nije mogao determinirati na temelju vizualnih simptoma. Ukupno je bilo zaraženo 80.56 % plodova. Dobiveni rezultati pokazuju da fitopatogene gljive mogu napraviti veliku štetu na plodovima nektarine poslije berbe. Monilia laxa uspješno preživljava dva tjedna na 0° C, dok su M. fructigena i R. stolonifer znatno manje otporni. S obzirom na zabranu uporabe fungicida poslije berbe, jedina mogućnost je uvođenje alternativnih tretmana za suzbijanje fitopatogenih gljiva (toplinski tretmani, antagonistički kvasci i sl.), ali prije toga treba istražiti njihovu djelotvornost i utjecaj na kakvoću plodova., The number of fruits attacked by phytopathogenic fungi was determined on nectarine fruits (Prunus persica var. nectarina cv. Fantasia) that were stored for two weeks on 0° C and three days at room temperature. The most frequent pathogen was Monilia laxa (56.95 % of infected fruits), whereas Monilia fructigena and Rhizopus stolonifer attacked 8.33% of fruits. A smaller share of fruits (6.94%) was attacked by a pathogen which couldn’t be identified based on visual symptoms. A total of 80.56% of fruits were infected. The obtained results show that phytopathogenic fungi can make a significant damage on nectarine fruits after harvest. Monilia laxa can surive successfully for two weeks on 0° C, while M. fructigena and R. stolonifer are significantly less resistant. Considering the prohibition of using postharvest fungicides for fighting phytopathogenic fungi, the only possibility is introducing alternative treatments (heat treatments, antagonistic yeasts and alike). However, their efficiency and the effect they make on quality of fruits should be studied before their commercial application.