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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marketing orders allow farmers to collectively fund industry-wide services that may be difficult to provide through a voluntary approach. But not all farmers support collective approaches. We employed ballot data from U.S. Department of Agriculture and survey data we collected to explore why farmers in California voted to terminate the federal fresh peach and nectarine marketing orders in 2011 and the implications of this termination. Even after controlling for other factors, we found that farmers who produced more were significantly less likely to vote for continuation. We also found that detailed industry information provided via the marketing orders was significantly more important to respondents voting for continuation, and respondents with more organic production were significantly more likely to vote for continuation. These results suggest farmers may have lost important production and marketing resources due to termination of the orders, with evidence that smaller farms were more affected. This termination may thus have accelerated the exit of farmers from this industry.

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

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

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Marketing orders allow farmers to collectively fund industry-wide services that may be difficult to provide through a voluntary approach. But not all farmers support collective approaches. We employed ballot data from U.S. Department of Agriculture and survey data we collected to explore why farmers in California voted to terminate the federal fresh peach and nectarine marketing orders in 2011 and the implications of this termination. Even after controlling for other factors, we found that farmers who produced more were significantly less likely to vote for continuation. We also found that detailed industry information provided via the marketing orders was significantly more important to respondents voting for continuation, and respondents with more organic production were significantly more likely to vote for continuation. These results suggest farmers may have lost important production and marketing resources due to termination of the orders, with evidence that smaller farms were more affected. This termination may thus have accelerated the exit of farmers from this industry.

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

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

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

Shot hole disease is one of the major foliar diseases of stone fruit species in Bulgaria, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Stigmina carpophila (Lev.) Ellis. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility to S. carpophila of five late nectarine cultivars grafted on a seed rootstock (Elberta) and GF 677 clonal rootstock. The study was conducted in an orchard at the Experimental Station of Agriculture – Khan Krum with a natural background of infection, without chemical treatments, in the period 2011-2013. The subject of the study were 5 cultivars of nectarines: Fantasia, Goldengrand, Morsiani 51, Kassiopeia and Fairlaine, grafted on Elberta seed and GF 677 clonal rootstock. The experiment is set in 3 replicates for each rootstock combination. To assess the attack caused by this pathogen, 50 leaves from 6 trees of cultivar/rootstock were collected each June. For each cultivar/rootstock, a leaf infectivity index was calculated (according to the McKinney method, 1923) and then classified according to the degree of susceptibility on a 5-point scale. The results show that none of the studied cultivars is resistant to attack by S. carpophila. All tested cultivars grafted on both types of rootstocks are slightly susceptible. The least susceptible on both types of rootstocks are cultivars Goldengrand and Fairlane, as well as Fantasia/Elberta, and the most susceptible are Morsiani 51 and Kassiopeia, and Fantasia/GF 677. All studied cultivars grafted on seed rootstock (Elberta) demonstrate a lower degree of susceptibility, compared to that when they are grafted on GF 677 clonal rootstock. These differences are probably due to the different growth strength of the trees that is induced by the rootstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

• 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) reduces ethylene production of nectarines. • 1-MCP maintains physiological quality and delays the ripening of nectarines. • Top and bottom positions of the fruit are more sensitive to 1-MCP regulation. • Cellular microstructure is retained by 1-MCP treatment. • 1-MCP regulates postharvest metabolism and transcription in nectarines. Fast ripening and senescence is one of the major problems for postharvest nectarines, leading to a rapid decline in postharvest quality. As an ethylene-action inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) was applied to treat nectarines with a concentration of 1 μL L−1 for 18 h and stored at 0 °C for 25 d. The postharvest physiological quality attributes including the flesh color, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acid (TA), and aroma quality of fruit flesh from different positions (top, equatorial, and bottom of nectarine fruit) were evaluated to elucidate that 1-MCP differentially influence the flesh ripening and biological metabolism. The findings indicated that 1-MCP treatment effectively delayed ripening and senescence processes. Moreover, the cellular microstructure and intracellular organelles were observed which suggested that 1-MCP delayed the deformation of the cellular microstructure and maintained its integrity. Furthermore, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses explored the differential metabolites and their biological features. The differential metabolites after 1-MCP treatment were related to signal transduction, membrane transport, genetic translation, and metabolism pathways. The KEGG enrichment results showed that the most impacted pathways by 1-MCP include glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

It has long been recognized that fruits are healthy diet compounds since they are excellent sources of health beneficial bioactive components (polyphenols, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, etc.). The diversification of the consumer’s taste calls for an expansion of food options and novel ingredients. The excessive refined sugar intake in recent years demands for the incorporation of sugar alternatives in popular dessert recipes, and high calorie obesogenic foods in general. Puddings are a well-known food choices introduced in the human diet at a very early age because of its easy and high digestion. Four formulations with two types of starch (corn and rice) were selected as objects of analysis. Nectarines were incorporated as a purée and lyophilized powder. The nectarine variety “Gergana” is a local variety used for preparations with proven beneficial properties. The study aimed to analyze the physical (moisture, ash, color, water-holding capacity, water activity, density, and syneresis), rheological (firmness, gumminess, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness), nutritional, and sensory characteristics of the nectarine-enriched puddings. The outcomes obtained from this study provide significant information about the possible application of the formulations in the children’s daily menus. All four formulations had distinct peachy aroma. The formulations prepared with nectarine purée resulted in better sensory perception, better texture, and better water holding capacity. The formulations prepared with lyophilized fruit had similar CIELAB color values. The same trend was observed in the nectarine purée formulations. At this point, the formulation prepared with lyophilized fruit and rice starch showed the most promising results. Sufficient evidence leads to further exploration of the perspective of fruit-enriched puddings in order to improve their technological and health-promoting properties.

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

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

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

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

Post-harvest technologies play a key role in enhancing shelf life and maintaining quality characteristics of tender fruits such as nectarines ( Prunus persica [L.] Batsch var. nectarina). This research investigated the effects of an ‘Enhanced Freshness Formulation’ (EFF) with hexanal as the key ingredient in enhancing shelf life of field grown nectarines. Pre-harvest sprays of EFF on ‘Fantasia’ nectarines, conducted at two commercial orchards in the Niagara region, ON, showed improvement in shelf life. Application of hexanal formulation delayed the incidence of chilling injury symptoms (internal browning and mealiness/woolliness) by one week. As well, treated fruits maintained significantly higher firmness until 38d post-harvest. There were no differences in total soluble solids, titratable acidity and color values between treated and control fruits. qRT-PCR was conducted to evaluate the expression levels of 22 genes potentially involved in ripening, to understand the regulatory effects of the hexanal formulation. EFF application induced a highly significant reduction in transcript levels of three Phospholipase D genes, five N-glycoprotein group genes, and other genes involved in ripening and softening processes. These findings indicate that, a delay in the ripening process caused by hexanal formulation, may be associated with the modulation of the expression of key ripening related genes, enhancing shelf life and quality of nectarines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring changes in moisture content of halves, during the drying was done to assess the influence of pre-treatment, temperature and drying air velocity l on the kinetics of convective drying nectarine varieties 'Fantasia.' Based on the results of dispersion analysis three - factors experiment, the statistical probability of 99% rated it applied. Pre-treatment and selected levels of air temperature affect the drying kinetics. Selected levels of air velocity in front of layers of material within the tested range, and mutual interaction between the factors are less influential on the kinetics. A careful analysis of the results moisture changes during the drying time (kinetic drying curves) there has been a light influence of chosen level of drying rate on the kinetics, but less pronounced. With the increase of air temperature and drying air velocity for drying outside layer of the material increases and the drying rate. Using osmotic dehydration as pre-treatment lowers the rate of convective drying process for forming a relationship of adsorption of moisture, solvent and dry matter in the tissue of nectarine halves. The newly-formed links cause the increase in value of equilibrium moisture osmotic treated materials, and rapid achievement of equilibrium moisture. Seen from the aspect of the total drying time for a final product, more quickly achieve equilibrium moisture content apparently excludes the negative effect of osmotic pre-treatment on the kinetics of convective drying nectarine halves.

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

Twenty peach and nectarine (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch) varieties (Morettini No. 1, Coronet, Dixired, Jerseyland, Gialla Precoce Morettini, Cardinal, Golden Jubilee, Red Haven, Belle di Georgia, Early Elberta, Elberta, J.H. Hale, Rio Oso Gem, Desert Gold, Spring Time, June Gold, Red Cup, Flavor Top, Fantasia, Flame Kist) grafted on wild peach seedlings were evaluated for 10 years in the Greek island Kos. The results showed that some peach and nectarine varieties with high chilling requirements such as Red Haven (950 hrs) gave satisfactory yield in the soil and climatic conditions of Kos, where the mean duration of temperatures below 7°C was found to be about 150 hr. Bloom and maturity dates were different in the same varieties in Kos compared to their standard bloom and maturity dates in Naoussa. Regarding a response to Plum pox virus the varieties Jerseyland, Gialla Precoce Morettini, Desert Gold and Spring Time were the most resistant whereas Dixired, Red Haven, Belle Di Georgia and Red Cup were the most susceptible to the disease. No significant difference was found in the susceptibility of peach and nectarine varieties to Phytophthora citrophthora.

Forty two peach-nectarine (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch.) varieties (i.e Spring Time, Precocissima Morettini, Southhaven, Halehaven, Blazing Gold, Cardinal, Gialla Precoce Morettini, Dixired, Fertilia Morettini, Golden Jubilee, Coronet, Red Haven, Red Globe, Cotonia Massima, Morettini 5/14, Peach of Station, Alexander, Early Elberta, Elberta of Middle Season, Beauty of Georgia, J.H. Hale, Late Elberta, Gold Drest, Morettini No. 1, Jerseyland, Desert Gold, Red Cup, Spring Crest, Loring, June Gold, Merril Gem Free, Early Red, Red Skin, Merril Fortyminer, Roubidoux, Fantasia, Sunhaven, Flavour Top, Merril Franciscan, Blake, Fairtime, Fayette) were studied for 12-18 years in three experimental orchards of Peripheral Agricultural Research Station of Rhodes (PARSR). Their degree of adaptation to the soil and climatic conditions of PARSR was evaluated in terms of yield per tree, time of bloom, time of fruit ripening, fruit quality etc. These results have been compared with related experimental data recorded at the Pomology Institute (PI) at Naoussa. The results indicate that: many peach-nectarine varieties with quite high chilling requirements (Loring, Blake) gave satisfactory yield in PARSR, where the mean average of temperatures below 7°C over one decade was found to be 147 hours (range 52-226). Some peach-nectarine varieties in experimental orchards of PARSR ripened more than ten days earlier (Desert Gold, Early Red, Peach of Station, Loring, Merril Gem Free), of others at about the same time (Coronet, Cotonia Massima, Red Skin, Fertilia Morettini, Red Globe) and at others on a later date (Merril Fortyminer, Early Elberta, J.H. Hale, Cardinal, Southhaven) than they would ripen in northern Greece (PI). Similar differences were also found for the time of blooming.

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

Fresh convenience products represent a category of minimally processed fruit and vegetables (chunks, mousse, smoothies) that respond to the changes in consumer attitudes. Thanks to the image of convenience (time-saving, snack sizes, no waste, smart packaging) and healthiness their sales are steadily increasing. In this study 26 varieties (including peach, nectarines, and clingstone peaches) from Apulian production were divided into three groups according to harvest dates in early (A), middle (B) and late (C) maturing. Physical, chemical and sensorial analyses were performed in order to select high quality fruits for minimal processing according to the harvesting season. A multivariate Principal Component Analysis was applied to discriminate different varieties for quality attributes. Within Group A, ‘Honey Kist’ showed the lowest acidity and intermediate susceptibility to mechanical damage. For Group B, ‘Stark Red Gold’, ‘Zee Glo’ and ‘Venus’ resulted different in sensorial evaluation, while ‘Loadel’ and ‘Eolia’ were more susceptible to browning. For Group C, ‘Tardi Belle’ and ‘Baby Gold7’, although more sensitive to mechanical damage, were differentiated for flavor. Results of this work confirm the extreme variability among varieties in terms of sensorial quality, susceptibility to browning and to mechanical damage, and the importance of assessing varietal screening for selection of most suitable varieties for minimal processing.

Highlights: [•] Radio frequency (RF) with fruit immersed in water at 40°C for 4.5min was studied. [•] Fruit maturity level did not have a significant effect on RF treatment efficacy. [•] Brown rot incidence was significantly reduced at all the infection times evaluated. [•] The treatment controlled brown rot at all inoculum concentrations evaluated. [•] In naturally infected fruit, brown rot incidence was reduced to less than 26%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A continuous microwave (MW) treatment was studied to control brown rot. [•] MW treatments at 17.5kW for 50s and 10kW for 95s were selected. [•] Different internal and external temperatures were reached depending on fruit size. [•] Maturity level did not have a significant effect on MW treatments efficacy. [•] Brown rot incidence was reduced to less than 14% in naturally infected fruit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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

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