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Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Grape sour rot (GSR) is a disease complex involving fungi and bacteria that can cause significant yield losses of susceptible varieties. It is widely spread in the eastern U.S. and other grape-growing regions globally. Previous studies suggest that damaged fruit skin and feeding insects like Drosophila spp. are required for the disease to occur. Current control strategies for the management of sour rot are not sustainable, and research on the implications of chemical management of the disease on microbiome diversity is scarce. Our aim was to: i) investigate the effect of insecticide application and netting treatment on the microbiota of GSR-susceptible and tolerant grape varieties; and ii) identify the core microbial assemblages potentially associated with grape sour rot development in Maryland. Using a combined analysis of culture-dependent and independent data, we found that microbiota diversity of healthy grape berries did not change with netting, insecticide application, and between varieties. There was a significant difference in bacterial diversity between healthy and sour rot-affected berries. Komagataeibacter was consistently associated with infected berries followed by Acetobacter and Gluconobacter. This is the first study to report the association of Komagataeibacter with GSR-infected berries. It is thus imperative to investigate its role alongside that of other identified core microbiomes in sour rot development. Candida and Pichia were also consistent genera in infected berries. Several unidentified Candida, Pichia, and other fungal species from infected berries formed the core mycobiomes and it would be worth investigating their involvement in GSR development in Mid-Atlantic vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese table grapes are quite expensive because their production is highly labor-intensive. In particular, grape berry pruning is a labor-intensive task performed to produce grapes with desirable characteristics. Because it is considered difficult to master, it is desirable to assist new entrants by using information technology to show the recommended berries to cut. In this research, we aim to build a system that identifies which grape berries should be removed during the pruning process. To realize this, the 3D positions of individual grape berries need to be estimated. Our environmental restriction is that bunches hang from trellises at a height of about 1.6 meters in the grape orchards outside. It is hard to use depth sensors in such circumstances, and using an omnidirectional camera with a wide field of view is desired for the convenience of shooting videos. Obtaining 3D information of grape berries from videos is challenging because they have textureless surfaces, highly symmetric shapes, and crowded arrangements. For these reasons, it is hard to use conventional 3D reconstruction methods, which rely on matching local unique features. To satisfy the practical constraints of this task, we extend a deep learning-based unsupervised monocular depth estimation method to an omnidirectional camera and propose using it. Our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for estimating the 3D positions of grape berries in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) is a dwarf shrub that is native to Northern climates. The berries are harvested from wild plants and the disease incidence in the crop is generally low. However, disease pressure may increase since the surface area dedicated to the crop is expected to expand in the future. In 2021 and 2022, brown necrotic leaves and stem dieback symptoms were observed on lingonberry plants grown at the St. John's Research and Development Center, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Pathogens were isolated from the diseased plant tissues and identified as Neopestalotiopsis rosae (n = 2) and Neopestalotiopsis zimbabwana (n = 2) using colony and conidia morphology as well as sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin gene (ß-tub), and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef1). Pathogenicity assays in detached lingonberry and strawberry leaves as well as lingonberry plants indicated that all four isolates were able to cause disease. This is the first report of N. rosae and N. zimbabwana causing leaf spot and stem dieback of lingonberry. Further monitoring of this disease is important to understand its prevalence in berry crops, as Neopestalotiopsis spp. in Canada have been reported to occur since 2018 in strawberry and other small fruits. Control measures and strategies are required to mitigate the potential risk from the disease, as there are no registered fungicides available to the growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary polyphenols are garnering attention in the scientific community due to their potential health-beneficial properties and preventative effects against chronic diseases, viz. cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols are antioxidants that change microbial composition by suppressing pathogenic bacteria and stimulating beneficial bacteria. The interaction of polyphenols with dietary fibers affects their bioaccessibility in the upper and lower parts of the digestive tract. Dietary fibers, polyphenols, their conjugates, and their metabolites modulate microbiome population and diversity. Consuming polyphenol-rich dietary fibers such as pomegranate, cranberry, berries, and tea improves gut health. A complex relationship exists between polyphenol-rich diets and gut microbiota for functioning in human health. In this review, we provide an overview of the interactions of dietary polyphenols, fibers, and gut microbiota, improving the understanding of the functional properties of dietary polyphenols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) is a dioecious vine belonging to the Schisandraceae family. Its berries show beneficial activities, including cardioprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. We examined the chemical content of S. chinensis berry extract and its antiplatelet potential in vitro. The antiplatelet activity assays included measurements of thrombus formation in full blood (with Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System) and platelet activation and adhesion. We also assessed the extract's effect on coagulation times in human plasma and its cytotoxicity toward blood platelets based on extracellular lactate dehydrogenase activity. The most important constituents of the extract were dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans; schisandrin was the dominant compound. S. chinensis berry extract at the concentration of 50 μg/mL inhibited thrombus formation by approximately 15%. The adhesion of unstimulated and thrombin-activated blood platelets to collagen was inhibited by all used concentrations of the extract (0.5–50 μg/mL), while the adhesion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-activated platelets to fibrinogen was inhibited only by the concentrations of 10 and 50 μg/mL. The extract also inhibited the exposition of the active form of GPIIb/IIIa on the surface of platelets stimulated with 10 μM ADP (at 0.5–50 μg/mL) and 20 μM ADP (at 50 μg/mL). The exposition of P-selectin was inhibited only by the extract at the concentrations of 5–50 μg/mL in platelets stimulated with 10 μg/mL collagen. Moreover, the extract was not cytotoxic toward blood platelets. This indicates that S. chinensis berries hold promise as new antiplatelet agents, but more studies are needed to determine their mechanisms of action and in vivo efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blueberries are produced worldwide due to their high demand and antioxidant benefits. Berry quality, including texture, flavor, and antioxidant properties, influence consumer preferences and marketability. Harvesting blueberries at shorter intervals is essential for maintaining fruit quality, including firmness and flavor, while also minimizing postharvest losses. This study investigated the effects of delayed harvests on the postharvest quality of ‘Meadowlark’, a highbush blueberry, and ‘Brightwell’, a rabbiteye blueberry, harvested from two different locations in South Georgia in 2022 and 2023. The treatments consisted of harvest dates, with two harvests in 2022 and three harvests in 2023, followed by three storage-duration treatments (7, 14, and 21 days of storage) to evaluate postharvest quality. Fruit firmness, berry diameter, color, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, berry damage (%), and anthocyanin concentration were assessed at harvest and following storage days. In both cultivars, harvest 1 showed higher fruit firmness and storability compared with harvests 2 and 3 in 2023. During storage, the decline in firmness was higher in harvests 2 and 3 compared with harvest 1. Fruit from the delayed harvests exhibited the highest percentage of berry damage both at harvest and after 21 days of storage. Anthocyanin concentration varied across cultivars and years, with berries from harvest 2 having a higher anthocyanin concentration at harvest in 2022 and 2023 in the Brightwell cultivar. Overall, this study highlights the importance of optimizing harvest dates to maintain the postharvest quality and shelf life of blueberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Table grapes are perishable crops with a high susceptibility to postharvest phytopathogens. Use of natural phytochemicals as elicitors for improving crop quality and enhancing the natural resistance against postharvest pathogens is a novel approach. Calcium ascorbate (CaAs) is an ecofriendly and inexpensive compound used as anti-browning agent in fresh cut fruits and minimally processed products. Thompson seedless table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) were treated with calcium ascorbate (CaAs) at 0, 5% and 10% 48 h before harvest and stored for 60 days at 1 ± 1 °C after harvest. CaAs of 5% significantly enhanced the berry total acids, total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids contents, and total antioxidant, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes activities and decreased total soluble solids content, malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage and pH. The treatment at both concentrations enhanced the berry firmness and decreased browning and color change indices at harvest time and during storage. After 2 months of storage, the highest ascorbate peroxidase activity, flavonoids and carotenoids contents was recorded in fruit treated with 10% CaAs, while the lowest decay extension rate, electrolyte leakage, weight loss, browning and color change was recorded in the berries treated with 5% CaAs. Furthermore, CaAs at 5% caused a significant decrease in weight loss and decreased berry abscission and decay extension rates during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on analysing the properties of six varieties of haskap berry (honeyberry) as a valuable raw material for producing health-promoting juices. Significant differences in the content of bioactive compounds were observed between juices derived from fruits of the same species. This study demonstrated that controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions (20% CO2 and 5% O2) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in Xtend bags affected juice quality by minimising nutritional losses. The analysis of polyphenol content in the juices revealed significant differences between varieties and years (2021 and 2022), primarily due to varying weather conditions. In 2022, the polyphenol content of the varieties 'Usłada', 'Candy Blue', 'Boreal Beauty', and 'Boreal Beast' was from 69% to twice as high compared to values recorded in 2021. CA and MAP storage conditions were found to be more effective than normal atmosphere (NA) in preserving bioactive components, and thus the antioxidant activity of the fruits, as measured by the DPPH method. The variety 'Sinij Utes' had the highest total polyphenol contents and their lowest loss during storage. Conversely, the variety 'Boreal Beauty' contained the lowest polyphenol levels both after harvest and storage. This study confirmed the importance of proper storage conditions for maintaining the antioxidant properties of haskap berries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date there is a growth in fresh and processed blackberry consumption and consequently in their cultivation. The increase in blackberry cultivation increases the demand for quality nursery material for new grove planting. Among plant propagation methods, micropropagation is gaining increasing interest because it allows to overcome some of the disadvantages associated with traditional agamic propagation methods, mostly cuttings and grafting. Several articles about blackberry micropropagation were published despite a comprehensive bibliometric review of the scientific literature. Therefore, the present article analyzed the papers in the Web of Science and Scopus on “blackberry micropropagation” to deepen the published scientific documents' evolution, trends, and macroareas. Analyzed parameters included subject and category areas, core sources of publication, country of publication, document type, language of publication, publication output, authorship, distribution of author keywords and most-frequently cited article. A total of 78 scientific documents in the field of blackberry micropropagation were found with the research strategy adopted from 1998 to 2024. The principal WoS categories were Horticulture, Agronomy, and Agriculture Multidisciplinary while in Scopus they were Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Veterinary and Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology. Brazil and Romania are the countries with the most publications in both databases and the authors with the highest number of documents are affiliated with Brazilian, Serbian, Canadian, and Romanian institutions. The present bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview on the scientific publications on blackberry micropropagation. The findings of this study highlight the multidisciplinary nature of blackberry micropropagation research, involving contributions from various scientific disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This work aimed to investigate the potential of ozonated mist for microbiological disinfection and preservation of the physicochemical quality of strawberries. The experiments followed a completely randomized design with three replications. The assays consisted of six treatments: four with ozonated mist, one with ozone water, and one control group. In the mist treatments, ozone was input at 20 and 40 mg L−1 for exposures of 5 and 10 min. The ozone-water treatments used a concentration of 3.32 mg L−1, and the fruits were immersed for 5 min. The control corresponded to untreated fruits. The quality parameters appraised were mass-loss percentage, firmness, soluble solids content, pH, total titratable acidity, and color. The strawberries were stored in a refrigerated environment at 5 °C and 87% relative humidity. Ozonated mist proved more effective than ozone water in preserving the external appearance of strawberries and prolonging their shelf life, remarkably at 20 mg L−1. The effectiveness of ozonated mist in decreasing the aerobic mesophilic count surpassed that of ozone water, regardless of the concentration and exposure duration. Ozonated mist at 20 mg L−1 for 5 min proved to be the most efficient treatment to reduce the count of filamentous fungi and yeasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grape composition, characterized by mineral content, hormone levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities, fundamentally influences berry quality, nutritional value, and vine health. Various viticultural practices, particularly tillage methods and organic fertilization techniques, significantly impact these compositional parameters. This study investigates the effects of these agricultural practices on grape composition to establish optimal protocols for enhanced berry production and quality. Methods: A three year study (2020–2022) evaluated the effects of soil management on grape quality in 'Royal' grapes (VIVC: 349). Using a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates of 12 vines, the study tested three tillage methods (chisel, disc harrow, and no-tillage) and four organic fertilizers (Antep radish, broccoli, olive blackwater, and a control). Treatments were analyzed for berry mineral content (macro and micronutrients), hormone levels (auxin, ABA, zeatin, SA, JA, cytokinin and GA), and antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, GR, GST, G6PD and 6PGD). Results: Based on our results, the disc harrow tillage method in conjunction with olive blackwater fertilizer demonstrated superior mineral accumulation, yielding peak concentrations of nitrogen (3.72%), phosphorus (0.40%), and magnesium (0.41 mg/kg) during the 2021 growing season. Endogenous hormone levels exhibited treatment-specific responses, with maximum indole-3-acetic acid (17.33 ng/g) accumulation observed under no tillage control conditions in 2022, while abscisic acid concentrations peaked (49,172.53 ng/g) under no tillage with broccoli fertilization. Antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly enhanced under chisel tillage combined with broccoli fertilizer treatment, leading to optimal superoxide dismutase (1426.54 EU) and peroxidase (14,936.81 EU) activities. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two components explained 51.35% of total variance, with distinct temporal clustering of treatment effects. Conclusion: The optimal cultivation practice for 'Royal' grape variety was determined to be chisel tillage method combined with broccoli fertilization, which maximized both mineral nutrient content and hormone levels. These findings provide practical insights for viticulturists to optimize cultivation techniques for improved grape quality and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, cardiovascular disease stands as a leading cause of mortality, with platelets pivotal in the pathogenesis of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Platelet function, including adhesion, activation, aggregation and apoptosis, is critical for hemostasis and thrombosis and is regulated by multiple mechanisms. The utilization of bioactive compounds derived from plants is being regarded as a promising approach for controlling the risk of atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenol present in various plants, notably grapes and berries, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protective properties. Moreover, RES has been proven to inhibit platelet hyperreactivity in animals and in vitro. In this review, we summarize the anti-platelet mechanisms of RES, which include inhibiting agonist-mediated platelet activation, attenuating COX-1-mediated TXA2 release, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and modulating Sirt1-mediated signaling. We further summarize that the regulation of the gut microbiome and its metabolites, as well as the anti-inflammatory effects, are indirect mechanisms attributed to its low bioavailability. Additionally, we found that RES may exert regulatory effects on the platelet apoptosis via Network Pharmacology Exploration. In conclusion, current evidence suggests that RES demonstrates inhibitory effects on platelet function in vitro and animal models. However, there remains insufficient evidence from population-based studies to be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the long-term and post-prandial effects of berry consumption on endothelial dysfunction (ED) in adults. To identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs), a systematic search was run and studies that examined the effects of berries consumption on ED markers were included. A total of 45 RCTs were included, focusing on markers such as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx), reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and total peripheral resistance (TPR). The meta-analysis revealed that long-term berry consumption significantly increased FMD and decreased PWV. However, no significant effects were found for AIx, RHI or TPR. In post-prandial studies, berry consumption also improved FMD, but had no significant impact on PWV, AIx or RHI. Overall, berries were found to benefit endothelial function, particularly in improving FMD, though the effects on other cardiovascular markers were less consistent. Factors like trial design and berry type influenced outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge about the diet quality among youth who follow different types of plant-based diets is essential to understand whether support is required to ensure a well-planned diet that meets their nutritional needs. This study aimed to investigate how food groups, macronutrient intake, and objective blood measures varied between Norwegian youth following different plant-based diets compared to omnivorous diet. Methods: Cross-sectional design, with healthy 16-to-24-year-olds (n = 165) recruited from the Agder area in Norway, following a vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian or omnivore diet. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire, a dietary screener, 24-hour dietary recalls and provided dried blood samples for analysis of carotenoids and fatty acids. Results: Vegans reported the highest mean intake (g/d, g/MJ) of vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds and substitutes to dairy and meat (compared to all, p<0.001), fruit and berries (compared to omnivores, p = 0.004 and pescatarians, p = 0.007), and vegetable oil (compared to omnivores, p<0.001, pescatarians, p = 0.003 and flexitarians, p = 0.004) and vegetable products (compared to omnivores, p = 0.007). No difference was found between groups in mean intake (g/d, g/MJ) of any of the confectionary foods or sweet pastries, beverages (sugar-sweetened, non-sugary, alcoholic), or salted snacks, neither in g/MJ of convenience foods. The energy percentage (E%) of protein, carbohydrates and total fat were within the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 across groups. However, all groups, except vegans, exceeded the E% for saturated fatty acids. All groups exceeded recommendations for added and free sugar. Furthermore, all groups consumed <25g/d of dietary fibre, except vegans and pescatarians. For omega-3, lacto-ovo-vegetarians had intakes below recommendations. Blood marker of total carotenoids did not differ between groups, neither did the reported mean intake (g/MJ) of carotenoid-rich foods. Vegans showed the lowest blood level of palmitic acid compared to all (p<0.001), but highest level of linoleic acid (compared to flexitarians, p = 0.022, and omnivores, p<0.001). The lowest blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were found in vegans and lacto-ovo-vegetarians. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that all groups had risk of dietary shortcomings. However, vegans consumed the most favorable diet. All groups should increase their consumption of vegetables, fruits and berries, and reduce their total sugar intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: 'Xynisteri' is considered as the reference white grape cultivar in Cyprus with remarkable adaptation to adverse edaphoclimatic conditions and appreciable oenological properties that renders it as an appropriate cultivar for studies within a global context due to climate change. To this aim, two distinct non‐irrigated plots with different climatic conditions, soil properties and levels of rainfall were selected; Koilani [KO, altitude 800 m, 76% calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content, pH 7.97, average temperature: 16.5 °C, rainfall: 229 mm] and Kyperounda (KY, altitude 1200 m, CaCO3‐free soil, pH 6.47, average temperature: 14.9 °C, rainfall: 658 mm). An array of physiological, biochemical and qualitative indices during successive developmental stages (BBCH 75–89) were determined. During the advanced on‐vine developmental stages (BBCH 85–89), the aromatic profile of grapes was assessed with the employment of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Such analysis was complemented with non‐destructive chemometric analyses. RESULTS: Berry ripening process substantially differed on the examined plots; BBCH 89 stage reached at 267 and 303 Julian days for KO and KY, respectively. Results indicated that berry weight, soluble solids content (SSC) and α‐amino nitrogen were higher in KO than in KY, with exception made for ammonium nitrogen content. A total of 75 compounds, including aliphatic alcohols, benzenic compounds, phenols, vanillins, monoterpenes and C13‐norisoprenoids were identified and quantified. The variations of mesoclimatic conditions affected the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles at the fully‐ripe stage, showing a considerable rise in glycosylated aroma compounds, especially monoterpenes and benzenic compounds. In particular, the higher amount of glycosylated aroma compounds were obtained in KY berries up to mid‐ripe, whereas KO showed higher glycosylated aroma compounds at fully‐ripe stage. Results reported herein indicate that aroma profile of 'Xynisteri' grapes varied substantially in the examined terroirs. Interestingly, the limited rainfall in KΟ non‐irrigated vine did not compromise qualitative and aromatic properties of berries. CONCLUSIONS: The present study aimed at dissecting the impact of terroir on bush‐trained, non‐irrigated grapevines of a cultivar appropriate for extreme climate change scenarios. The volatilome fingerprint was highly variable among the examined plots; such results can be further exploited at vinification level towards production of single vineyard premium end products. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Genetic breeding is essential to develop grapevine genotypes adapted to warm climates and resistant to pathogens. Traditionally cultivated Vitis vinifera is susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses. Winemakers and consumers, however, perceive wines from non‐vinifera or hybrid cultivars as inferior. In this study, sensory analyses and comprehensive metabolite profiling by targeted and untargeted approaches were used to investigate the oenological potential of wines from grapes of genotypes developed throughout four breeding cycles to improve climate adaptation, sugar contents and berry color. RESULTS: Novel genotypes had higher yields and the wines exhibited increased contents of polyphenols, including anthocyanins. Volatile monoterpenes in the wines decreased throughout breeding cycles in the absence of selective pressure. Polyphenol contents were higher in intermediate wines, with hydroxytyrosol contents reaching up to three times reported values. Mouthfeel attributes astringency, leafy taste, flavor and body, and persistency showed significant correlation with untargeted features. Supervised model‐based analyses of the metabolome effectively discriminate wines from distinct genetic origins. CONCLUSION: Taken together, the results demonstrate the potential of novel grapevine genotypes to a more sustainable viticulture and quality wine production in warm climates. Comprehensive metabolite profiling of the wines reveals that genotype clustering is dependent on the chemical class and that traits not submitted to selective pressure are also altered by breeding. Supervised multivariate models were effective to predict the genetic origin of the wines based on the metabolic profile, indicating the potential of the technique to identify biomarkers for wines from sustainable genotypes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BerryPortraits (Phenotyping of Ripening Traits) is open source Python-based image-analysis software that rapidly detects and segments berries and extracts morphometric data on fruit quality traits such as berry color, size, shape, and uniformity. Utilizing the YOLOv8 framework and community-developed, actively-maintained Python libraries such as OpenCV, BerryPortraits software was trained on 512 postharvest images (taken under controlled lighting conditions) of phenotypically diverse cranberry populations (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) from the two largest public cranberry breeding programs in the U.S. The implementation of CIELAB, an intuitive and perceptually uniform color space, enables differentiation between berry color and berry brightness, which are confounded in classic RGB color channel measurements. Furthermore, computer vision enables precise and quantifiable color phenotyping, thus facilitating inclusion of researchers and data analysts with color vision deficiency. BerryPortraits is a phenotyping tool for researchers in plant breeding, plant genetics, horticulture, food science, plant physiology, plant pathology, and related fields. BerryPortraits has strong potential applications for other specialty crops such as blueberry, lingonberry, caneberry, grape, and more. As an open source phenotyping tool based on widely-used python libraries, BerryPortraits allows anyone to use, fork, modify, optimize, and embed this software into other tools or pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit dropping represents a concern in many fruit species, including Vitis vinifera L. This research investigated the role of two plant growth regulators (PGRs), naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), in mitigating preharvest berry dropping (PHBD) through affecting ethylene (ET) and auxin (AUX) metabolism and interactions, key hormones involved in abscission. The experiment was carried out on cv. Dolcetto, with PGR treatments applied at 43, 53, and 90 days after anthesis (DAA) for NAA and at 56 DAA for 1-MCP. Berry dropping incidence, yield parameters, and transcript levels of genes related to ET and AUX pathways were analyzed, including VIT_212s0059g01380, VIT_211s0016g02380, VIT_207s0005g00820, VIT_216s0013g00980, VIT_203s0091g00310, and VIT_207s0104g00800. Both NAA and 1-MCP significantly reduced PHBD, with NAA achieving a 92% reduction and 1-MCP an 82% reduction compared to control vines. Transcript analysis revealed differential gene expression patterns, indicating that NAA affects the ET biosynthesis pathway, while 1-MCP interferes with ET receptor signaling. The results suggest that both PGRs effectively reduced berry dropping, providing a basis for integrated crop management strategies to mitigate PHBD in grapevine cultivars susceptible to this physiological disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red currant (Ribes rubrum L.) berries are rich in bioactive compounds and exhibit nutritive and protective features. This research examined the content of secondary metabolites of the red currant variety Redpoll lyophilized juice and waste extract and their antioxidative and spasmolytic effects. The flavonol and anthocyanin contents of the samples were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The antispasmodic effects were assessed in in vitro conditions, and the potential impact of the samples and possible action mechanisms were revealed. The results showed the prevalence of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside as the dominant anthocyanin with higher content in the juice sample. Quercetin content, as the prevalent flavonol, was higher in the waste sample. The berry juice showed a greater ability for scavenging free radicals, whereas the waste better inhibited lipid peroxidation. The juice was a superior antispasmodic agent for spontaneous, KCl-, CaCl2-, BaCl2-, histamine-, and acetylcholine-induced ileal contractions. This first evaluation of the red currant variety Redpoll lyophilized juice and waste extract indicated the beneficial effects of juice as an antioxidant and spasmolytic agent. Therefore, this red currant juice sample could be designated for the prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeated expeditions across various regions of Georgia in the early 2000s led to the identification of 434 wild grapevine individuals (Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (C.C. Gmel.) Hegi) across 127 different sites, with 45% of these sites containing only a single vine and only 7% more than 9 vines. A total of 70 accessions were propagated in a germplasm collection, 41 of them were descripted from the ampelographic point of view and 32 from the phenological one. The geographical and ecological analysis confirmed that wild grapevines primarily grow in humid environments with warm and fully humid climates, often near rivers. They favor deep, fertile, and evolved soils, mainly alluvial and cinnamonic types (80%), with a marginal presence on strongly eroded soils. Their main natural vegetations are forests and open woodlands, with some individuals in the Southeast found in steppes. The altitudinal range spans from 0 to 1200 m, with 80% of vines distributed between 400 and 900 m. The phenological analysis revealed significant differences among the accessions but no difference among populations, with only a slight variation in bud-break timing, indicating a high level of synchronicity overall. Flowering timing proved to be the most uniform stage, suggesting minimal environmental pressure on genetic adaptation. The mature leaf morphology exhibited significant polymorphism, though leaves were generally three- or five-lobed, weak-wrinkling, and -blistering, with a low density of hairs. Bunch and berry morphology were more uniform. Bunches were consistently very small, cylindrical, and never dense or winged. Berries were also very small, mostly globular, always blue-black in color, and non-aromatic. A striking feature was the frequency of red flesh coloration, which ranged from weak to strong, with uncolored flesh being rare. The Georgian population of wild grapevines was found to be fragmented, often consisting of scattered single individuals or small groups. Therefore, we believe it is urgent for Georgia to implement specific protection measures to preserve this vital genetic resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeasts produce numerous antimicrobial agents such as killer toxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other secondary metabolites, establishing themselves in developing natural and sustainable biocontrol strategies for agriculture and food preservation. This study addressed the biocontrol potential of yeasts, isolated from spontaneous fermentations of rosehips (Rosa canina L.) and rowanberries (Sorbus aucuparia L.), focusing on their killer phenotypes and VOCs production. Yeasts were isolated using spontaneous fermentations with Hanseniaspora uvarum and Metschnikowia pulcherrima identified as the dominant species, comprising approximately 70% of the yeast population. Among 163 isolated strains, 20% demonstrated killing activity, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae exhibiting the strongest killing efficiency, as well as Pichia anomala and M. pulcherrima showing broad-spectrum antagonistic activity. This study identified dsRNA-encoded killer phenotypes in S. cerevisiae, S. paradoxus, and Torulaspora delbrueckii, revealing multiple distinct killer toxin types. The biocontrol potential of wild berry-inhabiting yeasts was demonstrated in a real food system, grape juice, where the S. cerevisiae K2-type killer strain significantly reduced fungal contaminants. The selected H. uvarum, M. pulcherrima, S. cerevisiae, and S. paradoxus yeast strains representing both berries were applied for VOC analysis and identification by gas chromatography-linked mass spectrometry. It was revealed that the patterns of emitted volatiles are yeast species-specific. Statistically significant differences between the individual VOCs were observed among killing phenotype-possessing vs. non-killer S. paradoxus yeasts, thus revealing the involvement of killer systems in multi-level biocontrol enablement. The performed studies deepen our understanding of potential yeast biocontrol mechanisms, highlight the importance of produced antimicrobials and volatiles in ensuring antagonistic efficacy, and prove the relevance of isolated biocontrol yeasts for improving food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antioxidants are widely recognized for their potential health benefits, including their impact on cognitive function and gut microbiome modulation. Understanding these effects is essential for exploring their broader clinical applications. Objectives: This review aims to evaluate the effects of antioxidants on the gut microbiome and cognitive function, with a focus on findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: The studies involved human participants across a range of age groups, with interventions encompassing natural antioxidant sources, such as berries, as well as specific antioxidant vitamins. An extensive search across PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases identified six relevant RCTs, each evaluated for potential bias. Results: These studies focused on a variety of antioxidant-rich products, including both naturally derived sources and supplemental forms. Antioxidants, including vitamins C, B2, and D, along with polyphenols such as xanthohumol, fermented papaya, peanuts, and berry extracts, demonstrate the potential to support cognitive function and promote gut health through mechanisms that modulate microbiome diversity and reduce inflammation. However, observed changes in microbiome diversity were modest and inconsistent across the studies. Conclusions: While preliminary evidence suggests that antioxidants may benefit gut health and cognitive function, the heterogeneity of existing studies limits their immediate clinical applicability. Additionally, more robust RCTs are needed to substantiate these findings and guide future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the table grape production process, issues such as berry detachment and damage caused by cluster vibrations and berry collisions are significant challenges. To investigate the underlying mechanisms and dynamics of these phenomena, a vibration–collision coupling method for table grape clusters was developed. Based on the vibration model of a grape cluster, the smallest vibration–collision coupling unit—referred to as the dual-twig–berry system—was proposed. This system was described using a "(viscoelastic hinge)–(rigid bar)–(flexible sphere)–(viscoelastic link)" model. The dynamic vibration–collision coupling equation of the dual-twig–berry system was derived by incorporating expressions for the viscoelastic vibration of the twigs, viscoelastic collision of the berries, and a generalized collision force (based on the Kelvin model) into the framework of the Lagrange equation. A computational-simulation method for solving this dynamic vibration–collision coupling equation was also developed. The simulation results revealed that the vibration–collision coupling pattern exhibited a shorter vibration period, smaller vibration amplitude, and higher vibration frequency compared to the vibration pattern without coupling. A reduction in vibration amplitude mitigates berry detachment caused by excessive instantaneous loads. However, the increase in vibration frequency exacerbates berry detachment due to fatigue and causes varying degrees of berry damage. This study provides a theoretical foundation for understanding the mechanisms of berry detachment and damage, offering valuable insights for mitigating these issues in table grape production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific literature indicates that chokeberry is widely used as a supplement to support the maintenance of the body's homeostasis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. In recent years, positive effects of chokeberry on intestinal parameters have also been observed. Oxidative stress, inflammation and, according to recent reports, also the gut microbiome are closely related to the overall well-being and health of the population. This study, therefore, attempts to summarise all the health benefits of black chokeberry supplementation. This study was registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) under registration number CRD42023395969. Additionally, the systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Electronic databases were searched in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO using the following combination of the words 'chokeberry or aronia' and 'inflammation or oxidative stress or microbiota or microbiome or permeability or gut'. Ultimately, fifty-seven studies were summarised in the review. Data analysis showed that black chokeberry has a positive effect on the reduction of inflammation, oxidative stress and intestinal microflora, but the size of the changes varies and depends on many variables. Therefore, the researchers concluded that the compounds found in black chokeberry play a pivotal role in maintaining the overall balance within the system. This is a crucial consideration given the tendency for disturbances in organismal homeostasis to accompany disease processes and various disorders. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and optimise its use fully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of home vacuum packaging on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total phenolic content (TPC) levels of seven types of berries (raspberry, hawthorn, goldenberry, blackberry, strawberry, redcurrant, and blueberry) under different storage conditions. The berries were either vacuum+ or vacuum− and stored in a household refrigerator at +4 °C or frozen at −18 °C. Samples stored at +4 °C were analyzed on days 0, 7, and 30, while frozen samples were analyzed on days 0, 30, and 90. The results showed that TAC levels of fruit samples decreased by 18.88 % after 30 days at +4 °C in the vacuum− samples, while the vacuum+ samples showed only a 9.64 % reduction. Similarly, after 90 days of freezing, TAC levels decreased by 19.35 % in vacuum− samples, compared to an 11.56 % reduction in vacuum+ samples. Moreover, TPC levels of fruit samples decreased by 81.81 % after 30 days at +4 °C in the vacuum− samples, while the vacuum+ samples showed a 72.99 % reduction. After 90 days of freezing, TPC levels decreased by 75.99 % in vacuum− samples, while the vacuum+ samples showed only a 48.30 % reduction. Although TAC and TPC levels decreased over time at both +4 °C and −18 °C, the vacuum+ samples generally retained higher levels of TAC and TPC compared to the vacuum− samples, suggesting that vacuum packaging can slow down enzymatic and oxidative reactions. These findings indicate that home vacuum packaging could be a useful method for preserving the nutritional quality of berries and potentially reducing food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry is a berry whose fruit is not tolerant to storage; breeding varieties with extended storage time and high comprehensive quality are significant for raspberries in cold regions. 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS) is a limiting enzyme in the ethylene synthesis process, which plays essential roles in fruit ripening and softening in plants. In this study, the RiACS1 gene in raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) variety 'Polka' was cloned. The RiACS1 gene overexpression vector was constructed and transformed into tomato plants using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens infection method to verify its function in their reproductive development. The RiACS1 gene, with a total length of 1476 bp, encoded a protein with 491 amino acids. The subcellular localization analysis of the RiACS1 protein in the tobacco transient expression system revealed that the RiACS1-GFP fusion protein was mainly located in the nucleus. Compared with the control, the flowering time and fruit color turning time of transgenic strains were advanced, and the fruit hardness was reduced. Overexpression of RiACS1 increased the activity of ACC synthase, ethylene release rate, and respiration rate during the transchromic phase. It changed the substance content, increased the content of vitamin C and anthocyanin in the fruit ripening process, and decreased the content of chlorophyll and titrable acid at the maturity stage. In addition, RiACS1 increased the relative expression levels of ethylene synthesis-related genes such as SlACS4, SlACO3, and SlACO1 in the fruit ripening process, while it decreased the expression levels of SlACS2 at the maturity stage. These results suggested that the RiACS1 gene could promote early flowering and fruit ripening in tomato plants. This study provided a basis for further modifying raspberry varieties using molecular biology techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapevines are widely cultivated and highly nutritious, making them economically significant among cultivated plants globally. However, important spring temperature fluctuations and frequent frost events in some production areas severely affect grape growth and yield. Therefore, enhancing the cold resistance of grapevines is of considerable importance for production. This study used the less cold-resistant grape varieties Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay as test materials. They were treated with the antifreeze agents 'GuoGuang KangXiu,' 'Biogas Liquid', 'SenHuo', and 'Ice Shield' for 24 and 48 h before exposure to a low-temperature treatment of −2 °C. Compared to the control (water), all four antifreeze agents significantly reduced the relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content in the tender shoots of both grape varieties, increased the Fv/Fm ratio, enhanced osmotic adjustment substance levels, and improved antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, relative conductivity and malondialdehyde content were significantly lower, and the Fv/Fm ratio was higher when the antifreeze agents were applied 24 h before frost compared to 48 h. This suggests that all four antifreeze agents effectively improve grapevine cold resistance, with better results observed when applied 24 h before frost. Additionally, the antifreeze agents significantly increased the soluble solid content in berries and enhanced the levels of anthocyanins, total phenols, total tannins, total flavonoids, and total flavonols in the berries' skin. They had minimal impact on the fruit set rate, cluster weight, and berries shape index, indicating that these agents can improve berries quality to some extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the application of data analytics to discourse analysis, focusing on the field of (Critical) Discourse Studies. It highlights the book "Data Analytics for Discourse Analysis with Python" by Dennis Tay, which offers insights and tools for researchers in this domain. The book covers various data analytics techniques, such as simulation, cluster analysis, classification, and time series analysis, with a specific focus on psychotherapy talk as a case study. While the book provides valuable methodological guidance, it also acknowledges some limitations and recommends supplementary learning resources for readers interested in exploring additional data analytics methods. [Extracted from the article]

Grapevine is an important economic fruit tree worldwide, but grape production has been plagued by a vast number of fungal diseases, which affect tree vigor and the quality and yield of berries. To seek remedies for such issues, researchers have always been committed to conventional and biotechnological breeding. In recent years, increasing progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of grape–pathogenic fungi interactions and resistance regulation. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular basis of grapevine resistance to fungal diseases, including fungal effector-mediated susceptibility and resistance, resistant regulatory networks in grapevine, innovative approaches of genetic transformation, and strategies to improve grape resistance. Understanding the molecular basis is important for exploring and accurately regulating grape resistance to fungal diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of this study was to improve our understanding of remote sensing technologies and their potential application in vineyards to monitor yields and fruit composition, which could then be used for selective harvesting and winemaking. For yield and berry composition data collection, representative vines from the vineyard block were selected and geolocated, and the same vines were surveyed for remote sensing data collection by the multispectral and thermal sensors in the RPAS in 2015 and 2016. The spectral reflectance data were further analyzed for vegetation indices to evaluate the correlation between the variables. Moran's global index and map analysis were used to determine spatial clustering patterns and correlations between variables. The results of this study indicated that remote sensing data in the form of vegetation indices from the RPAS were positively correlated with yield and berry weight across sites and years. There was a positive correlation between the thermal emission and berry pH, berry phenols, and anthocyanins in certain sites and years. Overall, remote sensing technology has the potential to monitor and predict grape quality and yield, but further research on the efficacy of this data is needed for selective harvesting and winemaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for healthier snack options has driven innovation in frozen dairy products. This study developed and characterized novel frozen dairy snacks fermented with probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus LA5; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, and Streptococcus thermophilus BIOTEC003) and containing 2% blueberry bagasse. Four formulations (LA5, LGG, LA5-BERRY, and LGG-BERRY) were analyzed for their nutritional, physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties. High protein content (>17% d.w.) and increased dietary fiber (5.77–5.88% d.w.) were observed in bagasse-containing formulations. Stable technological characteristics were maintained, with melting rates increasing slightly during storage. Probiotic viability remained high (>8.5 log CFU/mL) after freezing and storage at −20 °C for 30 days. Post-simulated digestion, probiotics retained >7.5 log CFU/mL, while blueberry bagasse formulations exhibited significantly higher phenolic content (7.62–8.74 mg/g d.w.) and antioxidant capacity, though anthocyanin content decreased (66–68%). Sensory evaluation by 100 panelists revealed high acceptance scores (>63%), with LGG-BERRY achieving the highest score (78%). These formulations demonstrate significant potential for incorporating probiotics and functional ingredients, providing an innovative solution for probiotic delivery and the sustainable utilization of fruit by-products in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recent methodological developments have integrated nutritional aspects into life cycle assessment (LCA) by using nutrient indices as functional units (nFUs). Previous developments have focused on protein-rich foods, but environmental impacts and nutritional composition vary across products in other product groups, highlighting the need to develop nFUs also for other product groups. Here, we present product-group-specific nFUs for vegetables, fruit and berries, and sources of carbohydrates as an extension to our previous study on protein sources. Methods: We first justified the basis of product grouping and the procedure to develop product-group-specific nutrient indices to be used as the nFU in the LCA for product groups of vegetables, fruit and berries, and sources of carbohydrates. The practical application of these indices was then tested through demonstrative LCAs for the selection of different foods. The performance and results obtained with product-group-specific nFUs, including previously developed nFU for protein sources, were evaluated through a comparison with an assessment done using a general index, which included all the nutrients with the recommended daily intake in Finnish nutrition recommendations. Results and discussion: The results showed that the product-group-specific nFUs resulted in index scores that were an average of 2.5 times higher, and therefore lower climate impacts per nFU for the assessed food products, than the general index. This demonstrated that product-group-specific nFUs accurately represented the relevant nutrients for the studied product group and provided specific information on the impact of substituting currently consumed foods. The relative results obtained with either product-group-specific indices or a general index were similar except in the protein source product group, showing that a product-group-specific nFU might favour a certain type of products, such as traditional protein source foods, when applied to a very heterogenous group of products. Conclusions: This study showed that the product-group-specific approach could provide valuable information when evaluating the sustainability of different meal components. The approach presented here can be adapted elsewhere and revised for different populations. However, future research is needed to extend the method to cover other product groups as well and validate the selection of nutrients in the nFUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera caerulea L. has high nutritional and health value, and it is an important emerging small berry tree species. In this study, the morphology and nutrient composition of 60 cultivars were used to analyze and evaluate the diversity of the genus. Morphological analysis showed that the phenotypic traits of different cultivars had significant differences (p < 0.01). The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) of each trait was 12.42%~84.06%, and the coefficient of genetic variation (GCV) was between 7.07%~71.72%. The analysis of nutrient content showed significant differences among the cultivars (p < 0.01). The PCV of each trait was 3.95%~96.10%, and the GCV was 0.13%~32.83%. Based on breeding objectives, cultivars with excellent growth and leaf quantitative traits, fruit quantitative traits and nutrient contents were selected through the method of comprehensive analysis of multiple characters. Traits of the selected varieties were all above average, and specific genetic gain was higher. At the same time, the selection of varieties was carried out according to flowering and fruiting phenology, which provided an indication for the breeding of improved varieties. In this study, growth, leaf and fruit quantitative traits, phenological period and nutrient components of different cultivars provided valuable information for the breeding of improved varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), also known as spotted wing drosophila (SWD), is invasive, with a preference for infesting commercially viable soft berries, particularly cherries. SWD infestations in sweet cherries are difficult to detect and remove in the field, packing houses, and processing lines, causing significant economic losses and reducing yields significantly, necessitating early detection of insect infestation in fruits during primary decaying stages. Few publications have addressed the use of non-destructive techniques for the detection of insect infestation in cherries. Based on the advantages and effectiveness of the spectrophotometric techniques, an attempt was made to use the spectrophotometry to rapidly detect postharvest SWD infestations of intact sweet cherry fruit, to employ it in sweet cherry fruit selection and grading processes. The main purpose of this study was to apply spectrophotometry as a rapid and non-destructive method in detecting and classifying healthy sweet cherry fruit versus that infested with SWD eggs. To model the data fit/prediction, principal components regression and partial least squares regression algorithms were considered. The external cross-validation set was initially set to 20% of the overall available samples and subsequently increased to 50% in the final selected optimal model. The identified procedure of management of regression algorithms allowed the selection of a very performant and robust model using the partial least squares regression algorithm: its false negative rate and false positive rate, after 500 Monte Carlo runs, were 0.004% +/− 0.003 and 0.02% +/− 0.01, respectively, and, in addition, the 50% of samples were used for the external cross-validation set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly perishable nature of Rubus berries, particularly their susceptibility to water loss and earlier senescence, significantly limits their shelf life. In this study, we investigated the mechanistic role of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the physiochemical quality, phenolic metabolism, and antioxidant potential of blackberries and raspberries during cold storage (2 ± 1 °C) for 12 and 10 days, respectively. Modified atmosphere (MA)-packed Rubus berries exhibited higher total phenolics accompanied by higher activities of shikimate dehydrogenase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Furthermore, MA-packed Rubus berries demonstrated lower hydrogen peroxide by maintaining higher catalase activity and delayed lipid peroxidation during the entire period of cold storage. Relatively higher levels of glutathione and ascorbic acid as well as the activities of enzymes involved in the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in MA-packed Rubus berries were also observed. Conversely, MAP reduced the respiration rate and weight loss while maintaining higher postharvest quality attributes in raspberries and blackberries than control fruit. In conclusion, MAP is an effective method for extending the cold storage life and maintaining the quality of Rubus berries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted on the Sinceri grape variety in 2023. Three applications (35%, 55% and 75% net shadows) and a control were applied in the experiment. The shading materials were covered over the vines when the grapes were at veraison. The effects of the applied net shadows on the grape yield, color parameters of the berry skin and physicochemical analyses in the must were examined. In addition, some chemical analyses [such as pH, ethyl alcohol (%), volatile acidity (mg/L), reducing sugar (g/L), density and total acidity (g/L)], secondary metabolites, color parameters and sensory analyses were performed in wines produced spontaneously by the microvinification method. In terms of the yield parameters, the 55% net shadow application provided a 61.93% increase in grape yield, 37.83% increase in cluster weight and 35.76% increase in 100-berries weight compared to the control. While the L* value and Hue angle increased, the a* value, b* value and Chroma value decreased as the proportion of shading material increased. In the must, the must yield and total acidity increased while the TSSC, maturity index and density decreased. In terms of the physicochemical wine analysis (ethyl alcohol, density, total phenolic compound and antioxidant amount) and sensory evaluations, the best result was given by 75% net shadow and, in terms of wine color parameters, by 55% net shadow application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycium barbarum L. (goji), as an economic crop, has a high added value. However, the tender and fragile fruits are easily damaged during harvesting and transportation, leading to fruit bruising, which can cause rotting or black–brown spots after drying, seriously affecting the quality and price. In this study, two varieties of goji were used to determine and evaluate fruit bruising using a pendulum impact test, and the impact process was recorded using a high-speed camera and impact force sensor. This study discussed the energy changes during the impact process of fruits and conducted a correlation analysis of the impact energy, absorbed energy, restitution coefficient, impact force, and other indicators, analyzing the changes in each indicator with the falling height. The results showed that 0.2 m could be considered a critical height for damaging the fruit of goji. Furthermore, this study calculated the bruise susceptibility of the different varieties at different heights, which can be used for predicting bruising during the harvesting and collection of goji berries and ultimately for estimating the damage caused by mechanical harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]