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Agronomy
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Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series...
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Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Horticultural and Floricultural Crops".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2024 | Viewed by 6727

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luis Noguera-Artiaga

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Group “Food Quality and Safety (CSA)”, Department of Agro-Food Technology, Escuela Politécnica Superior de Orihuela (EPSO), Centro de Investigación e Innovación Agroalimentaria y Agroambiental (CIAGRO-UMH), Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche (UMH), Carretera de Beniel, km 3.2, 03312 Orihuela, Spain
Interests: food processing; nuts; volatile; antioxidants; organic; sensory quality; bioactive components; chromatography
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In accordance with Goal 2 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (“end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition by promoting sustainable agriculture, applying agricultural practices that increase productivity”), agriculture and horticulture should advance toward research that leads to more efficient production of fruits and vegetables, with better functional and nutritional properties, that is, products of higher quality. In this way, nutrient intake will be improved without increasing food consumption.

The different strategies of cultivation techniques, such as pruning, thinning, preharvest treatments, etc., as well as good control of agronomic factors such as irrigation, soil texture, fertilizer, soil–water relationships, cultural practices, etc., involve unquestionable changes in the composition of the fruits and vegetables obtained. Studies that relate the incidence of these agronomic factors with the physical, chemical, functional, and sensorial properties of fruits and vegetables are necessary to achieve improvements in their final quality that is reflected in a nutritional improvement of the same.

As a result of this, the present Special Issue is aimed at gathering outstanding cross-disciplinary approaches (reviews and original research) applying the combination of agronomical techniques as a tool for improving the quality of fruits and vegetables in order to provide very valuable information to farmers, manufacturers and consumers.

Dr. Luis Noguera-Artiaga
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • agronomic factors
  • agricultural practices
  • antioxidants
  • biofunctional compounds
  • food quality
  • irrigation
  • mineral content
  • polyphenols
  • preharvest treatment

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2635 KiB  
Article
Preharvest Application of Melatonin Affects the Color, Strength, and Antioxidant Capacity of Pear Peels by Regulating Phenylpropane Metabolism
by Shuai Yan, Liangliang Zhao, Yufei Wang, Deying Zhao, Gongxun Xu, Cungang Cheng and Zhiqin Zhou
Agronomy 2023, 13(12), 2898; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13122898 - 25 Nov 2023
Viewed by 724
Abstract
Melatonin is an important regulator of fruit growth and development. To explore the physiological mechanism whereby preharvest melatonin application regulates the polyphenol content of ‘Yuluxiang’ pear peel, we sprayed 0.1 mM melatonin during the first fruit expansion and early color change periods, and [...] Read more.
Melatonin is an important regulator of fruit growth and development. To explore the physiological mechanism whereby preharvest melatonin application regulates the polyphenol content of ‘Yuluxiang’ pear peel, we sprayed 0.1 mM melatonin during the first fruit expansion and early color change periods, and the control group were sprinkled with fresh water. Then, we measured the contents of anthocyanin, lignin, and major monomeric phenolics and the activities of key enzymes associated with phenolic metabolism. The results showed that melatonin application significantly increased the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, and lignin in the peel from the color change to mature development stages. Near maturity, the activities of all key enzymes, except dihydroflavonol-4-reductase, were higher than those in the control samples, but significant differences in enzyme activity occurred at different time points. Compared with the control group, the fruit peels of the melatonin-treated plants exhibited a higher antioxidant activity and accumulated more flavonols. Thus, preharvest spraying of melatonin can alter the activity of key enzymes associated with phenolic metabolism, increasing the total phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and lignin contents, which in turn, affects the color, strength, and antioxidant capacity of pear peels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)
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18 pages, 1894 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Efficiency of Enzymatic-Assisted Extraction Method for Evaluating Bioactive Compound Analysis in Mulberry: An Optimization Approach
by Ainara Tizón Alba, María José Aliaño-González, Miguel Palma, Gerardo Fernández Barbero and Ceferino Carrera
Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2548; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102548 - 03 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1126
Abstract
The present investigation endeavors to optimize a method based on enzyme-assisted extraction for the efficient retrieval of bioactive compounds from mulberry, leveraging its notable health-promoting properties. A combined approach of Plackett–Burman design followed by Box–Behnken design was employed for determining the crucial extraction [...] Read more.
The present investigation endeavors to optimize a method based on enzyme-assisted extraction for the efficient retrieval of bioactive compounds from mulberry, leveraging its notable health-promoting properties. A combined approach of Plackett–Burman design followed by Box–Behnken design was employed for determining the crucial extraction parameters and subsequently, refining the process. Optimal conditions consisted of heating 0.15 g of mulberry at 40 °C, using 15 mL of 70% EtOH as a solvent at pH 4, 38.46 enzyme units per g of sample, and shaking at 200 rpm. The optimum extraction time study revealed that 5 min of extraction was sufficient to reach the maximum concentration of the bioactive compound. The repeatability and intermediate precision assessment exhibited a coefficient of variation below 5%. Among the diverse mulberry varieties scrutinized, Morus nigra showed the highest anthocyanin content (27.90 ± 2.14 mg/100 g), while Morus rubra showed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds (121.10 ± 19.56 mg/100 g). Moreover, the extracted compounds showcased significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)
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15 pages, 2145 KiB  
Article
Interactive Effects between Zinc and Selenium on Mineral Element Accumulation and Fruit Quality of Strawberry
by Siyu Huang, Linyan Gao, Guohai Fu, Sen Du, Qi Wang, Huafen Li and Yanan Wan
Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2453; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102453 - 22 Sep 2023
Viewed by 793
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) biofortification in strawberry fruits under substrate and soil cultivation, along with their effects on mineral element accumulation and fruit quality. To achieve this, foliar Zn (0.1% and 0.2%) and Se (0.003% and 0.006%) [...] Read more.
In this study, we evaluated zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) biofortification in strawberry fruits under substrate and soil cultivation, along with their effects on mineral element accumulation and fruit quality. To achieve this, foliar Zn (0.1% and 0.2%) and Se (0.003% and 0.006%) fertilizers were applied separately or in combination at the initial flowering stage. The Zn and Se contents in strawberry fruits increased with the spraying dosage. Compared to the control, the Zn content in the first batch of Zn-treated strawberries increased by 36.9–109% and 27.1–102% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while Se increased by 313–444% and 21.3–53.3%, respectively. However, foliar Zn application could not ensure long-term sustainability as Zn in strawberries gradually decreased in the two subsequent batches, while Se was more stable. Compared to the control, the Se content in the three batches of Se2 (0.006%)-treated strawberries grown in soil increased by 32.9%, 124%, and 109%, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to Se alone, the Zn–Se combined application decreased the Se content in strawberries by 61.2–77.6% and 24.9–45.7% under substrate and soil cultivation, respectively, while low doses of Se promoted Zn enrichment (by 8.62–40.9%) and high doses inhibited it (by 13.2–28.9%) under substrate cultivation. Moreover, the copper content in strawberries under substrate cultivation after the Se1 (0.003%) treatment was significantly higher (by 75.0%) than that in the control. A positive correlation was observed between Cu and Zn contents in strawberries under both substrate and soil cultivation. A consistent positive impact was also observed on fruit quality. The Se2 (0.006%) treatment caused an increase in ascorbic acid content (by 37.2%) in strawberry fruits. The soluble sugar content increased by 36.3% after the Zn1 (0.1%) treatment. The present study provides a practical basis for the biofortification of strawberries with Zn and Se. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)
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17 pages, 1884 KiB  
Article
Effects of Methyl Jasmonate on Fruit Coloration and Quality Improvement in Pears (Pyrus bretschneideri)
by Bo Li, Xiangzhan Zhang, Chunhong Han, Ruiwei Duan, Jian Yang and Huabai Xue
Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2409; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092409 - 18 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 957
Abstract
Red-skinned pears with a bright red color and abundant health benefits are favored by consumers. However, fruit coloration and inner quality are usually affected by adverse factors, which lead to a decline in fruit quality and commerciality. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been reported [...] Read more.
Red-skinned pears with a bright red color and abundant health benefits are favored by consumers. However, fruit coloration and inner quality are usually affected by adverse factors, which lead to a decline in fruit quality and commerciality. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been reported to be involved in many plant processes, including anthocyanin accumulation, while the value of MeJA application for fruit coloration and quality improvement in red-skinned pears is still largely unclear. The application of 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mM MeJA at different fruit development stages significantly promoted red coloration in ‘Danxiahong’ pears. Moreover, MeJA treatment increased the fruit soluble solids, improved the total sugar content, decreased the fruit acid content, and significantly increased the total sugar/total acid ratio. However, no significant effect was observed on the fruit’s shape or longitudinal or transverse diameters. RT-qPCR analysis indicated that the expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic regulatory and structural genes, including PbrMYB10, PbrbHLH3, PbrWD40, PbrPAL, PbrCHI, PbrDFR, and other genes, was induced by MeJA treatments. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the application of MeJA plays a significant role in promoting anthocyanin accumulation in pear peels, leading to enhanced fruit coloration. Furthermore, MeJA treatment also positively impacts the improvement of the inner fruit quality. These results not only provide valuable insights into the mechanism of MeJA-mediated coloration but also contribute to a better understanding of the overall role of MeJA in pear fruit development and quality enhancement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)
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15 pages, 4337 KiB  
Article
Improvement of Fruit Quality and Phytochemical Components of Pomegranate by Spraying with B2O3 and ZnO Nanoparticles
by Adel M. Al-Saif, Ibrahim A. Elnaggar, Abd El-wahed N. Abd El-wahed, Ibrahim M. Taha, Hosny F. Abdel-Aziz, Mohammed H. Farouk and Ashraf E. Hamdy
Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2305; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092305 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1028
Abstract
Pomegranate is one of the most important and widely distributed trees. Boron and zinc are important nutrients for plant growth and fruit quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most innovative scientific fields in agriculture. This study was conducted to describe the [...] Read more.
Pomegranate is one of the most important and widely distributed trees. Boron and zinc are important nutrients for plant growth and fruit quality. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most innovative scientific fields in agriculture. This study was conducted to describe the changes in the physiochemical characteristics (weight, diameter, length, firmness and color), as well as the phytochemicals attributes (total phenolics, total flavonoids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin and antioxidant %) and minerals contents, of pomegranates fruits of the ‘Wonderful’ cultivar as a result of spraying pomegranate trees using nanomaterials (zinc oxide (ZnONPs) and boron oxide (B2O3NPs)). In three successive developmental stages (full bloom, 6 weeks after full bloom and one month before harvest time), the trees were sprayed with 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L ZnONPs, as well as 0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/L B2O3NPs during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The application of ZnONPs and B2O3NPs influenced the qualitative characteristics of the fruits in the studied seasons. The highest marketable % was observed for the 0.50 and 1 g/L ZnONPs and 1 g/L B2O3NPs compared to the other treatments. Also, a positive effect was recorded for the ZnONPs and B2O3NPs on the fruits’ physical properties. All of the ZnONP and B2O3NP treatments resulted in increasing the total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid contents and the antioxidant activity in the pomegranate juices. In conclusion, our results suggest that spraying pomegranate trees with ZnONPs and B2O3NPs improves the marketable fruit, enhances the fruit quality and increases the bioactive components and antioxidant activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)
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12 pages, 323 KiB  
Article
Deciphering Ciprofloxacin’s Impact on Growth Attributes and Antioxidant Compounds in Pasankalla Quinoa
by Adan Quisocala Ramos, Yoselin Mamani Ramos, Nora Magaly Quispe Camaticona, José Luis Ramos Tejeda, Clara Nely Campos Quiróz, Ingrid Maldonado, Nils Leander Huamán-Castilla and Franz Zirena Vilca
Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1738; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071738 - 28 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1585
Abstract
The utilization of irrigation water contaminated with antibiotics can potentially affect the growth and production of metabolites in crops. Thus, the effect of Ciprofloxacin (CIP) in irrigation water on the morphological characteristics and polyphenol content in the Pasakalla variety of quinoa was evaluated. [...] Read more.
The utilization of irrigation water contaminated with antibiotics can potentially affect the growth and production of metabolites in crops. Thus, the effect of Ciprofloxacin (CIP) in irrigation water on the morphological characteristics and polyphenol content in the Pasakalla variety of quinoa was evaluated. Quinoa seeds were sown and irrigated twice weekly with different CIP doses (1, 10, and 100 µg/L). The plant was divided into roots, leaves, panicles, and grain to measure their morphological characteristics and antioxidant properties (the content of total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and polyphenolic profile). Root length and biomass of the plant were not affected by the dosage of CIP during physiological maturity. On the contrary, plant growth was reduced (16%) when 10 ug/L of CIP was used. On the other hand, the presence of high CIP concentrations (100 ug/L) improved the biosynthesis of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity by 52 and 59% compared to the control. Profile polyphenols show that vanillic acid and procyanidins A2 and B2 were significantly increased. Thus, the use of CIP could promote a higher enzymatic activity to produce specific polyphenols in order to inhibit the presence of ROS. Finally, under CIP-controlled conditions, the production of polyphenols could be improved without altering the plant’s expected growth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Cultivation Techniques on Fruit Quality and Nutritional Value—Series II)
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