Horticulturae

Editorial

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3 pages, 164 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Improving Quality of Fruit

by Michail Michailidis and Georgia Tanou

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1194; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121194 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1073

Abstract

Fruits are necessary for a balanced diet, and they are consumed for their vitamins, fiber, and other beneficial compounds [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

Research

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13 pages, 2416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aloe-Based Edible Coating to Maintain Quality of Fresh-Cut Italian Pears (Pyrus communis L.) during Cold Storage

by Roberta Passafiume, Giovanni Gugliuzza, Raimondo Gaglio, Gabriele Busetta, Ilenia Tinebra, Giuseppe Sortino and Vittorio Farina

Horticulturae 2021, 7(12), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7120581 - 16 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3073

Abstract

Pear fruits are known for their antioxidant and nutritional characteristics. However, they are very susceptible to rapid decay. Edible coating (EC) represents a good strategy to maintain postharvest quality. The effects of two EC in slowing down the senescence processes in fresh-cut ‘Coscia’ [...] Read more.

Pear fruits are known for their antioxidant and nutritional characteristics. However, they are very susceptible to rapid decay. Edible coating (EC) represents a good strategy to maintain postharvest quality. The effects of two EC in slowing down the senescence processes in fresh-cut ‘Coscia’ pears were investigated: EC1 (A. vera gel, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose and pomegranate seeds oil (PSO), EC2 (A. vera gel and hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose). Weight loss, firmness and colour decrease more slowly in both EC-treated than in untreated (CTR) slices; soluble solid content increases faster in CTR, indicating a faster ripening process. The specific investigation of undesired microorganisms did not generate any colony in all analysed samples. Sensory analysis confirmed that the tasters preferred the EC2-treated samples, as they were the only ones that did not show undesirable flavours until the last day of storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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13 pages, 3266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptomic Analysis of Hardened ‘Suli’ Pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd) for Identification of Key Genes for Lignin Biosynthesis and Accumulation

by Xinxin Feng, Xiaofeng Liu, Yuxiu Jia, Huifang Liu and Liulin Li

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110467 - 04 Nov 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1745

Abstract

Fruit hardening, one of the physiological disorders influencing the quality of pear, is usually accompanied by fruit lignification. Nonetheless, the mechanism by which lignin accumulates in hardened pear fruit is still unknown. Here, Transcriptome analysis of normal fruits (NFs) and hardened fruits (HFs) [...] Read more.

Fruit hardening, one of the physiological disorders influencing the quality of pear, is usually accompanied by fruit lignification. Nonetheless, the mechanism by which lignin accumulates in hardened pear fruit is still unknown. Here, Transcriptome analysis of normal fruits (NFs) and hardened fruits (HFs) of ‘Suli’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd) was used to examine the molecular mechanism of fruit hardening. We found that hardened fruits (HFs), especially those in the top region within 35–180 days after flowering (DAF), possessed a prominently higher lignin level than normal fruits (NFs). Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing of fruit at 35 DAF identified 4391 [HF shoulder region (HF_S) vs. NF top region (NF_T)], 3849 (HF_T vs. NF_T) and 408 (HF_T vs. HF_S) differentially expressed genes. Among them, we clarified 26 unigenes that encode 10 enzymes as candidate genes participating in lignin biosynthesis. Thus, high expression of the lignin biosynthetic gene impels lignin to accumulate in HFs. Some transcription factors were evaluated to link with lignin formation and subsequently analysed. In addition, the genes participating in flavonoid/proanthocyanidin biosynthesis dropped from the HF_T to the HF_S, suggesting that the flavonoid metabolic pathway was reduced to promote intermediate metabolites to be converted to the lignin biosynthetic pathway. To conclude, this study lays a solid theoretical foundation and provides reference data for investigating the mechanism by which lignin accumulates in hardened pear fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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17 pages, 3467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acidified Biochar Confers Improvement in Quality and Yield Attributes of Sufaid Chaunsa Mango in Saline Soil

by Javed Iqbal, Sidra Kiran, Shabir Hussain, Rana Khalid Iqbal, Umber Ghafoor, Uzma Younis, Tayebeh Zarei, Misbah Naz, Sevda Ghasemi Germi, Subhan Danish, Mohammad Javed Ansari and Rahul Datta

Horticulturae 2021, 7(11), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7110418 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2470

Abstract

Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the economic value of fruit in the national and international markets. However, deterioration of soil health due to low organic matter is a major hurdle for mango growers. Scientists [...] Read more.

Mango fruit quality plays a significant role in fruit storage. It also directly affects the economic value of fruit in the national and international markets. However, deterioration of soil health due to low organic matter is a major hurdle for mango growers. Scientists suggest incorporation of organic matter. However, high temperature and low precipitation lead to oxidation of organic residues in soil. On the other hand, biochar is gaining the attention of growers due to its resistance against decomposition. It can improve soil physicochemical attributes. Limited literature is available regarding biochar effects on the quality attributes of mango. Therefore, the current study was planned to investigate the effects of acidified biochar on mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. Five levels of biochar, i.e., 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 Mg/ha, were applied in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Results showed that 20 and 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar significantly enhanced fruit retention, sugar contents, ash contents and TSS of mango compared to control. A significant increase in mango fruit weight and yield per plant validated the efficacious role of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar over control. Furthermore, the maximum significant decrease in fruit juice acidity signified the imperative functioning of 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar in alkaline soil. In conclusion, 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar application can improve mango quality and yield attributes in alkaline soil. More investigations on different soil types, climatic zones and mango varieties are recommended to declare 40 Mg/ha acidified biochar as the best treatment for improvement in the quality and yield of mango fruit in alkaline soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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21 pages, 69787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Thermal Insulation Covering Materials to Reduce Postharvest Losses in Okra

by Jutarat Rattanakaran, Rattapon Saengrayap, Nattapol Aunsri, Sirada Padee, Chureerat Prahsarn, Hiroaki Kitazawa, Chris F. H. Bishop and Saowapa Chaiwong

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100392 - 11 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3085

Abstract

The efficiency of different thermal insulation covers in minimizing temperature fluctuations in cool chain management was investigated to reduce postharvest loss and maintain okra quality during storage and transportation. The four thermal insulation covering materials: (1) heat reflective sheet with thin nonwoven (HRS [...] Read more.

The efficiency of different thermal insulation covers in minimizing temperature fluctuations in cool chain management was investigated to reduce postharvest loss and maintain okra quality during storage and transportation. The four thermal insulation covering materials: (1) heat reflective sheet with thin nonwoven (HRS + TNNW), (2) heat reflective sheet with thick nonwoven (HRS + TKNW), (3) metalized Tyvek^® (MTyvek) and (4) metalized foam sheet (MFS) were studied and compared with perforated linear low-density polyethylene (P-LLDPE) as the typical handing package for okra distribution alongside no covering as the control. The material properties, transpiration rate, vital heat, temperature profiles (air and pulp temperatures), relative humidity, mass loss and incidence of decay were determined throughout a simulated supply chain. Results exhibited that HRS + TNNW and HRS + TKNW covers had the lowest thermal heat energy (Q_x) and moderate R-value. These two covers maintained low temperature fluctuation with the lowest rate of air and pulp temperature changes, reflecting in lowest mass loss and decay in okra. The HRS + TNNW cover yielded less decay (1%) in okra, compared to commercial covers; MTyvek (16%) and MFS (9%). Results showed that HRS + TNNW exhibited great potential as a thermal insulation cover to reduce postharvest loss in okra (5%) compared to typical handling (11–18%) and could be considered as alternative material to reduce the use of foam sheets in cool chain management distribution packaging of okra under ambient environment conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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10 pages, 1458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Study of Eco-Physiological Pepper Responses to Starfish-Based Organic Soil Amendments in Open-Field and Greenhouse Cultivations

by Hyun-Sug Choi

Horticulturae 2021, 7(10), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7100344 - 25 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1709

Abstract

This pilot study was conducted to compare eco-physiological responses to starfish (SF)-treated red peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) in organic open-field (OF) and greenhouse (GH) cultivations in commercial farmhouses, South Korea in 2019. Treatments included starfish-liquid fertilizer (LF) applied in OF (SF-OF) and [...] Read more.

This pilot study was conducted to compare eco-physiological responses to starfish (SF)-treated red peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) in organic open-field (OF) and greenhouse (GH) cultivations in commercial farmhouses, South Korea in 2019. Treatments included starfish-liquid fertilizer (LF) applied in OF (SF-OF) and GH (SF-GH) plots, and SF + seaweed in OF (SFS-OF) and GH (SFS-GH). Weekly pH levels in SFS-LF were fluctuated for a 16-week storage period at room temperature due to having higher soluble salt levels than those of SF-LF. All experimental plots were ranged on soil pH between 7.1 and 7.4. SF- and SFS-GH plots resulted in increased soil electrical conductivity, organic matter, and increased concentrations of total nitrogen, phosphorous pentoxide, potassium oxide, and magnesium oxide, as well as exhibiting a richer and more diverse bacterial community. Leaf width and length and plant height increased in plants cultivated in GH, with low canopy width and stem diameter also observed to have increased. Total fruit yields were approximately two times higher for peppers cultivated in GH compared to OF cultivated peppers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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16 pages, 1670 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Early Calcium Loading during Cherry Tree Dormancy Improves Fruit Quality Features at Harvest

by Michail Michailidis, Chrysanthi Polychroniadou, Maria-Anastasia Kosmidou, Dafni Petraki-Katsoulaki, Evangelos Karagiannis, Athanassios Molassiotis and Georgia Tanou

Horticulturae 2021, 7(6), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7060135 - 06 Jun 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3765

Abstract

The possible role of an early calcium application via sprays (0.25, 0.5 and 1M CaCl₂) on dormant buds to improve sweet cherry (cv. Ferrovia) fruit quality at harvest was investigated. Fruit quality characteristics were also investigated in response to the age [...] Read more.

The possible role of an early calcium application via sprays (0.25, 0.5 and 1M CaCl₂) on dormant buds to improve sweet cherry (cv. Ferrovia) fruit quality at harvest was investigated. Fruit quality characteristics were also investigated in response to the age of spurs, the ripening stage, and their interactions. Results indicate that calcium enters the dormant flower buds and the phloem but not to the dormant vegetative buds. At harvest, the levels of Zn, Mn, and Cu were declined in fruits by increasing CaCl₂ doses of sprays. Fruit respiratory activity was higher and on–tree fruit cracking was lower in red-colour (unripe) cherries as well as in fruit that was produced by 2-year-old short spurs or by Ca-treated buds. Differences in the sweet cherry skin metabolic profiles were identified. Fruit produced from Ca-exposed spurs exhibited lower levels of ribose and other cell-wall-related sugars and higher sucrose, maltose, and quininic acid levels. Nutrient shift was increased in red cherries, while anthocyanins were boosted in the black ones. PCA analysis was performed between the high dose of calcium spray and a control for mineral element content and cherry quality traits. This study illustrates that the high dose of calcium application during bud dormancy can effectively improve sweet cherry fruit characteristics, in terms of calcium content, cracking incidence, and fruit set. Overall, the present study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of calcium nutrition in fruit crops, which will provide references for alternative nutrient management and quality control in sweet cherry production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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15 pages, 1033 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Peach, Apple, and Pear Fruit Quality: To Peel or Not to Peel?

by Michail Michailidis, Evangelos Karagiannis, Elpida Nasiopoulou, Christina Skodra, Athanassios Molassiotis and Georgia Tanou

Horticulturae 2021, 7(4), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7040085 - 17 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4599

Abstract

The nutritional value of the peeled and unpeeled fruit (peel plus flesh tissues) was studied using four peach (Prunus persica L.; Red Heaven, Maria Blanca, Big Top, and Queen Giant), two pear (Pyrus communis L.; Santa Maria, Pyrus pyrifolia N.; Nashi), [...] Read more.

The nutritional value of the peeled and unpeeled fruit (peel plus flesh tissues) was studied using four peach (Prunus persica L.; Red Heaven, Maria Blanca, Big Top, and Queen Giant), two pear (Pyrus communis L.; Santa Maria, Pyrus pyrifolia N.; Nashi), and three apple (Malus domestica Borkh.; Gala, Granny Smith, and Red Chief) cultivars. Based on principal components analysis (PCA) models, there was a clear differentiation among the cultivars’ and the peeled fruits’ nutritional characteristics in comparison to the unpeeled ones. Increased antioxidant capacity and content of total phenols and flavonoids of peaches (Red Heaven and Maria Blanca) versus nectarines (Big Top and Queen Giant) were recorded. In contrast, nectarines were characterized by higher hydroxycinnamates and dry matter. The apples’ cultivar Granny Smith exhibited a high level of titratable acidity (TA), while the Gala displayed a high level of soluble solids concentration (SSC), carotenoids, dry matter, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols at the unpeeled fruit, whereas the Red Chief by increased anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, total phenols, and flavonoids. Nashi pears with peel were more beneficial due to the strong skin contribution in the fruits’ beneficial compounds content. The peel of the Granny Smith cultivar was associated with an increased level of P, K, Ca, and Mg, whereas that of Red Chief with increased anthocyanins and Mg content. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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Review

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18 pages, 2177 KiB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of the Practices and Management Methods for Enhancing Seed Production in Conifer Plantations for Commercial Use

by Yan Li, Xiang Li, Ming-Hui Zhao, Zhong-Yi Pang, Jia-Tong Wei, Mulualem Tigabu, Vincent L. Chiang, Heike Sederoff, Ronald Sederoff and Xi-Yang Zhao

Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080252 - 18 Aug 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3677

Abstract

Flowering, the beginning of the reproductive growth, is a significant stage in the growth and development of plants. Conifers are economically and ecologically important, characterized by straight trunks and a good wood quality and, thus, conifer plantations are widely distributed around the world. [...] Read more.

Flowering, the beginning of the reproductive growth, is a significant stage in the growth and development of plants. Conifers are economically and ecologically important, characterized by straight trunks and a good wood quality and, thus, conifer plantations are widely distributed around the world. In addition, conifer species have a good tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and a stronger survival ability. Seeds of some conifer species, such as Pinus koraiensis, are rich in vitamins, amino acids, mineral elements and other nutrients, which are used for food and medicine. Although conifers are the largest (giant sequoia) and oldest living plants (bristlecone pine), their growth cycle is relatively long, and the seed yield is unstable. In the present work, we reviewed selected literature and provide a comprehensive overview on the most influential factors and on the methods and techniques that can be adopted in order to improve flowering and seed production in conifers species. The review revealed that flowering and seed yields in conifers are affected by a variety of factors, such as pollen, temperature, light, water availability, nutrients, etc., and a number of management techniques, including topping off, pruning, fertilization, hormone treatment, supplementary pollination, etc. has been developed for improving cone yields. Furthermore, several flowering-related genes (FT, Flowering locus T and MADS-box, MCMI, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENCES and SRF) that play a crucial role in flowering in coniferous trees were identified. The results of this study can be useful for forest managers and for enhancing seed yields in conifer plantations for commercial use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Improving Quality of Fruit)

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