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Open AccessEditorial

Fruit and Vegetable Production

by

Lord Abbey

,

Mason MacDonald

and

Josephine Ampofo

Plants 2023, 12(17), 3125; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173125 - 30 Aug 2023

Viewed by 235

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables are generally known to contain important vitamins, fiber, essential minerals, and vital bioactive compounds that possess health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

Research

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Open AccessArticle

Spatial and Compositional Variations in Fruit Characteristics of Papaya (Carica papaya cv. Tainung No. 2) during Ripening

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Plants 2023, 12(7), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071465 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1347

Abstract

Papaya fruit (Carica papaya) has different degrees of ripening within each fruit, affecting its commercial market value. The fruit characteristics of “Tainung No. 2” Red papaya were investigated at the stem-end, middle, and calyx-end across 3 ripening stages and categorized based [...] Read more.

Papaya fruit (Carica papaya) has different degrees of ripening within each fruit, affecting its commercial market value. The fruit characteristics of “Tainung No. 2” Red papaya were investigated at the stem-end, middle, and calyx-end across 3 ripening stages and categorized based on fruit skin coloration: unripe at 16 weeks after anthesis (WAA), half-ripe at 18 WAA, and full-ripe at 20 WAA. The fruits maintained an elliptical shape during ripening with a ratio of 2.36 of the length to the width. The peel and pulp color changed from green to white to yellow during ripening, regardless of the three parts. In the pulp, soluble solid contents increased, and firmness decreased during ripening but did not differ among the three parts. Individual nutrient contents, including metabolites and minerals, changed dynamically between the ripening stages and fruit parts. Total carbohydrates and proteins, N, and K, were accumulated more at the stem-end during ripening; meanwhile, fructose, glucose, Mg, and Mn were accumulated more at the calyx-end. In the principal component analysis, ripening stages and fruit parts were distinctly determined by the first and second principal components, respectively. Understanding the nutrient and metabolite dynamics during ripening and their distribution within the fruit can help optimize cultivation practices, enhance fruit quality, and ultimately benefit both growers and consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Magnetically Treated Water in Phaseolus vulgaris L.: An Alternative to Develop Organic Farming in Cuba

by

Yilan Fung Boix

,

Albys Ferrer Dubois

,

Yanaisy Perez Quintero

,

Elizabeth Isaac Alemán

,

Cristiane Pimentel Victório

,

Jorge González Aguilera

,

Malgreter Noguera Betancourt

and

Luis Morales-Aranibar

Plants 2023, 12(2), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020340 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1132

Abstract

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) significantly contributes to the human diet due to its protein, vitamin and mineral contents, making it one of the major edible plant species worldwide. Currently, the genetic resources conserved in germplasm banks in Cuba have experienced a loss [...] Read more.

Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) significantly contributes to the human diet due to its protein, vitamin and mineral contents, making it one of the major edible plant species worldwide. Currently, the genetic resources conserved in germplasm banks in Cuba have experienced a loss of viability, which makes their propagation difficult. Magnetically treated water has been used to improve the response of seeds and plants of different species. However, there is little experimental evidence on the cultivation of the common bean irrigated with magnetically treated water or its positive effects on seed germination recovery and its effects on physiological, anatomical and morphological characteristics. This study aims to evaluate the growth and development of common bean with magnetically treated water as an alternative to rejuvenate the seeds for organic agriculture. A two-group experimental design was used: a group of plants irrigated with water without a magnetic field and a group of plants irrigated with water treated with a magnetic field at induction in the range of 100 to 150 mT. There was an increase of 25% in the percentage of germination; the stomatal anatomical structures behaved normally; and the stem length, vigor index, leaf area and seed weight increased by 35, 100, 109 and 16%, respectively. The concentrations of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b pigments and carbohydrates in the plants grown with magnetically treated water were also stimulated in relation to control plants with increments of 13, 21 and 26%, respectively. The technology employed in this study did not have negative effects on the plant nor did it affect the presence of structures or the net content of the assessed compounds. Its use in the cultivation of Phaseolus vulgaris L. might represent a viable alternative for the improvement of the plant in organic farming production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Growth and Biochemical Composition of Microgreens Grown in Different Formulated Soilless Media

by

Roksana Saleh

,

Lokanadha R. Gunupuru

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and

Plants 2022, 11(24), 3546; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243546 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1686

Abstract

Microgreens are immature young plants grown for their health benefits. A study was performed to evaluate the different mixed growing media on growth, chemical composition, and antioxidant activities of four microgreen species: namely, kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala), Swiss chard [...] Read more.

Microgreens are immature young plants grown for their health benefits. A study was performed to evaluate the different mixed growing media on growth, chemical composition, and antioxidant activities of four microgreen species: namely, kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala), Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), arugula (Eruca vesicaria ssp. sativa), and pak choi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis). The growing media were T1.1 (30% vermicast + 30% sawdust + 10% perlite + 30% PittMoss (PM)); T2.1 (30% vermicast + 20% sawdust + 20% perlite + 30% PM); PM was replaced with mushroom compost in the respective media to form T1.2 and T2.2. Positive control (PC) was Pro-mix BX™ potting medium alone. Root length was the highest in T1.1 while the shoot length, root volume, and yield were highest in T2.2. Chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of Swiss chard grown in T1.1 was the highest, followed by T2.2 and T1.1. Pak choi and kale had the highest sugar and protein contents in T2.2, respectively. Consistently, total phenolics and flavonoids of the microgreens were increased by 1.5-fold in T1.1 and T2.2 compared to PC. Antioxidant enzyme activities were increased in all the four microgreens grown in T1.1 and T2.2. Overall, T2.2 was the most effective growing media to increase microgreens plant growth, yield, and biochemical composition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Irrigation Effect on Yield, Skin Blemishes, Phellem Formation, and Total Phenolics of Red Potatoes

by

Manlin Jiang

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Tracy Shinners-Carnelley

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and

Plants 2022, 11(24), 3523; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11243523 - 14 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 709

Abstract

Dark Red Norland is an important potato cultivar in the fresh market due to its attractive bright, red colour, and good yield. However, skin blemishes such as silver patch, surface cracking, and russeting can negatively influence the tuber skin quality and marketability. It [...] Read more.

Dark Red Norland is an important potato cultivar in the fresh market due to its attractive bright, red colour, and good yield. However, skin blemishes such as silver patch, surface cracking, and russeting can negatively influence the tuber skin quality and marketability. It is well known that potato is a drought-sensitive plant. This study was conducted to determine whether irrigation would affect Dark Red Norland’s yield and skin quality. A three-year field trial was conducted by Peak of the Market in Manitoba, Canada. Plants were treated under both irrigation and rainfed conditions. The results show that irrigation increased the total yield by 20.6% and reduced the severity of surface cracking by 48.5%. Microscopy imaging analysis demonstrated that tubers from the rainfed trials formed higher numbers of suberized cell layers than those of the irrigated potatoes, with a difference of 0.360 to 0.652 layers in normal skins. Surface cracking and silver patch skins had more suberized cell layers than the normal skins, with ranges of 7.805 to 8.333 and 7.740 to 8.496, respectively. A significantly higher amount of total polyphenols was found in the irrigated samples with a mean of 77.30 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g fresh weight (fw) than that of the rainfed samples (69.80 mg GAE/100 g fw). The outcome of this study provides a better understanding of the water regime effect causing these skin blemishes, which could potentially be used to establish strategies to improve tuber skin quality and minimize market losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Changes in Soil Characteristics, Microbial Metabolic Pathways, TCA Cycle Metabolites and Crop Productivity following Frequent Application of Municipal Solid Waste Compost

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Lokanadha Rao Gunupuru

and

Nivethika Ajeethan

Plants 2022, 11(22), 3153; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11223153 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1234

Abstract

The benefit sof municipal solid waste (MSW) compost on soil health and plant productivity are well known, but not its long-term effect on soil microbial and plant metabolic pathways. A 5-year study with annual (AN), biennial (BI) and no (C, control) MSW compost [...] Read more.

The benefit sof municipal solid waste (MSW) compost on soil health and plant productivity are well known, but not its long-term effect on soil microbial and plant metabolic pathways. A 5-year study with annual (AN), biennial (BI) and no (C, control) MSW compost application were carried out to determine the effect on soil properties, microbiome function, and plantgrowth and TCA cycle metabolites profile of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), lettuce (Latuca sativa) and beets (Beta vulgaris). MSW compost increased soil nutrients and organic matter leading to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in AN-soil water-holding capacity followed by BI-soil compared to C-soil. Estimated nitrogen release in the AN-soil was ca. 23% and 146% more than in BI-soil and C-soil, respectively. Approximately 44% of bacterial community due to compost. Deltaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes Bacteroidia, and Chloroflexi Anaerolineae were overrepresented in compost amended soils compared to C-soil. A strong positive association existed between AN-soil and 18 microbial metabolic pathways out of 205. Crop yield in AN-soil were increased by 6–20% compared to the BI-soil, and by 35–717% compared to the C-soil. Plant tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites were highly (p < 0.001) influenced by compost. Overall, microbiome function and TCA cycle metabolites and crop yield were increased in the AN-soil followed by the BI-soil and markedly less in C-soil. Therefore, MSW compost is a possible solution to increase soil health and plants production in the medium to long term. Future study must investigate rhizosphere metabolic activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Changes in Biogenic Amines of Two Table Grapes (cv. Bronx Seedless and Italia) during Berry Development and Ripening

by

Melek Incesu

,

Sinem Karakus

,

Hanifeh Seyed Hajizadeh

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Plants 2022, 11(21), 2845; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212845 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 811

Abstract

Bronx Seedless and Italia (Vitis vinifera L.) are a variety preferred by consumers owing to their exciting flavour and widely cultivated in Aegean Region in Turkey. The aim was to identify the biogenic amines of these table grapes during berry ripeness. The [...] Read more.

Bronx Seedless and Italia (Vitis vinifera L.) are a variety preferred by consumers owing to their exciting flavour and widely cultivated in Aegean Region in Turkey. The aim was to identify the biogenic amines of these table grapes during berry ripeness. The biogenic amines were analyzed by HPLC in six different berry phenological stages. Italia grapes presented lower biogenic amine content than Bronx Seedless table grapes. The concentration of most of the biogenic amines analyzed linearly raised from the beginning of berry touch to when berries ripen for harvest stages. The most common biogenic amines in grape varieties were putrescine, followed by histamine, agmatine, and tyramine. There was also a positive correlation between all biogenic amines of the two grape varieties. The weakest correlation was found between spermine and cadaverine, whereas the strongest correlation was found among dopamine, trimethylamine, norepinephrine, tyramine, and histamine amines. The present study is the first report of a synthesis study regarding the effect of B.A.s on quality characteristics throughout berry ripeness in grape varieties containing foxy and muscat tastes. The concentration and composition of biogenic amines identified for both varieties might provide helpful information regarding human health and the vintage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Field Application of a Vis/NIR Hyperspectral Imaging System for Nondestructive Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties in ‘Madoka’ Peaches

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Plants 2022, 11(17), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11172327 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

Extensive research has been performed on the in-field nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of the physicochemical properties of ‘Madoka’ peaches, such as chromaticity (a*), soluble solids content (SSC), firmness, and titratable acidity (TA) content. To accomplish this, a snapshot-based hyperspectral imaging (HSI) approach for filed [...] Read more.

Extensive research has been performed on the in-field nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of the physicochemical properties of ‘Madoka’ peaches, such as chromaticity (a*), soluble solids content (SSC), firmness, and titratable acidity (TA) content. To accomplish this, a snapshot-based hyperspectral imaging (HSI) approach for filed application was conducted in the visible and near-infrared (Vis/NIR) region. The hyperspectral images of ‘Madoka’ samples were captured and combined with commercial HSI analysis software, and then the physicochemical properties of the ‘Madoka’ samples were predicted. To verify the performance of the field-based HSI application, a lab-based HSI application was also conducted, and their coefficient of determination values (R²) were compared. Finally, pixel-based chemical images were produced to interpret the dynamic changes of the physicochemical properties in ‘Madoka’ peach. Consequently, the a* values and SSC content shows statistically significant R² values (0.84). On the other hand, the firmness and TA content shows relatively lower accuracy (R² = 0.6 to 0.7). Then, the resultant chemical images of the a* values and SSC content were created and could represent their different levels using grey scale gradation. This indicates that the HSI system with integrated HSI software used in this work has promising potential as an in-field NDE for analyzing the physicochemical properties in ‘Madoka’ peaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Cultivar and Postharvest Storage Duration Influence Fruit Quality, Nutritional and Phytochemical Profiles of Soilless-Grown Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons

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Plants 2022, 11(16), 2136; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162136 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1213

Abstract

There is an increasing demand for sweet melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit in fruit and vegetable markets due to its nutritional content, resulting in different cultivars being grown in different production systems. This study evaluated the nutritional and phytochemical contents of soilless-grown [...] Read more.

There is an increasing demand for sweet melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit in fruit and vegetable markets due to its nutritional content, resulting in different cultivars being grown in different production systems. This study evaluated the nutritional and phytochemical contents of soilless-grown cantaloupe and honeydew sweet melon cultivars at harvest and postharvest. At harvest, vitamin C and β-carotene concentrations were higher in orange-fleshed (cantaloupe) cvs. Magritte, Divine, Majestic, Cyclone, MAB 79001, E25F.00185, E25F.00075 and Adore, compared to green-fleshed (honeydew) cvs. Honey Brew and Honey Star. The zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) contents were higher in orange-fleshed compared to green-fleshed cultivars. Total phenolics content (TPC) in cv. E25F.00075 was the highest (2.87 mg GAE∙g⁻¹ dry weight). A significant, positive, correlation occurred between β-carotene and Zn, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Postharvest storage duration affected TPC and total soluble solid content. The interaction of cultivar and postharvest storage duration affected flavonoid, vitamin C and β-carotene contents, free radical scavenging activity and fruit juice pH. Vitamin C and β-carotene contents decreased with increased postharvest storage duration while flavonoid content increased. The cantaloupe cultivars performed significantly better compared to the honeydew cultivars as evident in their high mineral element content, and vitamin C and β-carotene concentrations. Selection of appropriate cultivars in a production system should consider variation in nutritional traits of cultivars and postharvest storage duration. Soilless production of sweet melon cultivars in tunnels offers a viable alternative to open field to produce high-quality melons at harvest and postharvest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Maturation and Post-Harvest Resting of Fruits Affect the Macronutrients and Protein Content in Sweet Pepper Seeds

by

Lidiane Fernandes Colombari

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Larissa Chamma

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Gustavo Ferreira da Silva

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Willian Aparecido Leoti Zanetti

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Fernando Ferrari Putti

and

Antonio Ismael Inácio Cardoso

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2084; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162084 - 10 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1126

Abstract

There are few studies about the influence of fruit maturation and post-harvest resting on seed composition, which can be necessary for seedling development and future establishment. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of maturation and post-harvest resting of [...] Read more.

There are few studies about the influence of fruit maturation and post-harvest resting on seed composition, which can be necessary for seedling development and future establishment. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of maturation and post-harvest resting of fruits on the macronutrient and protein content of sweet pepper seeds. The experimental design was a randomized block, with eight treatments, in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. The first factor was fruit maturation stages (35, 50, 65 and 80 days after anthesis), and the second, with and without post-harvest resting of the fruits for 7 days. The characteristics evaluated in seeds were the dry weight of one thousand seeds, macronutrient content, and content of albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin proteins. There were reductions in K, Ca and Mg content, and an increase in seed content of albumin, globulin and prolamins as a function of the fruit maturation stage. Post-harvest resting of the fruits provided higher Ca content and protein albumin in seeds. The decreasing order of macronutrients and protein content in seeds, independent of fruit maturation and resting stage of the fruits, was N > K > P > Mg > S > Ca, and albumin > globulin ≈ glutelin > prolamine, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Effect of Pyroligneous Acid on the Productivity and Nutritional Quality of Greenhouse Tomato

by

Raphael Ofoe

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Dengge Qin

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Lokanadha R. Gunupuru

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Raymond H. Thomas

and

Lord Abbey

Plants 2022, 11(13), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131650 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2208

Abstract

Pyroligneous acid (PA) is a reddish-brown liquid obtained through the condensation of smoke formed during biochar production. PA contains bioactive compounds that can be utilized in agriculture to improve plant productivity and quality of edible parts. In this study, we investigated the biostimulatory [...] Read more.

Pyroligneous acid (PA) is a reddish-brown liquid obtained through the condensation of smoke formed during biochar production. PA contains bioactive compounds that can be utilized in agriculture to improve plant productivity and quality of edible parts. In this study, we investigated the biostimulatory effect of varying concentrations of PA (i.e., 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2% PA/ddH₂O (v/v)) application on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ‘Scotia’) plant growth and fruit quality under greenhouse conditions. Plants treated with 0.25% PA exhibited a significantly (p < 0.001) higher sub-stomatal CO₂ concentration and a comparable leaf transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. The total number of fruits was significantly (p < 0.005) increased by approximately 65.6% and 34.4% following the application of 0.5% and 0.25% PA, respectively, compared to the control. The 0.5% PA enhanced the total weight of fruits by approximately 25.5%, while the 0.25% PA increased the elemental composition of the fruits. However, the highest PA concentration of 2% significantly (p > 0.05) reduced plant growth and yield, but significantly (p < 0.001) enhanced tomato fruit juice Brix, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and titratable acidity. Additionally, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were significantly (p < 0.001) increased by the 2% PA. However, the highest carotenoid content was obtained with the 0.5% and 1% PA treatments. Additionally, PA treatment of the tomato plants resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) high total ascorbate content, but reduced fruit peroxidase activity compared to the control. These indicate that PA can potentially be used as a biostimulant for a higher yield and nutritional quality of tomato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Improve Growth and Fruit Quality of Cucumber under Greenhouse Conditions

by

Gerardo Zapata-Sifuentes

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Luis G. Hernandez-Montiel

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Jorge Saenz-Mata

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Manuel Fortis-Hernandez

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Eduardo Blanco-Contreras

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Roberto G. Chiquito-Contreras

and

Pablo Preciado-Rangel

Plants 2022, 11(12), 1612; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11121612 - 20 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2199

Abstract

Cucumber fruit is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. Agrochemical-based production of cucumber has tripled yields; however, excessive synthetic fertilization has caused problems in the accumulation of salts in the soil and has [...] Read more.

Cucumber fruit is rich in fiber, carbohydrates, protein, magnesium, iron, vitamin B, vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants. Agrochemical-based production of cucumber has tripled yields; however, excessive synthetic fertilization has caused problems in the accumulation of salts in the soil and has increased production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three strains of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on cucumber fruit growth and quality under greenhouse conditions. The rhizobacteria Pseudomonas paralactis (KBendo6p7), Sinorhizobium meliloti (KBecto9p6), and Acinetobacter radioresistens (KBendo3p1) was adjusted to 1 × 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹. The results indicated that the inoculation with PGPR improved plant height, stem diameter, root length, secondary roots, biomass, fruit size, fruit diameter, and yield, as well as nutraceutical quality and antioxidant capacity, significantly increasing the response of plants inoculated with A.radioresistens and S.meliloti in comparison to the control. In sum, our findings showed the potential functions of the use of beneficial bacteria such as PGPR for crop production to reduce costs, decrease pollution, and achieve world food safety and security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Ascorbic Acid Preconditioning Effect on Broccoli Seedling Growth and Photosynthesis under Drought Stress

by

Mason T. MacDonald

,

Rajeswari Kannan

and

Renuga Jayaseelan

Plants 2022, 11(10), 1324; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11101324 - 17 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1404

Abstract

Drought is an abiotic stress that decreases crop photosynthesis, growth, and yield. Ascorbic acid has been used as a seed preconditioning agent to help mitigate drought in some species, but not yet in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). The objective was [...] Read more.

Drought is an abiotic stress that decreases crop photosynthesis, growth, and yield. Ascorbic acid has been used as a seed preconditioning agent to help mitigate drought in some species, but not yet in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica). The objective was to investigate the effect of ascorbic acid on growth, photosynthesis, and related parameters in watered and drought-stressed broccoli seedlings. A 2 × 4 factorial experiment was designed where stress (watered or drought) was the first factor and ascorbic acid preconditioning (untreated, 0 ppm, 1 ppm, or 10 ppm) was the second factor. Positioning within the greenhouse was included as a blocking factor and the experiment was replicated three times. All seedlings were watered for 8 weeks and then half had water withheld for 7 days to impose drought while the other half continued to be watered. Ascorbic acid preconditioning increased shoot dry mass, root dry mass, water use efficiency, and photosynthesis in all seedlings while also increasing chlorophyll, relative water content, and leaf area in droughted seedlings. Ascorbic acid preconditioning also decreased membrane injury in droughted seedlings to the point that membrane injury was not significantly different than the watered control. There was strong evidence to support ascorbic acid as a successful seed preconditioning agent in watered and droughted broccoli. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vegetable and Fruit Production)

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