Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research
Volume:5 Issue: 3, Sep 2022

The main aim of the present research was to determine the qualitative and quantitative properties of some commercial cultivars of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit from Iran.

Mature fruits of uniform size, without of physical damage or injury from insects and fungal infection were used for all biochemical and physicochemical properties. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the modified Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH scavenging assay method.

Among the evaluated cultivars, ‘Kabkab’ had the highest fruit length and diameter, seed length, flesh weight, flesh to seed ratio, total weight and moisture percentage. The mount of antioxidant activity (AA) was in the range 57.29 ± 2.91 to 70.04 ± 0.91 in the ‘Hamrawi’ and ‘Barhee’ cultivars, respectively. ‘Khadrawi-Ahwaz’ and ‘Deiry’ showed the highest (1103.76 ± 100.89 mg gallic acid/100 g fresh weight) and the lowest (261.86 ± 44.48 mg/100 g FW) content of total phenolic compounds (TPC), respectively. Besides, the highest soluble solid content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) were observed in ‘Berim’ (82.5%) and ‘Hamrawi’ (0.086%), respectively.

 No limitations were founded.

Selected date cultivars in this study had relatively high levels of TPC, TFC and AA. The highest content of AA, TPC and TFC were observed in ‘Barhee’, ‘Khadrawi-Ahwaz’, and ‘Hamrawi’ cultivars, respectively.

This investigation aimed to study the effect of mother bulb surface cutting, weight and date of planting on plant growth, seed yield and seed quality of onions.

The experiment was conducted during 2020 at the Agriculture Research Farm of Kabul University. The study was designed in split-split plot Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and data for plant biometry, seed yield and seed quality was recorded. The recorded data were statistically analyzed with R software.

The study revealed that, surface cutting of mother bulbs alone does not influence plant growth and seed yield. However, the interaction of large bulb and bulb surface cutting was significant on seed yield. The large sized whole bulbs produced higher seed yield (938.33 Kg ha-1) as compared to other treatments. Early planting produced vigorous plants as compare late planting. Large bulbs (126-175 g) produced vigorous plants and highest seed yield (820.83 Kg ha-1). However, the seed yield (805.83 Kg ha-1) produced by plants obtained from medium bulbs (76-125 g) was on par with those produced from large bulbs.

 No limitations to report.

 Based on the findings of the study, the farmers are recommended to avoid the surface cutting of mother bulbs and follow early planting (20th March) of medium sized bulbs (76-125 g) for vigorous plants and higher seed yield of onion.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) fruit is an important source of anthocyanin supplying for consumption and in medicine. The fruit production is not regular, and based on previous studies, shows strong biennial bearing habit.

The present research was conducted during 6 consecutive years to evaluate the effects of summer pruning intensities on alternate bearing index (ABI), new shoot growth, total carbohydrate within shoot and leaf tissues, 100 berry fresh weight, and juice anthocyanin content. Pruning treatments were done as topping the one-year old shoots in May as followed: removing 0 bud (unpruned or control), 10 buds and 20 buds via topping the mentioned shoots.

Data showed that summer pruning that removed 10 buds via shoot topping increased the induction of new shoot growth (current shoot production), carbohydrate accumulation within shoot tissues, 100 berries fresh weight and anthocyanin content within berry juice. On the other hand, the lowest and the highest ABI were observed in 10-buds removing and un-pruned trees, respectively. Finally, it is concluded that summer pruning might be considered as a good tool to mitigate alternate bearing habit of this valuable tree, specifically decreases canopy transpiration via lower leaf area during hot periods of the season.

 During the experiment, there was no considerable limitation.

 The present research increases the possibility of how coping with alternate bearing in seedless barberry orchards. It is clear that the changing management methods might be helpful decreasing bearing habits of this plant.

Pomegranate is an important crop in Iran. However, soil and water salinity in pomegranate growing areas of Iran is one of the most important abiotic stresses resulting in economically significant losses. The most effective way to deal with salinity is to develop salinity-tolerant rootstocks and cultivars and use them in areas with saline soil and water.

The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design, where three rootstocks (‘Daneshgah 8’, ‘Daneshgah 13’, and ‘Daneshgah 32’) and five salinity levels (irrigation water as a control treatment, and concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM sodium chloride) were the factors. Salinity treatments were applied in June, July, and August on three-year plants. By the end of the study, some morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits were recorded.  

Under salinity stress conditions, pomegranate rootstocks showed apparent differences in measured traits. Among the evaluated rootstocks, ‘Daneshgah 13’ exhibited good tolerance to salinity stress due to the smaller reductions in leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, plant height, shoot number, fresh and dry weight, as well as lower values of ion leakage, and necrotic and fallen leaves.

By measuring some other physiochemical traits such as antioxidant enzymes and proline contents, the response of pomegranate drought-tolerant rootstocks to the salinity can be more clearly interpreted.

Therefore, ‘Daneshgah 13’ can be used as appropriate genetic resources in breeding programs for tolerance to salinity.

Selection and evaluation of imported cultivars is one of the main programs for the breeding of fruit trees, including pears. Comparison of quantitative and qualitative traits of imported cultivars and genotypes with available cultivars of each region is necessary to obtain superior cultivars and introduce them to producers.

In this study, the growth and yield of 10 introduced Asian pear genotypes named Ks6, Ks7, Ks8, Ks9, Ks10, Ks12, Ks13 and Ks14 along with two European pear cultivars named 'Shahmiveh' and 'Spadona' as controls grafting on 'Dargazi' seedling rootstock were studied during five years (2015-2019) in the climatic conditions of Isfahan (Iran).

The highest rootstock, grafting, and scion diameter as well as the highest tree height were observed in 'Shahmiveh' and 'Espadona' cultivars. Ks8 and Ks9 had the lowest rootstock and grafting diameter and Ks10 showed the lowest scion diameter and tree height. Two European pear cultivars, 'Shahmiveh' and 'Espadona', had lower yield and yield efficiency than Asian genotypes. The highest yield and yield efficiency belonged to Ks13 and Ks8, respectively. 'Shahmiveh' and Ks9 had the highest and lowest fruit dimensions, respectively. European cultivars had higher TSS than Asian genotypes. The highest and the lowest fruit firmness were observed in Ks13 and 'Shahmiveh', respectively.

No limitations were found.

 In general, Ks13 and Ks8 are recommended for cultivation and expansion in the climatic conditions of Isfahan due to their good yield and taste index.

The prime aim of food storage and preservation is to protect and preserve food; and hence, extend its shelf life with minimal losses. Amongst the various factors involved to increase the shelf life and preservation, packaging plays a very critical role by providing a good physical barrier to oxygen, moisture, microorganisms, and other volatiles. Certain perishable food products require modified and controlled atmospheric packaging in order to keep them fresh, sterile, clean, and safe. The purpose of this study is to analyze and understand the use of silicone membrane technology in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

The silicone membrane system (SMS) being a method of controlling atmospheric composition in fruits and vegetable storage, it was found that the shelf life and quality of the products were maintained to its best through selective membrane permeability and product respiration. The SMS allows diffusion of gases, at different rates, which is dependent on its physical and chemical properties and can be technically controlled compared to conventional Controlled Atmospheric systems.

This technology has been limited only to laboratory scale, and needs to be commercialized. Another big limitation is its high cost. Moreover, certain fruits required pre-processing before being kept in chambers with silicone windows.

This system needs to be studied in a more appropriate way and in a more cost-effective manner, such that it can be commercialized and made available for farmers at low cost to protect their produce.

Exotic fruits could fulfill global requirements of health-conscious consumers, providing efficient postharvest management protocols are implemented to assure safety and quality.

Compositional changes of ripe balata fruits (Manilkara bidentata), were investigated when seal-packaged in low density polyethylene (LDPE) for 7 days at 6-7°C and 28-30°C. Mature Spanish tamarind (Vangueria edulis) fruits were stored at 20°C and 30°C and ripening changes analyzed after 3 days. Quarter-sliced mature-green (M1) and ripe-yellow (M2) West Indian lime (Citrus aurantifolia) were seal-packaged in LDPE at 4-5°C, 7-8°C and 28-30°C and evaluated over seven consecutive days.

Balata seal-packaged in LDPE for 7 days at 6-7°C and at 28-30°C, accounted for lower fresh weight losses, higher total soluble solids (TSS), pH, TSS:TTA, vitamin C, better skin-gloss appearance and more acceptable flavor than control fruits over the same period. Ripe Spanish tamarind stored at 20°C and 30°C and 75-85% relative humidity had a yellowish-brown skin and pulp color, TSS (3.0-3.1%), TTA (2.24g/100g - 2.48g/100g), TSS:TTA (1:1.3), pH (3.4) and vitamin C (1.84 mg/100g). West Indian lime M2 quarter-slices at 7-8°C secured superior quality ratings due to the absence of chilling injury symptoms, cut-edge browning and fermentative aroma compared to similar treatments after 4 days at 4-5°C. At 28-30°C, M1 and M2 became unmarketable in less than two days.

More cultivars required.

The unique postharvest quality characteristics of exotic fruits could be successfully managed to fulfill the basic requirements of health-conscious consumers and to exploit existing and potential niche markets.

The optimum harvest maturity for growers is depended on both product and marketing conditions. Non-climacteric fruits, especially strawberries, are generally harvested in fully ripen stage. The appearance, firmness, and phytonutrient compositions consist the main quality parameters in this fruits. In the present investigation, the strawberry fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Duch cv Camarosa) were harvested at seven different growth stages (50% growth, green, white, turning, 50% turning, ripening, over ripen) and evaluated for their physical and chemical characteristics.

Correlation of parameters and growth stages were investigated by the statistical approach the principal component analysis (PCA).

Results revealed an increase in the total soluble solids (TSS: 11.5 Brix) and decrease in titratable acidity (TA: 0.85 mg citric acid/100 g FW) and fruit firmness (1.27 N) parameters. The phenolic (151.43 mg GAE/g FW) and flavonoid contents (48.92 mg Q/100g FW) were decreased until turning stage, whilst the trend was increased afterwards. The vitamin C (AsA) amount was increased during ripening period, whereas it reached up to 42 mg ascorbic acid/100 g fresh weight in ripen fruit. The PCA plot indicated that increasing of the fruit ripening, TSS, AsA, and TAC (total anthocyanin concentrations) have been enhanced, although TA and Cl (chlorophyll) were declined.

No limitations were encountered.

Optimum harvesting period is a considerable factor for both consumers and food industries, growth stages that it can be achieved to target production of fruits with stable and predicatble physical, chemical and phytochemical parameters.