Network inference analysis identifies an APRR2-like gene linked to pigment accumulation in tomato and pepper fruits.

Carotenoids represent some of the most important secondary metabolites in the human diet, and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a rich source of these health-promoting compounds. In this work, a novel and fruit-related regulator of pigment accumulation in tomato has been identified by artificial neural network inference analysis and its function validated in transgenic plants. A tomato fruit gene regulatory network was generated using artificial neural network inference analysis and transcription factor gene expression profiles derived from fruits sampled at various points during development and ripening. One of the transcription factor gene expression profiles with a sequence related to an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ARABIDOPSIS PSEUDO RESPONSE REGULATOR2-LIKE gene (APRR2-Like) was up-regulated at the breaker stage in wild-type tomato fruits and, when overexpressed in transgenic lines, increased plastid number, area, and pigment content, enhancing the levels of chlorophyll in immature unripe fruits and carotenoids in red ripe fruits. Analysis of the transcriptome of transgenic lines overexpressing the tomato APPR2-Like gene revealed up-regulation of several ripening-related genes in the overexpression lines, providing a link between the expression of this tomato gene and the ripening process. A putative ortholog of the tomato APPR2-Like gene in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) was associated with pigment accumulation in fruit tissues. We conclude that the function of this gene is conserved across taxa and that it encodes a protein that has an important role in ripening.

Sensory Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Cantaloupe Melon Cultivars.

This research measured the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of 15 cultivars of cantaloupe. Eleven trained panelists assessed melons by descriptive analysis. Northern California consumers (n = 171) evaluated the melons for overall, appearance, flavor, and texture liking on the 9-point hedonic scale and the adequacy of ripeness, sweetness, and firmness on a 5-point just-about-right (JAR) scale. Twenty-two sensory attributes differed significantly among the melons. CaldeoDF, Caldeo, Globstar, RML0499, and Caribbean Gold showed higher firmness, crunchiness, and denser textures. Impac presented higher watermelon flavor, bitterness, and sourness. Caldeo, CaldeoDF, Globstar, Magellan, and Sol Real had higher overall intensity, sweetness and oversweet flavor, longer-lasting aftertaste, and salivating mouthfeel. Consumers liked Magellan, Acclaim, and Primo most, and Aphrodite and Impac least, and the harvesting period was not critical to consumer acceptance. Sweet, oversweet flavor, and intense orange and richness of color were drivers of overall liking. Preference clustering identified three groups of consumers with distinct sensory preferences and favorite cultivars. JAR data showed Acclaim, Magellan, Primo, and Saguaro were just right for ripeness and so was Acclaim for firmness. All melons were judged not sweet enough. Growers and distributors could use the information from this research to improve the quality and appeal of the cantaloupe melon offering in the United States. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We profiled the sensory attributes and measured consumer liking of 15 cantaloupe cultivars. Our findings should benefit producers and consumers equally as they identified those cultivars with the most promising sensory traits and they uncovered preference segments among a population of Northern California consumers as well as drivers of liking for those segments.