Impact of LAB Fermentation on the Nutrient Content, Amino Acid Profile, and Estimated Glycemic Index of Sorghum, Pearl Millet, and Kodo Millet.

INTRODUCTION: Millets, owing to their rich nutritional and low-to-moderate glycemic index values, are termed superfoods; however, some anti-nutritional factors, such as tannins, limit the absorption of micro and macronutrients. Non-thermal processing technologies, such as fermentation, can improve nutrient content and reduce these anti-nutritional factors. METHODS: The effect of a controlled submerged fermentation of whole grain sorghum, pearl millet, and dehusked Kodo millet using mixed lactic acid bacteria (LAB) culture in tofu whey-based media on the proximate, antioxidant, tannin content, vitamin B, amino acids profile and estimated glycemic index (eGI) of different millets were evaluated. RESULTS: The protein content (2-12.5%), carbohydrate content (2-13.6%), antioxidant activity (3-49%), vitamin B complex, amino acid profile (89-90%), and eGI of whole grain sorghum, pearl millet, and dehusked Kodo millet improved due to LAB-assisted submerged fermentation. In contrast, fat (4-15%), ash (56-67%), crude fiber (5-34%), minerals, tannin and resistant starch content decreased due to LAB fermentation. CONCLUSION: Controlled LAB fermentation can improve the nutritional quality of sorghum and millets while reducing anti-nutritional factors. This non-thermal process can be adopted industrially to produce more palatable and nutritionally superior millet products.

Distribution and risk assessment of pesticide pollution in small streams adjoining paddy fields.

The present investigation was planned to bridge the knowledge gap on spatiotemporal variations of pesticide pollution in small streams adjacent to paddy fields, and to visualize the associated risks in the aquatic ecosystems. We screened 106 pesticides using GCMSMS and LCMSMS from 10 small streams (n = 212, surface water samples) adjacent to paddy fields over seven months. Fifty-five pesticides were detected across different streams and months. The highest mean concentration was detected for fenobucarb (272 ng L-1), followed by thiamethoxam (199 ng L-1). The highest maximum concentration was detected for thiamethoxam ( 13,264 ng L-1), followed by triflumezopyrim ( 11,505 ng L-1). The highest detection frequency was recorded for fenobucarb (80.00%), followed by pretilachlor (79.00%). Out of the ten streams, Attabira stream had the highest mean number of pesticides detected in each sample. Maximum number of pesticides were detected in October followed by September. Pesticides namely, hexaconazole, pretilachlor, tricyclazole, fenobucarb and thiamethoxam were consistently detected across all streams. The risk assessment against the fishes, micro-invertebrates and algae were measured by risk quotient index (RQ). Twenty-five pesticides out of the detected pesticides (n = 55) had risk quotient values greater than 1. The highest RQmax values were observed in case of fenpropathrin followed by cyfluthrin-3. The highest RQmean value was observed in case of cyfluthrin, indicating its higher toxicity to fishes. The present study reveals that small streams are polluted with pesticides and there is a need to develop strategies and policy interventions in regularizing the pesticide uses for reducing the pesticide pollution in aquatic systems.

Facile synthesis of novel magnesium oxide nanoparticles for pesticide sorption from water.

The quantum of pesticides in surface as well as drinking water has become a serious health hazard. In this experiment, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) were synthesized using leaves of purple-colored rice variety (Crossa) and utilized for simultaneous removal of three pesticides, namely, thiamethoxam, chlorpyriphos, and fenpropathrin from water. The biogenic MgO NPs were characterized using SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, DLS, etc. The optimum synthesis parameters (1 M NaOH, 80 °C, and 2 h) resulted in maximum yield of MgO NPs (87.7 mg), minimum hydrodynamic diameter (35.12 nm), poly dispersity index (0.14) and mean zeta potential (-11 mV). Sorption data of the three pesticides fitted well with non-linear Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and non-linear pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MgO NPs for the three pesticides was 87.66 µg/mg, as obtained from the Langmuir isotherm model. Under optimum conditions (initial concentration, 40 mg/L; dose, 30 mg/30 mL; and pH, 9), 60.13, 80.53, and 92.49% removal of thiamethoxam, chlorpyriphos, and fenpropathrin was achieved with a 100% desirability, respectively. Thus, the biogenic MgO NPs could be an efficient adsorbent of pesticides and could be recommended for pesticide decontamination in water treatment plants and domestic water purifier systems.

High resolution mapping of QTLs for fruit color and firmness in Amrapali/Sensation mango hybrids.

Introduction: Mango (Mangifera indica L.), acclaimed as the 'king of fruits' in the tropical world, has historical, religious, and economic values. It is grown commercially in more than 100 countries, and fresh mango world trade accounts for ~3,200 million US dollars for the year 2020. Mango is widely cultivated in sub-tropical and tropical regions of the world, with India, China, and Thailand being the top three producers. Mango fruit is adored for its taste, color, flavor, and aroma. Fruit color and firmness are important fruit quality traits for consumer acceptance, but their genetics is poorly understood. Methods: For mapping of fruit color and firmness, mango varieties Amrapali and Sensation, having contrasting fruit quality traits, were crossed for the development of a mapping population. Ninety-two bi-parental progenies obtained from this cross were used for the construction of a high-density linkage map and identification of QTLs. Genotyping was carried out using an 80K SNP chip array. Results and discussion: Initially, we constructed two high-density linkage maps based on the segregation of female and male parents. A female map with 3,213 SNPs and male map with 1,781 SNPs were distributed on 20 linkages groups covering map lengths of 2,844.39 and 2,684.22cM, respectively. Finally, the integrated map was constructed comprised of 4,361 SNP markers distributed on 20 linkage groups, which consisted of the chromosome haploid number in Mangifera indica (n =20). The integrated genetic map covered the entire genome of Mangifera indica cv. Dashehari, with a total genetic distance of 2,982.75 cM and an average distance between markers of 0.68 cM. The length of LGs varied from 85.78 to 218.28 cM, with a mean size of 149.14 cM. Phenotyping for fruit color and firmness traits was done for two consecutive seasons. We identified important consistent QTLs for 12 out of 20 traits, with integrated genetic linkages having significant LOD scores in at least one season. Important consistent QTLs for fruit peel color are located at Chr 3 and 18, and firmness on Chr 11 and 20. The QTLs mapped in this study would be useful in the marker-assisted breeding of mango for improved efficiency.

Optimizing raffinose family oligosaccharides content in plants: A tightrope walk.

Plants synthesize various compounds for their growth, metabolism, and stress mitigation, and one such group of compounds is the raffinose family of oligosaccharides (RFOs). RFOs are non-reducing oligosaccharides having galactose residues attached to a sucrose moiety. They act as carbohydrate reserves in plants, assisting in seed germination, desiccation tolerance, and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance. Although legumes are among the richest sources of dietary proteins, the direct consumption of legumes is hindered by an excess of RFOs in the edible parts of the plant, which causes flatulence in humans and monogastric animals. These opposing characteristics make RFOs manipulation a complicated tradeoff. An in-depth knowledge of the chemical composition, distribution pattern, tissue mobilization, and metabolism is required to optimize the levels of RFOs. The most recent developments in our understanding of RFOs distribution, physiological function, genetic regulation of their biosynthesis, transport, and degradation in food crops have been covered in this review. Additionally, we have suggested a few strategies that can sustainably reduce RFOs in order to solve the flatulence issue in animals. The comprehensive information in this review can be a tool for researchers to precisely control the level of RFOs in crops and create low antinutrient, nutritious food with wider consumer acceptability.

Gaseous ozone treatment of chickpea grains: Effect on functional groups, thermal behavior, pasting properties, morphological features, and phytochemicals.

The applicability of ozone has been increased to include pulse grains because of their increased production and significance as plant-based protein source. In many developed countries, there is a growing demand for products made from chickpeas grains. Whole chickpea grains were treated with ozone gas (500-1000 ppm) for 20-30 min. The structural, thermal, pasting properties, and phytochemicals of the ozone-treated, as well as control samples, were evaluated. Minor structural changes in the functional groups in the protein and starch molecules were observed in the treated sample. Ozonation caused significant changes in the pasting properties such as peak viscosity, trough viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, setback viscosity, and peak temperature values. Microstructure revealed a reduction in the particle sizes of chickpea powders with the severity of ozone treatment. The total flavonoids (41.35-48.94 mg QE), alkaloids (1120.24-1453.57µg/g), and xanthoprotein (0.995-1.387 µg/g) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with ozone treatment. Commercially, chickpea grains can be ozone treated for achieving desired functional characteristics in a target product. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Before consuming grain that has been treated with gaseous ozone, it is vitally important for all consumers to have a solid understanding of the facts presented here regarding variations in the chickpea nutritional profile. The impact of ozone treatment on functional groups, thermal behavior, pasting properties, and morphological features in chickpeas reveals vital information regarding changes occurred on macromolecules such as starch, proteins, and bioactive compounds. Since ozonation aids in extraction of health-beneficial bioactive compounds and brings about change in the starch and protein morphology, making them more digestible, it can be highly useful in preparation of health foods.

Process Development for the Instant Quantification of Lycopene from Agricultural Produces Using Supercritical Fluid Chromatography-Diode Array Detector (SFC-DAD).

A quick, simple, and reliable isocratic ultra-performance supercritical fluid chromatography-photodiode array detector (UPSFC-DAD) method was developed and validated to determine lycopene in different horticultural products. The effects of stationary phase, co-solvent, pressure, temperature, flow rate, and mobile phase additive on the separation of lycopene were evaluated. The developed method involved BEH-2EP-2.1 × 150 mm, 5 µm as the stationary phase, and CO2/MeOH 85:15 (v/v) with formic acid as the additive at 0.10% as the mobile phase. The column temperature was maintained at 45 °C, ABPR at 1800 psi, and the mobile phase's flow rate was maintained at 1 mL/min. Under the optimized conditions, lycopene was successfully separated within 0.722 ± 0.001 min. The standard curve assayed over a range of 10 to 100 µg/mL resulted in a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The mean recoveries between 97.38% and 102.67% at different spiking levels with RSD < 2.5% were achieved. The intra and inter-day precision expressed as relative standard deviations (RSD) were found to range from 1.27% to 3.28% and from 1.57% to 4.18%, respectively. Robustness in terms of retention time (tR) and RSD were found to be 0.93 ± 0.23 min and less <2.80%, respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.14 µg/mL and 0.37 µg/mL, respectively. This method was successfully applied to determine lycopene extracted from papaya, grapefruit, and bitter melon.

Regulation of Postharvest Tomato Fruit Ripening by Endogenous Salicylic Acid.

Exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) has been known for delaying ripening in many fruit and vegetables. But the function of endogenous SA in relation to postharvest fruit performance is still unexplored. To understand the role of endogenous SA in postharvest fruit ripening of tomato, 33 tomato lines were examined for their endogenous SA content, membrane stability index (MSI), and shelf life (SL) at turning and red stages of tomato fruit ripening. Six tomato lines having contrasting shelf lives from these categories were subjected further for ethylene (ET) evolution, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase (ACS), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO), polygalacturonase (PG), pectin methyl esterase (PME), antioxidant assays and lipid peroxidation. It was found that high endogenous SA has a direct association with low ET evolution, which leads to the high SL of fruit. High lycopene content was also found to be correlated with high SA. Total antioxidants, PG, and PME decreased and lipid peroxidation increased from turning to red stage of tomato fruit development. Furthermore, these lines were subjected to expression analysis for SA biosynthesis enzymes viz. Solanum lycopersicum Isochorismate Synthase (SlICS) and SlPAL. Real-time PCR data revealed that high SL lines have high SlPAL4 expression and low SL lines have high SlPAL6 expression. Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that endogenous SA regulates ET evolution and SL with the aid of the antioxidative defense system, and SlPAL4 and SlPAL6 genes play significant but opposite roles during fruit ripening.

Supercritical CO2 extraction of lycopene from pink grapefruit (Citrus paradise Macfad) and its degradation studies during storage.

Lycopene was extracted from pink grapefruit using SC-CO2 and rice bran oil as co-solvent. Response surface methodology was employed to evaluate the individual and interactive effects of three process parameters varied at five levels i.e. pressure (250, 300, 375, 450 & 500 bar), temperature (55, 60, 70, 80 & 85 °C), and extraction time (60, 90, 135, 180 & 210 min). Single optimum point for multiple response variables was achieved at 325 bar, 64 °C, and 143 min with overall desirability of 0.92 at which 70.52 ± 3.65% (lycopene extraction efficiency) and 11154 ± 148 ppm (γ-oryzanol) were predicted. Extraction temperatures of more than 80 °C and time beyond 180 min led to the isomerization of lycopene. Lycopene storage at 3 °C, 10 °C, & 25 °C showed average k and half-life values as 0.018, 0.030, & 0.075 and 40, 23, & 9 days, respectively for first-order degradation kinetics; depicting faster degradation at higher storage temperatures.

Process optimization for the supercritical carbondioxide extraction of lycopene from ripe grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) endocarp.

In this study, an underutilized citrus family fruit named grapefruit was explored for the extraction of lycopene using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction technique. An experimental design was developed using response surface methodology to investigate the effect of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) operating parameter viz., pressure, temperature, CO2 flow rate, and extraction time on the extraction yield of lycopene yield from grapefruit. A total of 30 sets of experiments were conducted with six central points. The statistical model indicated that extraction pressure and extraction time individually, and their interaction, significantly affected the lycopene yield. The central composite design showed that the polynomial regression models developed were in agreement with the experimental results, with R2 of 0.9885. The optimum conditions for extraction of lycopene from grapefruit were 305 bar pressure, 35 g/min CO2 flow rate, 135 min of extraction time, and 70 °C temperature.

Gaseous ozone treatment of chickpea grains, part I: Effect on protein, amino acid, fatty acid, mineral content, and microstructure.

The effect of gaseous ozone (500-1000 ppm) treatment on the protein, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles, mineral content, and the microstructure of the chickpea grains were evaluated. Though protein content was not altered significantly, SDS PAGE profiling exhibited minor modifications in the protein bands of the treated chickpea. The essential amino acids (EAA) and total amino acids (TAA) slightly decreased, ratio of EAA to TAA increased, while the calculated protein efficiency ratio decreased. Significant decrease in the SH content and non-significant increase in SS content was observed at higher doses of ozone. The overall saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (%) were in the range of 13.05-13.49 and 86.51-87.61, respectively. The minerals were stable and the HCl extractability decreased in the ozonated samples. There was some minor degradation of intracellular cell wall and distribution of starch and protein bodies in the ozonated sample.

Improved stability of phycobiliprotein within liposome stabilized by polyethylene glycol adsorbed cellulose nanocrystals.

This study ascertained the stability of phycobiliprotein (PBP), a bioactive protein from Dulse (Palmaria palmata) loaded within liposomes and stabilized with polyethylene glycol (2000 and 4000 g/mol) and desulfated CNCs (DCs) containing adsorbed polyethylene glycol (DCs-2000 and DCs-4000). The effect of pH, temperature and illumination on the stability of PBP was investigated. Results showed that the temperature had the most significant (p < 0.05) effect on the fluorescence intensity of the PBP, accounting for up to 70% loss of the fluorescence intensity for PBP loaded liposome (PL), PL stabilized with PEG-2000 (PLP-2000) and PEG 4000 (PLP-4000) and PL stabilized with desulfated CNCs (DCs), however, 60% for the PL stabilized with PEG 2000 and PEG 4000 adsorbed CNCs (PLDCs-2000 and PLDCs-4000) at 60 °C compared to those stabilized at 4 °C. A further increase in temperature to 80 °C led to a complete loss of fluorescence. Operating at the extreme pH's of 1.0 and 11.0 resulted in a loss of 90% and 30% fluorescence intensity, respectively for PBP in solution, whereas, 20% and 2% loss was observed for PBP incorporated inside the liposomes. Regarding the effect of illumination, PLDCs-2000 and PLDCs-4000 were the most stable, retaining the fluorescence intensity of PBP up to 70% after 72 h of exposure. This is compared to 85% loss of fluorescence for PBP in solution. Furthermore, at pH of 1.0, there was an increase in average particle size for the PLDCs-2000 and PLDCs-4000 from 189 ± 3 & 206 ± 2 nm to 6464 ± 211 & 6698 ± 317 nm and a charge reversal in the zeta potential from -36 ± 1 & -34 ± 2 to +16 ± 3 & +14 ± 1. Confocal and optical microscopic images confirmed the coalescence of PBP loaded liposome and agglomeration PLDCs-2000 and PLDCs-4000 under acidic pH (<3.0). In contrast, changes in temperature from 4 °C to 100 °C and illumination as a function of time up to 72 h resulted in no change in liposome size and zeta potential.

Development of microencapsulated anthocyanin-rich powder using soy protein isolate, jackfruit seed starch and an emulsifier (NBRE-15) as encapsulating materials.

A trend of present encapsulation research indicates an increased interest in the search for natural encapsulants for bioactive phytochemicals. The present study in pursuit of the same studies the use of jackfruit seed starch (JSS), an underutilized natural polysaccharide in conjugation with soy protein isolate (SPI) as an encapsulating material and NBRE-15 as an emulsifier. Three independent variables viz., total soluble solids (TSS, 20, 25 and 30° Brix), SPI: JSS (1:1, 1:3 and 1:5) and NBRE-15 (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%) were optimized for achieving the most efficient encapsulation of anthocyanin using a three level, three parameter, Box-Behnken design (BBD) of the Design of Experiments (DOE). The responses considered for the optimization were monomeric anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity and encapsulation efficiency. A combination of 27.0% TSS, 1:5 SPI: JSS ratio and 0.3% NBRE-15 was found to be optimum for the encapsulation of anthocyanin with the desirability of 92.6%. Microcapsules obtained using the optimized combination of independent variables was found to contain 3215.59 mg/100 g monomeric anthocyanin. The antioxidant activity and encapsulation efficiency of the encapsulated material obtained using optimized combinations of independent variable were found to be 365.26 µmol Trolox/g and 89.71%, respectively. The microcapsules were also additionally analyzed for the particle size distribution and morphological characterization. Particle size analysis indicated that the microcapsules obtained had a mean particle size of 60.97 µm. Scanning electron microscopy for morphological characterization indicated that the microcapsules so obtained were oval to round in shape and had a smooth surface. Storage studies to estimate the half-life of anthocyanin in the microcapsule at room temperature (37 °C) clearly indicated greater stability i.e. 63 days when stored under amber-colored vial compared to only 35 days when stored under clear transparent vial.

Supercritical fluid extraction of ß-carotene from ripe bitter melon pericarp.

Study ascertained the recovery of ß-carotene from enzyme-treated (enzyme load of 167 U/g) pericarp of ripe bitter melon using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) technique. Effect of different pressure (ranged from 150-450 bar), carbon dioxide (CO2) flow rates (ranged from 15 to 55 ml/min), temperatures (from 50 to 90 °C), and extraction periods (from 45-225 minutes) were observed on the extraction efficiency of ß-carotene. Results showed that extraction pressure (X1) among extraction parameters had the most significant (p < 0.05) effect on extraction efficiency of the ß-carotene followed by allowed extraction time (X4), CO2 flow rate (X2) and the temperature of the extraction (X3). The maximum yield of 90.12% of ß-carotene from lyophilized enzymatic pretreated ripe bitter melon pericarp was achieved at the pressure of approx. 390 bar, flow rate of 35 mL/min, temperature at 70 °C and extraction time of 190 min, respectively. Based on the accelerated storage study the 70% retention shelf life of the ß-carotene into extract was estimated up to 2.27 months at 10 °C and up to 3.21 months at 5 °C.

Effect of different processing conditions on proximate composition, anti-oxidants, anti-nutrients and amino acid profile of grain sorghum.

The effect of different processing conditions (B: boiling; F: LAB fermentation; FS: fermentation and steaming; FSF: fermentation, steaming, flaking) of whole grain sorghum on the proximate composition, antioxidants, anti-nutrients, and amino acids (AAs) was evaluated. A marginal increase in the protein content and a decrease in the fat content was observed in the F-sample. Total phenolics reduced by 28%; DPPH scavenging activity and CUPRAC activity increased by 1.4 and 6 times, respectively during fermentation. Tannin content reduced by 30-39%, for the F, FS and FSF samples; highest reduction in trypsin inhibitory activity (58%) was observed in the FS-sample. Total AAs increased by 2.9 folds in FSF samples. Grain sorghum contained mostly hydrophobic AAs (30-34%). The ratio of Essential amino acid to total amino acid and predicted protein efficiency ratio were highest in the F-sample, whereas predicted biological value of the FSF was 3 times than that of the control.

Development of slow release formulations of ß-carotene employing amphiphilic polymers and their release kinetics study in water and different pH conditions.

ß-carotene, a potent antioxidant, has been encapsulated and slow release (SR) formulations were prepared using laboratory synthesized poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) based functionalized amphiphilic copolymers. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the developed formulations were determined which ranged from 22.60 to 28.08 % and 2.2 to 2.8 % respectively. The release kinetics of ß-carotene from developed formulations in water revealed increased solubility and prolonged stability of ß-carotene. The formulations were further subjected to different pH conditions (viz., 1.8, 6.8 and 7.8) corresponding to human gastrointestinal tract to study the effect of pH on the release of ß-carotene. The diffusion exponent (n values) ranged from the 0.1540 to 0.2342 for developed formulation. The results showed that developed slow release formulations were unaffected by the highly acidic conditions referring to the gastric environment of human body. However, the release of ß-carotene was high at pH 7.8 and slightly higher at pH 6.8.

Changes in the levels of off-flavor generation in soybean through biotic elicitor treatments.

The nutritional benefits of soybean remain underutilized as the off-flavor present in it limits the consumption and acceptability among people. The aim of the present study was to unveil the effect of the phytohormones methyl jasmonate (MJ: 0, 50 µM, 1 mM, and 15 mM) and salicylic acid (SA: 0, 50 µM, 0.1 mM, and 10 mM) as elicitors on two contrasting off-flavor soybean varieties at different growth stages (1, bloom; 2, pod development; 3, seed development). The effects of two elicitors varied widely and were found to be dose dependent and growth stage independent. SA reduces the lipoxygenase (LOX) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) activity, which in turn resulted in reduction in the TBA number and carbonyl value in contrast to MJ. SA 0.1 mM is the most effective dose in reduction of off-flavor determining parameters and protein oxidation, and it reduces the LOX and HPL activity by 2.3- and 2.4-fold, respectively in "high off-flavor" cultivar 'Bragg' compared to "low off-flavor" cultivar 'DS 2706' which showed 1.4- and 2.1-fold, respectively. This reduction in protein oxidation is also supported by enhanced content of antioxidant enzymes. Thus, phytohormone SA can be used in reduction of off-flavor generation, more effectively than MJ treatments, in soybean.

Encapsulation of black carrot juice using spray and freeze drying.

Black carrot juice extracted using pectinase enzyme was encapsulated in three different carrier materials (maltodextrin 20DE, gum arabic and tapioca starch) using spray drying at four inlet temperatures (150, 175, 200 and 225 ℃) and freeze drying at a constant temperature of - 53 ℃ and vacuum of 0.22-0.11 mbar with the constant feed mixture. The products were analyzed for total anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, water solubility index, encapsulation efficiency and total colour change. For both the drying methods followed in this study, maltodextrin 20DE as the carrier material has proven to be better in retaining maximum anthocyanin and antioxidant activity compared to gum arabic and tapioca starch. The best spray dried product, was obtained at 150 ℃. The most acceptable was the freeze dried product with maximum anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, water solubility index, encapsulation efficiency and colour change.

Effect of storage on the physicochemical and flavour attributes of two cultivars of strawberry cultivated in Northern India.

An attempt was made to understand the changes in physicochemical quality (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars, total phenolics, anthocyanin content, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assay) and total volatile/aroma compounds of two cultivars of strawberry (Camarosa and Chandler) during storage at 5°C for 9 days at an interval of three days. Observations indicated a significant quantitative difference both in the physicochemical and in total volatile content among the cultivars indicating the importance of cultivar for determining the postharvest quality and shelf life. At the end of 9 days of storage significant changes in the physicochemical and total volatile/aroma compounds were observed. Total antioxidants and total phenols were found to increase significantly, whereas total soluble solids and total sugars decreased with the advent of storage period for both cultivars. Total anthocyanin contents however remained almost constant throughout the storage period. Titratable acidity in Camarosa reduced with the increase in the storage period whereas it remained almost constant in Chandler. Ascorbic acid increased in Camarosa whereas the same decreased significantly in Chandler. Significantly higher contents of esters and terpenoids in Camarosa indicated a better retention of the typical fruits flavour of strawberry compared to that of Chandler.

X-ray imaging methods for internal quality evaluation of agricultural produce.

A number of non-destructive methods for internal quality evaluation have been studied by different researchers over the past eight decades. X-ray and computed tomography imaging techniques are few of them which are gaining popularity now days in various fields of agriculture and food quality evaluation. These techniques, so far predominantly used in medical applications, have also been explored for internal quality inspection of various agricultural products non-destructively, when quality features are not visible on the surface of the products. Though, safety of operators and time required for tests are of concern, the non-destructive nature of these techniques has great potential for wide applications on agricultural produce. This paper presents insight of X-ray based non-destructive techniques such as X-ray imaging and Computed Tomography (CT). The concepts, properties, equipment and their parameters, systems and applications associated with the use of X-rays and CT for agricultural produce have been elaborated.