Fruit maturity differentially affects fruit quality and responses of targeted metabolites in cold-stored figs (Ficus carica L.).

BACKGROUND: Figs are highly perishable after harvest, and their storability and marketability are relatively short. This study aimed to determine the effects of fruit maturity on the physiological quality and targeted metabolites of 'Masui Dauphine' figs in two maturation stages (75% versus 100% commercial maturity) during cold storage. RESULTS: Fruit size and weight decreased during cold storage. Fruit respiration rate and color variables were lower at 100% maturity than at 75% maturity. Contents of soluble carbohydrates and organic acids differed according to fruit maturity. The levels of most free amino acids were decreased during cold storage; however, the levels of glutamine, serine and alanine were elevated in 100% mature fruits at the end of cold storage. The results of multivariate analyses indicated that the physiological properties of fruit and responses of targeted metabolites differed depending on fruit maturity during cold storage. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that fruit maturity plays a key role in controlling fruit quality of figs during cold storage. In practice, fruit maturity should be highly considered for the fresh fig market. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pathotypes of Bacterial Spot Pathogen Infecting Capsicum Peppers in Korea.

Sixty-seven isolates of bacterial spot pathogen (Xanthomonas spp.) collected from six provinces of Korea were tested for the identification of their pathotypes and determination of their distribution throughout Korea in an effort to genetically manage the disease. Near isogenic lines of Early Calwonder (Capsicum annuum) pepper plants carrying Bs1 , Bs2 and Bs3 , and PI235047 (C. pubescens) were used as differential hosts. Race P1 was found to be predominant, followed by race P7, and races P3 and P8 were also observed. This is the first report of races P7 and P8 in Korea. The races P7 and P8 were differentiated from the former races P1 and P3, respectively, on the basis of their ability to elicit hypersensitive reactions to PI235047.