Development of the sustainable green nanosensor using corn silk extract for nitrate detection in leafy vegetables.

Nitrate is prevalent in environment and present in foods of plant origin as part of nitrogen cycle. It is now one of the most pervasive and persistent contaminants in animal food chain. Present work is focussed on development of a novel green nanosensor using corn silk extract for nitrate detection in leafy vegetables (Spinacia oleracea, Amaranthus viridis and Amaranthus cruentus). The green reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and a nanocomposite (G-Fe3O4@rGO) was synthesized for the first-time using corn silk extract and used for fabrication of the nanosensor. Various characterization techniques were used to expose the optical, crystallographic and surface morphology details of the nanosubstrates. Electrochemical studies of the fabricated nanosensor were conducted using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. The performance of NiR/G-Fe3O4@rGO/ITO green nanosensor was the best, in terms of the electrochemical performance parameters among different fabricated nanosensors in the study. The developed green nanosensor demonstrated high sensitivity of 122.1 Ohm/log(mg/L)/cm2 and lower limit of detection 0.076 mg/L for detection of nitrate in leafy vegetables. The green nanosensor exhibited higher recovery rates (>86%) and high precision in nitrate detection in leafy vegetables (RSD <5.2%). Validation studies were conducted with HPLC technique also. The results of green nanosensor were found in good agreement with HPLC studies (p < 0.05) highlighting the market acceptability with usefulness and effectiveness of the nanosensor for food quality and safety evaluation.

Fruit Quality Assessment of Novel Hybrid Pummelo × Sweet Orange and Its Molecular Characterization Using Acidity Specific Markers.

Research background: There is considerable diversity in newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids. Most hybrids showed lower peel thickness and high juice yield but there is a lack of information on fruit quality parameters and molecular characterization. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to determine the content of antioxidants and properties of the fresh juice of 24 new pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids (Citrus maxima [Burm. f.] Osbeck × Citrus sinensis [L.] Osbeck) and the parental genotypes along with molecular characteristics determined using acidity specific markers. Experimental approach: The correlation and estimate of inheritance of the fruit juice properties: ascorbic acid, total phenol, total flavonoid, total antioxidant, total soluble solid and sugar contents, pH, titratable acidity, along with sensory evaluation was performed. Molecular characterization of these hybrids was carried out using de novo generated acidity specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Results and conclusions: The main constituents of the fruit juice of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids were observed in the range of w(ascorbic acid)=40.00-58.13 mg/100 g, total phenols expressed as gallic acid equivalents w(GAE)=40.67-107.33 mg/100 g, total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalents b(Trolox)=2.03-5.49 µmol/g, total flavonoids expressed as quercetin equivalents w(QE)=23.67-59.33 mg/100 g, along with other properties: total soluble solids=7.33-11.33 %, w(total sugar)=2.10-5.76 %, w(reducing sugar)=1.69-2.78 %, w(non-reducing sugar)=0.39-3.17 % and titratable acidity 1.00-2.11 %. The above parameters differed significantly in the fruit juice of the evaluated pummelo × sweet orange hybrids. Considering these parameters, the hybrids SCSH 17-9, SCSH 13-13, SCSH 11-15 and SCSH 3-15 had superior antioxidant properties in terms of these parameters. A higher heritability (≥80 %) was also observed for all juice properties. Molecular characterization of pummelo × sweet orange hybrids showed that >50 % of the hybrids were grouped with medium acidity parents. Both molecular and biochemical parameter-based clustering showed that interspecific hybrids exhibit transgressive segregation with increased antioxidants that help alleviate the health problems. Novelty and scientific contribution: These newly developed pummelo × sweet orange citrus hybrids are a valuable source of high-quality antioxidants for a healthy diet. The identification of trait markers that enable selection at the seedling stage is of great benefit to citrus breeders, as the characteristic features of a mature tree are not yet visible at the juvenile stage.

Mitigating postharvest quantitative and qualitative losses in mango fruits through the application of biocontrol agents: An in-vivo and in-vitro assessment.

Mango is a commercial fruit crop of India that suffers huge postharvest losses every year. The application of biocontrol agents (BCAs) bears a vast potential for managing the same, which is yet to be exploited to its fullest extent. Hence, studies were conducted for BCAs application of Debaryomyces hansenii, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens strains on mango fruit under in-vitro, in-vivo conditions to know the efficacy of these BCAs on the postharvest pathogen, shelf life and quality retention of mango fruit. The 'poisoned food technique' was attempted for in-vitro studies. For the in-vivo studies, fruit of the commercial cultivar 'Amrapali' were un-inoculated and pre-inoculated with major postharvest pathogens (anthracnose: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and stem-end rot: Botryodiplodia theobromae) were treated with BCA, followed by ambient storage at (24 ± 4 °C, 75 ± 5 % RH). From the results, it has been observed that under in vitro studies, BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) and Bacillus subtilis (Strain: BJ0011) at the treatment level 108 CFU mL-1 while, the Pseudomonas fluorescens at 109 CFU mL-1 (Strain: BE0001) were significantly effective for pathogen inhibition. However, under the in vivo studies, the BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) at 108 CFU mL-1 treatment level was found to significantly reduce the pathogen's decay incidence while positively influencing the shelf life and biochemical (quality) attributes. This treatment increased the storage life of mango fruit by more than three days over control fruit. Therefore, BCA Debaryomyces hansenii (Strain: KP006) at 108 CFU mL-1 can be used to control the postharvest pathological loss of mango fruit without affecting its internal quality.

Recent advances in vacuum impregnation of fruits and vegetables processing: A concise review.

Vacuum impregnation (VI) is a novel, non-thermal treatment that aims to modify the composition of food material by partially removing water and air and impregnating it with physiologically active compounds without affecting the structural integrity of food matrix. Application of VI accelerates the mass transfer processes, which leads to few changes in food composition and improves dehydration. Large volumes in intracellular spaces of fruit and vegetable tissues make it suitable to introduce different agents like nutrients, cryoprotectants, browning inhibitors, enzymes, and chemicals; enhancing texture profile and inhibiting tissue softening, or compounds lowering water activity and pH. water activity Thus, the VI may help to achieve new product quality associated with physicochemical features and sensory attributes. This review highlights the evolution and mechanism of VI technique, major factors affecting VI of fruits and vegetables and their responses to processing, and industrial relevance. Vacuum impregnation consists ability to revolutionize various aspects of food processing and preservation. VI serves as a versatile tool that enhances the quality, shelf life, and nutritional content of processed fruits and vegetables. It offers unique advantages of altering product composition by introducing desired compounds while preserving structural integrity. VI improves mass transfer processes, reduces water content, enhances the absorption of nutrients, antioxidants, and preservatives. This technology finds application in producing fortified foods, extending shelf life, and creating innovative products with improved sensory attributes. VI's ability to efficiently impregnate substances into porous materials, combined with its energy-saving potential and compatibility with other processing methods, makes it a valuable tool in the food industry. As consumers demand healthier and long-lasting products, VI emerges as a promising solution for meeting market demands.

Synergistic Influence of Melatonin-Hydrocolloid Coating on Decay and Senescence of Nectarine (Prunus persica var. nucipersica) during Supermarket Storage Conditions.

Nectarines have remarkable nutritional value, low caloric content, and are rich in antioxidants. However, despite substantial local and global demand, their susceptibility to rapid spoilage during peak summer harvest is limited. To address this issue, the current study investigated the potential benefits of using melatonin (MLT), an antioxidant biomolecule, in combination with edible hydrocolloid coatings like carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and gum Arabic (G.A.) on 'Snow Queen' nectarine fruits. The nectarines were treated with various combinations of coatings, including 1% and 1.5% CMC, 8% and 10% G.A., and 0.1 mM melatonin. These coated and non-coated samples were stored under standard supermarket conditions (18 ± 1 °C, 85-90% R.H.) for 16 days. The outcomes demonstrated that the most effective treatment was the combination of 1% CMC with 0.1 mM melatonin. This treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the rate of respiration, curbed fruit decay by approximately 95%, minimized weight loss by around 42%, and maintained approximately 39% higher levels of total phenol content and roughly 30% greater antioxidant (AOX) activity. These positive effects were accompanied by preserved firmness and overall quality attributes. Moreover, the treatment extended the shelf life to 16 days through retarding senescence and suppressing the activities of lipoxygenase (LOX) and pectin methylesterase (PME), all without compromising the functional qualities of the nectarine.

Small RNAs, spermatogenesis, and male infertility: a decade of retrospect.

Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), being the top regulators of gene expression, have been thoroughly studied in various biological systems, including the testis. Research over the last decade has generated significant evidence in support of the crucial roles of sncRNAs in male reproduction, particularly in the maintenance of primordial germ cells, meiosis, spermiogenesis, sperm fertility, and early post-fertilization development. The most commonly studied small RNAs in spermatogenesis are microRNAs (miRNAs), PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), and transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (ts-RNAs). Small non-coding RNAs are crucial in regulating the dynamic, spatial, and temporal gene expression profiles in developing germ cells. A number of small RNAs, particularly miRNAs and tsRNAs, are loaded on spermatozoa during their epididymal maturation. With regard to their roles in fertility, miRNAs have been studied most often, followed by piRNAs and tsRNAs. Dysregulation of more than 100 miRNAs has been shown to correlate with infertility. piRNA and tsRNA dysregulations in infertility have been studied in only 3-5 studies. Sperm-borne small RNAs hold great potential to act as biomarkers of sperm quality and fertility. In this article, we review the role of small RNAs in spermatogenesis, their association with infertility, and their potential as biomarkers of sperm quality and fertility.

Understanding the characteristics of idiopathic osteoporosis by a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To understand the pathophysiology of idiopathic osteoporosis (IOP) better, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of bone mineral density (BMD), hormones, and bone turnover markers (BTMs) between IOP patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, an appropriate search query was created, and three databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were searched for screening relevant original articles. Feasible information, both qualitative and quantitative, was extracted and used to conduct meta-analyses. Publication bias and heterogeneity among studies were evaluated using appropriate statistical tools. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was reduced BMD at the lumbar spine (LS) (pooled: SDM: -2.38, p-value: 0.0001), femoral neck (FN) (pooled: SDM: -1.75 p-value: 0.0001), total hip (TH) (pooled: SDM: -1.825, p-value: 0.0001) and distal radius (DR) (pooled: SDM of -0.476, p-value: 0.0001), of which LS was the most affected site. There was no significant change in BTMs compared with healthy controls. Total estradiol (SDM: -1.357, p-value: 0.003) was reduced, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) (SDM: 1.51, p-value: 0.03) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (SDM: 1.454, p-value: 0.0001) were elevated in IOP patients compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis, the first of its kind on IOP, defines it as showing BMD decline maximally at LS compared with healthy controls without any alterations in the BTMs. Further studies are required to understand gender differences and the significance of altered hormonal profiles in this condition.

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.

Hydrocolloid edible coatings extend shelf life, reduce postharvest decay, and maintain keeping quality of mango fruits (Mangifera indica L.) under ambient storage.

Mango fruit exhibit high postharvest losses due to physiological, biochemical, and pathological deterioration during storage. Edible coatings such as hydrocolloids (HC) bear promising potential for fruit quality preservation at ambient storage due to its triple action (physiological, biochemical and pathological) on fruit and thus widely researched in recent years. This study demonstrates the influence of health and eco-safe hydrocolloid edible coatings such as "Carboxymethyl cellulose" (CMC) (1%), "Guar gum" (1.5%), "Gum Arabica" (10%), and "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) as dip treatment to enhance the postharvest quality and storage life of mangoes at ambient storage (25 ± 4°C and 65 ± 5% RH). "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) treatment exhibited the highest efficacy in reducing the decay loss by more than threefold and physiological loss by twofold over control fruit. It lowered the physiological and fruit softening enzyme activities (PG, PME, and LOX), while maintaining the biochemicals. Moreover, it maintained both internal as well as external (consumer preference) quality of fruit and extended 6 days shelf life on the physiological loss standard basis (≤10%) than that of the control. The results recommend the application of "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) as an efficacious ecological, sustainable, and health-friendly surface edible coating for quality preservation and storage period extension of mango fruit under ambient storage. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The selected hydrocolloid edible coatings dip treatment showed promising potential in controlling the physiological, biochemical, and pathological deterioration of mango fruit stored under ambient condition. The selected treatments extended the shelf life without diminishing fruit quality. However, among the attempted HC treatments, the "Xanthan gum" (0.3%) (XG) coating displayed the excellent results. It added the storage life of mango fruit by 6 days over the control. XG treated fruit displayed the excellent results in terms of storage period extension, quality retention, consumer preference, and control over the fruit decay and softening enzymes activities. Postharvest preservation of mango fruit using HC is nonchemical, cost-effective approach which is GRAS (generally recognized as safe), health, and eco safe.

De-Oiled Citrus Peels as Feedstock for the Production of Pectin Oligosaccharides and Its Effect on Lactobacillus fermentum, Probiotic Source.

Following the extraction of essential oil, citrus (Mousambi, Kinnow, and Orange) peel wastes were used to produce pectin. The yield of essential oil and pectin was maximum in orange. Pectin was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The degree of esterification (DE) and methoxyl content (MC) was maximum in orange whereas, the equivalent weight was maximum in Mousambi. A significant increase (61.8%) in the Lactobacillus fermentum population was observed with pectin as compared with sugar. Three sources followed the Orange > Kinnow > Mousambi trend as a prebiotic source. It was attributed to higher DE as well as higher MC. Enhancement in the bacterial population was in the range of 79.16-87.50%. The present work confirms the potential of pectin as a probiotic source for the enhancement of the bacterial population. Thus, it has a large scope for use in the food industry targeting a circular economy.

miRNA Profiling of Major Testicular Germ Cells Identifies Stage-Specific Regulators of Spermatogenesis.

Spermatogenesis is tightly controlled at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels by various regulators, including miRNAs. This study deals with the identification of miRNAs critical to the three important stages of germ cell development (spermatocytes, round spermatids, and mature sperm) during spermatogenesis. We used high-throughput transcriptome sequencing to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs in the pachytene spermatocytes, round spermatids, and mature sperm of rat. We identified 1843 miRNAs that were differentially expressed across the three stages of germ cell development. These miRNAs were further categorized into three classes according to their pattern of expression during spermatogenesis: class 1 - miRNAs found exclusively in one stage and absent in the other two stages; class 2 - miRNAs found in any two stages but absent in the third stage; class 3 - miRNAs expressed in all the three stages. Six hundred forty-six miRNAs were found to be specific to one developmental stage, 443 miRNAs were found to be common across any two stages, and 754 miRNAs were common to all the three stages. Target prediction for ten most abundant miRNAs specific to each category identified miRNA regulators of mitosis, meiosis, and cell differentiation. The expression of each miRNA is specific to a particular developmental stage, which is required to maintain a significant repertoire of target mRNAs in the respective stage. Thus, this study provided valuable data that can be used in the future to identify the miRNAs involved in spermatogenic arrest at a particular stage of the germ cell development.

Edible coating as postharvest management strategy for shelf-life extension of fresh tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.): An overview.

Tomato is considered as one of the most grown horticultural crops having a short shelf-life due to its climacteric nature of ripening, susceptibility to postharvest microbial decay, and mechanical damage, resulting in huge postharvest losses. Recently, the use of edible coatings has been seen as a promising environment friendly and sustainable technology for preserving the quality attributes and prolonging the shelf-life of tomato during storage. Although a lot of literature is available on the aspects of edible coating for fresh produce, especially stone and tropical fruits, but there is no dedicated comprehensive review that specifically addresses the requirements of edible coatings for whole fresh tomato. This review aims to provide the information about the desirable coating property requirements specific to tomato and summarizes or analyzes the recent studies conducted on the application of edible coating on tomato. The article also deals with recent trends on utilization of bioactive compounds as well as nanotechnological approaches for improving the performance and functionality of coating materials used for tomato. However, the edible coating technology for tomato is still at infancy state, and adoption of technology on a commercial scale requires economic viability and large-scale consumer acceptability.

Stability enhancement of beetroot betalains through copigmentation.

BACKGROUND: Like other natural pigments, betalains have a stability problem. Copigmentation can be explored to address this issue. In this study, black carrot anthocyanins were used for the first time as copigment with betalains so that copigmented betalains with enhanced stability could be developed to withstand deteriorative processing and storage conditions. RESULTS: Increase in hyperchromic and bathochromic shift with subsequent increase in black carrot anthocyanin extract (0.250 g L-1 ) addition from 0.2 to 1.0 mL L-1 was observed in native betalain pigments from 0.28 to 1.90 and 538 nm to 564 nm, respectively. For maximum recorded bathochromic shift, 0.8 mL L-1 addition of copigment was optimized. Copigmented betalain pigment showed better stability in comparison with native pigment, when exposed to light, temperature more than 60 °C and ≥1.0 g L-1 NaCl. At constant incubation time (3 h), copigmented betalains degraded up to 20.79-41.43% whereas the non-copigmented counterpart degraded up to 83.49-86.86% at 60, 75 and 90 °C, respectively. Lower rate constant (k) and enhanced activation energy (Ea ) showed higher thermostability of copigmented betalains. With constant light exposure, the half-life value of betalains was 145.2 h, which increased approximately twofold (274.08 h) after copigmentation. The t1/2 of betalain pigment at 10%, 15% and 18% salt addition was 81.12, 75.36 and 83.52 h, which increased to 186.96, 226.56 and 152.88 h after copigmentation. CONCLUSION: These findings support that black carrot anthocyanin is a potential and compatible copigment for water-soluble betalain pigment that enhances stability of betalains under extreme processing conditions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biochemical and functional attributes of raw and boiled potato flesh and peel powders for suitability in food applications.

Four different potato cultivars, namely, Kufri Chipsona 1 and Kufri Frysona (processing purpose), Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Bahar (table purpose) were converted into flesh and peel powder (raw and after boiling) and studied for their respective biochemical and functional attributes to get an idea of possible dynamics of their utilization in different food formulation as bioadditives. The 16 variants of powder obtained retained less than 10% moisture content and demonstrated 'very good' to 'fair' flowability. Peel powders recorded a higher total mineral, fiber, phenolic contents and total antioxidant activity than the flesh powders which were significantly affected by boiling. Among raw and boiled flesh powders, highest reducing and total sugars were recorded for Kufri Bahar while least was observed in Kufri Chipsona 1. Colour coordinate showed that boiling imparts brightness to flesh powder while peel powder got darkened. Boiling of the tubers resulted in an increase in the resistant starch (~ 29% maximum) and flavour (~ 180% maximum) component. Peel exhibited a total glycoalkaloid content in the range of 0.75 (Kufri Frysona) to 1.7 mg/100 g (Kufri Bahar) that is well within the acceptable limits. Rheological study of the flesh powders revealed a reduction of about 11-18 °C in pasting temperature and about 87-90% in peak viscosity, setback, breakdown value and final viscosity upon boiling. This study revealed that the traditional processing method such as boiling can significantly modify the techno-functional characteristics of potato flesh and peel powders which can further govern their end use in various food formulations.

Effect of high-pressure microfluidization on nutritional quality of carrot (Daucus carota L.) juice.

In this study, the effect of high-pressure microfluidization on the colour and nutritional qualities of the orange carrot juice was investigated. The juice was processed at three different pressures (34.47 MPa, 68.95 MPa and 103.42 MPa) with three different passes (1, 2 and 3 passes). After that, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, carotenoids, color properties, and total soluble solids content of the processed carrot juice were evaluated. As a result, no specific trends in TPC and antioxidant activity of the juice were observed through the variations of processing conditions. However, microfluidization significantly (p < 0.05) improved the carotenoids content in carrot juice. With increasing number of pass, concentrations of ß-carotene and lutein had increased significantly. Similarly, increasing process pressure initially increased carotenoid content significantly (up to 68.95 MPa), further increase pressure to 103.42 MPa did not cause significant changes in carotenoid concentration. Furthermore, color properties such as lightness, redness, yellowness, and chroma value were reduced significantly with the increase of pressure and the number of passes. The results indicated that high-pressure microfluidization could be used as a novel alternative nonthermal technology to heat pasteurization to improve the color and nutritional qualities in orange carrot juice, resulting in a desirable, high-quality juice for consumers.

Genotypic variability in nutritional and functional attributes of blueberry varieties grown in northern-western Himalayas.

Blueberry fruits are known for their high vitamin C, essential dietary fibre, antioxidant activity and anthocyanin pigments. Different blueberry varieties have been introduced in India but no attempt has been made for their nutritional profiling. Nutritional profiling of varieties helps us to know the unique varietal characters, which serves as a guideline for recommendation of a valuable variety for fresh consumption and/or processing. Therefore, the present study was conducted in eight different blueberry varieties such as 'Misty', 'Sharp Blue', 'Biloxi', 'Jewel', 'Gulf Coast', 'Blue Crop', 'Star', 'Legacy'. The results of the study revealed that all tested varieties differed significantly in physical attributes (10-berry weight, fruit firmness, roundness index, moisture content) and biochemical and functional attributes (ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, total sugars, organic acids) and mineral content. Regression analysis and Principal Component Analysis showed that antioxidant potential of blueberries was mainly contributed by phenolics followed by anthocyanins and ascorbic acid content. However for taste perception, fructose among sugars and succinic acid among sugars were the most influencing factors (p ≤ 0.05). Total phenolics and anthocyanins content were responsible for overall difference in functional attributes among the varieties. The attributes such as high fruit firmness, sensorial score, and appropriate shape and weight make 'Misty', the best variety for marketability and fresh consumption among all tested varieties.

Aqueous ozone controls decay and maintains quality attributes of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.).

Investigations were made on the changes in physical and biochemical attributes, fruit decay and storage life of 'Winter Dawn' strawberry fruits in response to aqueous ozone dip treatment for different exposure times. Fruits were subjected to 0.1 ppm aqueous ozone for different time intervals (1-4 min). The treated strawberries were air dried and stored under ambient (25 ± 2 °C and 45-50% RH) and low temperature (2 ± 1 °C and 90% RH) conditions. Results revealed that treatment of strawberry fruits with aqueous ozone @ 0.1 ppm for 2 min resulted in 21% lower weight loss, 16% higher firmness and 15% lesser change in fruit colour during 2 days in ambient storage. Under low temperature storage, 2 min ozone treated fruits exhibited ~ 21% lower PLW, 19% higher firmness and 46% lesser colour change as compared to control fruits during 14 days of storage. Fruit decay reduced significantly under both low and cold storage conditions. Thus, it can be concluded that application of aqueous ozone for 2 min was able to retain the strawberry fruit quality and extend its storage life till 14 days under low temperature storage and 2 days under ambient storage conditions.

Improving the shelf life of fresh-cut 'Royal Delicious' apple with edible coatings and anti-browning agents.

The objective of this study was to monitor overall quality and to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut apple wedges. Fresh-cut apple wedges were treated with anti-browning agents and edible coatings alone as well as in combination and packed in polypropylene trays. Packed apple wedges were stored at 5 ± 2 °C and monitored for physical (colour, physiological loss in weight and firmness), bio-chemical (ascorbic acid, total antioxidant, phenol, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes) and microbial quality. In general carboxymethyl cellulose and aloe vera coatings along with anti-browning agents helped in preserving quality of apple slices during storage. Microbial load was significantly low for wedges coated with carboxymethyl cellulose and aloe vera. Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzyme activity was also low in the coated samples. Firmness of the uncoated apple wedges declined more rapidly than the coated ones during storage. The results showed that carboxymethyl cellulose and aloe vera coating in combination with anti-browning agents improved the quality of stored apple wedges.

Nutritional characterization of apple as a function of genotype.

Twenty two apple cultivars grown in Himachal Pradesh, India were harvested at commercial maturity and analysed for different physical (fruit weight, fruit dimensions, firmness, color) and nutritional attributes (ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity, total carotenoid, sugars, organic acids, phenolic compounds and minerals). Cultivar 'Oregon Spur II' was found to have maximum fruit size and weight while the least was observed for cultivar 'Starkrimson'. Quantitative differences were found in the nutritional profile among the cultivars with respect to all the above attributes. The ascorbic acid content ranged between 19.38 mg 100 g-1 ('Well Spur') and 32.08 mg 100 g-1 ('Starkrimson') while the antioxidant activity varied between 2.64 µmol Trolox equivalent g-1 ('Granny Smith') and 13.20 µmol Trolox equivalent g-1 ('Silver Spur'). The highest total carotenoid was found in 'Red Chief' (147.06 mg kg-1) while in 'Early Red-I' the total carotenoid was only 29.03 mg kg-1. HPLC analysis for individual sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds was carried out. Fructose (average 50.79 g L-1) was the most abundant sugar. Malic acid (average 6.03 mg L-1) predominated among the individual organic acids. Potassium (average 795.14 mg 100 g-1) and iron (average 2.04 µg g-1) were the predominant macro and micro elements, respectively. Chlorogenic acid was the major constituent among phenolic compounds.

Edible coatings influence the cold-storage life and quality of 'Santa Rosa' plum (Prunus salicina Lindell).

Plum is a perishable fruit with a very short shelf life of 3-4 days. Several studies have suggested the possible use of edible coatings on maintaining quality and prolonging storage life of fresh horticultural produce. Hence, different edible coatings, namely, lac-based (2:3), Semperfresh™ (1:3) and Niprofresh® (1:5) were selected to observe their efficacy on quality retention of 'Santa Rosa' plums. The effects of these coatings on the physical, physiological and biochemical attributes were studied under cold storage conditions (2 ± 1 °C and 85-90% relative humidity). Our results revealed that all the coatings, especially the lac-based significantly reduced the weight loss and maintained higher firmness throughout the storage period. These surface coatings modified the respiration and ethylene rates of the plums and slowed down their metabolism as shown by the retention of texture of the tissue and delayed colour development. At the end of 35 days of cold storage, lac-based coating helped to retain nearly 55% higher fruit firmness and 21% higher antioxidant activity in fruits as compared to uncoated ones. However, the changes in total anthocyanin content were found to be suppressed by 13% in lac-based coated fruits. Overall, the results suggested that lac-based coating of plum fruits was most effective to extend the storage life of 'Santa Rosa' plums over other coatings and uncoated fruits under low temperature storage conditions.