Fruit Quality Characteristics of Service Tree (Sorbus domestica L.) Genotypes.

In this study, agro-morphological properties, phenolic compounds, and organic acid contents in the fruits of service tree (Sorbus domestica L.) genotypes naturally grown in Türkiye (Bolu) were determined. The fruit weights of genotypes were found to be quite variable, ranging from 5.42 g (14MR05) to 12.54 g (14MR07). The highest L*, a*, and b* fruit external color values were found to be 34.65 (14MR04), 10.48 (14MR09), and 9.10 (14MR08), respectively. The highest chroma and hue values were recorded as 12.87 (14MR09) and 49.07 (14MR04), respectively. 14MR03 and 14MR08 genotypes exhibited the highest amount of soluble solid content and titratable acidity (TA) as 20.58 and 1.55%, respectively. The pH value was found to be in the range of 3.98 (14MR010)-4.32 (14MR04). Chlorogenic acid (14MR10, 48.49 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (14MR10, 36.93 mg/100 g), and rutin (14MR05, 36.95 mg/100 g) were predominant phenolic acids observed in the fruits of service tree genotypes. The predominant organic acid in all fruit samples was malic acid (14MR07, 34.14 g/kg fresh weight basis), and the highest quantity of vitamin C was detected at 95.83 mg/100 g in genotype 14MR02. Principal component analyses (%) were performed to determine the correlation between the morphological-physicochemical (60.6%) and biochemical characteristics of genotypes (phenolic compounds: 54.3%; organic acids and vitamin C: 79.9%). It was determined that measured genotypes were important genetic resources in terms of nutritional value.

Impact of Postharvest Putrescine Treatments on Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, Organic Acid Contents and Some Quality Characteristics of Fresh Fig Fruits during Cold Storage.

The storage and shelf life of the fig, which has a sensitive fruit structure, is short, and this results in excessive economic losses. In a study carried out to contribute to the solution of this problem, the effect of postharvest putrescine application at different doses (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mM) on fruit quality characteristics and biochemical content during cold storage in figs was determined. At the end of the cold storage, the decay rate and weight loss in the fruit were in the ranges of 1.0-1.6% and 1.0-5.0 %, respectively. The decay rate and weight loss were lower in putrescine-applied fruit during cold storage. Putrescine application had a positive effect on the changes in fruit flesh firmness values. The SSC rate of fruit varied between 14 and 20%, while significant differences in the SSC rate occurred depending on storage time and putrescine application dose. With putrescine application, the decrease in the acidity rate of the fig fruit during cold storage was smaller. At the end of the cold storage, the acidity rate was between 1.5-2.5% and 1.0-5.0. Putrescine treatments affected total antioxidant activity values and changes occurred in total antioxidant activity depending on the application dose. In the study, it was observed that the amount of phenolic acid in fig fruit decreased during storage and putrescine doses prevented this decrease. Putrescine treatment affected the changes in the quantity of organic acids during cold storage, and this effect varied depending on the type of organic acid and the length of the cold storage period. As a result, it was revealed that putrescine treatments can be used as an effective method to maintain postharvest fruit quality in figs.

Identification of Metabolites Changes and Quality in Strawberry Fruit: Effect of Cultivation in High Tunnel and Open Field.

Strawberry has gained increasing popularity all over the world due to its fruit properties. This popularity is due to the phytochemicals that strawberries have. The aim of this study is to reveal the effect of cultivation in open field and high tunnel on agromorphological and biochemical properties of strawberries. In this study, fruit yield and fruit quality characteristics of some strawberry varieties grown in open field and high tunnel were investigated. The highest fruit yield, fruit weight and titratable acidity were obtained in high tunnel grown Albion cultivar (542.743 g/plant, 14.927 g/fruit and 1.047%, respectively). While there was no statistical difference between cultivars and treatments in terms of soluble solids content and pH, fruit count was higher in Albion and Kabarla cultivars in both treatments compared to other cultivars (p < 0.05). Among the phenolic compounds, gallic acid was determined to be higher (between 9.246−31.680 mg/100 g) than other phenolics. Considering the organic acid content, malic acid was determined as the dominant organic acid in Kabarla cultivar (870.729 mg/100 g). In addition, in terms of vitamin C content, Rubygem cultivar stood out in both applications. Phenolic compound and organic acid contents varied in terms of varieties and applications. As a result, strawberry fruit, which is an important fruit in terms of fruit quality and consumption diversity, has been found to have high phenolic compounds and organic acid content, although it varies in all varieties and applications.

Influence of Pre-Harvest Gibberellic Acid and Post-Harvest 1-methyl Cyclopropane Treatments on Phenolic Compounds, Vitamin C and Organic Acid Contents during the Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruits.

In recent years, significant portions of the fresh fruits and vegetables produced worldwide have been decaying before reaching the consumer because of insufficient preservation after harvest. In this direction, we carried the study out to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) and 1-methyl cyclopropane (1-MCP) applications on phenolic compounds and organic acid contents of the strawberry fruits (cv. Albion) during shelf-life. Gibberellic acid treatments, which prepared in two different concentrations (50 and 100 ppm), were performed by spraying the leaves before harvest. 1-methyl cyclopropane applied after harvest. The results of the study showed a greater decrease in organic acids (except oxalic and succinic acid) in Gibberellic acid-applied fruits during shelf-life. Citric acid was recorded as the most abundant organic acid in the control group. In phenolic compounds, gallic acid (15.22 mg 100 g-1) and ellagic acid (9.38 mg 100 g-1) were recorded as the highest phenolic compounds on the third day. 1-MCP and GA3 (50 ppm) + 1-MCP treatment reduced the breakdown of vitamin C during the shelf-life of strawberry fruits compared to the control group. As a result, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and organic acids decreased during the shelf-life, and 1-MCP applications slowed down the breakdown of these compounds.

Uncovering Phenotypic Diversity and DArTseq Marker Loci Associated with Antioxidant Activity in Common Bean.

Antioxidants play an important role in animal and plant life owing to their involvement in complex metabolic and signaling mechanisms, hence uncovering the genetic basis associated with antioxidant activity is very important for the development of improved varieties. Here, a total of 182 common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) landraces and six commercial cultivars collected from 19 provinces of Turkey were evaluated for seed antioxidant activity under four environments and two locations. Antioxidant activity was measured using ABTS radical scavenging capacity and mean antioxidant activity in common bean landraces was 20.03 µmol TE/g. Analysis of variance reflected that genotype by environment interaction was statistically non-significant and heritability analysis showed higher heritability of antioxidant activity. Variations in seed color were observed, and a higher antioxidant activity was present in seeds having colored seed as compared to those having white seeds. A negative correlation was found between white-colored seeds and antioxidant activity. A total of 7900 DArTseq markers were used to explore the population structure that grouped the studied germplasm into two sub-populations on the basis of their geographical origins and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity contents. Mean linkage disequilibrium (LD) was 54%, and mean LD decay was 1.15 Mb. Mixed linear model i.e., the Q + K model demonstrated that four DArTseq markers had significant association (p < 0.01) for antioxidant activity. Three of these markers were present on chromosome Pv07, while the fourth marker was located on chromosome Pv03. Among the identified markers, DArT-3369938 marker showed maximum (14.61%) variation. A total of four putative candidate genes were predicted from sequences reflecting homology to identified DArTseq markers. This is a pioneering study involving the identification of association for antioxidant activity in common bean seeds. We envisage that this study will be very helpful for global common bean breeding community in order to develop cultivars with higher antioxidant activity.

Cadmium toxicity affects chlorophyll a and b content, antioxidant enzyme activities and mineral nutrient accumulation in strawberry.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is well known as one of the most toxic metals affecting the environment and can severely restrict plant growth and development. In this study, Cd toxicities were studied in strawberry cv. Camarosa using pot experiment. Chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities and mineral nutrient concentrations were investigated in both roots and leaves of strawberry plant after exposure Cd. RESULTS: Cd content in both roots and leaves was increased with the application of increasing concentrations of Cd. We found higher Cd concentration in roots rather than in leaves. Chlorophyll a and b was decreased in leaves but MDA significantly increased under increased Cd concentration treatments in both roots and leaves. SOD and CAT activities was also increased with the increase Cd concentrations. K, Mn and Mg concentrations were found higher in leaves than roots under Cd stress. In general, increased Cd treatments increased K, Mg, Fe, Ca, Cu and Zn concentration in both roots and leaves. Excessive Cd treatments reduced chlorophyll contents, increased antioxidant enzyme activities and changes in plant nutrition concentrations in both roots and leaves. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this work suggested that Cd treatments have negative effect on chlorophyll content and nearly decreased 30% of plant growth in strawberry. Strawberry roots accumulated higher Cd than leaves. We found that MDA and antioxidant enzyme (CAT, SOD and APX) contents may have considered a good indicator in determining Cd tolerance in strawberry plant.

Cadmium toxicity affects chlorophyll a and b content, antioxidant enzyme activities and mineral nutrient accumulation in strawberry

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is well known as one of the most toxic metals affecting the environment and can severely restrict plant growth and development. In this study, Cd toxicities were studied in strawberry cv. Camarosa using pot experiment. Chlorophyll and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities and mineral nutrient concentrations were investigated in both roots and leaves of strawberry plant after exposure Cd. RESULTS: Cd content in both roots and leaves was increased with the application of increasing concentrations of Cd. We found higher Cd concentration in roots rather than in leaves. Chlorophyll a and b was decreased in leaves but MDA significantly increased under increased Cd concentration treatments in both roots and leaves. SOD and CAT activities was also increased with the increase Cd concentrations. K, Mn and Mg concentrations were found higher in leaves than roots under Cd stress. In general, increased Cd treatments increased K, Mg, Fe, Ca, Cu and Zn concentration in both roots and leaves. Excessive Cd treatments reduced chlorophyll contents, increased antioxidant enzyme activities and changes in plant nutrition concentrations in both roots and leaves. CONCLUSION: The results presented in this work suggested that Cd treatments have negative effect on chlorophyll content and nearly decreased 30% of plant growth in strawberry. Strawberry roots accumulated higher Cd than leaves. We found that MDA and antioxidant enzyme (CAT, SOD and APX) contents may have considered a good indicator in determining Cd tolerance in strawberry plant.

Phenolic compounds and vitamins in wild and cultivated apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) fruits grown in irrigated and dry farming conditions.

BACKGROUND: Turkey is the main apricot producer in the world and apricots have been produced under both dry and irrigated conditions in the country. In this study, phenolic compounds and vitamins in fruits of one wild (Zerdali) and three main apricot cultivars ('Cataloglu', 'Hacihaliloglu' and 'Kabaasi') grown in both dry and irrigated conditions in Malatya provinces in Turkey were investigated. RESULTS: The findings indicated that higher content of phenolic compounds and vitamins was found in apricot fruits grown in irrigated conditions. Among the cultivars, 'Cataloglu' had the highest rutin contents both in irrigated and dry farming conditions as 2855 µg in irrigated and 6952 µg per 100 g dried weight base in dry conditions and the highest chlorogenic acid content in irrigated and dry farming conditions were measured in fruits of 'Hacihaliloglu' cultivar as 7542 µg and 15251 µg per 100 g dried weight base. Vitamin C contents in homogenates of fruit flesh and skin was found to be higher than ß-caroten, retinol, vitamin E and lycopen contents in apricot fruits both in irrigated and dry farming conditions. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that apricot fruits grown in both dry and irrigated conditions had high health benefits phytochemicals and phytochemical content varied among cultivars and irrigation conditions as well. However, more detailed biological and pharmacological studies are needed for the demonstration and clarification of health benefits of apricot fruits.

Organic acids, sugars, vitamin C content and some pomological characteristics of eleven hawthorn species (Crataegus spp.) from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The Hawthorn (Crateagus sp.) mostly occurs around the temperate region of the world with a high number of species, producing a fruit with numerous beneficial effects for human health. The aim of the study was to determine organic acid and sugar contents in the fruit of a number of hawthorn species grown in Erzincan province of Turkey. RESULTS: Citric acid was the predominant organic acid in all hawthorn species and C. pseudoheterophylla had the highest citric acid content (23.688 g/100 g). There were not statistically significant differences among hawthorn species (except C. atrosanguinea Pojark) in terms of fumaric acid content. C.pontica C.Koch had a higher content of vitamin C (9.418 mg/100 g) compared to other species. Fructose was the predominant sugar component in all species and C. monogyna subsp. monogyna Joiq had the highest fructose content (18.378 g/100 g). CONCLUSIONS: The high fruit quality of the studied species indicates the importance of this fruit in human nutrition as a natural source. The study revealed that there were differences in terms of fruit characteristics among hawthorn species and thus better quality hawthorn genotypes can be selected within the species. Hence, this study is considered to be a valuable reference for forthcoming studies. The high fruit quality of the studied species indicates the importance of this fruit in human nutrition as a natural source.

Organic acids, sugars, vitamin C content and some pomological characteristics of eleven hawthorn species (Crataegus spp) from Turkey

BACKGROUND: The Hawthorn (Crateagus sp.) mostly occurs around the temperate region of the world with a high number of species, producing a fruit with numerous beneficial effects for human health. The aim of the study was to determine organic acid and sugar contents in the fruit of a number of hawthorn species grown in Erzincan province of Turkey. RESULTS: Citric acid was the predominant organic acid in all hawthorn species and C. pseudoheterophylla had the highest citric acid content (23.688 g/100 g). There were not statistically significant differences among hawthorn species (except C. atrosanguinea Pojark) in terms of fumaric acid content. C. pontica C.Koch had a higher content of vitamin C (9.418 mg/100 g) compared to other species. Fructose was the predominant sugar component in all species and C. monogyna subsp. monogyna Joiq had the highest fructose content (18.378 g/100 g). CONCLUSIONS: The high fruit quality of the studied species indicates the importance of this fruit in human nutrition as a natural source. The study revealed that there were differences in terms of fruit characteristics among hawthorn species and thus better quality hawthorn genotypes can be selected within the species. Hence, this study is considered to be a valuable reference for forthcoming studies. The high fruit quality of the studied species indicates the importance of this fruit in human nutrition as a natural source.

Phenolic compounds and vitamins in wild and cultivated apricot (Prunus armeniaca L) fruits grown in irrigated and dry farming conditions

BACKGROUND: Turkey is the main apricot producer in the world and apricots have been produced under both dry and irrigated conditions in the country. In this study, phenolic compounds and vitamins in fruits of one wild (Zerdali) and three main apricot cultivars ('Cataloglu', 'Hacihaliloglu' and 'Kabaasi') grown in both dry and irrigated conditions in Malatya provinces in Turkey were investigated. RESULTS: The findings indicated that higher content of phenolic compounds and vitamins was found in apricot fruits grown in irrigated conditions. Among the cultivars, 'Cataloglu' had the highest rutin contents both in irrigated and dry farming conditions as 2855 µg in irrigated and 6952 µg per 100 g dried weight base in dry conditions and the highest chlorogenic acid content in irrigated and dry farming conditions were measured in fruits of 'Hacihaliloglu' cultivar as 7542 µg and 15251 µg per 100 g dried weight base. Vitamin C contents in homogenates of fruit flesh and skin was found to be higher than ß-caroten, retinol, vitamin E and lycopen contents in apricot fruits both in irrigated and dry farming conditions. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that apricot fruits grown in both dry and irrigated conditions had high health benefits phytochemicals and phytochemical content varied among cultivars and irrigation conditions as well. However, more detailed biological and pharmacological studies are needed for the demonstration and clarification of health benefits of apricot fruits.