Effect of Shoot-Fruit Ratio on Grape Yield,Quality and Storage Nutrient

With the grape variety ＂Summer Black＂ as the test material, the effects of different shoot-fruit ratios on grape yield, fruit quality and grapevine storage nutrient were investigated for 2 consecutive years, so as to determine the optimized load for Summer Black grapes in Shandong. The results showed that the grapes with shoot-fruit ratio of 1∶ 1 had the highest soluble solid content, vitamin C content and grapevine storage nutrient. Based on the comprehensive analysis, the shoot-fruit ratio of 1∶ 1 was the optimized load for Summer Black grapes in Tai an of Shandong Province, and the yield was 1 179.37-1 288.63 kg per 667 m^2.

Influence of Calcium Sources and Concentration on the Storage Performance of Strawberry Fruit

Chemical application after harvest is an important method to preserve strawberry fruit quality and extend shelf life. The strawberry fruits harvested at red stage were treated with three different sources of calcium, i.e., calcium nitrate, calcium gluconate and calcium chloride at calcium concentration of 0% （distilled water）, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%. The strawberry fruits were dipped for 30 s. The calcium sources, calcium concentration and the interaction of calcium sources and calcium concentration significantly affected the storage performance of strawberry fruits. All the three sources and concentrations were effective in decreasing the storage associated changes, i.e., weight loss, decline in marketable fruits, loss of organoleptic quality, increase in total soluble solids （TSS）, decline in reducing sugars, total sugars, acidity and increase in sugar/acid ratio in strawberry fruit, thus extending the shelf life. Calcium gluconate at 1.5% calcium concentration was more effective. Treatment of strawberry fruit with 1.5% calcium from calcium gluconate source resulted in the highest number of marketable fruit （100%）, extended shelf life （10 d）, and total soluble solid （7.80%） with the minimum weight loss （5.45%）. Calcium dips result in higher calcium concentration in strawberry fruits, which delays ripening in fruits by maintaining the structure and function of cell walls and membranes. It can be concluded that calcium gluconate at 1.5% concentration is an effective calcium treatment to retain the quality and extend the shelf life of strawberry fruit.

Effects of Fungicide Treatments and Storage Temperatures on Fruit Quality of Two Mango （Mangifera indica） Cultivars

Harvested fruits of mango （Mangifera indica） suffer from both physiological and pathological deterioration in quality during storage which consequently affects their market value. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of fungicide treatments and storage temperatures on fruit quality of two mango cultivars, Keirt and Palmer. Mango fruits were treated with 0.04% or 0.08% v/v Triadimefon at either 53 ℃ （hot） or at room temperature and then either stored under ambient conditions （27-29 ℃） or in a refrigerator at a temperature of 11-12 ℃. Fruits stored under ambient conditions developed external colour faster than those stored at a lower temperature. Brix values for fruits treated with Triadimefon decreased with time. Fruits stored at lower temperatures gave least Brix values as compared with those stored under ambient conditions. Percentage titratable acid （%TA） of fruits stored at low temperatures increased over time. Fruits stored at lower temperatures recorded lower pH compared with fruits stored under ambient conditions. Palmer fruits recorded higher %Brix to %TA ratio, indicating a higher sweetness level. The firmness of Palmer fruits kept at lower temperatures increased with time when compared with Keitt fruit. Fruits treated with hot water at 53 ℃ and/or stored at low temperatures （11-12 ℃） had lower levels of anthracnose infection than other treatments. Keitt fruits were more susceptible to anthracnose infection than Palmer fruits. Mango fruits should therefore be treated with hot water at 53 ℃ and then stored at low temperatures （11-12 ℃） in order to slow down the rate of ripening and to reduce anthracnose infection.

An Intelligent Control Technique for Dynamic Optimization of Temperature during Fruit Storage Process

Agricultural control systems are characterized by complexity and uncertainly. A skilled grower can deal well with crops based on his own intuition and experience. In this study, an intelligent optimization technique mimicking the simple thinking process of a skilled grower is proposed and then applied to dynamic optimization of temperature that minimizes the water loss in fruit during storage. It is supposed that the simple thinking process of a skilled grower consists of two steps: 1) “learning and modeling” through experience and 2) “selection and decision of an optimal value” through simulation of a mental model built in his brain by the learning. An intelligent control technique proposed here consists of a decision system and a feedback control system. In the decision system, the dynamic change in the rate of water loss as affected by temperature was first identified and modeled using neural networks (“learning and modeling”), and then the optimal value (l-step set points) of temperature that minimized the rate of water loss was searched for through simulation of the identified neural-network model using genetic algorithms (“selection and decision”). The control process for 8 days was divided into 8steps. Two types of optimal values, a single heat stress application, such as 40℃, 15℃, 15℃, 15℃, 15℃, 15℃, 15℃and 15℃, and a double heat stress application, such as 40℃, 15℃, 40℃, 15℃, 15℃, 15℃, 15℃and 15℃, were obtained under the range of 15℃￡T￡40℃. These results suggest that application of heat stress to fruit is effective in maintaining freshness of fruit during storage.

Analysis on the Changes in Fruit Quality of ‘Beishan’ Apricots during Storage at Room Temperature

[Objectives]This study was conducted to understand the changes in fruit quality during storage of local high-quality apricot variety ‘Beishan’ in Xinjiang at room temperature, and to clarify the suitable storage time of the variety. [Methods] Under normal temperature storage conditions, the changes of fruit weight, firmness, soluble solids, titratable acid, soluble sugar, vitamin C and rot rate were observed every day. [Results] With the increase of storage days at room temperature, the fruit weight and firmness of ‘Beishan’ apricots gradually decreased;the contents of titratable acid and vitamin C decreased gradually;and the contents of soluble solids and soluble sugar increased slightly on the 2^(nd) day of storage, and then gradually decreased. The fruit quality began to decline sharply after the 6^(th) day of storage. The fruit began to rot on the 3^(rd) day of storage, and the rot rate was higher than 60% and increased significantly after the 6^(th) day. After the ‘Beishan’ apricots were stored at room temperature until the 6^(th) day, the fruit quality began to decline sharply, and the rot rate exceeded 60%. The suitable storage time at room temperature was about 6 d. [Conclusions] This study provides data support for the research and promotion of the ‘Beishan’ variety.

Effect of Low Temperature Storage on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Dragon Fruit

In order to explore the best storage temperature and storage period of dragon fruit seeds,with the constant-humidity germplasm cold storage of Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences as a platform and storage temperature as an environmental factor,the germination characteristics of dragon fruit seeds and seedling growth characteristics under low temperature storage(8,4,-1,-10℃)and room temperature storage(25-30℃)over time were explored.The results showed that with the extension of the storage time,the seed germination rates,germination index,healthy seedling rates,seedling heights and fresh weights of 10 seedlings of the three dragon fruit varieties showed basically the same trends,showing a downward trend.After 367 d of cold storage,the germination rate decreased from 100%to 92.33%-98.00%,and the room temperature treatments decreased to 54.00%-86.30%;and the healthy seedling rates of cold-stored seeds decreased from 96.33%-98.00%to 77.33%-97.3%,and the values of the room temperature treatments dropped to 12.00%-68.33%.The germination rates,germination index,healthy seedling rates and seedling heights of the three dragon fruit varieties stored at low temperatures were basically significantly higher than those of the room temperature treatments within 367 d of storage.The germination rates of the three varieties stored at 8℃had no significant differences from other low temperature treatments,but the germination index was significantly lower than other low temperature treatments at 367 d.It showed that low temperature storage at-10-8℃could significantly prolong the vigor and storage time of dragon fruit seeds.Considering cost and other factors,it is better to store dragon fruit seeds in a dry environment at 4℃.The seeds stored at 4℃for 1 year showed a germination rate maintained over 90%and a healthy seedling rate over 85%.

Effects of Different Parameters of Electrostatic Field on Removal of Ethylene in Fruit and Vegetable Storage Environment

[Objectives]The effects of different parameters of electrostatic field on the removal of ethylene from fruit and vegetable storage environment were studied. [Methods]The high voltage electrostatic field technology was used to simulate the removal of ethylene from fruit and vegetable storages, and its influencing factors were tested and analyzed. [Results] The removal effect of needle-plate electrodes was better than that of needle electrodes. The removal effect of ethylene at high voltage was better than that at low voltage. The length of gas chamber was positively correlated with the time required for ethylene removal. Increasing the voltage could produce more ozone, thus improving the removal effect of ethylene. [Conclusions] This study provides theoretical basis and technical support for the use of high-voltage electrostatic field to remove ethylene in controlled atmosphere storages.

Investigation into the Total Phenols and Antioxidant Activity during Storage of Fruit Smoothies

In this study, the total phenols （TP） and antioxidant activity of three different fruit smoothies （Blackberries, Raspberry and Boysenberry （BRAB）, Mango and Passion fruits （MAP） and Blackcurrant, Acerola cherries and Rosehips （BACAR）） were determined during storage by Folin-Ciocalteu and ferric reducing antioxidant power （FRAP） assays respectively. TP ranged from 1,943 to 2,692 mg L-1 gallic acid equivalent whereas FRAP from 43,217 to 126,125 μmol L-1 Trolox equivalent for the three smoothies on opening. BACAR had the highest TP and antioxidant activity. The smoothies showed significant decrease （P 〈 0.05） in TP during storage. The decrease in antioxidant activity was significant （P 〈 0.05） for BRAB and MAP only. However, the study revealed that the smoothies had high antioxidant activity even during shelf-life at 4 ℃ which implies that consumption of smoothies may give considerable antioxidant benefits. Correlation between TP and antioxidant activity was strong and highly significant （r = 0.890, P 〈 0.0001）.

Seed Germination and Storage of Woody Species in the Lower Subtropical Forest

The dimension, water content and germination of the seeds from 90 woody species in the lower subtropical forest were analyzed in this study. Out of 90 species, germination analysis was performed in 45 species (in which there were enough germinating individuals), and the effect of storage of seed and fruit on germination of seed was studied in 41 species (in which there were enough seeds and germinating individuals). Most of the species began to germinate within 60 d. Hypogeal species had longer dormancy than epigeal species. Dormancy of fleshy seeds and seeds in pulpy fruit was also longer than that of dry seeds. There were no significant differences in length of dormancy (LD, days from sowing to germination) between fleshy seeds ripening in summer and those ripening in winter and spring, and between big seeds and small seeds. Seeds in pulpy fruit or fleshy seeds had more germination than the dry seeds ( P <0.05), however, percentage germination was not significantly correlated with water content of fresh seeds. Water loss in the seeds could obviously affect percentage germination, especially during the early three days when the seeds were laid open in air in the laboratory. When water content of the seeds decreased to about 20% (fresh weight basis), percentage germination became very low, this happened when the seeds were laid open in air for 10-14 d. Percentage germination decreased with the length of storing in refrigerator ((4±1) ℃), but it was not markedly affected for one month's storage, with a decrease by 8.3% in comparison with the fresh seeds, and it was greatly affected by storing for more than three months, with values decreasing by 37%, 63%, and 81% for three months', six months' and 12 months' storage respectively. Difference in percentage germination as well as in LD was not significant for most lots after different storing periods between big seeds and small seeds, between fruit storage and seed storage, and between seeds in pulpy fruits or fleshy seeds and dry seeds.

Effects of Calcium Sprays and Different Storage Treatment on the Preservation of Malus pumila Mill. Cv. ‘Jinguan’

Taking Malus pumila Mill, Cv. ‘Jinguan＇ as test matedal, the storage quality of the apples under the different storage conditions of plastic membrane atmosphere storage （MAP）, fruit wax coating, chitosan treatment with different calcium fertilizers were studied. The results showed that different storage modes inhibited the fruit rotting and weight loss, delayed the decrease of fruit hardness and titratable acid content, reduced the soluble solid content, inhibited the degradation of vitamin C. The suitable treatment had good effect on preservation of apple fruits, in which 1% chitosan treatment had the best effect.

果树穴贮砖对南疆温室软籽石榴光合特性及氮素吸收的影响

为探究适用于南疆温室沙地土壤条件下的氮肥增效措施,以3 a生‘突尼斯’软籽石榴为试材,设置无果树穴贮砖(CK)、施加果树穴贮砖A(T1)和果树穴贮砖B(T2)共3个处理,研究施加果树穴贮砖对软籽石榴光合特性及氮素吸收的影响。结果表明:T1、T2处理显著增加了1个灌水周期内第1天的石榴叶片叶绿素指数及第3天和第5天的氮平衡指数,提高了叶片净光合速率、气孔导度、胞间二氧化碳浓度、蒸腾速率的日均值,总体上以T1处理较好;与CK相比,T1和T2处理的石榴茎、叶、根中的全氮、硝态氮含量均有显著提升,同时茎和叶中的铵态氮含量也有显著提升,总体表现为T1>T2>CK。综上,施加果树穴贮砖有助于提升南疆温室沙地土壤条件下软籽石榴植株光合性能以及氮素吸收,本研究以施加果树穴贮砖A处理效果最佳。

采前喷施CaCl_(2)对蜂糖李果实贮藏品质和活性氧代谢的影响

【目的】探究采前钙处理对蜂糖李果实贮藏品质和活性氧(ROS)代谢的影响,为外源钙在提高蜂糖李果实保鲜中的应用提供参考依据。【方法】选择长势基本一致的蜂糖李树,于花后80,90和100 d分别喷施质量分数1.5%CaCl_(2)溶液(CaCl_(2)处理),以清水作为对照(CK),采收2个处理八成熟果实,将其置于(25±1)℃、相对湿度85%~95%光照培养箱条件下贮藏,在贮藏0,5,10,15,20和25 d时测定了果实品质及ROS代谢指标,并分析了果实品质及ROS代谢指标间的相关性。【结果】贮藏0~25 d,随着贮藏时间的延长,CaCl_(2)处理和CK果实硬度和可滴定酸(TA)含量均下降,腐烂率、失重率和过氧化物酶(POD)活性均增加,呼吸强度、超氧阴离子(O^(-·)_(2))产生速率和可溶性固形物(TSS)、钙、丙二醛(MDA)、H_(2)O_(2)、抗坏血酸(AsA)、还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量以及超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性总体上均先增加后降低。与CK相比,CaCl_(2)处理可提高果实硬度和TSS含量,降低果实腐烂率、失重率、呼吸强度和TA含量,抑制O_(2)^(-·)产生速率及H_(2)O_(2)和MDA含量的升高,保持较高的SOD、APX、POD和CAT活性以及GSH和AsA含量。相关性分析结果表明,CK果实中,硬度与失重率和POD活性呈极显著负相关,与腐烂率、MDA和钙含量呈显著负相关;腐烂率与MDA和钙含量及POD活性呈极显著正相关;TA含量与硬度呈极显著正相关,与失重率、腐烂率、MDA和钙含量及POD活性呈显著或者极显著负相关。CaCl_(2)处理果实中,硬度与失重率、腐烂率、钙含量和POD活性呈显著负相关(P<0.05);失重率与腐烂率、钙和GSH含量及POD活性呈显著或者极显著正相关;腐烂率与钙和GSH含量及POD活性呈显著正相关;TA含量与硬度呈极显著正相关,与失重率、腐烂率、钙和GSH含量及POD活性呈显著或极显著负相关。【结论】采前喷施CaCl_(2)可以使采后蜂糖李果实维持较高的贮藏品质及抗氧化能力,从而提高果实耐贮性,延长果实保鲜期。

不同包装的杏与玫瑰花酱复合果丹皮贮藏品质的研究及货架期模型的建立

该文旨在研究不同包装方式对杏与玫瑰花酱复合果丹皮在贮藏过程中品质变化的影响,并通过品质变化规律预测其货架期。首先采用糖纸包装(candy paper packaging,CW)、真空包装(vacuum packaging,VP)、保鲜袋包装(storage bag packaging,WPB)和铝箔袋包装(aluminum foil bag packaging,ABP)4种包装方式对复合果丹皮进行包装,并在常温下贮藏180 d测定其在贮藏期间品质指标的变化值,以水分含量、可溶性糖含量、硬度和菌落总数为表征指标建立化学动力学模型以预测复合果丹皮的货架期。结果表明,采用VP方式能有效延缓复合果丹皮中可溶性糖、维生素C、活性成分等营养成分的降解、抑制复合果丹皮在贮藏期间被微生物的污染。可溶性糖和菌落总数的变化规律符合零级动力学模型、水分含量与硬度的变化规律符合一级动力学模型,验证结果表明,VP方式下复合果丹皮以4种表征指标建立的预测模型准确度较高,预测值与实测值相对误差较小,Arrhenius方程具有较好的拟合性。因此,VP方式的应用将会为复合果丹皮的包装和贮藏提供理论基础。

The chemical treatments combined with antagonistic yeast control anthracnose and maintain the quality of postharvest mango fruit

During the storage and transportation of the mango fruit, the major source of disease is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The objective of this study is to find an appropriate method that not only reduces mango decay but also maintains its postharvest quality. The effects of chemicals, the use of the yeast species Metschnikowia pulcherrima and their combination on storage quality, focusing on the enzyme activity related to disease of Tainong mangos was studied. By immersing the mangoes in M. pulcherrima suspension(1.0×10~8 cfu mL^(–1)), salicylic acid(SA) solution(50 mg L^(–1)) or calcium chloride(CaCl_2) solution(1.0 g L^(–1)), the lesion expansion and decay of the mango fruit caused by C. gloeosporioides could be significantly delayed. These treatments also delayed the changes in quality traits(a~* value, firmness, contents of total soluble solids(TSS) and vitamin C(Vc), while the activities of anti-disease enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase(PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase(PAL), chitinase(CHT) and β-1,3-glucanase(GUN) were enhanced as compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, the combination of SA solution, CaCl_2 solution and M. pulcherrima suspension presented an additive effect, increasing the efficacy in controlling the disease and maintaining the storage quality of mango fruits. Taken together, our data suggest that the integration of chemical treatments combined with M. pulcherrima could be an alternative to the use of fungicides in postharvest treatment of the mango fruit, specifically for improving storage quality as well as the control of the anthracnose.

Effects of 1-MCP on Ethylene Synthesis and Metabolismof Apple During Storage

Red Fuji apple(Malus domestica Borkh var. Red Fuji)fruits were used to study the effect of 1-MCP on ethylene biosynthesis metabolism during storage. The results showed that 1-MCP maintained the firmness and inhibited the respiration rate, LOX activity and ethylene production rate of fruits. Further study indicated that 1-MCP inhibited ACS(ACC synthase)activity from the 15th day, increased ACC accumulation, and delayed the appearance of ACO(ACC oxidase)activity peak. The increase of protein kinase activity was also inhibited by 1-MCP during fruit ethylene climacteric time.

Melatonin treatment alleviates chilling injury in mango fruit 'Keitt' by modulating proline metabolism under chilling stress

Mangoes often suffer from low temperature-induced chilling injury (CI) during postharvest cold storage.Therefore,advanced techniques are crucial and in high demand to solve the chilling stress of mango fruit for a higher value.This study addresses chilling stress modulation by investigating the effects of melatonin treatment on CI,proline metabolism,and related gene expressions of ‘Keitt’ mango during cold storage after dipped in 0 (control),0.1 (MT1),and 0.2 mmol L^(-1)(MT2) melatonin solution for 30 min.The results revealed that melatonin treatment in MT1 significantly reduced CI development and increased proline content in mango fruit during cold storage compared to the control.These changes were along with increases in the activity of critical enzymes as well as the expression of encoding genes involved in proline biosynthesis,such as pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase (P5CS),pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (P5CR),ornithine D-aminotransferase (OAT),P5CS2,P5CR2,and OAT3.Additionally,proline dehydrogenase (PDH) activity and the expression of the PDH3 gene associated with proline dehydrogenation were lower in MT1-treated mangoes than the controlled group.Thus,melatonin treatment has regulated proline metabolism resulting in the accumulation of proline,subsequently contributing to enhancing the chilling tolerance of‘Keitt’mango fruit.

Expression Level of a Transcription Factor Gene Mdhd-Zip Up-regulated during Apple Fruit Senescence

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the role of one apple transcription factor of homeodomain-leucine zipper(MdHD-Zip) during apple fruit senescence.[Method] Postharvest Red Fuji fruits(Malus domestica Borkh ‘Red Fuji') were stored at room temperature(18 ℃-20 ℃) and cold condition(0 ± 1 ℃) separately.Fruit firmness and ethylene production during storage process were analyzed.Transcript level of Md HD-Zip was detected by real-time quantitative PCR during apple fruit storage under room temperature and cold condition.[Result] Expression level of Md HD-Zip was found up-regulated in later stage of apple fruit senescence at room temperature,while it showed a peak level after one month of cold storage.[Conclusion] The results of the present study suggest that Md HD-Zip may play a role in regulating apple fruit senescence.

Effect of Postharvest Heat Treatment on Pear Browning during Storage

The effect of postharvest heat treatment on browning of Huangguan pear was investigated. The results showed that heat treatment improved hardness and soluble solid content of stored pear fruit, postponed the improvement of MDA content and PPO activity in stored pear fruit and alleviated the reduction of SOD activity and the lowering of PG activity. To sum up, heat treatment reduces the occurrence of browning of stored pear fruit through the regulation of the changes in a series of physiological and biochemical indexes of fruit.

Pollen Germination in vitro and Pollen Storage of the Eggplant(Solanummelongena L.)

The eggplant (Solanummelongena L.) is widely cultivated across the world.Technology regarding the in vitro germination and preservation of eggplant pollen is important for the production of hybrid seeds.In this work,the suitable cultural medium and time for the germination of fresh and dried pollen was investigated.The results showed that a suitable medium for eggplant pollen germination was 0.5% agar+5% sucrose+0.01% boric acid+0.01% GA3,the suitable culture time was 2 h for fresh pollen and 4 h for dried pollen stored at low temperature.GA3 could induce the germination of dried and stored pollen. The better way to dry anthers was 4 h in a desiccator at 25~30℃.We also found that pollen from the second to the fourth branch has the highest germination rate. Furthermore,there were no significant differences in the seed setting rates among the different storage temperatures and storage times,whereas the number of viable seeds formed per fruit differed significantly,which was 87.3% more for pollen stored at -80℃ and fresh pollen than that stored at 4℃.This work optimized pollen storage conditions and is helpful to eggplant hybrid seed production.

Effects of Edible Coatings on Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Zizyphus Jujuba Miller cv. Dongzao During Storage

The development of edible coatings has been lauded with respect to their safety and effectiveness. In this study, we researched the effects of edible coatings (2% CaCl2, 1% chitosan and 1% pullulan) on the nutrient content and antioxidant abilities of jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Miller cv. Dongzao). Using the new analysis technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), we evaluated the effects of these coatings. Compared with the control fruit group, test results showed that coating treatment significantly delayed fruit senescence. Specifically, CaCl2treatment not only maintained fruit storage quality and antioxidant activity but also restrained the production and accumulation of malondialdehyde in jujube. Chitosan treatment delayed decreases in secondary metabolites and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. Pullulan coatings performed better in terms of proanthocyanidin and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). We also used TOPSIS to evaluate the preservation effect of different film coatings and found 2% CaCl2to be the best treatment for jujube, followed by 1% chitosan and 1% pullulan. Based on the appropriate materials and concentration of the film coatings, edible coatings have the potential to retain the quality and antioxidant capacity of the Chinese jujube cv. Dongzao. © 2016, Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.