Effects of fresh-cut and storage on glucosinolates profile using broccoli as a case study

Glucosinolates(GLS) contribute to the unique flavour, nutrition, and plant defence of the Cruciferous vegetables. Understanding the GLS changes through postharvest processing is essential for defined preservation. In this study, four different fresh-cut types, whole flower(W),floret(F), quarterly cut floret(QF) and shredded floret(FS) of broccoli, were stored for 0, 1, 2 and 3 day(s) to explore GLS responses to postharvest treatments. As a result, seven GLS were identified, mainly including glucoraphanin(RAA), neoglucobrassicin(NEO), and glucobrassicin(GBC)and accounting for 52.69%, 20.12% and 14.99% of the total GLS(21.92 ± 0.48) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW, respectively. FS had the sharpest decrease in GLS after three days of storage(6.55 ± 0.37) μmol · g-1DW, while QF had the least(10.16 ± 0.33) μmol · g ^(-1 )DW. All GLS components decreased over storage, except for 4-methoxyglucobrassicin(4 ME) in FS and QF, suggesting its key role in serious wound defence. The results suggested certain postharvest approaches influenced the flavour and nutrition of broccoli.

Effect of Magnetic Field Technology on Preservation Quality of Fresh-cut Apple

[Objectives]The paper was to study the effect of magnetic field technology on physicochemical properties of fresh-cut apple during storage.[Methods]Using fresh-cut apples as materials,magnetic field assisted refrigeration and conventional refrigeration control groups were set up,and the preservation effects of magnetic field assisted refrigeration on fresh-cut apples were tested by measuring the changes of microorganisms and physicochemical indicators.In this experiment,the conditions of magnetic field assisted refrigeration group was set as follows:temperature 4℃,magnetic field intensity 5 mT,static magnetic field,and storage for 6 d.[Results]At 6 d post storage,the weight loss rate,total number of colonies and total number of fungi of fresh-cut apples increased;the L value and hardness showed a downward trend;the soluble solid content first increased and then decreased;and the total acid decreased first and then increased.The above indicators in magnetic field assisted refrigeration group changed more gently than that in conventional refrigeration group.Compared with conventional assisted refrigeration,the weight loss rate of fresh-cut apples treated by magnetic field combined with 4℃refrigeration was reduced by 68.00%;the hardness was increased by 12.23%;the total number of colonies and total number of fungi were reduced by 64.15%and 37.50%;and the L value did not change much.High content of soluble solids and total acid was maintained.[Conclusions]Magnetic field assisted refrigeration delays quality deterioration of fresh-cut apples during storage,prolongs shelf life,and further improves their edible quality and commodity value.

Effects of 1-MCP and Chitosan on Active Oxygen Metabolism and Quality of Fresh-cut Potato during Storage

[Objective] The research aimed to study the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene （1-MCP） and chitosan on active oxygen metabolism and quality of fresh-cut potato during storage. [Method] The fresh-cut potato slices were respectively treated with 1- MCP （2 μl/L）, chitosan or 1-MCP ＋ chitosan. During the storage period, the contents of superoxide anion （02）, malondialdehyde （MDA）, hydrogen dioxide （H202） and Vita- min C （Vc）, the activities of polyphenol oxidase （PPO）, peroxydase （POD） and super- oxide dismutase （SOD） as well as the respiratory rate of the fresh-cut potatoes in all the treatments were determined every day. The fresh-cut potato slices treated without any reagents were used as control. [Result] 1-MCP Treated could significantly de- creased the respiratory rate, PPO activity and the accumulations of 02 , H202 and MDA, increased the activities of SOD and POD and slowed down Vc content reduc- tion. On the contrary, potato treated with chitosan significantly inhibited the POD activi- ty in fresh-cut potato. Compared with the control, the combination of 1-MCP and chi- tosan showed a little but not significant better effects on potato preservation. [Conclu- sion] 1-MCP Treated showed the best effects on potato preservation.

Sequence Analysis of Type III Effector tccP and tccP2 Genes in Escherichia coli O157:H7 from Chinese Water-chestnut

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the type III effector tccP and tccP2 genes in Escherichia coli O157：H7 from Chinese water-chestnut. [Method] Gene-specific and locus-specific primers were utilized to amplify tccP/tccP2 and their flanking regions for sequence analysis. [Result] E. coli O157：H7 CWN11 harbored intact tccP and tccP2 genes, however, the number of proline-rich repeats in tccP gene was only one that probably resulted in biological incapability, whereas, the tccP2 gene consisted of five and half proline-rich repeats and could encode functional protein. [Conclusion] Here, we reported the first sequence of tccP gene that consisted of only one proline-rich repeat and tccP2 was assumed to play a crucial role in colonization and subsequent signaling cascades.

Effect of Storage Conditions on the Sensory Quality, Colour and Texture of Fresh-Cut Minimally Processed Cabbage with the Addition of Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid and Calcium Chloride

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of storage conditions on the sensory quality, colour and texture of fresh-cut cabbage during the addition of ascorbic acid, citric acid and calcium chloride. Ascorbic acid maintained the overall quality for 14 days at 0℃ and 7 days at 5℃;no difference, however, was observed regarding browning of cut surface compared to the control sample at both storage temperatures. Calcium chloride maintained the overall quality and cut surface browning for 14 days at both storage temperatures. It was also found that citric acid 1% can be used for minimally processed cabbage. Soaking with citric acid helped retain the color and increased the overall acceptance and organoleptic quality of fresh cut cabbage;it reduced browning of the cut surface and protected against formation of black specks. Citric acid treatment combined with low temperature storage (0℃) prolonged the shelf life of minimally processed cabbage for 22 days, time sufficient for acceptable marketing of the product. The lightness of minimally processed cabbage decreased linearly from 70.94 ± 6 to 63.8 ± 8.5 - 61.3 ± 8 units for the chemical treatments during 22 days of storage at 0℃. Hue angle values during storage time were also significantly influenced by chemical treatments mainly at 0℃.

Effects of Stable Chlorine Dioxide on Sterilization and Preservation of Fresh-cut Narrow-leaf Cattail

At present, chlorine dioxide has been widely used as a bactericide that may become an alternative to chlorine. In this study, fresh-cut narrow-leaf cattail was soaked with 45, 70 and 95 mg/L chlorine dioxide solution, respectively. Fresh-cut narrow-leaf cattail samples were collected regularly to determine changes in surface microbe amount, cellulose content, Vc content, reduction sugar content and sensory quality of narrow-leaf cattail, thus analyzing the effects of chlorine diox- ide on sterilization and preservation of fresh-cut narrow-leaf cattail. The results showed that all three concentrations of chlorine dioxide solution could significantly reduce the amount of microbes on the surface of fresh-cut narrow-leaf cattail and improve the edible safety of products. The initial sterilization efficiency was im- proved gradually as the concentration of chlorine dioxide increased. In addition, chlorine dioxide treatment postponed the increase of cellulose content of fresh-cut narrow-leaf cattail. However, chlorine dioxide oxidized Vc and reducing sugar, and its bleaching effect also exerted a certain impact on the sensory quality of fresh- cut narrow-leaf cattail. Based on comprehensive comparisons, 45 - 70 mg/L chlorine dioxide solution exerted the best effects on sterilization and preservation of fresh-cut narrow-leaf cattail. This study laid the foundation for the production and application of chlorine dioxide solution and promotion of rapid development of nar- row-leaf cattail industry.

Optimization of Preservation on Fresh-cut Yam under Simulated Cold-chain Process

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the effect of compound fresh-keeping liquid on the browning and quality of fresh-cut yam during the cold chain process.[Methods]Under the simulated cold chain condition of 4℃,a uniform design(U6*(64))experiment was carried out to optimize the compound preservative formula,and a better compound preservative formula was obtained using the regression equation.[Results]The compound preservative formula was:AA 0.25%,CA 0.5%,Nisin 0.09%,GSH 0.15%.The compound fresh-keeping liquid effectively delayed the browning of fresh-cut yam and the accumulation of MDA,maintained the content of TSS,inhibited the activity of PAL and delayed the appearance of the maximum activity of POD and POD.[Conclusions]This study provides technical support for the actual extension of the shelf life of fresh-cut yam.

Studies on Genetic Transformation of Fresh-cut Chrysanthemum Using DREB1A Promoted by Stress-induced Promoter rd29A

In this study, DERB1A transcription factor and stress-induced promoter rd29A were isolated respectively and amplified from Arabidopsis thaliana, se- quenced and analyzed by DNAsis. In addition, the stress-induced promoter rd29A was utilized to construct the plant expression vector of DERB1A, which was transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Furthermore, the transgenic regeneration system of fresh-cut chrysanthemum from callus to plantlets was established successfully. On this basis, chrysanthemum leaf-disc explants were genetically transformed with Agrobacterium-mediated method. Two positive transgenie plantlets were obtained in vitro. Based on PCR detection, DREB1A transcription factor was integrated into chrysanthemum genome, which laid the foundation for breeding new transgenie cultivars of fresh-cut chrysanthemum with high comprehensive stress resistance, good cmalitv and high field.

Effect of Storage Temperature on the Quality of Fresh-cut Cattail

Fresh-cut cattail was extremely not resistant to store at room temperature.In the first day,it began to etiolate and rot,the fiber content increased,but the vitamin C content and reducing sugar content decreased.The aerobic bacterial count increased,the weight loss rate sharply increased,and the sensory quality and food value were gradually lost.Low temperature storage could decrease the loss of vitamin C and reducing sugar of fresh-cut cattail,reduce the weight loss rate and delay the increase of fiber content,maintain the water and nutrient of fresh-cut cattail,and the storage effect of 0 ℃ was better than 4 ℃.

Effects of Lactoperoxidase System Activation-Oregano Essential Oilor Chlorine on the Quality of Modified Atmosphere Packaged Fresh-Cut Iceberg Lettuce

The present work focused on the effects of the Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) 1 (5% O2 and 10% CO2) or 2 (2% O2 and 5% CO2) and the previous addition of Lactoperoxidase System (LPS) and Oregano essential oil or chlorine washing on the quality of fresh-cut lettuce during refrigerated storage at +4?C. Our results showed the significant effect of this combined treatment on quality improvement during storage. Thus, mesophilic bacteria was reduced in treated samples compared to those untreated with number which not exceeded the critical of 5 × 107 UFC?g-1 (p 2 and CO2 levels created by both atmosphere were not significantly different between the two treatments (p > 0.05). Brightness of lettuce samples was significantly reduced during storage. Thereafter, the PCA data showed the effect of combined treatment on the preservation of hygienic, physico-chemical and sensory quality up to the 7th day of refrigerated storage of these treated samples. The results obtained draw attention to modified atmosphere packaging lettuce and the addition of bio-preservatives which could be an alternative of choice to replace chlorine to preserve the sanitary quality of green products.

Influence of cutting size and packaging materials on the quality of fresh-cut winter squash (var. Ajijimang)

Winter squash (var. Ajijimang) washed in 100 mg.L-1 chlorine water and cut into 4 and 8 parts was packed in different packaging materials, 35 μm micro-perforated P-Plus (MPP), 50 μm polyethylene (PE), 80 μm nylon/PE (Ny/PE), and 90 μm PE films separately. Fresh-cut samples were then stored at 10℃ for up to 17 days. The 35 μm MPP having a high oxygen transmission rate (OTR) has the most stable gas exchange ratio while the 80 μm Ny/PE was the most unstable. Firmness of the mesocarp remained acceptable until the end of storage regardless of the cutting size. Soluble solids content (SSC) remained stable and even slightly increased to a certain extent within 6 days. An increase in pH after 10-day storage suggested the activity of microorganisms within the packaging films. Strong off-odor was detected in samples packaged in 80 μm Ny/PE film after 13 days of storage. Mold was observed in all 1/4 cut samples on day 13 except the sample packaged with 80 μm Ny/PE film. However, no mold was found in all 1/8 cut samples except 35 μm MPP film on day 13. Severe mold invasion was apparent on the onset of the 17-day storage in 35 μm MPP film and 50 μm PE film. Samples cut into 8 parts and packed in 80 μm Ny/PE and 90 μm PE films had less mold incidence compared with other two packaging films. Fresh-cut winter squash packaged in 90 μm PE film maintained quality with shelf-life of 10 days at 10℃. Winter squash as fresh-cut commodity, with the right packaging material has the potential for longer period of storage in retail stores.

Effects of 2,5-Norbornadiene （NBD） on Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Fresh-cut Winter Squash

Ethylene is one of the most important plant hormones that regulate physiological responses, maturity and senescence of postharvest fruits and vegetables. The determination of its role in the wound-healing response of fruits and vegetables is helpful in understanding the wound responses. 2,5-Norbornadiene （NBD）, inhibitor ethylene binding were used to determine the effect of ethylene action on wound-induced response of fresh-cut winter squash, a kind of vegetables known to produce ethylene markedly after cutting. The effect of NBD on the physiological and biochemical changes of fresh-cut winter squash was investigated in this experiment. The results showed that NBD had great effects on physio-biochemical metabolism of fresh-cut winter squash. Ethylene production was inhibited significantly by NBD. NBD also had an inhibition effect on polyphenol oxidase （PPO）, peroxidase （POD） and phenylalanine ammonia lyase （PAL） activity. The effect of NBD on lipoxygenase （LOX） activity and superoxide dismutase （SOD） was not obvious. NBD treated sample showed a more rapid increase in catalase （CAT） activity, which may help in healing the damage of the tissue. These information are important in understanding the fundamental biology of wound response and in the development of new technology to hasten wound-healing and, thereby, to minimize costly wound-related problems in fresh-cut industry.

Optimization of Antibacterial Conditions in Freshcut Grass Carp Belly and Comparison of Shelf Life

With fresh-cut grass carp belly as the test material, the antibacterial con- ditions of a disinfection agent sodium hypochlorite were optimized. In addition, the shelf lives of various grass carp products were compared after disinfection, so as to provide certain basis for the processing of fresh-cut grass carp products. The re- sults showed that the optimal disinfection conditions of sodium hypochlorite were as follows： concentration 300 mg/L, soak time 5 min and solid-liquid ratio 1 g ： 5 ml. Under the optimal disinfection conditions, the inhibition rates of total bacteria and Pseudomonas reached 83% and 81%, respectively. The shelf life of refrigerated fresh-cut grass carp belly disinfected by sodium hypochlorite and packed in bag filled with gases could be extended as long as 11 d, which was increased by 5 d （83%） compared with that in the control group. The disinfection by sodium hypochlorite could significantly reduce the initial bacterial colony number and improve the sensory quality of fresh-cut grass carp belly, as well as extend the shelf life of refrigerated and modified gas-packed grass carp belly.

Comparison of Decontamination Efficacy between the Rapid Hygrothermal Pasteurization and Sodium Hypochlorite Treatments

We developed a novel rapid hygrothermal pasteurization (RHP) method using saturated water vapor with a dew point of 100℃. The aim of this paper is to compare the effect of RHP treatment versus conventional sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) treatments on inactivation of natural mesophilic bacteria and quality attributes on fruits and vegetables. The RHP treatment was performed within a second by free-falling samples (cabbage, cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, pineapple and melon) through cylindrical processing chamber filled with steam. NaClO treatment was performed by washing samples with NaClO solution (100 mg/mL of free chlorine (pH 7), for 1 min). The RHP treatment showed a significantly higher inactivation effect than NaClO treatment on all tested samples. The RHP treatment had a slightly larger influence on color and vitamin C content than NaClO treatment in cabbage. Furthermore, the effects of treatment time and operated temperature were also determined using microbial model system. Elongation of treatment time did not significantly increase the microbial inactivation effect. Lowering of operated temperature by mixing air into steam tended to decrease the inactivation effect. From these results, RHP treatment could be used as an alternative method for decontaminating microorganisms on fruits and vegetables, except on leafy vegetable. In addition, it is suggested that microbial inactivation by RHP treatment was achieved through the initial condensation stage of water vapor on sample surface. By contrast, interfusion of air disturbed the effective condensation of water vapor.

Development and countermeasures of flower industry in Yunnan,China

Yunnan has attracted great attention,from the world for its ideal location, advantaged climatic condition, rich bioh;gical resources and cheap labor forces. All these advantaged conditions make Yunnan become one of the most potential places in the worhl for flower production and trade, In recent years, more and more foreign companies from different countries have forestalled their facilities in Yunnan, joining in the development process of Yunnan floriculture industry. The flower industry in Yunnan Province started to develop towards the end of the 1980s, Flower was only planted one hectare output totaled 35.000 yuan, and the planting area of the flower had 17,000ha and the sales volume of the flowers had 6 billion yuan in 2006. Yunnan Province accounts for 50% of the nation＇s total cut flower production. Yunnan＇s .flower industry＇ has become Asia＇s largest fresh-cut flower production and export base and sprout breeding and production base. And it has stepped into one of the major fresh-cut.flower production areas in the world and a modern flower trading center that is leading in China.

Yellowing of fresh-cut spinach(Spinacia oleracea L.)leaves delayed by UV-B applications

In present work,the effects of UV-B treatments on quality of fresh-cut spinach leaves were studied.For this purpose,spinach leaves grown in glasshouse were harvest,cleaned and placed into polystyrene foam dishes and wrapped by stretch film.After packaging,freshcut spinach leaves were treated with UV-B irradiation and were stored at 5℃ temperature for 12 days.Total soluble solids,visual quality,L^*a^*b^* values,and also hue angle values of samples were determined during storage.Total soluble solids content of samples in control group has been higher than those from samples in UV-B treatments,however,visual quality was lower than the other treatments.According to L*values of the samples,it is found that lower ultraviolet irratiation(UV-B)treatments caused yellowing of samples,and also same result was obtained by b^* and a^* values of fresh-cut spinach leaves.Similarly,hue angles values of samples treated with UV-B for 6min was higher compared with the other treatments.Consequently,yellowing of fresh-cut spinach leaves was decreased,and visual quality scores of samples was increased through ultraviolet irradiation treatments.

A novel mitigator of enzymatic browning--hawthorn leaf extract and its application in the preservation of fresh-cut potatoes

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibrowning functions of hawthorn leaf extract on fresh-cut potato and its possible mechanism.Materials and Methods:Fresh-cut potatoes were treated with different concentrations(0.01%,0.05%,and 0.1%)of hawthorn leaf extract and preserved at 4 C for 8 days.The appears nee and colour of potato slices were evaluated,along with the content of the phenol,malondialdehyde(MDA),and hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)during cold storage.Meanwhile,the activities of polyphenol oxidase(PPO),peroxidase(POD),phenylalanine ammonia-lyase(PAL),lipoxygenase(LOX),catalase(CAT),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and the antioxidant capacity were determ in ed.Furthermore,the composition of hawthorn leaf extract was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS).Results:The addition of hawthorn leaf extract effectively delayed the browning process.It not only enhanced the CAT activity and antioxidant capacity but also reduced the LOX activity and accumulation of MDA and H_(2)O_(2).Meanwhile,the activities of PPO,POD,and PAL as well as the content of phe nol were con trolled.Additionally,25 phe nols,34 flavonoids,and 5 proa nthocya nidins were identified through high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(HPLC-MS/MS),ideluding caffeic acid,quercetin and catechol.Conelusion:Hawthorn leaf extract significantly alleviated the browning of fresh-cut potato.It could serve as a n atural an tibrowning alter native by stabilizing the membra ne and modulating reactive oxygen species and redox reactions.

Melatonin maintains the storage quality of fresh-cut Chinese water chestnuts by regulating phenolic and reactive oxygen species metabolism

Fresh-cut Chinese water chestnuts(CWCs)are prone to quality deterioration during storage,which does not meet consumer demand.In this study,the effect of exogenous melatonin(5 mmol·L^(-1))on the quality and potential mechanisms in fresh-cut CWC was investigated.The results showed that melatonin treatment alleviated the cut-surface discoloration of CWCs.Not only did this treatment significantly slow down the in-crease in browning degree and yellowness(b*)as well as the decrease in lightness(L*),but it also significantly delayed the loss of weight and total soluble solids.Further investigations indicated that melatonin-treated fresh-cut CWCs exhibited significantly lower total phenolics and soluble quinones and suppressed the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase,polyphenol oxidase,and peroxidase.Meanwhile,when fresh-cut CWCs were treated with melatonin,the total flavonoid concentration was significantly decreased compared to the control.Ad ditionally,melatonin significantly inhibited the accumulation of H_(2)O_(2)and malondialdehyde as well as enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase by promoting the production of O_(2)^(-·).In summary,melatonin treatment may delay the surface discoloration of fresh-cut CWCs by inhibiting phenolic compound metabolism and improving antioxidant capacity,thereby effectively maintaining the quality and prolonging the shelf life of fresh-cut CWCs.

Assessing the supercooling of fresh-cut onions at−5℃ using electrical impedance analysis

We supercooled fresh-cut onion at−5℃ for 12 h.After supercooling,the electric impedance properties of the samples were evaluated by electrical impedance spectroscopy over the frequency range of 42 Hz−5 MHz.The time-temperature profiles of samples indicated that the freezing point and supercooling point were−2.3℃±0.7℃ and−6.9℃±1.0℃,respectively.The results indicated that 34 of the 36 supercooled samples exhibited a definite circular arc in the Cole-Cole plot,which suggested that the cell membrane remained intact during supercooling.In the other two samples which did not exhibit a definite circular arc,the cell membrane had sustained serious damage during supercooling.Furthermore,there was large difference in drip loss percentage between supercooled samples exhibited a definite circular arc in the Cole-Cole plot and samples not exhibiting a definite circular arc.Our results suggest that fresh-cut onions can be supercooled at−5℃.