Cloning,localization and expression analysis of two fw2.2-like genes in small-and large-fruited pear species

Fruit size is one of the most important agronomic characters,which is mainly determined by cell number and cell size.However,our current knowledge about pear is largely unknown.Through counting of pear mesocarp cells at different stages,we found that the cell number,rather than the cell size,is responsible for the differences between small- and large-fruited cultivars.Fruit weight-2.2（fw2.2） is an important quantitative trait locus（QTL） affecting fruit weight in tomato and functions as a negative regulator in carpel cell division.To get more insights into this QTL in pear fruit development,we isolated two putative homologous fw2.2 genes,which were designated as fw2.2-like（PbFWL） genes.PbFWLs encode Cys-rich proteins with the CCXXXXCPC motif and belong to the PLAC8 superfamily.In addition,results from the subcellular localization indicated that PbFWLs were localized in the plasma membrane.The expression profile of the PbFWL genes by qRT-PCR showed they expressed higher in small-sized fruit cultivar than that in large-sized fruit cultivar during the cell division period.In summary,our data suggest that these two PbFWLs might be negatively related to the cell division in pear fruit.

Infrared Spectroscopy and Morphological Assessments on the Nutritional Value of Prickly Pear Fruit

The prickly pear fruit helps in combating viral based infections.It is used to treat diabetes and declared to possess hypoglycemic effects.There is also record of the usage of the fruit in the olden days as a remedy for diabetes,lipid disorders,inflammation,ulcers,and pharmacologic side effects.The chemical composition and nutritional values of skin,flesh and seed of prickly pear fruit were investigated and discussed on a dry weight situation.The infrared spectra as well as scanning electron microscopy(SEM)techniques were used to identify the functional groups of carbohydrates,amino acids,and protein.The infrared spectral data of all three(skin,flesh,and seeds)species were recorded and assigned to the presence of distinguish peaks that referred to the three different sugars(glucose,fructose and saccharose)and cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons moieties.On the other hand,the SEM is a powerful tool to investigate the morphological features of the components.SEM assays were examined on the surfaces of skin,flesh and seed branches showing a small particle that tends to form clusters with different shapes compared to each other.The Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX)is an analytical technique used for the elemental analysis or chemical characterization of a sample.The EDX spectral technique of the skin,flesh and seeds were confirmed the presence of different essential and useful elements such as carbon,oxygen,magnesium,calcium,potassium,sulfur,aluminum,silicon,chloride,and phosphorus.

The Storability and Its Regulatory Mechanism of HuanghuaPear(Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai.)Fruit as Influencedby Postharvest Treatments

Different temperatures and PEF packing treatments were carried out on postharvest Huanghua pear fruit to investigate their effects on fruit storability and the regulatory mechanism. LOX activity, O2- content, AOS activity, ACC synthase activity, ACC content, ACC oxidase activity and ethylene production changed with peaks in the ripening fruit at 20℃ and were inhibited by cold storage, incidence of fruit woolness and fruit decay were lightened as well. Low temperature combined with PEF packing (PEF1 and PEF2) treatments could further improve the fruit storability, maintain preferable quality. There was no significant difference between PEF1 and PEF2 both during cold storage at 1℃ and shelf life at 20℃. The recommended storage period of Huanghua fruit was two months at It and could be extended one month longer with PEF packing treatments.