Study on fine mapping of QTL for juice yield traits of sweet sorghum (Sorghum dochna)

The stem juice yield is a key factor that influences both the biological and economic production of sweet sorghum [Sorghum dochna (Forssk.) Snowden]. To elucidate upon the genetic basis of the stem juice yield, an F₅ population developed from a cross between the low juice yielding Xinliang52 (XL52) and high juice yielding W455 lines, were used in a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. A main effect of the QTL controlling stem juice yield was separated with an SSR marker called Xtxp97, which explained 46.7% of the phenotypic variance. In addition, F₅ and F₆ populations were constructed with XL52 and W452 as the parents to further verify the QTLs, and a significant correlation was found between the juice yield trait and the Xtxp97 marker. Based on the progeny tests of 29 recombinants, QJy-sbi06 was located in a region of about 21.2 kb on chromosome 6, where a candidate gene encoding an NAC transcription factor (sobic.006G147400) was identified. Combining the different population association analysis and sequencing technology showed that XL52 inserted a 1.8 kb transposon in the NAC to directly interrupt and inactivate the juice yield gene. This study also demonstrated that the colour of the leaf midribs was controlled by a single gene and was significantly positive correlated with juiciness (r = 0.784, P < 0.01). These results could lay the foundation for map-based cloning of QJy-sbi06 and provide genes or QTLs for breeding sorghum lines with a high juice yield and quality.

Nutraceutical Content and Genetic Diversity Share a Common Pattern in New Pomegranate Genotypes

The nutraceutical value of pomegranate in the treatment of many neoplastic, cardiovascular, viral, inflammatory, metabolic, microbial, intestinal, reproductive and skin diseases is well-documented and is linked to its richness in phenolic compounds. This study aims to evaluate nutraceutical and genetic diversity of novel pomegranate genotypes (G1-G5) in comparison to leading commercial pomegranate varieties i.e. ‘Wonderful’, ‘Primosole’, ‘Dente di Cavallo’ and ‘Valenciana’. Morphometric measurements were carried out on fruits, accompanied by chemical characterization and the development of four new polymorphic SSR markers involved in the flavonoid pathway. The cultivars displayed a marked variability in the weight and shape of fruits, as well as in the weight of arils and juice yield. The highest level of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was found in ‘Wonderful’ and G4, while the lowest was in ‘Dente di Cavallo’. Furthermore, the results showed that the pomegranate juice, is an excellent source of minerals, especially potassium, which plays a key role in organ functioning. The new flavonoid-related markers effectively differentiated the cultivars with the same diversity pattern as morpho-chemical characterization, so the SSRs developed in the present study can be used as a rapid tool for the identification of pomegranate cultivars with relevant nutraceutical traits.

A Novel Method of a High Pressure Processing Pre-Treatment on the Juice Yield and Quality of Persimmon

This study investigates the effects of a high pressure processing pre-treatment (pre-HPP) on the juice yield of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) pulp and the pre-HPP plus HPP or thermal processing (TP) on microorganism inactivation and quality changes of the persimmon juice. The “Gongcheng” persimmon was selected with the highest juice yield (48.9%), and the pre-HPP set at 300 MPa/8 min increased the juice yield by 60% through an increasing pectin methylesterase (PME) activity of 25.03% and by maintaining polygalacturonase (PG) activity. For different processing modes, namely, pre-HPP plus HPP at 550 Mpa/5 min and pre-HPP plus TP treatment at 95 °C/5 min, both of the guaranteed microorganisms in the juice were below 2.0 lg CFU/mL; however, the persimmon juice treated by the pre-HPP plus HPP had higher contents of total phenol and ascorbic acid which were 16.07 mg GAE/100 g and 17.92 mg/100 mL, respectively, a lower content of soluble tannin which was 55.64 μg/mL, better clarity which was 18.6% and less color change where the ΔE was only 2.68.

Effects of enzymatic treatment on the chemical composition, antioxidant and rheological properties of cactus cladode juice

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), commonly referred as prickly pear or nopal cactus, belongs to the family Cactaceae. It has attracted domestic and international industries’ attention owing to its nutritional and health benefit potentials. In this project, the quality of the cactus cladode juice after treated with the enzymes Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Viscozyme was investigated in terms of total phenolic content (TPC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. There were significant increases in the effectiveness of these enzymes as the concentration increased from 0.05 to 0.15% w/w. Among different concentrations, 0.15% w/w produced a higher yield and high-quality juice. Furthermore, the result indicates that prolonging the incubation duration could improve juice yield but this occurred only within the first hour of reaction, which the highest yield was obtained at 0.75 h. At these conditions, the combination of Pectinex Ultra SP-L and Viscozyme at ratio 1:1 (w/w) showed the most effective on juice yield improvement and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, while the highest total phenolic content was obtained when treating with Pectinex Ultra SP-L. Particularly as compared to the control sample, the juice yield increased from 53% to 76%, the TPC enhanced from 47 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mL to 70 μg GAE/mL, and the DPPH free radical scavenging activity improved from 277 μg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/mL to 470 μg AAE/mL. Overall, the quality of cactus juice was better with enzymatic treatment than that of the untreated juice. The data also showed that the cactus juice behaved as shear – thickening fluids at room temperature.

Optimization of juice production from “cempedak” (Artocarpus integer) fruit pulp liquefied with the aid of enzymes

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to produce “cempedak” juice using enzyme aided-liquefaction by examining the effects of enzyme types (Pectinex® Ultra SP-L, Celluclast® 1.5 L and Fungamyl® 800 L), enzyme concentrations (0–1.5% v/w), incubation time (0–2.5 h) and incubation temperature (35–60 °C) on juice yield and viscosity, total soluble solids and color of fruit puree.Design/methodology/approachRipe “cempedak” pulp from CH28 fruit was first pureed in a blender and then homogenized with water at 1:2 ratio. The diluted puree was then liquefied with the enzymes separately to reduce its viscosity. Analyses such as juice yield, viscosity, total soluble solids and color of the liquefied “cempedak” puree were then carried out.FindingsResults indicated that the optimized use of 1.2% (v/w) Celluclast® 1.5 L (Novozymes, Denmark), a cellulase preparation, at 45 °C and 1 h produced juice with the lowest viscosity (349.4 cP) and the highest juice yield (82.3% v/w). Liquefied “cempedak” juice was darker (with L* value of 51.17) and more yellowish (b* value of 38.88) compared to “cempedak” juice without liquefaction (control). When compared to untreated “cempedak” juice, the droplet size of “cempedak” juice obtained after liquefaction under optimized conditions was found to be lower, regardless of whether the juice was filtered (with a total reduction of 23% of droplet size) or not filtered (with a total reduction of 16% of droplet size). The results indicate the possibility of employing Celluclast® 1.5 L to produce “cempedak” juice that can be further processed such as for the production of “cempedak” fruit powder.Originality/valueThis paper provides information on the enzyme concentration, incubation time and temperature for liquefying “cempedak” pulp such that the liquefied material produced can be used as a base feed for spray-drying to produce “cempedak” fruit powder.

Analysis of varieties and hybrids of carrots for juice yield

Цель работы – в результате многолетней оценки выявить сорта и гибриды среднеспелой моркови столовой для переработки на соковую продукцию. Исследования были проведены в 2012–2021 годах на экспериментальной базе ВНИИО-филиала ФГБНУ ФНЦО. Корнеплоды моркови столовой выращивали в открытом грунте с нормой высева для образцов сортотипа Берликум/Нантская 1,2 млн шт/га, Шантенэ – 0,9 млн шт/га. Ежегодно анализировали 7 сортов и 5 гибридов среднего срока созревания, сортотипов Шантенэ и Берликум/Нантская селекции ФГБНУ ФНЦО, ООО «Агрофирма «Поиск», иностранной компании «Bejo Zaden». Контролем служили гибриды F1 Каскад и F1 Балтимор. В лабораторных условиях корнеплоды оценивали на содержание сухого вещества (метод высушивания), суммы сахаров (рефрактометрический метод) и на выход сока (метод отжима). В работе использовали соковыжималку марки Scarlett SC-JE50S51. Анализ полученных данных показал, что в корнеплодах моркови столовой, выращенных в условиях Московской области, содержание сухого вещества и суммы сахаров имели среднюю изменчивость (CV=10,8–12,1% и CV=10,2–12,1% соответственно). Выход сока имел незначительную изменчивость (CV=6,9–9,1%) и варьировал в зависимости от сортотипа. Отмечено, что наибольший выход сока в сортах и гибридах сортотипа Шантенэ (501–529 мл/кг при коэффициентах вариации CV=8,1–9,1%). В сортах и гибридах сортотипа Берликум/Нантская выход сока варьировал от 470 до 502 мл/кг при коэффициентах вариации CV=6,9–8,9%. Максимальный выход сока отмечен у сортов Рекси (540 мл/кг), Шантенэ роял (521 мл/кг), Шантенэ королевская (510 мл/кг), Нанте (502 мл/кг) и гибрида F1 Бейби (501 мл/кг). Установлено, что метеорологические условия вегетационных периодов в средней степени влияют на содержание сухого вещества (CV=10,8–12,1%) и сахаров (CV=10,2–12,1%) и незначительно на выход сока (CV=6,9–9,1%). The purpose of the work is to identify varieties and hybrids of medium-ripe carrots for processing into juice products as a result of a long-term evaluation. The research was carried out in 2012–2021 at the experimental base of ARRIVG - branch of FSBSI FSVC. Canteen carrot roots were grown in the open ground with a seeding rate for samples of the variety type Berlicum/Nantes 1.2 million pcs/ha, Chantenay – 0.9 million pcs/ha. 7 varieties and 5 hybrids of the average ripening period, variety types Chantenay and Berlicum/Nantes were analyzed annually breeding of FSBSI FSVC, LLC «Agrofirma «Poisk», foreign company «Bejo Zaden». The control was the F1 Kaskad and F1 Baltimor hybrids. Under laboratory conditions, root crops were evaluated for dry matter content (drying method), sugar amounts (refractometric method) and juice yield (extraction method). A Scarlett SC-JE50S51 juicer was used in the work. The analysis of the obtained data showed that in the root crops of carrots grown in the conditions of the Moscow region, the dry matter content and the amount of sugars had an average variability (CV=10.8–12.1% and CV=10.2–12.1%, respectively). The juice yield had a slight variability (CV=6.9–9.1%) and varied depending on the variety type. It was noted that the highest yield of juice in varieties and hybrids of the Chantenay variety type (501–529 ml/kg with coefficients of variation CV = 8.1–9.1%). In varieties and hybrids of the Berlicum/Nantes variety type juice yield varied from 470 to 502 ml/kg with coefficients of variation CV =6.9–8.9%. The maximum juice yield was noted in the varieties Rexy (540 ml/kg), Chantenay Royal (521 ml/kg), Chantenay Korolevskaya (510 ml/kg), Nante (502 ml/kg) and F1 Baby hybrid (501 ml/kg). It was found that the meteorological conditions of the growing seasons have an average effect on the dry matter content (CV=10.8–12.1%) and sugars (CV=10.2–12.1%) and slightly on the juice yield (CV=6.9–9.1%).

On the Effect of Microwave Heating on Quality Characteristics and Functional Properties of Persimmon Juice and Its Residue

In this study, it was investigated whether integration of microwave-heating into the pretreatment step of persimmon juice processing allows the concomitant production of both functional juice and added-value solid residue from the Diospyros Kaki “Jiro” cultivar. In this direction, persimmon pulp was treated under three different microwave-heating conditions (0.7, 4.2, and 8.4 kJ/g) prior to enzymatic maceration and compared to the non-heated material. Irrespective of microwave energy employed, the proposed hybrid treatment was highly efficient in terms of juice yield (70% w/w). The mildest heating conditions resulted in juice and residue that were both of inferior quality. Intensification of the microwave energy reduced the microbial load of the juice up to 2-log without compromising the content in total soluble solids, sugars, and L-ascorbic acid. Under the most drastic conditions, the juice was enriched in gallic acid, polyphenols, and potent DPPH scavengers, but its orange color faded and was more acidic. In parallel, the solid juice residue retained pro-vitamin A carotenoids (~278 µg retinol activity equivalents) and low-methoxy pectin (9 g/100 g DW). Overall, our findings can assist the efforts of the local juice processing industry to utilize persimmon fruits through energy-efficient technologies in a sustainable approach.

Study of the effect of the dose of enzyme preparations on the yield of polyphenolic substances and anthocyanins in fruit, berry and vegetable juices

Increasing the yield of juice and biologically active components from plant raw materials is an urgent task in the production of functional beverages. For this, fruit, berry and vegetable pulp was treated with enzymatic preparations of pectolytic action and the yield of juice was determined. Samples of pulp of each raw material were treated with enzyme preparations: Fructocyme P6-L, Fructocyme P, Fructocyme MA, in an amount of 0.03% of the pulp mass. Enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out at 50 °C for two hours, after which the amount of obtained juice was compared with the control sample. As a result, when adding Fructocyme MA to the pulp of apples and carrots, the juice yield increases by 8% and 17%, respectively. When Fructocyme P6-L is added to the pulp of kiwi, blueberries, grapes, the juice yield increases by 6%, 12 and 10%, respectively. To determine the effect of enzyme preparations on the yield of biologically active components, the previously selected enzyme preparations were added to all samples in an amount of 0.01; 0.03; 0.05; 0.07% of the pulp mass, and the total content of polyphenols was determined by colorimetry and anthocyanins. As a result of the experiment, it was found that in terms of the amount of polyphenolic substances extracted from the pulp, fruit and berry raw materials can be divided into three groups: raw materials with loose pulp, with pulp of medium density and raw materials with dense pulp. As a result, individual enzyme preparations and optimal modes of application were selected for each type of raw material. The dependence of the content of polyphenolic compounds on the dosage of the addition of enzyme preparations has been established.

The Potential of Ethanol Production from Sweet Sorghum in Sub-Saharan Africa as Affected by Variety and Sowing Time

Renewable bio-energy is receiving worldwide importance in view of depleting fossil energy. Research works on sorghum as bio-fuel crop in sub-Saharan Africa are meager. The study aimed to investigate the potential of sweet sorghum for ethanol production from stem-juice. The experiment was conducted in Sudan, Khartoum State, during 2016-2017. Forty local and exotic sweet sorghum varieties arranged in RCB Design were investigated under irrigated conditions across three sowing times. Yields of cane, juice, sugar, ethanol and related attributes were studied. Highly significant differences (P=.01) were detected among varieties and interaction with sowing time. Ethanol yield potentials for some varieties were comparable to those reported in India and USA (1162-1416 L ha-1). High brix values (20-22%) and cane yields (45-51 ha-1) were encountered. Juice yield was low (3673-13743 L ha-1) probably due to reduced milling efficiency. The exotic materials performed better than the local ones in theoretical ethanol productivity and related attributes other than cane yield. Eight exotic and five local varieties were recommended for ethanol production. None of the Ankolib materials appeared to have notable potential for ethanol production. Interaction of sowing time with variety has great impact on ethanol yield implying the importance of variety option for different sowing times. It was concluded that the study furnished basic data needed for assessing the economic feasibility of ethanol production from irrigated sweet sorghum in sub-Saharan Africa-Sudan.