Effect of packaging material and postharvest calcium treatment on weight loss, decay and biochemical quality of strawberry fruits during storage

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) fruits are highly perishable which lose their marketability within a short period of time, resulting in considerable loss of fruits after harvest. In present study, the packaging materials treatment i.e. polypropylene terephthalate (PET) Punnet and High density polythene (HDPE) crates and calcium compounds (CaCl2 and Ca(No3)2) were examined for the storability and biochemical quality of strawberry (cv. Winter Down) fruits in cold condition (3±1 °C) in comparison to the untreated control fruit in ambient storage for 3, 6 and 8 days storage period. Results revealed that physiological loss in weight (PLW) and fruit decay increased with the advancement of the storage period irrespective of the treatments. Fruits treated with CaCl2 (2%), packed in PET Punnets and stored in cold condition (3±1 °C) showed significantly minimum PLW (6.55, 11.12 and 15 34 %) and fruit decay (7.29, 17.71 and 34.38 %) at 3, 6 and 8 days storage, respectively. Non-treated control fruits at ambient conditions could not maintain their marketability even 3 days of storage and showed relatively high decay losses (25.00, 62.21 and 91.67 % at 3, 6 and 8 days of storage, respectively). Packaging and calcium treatment did not affect the fruit total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugars but was found effective to slow down the decrease of ascorbic acid and acidity contents of the fruit during storage. PET Punnets packaged fruits treated with CaCl2 (2%) under cold conditions retained better shelf-life with better biochemical quality of fruits during storage while untreated control fruits deteriorated rapidly.

7-Tesla MRI Evaluation of the Knee, 25 Years after Cartilage Repair Surgery: The Influence of Intralesional Osteophytes on Biochemical Quality of Cartilage

Objective To evaluate the morphological and biochemical quality of cartilage transplants and surrounding articular cartilage of patients 25 years after perichondrium transplantation (PT) and autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT) as measured by ultra-high-field 7-Tesla (7T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to present these findings next to clinical outcome. Design Seven PT patients and 5 ACT patients who underwent surgery on the femoral condyle between 1986 and 1996 were included. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were assessed by the clinical questionnaires: Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for knee pain. The morphological (MOCART score) and biochemical quality (glycosaminoglycans [GAGs] content and collagen integrity) of cartilage transplants and surrounding articular cartilage were analyzed by 7T MRI. The results of the PT and ACT patients were compared. Finally, a detailed morphological analysis of the grafts alone was performed. Results No statistically significant difference was found for the PROMs and MOCART scores of PT and ACT patients. Evaluation of the graft alone showed poor repair tissue quality and high prevalence of intralesional osteophyte formation in both the PT and ACT patients. Penetration of the graft surface by the intralesional osteophyte was related to biochemically damaged opposing tibial cartilage; GAG content was significantly lower in patients with an osteophyte penetrating the graft surface. Conclusions Both PT and ACT patients have a high incidence of intralesional osteophyte formation 25 years after surgery. The resulting biochemical damage to the opposing tibial cartilage might be dependent on osteophyte morphology.

The effect of packaging materials and an ethylene absorber on the preservation of сilantro

Кориандр овощной, как и все зеленные культуры, относится к скоропортящейся продукции, которая быстро теряет свои товарные качества. Для продления срока хранения зелени кориандра необходим альтернативный способ хранения. В 2020–2021 годах проведены исследования по изучению влияния упаковочных материалов (в том числе пакетов Xtend израильской компании StePac, создающих модифицированную атмосферу), используемых в комплексе с абсорбером этилена (саше) на основе перманганата калия Save Fresh, на изменение органолептических и биохимических показателей качества кориандра овощного сорта Бородинский при различных условиях хранения. Свежие листья кориандра упаковывали в полиэтиленовые пакеты плотностью 15 и 35 мкм, размером 36×25 см и массой 300 г и в пакеты Xtend, размером 66×54 см и массой 800 г. Контролем служили образцы, уложенные в открытый полимерный ящик. Хранили продукцию в течение пяти суток при температуре 10–12 °С, 14 суток при температуре 4–6 °С и 21 сутки при температуре 1–3 °С в холодильной камере с контролируемыми условиями. Относительная влажность воздуха – 90±3%. Максимальный выход товарной продукции кориандра отмечен при использовании упаковки Xtend МА/МВ с абсорбером этилена Save Fresh: при хранении в течение 5 суток при температуре 10–12 °C – 95,7%, 14 суток при 4–6 °C – 94,3%, 21 суток при 1–3 °С – 91,7%. Максимальное сохранение витамина С в продукции зафиксировано в варианте с Xtend-упаковкой – 33,8 мг% при показателе 40,1 мг% сразу после срезки зелени. Использование Xtend-упаковки израильской фирмы StePac, создающей модифицированную атмосферу/модифицированную влажность вместе с абсорбером этилена на основе перманганата калия Save Fresh, позволяет снизить потери и обеспечить сохранение качества зелени кориандра овощного сорта Бородинский в процессе транспортировки, хранения и реализации. Cilantro, like all green crops, refers to perishable products that quickly lose their marketable qualities. To extend the shelf life of cilantro greens, an alternative storage method is needed. In 2020–2021, studies were conducted to study the influence of packaging materials (including Xtend packages of the Israeli company StePac, which create a modified atmosphere) used in combination with an ethylene absorber (sachet) based on potassium permanganate Save Fresh, on the change in organoleptic and biochemical quality indicators of cilantro of the vegetable variety Borodinsky under various storage conditions. Fresh cilantro leaves were packed in plastic bags with a density of 15 and 35 microns, a size of 36×25 cm and a weight of 300 g and the Xtend packages, measuring 66×54 cm and weighing 800 g. The samples placed in an open polymer box served as a control. The products were stored for five days at a temperature of 10–12 °C, 14 days at a temperature of 4–6 °C and 21 days at a temperature of 1–3 °C in a refrigerator with controlled conditions. The relative humidity of the air is 90±3%. The maximum yield of commercial cilantro products is noted when using Xtend MA packaging/MH with an ethylene absorber Save Fresh: when stored for 5 days at a temperature of 10–12 °C – 95.7%, 14 days at 4–6 °C – 94.3%, 21 days at 1–3 °C – 91.7%. The maximum preservation of vitamin C in products is recorded in the Xtend packaging variant – 33.8 mg% with an indicator of 40.1 mg% immediately after cutting the greens. The use of Xtend packaging from the Israeli company StePac, which creates a modified atmosphere/modified humidity, together with an ethylene absorber based on potassium permanganate Save Fresh, allows you to reduce losses and ensure the preservation of the quality of cilantro greens of the Borodinsky vegetable variety during transportation, storage and sale.

Heat Stress Affects the Physiological and Biochemical Quality of Dalbergia nigra Seeds in vitro

The jacaranda of Bahia (Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemão ex Benth) is an endemic tree of a Brazilian neotropical biodiversity hotspot and is of great ecological and economic interest. Given the threat of extinction due to timber overexploitation and climate change, the present study aimed to analyze the physiological and biochemical quality of D. nigra seeds exposed to heat stress. The seeds were sown in a test tube containing woody plant culture medium, kept in a biochemical oxygen demand chamber at 45°C for 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours, and then maintained in the same chamber at 25°C for 30 days. Physiological analyses of moisture, electrical conductivity, germination speed index, normal and abnormal seedlings, seedling length, root length, hypocotyl length, collar diameter, seedling and root dry mass, and Dickson quality index revealed a drop in germination and vigor with prolonged heat stress, dropping from 95% to 0% between 0 and 96 hours. This was accompanied by a reduction in the content of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Therefore, the vigor and quality of seedlings is negatively influenced by exposure to heat stress at 45°C. Study Implications: Dalbergia nigra is a species of high economic interest due to its high-quality wood. In the face of climate change, it is necessary to understand the behavior of seeds under temperature above the ideal. The quality and vigor of seedlings produced in vitro at a temperature of 45°C are negatively affected with the increase in hours of heat stress. In addition, the contents of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins present in the seed reserves show a sharp drop with heat stress. Ultimately, heat stress significantly affects seed biochemistry and subsequent seedling physiology.

Variation in Toxicity and Physicochemical Parameters of Cassava Pulp (Manihot esculenta) during Storage

Background: A staple for about 800 million people in tropical countries, cassava contains a high content of hydrocyanic acid making it toxic. Objective: This study was proposed to test the conservation effectiveness on tuber toxicity. Materials and Methods: Tests were carried out on the varieties commonly known as Bonoua and Yacé. The conservation parameters studied were: the level of hydrocyanic acid, moisture content and hardness. The cassava tubers were stored at room temperature. The samples for analysis were taken on the pulp every 24 hours. Results: Results showed that hydrocyanic acid levels reached their minimum levels between 96 and 120 hours of storage with 5.87 ± 0.46 and 5.66 ± 0.50 mg/kg in Bonoua, then 9.53 ± 0.78 and 9.85 ± 0.93 mg/kg in IAC. Water levels are positively correlated with those of hydrocyanic acid in both cassava types. Proteins reach reveal in their maximum concentrations between 48 and 72 hours of storage (respectively to then drop. The ash and fat contents as well as the total carbohydrate contents generally decrease during storage. However, an increase is observed from 120 hours of storage, at the level of carbohydrate concentrations. Conclusion: For a non-toxic cassava pulp, a storage period of at least 48 hours at the Bonoua and 96 hours at the IAC would be advisable with however a lower biochemical quality.

Growth, biochemical quality and antioxidant capacity of coriander leaves under organic and inorganic fertilization programs

Background Soil salinity buildup and soil degradation are emerging challenges in cropping systems practicing high chemical fertilization. Application of biostimulants and organic fertilizers are better deserve agricultural sustainability and are generally reflected in more nutritious foods than chemical fertilization. Materials and methods In this study, the growth, quality and antioxidant capacity of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) were evaluated under application of organic and biological compared to chemical fertilization in a pot experiment. Different soil fertilization treatments including vermicompost (20% pot volume), cow manure (20% pot volume), biophosphate (as seed inoculation), glycine amino acid (as a biostimulant at 300 mg/kg soil), mixed NPK fertilizer (at 600 mg/kg soil) and unfertilized control were applied to plants under a completely randomized design with four replications. Results The results showed that application of organic fertilizers mainly vermicompost and glycine, and to lesser extent NPK fertilizer significantly increased many growth, yield and biochemical quality traits of coriander including root and shoot biomass, leaf SPAD value, ascorbic acid, mineral nutrients, flavonoids and antioxidant activity compared to control plants. Fertilization practices resulted in higher biomass production of root (all treatments) and shoot (all treatments except biophosphate) than control plants. Leaf minerals including N and K (in vermicompost, NPK and glycine treatments), leaf P and Fe (in vermicompost and glycine treatments), leaf Zn (in vermicompost treatment) were significantly increased compared to control plants. Application of manure recorded the lowest leaf Ca and total phenols, while the highest leaf Ca was in vermicompost and glycine-treated plants and the highest leaf phenols was in vermicompost treatment. Application of glycine resulted in the highest leaf ascorbic acid as well as catalase enzyme activity. Leaf antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in vermicompost, glycine and NPK treatments compared to control plants. Leaf carotenoids, peroxidase activity, the concentration of Mg, Cu and Mn were not significantly affected by treatments. Conclusion The results indicate that cow manure and biophosphate treatments were not much effective on plant growth; however, vermicompost and glycine showed promising improvement of coriander growth and antioxidant capacity even more than NPK fertilization. Graphic Abstract