Tree and orchard variability of Silver King nectarine(Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) fruit quality components

The variability of crop quality accounts for most of seasonal variation of farmers’ incomes, since fruit growth and quality components may greatly change according to various environmental and within-tree factors. Canopy architecture and orchard layout are mainly responsible for fruit size, quality and its variability. A positive relationship was measured in peach between intercepted radiation and PAR and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). This study was carried out to measure within tree and orchard variability of fruit of the early ripening cv. Silver King nectarine (Prunus persica (L.), Batsch) 8-years-old peach trees trained to a Y-shape and Delayed vase. Fruit were picked t…

Chemical-physical and nutritional characteristics of mature-green and mature-ripe ‘Kensington Pride’ mango fruit cultivated in Mediterranean area during cold storage

Introduction - Mango is a very short postharvest life climacteric fruit. Mangoes are usually harvested firm and green because they are often assigned to long transportation before reaching the market, or they are collected after color break for local markets. In both cases, temperature control is the most critical factor in fruit ripening management. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality evolution of mature-green and mature-ripe mango fruit submitted to 8°C and 90 ± 5% of relative humidity to assess the possibility to prolong its postharvest life. Materials and methods - The fruit of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Kensington Pride) grown in a Mediterranean environment was s…

Analysis of aroma compounds of nine autochthonous and non-autochthonous loquat cultivars grown in Sicily

Loquat cultivation in Sicily is mainly based on nonnative cultivars and local ecotypes characterized by high nutraceutical value and appreciable physicochemical characteristics. Increased interest in commercial loquat production has increased the intention to provide premium quality loquat cultivars that include volatile substances capable of conditioning the sensorial properties and, therefore, the acceptability of fruits by consumers. This study determined the content of volatile compounds in nonnative and local loquat fruits grown in Sicily. Analyses were performed on five international cultivars and four local cultivars.

Shelf-Life and Quality of Fresh-Cut Peach Cv ‘Ruby Rich’ at Different Maturity Stage

‘Ruby Rich’ is a yellow-flesh peach cultivar that ripens during the last week of May and the first of June. This fruit is characterized by distinct colour and size, which make it highly appreciated by consumers, particularly, in the local markets. However, is known about ‘Ruby Rich’ minimal processing physiology. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of passive atmosphere, during 12 d, on shelf-life and quality of fresh cut peach fruit, at different ripening stages. ‘Ruby Rich’ peach fruits were picked at mature-green stage (MG) (55.0 ± 0.5 N), and ripe stage (RP) (35.7 ± 0.7 N) determined by flesh firmness. Fruits were washed, peeled, sliced and stored for 0, 3, 5, 7 and 12 d…

Fruit quality evaluation of affirmed and local loquat (Eriobotrya japonicaLindl) cultivars using instrumental and sensory analyses

Introduction. Fruit quality can be evaluated by combining instrumental and sensory analyses. These methodologies have been affirmed and tested on different fruit tree species, but loquat is still little known from this point of view. Materials and methods. In this trial, conducted in Palermo and Catania (Sicily, Italy), both instrumental and sensory analyses were carried out on fruit of 8 loquat affirmed cultivars (‘Golden Nugget’, ‘Peluche’) and local cultivars (‘Marceno’, ‘Sanfilippara’, ‘Nespolone di Trabia’, ‘Virticchiara’, ‘Bianco Dolce’ and ‘BRT20’) with the aim of assessing their quality traits. Results and discussion. The sensory results agreed quite well with the physicochemical da…

Attitudine alla frigo-conservazione di frutti di pesco (Prunus Persica L. Batsch) a polpa bianca

Fruit physical, chemical and aromatic attributes of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars.

BACKGROUND: In order to reach good fruit quality, apricots require a balance of sugars and acids as well as a strong apricot aroma. In this study, fruit quality of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars was evaluated by measuring physical, chemical and olfactory attributes. Multivariate analysis of quality and aroma attributes was used to identify groups of similar cultivars and association with ripening season. RESULTS: Physical, chemical and aromatic attributes showed great variation amongcultivars but no relation to ripening season. Aromatic profiles (34 volatiles) of fruit tissues indicated qualitative and quantitative differences among cultivars. Ninfa and Mandorlon were riches…

La coltivazione del mango nel Mediterraneo: dinamiche di crescita e variabili climatiche

Se oggi la coltivazione del Mango in ambiente Mediterraneo è ormai una realtà consolidata, non bisogna dimenticare che, ai fini di un buon risultato in termini di attecchimento delle piante e di fruttificazione, occorre confrontarsi con le temperature i cui effetti sono in grado di influire fortemente sull’adattamento delle diverse cultivar modificandone la risposta vegeto-produttiva.

Vertical distribution of crop load and fruit quality within vase- and Y-shaped canopies of 'Elegant Lady' peach

Canopy shape and depth may influence crop uniformity of peach trees at harvest. To test this hypothesis we examined yield distribution and fruit quality changes at different canopy levels of peach trees trained to delayed vase (DV) and perpendicular Y (Y). Trees of both training forms were divided vertically into six or seven 50-cm-deep layers and fruit was harvested at commercial ripening from each layer separately. Regardless of training form, number of fruit and yield per layer were highest in the central part of the canopy, but more evenly distributed among canopy layers in Y trees. In DV trees, fruit weight decreased linearly from top to bottom, whereas it remained constant along the t…

Fruit quality of two apricot cultivars

Effects of partial rootzone drying and rootstock vigour on growth and fruit quality of 'Pink Lady' apple trees in Mediterranean environments

We investigated the effects of partial rootzone drying (PRD) and rootstock vigour on water relations, and vegetative and productive performance of ‘Pink Lady’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees in central Sicily. In a first field trial, trees on MM.106 rootstock were subjected to: Conventional irrigation (CI), maintaining soil moisture above 80% of field capacity; PRD irrigation, where only one alternated side of the rootzone received 50% of the CI irrigation water; and continuous deficit irrigation (DI), where 50% of the CI water was equally applied to both sides of the rootzone. In a second trial, trees on M.9 or MM.106 were subjected to CI and PRD irrigation. PRD reduced stomatal condu…

Qualitative traits and shelf life of fig fruit (cv Melanzana) treated with Aloe vera gel coating

The fig (Ficus carica L.) cv Melanzana is typical of Southern Italy. This cultivar produces breba fruit in June and fig fruit in August. Some previous studies on the use of coatings extracted from stems of Aloe vera showed positive effects to maintain fruit quality during shelf life. However, there are no studies on breba fig fruit treated with Aloe vera coating. In this study breba fig fruit, cv Melanzana, was treated with an application of Aloe vera gel, sealed in macro-perforated bag and stored at 5°C for 10 days. The effect of application of the Aloe vera gel on the shelf-life of this fruit, and its quality attributes after application were evaluated measuring fresh weight, total solubl…

Effects of Tray-Drying on the Physicochemical, Microbiological, Proximate, and Sensory Properties of White- and Red-Fleshed Loquat (Eriobotrya Japonica Lindl.) Fruit

Loquat fruits, highly valued by consumers for their characteristic aroma and pleasant taste, have a short post-harvest life and are susceptible to mechanical damage, loss of firmness, and initial organoleptic characteristics. The aim of this work was to develop a drying method suitable for storing loquat fruits in polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE) bags containing two gaseous mixtures (treatments): MAPN2 (100% N2) and MAPP (21% O2 and 0.04% CO2), at room temperature (20 ± 1 °C) for at least 2 months. The effects of these conditions on the physico-chemical, microbiological, proximate, and sensory properties of fruit stored over a 50-day time interval were studied. The results showed that convect…

PREDICTION OF HARVEST TIME IN PEACH [PRUNUS PERSICA (L.) BATSCH] FRUIT USING THE DA-METER

The aim of this work was to define the most appropriate time of harvesting early ripening peach fruit using destructive and non-destructive quality indexes such as the index of absorbance (IAD), measured with the DA-Meter, a portable equipment able to measure the degradation of chlorophyll in the pericarp. In this context our research was carried out in 2009 and 2010 on several peach cultivars. Total soluble solid content increased while flesh firmness and total acidity decreased with IAD values, but no significant correlation was found between destructive and non-destructive parameters.

Qualità e profilo aromatico dei frutti di Annurca sottoposti ad arrossamento in melaio

Chemical–physical characteristics, polyphenolic content and total antioxidant activity of three Italian-grown pomegranate cultivars

Background: In Mediterranean countries, there is an increasing demand for pomegranate fruits due to their antioxidant properties and nutritional values. The large diffusion of new genotypes and cultivars requires the knowledge of all fruit characteristics in connection with the cultivation area, to satisfy the market demand. This study seeks to determine the fruit quality attributes and nutraceutical values of three pomegranate cultivars (Wonderful, Acco and Kamel) grown in the Mediterranean climate. Methods: The fruits were evaluated for their main physico-chemical traits (weight, volume, height, width, thickness, total arils number, total arils weight, juiciness, fruit index, peel index a…

Effect of Three Different Aloe vera Gel-Based Edible Coatings on the Quality of Fresh-Cut “Hayward” Kiwifruits

In recent years, the market for minimally processed fruit has increased. Fresh-cut fruits are characterized by a short shelf life due to the processing phases that accelerate the ripening courses. The aim of this work is to analyze the effect on the quality of fresh-cut Hayward kiwis of three different edible coatings based on (1) Aloe vera gel, (2) Aloe vera gel + hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and (3) Aloe vera gel + lemon essential oil. Fruit firmness, weight loss, color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, microbial load and sensory analysis were evaluated as fresh after 2, 4, 7 and 10 days. Aloe vera gel and Aloe vera gel + lemon essential oil maintained the best values, as they…

MERCATO TURISTICO E SOSTENIBILITA’ DELLO SVILUPPO LOCALE NELL’AREA DELLE MADONIE Comuni del Progetto Integrato Territoriale - PIT 31 – Sicilia

METABOLIC PROMOTERS AFFECT YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF 'SANFILIPPARA' AND 'TRABIA' LOQUAT

Preliminary field trials with foliar applications of phenylalanine, methionine, oxylipins and sugars have shown improvements of external color, sugar content and uniformity of maturation in grapes, pome fruits, tomatoes and melons. In this study, we hypothesized that similar improvements could be obtained both in fruit of ‘Trabia’ and ‘Sanfilippara’ loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) with applications of a commercial formulate called Sunred (Biolchim, Bologna, Italy) and containing various concentrations of the above metabolic promoters. The study was conducted on 12 ‘Sanfilippara’ and 12 ‘Trabia’ adult loquat trees grown in an orchard near Palermo, Italy. Half of the trees…

Postharvest quality and sensory attributes of organically grown Ficus carica L.

This study evaluates some physical and chemical characteristics and sensory descriptors of fig fruit cultivars ‘Petrelli’ and ‘Fico di Terlizzi’, belonging to the national germplasm bank of fig trees and cultivated in Southern Italy. For the sensory evaluation of external appearance, the descriptors skin color, pulp color, odor, sweetness, stickiness, bitterness, juiciness, firmness, tannic taste and presence of achenes were measured. Results showed that fresh weight, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS:TA, firmness, and sensory properties were different for the two cultivars. SSC was more correlated with sensory attributes than TA, but other factors were also important…

Fruit yield and quality responses of apple cvars Gala and Fuji to partial rootzone drying under Mediterranean conditions

SUMMARYIncreasing irrigation efficiency is a major goal for fruit production in dry Mediterranean environments. The present study was conducted in three consecutive years (2007–09) under typical Mediterranean conditions and tested the effect of partial rootzone drying (PRD) on yield and fruit quality of two apple cultivars: Gala, with fruit maturing in summer and Fuji, with fruit maturing in autumn. Three irrigation treatments were imposed: conventional irrigation (CI), PRD (0·50 of CI water on one side of the rootzone, which was alternated periodically) and continuous deficit irrigation (DI, 0·50 of CI water on both sides of the rootzone). During the 2008 and 2009 irrigation seasons, DI re…

Sull’impiego di inoculi AM in ambito vivaistico

Effetto del PRD (Partial Rootzone Drying)sulla composizione della frazione volatile di mele ‘Pink Lady’

Efecto del ácido giberélico en la inibicíon de la floración del níspero japonés.

Effects of gellan-based coating application on litchi fruit quality traits

The use of gellan-based coating formulation on litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn. ‘Wai Chee’) fruit was investigated in order to determine its ability to improve color conservation and to maintain the overall quality. Fruits were treated with gellanbased coating (0.5% w/v) and glycerol (3% w/v) after dipping in ascorbic acid (1.5% w/v) and then stored at 5°C and 90% relative humidity for 15 days. Changes in peel color, soluble solid content, tritatable acidity, weight loss, antioxidant activity and phenolic content, were measured. Formulations containing gellan-based coating exhibited slightly improved water barrier properties and showed their active role in maintaining color characteristics an…

Yield, pomological characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Annona cherimola Mill. grown in mediterranean climate

The agronomic and qualitative responses of the cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) fruit grown in Mediterranean climate are not properly studied. Fruits of Fino de Jete, the most diffused worldwide cultivar of cherimoya, and Torre 1 a new genotype obtained by breeding program in Sicily, Italy, were collected at commercial ripening and subjected to productive (yield efficiency, number of fruits, crop load), analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed weight, seed number, peel and pulp weight, pulp/seed ratio and colorimetric analysis), bioactive compound content (total antioxidant activity, Phenolic and Carotenoi…

Mass modelling by dimension attributes for mango (Mangifera Indica cv. Zebdia) relevant to post-harvest and food plants engineering

Mass identification of mango fruits from their dimension attributes remains challenging. This is because of the unregulated shapes of these fruits. Therefore, this research aims at creating mathematical models that can demonstrate the relationship between the fruit‘s mass and dimension attributes. Hence, these models can be used in post-harvest engineering systems. The researchers used 100 mango fruits (Mangifera indica cv. Zebdia) to determine the mathematical relationship between the fruits‘ weight and dimension attributes. The researcher measured and photographed the dimensions of these fruits and processed the image captured for each fruit using a computer program to find the fruit‘s di…

Attitudine alla trasformazione in sidro di varietà di mele autoctone siciliane

Questo studio rappresenta un’indagine preliminare sulla caratterizzazione di sidri ottenuti in via sperimentale impiegando mele coltivate in sicilia. Per la sperimentazione sono state scelte tre varietà di mele autoctone siciliane (cardinale, Gelata e Virticchiaro). Prima del processo di trasformazione, i frutti sono stati sottoposti ad analisi delle caratteristiche morfologiche (peso, diametro, altezza), fisiche (consistenza della polpa) e microbiologiche (presenza di lieviti sulle bucce). Il succo proveniente dalla polpa di mele è stato analizzato chimicamente (contenuto in solidi solubili, polisaccaridi, ph ed acidità titolabile del succo). La polpa finemente triturata è stata sottoposta…

Fruit quality and volatile fraction of ‘Pink Lady’ apple trees in response to rootstock vigor and partial rootzone drying

BACKGROUND: Partial rootzone drying (PRD) is a novel deficit irrigation technique consisting in the alternated wetting of only one side of the rootzone, which induces partial stomatal closure and increased water use efficiency. The effect of PRD and rootstock vigor on ‘Pink Lady’ apple fruit quality and aroma profile was studied using solid-phase micro-extraction in headspace and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS: PRD irrigation generally did not affect quality attributes, whereas it influenced the aroma of the apple fruit. In particular, PRD improved the aroma of the fruit flesh, while it decreased the volatile fraction in the peel, where most of the compounds are concentrated.…

Studio della qualità dei frutti e della risposta fotosintetica di tre cultivar di Mango (Mangifera indica L.) coltivate in serra in Sicilia

La coltivazione del mango all’interno di una serra in Sicilia sottopone le piante a temperature estremamente elevate, fino a 50 °C, mentre le temperature minime registrate in serra durante la notte nel corso dell’anno non differiscono da quelle registrate all’aperto. Nonostante le alte temperature estive, l’attività fotosintetica delle piante ha mostrato valori elevati (fino a 20μmol (CO2)/s), ovvero uno dei più alti per il mango sulla base di quanto finora riportato in letteratura. I frutti ottenuti erano di alta qualità, non presentavano imperfezioni derivanti da danni di natura biotica o abiotica. Avevano, inoltre, un elevato contenuto zuccherino e sono stati pienamente apprezzati dai gi…

Evaluation of Late-Maturing Peach and Nectarine Fruit Quality by Chemical, Physical, and Sensory Determinations

In this work, both analytical and sensory determinations were carried out to evaluate the quality of yellow (&lsquo

EFFECT OF PASSIVE ATMOSPHERE AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT ON FRESH CUT OF WHITE-FLESH PEACH CULTIVAR 'SETTEMBRINA DI BIVONA'

Peach germplasm in Italy includes white- and yellow-flesh peaches, all of them characterized by a persistent aroma and an excellent flavor. However, their behavior, in terms of postharvest maintenance and suitability for minimal processing, has never been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of passive atmosphere and chemical treatment, with 2% ascorbic acid and 1% calcium lactate, in order to prevent fruit browning and to maintain the quality of fresh cut slices of the white-flesh peach cultivar ‘Settembrina di Bivona’. To achieve a passive atmosphere condition, approximately 150 g of peach fruit slices were placed in rigid bi-oriented polystyrene bags and sto…

Effects of 1-MCP on post harvest quality and internal browning of white-flesh loquat fruit during cold storage

Introduction – Treatments with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an inhibitor of ethylene perception, were investigated on white-flesh loquat fruit to extend its shelf life and to prevent chilling injury. Ma- terials and methods – The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) white-flesh fruits (cv. Claudia) were submitted to applications of 1-MCP at 1 °C for 20 h and at concentrations from 1 to 5 μL L . The treated fruits were stored at 1 °C for 21 days before removal to 20 °C for ripening (shelf life). Fruit quality was analyzed at harvest, at the end of each storage period (7, 14, 21 days at 1 °C). Results and discussion - The 1-MCP treatment slowed fruit softening depending on concentration, and …

Mango e avocado nuove acquisizioni sulla coltivazione in Sicilia

L’incremento delle temperature rende possibile l’adattamento biologico-colturale. Le scelte varietali e le tecniche agronomiche sostenibili che stanno dietro alla diffusione di nuovi impianti. Mango e avocado sono tra le specie più interessanti nel panorama della moderna frutticoltura italiana. Di seguito si riportano alcune considerazioni sulla coltivazione.

Use of Hanseniaspora uvarum and a novel strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from manna ash to produce loquat beer

Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene on post harvest quality of white flesh loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit.

Liste varietali 2009 del melo tra club varietali e ticchiolatura resistenti.

Effetto del trattamento con 1-meticiclopropene su frutti di mango (Mangifera indica L.) della cul ti var Kei tt, conservati a temperatura ambiente

Il Mango (Mangifera indica L.) è un frutto climaterico sensibile alle basse temperature e con una vita post-raccolta relativemente breve. L’obiettivo della ricerca è stato quello di valutare l’effetto dell’ 1-metilciclopropene (1-MCP), applicato a temperature ambiente, sulla conservazione di frutti di mango della cv Keitt. I frutti di Keitt, cultivar a maturazione tardiva, sono stati raccolti, presso un’azienda commerciale, sita a Furiano, in provincia di Messina (38°3' N, 14°33' E; 5 m s.l.m.). Immediatamente dopo la raccolta, sui frutti sono state effettuate le analisi chimico-fisiche: peso, consistenza, contenuto in solidi solubili, acidità titola- bile, colore, ecc. I frutti sono sta…

Heat requirements for loquat fruit development may be assessed with a Beta model approach

In Mediterranean areas, loquat trees (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) typically bloom in fall and fruits develop during the winter period, reaching their ripening in spring. So far, little interest has been driven towards models capable of estimating heat requirements for the accomplishment of fruit development in the winter period. In this work, we verified whether in Mediterranean areas the heat accumulation (GDH) needed for loquat fruit growth, may be precisely described using a Beta model, a flexible mathematical function which, in the past, has been successfully used in peach. BBCH phenological stages of ‘Algerie’ trees were recorded in two experimental sites: Palermo, Italy (38°04’N, 13°2…

Study of green Sicilian table olive fermentations through microbiological, chemical and sensory analyses.

The production of five different green table olive cultivars was studied by a combined strategy consisting of chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses. Cultivable microflora of samples collected during processing was monitored by plate counts on seven synthetic culture media. In all samples Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonaceae, staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria and spore-forming bacteria were undetectable. Yeasts and moulds were countable from the day 42 (2 log CFU/ml) till the end of fermentation (6 log CFU/ml). The use of three different approaches for microorganism detection, including a culture-independent methodology, revealed the presence of barely three yeast species during the…

Water Deficit Affects the Growth and Leaf Metabolite Composition of Young Loquat Plants

Water scarcity in the Mediterranean area is very common and understanding responses to drought is important for loquat management and production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of drought on the growth and metabolism of loquat. Ninety two-year-old plants of &lsquo

Avocado “born in Sicily”, gli agricoltori scommettono su questa produzione

In questo lavoro è stato possibile mettere a confronto la qualità dei frutti di avocado Born in Sicily e di quelli Imported. I risultati ottenuti evidenziano per i frutti raccolti in Sicilia valori più elevati del contenuto di sostanza grassa, di alcune vitamine e minerali rispetto a quelli importati, indicando nell’avocado isolano un frutto ricco di componenti dall’alto valore nutrizionale.

Utilizzo di tecniche innovative per limitare i danni da freddo in piante di mango (Mangifera indica L.) in clima mediterraneo

Prime osservazioni sulla qualità dei frutti di pesco (cv Stark Saturn) in Sicilia.

Effects of Rapid Refrigeration and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) Fruit Quality Traits

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical fruit characterized by a rapid pericarp browning and dehydration during postharvest, resulting in an accelerated shelf life and in a loss of consumer appreciation and consequently of its market value. The aim of our study was to assess litchi fruit chemical-physical and sensory quality changes during postharvest and shelf life using rapid refrigeration (RR) and active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Litchi fruits were picked at commercial harvest and were divided in 4 groups: not treated fruit (CTR); rapid refrigerated fruit (RRF); modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP); hydrogen peroxide treated and modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP+).…

The Use of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage and Aloe arborescens as Edible Coatings to Improve the Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of ‘Hayward’ Kiwifruit Slices

Edible coatings (EC) with mucilage of Opuntia ficus-indica or Aloe arborescens are promising to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruit products by reducing weight loss and microbial spoilage. In this work, fresh-cut kiwifruits (cv. Hayward) were coated in solutions with mucilage extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (MC) and A. arborescens (AL). We used three alternative treatments with AL or MC, MC+AL, and with distilled water as control, and stored in passive atmosphere at 5 °C for 3, 5, 7, and 9 d, respectively. For all treatments at each storage period, firmness, weight loss, color, visual quality score, respiration rate, pectin content, and microbiological characteristics were observed…

Yield and Fruit Quality Characterization of Eight Old Sicilian Apple Cultivars

In this trial, we examined the quality of eight old Sicilian apple cultivars (‘Cannamelo’, ‘Cardinale’, ‘Gelata Cola’, ‘Gelata’, ‘Granatino’, ‘San Giuseppe’, ‘Virticchiaro’, ‘Zitella’) and a commercial one (‘Annurca’ traditional clone) through bio-agronomic performances and chemical-physical analyses. We also analyzed flowering time, ripening time, pomological characteristics, and generated a specific descriptor list that indicates a great variability among the cultivars. The data obtained showed interesting characteristics in ‘Granatino’, ‘Virticchiaro’, and ‘Zitella’, such as total soluble solid, fruit size, peel cover color, yield efficiency, and crop load.

Do Grapholita funebrana Infestation Rely on Specific Plum Fruit Features?

The effective control of the plum fruit moth, Grapholita funebrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) still represents a difficult challenge for organic plum farming. Little information is available on the susceptibility of plum cultivars to this moth pest. We investigated the roles of several fruit parameters (i.e., shape, volume, hardness, fruit colour, and physiochemical properties) on the susceptibility of four different plum cultivars (Angeleno, Friar, President and Stanley) to G. funebrana attack. Field data demonstrated the importance of some fruit parameters (i.e., elongation index, sugar degree, titratable acidity, cover colour percentage) on susceptibility to G. funebrana infestation. Und…

Evoluzione della maturazione dei frutti di pesco Settembrina di leonforte e Tardiva di Leonforte.

Valorizzazione della biodiversità frutticola in Sicilia: caratterizzazione qualitativa di vecchie varietà di melo.

Pomological traits, sensory characteristics and antioxidant activity in fruits of nine loquat cultivars grown in Sicily.

The effect of two growth bio regulators on the physiological, phenological and qualitative parameters of peach tree production

The risk that plants have not accumulated sufficient chilling units (CU) and the economic interest in anticipating flowering have led to growing scientific interest in the use of bio plant regulators to stop dormant peach trees in farms that use agronomic particulates in precision farming protocols. The trials were conducted in 2016 and 2017, on peach trees of the cultivar Maycrest, grown in a commercial orchard located in Metaponto, Basilicata (Southern Italy). A complete randomization experimental scheme was adopted; three theses (control, Fast and Regular® and Asy 23) and two different intervention periods have been provided for, the doses used have been 500g/hl for Fast & Regular® a…

Two new apricot varieties

Nella and Dora are apricot seedlings recently selected by R. Chiappetta in Sicily. Their vegetative, floreal, agronomic and fruit-quality characteristics were checked for three years (2003 - 2005) in Partinico (Palermo coast area), under mild winter and spring temperatures, in comparison with Tyrinthos variety. Nella and Dora have an upright tree habit and are self-compatible. Blooming started a week earlier in Nella and Tyrinthos (end of February) and concluded in the second part of March in all varieties. Fruit set was satisfactory in all cultivars. Crop was harvested from May 25th to 30th in Dora, May 24th to 30th in Nella and May 24th to 28th in Tyrinthos. Fruit weight, as a three years…

La confezione in atmosfera controllata migliora la qualità post-raccolta del lici

La coltivazione del frutto in Sicilia è una realtà in espansione e su cui in futuro puntare. Necessario affinare le tecniche di conservazione per allungare la shelf-life dei frutti di lici

Effects of combinational use of controlled atmosphere, cold storage and edible coating applications on shelf life and quality attributes of fresh-cut persimmon fruit

Abstract Background Persimmon fruits are cherished for their unique flavor and high nutrient content. In the present study, the effects of Aloe vera-based edible coatings (EC) added with 1% ascorbic acid, 1% citric acid and 5% calcium chloride in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and their impact on shelf-life quality of fresh-cut persimmon fruit, were investigated. The experimental design consisted of four treatments 1) Aloe vera edible coating + modified atmosphere packaging (EC + MAP), 2) untreated fruit packaged with MAP (CTR + MAP); 3) Aloe vera-based edible coating in passive atmosphere (EC PASSIVE); 4) untreated fruit in passive atmosphere (CTR PASSIVE). Persimmon fruit were stored…

Nespole disidratate: un nuovo prodotto creato a partire da frutti di scarto

La disidratazione delle nespole, sia a polpa gialla che a polpa bianca, rappresenta un metodo innovativo per prolungare la shelf-life dei frutti e per poter reinventare un prodotto che altrimenti verrebbe individuato come scarto alimentare. Anche se alcuni parametri, come il colore e la consistenza, hanno subito un cambiamento, rimangono comunque apprezzati a livello sensoriale. Tra tutti i trattamenti le nespole disidratate a polpa bianca della cv Claudia hanno mostrato una migliore evoluzione dei parametri qualitativi e la tecnica di packaging in MAP non ne ha influenzato l’evoluzione dei parametri. In definitiva, tramite una semplice trasformazione, come la disidratazione in corrente di …

FRUIT QUALITY EVALUATION OF FOUR LOQUAT CULTIVARS GROWN IN SICILY

Chemical (soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH), morphological (weight, longitudinal and transversal diameter, thickness of the flesh, number of seeds, peel colour), and sensorial characteristics of four loquat cultivars (‘Algerie’, ‘Claudia’, ‘Nespolone di Trabia’ and ‘Sanfilippara’) from mature, organically-grown trees in Sicily, were analysed. The determinations were carried out by traditional instrumental techniques, by a panel test and by an electronic olfactory system. A panel of 10 trained judges was used to determine intensity of some attributes in the sensory profile of the different cultivars, while the electronic olfactory system was used to identify possible difference…

Green coffee, bioactive compounds’ analysis of experimental cultivation in Sicily: a new frontier in the Sicilian food sector

Recently, climate change represents a new possibility for tropical cultivars fruit in Mediterranean areas. The focus of this work is the evaluation of the real possibility of coffee cultivation in Sicily, like coffee plants grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The objective was to evaluate plant adaptation to our climate and to study the chemical qualities of green coffee pulps and seeds: total phenolic content, antiradical capacity, fatty acids, amino acids, alkaloids, vitamins, proximate composition, polyphenolic profile and other bioactive compounds of cosmetic, pharmaceutical and agrary interest. Temperature, light and vegetative growth of Coffea arabica L. cv. “Caturra” plants we…

Drying kinetics and physico-chemical quality of mango slices

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an important tropical fruit consumed worldwide and grown in Italy only in Sicily, where the areas of the Tyrrhenian coast have proved to be suitable to produce valuable fruits. Mango fruit has a pleasant aroma and taste, which are important qualities for consumer’s sensorial acceptance. However, they are highly perishable, prone to progressive undesired changes if stored untreated, resulting in around 25% postharvest losses, which is further increased during storage and transportation. An alternative for reducing the above-mentioned undesired changes is the dehydration of the cut fruit, which reduce the fruit water activity, thereby avoiding the deteriorative …

Yield, pomological characteristics, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of <i>Annona cherimola Mill.</i> grown in mediterranean climate

The agronomic and qualitative responses of the cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) fruit grown in Mediterranean climate are not properly studied. Fruits of Fino de Jete, the most diffused worldwide cultivar of cherimoya, and Torre 1 a new genotype obtained by breeding program in Sicily, Italy, were collected at commercial ripening and subjected to productive (yield efficiency, number of fruits, crop load), analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed weight, seed number, peel and pulp weight, pulp/seed ratio and colorimetric analysis), bioactive compound content (total antioxidant activity, Phenolic and Carotenoi…

Fruit Ripening Evolution in Settembrina di Leonforte and Gialla Tardiva di Leonforte Peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] Ecotypes

The aim of this research was to define the most appropriate harvesting time for the late ripening peach ecotypes Gialla Tardiva di Leonforte and Settembrina di Leonforte. Farmers used to apply a paper bag to each fruit to protect it from Mediterranean fruit fly egg-laying. The use of this cultivation practice reduces the use of pesticides with a major impact on consumer choice, but makes it more difficult to identify fruit commercial harvest time. The study was carried out using destructive quality indexes and the DA-Meter. The results showed a good correlation between DA-Meter classes and the chemical and physical characteristics of the fruit, giving useful information on fruit ripening an…

Fruit ripening evolution in ‘Settembrina di Leonforte’ and ‘Tardiva di Leonforte’ peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) ecotypes.

Frigoconservazione ed edible coating per la conservazione post-raccolta dei frutti della pesca Settembrina

Da quanto emerso dai dati strumentali, l’applicazione del rivestimento a base di Aloe sui frutti di pesca “Settembrina”, sia in maniera singola che congiunta con 1 MCP, consente di rallentare i processi metabolici, permettendo, quindi, il mantenimento del colore dei frutti nel tempo e prevenendo la degradazione di tutti i composti nutrizionali e bioattivi utili a conferire al frutto serbevolezza e pregevoli caratteristiche organolettiche. Quanto riscontrato, si potrebbe tradurre in un vantaggio per il produttore che, usufruendo di una tecnologia semplice ed ecosostenibile dal punto di vista ambientale, potrebbe offrire al consumatore frutti dalla elevata shelf life con elevati standard qual…

Evolution of Carotenoids, Sensory Profiles and Volatile Compounds in Microwave-Dried Fruits of Three Different Loquat Cultivars (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

The consumption of loquat fruits is highly appreciated for their carotenoid content and valuable sensory notes, but it is limited due to the low shelf-life. An on-line temperature controlled microwave system based on infrared thermography was used to dry three different loquat cultivar at 60 °C. The time to reach the target value of 23% moisture content was about 105 min in Claudia fruits and 162 min in Virticchiara and Peluche. Seven carotenoids were identified in loquat fruits, among these the major were all-trans-β-carotene in Virticchiara and Claudia. Virticchiara had the major total carotenoid content (206 μg/g dry basis), followed by Peluche (158 μg/g d.b.) and Claudia (41 μg/g d.b.).…

Effect of metabolic promoters on yeld and fruit quality of 'Sanfilippara' and 'Trabia' loquat.

The use of MAP for maintaining quality of ‘Bifara’ fig fruits

Bifara is an old cultivar of Sicilians breba fig (Ficus carica L.). Several studies on market trends and consumer preferences show that fresh fruit is required to have a good visual appearance and to be without defects on the skin in order to be considered fresh and healthy. Breba fig is a climacteric fruit that ripens very rapidly, and therefore, once harvested, it must be kept under low temperature. To reduce the respiration rate of this fruit and increase its postharvest life, effectiveness of low temperature storage was studied on ‘Bifara’ fig fruit, either placed in Modified Atmosphere Packaging MAP (20 kPa O2 and 15 kPa CO2) bags and stored for 3, 5, 7, and 10 days at 5°C and 90% RH. …

New Clones and Old Varieties: Quality of Sicilian Hillside Apple Cultivation

Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the qualitative characteristics of the new clones according to the Mediterranean hillside growing environment and, at the same time, to highlight the qualitative peculiarities of the old varieties in order to avoid genetic loss. Introduction: Several apple varieties are constantly selected for improved quality traits and introduced for cultivation and marketing in addition to a few traditional and affirmed varieties. On the other side, local genotype and ancient varieties are still valorised due to the request of a niche market. Methods: We have studied the physico-chemical quality and the sensory traits of the fruit obtained in this particular en…

Gibberellic acid and flower bud development in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)

The application of gibberellic acid (GA 3) to the whole loquat tree from mid-May to early June and from early August to the onset of flowering, significantly reduced the number of premature flowering shoots per current shoot and per m 3 of canopy, and so reduced the total number of panicles per m 3 of canopy. The number of vegetative shoots per m 3 of canopy was also significantly reduced by applying GA 3. The response depended on the concentration applied and produced optimal results at 50mgl -1. Differences in the number of flowers per panicle and leaves per shoot were not significantly modified by the treatment. Nevertheless, GA 3 applied directly to the developing apex near to flower di…

Naso Elettonico con sensori MOS per discriminare 3 cultivar di Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.

Caratterizzazione qualitativa e della frazione aromatica dei frutti in diverse cultivar di albicocco

Indagine sulle pesche di IV gamma della cv Settembrina di Bivona sottoposta a diversi trattamenti antiossidanti

Caratterizzazione chimico-fisica e sensoriale di frutti di mango (Mangifera indica L.) coltivati in Sicilia .

La coltivazione della papaia (Carica papaya L.) in Sicilia: aspetti agronomici e qualità dei frutti

Tutte le cultivar analizzate raggiungono tratti chimico-fisici che soddisfano le esigenze del mercato. Tuttavia, i nostri risultati hanno mostrato una vasta gamma di variabilità in termini di tratti fisicochimici, composizione prossimale, capacità antiossidante e caratteristiche sensoriali che potrebbero essere dovuti all’alta variabilità genetica. Per quanto riguarda l’analisi sensoriale, i descrittori relativi a difetti o sensazioni sgradevoli hanno sempre punteggi molto bassi. In conclusione, possiamo dire che i nostri dati sono paragonabili ai frutti tropicali e subtropicali. Dunque, esiste la possibilità di ottenere frutti di papaia di qualità in un clima mediterraneo raccogliendo frut…

Use of Aloe vera gel-based edible coating with natural anti-browning and anti-oxidant additives to improve post-harvest quality of fresh-cut 'Fuji' apple

Recently, there is increasing use of edible and biodegradable films and packaging that are both environmentally friendly and functional for storage and market distribution. Fresh-cut &lsquo

ATTITUDINE ALLA FRIGOCONSERVAZIONE DI TRE VARIETÀ DI PESCO Prunus Persica (L.) BATSCH A POLPA BIANCA

Fatty acids and sugar composition of avocado fruit during harvesting time and post-harvest ripening period: a review

In a study of the maturity of avocado fruit it is important to elucidate the lipid metabolism in the fruit during growth and storage, since the avocado stores a large amount of lipids in the edible pulp. Meanwhile the fatty acids may then form fats by combining with glycerol, a sugar metabolism product, and sugar metabolism of the avocado fruit should be considered.

Influence of indigenous Hanseniaspora uvarum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae from sugar-rich substrates on the aromatic composition of loquat beer

The demand for unique and exclusive food products and beverages is constantly on the increase. One of the products that mostly evolved to encounter market dynamics in the last decade is craft beer. For a long time, craft breweries have included fruit in beer production to enrich flavour and aroma profile of different beer styles. In this study, for the first time, the use of Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeast strains isolated from high -sugar matrices (manna and fermented honey by-products) were investigated to diversify fruit craft beer pro-duction, in order to improve the fermentation process and highlight the complexity of aroma profiles generated during alcoholic fermentation. Tw…

Aloe-Based Edible Coating to Maintain Quality of Fresh-Cut Italian Pears (Pyrus communis L.) during Cold Storage

Pear fruits are known for their antioxidant and nutritional characteristics. However, they are very susceptible to rapid decay. Edible coating (EC) represents a good strategy to maintain postharvest quality. The effects of two EC in slowing down the senescence processes in fresh-cut ‘Coscia’ pears were investigated: EC1 (A. vera gel, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose and pomegranate seeds oil (PSO), EC2 (A. vera gel and hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose). Weight loss, firmness and colour decrease more slowly in both EC-treated than in untreated (CTR) slices; soluble solid content increases faster in CTR, indicating a faster ripening process. The specific investigation of undesired microorganisms di…

Pomegranate Cultivation in Mediterranean Climate: Plant Adaptation and Fruit Quality of ‘Mollar de Elche’ and ‘Wonderful’ Cultivars

Two pomegranate cultivars, Mollar de Elche, native to Spain, and Wonderful, the most widely cultivated pomegranate variety in the world, were studied in a commercial orchard in Sicily, and their phenological behavior was compared. During the development of the fruit, their dimensional growth was monitored, and after harvest, physicochemical and sensory analyses were carried out to highlight the differences between fruit of the two cultivars. Results showed that Mollar de Elche fruit require less time from flowering to fruit maturity, resulting in an earlier harvest, which was due also to a higher relative growth rate of the fruit&rsquo

Effects of Zinc Foliar Nutrition on ‘Gala’ Apple (Malus Domestica Borkh) Fruit Quality

To improve fruit color features research has focused on the use of foliar nutrition with zinc. There is a lack of know about apples. The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effects of foliar zinc treatment on the qualitative characteristics of ‘Gala’ apple. Apple trees Cv ‘Gala’ were submitted to a foliar spray application of Zn in the form of aqueous solution of 0.2% and 0.4% zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) for three times. Fruit was harvested at commercial ripening and physicochemical parameters, yield, crop load, yield effi ciency and zinc leaf content were measured. Results revealed that yield, crop load, fruit weight, cover color index and cover color percentage of the observed trees was infl u…

Ricerca Unipa su diradamento e tasso di crescita dei frutti in piante di nespolo del Giappone

Il trattamento di diradamento dei frutti di nespolo del Giappone, effettuato in una sola occasione, quando i frutti si trovano a circa il 30% delle loro dimensioni finali, ha mostrato alcuni effetti positivi: in primis, i frutti ottenuti in seguito a diradamento hanno una maggiore probabilità di ricadere nelle classi commerciali superiori, le quali sono in genere più apprezzate dai consumatori e pagate a un prezzo più alto al produttore; gli stessi frutti raggiungono al contempo anche un grado zuccherino più alto, altro indice del possibile gradimento del consumatore finale e della richiesta da parte del mercato. Questo lavoro preliminare apre le porte a nuovi studi volti alla valutazione d…

Fruit Regulates Bud Sprouting and Vegetative Growth in Field-Grown Loquat Trees (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.): Nutritional and Hormonal Changes

The effects of fruit on bud sprouting and vegetative growth were compared on fruiting and defruited loquat trees from fruit set onward. Carbohydrate and nitrogen content in leaves and bark tissues and hormone concentrations were studied during the fruit development and vegetative growth periods. On defruited trees, a significant proportion of buds sprouted in winter, whereas buds from fruiting trees sprouted only in the spring when fruit reached its final size. Furthermore, when panicles were completely removed in autumn, the buds also sprouted. In addition, fruit directly affected vegetative growth by reducing shoot length. An effect of sink removal ( flower or fruit) promoting bud sprouti…

POMOLOGICAL TRAITS, SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS, AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN FRUITS OF NINE LOQUAT CULTIVARS GROWN IN SICILY

Loquat cultivation in Italy currently aims at offering a wider choice of cultivars to growers. The present study determined commercial quality, characterized the antioxidant capacity, and quantified the major bioactive compounds of some local ('BRT 20', 'Claudia', 'Nespolone di Trabia', 'Sanfilippara') and international ('Algerie', 'El Buenet', 'Bueno', 'Golden Nugget' and 'Peluche') cultivars. Fruit was harvested at commercial ripening and chemical-physical determinations of weight, diameters, skin and flesh color, soluble solid content, tritable acidity, antioxidant activity and polyphenol content, and sensory analyses were carried out. Data showed a large variability among genotypes and …

La coltivazione del melograno in Sicilia: qualità dei frutti e adattamento di due cultivar

Nel presente lavoro sono stati monitorati gli stadi fenologici di due varietà di melograno durante una stagione produttiva al fine di studiarne l’evoluzione e l’adattamento utilizzando la scala BCH. I risultati hanno permesso di valutare l’andamento vegeto-produttivo di queste varietà di melograno in clima mediterraneo.

Chemical–Physical, sensory analyses and consumers’ quality perception of local vs. imported loquat fruits: a sustainable development perspective

Local products and their distribution through short supply chains play a key role in the sustainable development of many rural areas, as affirmed by the 2030 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Agenda. Moreover, in the last years, more and more consumers have shown a specific interest towards local production, pushed by the need for healthy eating, protecting the environment, and boosting the local economy. However, the cultivation of local fruit varieties or ecotypes has considerably decreased in the last decades because of their low production potential. As a result, many farmers have been forced to replace local orchards with few worldwide grown cultivars, causi…

Understanding Blood versus Blond Orange Consumption: A Cross-Cultural Study in Four Countries

Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to specific fruit is key information for not only increasing fruit consumption, but also for marketing reasons. It may also give clues to breeders to set quality objectives. This study explores different aspects that help to explain blood vs. blond orange consumption: availability and consumption habit, satisfaction attributes, facilitators and consumption barriers, consumption contexts, expectations and purchase intention. The study was conducted in China, Mexico, Spain and Italy, where citrus fruit consumers were invited to respond an online questionnaire. Our results revealed Italy as the country with the highest availability and consumpti…

Effetto della concimazione fogliare e del diradamento sulla qualità delle uve di cabernet souvignon

QUALITÀ CHIMICO-FISICA, SENSORIALE E NUTRACEUTICA DI FRUTTI DI NESPOLO DEL GIAPPONE (Eriobotria JaponicaLINDL)

Urban landscape evolution as a consequence of an invasive pest: The case of a small sicilian town

The Red Palm Weevil (RPW), after its accidental introduction in Italy in 2005, determined a progressive disruption of Canary palms mostly in the central and southern regions. As it is difficult to undertake the management of this pest, the possibility of substituting the killed/symptomatic palms with other ornamental trees has been recently discussed. In this context, understanding the citizens' needs about green areas can improve the management of public parks and urban greening. Involving citizens on the natural resource management using public participation processes is crucial. The case study of a small town of Sicily (Italy) was treated and the spread of this pest was monitored. Moreov…

Caratteristiche qualitative di frutti di Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) sottoposti a frigo-conservazione

AVOCADO PEELS AND SEEDS FROM HASS VARIETIES: FROM INDUSTRIAL BY-PRODUCTS TO CIRCULAR REUSE

From a sustainable progress perspective, the circular economy model is widely used today. One of the main purposes of last years is to valorize wastes of agri-food industries, as new sources of bioactive components, from the approach of a circular and biorefinery economy both for environmental and economic reasons. Avocado (Persea americana cv Hass) seeds and peels are an example of promising bio-sustainability raw materials with a high nutritional value that can be obtained from industrial byproducts. The objective of this work was to study also chemical qualities of avocado peels and seeds. Avocado peel and seeds samples from fruit collected in Sicily were dried in a convective hot-air dr…

Fruit quality of Sicilian, commercially affirmed, and newly selected apple varieties: potential resources for genetic improvement and specialty markets

Several apple varieties are constantly selected for improved quality traits and introduced for cultivation and marketing in addition to a few traditional and affirmed varieties. Recently, specific fruit quality traits like enhanced flavor, crispness and juiciness have been particularly requested by consumers and are gradually replacing more conventional characteristics like fruit size, peel color and sweetness in the breeding programs. Furthermore, some of the newly selected varieties exhibit a relatively low level of plasticity, posing serious problems of adaptation when cultivation is proposed in a wide range of environments. In this most recent perspective, some of the old varieties or l…

Extending the Shelf Life of White Peach Fruit with 1-Methylcyclopropene and Aloe arborescens Edible Coating

The maintenance of high-quality standards for prolonging the shelf life of fruit and preserving sensory and nutritional quality is a priority for horticultural products. The aim of this work is to test the effectiveness of a single treatment of edible coating based on Aloe arborescens (EC) and a combined treatment of 1-methylcycyclopropene (1-MCP) and edible coating to prolong the shelf life of &ldquo

Naso elettronico con sensori Mos per discriminare 3 cultivar di Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.

L'uso congiunto dell'analisi strumentale e sensoriale per la valutazione di pesche, nettarine e albicocche

Effect of Different Modified Atmosphere Packaging on the Quality of Mulberry Fruit (Morus alba L. cv Kokuso 21)

The control of temperature and gas composition is essential to maintain the fresh flavor and quality of perishable fruits like mulberry. This study presented a modified atmosphere experiment (MAP) for fresh fruit showing the potential benefits of innovative gas mixing with argon. The effects of MAP were studied on the physicochemical and qualitative attributes of mulberry preserved at4±1°C and90±5%R.H. Fresh mulberries were packaged with different gas combinations: MAP1 (4%O2+6%CO2+90%N2), MAP2 (10%O2+5%CO2+85%Ar), CTR1 (20.9%O2+0.04%CO2), and CTR2 (10%O2+5%CO2+85%N2). Changes in quality parameters were evaluated after 0, 4, 8, and 12 days of storage. Mulberries packaged with MAP had a lowe…

Phenology and Fruit Growth Dynamics of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Greenhouse and Open Air in Mediterranean Climate

AbstractPhenological evolution of shoots and fruit growth of three mango varieties—Keitt, Osteen and Tommy Atkins—were monitored during two reproductive seasons, from full flowering to fruit harvest on trees cultivated in the open air and inside a greenhouse, in the island of Sicily—Italy. The aim of the study was to assess the behavior of mango trees subjected to summer high temperatures under a permanent plastic cover in the Mediterranean climate. Differences between open air and greenhouse emerged in the dates of first record of major phenological stages and in their duration, and in the fruit growth rates. Greenhouse cultivated trees showed a significant anticipation of flowering and ri…

First record of Icerya seychellarum and confirmed occurrence of Aulacaspis tubercularis (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) in Italy

The Seychelles scale, Icerya seychellarum (Westwood, 1855) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae), is reported for the first time in Italy. Moreover, the occurrence of the white mango scale, Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead, 1906) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), firstly reported in 1990 on mango trees growing outdoors in a nursery near Milazzo (Messina province, Sicily), and then intercepted in 2013 on mango plants imported from Florida (USA) to the Botanical Garden in Padova (Italy), is confirmed. Both species were found in two Sicilian mango orchards located in the province of Messina. Their introduction is most likely due to the orchards planting using infested mango nursery pla…

Non-destructive determination of ‘Big Bang’ nectarine quality and harvest maturity

In nectarines, potential shelf life and quality at consumption are closely related to the ripeness stage of fruit at harvest. Usually, the harvest is based on color, firmness, sugar and acids content of fruit, although these determinations are carried out through destructive methods and in a limited number of samples. The technique of Vis/Nir spectroscopy is used for the development of a non-destructive index based on the difference of absorbance (IDA) between two wavelengths near the absorption peak of chlorophyll-a, and it allows monitoring of changes in ripeness processes directly in the field. The objective of this paper is to track changes in quality that occur during nectarine ripenes…

Modified Atmosphere Packaging and low temperature storage extend marketability of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.)

Cherimoya is a subtropical fruit characterized by a delicious, sweet flavor and beneficial health properties, which found suitable growing conditions in the South of Italy. However, the marketing of this product is halted by its high perishability, which limits the shelf-life of the fresh fruit to few days after harvest and does not allow for commercialization beyond local markets. Studies have shown that storage of this fruit in controlled atmosphere, using Modified Atmosphere Packaging technologies, extended the post-harvest life of Cherimoya, but little is still known about the evolution of its sensory, nutraceutical and microbiological characteristics during such storage period. In this…

Effect of alginate-based coating charged with hydroxyapatite and quercetin on colour, firmness, sugars and volatile compounds of fresh cut papaya during cold storage

AbstractActive alginate-based coatings with quercetin glycoside and complexes of hydroxyapatite/quercetin-glycoside were used to study the shelf life of fresh cut papaya stored at 6 °C. Hydroxyapatite was used as a carrier for the release of the bioactive compound. The parameters considered affecting the quality of the fruit during storage were weight loss, color, texture, sugars and volatile compounds. Active coatings with hydroxyapatite and quercetin glycoside proved a higher capacity to slow down the degradation phenomena studied, showing less weight loss, a lower reduction in glucose and fructose, as well as better firmness, than the other samples after 14 days of cold storage. Benzyl i…

Fruit quality and flavor compounds before and after commercial harvest of the late-ripening ‘Fairtime’ peach cultivar

ABSTRACT In this work quality of tree ripe and commercial ripe ‘Fairtime’ peach fruit was evaluated during fruit maturation and storage. Quality parameters and volatile fraction were monitored at intervals of 7-15 days from pit hardening until 10 days after commercial harvest and after 7, 17 and 24 days of refrigeration. In fruit on the tree, weight increased quadratically, diameter and peel color increased linearly, whereas flesh firmness decreased linearly. Soluble solids (SS) reached maximum levels at commercial harvest, whereas acidity started declining after commercial harvest. In the peel, esters and alcohols showed opposite trends. In the flesh, alcohols decreased quadratically and d…

Caratteristiche qualitative di frutti di Lici (Litchi Chinensis) coltivati nella Sicilia Nord-Orientale

Qualità dei frutti di Mango prodotti in Sicilia

VALIDACIÓN Y CALIBRACIÓN DE UN MODELO EPIDEMIOLÓGICO PARA PREDECIR EL MOTEADO DEL NÍSPERO CAUSADO POR Fusicladium eriobotryae EN SICILIA

El moteado del níspero causado por Fusicladium eriobotryaees la principal enfermedad de este cultivo en la cuenca mediterránea, afectando principalmente a hojas y frutos. Recientemente, la biología del patógeno y la epidemiología de la enfermedad han sido estudiadas en profundidad, y los resultados obtenidos han permitido el desarrollo de un modelo epidemiológico “EriScab”, capaz de predecir la infección de frutos por conidios de F. eriobotryae. Este modelo, que utiliza como inputs variables meteorológicas, ha sido validado en la principal zona de cultivo de la provincia de Alicante, Callosa d’En Sarrià, sobre frutos de la variedad Algerie. El objetivo de este trabajo es: (i) evaluar la rob…

Genotype influence on shelf life behaviour of minimal processed loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruit: the role of sugar, acid organics and phenolic compounds

AbstractBackgroundLoquat cultivars cultivated in Southern Italy are very appreciated by consumers for their sensorial characteristics, such as persistent aroma and taste. Apposite maturity indexes for peeling and processing loquat fruit were investigated to increase diffusion of minimally processed loquat. The genotype’s effect on the minimally processed loquat fruit shelf life and quality harvested at commercial maturity (80% yellow color) was investigated on peeled fruit stored at 5 °C for 10 days. The role of sugars, organic acids and phenols composition was observed through in depth qualitative analysis. In addition, several qualitative analyses were carried out to determine the quality…

Productive and vegetative responses of 'Gala' and 'Fuji' apple trees under controlled irrigation strategies

We investigated the productive and vegetative responses of ‘Gala’ and 'Fuji' apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees to deficit irrigation and partial rootzone drying under the dry climate of central Sicily. Soil water tension (SWT), stomatal conductance, yield, fruit quality, fruit growth, and shoot extension of conventionally irrigated trees (CI), where drip emitters on both sides of each tree were left open, were compared to that of partial rootzone drying (PRD) trees, where only one side of the rootzone was irrigated for the entire season (receiving 50% of the CI irrigation water), and to that of deficit irrigated (DI) trees, where drip emitters on both sides of the rootzone were deliverin…

Fresh-Cut Mangoes: How to Increase Shelf Life by Using Neem Oil Edible Coating

The mango is the most widely cultivated tropical fruit. Fresh-cut mango is very useful, but it is very perishable. The purpose of this study was to highlight the effects of neem oil on fresh-cut mango fruits kept for 9 days at 4 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% relative humidity. The neem plant (Azadirachta indica) has numerous antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Despite this, very few studies have been carried out on neem oil added to edible coatings (EC) to retard ripening processes. Two formulations were tested: EC1 (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose + CaCl2) and EC2 (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose + CaCl2 + neem oil), both compared with an untreated sample (control). Physicochemica…

Melo

Il Progetto Nazionale, “Liste di Orientamento Varietale dei Fruttiferi - Melo”, ha ormai abbondantemente superato i vent’anni. Ultimamente sta attraversando diverse peripezie, anche se mantiene invariato lo spirito originario, proponendosi come obiettivo la verifica del comportamento vegetativo e produttivo di numerose nuove varietà introdotte in Italia e divulgazione dei risultati ottenuti. Basti pensare che dal 1980 al 2014 sono state registrate al mondo quasi 1700 nuove varietà, il Progetto nazionale ne ha valutate più di 300 a partire dal 1993. Il lavoro di valutazione, riguardante l’”adattabilità”, agronomica e merceologica, del nuovo materiale genetico è affidato a 16 Unità Operative,…

Quality changes in fresh-cut mango cubes submitted to different gas partial pressure of active MAPs

The study was performed to assess chemical-physical and sensory quality changes in 4±1°C stored fresh-cut mangos and to test the effect of active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with different gas partial pressures. Sicilian fruits of ‘Keitt’ mango (Mangifera indica L.) were immerged in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) after being peeled. Next, the flesh was cut in cubes and dipped in citric acid (0.5%, w/v) and ascorbic acid (0.5%, w/v). Treated fruits were placed in a non-perforated high density polyethylene package flushing different gas mixtures and kept at 4°C for 21 days. We used four different gas partial pressures: a) 60 kPa N2, 30 kPa CO2 and 10 kPa O2; b) 30 kPa CO2 and 70 kPa N2; c) …

Caratteristiche pomologiche e sensoriali di frutti di melo coltivati in regime biologico.

Valutazione di cv di pesco, nettarine ed albicocco mediante parametri strumentali e sensoriali.

The influence of climatic sprout and shoot characteristics in loquat

Sprout and shoot characteristics of loquat tree were studied in four growing areas of Spain and Italy differing in climate. Differences in shoot characteristics sprouting and flowering due to growing area will be discussed and related to temperature, RH and light.

Pomological Traits, Sensory Profile and Nutraceutical Properties of Nine Cultivars of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Fruits Grown in Mediterranean Area

In this paper the diversity of fruit quality within nine loquat cultivars, including five international affirmed cultivars (Algerie, Golden Nugget, Peluche, Bueno, El Buenet) and four local cultivars (Sanfilippara, Nespolone di Trabia, BRT20 and Claudia), were investigated in order to discriminate the variation in pomological characteristics, sensory profile, and antioxidant properties. Finally, to evaluate potential bioactivity, antiproliferative activity of hydrophilic extracts from loquat fruits was assessed, at dietary relevant concentrations, against three human epithelial cell lines. Even though the international cultivars confirmed an appropriate level of commercial qualities in asso…

Liste varietali: Melo

Evolution of Yeast population durino the manufacturing of table olives from different sicilian cultivars monitored through rDNA its analysis.

Physicochemical, Nutraceutical and Sensory Traits of Six Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Cultivars Grown in Greenhouse Conditions in the Mediterranean Climate

Six papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivars, grown in a Mediterranean climate under greenhouse conditions, were screened for physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, nutritional and sensory characteristics. The fruits, harvested with more than 50% of yellow surface (between 60% and 77%) were tested for carotenoids content, phenolic content, reducing activity (ABTS) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA50). The physicochemical traits were measured in terms of the titratable acidity and soluble content whereas proximal composition along with moisture, fats, total sugar, ash, vitamin A, C and E content. Moreover, the sensory profile was analyzed by a semi-trained panel. Although the six …

Effect of Harvest Date on Mango (Mangifera Indica L. Cultivar Osteen) Fruit’s Qualitative Development, Shelf Life and Consumer Acceptance

The qualitative characteristics of mango fruits change throughout their development process and are also influenced by their duration. Harvesting at different times after the fruit set affects external and internal quality and the post-harvest behavior and management possibilities of the fruits. The objective of this study was to assess the evolution of the most important physicochemical and organoleptic parameters of cv. Osteen fruits concern the length of their stay on the plant and also to their post-harvest management. For this reason, fruits were harvested progressively in ten pickings. The study showed that mango fruits that are kept on the tree reach the best quality traits, correspo…

Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

Studies by SPME-GC/MS on aroma compounds of sixteen different apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars

Fruit chemical and sensory characteristics of five loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl) cultivars.

Fruit production and quality evaluation of four litchi cultivars (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) grown in Mediterranean climate

Introduction - The agronomic and qualitative responses of the litchi fruit (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) grown in Mediterranean climate are not yet studied. In this study, yield components, physico-chemical and sensory traits of four commercial litchi cultivars were recorded over two productive seasons. Materials and methods - Fruits of the cvs Tai So, Wai Chee, Brewster and Kwai Mai were collected at commercial maturity stage and subjected to productive (yield, efficiency, number of fruits, crop load), analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, moisture, total soluble solid content (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, seed weight, peel weight, percentage of …

Effects of partial rootzone drying and rootstock vigour on dry matter partitioning of apple trees (Malus domesticacvar Pink Lady)

SUMMARYThe effects of partial rootzone drying (PRD) and rootstock vigour on dry matter accumulation and partitioning among leaves, shoots, fruits, frame and roots of apple trees (Malus domesticaBorkh. cvar Pink Lady) were investigated in 2005 near Caltavuturo, in Sicily. In a first field trial, trees on MM.106 rootstock were subjected to: conventional irrigation (CI), maintaining soil moisture above 0·80 of field capacity; PRD irrigation, where alternating sides of the rootzone received 0·50 of the CI irrigation water; and continuous deficit irrigation (DI), where 0·50 of the CI water was equally applied to both sides of the rootzone. In a second trial, trees on M.9 or MM.106 were subjected…

Seasonal changes of calcium content in early and late peach cultivars

Effect of Sunred metabolic promoter and deficit irrigation on fruit quality of 'Valencia' oranges

This study evaluated the effect of deficit irrigation and Sunred foliar metabolic promoter on fruit quality of adult 'Valencia' orange trees. Three irrigation strategies were imposed in spring 2011: Irrigation with volumes corresponding to 100% of crop evapotranspiration applied to entire root-zone (CI), partial root-zone drying (PRD) with 50% of CI water applied to one alternated side of the root-zone, and continuous deficit irrigation (DI) with 50% of CI water applied to both sides of the root-zone. Four trees in each irrigation treatment were sprayed 30 and 20 days before harvest with Sunred metabolic promoter containing phenylalanine, methionine, mono-saccharides and oxylipins from plan…

Studio dei meccanismi di crescita dei frutti di due varietà di mango coltivate in ambiente mediterraneo

Hormonal and carbohydrate control of fruit set in avocado ‘Lamb Hass’. A question of the type of inflorescence?

[EN] The avocado tree (Persea americana Mill.) has two types of shoots, indeterminate, which maintain vegetative development from an apical bud, and determinate, which do not have vegetative growth. Indeterminate shoots set fewer fruits than determinate ones, and significantly hasten physiological fruitlet abscission. The competition between vegetative and flower development is accepted as the most reasonable hypothesis to explain the differences. However, our results show that from anthesis until fruit set flowers of indeterminate inflorescences, both those remaining on the tree and those abscised, had a higher sucrose and C6 carbohydrate content than flowers of determinate ones and no dif…

Melograno, studio sulla qualità degli arilli con la conservazione in atmosfera modificata

In conclusione possiamo dire che lo studio sull’ applicazione della tecnologia MAP su arilli di melograno ha dimostrato la sua applicabilità e la sua efficacia per tutto il tempo di conservazione, mostrando, congiuntamente alle analisi sensoriali, un miglior mantenimento delle caratteristiche qualitative fino a 8 giorni di conservazione alla temperatura di 4±1°C con umidità relativa del 90-95%. Successivamente ad 8 giorni di conservazione gli arilli, pur mantenendo buoni parametri qualitativi, subiscono un eccessivo calo nella valutazione sensoriale, tale da non giustificare l’applicazione della tecnologia MAP. Infine, la sperimentazione effettuata ha dimostrato che l’utilizzo di Argon nell…

Profilo sensoriale di frutti di mango (Mangifera indica L.) coltivati in Sicilia.

Effect of Pulp Pigmentation Intensity on Consumer Acceptance of New Blood Mandarins: A Cross-Cultural Study in Spain and Italy

One of the current objectives of different citrus breeding programmes is obtaining new pigmented mandarins. This study investigates to what extent consumer preferences, expectations and purchase intention are affected by the appearance of new mandarins, specifically pulp pigmentation intensity. Four hundred consumers from both Italy and Spain (800 in all) participated in the study. In each country, half were informed about the healthy properties of the anthocyanins responsible for red pulp colouration, while the other half were not. Italians more readily accepted new mandarin varieties than Spaniards, which was linked to them being more familiar with blood oranges. In Italy, both slight- an…

Performance vegeto-produttiva di alberi di melo 'Pink Lady' innestati su M.9 e MM.106 e sottoposti ad irrigazione di una porzione dell'apparato radicale

Pera Coscia siciliana di IV gamma, effetti degli edible coating sulla qualità dei frutti

Questo studio ha voluto mettere in evidenza gli effetti dell’edible coating nel tempo, in particolare individuando le differenze nel mantenimento delle caratteristiche fisico-chimiche e sensoriali tra frutti di pero trattati e quelli di controllo. Dall’analisi dei risultati ottenuti è emerso che i trattamenti hanno consentito di ottenere effetti positivi sui parametri qualitativi considerati, permettendo una più lunga conservazione. Infatti, durante la frigoconservazione, i frutti che hanno subito i trattamenti (AVG+HPMC+PEO - EC1 e AVG+HPMC - EC2) hanno mostrato risultati migliori rispetto ai frutti non trattati (CTR), mantenendo, durante i 7 giorni di conservazione, valori più elevati in …

Quality Changes of Tropical and Subtropical Fresh-Cut Fruits Mix in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Application of passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for shelf life extension of mixed pineapple slices, mango pieces and orange segments, was evaluated. Fruits of Ananas cv ‘Gold’, Mango cv ‘Keitt’ and Orange cv ‘Washington Navel’ were washed, sanitized, peeled and cut. Minimal processed fruits were packed under 2 different atmospheres, passive (air) and active MAP (70% N2, 10 %O2, 20 %CO2), and stored at 10±1 °C with 85±5% RH for 12 days. Changes in package atmosphere composition, weight loss, color, texture, pH, soluble solids, sensory attributes, were evaluated after cutting and at three subsequent stages of storage (the 3 day, 6d, 9d, and the 12 day). Color parameters L* and b* s…

Shading Net and Partial Covering Plastic Film Do Not Affect Phenology, Photosynthetic Activity or Fruit Quality Traits of Kensington Pride Mango

Mango cultivation in a protected environment is becoming widespread in the Mediterranean basin where the species has to face unfavorable weather conditions which do not occur in its native cultivation areas. Besides open-air cultivation, greenhouses—and other protection systems such as shading nets and partial covering of plastic films—have been tested recently. In this study, we focused on assessing the effect of a shading net, and a partially covering plastic film, on the development of “Kensington Pride” mango fruit skin-color, its final quality, and the plants’ photosynthetic activity. A new method of measuring mango skin-color on different sides of the fru…

Effects of 1-Methylcyclopropene on postharvest quality traits, antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid content of mature-ripe mango fruits

Introduction - Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a climacteric fruit, very sensitive to prolonged storage with a relatively short postharvest life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 1-MCP treatment on the pomological and sensory traits, antioxidant capacity and ascorbic acid content in late ripening mature-ripe mango fruits submitted to a simulated shelf life at 20 degrees C. Materials and methods - Mango late ripening fruits (cv. Keitt) were harvested from a commercial orchard, located at Furiano, province of Messina (Sicily, Italy; 38 degrees 3'N, 14 degrees 33'E; 5 m a.s.l.). Fruits were treated with 1-MCP (0.005 kg m(-3)) for 20 h in 1 m(3) closed containers and then …

Use of selected autochthonous lactic acid bacteria for Spanish-style table olive fermentation

The present work presents a successful attempt to achieve an enhanced and more predictable fermentation process in Spanish-style green olive technology by selection and use of autochthonous starter cultures. During the first phase of this work, two Spanish-like fermentations of green table olives of cultivar (cv) “Nocellara del Belice”, coming from irrigated and not irrigated fields, were monitored, in order to highlight the best agricultural conditions for drupe production and to isolate lactic acid bacteria strains with relevant technological properties. Among 88 identified isolates, one Lactobacillus pentosus strain showed remarkable biochemical features and high acidification rate in sy…

Utilizzo alternativo dei frutti di vecchie varietà di melo siciliane mediante trasformazione in sidro

Primi risultati sulla disidratazione del mango siciliano: un prodotto nuovo che fa bene alla salute

Prendendo spunto dall’essiccazione al sole, tecnica antica legata alla nostra tradizione utilizzata per conservare a lungo frutti e ortaggi, abbiamo disidratato il mango siciliano in corrente di aria calda, ottenendo un prodotto nuovo, naturale, ricco di colore, aroma e gusto

Effect of foliar nutrition on olive oil characteristics in cv 'Nocellara del Belice'

Can Dried Fruits Replace Unhealthy Snacking among Millennials? An Empirical Study on Dried Fruit Consumption in Italy

The consumption of dried fruits in place of unhealthy snacks, which are rich in sugars, salt, and fats, could represent a valid option for reaching the daily intake recommended by the WHO for fruits and for encouraging the adoption of a sustainable diet. However, the consumption of dried fruits is lower than that of unhealthy snacks, especially among young people. Therefore, to foster young people’s intentions to consume dried fruits instead of unhealthy snacks, it is important to identify the factors underlying millennials’ consumption intentions. Using a convenience sample of 174 Italian millennials, this paper aimed to understand the factors influencing young people’s i…

Pomological, Sensorial, Nutritional and Nutraceutical Profile of Seven Cultivars of Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill)

In this work, the food quality of four international (Campas, Chaffey, Fino de Jete and White) and three local (Daniela, Torre1 and Torre2) cultivars of Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill) was investigated. With this aim, pomological traits, sensorial attributes, physiochemical parameters (pH, total soluble content and total acidity), nutritional composition (macro- and micro-nutrients) and nutraceutical values (bioactive compounds, radical scavenging and antioxidant properties) were evaluated. Among the seven observed cultivars, Fino de Jete was identified as the best, not only for its commercial attributes such as pomological traits and physiochemical values, but also for its nutritional co…

Quality determinants of avocado fruit consumption in italy. Implications for small farms

In recent years there has been an increasing consumer interest towards tropical fruits due to the desire of consumers for healthy eating while experiencing new and exotic flavours. Within this consumer trend, avocado fruit presents great potential in order to meet the requirements desired by consumers due to its high nutritional value and particular quality characteristics. The aim of the present study is to understand which quality determinants influence consumers’ decision making to consume avocado fruit in Italy. In the literature, avocado is a fruit few investigate from a consumers’ quality perception perspective. Therefore, understanding consumer preference for avocado fruit may be con…

Calcium Ascorbate Coating Improves Postharvest Quality and Storability of Fresh-Cut Slices of Coscia and Abate Fétel Pears (Pyrus communis L.)

Flesh firmness is closely related to fruit ripeness and is typically a reliable indicator of shelf-life potential so it could be considered a crucial quality index for the determination of pear quality. Flesh softening after cutting could considerably affect consumer acceptance of fresh-cut pears (Pyrus communis L.). Indeed, mechanical stress (cutting, peeling, etc.) could lead to ethylene production that results in the hydrolysis of pectic substances in the cell walls. The effectiveness of an edible coating treatment on the physical-chemical, nutraceutical, and sensorial analysis was evaluated on two pear cultivars: the summer-ripening ‘Coscia’ and the late-ripening ‘Abat…

Effects of Gibberellic Acid on flowering in loquat

In this work we studied the best concentration of gibberellic acid and period of tree sensitivity to reduce flowering in order to diminish hand thinning costs and improve fruit quality.

Valutazione qualitativa di pesche e nettarine a maturazione tardiva in Sicilia

CHANGES IN ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT IN FRESH CUT SICILIAN YELLOW-FLESH PEACHES

The traditional yellow-flesh peach cultivars 'Settembrina' and 'Ottobrina' di Leonforte ripen respectively during the first 10 days of September, and the first 10 days of November, in Sicily, Italy. During pit hardening, fruit are covered with a paper bag in order to protect them from Mediterranean fruit fly. To understand their behaviour in terms of postharvest maintenance and suitability for minimal processing, 'Settembrina' and 'Ottobrina' di Leonforte were processed (i.e., cleaned, washed, peeled, cut, dipped and packed) to obtain fresh-cut peaches. Fresh cut slices were stored in perforated or bi-oriented polystyrene bags, after soaking in either a 2% ascorbic acid and 1% calcium lacta…

Consumer interest towards tropical fruit: factors affecting avocado fruit consumption in Italy

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to identify the main factors affecting the consumption of avocado fruit among Italian consumers. In order to respond to the aim of the study, an empirical survey was conducted through the submission of an online questionnaire to 327 consumers. An ordered logit econometric model was adopted to examine the relationship among some explanatory variables and the frequency of consumption of avocado fruit. The findings of this study show that the consumption of avocado fruit is affected by different factors, including fruit consumption habit, neophilia attitudes, and various intrinsic and extrinsic quality attributes (credence attributes in particular). The st…

Prove di sidrificazione da cv di mele autoctone siciliane

Dinamiche microbiche durante le fermentazioni delle olive da tavola siciliane

Scelte varietali del melo

Food quality and nutraceutical value of nine cultivars of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruits grown in Mediterranean subtropical environment

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) quality is strongly influenced by genotype but individuating the most appropriate harvesting time is essential to obtain high quality fruits. In this trial we studied the influences of the ripening stage at harvest (mature-ripe or green-ripe) on quality of ready to eat mango fruits from nine cultivars (Carrie, Keitt, Glenn, Manzanillo, Maya, Rosa, Osteen, Tommy Atkins and Kensington Pride) grown in the Mediterranean subtropical climate through physicochemical, nutraceutical, and sensory analysis. Our results show a large variability among the different observed genotypes and in dependence of the ripening stage at harvest. With the exception of Rosa, mature-ripe f…

EVALUATION OF SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF SICILIAN AND INTERNATIONAL LOQUAT CULTIVARS

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica, Lindl) is commonly grafted on seedling rootstocks in Sicilian orchards. Seedling production is characterized by low germination percentage and velocity and slow plant growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate loquat seed germination of Sicilian and international cultivars. Seeds from 11 cultivars (Algerie, Bianco Dolce, BRT20, Claudia, Fiore, Golden Nugget, La Mantia, Magdal, Mercenò, Peluche, Tanaka) were collected from mature fruits in commercial orchards. Part of the seeds received a pretreatment with 1% HCl for 24 h. Germination data were collected at 30 days from sowing. Ninety days after germination, plants were transplanted into 2-L pots. The Sicilian…

EVALUATION OF FRUIT QUALITY IN LOQUAT USING BOTH CHEMICAL AND SENSORY ANALYSES

The use of scientific methodologies on fruit quality perception by using both instrumental and sensory analyses has been affirmed and tested on many fruit tree species. Loquat is still little known from a sensory analysis point of view. The aim of this work is to evaluate fruit quality characteristics of some loquat cultivars using both physico-chemical and sensory analyses. The trial was conducted in Palermo, Sicily on 4 cultivars: ‘Bianco Dolce’, ‘BRT20’, ‘Peluche’ and ‘Nespolone di Trabia’. Fruits were analyzed for weight, transversal and longitudinal diameter, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, peel colour and sensory profile by a trained panel. The sensory attributes were corre…

Fruit Growth Stage Transitions in Two Mango Cultivars Grown in a Mediterranean Environment

Studying mango (Mangifera&nbsp

Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of 'Peluche' Loquat under Windbreak Nets.

The advantages of protecting 6-year-old ‘Peluche’ loquat trees (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) with nets were investigated in Sicily. Vegetative and reproductive growth were measured on 20 trees under net protection and 20 in open field conditions. A neutral, 50% windbreak net (yielding 70% of light penetration) was positioned around the field and above trees to cut down wind action and other occasional extreme atmospheric phenomena. Side openings were left on the nets to provide the entrance for pollinators. Compared to trees in the open field, trees under nets showed increased vigor (trunk cross-sectional area) and fruit growth (relative growth rate), and higher yields due also to larger fru…

Fruit physical, chemical and aromatic attributes of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars

BACKGROUND: In order to reach good fruit quality, apricots require a balance of sugars and acids as well as a strong apricot aroma. In this study, fruit quality of early, intermediate and late apricot cultivars was evaluated by measuring physical, chemical and olfactory attributes. Multivariate analysis of quality and aroma attributes was used to identify groups of similar cultivars and association with ripening season. RESULTS: Physical, chemical and aromatic attributes showed great variation among cultivars but no relation to ripening season. Aromatic profiles (34 volatiles) of fruit tissues indicated qualitative and quantitative differences among cultivars. Ninfa and Mandorlon were riche…

1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE DELAYS RIPENING AND IMPROVES POSTHARVEST QUALITY OF WHITE FLESH LOQUAT

The ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) delayed ripening and improved postharvest fruit quality of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). 1-MCP was used on the white flesh sub-acid loquat cultivars ‘Claudia’ and ‘BRT20’ to evaluate the possible effect on fruit ripening and to prevent negative effects of cold storage, like internal browning and flesh leatheriness. 1-MCP was applied at 2°C for 20 h and concentrations of 1 and 5 μl L-1. After 1-MCP treatment fruit were held at 2°C for 7, 14, and 21 days and then moved to 18°C for 5 days. Fruit flesh firmness, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble content (TSS), weight loss, internal browning and flesh leatheriness were evaluated at …

Food Quality, Sensory Attributes and Nutraceutical Value of Fresh “Osteen” Mango Fruit Grown under Mediterranean Subtropical Climate Compared to Imported Fruit

Mango is a fruit with a very short shelf-life due to its rapid ripeness after harvest

Stato attuale e potenzialità di mercato del Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) coltivato in Sicilia

Qualità pomologica e sensoriale di 10 varietà di mango (Mangifera indica L.) coltivate in Sicilia

Il mango (Mangifera indica L.) è una pianta arborea originaria della regione Indo-Burmese, che appartiene botanicamente alla famiglia delle Anacardiaceae, principalmente coltivata nei paesi a clima tropicale e subtropicale ed oggi, complice il cambiamento climatico, diffusa anche nel bacino del mediterraneo. In Italia il mango viene coltivato solo in Sicilia dove areali della costiera tirrenica hanno fatto registrare produzioni di pregio e una crescente diffusione di nuove cultivar provenienti dai luoghi di origine. Limiti vegetazionali piuttosto stretti, soprattutto in termini di minime termiche stagionali, hanno, in passato, causato l’insuccesso di numerosi nuovi impianti basati sull’intr…

Profilo sensoriali di frutti di Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) coltivati in Sicilia

Evoluzione delle caratteristiche qualitative dei frutti di pesco lungo la filiera con l’ausilio del DA-Meter.

Nuove introduzioni varietali di mango in Sicilia: qualità chimico-fisica e sensoriale dei frutti

Il recente boom dei consumi di mango (Mangifera indica L.) nel mercato europeo ha visto un aumento esponenziale delle superfici coltivate nelle aree vocate nel Bacino del Mediterraneo e l’introduzione di nuove varietà provenienti dai Paesi tropicali. Ai frutti importati dai paesi leader produttori, oggi si affiancano anche quelli siciliani che, potendo raggiungere in breve tempo qualsiasi mercato europeo, vengono lasciati maturare all’albero ottenendo livelli qualitativi migliori in termini di gusto e aroma. Obiettivo di questa ricerca è stato quello di valutare la risposta qualitativa dei frutti delle nuove cultivar in termini di qualità e di risposta all’ambiente di coltivazione mediterra…

Effect of passive atmosphere and chemical treatment on fresh cut of white flesh peach cultivar Settembrina di Bivona

Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene on postharvest quality of white- and yellow-flesh loquat (Eriobotrya japonicaLindl.) fruit

Introduction. The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) were evaluated on white-flesh cv. Claudia and yellow-flesh cv. Nespolone di Trabia loquat fruit. Materials and methods. Application of 1-MCP ((0.5 to 1) µL⋅L -1 for 20 h)) was monitored at 20 °C (7 days) and 0 °C (7 days at 0 °C and then 7 days at 20 °C). Results. Treatments with 1-MCP slowed fruit softening, depending on the concentration. Softening inhibition was greatest in fruit treated and held at 20 °C. The optimum concentration for softening inhibition at 20 °C was 1µ L ⋅L -1 of 1-MCP, while 0.5 µL⋅L -1 of 1-MCP was more effective at 0 °C. Conclusion. Treatments with 1-MCP inhibited titratable acidity loss in both cultivars. 1…

Influenze del portinnesto di pompelmo sulla qualità dei frutti di mandarino tardivo di ciaculli.

Fruit Yield and Quality of ‘Valencia’ Orange Trees under Long-Term Partial Rootzone Drying

Climate, soil and tree water status, fruit yields and quality of &lsquo

Evaluation of quality attributes and consumer preference of fresh or imported mangoes in Italy

Mango is a climacteric fruit with a very short shelf-life due to its rapid ripeness after harvest. Generally, fruit from tropical countries and directed to longer transportation (EU markets), are in general harvested firm, before complete ripening (mature-green stage). This harvest practice usefully for mango fruit storability and transportability, generally causes fruits quality and taste decrease. The present study was conducted to evaluate quality attributes and consumer preference of fresh or imported mangoes in Italy. Mango fruit imported from abroad (cv Keitt, Kent and Osteen) were collected from 2 different large-scale organized distribution markets (LD). Mango fruits (cv Keitt, Kent…

CHEMICAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF FIVE LOQUAT CULTIVARS

Fruit quality can be evaluated by combining chemical-physical and sensory analyses. In this trial, both instrumental and sensory analyses were carried out on fruit of 5 loquat cultivars (‘Nespolone di Trabia’, ‘Sanfilippara’, ‘Virticchiara’, ‘MarcenA²â€™ and ‘Golden Nugget’), with the aim of assessing their commercial quality. Fruit weight, transversal and longitudinal diameter, total soluble solid content (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA) were measured. In addition, a sensory profile of each cultivar was defined by a trained panel, which generated 16 attributes. The highest fruit weight was found in ‘Golden Nugget’ and ‘Sanfilippara’; the latter exhibited also th…

Fruit quality traits of six ancient apple Sicilian cultivars.

Utilizzo del DA-Meter nella valutazione qualitativa dei frutti di pesco in Sicilia

Study of green Sicilian Table Olive Fermentation Through Microbiological, Chemical, Hs-Spme and Sensory analyses

Mango siciliano di IV gamma: come aumentarne la shelf life con l’uso di film edibili di origine naturale.

Un nuovo edible coating, a base di olio di neem e gel di aloe, allunga la vita commerciale di frutti di mango in IV gamma senza alterarne il gusto

Growth, fruit yield and quality of ‘Golden Delicious’ apple trees under fixed partial rootzone drying

Evolution of Carotenoid Content, Antioxidant Activity and Volatiles Compounds in Dried Mango Fruits (Mangifera Indica L.)

The aim of this research was to study the evolution of carotenoid compounds, antioxidant &beta

Postharvest Application of Aloe vera Gel-Based Edible Coating to Improve the Quality and Storage Stability of Fresh-Cut Papaya

Ready-to-eat products are damaged by various factors, including exposure to O2 and CO2, extreme temperatures, and rapid decay, due to trauma during processing. The use of natural antimicrobial agents and antioxidants might extend the shelf-life of the fruits. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of four different antibrowning and gelling agents added into the Aloe vera gel-based edible coatings and applied to fresh-cut papaya. EC1 treatment consists of Aloe vera gel (30% v/v), EC2 contains CaCl2 (5% v/v), EC3 contains K carrageenan (0.5% v/v), and EC4 contains sodium alginate (1.5% v/v) and K carrageenan (0.5% v/v). The fruits treated with EC2 showed the best results while mai…

Changes in ascorbic acid content in fresh cut Sicilian yellow-flesh peaches during post harvest and in fresh cuts.

The traditional yellow-flesh peach cultivars Settembrina and Ottobrina di Leonforte, ripen, the former, during the first 10 days of September and, the latter, during the first 10 days of November in Sicily (Italy). During the pit hardening stage, fruit are covered with a paper bag in order to protect them from the Mediterranean fruit fly. To understand their behaviour in term of postharvest manteinance and suitability to minimal processing, Settembrina and Ottobrina di Leonforte were processed (cleaned, washed, peeled, cut, dipped, packed) to obtain fresh-cut peaches. Fresh cut slices were also stored in perforated bi-oriented polystyrene bags, with 2% ascorbic acid and 1% calcium lactate a…

Variazione della componente aromatica di mele “Pink Lady” in risposta al vigore del portinnesto e agli apporti idrici.

I frutti tropicali e sub-tropicali

I fruttiferi di origine tropicale più diffusi in Italia sono il mango, l’avocado, il litchi e la papaya, ai quali fanno da corollario poche altre specie, definibili minori per la loro diffusione sporadica in micro aree vocate, come il nespolo del Giappone, l’anona, il banano e la passiflora. La coltivazione di queste specie esotiche in Italia è concentrata al Sud Italia con la quasi totalità degli impianti di mango, avocado e litchi sulle coste tirreniche della Sicilia. In queste aree hanno trovato condizioni vocate che permettono alle piante di vegetare, seppur con alcuni adattamenti fisiologici ed agronomici, permettendo buone rese ed eccellente qualità dei frutti. La diffusione di queste…

Comparative study on the quality characteristics of some Egyptian mango cultivars used for food processing

This study aims to investigate the physical, chemical, rheological and sensorial properties of six common mango (Mangifera indica) cultivars in Egypt. These common cultivars were Alfonse, Sedeka, Awis, Sinara, Sukari and Zibdia. Weights of mango fruits ranged between 246.6 and 549.2 g. The highest significant value of sphericity was in Alfonse fruits (0.82), whereas the lowest value was 0.58 in Sinara fruits. The highest firmness value was 29.51 N in Sedeka fruits. The highest elasticity was 1.16 N/mm for Sukari fruits. The significantly color intensity chroma was recorded by Sinara, whereas the highest total color index (ΔE) was 88.41 for Sedeka mango cultivar. The significantly lowest pH …

Fruit quality evolution of different olive table cultivars during fermentation.

Use of seeds from local loquat ecotypes for rootstock production

In Italy loquat (Eriobotrya japonica, Lindl) seedlings are commonly produced in nurseries as rootstocks for commercial loquat orchards. Seedling production is characterized by low germination percentage and a slow plant growth.The aim of this study was to evaluate local ecotypes seeds of loquat for seedlings production. Some ecotypes (Bianco dolce, BRT20, Claudia, Fiore, La Mantia and Marcenò) and international cultivars (Algerie, Golden Nugget, Magdal, Peluche and Tanaka) were compared. Loquat seeds of 11 different genotypes were collected from mature fruits in commercial orchards. Seeds were extracted and washed after separating from flesh. A pretreatment of 24 hr of seed soaking in a sol…

Gelso in Sicilia: qualità, caratterizzazione e comportamento dei frutti in post-raccolta

Il gelso è una pianta arborea originaria dell'Asia e della Persia, introdotta in Italia dai Romani per le sue proprietà medicinali, oltre che per fini alimentari. Si distinguono due specie principali, comunemente denominati: gelso bianco e nero. I frutti, tipiche more di colore bianco violaceo o nero, sono molto apprezzati dall'uomo sin dall'antichità, sebbene vengano spesso collocati tra i frutti minori per la loro scarsa diffusione commerciale. Oggi, l'elevato interesse per le proprietà nutraceutichedi tali frutti spinge gli agricoltori ad una rivalutazione della gelsicoltura. Punto dolente della commercializzazione del gelso è la gestione post-raccolta a causa della brevissima shelf-life…

Fruit Quality Traits of Six Ancient Apple (Malus domesticaBorkh) Cultivars Grown in the Mediterranean Area

ABSTRACTToday, ancient cultivars have been considered obsolete and replaced, leading to a dramatic loss of genetic diversity. In this trial we examined the quality of the six ancient apple cultivars: Bommino, Gelato, Miliadeci, Rotolari, Turco, and Virchiata. Fruit was submitted to the determination of physicochemical traits and a sensory profile was defined by a trained panel using 20 attributes. We also detected biometric data using a specific descriptor list. Obtained data showed interesting physicochemical and sensory traits among the observed cultivars. ‘Rotolari’, ‘Bommino’, and ‘Gelato’ should be used in breeding programs and revaluated for a placement on specific local markets.

Effects of Argon-Based and Nitrogen-Based Modified Atmosphere Packaging Technology on the Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv. Wonderful) Arils

Ready-to-eat pomegranate arils are considered a “functional food” for their health benefits and have desirable sensory characteristics, which have caused an increasing interest by the consumers for this product. The preparation process of ready-to-eat fruit products can cause severe injuries and worsen their quality and shelf life significantly. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been used broadly in the last years to maintain the quality of processed fruits and showed optimal results, in spite of the possible problems caused by the depletion of O2 and corresponding accumulation of CO2 in the package. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different MAP treatments, based o…

Evaluation of morphological and genetic diversity of loquat accessions grown in sicily

In this study 20 accessions of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) that originated from Sicily and other countries were characterized phenotypically and genotyped using seven microsatellite markers. The microsatellites clearly distinguished 14 accessions; three pairs of local accessions were not differentiated, and three accessions from abroad can be considered bud sport mutations of the main Spanish cultivar ‘Algerie’. The mean alleles per locus was four, ranging from two with the marker EJ075 and five with EJ012 and EJ271; the mean Polymorphic Information Content was 0.53; the average expected and observed heterozygosities resulted 0.62 and 0.59, respectively. These values revealed a …

Fruit Quality Traits of Two Apricot Cultivars

In this trial we evaluated physical and chemical fruit quality traits and sensory profile of two late-ripening apricot cultivars ‘Vitillo’ and ‘Pellecchiella’. Fruits were harvested at full maturation in three different pickings, at 4 day intervals, to ensure the same fruit quality. To verify quality among different pickings, weight, diameter, soluble solid content, titratable acidity, pH, colour were recorded. To describe and quantify the sensory characteristics of apricot fruits a panel of 10 judges generated 16 descriptors. For each of these attributes judges assigned a score from 1 to 9. Qualitative and sensory data for each attribute were submitted to one way Analysis of Variance (ANOV…

Effect of low SO2 postharvest treatment on quality parameters of ‘Italia’ table grape during prolonged cold storage

Table grape is a non-climacteric fruit with a low rate of physiological activity, very sensitive to water loss and fungal infection (Botrytis cinerea) during postharvest handling and cold storage. Gray mold is the most aggressive postharvest disease, because of its ability to develop at low temperatures, for that reason, it is standard practice to fumigate with sulfur dioxide (SO2) immediately after packing. ‘Italia’ table grape boxes were stored at 2°C for 4 months in a storage room with low concentrations of SO2 (0.20%) to extend their postharvest shelf life. Every 15 days, a sample of ‘Italia’ table grapes boxes was moved to 20°C for 3 days for the shelf life simulation. During storage, …

Fruit quality and aroma of tree ripe and detached, sun-exposed ‘Annurca’ apples

Validation of a mechanistic model for predicting fruit scab infection on different loquat cultivars

[EN] Scab, caused by Fusicladium eriobotryae, is the main disease affecting loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) in the Mediterranean basin. A mechanistic epidemiological model developed in Spain to predict infection of loquat fruit by conidia was assessed in the main loquat cultivated area of Italy (Sicily). A 3-year study (2014-2016) was carried out in an experimental orchard on three loquat cultivars: Algerie, Peluche and San Filipparo. For each cultivar, output of the model was compared with observed scab development on fruits. The scab epidemics observed were different in different years and cultivars, representing a suitable data set for model validation. The model correctly predicted loquat …

Tree-Ripe Mango Fruit: Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Properties and Sensory Profile of Six Mediterranean-Grown Cultivars

Some of the key components that contribute to the acceptance of high-quality fresh mangoes by consumers are its flavour, odour, texture and chemical constituents that depend mainly on level of maturity. In the European market, the demand for tree-ripened fruit has increased in recent decades. Nevertheless, the qualitative response and the marketable characteristics of tree-ripened mango fruit grown in the Mediterranean area are not yet studied. Tree-ripened fruits of cv Keitt, Glenn, Osteen, Maya, Kensington Pride and Tommy Atkins were submitted to analytical (fruit weight, transversal diameter, longitudinal diameter, flesh firmness, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, seed wei…

Hydrolate and EO Application to Reduce Decay of Carica papaya during Storage

Postharvest fruit loss is caused by the absence of advanced handling and storage technologies and the quiescent presence of fungal pathogens. Therefore, there is a growing demand for sustainable decisions for the planet. This study focused on the use of two types of edible coatings: one was based on the essential oil of Origanum vulgare L. subsp. viridulum with Aloe arborescens Mill. gel (EC1), and the other was based on the hydrolate only (EC2). These treatments were applied to provide defense against fungal infections in papaya (Carica papaya L. cv Solo), and the storage time was 25 days (T5 ± 1 °C). Fruits coated with EC1 were more contaminated with fungal pathogens than both control (CT…

Scelta delle varietà di melo nella nuova melicoltura meridionale