Past and present role of the Indian-fig prickly-pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller, Cactaceae) in the agriculture of sicily

Of prickly-pear cacti occurring in Sicily, the most widespread and economically important is Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller. In Sicily it has, since its introduction, played an important role in the exploitation of marginal areas. The Sicilian experience is described with reference to the historical outlines and the present intensive production of late fruit. Information on historical and actual uses of the plant and its products (flowers, cladodes, fruits) is given.

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…

Sistemi e paesaggi

Assessment of the wind influence on spray application using an artificial vineyard

Effect of Opuntia ficus-indica Mucilage Edible Coating in Combination with Ascorbic Acid, on Strawberry Fruit Quality during Cold Storage

Strawberry fruit is a nonclimacteric fruit and is one of the most consumed berries in the world. It is characterized by high levels of vitamin C, folate, vitamin E, β-carotene, and phenolic constituents as well asanthocyanins that are strictly related to health benefits. Strawberries are highly perishable fruit with a very short postharvest life due to their susceptibility to mechanical injury, rapid texture softening, physiological disorders, and infection caused by several pathogens (yeast and mold) that can rapidly reduce fruit quality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the application of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage in combination with ascorbic acid, as edible …

Metabolic profiling and post-harvest behavior of “dottato” fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit covered with an edible coating from O. ficus-indica

Fig fruits are usually highly sensitive to some physiopathological disorders during post-harvest life, such as softening and skin cracking. Indeed, the use of edible coating (EC) has been evaluated in several fruit crops to reduce fruit post-harvest transpiration and to maintain fruit visual quality. The aim of this study was to determine the post-harvest metabolic response of breba figs treated with mucilage extract from O. ficus-indica cladodes, using an untargeted metabolomic approach. Coated and non coated (control) fruit were sealed in plastic bags, and stored at 4 °C for 7 days. The effect of the edible coatings on their quality fruit during cold storage and qualitative attributes wer…

Il paesaggio agrario delle isole circumsiciliane.

Innovative tecniche nella produzione e nella termo conservazione delle uve da tavola in Sicilia

In mostra la grande diversità degli agrumi mediterranei

Tra scienza, bellezza, curiosità, a Palermo una grande mostra dedicata al patrimonio genetico degli agrumi ha raccolto decine di tipologie di frutti e reperti artistici legati alle prime forme di agrumicoltura industriale siciliana.

Root growth and soil carbon turnover in Opuntia ficus-indica as affected by soil volume availability

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of soil volume restriction, i.e. root confinement, on below-and-above ground growth of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill) as well as the effect on root architecture and turnover, and soil carbon turnover. In May 2014, 1- year-old cladodes were planted in five different pots size (50, 33, 18, 9 and 5 L). Soil samples were collected from each pot and dried before SOC and δ13C determination. Roots of each plant were divided visually into three groups depending on their diameter, and then measured and weighed. Results indicated a significant effect of soil volume and sampling dates on total root length, root dry mass and δ13…

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

SENSORY EVALUATION AND SUITABILITY FOR FRESH-CUT PRODUCE OF WHITE PEACH [PRUNUS PERSICA (L.) BATSCH] 'SETTEMBRINA DI BIVONA'

‘Settembrina di Bivona’ peaches were cut into slices to assess their suitability as fresh-cut produce. Untreated (control) and treated with calcium lactate fresh cut slices were closed in plastic boxes for 24 hours (T1) or five days of storage (T2) at 5°C, and then placed at 20°C to assess consumers’ liking. Soluble solids content, titratable acidity, firmness and pH were measured. A sample of n = 750 consumers was selected taking into consideration three variables: age (from 25 to 55 years old), professional status (employed) and aptitude to buy fresh-cut fruit for personal use. A systematic sampling was used, with a detection point based in a properly selected supermarket during t…

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…

Students actitudes about consuption and organic peachs quality, at university of Palermo

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…

Uno studio sul bilancio del carbonio in un agrumeto di Catania

Ficodindia dalla produzione al consumo

Crop Load and Rootstock Influence on Dry Matter Partitioning in Trees of Early and Late Ripening Peach Cultivars

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. vigor, starch, fruit size, Prunus persica ABSTRACT. Effect of crop load on dry matter partitioning was studied on 3-year-old peach ((Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (Peach Group)) trees of the early ripening 'Early May Crest' (EMC) grafted on 'GF677' and Penta (Prunus domestica L.) rootstock and the late ripening 'Flaminia' grafted on 'GF677' rootstock ((Prunus persica x Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb) and grown outdoors in 230-L containers, for 2 years. Fruit thinning was carried out 10 days after fruit set to produce different crop loads. Trees were sampled destructively throughout two growing seasons and divided into above- ground and root components, for dry matter …

Instrumental and sensory evaluation of eating quality of peaches and nectarines

The influence of flesh firmness on consumer acceptance and its relationship with total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TTA) and sensory analysis were studied for fruits of ‘September Sun’ and ‘Sweet September’ (low acid) peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), and ‘Maria Dolce’ (low acid) and ‘Venus’ nectarine (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, var. nucipersica) cultivars. Sensory descriptors, assessed by a short-trained panel, were firmness, sweetness, sourness, aroma, acceptability. Different stages of fruit firmness did not always result in significant differences of TSS, TTA and their ratio, but the panel was able to discriminate fruit ripening stages, in terms of fruit firmness, aroma …

Ficodindia, la qualità del prodotto siciliano nasce dal territorio e dalle tecniche di coltivazione

Planting systems and landscape values in the oliviculture of Calabria

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…

Characterization and development of different methods to extend shelf life of fresh cut fruit. Case study: novel controlled release system by layer-by-layer assembly

The research project aimed at the investigation of different methods for the storage of fresh-cut fruit. This case study relates to the proposal of an innovative controlled release system to improve the shelf life of ready-to-eat fruit. The methods applied during three research years included the application of active molecules from natural substances, some widely used in commerce and other tested for the first time; first analyzed in vitro and then applied in vivo. The under consideration methods concerned dipping, coating and the layer-by-layer assembly. The analysis carried out on the fruit have monitored pomological traits performances (soluble solids content, titratable acidity, pH, co…

The Citrus in the Mediterranean Region

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…

Modelli colturali sostenibili per le produzioni orto-floro-frutticole di qualità

Il concetto di sviluppo sostenibile si è articolato nel tempo, integrando l’idea di sviluppo socialmente accettabile e compatibile con il mantenimento degli equilibri ecologici e la economicità dei processi produttivi. La salvaguardia dell’ambiente e della salute umana, l’uso razionale delle risorse naturali e degli input tecnici, il mantenimento di elevati e stabili livelli economici di crescita ed il rispetto dei principi di equità sociale, sono i paradigmi della sostenibilità dei processi produttivi, anche in agricoltura. In un contesto di economia globalizzata, che di fatto ha creato le condizioni di estremo disagio delle economie agricole più deboli e che comunque ha reso più aleatorie…

Confronto qualitativo fra pesche biologiche ed integrate: l'opinione dei consumatori

Effect of surround WP (a Kaolin-based particle film) on Ceratitis capitata infestation, quality and postharvest behavior of cactus pear fruit cv Gialla

ABSTRACT A Kaolin-particle film (Surround WP) was applied at 3% to cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica cv Gialla) to assess its capacity to Control medfly (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann) infestation and to evaluate its effects on the quality and postharvest behavior of treated fruit. In the first trial, Kaolin was applied at the end of July when fruit were green and about two weeks later, at color breakage. Its efficacy was compared with a standard organophosphate insecticide (Phosmet). The experiment was conducted in two locations in 2014 and 2015. Kaolin application was very effective in preventing medfly attacks until natural fruit drop in November. Kaolin treated fruit were harvested at th…

Variazioni dei parametri qualitativi dei frutti, nella chioma di piante di Actinidia deliciosa, cv Hayward, allevate a tendone

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 …

In Vitro Regeneration of Capparis spinosa L. by Using a Temporary Immersion System

Three caper (Capparis spinosa L.) biotypes grown on the Sicilian island of Salina (38&deg

Una scomoda verità. Come salvare la terra dal riscaldamento globale autore Al Gore

POLLEN MORPHOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES IN OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA (L.) MILL.

The fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill., the most worldwide cultivated species of Cactaceae family, contain viable seeds (100-250) of large size. This characteristic influences the commercial quality of the fruit. The study of floral biology in Opuntia allows to understand the behaviour of the plant during reproductive phase and perhaps to distinguish clones with different fruits behaviour (with seed and seedless). The study resulted in a palynological characterization by optical and scanning microscopy (SEM), followed by a qualitative analysis on the male line with pollen viability and in vitro germination tests, in addition to a pollen-pistil interaction survey. The plant material c…

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

The effect of complementary irrigation on fruit growth, ripening pattern and oil characteristics of olive (Olea europaea L.) cv. Carolea

SummaryComplementary irrigation, 80 mm, distributed only during the third stage of fruit development, delayed ripening time and increased fruit size and oil content for fruits of the olive cv. Carolea. Prolonged water deficit reduced fruit growth, oil accumulation rate, K content of the fruit and enhanced ripening and pre-harvest fruit drop. Harvest time affected oil characteristics more than the water availability. Fatty acid composition was not affected by the water regime but polyphenol content increased and alcohol content decreased in the oil produced by irrigated trees.

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…

Qualità dell'olio: il ruolo di ambiente e tecniche colturali

Sensory quality and suitability for conservation of fresh-cut peach (cv Settembrina of Bivona)

Influenza della densità di impianto sul bilancio del carbonio in agumicoltura.

THERMAL TIME REQUIREMENT AND HARVEST TIME FORECAST FOR PEACH CULTIVARS WITH DIFFERENT FRUIT DEVELOPMENT PERIODS

Non-linear models using growing degree hours (GDH), based on the choice of base, critical and optimum temperatures, have been successfully applied to calculate thermal time required for spring bud burst in deciduous fruit trees. The flexibility of the model can fit the wide range of temperatures that occur during the peach fruit development period (FDP), which takes place from early spring to late summer. In this experiment, fruit growth was studied in relation to thermal time accumulated from bloom to fruit harvest for peach and nectarine cultivars whose fruit development period range from 70 to 150 days. Thermal time was calculated in terms of degree days (DD) (base temperature 7 °C, and …

I fattori di variabilità genetici, ambientali e colturali della composizione dell'olio d'oliva

The compositon of olive oil results from a multivariate interaction in which genotype, environment, and agronomic-dependent factors are involved. The genotype controls genetic traits accounting for the rate pattern of fruit growth, oil accumulation in mesocarp cells and fruit ripening, while the genotype x environment interaction changes the rate of fruit growth, oil accumulation and fruit ripening pattern. The latter accounts for large changes in oil composition and sensorial features. The influence of genotype is linked to differences in the fruit growth and ripening patterns, though all those factors that may have an influence on fruit size, flesh/pit ratio and relative growth rate have …

Factors Affecting Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Composition

ABBREVIATIONS I. THE CONCEPT OF OLIVE OIL QUALITY II. EVOO COMPOSITION AND NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES III. SOURCES OF VARIABILITY OF EVOO COMPOSITION AND PROPERTIES IV. AGRONOMICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING EVOO COMPOSITION AND QUALITY A. Genotype B. Growing Area and Seasonal Conditions C. Tree Water Status D. Productivity and Alternate Bearing E. Orchard Management 1. Cultivation Method 2. Training System and Pruning 3. Fertilization and Soil Management

The Effect of Soil Volume Availability on Opuntia ficus-indica Canopy and Root Growth

The study investigated the effect of soil volume restriction on the below- and above-ground growth of Opuntia ficus-indica through understanding the limit imposed by root confinement via different soil volumes on root and canopy architecture and growth. In 2014, one-year-old O. ficus-indica cladodes were planted in five different soil volumes (50, 33, 18, 9 and 5 L). The cladode and roots of each sampled plants were measured and weighed every six months

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…

Cactus Pear: Gift of the New World

Le risorse genetiche autoctone e la frutticoltura di qualità tra tradizione e innovazione

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

Epicuticular changes and storage potential of cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica Miller (L.)] fruit following gibberellic acid preharvest sprays and postharvest heat treatment

Abstract Cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica Mill. (L.) cv. Gialla] fruit were treated 10 weeks after the second induced-bloom flush with 10 ppm gibberellic acid (GA3) or were heated at 37°C for 30 h under saturated humidity after harvest. The two treatments were also combined before storage at 6°C for 45 days plus 4 additional days at 20°C to simulate a marketing period (SMP). Fruit not treated with GA3 and unheated were used as controls. GA3 spray delayed fruit ripening as evaluated by peel colour change and scanning electron microscopic observations of epicuticular wax morphology, decreased ethanol levels in the flesh during storage and SMP, and reduced decay development during storage. Po…

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…

Effect of cladode shading on growth and ripening of fruits of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indicaL. Miller)

SummaryFruiting cladodes of O. ficus-indica were covered with shade nets at different stages of the fruit development period to study the effect of the time and duration of shade on fruit growth, ripening time and harvest quality. Shading the fruiting cladodes 0, 15 and 30 d after full bloom (DAB) for a period of 15, 30, 45, 60 or 75 d significantly reduced fruit growth and ultimate harvest size. The longer the shading period the greater was the reduction of harvest fruit size. The greatest reduction of fruit growth (30%) occurred when the fruiting cladodes were shaded from bloom to harvest. Differences in growth rate beween fruits on shaded or sunlit cladodes begun to appear at 30 DAB and …

Dry matter accumulation and seasonal partitioning in mature Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. fruiting trees

Aim of this study was to understand the allocation of biomass into different canopy and root components and to measure the stem area index and its partitioning by cladode functionality (age), for fruiting Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) Gialla trees, spaced 6x5 m apart and trained to a globe. The net primary productivity (NPP), calculated taking into account dry weight gain for above-ground vegetative components of OFI trees was 3.6 t C ha –1 . Including the fruit component and 1 st flush current-year cladodes, NPP of above-ground components becomes 12 t ha –1 , equivalent to 5.4 t C ha –1 . Current-year cladodes were the highest C sink (49% of total annual C fixed in the canopy), secondary grow…

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…

Carbon sequestration potential of Italian orchards and vineyards

From 2004 to 2012 carbon (C) fluxes between the soil-vegetation system and the atmosphere in apple, grape, olive and orange orchards planted in different Italian regions were measured. Above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) ranged from 4 (olive) to 9 (apple) Mg C ha-1. Alley grass contribution to total ANPP significantly varied among the systems, reaching a maximum of 60% in vineyards. The harvest index ranged from 46% for apple, to 58% for orange, 60% for grape and 41% for olive, while abscised leaves accounted for 30% of ANPP, on average. Soil respiration fluxes ranged from 6 (orange) to 10 (grape) Mg C ha-1. Results indicate the potential of these fruit crop to sequester atmospheri…

Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Chitosan Treatment on Quality and Sensorial Parameters of Minimally Processed cv. ‘Italia’ Table Grapes

Table grape is a non-climacteric fruit, very sensitive to water loss and gray mold during postharvest handling and storage. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of modified atmosphere packaging and chitosan treatment on quality and sensorial parameters of minimally processed cv. ‘Italia’ table grape during cold storage (14 days at 5 °C) and shelf-life (7 and 14 days of cold storage plus 5 days at 20 °C), reproducing a retail sales condition. Our data showed a significant effect of high CO2-modified atmosphere in combination with chitosan and alone on preserving quality, sensorial parameters, and delaying decay of minimally processed table grape. The most effective treatment in t…

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.

Instrumental and sensory analysis of eating quality of peaches and nectarines

The influence of flesh firmness on consumer acceptance and its relationship with total soluble solids concentration (TSSC), titratable acidity (TTA) and sensory analysis was studied to understand their interaction in determining acceptance judgments, for different organoleptic typologies of peaches and nectarines. The investigation was carried out during summer 2006 on fruit of ‘September Sun’ and ‘Sweet September’ (low acid) peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), and ‘Maria Dolce’ (low acid) and ‘Venus’ nectarines (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch, var. nucipersica). Sensory descriptors for peaches and nectarines were Flesh firmness, Sweetness, Sourness, Aroma, and Acceptability. The panel was able…

Utilizzazione delle risorse energetiche e nutrizionali in piante di arancio a diversa densità di impianto

Variazione della resopirazione dei frutti durante la maturazione in olivo cv "Carolea"

Effect of 1-methylcyclopropene on cactus pear fruit at different maturity stages during storage

1-Methylcyclopropene (1‑MCP) is an ethylene antagonist widely used to retain quality and prolong the postharvest storage period of various climacteric fruits. To date, there is little information about the effects of 1‑MCP on postharvest storage performance of cactus pear fruits. Recently, data revealed that exposure of 1‑MCP at 1000 ppb had several beneficial effects in preserving postharvest quality of cactus pear fruits, as indicated by inhibition of peel color change. In this paper, we investigated the effect of 1‑MCP on quality of cactus pear fruit harvested from the scozzolatura crop at early and late ripeness stages. Fruit was tested at two different ripening stages: “commercial ripe…

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. …

Linee di sviluppo dell'olivicoltura italiana tra tradizione e innovazione

Variability of fruit Quality of the Sicilian Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) Germplasm

Effect of opuntia ficus-indica mucilage edible coating on quality, nutraceutical, and sensorial parameters of minimally processed cactus pear fruits

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) is a non-climacteric fruit with a relatively short postharvest life span, being very sensitive to water loss, darkening and decay. Cactus pear is a spiny fruit, and the presence of glochids limits fruit consumption and diffusion

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

EVOLUTION OF ENDOGENOUS GIBERELLINS AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF FLOWERING IN RELATION TO RETURN BLOOM OF CACTUS PEAR (OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA (L.) MILLER)

Abstract The effect of flower emasculation, flower injection with paclobutrazol and the complete removal of the spring flush of flowers and cladodes on the changes in GA 3 concentration at different stages of bloom in flowers and fertile cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica has been determined. Throughout the bloom period, the concentration of GA 3 was higher in intact flowers and the cladode than in flowers emasculated or injected with paclobutrazol. With the onset of blooming, GA 3 started to accumulate both in the flower and in the fertile cladode, and the highest concentration was measured at full bloom in the flower and in the cladodes whose flowers were not removed. Flower emasculation or…

progettazione e impianto dell'oliveto

The establishment of new olive orchards represents the main way to renovate the olive sector in Italy, because they allow high yields and mechanization of cultural practices, particularly harvesting. The design of an olive orchard implies several important choices (area, cultivar, training system, planting density, orientation of the rows, type of trees) which must be made in relation to several factors, such as farm size, type of product that the grower wants to obtain (commercial target), system to mechanize harvesting, kind of cultivation (conventional, integrated or organic). The application of correct techniques for the preparation of the site, disposal of excessive water, execution of…

Attitudine dei suoli alle colture di nicchia. Il ficodindia

Influence of an evoked pleasant consumption context on consumers’ hedonic evaluation for minimally processed cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit

Awareness of the need to consider a consumption context when measuring the consumer's hedonic evaluation of a food product led researchers to investigate differences among responses given by consumers in different contexts. Previous studies measured the effects of evoking a consumption context, by using photographs or a written scenario, on hedonic evaluations of consumers for food products. This study investigated the influence of evoking a consumption context on hedonic evaluation of minimally processed cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit, using pictures and memories of pleasant personal experiences. A hedonic scale method for measuring food preferences was used. Hedonic evaluation o…

A survey of carbon sequestration potential of orchards and vineyards in Italy

Orchards and vineyards are important land use types in Southern Europe. In spite of their potential to sequester atmospheric C and to mitigate climate change, relatively little is known regarding the influx and outflux of C in these systems. The aim of this work is to provide data on the C budget, including net primary production (NPP), C removal through production, and C sequestration potential for the vineyards and the main fruit tree species (apple, citrus, olive, and peach) grown in Italy. Standing biomass and NPP were measured, and net ecosystem exchange and net C balance assessed directly, through either eddy covariance technique, or considering NPP and heterotrophic respiration. Abov…

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

The establishment of an organic farmers’ market as a training case study for Students of the Faculty of Agriculture in the University of Palermo

The role of organic agriculture in the island of Sicily is well recognised by farmers, though the consumption of organic products still fails to largely develop in the local markets, due to several reasons, among which the small scale agricultural system and its structural poor organization plays a major role. The University of Palermo holds two major undergraduate and graduate courses on “Organic Agriculture” with a very good participation of Students. A student’s association was established with the aim of: a) encourage the consumption of organic products coming from local small scale farmers, and b) endorse the capacity of creating new job skillnes and opportunities for graduate students…

Evoluzione delle caratteristiche qualitative dell’uva da tavola (Vitis vinifera L.) in IV gamma nel post-raccolta

Effect of addition of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage on the biological leavening, physical, nutritional, antioxidant and sensory aspects of bread

The addition of active compounds to enhance the functional properties of foods is a quite common practice. Recently, bread became one of the target foods to incorporate functional ingredients such as those deriving from Opuntia spp. So far, only Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes in powder has been tested. The addition of fresh O. ficus-indica mucilage (in substitution to water) did not influence the biological leavening of the doughs. The resulting breads showed a biological role of the cactus mucilage, because their antioxidant activity was higher than that of control wheat bread. The sensory analysis indicated a general appreciation of the breads enriched with O. ficus-indica mucilage by the …

Effetto del grado di maturazione sui frutti di ficodindia (O. ficus-indica (L.) Miller) minimamente processati.

Effect of drying condition on Leonforte peaches

Leonforte peaches ripen in September and October and even as late as November. They are wrapped in paper bags to protect them from the wind and parasites and are harvested only when perfectly ripe. Protected inside the bags, they ripen late and take on a bright yellow colour with red streaks. Wonderfully scented, the peach boasts yellow, firm flesh that is sweet with a distinctive, slightly caramelized flavour. Aim of this paper was to set a drying process for fresh fruit transformation. In fact, the fruit harvest is limited in a very short time, so is important to find a conservation method. Drying process was carried out in a pilot plant setting different temperature and time condition. T…

Evoluzione della maturazione della “Pesca di Bivona” e risposta fisiologica della cv Agostina a differenti temperature di conservazione

Effect of summer pruning on some fruit quality traits in Hayward kiwifruit

Introduction . The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of various levels of light availability in the fruit microenvironment (induced by summer pruning) on some fruit quality traits. Materials and methods . Two levels of summer pruning were set: removal of either 30% or 60% of the canopy leaf area. These treatments were compared with the control (unpruned vines). Two canopy layers (upper and lower) were identified in each treatment and in the control vines. At harvest, yield per cane and per shoot was recorded in the two canopy layers; fruit fresh weight, flesh firmness, total soluble solid content and total titratable acidity were measured. Fruit Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and…

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on quality parameters of minimally processed table grape during cold storage

‘Vittoria’ and ‘Red Globe’ table grapes were packed in microperforated polypropylene films (passive MAP) and non-perforated polyethylene (active MAP: 1) 20% CO2 + air; 2) 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + N) and stored at 5 °C for 28 days. Microperforated polypropylene packages had the highest postharvest performance in both cultivars until 14 days of cold storage, with reduced weight losses, rachis and berry decay. Total soluble solids content slightly increased in non-perforated polyethylene boxes as a consequence of the higher weight losses, particularly in active MAP with 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + N, while no significant differences were found for titratable acidity. Non-perforated polyethylene packages showed…

CO2 FLUXES OF OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA MILL. TREES IN RELATION TO WATER STATUS

Gas exchange pattern in O. ficus-indica(OFI), refers to the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM); trees have nocturnal stomata opening, so net CO2 uptake and water loss occur during the cooler part ofthe 24-hour cycle. Succulent cladodes skip severe periods of drought through their water storer tissue (parenchyma). To study carbon fluxes in stress and no stress conditions, an experiment was carried out on 3-year-old irrigated and non-irrigated OFI potted trees; whole tree gas exchange was measured continuously with a balloon system made up by a portable Infrared Gas Analyzer. Continuous measurements(nighttime) during the summer season were useful to assess differences in carbon uptake under s…

Root uptake, storage and remobilisation of autumn applied nitrogen to kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) vines

L'absorption racinaire, la subdivision, la conservation, et la redistribution de l'azote au niveau des racines ont ete etudiees sur des jeunes plantes de kiwi cv « Hayward », portant des fruits et cultives en pots. Deux rations de nitrate d'ammonium enrichi en 15 N [3,3 g (LN) et 10,0 g (HN) N par plante] ont ete distribuees 1 mois avant la recolte des fruits. Les fruits de kiwi ont absorbe 44-68 % du 1 5 N fourni a l'automne, qui a ete stocke principalement dans le systeme racinaire (61 %). Le 15 N a represente 22 et 36 % respectivement de l'azote total contenu dans les fruits des plantes LN et HN. Les feuilles ont retenu la plus grande partie de l'azote marque au cours de la senescence et…

Changes in enzymes involved in photosynthesis and other metabolic processes in the fruit of Opuntia ficus-indica during growth and ripening

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the abundance of a number of enzymes in the peel, core and seeds of fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller during development. The enzymes studied were phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC; EC: 4.1.1.31), ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RUBISCO; EC: 4.1.1.39), aldolase (EC: 4.1.2.13), pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK; EC: 2.7.9.1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK; EC: 4.1.1.49) and aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT; EC: 2.6.1.1). To detect these enzymes, antibodies specific for each enzyme were used to probe Western blots of sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gels. Fruit weight increased throughout…

Paesaggio culturale dei sistemi tradizionali: l'olivo in Italia

We used a new sedimentary record to reconstruct the Holocene vegetation and fire history of Gorgo Basso, a coastal lake in south-western Sicily (Italy). Pollen and charcoal data suggest a fire-prone open grassland near the site until ca 10,000 cal yr BP (8050 cal BC), when Pistacia shrubland expanded and fire activity declined, probably in response to increased moisture availability. Evergreen Olea europaea woods expanded ca 8400 to decline abruptly at 8200 cal yr BP, when climatic conditions became drier at other sites in the Mediterranean region. Around 7000 cal yr BP evergreen broadleaved forests (Quercus ilex, Quercus suber and O. europaeo) expanded at the cost of open communities. The …

Impianto del frutteto

Introduction: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Agri-food Supply Chain

The origin of the COVID-19 pandemic is still unclear, but the link with the presence in the food chain of wild animals for human consumption has been claimed as one of the possible sources of the so-called “spillover” of the virus. Food safety throughout the food chain, from field to fork, is one of the most critical issues of the food industry, and significant differences still exist from country to country concerning food production systems, postharvest management, trading, and retail organization. The effect of the pandemic has touched all steps of the food chain.

Cactus pear (O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill.) fruit production: Ecophysiology, orchard and fresh-cut fruit management

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) is cultivated in wide range of environments with the consequence of large differences in crop potential, orchard systems and management. These differences may be related to temperature and rainfall range (water availability) but also to the day/night length and, of course, to soil characteristics. This leads to considerable variability in the field and in fruit quality. Crop value much depends in crop variability in terms of fruit size, which is the major factor for fruit price in Europe. The increase of crop value very much depends on regular cultural practices such as irrigation and fruit thinning, but it is also dependent on plant crop yield an…

The influence of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage edible coating on the quality of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit slices

Abstract The aim of this work was to study the effect of mucilage edible coating extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) on the quality and shelf life maintenance of packaged kiwifruit slices. OFI mucilage alone or added with TWEEN ® 20 were applied on kiwifruit fresh cut surfaces. After treatments, kiwifruit samples were stored under passive atmosphere at 5 ± 1 °C for 3, 5, 7 and 12 days. At each storage period, visual quality and flavor score, pectin content, ascorbic acid and the microbiological characteristics were measured together with CO 2 and O 2 content in the packages. Kiwifruit slices coated only with mucilage or with mucilage plus Tween 20, showed a significant higher firmness…

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

La riduzione delle emissioni e il ruolo degli ecosistemi terrestri

WITHIN TREE AND ORCHARD VARIABILITY OF SILVER KING PEACH (PRUNUS PERSICA (L.) BATSCH) FRUIT QUALITY

The variability of crop quality accounts for most of seasonal variation of farmers’ incomes, since fruit value mostlydepends on its size and overall quality. Canopy architecture and orchard lay-out are mainly responsible for within tree environment and allocation, which in turn, account for fruit quality and its variability. Little is known about within tree and between trees variability resulting from different planting and training systems. A positive relationship has been measured in peach between PAR and TEAC (Motisi et al., 2005; Scalzo et al., 2005; Motisi et al., 2008). This study was carried out to measure within tree and orchard variability of fruits of the early ripening ‘Silver K…

Determination of Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient of Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) with an Energy Balance Technique

A micrometeorological approach based on surface renewal technique was adopted to estimate evapotranspiration fluxes and crop coefficient data from an irrigated cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) orchard under Mediterranean climatic conditions. High-frequency temperature readings were taken above the canopy top in order to get surface renewal sensible heat flux values (HSR). These values were compared against eddy covariance sensible heat fluxes (HEC) for calibration. Latent heat flux (or evapotranspiration, ET) was obtained as the residual of the energy balance equation using HSR. In field measurements of biophysical crop features, physiological characteristic and soil hydraulic compo…

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…

Increasing Cold Tolerance of Cactus Pear Fruit by High-Temperature Conditioning and Film Wrapping

Pre-storage high-temperature conditioning (HTC, 38 °C, and 95% RH for 24 h) and individual film wrapping (IFW) with a perforated polyolefinic heat-shrinkable film were used as individual treatments or in combination to mitigate chilling injury of first crop cactus pear cv ‘Gialla’. The fruit was stored for 21 days at either 2 or 8 °C (CS) plus 1 week of simulated marketing conditions (SMC) at 20 °C. The reduction in peel disorders and decay in HTC-treated fruit stored at 2 °C was comparable to that detected in control fruit stored at 8 °C. IFW was more efficient than HTC in reducing peel disorders, almost completely inhibited weight loss, and preserved freshness in fruit st…

Physiological and Technical Aspects of Cactus Pear [Opuntia ficus-indica(L.) Mill.] Double Rellowering and Out-of-Season Winter Fruit Cropping

Abstract A commercial cactus pear plantation in Sicily, Italy was manipulated to induce late cropping. The spring flush of flowers and cladodes were removed as was the second induced bloom of flowers and cladodes. The third induced bloom was harvested for a late out-of-season crop of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.). The double removal induced a third flush of flowers and cladodes during late August with a fruit production that ripened the following winter (to March). The number of flowers per fertile cladode was halved after the double removal and the length of the fruit development period increased from 100-120 days to 160-190 days for the out-of-season crop. Polyethylene covering…

Determination of Evapotranspiration and Annual Biomass Productivity of a Cactus Pear [Opuntia ficus-indica L. (Mill.)] Orchard in a Semiarid Environment

A micrometeorological approach based on the surface energy balance was adopted to estimate evapotranspiration fluxes and crop coefficient data from an irrigated cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica L. (Mill.)] orchard under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Highfrequency temperature readings were taken above the canopy top to get sensible heat flux values (HSR) using the surface renewal technique. These values were compared against eddy covariance sensible heat fluxes (HEC) for calibration. Latent heat flux (or evapotranspiration, ET) was obtained by solving the daily energy balance equation. Measurements of soil hydraulic components were integrated with the analysis of the surface energy flu…

OTTIMIZZAZIONE DEL GRADO DI MATURAZIONE E DELLA FRIGOCONSERVAZIONE DEI FRUTTI DELLA CULTIVAR DI PESCO BIANCA DI BIVONA

Fruit productivity and carbon gain of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. trees

Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) tree and orchards efficiency has been poorly studied, in terms of relation between orchard lay out, light interception, and cropping efficiency. Apparently, there is no other way to increase orchard production than increasing the number either of trees ha-1 or fertile shoots tree-1, considering that a fruit count higher than 6-7 cladode-1 reduces fruit harvest size. The first option requires a reduction of unit tree size and canopy volume. The second option implies the use of large trees that often reduce their efficiency 12-15 years after planting. In 15-year-old OFI trees spaced 6 5 m apart trained to a globe and 2.5-3.0 m high, stem area index (SAI) calculated …

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…

Influence Of within-tree and environmental factors On fruit quality of cactus Pear (O. ficus-Indica)

Introduction. Opuntia ficus-indica fruit quality was studied, in the main sites for cactus pear cultivation in Italy, with the ultimate goal of understanding the main sources of variability and increasing crop value. Materials and methods. A first study was carried out in 2006 on mature Opuntia ficus-indica trees, cvs. Gialla and Rossa, grown in ten commercial orchards located in the main sites for their cultivation in Italy. Trees were managed to produce an out-of-season crop in October, through the removal of the spring flush at bloom time, during the first week of June. Trees had a similar crop [(52 ± 10) kg of fruits•tree-1], and no more than six fruits were left on each of the fruiting…

Conoscere gli alberi

Research strategies for the improvement of cactuspear (Opuntia ficus-indica) fruit quality and production

Abstract Cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica L.) is cultivated worldwide for fruit production either in the subsistence agriculture of dryland areas or as a cash crop. However, little horticultural research has been devoted to this species so far. Research needs related to reproductive biology as well as productivity and orchard management are outlined. A better knowledge of the environmental influence on reproductive biology and fruit quality, the control of fluctuations in plant cropping, as well as the reduction of seed number and size, are the major challenges for future research. Cactus pear will transcend the ethnical markets only if adequate marketing strategies can be promoted and fr…

Posidonia Oceanica And Green Tea Extract As Active Agents For Shelf Life Extension Of Fresh Cut Peach

Nowadays the reduction of food waste and the availability of food all over the world areas are priority keys for society. In this context, the shelf life extension of fresh products in a sustainable way may represent one of the main goals. The aim of the present research work was to extend the shelf life of fresh cut peach slices by using extracts of Posidonia oceanica (POS) and green tea (GT), and compared to the control. Total polyphenols content was assessed by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant capacity by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl) assay. Antimicrobial activity of the two extracts was initially carried out in vitro by determining the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (…

The establishment of an organic farmers'market as a training case study for students of the faculty of agriculture in the University of Palermo

Despite the modest regional consumption of organic products, Sicily is one of the most important European regions in surface area per number of companies active in organic farming. The University of Palermo, as early as 2000, to promote the development and success in this industry, the Faculty of Agriculture, introduced two major degree programs in "Organic Farming". The objective of these courses is to train graduates who are technically capable of supporting the organic farmers market, to promote and facilitate the expansion of the consumption of organic products, and to create employment opportunities for young graduates. At the end of 2009, in the area of these activities, a training an…

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…

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) …

Fresh-cut storage of fruit and fresh-cuts affects the behaviour of minimally processed Big Bang nectarines ( Prunus persica L. Batsch) during shelf life

Abstract Nectarine can be minimally processed to successfully produce ready-to-eat fresh-cuts fruit. The aim of this work was to study the combined effect of the ripening stage of cold stored fruit before processing and the length of the storage period of fresh-cut slices after minimal processing, on the behaviour of minimally processed “Big Bang” nectarines during shelf life. ‘Big Bang’nectarine slices obtained from fruit stored at 1 ± 0.5 °C (RH = 90%) for 1 d, 10 d and 15 d were stored for 0, 3, 5, 7, 12 d. at 5 °C. At the end of each storage period, visual quality, color (L*, a* and b*), phenols and carothenoids content, TSS, TA were measured together with in-package CO2 and O2. Despite…

Manuale tecnico applicativo Progetto: “Innova Uva Mazzarone I.U.M.

Il ficodindia, stato attuale e prospettive della coltura e dell’uso dei suoi frutti

Il ficodindia continua ad essere una realtà importante in alcune zone semi-aride della Sicilia, arrivando sui mercati anche con la denominazione di origine protetta e, in diversi casi, con la produzione biologica. Negli ultimi venticinque anni il modello italiano è stato largamente utilizzato come punto di riferimento tecnico in tutti i nuovi impianti diffusi ormai in Nord Africa o in California, Cile, Argentina, Sud Africa e nel Vicino Oriente. Tentativi di diffusione esistono anche in India, mentre nel Corno d’Africa c’è ormai una produzioni stabile e importante su diverse migliaia di ettari. Questa specie continua ad avere un ruolo fondamentale, se non insostituibile, nelle regioni semi-…

The effect of soil volume on the growth of roots and canopy of Opuntia ficus-indica

The influence of soil volume on root development and canopy growth rates of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) was studied at Palermo University, Italy, in 2014-2016. In November 2014, 60 1-year-old O. ficus-indica cladodes were planted in pots containing five different soil volumes, 50, 33, 18, 9 or 5 L, in a complete randomized design with three replications. Root dry mass, total number of cladodes and canopy dry mass were measured after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. The results revealed a significant effect of soil volume and sampling time and their interaction (P<0.01) on root dry mass, total number of cladodes and canopy dry mass. Root dry mass ranged between 23 and 206 g, with the highe…

Evaluation of different mechanical fruit harvesting systems and oil quality in very large size olive trees

In 2006 and 2009, trials were carried out in the Apulia region in Southern Italy to evalu-ate the possibility of mechanizing olive harvesting in groves of old and very large trees. The trees belonged to the cultivars ‘Cellina di Nardò’ and ‘Ogliarola Salentina’. They were 60-100 years old and 7-9 m tall with a canopy volume of 140-360 m3. In the first half of November 2006, with a mechanical beater mounted on a tractor plus hand-held pneumatic combs, the harvesting yield was close to 90% of the total olives present in the canopy, and the harvesting working productivity was around 60 kg of harvested olives h-1 worker-1. With a self-propelled shaker attached to the main branches the harvestin…

QUALITÀ SENSORIALE E IDONEITÀ ALLA CONSERVAZIONE DELLA PESCA CV SETTEMBRINA DI BIVONA

Ficodindia

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…

Effect of planting system on productivity, dry-matter partitioning and carbohydrate content in aboveground components of 'Flordaprince' peach trees

Vegetative growth, fruit yields, and dry matter partitioning within above-ground components were assessed during three growing seasons for trees of an early ripening peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch `Flordaprince' on GF 677 rootstock) trained either to a free standing central leader (930 trees/ha) or to Y shape (1850 trees/ha). Individual trees trained to central leader gave higher fruit yield, had a significantly greater leaf area and accumulated more dry mass in above-ground components per tree than Y shape trees. The training systems did not differ in terms of yield efficiency (yield per trunk cross-sectional area) and leaf area index (LAI), but Y shape trees had a higher harvest index an…

MINIMALL PROCESSING APPLICATO AI FRUTTI SBUCCIATI DI FICODINDIA Opuntia Ficus-Indica (L.) MILL.:CONSERVAZIONE E QUALITÀ

Modelling nonlinear dynamics of Crassulacean acid metabolism productivity and water use for global predictions

Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) crops are important agricultural commodities in water-limited environments across the globe, yet modeling of CAM productivity lacks the sophistication of widely used C3 and C4 crop models, in part due to the complex responses of the CAM cycle to environmental conditions. This work builds on recent advances in CAM modeling to provide a framework for estimating CAM biomass yield and water use efficiency from basic principles. These advances, which integrate the CAM circadian rhythm with established models of carbon fixation, stomatal conductance, and the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, are coupled to models of light attenuation, plant respiration, and bioma…

Rootstock influences seasonal dry matter and carbohydrate content and partitioning in aboveground components of 'Flordaprince' peach trees

Seasonal development of leaf area, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter, and carbohydrate content were measured from harvest 1992 to harvest 1993 in above-ground components of `Flordaprince' peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] trees grafted on GF 677 (Prunus persica × Prunus amygdalus) and MrS 2/5 (Prunus cerasifera free pollinated) rootstocks, which widely differ in vigor. Whole trees were separated into fruit, leaves, shoots, 1-year-old wood and >1-year-old wood. Sampling dates were coincident with key fruit and tree developmental stages: dormancy, fruit set, pit hardening, and fruit harvest. Rootstock modified the vegetative vigor of the tree, the seasonal partitioning of dry matter, and …

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

COME MASSIMIZZARE LA QUALITÀ DELL’OLIO DI CERASUOLA

Mucilage-Based and Calcium Ascorbate Edible Coatings Improve Postharvest Quality and Storability of Minimally Processed Cactus Pear Fruit Stored under Passive Atmosphere

The minimally processed fruit and vegetable industry showed rapid growth worldwide, primarily due to the increasing consumer need for ready-to-eat fresh products characterized by high nutritional, sensory and healthy value. The postharvest life of peeled cactus pear fruits is relatively short, due to the processing operations that affect fruit integrity and cause metabolic disfunctions, as well as pulp browning, microbial growth, loss of firmness, off-flavor development, and nutraceutical value loss. In this study, we investigated the effects of mucilage-based (OFI) and calcium ascorbate edible coating on minimally processed cactus pear summer-ripening fruit, cold stored under passive atmos…

An oxygen monitoring and control system inside a malaxation machine to improve extra virgin olive oil quality

In recent years, oxygen content regulation during malaxation has been noted as a process parameter. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal time during the malaxation process of the olives of the Sicilian cultivar Nocellara del Belice when the presence of oxygen in the machine headspace activates the enzyme complex in favour of the volatile compounds, without compromising the phenolic composition. During the malaxation process, the atmosphere inside the malaxation machine was modified by blowing pure oxygen from cylinders at specific stages of the process (i.e., 5, 15, 25, and 35 min after the start of malaxation), using a system that allows the automatic and continuous maintenanc…

La frutticoltura meridionale: recupero del patrimonio arboreo, vocazionalità ambientale e nuovi sistemi colturali

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 …

Influence of Cactus Pear Mucilage-Based Edible Coating on Marketability and Edibility Parameters of Minimally Processed Loquat Fruits

Loquat fruit, popular all over the world for its mild, subacid, and sweet taste, has been classified as a non-climacteric fruit with a very short postharvest life. The fruit decays quickly after harvest, and losses in titratable acidity, taste, and juiciness, and internal browning occurs rapidly during shelf life. The aim of our study was to assess the effects of cactus pear mucilage-based coating on quality, nutraceutical value, microbiological growth, and sensorial parameters of minimally processed white-flesh Martorana and orange-red-flesh Gigante Rossa loquat fruits during cold storage. The effect of mucilage edible coating on the postharvest life, qualitative attributes, and nutraceuti…

Evaluating carbon fluxes in orange orchards in relation to planting density

SUMMARYOrange (Citrus sinensis L.) is one of the main fruit crops worldwide and its evergreen orchards may have a great potential for carbon (C) sequestration, but no data are currently available. In order to understand carbon fluxes in orange orchards, an experiment was undertaken on traditional and intensive planting systems.The experiment used C. sinensis scions grafted onto Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) rootstock. One orchard contained 14-year-old trees of the cv. Tarocco Scirè (a blood orange) grown in a traditional system with 494 trees/ha. The second orchard contained 12-year-old trees of the cv. Newhall (a seedless navel orange) grown in an intensive system with 1000 trees/ha. Ne…

Quality of cactus pear [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.] fruit in relation to ripening time, CaCl2 pre-harvest sprays and storage conditions

Abstract Post-harvest behaviour of summer and autumn ripening cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. Cactaceae) fruit cv. Gialla was investigated in relation to pre-harvest growing conditions, and CaCl 2 applications. Summer ripening cactus pear fruit were stored for 5 weeks at 6°C and 90–95% relative humidity (RH), and 3 days at 20°C, 75% RH to simulate a marketing period (SMP). Autumn ripening fruits were kept under the same conditions for 7 weeks plus a SMP. Summer ripening cactus pear fruit were more susceptible to chilling injury and to weight loss, but less sensitive to decay than autumn fruit. CaCl 2 delayed rind colour development and increased fruit resistance to decay but p…

Ecophysiology and fruit production of cultivated cacti

Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) is cultivated in wide range of environments with the consequence of large differences in crop potential, orchard system and management. These differences may be related to temperature and rainfall range (water availability) but also to the day/night length and, of course, to soil characteristics. Cactus pear can be utilized in the subsistence and in the market oriented agricultural systems of semi-arid areas. It is able to supply fruit, forage, folder and vegetables in specialized plantations or in multipurpose ones. Fruits can be harvested from July to November in the Northern hemisphere-Mediterranean Basin, California and Mexico-and from January…

La frutticoltura biologica nella provincia di Palermo

Risposte qualitative alla lunga conservazione dell’ Uva Italia in post raccolta

Le pesche di Leonforte, tradizione e apprezzamento dei mercati

Il rilevante potenziale genetico della pesca origina in Sicilia un notevole patrimonio varietale con cicli fenologici idonei a creare epoche di maturazione dei frutti la cui durata si prolunga fino all’autunno. Tale diversità dei cicli fenologici, legata alla presenza in Sicilia di un bioclima caratterizzato da 6 differenti termotipi e 7 ombrotipi che originano 23 tipi bioclimatici, ha ben presto messo in luce le caratteristiche vocazionali di specifici areali produttivi. In particolare, negli areali interni e collinari, ad altitudine compresa tra 300 e 750 m s.l.m., si è affermata la produzione di frutti in epoca medio-tardiva basata su varietà di tipo tradizionale, a polpa bianca o gialla…

CO2 fluxes of O. ficus-indica plants and single cladodes in relation to water stress

Evaluation of fruit quality and antioxidant activity of kiwifruit during ripening and after storage

BACKGROUND: In the Northern hemisphere kiwifruit harvest time is conditioned by low temperatures occurring during the harvesting season while in Southern Italy minimum temperatures in autumn are high enough to support fruit growth and ripening. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of delayed harvest time on kiwifruit quality attributes. METHODS: The experiment was carried out in a commercial kiwifruit, 'Hayward', orchard located in Southern Italy. In this area, the conventional harvest time occurs 160 days after full bloom (DAFB), during the first decade of November. Fruits were collected from 130 DAFB to 192 DAFB. Fresh fruit and dry weight, flesh color, firmness, total soluble solids cont…

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…

Effect of Drying Condition on the Quality of Dry Late Peaches of Leonforte

The Late Peach of Leonforte [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] grown in Southern Italy matures in September and October and as late as November. Fruits are wrapped in paper bags to protect them from parasites and are harvested only when fully ripe. Protected inside the bags, they ripen late and take on a bright yellow colour with red streaks. Highly aromatic, the peach has yellow, firm flesh that is high in soluble solids and has a distinctive, slightly caramelized flavour. The aim of this work was to deter¬mine the best method of drying peach as a means of conserving the fruit after harvest due to its very limited shelf-life. Drying processes were carried out in a pilot plant utilising differen…

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…

Influence of within-tree and environmental factors on fruit quality of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) in Italy

Introduction . Opuntia ficus-indica fruit quality was studied, in the main sites for cactus pear cultivation in Italy, with the ultimate goal of understanding the main sources of variability and increasing crop value. Materials and methods. A first study was carried out in 2006 on mature Opuntia ficus-indica trees, cvs. Gialla and Rossa, grown in ten commercial orchards located in the main sites for their cultivation in Italy. Trees were managed to produce an out-of-season crop in October, through the removal of the spring flush at bloom time, during the first week of June. Trees had a similar crop [(52 ± 10) kg of fruits·tree–1 ], and no more than six fruits were left on each of the fruiti…

Sustainability evaluation of Sicily's lemon and orange production: An energy, economic and environmental analysis

The island of Sicily has a long standing tradition in citrus growing. We evaluated the sustainability of orange and lemon orchards, under organic and conventional farming, using an energy, environmental and economic analysis of the whole production cycle by using a life cycle assessment approach. These orchard systems differ only in terms of a few of the inputs used and the duration of the various agricultural operations. The quantity of energy consumption in the production cycle was calculated by multiplying the quantity of inputs used by the energy conversion factors drawn from the literature. The production costs were calculated considering all internal costs, including equipment, materi…

Reducing postharvest decay in cactus pears by dip treatment with imazalil or azoxystrobin

Postharvest decay in cactus pear is a minor problem in fruit marketed directly after harvest, while it may represent a major cause of losses when fruit are cold stored or subjected to cold quarantine treatments. Unfortunately, to date, no postharvest fungicide has been registered to control postharvest decay of cactus pears. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two globally known fungicides, imazalil (IMZ) and azoxystrobin (AZO), registered for postharvest treatment of various fresh produce species, to control decay on cactus pears. Second-crop cactus pears ‘Gialla’ fruits were dipped in 500 mg L(‑1) IMZ or AZO and stored at 1 or 8°C and 90-95% RH for 2 or 3 wee…

Citrus History, Taxonomy, Breeding, and Fruit Quality

In May, every year since 1857, in the great park of Sans-Souci in Potsdam just outside Berlin—a park begun in 1745 by Emperor Frederick II of Hohenzollern and expanded a century later by Frederick William IV—the doors of the great Orangerie open in and a Renaissance-style garden called Sizilianischer Garten is set up. On horse-drawn carriages,large olive and citrus trees are brought outdoors, and are then raised in masters. For the young European who, in the second half of the 18th century and in the first decades of the following, traveled to Italy to see and study Renaissance culture and the remains of Greek civilization, the citrus species and fruits and groves of southern Italy became t…

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…

Crop load and rootstock influence on dry matter partitioning in trees of early and late ripening peach cultivars

Effect of crop load on dry matter partitioning was studied on 3-year-old peach [(Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (Peach Group)] trees of the early ripening 'Early May Crest' (EMC) grafted on 'GF677' and Penta (Prunus domestica L.) rootstock and the late ripening 'Flaminia' grafted on 'GF677' rootstock [(Prunus persica x Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D. A. Webb] and grown outdoors in 230-L containers, for 2 years. Fruit thinning was carried out 10 days after fruit set to produce different crop loads. Trees were sampled destructively throughout two growing seasons and divided into above-ground and root components, for dry matter and carbohydrate analysis. At the end of the fruit development period, in the…

FROM FLESH TO JUICE, ONE FRUIT’S EXTRAORDINARY QUALITIES

The effect of different amounts of cladode removal on reflowering of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica(L.) Miller)

SummaryThe removal of the spring flush of flowers and cladodes at bloom promotes reflowering in cactus pear. Studies were conducted to investigate the influence of different amounts of spring flush cladode removal (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 0%) on cactus pear reflowering. A positive linear correlation between the severity of spring flush cladode removal and the degree of reflowering was found. Primary (spring flush) and secondary (second flush) cladodes showed the same fertility in the year after formation. Two year old cladodes showed a significantly lower fertility and have only a marginal effect on plant yield.

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

Studying mango (Mangifera&nbsp

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 …

Growth analysis and mineral content in pistachio (Pistacia veraL.) infructescence and its components

SummaryGrowth and seasonal variation in mineral content was described for infructescence components of ‘Bianca’ pistachio cultivar grafted onto Pistacia therebintus L. The absorption curve specific to each infructescence and fruit component was calculated on a percent dry weight and an absolute content basis. Nutrient uptake by infructescence components was consistent with their development rate. The embryo was the strongest sink for N, P and Mg uptake. Pericarp and rachis accounted for more than 80% of K and Ca accumulated in the infructescence. The highest accumulation rate occurred during rapid embryo growth.

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

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

CO2 uptake of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. whole trees and single cladodes, in relation to plant water status and cladode age

Most of net photosynthesis determinations in Opuntia ficus-indica come from measurements on individual cladodes. However, they have limitations when used to scale up to whole canopy gas exchange, because a large variability of carbon assimilation may occur within the canopy, due to, among others, differences in cladode age and intercepted radiation or individual cladode response to abiotic stresses. The aim of this work was to evaluate the application of open gas exchange chambers, simultaneously applied around the whole canopy, to measure net CO 2 uptake, continuously over a 24 h period, in single Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. potted trees and in relation with their water status. Net CO2…

Intensive olive growing: the case of FS-17 grown in Sicily and trained to "Monocono"

Growing cactus pear O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill. The contribution of the scientific research on plant ecophysiology and biology

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 passive and active modified atmosphere packaging conditions on quality parameters of minimally processed table grapes during cold storage

BACKGROUND: Table grape is a non-climacteric berry, sensitive to water loss and gray mold during postharvest storage. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of passive and active modified atmosphere packaging on quality parameters of minimally processed table grapes. METHODS: 'Red Globe' minimally processed table grapes were dipped in a sodium hypochlorite solution and irradiated with ultraviolet-C, before being packaged in a rigid polypropylene boxes, sealed with a micro perforated polypropylene film (PP) or a continuous polyethylene film, with: a) 5% O2 + 15% CO2 + 80% N (PET1); b) 20% CO2 + air (PET2). Samples were stored at 5°C for 21 days plus and additional 6-day period at 20°C to simulate s…

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…

Agricoltura Blu:La via italiana dell'agricoltura conservativa.Principi, tecnologie e metodi per una produzione sostenibile a cura di Michele Pisante

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…

The effectiveness of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage edible coating on postharvest maintenance of ‘Dottato’ fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit

Abstract Breba figs are highly perishable and their shelf-life is very short. In this study, breba figs (cv. ‘Dottato’) were treated with a mucilage solution of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes, sealed in plastic bags, and stored at 4 °C for 14 days. The effect of the edible coating on the shelf-life and qualitative attributes of the fruit were evaluated by colors, content of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenol, total carotenoids. Results showed that coating improves the quality of breba fig during storage. The edible coating was effective in maintaining fruit fresh weight, visual score values, fruit firmness and total carotenoid content. Coated fruit showed a significantly …

Cladode growth dynamics in Opuntia ficus-indica under drought

Abstract Cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Miller) is a CAM plant with an extraordinary capacity to store water in its succulent stems (cladodes). However, the daily variations of cladode thickness is unknown. Studying cladode thickness fluctuations may be useful for the early prediction of plant dehydration stress. The objective of this study was to determine if age, water availability and temperature influence diel cladode shrinkage and enlargement dynamics in cactus pear. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse from April to July 2014, using cactus pear plants, equally split into irrigated and unirrigated treatments, and unrooted cladodes detached from mother plants. Soil moistur…

Influenza dei fattori preraccolta sulla qualità e sulle performance

I fattori ambientali e colturali interagiscono con lo sviluppo e la maturazione dei frutti e hanno, quindi, una grande influenza sulle loro caratteristiche fisiche e organolettiche e sulla performance della loro durata in post raccolta. In generale i processi di crescita sono il risultato dell’integrazione tra il potenziale di sviluppo (domanda di assimilati) di un organo e l’effettiva disponibilità di risorse; in questo senso, le condizioni ambientali o, meglio, le interazioni genotipo- ambiente, condizionano il potenziale di crescita di un frutto che si realizza, quindi, in funzione dell’effettiva disponibilità di risorse e, ancor di più, dei rapporti di competizione dei singoli organi (s…

Seasonal characterization of nutritional and antioxidant properties of Opuntia ficus-indica [(L.) Mill.] mucilage

Abstract Opuntia ficus-indica fruit and cladodes are a source of mucilage, a carbohydrate complex, as well as of phytochemicals and other nutrients, useful in the food industry. Despite the environmental-based composition variability has been studied, there is no information on its seasonal variability, which is particularly important for its industrial use. In this study, some technological, nutritional, and bioactive properties of O. ficus-indica cladodes mucilage were analyzed during the seasonal growth period. Total proteins did not change during the whole period and the lipid content significantly decreased from winter to the onset of summer. The fatty acid profile showed high levels o…

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

L'actinidia nell'Italia meridionale a vent'anni dalla sua diffusione

La coltura del ficodindia in Sicilia: stato dell'arte e prospettive future della ricerca

The Influence of Fruit Ripening Stage at Harvest and Storage Temperature on ‘Bianca di Bivona’ White Flesh Peaches

‘Bianca di Bivona’ is a white-flesh peach cultivar, which ripens during the last week of July and the first of August. Its fruit are known because of their distinct flavor and aroma, which make them highly accepted, particularly in the local markets. However, nothing is known about their postharvest physiology and storage conditions. In order to investigate the effect of: (a) fruit ripening stage at harvest and, (b) storage temperatures, ‘Bianca di Bivona’ peaches were picked at mature-green, (60.0±1.3 N), and ripe stage (30.7 ± 2.1 N) determined by flesh firmness, and then stored at 0°C and 5°C (90% RH). Flesh firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, weight loss and DA index, me…

Fruit tree orchard establishment

The agronomic and economic success of a fruit-tree orchard is mainly determined by the choices made by the grower during the planting stage. A distinctive feature of fruit tree orchards is the very high investment cost for their establishment and the fluctuations in the revenue stream over their lifetime. Growers do not immediately make a profit after planting, and their success depends on the proper choice of fruit tree species, on orchard design and on the specific goals they choose to pursue. Moreover, profitability will also depend on a careful analysis of the economic, environmental, technological, social and infrastructural (transportation system, energetic resources, supply chain log…

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…

The influence of harvest period and fruit ripeness at harvest on minimally processed cactus pears (Opuntia ficus-indica L. Mill.) stored under passive atmosphere

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of (a) harvest season (summer and late crop), (b) fruit ripening stage at harvest and (c) time of storage, on the quality of minimal processed cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica ). Fresh cut peeled cactus pears harvested at commercial harvest stage or when ripe on tree in August (summer crop) and October (late crop), were stored for 3, 5, 7 and 12 d at 5 °C and 95% RH in polyethylene terephthalate ( PET) packages under passive atmosphere conditions. Visual quality and crunchiness score, flesh color, microbiological analysis, total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), total phenolics, ascorbic acid and β-carotene contents were…

Pleurotus opuntiae revisited e An insight to the phylogeny of dimitic Pleurotus species with emphasis on the P. djamor complex

Abstract The name Pleurotus opuntiae is indiscriminately used for describing mushrooms with white to off-white to white-grey pilei with short or absent stipe and dimitic hyphal system, which grow on plants of the genera Opuntia, Yucca, Agave, Phytolacca etc. However, the outcome of the present study evidences that this name should be reserved for specimens deriving from the Mediterranean area only; an epitype originating from Italy on Opuntia ficus-indica is designated. Pertinent material was sequenced by using the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and found to be phylogenetically related to P. djamor from Kenya and Nigeria, while members of the P. djamor complex from other continent…

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…

Variability of sensory profile and quality characteristics for ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ peach (Prunus persica Batsch) fresh-cut slices during storage

Abstract Peach genotypes in Southern Italy include the white-flesh ‘Pesca di Bivona’ (‘Murtiddara’, ‘Bianca’, ‘Agostina’ and ‘Settembrina’) and the yellow-flesh ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ (‘Settembrina’, ‘Giallone’ and ‘Ottobrina’ ) landraces, with non-melting clingstone fruit, characterized by a persistent aroma and an excellent flavor that is highly appreciated by consumers. The aim of this work was to assess the suitability of these white- and yellow-flesh landraces to be processed as fresh-cut product with regard to the persistence of their quality and sensory profiles. Fruit of ‘Pesca di Bivona’ and ‘Pesca di Leonforte’ landraces were cut into slices and stored at 5 °C for 3, 5, 7, 12 d. Fre…

FRUIT PRODUCTION OF CULTIVATED CACTI: A SHORT OVERVIEW ON PLANT ECOPHYSIOLOGY AND C BUDGET

Evaluation of the antioxidant/antimicrobial performance of Posidonia oceanica in comparison with three commercial natural extracts and as a treatment on fresh-cut peaches (Prunus persica Batsch)

Abstract This research aimed at extending the choice of natural antimicrobials/antioxidants for food applications. Four plant extracts, Posidonia oceanica (PO), Green Tea (GT), Grape seeds (GS) and Grape skin (GK), were analyzed to determine their total phenolic content, antioxidant activity and in vitro antimicrobial performance. PO extract showed the highest total phenolic content (711 mg gallic acid/g extract) and antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum . The highest antioxidant (3.81 mg/L EC 50 ) and antibacterial activities (bactericidal against Gram positives and bacteriostatic against Gram negatives) were found for GT extract. The best performing ext…

Conservazione post-raccolta e analisi sensoriale della pesca di Bivona

Fluxes of carbon in italian orchards

Students attitudes about consumption and organic peaches quality at University of Palermo