The dragon fruit is native of Mexico, and Puebla is the third-largest producing state (SIAP 2023). In June 2023, field sampling was conducted in El Paraíso, Atlixco (18° 49' 5.275" N, 98° 26' 52.353" ...W), Puebla, Mexico. The mean temperature and relative humidity were 20 °C and 75% for seven consecutive days. Dragon fruits cv. 'Delight' close to harvest with gray mold symptoms were found in a commercial area of 2 ha, with an incidence of 35 to 40% and an estimated severity of 75% on infected fruit. The symptoms included necrosis at the apex, which later spread throughout the fruit, along with a soft, black rot covered in abundant mycelium and sporulation. The fungus was isolated from 40 symptomatic fruits by disinfesting pieces of necrotic tissue with 3% NaClO for one minute, rinsing with sterile distilled water (SDW), plating on Petri dishes with potato dextrose agar, and incubating at 25 °C in the dark. One isolate was obtained from each diseased fruit by the hyphal-tip method. The colonies were initially white with a growth rate of 1.15-1.32 cm per day and turned gray after 10 days; the mycelium was dense and aerial. Spherical and irregular sclerotia were formed, measuring 0.9-1.4 × 0.6-1.1 mm (n = 100). Each Petri dish produced 56-278 sclerotia (n = 40) after 11 days; these were initially white and gradually turned dark brown. Brown to olive conidiophores were straight, septate, and branched, measuring 1075-1520 × 10-21 μm, with elliptical hyaline to light brown conidia of 6.6-11.5 × 5-8.1 μm (n=100). The isolates were tentatively identified as
based on morphological characteristics (Ellis 1971). Two representative isolates were chosen for molecular identification and genomic DNA was extracted by the CTAB protocol. The ITS region and the heat shock protein (HSP60), RNA polymerase binding II (RPB2) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH) genes were sequenced (White et al. 1990; Staats et al. 2005). The sequences of a representative isolate (BcPh5) were deposited in GenBank (ITS-OR582337; HSP60-OR636622; RPB2-OR636623; and G3PDH-OR636621). BLAST analysis of the partial sequences of ITS (479 bp), HSP60 (1006 bp), RPB2 (1126 bp), and G3PDH (907 bp) showed 100% similarity to
.
isolates (GenBank: KM840848, MH796663, MK919495, MF480679). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that BcPh5 clustered with
.
strains. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating the non-wounded surface of 20 detached dragon fruits cv. 'Delight' using the BcPh5 isolate by depositing 20 μl of a 10
conidia/ml suspension with a sterile syringe. The fruits were placed on the rim of a plastic container and inserted in a moisture box with 2 cm of water at the bottom. The box was covered with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity. Control fruits were inoculated with SDW. The inoculated fruits became covered with abundant white to gray mycelium, and soft rot developed within eight days, while no symptoms were observed on the controls. The fungus was re-isolated from the inoculated fruits as described above, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The pathogenicity tests were repeated three times. Gray mold caused by
.
was also recently reported in Mexico on pomegranate (Hernández et al. 2023) and rose apple (Isodoro et al. 2023). As far as we know, this is the first report of
.
causing gray mold on dragon fruit in Mexico. This research is essential for designing integrated management strategies against gray mold on dragon fruits.
The cultivation of pitaya has been recently established in several regions of the world, there is a lack of information on its management, especially regarding the control of diseases and pests. In ...places where pitaya is grown around the world, symptoms such as mosaic and mottling caused by simple or mixed viral infections have been reported. In Brazil, similar symptoms have also been observed, but the etiology of the disease has often not been investigated. This study aimed to detect and identify the virus species that infect pitaya in Brazil using RT‒PCR and molecular analysis of the coat protein (CP) gene of the viruses. A total of 212 samples of cladodes with suspected symptoms of viral disease were collected from different regions of Brazil and analysed. Four species of potexviruses were detected, cactus virus X (CVX), pitaya virus X (PiVX), zygocactus virus X (ZyVX) and schlumbergera virus X (SchVX), which appeared in single infections (35%) and mixed infections (65%). In the cases of mixed infection, two and/or three species of potexviruses were identified in the same plant. The CVX isolates were divided into two groups due to the deletion of 9 nucleotides at position 41 (5' → 3′) of the CP gene in one of them. This is the first study conducted on the viruses that infect pitaya in Brazil, showing the need to develop control measures that ensure productivity and profitability of pitaya crops in the country.
•The occurrence of four potexviruses species: CVX, PiVX, ZyVX and SchVX were detected in Brazilian orchard.•The symptoms were stronger in mixed infections, including rings in the cladodes.•The occurrence of potexviruses indicated that there must be an intensive movement of pitaya seedlings between producers.•The data obtained suggests that the production of healthy seedlings would be fundamental to in pitaya cultivation.
•Low-cost e-nose and portable NIRS were able to discriminate pitaya's shelf-life.•Portable NIR and e-nose were able to predict TA and pH of pitaya.•Malic acid may be the major chemical component for ...classification of pitaya.•The proposed shelf-life indexes (SLI, 30, 50, 70, and 100) increased discrimination.
Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus), also known as dragon fruit, is an exotic and highly valued fruit with a high amount of fiber and vitamins, and its quality is often related to attributes such as soluble solids, moisture content, and acidity. Traditional analytical techniques (e.g., gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry – GC–MS) for physicochemical quantification are costly and not environmentally friendly. This work proposes a quick and non-destructive evaluation of pitaya quality using low-cost near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and electronic nose (e-nose) devices. Classification models for either NIR spectra or e-nose data as predictors presented accuracy higher than 90% when classifying samples according to their shelf-life index stage (SLI30, 50, 80, and 100). Total titratable acidity (TA) and pH could be predicted using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and NIR spectra as predictors with coefficients of determination (R2P) of 0.89 and 0.83, respectively, and root means square error (RMSEP) of 0.03 and 0.23, respectively. Similarly, PLSR models for the prediction of TA and pH using e-nose data achieved R2P of 0.85 and 0.86, and RMSEP of 0.04 and 0.22 respectively. RPD and RER values for NIRS show that all predictors can be used to at least distinguish between low and high values. The results demonstrate that inexpensive devices based on NIRS, and a novel low-cost e-nose could be used in combination for the prediction of TSS, pH, TA, moisture, and phenolics, as well as to classify pitaya according to their shelf-life stages.
Diarrhea is a global major health problem reported by 2.5 billion cases annually. Diarrhea accounts for 9% of child death worldwide or the second leading cause of death among toddlers. Many local ...people have used traditional medicine for diarrhea therapy. Dragon fruit is a herbal plant with high vitamins and various nutritious compounds. Therefore, this study determined antidiarrheal activity from dragon fruit peel methanolic extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus). This study was experimental with in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro model used disc diffusion and microdilution assay against the diarrhea-causing pathogen (Escherichia coli). Meanwhile, the in vivo model used male Wistar rats induced by Castro oil. This study showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum killing concentration (MKC) of dragon fruit peel extract against Escherichia coli were 50 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. The increased dose of dragon fruit peel methanol extract has increased the antidiarrheal index. The highest and lowest antidiarrheal index was found in the dragon fruit methanol extract-3 (76.56%) and dragon fruit methanol extract-1 (43.28%). The dragon fruit peel methanol extract can be proposed as antidiarrhea and antibacterial therapy against the diarrhea-causing pathogen.
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•Pulp an peel of pitaya Hylocereus polyrhizus Weber Britton & Rose were evaluated.•16 and 15 compounds were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE in pulp and peel, respectively.•The toxicity ...and anxiolytic-like effect were assessed for the first time.•Pitaya pulp and peel showed no toxicity.•Anxiolytic activity were verified in both materials tested.
Pitaya is a Cactacea with potential for economic exploitation, due to its high commercial value and its functional components – such betalains, oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds. Although the biological activities of pitaya have been studied using in vivo and in vitro models (anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities, as example), its anxiolytic-like effect is still unexplored. Therefore, the aim of this work was to perform a characterization of pulp and peel of pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose) using UPLC-QTOF-MSE, and to assess its toxicity and anxiolytic-like effect in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed 16 and 15 compounds (in pulp and peel, respectively), including maltotriose, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, and betalains, putatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MSE. Thus, pitaya pulp and peel showed no toxicity in both models tested (Vero cell lines and zebrafish model, LC50 ˃ 1 mg/mL); and a significant anxiolytic activity, since the treated fish reduced the permanence in the clear zone (Light & Dark Test) compared to that in the control, exhibiting anxiolytic-simile effect of diazepam. However, these effects were reduced by pre-treatment with the flumazenil suggesting that the pulp and peel of pitaya are anxiolytics agents mediated via the GABAergic system. These findings suggested that H. polyrizhus has the potential of developing an alternative plant-derived anxiolytic therapy. In addition, pitaya peel (which is a waste in the food industry) should be regarded as a valuable product, which has the potential as an economic value-added ingredient for anxiety disorders.
Pitaya is a perishable fruit with a high content of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of ethanol pretreatment (95% dripped on the surface of the foam at a rate of 0.05 ...mL.cm
−2
) and temperature (50 and 70 °C) on moisture content, water activity, solubility, color, ascorbic acid, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP) e betanin and betaxanthin retention of white and red pitaya powdered pulps and to determine an optimal process condition. Pretreatment and higher temperature resulted in increased solubility and antioxidant capacity of powdered pulps. The total color difference was influenced by pretreatment and drying temperature, but in different ways according to the variety. In the pretreated red pulp powders, 70 °C resulted in higher retention of ascorbic acid and 50 °C resulted in increased retention of betanins and betaxanthins. The optimal treatment for white and red pulps was the use of pretreatment and a temperature of 70 °C.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
BFBNIB, DOBA, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Introduction: Tofu is one of food that is much liked by the public, because it has a relatively high nutritional content and has a low price, however, tofu is also a food that is often given formalin ...by unscrupulous producers with the aim of extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of tofu so that it remains visible good. Objective: to determine the effectiveness of dragon fruit peel extract in detecting formaldehyde content in tofu. Method: This research is an experimental research. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. The sample used is white tofu. There were 3 treatments with 3 repetitions consisting of P1 (5%), P2 (10%), and P3 (15%). Results: The results showed that P3 (15% anthocyanin extract of dragon fruit skin) was the most effective in detecting formaldehyde in white tofu. There were 7 positive samples containing formalin. Conclusion: Anthocyanin extract from dragon fruit peel with 15% concentartion was effective as a formaldehyde detector in food.
•White pulped dragon fruits are superior for yield & sugar content than to red ones.•Red pulped fruits are superior for dietary fibre, phenolics & antioxidants.•Rich in essential amino acids viz. ...histidine, lysine, methionine, & phenylalanine.•Rich in caffeic acid, ferulic acid, vitamin C, vitamin K1, potassium & iron.•Both types are an ideal fruit for maintaining good health as they have low calorie.
Nutritional and biochemical composition of dragon fruit (Hylocereus) species H. undatus (fruits with white pulp and pink skin), and H. polyrhizus (fruits with red pulp and pink skin) were investigated to develop the nutritional composition data for dragon fruit and compare the difference between H. undatus and H. polyrhizus. The pH, TSS, total sugar, moisture, ash, protein, and dietary fibre content varied between 4.8 and 5.4, 8–12%, 5.13–7.06%, 82–85%, 0.7–0.85%, 0.90–1.1% and 0.8–1.0%, respectively. Total phenolics and flavonoids content varied between 25 and 55 mg GAE and 15–35 mg CE per 100 g, respectively. H. polyrhizus have a significantly high quantum of phenolics and antioxidant potential than H. undatus. 100 g fruit contained about 120–200 mg K, 30–45 mg Mg, 20–45 mg Ca, 20–35 mg P, 0.70–1.5 mg Fe, and 0.20–0.40 mg Zn. Vitamin C was found maximum (6 mg/100 g), followed by vitamin E (150 µg), pantothenic acid (50 µg), and vitamin K1 (25 µg). It is an ideal fruit for maintaining good health as it has low calories.
Red dragon fruit is a popular tropical fruit that has been highly prized for its health benefits partially attributed to the high antioxidant content. Nevertheless, besides being consumed fresh, ...further processing into juice or other products is scarce due to its high pectin content that presents a challenge in industrial processing. In this study, we evaluated the effects of pectinase pre-treatment on red dragon fruit wine fermented with Torulaspora delbrueckii. Pectinase enzyme (Pectinex® Ultra SP-L, added at 0.1% v/v) was applied after pasteurization of juice followed by fermentation with T. delbrueckii at 20 °C for 14 days. Pectinase pre-treatment did not affect the yeast growth, nor the production of ethanol (8% v/v) and glycerol (6 g/L), but significantly increased juice/wine yield by 16% v/v. In addition, pectinase treated samples after fermentation remained significantly higher levels of residual nitrogen containing compounds, indicating unfavorable fermentation conditions and impaired metabolism of the yeast. Moreover, fermented pectinase treated samples possessed the aroma compound profiles with enriched esters and terpenes but decreased higher alcohols. Furthermore, pectinase treatment increased the total phenolic content, but decreased betacyanins content and color intensity compared to control sample. The findings would have practical significance for diversifying products from red dragon fruit.
•Pectinase was used in red dragon fruit wine (RDFW) fermented with Torulaspora delbrueckii.•Pectinase treatment increased wine yield by 16% v/v.•Pectinase inhibited the nitrogen consumption of T. delbrueckii.•Pectinase treatment enhanced the volatile flavor profiles.•The antioxidant property of RDFW with pectinase treatment is higher than control samples.
Conidial germination of Botryosphaeria dothidea (anamorph: Fusicoccum) in sterile distilled water and 1% sterile dextrose solution was evaluated at 4, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h after incubation. Also, it ...was described the anatomical changes on pitahaya stems induced by this fungus, collected in the field and artificially inoculated in the laboratory. Conidial germination was less than 30% in water and it was improved when 1% dextrose was added to the water. In 1% dextrose solution the germination was 90% after 4h of incubation and 100% at 6 h. Pathogen germ tubes had entered through wounds and sometimes through stomata and hyphae colonized intra and intercellularly in the parenchyma-chlorenchyma tissues. On naturally and artificially diseased stems the main alterations were: destruction of cuticle, hyperplasia of epidermal and collenchymatous hypodermal cells and conform the advance of the pathogen a layer of lignified periderm was formed surrounding the damaged tissues; however, it couldn't stop the advance of the pathogen and the cells that surrounded the lesion suffered necrosis.
