is a necrotrophic plant pathogen among the most ubiquitous fungi disseminated worldwide. It causes blue mould rot in apples during storage, transport and sale, threatening human health by secreting ...patulin, a toxic secondary metabolite that contaminates apples and apple-derived products. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of sufficient data regarding the resistance of different apple cultivars to
especially ancient ones, which showed to possess certain resistance to plant diseases. In this work, we investigated the polyphenol profile of 12 traditional and 8 conventional apple cultivar and their resistance to
CBS 325.48. Eight polyphenolic compounds were detected; the most prominent were catechin, epicatechin and gallic acid. The highest content of catechin was detected in 'Apistar'-91.26 mg/100 g of fresh weight (FW), epicatechin in 'Bobovac'-67.00 mg/100 g of FW, and gallic acid in 'Bobovac' and 'Kraljevčica'-8.35 and 7.40 mg/100 g of FW, respectively. The highest content of patulin was detected in 'Kraljevčica' followed by 'Apistar'-1687 and 1435 µg/kg, respectively. In apple cultivars 'Brčko', 'Adamčica' and 'Idared', patulin was not detected. Furthermore, the patulin content was positively correlated with gallic acid (r = 0.4226;
= 0.002), catechin (r = 0.3717;
= 0.008) and epicatechin (r = 0.3305;
= 0.019). This fact indicates that higher contents of gallic acid, catechin and epicatechin negatively affected and boost patulin concentration in examined apple cultivars. This can be related to the prooxidant activity of polyphenolic compounds and sensitivity of
to the disturbance of oxidative status.
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•Mandarin fruit quality was improved throughout storage using edible coatings.•Edible coatings influence mandarin fruit metabolism throughout storage.•Bioactive compounds in mandarin ...fruit with edible coatings were preserved.•Antioxidant activity can be retained in mandarin fruit coated with edible coatings.•Edible coatings preserve organic acids in mandarin fruits.
The layer-by-layer application of biopolymeric coatings to mandarin fruits as a postharvest treatment to improve fruit coating efficacy has been reported. A single 1 % (w/v) chitosan application was evaluated, and polyelectrolyte complexes such as 1.5 % (w/v) alginate/chitosan, 1 % (w/v) hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/chitosan, and 0.2 % (w/v) locust bean gum/chitosan were applied to mandarin fruits. The quality of coated mandarin fruits was observed at temperatures: 20 ± 2 °C (up to 10 days) and 5 °C (up to 28 days). Changes in the fruit metabolism were observed by evaluating bioactive compounds (polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids), antioxidant activity, and organic acids during the preservation of mandarin fruits. All of the tested combinations of layer-by-layer coatings significantly impacted the quality of mandarin fruits throughout storage, both at room temperature and cold storage, respectively. The overall best performance was observed for a layer-by-layer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/chitosan coating in terms of visual aspects, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and organic acids content.
This study attempts to clarify the effect of canopy position on the physico-chemical parameters of apples cv. Braeburn. The experiments were carried out on fruit from the inner and outer part of the ...canopy in two growing seasons and at two harvest dates. Light measurements revealed that the average value of photo active radiation (PAR) for the inside and outside canopy amounted to 30.3 μmol/m2/s and 133.7 μmol/m2/s, respectively. Production year and canopy position significantly influenced ground color parameters a*, b*, C*, and h°, while the harvest date influenced all color parameters studied. For additional (red blush) coloration, the production year significantly influenced only the L* parameter, harvest date influenced all color parameters, and canopy position influenced L, a*, and C*. Only the fruits of the second harvest date showed more intense additional (red blush) coloration. The production year significantly affected fruit mass, firmness, total soluble solids (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC/TA ratio, DPPH radical scavenging assay (AOP), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). The harvest date significantly influenced fruit mass, SSC, TA, SSC/TA, AOP, TPC, and TFC. The canopy position significantly influenced SSC, TA, AOP, TPC, and TFC. Regarding mineral content, the production year significantly affected the content of Fe, Ni, Cu, and Ca and the K/Ca ratio. The harvest date significantly affected Fe, Cu, Sr, K and K/Ca. The canopy position affected Fe, Ni, Zn, Sr, Ca, and K/Ca ratio, with a clear significant trend regarding the effect of canopy position only for Ca content (first and second year of the second harvest date) and K/Ca ratio (first year of both harvest dates). PCA analyses identified distinguishing features between apples, with differences defined specifically by AOP, TPC, TFC, Rb, Sr, Ca, and K/Ca on the PC 1 and Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, and Zn on PC 2.
The effect of anti-insect photoselective yellow (mesh size of 2.4x4.8 mm) and Stop Drosophila Normal (mesh size of 0.90x1 mm) nets on the generative and vegetative traits of peach (cv. Suncrest) was ...studied at an orchard near the city of Čakovec, Croatia. Netting significantly affected some vegetative parameters (leaf surface, leaf length and leaf shape index) but there was no significant effect on productivity parameters (yield, yield efficiency, fruit mass and share of decayed fruit). Regarding fruit colouration application of nets significantly affected b* and C* background and L*, b*, C* and h° additional colour parameters. Majority of inner fruit quality parameters (fruit firmness, titratable acidity and total soluble solids / titratable acidity ratio) as well as of bioactive compounds (total polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content and share of alkali-soluble pectin) was also under significant effect of netting. Since yellow net only slightly reduced peach fruit quality (compared to control) it can be recommended for application as an anti-insect net. However, Stop Drosophila Normal net more notably reduced quality parameters (especially additional fruit colour) and hence should be used only when other control strategies show to be ineffective.
The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of cold storage at 2 °C for 180 days on water content, total acids, reducing and total sugar, antioxidant activity, polyphenol oxidase activity, ...and polyphenol profile of three Croatian traditional apple cultivars (‘Kanadska Reneta’, ‘Ilzer Rosenapfel’, ‘Wagener’). A significant variation in polyphenol profile of apple cultivars under investigation was noted. The most represented polyphenols in all apple cultivars were procyanidin B2 followed by chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and phloridzin. After storage, the content of procyanidin B2 and chlorogenic acid was higher, while content of epigallocatechin after storage was lower in all investigated apple cultivars. Water content before storage ranged between 79.17 and 80.76 %, and after storage between 75.62 and 78.56 %. Total acids, polyphenol oxidase activity, and flavonoids had decreased during storage, while reducing and total sugar content was higher after storage. Moreover, after storage, cultivar ‘Kanadska Reneta’ had the highest antioxidant activity measured by both ABTS and DPPH methods, 1.65 and 0.70 mmol trolox kg–1, respectively. A significant variation in polyphenol profile of apple cultivars under investigation was noted. The most represented polyphenols in all apple cultivars were procyanidin B2, followed by chlorogenic acid, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and phloridzin. After storage, the content of procyanidin B2 and chlorogenic acid was higher, while content of epigallocatechin after storage was lower in all investigated apple cultivars. Overall, it can be concluded that investigated apple cultivars, after storage, preserved most of the antioxidants and functional properties.
Šljiva (Prunus domestica L.) je koštičava voćna vrsta vrlo cijenjena zbog poželjnih senzornih i nutritivnih svojstava plodova. Plodovi se konzumiraju svježi ili se prerađuju. Zbog relativno visokog ...sadržaja šećera i niže ukupne kiselosti plodovi sorte 'Stanley' predstavljaju dobar izbor za proizvodnju voćnih vina. Voćna vina proizvode se aktivnošću kvasaca u procesu alkoholne fermentacije. Obzirom da metabolizmom kvasaca nastaje čitav niz metabolita, izborom odgovarajuće vrste ili soja utječe se na tip vina koje se proizvodi. Cilj ovog rada bio je istražiti utjecaj različitih vrsta kvasaca na osnovni kemijski sastav, koncentraciju ukupnih fenola i ukupnih antocijana voćnih vina od šljive. Korištene su dvije različite vrste kvasaca Lalvin ICV D21 – Saccharomyces cerevisiae i Lalvin EC 1118 – Saccharomyces bayanus. Vina proizvedena aktivnošću kvasca ICV D21 imala su viši sadržaj alkohola, ekstrakta te ukupnih fenola i ukupnih antocijana. Rezultati ovog istraživanja ukazuju na značajan utjecaj vrste kvasca na kemijski sastav i kakvoću voćnih vina od šljive.
Agrivoltaics and aquavoltaics combine renewable energy production with agriculture and aquaculture. Agrivoltaics involves placing solar panels on farmland, while aquavoltaics integrates photovoltaic ...systems with water bodies and aquaculture. This paper examines the benefits and challenges of agrivoltaics and aquavoltaics, focusing on their potential for Croatian agriculture and freshwater aquaculture. Benefits include dual land use, which allows farmers to produce clean energy while maintaining agricultural practices. They diversify renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels in agrivoltaics provide shade, protect crops, reduce water needs, and increase yields. Challenges include high initial costs and limited accessibility, especially for small farmers. Integration with existing systems requires careful planning, considering irrigation, soil moisture, and crop or fish production. Maintenance and cleaning present additional challenges due to dust, debris, and algae. Policy and regulatory frameworks must support implementation, including incentives, grid integration, land use regulations, and conservation. The location, resources, and crops grown in Croatia present an opportunity for agrivoltaics and aquavoltaics, considering cultivation methods, species, and regulatory requirements.
Mandarins are the second most farmed citrus. Consumers demand a mandarin fruit that is both tasty and excellent in quality. The fruit quality, flavonoid profile, antioxidant capacity and total ...carotenoid content of five varieties (‘Zorica’, ‘Chahara’, ‘Kawano Wase’, ‘Owari’ and ‘Saigon’) of Satsuma mandarins grown in Neretva valley (Croatia) were determined. In this research, the distribution of bioactive compounds was different for mandarin juice, dry pulp residue and dry peels. Dry peels showed higher levels of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Total carotenoids were found to be in a greater concentration in dry pulp residue than in the dry peel. The highest levels of total carotenoids (543 μg β-carotene/g) were found in the dry pulp residue of ‘Owari’ and ‘Saigon’, while the lowest levels were in ‘Chahara’ (227.87 μg β-carotene/g). In dry mandarin peels, the highest levels of total carotenoids were in ‘Kawano Wase’ (227.58 μg β-carotene/g), and the lowest levels were in ‘Chahara’ (52.24 μg β-carotene/g). The most abundant component of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) in mandarin dry peel was nobiletin, ranging from 0.204 mg/g (‘Chahara’) to 0.608 mg/g (‘Saigon’), followed by tangeretin, ranging from 0.133 mg/g (‘Chahara’) to 0.251 mg/g (‘Saigon’), and sinesestin (‘Zorica’), ranging from 0.091 mg/g to 0.353 mg/g (‘Saigon’).
This research is focused on comparing the compositions of juice produced from old and commercially grown apple cultivars. We examined factors such as pH, total acids, soluble dry matter, polyphenol ...profile, and antioxidant activity, which impact the attributes, safety, shelf life, and nutritional value of the juice. Our analysis revealed differences between these two groups of cultivars. For instance, pH values ranged from 3.04 (in ‘Bobovec’) to 3.69 (in ‘Fuji’). The proportions of acids varied from 0.07 g/100 mL (in ‘Fuji’) to 0.19 g/100 mL (in ‘Wagener’). Soluble dry matter content ranged from 14.10% (in ‘Fuji’) to 18.50% (in ‘Kraljevčica’). We also observed variations in sugar content and composition among cultivars; for example, sucrose levels varied from 16.11 g/L (‘Fuji’) to 39.36 g/L (‘Golden Delicious). Glucose levels ranged from 4.95 g/L (‘Jonagold’) to 19.18 g/L (‘Fuji’), while fructose levels spanned from 50.78 g/L (‘Austrougarka’) to 427.97 g/L (‘Ilzer Rosenapfel’). Furthermore, old apple cultivars exhibited higher concentrations of phenols and flavonoids compared to commercial ones; we also noted significant variations in flavonol levels among different cultivars. The ‘Wagener’ and ‘Božićnica’ apple varieties had levels of myricetin measuring 0.53 and 0.52 µg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, ‘Bobovec’ stood out for its content of procyanidin B2 with a concentration of 422.61 µg/mL. When examining non-flavonoid compounds, it was found that old apple cultivars had higher concentrations of gallic acid, trans-ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid. However, commercial cultivars showed dominance in caffeic and p-coumaric. Comparisons of antioxidant capacity using DPPH and ABTS assays clearly demonstrated the superiority of old apple cultivars. Overall, this study highlights the importance of utilizing apple cultivars for juice production. Their distinct compositions and higher antioxidant capacities contribute to potential health benefits. Preserving these cultivars for enhanced juice quality and nutritional value is encouraged. Further research could explore cultivation practices’ impact on composition and health benefits.
The effect of hot water dipping (HWD) at 40, 44 and 48 °C for 6 and 12 min on germination of conidia of brown rot fungus (Monilinia laxa) in vitro and the effect of HWD at 48 °C for 6 and 12 min on ...the fruit quality and development of M. laxa on peach cv. “Roig” and nectarine cv. “Venus” after artificial inoculation in cold storage were studied. Temperature and duration of treatment significantly affected germination of conidia. After HWD at 48 °C for 12 min, the lowest germination of conidia (9%) was recorded, which was more than 10 times lower than control (93%). After 3 days from inoculation, there were 80% of inoculated spots with visual symptoms of decay caused by M. laxa on control peaches and 40% of such spots on control nectarines. Successful infections were recorded on only 5% of inoculated spots of nectarine and 10% of inoculated spots of peach after HWD at 48 °C for 12 min. HWD at 48 °C for 12 min significantly decreased titratable acidity and increased soluble solids concentration/titratable acidity ratio in nectarines. No visual symptoms of heat damage were found on fruits as a consequence of any of the studied treatments. The results show that it is possible to control postharvest brown rot (M. laxa) on peach using HWD at 48 °C for 12 min and on nectarine using HWD at 48 °C for 6 min without a significant loss of fruit quality.
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