Original Article
Medicinal Plants
Siphokuhle Mbuyisa; Isa Bertling; Bonga Lewis Ngcobo
Abstract
Purpose: The study was conducted to evaluate growth, physiological, morphological and yield response of gem squash plants following soil drench application of different plant extracts. Research method: A pot experiment conducted in the glasshouse was laid out following complete randomized design (CRD), ...
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Purpose: The study was conducted to evaluate growth, physiological, morphological and yield response of gem squash plants following soil drench application of different plant extracts. Research method: A pot experiment conducted in the glasshouse was laid out following complete randomized design (CRD), with five replications. Thirty healthy, similar-sized gem squash plants were grown and treated with different treatments (plant extracts). Treatments included: Ascophyllum nodosum extract (ANE), aloe vera leaf extract (ALvE), garlic bulb extract (GBE), ginger rhizome extract (GRE), moringa leaf extract (MLE) and the control (no application). Findings: The soil drench application of plant extracts, especially ANE and MLE, had the best growth response of gem squash plants compared with other treatments and the control. Plants treated with ANE and MLE produced a greater number of leaves and branches and simultaneously produced broader leaf area compared to other plant extracts and the control. ANE-treated plants produced the highest leaf chlorophyll concentration, followed by ALvE and MLE. All plant extracts, ANE, MLE, ALvE and GBE, significantly increased the total dry biomass, except GRE was not significantly different from the control. The yield parameters, viz. total fruit yield, fruit mass and fruit diameter, were positively affected by all treatments applied, although ANE- and MLE-treated plants yielded the largest number of fruit/plants, heaviest fruit and biggest fruit compared to other treatments. Research limitations: There were no limitations identified. Originality/Value: Although further studies on plant extracts usage are still required, this study highlight the potential of plant extracts, especially ANE and MLE, as a natural biostimulants to improve growth and yield attributes of gem squash has been demonstrated.
Original Article
Postharvest Disorders and Diseases
Eugenia Amaka Njoku; Florence Nwakaego Mbaoji; Justus Amuche Nweze; Bonaventure Chukwujindu Echezona; Kayode Paul Baiyeri
Abstract
Purpose: To address postharvest losses in the carrot supply chain caused by pathogenic fungi, this study evaluates the antifungal potential of ethanol extracts from Allium cepa, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Moringa oleifera against carrot spoilage fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ...
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Purpose: To address postharvest losses in the carrot supply chain caused by pathogenic fungi, this study evaluates the antifungal potential of ethanol extracts from Allium cepa, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, and Moringa oleifera against carrot spoilage fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium solani. Research Method: Filtered plant extracts were obtained using ethanol extraction method. This study evaluated the efficacy of various plant extracts in reducing microbial load and inhibiting fungal growth on carrot roots using standard microbiological procedures, including agar well diffusion and broth microdilution techniques. Findings: The study demonstrated that ethanol extracts, particularly from ginger, significantly (p < 0.05) reduced fungal load on carrot roots. The inhibition zone analysis revealed that ginger and Moringa extracts, along with ketoconazole, effectively inhibited A. niger and A. fumigatus, with ketoconazole producing the largest inhibition zones. Ginger showed the highest antifungal effectiveness, with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 31.25 mg/ml to 250 mg/ml, particularly against A. niger and A. fumigatus, demonstrating higher antifungal activity compared to other treatments. Garlic consistently exhibited an MIC of 250 mg/ml against all test fungi. Additionally, the minimum fungicidal concentration results highlighted ginger extract’s potent biocidal effects, especially against A. flavus, with an MIC of 62.5 mg/ml. Research limitations: The study is limited to in vitro assessments; field conditions may affect the efficacy of the extracts due to environmental factors. Originality/Value: This research highlights ginger’s potential as a natural antifungal agent, offering practical applications for improving carrot preservation and reducing postharvest losses.
Original Article
Postharvest Disorders and Diseases
Atiyeh Oraee; Yahya Selahvarzi; Mona Ghazimoghadam; Bahram Abedy; Mohammad Ali Sabokkhiz
Abstract
Purpose: Apples are susceptible to several diseases, which makes marketing and storage challenging. Therefore, it is critical to develop strategies that minimize weight loss while maintaining quality. Research method: Golden Delicious apples were coated with an edible mixture of Aloe vera gel (ALV) with ...
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Purpose: Apples are susceptible to several diseases, which makes marketing and storage challenging. Therefore, it is critical to develop strategies that minimize weight loss while maintaining quality. Research method: Golden Delicious apples were coated with an edible mixture of Aloe vera gel (ALV) with or without Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMO). Subsequently, the effects of these coatings on disease severity and incidence of Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium expansum, as well as storage quality features, were assessed. Inoculated apples with B. cinerea or P. expansum, the causative agents of apple postharvest gray and blue molds, were covered and stored at 25°C for 10 days and 2°C for 120 days. Findings: The antifungal ALV gel coatings significantly reduced the severity of gray and blue molds on inoculated apples, with the 150 μL L-1 of ZMO-based coating showing the highest effectiveness. The ALV+ZMO coatings had the best results, exhibiting a lower decay index, and increased firmness, total phenol content, and antioxidant activity in the coated apples. The highest ripening index was observed in the control samples, which ranged from the initial value of 37.0 to 54.7 by the end of the storage period. Meanwhile, ALV alone was the most effective at decreasing weight loss. Research limitations: Thyme essential oil (EO) has limitations when used directly, inculding its strong odor and flavor, low stability, low water solubility, and high volatility. Originality/Value: Overall, ALV and ZMO edible coatings appear to be a viable solution for suppressing fungal infections while maintaining apple quality under both situations.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Nishat Jahan Nitu; Md. Sefat Ullah; Prianka Howlader; Md. Nazmul Hasan Mehedi; Habiba Zannat Meem; Santosh Kumar Bose
Abstract
Purpose: Mango is one of the most important and widely cultivated climacteric fruit which ripens rapidly after harvesting. It exhibits very short shelf life mainly due to high respiration rate, susceptible to various storage pathogens and mechanical injuries at the time of postharvest management which ...
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Purpose: Mango is one of the most important and widely cultivated climacteric fruit which ripens rapidly after harvesting. It exhibits very short shelf life mainly due to high respiration rate, susceptible to various storage pathogens and mechanical injuries at the time of postharvest management which lead to reduce the quality. However, the experiment was carried out to investigate the chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) coating effects on postharvest quality and shelf life of mango varieties. Research Method: Mango fruits of two selected varieties (Langra and Amropali) were collected at mature stage. Changes in different physico-chemical characteristics were studied at different days of storage under ordinary room condition through different COS concentration viz., control, COS 25 mg/L, COS 50 mg/L, COS 100 mg/L, COS 250 mg/L and COS 500 mg/L. The two factor-experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Findings: Results demonstrated that COS had a positive effect on retaining higher amount of anthocyanin content, total sugar and total soluble solid content. Moreover, COS treated fruits exhibited significant delays of firmness, weight loss percentage, titratable acidity, pH and vitamin C content compared to untreated fruits. In addition, between two varieties of mango, Langra exhibited better performance compared to Amropali when treated with COS 100 mg/L. Research Limitations: The study did not focus on ethylene biosynthesis and respiration rate determination. Originality/Value: COS 100mg/L have great potentiality to maintain postharvest quality and increase shelf life of mango which could be applied commercially for preservation of mango in an ecofriendly manner.
Original Article
Food Science and Technology
Simple Sharma; Barinderjit Singh; Yashi Srivastava
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the engineering, physiochemical, and nutritional properties of selected varieties of pomelo fruit. Research method: The study was carried out using a one-way analysis of variance with three replications on selected varieties of pomelo fruit. The experiment ...
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Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the engineering, physiochemical, and nutritional properties of selected varieties of pomelo fruit. Research method: The study was carried out using a one-way analysis of variance with three replications on selected varieties of pomelo fruit. The experiment consisted of three cultivars, namely red, pink, and white pomelo to analyze the engineering, physiochemical, and nutritional properties. Findings: The results revealed that the geometrical and gravimetric analysis showed variation among different parameters of varieties of pomelo fruit. Textural property, such as the puncture resistance test was highest for the pink variety at 20.19 N. The color analysis in the optical parameter showed the highest values for the white variety of pomelo. The identification of functional compounds done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provides advancement for the production of different functional products. The assessment of physicochemical and nutritional properties provides knowledge of nutrients, essential minerals (boron, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorous, potassium, iron, copper, zinc), and quality of fruit, making it an expert functional food ingredient and can be utilized for various applications in food industries. The physicochemical and nutritional properties indicated significant variation (p<0.05) among different parts of selected varieties of pomelo fruit. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: Pomelo is an underutilized fruit with a rich source of bioactive compounds, has a favorable nutritional profile, and has health-improving effects. With its great nutritive value, utilization of this fruit is still very limited because of a lack of information regarding its physicochemical, nutritional, and processing technologies. This research work on different food properties provides a broad area of knowledge regarding designing, processing, storage, transportation, product development and is useful to encourage commercialization.
Original Article
Biotechnology and Tissue culture
Maryam Dehestani-Ardakani; Mohsen Karimi Dorche; Maryam Rahmati
Abstract
Purpose: Caladium bicolor is highly valued as both a landscape and indoor plant, primarily for its decorative appeal stemming from its diverse leaf shapes and vibrant, multicolored foliage. LED (light-emitting diode) lighting serves as a cost-efficient and potent means of promoting plant growth and development. ...
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Purpose: Caladium bicolor is highly valued as both a landscape and indoor plant, primarily for its decorative appeal stemming from its diverse leaf shapes and vibrant, multicolored foliage. LED (light-emitting diode) lighting serves as a cost-efficient and potent means of promoting plant growth and development. The impact of different LED lights was investigated on callus induction, regeneration, and plantlet growth of two cultivars of Caladium bicolor (‘White’ and ‘Red’). Research Method: Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 1.5 mg L-1 IBA and 1 mg L-1 BA and moved to racks equipped with various LED lighting (100% red lights (R), 100% blue lights (B), 50% blue + 50% red lights (B+R), and 100% white fluorescent lamps (W)). Findings: Results showed W light was the best for maximum callus induction, leaf number, and plantlet height in both cultivars. Red + blue LED light spectrum motivated proliferation percentage of callus in both cultivars as compared to other light spectra. Conservation of ‘White’ caladium plantlets in R and B light spectra resulted in no hyperhydric micro shoot formation incidences. When examining various growth characteristics, it was evident that the B+R light spectrum of ‘Red’ caladium showed the best performance, while the B light spectrum in both cultivars had the least favorable outcomes compared to all other light spectra. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: Our findings offer a deeper understanding of how the quality of LED light impacts the in vitro propagation of caladium, potentially enhancing the cultivation of these plantlets through specific spectral exposure.
Original Article
Postharvest Biology and Technology
Soheila Aghaei Dargiri; Somayeh Rastegar; Mahbobeh Mohammadi
Abstract
Purpose: The limited shelf life of Mexican lime fruits when stored under ambient conditions is a significant challenge. The progressive color alteration and loss of freshness can lead to reduced marketability and increased its waste. Research Method: The objective of this research was to preserve ...
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Purpose: The limited shelf life of Mexican lime fruits when stored under ambient conditions is a significant challenge. The progressive color alteration and loss of freshness can lead to reduced marketability and increased its waste. Research Method: The objective of this research was to preserve the storage quality of Mexican lime fruit by employing chitosan 1.5%, chitosan 1.5% + spirulina algae (Sp) (1%), and Moringa oleifera (Mo) leaf extracts (1%) at 20 ± 2 °C and 50-60% relative humidity for 24 days. Findings: The findings indicated that the samples coated with chitosan + Sp experienced a significantly lower weight loss compared to the control (19.8%) fruit after 24 days of storage, with a weight loss of 16.4%. A significant difference was observed between the control and treated fruit in terms of a* color parameter, with the highest value found in the control group (2.5) and the lowest value found in the chitosan-treated group (-6.7). The treated fruit exhibited significantly higher levels of phenol and flavonoid content compared to the control group. After the 24 days of storage, the chitosan 1.5% + Sp treatment displayed the highest antioxidant activity (88.66%), followed closely by the chitosan + Mo treatment (88.76%), while the control group exhibited the lowest antioxidant activity (78.75%). The treatments exhibited a significant decrease in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme activity compared to the control group, accompanied by an increase in the activity of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/value: Generally, the utilization of chitosan edible coatings, specifically chitosan combined with spirulina algae, has shown promising results in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of Mexican lime fruit stored at 20 ± 2 °C.
Original Article
Pomology
Leili Habibzadeh; Mahdi Alizadeh; Mohammad Mehdi Sharifani
Abstract
Purpose: The ‘Braeburn’ apple, cultivated in Mashhad, Iran, has poor red coloration that affecting its marketability. This research studied the effects of mono-potassium phosphate (MKP) and calcium prohexadione (ProCa) on red pigment development and biochemical traits, as well as interactions ...
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Purpose: The ‘Braeburn’ apple, cultivated in Mashhad, Iran, has poor red coloration that affecting its marketability. This research studied the effects of mono-potassium phosphate (MKP) and calcium prohexadione (ProCa) on red pigment development and biochemical traits, as well as interactions with two rootstocks used for grafting. Research method: The experimental treatments included four concentrations of MKP (0, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 g/L) sprayed in three periods: 20 days after petal fall, 45 and 30 days before commercial fruit harvest. Furthermore, ProCa was also applied in four concentrations (0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/L), one month before harvest (three times with 10-day intervals). Findings: The results showed that M.9 rootstock led to larger fruit diameters compared to MM.111, but overall physical traits remained unchanged. Chemical applications significantly affected fruit diameter and firmness, with ProCa treatments (250 and 500 mg/L) yielding the highest firmness levels. Rootstock type influenced total acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), flavor index, and vitamin C content. M.9 rootstock combined with MKP spray resulted in the best TA, TSS, and flavor index. However, higher ProCa concentrations negatively impacted color development and anthocyanin levels. Thus, cultivating red apple cultivars in low-altitude regions like Mashhad is not recommended due to environmental factors affecting pigmentation. Research limitations: There was no apple orchard of the same variety located in a higher altitude within the same region for a comparative analysis. Originality/Value: The article clearly emphasizes that the orchard establishment of the ‘Braeburn’ apple is not technically authorized for low altitude places (lower than 1000 m).
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