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29 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of New BTH Derivative as Supplement or Substitute of Standard Fungicidal Program in Strawberry Cultivation

by Maciej Spychalski, Rafal Kukawka, Włodzimierz Krzesiński, Tomasz Spiżewski, Monika Michalecka, Anna Poniatowska, Joanna Puławska, Monika Mieszczakowska-Frąc, Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Anna Kocira and Marcin Smiglak

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061031 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2941

Abstract

Triggering the plant resistance induction phenomenon by chemical compounds, for example acibenzolar-S-methyl ester, has been known and described in scientific literature. Other benzothadiazole derivatives have been also described; however, their properties have not been sufficiently studied. The tested substance, N-methyl- [...] Read more.

Triggering the plant resistance induction phenomenon by chemical compounds, for example acibenzolar-S-methyl ester, has been known and described in scientific literature. Other benzothadiazole derivatives have been also described; however, their properties have not been sufficiently studied. The tested substance, N-methyl-N-methoxyamide-7-carboxybenzo(1.2.3)thiadiazole (BTHWA), is an amide derivative of benzothiadiazole, showing a stimulating effect on plant growth, apart from its plant resistance inducing activity. This article presents the impact of BTHWA, used solo and in the program with fungicides, on the strawberry plants development, fruits health, yield, and quality parameters of the crop. The results show that the combined use of BTHWA and fungicides had a positive impact on the plants health and fruit health and nutraceutical and nutritional composition of compounds when compared to the results obtained when strawberries were treated only with the BTHWA or the fungicide. As a result of BTHWA use, the partitioning of assimilates has changed, which directly translated into the results of the conducted experiments. A reduction in the respiration of the fruit during storage was also observed, possibly due to a reduced disease infestation and a lower dry matter content in the fruit. A correlation between the parameters determined during the experiment was found. The BTHWA mode of action was evidenced to be beneficial to strawberry plants and fruit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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18 pages, 1454 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilisation and Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum on the Fatty Acid Profile of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) Seeds

by Ewa Szpunar-Krok, Anna Wondołowska-Grabowska, Dorota Bobrecka-Jamro, Marta Jańczak-Pieniążek, Andrzej Kotecki and Marcin Kozak

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050941 - 10 May 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3172

Abstract

Soybean is a valuable protein and oilseed crop ranked among the most significant of the major crops. Field experiments were carried out in 2016–2019 in South-East Poland. The influence of soybean cultivars (Aldana, Annushka), nitrogen fertilizer (0, 30, 60 kg∙ha⁻¹ N) and [...] Read more.

Soybean is a valuable protein and oilseed crop ranked among the most significant of the major crops. Field experiments were carried out in 2016–2019 in South-East Poland. The influence of soybean cultivars (Aldana, Annushka), nitrogen fertilizer (0, 30, 60 kg∙ha⁻¹ N) and inoculation with B. japonicum (control, HiStick^® Soy, Nitragina) on the content of fatty acids (FA) in soybean seeds was investigated in a three-factorial experiment. This study confirms the genetic determinants of fatty acid composition in soybean seeds and their differential accumulation levels for C16:0, C16:1, C18:1n9, C18:2, C18:3, and C20:0 as well saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. Increasing the rate from 30 to 60 kg ha⁻¹ N did not produce the expected changes, suggesting the use of only a “starter” rate of 30 kg ha⁻¹ N. Inoculation of soybean seeds with a strain of Bradyrhizobium japonicum (HiStick^® Soy, BASF, Littlehampton, UK and Nitragina, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation–State Research Institute, Puławy, Poland) is recommended as it will cause a decrease in SFA and C16:0 acid levels. This is considered nutritionally beneficial as its contribution to total fatty acids determines the hypercholesterolemic index, and it is the third most accumulated fatty acid in soybean seeds. The interaction of cultivars and inoculation formulation on fatty acid content of soybean seeds was demonstrated. An increase in the value of C16:0 content resulted in a decrease in the accumulation of C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3 acids. The content of each decreased by almost one unit for every 1% increase in C16:0 content. The dominant effect of weather conditions on the FA profile and C18:2n6/C18:3n3 ratio was demonstrated. This suggests a need for further evaluation of the genetic progress of soybean cultivars with respect to fatty acid composition and content under varying habitat conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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16 pages, 1460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Based Edible Coatings Formulated with Antifungal Food Additives to Reduce Alternaria Black Spot and Maintain Postharvest Quality of Cold-Stored ‘Rojo Brillante’ Persimmons

by Asunción Fernández-Catalán, Lluís Palou, Verònica Taberner, Amparo Grimal, Maricruz Argente-Sanchis and María B. Pérez-Gago

Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040757 - 13 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3622

Abstract

Composite edible coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), as a polymeric phase, and oleic acid (OA) or beeswax (BW), as a hydrophobic phase, were formulated with different food additives as antifungal ingredients. HPMC–OA coatings containing 2% (w/v) sodium benzoate [...] Read more.

Composite edible coatings based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), as a polymeric phase, and oleic acid (OA) or beeswax (BW), as a hydrophobic phase, were formulated with different food additives as antifungal ingredients. HPMC–OA coatings containing 2% (w/v) sodium benzoate (SB), 1% ammonium carbonate (AC), 1% potassium carbonate (PC), 1% potassium bicarbonate (PBC), 1% sodium bicarbonate (SBC), 1% potassium silicate (PSi), 0.1% sodium methyl paraben (SMP) or 0.1% sodium ethyl paraben (SEP), and HPMC–BW coatings containing 2% sodium propionate (SP), 2% PBC, 2% SB or 0.1% SEP were evaluated for the control of Alternaria black spot (ABS) on Diospyros kaki Thunb. ’Rojo Brillante’ persimmons artificially inoculated with Alternaria alternata. After 14 days of incubation at 20 °C, HPMC–OA coatings formulated with PBC, PC or SEP were the most effective to reduce ABS incidence (61, 54, and 36% reduction, respectively, concerning uncoated control fruit) and severity (28, 12 and 22% reduction, respectively), while only HPMC–BW coatings formulated with SEP significantly reduced ABS incidence (50% reduction) and severity (36% reduction). HPMC–OA and HPMC–BW coatings containing 2% PBC or 0.1% SEP were selected to evaluate their effect on the weight loss, firmness and respiration rate of healthy ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmons cold-stored at 1 °C and 90% relative humidity (RH) for 15 and 30 days, followed by 7 days of shelf life at 20 °C. HPMC–BW coatings were more effective in reducing fruit weight and firmness losses than HPMC–OA coatings, while all antifungal coatings significantly reduced fruit respiration. Overall, the HPMC–BW edible coating that contains SEP could be a promising postharvest treatment to control ABS and maintain the quality of cold-stored ‘Rojo Brillante’ persimmons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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14 pages, 3131 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Different Bunch Cover Materials to Improve Quality of Cavendish Banana Cultivated during Winter and Summer in Thailand

by Saowapa Chaiwong, Rattapon Saengrayap, Johnson Makinwa Ogunsua, Hiroaki Kitazawa and Chureerat Prahsarn

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030610 - 23 Mar 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4418

Abstract

Performance of different cover materials on improving Cavendish banana quality was examined during winter and summer. The banana bunch was covered with a thin nonwoven innermost layer, followed by cover materials arranged from inner to outer as follows. (1) Control (commercial cover), paper/polystyrene [...] Read more.

Performance of different cover materials on improving Cavendish banana quality was examined during winter and summer. The banana bunch was covered with a thin nonwoven innermost layer, followed by cover materials arranged from inner to outer as follows. (1) Control (commercial cover), paper/polystyrene sheet (PS)/non-perforated blue polyethylene (NPPE), (2) nonwoven (NW)/NPPE, (3) waterproof nonwoven (WPNW), (4) aluminum foil (ALF), and (5) WPNW + ALF. For the summer trial, control without PS layer was applied. Material properties including thickness, light transmissivity and heat energy (Q_x) were evaluated. Results showed that Q_x values transferred through PS sheet, NW, WPNW and ALF were not significantly different. ALF exhibited the lowest light transmissivity, associated with the highest fruit lightness (L*) and lowest fruit weight. For the winter trial, all cover materials exhibited chilling injury on fruit caused by temperatures below 10 °C. For the summer trial, five treatments prevented sunburn defect. Under field air temperature of 47.5 °C, ALF exhibited the lowest temperature (31.6 °C). All cover materials reduced hand and fruit sizes, whereas WPNW resulted in an increase in total soluble solids and prevented fading of the green peel color. Results suggested that WPNW, with reduced layers as environmentally friendly and reusable materials, had potential as a cover material to improve the quality of Cavendish banana. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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12 pages, 823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of 1-Methylcyclopropene on the Quality Parameters of Idared Apples after 8 Weeks of Storage Simulating Long-Distance Transportation

by Kazimierz Tomala, Dominika Guzek, Dominika Głąbska, Maria Małachowska, Tomasz Krupa and Krystyna Gutkowska

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030528 - 11 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2651

Abstract

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), being applied in postharvest treatment of apples as an inhibitor of ethylene perception, contributes to improved quality of apples during 6 weeks of simulated long-distance transportation, but it was not studied if this period may be prolonged. The aim of the [...] Read more.

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), being applied in postharvest treatment of apples as an inhibitor of ethylene perception, contributes to improved quality of apples during 6 weeks of simulated long-distance transportation, but it was not studied if this period may be prolonged. The aim of the present study was to assess the possibility to apply 1-MCP treatment to maintain the quality of Idared apples for long-distance transportation prolonged for 8 weeks. The 1-MCP treatment was applied either alone, or combined with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) in selected gas permeability bags and was compared with control group. Postharvest, the storage in Ultra Low Oxygen (ULO) chamber was applied (3 periods: 0, 10, or 20 weeks), followed by simulated long distance transportation (storage duration of 8 weeks) and simulated distribution (4 periods: 0, 5, 10, or 15 days). Each studied group (36 groups: 3 postharvest treatments × 3 storage periods × 4 distribution periods) constituted 4 batches with 10 random apples each. After simulated distribution period, each sample was analyzed to assess the differences of firmness, total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA). The applied treatment influenced observed values of firmness, TSS and TA within each applied storage duration and duration of distribution (p < 0.05). For the majority of the studied durations of storage and distribution, the highest values of firmness, TSS and TA were observed for the samples from the group of 1-MCP applied combined with MAP, while only for some of them, the highest values of firmness and TA, but not TSS, were observed for the samples from the group of 1-MCP applied alone. It may be concluded that applying 1-MCP in the case of Idared apples for long-distance transportation allows prolonging it to 8 weeks without decreasing quality of fruits. Applying 1-MCP combined with MAP allows obtaining even better results than 1-MCP alone, after 8 weeks of transportation. It may be recommended to apply 1-MCP combined with MAP in order to slow the ripening process and to maintain the quality of apples during a long-distance transportation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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13 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seeds Quality and Quantity of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] Cultivars in Response to Cold Stress

by Mariola Staniak, Anna Stępień-Warda, Katarzyna Czopek, Anna Kocira and Edyta Baca

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030520 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4125

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the response to cold stress of 16 soybean cultivars by evaluating their emergence, yield level, and seed chemical composition. Studies were conducted in 2018–2019. A total of sixteen soybean cultivars belonging to three earliness groups [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to identify the response to cold stress of 16 soybean cultivars by evaluating their emergence, yield level, and seed chemical composition. Studies were conducted in 2018–2019. A total of sixteen soybean cultivars belonging to three earliness groups (early, medium-early and late) were included. Short-term (3-day) cold stress (12/6 °C day/night) was applied immediately after sowing (A), 3 days (B) and 6 days (C) after sowing seeds, while long (9-day) cold stress (D) was applied immediately after sowing seeds. In the control plot (K), plants were grown under optimum conditions (20/15 °C day/night). The study showed that cold stress, reduced plant emergence by 5–10%, depending on the treatment. Long stress (D) had a beneficial effect on the yield of all soybean cultivars (average yield increase of 21.5%), with statistically significant differences in 12 cultivars and a trend in four cultivars. Short stress also caused a significant increase in yield on treatments B and C (by 6.8 and 11.6%, respectively). Cold stress did not significantly affect the nutrient content of seed yield. Varietal differentiation was found with respect to yield and chemical composition of seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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16 pages, 2184 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of 1-Methylcyclopropene on the Antioxidants of ‘Red Cap’ Apples during Transportation and Shelf Life

by Tomasz Krupa, Ewa Zaraś-Januszkiewicz and Andrii Kistechok

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020341 - 14 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2214

Abstract

The dietary properties of apples make them, along with the other fruits and vegetables, the basis of many slimming or pro-health diets. Availability of apples throughout the year is ensured by various storage technologies, including the use of ripening inhibitors. This experiment focused [...] Read more.

The dietary properties of apples make them, along with the other fruits and vegetables, the basis of many slimming or pro-health diets. Availability of apples throughout the year is ensured by various storage technologies, including the use of ripening inhibitors. This experiment focused on the assessment of the effect of various variants of inhibition of apple ripening processes, i.e., 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), ultra-low-oxygen storage (ULO) or modified atmosphere (MAP), in order to provide the consumer with apples with comparable high nutritional values. An important aim of the experiment was to determine the effect of the above-mentioned factors on changes in the content of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in conditions of apple distribution at high temperatures, i.e., above 25 °C. The experiment consisted of several stages of fruit distribution: (I)—treatment of 1-MCP apples immediately after harvest, (II)—storage in ULO, (III)—simulated long-distance transport under normal atmosphere cold storage (NA) and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), (IV)—simulated rotation (15 days) under high-temperature conditions of 25 °C. Evaluation gave the basic characteristics of the fruits that characterize their health-promoting properties, i.e., total polyphenols (TPC), phenolic acids and flavonols, and antioxidant activity (AA). All indicators were assessed separately for apple peel and flesh. The experiment showed that the content of antioxidants in apple peel is from 230 to 370% higher than in the flesh, depending on the group of ingredients assessed. The peel of fruit treated with 1-MCP was distinguished by a higher content of phenolic acids and flavonols than the untreated fruit, especially after 20 weeks of stored in ULO. The effect of 1-MCP on AA in the peel of the fruit was moderate; however, apples untreated with 1-MCP were more likely to lose AA, especially when transported under normal cold storage conditions. The content of assessed compounds in the apple flesh was more stable than in the peel. The content of TPC and phenolic acids in apple flesh either decreased or remained almost unchanged after 15 days of shelf life. An increase in AA was observed in fruit flesh not stored in ULO, especially in apples treated with 1-MCP. After 10 and 20 weeks of storage in ULO, AA was not determined by experimental factors. The use of 1-MCP and the transport of apples in MAP can reduce the loss of phenolics after long-distance transport and distribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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16 pages, 676 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Fertilization with Spent Mushroom Substrate and Traditional Methods of Fertilization of Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) on Yield Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Herbal Material

by Cezary A. Kwiatkowski and Elżbieta Harasim

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020329 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3815

Abstract

This experiment was designed to determine the effect of spent mushroom substrate, farmyard manure, and mineral fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the yield and quality of raw material obtained from two cultivars (“Słoneczko” and “De Dolj”) of common thyme. Unfertilized plots [...] Read more.

This experiment was designed to determine the effect of spent mushroom substrate, farmyard manure, and mineral fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium on the yield and quality of raw material obtained from two cultivars (“Słoneczko” and “De Dolj”) of common thyme. Unfertilized plots with thyme crops were included as the control treatment. Different row spacings (30 cm and 40 cm) represented the second experimental factor. The highest total yield of thyme raw material was found in the treatment with mineral NPK fertilization, but also in the treatments where spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and mineral NPK fertilization were applied at a ratio of 50:50%. Fertilization with SMS alone (100%) yielded smaller production effects, but they were higher than in the case of fertilization with manure. The high suitability of spent mushroom substrate applied alone or supplemented with mineral fertilization at different rates in spring was confirmed by the best quality parameters and antioxidant properties of the raw material. The use of a wider row spacing (40 cm) resulted in a higher yield of thyme raw material than in the case of a narrower one (30 cm). The narrower row spacing significantly positively affected some of the analyzed quality parameters of the harvested raw material, such as: essential oil content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity. The thyme cultivar “Słoneczko” proved to be absolutely more beneficial in terms of yield quantity and quality than the foreign cultivar “De Dolj”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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17 pages, 1999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Foliar Fertilization on the Resistance of Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds to Mechanical Damage

by Ewa Szpunar-Krok, Piotr Kuźniar, Renata Pawlak and Dagmara Migut

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010189 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3323

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of foliar fertilization on the morphological and mechanical properties of pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.) and to determine the dependences between the morphological features and chemical composition of pea seeds and their [...] Read more.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of foliar fertilization on the morphological and mechanical properties of pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.) and to determine the dependences between the morphological features and chemical composition of pea seeds and their susceptibility to mechanical damage. Field experimentation was carried out in 2015–2017 (south-eastern Poland, 49°59′ N, 21°57′ E). Micronutrient conventional fertilization (N1) and organic fertilizer (N2) were tested on eight pea cultivars. The mechanical parameters assessed included compression force (F_D), relative deformation (D_R), and energy (E_D). Application of foliar fertilizer increased the strength of seeds and their ability to resist mechanical damage under quasi-static loads. The seeds of plants fertilized with N1 were more resistant to mechanical damage than the seeds of plants fertilized with N2. Seeds with larger dimensions, mass, density, and a more spherical shape were damaged under the action of less force and energy, and they deformed less. Seeds with higher protein, fat, ash, and K content and lower NFE, Fe, Zn, and Cu content were more resistant to mechanical damage. The mathematical models created provide knowledge about the impact of foliar fertilizer on the mechanical properties of seeds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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13 pages, 1836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shelf-Life of Bunched Carrots as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization and Leaf Presence

by Anita Ierna, Rosario Paolo Mauro, Cherubino Leonardi and Francesco Giuffrida

Agronomy 2020, 10(12), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121982 - 16 Dec 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2822

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is essential for adequate earliness and the commercial attractiveness of carrots, but its excess could generate fast decay during postharvest, mostly in bunched carrots exhibiting their highly perishable leaves. A field experiment was conducted over the 2016–2017 growing season to [...] Read more.

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is essential for adequate earliness and the commercial attractiveness of carrots, but its excess could generate fast decay during postharvest, mostly in bunched carrots exhibiting their highly perishable leaves. A field experiment was conducted over the 2016–2017 growing season to address the effects of two N fertilization rates (120 and 240 kg N ha⁻¹, hereafter N₁₂₀ and N₂₄₀, respectively) and leaf presence/absence (leaf+ and leaf−) on physicochemical and compositional traits of carrots cv. ‘Dordogne’, after storage at 4.0 ± 0.5 °C, 95–96% relative humidity (RH) for 0, 3, 6, 12, and 24 days (hereafter S₀–S₂₄). Before storage, carrots were arranged in bunches and packaged in common low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pouches (thickness 95 μm), 54 × 24 cm size, with 16 holes of 5 mm size. N₂₄₀ carrots compared to N₁₂₀ showed higher cumulative weight loss (CWL) and firmness reduction, with differences at S₂₄ equal to 108 vs. 41 g kg⁻¹ fresh weight (FW) and 13.3 vs. 14.5 N, respectively. N₂₄₀ compared to N₁₂₀ increased also the color deviation (ΔE*_ab, +126%) and nitrates content (+93%) of carrots and slowed down their temporal increase of total polyphenols and antioxidant activity. Leaf+ carrots compared to leaf boosted CWL and firmness reduction, with differences at S₂₄ equal to 90 vs. 58 g kg⁻¹ FW and 12 vs. 17 N, respectively. In addition, leaf presence increased reducing sugars (+17%) and decreased nitrates (−24%) contents. This research has shown the possibility of improving the desirable quality and shelf-life of carrots by halving the N dose commonly supplied by growers and marketing bunched carrots within 12 days from the start of storage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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16 pages, 3795 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Antifungal Effects of Rhizospheric Bacillus Species Against Bayberry Twig Blight Pathogen Pestalotiopsis versicolor

by Md. Arshad Ali, Haiying Ren, Temoor Ahmed, Jinyan Luo, Qianli An, Xingjiang Qi and Bin Li

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1811; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111811 - 18 Nov 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5647

Abstract

Bayberry is an attractive, nutritious, and popular fruit in China. The plant fungal pathogen Pestalotiopsis versicolor XJ27 is the causative agent of bayberry twig blight disease, which severely affects bayberry production. Traditional control techniques, such as chemical fungicides, are being used to control [...] Read more.

Bayberry is an attractive, nutritious, and popular fruit in China. The plant fungal pathogen Pestalotiopsis versicolor XJ27 is the causative agent of bayberry twig blight disease, which severely affects bayberry production. Traditional control techniques, such as chemical fungicides, are being used to control this disease; however, these techniques cause environmental and health hazards. In this study, we screened sweet potato rhizospheric bacteria with biocontrol potentials against P. versicolor XJ27, the bayberry twig blight pathogen. Ten isolates showed inhibition; Bacillus siamensis S3 and Bacillus tequilensis S5 showed the highest fungal growth inhibition. The antagonistic bacterial culture suspensions of S3 and S5 inhibited the mycelial growth by 82.9% and 76.2%, respectively. Their extracellular culture filtrates had mycelial growth inhibition of 86.8% and 82.2%, respectively. In detached leaf assay, the extracellular culture filtrates of S3 and S5 inhibited the size of the leaf lesion by 82.3% and 76.2%, respectively. SEM and TEM imaging showed a severe hyphal-damaged structure caused by the antagonistic bacteria. The fungal inhibition mechanisms might employ the hydrolytic enzymes and lipopeptides produced by the bacteria. Both the S3 and S5 have chitinase and protease activity; they produce a series of lipopeptides such as surfactin, iturin, and mycosubtilin. Therefore, we can suggest these bacteria as biocontrol agents for bayberry twig blight disease as an alternative to fungicides based upon their attributes of antifungal activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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11 pages, 1692 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth and Nutrient Element Content of Hydroponic Lettuce are Modified by LED Continuous Lighting of Different Intensities and Spectral Qualities

by Wenke Liu, Lingyan Zha and Yubin Zhang

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1678; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111678 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5045

Abstract

LED red (R) and blue (B) continuous light (CL) is a potential efficient way to increase plant productivity of plant factory with artificial light (PFAL), but limited information was explored about their effects on plant mineral nutrition. In an environmentally controlled plant factory [...] Read more.

LED red (R) and blue (B) continuous light (CL) is a potential efficient way to increase plant productivity of plant factory with artificial light (PFAL), but limited information was explored about their effects on plant mineral nutrition. In an environmentally controlled plant factory with artificial light (PFAL), the effects of CL of different intensities and spectral qualities, emitted by R and B LEDs on growth and nutrient element content and accumulation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), were conducted in three hydroponic experiments. Two treatments, normal light (12 h/12 h) and CL (24 h/0 h) in experiment 1, three CL intensities (100, 200 and 300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) in experiment 2, and three CL light qualities (1R:3B, 1R:1B and 3R:1B) in experiment 3 were designed. The results showed that CL significantly increased the fresh and dry lettuce shoot biomass compared with normal light, and shoot fresh and dry biomass increased with the intensity increment of CL. In experiment 3, shoot fresh biomass was great under high R light proportion CL treatment, while dry shoot biomass remained unchanged. Both CL and CL with increased intensities promoted shoot C content and accumulation in lettuce. CL reduced N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn contents in lettuce shoot, while Fe and Mn contents did not change compared to NL. Moreover, CL increased Ca, Fe and Mn accumulation. 100–200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ CL facilitated N, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn contents in shoot, but K content was not influenced compared with 300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. The data showed that high B light ratio (75%) facilitated C content comparison with low B ratios (50% and 25%). However, lettuce grown under 3R1B treatment had the higher C accumulation. Shoot N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn contents were higher under 1R1B treatment, and Cu content did not affected by light quality. Moreover, accumulation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in shoot was higher under 1R1B treatment, while P, Ca, Mg, Mn accumulation under 3R1B treatment was the lowest. In conclusion, CL tends to reduce shoot mineral element contents due to dilution effect as shoot dry weight increases compared to NL. However, long-term (12 days) CL composed of 1R1B, 100–200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ tends to obtain relative higher K, Ca, Fe and Zn contents in the greater dry lettuce shoot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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21 pages, 818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of Temperature on the Quality and Storage Stalibity of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam]) Grown in Central Europe

by Barbara Krochmal-Marczak, Barbara Sawicka, Barbara Krzysztofik, Honorata Danilčenko and Elvyra Jariene

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1665; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111665 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6362

Abstract

The research focuses on the effects of temperature on the quality and storage stability of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam]). It is based on the results of a field experiment conducted between 2015–2017 in Żyznów (49°49′ N, 21°50′ E). The experimental [...] Read more.

The research focuses on the effects of temperature on the quality and storage stability of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam]). It is based on the results of a field experiment conducted between 2015–2017 in Żyznów (49°49′ N, 21°50′ E). The experimental factors were: storage temperatures (5° and 15 °C) and sweet potato cultivars (‘Carmen Rubin’, ‘White Triumph’, ‘Beauregard’, ‘Satsumo Imo’, ‘Purple’). Tubers were harvested at BBCH stage 97. Tubers were stored in a climatic chamber with temperature control and fixed ambient humidity for 6 months during the 2015/16–2017/18 seasons. The storage of tubers at 15 °C helped reduce tuber waste and weight losses resulting from germination, transpiration, respiration and rotting. The quality of the stored tubers depended mostly on storage temperature. It was observed that at 15°, the content of dry matter and total sugars was higher than at 5°, whereas the content of starch was lower. The factor determining storage stability was the genetic features of the cultivars under study. The cultivars ‘Purple’ and ‘Satsumo Imo’ demonstrated good storage stability. The cultivar ‘Carmen Rubin’ turned out least suitable for long storage. The experiment results can contribute to developing storage technology of sweet potato tubers cultivated in Central Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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20 pages, 2403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of High Tunnel Coverings on Antioxidants of Breaker and Light Red Tomatoes at Harvest and during Ripening

by Kelly M. Gude, Channa B. Rajashekar, Brianna Cunningham, Qing Kang, Weiqun Wang, Myungjin Lee, Cary L. Rivard and Eleni D. Pliakoni

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1639; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111639 - 24 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2914

Abstract

(1) Background: We assessed the impact of high tunnel coverings and harvest maturity (breaker and light red) on antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid (AsA), lycopene, β–carotene, and phenolic compound (flavonoid and phenolic acid) accumulation in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) at harvest and [...] Read more.

(1) Background: We assessed the impact of high tunnel coverings and harvest maturity (breaker and light red) on antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid (AsA), lycopene, β–carotene, and phenolic compound (flavonoid and phenolic acid) accumulation in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) at harvest and postharvest. (2) Methods: The two-year study in Olathe, KS, included six different coverings: a standard polyethylene (standard poly), diffuse poly (diffuse), clear poly (clear), UV-A/UV-B blocking poly (block), 55% shade cloth + standard poly (shade), and removal of standard poly two weeks prior to harvest (movable). (3) Results: Antioxidant capacity increased in fruit grown under the clear covering, compared to the shade covering (p < 0.05); similarly, AsA accumulation increased under the standard and clear coverings, relative to the movable and shade coverings (p < 0.001). Postharvest, at the point of consumption (POC), rutin increased in fruit harvested at light red stage versus breaker stage (p < 0.001), and chlorogenic acid increased in light red harvested fruit by 60% under movable, 55% under shade, and 43% under block covering than breaker harvested fruit (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Based on these results, we conclude that both high tunnel covering and postharvest maturation alter antioxidant capacity, AsA, lycopene, and phenolic compound accumulation profiles by the POC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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Review

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38 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Polysaccharides as Edible Films and Coatings: Characteristics and Influence on Fruit and Vegetable Quality—A Review

by Anna Kocira, Katarzyna Kozłowicz, Katarzyna Panasiewicz, Mariola Staniak, Ewa Szpunar-Krok and Paulina Hortyńska

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 813; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050813 - 21 Apr 2021

Cited by 161 | Viewed by 17563

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in the development of edible films and coatings in recent times, and this is expected to have a significant impact on the quality of fruit and vegetables in the coming years. Consumers expect fresh fruit and vegetables [...] Read more.

There has been a significant increase in the development of edible films and coatings in recent times, and this is expected to have a significant impact on the quality of fruit and vegetables in the coming years. Consumers expect fresh fruit and vegetables free from pesticide residues, with high quality, nutritional value and an extended shelf life. The application of coatings and edible films to fruits and vegetables represents an environmentally friendly approach to an innovative solution to this problem. Coatings and edible films can act as ecological and biodegradable packaging. The coating strategy involves a combination of natural biopolymers and appropriate preservation methods. The article presents the applicability, trends and perspectives of polysaccharide coatings and edible films and their impact on the quality of fruit and vegetables, providing an understanding of their main functions and benefits. Numerous studies show that natural polysaccharides are well suited for use as packaging material for fresh fruit and vegetables and can often be an important alternative to synthetic compounds. Natural polymer materials are a good barrier to oxygen and carbon dioxide; however, they are characterised by excessive solubility in the water environment, water vapour permeability and low extensibility. The properties of edible coatings can be modified by the addition of plasticisers, surfactants, cross-linkers, antimicrobial agents, functional additives, nanosilver particles or fruit and vegetable residues. The use of an electric field is also a promising technology here. The use of polysaccharides for the preparation of edible films and coatings is justified not only by the possibility of reducing the consumption of packaging made of synthetic polymer materials but also by the fact that the production of some natural polymers can be made using waste products generated during the processing of food raw materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

11 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Influence of Physical Treatments on Phytochemical Changes in Fresh Produce after Storage and Marketing

by Elazar Fallik and Zoran Ilić

Agronomy 2021, 11(4), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11040788 - 16 Apr 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3316

Abstract

More food with high nutritional content will be needed to feed the growing global human population, which is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Fruits and vegetables contain most of the minerals, micronutrients, and phytonutrients essential for human nutrition and health. The [...] Read more.

More food with high nutritional content will be needed to feed the growing global human population, which is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. Fruits and vegetables contain most of the minerals, micronutrients, and phytonutrients essential for human nutrition and health. The quantity of these phytochemicals depends on crop genetics, weather and environmental factors, growth conditions, and pre-harvest and post-harvest treatments. These phytochemicals are known to have anti-cancer properties and to regulate immunity, in addition to hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-aging, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and other pharmacological properties. Physical treatments have been reported to be effective for managing several post-harvest diseases and physiological disorders. These treatments may affect the external, internal, and nutritional qualities of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the information recently reported regarding the use of physical treatments applied either directly or in combination with other means to maximize and maintain the phytochemical content of fresh and fresh-cut or processed fruits and vegetables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

16 pages, 550 KiB

Open AccessReview

Physical Crop Postharvest Storage and Protection Methods

by Marek Kopacki, Joanna Pawłat, Barbara Skwaryło-Bednarz, Agnieszka Jamiołkowska, Patrycja Maria Stępniak, Piotr Kiczorowski and Katarzyna Golan

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010093 - 6 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4255

Abstract

Sustainable and organic plant production uses natural products and natural self-regulation processes occurring in the ecosystem. The awareness is growing and the demands of consumers are higher and higher. One solution is to use various methods, as an alternative to pesticides. It is [...] Read more.

Sustainable and organic plant production uses natural products and natural self-regulation processes occurring in the ecosystem. The awareness is growing and the demands of consumers are higher and higher. One solution is to use various methods, as an alternative to pesticides. It is also very important to care for the stored crops after harvesting especially using non-chemical methods. The physical method of plant protection consists in treating the harmful organism with physical factors such as temperature, its same light and radiation, controlled atmosphere, special packaging, pressure, various sounds, ozone, and low-temperature plasma. The availability of effective application techniques opens up new possibilities for the storage of crops in order to maintain their health and quality for a long time. This review focuses on the analysis of physical methods of postharvest protection, especially the latest methods using ozone and low-temperature plasma. As a result, consumers of agricultural crops will be able to consume food free of insects, mycotoxins and pesticide residues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Technologies for Conservation, Protection, and Quality of Vegetables and Fruits in a Postharvest Period)

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