Introduction. The cultivation of high-value fruit species is a profitable agricultural activity in many tropical countries; however, intensive fruit cultivation may depend on high amounts of external inputs. The objective of our study was to quantify and compare the resource use during the cultivation of eight tropical fruit species (Rubus glaucus, Solanum quitoense, Passiflora edulis, Cyphomandra betacea, Physalis peruviana, Ananas comosus, Persea americana and Mangifera indica) commonly cultivated in Colombia. It further aimed to identify greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the selected production systems and to highlight the potential to contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Materials and methods. The analysis was based on data from agricultural databases and applied a life-cycle assessment with energy use and GHG emissions as impact categories. Furthermore, economic indicators were taken into account with the aim of integrating the environmental and economic goals of production systems. Results and discussion. Among the eight fruit species studied, mango (Mangifera indica) was found to have the lowest and tree tomato (Cyphomandra betacea) the highest emission profile. The variability in resource use among growers of the same species was high, indicating the need to improve management abilities at the farm level. Mineral fertilizer production was the highest contributor to GHG emissions. GHG- and energy-efficient management alternatives would have a high potential to reduce the carbon footprint of fruit cultivation.

Introduction. Raspberry is an economically important berry crop; its fruit contains numerous phenolic compounds with potential health benefits. It is known that the chemical content of the fruit is affected by processing factors, but limited information is available on the influence of production factors or impact of genotypes. Materials and methods. The raspberry cultivars tested in our study were Autumn Bliss, Batum, Heritage, Polana (red fruits) and Golden Bliss (yellow fruits); a hybrid boysenberry and a black raspberry (black fruits). The plants were grown in two subtropical areas in Brazil. Harvested fruits were used to determine the contents of bioactive compounds (anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, lycopene and total phenols), antioxidant activity and mineral composition (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, copper, manganese, zinc and iron). Results. Our results revealed a strong influence of the site on the parameters evaluated and indicated the existence of variation among the cultivars. In general, colored raspberries are a rich source of nutrients, especially nitrogen, potassium, iron and manganese, and contain significant amounts of bioactive compounds.

Introduction. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a kind of tropical fruit with high commercial value in international trade. However, harvested rambutan fruits suffer from a short shelf life and show rapid postharvest deterioration problems due to spintern browning and flesh decay. Materials and methods. Rambutan fruit (cv. ‘Baoyan 5’) were harvested in 2009 and 2010. Changes in some chemical components and the physiology of fruits were investigated at different storage temperatures (25 °C and 10 °C) and with different packing materials (regular low-density polyethylene and anti-moisture polyethylene bags). Results and discussion. Changes in the development of the browning index, and contents of total soluble solids, titratable acidity and vitamin C greatly decreased during low temperature storage (10 °C); moreover, low temperature storage (10 °C) could maintain a significantly higher level of superoxide dismutase activity and lower values of malondialdehyde and cell membrane permeability. The effects of packing material were different according to the different storage temperatures. At 10 °C, the beneficial effects of anti-moisture polyethylene bags on fruit quality and physiology were observed. However, at 25 °C, fruit packed with regular low-density polyethylene proved to be of better quality than those packed with anti-moisture polyethylene bags. Conclusion. The overall results suggest that packing with anti-moisture polyethylene bags and storage at 10 °C were the most suitable conditions to maintain quality and to extend the storage life of rambutan fruit.

Introduction. The fruits of the Brazilian Savannah have potential to improve the human diet, income generation and, consequently, the quality of life for socially vulnerable families. Among the native fruits of the Savannah, one that stands out is the ‘jatobá do cerrado’ (Hymenaea stigonocarpa). Therefore, the physical characteristics, chemical composition (titratable acidity, soluble solids, pH, moisture, ash, proteins, lipids and total dietary fiber), occurrence and content of vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene), vitamin E (α, β, γ and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols) and folates (tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) were evaluated in pulp of ‘jatobá do cerrado’ from the Brazilian Savannah. Materials and methods. The length, diameter, mass and fruit yield were evaluated. The titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization; pH by potentiometry; soluble solids by refractometry; moisture using an oven; ash using a muffle furnace; proteins by the micro-Kjeldhal method; total dietary fiber by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method; and lipids with a Soxhlet extractor. Vitamin C and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and vitamin E and folates by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results and discussion. The jatobá do cerrado’ presented low pulp yield (17.1%) and moisture (8.8 g×100 g–1), and high contents of total dietary fiber (44.3 g×100 g–1), protein (5.6 mg×100 g–1) and energy (193.0 kcal×100 g–1). The fruit presented reduced contents of carotenoids and vitamin C [(0.4 and 8.9) mg×100 g–1, respectively]. The contents of vitamin E and folates [(53.5 and 495.5) μg×100 g–1, respectively] were higher than in other widely consumed fruits. Conclusion. The ‘jatobá do cerrado’ is a source of vitamin C, good source of folates, and excellent source of dietary fiber. Due to its nutritional value, ‘jatobá do cerrado’ is an important dietary alternative; thus, its consumption should be encouraged.

Introduction. Shea tree (V. paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.), a species endemic to the Sudanian savanna woodlands, is dominant in the parklands of West Africa where it is of great socioeconomic importance. However, shea tree has been reported in recent decades to be threatened by plant parasites, Loranthaceae. Our study aimed to assess possible variation of the impact of these parasites on shea tree fruit yield in two contrasting habitats. Materials and methods. We selected 41 weakly and 41 heavily infected shea tree individuals, of similar size, in a protected area as well as in its adjacent parklands. Shea tree traits such as diameter at breast height, canopy diameter, tree height, canopy height, number of fruit yielded, number of parasite stumps per tree and an impact index ratio were assessed on each shea tree individual. Two-way ANOVA was performed to compare parasite impact on shea tree fruit yield in relation to habitat. Hierarchical cluster, canonical discriminant and one-way ANOVA analyses were used to show quantitative traits that characterize shea tree groups from habitats. Results. Loranthaceae did not reduce fruit yield significantly either in the parklands or in the protected area. Quantitative traits tended to discriminate all pooled shea trees in relation to habitats. Shea tree individuals in parklands were characterized mostly by the highest value of number of infected stumps per tree and of the impact index ratio, suggesting that many shea tree individuals in parklands were sensitive to Loranthaceae impact on their fruit yield. Conclusion. These findings were helpful for implementing some shea tree conservation plans.

Introduction. Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) is a key component in regulation of blood pressure by virtue of the rennin-angiotensin system. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide, angiotensin I, into the potent vasopressor octapeptide, angiotensin II, and inactivates bradykinin, which has a vasodilating action. So, inhibition of ACE has become a major target in control of hypertension. It is well known that the consumption of fruits could provide health benefits by lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome diseases including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our current study was focused on investigating the ACE inhibitory property of a few underutilized minor fruits of West Bengal using an in vitro assay. Materials and methods. The potential antihypertensive activity of underutilized indigenous edible fruits of West Bengal, India, was evaluated by their ability to inhibit Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE). The ACE inhibitory property was assayed using ACE from rabbit lung and hippuryl-histidyl-leucine as the substrate. Nineteen fruit species belonging to 15 families were investigated. The percentage ACE inhibitory activities of these fruits were studied at 20 µg fresh weight of fruit extract per mL. The total phenol content of all these fruits was determined following the standard Folin-Ciocalteu method. Total flavonoid content was also measured. Results. The aqueous fruit extracts of the red variety of Trapa bispinosa, Phoenix sylvestris, Cicca acida, Achras sapota and Averrhoa carambola presented more than 75% ACE inhibition. On the other hand, Punica granatum, Spondias pinnata, Trapa bispinosa (green) and Ziziphus mauritiana showed about 50% inhibition. Aegle marmelos, Annona squamosa, Annona reticulata, Feronia elephantum, Physalis peruviana and Syzygium jambos showed low activity (< 50% inhibition). Discussions. To date there has been no report on Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme inhibitory activities of these underutilized minor fruits of West Bengal, India. During our study no correlation could be established between the % ACE inhibition and the total phenol or flavonoid content of these fruit extracts. So, it appears that non-phenolic components may also be responsible for ACE inhibitory activity. In our investigation we tried to establish the fact that the consumption of these underutilized minor fruits might have potential in managing cardiovascular diseases.

Introduction. The aim of our research was to optimize the number of young mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. ‘Arumanis’) fruits that could be maintained per panicle and to improve the criteria for the selection of fruit to be maintained in loco to allow a high yield to be achieved. Materials and methods. The factors investigated were the number of young fruits maintained per panicle (either 2, 4 or 6), while the criteria of young fruits to be maintained were: the number of biggest fruit, fruits attached at the base of the panicle, and fruits distributed evenly from the base to the top of the panicle. Results. Our study shows that maintaining six young fruits per panicle gave the highest weight of harvested mango fruits per plant (33 kg) and the lowest weight per fruit (466 g). Maintaining the biggest mango fruit on the panicle resulted in the highest weight per fruit (496 g). Conclusion. Increasing the number of young fruits maintained per panicle from 2 to 6 linearly increased the weight of fruits per plant, although it decreased the weight per fruit linearly.

Introduction. The aim of our study was to analyze the effect of various levels of light availability in the fruit microenvironment (induced by summer pruning) on some fruit quality traits. Materials and methods. Two levels of summer pruning were set: removal of either 30% or 60% of the canopy leaf area. These treatments were compared with the control (unpruned vines). Two canopy layers (upper and lower) were identified in each treatment and in the control vines. At harvest, yield per cane and per shoot was recorded in the two canopy layers; fruit fresh weight, flesh firmness, total soluble solid content and total titratable acidity were measured. Fruit Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Polyphenols (TPH) were determined at kiwifruit harvest and post-harvest (60 days after storage at 1 °C) in relation to their position within the canopy (layer) and to the pruning treatment applied. Results. Removing 60% of the canopy leaf area induced higher titratable acidity and flesh firmness of kiwifruits at harvest; it reduced fruit weight and crop yield, but increased TAC and TPH compared with kiwifruits of control. Removing 30% leaf area did not reduce mean fruit weight and crop yield; it increased TAC and TPH at harvest by 20%. Post-harvest TAC and TPH evolution did not differ among treatments. Discussion and conclusion. Pergola-trained kiwifruit vines showed good performances in terms of crop yield and fruit quality when summer pruning reduced the Leaf Area Index (LAI) to 3. More intense pruning resulted in a significant increase in fruit TAC, but reduced fruit weight and crop yield, and delayed softening of pulp.

Introduction. Barberry (Berberis aristata DC.), a small fruit, is found growing in the wild in the temperate region of northern Pakistan. Materials and methods. Three different locations of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, i.e., Topa, Banjosa and Neriyan Sharif, were explored; thirty accessions of barberry were identified and characterized on the basis of their growth habit, flowering, fruiting and chemical composition of fruits. Results. The accessions exhibited high diversity in their phenotypical/morphological traits such as growth habit, intensity and time of flowering, fruit setting, ripening time, productivity, and fruit shape and color. The location had a great impact on quantitative parameters. Accessions collected from Neriyan Sharif had significantly greater plant height, higher number of branches per plant, extended flowering duration (days), took more time to maturity (days) and had high fruit setting (%), while those from Topa had large-sized leaves and fruits with greater average fruit weight. The nutritional composition of fruits indicated that the accessions from Topa had higher carbohydrate, ash, total soluble solids and Mn contents, with significantly higher juice pH, and lower acidity; while the accessions from Neriyan Sharif had significantly higher moisture, protein, fat, fiber, K, Ca, Na, Fe, Cu, Pb and Cr contents and were highly acidic. The accessions collected from Banjosa were almost intermediate for the quantitative characteristics studied. Conclusions. The results suggested that not only the genotype but its growing location as well are the main factors that determine the growing habit, productivity and nutritional composition of barberry fruits, and this ultimately provides important information on how to make the best use of them.

Introduction. This study was carried out in French Guiana, over ten years (1994–2003) by three institutions (SPV, FDGPC and CIRAD); it updates the current state of knowledge of Tephritidae (both Dacini and Toxotrypanini tribes) species present in this country. Materials and methods. The work was mainly conducted in inhabited areas (from the Brazilian border to the Surinamese border) where cultivated fruit crops are located. Specimens were obtained by adult trapping and fruit sampling in nearby orchards and at the edge of the rainforest. Trapping was done consistently for 10 years, while fruit sampling was a discontinuous activity. We present only the results for fruit sampling from three consecutive years (2001–2003) in which a total of 880 kg from 45 fruit species in 22 plant families were collected. Results. Twenty-nine plant species from fourteen plant families were found to be hosts of twenty-one Anastrepha species and one Bactrocera species, Bactrocera carambolae Drew and Hancock. During this period, no specimen of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) was collected in traps or fruit samples. We registered the main fruit trees which were hosts for B. carambolae and Anastrepha spp. Five hymenopterous parasitoid species were identified. Among them, Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) is an exotic species and was introduced into French Guiana in collaboration with Brazilian authorities (EMBRAPA) in 2000 and 2001 within the framework of a classical biological control program. Conclusion. Our data provide baseline information about the tephritid species of economic importance present in French Guiana and assist in developing potential future control programs of both the B. carambolae and Anastrepha species in the Amazon Basin. These preliminary results are discussed in the light of their implication for rainforest conservation efforts and also evolutionary relationships between fruit flies and their hosts.

Introduction. The objective of this study was to examine the relationships among the ripening attributes of ‘Honeycrisp’ apples at harvest and after storage, and the direct and indirect contributions of these attributes to peel greasiness and the incidence of soft scald and soggy breakdown during storage using correlation and path-coefficient analyses. Materials and methods. Fruit were harvested from a commercial orchard at least five times throughout the commercial harvest period during four subsequent years (2008 to 2011). In two of the years, fruit were stored in air for 3 months at 3 °C and/or in a controlled atmosphere (1–2 kPa O2 + 1–2 kPa CO2) for 6 months at 3 °C. Fruit were analyzed at harvest and after storage. Results and discussion. Negative correlations were detected between internal ethylene concentration (IEC) and soluble solids concentration (SSC) or titratable acidity (TA) (the higher the IEC, the lower the SSC and TA) and a positive correlation between firmness and TA (the higher the firmness, the higher the TA). More peel greasiness and higher incidence of soggy breakdown during storage were associated with lower firmness, SSC and TA. Negative correlations were also detected between the incidence of soft scald and IEC or peel greasiness. The results of the path-coefficient analyses suggest that, in ‘Honeycrisp’, interrelationships among postharvest ripening indices and each individual disorder differ. Three possible path models for the interrelationships among ripening attributes (independent variables) and the incidence of peel greasiness, soft scald and soggy breakdown (dependent variables) are presented.

Introduction. Algerian oases are characterized by a diversification of local fruit species and cultivars. However, this diversity is subject to erosion. To preserve the genetic heritage, we undertook the first work on the inventory of fruit species crops in the region of Touggourt in south-eastern Algeria. Materials and methods. Our working methods were based on surveys carried out on farms in the Oued Righ region according to a questionnaire that met our objectives. For this, we divided the study region into three zones and in each zone we selected ten farms for the inventory of fruit species cultivated. Results and discussion. The results of our investigations allowed us to identify thirteen species, including four species with a wide distribution (pomegranate tree, apricot tree, fig tree and vine). The local genetic diversity of these species is little known. The varieties or cultivars inventoried have local names given by the farmers in the region according to certain morphological characteristics of the fruit. We surveyed five cultivars for the fig tree, two cultivars for the pomegranate tree, two cultivars for the vine, and two apricot tree cultivars. The study of the biodiversity of fruit trees in the Oued Righ region showed high richness of the species and cultivars; some are local and others are endemic to the region. Better knowledge of genetic diversity will begin with tests of behavior and characterization of the different genotypes encountered to dispel the ambiguities and to highlight the actual composition of populations or varieties of different species.

Introduction. Bacterial canker, caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, is a destructive disease where stone fruit trees are cultivated. The efficacy of nitrogen and calcium fertilization on bacterial canker susceptibility was evaluated in stone fruits. Materials and methods. Field experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of foliar applications of calcium nitrate, and ground fertilization with CAN-17 plus low-biuret urea foliar spray on bacterial susceptibility in ‘Riegel’ peach, ‘French’ prune and ‘Nonpareil’ almond growing in ring nematode-infested and nematicide-fumigated soils. Host susceptibility was evaluated by measuring the length of lesions developed following inoculation with P. syringae pv. syringae. Results and discussion. Foliar applications of Ca(NO3)2 significantly increased leaf nitrogen and bark calcium concentrations in peach trees growing in both fumigated and nonfumigated areas. Peach trees growing in nonfumigated areas developed significantly longer lesions than trees growing in fumigated areas. However, Ca(NO3)2 foliar applications had no effect in decreasing peach susceptibility to bacterial infection in both nonfumigated and fumigated areas. After inoculation, diseased prune trees developed significantly longer lesions than healthy trees. Leaf and bark calcium concentrations of diseased prune were significantly increased after Ca(NO3)2 foliar sprays, but again the treatments did not significantly affect prune susceptibility to bacterial infection. However, nitrogen fertilization with CAN-17 and urea significantly increased the bark nitrogen concentration of almond trees, and these trees had significantly smaller lesions than those not receiving nitrogen fertilization. Foliar application of calcium (Nutri-Cal) did not affect almond susceptibility to bacterial canker. Collectively, these data support the previous hypothesis that increased susceptibility of stone fruits to P. syringae pv. syringae under nematode infestation conditions is mediated by both nitrogen effects and nitrogen-independent effects, and application of ammonium nitrogen may have some beneficial effects in reducing stone fruit susceptibility to bacterial canker where ring nematode infestation prevails.

Introduction. African fruit production, as well as regional and international fruit trade, have experienced heavy economic losses over the past decade due to the damage caused by fruit flies, especially B. invadens Drew Tsuruta & White (Tephritidae: Diptera). Bactrocerainvadens attacks fruits belonging to numerous botanical families, several of which are of great economic importance. The females of these flies generally lay their eggs in mature fruits, but some can lay in green-immature fruits. Materials and methods. The influence of the species, variety and phenology of fruits on the fruit attractiveness to B. invadens and the elicitation of B. invadens egg-laying behaviour were studied in the laboratory. Fruits harvested regularly during the years 2008 and 2009 from orchards in the Niayes area (Senegal) were exposed to gravid females in cages set for the different factors tested. The exposed fruits were then incubated and the pupae emerging from them were counted. Results and discussion. Bactrocera invadens females laid eggs in ripe fruits. Within the same fruit species, the variety plays an important role in egg-laying preference. Hence, among the mango varieties tested, the Pêche variety hosted the highest number of pupae per fruit, while the Palmer variety hosted the lowest number. Comparison among different fruit species showed that mature papaya was more infested than mature mango or citrus. Furthermore, flies were unable to develop on lime. Conclusion. Our study showed that B. invadens can infest green and ripe host fruits, and even immature abscised fruits. Consequently, management of this pest must include preventive measures in the development and implementation of an integrated management system.

Introduction. The Brazilian Cerrado presents a wide vegetable diversity, which is used for different purposes, especially in human feeding. Among the various fruits of the Cerrado, the araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) stands out, due to its high nutritional value and technological potential. The physical characteristics, chemical composition (titratable acidity, pH, moisture, ash, total dietary fiber, lipids and proteins), occurrence and content of vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene), vitamin E (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols) and folates (tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) were evaluated in araticum from the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Vitamin C and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and vitamin E and folates by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results and discussion. Araticum pulp presented a high energy value (95.12 kcal·100 g–1), as well as elevated contents of dietary fiber (6.80 g·100 g–1), carotenoids (4.98 mg·100 g –1) and vitamin A value (288.79 RAE·100 g–1). The contents of vitamin C, folates and vitamin E were 5.23 mg·100 g –1, 27.36 μg·100 g–1 and 494.04 μg·100 g–1, respectively. Conclusion. Araticum presented high energy value and high dietary fiber content. It is a source of vitamin C and folates, and an excellent source of vitamin A.

Introduction. Strawberry is rich in health as well as bioactive compounds, and benefits resulting from the use of natural products rich in bioactive substances are receiving increased interest from the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Materials and methods. Twenty-two cultivars of strawberry (Fragaria ×  ananassa Duch.) grown under a temperate ecosystem were screened for ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins and antioxidant activities (DPPH and FRAP assays). The phenolic content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent using gallic acid as the standard. Antioxidant activity was determined in terms of DPPH and FRAP assays and expressed as ascorbic acid equivalent. Total anthocyanins and total flavonoid content were determined using a colorimetric method. Titratable acidity (citric acid) was determined by the titration method. The average data of two years was analyzed using SAS 9.2 software. Results and discussion. Significant differences in the health and bioactive compounds were detected among the cultivars. The range of ascorbic acid of the tested samples was (51.03 to 89.40) mg·100 g–1 fresh weight. Titratable acidity varied between 0.73% and 1.44%; however, total anthocyanins ranged between (28.24 and 43.32) mg cyanidin-3-glucoside Eq·100 g–1 fresh weight. Total phenols varied from (380.10 to 888.10) mg gallic acid Eq·100 g–1 and total flavonoids from (31.26 to 55.16) mg catechin Eq·100 g–1. The total antioxidant activity ranged between (203.13 and 471.10) mg ascorbic acid Eq·100 g–1 fresh weight for DPPH, and between (326.06 and 701.13) mg ascorbic acid Eq·100 g–1 fresh weight for FRAP. Total phenols, DPPH and FRAP showed close association; however, PCA clearly categorized the selected cultivars into two broad groups. All of the diverse cultivars were clustered into two clusters which could be exploited for future qualitative breeding programs based on average cluster distance and can act as gene sources for making health foods. Conclusion. The importance of our findings would be significant for farmers, breeders, consumers and industries concerning food quality, disease prevention and healthcare.

The product. Aonla (Emblica officinalis Geartn), the king of arid fruits, popularly known as “Indian gooseberry”, is a small-sized minor subtropical fruit grown widely in North India. India ranks first in the world in aonla area and production volume. It is considered to be a “wonder fruit for health” because of its unique properties. Uses. Aonla fruit is very useful in treating many diseases such as diabetes, cough, asthma, bronchitis, headache, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, skin diseases, leprosy, jaundice, scurvy, diarrhea and cancer. Packaging. Different packaging materials such as nylon net, perforated polyethylene bags, ventilated corrugated fiber boxes, gunny bags, wooden crates, etc., can be used for prolonging the storage life of fruit. Storage. Refrigerated storage helps in enhancing the storage life of fruit. Value addition. There are numerous products such as aonla squash, candy, jam, chutney, etc., which are prepared from aonla fruit. Inclusion of these products in the diet definitely helps in improving the nutritional value of Indian meals. Discussion. The low cost of the products as well as good sensory, nutritional and shelf life qualities mean that processed aonla products are appropriate for commercialization. In order to obtain a good income from aonla, it must be sold immediately in the market; if not, to make profit, proper storage facilities should be available.

Introduction. The aims of our study were to evaluate the genetic diversity in flavor attributes of and preferences for fresh pomegranate arils. Materials and methods. Experiments were conducted with fresh arils extracted from 18 distinct pomegranate varieties within the Israel Pomegranate Breeding Collection of the ARO. Consumer flavor acceptance tests were conducted at a commercial supermarket branch, and descriptive flavor analysis tests were conducted by a trained sensory panel. Results and discussion. Consumer flavor acceptance tests revealed wide diversity in the flavor preferences for various pomegranate varieties. Further descriptive flavor analysis tests revealed that arils from highly preferred varieties were characterized by high sweetness, moderate to low acidity levels, rich red wine and pomegranate fruity odors, low bitterness and astringency, and soft seeds. In contrast, arils from the least preferred varieties were either too sour or bitter, had low red wine and pomegranate fruity odors, or had very hard seeds. Furthermore, all “sour” varieties tested (acid content ≥ 1.8%) received low sensory preference scores, whereas “sweet-sour” and “sweet” varieties (acid contents 0.7–1.8% and £ 0.7%, respectively) achieved variable flavor preference scores. Overall, it is suggested that pomegranate flavor preference derives mainly from high sweetness, low to moderate acidity, rich red wine and pomegranate fruity odors, and soft seeds.

Introduction. Mulberry is the most medicinally important plant of the genus Morus. The mulberry fruit is used for many medical purposes. The species origin and adaptation, plant description, foliage, flowers and fruit, location, soil, and pests and diseases are summarized. Composition of mulberry. The studies from different countries show that the mulberry plant is rich in phenolic compounds, macro-elements (K, Ca, Mg, Na) and micro-elements (Fe, Zn, Ni). Phenolic compounds are found in all parts of the mulberry plant. Uses. Mulberry fruit can be used for making jam, jelly, pulp, fruit drinks, fruit sauce and cake. Mulberry fruits are rich in anthocyanins and should be exploited for the industrial production of natural color to be used in the food industry. Conclusion. The mulberry plant is of significant biological importance for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Our study suggested the use of mulberry as a potential health food, or important antioxidant carrier in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Introduction. India is the largest producer of pomegranate in the world, with rich genetic diversity. The wide range of utility of pomegranate in human health, nutrition and livelihood security has triggered its heavy demand in India and other countries. At present, more than 300 germplasm accessions from indigenous and exotic sources are available in India, but meagre information on the physico-chemical properties of their fruits is available. In our study, the physico-chemical properties of varieties grown under a semi-arid climate were investigated. Materials and methods. Our study was carried out at the experimental farm of the National Research Centre on Pomegranate, Solapur, India, during the harvests of 2008–2009 and 2009–2010. Twenty pomegranate varieties were studied with respect to the physico-chemical properties of their fruits. Results and discussion. A considerable variation (coefficient of variation: 3.37% to 101.13%) was observed with respect to the 16 characters studied. The values ranged from 12.64 °Brix to 15.39 °Brix for TSS; 0.38% to 3.40% for acidity; 16.67 g to 27.82 g for 100-aril weight; 4.31-38.62 for the maturity index; 59.22% to 77.40% for aril percentage; and 43.30% to 61.00% for juice percentage. Fruit size, rind weight, total aril weight, 100-aril weight, juice weight and aril width were found to have a strong positive correlation (P < 0.01) with fruit weight. Based on the total index score obtained, the varieties ‘Bassein Seedless’, ‘Dholka’, ‘Ganesh’, ‘Jyoti’, ‘Kandhari’, ‘KRS’, ‘Mridula’ and ‘P-13’ were found to be suitable for processing and table purposes.