High temperature-tolerant tomato lines: bioactive compounds

High global temperatures will be a great challenge for agricultural production in the near future. Therefore, adaptation of agricultural crops to the high temperatures or development of new heat-tolerant crops with known bioactive compounds is an important strategy for nutritional health and crop improvement programs. In this context, the bioactive compounds of newly developed high temperature-tolerant tomato lines were investigated in terms of lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds to assist breeders for the selection of high temperature tolerant tomato varieties with high nutritional quality. Nineteen tomato lines, including control varieties from the “Turkey F1 Hybrid vegetable variety and quality line development” project and the GAP Agricultural Research Institute, were selected for the investigation. Line 11 was superior in lycopene and β-carotene content, while line 18 was superior in ascorbic acid content as compared to control varieties Cansun F1 and Alsancak RN F1. Urfa 2012 and line 28 were found to have the highest numbers of phenolic compounds. Chlorogenic acid, naringenin, trans-ferulic acid and rutin were key phenolic compounds detected in each of the tomato lines. These newly released tomato lines can be used as value-added germplasm or parent sources to develop new heat-tolerant cultivars in breeding programs or as commercial cultivars for their superior functional qualities.     

Characterization of Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Genotypes for Their Physicochemical Properties

ABSTRACT:  The worldwide tendency for growing more small fruits, including raspberries, shows permanent increase because this group of fruits has a relatively higher content of bioactive nutrients. To study the health benefits of red raspberry fruits, 11 preselected wild-grown and 1 well-known cultivar, Heritage, were evaluated for some of their physicochemical properties such as fruit weight, total antioxidant capacity (measured by β-carotene bleaching and FRAP assays), total phenolics, ascorbic acid, soluble solid content (SSC), and acidity. Fruit weight, SSC, and ascorbic acid contents were between 1.47 and 2.32 g, 10.87% and 13.60%, and 21 and 36 mg/100 g, respectively. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content varied among genotypes and the ERZ5 genotype had the highest antioxidant capacity as ascertained by both methods. This genotype also had the highest total phenolic (2031 μg GAE/g FW) content. There are linear relationships between antioxidant capacities and total phenols. The present study demonstrates the potential of certain wild genotypes, notably ERZ5, for improving the nutritional value through germplasm enhancement programs.     

Antiradical activity of different parts of Walnut (Juglans regia L.) fruit as a function of genotype

The objective of this work was to analyse phenolic compounds and antiradical capacity of different parts of walnut fruit among six genotypes of Juglans regia L. Therefore, total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined and methanolic extracts of walnut genotypes were considered by the reducing power, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), superoxide anion and nitric oxide radical scavenging. Significant differences were found in phenolic content and radical scavenging capacity of different parts of fruits and among various genotypes. High correlation coefficient (R² = 0.81) was observed between phenol content and radical scavenging activity, but this was not always true (R² = 0.01). These results demonstrated that walnut genotypes have different phenolic compounds and phenolic compounds have different radical scavenging power. The differences of phenolic compounds were confirmed by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).     

Characterisation of antioxidant compounds in sweet bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under organic and conventional growing systems

BACKGROUND: Sweet red bell pepper is one of the best sources of ascorbic acid and carotenoids as well as phenolic compounds important in the human diet. There have been some studies showing a higher level of bioactive compounds in organic bell pepper fruits compared with conventional fruits, but not all studies have been consistent in this respect. The levels of carotenoids and phenolics are very variable and may be affected by ripeness, genotype and cultivation. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study showed that an organic growing system affected the level of bioactive compounds (carotenoids and polyphenols) in sweet bell pepper fruits cultivated in Poland. Organic bell pepper fruits contained significantly more dry matter, vitamin C, total carotenoids, β‐carotene, α‐carotene, cis‐β‐carotene, total phenolic acids (as well as individual gallic and chlorogenic acids) and flavonoids (quercetin D ‐glucoside, quercetin and kaempferol) compared with conventional fruits. The bell pepper variety also affected the level of antioxidant compounds in fruits. CONCLUSION: Organic growing increased the level of antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids, phenolic compounds and vitamin C in sweet bell pepper. The second significant factor affecting the antioxidant compound content of sweet bell pepper was variety. It would be necessary to continue this study as a long‐term experiment in order to eliminate the influence of seasonality. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Acerola and cashew apple as sources of antioxidants and dietary fibre

Several tropical fruits have been described as natural sources of dietary fibre (DF) and phenolic compounds, associated with different health effects. The aim of this work was to ascertain the DF, phenolic compounds content (including non‐extractable polyphenols, mostly associated with DF) and antioxidant capacity in acerola fruits and cashew apples from selected clones. ‘BRS 236’ acerola fruits presented a high antioxidant capacity because of the combination of both extractable polyphenols and l ‐ascorbic acid (providing together a Folin value of 170 kg^?1 g d.m.). ‘CCP 76’ cashew apples contained 28 g kg^?1 d.m. of extractable polyphenols and 13 g kg^?1 d.m. of ascorbic acid as well as a high amount of non‐extractable condensed tannins (52 g kg^?1 d.m.). DF content was of 260 g kg^?1 d.m. in acerola fruit and of 209 g kg^?1 d.m. in cashew apple. Acerola fruits and cashew apple should therefore be considered as new natural sources of DF and phenolic compounds.     

Changes in cell wall pectin and pectinase activity in apple and tomato fruits during Penicillium expansum infection

Cell wall pectin degradation in apple and tomato fruit during infection by Penicillium expansum was investigated. In infected apple fruit, a significant decrease in the average molecular mass was observed in pectins extracted with CDTA and also in pectins extracted with Na₂CO₃. In tomato fruits, depolymerisation was also observed in both pectic fractions during infection, the major change being in the pectins extracted with Na₂CO₃. This pectin depolymerisation associated with P. expansum infection can be attributed to the action of pectinases; in apple fruit, a significant increase in polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase was observed in infected fruits, although in tomato fruit the only increase in enzymatic activity significantly related to the infection was in polygalacturonase. These differences between apple and tomato fruit during fungus infection could be related to differences in cell wall structure and composition and also to the specificity of P. expansum's infection spectrum in each case. In both cases, pectin depolymerisation might increase the porosity of the wall and allow increased access of fungus colonisation and facilitate the progress of the fungal infection. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nitrogen and potassium requirements of tomato plants for the optimization of fruit quality and antioxidative capacity during storage

While nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers are commonly used in tomato fields for increasing plant growth and productivity, concepts regarding the interactive effects of these elements on tomato fruit quality during storage are ambiguous. The interactive effects of potassium (0, 250 and 500 mg kg soil^??1) and nitrogen (0, 150 and 300 mg kg soil^??1) fertilizers were tested on tomato fruit size at harvest, and their quality was evaluated after 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Fruit mass, firmness, taste-related parameters, inorganic nutrients, bioactive compounds, and antioxidative capacity of the fruits were investigated after the storage period. Application of 250–500 mg K in combination with 150 mg N per kg soil improved fruit mass at harvest and reduced loss of mass during storage. By increasing the soil’s K supply, the fruits exhibited significant increases in their amount of potassium, TSS and TA contents, antioxidative capacity, concentrations of lycopene, phenolics and ascorbic acid. Nonetheless, increasing the soil’s K concentration reduced Ca concentration and firmness of the fruits. By increasing the N concentration in the soil, a trend of decline was observed in the fruits’ TSS, soluble phenolics, lycopene and ascorbic acid contents. However, higher amounts of N and TA contents were detected in fruits treated with 300 mg N kg soil^??1. N treatments did not affect the antioxidative capacity of the fruits. Accordingly, application of 250 mg K?+?150 mg N kg soil^??1 was suggested as the optimum treatment that could yield tomato fruits with high quality and that would also have improved storage capability.     

Fruit quality and bioactive compounds relevant to human health of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars grown in Italy

The fruit quality characteristics, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities of 24 sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars grown on the mountainsides of the Etna volcano (Sicily, Italy) were evaluated. High-performance liquid chromatographic methods were used to identify and quantify sugars, organic acids and phenolics. A total of seven phenolic compounds were characterised as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (neochlorogenic acid, p-coumaroylquinic acid and chlorogenic acid) and anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, pelargonidin 3-rutinoside and peonidin 3-rutinoside). The total anthocyanin content ranged from 6.21 to 94.20 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/100 g fresh weight (FW), while the total phenol content ranged from 84.96 to 162.21 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g FW. The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay indicated that fruit of all genotypes possessed considerable antioxidant activity. The high level of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of some sweet cherry fruits implied that they might be sources of bioactive compounds that are relevant to human health.     

Phenolic acids and flavonoids profiles of extracts from edible wild fruits and their antioxidant properties

In this study, the total phenolic, total flavonoids, phenolic compounds, the mineral content, and antioxidant activity of fruit extracts of seven wild species (Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Prunus spinosa L., Rosa canina L., Hippophaë rhamnoides L., Rubus fruticosus L., Prunus padus, Cornus mas L.) were investigated. The results indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) in the total phenolics and total flavonoids content, between the seven analyzed species. These ranged from 184.69 to 727.29 mg GAE/100 g FW and 17.27 to –165.55 mg QE/100 g FW, respectively. The antioxidant activity found in fruits was not directly affected by the total phenolic content (TPC). This activity was linked to a larger extent to the type of individual phenolic compounds and to a lesser extent to the TPC, because fruits with higher TPC have not always presented the highest values of antioxidant activity. HPLC analysis of methanolic extract showed the presence of phenolic acids (i.e. gallic, vanillic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, salycilic, elagic, and trans-cinnamic) and flavonoids (i.e. catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, and quercetin). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in each individual mineral between fruits from wild flora. The fruits tissues of wild species turned out to be a good source of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). The results demonstrated that wild species possessed great potential for food production as sources of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and minerals, for food supplements or functional foods.     

Effect of Altitude on Fruit and Oil Quality Characteristics of ‘Mastoides’ Olives

Olive fruit of cv ‘Mastoides’ grown on two locations at altitudes of 100 and 800 m were harvested at three dates and used for determination of average weight, fruit oil and moisture contents and the following oil quality characteristics: titratable acidity, peroxide value, K_232,270 coefficients, total phenol, tocopherol and chlorophyll content as well as fatty acid and phenol composition. Towards maturation, fruit moisture content decreased but oil content increased. Titratable acidity of oil of both altitudes was low, with higher the oil obtained from fruits from 100 m. Oil peroxide value was higher in the oil of fruits from 800 m at all harvest times and it showed an increase towards maturation in both locations. Total phenol content was higher in oil from 100 m elevation and showed a gradual decrease towards maturation at both altitudes. The ratio unsaturated saturated fatty acids was higher in oil of fruits from 800 m at the first two harvest dates but did not differ significantly at the third harvest. Only α-tocopherol was found in the oil from both elevations. Some phenolic compounds were detected in the first harvest but disappeared with fruit maturation, while other compounds not detected in the first harvest appeared later. Elevation influenced not only the phenol content but also its composition.     

温州蜜柑、椪柑采后酚类物质及抗氧化活性比较研究

通过研究温州蜜蜂柑、椪柑两个常见柑橘品种贮藏期间类黄酮、酚酸类物质及抗氧化活性的变化规律,评价其采后的营养品质。结果表明：贮藏60d后温州蜜柑较好地保持了抗坏血酸含量,而椪柑损失较大。类黄酮类物质较稳定,温州蜜柑中黄烷酮含量贮藏后有所增加,椪柑中则呈缓慢下降趋势,2种柑橘中酚酸类物质贮藏后都有所增加。总酚含量在贮藏前期呈下降趋势,贮藏后期温州蜜柑中总酚含量增加而在椪柑中进一步下降。抗氧化能力与抗坏血酸的变化趋势类似。与椪柑相比,贮藏期间温州蜜柑能更好地保持果实的营养品质及酚类物质,从而保持较高的抗氧化活性。     

Antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties of phenolic extracts from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) fruit

The antioxidant activity and antimicrobial property of phenolic extracts from acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC) fruit were assessed. The contribution of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds in the total antioxidant capacity of the extracts was also evaluated. The extracts showed high total phenolic values and possessed high antioxidant activity as expressed by 2,2′‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays (ORAC). The ascorbic acid content ranged from 405 to 1744 mg/100 g of fruit on a fresh weight basis. The antioxidant capacity of the phenolic fractions was in the following order: anthocyanins<phenolic acids<flavonoids. The phenolic fractions contributed 7.1–36.5% of the antioxidant activity expressed by ORAC, whereas the contribution of ascorbic accounted for 18–39% of the total activity. Selected extracts from the flavonoids fraction showed some activity against Staphylococcus aureus.     

Compositional changes during guava fruit ripening

Compositional changes of fruit pulp and peel during ripening of white- and pink-fleshed guava fruits were studied. The white and pink guava fruits exhibited a typical climacteric pattern of respiration. Fruit tissue firmness decreased progressively, in a similar manner, in both guava fruit types. Total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugars increased in pulp and peel of both guava types with decrease in flesh firmness. More increase in total sugars was observed after the climacteric peak of respiration. Reducing sugars and titratable acidity increased up to the full-ripe stage and then decreased. Ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds decreased continuously during ripening of the two types. The peel showed higher values of ascorbic acid, total protein and phenolic compounds than the plup. The white-fleshed guavas had higher levels of TSS, total sugars, reducing sugars. titratable acidity, phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid content then the pink-fleshed fruits.     

Exploring the phytochemical content and the antioxidant potential of Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus

The physicochemical and phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant properties of the most important Citrus fruits grown in Cyprus [orange (Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Valencia’), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi, cvs. ‘White Marsh’, ‘Star Ruby’, ‘Rio Red’) and an interspecific hybrid (Citrus reticulata x Citrus sinensis, cv. ‘Mandora’)] were determined. ‘Valencia’ fruit exhibited the highest phenolic, flavonoid and ascorbic acid content, as well as a higher antioxidant potency, followed by ‘Mandora’ fruit and the three grapefruit cultivars. HPLC indicated significant diversity on flavanones among the examined fruits, while LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, polymethoxyflavones and a furocoumarin. Overall, this study provides supporting evidence for the superiority of ‘Valencia’ orange fruit as an excellent source of bioactive compounds. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study thoroughly describing the phytochemical profile of ‘Mandora’ fruit, an interspecific hybrid cultivated in Cyprus.     

Phytochemistry Profile,Nutritional Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Mauritia flexuosa

Mauritia flexuosa L. (Arecaceae) is a popular Brazilian fruit known as “buriti” and belonging to the category of functional foods. This work reviewed the phytochemistry profile, nutritional and pharmacological activities of M. flexuosa. The main bioactive compounds reported to buriti were carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, fiber, phytosterols, and mono‐ and poly‐unsaturated fatty acids. These compounds were mainly related to antioxidant, hypolipemiant, photoprotector, antiaggregant, antithrombotic, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemiant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. Furthermore, some compounds present in buriti fruit and its properties were tested in vitro and in vivo and showed biotechnology applications, especially for extraction of fiber, polysaccharides, pigments, antioxidants, and oil. Howerer, the buriti fruit shows great relevance to the development of new products in food, pharmaceutical and chemical industry, this fruit is still underexploited and it has need to expand its production chain and processing to encourage their consumption and utilization.     

Bioactive composition and sensory evaluation of blended jambolan (Syzygium cumini) and sugarcane alcoholic fermented beverages

The consumption of wine has increased considerably in recent years, which has aroused consumer interest in the consumption of alternative wines produced from various fruits. This study evaluates polyphenolic composition, identifies bioactive compounds and assays the total antioxidant capacity of four different formulations of jambolan (Syzygium cumini) and sugarcane fermented beverages (100:0, 70:30, 50:50 and 30:70), as well as their physical and chemical characteristics and also the sensory profile of the beverages. Significant levels of different phenolic compounds were found in the fermented alcoholic beverages. Beverages with higher jambolan content had the greatest content of phenolic compounds. The product produced with 100% jambolan presented 2.99 g gallic acid equivalents per litre of phenolic compounds, 0.67 g Cy3Glu L^?1 of anthocyanins, 0.92 g tannic acid equivalents per litre of tannins and a DPPH free radical scavenging capacity of 85.24%. The phenolic compounds found in higher amounts in the beverages were caffeic, chlorogenic and gallic acid. Treatments elaborated with 100, 70 and 50% of jambolan pulp received the best overall feedback from consumers. The results suggest that jambolan fruit (currently not consumed fresh or used in other ways) could serve as a source of bioactive compounds and therefore be of interest to the food industry. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Accumulation of phenolics,antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) during kernel maturation

Phenolic profiles and gene expression pattern in their synthetic pathway, total antioxidant activities and antiproliferative activities in two genotypes of sweet corn (YT16 and YT28) during kernel maturation were analysed. Results showed that increasing trends of phenolics and flavonoids in the two genotypes of kernels from 10 to 30 days after pollination (DAP). Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were identified and quantified as the main phenolic compounds in both genotypes of kernels. High expressing levels of C4O and PAL resulted in the increasing phenolic contents. Higher expressing levels of CHS in YT28 led to higher flavonoid contents than that in YT16. The phenolic contents, antioxidant capacities and antiproliferative abilities of the two genotypes of sweet corn were competitive comparing to many fruits and vegetables. In addition, the maturation process of sweet corn could raise the kernel’s bioactive ability as well as nutritional values.     

Analysis of Phenolic Compounds of Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum Miq.) Fruits by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Dabai (Canarium odontophyllum Miq.) fruit is a popular seasonal indigenous fruit of Sarawak, Malaysia that is always appreciated as an exotic fruit by the local community. The present study was designed to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds of dabai fruits from different divisions of Sarawak. Difference between the purple and red varieties of the fruits was also investigated. Analysis of phenolic compounds was performed by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector. Three detection wavelengths (280, 254 and 329 nm) were used to monitor all phenolic compounds (except for anthocyanidins) since they display absorbance maxima at different wavelengths. Characteristic spectra of eluted peaks provide useful information in confirming the identities of peaks. Hydrolysis of phenolic compounds of dabai fruits was insufficient under the milder conditions (30 °C, 2 h) employed thus resulted in unidentified peaks. Two phenolic acids (ellagic and vanillic acids), five flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin) and ethyl gallate were detected in the fruits. Furthermore, three anthocyanidins (cyanidin, pelargonidin and delphinidin) and four anthocyanins (malvidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and peonidin-3-O-glucoside) were detected. All these phenolic compounds were reported in dabai fruits for the first time. The fruit variety affected the anthocyanidins and anthocyanins profile (p < 0.01) but had little or no effect on the phenolic acids and flavonoids profile of the fruits. Within the same variety, diversity in environmental conditions had an impact on the quantitative differences of phenolic compounds (p < 0.05).     

Wild Prunus Fruit Species as a Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds

Sugars, organic acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, chlorophylls, and phenolic compounds were quantified in fruit of 4 wild growing Prunus species (wild cherry, bird cherry, blackthorn, and mahaleb cherry) using HPLC‐DAD‐MSn. In wild Prunus, the major sugars were glucose and fructose, whereas malic and citric acids dominated among organic acids. The most abundant classes of phenolic compounds in the analyzed fruit species were anthocyanins, flavonols, derivatives of cinnamic acids, and flavanols. Two major groups of anthocyanins measured in Prunus fruits were cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside and cyanidin‐3‐glucoside. Flavonols were represented by 19 derivatives of quercetin, 10 derivatives of kaempferol, and 2 derivatives of isorhamnetin. The highest total flavonol content was measured in mahaleb cherry and bird cherry, followed by blackthorn and wild cherry fruit. Total phenolic content varied from 2373 (wild cherry) to 11053 mg GAE per kg (bird cherry) and ferric reducing antioxidant power antioxidant activity from 7.26 to 31.54 mM trolox equivalents per kg fruits.     

Assessment of the Variations in Selected Industrially Desirable Morphological and Biochemical Traits of Eleven Citrus Species in Sri Lanka

The fruits with nutraceutical and medicinal values are having a greater significance in modern food industry. Out of many fruit tree bearing genera, the genus Citrus is extremely important in this regard. It contains well known species such as orange, lime, mandarin, lemon and many other underutilized species. The nutritive value of Citrus is given by many bioactive compounds present in the fruits such as alkaloids, tannins, phenols and saponins. In Sri Lanka, the available Citrus germplasm is not characterized in detail. Especially underutilized Citrus species are yet to receive a proper taxonomic identity. Therefore in the present study we report some of the important morphological and biochemical traits of eleven Citrus species. The fruit size traits; weight, height and width were very highly variable among the studied genotypes and positively correlated to each other (P<0.05). However, juice volume was not highly correlated with the other fruit size traits. The juice volume per unit fruit weight can be given as a better indicator for the selection of these species for industrial applications. Pummelo, a popular edible Citrus fruit, showed the lowest volume to weight ratio of 0.06. The size of the endocarp cells (i.e. juice sacks) was also very highly variable among genotypes / species studied. The brix value, a parameter of total soluble solids, was highest in Sidaran fruits (8.07%) and lowest in cooking types such as lemon and lime (3.27% and 3.76% respectively). Similarly the ascorbic acid concentration was also lowest in lime and lemon (1.9 and 1.5 mM respectively). The sweet orange cultivar Sisila (5.9 mM) and Pummelo (6.9 mM) had the highest ascorbic acid concentrations. The results reported here are very useful to select these genotypes / species for potential industrial applications, future genetic and breeding studies and to further characterize at molecular level to establish an accurate taxonomic scheme for Sri Lankan Citrus germplasm which will be the next focus of our group.