双丰系列甜菜品种（系）产量、含糖与农艺性状的灰色关联度分析

利用灰色系统理论对双丰系列甜菜品种（系）有关甜菜15个农艺性状与产量、含糖率及产糖量的关联度进行了研究分析,结果表明,甜菜植物学株高农艺性状与甜菜产量、含糖及产糖量有较强关联性,关联系数分别为0．9697,排第3位、0．9766,排第7位、0．9701,排第3位,并提出增加甜菜“相对株高”植物学特征及测量方法,甜菜“相对株高”与“株高”进行比值,把传统的甜菜株型类型的定序型数据变为定距型数据即角度数字量化的观点。     

Assessment of plant biomass and nitrogen nutrition with plant height in early-to mid-season corn

BACKGROUND: The physiological basis for using non‐destructive high‐resolution measurements of plant height through plant height sensing to guide variable‐rate nitrogen (N) applications on corn (Zea mays L.) during early (six‐leaf growth stage, V6) to mid (V12) season is largely unknown. This study was conducted to assess the relationships of plant biomass and leaf N with plant height in early‐ to mid‐season corn under six different N rate treatments. RESULTS: Corn plant biomass was significantly and positively related to plant height under an exponential model when both were measured at V6. This relationship explained 62–78% of the variations in corn biomass production. Leaf N concentration was, in general, significantly and positively related to plant height when both were measured at V6, V8, V10 and V12. This relationship became stronger as the growing season progressed from V6 to V12. The relationship of leaf N with plant height in early‐ to mid‐season corn was affected by initial soil N fertility and abnormal weather conditions. CONCLUSION: The relationship of leaf N concentration with plant height may provide a physiological basis for using plant height sensing to guide variable‐rate N applications on corn. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Yield and fruit quality of four sweet corn hybrids (Zea mays) under conventional and integrated fertilization with vermicompost

BACKGROUND: Vermicompost has been proposed as a valuable fertilizer for sustainable agriculture. The effects of vermicompost on yield and quality of sweet corn were evaluated in this study. In two field trials, sweet corn plants were grown under (i) a conventional fertilization regime with inorganic fertilizer, and integrated fertilization regimes in which 75% of the nutrients were supplied by the inorganic fertilizer and 25% of the nutrients were supplied by either (ii) rabbit manure, or (iii) vermicompost. All three types of fertilization regime were supplied at two doses. Two pairs of nearly isogenic sweet corn hybrids homozygous for sugary1 and shrunken2 mutants were included in the trials to explore fertilizer × genotype interactions. Growth, yield and ear quality of the plants were evaluated in relation to the three fertilization regimes. RESULTS: In general, the integrated regimes yielded the same productivity levels as the conventional treatment. Moreover, both vermicompost and manure produced significant increases in plant growth and marketable yield, and also affected the chemical composition and quality of the marketable ear. Nevertheless, most of the observed effects of the organic fertilizers were genotype‐dependent. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that the use of organic fertilizers such as vermicompost has a positive effect on crop yield and quality. Nevertheless, these effects were not general, indicating the complexity of the organic amendment–plant interactions and the importance of controlling genetic variation when studying the effects of vermicompost on plant growth. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

不同基因型啤酒大麦品种（系）籽粒灌浆特征及产量性状--测试文章

以9个不同基因型啤酒大麦品种（系）为供试材料,比较了籽粒灌浆特性及产量性状等指标。结果表明：不同基因型啤酒大麦品种（系）籽粒灌浆过程均呈“S”型曲线变化,开花后天数与千粒重的关系均符合Logistic方程,籽粒灌浆速率变化均呈“慢—快—慢”规律;高秆、旗叶宽大的品种（系）粒重增加时间较早;分蘖能力强或旗叶宽大的品种（系）灌浆速率峰值显现较早,且为单峰,其他品种（系）则为双峰;株高、分蘖能力、旗叶适中的品种（系）保持较高灌浆速率的持续时间较长;在各灌浆特征参数中,最大灌浆速率(R_max)与产量的灰色关联度最大,平均灌浆速率(R)与千粒重的灰色关联度最大,起始生长势(C₀)对前期贡献率的灰色关联度最大。旗叶宽大、分蘖能力和抗旱性较强的品种（系）穗长和穗粒重最大,穗粒数最多,具有一定的产量优势,可作为育种选择目标。0110-16和甘啤7号品种（系）单位面积产量较高,可在生产上推广应用。     

Variation in the volatile terpenoids of two industrially important basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars during plant ontogeny in two different cropping seasons from India

BACKGROUND: Two Ocimum basilicum cultivars, ‘Vikarsudha’ and ‘CIM‐Saumya’, grown in the Kumaon region of western Himalaya were evaluated for their essential oil yield and composition at different stages of plant growth during two distinct cropping seasons (spring–summer and rain–autumn). RESULTS: The highest yield of essential oil was obtained at full bloom stage in both cultivars in both cropping seasons. The essential oils obtained from different stages in two cropping seasons were analysed by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The major component of cultivar ‘Vikarsudha’ was methyl chavicol (84.3–94.3%), while for cultivar ‘CIM‐Saumya’ the main components were methyl chavicol (62.5–77.6%) and linalool (14.4–34.1%). CONCLUSION: This study clearly indicated that cultivar, cropping season, plant ontogeny and plant part had significant effects on the yield and quality of the essential oil of O. basilicum. Further, the amount of methyl chavicol in the cultivars grown in this region was higher than in cultivars from other parts of India. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Determination of Tert‐Butylhydroquinone in Vegetable Oils Using Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Monitoring the level of tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), a permissible antioxidant additive in edible vegetable oils in many countries, is important to ensure that oils and products that contain them comply with the relevant import regulations. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology coupled with chemometric methods including partial least squares (PLS) and support vector machine (SVM) regression was applied to determine levels of TBHQ in spiked corn oils (0 to 500 mg/kg, n = 40) and commercial vegetable oils (0 to 99.7 mg/kg, n = 25). The lowest detectable concentration was 5 mg/L for TBHQ in standard solutions and 10 mg/kg of TBHQ in vegetable oils from various plant sources. The TBHQ levels predicted by the PLS or SVM model had a high correlation with actual TBHQ levels in commercial oil samples (SVM: R² = 0.972, ratio of performance to deviation [RPD] = 5.55, root mean square error [RMSE] = 5.73 mg/kg; PLS: R² = 0.976, RPD = 6.43, RMSE = 4.94 mg/kg), indicating great potential of SERS methods for detection and quantification of TBHQ in oils from a variety of sources.     

The relation between yield and protein in cereal grain

An analysis of published data on genetic relations between dry grain yields (y, t ha^?1) and protein content [p, protein as a fraction (g g^?1) of dry grain] of cereals is presented. In all, 106 usable regressions of y on p across geneotypes were assembled. The long-recognised negative relation between yield and protein concentration was fully substantiated. There is a strong positive relation between grain yield and protein yield. The linear regression coefficient of yield on protein concentration is related to yield, with slope about ?15. This relation holds approximately over all cereals. The data can be used to estimate a characteristic parameter described by C = dy/d(yp) = ～ 15–25 at the mean of each experiment. The relationship is surprisingly consistent but no simple physiological interpretation is available. In discussion, the high C, the impact of strong negative regressions of y on p for breeding strategies, the fact that protein yield increases with gross grain yield but at falling p and certain socio-economic consequences are emphasized. An acute need for orderly reporting of experimental data is also emphasised; the existing literature is chaotic as to units, moisture contents and conversion factors.     

Effects of growth stage and growing degree day accumulations on triticale forages: 1. Dry matter yield,nutritive value,and in vitro dry matter disappearance

The use of triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) in dairy-cropping systems has expanded greatly in recent years, partly to improve land stewardship by providing winter ground cover. Our objective was to establish relationships relating indices of nutritive value with growth stage or accumulated growing degree days >5°C for triticale forages grown in central Wisconsin. Replicated 3.7-m × 9.1-m plots were established following removal of corn for silage (fall 2015) and soybeans (fall 2016) and then harvested at various growth stages the following spring. Plants were assigned a numerical growth stage based on a linear staging system suitable for use as an independent regression variable. Response variables [e.g., dry matter (DM) yield, indices of nutritive value, and parameters from in vitro DM disappearance kinetics] were regressed on growth stage and growing degree days using linear, quadratic, cubic, or quartic models. For spring 2016, the mean DM yield at the boot stage (3,804 kg of DM/ha) was only 30% of that observed at the soft dough stage of growth (12,642 kg of DM/ha). Although yields were reduced during spring 2017, primarily due to spring flooding, the relationship between respective yields at these growth stages was similar (1,453 vs. 5,399 kg of DM/ha). Regressions of DM yield (kg/ha) on growth stage for 2016 were explained by a cubic model (Y = 0.0663x³ ? 9.44x² + 595x – 9,810) compared with a simple linear response for 2017 (Y = 103x – 3,024); in both cases, coefficients of determination were very high (R² ≥ 0.934). Many nutritional and in vitro DM disappearance characteristics were affected by the juxtaposition and balance of 2 generally competing factors: (1) increased concentrations of structural plant fiber coupled with concurrent lignification as plants matured and (2) the accumulation of highly digestible carbohydrate during seed head development. A comparison of respective energy yields between the boot and soft dough stages of growth for 2016 (2,488 vs. 8,141 kg of total digestible nutrients/ha) and 2017 (1,033 vs. 3,520 kg of total digestible nutrients/ha) suggests that yields of energy are greater at soft dough stage and are mostly driven by DM yield. An informed harvest management decision for lactating cows may still favor a boot-stage harvest because of superior nutritional characteristics, a need to plant double-cropped corn expeditiously, or both. Harvest timing of triticale forages for other livestock classes would appear to be more flexible, but prioritizing a subsequent double crop may reduce the effects on DM yield to a secondary consideration.     

Characterisation of normal corn starch using asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation

The apparent average molar masses (M_w,app), apparent average radii of gyration (R_g,app), diffusion co‐efficients (D_T), and hydrodynamic radii (R_h) of normal corn (maize) starch and fractions were determined using asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation coupled with multi‐angle light scattering and refractive index detectors (AF4/MALS/RI). AM‐type (Fraction A) and AP‐type (Fraction B) were chemically separated from normal corn starch. Normal corn starch and Fractions (A–B) were dissolved in 1 M KSCN using a high pressure microwave vessel. The effect of varying cross flow rates at a fixed channel flow rate upon the M_w,app and R_g,app distributions of normal corn starch and Fractions (A–B) were investigated. The average M_w,app of normal corn starch, Fractions (A) and Fraction (B) were 41 × 10⁶, 1.4 × 10⁶ and 39 × 10⁶ g/mol, respectively, with R_g,app values of 129, 60 and 129 nm, respectively.     

Traffic-induced compaction in maize,cowpea and soya bean production on a tropical alfisol after ploughing and no-tillage: Crop growth

An experiment was conducted over three consecutive seasons during 1982 and 1983 to evaluate the effects of traffic-induced compaction on growth and yield of maize, cowpea and soya bean grown in a tropical Alfisol for no-tillage and ploughed systems. Compaction treatments of no, two and four passes of a 2-tonne roller were used on the sub-plots. The roller was 60 cm in diameter, 180 cm long, with a contact area of 0.1729 m² and was pulled by a 33.6 kW tractor. The four-pass treatment reduced percentage emergence, plant height, leaf number, leaf area index, and dry matter yield of maize, cowpea and soya bean. These reductions were more marked on ploughed than on no-till plots. The two-and four-pass treatments significantly reduced root growth of maize, cowpea and soya bean in the 0–70 mm depth, but the reduction in root density was greater in ploughed than in no-tillage. The two-and four-pass compaction treatments reduced plant nutrient uptake and grain yield of maize, cowpea and soya bean. The four-pass treatment reduced maize grain yield by 48% in all seasons under no-tillage and by 53, 61 and 75% after ploughing in the first, second and third consecutive cropping seasons respectively, compared to the yield of the relevant non-compacted treatment. Cowpea yield was reduced by 38% in all seasons after no-tillage and by 39, 50 and 57% after ploughing during the first, second and third consecutive cropping season respectively. The response of soya bean to four-pass compaction resulted in yield reduction by 50,64 and 25% after no-tillage and by 47, 48 and 65% after ploughing in the first, second and third consecutive cropping season, respectively. Crop yields were found to be negatively correlated with soil bulk density, penetrometer resistance, and relative compaction, and positively correlated with infiltration rate, soil moisture content and specific volume. Multiple regression equations were also developed between crop yield and soil properties.     

MEASUREMENT OF YIELD STRESS IN DARK CHOCOLATE USING CONTROLLED STRESS VANE METHOD

The controlled stress vane method was used to measure the yield stress in dark chocolate. Three vanes with different L/D ratios and five different stress rates were used in three different chocolate formulations. The vane displacement data did not indicate a definite yield phenomenon. When the vane displacement data were transformed into a ratio of vane velocity to elapsed time, the square root of vane velocity (SV) or the cube root of displacement, a definite yield phenomenon was observed. The SV was preferred on the basis of physical considerations and the linear regression of its derived yield stress on vane dimensions, stress rate and chocolate particle size. The value of the yield stress was the least when determined for a vane height to diameter ratio of 2 and at a stress rate of 3 Pa/min using the SV transformation.     

Effectiveness of a water-saving super-absorbent polymer in soil water conservation for corn (Zea mays L.) based on eco-physiological parameters

BACKGROUND: The objective was to study soil water conservation and physiological growth of corn (Zea mays L.) using water‐saving super‐absorbent polymer (SAP) at 30 kg ha^?1. The effectiveness of SAP was studied under three irrigation levels (adequate, moderate and deficit) using a new type of negative hydraulic pressure controlled auto‐irrigator in the years 2009 and 2010 in a greenhouse at Beijing, P.R. China. RESULTS: Eight weeks after sowing, plant height and leaf area increased significantly by 41.6 and 79.6% under deficit irrigation for SAP treatment. The SAP had little effect on shoot dry mass under adequate and moderate irrigation but increased it significantly by 133.5% under deficit irrigation. Similarly, the efficiency of water use also increased by 97.1%. Leaf water potential under adequate and moderate irrigation differs slightly for SAP application, whereas under deficit irrigation the values were exceeded significantly by 27.8%. The superior growth and water use efficiency of corn treated with SAP under deficit irrigation was ascribed to maintenance of higher relative water contents in leaves as well as intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, net photosynthesis and transpiration rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that plant growth and different physiological activities are restricted by drought stress and the application of super‐absorbent polymer could conserve soil water, making same available to plants for increased growth and biomass accumulation especially under severe water stress. Thus, application of SAP is a suitable soil management practice for the locations characterised by severe water stress. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

FT-NIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis for detection of starch adulteration in turmeric powder

This paper investigates the feasibility of Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy, a fast and easy method based on chemometric methods to detect corn starch illegally added to turmeric powder. In this work, the pure turmeric powders were blended with corn starch to generate different concentrations (1–30%)(w/w) of starch-adulterated turmeric samples. The reflectance spectra of total of 224 samples were taken by FT-NIR spectroscopy. The exploratory data analysis was done by principal component analysis (PCA). The starch related peaks were selected by variable importance in projection (VIP) method and were explored by examination of original reflectance spectra, 1^st derivative spectra, PCA loadings and β coefficients plot of the partial least square regression (PLSR) model. The coefficient of determination (R²) and root-mean-square error of partial least square regression (PLSR) models were found to be 0.91–0.99 and 0.23–1.3%, respectively, depending on the pre-processing techniques of spectral data. The figure of merit (FOM) of the model was found with the help of net analyte signal (NAS) theory.     

Prediction of Poultry Egg Freshness Using Vis-Nir Spectroscopy with Maximum Likelihood Method

Crucial physio-chemical changes occuring in eggs during storage after laying lead to loss of egg freshness. In this research, a new method for prediction of egg freshness using transmission visible near infrared spectroscopy was investigated. For this purpose 300 eggs were stored at two control conditions: refrigerator (4–5°C, 75%RH) and room (24–25°C, 40%RH) then by special egg holder, transmission spectroscopy was measured. For two eggs groups, 25 eggs in each group, in six days were tested by spectroscopy, after that Haugh unit and air cell height was measured directly. The non-destructive visible near infrared spectroscopy spectral measurements from 300 to 1100 nm (832 length of wave) were done as well as Haugh unit, air cell height for each egg and created the database for both environments. Finally a maximum likelihood latent root regression algorithm was developed to predict Haugh unit and air cell height by spectrum observation. The database was randomly divided into two parts. Training data, was used for maximum likelihood latent root regression parameter tuning and training of the model and testing data, was used just for model evaluation. Results indicated that maximum likelihood latent root regression method showed good prediction ability with coefficient of determination (R²) value up to 0.82 and 0.86 for Haugh unit and air cell height, respectively for testing data set. The results showed this method was better in comparison with partial least square regression (R² up to 0.79 and 0.72 for air cell height and Haugh unit) which was already used for this prediction.     

A lysimeter study of nitrate leaching, optimum fertilisation rate and growth responses of corn (Zea mays L.) following soil amendment with water-saving super-absorbent polymer

BACKGROUND: Nitrate leaching and the resulting groundwater contamination from intensive cereal production has become a major concern for long‐term farmland efficiency and environmental sustainability in northern China. The aim of this study was to evaluate a water‐saving super‐absorbent polymer (SAP) for minimising NO₃^? leaching from soil and optimising corn growth and yield. Thirty‐six undisturbed soil lysimeters were installed in a field lysimeter facility in drought‐affected northern China to study the growth and yield characteristics of summer corn (Zea mays L.) as well as the amount of NO₃–leaching losses under different fertiliser (standard, medium or 75% and low, or 50% of conventional fertilisation rate) and SAP (control, 0; level‐1, 15 kg ha^?1 and level‐2, 30 kg ha^?1) treatments. RESULTS: Corn yield fell by 19.7% under medium and 37.7% under low fertilisation; the application of SAP increased yield significantly by 44.4% on level‐1 and 80.3% on level‐2. Similarly, plant height, leaf area, number of grains as well as protein, soluble sugar and starch contents in the grain also increased with SAP treatment. Application of SAP at 30 kg ha^?1 plus half of conventional fertilisation can reduce maximum (64.1%) nitrate leaching losses from soil. CONCLUSIONS: Application of SAP at 30 kg ha^?1 plus only half the amount of conventional fertiliser rate (150 kg urea, and 50 kg each of superphosphate and potassium sulfate) would be a more appropriate practice both for minimising nitrate leaching and sustainable corn production under the arid and semiarid conditions of northern China. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

玉米株型对套作大豆氮素积累、转运和籽粒蛋白质产量的影响

以＂玉/豆＂套作模式为背景,三个不同株型的玉米和三个不同熟期的大豆材料,采用两因素裂区设计,研究了大豆地上部氮素积累和转运,以及籽粒蛋白质含量的差异。结果表明,各大豆品种中,以晚熟大豆在不同时期、不同器官的氮素积累量为最高,分别高出中、早熟品种121.09%和165.33%,其氮素积累速率、有效荚数、籽粒产量和蛋白质含量平均分别为3.78kg/hm2.d、60.27荚、3 840.22kg/hm2和48.71%,均显著高于中、早熟品种;大豆地上部氮素积累总量、积累速率、转运量和单株有效荚数均随着玉米株型的变化（从紧凑型到平展型）而减少,紧凑型玉米下的大豆籽粒产量和蛋白质产量分别为2 609.10kg/hm2和1 203.83kg/hm2,显著高于其他玉米株型处理;交互作用分析表明,玉米株型与大豆熟性在单株荚数、单荚粒数、籽粒产量和蛋白质产量上互作显著;相关性分析表明蛋白质产量与籽粒产量极显著相关。因此,选择紧凑型玉米与晚熟大豆品种搭配有利于提高套作大豆的产量,从而提高籽粒蛋白质产量。     

Mitochondrial DNA Fragmentation as a Molecular Tool to Monitor Thermal Processing of Plant‐Derived,Low‐Acid Foods,and Biomaterials

Cycle threshold (Ct) increase, quantifying plant‐derived DNA fragmentation, was evaluated for its utility as a time‐temperature integrator. This novel approach to monitoring thermal processing of fresh, plant‐based foods represents a paradigm shift. Instead of using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect pathogens, identify adulterants, or authenticate ingredients, this rapid technique was used to quantify the fragmentation of an intrinsic plant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene over time‐temperature treatments. Universal primers were developed which amplified a mitochondrial gene common to plants (atp1). These consensus primers produced a robust qPCR signal in 10 vegetables, 6 fruits, 3 types of nuts, and a biofuel precursor. Using sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) puree as a model low‐acid product and simple linear regression, Ct value was highly correlated to time‐temperature treatment (R² = 0.87); the logarithmic reduction (log CFU/mL) of the spore‐forming Clostridium botulinum surrogate, Geobacillus stearothermophilus (R² = 0.87); and cumulative F‐value (min) in a canned retort process (R² = 0.88), all comparisons conducted at 121 °C. D₁₂₁ and z‐values were determined for G. stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 and were 2.71 min and 11.0 °C, respectively. D₁₂₁ and z‐values for a 174‐bp universal plant amplicon were 11.3 min and 9.17 °C, respectively, for mtDNA from sweet potato puree. We present these data as proof‐of‐concept for a molecular tool that can be used as a rapid, presumptive method for monitoring thermal processing in low‐acid plant products.     

Dual-energy photon attenuation for soft tissue analysis

The mass attenuation coefficients σ_I and σ_A of collimated low energy gamma radiation emitted from point sources of ¹²⁵I and ²⁴¹Am have been measured in components of lean beef and fatty tissue. The ratio R = σ_I/σ_A for comminuted fatty tissue/muscle mixtures was approximately linearly related to the extractable fat content determined by the standard method of soxhlet extraction and a least squares analysis gave a residual standard deviation of ±2% extractable fat. R was unaffected by fluctuations in sample temperature over the range 20 to ? 10°C and could be measured without knowledge of the sample thickness or packing density. Comparative measurements of attenuation relative to that of water were more reproducible than absolute values. Factors influencing the attenuation in soft tissues were assessed by adopting a three-component mixture model: that the soft tissues were composed of extractable fat (R/R_W = 0.759 ± 0.004), fat-free dry solids (R/R_W = 1.089 ± 0.008) and water (R/R_W = 1). The likely effects of variations in the fatty acid composition of the fat, and of variations in the protein and mineral contents of the dry solids, are discussed.     

Yield and baking quality of winter wheat cultivars in different farming systems of the DOK long‐term trial

BACKGROUND: A challenge in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding for organic farming is to provide high‐yielding cultivars with appropriate baking qualities under the limiting conditions of organic fertiliser input and without the use of pesticides. Cultivars are usually tested on organic and conventional farms. However, field properties may differ owing to spatial variations of soils and microclimate heterogeneity. In this study, old, organically bred and conventionally bred cultivars were tested in organic and conventional farming systems of the DOK long‐term system comparison trial. RESULTS: Effects of cultivars and systems on yield and quality parameters were statistically significant. Genotype × system interactions were generally not observed. Grain yield across all cultivars increased from 4.2 Mg ha^?1 under organic conditions up to 6.8 Mg ha^?1 under conventional conditions, with protein contents of 90 and 117 g kg^?1 respectively. Conventionally bred cultivars yielded significantly more under conventional conditions than organically bred cultivars, whereas neither organically nor conventionally bred cultivars performed better under organic conditions. CONCLUSION: Breeding for yield was successful, but only under high‐input conditions, where these successes were accompanied by rising inputs of external resources. The results of this study suggest that cultivar testing in long‐term system comparisons can complement standard on‐farm testing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Development and optimization of low temperature enzyme-assisted liquefaction for the production of colouring foodstuff from purple pitaya (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hylocereus</Emphasis> sp. [Weber] Britton &; Rose)

An innovative liquefaction process for the production of colouring foodstuff from purple pitaya was developed and optimized. Conducting an enzyme screening, the most suitable enzyme preparation for the liquefaction of pitaya pulp at low temperatures (4–12 °C) was selected allowing extensive viscosity reduction (50%) and high betalain retention (80%). A modified D-optimal design was used for the optimization of significant influence factors. Maximizing a heuristic optimization function composed of regression terms of the responses relative viscosity (R ² = 0.97), betalain retention (R ² = 0.88) and betanin–isobetanin retention (R ² = 0.92), a numeric algorithm was established for process parameter optimization. The total juice yield was increased from 25–39 to 48–60% by implementation of the optimized liquefaction procedure into the pitaya juice production process. Mucilage separation steps were unnecessary and pitaya seeds could simply be separated as a by-product after juice filtration due to the extensive degradation of the mucilaginous matrix. In contrast to previously described mucilage liquefactions, the betalain profile was remarkably changed due to the applied enzymatic treatment resulting in a colour shift (Δh° = −14.7 ± 0.3) to bluish tones, and concentration of the so obtained pitaya juices from 12.3% TSS to 33% TSS and 65% TSS was successful at pilot plant scale.