Introduction. The Chinese jujube tree always presents some unfavorable performances because its vegetative growth is very vigorous. Our study was conducted to apply root pruning to test whether it can effectively inhibit the vigorous vegetative growth by regulating the competitive ability of the root system for water and nutrients. Materials and methods. For our experiment, roots were cut at three different distances from the trunk (light, moderate and severe root pruning) on both inter-row sides of jujube trees to the depth of 20 cm. Roots of control jujube trees were not pruned. Then we determined for three years the competitive indicators of Chinese jujube trees including the length, number and thickness of primary branches; photosynthetic characteristics and nutrient concentrations of leaves; hormone contents in the jujube head, flower number and fruiting percentage, yield, and fruit quality. Results and discussion. In the early stage after root treatment, root pruning decreased lots of indicators such as concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in leaves, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentration of leaves, relative to the same indicators as the control group. With the gradual emergence of new roots, these indexes appeared to have adverse patterns with respect to those in the early stage after root pruning. Compared with the control, root pruning significantly decreased the length and number of primary branches and flower number, but thickened primary branches, enhanced fruiting percentage and increased the amount of ethylene release of the jujube head in the whole experiment. Fruit quality was improved with root pruning, as indicated by increases in vitamin C and total sugar and a decrease in titrable acidity. No effects of root pruning were noticed on yield. From our results, we conclude that the removal of the root system at a distance of three times the trunk diameter (severe pruning) from the trunk is the most effective in regulating the competitive ability of the Chinese jujube tree.

Introduction. Du fait des conditions tropicales humides, le contrôle des adventices est un poste important et permanent dans les dépenses d’un producteur de fruits aux Antilles. La pratique du désherbage chimique est à ce jour la plus économique, mais l’utilisation récurrente d’herbicides dans les vergers de la Martinique conduit à une érosion des sols et à une pollution des eaux. Pour pallier l’usage d’herbicides, nous avons testé l’association de volailles à un verger productif afin d’en contrôler l’enherbement. Matériel et méthodes. Le dispositif a été installé sur une parcelle de 700 m2 subdivisée en sept placettes de 100 m 2. Deux placettes ont constitué les traitements témoins ; elles ont été fauchées à la débroussailleuse. Chacune des cinq autres placettes a été soumise au pâturage de 5 oies pendant une semaine, puis au pâturage de 20 poulets pendant la semaine suivante, puis laissée sans volailles pendant trois autres semaines. Trois cycles de telles rotations ont été observés. La production de biomasse par groupe botanique (poacées, cypéracées et autres) dans les placettes expérimentales a été mesurée chaque semaine pendant les trois cycles (4 mois). Une fois par mois l’indice de recouvrement par groupe botanique a été relevé. Résultats. La biomasse totale de la strate herbacée a diminué sur les placettes pâturées, ce qui a permis le contrôle biologique des adventices pendant quatre mois. La diversité floristique a diminué à cause de la sélection opérée par les volailles pour leur alimentation et le couvert s’est homogénéisé par l’augmentation du pourcentage de la biomasse des cypéracées dans la biomasse totale. Cette famille peu appétible pour les volailles s’est ainsi étendue sur toutes les placettes pâturées. Discussion. Le pâturage des volailles, des oies en particulier, s’est révélé être une méthode efficace pour la maîtrise de l’enherbement en verger. Cependant, dans le cas d’une forte proportion d’espèces non appétibles dans la strate herbacée, d’autres méthodes de désherbage devront être combinées. L’installation d’une couverture herbacée composée d’un mélange de plantes de couverture adaptées à l’association verger et volailles ainsi qu’une meilleure gestion de la rotation des animaux devront être envisagées pour optimiser cette technique.

Introduction. Although Nigeria has the largest area planted to papaya (Carica papaya) in the world, this country has one of the lowest yields reported. A good knowledge of the available genetic variability is a first step in the exploitation of this crop for the development of improved cultivars. Until now, there has been no report on genetic diversity in the papaya accessions available in Nigeria. Materials and methods. Sixty accessions of papaya obtained from ten districts in Southeastern Nigeria were evaluated using 21 variables following the IBPGR descriptors for papaya. The data was subjected to descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariate analysis including principal component (PCA) and cluster analysis. Results. ANOVA showed significant variation among accessions in fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit edible volume, leaf petiole length, fruit shape, flesh color and central cavity shape. The first seven principal component axes accounted for 73.47% of total variation and five cluster groups were generated from cluster analysis. Accessions were classified into two broad groups corresponding to female (15%) and hermaphrodite (85%) plants. A strong and highly significant correlation was found between leaf blade and petiole length and fruit characteristics such as length, diameter and fruit edible volume, a variable derived for the first time in this study. There was a preponderance of yellow flesh color in fruits from female plants and reddish-orange flesh color among hermaphrodite plants. Discussion and conclusions. Each of the five cluster groups consists of accessions that could be used as parents in further breeding or clones for vegetative propagation. This study revealed significant variation that could be exploited for genetic improvement of papaya in Nigeria. It is recommended that a focused papaya genetic improvement program should be pursued to exploit the genetic variation available.

The product. Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancien t tropical beverage whose popularity on the international market has been continuously increasing in recent years. Uses. Besides its various traditional uses, this refreshing liqu id extracted from the coconut fruit has recently been described as a “sport beverage” and has drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functional drink. Composition. Coconut water has a low matter content (2% to 5% wet basis), mainly comprising sugars and minerals. Quality criteria, such as the water per nut ratio, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), total sugar per nut, and [reducing sugars / total sugars] ratio, are good indicators for estimating the suitability of coconut cultivars for the production of coconut water. Regarding these criteria, dwarf varieties are the most suitable cultivars to obtain a tasty product. Properties. The quality of coconut water can not only be attributed to sugars and minerals because it also has a typical flavour and some original properties. Although many authors have cited medicinal uses or growth-promoting activities, only a few publications have clearly identified the components responsible for these properties. Discussion. Results of former and recent investigations are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for further research to increase our knowledge of this original tropical juice.

Introduction. En Afrique de l’Ouest, plusieurs études ont révélé la richesse numérique des espèces composant les zones de forêts et savanes ainsi que la diversité de leurs utilisations. Parmi les espèces utilitaires, les lianes occupent une place importante car leurs fruits sont très prisés dans l’alimentation, la pharmacopée et l’artisanat ; elles sont de plus une source de revenus non négligeables pour les populations locales. Au Togo, les informations relatives aux lianes restent fragmentaires ; il nous est donc apparu urgent de recenser celles entrant dans l’alimentation humaine afin de proposer des mesures de conservation et de valorisation en leur faveur. Matériel et méthodes. Des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été réalisées sur un échantillon de 433 personnes dans 60 localités mono-ethniques regroupant 28 ethnies, dans quatre zones écologiques du Togo. Des interviews semi-structurées ont été effectuées pour la collecte d’informations. Les questions ont porté sur le nom vernaculaire des espèces fruitières, le moment d’apparition des fleurs et des fruits, ainsi que sur les autres utilisations des fruits. Ces enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été complétées par des observations sur le terrain qui ont permis la réalisation de 215 relevés floristiques. Résultats. Au total, dix-sept espèces de lianes à fruits comestibles appartenant à 15 genres et 13 familles (dont essentiellement des Apocynaceae et des Rubiaceae) ont été recensées. Ces espèces produisent pour la plupart des fruits charnus (baies et drupes). Ils sont principalement consommés crus sur les lieux de cueillette, commercialisés sur les marchés locaux, ou utilisés à des fins condimentaires. Ils représentent une ressource alimentaire importante et fournissent un complément appréciable de revenus. Conclusion. Du fait de leur potentiel alimentaire et économique, la plupart des espèces lianescentes à fruits comestibles mériteraient d’être valorisées. Mais leur statut de plantes alimentaires sauvages et leur port lianescent constituent des facteurs qui handicapent leur valorisation.

Introduction. Xoconostles or acidic cactus pears (Opuntia spp.) are fruits prized for their fleshy and acidic mesocarp; they are morphologically different from cactus pears which are sweet, juicy and seedy. Both thrive in semiarid highlands of Central Mexico, tolerate poor soils and scanty rainfall, and have evolved into formal crops during the last five decades. Wild xoconostles are ubiquitous in Mexican semiarid regions. Domesticated genotypes are found in backyards and commercial orchards. Folk wisdom attributes xoconostle with antihypoglycemic effects, cholesterol control and obesity reduction. The peel presents higher antioxidant capacity than strawberry, raspberry, red plum, grapefruit, pear and apple. Our investigation describes the main cultivars of xoconostles with horticultural value for human consumption in Central Mexico; it contributes to the elucidation of their morphological relationships. Materials and methods. Twenty-one accessions from the Hidalgo and Zacatecas states of Mexico were described using 27 variables from cladodes, flowers and fruits; significant variables were selected by correlation and PCA, and thereafter a cluster analysis and discriminant canonical analysis were performed. Results. Thirteen variables were found to be significant to discriminate accessions: cladode length, number of rows of areoles, number of areoles in the central row, pericarp length and width, fruit length, fruit diameter, [length / diameter] ratio, areole density, receptacle depth, fruit and peel weight, and pulp acidity. Two canonical roots (Can) explained variability: Can1 (fruit areola density, acidity, number of areole rows, and number of areoles in the central row) explained 87.55%, and Can2 (peel weight, fruit weight and fruit diameter) explained the remaining 12.45%. Discussion. Can1 was related to plant productivity, while Can2 comprised mainly fruit quality traits. Both of these traits are of primary interest for human utilization and have had a clear effect on domestication. Clusters did not match the actual taxonomic classification.

Introduction. Cashew apple is a rich source of sugars, vitamin C and polyphenols. In spite of its nutritional value, this pseudo-fruit has been left unexploited to a large extent in the crop-growing areas. Some reports of the chemical characteristics of cashew apple have been published. However, nothing is known about the changes in the composition of its bioactive compounds in the course of ripening. Materials and methods. Cashew apples at three different maturity stages were examined with respect to their ascorbic acid content, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Ascorbic acid was quantified by HPLC. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS by comparison with authentic standard compounds. The antioxidant capacity was measured by TOSC assay against peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. Results. Amounts of identified phenolic compounds were the highest in unripe cashew apple and decreased in the course of ripening. Myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside and quercetin 3-O-rhamnoside turned out to be the main flavonoids in all maturity stages. The antioxidant capacity and the concentration of ascorbic acid increased in the course of ripening. The antioxidant activity was considerably influenced by ascorbic acid, more than by the content of phenolic compounds. Conclusion. This study provides, for the first time, information on changes in bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity in cashew apple during ripening. A dietary or technological exploitation of ascorbic acid is useful in the ripe condition. The unripe pseudo-fruits are a good source for the extraction of polyphenols with regard to possible food technological purposes or the preparation of food supplements.

Introduction Fruit quality characteristics are governed by preharvest factors, mainly climate, nutrition and plant bio-regulators, of which the latter two can easily be manipulated in the grower’s interest. Likewise, the postharvest treatments with the best performance can maintain quality during storage and distribution. Therefore, it is important to embrace a holistic approach to combine the pre- and postharvest practices in view of attaining maximum quality and satisfaction at the consumer level. Materials and methods. Various combinations of mineral nutrients (calcium and boron) and bio-regulators (salicylic acid and gibberellic acid) were applied at the pre- and postharvest stages of apple fruits to study their influence on postharvest behavior of these fruits during 60 days of storage under ambient conditions. Results and discussions Among the different treatments tried, fruits treated with either salicylic acid or calcium showed significant improvement with regards to improved physico-chemical characteristics and reduced fruit infection percentage. Integration of pre- and postharvest application of chemicals was verified as the most effective choice for the improvement of shelf life of apple fruits amongst the treatment combinations applied either at the pre- or postharvest stage. The application of salicylic acid in combination with calcium or boron renders an alternative to the use of fungicides to control decay during apple fruit storage.

Introduction. Quarantine heat treatments have not yet been introduced in West Africa and no work has been done to determine the treatment conditions needed to eliminate eggs and larvae of West African fruit fly populations, especially of the new species Bactrocera invadens, from mangoes produced in the region. The objective of our study was to carry out hot water disinfestation experiments on naturally infested mangoes to determine the exposure parameters required to kill eggs and larvae of B. invadens present in commercial-quality fruits. The effects of hot water treatment on fruit quality were also investigated. Materials and methods. A tank with a heating element and a water pump equipped with a tank sensor were used. Physiologically mature, hard, green mango fruits (cv. Kent) with potential export quality but infested by B. invadens were harvested from plantations in the Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) area. The effect of hot water treatment by immersion at 42.0 °C, 46.5 °C or 51.0 °C was evaluated by counting identifiable sites of fruit fly oviposition before and after paring the fruit and, finally, the numbers of live and dead larvae of B. invadens were counted in the pulp. The quality of the fruit was evaluated after the hot water immersion. Results and discussion. A hot water treatment resulting in a core temperature of 46.5 °C could be the basis of a fruit fly quarantine treatment for West African mangoes produced in Burkina Faso. All of the larvae extracted from the fruits treated at 46.5 °C and 51.0 °C were dead, while, in fruit treated at 42.0 °C, only about one-third of the larvae extracted were dead.

Introduction. Notre étude a porté sur l’identification des insectes nuisibles des fruits de jujubiers indiens introduits au Burkina Faso. Notre objectif a été de faire l’inventaire de ces insectes ravageurs inféodés à ces nouveaux cultivars de jujubiers et de tester diverses techniques pour leur piégeage. Après identification des insectes dont la plante hôte est le jujubier, nous avons déterminé ceux qui accomplissent leur cycle de reproduction sur les jujubes. Matériel et méthodes. Nous avons utilisé des appâts alimentaires avec des pièges de fabrication industrielle renfermant du torula et du terpinyl acétate et testé l’efficacité de complexes [pièges artisanaux / attractifs naturels] par rapport aux pièges à torula. Ensuite, nous avons mis en incubation des fruits attaqués afin d’identifier les insectes qui en émergeraient. La fluctuation des populations de Tephritidae a été suivie à partir de relevés hebdomadaires dans les pièges à torula. Simultanément l’évolution de la production fruitière a été étudiée. Résultats. L’inventaire effectué en verger de jujubiers indiens a révélé la présence de plusieurs familles appartenant à l’ordre des diptères parmi lesquelles figurent dix espèces de mouches de fruits réparties dans quatre genres (Bactrocera, Dacus, Ceratitis et Carpomya) ; une noctuelle de l’ordre des lépidoptères (genre Agrotis) a également été identifiée. Les espèces les plus représentées dans les collectes effectuées par pièges ont été Carpomya incompleta (44,86 %), Bactrocera invadens (21,58 %) et Bactrocera cucurbitae (18,49 %). Le taux d’émergence après incubation des jujubes attaqués a été de 50 %. Deux espèces seulement ont émergé de ces fruits : C. incompleta (84 %) et Agrostis sp. (16 %). Parmi les appâts alimentaires naturels testés, seul le mélange [bière locale + banane] a permis de piéger des Tephritidae (Bactrocera invadens) et la noctuelle Agrotis sp. Cependant, deux autres appâts naturels (fruits en putréfaction et lait concentré) ont permis de capturer Agrotis sp. Discussion et conclusion. Nos résultats ont mis en évidence les deux ravageurs potentiels des jujubiers indiens au Burkina Faso. Des études complémentaires sur l’identification de l’espèce d’Agrotis, et sur la biologie, l’écologie et le comportement des ravageurs incriminés seront nécessaires pour la définition de méthodes de lutte en plantations de jujubiers au Burkina.

Black persimmon in the literature. The persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) is a deciduous fruit tree originating in China. One type consisting of a group of similar cultivars is the black persimmon, which is a precious germplasm resource of China. Black persimmon is mainly distributed in the south of the Taihang Mountains in northern China. Black persimmon is astringent, though this astringency can now be removed easily via normal maturity of the fruit. The skin of the fruit is black and the flesh has abundant nutritional value, with vitamin C and carotene. Information given by a black persimmon orchard. A trial on black persimmon was carried out from 2003 to 2009 in Zhengzhou, Henan province, China. Plant growth, yields and phenological characteristics were studied. The fruit has a thick skin which assists in storage and transportation; it has excellent flavor and quality, making the fruit highly valued by producers, marketers and consumers. Key cultivation techniques. Practices to achieve high quality are reviewed such as the proper plant environment, tree planting and pruning, the soil management, the wintering and protection of young trees, and pest control.

Introduction. Peach brown rot caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola is a major disease leading to considerable economic loss during storage. Our previous study uncovered the striking inhibition of the natural alkaloid berberine against M. fructicola. Materials and methods. A berberine-chitosan composite membrane (BCCM) able to slowly release berberine was prepared and used for peach preservation. The examined fruits were stored at 4 °C and treated as follows: (I) control fruits without packaging; (ii) fruits that were transiently immersed in pre-solidified BCCM liquid and taken out; (iii) fruit coating either with a BCCM, or with a membrane containing chitosan only (without berberine), and (iv) fruit coating with a PVC membrane. Results and discussion. The group immersed in BCCM showed a high infection rate due to the cytotoxicity of acetic acid, but the coating group showed only a 10% infection rate after 40 days of storage. Moreover, the BCCM-coating group showed a significantly lower infection rate than that coated with chitosan membrane (without berberine), clearly indicating the antimicrobial activity of berberine therein. Consequently, packed in BCCM and stored at 4 °C, peach fruits could be well preserved over 40 days with very low infection. Conclusion. Considering its safety and low cost, the berberine-containing chitosan composite membrane could be applicable in controlling diseases during peach storage.

Introduction Theobroma cacao L. is economically speaking the most important species of the genus Theobroma. Cacao is cultured in tropical regions and its yield is affected by several diseases, such as black pod. Black pod rot in cacao. Cacao black pod, particularly, is an economically serious problem in all areas of the world where cacao is grown, causing significant pod losses of up to 30% and killing up to 10% of the trees annually. The disease is caused by different species of the stramenopile genus Phytophthora and, once it has infected a cacao field, its control is fairly difficult. Black pod rot control strategies. Several approaches are used to manage black pod: chemical control, phytosanitary and cultural methods, genetic resistance, and biological control. Losses in yield due to black pod could be reduced through integrated management practices, although the results may vary for each cacao-growing region. Main challenges and new approaches Black pod control could be achieved if an integrated management strategy is established, with the combination of biological and chemical methods, genetic control, and adequate cultural methods in an integrated program.

Introduction. Olea ferruginea Royle, generally known as Indian olive, grows widely in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaun up to an altitude of 2400 m. It is a multipurpose, zero-waste, evergreen tree species. It yields a number of useful items including quality fodder, firewood and edible fruits. The leaves, bark, roots, fruits and seeds of this plant are used for treatment of various diseases. The fruits are also a source of olive oil. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been carried out to determine the olive oil contents of the fruits and seeds of O. ferruginea and the quality of the oils. Materials and methods. Therefore, investigations were undertaken to determine the olive oil contents and the quality of the oils in the fruits and seeds in terms of fatty acid composition. Four populations of O. ferruginea (Kolibehar, Saioond and Kais from the Kullu district, and Thalaut from the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh) were selected as the sources of fruits and seeds. Results and discussion. The selected sites differed in respect to their geographical characteristics. The olive oil content was considerably higher in the fruits than in the seeds. The olive oil contents in the fruits varied from 20.67% to 27.40%, with the Thalaut population exhibiting the highest oil content. The olive oil content in the seeds varied from 7.5% to 12.5%; the oil content was the lowest in fruits of the Saioond population and the highest in the Thalaut population. In all the populations, monounsaturated oleic acid was predominant; oleic acid ranged from 61.6% to 66.9% in the fruit oil and 64.4% to 67.2% in the seed oil. Differences in the fatty acid composition between the seed and fruit oils were also seen. Conclusion. Our study suggests that the fruits of O. ferruginea may be a potential source of olive oil. Thus, sustainable use of this potential of the tree could be useful in the socio-economic development and environmental conservation of the areas where it grows.

Introduction. Chestnut represents one of the most important crops for the Portuguese economy. The most common consumption mode of these fruits is roasted or boiled. In this context, the major aim of our study was to evaluate the amino acid contents and the mineral composition of raw and cooked chestnuts. Materials and methods. Amino acids were determined by HPLC and minerals were determined by molecular absorption spectrophotometry, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry or by flame emission photometry. The most important Portuguese cultivars were evaluated: Aveleira, Boaventura, Côta, Judia, Lada, Lamela, Longal Padrela, Longal Soutos da Lapa, Negra and Martaínha. Results and discussion. The cooking method significantly affected the total amino acid composition with contents in roasted samples 13% and 12 % higher than in boiled and raw chestnuts, respectively. Roasted chestnuts presented higher alanine, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, threonine, tyrosine and valine contents than either raw or boiled chestnuts. Moreover, serine presented the highest content in raw or roasted chestnut kernels. Regarding the mineral composition, potassium (K) was the predominant macronutrient in the chestnuts, whereas phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were found in low contents. Cooking significantly affected the mineral composition, except for iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) contents. In general, calcium decreased upon cooking. K, Ca, Mg and B decreased with boiling. The present data confirm that cooked chestnuts are a good source of amino acids and minerals, both affected by boiling and roasting, which have been associated with positive health benefits.

Introduction. The aim of this work was to develop a list of suitable sensory attributes and to perform sensory quality assessment of an unprocessed peach juice and a peach juice clarified by enzymatic treatment followed by membrane processes, using the attributes chosen by the trained panel. Materials and methods. A panel of assessors was selected and trained following the quantitative descriptive analysis methodology. A descriptive terminology with eight descriptors was successfully developed. Results and discussion. The sensory analysis showed that the juices were effectively clarified. Although the clarification by microfiltration in a bench-scale unit did not change juice taste attributes, the characteristic color and aroma of peach juice were also removed. The scale-up of the membrane clarification process affected all the sensory characteristics of the clarified juice, even taste. The unpleasant cooked fruit taste and aroma could be reduced by juice clarification by enzymatic and membrane processes. The kind of membrane, membrane geometry and transmembrane pressure used in the membrane clarification did not significantly affect the juice sensory characteristics.

Introduction. The high intra-specific variation in safou traits and the perishable nature of the fruit hampers commercialization. Knowledge of the parameters that determine the acceptability of safou products and the shelf life of fresh fruits is critical for marketing and useful as a first step toward cultivar development. Materials and methods. Safou fruits of different pulp colors, skin colors and stages of ripening were collected from clones. Physicochemical and organoleptic analyses were performed on fresh and processed safou pulp, respectively, to elucidate parameters that could be used to determine the acceptability of boiled and dried safou pulp, and the shelf life of fresh fruits. Results and discussions. Our study demonstrated that the pH and color of raw pulp could be used to determine the acceptability of boiled and dried safou. Consumers preferred products which were not acidic (sour), with a nice aroma. There was a negative correlation between the pH of raw pulp and the acceptability of boiled and dried safou pulp. Likewise, there was a positive correlation between the color of raw pulp and the acceptability of boiled and dried safou pulp. These parameters were used to predict the taste of finished products. Polygalacturonase activity was higher in fully ripe and unripe fruits than in semi-ripe fruits. Polygalacturonase activity had a strong positive correlation with percentage loss of fully ripe fruit during storage and, as such, can also be used to predict the postharvest loss of safou. Conclusion. The pH and color of raw (uncooked) pulp of safou can be used to determine the taste and acceptability of boiled and dried pulp. Likewise, the activity of polygalacturonase in raw pulp can be used to predict its postharvest shelf life.

Introduction. Ultrafiltration (UF) is a single-unit operation for the clarification and fining of fruit juices. The purpose of the UF is to remove suspended solids as well as haze-inducing and turbidity-causing substances to obtain a clear juice during storage. Specifically, the polymerization of phenolic compounds and their interaction with other components (e.g., proteins) could cause a haze complex and turbidity in fruit juices, which can foul the ultrafiltration membrane. Materials and methods. Fresh pomegranate juice was clarified by the ultrafiltration process on a laboratory scale. In experimental tests performed according to the total recycle and the batch concentration mode, the effects of transmembrane pressure (TMP) and enzyme pre-treatment on permeation flux and quality of juice were studied. Results. With the total recycle mode, the effect of TMP on the color and clarity of clarified pomegranate juice was significant. The initial color of the raw pomegranate juice was reduced from 74% to 33% and the clarity decreased from 77% to 42% by UF when the TMP increased from (1 to 3.6) bar. Total phenolic rejection decreased from 45% to 21% when the TMP rose from (1 to 2) bar and remained constant above this value. With the batch concentration mode at TMP = 2 bar and velocity 1 m·s–1, the enzymatic treatment (5 U·mL–1, 300 min, T = 20 °C) of pomegranate juice provided the highest permeate flux, a decrease in total phenolics of 50% and an increased clarity of 30%. Fouling of the UF membrane during pomegranate juice processing is mainly due to the retention of polyphenols and/or proteins; thus, several blocking mechanisms were studied, using a recently developed membrane-fouling model. Analysis revealed that the membrane separation process was controlled by the gel layer mechanism of raw pomegranate juice and complete pore blocking mechanism with enzymatic pre-treatment.

Introduction. Optimising agricultural water use implies the combination of physiological, technological and engineering techniques, especially those for continuously monitoring the water status of plants subjected to deficit irrigation. A methodology to estimate water stress of young almond trees from thermal images was developed based on assessing the physiological status of almond crops under limited water-supply conditions. Materials and methods. Two irrigation treatments were tested during the maximum evapotranspirative demand period (214th to the 243rd day of the year) in an experimental almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill) D.A. Webb, cv. Guara] orchard: a low-frequency deficit irrigation (LFDI) treatment, irrigated according to the plant-water status, and a fully irrigated treatment (C100) at 100% of crop evapotranspiration. Daily canopy temperature at midday (TC) was measured with an infrared camera, together with standard measurements of stem-water potential (ΨStem) and stomatal conductance (gS). The time course of these parameters and their relationships were analysed. Results and discussion. The time course of the parameters studied showed highly significant correlations among the differentials of canopy-air temperature (ΔT), ΨStem and gS. The methodological protocol for analysing thermal images allowed a time saving in processing information and additionally offered the possibility of estimating the ΨStem and gS values. Conclusion. Our results confirm that infrared thermography is a suitable technique for assessing the crop-water status and can be used as an important step towards automated plant-water stress management in almond orchards.

Introduction. Apple fruit contains many compounds with positive effects on human health but even small pesticide residues from integrated production cause many food safety issues for consumers. Materials and methods. The apple fruits from different types of production: organic, integrated and two combined systems were analyzed. Their contents of sugars and organic acids were quantified with the use of HPLC with RI and UV detectors, and phenolic contents from apple skin and pulp were detected with HPLC-MS. Apple quality was also determined in terms of weight, firmness and color. Results. Organically produced fruits had 14% lower weight than integrated fruits, as well as 15% higher firmness and less green skin color than apples from the other three treatments. Among primary metabolites, the sum of sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose and sorbitol) as well as organic acids (malic and citric) was highest in the integrated production treatment. Among secondary metabolites, eighteen individual phenolic compounds were determined separately in apple peel and pulp. They were classified into four groups: hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, dihydrochalcones and flavonols. The majority of the identified compounds were dependent on the applied management system. Their concentrations were mainly highest in the organic treatment due to higher stress levels. The multivariate analysis of all monitored parameters placed organic production into one group and presented a similarity among the other three management systems.