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Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables

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A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Developmental Physiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 July 2023) | Viewed by 28082

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Dr. Valentina Schmitzer

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University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Slovenia, Jamnikarjeva 101, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: ornamental plants pigmentation; fruit and vegetable development; secondary metabolism; plant physiology; fruit and vegetable production technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fruits and vegetables are the key global horticultural products cultivated for fresh consumption and for the rapidly expanding processed and pre-packaged food industry. The external and internal quality of fruits and vegetables represent essential components in consumer decision. Visual attributes, such as size, form, coloration, and uniformity of fruits and vegetables are often decisive factors of cultivar selection during the breeding process as these directly affect fresh produce market potential.

In addition to physical traits, which diversify fruit and vegetable cultivars by appearance, consumer preferences are tightly interwoven with taste and nutritious value. These characteristics are closely linked with primary and secondary metabolism of a particular fruit/vegetable species and cultivar. High levels of specific bioactive compounds are essential for the natural food additives market and it is even projected that fruit and vegetable ingredients will overtake the wholesale of fresh produce in the future. The synthesis of compounds is also greatly affected by the environment and production practices. Increased awareness about consuming healthy and antioxidant-rich plant-based products drives the producers to practice technological measures, which increase the levels of favorable bioactive compounds and carefully select cultivars with optimal characteristics. Fruit and vegetable cultivars are visually distinctive by numerous attributes as well as diverse in terms of metabolic synthesis. Therefore, the topic of the Special issue is very broad. The publication of original research papers, short communications, and reviews focused on external quality characteristics as well as the biochemistry of fruits and vegetables is encouraged. The studies may focus on cultivars best suited for fresh consumption or those more appropriate for natural ingredient industry. Novel analytical qualitative and quantitative methods are of particular interest. Studies aiming to expand food composition databases are welcome as are comprehensive studies determining different visual attributes and metabolomic analyses. In addition, comparative studies centered on physico-chemical characterization of wild and cultivated fruit and vegetable species and cultivars are also welcome.

Dr. Valentina Schmitzer
Guest Editor

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Keywords

visual traits
fruit composition
vegetable composition
bioactive compounds
cultivar comparison
wild vs. cultivated plants

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 863 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Nutritional, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Potential of Rourea minor Fruits: An Underutilized Species

by Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy, Guggalada Govardhana Yadav, Sathish Shekhappa Kadapatti, Akarsha H. Pote, Ramalinga Jagali, Vidya Yarashi and Yaser Hassan Dewir

Horticulturae 2023, 9(5), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9050606 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2155

Abstract

The present study focuses on the nutritional, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activities of the fruits of Rourea minor (Gaertn.) Alston., an underutilized plant species. The ripened seeds contained 0.28%, 12.39%, 25.70%, 1.4%, and 3.4% of fat, protein, carbohydrate, ash, and fiber, respectively, whereas ripened pulp possessed 0.19%, 0.34%, 0.90%, 0.35%, and 0.98% of fat, protein, carbohydrates, ash, and fiber, respectively. The ripened seed and pulp were also rich in mineral elements and especially microelements. The pulp, when ripe, had high levels of microelements such as boron, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese with values of 25.98, 2523.56, 499.12, 33.62, and 40.30 µg/g DW, respectively. Phytate and oxalate content were comparatively higher in ripened seeds (6.91 and 31.88 mg/g FW) than in the pulp. Acetone, absolute methanol, water, and 70% methanol were used for the extraction of phytochemicals, and 70% methanol extract contained the highest phytochemicals. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid content of unripe seeds was 180.47 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/DW, 68.95 quercetin equivalent (QE)/g DW, and 0.35 atropine equivalent (AE)/g DW, respectively, and that of unripe pulp was 8.21 mg GAE/g DW, 2.97 mg QE/g DW and 1.20 mg AE/g DW, respectively. All the extracts showed remarkable antioxidant activity, proved by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, following a similar trend to the phytochemical composition. The study concludes that Rourea minor fruits, both seeds, and pulp, could be an excellent source of nutrients, microelements, and antioxidants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

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17 pages, 9349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Profiling of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of Wild Edible Durians from Sarawak, Borneo Associated with Its Aroma Properties

by Gerevieve Bangi Sujang, Shiamala Devi Ramaiya, Noorasmah Saupi and Shiou Yih Lee

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020257 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3076

Abstract

Volatile organic compounds determine the aroma properties of durian, and it is an important factor in durian acceptance by consumers. However, limited information is devoted to volatile organic compounds and aroma in wild edible durians. Therefore, the present study aims to characterize and compare the volatile organic compounds and aroma properties of the indigenous wild edible durians from Sarawak, Borneo. Seven genotypes, namely Durio dulcis, Durio graveolens (yellow-fleshed), Durio graveolens (orange-fleshed), Durio graveolens (red-fleshed), Durio kutejensis, Durio oxleyanus, and Durio zibethinus were characterized in this study. Solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME GC-MS) was used to detect the volatile organic compounds, while the quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) method was used to characterize the aroma properties of wild edible durians. A total of 119 volatile organic compounds comprising alcohol, aldehyde, amine, ether, ester, ketone, nitrogen-containing, and sulfur-containing compounds were detected. Ester and alcohol compounds are the most predominant in the composition, especially D. graveolens (yellow- and orange-fleshed), and D. dulcis possessed three to nine times higher relative amount of ester compounds. PCA clearly classified the wild durians into different groups. Based on the QDA analysis, D. kutejensis has the mildest aroma among wild edible durians, while D. dulcis perceived a stronger sweet and grassy aroma. Partially Least Square (PLS) regression model analysis indicated a strong relationship between the volatile organic compounds and the aroma intensity perceived by the panelists. These findings could be the major component in the durian industry, paving the way for breeding efforts to create new cultivars that can improve consumers’ satisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

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13 pages, 1334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Risk Assessment of Hazardous Heavy Metals in Two Varieties of Mango Fruit (Mangifera indica L. var. Dasheri and Langra)

by Ivan Širić, Ebrahem M. Eid, Mohamed H. E. El-Morsy, Hanan E. M. Osman, Bashir Adelodun, Sami Abou Fayssal, Boro Mioč, Madhumita Goala, Jogendra Singh, Archana Bachheti, Ashish Kumar Arya, Kyung Sook Choi, Vinod Kumar and Pankaj Kumar

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090832 - 9 Sep 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3086

Abstract

The spatial assessment of four heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, and As) in two mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) varieties (Dasheri and Langra) collected from the Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India, was investigated in this study. The samples of ripe mango fruits were collected from the orchards of 12 major towns in the Saharanpur district from May to June 2022. Heavy metal analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) showed the presence of all selected heavy metals. Specifically, the concentration (mg/kg dry weight basis) range of Cd (0.01–0.08), Cr (0.11–0.82), Pb (0.02–0.15), and As (0.01–0.14) did not exceed the safe limits. The geospatial variation in the heavy metal concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) different as indicated by the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) results. The multivariate statistical analysis using principal component (PC) and agglomerative hierarchical cluster (AHC) analyses revealed that the Saharanpur city location had the highest levels of selected heavy metals out of the 12 sampling locations. In this, the Dasheri variety was identified to have higher heavy metal concentrations in comparison to the Langra variety. Moreover, the health risk study using the target hazard quotient (THQ) confirmed that the levels did not exceed the safe health risk index (HRI) limit of 1. However, the health risk assessment for the child group showed relatively high HRI values (<0.35) compared to those of the adult group (<0.09). Therefore, considering the importance of the Saharanpur district in massive mango fruit production, this study provides vital information regarding the biomonitoring of heavy metals in the two most consumed varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

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8 pages, 527 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Phytochemical Characterization of Twenty-Seven Peruvian Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz & Pavón) Morphotypes and the Effect of Postharvest Methyl Jasmonate Application on the Accumulation of Antioxidants

by Daniel A. Jacobo-Velázquez, Gilmar Peña-Rojas, Luis Ernesto Paredes-Avila, Vidalina Andía-Ayme, Ana Mariel Torres-Contreras and Oscar Herrera-Calderon

Horticulturae 2022, 8(6), 471; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8060471 - 25 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3294

Abstract

Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruíz and Pav. “Mashua” is a crop from the Andean region associated with preventing chronic degenerative diseases. This study evaluated the content of bioactive compounds (phenolics, glucosinolates, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid) in twenty-seven Peruvian mashua morphotypes. Furthermore, three morphotypes (MAC 067, MAC 092, and MAC 123) were selected to evaluate further the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the accumulation of bioactive compounds. Phenolic content in the mashua morphotypes ranged from 2990.76 ± 273.5 mg/kg to 24,217.36 ± 1144 mg/kg; whereas carotenoids ranged from 12.8 ± 0.6 mg/kg to 85.8 ± 3.1 mg/kg. Moreover, total glucosinolate content ranged from 65 ± 11 mmol/kg to 1289 ± 65 mmol/kg. The different mashua morphotypes showed low levels of ascorbic acid (lower than 5 mg/kg) compared with other crops. Except for glucosinolates, MeJA application augmented the level of bioactive compounds, showing increases of up to 150.1%, 535.0%, and 542% for total phenolics, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid, respectively. Results indicated that mashua is an excellent source of phenolics and glucosinolates, whereas it contains adequate levels of carotenoids and low levels of vitamin C. MeJA application during postharvest represented a simple approach to increase the content of bioactive compounds in mashua. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

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11 pages, 1410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic Profiling of White and Green Radish Cultivars (Raphanus sativus)

by Chang Ha Park, Wooyeal Ki, Nam Su Kim, Soo-Yun Park, Jae Kwang Kim and Sang Un Park

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040310 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3707

Abstract

Radish (Raphanus sativus) is a Brassica vegetable important for human nutrition and health because it is rich in diverse metabolites. Although previous studies have evaluated various metabolites, few studies have comprehensively profiled the primary and secondary metabolites in the roots of white- and green-colored radishes. Thus, this study aimed to provide information about the contents of metabolites beneficial for human health in both cultivars and to investigate the relationships between the various metabolites detected. In particular, among the 55 metabolites detected in radish roots, the levels of most amino acids and phenolic acids, vital to nutrition and health, were higher in green radish roots, while slightly higher levels of glucosinolates were observed in white radish roots—information which can be used to develop an effective strategy to promote vegetable consumption. Furthermore, glutamic acid, as a metabolic precursor of amino acids and chlorophylls, was positively correlated with other amino acids (cysteine, tryptophan, asparagine, alanine, serine, phenylalanine, valine, isoleucine, proline, leucine, beta-alanine, lysine, and GABA), and chlorophylls (chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b) detected in radish roots and phenylalanine, a metabolic precursor of phenolic compounds, were positively correlated with kaempferol, 4-hydroxybenzoate, and catechin. In addition, strong positive correlations between carbohydrates (sucrose and glucose) and phenolics were observed in this study, indicating that sucrose and glucose function as energy sources for phenolic compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

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9 pages, 1158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål.) Attack Induces a Metabolic Response in Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) Fruit

by Nika Cvelbar Weber, Jaka Razinger, Jerneja Jakopič, Valentina Schmitzer, Metka Hudina, Ana Slatnar, Robert Veberič, Franci Štampar and Tilen Zamljen

Horticulturae 2021, 7(12), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7120561 - 8 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3473

Abstract

The polyphagous brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys Stål.) is an important pest in many countries. Recently it was noticed that it can feed on and cause damage to strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The metabolic response of strawberries to brown marmorated stink bug attacks was studied. Brown marmorated stink bugs attacked strawberry fruit which had 18% lower total sugar content compared to that of the control treatment. However, organic acid content had no significant difference among the three treatments, with the exception of shikimic acid, which had the highest content in the attacked fruit. Thirty-one phenolic compounds were identified. Results showed a strong effect on secondary metabolites due to H. halys attacks. Halyomorpha halys treatment had 27% higher total analyzed phenolic content compared to the indirect Halyomorpha halys treatment. The brown marmorated stink bug significantly increased total ellagic acid derivatives (33.1% to 37% higher), hydroxycinnamic acids (22.3% higher) and anthocyanins’ (39% higher) contents. Fruit attacked by Halyomorpha halys also had higher catechin and epicatechin content than that of the control treatments. This pest had a significant influence on the plant’s secondary metabolism, and this improved our understanding of how a strawberry plant reacts to the attacks of this very important pest. H. halys-infested fruit are not suitable for commercial production, due to the production of off-flavors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

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20 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Application of Nitrogen Fertilization and Foliar Spraying with Calcium and Boron Affects Growth Aspects, Chemical Composition, Productivity and Fruit Quality of Strawberry Plants

by Mustafa. H. M. Mohamed, Spyridon A. Petropoulos and Maha Mohamed Elsayed Ali

Horticulturae 2021, 7(8), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7080257 - 21 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4633

Abstract

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and plant components to enhance cardiac health and regulate blood sugar. This experiment investigates the effects of N fertilization and foliar spraying with calcium (Ca) and boron (B) on growth, chemical composition of plant foliage, fruit yield, and quality of strawberry plants (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. cv. Fortuna). This experiment includes 12 treatments from the combination between four N fertilizers treatments (combinations of mineral and organic fertilizers) and three foliar spraying treatments with Ca+B at 2 and 4 mL/L in addition to the control treatment (spraying with tap water). Results show that the treatment where 50% of the recommended dose of N (50% RDN) was applied with mineral fertilizer + 100% organic N was the most effective one since it induced the highest values of plant height, number of crowns per plant, number of leaves per plant, fresh and dry weight per plant, especially when combined with the foliar application of Ca+B at the highest tested rate (4 mL/L). The highest values of N, P, K, Ca, B, and total carbohydrate contents were also scored for the combination of 50% RDN + 100% organic N and the foliar spraying with Ca+B at 4 mL/L in both growing seasons. In addition, the highest values of fruit yield per plant and per hectare, exportable fruit yield/ha, fruit firmness, fruit TSS, Vitamin C, total sugars, and anthocyanin, as well as the lowest values of total acidity were recorded for the combined treatment of 50% RDN + 100% organic and Ca+B at the highest rate (4 mL/L). The highest recorded value of length, diameter, and weight of fruit were scored by fertilizing strawberry plants with the recommended dose of mineral N (100% RDN) and spraying with Ca+B at the highest rate in both growing seasons. In conclusion, it could be suggested that fertilization of strawberry plants with half the recommended dose with mineral N fertilizer + 100% organic fertilizer and foliar spraying with Ca+B at 4 mL/L increases plant growth and improve yield parameters and fruit quality of the strawberry plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

17 pages, 2610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Omics Analysis to Visualize Ecotype-Specific Heterogeneity of the Metabolites in the Mesocarp Tissue of Three Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Ecotypes

by Yu Ge, Xiaoping Zang, Yuanzheng Liu, Lixia Wang, Jiashui Wang, Yanxia Li and Weihong Ma

Horticulturae 2021, 7(5), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7050094 - 1 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2786

Abstract

The huge amount of metabolites in avocado mesocarp influences the commercial production of specific avocado fruits for consumption and for industrial applications. Additionally, the diversity in the metabolite content may be used as biomarker for differentiating among various avocado ecotypes. However, the differences in metabolites in avocado remain unclear among various avocado ecotypes. In this study, we first compared the lipid droplets, fatty acid compositions, and gene expression profiles of the mature avocado mesocarps of three ecotypes, and confirmed the differences in the mesocarp oil contents. Furthermore, the lipidomics and metabolomics based on the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple and time-of-flight mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q exactive-mass spectrometry were completed, respectively, which revealed considerable differences in the relative amounts of lipids from 10 classes and other metabolites from seven super-classes among the examined avocado ecotypes. The profiles of 65 lipids and 15 other metabolites could be potential candidate biomarkers useful for identifying diverse avocado ecotypes. This is the first comprehensive metabolomics-based comparative investigation of lipid and other metabolites among three avocado ecotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physico-Chemical Characterization of Fruits and Vegetables)

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