Search Results (1,253)

Selecting an appropriate rootstock for a specific scion cultivar is an efficient way to improve both yield and berry quality in viticulture. This study aimed to provide practical guidance for rootstock selection in the cultivation of the table grape cultivar ‘Fengguang’. The mature scions of this cultivar were grafted onto hardwood cuttings of eight different resistant rootstocks, which included 101-14M, 110R, 188-08, 3309C, 5BB, 5C, SO4, and Beta, with the own-rooted vines as control. Graft compatibility, growth vigor, yield performance, and fruit quality were compared and analyzed among the different grafting combinations. The results suggested that vines on 101-14M, 5BB, and Beta obtained higher germination rates of scions, better healing rates of the mating interface, and greater generation rates of root callus. Among these, vines on 5BB exhibited the largest scion trunk cross-sectional diameter. Furthermore, SO4 demonstrated the most significant improvement in yield, with an average increase of 13.54% compared to the control. Regarding berry quality, 101-14M significantly enhanced berry mass, pressure resistance, and flesh firmness relative to the controls, with average improvements of 7.67%, 11.34%, and 29.86%, respectively. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of yield and fruit quality indicators, 101-14M gained the highest value. In conclusion, 101-14M is preferentially recommended for grafting cultivation of ‘Fengguang’ vines. These findings could provide practical guidance for the cultivation of table grape cultivars. Full article

Background: The frequency of necrotising cutaneous and soft tissue infections caused by the Mucorales fungi Apophysomyces and Sakasenaea is increasing. The absence of sophisticated diagnostic technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) means that detection of cutaneous mucormycosis continues to rely on culture of the infecting pathogens from biopsy and their differentiation based on morphological characteristics. However, Apophysomyces and Sakasenaea are notorious for their failure to sporulate on standard mycological media used for the identification of human pathogenic fungi. Differentiation of these pathogens and their discrimination from Aspergillus fumigatus, the most common mould pathogen of humans, is essential due to their differing sensitivities to the antifungal drugs used to treat mucormycosis. Methods: A murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody, JD4, has been developed that is specific to Apophysomyces species. In Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), mAb JD4 is shown to bind to an extracellular 15 kDa protein, readily detectable in crude antigen extracts from non-sporulating cultures of Apophysomyces. Results: When combined with a Mucorales-specific lateral-flow immunoassay (LFIA), mAb JD4 allows the differentiation of Apophysomyces from Saksenaea species and discrimination from Aspergillus fumigatus. Monoclonal antibody JD4 enables the detection and differentiation of Apophysomyces species from other fungal pathogens that cause rapidly progressive cutaneous and soft tissue mycoses in humans. When this is combined with a rapid LFIA, improvements are offered in the sensitivity and specificity of Mucorales detection based on mycological culture, which remains a gold-standard procedure for mucormycosis detection in LMICs lacking access to more sophisticated diagnostic procedures. Full article

Guava (Psidium guajava L.), a perennial species native to tropical regions of the Americas, holds significant economic value and plays an important role in the global fruit industry. Although several reference genomes have been published, population-level genomic studies remain limited, hindering genetic improvement efforts. In this study, we conducted whole genome re-sequencing of 62 guava accessions, primarily from Southern China and Brazil. A total of 4,887,006 high-quality SNPs and 731,469 InDels were identified for population genomic analyses. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses revealed subgroupings that largely corresponded to geographic origins. The data indicated that extensive hybridization between accessions from Brazil and or within China has contributed to the development of many dominant commercial varieties. Genetic diversity analyses showed that Brazilian accessions exhibited higher nucleotide diversity and more rapid linkage disequilibrium decay than those from China. Environmental factors and artificial selection likely imposed selective pressures that shaped guava’s adaptability and agronomic traits. A preliminary genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified PgMYB4 as a candidate gene potentially associated with fruit flesh color. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic diversity, population history, and domestication of guava, and lay a valuable foundation for future breeding and improvement strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a natural dietary source of L-citrulline and L-arginine, the two amino acids involved in nitric oxide (NO) production and vasodilation. Pre-clinical and clinical studies using isolated amino acids or watermelon extracts suggest blood pressure (BP)-lowering potential; however, limited research has been conducted on the impact of watermelon flesh (WM) on BP in adults at risk for hypertension. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of daily WM intake for four weeks on 24 h ambulatory BP in adults with elevated blood pressure. The secondary outcomes of this study include changes in glucose and insulin markers, lipid profile, NO, L-citrulline, L-arginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations, and the L-arginine/ADMA ratio. Methods: In this randomized, placebo controlled parallel study design, 39 adults (age: 41 ± 14 years, BMI: 31 ± 6 kg/m², mean ± SD) with elevated BP were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 4-week intervention: control (0 g WM), WM-1 cup (152 g/day), or WM-2 cups (304 g/day). Ambulatory BP was measured over 24 h at baseline and the end of the intervention period. Fasting plasma samples were analyzed for metabolic biomarkers on a clinical analyzer and NO using a colorimetric assay. L-citrulline, L-arginine, and ADMA were analyzed using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS). Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 29.0.0). Results: After 4 weeks, mean 24 h ambulatory BP was 130.2 ± 3.9 mm Hg (control), 130 ± 3.2 mm Hg (WM-1 cup), and 124.9 ± 3.9 mm Hg (WM-2 cups), with no statistically significant differences between study interventions (p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant changes were observed in fasting plasma glucose, insulin, lipid profile, or NO concentrations. However, plasma L-arginine concentrations and L-arginine/ADMA ratios significantly increased in the WM groups compared to the control (p = 0.009) after adjusting for age, BMI, race, and gender in the statistical model. Conclusion: Overall, BP was not significantly different after two different doses of watermelon compared to control; however, improvements in NO synthesis pathway precursors (L-arginine, ADMA) suggest potential for dietary modulation to support endothelial function and BP regulation. Full article

We examined the modulation of ‘Sweet Gold’ and ‘Goldone’ kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) ripening using modified atmosphere and humidity (MAH), 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and edible coating treatments up to 35 days after storage (DAS) at room temperature. The 1-MCP and coating treatments decreased [CO₂] in both cultivars, whereas MAH treatment rapidly increased or decreased [CO₂]. Use of 1-MCP highly preserved firmness in both cultivars, followed by coating. MAH sharply reduced approximately 17% of ‘Goldone’ fruit firmness at 7 DAS compared to other treatments. MAH, 1-MCP, and coating reduced weight loss in ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruits from 14 to 35 DAS. Coating prevented approximately 14% of weight loss in ‘Goldone’ fruits during storage by strong adherence to the fruit surface. The flesh of control and MAH-treated fruits of both cultivars exhibited reduced acidity during storage, increasing the soluble solids content to acidity ratio. The use of 1-MCP delayed a reduction in L* values of the peel color of ‘Sweet Gold’ kiwifruits, while reduced L* values of flesh color were mostly observed with control and MAH treatment in both fruit cultivars. The use of 1-MCP, coating, and MAH maintained high total phenolics, ABTS, and vitamin C levels in both cultivars at 14 and 28 DAS. Fruit ripening was delayed by coating and promoted by MAH treatment, while maintaining the quality and functional substances of the fruit. Full article

The Mugilidae family comprises several euryhaline species of significant ecological and economic value in global fisheries and aquaculture. Despite close taxonomic relationships, Chelon auratus, Chelon ramada and Mugil cephalus differ notably in physiological traits, seasonal energy allocation and tissue composition, influencing both ecological roles and commercial value. This study investigates the effect of seasonality on the fish flesh quality and metabolic gene expression of these three commercially important mullet species, collected from their natural habitat in Klisova Lagoon, Greece, by analyzing proximate composition (moisture, ash, protein, lipid), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and expression of lipid metabolism genes. M. cephalus showed lower protein and lipid content than C. ramada and C. auratus. In this context, expression of key lipid metabolism genes (fabp, pparg, cpt) reflected these differences not only between species but also revealed patterns which differed between examined tissues and seasons. Notably, this study provides the first characterization of these genes in the species examined. HSI data further indicated species-specific and seasonal strategies for energy storage. The results contribute to refining harvest timing strategies, enhancing post-harvest handling practices, in an effort to promote market differentiation and eventually to improve the economic viability of the mullet fishery sector. Full article

Sweetpotato displays diverse purple pigmentation due to anthocyanin accumulation. While current research on the underlying MYB activators has focused on IbMYB1 in purple-fleshed tubers, the color diversity suggests the involvement of other MYB activators. We previously identified IbMYB2 and IbMYB3 in leaf coloration. Here, we explored the chromosomal localization, phylogeny, and evolutionary scenario of IbMYB1/2/3 using four Ipomoea genomes. IbMYB1/2/3 are located adjacently as an anthocyanin MYB gene cluster, likely resulting from tandem duplications. All three IbMYBs induced anthocyanins in tobacco and activated the promoters of the key anthocyanin pathway genes IbCHS-D and IbDFR-B. Expression analysis across sweetpotato varieties indicated that IbMYB1 dominates purple tuber flesh, whereas IbMYB2/3 contribute to leaf and tuber skin coloration. Overexpression of IbMYB1/2/3 in sweetpotato all induced purple fibrous roots. Transcriptomics of IbMYB2-OX fibrous roots revealed upregulation of the entire anthocyanin pathway genes. Among the most highly upregulated transcription factors were IbMYB27 and IbHLH2. An inhibitory effect induced by IbMYB27 likely accounts for the faint pigmentation in IbMYB2-OX storage roots. The role of IbMYB2/3 in fine-tuning sweetpotato’s purple pigmentation was highlighted. This study supplements previous work on IbMYB1, providing valuable insights into the intricate anthocyanin regulatory network and supporting sweetpotato breeding efforts for improved nutritional and aesthetic qualities. Full article

The sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) is a globally significant crop, valued for its nutritional and economic importance. The tuberous roots of the sweetpotato are rich in carotenoids, which contribute to their vibrant colors and health benefits. This study focuses on three elite fresh-consumption sweetpotato cultivars: “Kokei No. 14,” “Xinxiang,” and “Zheshu81” with distinct flesh colors. To elucidate the metabolic pathways and genetic mechanisms underlying carotenoid biosynthesis in the sweetpotato, 20 types of carotenoids were quantified using targeted metabolomic analyses, and the key genes involved in carotenoid synthesis were identified with transcriptomic analyses. The results revealed significant differences in carotenoid content and composition among the cultivars, with “Zheshu81” exhibiting the highest carotenoid levels. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis further highlighted key regulatory genes and transcription factors influencing carotenoid accumulation. This study identifies key transcriptional regulators associated with carotenoid accumulation, sheds light on sweetpotato carotenoid biosynthesis mechanisms, and lays a foundation for breeding to improve its nutritional quality and flesh color. Full article

This study utilized high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment combined with cold storage to preserve Agaricus bisporus, characterized by high water content and susceptibility to browning, cap opening, and mechanical injury. Key quality indicators, such as surface and flesh color, weight loss, respiration rate, hardness, and soluble solids, were monitored to determine optimal HVEF intensities. Transcriptomic, physiological, and biochemical analyses were used to reveal the underlying preservation mechanisms. This study demonstrates that high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment at 30 kV m⁻¹ combined with cold storage effectively delays browning, weight loss, and respiration rate in A. bisporus while maintaining color, texture, and flavor. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that HVEF modulates key metabolic pathways, including ATP synthesis, fatty acid metabolism, and redox enzyme activity, leading to reduced ATP levels, suppressed respiration, and delayed senescence. Additionally, the treatment enhances antioxidant capacity through increased ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, while decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) content and membrane electrical conductivity, thereby preserving membrane integrity. The suppression of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities reduces pigment formation and browning. Furthermore, the active metabolism of osmoprotectants such as proline improves cold resistance. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for HVEF-based preservation strategies for A. bisporus, supporting its application in postharvest technology. Full article

Collagen content is a key determinant of flesh quality and directly influences consumer acceptance. This study investigated the effects of the main collagen amino acids, glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, on the growth performance and flesh quality of mirror carp. A total of 240 fish (initial weight: 174.4 g) were randomly assigned to a control and three treatment groups, each receiving 5 g of glycine, proline, or hydroxyproline per kilogram of feed for eight weeks. Measured parameters included growth performance, serum hormones, flesh quality traits, free amino acid profiles, and proteomics. Glycine and hydroxyproline increased serum GH and IGF-1 levels (p < 0.001), while somatostatin was differentially regulated across treatments. Hydroxyproline notably improved flesh quality by reducing drip loss and increasing muscle moisture and protein content (p = 0.022; p = 0.040; p = 0.026). Collagen levels in muscle and skin were elevated in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Free amino acid analysis revealed elevated levels of leucine and taurine in the glycine group, increased taurine in the proline group, and elevated methionine and taurine in the hydroxyproline group (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis identified differentially expressed proteins enriched in pathways including oxidative phosphorylation, glutathione metabolism, and valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation. These findings suggest that hydroxyproline plays a regulatory role in hormone secretion and muscle quality enhancement, offering new insights for optimizing aquafeed formulations. Full article

Apple fruit size affects market value, yet its impact on biochemical and sensory traits is poorly understood. This study provides the first comprehensive metabolic profiling of peel and flesh across five cultivars, including red-fleshed ‘Baya Marisa’ and four white-fleshed cultivars (‘Opal’, ‘Red Boskoop’, ‘Crown Prince Rudolf’, and ‘Topaz’), in two size groups: large (>70 mm, Class I) and small (55–70 mm, Class II). Sugars and organic acids varied by cultivar but not consistently by size. White-fleshed small apples had higher flesh phenolics, suggesting a dilution effect, while ‘Baya Marisa’ showed no size-related phenolic differences, indicating potential genetic influence. VOCs were mainly aldehydes, with cultivar-specific differences outweighing size effects. Fruit maturity and controlled-atmosphere storage likely limited ester production. These findings demonstrate that fruit size influences certain biochemical traits in a cultivar-dependent manner. This study’s novelty lies in combining tissue-specific metabolite profiling with size comparisons across multiple cultivars, providing practical insights for breeders, nutritionists, and the fruit industry. This work supports size-specific quality assessment and valorization of smaller apples for fresh consumption and processing, challenging conventional market classifications based solely on size. Full article

Meat quality critically influences product value and consumer preferences. Here, the effect of long-term saline adaptation on flesh nutritional quality, sensory value, texture, and flavor was evaluated in a new Micropterus salmoides salt-tolerant population. The results showed that the salt-tolerant population exhibited decreased lipid, saturated fatty acid, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid contents but increased monounsaturated fatty acid content, accompanied by upregulated elongase 5 and fatty acid desaturase 6 mRNA levels. The meat color of the new population was brighter and fresher, with a slightly less red tint, and the increased 2,3-butanedione content resulted in a desirable creamy aroma. 3-Pentanone was the most abundant volatile substance in both populations. Regarding taste parameters, the salt-tolerant population had improved hardness, stickiness, chewiness, resilience, cooking loss, myocyte space, and collagen content. Alanine, proline, and histidine were the main amino acids responsible for flavor presentation. The salt-tolerant population was found to have lower bitter and higher sweet amino acid contents. Higher umami nucleotides and lower pH intensified umami and sourness in salt-tolerant meat. The saltiness of the new-population meat was enhanced. This study comprehensively evaluated the flesh quality of a salt-tolerant M. salmoides population with the potential for cultivation, thereby providing a reference for its potential development as an alternative aquaculture strain. Full article

Water scarcity poses a significant threat to kiwifruit production, especially in Mediterranean climates. This study investigated the impact of late-season regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on water use efficiency and fruit quality of yellow-fleshed kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis cv. Soreli) over two seasons in central Chile. Four irrigation treatments were applied during fruit ripening: full irrigation (Control), moderate deficits for three or five weeks (D50S and D50L), and complete irrigation suspension for three weeks (D100). While D100 had minimal impact on stomatal conductance, it significantly reduced stem and leaf water potentials, indicating severe water stress. D100 treatment also showed the highest intrinsic water use efficiency (via δ13C enrichment) and improved water productivity by up to 20%. Fruits from D100 and D50S had higher soluble solids (up to 2.0 °Brix) without compromising firmness or yield. Sensory evaluations indicated greater consumer acceptance in water-stressed treatments, especially D100, due to enhanced color and flavor. Principal component analysis confirmed that moderate-to-severe-water stress correlated with favorable sensory profiles. These findings suggest that short-term, late-season water deficits can enhance fruit quality and water use efficiency without reducing yield, offering a sustainable strategy for kiwifruit production under increasing water limitations. Full article

Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV) is a transboundary pathogen that affects cattle, causing significant economic losses, particularly in Africa and Asia. While the virus was originally endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, it has rapidly spread to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, necessitating comprehensive genomic surveillance. Despite LSDV’s African origins, genomic data from West and Central Africa remain scarce, limiting insights into regional viral evolution and vaccine compatibility. In this study, molecular detection of LSDV was carried out on cattle samples from Nigeria, Cameroon, and Benin. However, comparative genomic analysis was performed using two near-complete LSDV genomes obtained from Cameroon. Phylogenetic evaluation revealed that LSDV strains from Nigeria and Cameroon cluster within the classical 1.2 lineage. Furthermore, the two sequences from this study cluster with the only publicly available sequence from West and Central Africa, supporting earlier findings of the presence of a West/Central African sub-lineage. Functional genomic analysis identified mutations in genes encoding ankyrin repeat Kelch-like proteins, and envelope proteins involved in immune evasion and viral virulence, raising concerns about vaccine effectiveness. Furthermore, the detection of LSDV in flesh flies (Sarcophaga spp.) underlines their potential role in virus transmission. These findings highlight the importance of genomic monitoring and targeted surveillance. Full article

Mercury (Hg) exposure is a major environmental risk factor, closely linked to oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease. Red blood cells (RBC), due to their high oxygen exposure and lack of repair mechanisms, are particularly sensitive to oxidative injury and are key indicators of systemic redox imbalance. This study evaluates the protective effects of polyphenolic extracts from Annurca apple, specifically flesh and peel, from both ripe and unripe fruit, on HgCl₂-exposed human RBCs. Key oxidative stress markers were measured, including ROS production, GSH levels, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), MetHb formation, SH group content, microvesicle (MV) generation, and morphological changes. Peel extracts, particularly those from ripe apples, consistently exhibited stronger antioxidant and cytoprotective effects than flesh extracts, effectively reversing Hg-induced oxidative damage and preserving RBC integrity. Notably, these extracts restored redox homeostasis and GSH levels, reduced ROS and TBARS accumulation, prevented MetHb formation, and mitigated MV release and morphological alterations. These protective effects appear to involve multifactorial mechanisms. These findings highlight the nutraceutical potential of Annurca apple extracts in counteracting heavy metal-induced oxidative stress and support their possible relevance for future studies aimed at health protection and waste valorization. Full article