Introduction. Detarium senegalense J.F. Gmel is a forest tree found in Senegal whose fruits are locally called ditax in Wolof. It is eaten fresh but it is widely used as nectar, which is one of the most popular beverages in Senegal. However, the chemical characterization of ditax pulp remains incomplete. This paper describes the volatile compounds of ditax to assess its organoleptic qualities. Materials and methods. Free volatile compounds of fresh ditax pulp were isolated by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation and analysis by GC-MS. Results and discussion. Among the 53 compounds tentatively identified, 49 are reported for the first time in this fruit. In total, 17 aldehydes, 11 aliphatic alcohols, 1 terpene alcohol, 7 free fatty acids, 3 unsaturated hydrocarbons, 1 terpene hydrocarbon, 7 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, 1 phenol, 2 ketones, 2 esters and 1 organic acid compound were tentatively identified in ditax fresh pulp. The main volatiles identified in fresh ditax pulp were trans, cis-2,6-nonadienal (2.47 mg×kg–1), cis-2-heptenal (1.93 mg×kg–1), trans-a-bergamotene (1.11 mg×kg–1), bicyclo [2,2,0] hexane-1-carboxaldehyde (0.80 mg×kg–1), butyl octadecanoate (0.55 mg×kg–1) and trans-2-nonenal (0.47 mg×kg–1 fresh pulp). Conclusion. Among the volatile compounds identified, aldehyde compounds were widely predominant. To assess the aromatic qualities of ditax pulp, the primary impact aromas should be determined by identifying the aroma-active compounds by GC-olfactometry.

Introduction. Breadfruit, Artocarpus spp., is a staple crop with the potential to alleviate hunger and increase food security in tropical regions. Guidelines and recommendations for cultivar selection and production practices are now required for establishment of breadfruit in new areas. Materials and methods. To respond to this need for spreading breadfruit, our study quantified the growth, development, yield and seasonality of 24 breadfruit cultivars (26 trees) established in Kauai, Hawaii, over a 7-year period from 2006–2012. Individual production profiles were generated for each accessioned cultivar based on major agricultural factors. Results. Across all cultivars of breadfruit ( A. altilis), an average of 269 fruits per year was produced by each tree with an average fruit weight of 1.2 kg. Based on the planting density of 50 trees×ha–1, this translates to an average projected yield of 5.23 t×ha–1 after 7 years. Hybrids (A. altilis × A. mariannensis) had a higher yield than breadfruit. The data of our article support the previously proposed hypothesis for predicting breadfruit seasonality. On average, the peak season occurred from July to November. Conclusions. Ma’afala, the first widely available commercial cultivar, started to bear fruit within 22 to 23 months of planting. Other cultivars with potential for commercial production include Toneno, White, Rotuma and Meinpadahk.

Introduction. Black Leaf Streak Disease (BLSD) is the most important foliar disease affecting banana production worldwide. A forecasting system has been developed and implemented in various countries aiming at optimal control of BLSD through minimum applications of fungicide. In Dominican Republic, favorable dry climatic conditions contrast with serious organizational issues for BLSD control. Our objective was to evaluate the adaptation of this forecasting strategy in these specific conditions. Materials and methods. Fungicide resistance analyses were carried out in the northwestern region of Dominican Republic, in order to determine the appropriate spectrum of systemic fungicides for the forecasting strategy. Three field experiments were set up on commercial farms where disease evolution was monitored every week, on reference plots, in order to decide the pertinence of fungicide applications. Results. Fungicide resistance to QoI fungicides and strong sensitivity reduction to DMI (Demethylation Inhibitor) fungicides were detected in all farms. In spite of these limitations in the use of some fungicide groups, disease control was achieved with a limited number of fungicide applications (6–9), as compared with 13–26 applications in most commercial farms of Dominican Republic over the same period. Discussion. The calculation of an indicator of the efficiency of the chemical control confirmed the potential of the forecasting strategy, underlining the influence of crop management as well as the neighboring environment of the farms on its efficiency. The requirements for further generalization of this system to commercial farms of this country are discussed.

Introduction. The mangaba is an exotic fruit from the Brazilian Cerrado that presents high antioxidant activity and may benefit human health. Its antioxidant activity may be associated with the presence of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins. The physical and chemical characteristics, nutritional value, carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins were evaluated in mangaba from the Cerrado of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization, pH by potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, moisture by gravimetry after oven drying, ash by calcination in a muffle furnace, proteins by the micro-Kjeldhal method, dietary fibers by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method and lipids by gravimetry after extraction in ethyl ether. Vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids) and carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Vitamin E (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols) and folates (tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) were analyzed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results and discussion. Mangaba showed a high pulp yield (80.08%), moisture (83.0 mg×100 g–1) and dietary fiber content (2.3 g×100 g–1). Mangaba presented β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol; α-, β- and γ-tocotrienols; tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, and it can be considered an excellent source of vitamin C (165.8 mg×100 g–1) and folates (98.3 μg×100 g–1). Carotenoid and vitamin E contents were 0.12 mg×100 g–1 and 2,732.5 μg×100 g–1, respectively. Conclusion. Mangaba presented a high pulp yield, and several carotenoids and antioxidant vitamins, and can be considered an excellent source of vitamin C and folates.

Lychee on the European markets. With approximately 2.8 Mt of annual global production, lychee constitutes a minor fruit in terms of production. The world production is mainly located in the northern hemisphere (95%). However, most of the quantity exported to the EU comes from the southern hemisphere. In this context, with its 100,000 t of annual production, Madagascar is ranked fourth in the producing world and first in the southern hemisphere producing countries. This rank is due to the fact that supplies in the EU are seasonal and mainly concentrated during the end of the year holiday season. This market can only be supplied in quantity by the Malagasy lychee because of its earlier date of harvest in the Indian Ocean. The lychee industry in Madagascar. Lychee cultivation in Madagascar dates from the early twentieth century. It is primarily grown in wet tropical lowlands of the island with some production in areas with a subtropical climate with dry and cool winters. The stand is not structured into orchards. Therefore, the volumes currently exported are based on a stand established by a multitude of small producers. The characteristics of Malagasy lychee export and the consequences of the production context on export are analyzed. Changes in European legislation on lychee importation. The regulatory changes since 1987 and the commercial developments since 1994 are reviewed by analyzing the resulting effects on the Malagasy lychee exports. Learning experience from fifteen years of Malagasy lychee export campaigns. Data on Malagasy lychee export campaigns from 1996 to 2012 and the history of the changes in volumes exported allow a close analysis of the factors affecting the Malagasy lychee industry. Success factors of the Malagasy lychee exports. These factors are related to securing market position and to the components of a marketing campaign (supply date to the European market, exported volumes and competition from produce from other countries). Conclusions. Lychees from Madagascar, although marketed for a very brief period, currently occupy the first rank on the European markets and have managed, through the development of transport logistics using very large-capacity cargoes, to eliminate all competition. However, this sector is mainly structured downstream and its production, which comprises a network of 30,000 small producers, has been neglected. This lack of intervention (boosting of production, improving crop management, etc.) upstream of the chain does not support sustaining the industry in the medium term.

Introduction. Different cultivars of lychee are produced all around the world and to date no information has been published on the nutritional value of cv. Tailandes, which is a new lychee cultivar introduced into Brazil and other tropical countries. Our study performed a pioneering evaluation of the physical and chemical characteristics, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals in pulp of fruit of this cultivar. Materials and methods. Titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization, pH by potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, moisture by gravimetry after oven drying, ash by calcination in a muffle furnace, proteins by the micro-Kjeldahl method, dietary fibers by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method and lipids by gravimetry after extraction in ethyl ether. Vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids) and carotenoids (a-carotene, b-carotene, b-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with diode array detection, vitamin E (a-, b-, g- and d-tocopherols and tocotrienols) was analyzed by HPLC with fluorescence detection, and fourteen minerals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry in inductively coupled plasma. Results and discussion. The lychee cv. Tailandes showed high pulp yield (59.0%), moisture (80.7 mg×100 g–1) and dietary fiber (2.2 g×100 g–1), and a low total energy value (70.2 kcal×100 g–1). It presented no carotenoids, but was an excellent source of vitamin C (34.7 mg×100 g–1). The total vitamin E content was 117.0 g×100 g–1. Pulp of lychee cv. Tailandes was shown to be a source of iron (0.86 mg×100 g–1) and magnesium (12.90 mg×100 g–1), a good source of copper (0.12 mg×100 g–1) and an excellent source of potassium (1067.33 mg×100 g–1). Conclusion. The lychee cv. Tailandes showed high pulp yield and low total energy. The pulp is a source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, copper and potassium.

Introduction. Many fruit trees with a hard seed coat exhibit seed dormancy, posing problems for their regeneration. Vitex doniana, an indigenous multipurpose but threatened fruit and vegetable tree that supports the livelihoods of many households in West Africa, is a typical example. Materials and methods. In our research, we evaluated five dormancy-breaking treatments. We tested the effects of sulphuric acid at 95% concentration (T1); 3 d sun-drying + 48 h soaking in tap water (T2); 3 d alternation of 8 h sun-drying + 1 h soaking in tap water (T3); 2 weeks sun-drying with regular watering in the daytime (T4); and physical shock (T5). These treatments were compared with two controls (T0 and Tc), with seeds from two different sources. The germination percentage, mean germination time, time to first germination and time to threshold germination (20%) were compared; the seedling height, diameter and biomass produced were monitored for 15 weeks. We used generalised linear models and correlation tests to compare the effects of the various treatments on germination and seedling growth. Results and discussion. T3 significantly enhanced seed germination in V. doniana (72% after 12 months). T4 best promoted homogeneity in germination (p < 0.01), followed by T3. The best seedling growth was obtained with T4 and T3. Alternation of sun-drying followed by soaking of seeds, a technique with almost no cost, improved seed germination in V. doniana and, in 33 d, just over 1 month, 20% germination can be achieved. Vitex doniana is a fast-growing species (at the nursery stage), in contrast to the common opinion. Conclusion. Our method should be further investigated to assess the adequate soaking and drying length so as to speed up germination and reach homogenous cohorts.

Introduction. Postharvest physiology and ripening in passion fruit are not well documented, which is an impediment in designing handling and storage regimes. Materials and methods. Passion fruits harvested at four different maturity stages were studied for postharvest ripening behaviour and to determine the correct stage of harvesting. Results and discussion. The respiratory climacteric peak was attained in all stages irrespective of harvest maturity, while the ethylene evolution rate increased by almost 8.15 times the initial value to peak levels of 505.35 µL C2H4·kg–1·h–1 in fruits harvested at the 50% colour turning stage. Changes in Hunter L*a*b* values indicated development of optimum colour only in fruits harvested after 50% colour turning. Fruit quality attributes were also better in fruits harvested after half (50%) colour turning than fruits harvested earlier. Conclusion. Passion fruit should be harvested only after 50% of fruit surface colour has developed, so as to allow for optimum postharvest storage, proper ripening, and development of characteristic flavour and fruit quality attributes.

Introduction. The effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) were evaluated on white-flesh cv. Claudia and yellow-flesh cv. Nespolone di Trabia loquat fruit. Materials and methods. Application of 1-MCP [(0.5 to 1) µL×L–1 for 20 h)] was monitored at 20 °C (7 days) and 0 °C (7 days at 0 °C and then 7 days at 20 °C). Results. Treatments with 1-MCP slowed fruit softening, depending on the concentration. Softening inhibition was greatest in fruit treated and held at 20 °C. The optimum concentration for softening inhibition at 20 °C was 1 µL×L–1 of 1-MCP, while 0.5 µL×L–1 of 1-MCP was more effective at 0 °C. Conclusion. Treatments with 1-MCP inhibited titratable acidity loss in both cultivars. 1-MCP extends the shelf life of rapidly softening, perishable fruits such as loquat fruit.

Introduction. The invasive gall midge, Procontarinia mangiferae (= Erosomyia mangiferae Felt), is one of the most important flowering pests of mango orchards worldwide. To achieve chemical input reduction, developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies using bio-control agents is pertinent. Materials and methods. We tested the pathogenicity of two commercial strains of the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria on non-diapausing 3rd-instar larvae of P. mangiferae. Results and discussion. Neither the Beauveria sp. commercial strain Betel nor the B. bassiana strain Bb 147 were effective, even though they proved their pathogenicity on the control, Galleria mellonella. Hypotheses to explain the inefficiency of the two strains on P. mangiferae are discussed. Conclusion. Other strains of Beauveria or other entomopathogenic fungi or nematodes should be tested on diapausing and non-diapausing larvae of P. mangiferae.

Introduction. Mango is the most economically important and nutritionally rich tropical fruit; it has high commercial value but a highly perishable nature; its sensitivity to postharvest diseases and physical injury limits its successful marketing. Postharvest losses in fruits are a serious problem because of rapid deterioration during handling, transport and storage. Edible films and coatings can be potentially used as an elective preservation technique to extend the shelf life of fruits. Materials and methods. The influence of zein and gelatin coatings on the physicochemical characteristics, softening and antioxidative enzyme activities of mango fruits stored at (32 ± 1) °C were evaluated at regular intervals of their storage period and compared with mango without coatings (control). Results and discussion. Zein and gelatin coatings seemed to have a beneficial impact on delaying the changes in weight loss, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, sugar content and total carotenoids. Zein and gelatin coatings resulted in the highest retention of ascorbic acid and phenolic content as compared with that of control. Zein and gelatin coatings delayed the ripening of mango fruit by suppressing the activity of softening enzymes such as polygalacturonase, pectin methyl esterase, cellulase and β-galactosidase. Zein 5% and gelatin 10% coatings maintained the highest induction of defense-related peroxidase enzymes, followed by gelatin 5% and zein 10% coatings. Conclusion. The application of zein 5% and gelatin 10% coatings could be used in delaying the ripening, maintaining the quality attributes and extending the shelf life of mango fruit during storage.

Introduction. Several studies reveal the important role played by ‘lesser-known’ wild fruits since they contain nutritional and functional compounds which have biological properties. Materials and methods. Our work studied the presence of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid), total phenolic content, phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins and the antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS•+ and DPPH• in vitro tests) in wild fruits of Arbutus unedo L. and Rubus ulmifolius Schott of Spanish origin, including samples from different seasons and locations. Results and discussion. A wide variability was found in the composition of fruits of the same species, which substantiates the importance of analyzing several batches of wild fruits, to achieve representative results, taking into account the natural variability. Arbustus unedo fruits showed higher vitamin C, mainly in the ascorbic acid form, and phenolic content than R. ulmifolius [(172–419) mg ascorbic acid×100 g–1 fw vs. (5.99–26.83) mg ascorbic acid×100 g–1 fw, and (773–1621) mg total phenolic compounds×100 g–1 fw vs. (376–1326) mg total phenolic compounds×100 g–1 fw, respectively]; phenolic acids and anthocyanins are the major groups of phenolic compounds found in both species, with gallic acid and cyanidin 3-glucoside as the main compounds. Arbustus unedo fruits showed significantly higher Folin-Ciocalteu values than those of R. ulmifolius. These values are higher than those reported for the majority of berries. The significant correlations found among different antioxidant compounds (r > 0.6300, P < 0.001) may reveal a protective effect between ascorbic acid and phenolic acids or anthocyanins in the fruits. Therefore, Arbutus unedo and R. ulmifolius fruits should be considered as new important sources of safe antioxidants.

Introduction. L’anacardier (Anacardium occidentale L.) est surtout cultivé pour la production de l’amande ou noix de cajou mais aussi pour le pseudofruit. Les insectes nuisibles à cette plante ont été étudiés au Pérou où celui-ci est consommé. Matériel et méthodes. Des prélèvements ont été réalisés de 1998 à 2005 dans différentes localités du département de Loreto en Amazonie péruvienne afin d’identifier les insectes ravageurs de l’anarcadier. Des observations de terrain et des élevages au laboratoire ont permis de caractériser leurs dégâts et des éléments de la bio-écologie pour chacun de ces insectes. Résultats. Sept espèces d’insectes ont été identifiées, qui commettent des dommages notables : cinq espèces s’attaquent au pseudofruit : Acanthocephala parensis (Hemiptera : Coreidae), Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera : Tephritidae), Conotrachelus sp. (Coleoptera : Curculionidae), Trigona amalthea et T. amazonensis (Hymenoptera : Apidae). L’espèce Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera : Aphididae) infeste l’inflorescence ainsi que le fruit. Les larves de Macrocopturus cf. tristis (Coleoptera : Curculionidae) se développent dans les bourgeons et les jeunes rameaux. Trois espèces parmi celles qui ont été identifiées sont de nouveaux ravageurs qui n’avaient pas été encore signalés. Sept espèces d’importance secondaire ont également été observées. Conclusion. Compte-tenu du potentiel que représente la production de pomme cajou et du développement possible de la culture de l’anacardier en Amazonie péruvienne, une étude plus approfondie des insectes nuisibles à cette production est souhaitable.

 Introduction. Our investigation aimed to examine the influence of eco-friendly edible coatings composed of sodium alginate, olive oil and green tea extract (GTE) on improving the shelf life and nutritional quality of carambola (A. carambola L.). Materials and methods. The combinations and concentrations of composite coatings tested were (2% sodium alginate + 0.1% olive oil) (T1), (2% sodium alginate + 0.2% olive oil) (T2) and (2% sodium alginate + 0.1% olive oil + 0.25% GTE) (T3), while the untreated fruit served as control (T4) and were stored at (25 ± 5) °C and (65 ± 5)% RH. All the stored fruit were subjected to physico-chemical and biochemical analysis at regular intervals of 4 days up to 16 days of their storage period. Results and discussion. Weight loss and decay occurrence were least in the fruit treated with T1 and T2 as compared with those of T3 and uncoated fruit (T4). The contents of total soluble solids, total sugars and changes in pigments were found to be least in fruit treated with T1 followed by those treated with T2 and T3. The addition of GTE (T3) to treated fruit during the storage helped enhance the antioxidants such as total phenols and ascorbic acid. Conclusion. The composite edible coatings tested in our study enhanced the shelf life of coated carambola fruit, i.e., thirteen days for T1, sixteen days for T2, fourteen days for T3 and twelve days for control or untreated fruit (T4); the nutritional quality of carambola was enhanced with the treatment of edible coating containing GTE.

Introduction. Diverse fruit crops with a high value reduce the risk of crop failure and offer alternatives to farmers and the market. The scope of profitable production with such quality crops along with environmental concerns make the evaluation of new species desirable. The aim of our study was to determine the most appropriate species of Physalis for small-scale commercial production in the temperate climate of western Himalayan regions. Materials and methods. Four Physalis species, viz., P. peruviana, P. ixocarpa, P. pruinosa and P. nicandroides, were field-grown during 2010–2011 in the experimental field of the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, India, to determine the most appropriate species of Physalis suitable for a temperate climate. Results and discussion. All the species tested produced vegetative growth, flowered and fruited; however, they differed significantly. The number of basal shoots was found to be maximum for P. pruinosa (6.37), whereas the maximum number of prickles per shoot was recorded as maximum for P. nicandroides (6.48). The number of points of attachment varied significantly with species, and the maximum was recorded for P. pruinosa and P. ixocarpa (7.16 for each); the maximum size of fully developed leaves (146.8 mm) and overall plant height (168.27 cm) were recorded for P. pruinosa. Physalis pruinosa and P. ixocarpa were found to exhibit vigorous growth under a temperate climate. Significant differences were recorded for fruiting, flowering and yield potential among the Physalis species. The minimum days taken for bud burst were reported for P. nicandroides (23.55) and P. ixocarpa (24.41). Similarly, the minimum days taken to reach maturity were reported for P. peruviana (64.96). The maximum number of fruits per plant (260.23), length of fruit (33.83 mm), average fruit weight (37.19 g), husk weight (0.32 g), fruit husk ratio (121.27), maximum fruit firmness (43.96 Relative Index) and yield (9.96 Relative Index) were recorded for P. pruinosa. Significant variation was recorded in quality attributes. The highest total soluble solids were found for P. nicandroides (8.46 °Brix), whereas the minimum total titrable acidity (0.35%) and maximum ascorbic content (38.41 mg·100 g–1) were recorded for P. peruviana. The ‘L’ value of fruits, showing brightness, was recorded as the highest for P. peruviana (58.97), whereas fruits of all the species showed a negative ‘a’ value, indicating that none of them produced redness; however, the ‘b’ value, indicating yellowness, was maximum for P. pruinosa (18.72).

Introduction. The jabuticaba tree (Myrciaria jabuticaba) belongs to the Myrtaceae family and produces a small fruit, native to central, southern and southeastern Brazil. Materials and methods. Fruits of 25 progenies of the jabuticaba tree, grown in a tropical highland climate, were evaluated as to physical, physicochemical and chemical characteristics: weight, longitudinal and transverse diameters, pulp and peel yields, seed mass, number of seeds per fruit, pulp and peel moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, [soluble solids/titratable acidity] ratio, pH, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The experimental design was completely randomized, the treatments being the 25 jabuticaba tree progenies. Results. A significant effect among progenies was observed for all characteristics evaluated. The chemical composition showed that the jabuticaba peel has a high phenolic compound content, and considerable flavonoid content. These results indicate that there is variability for the characteristics analyzed, enabling the economic exploitation of jabuticaba tree fruits for in natura consumption and processing. Conclusions. The physical and chemical characteristics combined can be proposed as excellent tools to select superior progenies. The fruits of five progenies showed desirable characteristics for the in natura market, while fruits of five other progenies hold high concentrations of natural antioxidants and may be listed as excellent options for the food industry.

Introduction. A study on postharvest treatments of wild peppers was carried out in Madagascar with the aim of describing the local practices and measuring their impacts on the quality of the products. Materials and methods. Four distinct pepper production systems (PPS) were observed, described and compared in two separate areas in East Madagascar. Major quality characteristics (piperine and essential oil) of the peppercorns were assessed in samples collected in the four systems. Results and discussion. Two main postharvest processes (dry and wet) were identified. The wet process differed from the dry one in that it involved two specific operations, blanching and sweating. The processes influenced the color of the pepper. Piperine contents were not affected by any of the pepper production systems, whereas essential oil contents were reduced by up to 27% by the wet process. After processing, piperine contents were up to eight times lower, whereas essential oil contents were up to six times higher than the specifications of the standard ISO 959-1 for black pepper ready for commercialization. Conclusion. Two main processes (dry and wet) for treatment of peppercorns in Madagascar were identified and described. The dry process, with two steps less, appeared to be easier to implement and more respectful to the product. Improving maturity control and processing according to the quality expected by the markets will be necessary to promote Malagasy peppers.

Introduction. Edible coatings are traditionally used to improve food appearance and preservation. They act as barriers during processing, handling and storage, and do not solely retard food deterioration, enhancing its quality, but are safe due to natural biocide activity, or to the incorporation of antimicrobial compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of A. vera, applied as an edible coating, on the changes in physicochemical parameters related to tomato fruit quality during storage in ambient conditions (22 °C and 80% RH), as well as its role in controlling microbial spoilage. Materials and methods. The changes in physical, chemical and textural properties of commercial tomato cv. Charleston were evaluated during a storage period of 17 days in ambient conditions according to their coating (treatments), or not (control), with an aqueous extract of pure A. vera or diluted (2:1) in distilled water. Results. The pure aqueous extract of Aloe vera totally inhibited the growth of Rhizoctonia solani and Alternaria alternata, while it did not show antimicrobial activity against Phytophthora parasitica. The diluted aqueous extract of Aloe vera coating maintained the quality of the tomatoes during storage in ambient conditions, delaying ripening, although it did not constitute an effective barrier against weight loss. Conclusion. Our fundamental results may be useful to breeders and postharvest technologists, as well as distributors, importers and exporters, in handling and processing tomatoes.

Introduction. Elaeagnus latifolia Linn. is a type of wild edible fruit found in northeast India, Thailand and also in Vietnam. Although the fruit is reported to be a source of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and other bioactive compounds, only a few studies have been concerned with the antioxidant activity of this plant. Materials and methods. Our study revealed in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of 70% methanolic extract of Elaeagnus latifolia Linn. (ELME). Various tests including identification and quantification of phytochemicals, total antioxidant activity, hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical, singlet oxygen, hypochlorous acid scavenging, reducing power and DNA protection assays were performed. Results and discussion. Among the tests, ELME scavenged superoxide radical [IC50 = (150.78 ± 4.2) μg×mL–1], hydroxyl radical [IC50 = (238.09 ± 11.63) μg×mL–1] and protected pUC18 DNA [P50 = (695.91 ± 15.84) μg×mL–1]; P50 signifies the concentration for 50% protection . The fruit is found to be a source of minute amounts of carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, tannins, phenolics and flavonoids. HPLC data showed that purpurin, tannic acid, quercetin, catechin, reserpine and rutin are present in ELME. Conclusion. Our results provide evidence that 70% methanol extract of E. latifolia Linn. acts as a promising antioxidant as well as DNA protector, which is partly due to the phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in it.

Introduction. Pitaya peel has been applied as a functional ingredient for food due to the presence of betacyanins. However its polysaccharides can also contribute as a texture agent for food. The aim of this work was to evaluate the chemical characteristics and rheological behavior of the pitaya peel. Materials and methods. The samples were analyzed with regard to moisture and mineral content, protein, lipids, sugar, fiber, vitamin C, titratable acidity, soluble solids content and pH. Rheological measurements were performed on rheometer through flow curve, stress sweep, frequency sweep and the variation of temperature. Results and discussion. The results showed that pitaya peel is rich in insoluble fibers and exhibits non-Newtonian behavior, characteristic of a strong gel with a predominance of solid character. Furthermore, samples showed thermal resistance at the conditions of frequency, tension and temperature analyzed. Conclusion. Considering our results, in addition to use as a natural colorant in food, pitaya peel can also contribute to the nutritional value and texture of the products.