Introduction. The Chinese jujubetree always presents some unfavorable performances because its vegetativegrowth is very vigorous. Our study was conducted to apply root pruning totest whether it can effectively inhibit the vigorous vegetative growthby regulating the competitive ability of the root system for waterand 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 jujubetrees to the depth of 20 cm. Roots of control jujube trees werenot pruned. Then we determined for three years the competitive indicatorsof Chinese jujube trees including the length, number and thicknessof primary branches; photosynthetic characteristics and nutrientconcentrations of leaves; hormone contents in the jujube head, flowernumber and fruiting percentage, yield, and fruit quality. Resultsand discussion. In the early stage after root treatment,root pruning decreased lots of indicators such as concentrationsof nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in leaves, photosynthesis, transpiration,stomatal conductance, and intercellular CO2 concentrationof leaves, relative to the same indicators as the control group. Withthe gradual emergence of new roots, these indexes appeared to have adversepatterns with respect to those in the early stage after root pruning. Comparedwith the control, root pruning significantly decreased the lengthand number of primary branches and flower number, but thickenedprimary branches, enhanced fruiting percentage and increased the amountof ethylene release of the jujube head in the whole experiment.Fruit quality was improved with root pruning, as indicated by increasesin 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 ofthree times the trunk diameter (severe pruning) from the trunk isthe most effective in regulating the competitive ability of theChinese jujube tree.

Introduction. Du fait des conditionstropicales humides, le contrôle des adventices est un poste importantet 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 laMartinique conduit à une érosion des sols et à une pollution des eaux.Pour pallier l’usage d’herbicides, nous avons testé l’associationde volailles à un verger productif afin d’en contrôler l’enherbement. Matériel et méthodes. Le dispositif a été installé surune parcelle de 700 m2 subdivisée en sept placettes de 100 m2. Deux placettes ont constitué les traitements témoins ;elles ont été fauchées à la débroussailleuse. Chacune des cinq autresplacettes a été soumise au pâturage de 5 oies pendant une semaine, puisau pâturage de 20 poulets pendant la semaine suivante, puis laisséesans volailles pendant trois autres semaines. Trois cycles de tellesrotations ont été observés. La production de biomasse par groupebotanique (poacées, cypéracées et autres) dans les placettes expérimentales aété mesurée chaque semaine pendant les trois cycles (4 mois). Unefois par mois l’indice de recouvrement par groupe botanique a étérelevé. Résultats. La biomasse totale de la strateherbacée a diminué sur les placettes pâturées, ce qui a permis lecontrôle biologique des adventices pendant quatre mois. La diversitéfloristique a diminué à cause de la sélection opérée par les volailles pourleur alimentation et le couvert s’est homogénéisé par l’augmentationdu pourcentage de la biomasse des cypéracées dans la biomasse totale.Cette famille peu appétible pour les volailles s’est ainsi étenduesur toutes les placettes pâturées. Discussion. Le pâturagedes volailles, des oies en particulier, s’est révélé être une méthodeefficace pour la maîtrise de l’enherbement en verger. Cependant, dansle cas d’une forte proportion d’espèces non appétibles dans la strateherbacée, d’autres méthodes de désherbage devront être combinées.L’installation d’une couverture herbacée composée d’un mélange deplantes de couverture adaptées à l’association verger et volaillesainsi qu’une meilleure gestion de la rotation des animaux devrontêtre 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 ancient tropical beverage whose popularity on the international market hasbeen continuously increasing in recent years. Uses. Besides itsvarious traditional uses, this refreshing liqu id extracted from thecoconut fruit has recently been described as a “sport beverage” andhas drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functionaldrink. Composition. Coconut water has a low mattercontent (2% to 5% wet basis), mainly comprising sugars and minerals.Quality criteria, such as the water per nut ratio, Total SolubleSolids (TSS), total sugar per nut, and [reducing sugars / totalsugars] ratio, are good indicators for estimating the suitability ofcoconut cultivars for the production of coconut water. Regarding thesecriteria, dwarf varieties are the most suitable cultivars to obtain atasty product. Properties. The quality of coconut watercan not only be attributed to sugars and minerals because it also hasa typical flavour and some original properties. Although many authorshave cited medicinal uses or growth-promoting activities, only a fewpublications have clearly identified the components responsible forthese properties. Discussion. Results of former andrecent investigations are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made forfurther research to increase our knowledge of this original tropicaljuice.

Introduction. En Afriquede l’Ouest, plusieurs études ont révélé la richesse numérique des espècescomposant les zones de forêts et savanes ainsi que la diversitéde leurs utilisations. Parmi les espèces utilitaires, les lianesoccupent une place importante car leurs fruits sont très prisésdans l’alimentation, la pharmacopée et l’artisanat ; elles sontde plus une source de revenus non négligeables pour les populationslocales. Au Togo, les informations relatives aux lianes restentfragmentaires ; il nous est donc apparu urgent de recenser cellesentrant dans l’alimentation humaine afin de proposer des mesuresde conservation et de valorisation en leur faveur. Matérielet méthodes. Des enquêtes ethnobotaniques ont été réaliséessur un échantillon de 433 personnes dans 60 localités mono-ethniquesregroupant 28 ethnies, dans quatre zones écologiques du Togo. Des interviewssemi-structurées ont été effectuées pour la collecte d’informations. Lesquestions ont porté sur le nom vernaculaire des espèces fruitières,le moment d’apparition des fleurs et des fruits, ainsi que sur lesautres utilisations des fruits. Ces enquêtes ethnobotaniques ontété complétées par des observations sur le terrain qui ont permisla réalisation de 215 relevés floristiques. Résultats.Au total, dix-sept espèces de lianes à fruits comestibles appartenantà 15 genres et 13 familles (dont essentiellement des Apocynaceaeet des Rubiaceae) ont été recensées. Ces espèces produisent pour laplupart des fruits charnus (baies et drupes). Ils sont principalementconsommés crus sur les lieux de cueillette, commercialisés sur lesmarchés locaux, ou utilisés à des fins condimentaires. Ils représentent uneressource alimentaire importante et fournissent un complément appréciable derevenus. Conclusion. Du fait de leur potentiel alimentaireet économique, la plupart des espèces lianescentes à fruits comestiblesmériteraient d’être valorisées. Mais leur statut de plantes alimentairessauvages et leur port lianescent constituent des facteurs qui handicapent leurvalorisation.

Introduction. Xoconostles or acidic cactus pears (Opuntiaspp.) are fruits prized for their fleshy and acidic mesocarp; theyare morphologically different from cactus pears which are sweet, juicyand seedy. Both thrive in semiarid highlands of Central Mexico,tolerate poor soils and scanty rainfall, and have evolved into formalcrops during the last five decades. Wild xoconostles are ubiquitousin Mexican semiarid regions. Domesticated genotypes are found inbackyards and commercial orchards. Folk wisdom attributes xoconostlewith antihypoglycemic effects, cholesterol control and obesity reduction.The peel presents higher antioxidant capacity than strawberry, raspberry,red plum, grapefruit, pear and apple. Our investigation describesthe main cultivars of xoconostles with horticultural value for human consumptionin Central Mexico; it contributes to the elucidation of their morphologicalrelationships. Materials and methods. Twenty-one accessions fromthe Hidalgo and Zacatecas states of Mexico were described using 27 variablesfrom cladodes, flowers and fruits; significant variables were selectedby correlation and PCA, and thereafter a cluster analysis and discriminantcanonical analysis were performed. Results. Thirteen variables werefound to be significant to discriminate accessions: cladode length, numberof rows of areoles, number of areoles in the central row, pericarplength 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 numberof 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 comprisedmainly fruit quality traits. Both of these traits are of primaryinterest for human utilization and have had a clear effect on domestication. Clustersdid not match the actual taxonomic classification.

Introduction. Cashew appleis a rich source of sugars, vitamin C and polyphenols. In spiteof its nutritional value, this pseudo-fruit has been left unexploitedto a large extent in the crop-growing areas. Some reports of thechemical characteristics of cashew apple have been published. However,nothing is known about the changes in the composition of its bioactive compoundsin the course of ripening. Materials and methods. Cashewapples at three different maturity stages were examined with respectto their ascorbic acid content, phenolic compounds and antioxidantcapacity. Ascorbic acid was quantified by HPLC. Phenolic compoundswere identified and quantified by using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS by comparisonwith authentic standard compounds. The antioxidant capacity wasmeasured by TOSC assay against peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite. Results. Amounts of identified phenolic compounds werethe highest in unripe cashew apple and decreased in the course ofripening. Myricetin 3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside and quercetin3-O-rhamnoside turned out to be the main flavonoids in all maturitystages. The antioxidant capacity and the concentration of ascorbicacid increased in the course of ripening. The antioxidant activitywas considerably influenced by ascorbic acid, more than by the content ofphenolic compounds. Conclusion. This study provides, forthe first time, information on changes in bioactive compounds andthe antioxidant capacity in cashew apple during ripening. A dietaryor technological exploitation of ascorbic acid is useful in theripe condition. The unripe pseudo-fruits are a good source for the extractionof polyphenols with regard to possible food technological purposesor the preparation of food supplements.

Introduction. Quarantine heat treatments have not yet beenintroduced in West Africa and no work has been done to determine the treatment conditionsneeded to eliminate eggs and larvae of West African fruit fly populations, especially ofthe new species Bactrocera invadens, from mangoes produced in the region.The objective of our study was to carry out hot water disinfestation experiments onnaturally infested mangoes to determine the exposure parameters required to kill eggs andlarvae of B. invadens present in commercial-quality fruits. The effects of hot watertreatment on fruit quality were also investigated. Materials and methods. Atank 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 qualitybut infested by B. invadens were harvested from plantations in theBobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) area. The effect of hot water treatment by immersion at42.0 °C, 46.5 °C or 51.0 °C was evaluated by counting identifiable sites of fruit flyoviposition before and after paring the fruit and, finally, the numbers of live and deadlarvae of B. invadens were counted in the pulp. The quality of the fruitwas evaluated after the hot water immersion. Results and discussion. A hotwater treatment resulting in a core temperature of 46.5 °C could be the basis of a fruitfly quarantine treatment for West African mangoes produced in Burkina Faso. All of thelarvae extracted from the fruits treated at 46.5 °C and 51.0 °C were dead, while, in fruittreated at 42.0 °C, only about one-third of the larvae extracted were dead.

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. 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.

Introduction.Peach brown rot caused by the fungus Monilinia fructicola is a major disease leadingto considerable economic loss during storage. Our previous studyuncovered the striking inhibition of the natural alkaloid berberineagainst M. fructicola. Materials and methods.A berberine-chitosan composite membrane (BCCM) able to slowly releaseberberine was prepared and used for peach preservation. The examinedfruits were stored at 4 °C and treated as follows: (I) control fruits withoutpackaging; (ii) fruits that were transiently immersed in pre-solidifiedBCCM 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 thecytotoxicity of acetic acid, but the coating group showed only a10% infection rate after 40 days of storage. Moreover, the BCCM-coatinggroup showed a significantly lower infection rate than that coatedwith chitosan membrane (without berberine), clearly indicating theantimicrobial activity of berberine therein. Consequently, packedin BCCM and stored at 4 °C, peach fruits could be well preservedover 40 days with very low infection. Conclusion. Consideringits safety and low cost, the berberine-containing chitosan composite membranecould be applicable in controlling diseases during peach storage.

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

Black persimmon in the literature.The persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) is a deciduousfruit tree originating in China. One type consisting of a groupof similar cultivars is the black persimmon, which is a preciousgermplasm resource of China. Black persimmon is mainly distributedin the south of the Taihang Mountains in northern China. Black persimmonis astringent, though this astringency can now be removed easilyvia normal maturity of the fruit. The skin of the fruit is blackand the flesh has abundant nutritional value, with vitamin C andcarotene. Information given by a black persimmon orchard.A trial on black persimmon was carried out from 2003 to 2009 inZhengzhou, Henan province, China. Plant growth, yields and phenologicalcharacteristics were studied. The fruit has a thick skin which assistsin 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 highquality are reviewed such as the proper plant environment, tree plantingand pruning, the soil management, the wintering and protection ofyoung trees, and pest control.

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. Olea ferruginea Royle, generally knownas Indian olive, grows widely in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaun upto an altitude of 2400 m. It is a multipurpose, zero-waste, evergreentree species. It yields a number of useful items including qualityfodder, firewood and edible fruits. The leaves, bark, roots, fruitsand seeds of this plant are used for treatment of various diseases.The fruits are also a source of olive oil. However, to the bestof our knowledge, no study has been carried out to determine theolive oil contents of the fruits and seeds of O. ferruginea andthe quality of the oils. Materials and methods. Therefore, investigationswere undertaken to determine the olive oil contents and the qualityof the oils in the fruits and seeds in terms of fatty acid composition.Four populations of O. ferruginea (Kolibehar, Saioond and Kais fromthe Kullu district, and Thalaut from the Mandi district of HimachalPradesh) were selected as the sources of fruits and seeds. Resultsand discussion. The selected sites differed in respect to theirgeographical characteristics. The olive oil content was considerablyhigher in the fruits than in the seeds. The olive oil contents inthe fruits varied from 20.67% to 27.40%, with the Thalaut population exhibitingthe highest oil content. The olive oil content in the seeds variedfrom 7.5% to 12.5%; the oil content was the lowest in fruits ofthe 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 compositionbetween the seed and fruit oils were also seen. Conclusion. Ourstudy suggests that the fruits of O. ferruginea may be a potentialsource of olive oil. Thus, sustainable use of this potential ofthe tree could be useful in the socio-economic development and environmental conservationof the areas where it grows.

Introduction. The aim of this work was to develop a list ofsuitable sensory attributes and to perform sensory quality assessment of an unprocessedpeach juice and a peach juice clarified by enzymatic treatment followed by membraneprocesses, using the attributes chosen by the trained panel. Materials andmethods. A panel of assessors was selected and trained following the quantitativedescriptive analysis methodology. A descriptive terminology with eight descriptors wassuccessfully developed. Results and discussion. The sensory analysis showedthat the juices were effectively clarified. Although the clarification by microfiltrationin a bench-scale unit did not change juice taste attributes, the characteristic color andaroma of peach juice were also removed. The scale-up of the membrane clarification processaffected all the sensory characteristics of the clarified juice, even taste. Theunpleasant cooked fruit taste and aroma could be reduced by juice clarification byenzymatic and membrane processes. The kind of membrane, membrane geometry andtransmembrane pressure used in the membrane clarification did not significantly affect thejuice sensory characteristics.

Introduction. The high intra-specific variation insafou traits and the perishable nature of the fruit hampers commercialization. Knowledgeof the parameters that determine the acceptability of safou productsand the shelf life of fresh fruits is critical for marketing anduseful as a first step toward cultivar development. Materials andmethods. Safou fruits of different pulp colors, skin colors andstages of ripening were collected from clones. Physicochemical andorganoleptic analyses were performed on fresh and processed safoupulp, respectively, to elucidate parameters that could be used todetermine the acceptability of boiled and dried safou pulp, andthe shelf life of fresh fruits. Results and discussions. Our studydemonstrated that the pH and color of raw pulp could be used todetermine the acceptability of boiled and dried safou. Consumerspreferred products which were not acidic (sour), with a nice aroma.There was a negative correlation between the pH of raw pulp andthe acceptability of boiled and dried safou pulp. Likewise, there wasa positive correlation between the color of raw pulp and the acceptabilityof boiled and dried safou pulp. These parameters were used to predictthe taste of finished products. Polygalacturonase activity was higherin fully ripe and unripe fruits than in semi-ripe fruits. Polygalacturonaseactivity had a strong positive correlation with percentage lossof fully ripe fruit during storage and, as such, can also be usedto predict the postharvest loss of safou. Conclusion. The pH andcolor of raw (uncooked) pulp of safou can be used to determine thetaste and acceptability of boiled and dried pulp. Likewise, the activityof polygalacturonase in raw pulp can be used to predict its postharvest shelflife.

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 thecombination of physiological, technological and engineering techniques, especially thosefor continuously monitoring the water status of plants subjected to deficit irrigation. Amethodology to estimate water stress of young almond trees from thermal images wasdeveloped based on assessing the physiological status of almond crops under limitedwater-supply conditions. Materials and methods. Two irrigation treatmentswere tested during the maximum evapotranspirative demand period (214th to the 243rd day ofthe year) in an experimental almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill) D.A. Webb, cv.Guara] orchard: a low-frequency deficit irrigation (LFDI) treatment, irrigated accordingto the plant-water status, and a fully irrigated treatment (C100) at 100% of cropevapotranspiration. Daily canopy temperature at midday (TC) was measured with an infraredcamera, together with standard measurements of stem-water potential (ΨStem) and stomatalconductance (gS). The time course of these parameters and their relationships wereanalysed. Results and discussion. The time course of the parameters studiedshowed highly significant correlations among the differentials of canopy-air temperature(ΔT), ΨStem and gS. The methodological protocol for analysing thermal images allowed atime saving in processing information and additionally offered the possibility ofestimating the ΨStem and gS values. Conclusion. Our results confirm thatinfrared thermography is a suitable technique for assessing the crop-water status and canbe used as an important step towards automated plant-water stress management in almondorchards.

Introduction. Apple fruit containsmany compounds with positive effects on human health but even smallpesticide residues from integrated production cause many food safety issuesfor consumers. Materials and methods. The apple fruits fromdifferent types of production: organic, integrated and two combinedsystems were analyzed. Their contents of sugars and organic acidswere quantified with the use of HPLC with RI and UV detectors, andphenolic contents from apple skin and pulp were detected with HPLC-MS.Apple quality was also determined in terms of weight, firmness andcolor. Results. Organically produced fruits had 14%lower weight than integrated fruits, as well as 15% higher firmnessand 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 secondarymetabolites, eighteen individual phenolic compounds were determinedseparately in apple peel and pulp. They were classified into four groups:hydroxycinnamic acids, flavan-3-ols, dihydrochalcones and flavonols. Themajority of the identified compounds were dependent on the applied managementsystem. Their concentrations were mainly highest in the organictreatment due to higher stress levels. The multivariate analysisof all monitored parameters placed organic production into one groupand presented a similarity among the other three management systems.