Abstract: Food spoilage due to browning is one of the major challenges faced by the food and processing industries. In fruits and vegetables, browning due to both enzymatic and nonenzymatic reactions is a common event that renders them unattractive and unsuitable for consumption. In the last few decades, numerous studies have been conducted to slow or inhibit these undesirable physiological reactions during processing and storage. An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of different antibrowning agents on the quality and shelf life of fresh-cut pineapple from 2020-2021 in the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture at Annamalai University. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments and was replicated 3 times, viz., T1 (ascorbic acid 500 ppm), T2 (ascorbic acid 1000 ppm), T3 (citric acid 250 ppm), T4 (citric acid 500 ppm), T5 (sodium chloride 100 ppm), T6 (sodium chloride 200 ppm), T7 (calcium chloride 100 ppm), T8 (calcium chloride 200 ppm), T9 (honey 5%), T10 (honey 10%), and T11 (control). Antibrowning agents significantly and positively impacted the quality parameters of fresh-cut fruits. The minimum PLW (0.71%) and maximum scores of firmness (2.16kg/cm2), titratable acidity (0.53%), total sugar (11.65%), nonreducing sugar (1.94%) and texture index (2.37) were recorded in T8. However, maximum TSS (14.6 °Brix), total sugar (11.65%), and reducing sugar (9.48%) were recorded in T10. The lowest browning rate was recorded in the treatment with ascorbic acid in T2. The treatments with calcium chloride and ascorbic acid best retained the quality of fresh-cut pineapple fruit.
Vivek Mishra and Mohammad Faisal
Amity School of Communication, Amity University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Corresponding e-mail: vivek_mishra2012@rediffmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.10
Key words: YouTube, mango cultivation, video originality, channel categories, geographical location, subscriber counts, principal components analysis, correlation analysis.
Abstract: This research delved into the dynamics of knowledge-sharing on YouTube within the context of mango cultivation. Analyzing a diverse dataset of 153 videos, the impact of video originality, channel categories, and geographical locations on viewership and subscriber counts was investigated. While descriptive statistics suggested that, on average, original videos received more views, an ANOVA revealed a non-significant difference in viewership between original and non-original videos, indicating additional factors at play. Geographical locations demonstrated significant variations in subscriber counts, emphasizing the influence of location on mean views. Correlation analysis underscored strong positive associations between subscriber counts and views/likes, highlighting the key role of subscribers in measuring audience engagement. Utilizing Principal Components Analysis (PCA), we identified six components explaining 100% of the dataset variance. Component 1 represented overall video popularity, while Component 2 captured nuances of content quality and appreciation. In conclusion, this study offers valuable insights for content creators and researchers navigating YouTube's landscape for knowledge-sharing in mango cultivation. While originality and channel categories may not be the primary drivers of viewership, geographical location and subscriber counts emerged as crucial influencers. The PCA and correlation analyses reveal intricate aspects that contribute to video performance, enabling stakeholders to enhance content strategies for efficient knowledge dissemination on YouTube.
Karishma Sebastian1,2* and B. Bindu3
1College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, KAU, Kerala, 695 522, India. 2Division of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, 641 114, India. 3FSRS, Sadanandapuram, Kollam, Kerala, 691 531, India. Corresponding e-mail: karishmasebastian11@gmail.com
Abstract: Papaya fruits’ popularity and widespread consumption are due to their peculiar flavour and nutritional characteristics. However, rapid deterioration and high incidence of rots during handling and storage limits its shelf life. Traditionally, people resort to applying synthetic chemical fungicides to control the anthracnose caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on fruits. However, their repeated use has caused resistance in microorganisms and toxicity in humans. Hence, there is increasing interest in using natural alternatives instead of chemical treatment. Papaya variety Surya fruits collected at the fully mature green stage were subjected to different postharvest management practices and were packaged in corrugated fibre board boxes and stored till the end of shelf life under ambient conditions. Papaya fruits harvested at a fully mature green stage and subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO4 (T7) recorded the longest shelf life of 9.67 days. The same treatment also registered the lowest physiological loss in weight (5.64 %), least ion leakage (93.41 %), maximum total carotenoids, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar and minimum acidity after nine days of storage. No fungal spoilage and fruit rot were recorded in T7 after three days of storage, with zero percent disease index. After six and nine days of storage, the lowest disease index (16.67 and 27.78 % each) was noticed in T7.
Atithi Debnath1,Aparajita Roy Das2, Kripamoy Chakraborty1, Ajay Krishna Saha2 and Panna Das1*
1Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 022, Tripura, India. 2Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 022, Tripura, India. Corresponding e-mail: panna11d@gmail.com
Abstract: The efficacy of rhizospheric native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from naturally growing Cassia fistula L. trees was evaluated by utilizing seeds from the same trees to assess growth and biochemical properties. This study aimed to investigate whether biochemical content could be augmented in naturally growing trees, contrasting them with greenhouse-grown seedlings. The findings revealed that arbuscular mycorrhiza-inoculated seedlings exhibited significantly higher shoot and root length, leaf area, and shoot dry weight compared to non-mycorrhizal plants under greenhouse conditions. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy increase in biochemicals such as protein, carbohydrates, and phenols in mycorrhizal-inoculated plants and naturally growing trees when compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. Interestingly, carbohydrates and phenols were significantly more abundant in naturally growing trees than in greenhouse experiment plants. Additionally, the methanolic leaf extract of non-mycorrhizal plants exhibited the lowest inhibition percentage (%) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in comparison to mycorrhizal plants and naturally growing trees. Moreover, the effective concentration at 50% inhibition of DPPH radicals by mycorrhizal plants and naturally growing trees was lower than that observed in non-mycorrhizal plants. The biochemical estimates obtained from mycorrhizal plants substantiate the results observed in naturally growing trees, thereby supporting the assumption that native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi may enhance the levels of biochemicals in naturally growing C. fistula trees.
Hayam A.A. Mahdy1, A.S. Tantawy2, A.M.R. Abdel-Mawgoud2 and Z.F. Fawzy2
1Botany Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. 2Vegetable Research Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt. Corresponding e-mail: hayam1111@yahoo.com
Abstract: The present study aims to explore various alternatives to alleviate the detrimental effects of salinity on tomato plants subjected to salt stress. An experiment was conducted in pots during the growing seasons of 2021 and 2022. Hybrid Super Strain B of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon) seedlings were transplanted in pots with a diameter of 0.3 m and a capacity of 15 liters, filled with washed sand. Subsequently, fresh water was used for irrigation for two weeks, after which salinity treatments were applied. To achieve targeted EC levels (control, 2000, 3000, and 4000 ppm), saline water was mixed with fresh water. Two weeks after transplantation, foliar sprays of nano-K or nano-P were administered three times during the seasons, at two-week intervals. The findings indicate that increasing salinity levels had a significant negative impact on the growth and production aspects of all plants. However, the negative impacts were mitigated by the application of nano fertilizers, particularly nano-K. The results suggest that the mitigation effects of foliar application of nano fertilizers could be attributed to the partial recovery of nutrient imbalances caused by salinity stress.
R. Sai Prasanth1*, A. Surendrakumar1, R. Kavitha1, K. Nagarajan2, K. Venkatesan3, and R. Ravikumar4
1Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. 2Department of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kumulur, India. 3 Department of Spices and plantation crops, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.4Mathematics, Department of Agricultural Meteorology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India. Corresponding e-mail: saiprasanthravuri@gmail.com
Abstract: Capsicum annuum L., also known as bell or sweet pepper, is a globally significant horticultural crop in the Solanaceae family. India’s red and yellow colored capsicum holds 13th rank in export. In India, color capsicum is a valuable crop, yielding 2.34 times more per square meter in protected cultivation comparing open field. Tamil Nadu contributes 16,689 tonnes on 284 hectares, comprising 5.13% of India’s total. Modern agriculture benefits from automation and robotics, especially in protected cultivation for selective, high-quality capsicum harvesting, reducing labor fatigue. In consideration to the issues like timely and repetitive harvestings and shortage of labour a study was focused to develop a robotic harvester. The study evaluated the engineering attributes of red and yellow capsicum during protected cultivation, classified into size categories A, B and C. Moisture content ranged from 83.6% to 87.12%. Capsicum dimensions spanned 57 mm to 110 mm in length, 52 mm to 98 mm in width, and 51 mm to 96 mm in thickness. Red capsicum had slightly larger arithmetic, geometric, square mean, and equivalent diameters, with sphericity ranging from 0.89 to 0.93. Surface area varied from 87 cm² to 316 cm², volume from 108 cm³ to 363 cm³, and mass from 67 g to 226 g, with red capsicum slightly larger. The highest static friction coefficient was with aluminum, at 0.61 to 0.66. Using the CIELAB model for color estimation, the significant color difference for red and yellow capsicum were 79.26 and 70.28 respectively. Moisture content was negatively correlated with aspect ratio and sphericity, and other attributes had positive correlations. This data is valuable for potential capsicum harvesting mechanization in robotics and protected cultivation.
B. Srinivasulu1, S.S. Vijaya Padma2, L. Naram Naidu3, Ch. Kiran Kumar4 and V. Sekhar5
1Department of Vegetable Science, C.O.H., V.R. Gudem, Andhra Pradesh. 2Department of Horticulture, C.O.H., Chinalataripi, Andhra Pradesh.3Department of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Andhra Pradesh. 4Department of Soil Science and Agronomy, C.O.H., Parvathipuram, Andhra Pradesh. 5Department of agricultural statistics, C.O.H., V.R. Gudem, Andhra Pradesh. Corresponding e-mail: bsvas333@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.15
Key words: Charantin, TSS, vitamin-C, iron, quality and Momordica charantia L.
Abstract: Commercial exploitation of bitter gourd hybrids is primarily focused on yield, while limited research has been conducted on the quality aspects of this crop. The study was conducted during the Summer and Kharif seasons of 2022 to identify superior hybrids compared to the standard checks in terms of significant quality traits. A total of 21 crosses were produced by crossing seven genetically distinct parents in a half diallel mating pattern during the summer of 2022. A total of 7 parents, 21 F1 hybrids, and 2 checks were assessed using a randomized complete block design with three replications during the Kharif season of 2022. The crosses, viz., Kashi Mayuri x IC-44418 and IC-44418 x IC-68314 have shown better performance in terms of quality aspects such as TSS. On the other hand, Kashi Mayuri x Special Boldar and IC-44418 x Special Boldar were found to be superior than commercial checks, Pragathi and Monarch for vitamin-C. Significantly greater heterosis for iron content was observed in the crosses viz., Kashi Mayuri x IC-469512, IC-433630 x IC-469512, and Kashi Mayuri x Special Boldar. Charantin, known for its antidiabetic properties, is a significant quality character present in fruits. The hybrids viz., IC-44418 x IC-68314, IC-433630 x IC-68314, and IC-68314 x IC-469512 demonstrated a significant increase in charantin heterosis. The superior cross combinations identified in this study warrant further evaluation to assess their potentiality and stability for commercial release as hybrids or varieties.
K. Moyo1, Z.P. Khetsha1*, M.M. Masowa1,2, E. Van Der Watt3, K.M. Moloantoa4 and J.O. Unuofin5
1Department of Agriculture, Central University of Technology, Free State, Private Bag X20539, Bloemfontein, South Africa. 2ARC – Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants, Private Bag x 293, Pretoria, South Africa. 3Department of Soil- and Crop- and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa. 4Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu Natal, Private Bag X540001, Durban, South Africa. 5Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20 Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa. Corresponding e-mail: zkhetsha@ut.ac.za
Abstract: Plants get exposed to multiple stresses throughout their phenological growth stages. At most, these stresses are attributed to single or combined stresses like salinity, water deficits, wounding, mineral deficiencies, potting bag size, soil/root media density and type, soil pH, and the type of production system employed. Multistress factors have been widely reported to reduce the plant growth and development, strength, yield, and quality of horticultural crops globally. In the literature, reports extensively recommended the use of silicon-based biostimulants to improve the growth and development of commercial horticultural plants; however, little has been reported in South Africa on the recovery response mechanisms of beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), and kale (Brassica oleracea L.) grown under multi-stress conditions treated with silicon-based biostimulants, and using the cheaper eco-friendly production systems. In South Africa, most silicon-based biostimulant production companies reserve their novel concoctions as their company secrets; thus, many of the products are never tested in public to ascertain and monitor compliance with the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Agricultural Remedies, and Stock Remedies Act 36 of 1947 in South Africa. On the other hand, emerging farmers and smallholder growers are failing to afford existing agricultural insurance options, thereby affecting their yields against the commercially developed farmers. Although the government aids farmers, the assistance does not cover all costs associated with the multistress losses. Some farmers and growers adopted advanced production systems; however, at most, these systems are costly and rely primarily on electricity as a source of power, which is a challenge in South Africa. This paper explains various production systems used by commercial and emerging farmers, and the smallholder growers in South Africa to reduce costs related to multistress losses. Moreover, an alternative eco-organic production system that applies silicon-based biostimulant as a novel idea for commercial vegetables grown under extreme multi-stress conditions is recommended for emerging farmers and smallholder growers in South Africa. Future studies should be based on eco-friendly production systems in vegetable production in line with Sustainable Development Goals, to combat poverty and improve the livelihood of the African countries.
Jose Merin1, T. Sajitha Rani1, P. Shalini Pillai1, V. Jayakrishnakumar1 and B. Rani2
1Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram- 695522. 2Deparment of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram- 695522. Corresponding e-mail: pmerinpjose@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.17
Key words: Micro irrigation, mulching, water productivity, water use efficiency, yield
Abstract: A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to evaluate the efficacy of micro irrigation and mulching on growth and yield of bhindi in rain shelter. The experiment was carried out in a split plot design with four replications. The treatment consisted of 5 main plot treatments (i1: Surface drip irrigation, i2: Rain hose irrigation, i3: Sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm, i4: Sub surface drip irrigation at 15 cm, i5: Sub surface drip irrigation at 20 cm) and 2 sub plot treatments (m1: No mulch, m2: Organic mulch). Dry banana leaves available in the area was used as organic mulch @ 10 t ha-1. Results of the study revealed that types of irrigation had significant influence on yield and yield attributes, water productivity, water use efficiency and economics of bhindi. Sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth recorded the highest fruit yield m-2 (2.29 kg). Water productivity and water use efficiency was 45% and 27% higher in sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth than rain hose irrigation. Significantly higher net returns (? 5.31 lakhs ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.39) were observed in sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth, which was on par with sub surface drip irrigation at 15 cm depth. Based on the findings of the study, sub surface drip irrigation at 10 cm depth along with organic mulching can be recommended for bhindi cultivation for obtaining higher yield, water use efficiency and economics.
1Department of Chemistry, College of Basic Science and Humanities, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha. 2Department of Chemistry, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha. 3Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Odisha. Corresponding e-mail: pradip_callme@yahoo.co.in, nanda.spandan56@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2024.v26i01.18
Key words: Biochar, nanocomposites, photocatalysis, heavy metals, industrial dye, sustainable
Abstract: For a realistic solution, the synthesis of a cost-effective and efficient photocatalyst for the environmental need is utmost essential. Here, a simple in situ hydrothermal method that is a type of “green synthesis” since it doesn’t require harmful chemicals was used to synthesise the simple catalyst Co3O4/reduced graphene oxide/biochar (CBG). The Co3O4 nanoparticles are finely distributed over the sheets of reduced graphene oxide and biochar during the morphological examination, making the composite stable and appropriate for environmental applications. This catalyst was specifically used to create a Z-scheme heterostructure composite that significantly improves the Co3O4 and biochar/rGO photocatalytic performance when exposed to visible light. When it comes to dye and heavy metal Chromium (VI) degradation, the catalyst composite exhibited significantly greater catalytic efficacy compared to individual catalysts. The structural, morphological, and optical features of the CBG nanocomposite were primarily responsible for its exceptional visible light photocatalytic activity with a maximum kinetic rate constant. By optimising the catalyst ratio, the herein described technology can be used to create a promising photocatalyst for environment friendly and sustainable development.
Kavita Yadav1, T. Damodaran2*, Kakoli Dutt1, Sangeeta Kumari2, Prasenjith Debnath2, Alok Shukla1 and Ram Gopal3
1Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Jaipur, Inida. 2ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow-226101, India. 3Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ANDUAT, Ayodhya, India. Corresponding e-mail: damhort73@gmail.com
Abstract: The field survey conducted in Rajasthan, India, unveiled the widespread occurrence of Fusarium wilt in cumin fields that have been continuously cultivated for approximately 4 to 5 years. The incidence of this disease exceeded 30%, affecting cumin plants at all stages of growth, with severe symptoms ultimately resulting in the complete mortality of the plants. In laboratory studies, a bacterial isolate known as Bacillus licheniformis (CSR-D4) exhibited remarkable in vitro effectiveness, significantly inhibiting Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cumnini (FOC) mycelial growth by an impressive 79.85%. In controlled pot experiments, cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) displayed milder symptoms than untreated plants, demonstrating a notably higher tolerance level, with only a 15% disease incidence as opposed to 90% in untreated plants. Further analysis of defense enzymes revealed elevated chlorophyll, carotenoid, peroxidase activity levels, and proline content in cumin plants treated with B. licheniformis (CSR-D4). Field assessments confirmed the efficacy of this bacterial isolate, as it successfully suppressed wilt incidence by 60%, significantly increased crop yield by 71.16%, and promoted root and shoot growth. Notably, applying B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) did not negatively impact beneficial microorganisms, and no adverse phytotoxic symptoms were observed. This study underscores the considerable potential of B. licheniformis (CSR-D4) in managing Fusarium wilt, offering an environmentally friendly and highly effective solution to enhance the health and productivity of pea plants.
Muhammad Munir1,2*
1Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, P.O. Box 31982, Saudi Arabia. 2Frontier Agriculture, SOYL Precision Crop Production Division, Newbury, United Kingdom. Corresponding e-mail: mmunir@kfu.edu.sa
Abstract: Chrysanthemum is a short-day plant, which flowers when the night length is longer. Photoperiod and temperature are two key environmental factors that affect time of flowering. In the current research, experiments were carried out to study the flowering response of two cultivars of chrysanthemum, i.e., Crimson Glory and Snowscape under four distinct photoperiods (8, 11, 14, and 17 h d?1), shading levels (20, 30, 40, and 60%), and temperatures (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C). A qualitative short-day response was observed in all experiments. Both cultivars took minimum time to flower when grown under 8 h d?1, however, it was significantly delayed when photoperiod decreased. Similarly, days taken to flowering were decreased significantly when plants were grown in 30% shade, which was delayed by increasing shade level (40 and 60%). Temperature also had a significant effect on the developmental phases of flower as above (25 °C) and below (10?15 °C) 20 °C temperature delayed flowering time. The present study also confirms that per day rate of progress to flowering was higher at 8 h d?1 photoperiod, in 30% shade level, and at 20 °C temperature. These findings revealed a prospect of plant scheduling of the flowering time of chrysanthemum cultivars grown in long-day photoperiod to extend their marketing period, as the plants remains vegetative. A steady supply of this flowering annual can also be maintained in the market by growing them under different shades. The quality of plants would also benefit from an ideal growing temperature of between 15-20 °C.
Resti Safitri1, Erma Prihastanti2* and Sri Darmanti2
1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Diponegoro, Indonesia. 2Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Diponegoro, Indonesia. Corresponding e-mail: eprihast@yahoo.co.id
Abstract: Vanilla is a type of spice plant with high economic value. The availability of healthy vanilla seedlings is now one of the conditions for successful large-scale vanilla cultivation. Conventional cultivation of vanilla generally uses a vegetative method (cuttings), in which the growth of roots and shoots is slow, so it needs to be accelerated. Application of the combination of plant growth regulator and biological inoculant is expected to stimulate root growth and development. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors, namely auxin, which consisted of 4 concentration levels, namely: A0 (0 ppm), A1 (50 ppm), A2 (100 ppm), A3 (150 ppm); and T. harzianum which consisted of 4 concentration levels, namely: T0 (0 g), T1 (2 g), T2 (4 g), and T3 (6 g). Data analysis used quantitative methods. The results showed that there was no interaction between T. harzianum and auxin. The addition of T. harzianum could increase the vegetative growth of vanilla cuttings in the parameters of shoot growth time, plant height, number of leaves, fresh weight, and root length while the application of auxin affects the increased in the number of roots of vanilla cuttings.
Sagar Teraiya, Dhaval Nirmal and Preetam Joshi*
Department of Biotechnology, Atmiya University, Rajkot (India) 360005.Corresponding e-mail: preetam.joshi@atmiyauni.ac.in
Abstract: The current work aims to provide a cost-effective and reliable micropropagation method of banana using some natural extract of unexplored potential seaweeds. We tried natural extract of eight different seaweeds (C. racemosa, Gracilaria edalis, Caulerpa paspaloides, Ulva lactuca, Sargassum tenerrimum., Caulerpa sertularioides, Sargassum wightii, Gracilaria corticata.) to check their role in in vitro growth and development of micropropagules and their potential in replacing commercial plant growth regulators (PGRs) in banana micropropagation. The in vitro developed shoots were allowed to grow on modified MS medium supplemented with different seaweed extracts and regularly subcultured on the same medium throughout the experiment. The growth and biochemical parameters were recorded and compared with micropropagules growing in a controlled environment (i.e., MS medium supplemented with/without standard PGRs). We found a significant increase in shoot length (highest in S. tenerrimum, i.e. double as compared to negative control), shoot number (highest in G. edalis, i.e., three fold as compared to negative control) and fresh weight (S. tenerrimum) ofthe banana micropropagules when grown under the influence of Liquid Seaweed Extract (LSE). This is comparable to growth observed in standard control conditions (i.e. positive control). However, addition of LSE of G. corticate, C. paspaloides and S. wightii did not show any noteworthy effect on shoot length, shoot number and fresh weight. Total chlorophyll and other biomolecule accumulation in test propagules varied with types and concentrations of LSE. S. tenerrimum proved to be overall good growth promoter, as it caused maximum accumulation of chlorophyll (0.202±0.02mg g-1) and protein (105±0.45mg g-1) and significant and encouraging results in phenol, carbohydrates and proline. Our results show that seaweed can be potential source of beneficial natural compounds and it can be a cheaper option in banana micropropagation technology.
Sheren A. Atala, Mona M. Haffez and M. EL-M. Saad
Department of Postharvest and Handling of Vegetable Crops, Horticulture Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza, Egypt.Corresponding e-mail: mona.montasser75@gmail.com
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2023.v25i03.44
Key words: Asparagus spears, ozone gas, 1-methylcyclopropane, active MAP, cold storage, PAL enzyme.
Abstract: This study was conducted during 2022 and 2023 seasons to evaluate the influence of 1-MCP as sheet contained 5%, exposed to ozone gas (4 or 7 ppm), active MAP (5% O2 + 5% CO2 or 5% O2 + 10% CO2) and passive MAP as compared with untreated control on quality attributes and storability of asparagus spears (UC157 F2) during storage at 2°C and 90-95% RH for 20 days. Results indicated that asparagus spears treated with all postharvest treatments were effective in reducing weight loss %, curvature, Phenylalanine ammonia-lays enzyme activity, discoloration, colour change, O2 consumption and CO2 production as well as in maintaining total chlorophyll, total phenolic and the overall appearance of spears during storage as compared with untreated control. However, asparagus spears treated with ozone gas at 4 ppm were the most effective treatment in preserving all the quality attributes of spears. Furthermore, this treatment showed the excellent appearance of spears without any discoloration and curvature till 20 days of storage while ozone gas (7 ppm), 1-MCP and active MAP (5% O2 + 5% CO2) treatments gave a good appearance at the same period. The gas composition inside the package treated with ozone gas at 4 or 7 ppm had high O2 and low CO2 %.
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