Introduction. Growing demand in Europe for healthy and nutritious food and beverage products with new flavours creates opportunities for supplying the European market with novel fruit juices including tropical fruits like açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.). Materials and methods. One tropical fruit species from Brazil, i.e., açaí, was selected as a case species. Via expert interviews, a review of consumer studies regarding tropical fruit consumption, field visits and literature research, a SWOT analysis was conducted in order to map the opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses related to açaí and its potential in the West European fruit juice industry. Results. Opportunities stem from growing consumer interest in natural, healthy and nutritious fruit juices, the need for health-oriented innovations in the food industry and growing interest in variety, novel tastes and ethnic foods. Unfamiliarity, health claim credibility and European market access requirements constitute the main threats. Strengths pertain to the nutritional value of açaí and its tropical origin, and the existence of well-established national açaí markets and processing industries. Weaknesses result from the irregular supply and inconsistent açaí quality, lack of advanced know-how in cultivation and processing issues, and scant insights into the fruit’s nutrient profile. Conclusion. The findings indicate that açaí, which has outstanding nutritional values and health-related benefits, could have substantial potential in the West European fruit juice market. Key attention points pertain to creating awareness among consumers and building familiarity with açaí and its products, and obtaining in-depth knowledge about its nutritional characteristics and concomitant health benefits.

Introduction. Canada is an important avocado importer from Mexico. For most of the harvest season, fruit reach adequate pulp dry matter content, ripen properly and, consequently, quality and shelf life are excellent. However, after January, fruit dry matter content increases and blackened skin occurs. Shipments to Canada containing blackened fruit are rejected because this characteristic is wrongly associated with low pulp firmness and short shelf life. The objective of our research was to determine the effect of harvest time and ripening degree on initial quality and shelf life of Hass avocado. Materials and methods. Fruit were harvested from October 2007 to April 2008, and grouped into five ripening categories according to the degree of blackened skin. Fruit were then refrigerated for 7 d to simulate shipment to Canada. Thereafter, fruit were stored under simulated market conditions until they reached the edible ripening stage. Dry matter content was calculated only at the beginning of the storage period while quantification of weight loss, fruit with blackened skin, pulp firmness, and pulp color was done at the beginning of the storage period, at the end of the refrigeration period, and every three days during market conditions. Results and discussion. Dry matter content, skin color and pulp hue angle significantly increased with harvest date and ripening degree. Weight loss decreased with harvest date but increased with ripening degree, while firmness was affected by harvest date but was not associated with ripening degree. Conclusion. There is no reason to reject or downgrade blackened fruit, since quality and shelf life are not affected.

Origin and importance. Acerola, or Malpighia emarginata D.C., is native to the Caribbean islands, Central America and the Amazonian region. More recently, it has been introduced in subtropical areas (Asia, India and South America). The vitamin C produced by acerola is better absorbed by the human organism than synthetic ascorbic acid. Exportation of acerola crops is a potential alternative source of income in agricultural businesses. In Brazil, the commercial farming of acerola is quite recent. Climatic conditions. Acerola is a rustic plant. It can resist temperatures close to 0 °C, but it is well adapted to temperatures around 26 °C with rainfall between (1200 and 1600) mm per year. Fruit characteristics. Acerola fruit is drupaceous, whose form can vary from round to conic. When ripe, it can be red, purple or yellow. The fruit weight varies between (3 and 16) g. Maturation. Acerola fruit presents fast metabolic activity and its maturation occurs rapidly. When commercialised in ambient conditions, it requires fast transportation or the use of refrigerated containers to retard its respiration and metabolism partially. Production and productivity. Flowering and fruiting are typically in cycles associated with rain. Usually, they take place in 25-day cycles, up to 8 times per year. The plant can be propagated by cuttings, grafting or seedlings. Harvest. Fruits produced for markets needs to be harvested at its optimal maturation stage. For distant markets, they need to be packed in boxes and piled up in low layers; transportation should be done in refrigerated trucks in relatively high humid conditions. Biochemical constituents. Acerola is the most important natural source of vitamin C [(1000 to 4500) mg·100–1 g of pulp], but it is also rich in pectin and pectolytic enzymes, carotenoids, plant fibre, vitamin B, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, proteins and mineral salts. It has also shown active anti-fungal properties. Products and market. Acerola is used in the production of juice, soft drinks, gums and liqueurs. The USA and Europe are great potential markets. In Europe, acerola extracts are used to enrich pear or apple juices. In the USA, they are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Conclusions. The demand for acerola has increased significantly in recent years because of the relevance of vitamin C in human health, coupled with the use of ascorbic acid as an antioxidant in food and feed. Acerola fruit contains other significant components, which are likely to lead to a further increase in its production and trade all over the world.

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. Some fruit characteristics are very important for cherry marketing. This study aimed at determining relationships between some of them to help researchers on fruit quality. Materials and methods. The relationships between fruit cracking, fruit weight and diameter, soluble solid and acidity content, and fruit stalk thickness were determined on 35 sweet cherry cultivars in Amasya in Turkey. Results and discussion. There was a positive polynomial relationship between the fruit stalk thickness and fruit cracking; between fruit weight and fruit stalk thickness; and between fruit weight and fruit firmness. There was a positive relationship between the fruit weight and the acidity content, and between the fruit firmness, acidity and soluble solid. There was a negative relationship between fruit firmness and pH. Conclusions. Some relationships between cherry characteristics exist, which may help researchers to solve some problems such as fruit cracking. These studies may contribute to producing fruit with a good quality and help to evaluate new cultivars.

Introduction. Tahiti lime trees grafted on Rangpur lime grown in São Paulo State, Brazil, in sub-tropical climatic conditions, have a high level of vigor, poor tolerance to Phytophthora spp. and low productivity. Using Poncirus trifoliata var. monstrosa Flying Dragon rootstock which allows one to obtain dwarfed trees and high yields could solve this problem. Materials and methods. In an experiment set up in November 1994 in Brazil, the tree size, fruit production and quality of Tahiti lime grafted on trifoliate orange Flying Dragon were evaluated at four planting spaces: 4 m × 1 m (2 500 trees$\cdot$ha-1); 4 m × 1.5 m (1 666 trees$\cdot$ha-1); 4 m × 2 m (1 250 trees$\cdot$ha-1) and 4 m × 2.5 m (1 000 trees$\cdot$ha-1), in a rand- omized block design, with four trees per plot. The cultural practices did not include supple- mentary irrigation. Results. Trees planted in the 4 m × 1 m planting space had greater can- opy diameters (2.75 m) than trees planted with the other planting spaces. Whatever the densities considered, tree height did not differ. Average fruit yield (1998 to 2000) was the greatest on the 4 m × 1 m planting space with 21.6 t$\cdot$ha-1, significantly differing from the 4 m × 2.5 m planting space with 13.1 t$\cdot$ha-1. Fruit quality was affected by the plant planting space, but all the production was commercially acceptable. Discussion. The use of a high density planting of Tahiti lime grafted on P. trifoliata var. Flying Dragon would be of com- mercial interest, due to greater yields than trees in traditional cropping systems.

Introduction. To facilitate establishment of pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) cultivations in new areas, factors affecting its propagation by cuttings and seeds were studied. Materials and methods. Firstly, cuttings of (5, 15 and 25) cm length were tested in three substrates: peat moss (pm), peat moss and sand mix(1:1) (pm/sa) and sand (sa). Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) solutions were prepared at [0, 5, 10 or 15] mM dissolved in 70% ethanol. After the basal cuttings were dipped for 10 s in these IBA solutions, cuttings were planted in (pm/sa). After (1, 2 or 3) weeks, the cutting rooting, number and length of the developed roots were measured. Moreover, germination was tested at four temperatures [(16, 20, 24 and 28) °C] by placing seeds on wetted filter papers in Petri dishes. Light effect was tested at four white light intensities of (0, 500, 1000 or 2000) lx. Seed viability was tested at 24 °C in darkness with 1000 seeds. The effect of (pm), (pm/sa) and (sa) was tested on germination and seedling growth. The percentage of germination, days to emergence and growth rate of seedlings were measured. Results and discussion. After two weeks, 25-cm pitaya cuttings rooted successfully in the three substrates, but the number and length of the developed roots were affected by the type of substrate. A significant effect of cutting size on root initiation, and number and length of the developed roots was found. IBA consistently improved rooting percentage and root number and length. Overall, 5-cm-long cuttings treated with IBA (10 mM) could be efficient at propagating pitaya. The seed viability was 83%. Germination, which varied between (71 and 83)% depending on the temperature, began after 6 days at (24 and 28) °C. Light intensity at (1000 or 2000) lx reduced seed germination. Potted seedlings grew successfully in the greenhouse.

Introduction. Saline soils may exert a different effect on seed germination and seedling growth. Materials and methods. The seeds of two rootstocks of pistachio (Pistacia vera), Ghazvini and Badami-e-zarand, were incubated at 20 °C in the dark in a 150 mM NaCl solution or in 150 mM NaCl solutions amended with (50, 100 and 150) mM CaSO4. Seeds were planted in pots containing a mixture of garden soil, sand and compost (1/3 v/v) to investigate the effect of calcium sulphate on plants grown under salt stress. Irrigation water treatments were control (deionised water alone); salinity stress (150 mM NaCl); salinity with 50 mM CaSO4; salinity with 100 mM CaSO4; and salinity with 150 mM CaSO4. Results and discussion. In all treatments, both the final germination percentage and the final percentage of seeds with emerging seedlings longer than 20 mm were higher in the Ghazvini rootstock than in the Badami-e-zarand rootstock. Both the final germination percentage and the final percentage of seeds with emerging seedlings were significantly increased with increasing CaSO4 concentration, except at the highest CaSO4 concentration. The plants grown under 150 mM NaCl produced less dry matter and had lower chlorophyll content than those grown without NaCl. Supplementary CaSO4 only at (50 and 100) mM concentrations ameliorated the negative effects of salinity on plant dry matter and chlorophyll content. Sodium (Na) concentration in plant tissues increased in both leaves and roots of plants under the NaCl treatment alone. The Ghazvini rootstock had much lower Na. Additions of CaSO4 significantly lowered the concentration of Na in both leaves and roots. The Ghazvini rootstock was more tolerant to salinity than the Badami-e-zarand rootstock. The accumulation of Na in leaves and roots indicates a possible mechanism whereby cv. Ghazvini copes with salinity in the rooting medium, and/or may indicate the existence of an inhibition mechanism of Na transport to leaves. Concentrations of Ca and K were lower in the plants grown at high NaCl concentration than in those under the control treatment, and, for the cv. Ghazvini, these two element's concentrations were increased in both leaves and roots for the plants with calcium sulphate treatment; for the cv. Badami-e-zarand, these concentrations were increased in only the roots.

Introduction. Diverses espèces de pyrales peuvent s'attaquer aux dattes. Ce ravageur cause jusqu'à 30 % de pertes parmi les récoltes de dattes au Maroc. L'étude présentée a cherché à identifier les espèces de pyrales des dattes et leurs parasitoïdes, en précisant leurs importances relatives, et à dégager les facteurs influençant l'infestation des dattes. Matériel et méthodes. Des prospections ont été menées durant les années 1997 et 1998 dans 16 sites répartis dans les principales palmeraies de la région de Tafilalet. Des échantillonnages ont été effectués sur régimes et sur dattes tombées au sol. Les fruits infestés ont été dénombrés puis placés dans des éclosoirs jusqu'à la sortie des adultes des pyrales et de leurs parasitoïdes. Résultats et discussion. Trois espèces de pyrales peuvent se développer sur les dattes au champ avec des incidences différentes. Le principal ravageur est Ectomyelois ceratoniae. En revanche, Plodia interpunctella et Ephestia figulilella sont des déprédateurs secondaires. L'infestation des dattes varie d'une année à l'autre, les années humides favorisant la pullulation de la pyrale. Les dégâts dus à la pyrale ont varié selon la variété de palmier dattier : la variété Bou feggous à dattes de maturité précoce et à épiderme fin a été la plus vulnérable à l'attaque de la pyrale. L'ensachage des régimes permet de réduire notablement l'infestation des dattes. Les populations d'E. ceratoniae peuvent être également limitées par deux parasitoïdes : Phanerotoma ocuralis sur dattes en régime et Bracon hebetor dans les dattes tombées au sol. Conclusion. L'application de certaines pratiques culturales pourraient aider les agriculteurs à réduire significativement l'infestation des dattes au champ.

Introduction. The fruit types such as raspberries (Rubus idaeus), cherries (Prunus cerasus), blackberries (Rubus fructicosus), blackthorns (Prunus spinosa) and aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) are very common in Serbia. These fruit species are a valuable source of antioxidants. The goal of our work was to evaluate the antioxidant activities of ethyl acetate extracts of these five berries and to establish possible correlation between the content of anthocyanin and the antioxidant activity. Materials and methods. To determine antioxidant activity of the selected fruits, the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity, the ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3 ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) cation decolorization activity, the FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and the TRP (total reducing power) were measured. Results. The four methods selected for our assays showed strong antioxidant properties for blackberry samples. The total anthocyanin content was estimated using the pH differential method. The highest amount of anthocyanin was found in blackberry samples [(1063.53 ± 0.01) mg·kg–1 fresh fruit], while the lowest was in raspberry samples [(180.84 ± 0.02) mg·kg–1 fresh fruit]. The correlation between the content of anthocyanin and antioxidant activity was established using regression analysis. The highest correlation was found between total reducing power and total anthocyanin (r = 0.97, p < 0.05). Hierarchical cluster analysis divided selected fruit species into two statistically significant clusters. Conclusion. Our results confirmed that analyzed berries are rich in anthocyanins. A strong correlation among different assays as well as with anthocyanin content was observed. Cluster analysis can be used in food science, to classify different food types into groups, based on similarity among the results.

Introduction. Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are staple foods in Cameroon and surrounding countries. Strategies based on the utilization of cultural and locally consumed foods are essential for the identification of solutions for the reduction of micronutrient malnutrition. Materials and methods. To assess the nutritional content of some varieties in order to assist the selection of new Musa hybrids, the carotenoid contents of 19 Musa cultivars and hybrids from the CARBAP (Douala, Cameroon) germplasm were determined at three ripening stages. Frozen pulps were analyzed for their β-carotene, α-carotene and lutein contents using the HPLC method. The retinol activity equivalents (RAE)·100 g–1 fresh weight were calculated for four representative Musa types. Results and discussion. Significant differences were observed between Musa cultivars according to their genotype. Plantain type (Mbouroukou n°1) and Musa hybrid (CRBP 755) exhibited the highest levels of RAE [(148 and 70) RAE·100 g–1] compared with dessert bananas (16 RAE·100 g–1). During ripening, the concentrations of these carotenoids increased or decreased significantly (α = 0.05%) according to the Musa type analyzed. The high β- and α-carotene as well as lutein contents of these Musa sp. could contribute to the nutritional status of people consuming these banana varieties in West and Central Africa and enhance their use in Musa breeding programs.

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. Relationships between environmental conditions (climate and soil) and chemical characteristics of banana were studied in Martinique (French West Indies) to contribute to discussions about a quality label based on origin and to help to improve management of banana quality. Materials and methods. Bananas produced at six sites under different conditions and during three periods of the year were harvested at the same stage and ripened under identical conditions. Results. Differences in dry weight and chemical concentrations in the pulp of green fruits were greater between sites than between periods. The pulp dry weight was higher in fruits harvested at the highland site than in fruits harvested at the lowland sites. Differences in Ca and Mg were observed in fruits harvested on vertisol and andosol soils. Fruits produced on brown rust to halloysite soil contained high Mn concentrations. Differences in dry matter, total soluble solids and citric acid concentrations in the pulp of ripe fruits were greater between periods than between sites. Bananas harvested during the hot rainy season had the lowest pulp dry matter and total soluble solids. Bananas harvested during the cool dry season had the highest concentration of citric acid. Carbohydrate (dry matter, total soluble solids, and glucose and fructose) concentrations in fruit pulp decreased with an increase in mean daily temperature from bunch emergence to harvest. Conversely, mineral (P, Mg and Ca) concentrations in fruit pulp increased with an increase in temperature. Conclusion. It is clear that these relationships should be taken into greater consideration when assessing banana quality. The specific environmental conditions in highland areas warrant the creation of a ‘mountain banana’ label.

Introduction. Le baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) est un arbre qui pousse à l’état sauvage au Sénégal où le fruit est consommé sous différentes formes. Si l’écologie et la botanique de la plante ont été bien étudiées, les travaux portant sur la transformation du fruit ou sur l’impact des traitements de transformation sur la qualité des produits finis sont rares. Afin d’évaluer le potentiel technologique de ces fruits, en préalable au développement de leurs produits de transformation sur les marchés locaux, régionaux et internationaux, nous avons cherché à mieux caractériser la matière première (composition biochimique et qualité nutritionnelle), et nous avons étudié la transformation du produit en nectar. Matériel et méthodes. L’étude a porté sur douze échantillons de fruits décoqués d’A. digitata prélevés entre 2004 et 2006 dans différentes zones du Sénégal. Les proportions des différents constituants du fruit (pulpe, graines, fibres) ont été déterminées, puis différentes caractéristiques physicochimiques de la pulpe et de la graine ont été analysées. La flore microbienne présente dans les boissons traditionnellement préparées a été étudiée. Les techniques de pasteurisation et de microfiltration tangentielle des nectars ont été appliquées. Les différentes utilisations et les procédés de transformation traditionnels du fruit ont été évalués à partir d’une enquête réalisée sur un échantillon de 93 personnes interrogées à Dakar et Saly. Résultats et discussion. La pulpe a été caractérisée par une faible teneur en eau (6–15 %), une forte acidité (68–201 mEq·100 g–1) et des teneurs élevées en sucres (20–32 %), acide ascorbique (125–312 mg·100 g–1), minéraux (6 %) et amidon (41–47 %). Les chromatogrammes obtenus par CPG/SM sur la pulpe de fruit ont mis en évidence 10 composés d’arôme dont le myristate d’isopropyle, un composé phénolique non identifié et le nonanal. Sans précaution particulière, la composition de la pulpe a évolué au cours du stockage et sa qualité s’est rapidement dégradée. L’enquête réalisée a montré que la pulpe du fruit de baobab est principalement utilisée pour l’élaboration de boissons de type nectar avec un rapport massique [fruit / eau] de [1 / 3]. La stabilisation du nectar peut être obtenue par pasteurisation (80 °C / 10 min) au détriment de la qualité du produit. Des essais de stabilisation à froid par microfiltration tangentielle ont été réalisés sur des nectars avec des rapports massiques [fruit / eau] de [1 / 3] et [1 / 5]. Les densités de flux ont été comprises entre [(23 et 77) L·h–1·m–2] pour des facteurs de réduction volumique compris entre 1 et 2. Les faibles densités de flux de perméat mesurées compromettent l’intérêt de la microfiltration tangentielle pour la stabilisation à froid du nectar. Conclusion. À l’avenir, dans la perspective d’une production locale de nectar de fruit du baobab, les travaux de recherche devront être focalisés sur la stabilisation thermique de la boisson.

Introduction. Physalis minima is a widespread, quick-growing and high fruit-yielding annual herb belonging to the family Solanaceae. However, like many other underutilized fruit-bearing plants, P. minima is poorly studied and its nutritional potential is unknown. Since the edible sunberry is said to be a rich source of vitamin C, we studied the physiochemical changes during its fruit growth and ripening. Materials and methods. The changes in the physiochemical properties, such as pH, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, chlorophylls, carotenoids, carbohydrates (reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars and starch), free amino acids, total proteins, total phenols, ascorbic acid, ethylene, and respiration and the activities of hydrolytic enzymes (amylase and invertase), antioxidant enzymes (catalase and peroxidase), and cell wall-degrading enzymes (cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectinmethylesterase), were analyzed in the fruit of sunberry at five sequential stages, viz., the young, premature, mature, preripe and ripe stages. Results and discussion. A gradual increase in the pH and total soluble solids occurred throughout the growth and ripening of sunberry fruit, while its titrable acidity increased up to the preripe stage and thereafter declined. A decreasing trend in the chlorophylls occurred simultaneously with an increase in the quantity of carotenoids. As the sunberry fruit proceeded towards ripening, the amount of its total starch decreased, with a concomitant sharp increase in the quantity of its reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and total sugars. An increase in the quantity of free amino acids, proteins and phenols also occurred during the growth and ripening of the fruit, and the quantity of ascorbic acid increased at the mature stage. Moreover, sunberry fruit also exhibits a climacteric behavior with increased ethylene production and rate of respiration. The specific activity of amylase increased throughout the growth period of sunberry, but that of invertase decreased after maturity until ripening. The catalase and peroxidase enzymes showed higher activity, indicating better radical scavenger properties, while cellulase, polygalacturonase and pectinmethylesterase tended to remain at lower levels. Conclusion. The fruit of P. minima are nutritive and a rich source of sugars, starch, free amino acids, proteins, total phenols and ascorbic acid. They are metabolically active, showing a high specific activity of hydrolyzing and antioxidant enzymes, while the activity of cell wall-degrading enzymes is relatively low, indicating a better postharvest storage life.

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. 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. 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. Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme(ACE) is a key component in regulation of blood pressure by virtue ofthe rennin-angiotensin system. ACE converts the inactive decapeptide,angiotensin I, into the potent vasopressor octapeptide, angiotensinII, and inactivates bradykinin, which has a vasodilating action. So,inhibition of ACE has become a major target in control ofhypertension. It is well known that the consumption of fruits couldprovide health benefits by lowering the risk of chronic diseases suchas metabolic syndrome diseases including type 2 diabetes andcardiovascular disease. Our current study was focused on investigatingthe ACE inhibitory property of a few underutilized minor fruits ofWest Bengal using an in vitro assay. Materialsand methods. The potential antihypertensive activity ofunderutilized indigenous edible fruits of West Bengal, India, wasevaluated by their ability to inhibit Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme(ACE). The ACE inhibitory property was assayed using ACE from rabbitlung and hippuryl-histidyl-leucine as the substrate. Nineteen fruitspecies belonging to 15 families were investigated. The percentage ACEinhibitory activities of these fruits were studied at 20 µg freshweight of fruit extract per mL. The total phenol content of all thesefruits was determined following the standard Folin-Ciocalteu method.Total flavonoid content was also measured. Results. Theaqueous fruit extracts of the red variety of Trapabispinosa, Phoenix sylvestris,Cicca acida, Achras sapota andAverrhoa carambola presented more than 75% ACEinhibition. On the other hand, Punica granatum,Spondias pinnata, Trapabispinosa (green) and Ziziphus mauritianashowed about 50% inhibition. Aeglemarmelos, Annona squamosa, Annona reticulata,Feronia elephantum, Physalis peruviana andSyzygium jambos showed low activity (< 50%inhibition). Discussions. To date there has been noreport on Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme inhibitory activities ofthese underutilized minor fruits of West Bengal, India. During ourstudy no correlation could be established between the % ACE inhibitionand the total phenol or flavonoid content of these fruit extracts. So,it appears that non-phenolic components may also be responsible forACE inhibitory activity. In our investigation we tried to establishthe fact that the consumption of these underutilized minor fruitsmight have potential in managing cardiovascular diseases.

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.