Plant Productions

Investigating the effect of natural compounds before and post-harvest on the physicochemical characteristics of apple (Malus domestica cv. Golden Delicious) fruit

Fatemeh Eini Tari; Abdollah Ehtesham Nia; Hasan Mumivand; Mohamad Reza Raji

Volume 48, Issue 1 , April 2025, , Pages 87-103

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.47136.2177

Abstract

IntroductionThe global demand for a healthy lifestyle has increased significantly in recent years. This growing awareness has highlighted the need for better preservation and storage ... Read More IntroductionThe global demand for a healthy lifestyle has increased significantly in recent years. This growing awareness has highlighted the need for better preservation and storage of fresh produce, particularly fruits, due to their rich vitamin and mineral content. Additionally, the increase in post-harvest waste has underscored the importance of using natural, eco-friendly compounds to extend shelf life, minimize waste, and maintain high nutritional value without introducing harmful substances. Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted as a factorial experiment using a completely randomized design with four replications. The first factor included pre- and post-harvest foliar treatments, with control treatments (spraying with distilled water), chitosan (50 mg l-1), Nano-chitosan (50 and 100 mg l-1) and the post-harvest immersion (Calcium chloride solution (0 and 2 %)). The second factor was storage duration (0, 60, 90 and 120 days). The study was carried out on Golden Delicious apples grafted onto MM 111 (Malling Merton 111) rootstock. Pre-harvest foliar spraying was carried out in an 18-year-old apple orchard in Abestan region of Khorramabad, while post-harvest immersion treatments were carried out at Lorestan University. After harvesting, the apples were initially washed with distilled water, dried, and immersed in a calcium chloride solution at room temperature for 8 minutes. To remove excess surface moisture, the treated fruits were placed in plastic fruit boxes and stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C with 80-90% relative humidity until the evaluation period. The study examined physiological and biochemical characteristics such as weight loss, acidity, titratable acids, soluble solids, ripening index, vitamin C content, and malondialdehyde levels. Results and DiscussionThe results of this study indicated that the applied treatments significantly affected the physicochemical characteristics of Golden Delicious apples. Treated fruits exhibited lower weight loss compared to the control group. Biochemical analyses further confirmed the beneficial effects of all treatments on the evaluated parameters. The highest level of titratable acids, vitamin C, along with the lowest acidity and malondialdehyde content, were observed in apples subjected to the combined treatment of nano chitosan and calcium chloride. Additionally, the treatments led to a reduction in soluble solids content and the fruit ripening index. Coatings such as chitosan function as barriers with selective permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide, modifying the surrounding atmosphere by increasing carbon dioxide levels and reducing oxygen concentration. This altered gaseous composition helps slow the respiration rate and ethylene production, thereby delaying the aging process and extending the fruit’s shelf life. Calcium also helps strengthen and maintain the integrity of the cell wall, ultimately preventing membrane deterioration and the increase in malondialdehyde in the fruit. Also, using calcium chloride plays a key role in strengthening cell walls, preserving the structure and function of membranes, and increasing the ability of cells to retain water. ConclusionOverall, the findings suggest that pre-harvest application of 100 mg/L chitosan nanoparticle, combined with post-harvest immersion in a 2% calcium chloride solution, yielded the most favorable results across most measured parameters. This combined treatment effectively preserved fruit quality and extended storage life, making it a promising approach for reducing post-harvest losses in Golden Delicious apples.

Investigating the effects of post-harvest application of nanocellulose/carvacrol composite coating on the physico-biochemical characteristics of physalis fruit

Leila Feryidouni; Abdollah Ehtesham Nia; Hassan Moumivand; Mohamadreza Raji

Volume 46, Issue 4 , March 2024, , Pages 569-582

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2023.42926.2078

Abstract

IntroductionFood safety is one of the important issues related to fresh fruits and vegetables. Most natural compounds are degradable and can be a safe compound for human health and ... Read More IntroductionFood safety is one of the important issues related to fresh fruits and vegetables. Most natural compounds are degradable and can be a safe compound for human health and the environment and an alternative to synthetic compounds. Research has shown that the combination of bioactive substances such as essential oils, plant extracts and nanocomposites increases the active effect of the coating as fruit packaging and reduces the rate of fruit deterioration. Materials and MethodsIn this research, physalis fruits were obtained from Khorramabad research greenhouse. Nanocellulose and pure carvacrol (extracted from Satureja khuzistanica Jamza ( were prepared from Nanovin Nano Polymer Company and GC/MS analysis from Khorramabad Pharmaceutical Company, respectively. Also, the combination of nanocellulose with carvacrol was prepared in the laboratory. The experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment with two factors in a completely randomized design with 4 replications. The first factor of material type in specific concentrations at nine levels (control, Car 0.3%, Car 0.6%, CNF 0.5%, CNF 1.5%, Car 0.3 + CNF 0.5%, Car 0.3 + CNF 1.5%, Car 0.6 + CNF 0.5 %, Car 0.6+CNF 1.5% and the second storage time factor was investigated at four levels (0, 45, 90 and 135 days). First, the fruits of Physalis were washed with distilled water, and then the extra leaves and damaged fruits were removed. The fruits were placed in the prepared solution for 2-3 minutes and after applying the treatment, the fruits were placed in a refrigerator with a temperature of 4 °and 90% RH. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the fruits treated with nanocellulose and carvacrol had less weight loss and higher tissue firmness. Byochemiucal analysis also showed the positive effect of the treatments on parameters, so that the highest TA and vitamin C and the lowest amount of pH were obtained in the combined treatments of nanocellulose and nanocellulose/carvacrol. Also, the treatments used reduced the TSS and fruit TSS/TA ratio of the fruits, and the combined treatments had the lowest amount. The nanocellulose coating prevents water loss and reduces the metabolic and respiration processes. Also, nanocellulose/carvacrol composite coatings lead to an increase in the pH of cytochrome oxidase by reducing internal oxygen, and this enzyme increases the rate of ascorbic acid decomposition. By coating on the fruit during the post-harvest period, the aging process of the fruit is reduced the production and effect of ethylene, reducing respiration and preserving the cell wall, which ultimately leads to better preservation of TSS. Therefore, any reduction in metabolic activities causes a reduction in fruit ethylene biosynthesis and action. ConclusionIn general, the results of the research showed that the investigated characteristics of physalis fruit were influenced by the treatments. As treated samples, weight loss was less, pH, soluble solids and taste index were lower, tissue firmness, titratable acids and vitamin C were higher. According to the general results, it can be stated that the application of nanocellulose/carvacrol composite treatments, especially the Car 0.6+CNF 1.5% treatment, showed more favorable results than the application of each one alone in most features..

Evaluation of Some Chrysanthemum Cultivars Using Morphological Traits in Beiran-Shahr, Lorestan Province

Shirin Taghipour; Abdollah Ehteshamnia; Hamed Khodayari; Hassan Mumivand

Volume 42, Issue 1 , April 2019, , Pages 47-62

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2019.22802.1496

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Chrysanthemum, due to numerous applications in floriculture and medicinal industries has been considered one of the most important ornamental ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Chrysanthemum, due to numerous applications in floriculture and medicinal industries has been considered one of the most important ornamental plants and medicinal plants in the global area. In addition to being used as a cut flower, it also has a special place among potted flowers and gardens. Also, it is used as a medicinal plant with strong healing properties in traditional Chinese medicine and considered to treat eye diseases, headaches, colds, and etc. However, only a few reports have been presented in the field of genetic diversity of Chrysanthemums by morphological and molecular markers. Therefore, there is a need for further identification of germplasm and cultivars of Chrysanthemums in Iran. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of 15 cultivars of Chrysanthemums based on morphological characteristics and selection of cultivar adapted to Khorramabad region. Materials and Methods This experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the area of Beiran-Shahr, Lorestan province in 2017. Twenty-one morphological characteristics were determined from fresh materials. These traits in accordance with the given instructions describing World UPOV Chrysanthemums, were measured. Quantitative measurements were carried out on 10 leaves per cultivars. Some variables including diameter (branches, petioles, discs, buds and flowers) were measured by digital caliper. The traits such as length and width of leaf, plant height, length and width of the tab florets with ruler were measured. Results Based on data analysis most of the traits in cultivars showed significant differences (p≤0.01). Results showed that the correlation between leaf area with leaf width, petiole diameter and number of leaves has a positive and significant correlation with the probability level of 5%. The most significant and negative correlation (r = 0.99) was observed between number of flowers per plant and number of florets. Based on the results obtained from principal components analysis, seven independent and major components with Eigen values greater than one could explain 89 percent of the total variation. The first component, verified 24.4 percent of the total variation. Cluster analysis of cultivars in Euclidean distance of 26.68, was categorized into two main groups. The cultivars "Avadis" and "Norooz3" in the first group were distinguished from the rest of the cultivars with the lowest height. The "Fariba"; "Ashraf" and "Andiea" cultivars were placed in the group and most abundant cultivars. Discussion Based on the results, leaf size, plant height, number of branches and number of flowers in plant traits were most important in recognizing the diversity of cultivars Chrysanthemum. By using some cultivars belonging to the first cluster with less height and cultivars in the second cluster with more leaves and flowers as a parent, a new cycle of Chrysanthemum breeding program can be initiated.

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Author = Mumivand, Hassan

Investigating the effect of natural compounds before and post-harvest on the physicochemical characteristics of apple (Malus domestica cv. Golden Delicious) fruit

Abstract

Investigating the effects of post-harvest application of nanocellulose/carvacrol composite coating on the physico-biochemical characteristics of physalis fruit

Abstract

Evaluation of Some Chrysanthemum Cultivars Using Morphological Traits in Beiran-Shahr, Lorestan Province

Abstract