RESUMO
The effect of postharvest dipping treatments with 0.5 mM melatonin (MT) and 1% chitosan (CT) either alone or in combination on quality of pre-climacteric 'Williams' bananas during ripening at ambient conditions were investigated. MT or CT treatments delayed ripening by retaining greener peel, higher firmness, titratable acidity (TA), but lower total soluble solids (TSS) and TSS/TA, weight loss, browning and electrolyte leakage than the control. Total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) in both peel and pulp increased up to 6 days and then decreased and was higher in treated fruit than the control. Vitamin C content decreased up to 3 days, then increased and was higher in treated fruit than control. MT and CT combination exhibited the highest TPC, TFC and vitamin C contents compared to other treatments. Radical scavenging capacity (RSC) of peel and pulp increased up to 6 days, then decreased and was higher in treated fruit than the control. The treated fruit exhibited lower polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and hydrolytic enzymes but higher peroxidase (POD) activities in both peel and pulp than the control. Postharvest treatments with 0.5 mM MT and 1% CT alone or in combination could be used to retain quality of 'Williams' bananas during ripening.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Banana fruit undergo rapid metabolic changes following the induction of ripening. They result in excessive softening, chlorophyll degradation, browning, and senescence during postharvest life. As part of a continuous effort to extend fruit shelf life and maintain the best possible quality, this study examined the effect of a 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) and chitosan (CT) composite coating on 'Williams' bananas ripening in ambient conditions. Fruit were soaked in 20 µM EBR, 10 g L-1 CT (w/v), and 20 µM EBR + 10 g L-1 CT solutions for 15 min and were kept at 23 ± 1 °C and 85-90% (RH) for 9 days. RESULTS: The combined treatment (20 µM EBR + 10 g L-1 CT) clearly delayed fruit ripening; bananas treated with this showed less peel yellowing, weight loss, and total soluble solids, and greater firmness, titratable acidity, membrane stability index, and ascorbic acid content than the untreated control. After the treatment, the fruit also presented higher radical scavenging capacity, and higher total phenol and flavonoid content. The activity of polyphenoloxidase and hydrolytic enzymes was lower, and that of peroxidase was higher in both the peel and pulp of all the treated fruit than in the control. CONCLUSION: The combined treatment (20 µM EBR + 10 g L-1 CT) is suggested as an effective composite edible coat to retain the quality of 'Williams' bananas during ripening. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
RESUMO
In all organs, control of blood flow is important but might be particularly critical for testicular functions. This is because of the very low oxygen concentration and high metabolic rate of the seminiferous tubules, the physiological temperature of the testis, and its location outside the abdominal cavity. Many factors affect the characteristics of TBF in farm and companion animals, such as environment (thermal and seasonal effects) and physiological (species, breeds, age, body weight, and sexual maturity). Thermal environment stress has detrimental effects on spermatogenesis and consequently has more serious impacts on both human and animal fertility. Numerous studies have been performed to assess TBF in different animal species including bulls, rams, bucks, alpacas, stallions, and dogs with varied results. Hence, assessment of TBF by Doppler ultrasonography is of great importance to estimate the effect of high environment temperature on testicular functions. Also, differences observed in the TBF may result from different technical aspects such as the identification of the segment of the testicular artery to be examined. In the current review, we focused on the imperative roles of TBF in various animal species. Besides, we discussed in detail various factors that could affect TBF. These factors can significantly modify the TBF and thus should be considered when establishing reference values in farm animals for better clinical diagnosis. The information provided in this review is valuable for researchers and veterinarians to help them a better understanding of testicular hemodynamics for the proper evaluation of breeding soundness examination in males.
