Maturity Assessment of Different Table Grape Cultivars Grown at Six Different Altitudes in Lebanon.

Table grapes are harvested based on well-known maturity indices that must be monitored after fruit veraison. The aim of this study was to assess these indices across multiple locations and environmental conditions, encompassing different table grape cultivars such as Black Pearl, Crimson Seedless, Superior Seedless, and Red Globe. For this reason, grape sampling was conducted across six distinct locations characterized by varying altitudes above sea level (m asl) and environmental conditions over the ripening season. The main maturity indices, including pH, sugar content, titratable acidity, berry firmness, and other parameters were monitored over the growing season. Moreover, the quantification of total polyphenols, total anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity was determined using spectrophotometric assays at harvesting. The study has examined the effect of the vineyard's location on grape quality and its interaction with the cultivar and environment. Crimson Seedless maintained a relatively high level of acidity with altitude near harvesting. Black Pearl exhibited a notable decline in both sugar content and berry firmness as elevation increased, whereas Red Globe demonstrated contrasting outcomes. The optimal maturity of Superior Seedless was observed at an elevation of 1000 m asl. Black Pearl and Crimson Seedless exhibited better adaptability to intermediate elevations (650 and 950 m asl), while Red Globe and Superior Seedless showed better adaptability to higher elevations (1000-1150 m asl). Among the studied cultivars, Black Pearl exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyphenols and anthocyanins, while close values were noticed between red and green cultivars.

Quality and Phytochemical Composition of Sweet Cherry Cultivars Can Be Influenced by Altitude.

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are among the most important stone fruits in Lebanon. They are harvested between May and July; however, the introduction of new early varieties in low and medium altitudes (500-1000 m) and late varieties in higher altitudes (1800-2200 m) along with postharvest technologies can extend harvesting season. In this study, physicochemical characteristics along with total phenolic content, total anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity of the most commercial cherry cultivars were evaluated at different altitudes to determine optimum harvesting time. Findings indicated that some varieties, such as "Teliani" and "Irani", are more significantly impacted by altitude than the other varieties in terms of maturity indices. Duration of fruit development was prolonged with altitude, and in most instances, higher fresh weights and sizes were observed; however, fruit firmness decreased. While total phenolic content (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) did not significantly vary between varieties, the antioxidant activity (FRAP and DPPH assays) showed the lowest value in "Banni" and the total anthocyanin content showed the highest levels in "Irani" and "Feraouni" and the lowest in "Mkahal" and "Banni". Furthermore, total phenolic content and reduction of ferric complex (FRAP) were interestingly influenced by geographical locations, in contrast to total anthocyanin content and radical scavenging activity (DPPH) which were unaffected.

Recycling of Faecal Sludge: Nitrogen, Carbon and Organic Matter Transformation during Co-Composting of Faecal Sludge with Different Bulking Agents.

This study investigated the effect of locally available bulking agents on the faecal sludge (FS) composting process and quality of the final FS compost. Dewatered FS was mixed with sawdust, coffee husk and brewery waste, and composted on a pilot scale. The evolution of physical and chemical characteristics of the composting materials was monitored weekly. Results indicate that bulking agents have a statistically significant effect (p < 0.0001) on the evolution of composting temperatures, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrogen forms, organic matter mineralisation, total organic carbon, maturity indices, quality of the final compost and composting periods during FS composting. Our results suggest reliable maturity indices for mature and stable FS compost. From the resource recovery perspective, this study suggests sawdust as a suitable bulking agent for co-composting with FS-as it significantly reduced the organic matter losses and nitrogen losses (to 2.2%), and improved the plant growth index, thus improving the agronomic values of the final compost as a soil conditioner. FS co-composting can be considered a sustainable and decentralised treatment option for FS and other organic wastes in the rural and peri-urban communities, especially, where there is a strong practice of reusing organic waste in agriculture.

Evaluation of Postharvest Maturity Indices of Commercial Avocado Varieties Grown at Various Elevations Along Lebanon's Coast.

Avocado is known to be a climacteric fruit that must be harvested during the suitable physiological maturity stage to achieve the best edible characteristics and reach the required export standards. It is very hard to visually determine the optimum maturity phases in the different avocado varieties for harvesting, especially because of the limited changes in the external fruit morphology during the maturity phase and because the harvest season is extended throughout several months. Therefore, some laboratory analyses are very crucial to determine the best timing to harvest the fruit. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postharvest maturity indices over 3 harvest stages, mainly dry matter (DM), oil content (OC), fruit firmness, titratable acidity (TA), total soluble solid (TSS/Brix), and fruit weight in commercial avocado varieties in regard to different altitudes and agricultural practices. The varieties in this study were as follows: Hass, Lambhass, Ettinger, Fuerte, Pinkerton, Reed, and Horshim growing at different altitudes that ranged from 50 to 400 m in 7 different regions in Lebanon. Statistical comparison of maturity indices under different locations by variety and harvest stage was performed using one-way ANOVA as well as by principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed a high linear correlation between DM and OC over the different harvest stages. During the late harvest stage, the weight showed a negative correlation between fruit firmness and TSS. The minimum oil content % and dry matter % were recorded for Reed variety (8.2 DM and 9.7 OC%) and the highest oil content % and dry matter % were recorded for Fuerte variety (28.5 DM and 21.6 OC%). The data obtained during this study are used to achieve the best edible characteristics and export standards of commercial avocado varieties growing along the Lebanese coast.

Apple Fruit Growth and Quality Depend on the Position in Tree Canopy.

Modern apple orchard systems should guarantee homogeneity of fruit internal and external qualities and fruit maturity parameters. However, when orchards reach productive age, a variation of these parameters takes place and mostly it is related to uneven light distribution within the tree canopy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the canopy position's effect on fruit internal and external quality parameters. This is the first study where all the main fruit quality and maturation parameters were evaluated on the same trees and were related to the light conditions and photosynthetic parameters. Four fruit positions were tested: top of the apple tree, lower inside part of the canopy, and east and west sides of the apple tree. Fruit quality variability was significant for fruit size, blush, colour indices, total sugar content, dry matter concentration, accumulation of secondary metabolites and radical scavenging activity. Fruit position in the canopy did not affect flesh firmness and fruit maturity parameters such as the starch index, Streif index and respiration rate. At the Lithuanian geographical location (55°60' N), significantly, the highest fruit quality was achieved at the top of the apple tree. The tendency was established that apple fruits from the west side of the canopy have better fruit quality than from the east side and it could be related to better light conditions at the west side of the tree. Inside the canopy, fruits were distinguished only by the higher accumulation of triterpenic compounds and higher content of malic acid. Light is a main factor of fruit quality variation, thus all orchard management practices, including narrow two-dimensional tree canopies and reflecting ground covers which improve light penetration through the tree canopy, should be applied.

Growth, respiration and physicochemical changes during the maturation of cacao fruits.

BACKGROUND: Cacao is important for the economy of many countries in the humid tropics. Its quality is affected when fruits are not collected at the optimal harvest point. The aim of this study was to obtain maturity indices for producers to facilitate the timely harvest and improve the development of fermentation and the sensorial quality of cacao. The growth and respiration processes, and the physicochemical changes during the maturation of three cacao genotypes were determined. Physiological follow-ups measuring fruit length and diameter were performed from 30 days after anthesis to fruit deterioration in the tree. RESULTS: Growth equations were obtained, establishing four maturity stages based on days after anthesis, and fruit length and diameter. Nineteen descriptors were used for the characterization, and through Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis (PCA), five descriptors were identified as representative of the maturity stages of the cacao fruit. PCA results and respiration measurements established that stage 3 presented the highest substrate availability for obtaining good fermentation and quality cacao. This stage showed values between 124 and 197 days after anthesis with lengths between 167.7 and 249.73 mm, and diameters between 64.4 and 95.8 mm, according to the locality. CONCLUSION: Three growth phases of the cacao fruits were established considering days after anthesis. Both the edaphoclimatic conditions and the cacao genotype characteristics influenced this determination. Stage 3 of fruit maturation shows the best physicochemical conditions for good fermentation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diversity and population distribution of nematodes associated with honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) and rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

Nematodes are important soil organisms that constitute a key component of the soil ecosystem. A plant-parasitic survey was conducted to identify the diversity of nematodes associated with two endemic tea plants, honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) and rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) in the Western Cape province of South Africa. A total of 20 farmlands were surveyed and soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of plants, for nematode isolation and identification based on morphological characters. Confirmation of the species of plant-parasitic nematodes was done using molecular-based tools. Nematodes were classified into various feeding groups based on their colonizer-persister (c-p) values. Plant-feeding nematodes identified from the honeybush tea plants include; Criconema mutabile, Meloidogyne hapla, M. javanica, and Xiphinema oxycaudatum, while Hoplolaimus sp., Neodolichorhynchus estherae and Pratylechus bolivianus were pathogenic on the rooibos monocultures. Bacterial and fungal feeders (Cephalobidae and Rhabditidae) were also abundant and frequently encountered in all samples. The study provides information on the diversity of nematodes associated with the indigenous herbal tea plants of South Africa.

Physical and chemical properties of Camellia oleifera shell composts with different additives and its maturity evaluation system.

The effects of different additives on the compost of Camellia oleifera shell were characterized and a maturity evaluation system for the obtained compost was established. Four treatments were designed as C. oleifera shell with C. oleifera seed meal (A1), with C. oleifera seed cake (A2), with sheep manure (A3), and with spent mushroom substrate (A4). A3 had the longest thermophilic phase (over 50 °C) and shortest cooling phase. Compared with A1, the thermophilic phase of A2 was postponed 11 days due to the high lipid content, but terminated almost at the same time. The temperature of A4 increased slowly and took longer time to reach ambient. C/N, pH, E4/E6, and NH4+-N decreased along with composting process, while TN, GI, and NO3--N were opposite. Based on the Pearson correlation analysis with the Solvita maturity index as a reference, the result indicated that TN, C/N, GI, NH4+-N, and pH can be used for the maturity evaluation.

Thermophilic ligno-cellulolytic fungi: The future of efficient and rapid bio-waste management.

To accelerate the process of decomposition using consortia of thermophilic ligno-cellulolytic fungi, different crop residues viz. sorghum (SG), soybean (SS), maize (MS), sugarcane (SC), cotton (CS) and pigeon pea (PS) with a varied C:N ratio and sawdust (SD) having high lignin content were collected and used for decomposition process. Compost quality assessed by evaluating different maturity and stability indices at five succeeding stages [first mesophilic (M1), thermophilic (T), second mesophilic (M2), cooling (C) and humification (H)]. A significant reduction was observed in the C:N ratio, biodegradability index, nitrification index, ratio of water-soluble carbon to organic nitrogen (WSC/Org.N) with an increase in concomitant over time while Ash (%), organic matter loss (%), CEC/TOC ratio, cellulose biodegradation ratio (BR) and lignin/cellulose ratio were significantly increased with time. By correlation study, biodegradability index (BI) and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis emerged as the most suitable compost maturity and stability parameters, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) results confirmed that BI, BR, WSC/Org. N and FDA can be regarded as key indicators for assessing compost quality. Our findings conclude that fungal consortia of Tricoderma viride, Rhizomucor pusillus, Aspergillus awamori and Aspergillus flavus can accelerate decomposition time from 8 to 12 months (which is normal farming practice) to 120 days.

Influence of biochar on physico-chemical and microbial community during swine manure composting process.

Excessive nutrients and toxic gas emissions from animal manure management are of great global concern, with negative environmental and economic consequences worldwide. Due to biochar recalcitrance and sorption properties, this study investigated the effect of the biochar(BC) derived from bamboo, amendment on swine manure(SM) composting efficiency through physical, physio-chemical, gaseous emissions, microbiological, and phytotoxic analysis during the 56 day process of in-vessel composting. The treatments were set-up from different ratios of biochar to swine manure mixed with sawdust(SD)(i.e. SM + SD + 3%BC(T1), SM:SD + 5 %BC(T2) and SM:SD + 10 %BC (T3)), while treatment without biochar amendment was used as a control, SM:SD(C). The results showed that, compared to the control, biochar amended compost mixtures had significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05) bulk density, organic matter(OM), C:N ratio, NH3 emission, pathogenic microorganisms, and phytotoxicity effect (Cress seed, Lepidium sativum Linn.). On the other hand, biochar amendment mixtures had increased total porosity, water holding capacity, rapid thermophilic temperature, and nitrate nitrogen. However, with the most prominent effects in terms of the nutrient quality and degradation rate of compost mixtures, the amendment of 10% biochar is recommended for swine manure management through the composting process.

Olive oil polyphenols extracts inhibit inflammatory markers in J774A.1 murine macrophages and scavenge free radicals.

Here we evaluate the olive oil antiradical and anti-inflammatory potential through its polyphenols extracts and examine the influence of olive maturity on olive oil quality properties, polyphenols composition and biological potentials. Samples have been obtained from minor Tunisian olive cultivars (Chemchali, Fouji and Zarrazi) at different maturity indices. Principal quality properties were evaluated and polyphenols analysis was carried out by Folin Ciocalteu reagent and HPLC-UV-MS. Antiradical activity was examined by DPPH and FRAP scavenging assays while J774A.1 murine macrophages were used to evaluate anti-inflammatory potential by analyzing NO production with Griess reagent method and iNOS and COX-2 expression by cytofluorimetric analysis. Our results revealed that quality characteristics, total phenol content, as well as phenolic compound concentrations were significantly affected by the olive maturity levels. On the other hand, the polyphenols extracts showed an interesting radical scavenging capacity and a potential ability to inhibit inflammatory markers at 90% for NO release and 75% for iNOS expression. Thus, our study establishes that olive oil through its polyphenols extracts has a substantial antiradical and anti-inflammatory potential. Likewise a lot of attention should be attributed to olive ripening level in order to decide the optimum harvesting time.

Assessment of maturity indices of rock phosphate enriched composts using variable crop residues.

This study aimed to asses maturity indices of rock phosphate enriched composts using crop residues having variable C/N ratios. There were distinct differences in concentration of NH4+-N, NO3--N, Olsen-P and NH4OAc-K for composts generated from different crop residues, the highest being in rice straw. Water soluble P varied from 3.47-4.45% of total P, while citrate soluble P varied from 32.7-54.0% of total P. Rice straw composts showed lower C/N, WSC/Org-N and E4/E6 ratio and higher germination index indicating that they are well-matured and stabilized compost. The relative order of performance of crop residues in aggrading compost quality was chickpea stover>rice straw>mustard stover>wheat straw>tree leaves. The results demonstrated that all the enriched composts had higher contents of available nutrients and quality indices, indicating that enriched composts could be used to substitute costly chemical fertilizers for crop production.

Quality parameters of mango and potential of non-destructive techniques for their measurement - a review.

The king of fruits "Mango" (Mangifera indica L.) is very nutritious and rich in carotenes. India produces about 50% of the total world's mango. Many researchers have reported the maturity indices and quality parameters for determination of harvesting time and eating quality. The methods currently used for determination of quality of mango are mostly based on the biochemical analysis, which leads to destruction of the fruits. Numerous works are being carried out to explore some non-destructive methods such as Near Infrared (NIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT), electronic nose, machine vision and ultrasound for quality determination of fruits. This paper deals with some recent work reported on quality parameters, harvesting and post-harvest treatments in relation to quality of mango fruits and reviews on some of the potential non-destructive techniques that can be explored for quality determination of mango cultivars.

Postharvest ripening and maturity indices for maradol papaya / Maduración postcosecha e índices de madurez de papaya maradol / Amadurecimento Pos Colheita E Índices De Maturação De Papaya Maradol

Fruit ripening in papaya Carica papaya cultivars varies widely in terms of skin color changes, pulp firmness and shelf life. Most papaya ripening studies have been done using ‘Solo’ varieties. No objective maturity indices have been developed for Maradol papaya, and studies describing color changes during fruit ripening only cover the initial and final maturity stages. Changes in the main quality attributes of Maradol papaya were documented during the ripening process to identify maturity stages and define objective maturity indices to be applied as harvest indices and quality standards. Six maturity stages were identified and quality attribute value ranges proposed as quality standards. Skin color can be considered an appropriate maturity index, b* values are good indicators for early maturity stages, while a* value are better for late stages.

Las variedades de papaya muestran una amplia variación en la maduración del fruto en términos de ablandamiento, cambios del color de la cáscara y vida de anaquel. La mayoría de los estudios sobre maduración de papaya se han reportado en variedades ‘Solo’. No se han desarrollado índices de maduración objetivos para la variedad Maradol, los estudios que describen el cambio de color en la maduración del fruto cubren sólo a los estados de maduración inicial y final. Se evaluaron los cambios en los principales atributos de calidad de papaya Maradol durante la maduración para identificar estados de maduración y definir índices de maduración objetivos que puedan ser sugeridos como índices de cosecha y estándares de calidad. El color de la cáscara puede ser considerado como un índice de madurez apropiado, los valores de b* son buenos indicadores para los estados tempranos de madurez, mientras que los valores de a* son mejores para los últimos estados.

As variedades de papaya mostram uma ampla variação no amadurecimento do fruto em termos de amolecimento, mudança da cor da casca e vida nas gôndolas. A maioria dos estudos sobre amadurecimento de papaya tem sido relatado na variedade ‘Solo’. Não tem se desenvolvido índices de amadurecimento objetivos para a variedade Maradol, os estudos que descrevem a mudança de cor no amadurecimento do fruto abrangem somente aos estados de amadurecimento inicial e final. Avaliaram-se as mudanças nos principais atributos de qualidade de papaya Maradol durante o amadurecimento para identificar estados de amadurecimento e definir índices de amadurecimento objetivos que possam ser sugeridos como índices de colheita e estándares de qualidade. A cor da casca pode ser considerada como um índice de maturação apropriado, os valores de b* são bons indicadores para os estágios recentes de maturação, enquanto que os valores de a* são melhores para os últimos estágios.

Reference Intervals of Reticulocyte Parameters using ADVIA 120 / 대한진단검사의학회지

BACKGROUND: Reticulocytes are circulating immature erythrocytes at the stage just before maturity of the erythrocyte. The maturation time for reticulocyte is 3.5 to 4 days including one day of circulation; therefore, circulating reticulocytes represent marrow erythropoietic activity that is faster than any other hematologic item. To take advantage of reticulocyte parameters, we should first identify the reference ranges and understand the basic information of the parameters. METHODS: We selected healthy subjects with normal Hb, WBC and platelet count in an annual health surveillance of employees of Boramae Hospital. In total, 285 subjects (74 males and 211 females) were analyzed using ADVIA 120. The analyzed parameters were reticulocyte count, reticulocyte indices and reticulocyte maturity indices. The reference intervals were obtained with the central 95% of the distribution. RESULTS: The reference intervals: reticulocyte count 41.8-121.3 (106/ L), 0.9-2.5 (%); MFR (middle fluorescence reticulocyte) 1.3-9.8 (%); HFR (high fluorescence reticulocyte) 0-1.5%; MCVr (MCV for reticulocyte) 100.6-112.7 (fL); CHCMr (cellular hemoglobin concentration mean for reticulocyte) 29.5-33 (g/dL); RDWr 8-10.5 (%); CHr (cellular hemoglobin content for reticulocyte) 30.8-35.5 (pg). According to the maturation of reticulocytes, the volume decreased 20%, CHCM increased 11%, and CH decreased 6%. CONCLUSIONS: The reticulocyte parameters are available for realtime assessment of marrow erythropoietic activity and clinically they will help in the diagnosis and treatment of various anemias.