G. Gianguzzi

Pomological Traits, Sensory Profile and Nutraceutical Properties of Nine Cultivars of Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) Fruits Grown in Mediterranean Area

In this paper the diversity of fruit quality within nine loquat cultivars, including five international affirmed cultivars (Algerie, Golden Nugget, Peluche, Bueno, El Buenet) and four local cultivars (Sanfilippara, Nespolone di Trabia, BRT20 and Claudia), were investigated in order to discriminate the variation in pomological characteristics, sensory profile, and antioxidant properties. Finally, to evaluate potential bioactivity, antiproliferative activity of hydrophilic extracts from loquat fruits was assessed, at dietary relevant concentrations, against three human epithelial cell lines. Even though the international cultivars confirmed an appropriate level of commercial qualities in association to high levels in antioxidant compounds, the local cultivars revealed the best performances in a wide range of chemical-physical and sensory characteristics. Concerning bioactivity, our results indicate that hydrophilic extracts from all tested cultivars showed concentration-dependent antiproliferative activity with a significant variability of effects between different cell lines and between different cultivars. HeLa cells, the most sensitive and hydrophilic extracts from Peluche, showed the highest inhibitory effect followed by Nespolone di Trabia and Claudia. The results of this trial provide useful information on the pomological traits and the not yet known specific nutritional and functional properties of loquat fruits. Our data, besides helping to promote specific local cultivars, could serve to establish a database that will permit to improve the utilization of specific genetic resources in breeding programs.

Fruit Quality Traits of Six Ancient Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) Cultivars Grown in the Mediterranean Area

ABSTRACT Today, ancient cultivars have been considered obsolete and replaced, leading to a dramatic loss of genetic diversity. In this trial we examined the quality of the six ancient apple cultivars: Bommino, Gelato, Miliadeci, Rotolari, Turco, and Virchiata. Fruit was submitted to the determination of physicochemical traits and a sensory profile was defined by a trained panel using 20 attributes. We also detected biometric data using a specific descriptor list. Obtained data showed interesting physicochemical and sensory traits among the observed cultivars. ‘Rotolari’, ‘Bommino’, and ‘Gelato’ should be used in breeding programs and revaluated for a placement on specific local markets.

Distribution, ecology and conservation survey on the Celtis tournefortii subsp. aetnensis (Celtidaceae: Cannabaceae) populations in Sicily

Results of research on the Celtis tournefortii subsp. aetnensis (Celtidaceae: Cannabaceae) populations in Sicily, based on the monitoring of the various nuclei distributed in the territory, are presented. In particular, two new important unpublished stations located in the southern part of the Sicani Mountains, widespread over an area of approximately 75 hectares, are reported. It is highlighted that the species, besides the lava flows of the western slope of Mount Etna (Catania province), is tied to conoids present in five other disjointed sub-ranges, often with fragmentary and relictual stations: (1) Nebrodi Mountains inland (Cesarò territory, Messina province); (2) Madonie Mountains inland (Gangi territory, Palermo province); (3) northwestern sector, in the Palermo province (Rocca Busambra); (4) southwestern Sicani Mountains (Pizzo Telegrafo, in Contrada S. Biagio and in the Caltabellotta territory, Agrigento province); (5) southeastern Sicani Mountains (S. Stefano di Quisquina at Pizzo Castelluzzo, Agrigento province). In addition to a herbarium exsiccata census, the survey led to a biological and autoecological characterization, to the definition of the current distribution, to an estimate of the number of individuals and to an analysis of its conservation status. The risk status was also assessed and the species was ascribed to the category Endangered (EN), in accordance with the B1ab(iii) and B2ab(iii) IUCN criteria.

Effects of rapid refrigeration and modified atmosphere packaging on litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit quality traits

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical fruit characterized by a rapid pericarp browning and dehydration during postharvest, resulting in an accelerated shelf life and in a loss of consumer appreciation and consequently of its market value. The aim of our study was to assess litchi fruit chemical-physical and sensory quality changes during postharvest and shelf life using rapid refrigeration (RR) and active modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Litchi fruits were picked at commercial harvest and were divided in 4 groups: not treated fruit (CTR); rapid refrigerated fruit (RRF); modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP); hydrogen peroxide treated and modified atmosphere packed fruit (MAP+). CTR and RRF fruit were packed in microperforated plastic bag whereas MAP and MAP+ fruit were packed in unperforated high-density polyethylene package in which a gas mixture (60 kPa N2, 30% CO2 and 10 kPa O2) was flushed and then the bag was hermetically sealed. RRF, fruit were submitted to cooling in order to rapidly reduce their temperature using a blast cabinet which allows to reach 4° C in 15 minutes in three different steps. Finally, all the treated fruit were submitted to cold storage (5°C) for 12 days. Chemical-physical and sensory characteristics were analyzed after 4, 8 and 12 days of cold storage and their shelf life was monitored after 2 and 4 days at 20° C. Generally, the fruit submitted to RRF treatment presents a more intense red color in particular referring to L parameter and the best chemical-physical characteristics. Moreover, RRF fruit revealed having more consistency, juicy flesh, fruity flavour and exotic flavour after 4 days and of fruity odor and exotic odor after 8 days of cold storage. After 12 days, MAP and MAP+ showed a sensory decay. Finally, RRF technique, by rapid refrigeration, permits to prolong fruit color and taste during cold storage and consequent shelf life.

Quality Changes of Tropical and Subtropical Fresh-cut Fruits Mix in Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Application of passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for shelf life extension of mixed pineapple slices, mango pieces and orange segments, was evaluated. Fruits of Ananas cv ‘Gold’, Mango cv ‘Keitt’ and Orange cv ‘Washington Navel’ were washed, sanitized, peeled and cut. Minimal processed fruits were packed under 2 different atmospheres, passive (air) and active MAP (70% N2, 10 %O2, 20 %CO2), and stored at 10±1 °C with 85±5% RH for 12 days. Changes in package atmosphere composition, weight loss, color, texture, pH, soluble solids, sensory attributes, were evaluated after cutting and at three subsequent stages of storage (the 3 day, 6d, 9d, and the 12 day). Color parameters L* and b* significantly decreased over time in all packaging conditions and L* variation was directly attributed to the translucency phenomenon in the fruit flesh. The pineapple and orange parameters highlighted the best visual score during the storage period, the lowest values of the browning index and the highest scores of all sensory descriptors at each sampling date. Organoleptic attributes have not been influenced by the storage time and no off-flavors were detected in the treated fruit. We conclude that pineapple slices and orange segments can be maintained in excellent condition for up 9 days at 10±1°C following the treatment with active MAP.