Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research
Volume:7 Issue: 3, Sep 2024

The aim of this study was to improve yield, and characteristics of pistachio nuts of three cultivars by foliar application of volk oil and potassium nitrate.

The study was carried out during the bud swelling stage using a factorial design, following a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experimental factors consisted of three cultivars, namely 'Fandoghi', 'Hasan-Abbasi', and 'Haj-Abdollahi', and three treatments: volk oil (1% and 2%), potassium nitrate (KNO3) (0.3% and 0.5%), and a mixture of volk oil and KNO3 (1% volk oil + 0.3% KNO3, and 1% volk oil + 0.5% KNO3). A control treatment was also included in the study.

The results of this study showed that the highest percentage of open shell nuts (52.17%) was observed in ‘Hasan-Abbasi’ cultivar, and the highest fresh weight of 100 nuts in ‘Haj-Abdollahi’ (202.2 g). The lowest ounce (29.07), the highest dry weight of 100 nuts and 10 kernels weight were obtained 76.26 and 26.56 g in ‘Fandoghi’ cultivar, respectively. The use of 2% volk oil treatment was effective in budbreaking, as well as increasing the percentage of open shell nuts and reducing the percentage of balk nuts. Research limitations: There was no limitation.

Originality/Value: 

0.5 % KNO3 increased the fresh and dry weight of 100 nuts and decreased ounce of pistachio in all cultivars. Therefore, the use of volk oil and KNO3 treatments can be effective in pistachio orchards, and increase the quantity and quality of the yield.

The study aimed to provide an overview of tomato loss during road transportation with specific interest in the causes of the postharvest loss, postharvest loss mitigation measures, as well as research focus and trends over the past few decades.

Transport conditions significantly affect tomato quality, influenced by factors like vehicle specifications and road conditions, which contribute to mechanical damage. Post-harvest losses stem from various factors such as the usage of inadequate harvesting tools, inefficient handling and transport equipment, usage of inappropriate packaging materials, poor temperature management and rough handling of fresh fruits as well as substandard road infrastructure. These issues collectively result in substantial losses, reaching up to 60%, notably impacting developing countries. Limitations: The study focused on existing literature published in English. Consequently, it may not offer a comprehensive overview, as other studies with abundant information on the subject might be written in languages not covered by this study’s language restriction. Directions for future research: Future research should prioritize investigating the impact of mechanical stress, such as vibration and impact loads, experienced by fruits like fresh tomatoes during road transport and material handling. Additionally, there is a need to assess the effectiveness of different packaging materials in safeguarding transported tomatoes against mechanical stress.

Environmental stresses are a main disturbing factor influencing horticultural productivity around the world. It will affect all plants including resistant or non-resistant cultivars. So, it is important to find the better cultivars and to check the response to adverse environmental conditions.

Thus, the present research was conducted to evaluate responses of different bearing status of pistachio cultivars including Kalleh-Ghochi (K), Ohadi (O) and Ahmad-Aghaii (A), grafted on Badami-Rize-Zarand as rootstock, for six consecutive years to soil salinity.

ON-bearing trees of ‘Ahmad-Aghaii’ showed the highest yield, followed by ‘Ohadi’ and ‘Kalleh-Ghochi’. In addition, the lowest leaf temperature was observed with this cultivar. Although the highest nitrogen, sodium, carbohydrate, peroxidase and leaf temperature was obtained in ON-bearing trees, however, the lowest potassium and total phenol content indicated in OFF-bearing status. It was found a negative correlation between leaf potassium content and ABI, between leaf peroxidase activity and ABI and between leaf temperature and ABI. On the other hand, leaf temperature increased as leaf sodium content increased.

Research limitations: 

There was no limitation.

Originality/Value: 

From data presented here, it is concluded that salinity and Na accumulation might be effective in changing the response of the pistachio cultivar under harsh environmental conditions which affects yield component and alternate bearing index.

This study examined the influence of various storage conditions on Thompson seedless (Vitis vinifera) grapes quality.

Grapes were stored under four conditions: control (room temperature i.e., 20-22°C, no SO2), T1 with SO2 sheets at room temperature i.e., 20-22°C, T2 with SO2 sheets in cold storage at 1°C and T3 without SO2 sheets in cold storage at 1°C. Changes in acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total anthocyanin content, total phenols, sugars (glucose and fructose), trans-resveratrol, decay %, weight loss % and antioxidant activity were monitored over 60 days.

The findings revealed a synergistic effect between SO2 and cold storage. Grapes stored with both SO2 sheets and cold storage (T1) exhibited the slowest decline in anthocyanin, phenols and antioxidant activity of 211.06 mg/L, 2102.39 mg/L and 7.19 mM DPPH, respectively after 60 days. T1 grapes found to have slower reduction in sugars and trans-resveratrol concentration i.e., 15.47 to 15.37 g/100mL and 695 to 516 µg/g, respectively compared to control samples 15.47 to 14.81 g/100mL and 695 to 500 µg/g, respectively.

Research limitations: 

The study focused solely on storage conditions of Thompson seedless variety grapes, limiting the generalizability of the findings to different grape varieties and maturity levels.

Originality/value: 

These results highlighted the importance of proper storage techniques, particularly the combined use of SO2 and cold storage, for maintaining grape quality and extending shelf life.

This experiment was carried out to examine the impacts of glycine betaine (GB) and methionine (Met) on basil plants' biochemical and morphological traits in two experiments under greenhouse conditions at Guilan University, Iran.

Two completely randomized plans were used for the experiment, each involving three replications. The experiment factors during the first experiment were various amounts of GB (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg. L-1), and in the second experiment, we utilized four Met quantities (0, 50, 100, and 150 mg L-1).

The results showed that GB utilized at 150 mg L-1 led to the maximum leaf fresh and dry weight, stem dry weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total antioxidants, and leaf calcium and nitrogen content. The treatments with GB had a 1000 seed weight higher than the control. According to the results, leaf fresh and dry weight, root dry weight, and chlorophyll a and b in control were significantly higher than other Met treatments. Root fresh weight and the florets number per plant in control and 50 mg L-1 Met were significantly higher than in other treatments. Besides, the 50 mg L-1 Met treatments resulted in higher total phenol, antioxidants, and leaf phosphorus content than the control.

Research limitations:

 No limitations were found.

Originality/Value:

 The findings of this experiment demonstrate that the use of Met in greenhouse conditions does not have significant effects on basil plants, but GB has significant effects.

Sawdust, a by-product of wood workplaces, poses environmental contamination and reduces workspace efficiency. This research aimed at recycling sawdust from rain tree by incorporating its extracts into gelatin films to create active films with antifungal properties against Aspergillus flavus.

Sawdust was extracted by microwave with various solvents and electrical powers. The extract (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2%) were then tested for A. flavus inhibition. The extract was also incorporated with gelatin for making wrapped films and tested for inhibition potential on garlic inoculated with A. flavus.

The optimal microwave extraction condition utilized a solvent mixture comprising distilled water and 95% ethanol in a 1:1 v/v ratio, applying 100 watts of electrical power for 30 seconds, repeated 5 times. This method yielded 23.26 mg/g of tannin. Furthermore, the 2% concentration of the extract significantly inhibited both mycelium growth and spore germination of A. flavus (P<0.05) when tested on a petri dish. Additionally, incorporating 2% of the crude extract into gelatin film resulted in the most favorable outcome. This treatment demonstrated the capability to prolong the shelf life of wounded-inoculated garlic for more than 12 days.

Research limitations:

 No limitations were found.

Originality/Value: 

Sawdust originating from a rain tree can be recycled biodegrable actine gelatin films against A. flavus, a field-bomepathogen in garlic.

Bananas have been experiencing increased production worldwide due to increased cultivated areas over the last three decades. However, postharvest losses of bananas are the major concern due to their highly perishable nature and therefore require appropriate treatments and storage methods to extend storage life. This study evaluates the effects of Aloe vera coating and storage temperatures on the physiological changes, and sensorial attributes of Lantundan and Cavendish bananas.

These fruits were coated with Aloe vera and stored at 10°C or 25 ± 2°C and relative humidity of 70-75% or 50-55% respectively. The fruits were evaluated every 2 days for 10 days.

Aloe vera treatment reduced weight loss, inhibited peel colour changes, delayed total soluble solids and titratable acidity changes, and minimised decay of the two banana cultivars. Coating did not significantly affect taste and overall acceptability, although panelists preferred coated bananas. The combined effects of Aloe vera coating and storage at 10°C was the most effective treatment in maintaining Lantundan and Cavendish bananas qualities.

Research limitations: 

This study could not measure endogenous ethylene and respiration to ascertain their impact on peel colour changes to a lack of equipment.

Originality/Value: 

It therefore extended the shelf life of the fruits to 10 days, compared with uncoated bananas which had a shorter shelf life of 6 days.