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At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Spectroscopic evaluation of the surface quality of apple.

Different spectroscopic techniques based on infrared and Raman were used to evaluate the natural wax and related surface quality of apple fruit. Transmission near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was applied to solutions of single wax components and extracted apple wax. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used for transmission measurements of wax films on NaCl crystals, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRIFTS) was used to analyze wax powders, and FT-Raman spectroscopy was explored to examine intact wax layers on whole fruit. The natural wax layers of apple fruit from a maximum of three different cultivars (Jonagold, Jonagored, and Elshof) from three picking dates (early, commercial, and late), three controlled atmosphere storage durations (0, 4, and 8 months), and three shelf life periods (0, 1, and 2 weeks) within each storage duration were examined. Canonical discriminant analysis was carried out on the first derivative NIR and FTIR spectra to describe the information contained in the spectra. Discrimination between cultivars and between storage duration based on wax layer properties was achieved with reasonable accuracy from both of the techniques. Information contained in the spectra of apples from different picking dates and shelf life periods was not significant. Differences between cultivars and storage periods in this analysis mostly related to differences in the number of aliphatic chains (e.g., alkanes and esters) and the presence of alpha-farnesene. No satisfactory results were obtained by means of Raman spectroscopy and DRIFTS.

Fruit↗
PubMed2004

Optimization of extraction of apple aroma by dynamic headspace and influence of saliva on extraction of volatiles.

The dynamic headspace procedure of aroma extraction was optimized on Gala apples (Malus domestica). Two parameters affecting the extractability of compounds were studied: temperature and purge time. The influence of artificial saliva was also included. An increase in purge time and temperature caused an increase in the extraction of volatiles from the apple matrix. The optimum point of extraction was 40 degrees C and 70 min of purge. The study also showed that the addition of saliva influenced the extraction of volatile compounds, but this effect was different from one compound to another. To verify that the headspace extracts presented a global odor representativeness of fresh apple under these conditions of extraction, eight assessors compared the odor of extracts with fresh fruit odor for three different cultivars. With regard to the sensory profiles of extracts, the optimal conditions of extraction were suitable for extraction of volatile compounds, even if cooked apple odor appeared in some extracts. The similarity marks of extracts were low but acceptable.

Fruit↗
PubMed2004

Influence of variety and storage on the polyphenol composition of apple flesh.

Apple is among the most consumed fruits worldwide. It is available on the market for the whole year being a major source of dietary polyphenols. Several studies suggested that apple polyphenols could play a role in prevention of degenarative diseases. The action of these compounds has been partially ascribed to their antioxidative ability, and fruit antioxidants profile is influenced by apple variety and by the postharvest storage. In this work, the polyphenols composition of the flesh of four apple varieties cultivated in southern Italy were investigated by HPLC, and a flow injection MS/MS procedure to quantify cholorogenic acid and catechins was set up. Phenolic composition and the radical scavenging activity were monitored during a postharvest storage of four months. The quantification by flow injection procedure gives results comparable to those obtained by HPLC, and the increase of the antioxidant activity during storage correlated with an increase of the concentration of catechin and phloridzin. This trend is particularly evident for the variety "Annurca" which is a typical product cultivated in the area around Naples. The genetic characteristics of the Annurca variety together with the anticipated harvest time and the peculiar postharvest conditions are likely responsible for this increase of the antioxidant activity.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2005

Morphological, structural, thermal, and rheological characteristics of starches separated from apples of different cultivars.

The starches were separated from unripe apples of five cultivars (Criterion, Ruspippum, Red Spur, Skyline Supreme, and Granny Smith) and evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic viscoelasticity. SEM showed the presence of round granules as well as granules that had been partially degraded, probably by amylases. The starch granules in different apple starches ranged between 4.1 and 12.0 mum. Debranching of starch with isoamylase and subsequent fractionation of debranched materials by GPC revealed the presence of an apparent amylose, an intermediate fraction (mixture of amylose and amylopectin), long side chains of amylopectin, and short side chains of amylopectin in the range of 28-35.2, 3.6-4.4, 20-21.3, and 39.9-47.1%, respectively. The swelling power of starches ranged between 14.4 and 21.3 g/g. X-ray diffraction of apple starches showed a mixture of A- and B-type patterns. All apple starches showed peak intensities lower than that observed for normal corn and potato starch, indicating the lower crystallinity. The transition temperatures (onset temperature, T(o); peak temperature, T(p); and conclusion temperature, T(c)) and enthalpy of gelatinization (deltaH(gel)) determined using DSC ranged between 54.7 and 56.2 degrees C, between 57.1 and 59.1 degrees C, between 60.2 and 63.5 degrees C, and between 3.3 and 4.2 J/g, respectively. The viscoelastic properties of starch from different cultivars measured during heating and cooling using a rheometer differed significantly. Red Spur and Criterion starches with larger granule size showed higher G' and G' ' values, whereas those containing smaller size and amylolytically degraded granules showed lower G' and G' '.

Amylose↗
PubMed2006

Use of the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra signals from polyphenols and acids for chemometric characterization of cider apple juices.

The low field region (5.8-9.0 ppm) corresponding to aromatic protons and the region 1.8-3.0 ppm of the (1)H NMR spectra were used for characterization and chemometric differentiation of 52 apple juices obtained from six cider apple varieties. The data set consisted of 14 integrated areas corresponding to resonances from acids and phenolic compounds. Multivariate procedures based on hierarchical cluster and discriminant analysis were performed on selected signals of the spectra to determine whether it was possible to distinguish the different juices. Cluster analysis was able to satisfactorily classify the six apple varieties. Discriminant analysis, by means of stepwise procedure for variables selection and leave-one-out for cross-validation, was applied to 40 samples from the year 2001, obtaining recognition and prediction abilities of 100%. The most discriminant variables corresponded to poliphenols, (-)-epicatechin, phloridzin-phloretin, and p-coumaric, chlorogenic, and malic acids. The classification model was applied to 12 samples from apples harvested in the years 2002 and 2003, and the prediction ability was 91.7%.

Beverages↗
PubMed2006

Antioxidant and antiulcerative properties of phenolics from Chinese quince, quince, and apple fruits.

To evaluate the health benefits of Chinese quince and quince phenolics, their antioxidant properties and antiulcerative activity were investigated in comparison with apple phenolics as a reference. The strength of antioxidant activity and DPPH radical scavenging activity of these fruit phenolics varied according to different in vitro evaluation systems, whereas the antioxidative property of rat blood increased in all rats orally administered phenolics. Ferulic acid and isoferulic acid were detected as major metabolites in rats given apple phenolics, quince phenolics, and 5-caffeoylquinic acid standard. (-)-Epicatechin and its 3'-O-methyl ether could be detected in rats administered apple phenolics and (-)-epicatechin standard. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer, pre-administration of Chinese quince and quince phenolics suppressed the occurrence of gastric lesions in rats, whereas apple phenolics seemed to promote ulceration. The trend of myeloperoxidase activity was similar to that of the ulcer index. The results showed that Chinese quince and quince phenolics might have health benefits by acting both in blood vessels and on the gastrointestinal tract.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Apple procyanidin oligomers absorption in rats after oral administration: analysis of procyanidins in plasma using the porter method and high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, we investigated the absorption of apple procyanidins, namely, apple condensed tannins (ACTs), in rats using the Porter method and high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The apple procyanidin concentrations in the rat plasma reached a maximum 2 h after administration and decreased thereafter. To investigate the limits of the absorption of apple procyanidins in the polymerization degree, we administered the procyanidin oligomer fraction, which was separated from ACT using normal-phase chromatography according to the degree of polymerization. Procyanidins from each dimer to pentamer group were detected in the plasma by the Porter method. Moreover, by the study using reconstituted procyanidins, polymeric procyanidins influenced the absorption of procyanidin oligomers. These results suggest that ACTs are absorbed and directly involved in physiological functions in the rats.

Absorption↗
PubMed2006

Salicylic acid, ethephon, and methyl jasmonate enhance ester regeneration in 1-MCP-treated apple fruit after long-term cold storage.

Volatile esters, primarily synthesized in peel tissues, are major aromatic components of apple fruits [Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf.]. The use of cold storage combined with 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatment prolongs the life of apples but represses the regeneration of esters during poststorage ripening. In this study, the regeneration of total esters was significantly increased in apple fruits treated with salicylic acid (SA) and Ethephon (ETH) that had been treated once or twice with 1-MCP. However, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment resulted in regeneration of total esters after a single 1-MCP treatment. To determine the mechanism by which SA, ETH, and MeJA regulate ester regeneration, the apple alcohol acyltransferase gene (MdAAT2) was investigated at the mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity levels. Genes associated with ethylene perception were also investigated by RT-PCR. The results suggest that MdAAT2 controls ester regeneration and that MdETR1 plays a key role in ethylene perception and regulation of downstream MdAAT2 gene expression during poststorage. Ester compounds and concentrations differed in peels treated with different signal molecules, indicating that regulation of the pathway upstream of straight-chain ester biosynthesis depended on the regulation of lipoxygenase (LOX) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity by SA, ETH, and MeJA during poststorage ripening.

Acetates↗
PubMed2006

Effect of postharvest storage on the expression of the apple allergen Mal d 1.

Consumption of fresh apples can cause allergy in susceptible individuals. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed to determine Mal d 1 levels in apple pulp using a monoclonal antibody (BIP-1). The ELISA was able to rank ten cultivars according to their Mal d 1 content (between 3.8 and 72.5 mug/g pulp). For the first time, it has been demonstrated that growing conditions and postharvest storage, using three different treatments over a 5 month period in 2 consecutive years, increase Mal d 1 expression at a translational and transcriptional level (3.5- and 8.5-fold under controlled atmosphere storage). Expression of three major Mal d 1 isoforms was observed by real-time polymerase chain reaction over the 5 month storage period, and Mal d 1.02 was the most highly expressed isoform. In conclusion, Mal d 1 gene expression was significantly increased during modified atmosphere storage. Individuals suffering from birch pollen-apple allergy syndrome might experience fewer problems consuming freshly picked apples.

Allergens↗
PubMed2006

Mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial properties of apple puree edible films containing plant essential oils.

Edible films, as carriers of antimicrobial compounds, constitute an approach for incorporating plant essential oils (EOs) onto fresh-cut fruit surfaces. The effect against Escherichia coli O157:H7 of oregano, cinnamon, and lemongrass oils in apple puree film-forming solution (APFFS) and in an edible film made from the apple puree solution (APEF) was investigated along with the mechanical and physical properties of the films. Bactericidal activities of APFFS, expressed as BA50 values (BA50 values are defined as the percentage of antimicrobial that killed 50% of the bacteria under the test conditions) ranged from 0.019% for oregano oil to 0.094% for cinnamon oil. Oregano oil in the apple puree and in the film was highly effective against E. coli O157:H7. The data show that (a) the order of antimicrobial activities was oregano oil > lemongrass oil > cinnamon oil and (b) addition of the essential oils into film-forming solution decreased water vapor permeability and increased oxygen permeability, but did not significantly alter the tensile properties of the films. These results show that plant-derived essential oils can be used to prepare apple-based antimicrobial edible films for various food applications.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1998

Solid-State Production of Beneficial Fungi on Apple Processing Wastes Using Glucosamine as the Indicator of Growth.

Three Trichoderma species, a Penicillium species, and a Rhizopus species were grown on apple pomace at 25 degrees C through solid-state fermentation. The effects of CaCO(3), water, and nitrogen sources on the growth of selected fungi on apple pomace were investigated. Soluble protein and glucosamine contents of fermented pomace were measured as the parameters of fungal growth. The maximum growth of all fungi was established on apple pomace supplemented with 0.05 g of CaCO(3), 2 mL of water, and 0.05 g of NH(4)NO(3) or 0.3 mL of fish protein hydrolysate per gram of pomace. The optimal water activity of the medium for fungal growth was 0.96 at 25 degrees C. This research has provided a clear indication for using glucosamine as a proper indicator of fungal growth in heterogeneous solid-state systems. It also shows potentials for bioconversion of apple processing wastes by beneficial fungi into valuable bioinoculants that are being targeted for agricultural and environmental applications.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Carbohydrate and acid contents of Gala apples and Bartlett pears from regular and controlled atmosphere storage.

Gala apples and Bartlett pears were harvested over two crop seasons at different maturities and growing sources then stored in refrigerated storage alone and in controlled atmosphere storage (1% O(2) plus 1% CO(2) or 2% O(2) plus 3% CO(2)). Before and after storage of 45 or 90 days, the juice from the fruit was examined for carbohydrate and acid compositions and contents. For Gala apples, the type and length of storage had no significant effect on juice carbohydrate and acid contents and compositions, whereas the time of harvest greatly influenced both parameters. Storage atmosphere did not affect the carbohydrate and acid contents and compositions of Bartlett pear juice; however, the source of the fruit and subsequent amount of ripening did appear to significantly cause changes in the same parameters. The carbohydrate and acid compositions and contents of Gala apple juice were within the compositional range for worldwide apple juice. Bartlett pear juice contained significantly greater concentrations of citric acid than shown in previously published studies.

Atmosphere↗
PubMed2000

Effects of hexanal, trans-2-hexenal, and storage temperature on shelf life of fresh sliced apples.

In this paper, the effects of hexanal and trans-2-hexenal, which are both natural molecules characterizing apple aroma, on the microbial population and on color retention of fresh sliced apples were evaluated. In particular, a central composite design (CCD) was developed to assess the individual and interactive effects of the chosen volatile molecules and storage temperatures on (i) the growth of the naturally occurring microflora, (ii) the evolution over time of an inoculated spoilage yeast (Pichia subpelliculosa), and (iii) the enzymatic browning reaction in minimally processed apples. The inclusion of hexanal and trans-2-hexenal in the storage atmosphere of apple slices determined a significant extension of shelf life also when P. subpelliculosa was inoculated at levels of 10(3) colony-forming units/g and abusive storage temperatures were used. In fact, the presence of these molecules in the packaging atmospheres considerably prolonged the lag phases of the inoculated yeast and reduced the growth potential of naturally occurring bacteria. Moreover, the addition to the modified atmosphere of low levels of the hexanal increased the color stability of the products up to 16 days.

Aldehydes↗
PubMed1997

Knotted1-like homeobox genes are expressed during apple tree (Malus domestica [L.] Borkh) growth and development.

Apple (Malus domestica [L.] Borkh) cDNA clones encoding two distinct but very similar kn1-like homeobox gene class 1 homologues (KNAP1 and KNAP2) were isolated using a fragment amplified with degenerated primers as a probe. A fragment corresponding to the homeodomain region of KNAP1 was used to isolate a cDNA (KNAP3) belonging to the kn1-like homeobox gene class 2. These probes were used to detect corresponding gene copies in apple genomic DNA digests, together with other putative members of an apple kn1-like homeobox gene family. The kn1-like homeobox gene probes were also used to detect corresponding messenger accumulation levels in various organs of an apple tree. Transcripts corresponding to KNAP1 and KNAP2 genes appeared to be absent from leaves or floral organs, but they accumulate in tissue samples from elongated parts of the stem. In contrast, KNAP3 mRNAs accumulate at detectable levels in a wider range of both vegetative and reproductive organs.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Gene encoding polygalacturonase inhibitor in apple fruit is developmentally regulated and activated by wounding and fungal infection.

A cDNA encoding polygalacturonase-inhibiting protein (PGIP) from mature apple fruit has been cloned and characterized. The open reading frame encodes a polypeptide of 330 amino acids, in which 24 amino acids at the N-terminus comprise the signal peptide. Apple PGIP contains 10 imperfect leucine-rich repeat sequence motifs averaging 24 amino acids in length. In addition to the 1.3 kb PGIP transcript, the cloned cDNA also hybridized to RNA molecules with sizes of 3.2 and 5.0 kb. Genomic DNA analysis revealed that the apple PGIP probably belongs to a small family of genes. PGIP transcript levels varied in fruit collected at different maturities, suggesting the gene is developmentally regulated. Very high PGIP transcript levels were detected in decayed areas and the tissue adjacent to the inoculation sites of Penicillium expansum and Botrytis cinerea. However, no increase in the amount of PGIP transcript in tissue distant from the decayed region was observed. Wounding on fruit also induced PGIP gene expression but to a much lessser extent when compared with decayed areas. After storage at 0 degrees C for 1 month, the abundance of PGIP transcript in ripe fruit was substantially increased. The PGIP gene in immature and ripe fruit was rapidly up-regulated by fungal infections, while in stored fruit the induction was very limited and concurred with an increase of fruit susceptibility to fungal colonization. Since PGIP gene expression is regulated by fruit development and responds to wounding, fungal infection and cold storage, these observations suggest that apple PGIP may have multiple roles during fruit development and stress response.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Functional response of Euseius finlandicus and Amblyseius andersoni to Panonychus ulmi on apple and peach leaves in the laboratory.

The functional response of adult females of the predatory mites Euseius (Amblyseius) finlandicus and Amblyseius andersoni to larvae and adult females of the fruit tree red spider mite Panonychus ulmi was determined on apple and peach leaf disks in the laboratory at 25 degrees C and 16:8 (L:D). For adult females of P. ulmi the predation efficiency of E. finlandicus was higher on peach than on apple, whereas that of A. andersoni was higher on apple than on peach. Efficiency of predation on larvae of P. ulmi by either predator did not differ significantly between apple and peach. On both plants, A. andersoni had a higher predation rate than E. finlandicus on larvae of P. ulmi. It is concluded that in the laboratory the host plant has a substantial effect on predation efficiency of A. andersoni and E. finlandicus when they preyed on adults but not when they preyed on larvae of P. ulmi.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Investigation of the radiation effects on Brown Rot disease of Golden Delicious apples, inoculated with the fungus Monilinia fructigena.

The effects of 0, 1.5 and 3 KGy gamma-irradiation on Brown Rot disease affecting Golden Delicious apples are investigated. The apples were artificially inoculated with Monilinia fructigena fungus before and after irradiation. Results show clearly that radiation induces a delay in fungus development, even when it is not directly affected. The effect of radiation on the apples' substrate seems to be considerable, being the main factor affecting fungal growth. Radiation doses of 1.5 and 3 KGy do not seem to produce strong differences in the fungal growth. Irradiation, however, is very effective, producing important changes of practical interest for apples infected before or after irradiation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Apple has two orthologues of FLORICAULA/LEAFY involved in flowering.

Two orthologues of FLORICAULA/LEAFY AFL1 and AFL2 (apple FLO/LFY), were isolated from the floral buds of apple trees. Their expression was detected in various tissues and during differentiation of the floral buds. Furthermore, the flowering effectiveness of each gene was assessed with transgenic Arabidopsis. Both AFL1 and AFL2 showed high homology to each other (90%) and a high degree of similarity to PTLF and PEAFLO (70%), which are homologues of FLO/LFY from poplar and pea, respectively. RNA blot analysis showed that AFL1 was expressed only in the floral bud during the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, whereas AFL2 was expressed in vegetative shoot apex, floral buds, floral organs and root. Genomic Southern analysis showed that apple had other homologues in addition to AFL1 and AFL2. The transgenic Arabidopsis with over-expressed AFL2 showed accelerated flowering and gave rise to several solitary flowers from rosette axils directly. AFL1 had similar effects, but the phenotypes of the transgenic Arabidopsis with AFL1 were weaker than those with AFL2. These results suggest that both genes are involved in flower differentiation in apple.

Amino Acid Sequence↗