Open Access
Influence of organic and inorganic fertilizer regimes on growth patterns and antioxidants capacity of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler
(Hindawi, 2022) Zahid, Noosheen; Maqbool, Mehdi; Tahir, Majid Mahmood; Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Hamid, Abdul; Khalid, Muhammad Shafique; Ejaz, Shaghef; Jawad, Rashid; Awan, Shahid Iqbal; Rehman, Abdur; Ali, Asgar; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Fertilization, either in the form of organic or inorganic, always affects plant growth, yield, and nutritional quality of fruit crops. Further, the efficacy of fertilizers depends on various factors, including the area, climatic conditions, and cultivars. Rawalakot has ideal climatic conditions for growing strawberries. However, no studies related to the impact of different soil amendments on the growth habit and fruit quality of strawberries have been conducted so far. Therefore, in this study, different combinations of organic (farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM)) and inorganic (urea) (N 150 kg/ha) fertilizers were used for comparison of growth pattern and postharvest quality of strawberry cv. Chandler. The organic and inorganic fertilizer regimes showed comparatively better results in terms of all the parameters studied. However, plants grown on soils amended with FYM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha and FYM equivalent to 50 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 50 kg N per ha + urea 50 kg N per ha showed 41% and 28% more survival percentage compared to control. Furthermore, the number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, and yield were significantly high in plants grown on amended soil. Moreover, a significantly high amount of total soluble solids (10.0°Brix), titratable acidity (1.18%), ash (0.84%), fiber (3.03%), total phenols (7.61 μg gallic acid/g fresh weight), total flavonoids (7.93 mmol quercetin/100 g fresh weight), and total antioxidants (0.60 activity of FeSO4 mg/g fresh weight) was noted in comparison with control. Similarly, a combined treatment of FYM, PM, and urea also showed good results in terms of all the growth and fruit quality parameters as compared with other fertilizer regimes as well as control. However, the overall results of this study revealed that strawberries grown on soil amended with a combined dose of FYM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha + PM equivalent to 75 kg N per ha could be a potential dose for maximum yield and better quality fruits of strawberry.
Open Access
Effects of modified atmosphere packaging on quality and shelf-life of partially dehydrated red bell pepper
(ISHS, 2015) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Cantalejo Díez, María Jesús; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Open Access
Postharvest handling of berries
(IntechOpen, 2017-09-13) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are highly appreciated fruits due to their unique taste and high content in antioxidant and bioactive compounds. They are rich in phenolic compounds, mostly flavonoids and anthocyanins, which are responsible for fruit color and can exert antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti¿inflammatory, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. However, berries have a short storage life, as a result of their high respiration and softening rate, and susceptibility to mechanical damages and decay. As berries are considered non¿climacteric fruit, they must be harvested at, or near to full maturity, because they will not continue to ripen normally once detached. At this stage, the fruit presents appropriate organoleptic attributes but may become softer and more sensitive to mechanical damage. Thus, it is crucial to be extremely careful during harvest and postharvest handling and to sort, grade, and pack the berries in the field, avoiding excessive manipulation of the fruit. The most extended methods to maintain quality during the postharvest period are prompt precooling and storage at low temperatures. Modified and controlled atmospheres with up to 20-kPa CO2 and 5-10-kPa O2 reduce microbial growth and delay senescence but can affect bioactive compounds with a cultivar¿dependent response observed for these technologies.
Open Access
An approach for the evaluation of efficiency of onion packinghouse operations
(Asociación Brasileña de Horticultura, 2003) Camelo, Andrés F. Lopes; Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Gómez, Perla A.; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
The onion is a major export crop in Argentina and obtaining consistent quality is a matter of concern to remain competitive internationally. Grading is generally done according to Mercosur standards but quality assurance programs are necessary at the packinghouse level. The objective of this study was to develop a first approach for characterizing sorting and sizing efficiency. During the 1998 season five onion packinghouses located in the Valle Bonaerense del Río Colorado (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) were randomly selected. In all of them, variables measured were: sorting table width, bulb transport and rotation speed as well as number of bulbs/sorter/hour. Before and after sorting, samples of 100 bulbs of each size category were randomly taken and closely inspected and their diameters were measured. Sizing efficiency was determined and a Chi-square test was performed to compare observed frequencies of defects with the expected ones within each category. All the studied packinghouses failed to meet the established limits for slight defects and only one of them was able to comply with the standards for basic requirements when preparing Extra class onions. Even when equipment and operational setup were different among packinghouses, the operational flux (bulbs/sorter/hour) was similar for all of them. Differences in sorting performance can be attributed mainly to the sequence of operations and speed of belt conveyors. Equipment and its calibration affected sizing efficiency, with better results obtained with the diverging roller system. The proposed methodology for characterizing efficiency could be considered as a simple and useful tool for monitoring quality at onion packinghouses.
Open Access
Antioxidant activity, organic acids and bioactive compounds of Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth)
(ISHS, 2019-11-25) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Arocena Elorza, José Ignacio; Chanaguano, Diana; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Andean blackberries are considered an important source of vitamins, minerals and different phytochemicals due to their high content in polyphenols, including anthocyanins, ellagitannins and phenolic acids, which present beneficial effects in human health and prevent chronic diseases. Among other factors, harvest maturity and postharvest conditions may affect the concentration of phenolics and the antioxidant activity of the berries. In this study, the effects of harvest maturity and storage temperature on antioxidant activity, organic acids and, polyphenols and anthocyanins concentration of Andean blackberries were evaluated. Blackberries were harvested at maturity stages 3 (light red) and 5 (dark purple), packed in PET clamshells (200±10 g) and stored under room temperature (18±2°C) and cold storage (8±1°C). Organic acids (citric, malic, ascorbic) and total anthocyanins were determined by HPLC, total phenolic content with the Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activity by the DPPH method. The analyses were performed on day 1 and every 3 d during storage. At harvest, similar total organic acids, polyphenols and antioxidant activity were observed in the fruit from both maturity stages while the anthocyanins were significantly higher in the more mature fruit. What's more, some differences in the individual acids were observed. During storage and regardless of temperature, total organic acids, total anthocyanins and polyphenols content, and antioxidant activity increased in the fruit harvested at maturity stage 3. On the other hand, in the blackberries harvested at maturity stage 5, a decrease in the organic acids was observed while the anthocyanins, the phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity remained unchanged. According to the Ecuadorian Quality Standard, blackberries can be harvested as soon as they reach the stage maturity 3. However, at this stage the fruit presented a 5-fold lower anthocyanin content and could result unacceptable for consumers due to undeveloped full color.
Open Access
Extra-virgin olive oil enriched with lycopene: from industrial tomato by-products to consumer
(Wiley, 2024) Fernández Pan, Idoya; Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Ibáñez Moya, Francisco C.; Arroqui Vidaurreta, Cristina; Beriain Apesteguía, María José; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Lycopene is usually extracted from the by-product of the tomato industry using organic solvents (OS) in combination with a physical technique. An emerging physical technique is high-pressure processing (HPP). This study aims to find a method by applying a green solvent (edible vegetable oils) in an HPP-assisted solid-liquid extraction. Three dosages of tomato by-product (10%, 20%, and 40%, w/v) were tested using OS, sunflower oil (RSO), and extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). Lycopene recovery increased with the ratio of by-product to oil, particularly when using EVOO. In another stage of the study, consumers evaluated EVOO that contained two doses of tomato by-product (10% and 20%, w/v). Consumers preferred the EVOO from 10% tomato by-product ratio over that with 20%. Additionally, 83.8% of consumers stated that enriched oil could be deemed beneficial for health. The proposed method considers the fundamental principles of the circular economy and practical industrial scenario to recover lycopene from tomato by-product.
Open Access
Efecto del estado de madurez y atmósferas modificadas sobre la calidad de cerezas cv. Sweetheart
(Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, 2004) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Yommi, Alejandra; López Camelo, Andrés; Godoy, Carlos; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
Se estudió el efecto de cosechar cerezas en dos estados de madurez, así como el uso de atmósferas modificadas empleando PBD y PVC, sobre la calidad de fruta almacenada a 0 °C durante 21 y 42 días, respectivamente. La calidad fue evaluada en base a pérdida de peso (%), color (ángulo hue), firmeza, contenido de sólidos solubles, aspecto de los pedicelos y presencia de podredumbres. La fruta cosechada más madura presentó color, sólidos solubles y firmeza adecuados durante los 21 días a 0 °C, pero el almacenamiento estuvo limitado por la deshidratación de los pedicelos, que mantuvieron aspecto comercial sólo durante una semana. Para ambos estados de madurez, la pérdida de peso fue importante y se registró aumento del contenido de sólidos solubles y firmeza. Sin embargo, la fruta cosechada más inmadura no alcanzó en ningún momento la coloración ni contenido de azúcares de la fruta cosechada en estado de madurez más avanzado. Mediante el uso de las bolsas PBD se logró minimizar la deshidratación y mantener las características organolépticas de la fruta, así como un alto porcentaje de pedicelos con buen aspecto y color durante los 42 días de conservación en frío. El uso de PVC se vio limitado por el deterioro de los pedicelos que afectó alrededor del 50 % de la fruta analizada al término de la primera semana.
Open Access
Postharvest quality of a thorny Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) cultivar
(ISHS, 2019-11-08) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Chanaguano, Diana; Dugarte, N. Y.; Agronomía, Biotecnología y Alimentación; Agronomia, Bioteknologia eta Elikadura
Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth) are highly perishable due to their susceptibility to water loss, softening, mechanical injuries, and postharvest diseases. They are considered non-climacteric, and thus, sold at an advanced maturity stage when the fruit is more sensitive to mechanical damage and spoilage. Harvesting at the proper maturity stage and temperature control are two critical factors in reducing postharvest losses, maintaining quality and extending shelf-life of fruit and vegetables. In this study, the effects of harvest maturity and storage temperature on physicochemical quality of Andean blackberries were evaluated. Blackberries were harvested at maturity stages 3 (light red) and 5 (dark purple), packed in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) clamshells (200±10 g) and stored under room temperature (18±2°C) and cold storage (8±1°C) until visual symptoms of decay were detected. Weight loss was determined daily. Fruit diameter, length and weight were determined on day 1 and colour (L and °hue), firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), pH titratable acidity (TA) and maturity index (TSS/TA) were evaluated on day 1 and every 3 d during storage. The more immature fruit were classified as small and presented lower pH, TSS and maturity index together with higher TA, luminosity, °hue and firmness than the blackberries harvested at maturity stage 5, both at harvest and during storage. Weight loss gradually increased during the storage period in the fruit of both maturity stages with around 9 and 5% after 10 d under refrigeration and 4 d at room temperature, respectively. Refrigeration was effective in maintaining fruit quality and delaying softening and weight loss, with a shelf-life of 3 d at 18°C and up to 8 d in cold storage. The main limiting factors were microbial growth and softening and weight loss at 18 and 8°C, respectively.
Open Access
Effects of gaseous ozone on microbiological quality of Andean blackberries (Rubus glaucus Benth)
(MDPI, 2021) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Arancibia, Mirari; Arroqui Vidaurreta, Cristina; Chonata, Erika; Virseda Chamorro, Paloma; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD
Andean blackberries are highly perishable due to their susceptibility to water loss, softening, mechanical injuries, and postharvest diseases. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of gaseous ozone against spoilage (mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and yeasts and molds) and pathogenic (E. coli, S. enterica, and B. cinerea) microorganisms was evaluated during 10 days of storage at 6 ± 1◦ C. Respiration rate and mass loss were also determined. Ozone was applied prior to storage at 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 ppm, for 3 min. The best results were observed with the higher ozone dose, with initial maximum reductions of ~0.5, 1.09, and 0.46 log units for E. coli, S. enterica, and B. cinerea, respectively. For the native microflora, maximum reductions of 1.85, 1.89, and 2.24 log units were achieved on day 1 for the mesophiles, psychrotrophs, and yeasts and molds, respectively, and this effect was maintained throughout storage. In addition, the lower respiration rate and mass loss of the blackberries ozonated at 0.7 ppm indicate that this treatment did not induce physiological damage to the fruit. Gaseous O3 could be effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of blackberries throughout refrigerated storage but higher doses could be advisable to enhance its antimicrobial activity.
Open Access
Application of gibberellic acid to 'Sweetheart' sweet cherries: Effects on fruit quality at harvest and during cold storage
(ISHS, 2003) Horvitz Szoichet, Sandra Susana; Godoy, Carlos; López Camelo, Andrés; Yommi, Alejandra; Tecnología de Alimentos; Elikagaien Teknologia
Large cherry fruit are preferred by most consumers and gibberellic acid (GA) can be used to increase fruit size and firmness. The effects of a preharvest GA application on quality of 'Sweetheart' cherries at harvest and during cold storage were evaluated. Treated trees were sprayed with 10 and 30 ppm GA when fruit color was straw-yellow (approx. 74 °hue). When fruit reached their commercial color (approx. 21 °hue), samples of 20 fruit/tree were harvested and quality was evaluated in terms of: weight, size, color, firmness, flesh/stone ratio, pedicel aspect, soluble solids content (SSC) and cracking index. Additional samples of 20 units were placed in plastic trays, packed in LDPE bags and stored at 0 °C for 21 days. Fresh weight loss, firmness, color, SSC and pedicel condition were measured on a weekly basis. Treated fruit reached harvest maturity 5 days later than control fruit and were larger, heavier, and firmer compared with controls. 10 ppm GA-treated fruit had the highest flesh/stone ratio, followed by 30 ppm GA and untreated fruit, while no significant differences were found for SSC and cracking index. During cold storage, fruit treated with 30 ppm GA were significantly firmer than those given 10 ppm GA and these, in turn, were firmer than the controls. Fresh weight loss was negligible and firmness increased towards the end of the experiment in all the treatments. GA treatments did not affect color or SSC, but increased the percentage of cherries with commercial pedicels. The 5-day delay in the harvest date, extending the fruit growing period, may be responsible for the increase in size, weight and firmness obtained with GA. These differences were also maintained during the 21 days of cold storage when treated fruit maintained a superior quality to control fruit.