Abstract – Introduction. The susceptibility of banana fruit to crown rot andanthracnose, the two main banana post-harvest diseases, is influenced by many pre-harvestabiotic factors. Mycosphaerella leaf spot diseases (MLSD) of bananas arebiotic pre-harvest factors, which have an influence on fruit physiology. The fruit’ssusceptibility to post-harvest diseases may also be influenced by foliar diseases causedby M. fijiensis, responsible for black leaf streak disease (BLSD), andM. musicola, which causes sigatoka disease (SD). The aim of our studywas to determine the influence of these biotic pre-harvest factors on banana fruit’ssusceptibility to crown rot and anthracnose. Materials and methods. A diseaseseverity gradient was established in two experimental fields (Cameroon for BLSD andGuadeloupe for SD) where, at the flowering stage, six different levels of MLSD severitywere selected. Fruit susceptibility was determined through necrotic surface assessmentsafter artificial inoculation by Colletotrichum musae on the 3rd hand ofharvested bunches. Results and discussion. BLSD significantly influencedbanana sensitivity to crown rot (P < 0.001) but only had a slighteffect on the development of anthracnose ( P = 0.041). SD had no effect(P > 0.05) on banana susceptibility to either post-harvest disease.These results are discussed with emphasis on the influence of variations in thesource-sink ratio on fruit physiology. The influence of BLSD on crown rot disease suggeststhe need to take into account the management of these foliar diseases for an alternativecontrol method of post-harvest diseases through integrated pest management programs.

Introduction. Mango-based orchards in Senegal occur in a large diversity of cropping systems, but few typologies of these systems exist and none are associated with their comprehensive and quantitative analysis. In this study we defined and characterized the typology of these systems based on a quantitative assessment of their planting design, management, vegetative state, hedgerow structure and infestation by a major pest of mango, the Bactrocera invadens fly. Materials and methods. Multivariate analysis and clustering methods were applied to data from 64 mango-based orchards and their surrounding hedgerows sampled in the Dakar and Thiès regions, in Senegal. Results and discussion. Four types of cropping systems were identified according to orchard design and management patterns: (1) ‘No-input mango diversified orchards’, (2) ‘Low-input mango orchards’, (3) ‘Medium-input citrus-predominant orchards’ and (4) ‘Medium-input large mango- or citrus-predominant orchards’. Orchard characteristics varied among these patterns. For instance, vegetation was dense and homogeneous in system 1, and the mortality rate of trees was high in system 2 but low in system 3. Orchards of systems 3 and 4 were mostly associated with hedgerows with, respectively, boundary-marking and defensive species. Lastly, the number of B. invadens flies was high in orchards of system 4, whereas it was low in those of system 2. Conclusion. The diversity of mango-based cropping systems in Senegal is now well described and quantified. This characterization is a preliminary step that is essential for further studies aiming to improve these systems.

Introduction. Camu-camu is a native Amazonian fruit mainly known for its high vitamin C content. Its composition confers high antioxidant capacity on this fruit and makes it a potential source of antioxidant products. The use of spray-drying with the aid of a carrier agent is a technique that has been applied for the preservation of important components of foods and drugs. The objective of our work was to evaluate the influence of those agents used as shell material on the vitamin content and total phenolic compounds of camu-camu powder juice obtained by spray-drying. Materials and methods. A commercial frozen camu-camu pulp was the raw material; maltodextrin and gum arabic were the selected carrier agents. Processes were performed in a mini-spray-dryer with inlet and outlet air temperatures of 180 °C and 85 °C, respectively, and a drying air flow rate of 700 L·h–1. Laser diffraction was used to determine the particle size distribution of the samples, and sorption isotherms of spray-dried camu-camu were measured using a static gravimetric method. Total phenolic compounds and vitamin C were determined in the raw pulp and in the powders obtained. Results. When using gum arabic and maltodextrin as the carrier agents, the moisture results obtained for the spray-dried camu-camu powders were 2.8% and 3.2%, respectively; the process yield was 84% and 72%, respectively. The spray-dried powder produced using gum arabic presented higher contents of vitamin C [(15,363 ± 226) mg·100 g–1] and phenolic compounds [(6,654 ± 596) mg GAE·100 g–1] than the powder obtained with maltodextrin, respectively (11,258 ± 298) mg·100 g–1 and (5,912 ± 582) mg GAE·100 g–1. Conclusions. The concentration factors for the vitamin C and phenolic compounds in camu-camu powder reveal the effectiveness of spray-drying to preserve the antioxidant capacity of this fruit. Gum arabic was a more effective barrier than maltodextrin for bioactive compound retention.

Introduction. Bananas are harvestedat the green preclimacteric stage prior to sale. The time betweenharvest and the initiation of the natural ripening process is calledgreen life. Black Leaf Streak Disease and Sigatoka Disease are themain foliar diseases affecting banana production. Sigatoka Disease (SD)is due to Mycosphaerella musicola, which frequently causesearly ripening in commercial banana plantations, considered as animportant source of damage. Our work aimed at determining the effectivenessof the removal of necrotic leaves, one month before harvest, onrecovering banana quality arising from SD-infested plants. Materialsand methods. Banana plants (totaling 80) at the floweringstage were selected in an experimental plot. These plants were dividedinto two groups of SD infestation levels: level 1 (Severity Indexat flowering < 10%) and level 2 (Severity Index at flowering > 25%).We divided each group into two treatments: a treatment with no necroticleaf removal and a treatment with necrotic leaf removal. Fruitswere harvested at the same physiological age, at 900 degree-days. Fruitquality was characterized by weight, diameter, % of ripe fruit inthe field and fruit green life. Results. Our resultsshowed that the removal of necrotic leaves causes a reduction insize parameters but leads to a strong reduction in SD effects onthe fruit maturity, thereby preventing premature ripening. Bananaplants whose necrotic leaves were removed produced fruit with a verylong green life. Discussion. Removal of necrotic leaves allowsthwarting the negative effect of SD on fruit physiology. This showsthat the presence of necrosis during the last month of fruit growth isresponsible for this fruit physiological modification characterizedby early ripening. Conclusion. Removal of necroticleaves one month before the date of harvest may be a technique thatcan limit production losses when the infestation level by SD ishigh.

Introduction. Persea americana (avocado) fruit is known to be a rich source of proteins and minerals, as well as vitamins. Although many biological activities have been reported for avocado fruit, far less attention has been paid to the biological properties of its lipid-soluble bioactive substances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antihemolytic activity of lipid-soluble bioactive compounds of avocado fruit. Materials and methods. Antioxidant and antihemolytic activity of lipid-soluble bioactive compounds of avocado fruit was assessed by employing different methods. Also, the ability of avocado fruit to protect fluorescein against oxidant-induced bleaching was evaluated. Results and discussion. The tested sample showed good antioxidant and antihemolytic activities. There was no significant difference between the reducing power of lipid-soluble bioactive substances in avocado fruits and ascorbic acid (p < 0.05). The tested sample showed weak ferrous ion-chelating activity. The sample exhibited moderate hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, but exhibited good antioxidant activity. Avocado fruit showed very good activity against 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride- and hydrogen peroxide-induced hemolysis in erythrocytes. Furthermore, it showed good protective effects against peroxyl radical-induced bleaching in fluorescein. Conclusion. Lipid-soluble bioactive substances of avocado fruit showed good activity in all of the studied models.

Abstract – Introduction. Mango fruits grown underhigh-density planting show a progressive decline in crop yield after14–15 years, due to overcrowding of canopies, which suggests regularcanopy management is necessary. Hence, the effects of pruningtreatment on fruit yield and quality of ‘Amrapali’ mango were studiedin India over two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011. Materialsand methods. Mango trees were subjected to pruning(removal of 50 cm of shoot from the apex) in the month of September2009 with unpruned trees serving as control. Fruits were harvested atthe commercial maturity stage and quality parameters were assessedboth in fresh fruits and following ripening at room temperature [(35 ±2) °C and (80 ± 5)% RH)]. Results and discussion. Fruityield of pruned trees was found to decrease during the first yearcompared with the fruit yield of unpruned trees; later on, itincreased during the second year. Pruning resulted in significantlyhigher fruit weight, fruit firmness, total carotenoids, antioxidantcapacity and total phenolic content. Early maturity of fruits wasobserved from unpruned trees with faster color change, higher totalsoluble solids and lower titratable acidity. The fruits harvested frompruned trees showed slower ripening, and lower respiration, ethyleneevolution rate and enzyme activity as compared with fruits fromunpruned trees. Both anthracnose and stem-end rot disease percentagewere reduced in ripe fruits from pruned trees.Conclusion. Pruning treatment appears to be analternative strategy to obtain better yield and quality in denselypopulated old mango orchards.

Introduction. The Brazilian Savannah has one of the richestbiodiversities in the world and contains native fruits presenting high nutritional value.These fruits are the basis for sustaining wildlife and also serve as a food source for thepopulation. Among these, the ‘araçá of Cerrado’ (Psidium firmum O. Berg),a fruit found naturally in the Brazilian Savannah, stands out. Therefore, we evaluated thephysical characteristics, chemical composition, and occurrence and content of vitamin C,carotenoids, vitamin E and folates in ‘araçá of Cerrado’ from the Savannah of MinasGerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Titratable acidity was determined byvolumetric neutralization, pH by potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, moistureusing an oven, ash using a muffle furnace, protein by the micro-Kjeldhal method, totaldietary fiber by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method, and lipids with a Soxhletextractor. Vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids) and carotenoids (α-carotene,β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene) were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. Vitamin E (α, β, γand δ-tocopherols and α, β, γ and δ-tocotrienols) and folates (tetrahydrofolate,5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) were analyzed by HPLC withfluorescence detection. Results and discussion. The araçá presented a highpulp yield (81.43%), soluble solids (11.93 °Brix), moisture (77.46%), dietary fiber(12.32 g·100 g–1) and folates (47.25 mg·100 g–1). It presented a low total energy value of43.19 kcal·100 g–1, and low contents of carotenoids (0.32 mg·100 g–1) and vitamin E(336.43 mg·100 g–1). Vitamin C was not found in the fruit. Conclusion. ‘araçáof Cerrado’ fruit stands out due to its high yield and showed good nutritional value,being classified as an excellent source of dietary fiber and at least a source of folates.Thus, its consumption should be encouraged.

Introduction. Mango productivityis low in seasonally wet-dry tropical areas where breeding programsrequire information on factors affecting productivity of mango cultivars.Specifically, our study tested a novel hypothesis that, among Australian-and Florida-bred cultivars, the greater growth of vegetatively vigorouscultivars would contribute to lower levels of fruit production in comparisonwith less vegetatively vigorous cultivars, in a wet-dry tropical environment. Materials and methods. A field experiment was conductedon trees of the cultivars ‘Kensington Pride’ and ‘Strawberry’, both polyembryoniccultivars, and ‘Haden’, ‘Irwin’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’, all monoembryoniccultivars. Results. Shoot growth was recorded overtwo years; in both years the polyembryonic cultivars produced morenew shoot length than the monoembryonic cultivars; ‘Irwin’ was theleast vigorous cultivar in both years. Across cultivars, there wasa negative relationship between normalised (by flowering intensity andcanopy area) fruit number or yield and vegetative vigour as representedby new shoot length. Conclusion. The results supportedthe hypothesis that the greater shoot growth of vegetatively vigorouscultivars contributed to lower levels of fruit production in comparisonwith less vegetatively vigorous cultivars in a tropical environment.This is the first study which demonstrates that the extent of seasonalshoot growth had a fruit production cost for mango.

Introduction. Pescabivona is the name of an autochthonous peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] population of the central west of Sicily. In a previous work, this fruit was submitted to chemical analysis, while in this paper, sensory evaluation is considered. Materials and methods. Samples of four Pescabivona landraces were harvested throughout the harvest season. A trained panel outlined the sensory profiles and the data were processed by ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). A correlation between sensory analysis and instrumental data was finally carried out. Results and discussion. The results demonstrated a high standard of quality for the four landraces studied, with some differences in aroma intensity and in some other parameters, with sweetness and aroma being highly correlated with overall liking. PCA did not clearly separate the different landraces as they have the same origin. Some correlations between sensory analysis and instrumental data were verified. The sensory liking was correlated with the main ripeness parameters, as well as with the pulp firmness. Conclusion. The data obtained contribute to outlining a complete fruit profile for product comparison and shelf-life monitoring. As previously verified for chemical parameters, the sensory evaluation indicates a substantial similarity among the landraces. The good agreement between sensory evaluation and composition makes sensory analysis a precious tool to assess quality of Pescabivona landraces.

Introduction. Brazil is a majorproducer of mangoes, but the export volume is still small becauseof the short shelf life of this fruit. The objectives of our workwere to evaluate the effect of modifying the storage atmosphereusing plastic film and temperature, according to different periodsof storage, on the characteristics of Espada mango grown organically. Material and methods. Seven treatments were appliedto the fruits after their harvest: fruits stored at room temperature;at 12 °C / 80–90% relative humidity (RH); washed and stored at roomtemperature; washed and stored at 12 °C / 80–90% RH; washed, packedin PVC and stored at room temperature; washed, packaged in PVC andstored at 12 °C / 80–90% RH; and fruits harvested on the same dayof evaluations, at (5, 9, 13, 16 and 21) days of storage. Resultsand discussion. Storage at 12 °C and 80–90% RH was more efficientin delaying fruit ripening, with minor evolution of peel and pulpcolor and soluble solids contents; this treatment also delayed thedevelopment of anthracnose. Fruits packed in PVC and stored at roomtemperature kept the peel and pulp color for 13 days, compared with9 days for non-packaged fruits. The ideal time to harvest the Espadavariety occurs at 165 days after the onset of flowering, with an indexof “3” for skin color (equal amounts of green and yellow) and pulp color(yellow pulp), and soluble solids of 8.5 °Brix. The low severityof anthracnose found at different evaluation times indicates theprobable tolerance of the Espada variety to the pathogen.

Abstract – Introduction. The Cerrado is a Brazilian biome that has a largeplant heterogeneity. Among the fruit species of the Cerrado, the tamarind stands out dueto its economic potential and use in human feeding. Our study evaluated the physical andphysicochemical characteristics, and occurrence and content of vitamin C, carotenoids,vitamin E and folates in tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) from the Cerradoof Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. The length, diameter, massand fruit yield of tamarind were evaluated. Titratable acidity was determined byvolumetric neutralization, pH by potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, moistureusing an oven, ash using a muffle furnace, protein by the micro-Kjeldhal method, totaldietary fiber by the gravimetric non-enzymatic method, and lipids with a Soxhletextractor. Vitamin C and carotenoids were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and vitamin E and folatesby HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results and discussion. Tamarind pulp iscomposed mainly of carbohydrates (50.07 g·100 g–1) and moisture (35.29 g·100 g–1); it canbe considered a good source of dietary fiber (4.13 g·100 g–1). The pH, titratable acidityand soluble solids are 2.95, 18.52 g tartaric acid·100 g–1 and 44.00 °Brix, respectively.Contents of vitamin C (4.79 mg·100 g–1) and folates (59.35 µg·100 g–1) in the tamarind arehigher than those observed in traditional fruits. However, the fruit presents low vitaminE content (108.78 µg·100 g–1). Conclusion. The tamarind stands out due to itsnutritional value, being a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber, and an excellentsource of folates.

Introduction. Small-scale bananaproducers in Tanzania are facing constraints caused by the destructiveactivities of the banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus Germar).Many currently used methods of addressing the problem are ineffective ortoo expensive for local farmers to implement. Materials and methods.A combination of two integrated pest management (IPM) tools (regulartrapping in combination with field sanitation) was tested at twofarmer-managed sites (Bujela and Kyimo) and one researcher-managedsite (SUA-Morogoro). Treated areas were surrounded by untreatedcontrol areas where no trapping and limited sanitation was done.Changes in population densities were estimated by the mark-recaptureprocedure and the Lincoln index. Results and discussion. Aftereight months, weevil populations in the cleaned and trapped areashad been reduced by 33% (Bujela), 33% (Kyimo) and 74% (SUA). Thechange in population sizes in the control areas differed greatly,possibly due to discrepancies in field management between farmers’ andresearchers’ practice. Trap types, areas and sites affected thenumber of weevils captured. Disc-on-stump (DOS) traps captured moreweevils than corm disc (CD) and pseudostem (PS) traps. Weevils respondedmore strongly to traps in the clean area at SUA compared with theother two sites, probably because the more rigid sanitation practicesat SUA meant that volatiles from the traps were less likely to bemasked by volatiles from surrounding residues. Conclusion.Regular trapping with field sanitation can greatly reduce populationsof banana weevils, but strict adherence to method execution is requiredin order to gain favourable results.

Introduction. The Brazilian Savannah presents a wide vegetable diversitythat produces fruit that have unique characteristics and should be better characterizedand exploited. The agricultural-economic exploration of the fruits from the Savannahcontributes to income generation and may play an important role in improving humannutrition. The aim of our research was to evaluate the physical characteristics (diameter,height and mass), chemical composition (moisture, ash, proteins, lipids, dietary fiber,titratable acidity, soluble solids and pH), occurrence and content of vitamin C (ascorbicacid and dehydroascorbic acid), carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin andlycopene), vitamin E (α-, β-, γ- and δ-tocopherols and tocotrienols) and folates(tetrahydrofolate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate) in pequi fromthe Savannah of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials and methods. Analyses ofcarotenoids and vitamin C were carried out by HPLC-DAD, and vitamin E and folates by HPLCwith fluorescence detection. Results. The pulp of cooked pequi presented highcontents of dietary fiber (9.9 g·100 g–1), lipids (33 g·100 g–1), carotenoids (8.11 mg·100g–1), vitamin C (14.33 mg·100 g–1), vitamin A (514.38 RAE·100 g–1) and total energy(317.19 kcal·100 g–1). Contents of folates and vitamin E were 5.1 μg·100 g–1 and 110.52μg·100 g–1, respectively. Conclusion. The pulp of cooked pequi presents ahigh energy value, as well as elevated contents of dietary fiber and lipids. It is a goodsource of vitamin C and an excellent source of vitamin A. The nutritional value and thewide availability of pequi make it an important tool for the reduction of food andnutritional insecurity.

Introduction. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit that isfamous for its edible pulp. This edible pulp makes up only 30% of the total fruit, whilethe remaining pericarp and seed are regarded as waste. Facing the increasing public demandfor naturally safe foods and products, our study aimed to elucidate the antioxidantcapacity and antibacterial activity of different parts of mangosteen, including thepericarp, pulp and seed. Materials and methods. The antioxidant capacities ofmangosteen’s pericarp, pulp and seed extracts were determined using the ferric reducingantioxidant power (FRAP) assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, whereasantibacterial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method.Results. The pericarp extract exhibited higher antioxidant capacities thanthose of pulp and seed extracts, with a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC)value of 122.00 µM·g–1 and ferrous sulphate equivalent antioxidant capacity (FEAC) valueof 18.99 mM·g–1. All mangosteen extracts showed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC11632, while only the pericarp extract was effectiveagainst Bacillus cereus ATCC10876. No inhibition againstEscherichia coli ATCC10536 was observed. Conclusion. Theoutcomes of our study could facilitate future application of mangosteen waste as abiopreservative in the food industry.

Introduction. Nypa fruticans is one of the mangrove plantsin Malaysia. Leaves of the plant are traditionally used for thatching, while the sap isuseful for producing an alcoholic drink, sugar and syrup, as well as vinegar. At present,N. fruticans fruit is considered as an underutilized fruit. Its flesh(endocarp) is considered nutritionally inferior. Hence, our study aimed to determine theproximate composition and total phenolic content of ripe and unripe flesh ofN. fruticans to explore its food uses as a source of nutrients.Materials and methods. Determination of proximate content followed the AOACmethods, while total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagentassay. Results and discussion. The results showed significant differences forall the proximate values (moisture content, ash, carbohydrate, crude protein, crude fat,and insoluble and soluble fiber) between the ripe and unripe flesh of the fruit. The fleshof ripe fruit also had higher (P < 0.05) total phenolic content thanits unripe counterpart. Conclusion. The ripe and unripe flesh of Nypafruticans could potentially be used as functional food ingredients in thefuture.

 Introduction. Pithecellobiumdulce is a legume native to tropical America that producesedible arils which can be white or red. The plant is also grownin Asia and, to date, predominantly fruits produced in Asia havebeen the subject of scientific studies. We studied white and redarils produced in America. Materials and methods. Whitearil and red aril fruits were evaluated in an array of reagent-basedassays to determine nutritional and nutraceutical properties. Resultsand discussion. White arils and red arils showed similarphysicochemical characteristics, with high content of vitamin C(79.7–82.6 mg·100 g–1 fresh weight) and dietary fiber (5.83–6.12%fw). The anthocyanin content of red arils (29.5 mg·100 g–1 fw, ascyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents) was similar to that of strawberry.Total phenolics (517 mg·100 g–1 fw, as gallic acid equivalents)and antioxidant activities (ABTS, 224 mg; DPPH, 223 mg, as vitaminC equivalents) of red arils were 1.3 times higher than those inwhite arils. The methanolic extract of red arils showed a higherα-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 2.9 mg·mL–1) than acarbose (IC50 4.9 mg·mL–1).The methanolic extract [(50, 100 and 500) μg per tube] of red and whitearils showed positive-strong antimutagenic activities (inhibitionin the range 25–70%) in the assay (Salmonella typhimurium YG1024strain, 1-nitropyrene as mutagen, 200 ng per tube). We are reportingfor the first time remarkably high characteristics (i.e., antioxidant,inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase and content of dietaryfiber) of P. dulce fruits, mainly of the red ones;properties which combined permit us to suggest that consumptionof these fruits could have beneficial health effects in people withdiabetes.