ABSTRACT. This study examined biochemical changes associated with chilling injury (CI) in sweet potato roots stored at low temperatures and reconditioned at ambient temperature. Sweet potato cultivars BRS Amélia and BRS Rubissol were stored at 6 or 13°C for 4 days at ambient temperature (“ambient reconditioning”: 21 ± 2°C). CI on the outer surface of the roots occurred earlier in BRS Amélia than in BRS Rubissol. The CI index on the inner surface of the BRS Amélia was higher when it was stored at 6°C for 40 + 4 days. BRS Amélia showed higher proline content and electrolyte leakage when stored at 6°C. Ascorbate peroxidase was induced by storage at 6°C for 30 + 4 days in BRS Amélia and from 40 + 4 days in BRS Rubissol. The malondialdehyde and phenolic compounds of BRS Rubissol increased during storage at 6°C. CI in both cultivars was associated with increased peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities. Storage of sweet potato cultivars at 6°C for 50 + 4 days caused severe damage to the roots. Cultivars BRS Amélia and BRS Rubissol showed similar symptoms of CI and can be characterized as being sensitive to low temperatures.

ABSTRACT. Weathering deterioration affects seed quality, especially in areas with excessive rainfall. This study aimed to evaluate the oxidative stress, physiological quality, and protein metabolism of seeds of different soybean cultivars under weathering deterioration at the pre-harvest phase. Six soybean cultivars (BMX Apolo, DM 6563, NS 5959, NA 5909, BMX Potência, and TMG 1175) were subjected to simulated rainfall at the R8 stage. Each level was divided into two applications at 72-h intervals: 60 mm (30 + 30), 120 mm (60 + 60), and 180 mm (90 + 90). Then, the seeds were harvested and evaluated for physiological potential, antioxidative enzymes, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, proteins, and protease activity. The simulated rainfall allowed the variation in seed moisture, promoting a significant reduction in germination and seed vigor, especially at 120 and 180 mm levels. There were also reductions in antioxidative enzyme activity with weathering deterioration (mainly for catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase), accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and reductions in protein content and protease activity. The proposed rainfall system is efficient in inducing weathering deterioration during the pre-harvest phase and its deleterious effects. Weathering deterioration in soybean seeds in the pre-harvest stage is directly influenced by genotype.

ABSTRACT The curing before storing the tubers is necessary for the formation of damage periderm, promoting greater post-harvest conservation. In which, the rate curing and the maintenance of the quality of the tubers depends on the temperature. This way, the search aimed to determine the effect of the curing temperature on the regeneration of the damage periderm and on the carbohydrate metabolism of cultivar Markies and Challenger potatoes tubers destined for industry. For this, the curing was carried out for 14 days on tubers with excoriation injury and tubers without excoriation (control) at temperatures of 8, 14 and 20 °C (RH ± 90%). The fresh mass loss rate (FMLR) daily was higher in the excoriation tubers. The excoriation injury and the temperature of 8 °C increased the total soluble sugar (TSS), reducing sugars (RS) and non-reducing sugars (NRS) of the tubers of ‘Markies’ and TSS of ‘Challenger’. The excoriation injury tuber the process of cell division was induced in the periclinal plane, forming phellogen, with few layers of collapsed cortical cells. In both cultivars, at 14 °C the new phellogen became more evident and at 20 °C some layers of a new cork were formed. In ‘Markies’ the development of new periderm was earlier than in ‘Challenger’, even at 8 °C. It is concluded that the temperature of 14 ºC provided better curing and regeneration of the excoriation periderm tubers maintain post-fry quality of potatoes destination by industry processing.

ABSTRACT Peppers belongs to Capsicum genus and have a lot of different varieties. They can be different uses such as potted ornamental plants. Retail market for this type of pepper requires the development of a greater number of commercial cultivars with adequate ornamental characteristics as well as an extended shelf life (post-production). Ethylene exposure causes adverse effects in ornamental pepper post-production. Then, the goal of this study was to select ornamental pepper elite lines (Capsicum annuum L.) for ethylene-insensitive. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology of the Center for Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Paraíba, Areia, PB. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design. Eight elite lineages and two control cultivars evaluated at three times 48, 72 and 96 hours after ethylene exposure were disposed in a split-plot arrangement. Each treatment was composed of ten repetitions. The data were submmited to analysis of variance, Scott-Knott criteria (5%), and regression analysis. The leaves demonstrated to be more sensitive to ethylene while fruits were more insensitive. It is recommended selection of UFPB lines: 56.8.24.1; 56.26.15.1 and 56.26.34.1 to participate in trials tests aiming at registration of new ethylene-insensitive cultivars.

Resumen En muchos tejidos vegetales, se ha utilizado el acondicionamiento a baja temperatura (LTC) para inducir respuestas adaptativas poscosecha para superar las consecuencias del daño por frío (CI). Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar si el LTC es eficaz para reducir la incidencia de daño por frío (CI) en cultivares de batata. Las raíces de batata BRS Cuia y BRS Rubissol se sometieron a almacenamiento en frío (6 °C o 13 °C) y LTC (10 °C durante 7 días, seguido de un segundo almacenamiento a 6 °C). El LTC aumentó la tolerancia de las raíces de la batata al IC mediante la activación del sistema antioxidante, principalmente en el cv. BRS Rubissol, que se asoció notablemente con un mayor contenido de fenoles solubles totales y prolina, así como una mayor actividad de la fenilalanina amonio liasa. Además, no se observaron lesiones externas ni internas en las raíces de LTC, manteniendo la calidad para el procesamiento, lo que indica que el LTC es eficaz para mitigar el daño por frío en los cultivares brasileños de batata.

Abstract In many plant tissues, low-temperature conditioning (LTC) has been used to induce postharvest adaptive responses to overcome chilling injury (CI) consequences. This study aimed to investigate whether LTC is effective in reducing the incidence of chilling injury (CI) in sweet potato cultivars. Sweet potato roots BRS Cuia and BRS Rubissol were submitted to cold storage (6 °C or 13 °C) and LTC (10 °C for 7 d, followed by second storage at 6 °C). LTC increased the tolerance of sweet potato roots to CI via antioxidant system activation, mainly in cv. BRS Rubissol, which was markedly associated with higher content of both total soluble phenolics and proline, as well as increased activity of phenylalanine ammonium lyase. Moreover, no either external or internal injuries were observed in the LTC roots, maintaining the quality for processing, which indicates that the LTC is effective in mitigating chilling injury in Brazilian sweet potato cultivars.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com este estudo verificar a eficiência do 1,4-dimetilnaftaleno na supressão da brotação e a consequente manutenção da qualidade de tubérculos de batata das cultivares Asterix e Challenger, em diferentes temperaturas e tempos de armazenamento. Foram testados seis tratamentos, com e sem 1,4-DNM, nas temperaturas de 8 °C e 20 °C. As avaliações foram feitas aos 0, 45, 90, 135 e 180 dias após a aplicação. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: número de brotos, teores de açúcares solúveis totais, teores de açúcares redutores, e não redutores, e coloração dos palitos de batata após a fritura. Os efeitos do 1,4-DMN no controle da qualidade das batatas resultaram no controle da brotação e em menores teores de açúcares solúveis totais e de açúcares redutores, sobretudo na cultivar Challenger e à temperatura de 20 ºC.

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to verify the efficiency of 1,4-dimethylnapthalene in suppressing sprouting and the consequent maintenance of the quality of potato tubers of Asterix and Challenger cultivars, at different temperatures and storage regimes. Six treatments were tested, with and without 1.4-DNM, at temperatures of 8 ° C and 20 ° C. Assessments were made at 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 days after application. The parameters evaluated were: number of sprouts, levels of total soluble sugars, levels of reducing and non-reducing sugars and coloration of potato strips after frying. The effects of 1.4-DMN on the quality control of potatoes resulted in sprout control and lower levels of total soluble sugars and reducing sugars, especially in the Challenger cultivar and at a temperature of 20 ºC.

Abstract Changes in the population's eating habits have expanded the French fries market. However, the need for refrigerated storage to supply sprouts and maintain a constant supply to the industry has led to a reduced number of cultivars suitable for processing due to the accumulation of sugars and browning after frying. Because of this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the Donata and BRS F132 cultivars for use in the pre-fried potato processing industry. The tubers were stored at 6 and 8 °C for up to 180 days and the analysis of sprouting, total soluble sugar (TSS), reducing sugar (RS), non-reducing sugar (NRS), post-frying color by scale visual color used by the industry and L* and b* parameters. The sprouting was higher at 8 °C and in the BRS F 132 cultivar. The sugar content was high in both cultivars, however, the color remained adequate. It is concluded that the Donata and BRS F132 cultivars are suitable for the potato processing industry, and Donata presented better quality parameters. Conditioning at 8 °C is recommended in both cultivars that maintained the quality for 180 days.

Abstract This work aimed to analyze 1,4-DMN efficiency in the suppression of sprouting and the consequent maintenance of quality in potato tubers of Asterix and Challenger cultivars stored during different periods under varying temperatures: eight treatments with and without 1,4-DMN under temperatures of 8 °C and 20 °C. Treatments effect were evaluated after 0, 45, 90, 135 and 180 days after application. The evaluated parameters were the loss of fresh mass, length of the sprouts and activity of the enzymes polyphenoloxidase and peroxidase. The results indicate that the application of 1,4-DMN reduces the loss of fresh mass, this effect was more intense for the cultivar Challenger, at 8 °C. There were also significant effects in reducing the average length of the sprouts for both cultivars evaluated, after 180 days, at 20 °C. There was little or no difference in the level of oxidative stress caused in the tubers. Hence, the effects of 1,4-DMN on the quality control of potatoes included reduced loss of fresh mass and a shorter average length of sprouts for both cultivars evaluated compared to control, for both temperatures. These effects intensify in the cultivar Challenger and treatments with temperatures of 20 °C.

ABSTRACT. Excoriation damage is among the major causes of postharvest potato losses. Curing is known to increase the resistance of tubers to excoriation injury, with the temperature influencing the traumatic phellogen and periderm regeneration, as well as tuber processing quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of excoriation procedure and curing temperature on the industrial quality, histological characteristics, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative enzyme activity of potato tuber. Tubers with or without excoriation were cured at 8, 14, and 20°C for 15 days. Excoriation did not influence the levels of reducing sugars (RS), as well as polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities. The concentrations of total soluble sugars (TSS) and non-reducing sugars (NRS) were higher in injured tubers, while reduction in curing temperature increased the concentrations of TSS, NRS, and RS. However, the sugar content was adequate as per the criteria of the pre-fried potato industry and potatoes classified in category 2 (USDA/fast-food industry color grading). The reduction in curing temperature also increased the activity of POD, despite the activity of PPO remaining unchanged. Formation of a closure layer from the outer parenchyma cells of the tuber that prevents desiccation and death of superficial cells, was observed. This protection was completed with the formation of the damage periderm. Periderm regeneration is faster at higher temperatures, 15 and 20°C, leading to a lower fresh mass loss and no enzymatic or non-enzymatic browning. The excoriation carried out at 14/20oC for 15 days was sufficient for curing, and for maintaining suitable post-fry quality of potatoes.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the storage fruit potential of sour passion fruit progenies at temperatures of 7, 14 and 25 °C. The fruits were harvested at 30% yellow peel color, selected, sanitized and stored under refrigeration in chambers with relative humidity of 80% (± 5%) for a period of 12 days. The experiment was installed in a factorial scheme (3 × 3 × 4), with three progenies selected in the breeding program (P42, P45 and P49), three storage temperatures (7, 14 and 25 ° C) and four evaluation periods (0, 4, 8 and 12 days after storage). Analyzes of fruit mass, pulp mass, pericarp mass, pulp yield, pericarp thickness, water loss, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content were performed. There were significant differences among the studied progenies, P49 showed better traits than the other progenies, mainly regarding the resistance to water loss, the main trait that affects the quality of the fruits. Storage at 14 °C for twelve days is feasible to maintain the quality of sour passion fruit. The temperature of 7 °C inhibits the ripening of the fruits and promotes dehydration, confirming the non-recommendation of storage in this condition.

Abstract Sweet potato fried chips have great acceptance and high market value. Sprouting and fresh mass loss of tuberous roots during storage compromise the quality of the processed products. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), amino-oxyacetic acid (AOA), and ethylene on the physico-chemical quality of fresh sweet potato and its relationship with fried color score in processed chips of cv. BRS Rubissol stored at room temperature. During storage, the weight loss, sprouts number, dry matter content, non-enzymatic browning, protein content, soluble phenols fraction, reducing sugars, total amino acids, pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA) and SS/TA ratio were evaluated. The sweet potato roots cv. BRS Rubissol present good potential for processing as fried chips. 1-MCP and AOA treatments reduced the root sprouting, physico-chemical quality was maintained in all treatments and the fried chips showed less browning in all treatments with storage. Since the sprouting process compromises the storage of roots, AOA and 1-MCP treatments may be applied to extend the shelf-life of roots and improve the processing potential.

ABSTRACT The MeJA has been shown to be promising in reducing the damages caused by cold and maintaining the quality in several products. Nevertheless, few studies are conducted with flowers and there are no studies of its use in bird of paradise. The objective of this study was to determine whether the pulsing application with MeJA submitted to cold storage promotes physiological changes of the bird of paradise. Flowers were placed in solutions of 200 g L-1 sucrose added with 100, 250 and 400 μmol L-1 MeJA and control without MeJA, for 24 h. The stems were transferred to containers with water at 5 ºC for 28 days. During storage, the water absorption, transpiration and fresh mass were reduced, while the extravasation of electrolytes and phenolic compounds increased. The application of MeJA did not reduce the loss of fresh mass and extravasation of electrolytes. The application of 400 μmol L-1 MeJA has increased peroxidase activity since day 14 of storage. It is concluded that the application of MeJA with pulsing under refrigeration does not promote positive physiological changes for the maintenance of the quality in bird of paradise flowers.

Resumo A longevidade das flores de corte é limitada por sua natureza efêmera e por diversos estresses. De forma geral, a diminuição da absorção de água, esgotamento dos carboidratos armazenados, aumento da atividade respiratória e produção de etileno são reflexos senescência floral. Uma ampla gama de técnicas está disponível para estender a preservação de flores, incluindo o uso de conservantes de flores, inibidores da ação do etileno, reguladores de crescimento e controle de temperatura e desidratação das flores. O uso de sacarose em solução pulsante ou como constituinte de solução de vaso pode estender a vida de vaso das flores, melhorando o balanço hídrico, estimulando a abertura das flores ou retardando a senescência devido à menor síntese de etileno. Os inibidores da produção e ação do etileno afetam a longevidade, estendendo a vida de vaso de algumas flores sensíveis ao etileno. As flores têm intensa atividade respiratória, o que pode esgotar as reservas limitadas de carboidratos armazenados nas hastes cortadas. A redução da temperatura reduz tremendamente a produção de CO2 e etileno, bem como a sua ação. No entanto, em flores sensíveis ao frio como ave-do-paraíso, helicônia, orquídea e gengibre não podem ser armazenadas abaixo de 10 a 13ºC devido ao intenso desenvolvimento de descoloração do tecido.

Abstract The longevity of cut flowers is limited by their ephemeral nature and by multiple stresses. Impairment in water uptake, depletion of stored carbohydrates, increases in both respiratory activity and ethylene production are signatures of flower senescence. A wide range of techniques is available to extend flower preservation, including the use of flower preservative solutions, ethylene action inhibitors, growth regulators, and control of temperature and flower dehydration. The use of sucrose in pulsing solution, or as a component of vase solution, extends the vase life of flowers by either improving water balance and energy or delaying the senescence via reductions in ethylene biosynthesis. Inhibitors of ethylene production and action affect the longevity by extending the vase life of some ethylene-sensitive flowers. Flowers have intense respiratory activity, which may deplete the limited reserves of carbohydrates in the tissues. Lower temperatures markedly reduce both carbon dioxide concentration and ethylene production as well as its action. However, chilling-sensitive flowers, such as bird-of-paradise, heliconia, orchid, and ginger, cannot be stored below 10 to 13°C due to the intense development of tissue discoloration.

ABSTRACT The refrigerated induce the sweetening of the potato, which results in the dark color. The objective of this study was to determine the temperature and shelf life of Markies potato tubers under refrigerated storage for the processing of French fries. The levels of total soluble sugar (TSS), reducing sugars (RS), peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity, color after frying and start of sprout were determined. The accumulation of TSS started at 30 days in the tubers at 4 and 5 °C and in the tubers at 6 and 8 °C, at 150 days. The activity of POD and PPO were not influenced by temperature or storage time. Tubers at 4 e 5 °C showed higher TSS and RS contents and darker color after frying than tubers stored at 6 and 8 °C which had their color maintained within the industry-acceptable standard up to 240 days of storage. Temperatures of 4 and 5 °C delayed the onset of sprouting, starting at 150 days, and at temperatures of 6 and 8 °C, the onset of sprouting occurred from 90 and 60 days of storage, respectively. It is concluded that the cultivar Markies should be stored at 6 °C for 240 days.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the storage efficiency and reconditioning of potato cv. Innovator for processing. Tubers were stored at 6, 7 and 8 °C in the dark for 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days and reconditioned at 15 °C for 15 days. TRS and RS were reduced as storage temperature increased from 6 + 15 °C to 8 + 15 °C. Regardless of temperature and storage time, sugar contents were suitable for industry; however non-enzymatic browning remained in category 2 for up to 60, 90 and 150 days in tubers stored at 6 + 15 °C, 7 + 15 °C and 8 + 15 °C, respectively. Starch was influenced by storage time, despite the absence of temperature effect. Regardless of the temperature, sprouting started at 90 days, but the growth of shoots was directly proportional to the increase in temperature. The PPO and POD increased at the beginning of storage but did not cause darkening before the frying. Reduction in storage temperature followed by reconditioning did not delay the onset of sprouting, but reduced the size of sprouts, maintained adequate sugar levels, however it promoted non-enzymatic browning.