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Venkatachalam K, Lekjing S, Noonim P, Charoenphun N. Extension of Quality and Shelf Life of Tomatoes Using Chitosan Coating Incorporated with Cinnamon Oil. Foods 2024; 13:1000. [PMID: 38611306 PMCID: PMC11011822 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of 2% chitosan (CS) coatings incorporated with varying concentrations of cinnamon oil (CO) (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) on the extension of the quality and shelf-life of tomatoes stored under ambient conditions. Control samples were untreated and coated with distilled water. All samples were stored for 14 days at 25 ± 1 °C, with quality assessments conducted every two days. The application of CS-CO treatments was notably effective in controlling weight loss (3.91-5.26%) and firmness loss (10.81-16.51 N), sustaining the color index score (11.98-16.78), and stabilizing the total soluble solids (4.64-4.71 brix), titratable acidity (0.374-0.383%), total phenolic content (75.89-81.54 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid concentration (21.64-33.69 mg/100 g), total antioxidant capacity (85.89-91.54%) and pigment levels, particularly chlorophyll (52.80-63.18 mg/100 g), compared to control samples (p < 0.05). Higher CO concentrations (1.0% and 1.5%) in the CS coating maintained a significant level of phytochemicals in the samples compared to the control group, while CS-CO at 0.5% performed similarly in preserving the other physicochemical qualities. Both CS and CS-CO treatments extended the shelf life of the tomatoes up to 14 days (<6.78 log10 CFU/mL), whereas control samples were only viable for storage for 6 days due to higher microbial growth (>7.8 log10 CFU/mL) (p < 0.05). Overall, CS-CO-treated tomatoes demonstrated superior quality preservation and shelf-life enhancement, with a notable improvement in overall qualities as compared to the CS and control samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Venkatachalam
- Faculty of Innovative Agriculture and Fishery Establishment Project, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Makham Tia, Mueang, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand; (K.V.); (S.L.); (P.N.)
| | - Somwang Lekjing
- Faculty of Innovative Agriculture and Fishery Establishment Project, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Makham Tia, Mueang, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand; (K.V.); (S.L.); (P.N.)
| | - Paramee Noonim
- Faculty of Innovative Agriculture and Fishery Establishment Project, Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Makham Tia, Mueang, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand; (K.V.); (S.L.); (P.N.)
| | - Narin Charoenphun
- Faculty of Science and Arts, Burapha University Chanthaburi Campus, Khamong, Thamai, Chanthaburi 22170, Thailand
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Poovathumkadavil Thambi N, Rani P, Sharma M, Katoch M. A combinatorial approach of Monarda citriodora essential oil (MEO) and linalool vapors to control fruit rot of Citrus limon caused by a new pathogen, Aspergillus foetidus, and its underlying mode of action. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad292. [PMID: 38040653 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Citrus limon (lemon) is a widely cultivated citrus fruit. Significant postharvest losses due to fungi plague its production. Environmental and human health hazards have made the application of synthetic fungicides unsuitable. Despite the previous reports of antifungal activities of essential oil (EO) vapors, their synergistic combinations are understudied. Synergistic vapor combinations are advantageous due to less concentration of active components. This study aimed to isolate and identify postharvest fungal pathogens lemon and to evaluate the antifungal effects of synergistic Monarda citriodora EO (MEO)-constituent vapor combinations in vivo and in vitro. METHODS AND RESULTS Postharvest fungal pathogens of lemon (C. limon) were isolated from various infected samples. The most pathogenic isolate was identified through morphology and its ITS-based rRNA gene sequencing as Aspergillus foetidus (O4). This is the first report of A. foetidus as a postharvest pathogen of lemon. The minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of MEO vapors treatment against O4 were 1346.15 µL/L air. For carvacrol, hexanal, and linalool, MFC was same (96.16 µL/L air). Checkerboard assays demonstrated that 1/4 MFC of MEO (336.54 µL/L air) and 1/4 MFC of linalool (24.04 µL/L air) (M + L) were synergistic against O4. M + L vapors reduced the O4 growth on lemons during storage by 64% ± 1.50% and preserved their quality (low weight loss %, unchanged pH, increased ascorbic acid content). Propidium iodide staining, ergosterol content analysis, calcofluor white staining and chitin content analysis revealed the integrity loss of the O4 plasma membrane and cell wall. 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining revealed accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis exposed the M + L treated mycelia with malformations. CONCLUSIONS M + L vapors offer protection for lemons from A. foetidus and preserve their quality during storage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pragya Rani
- Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Mohini Sharma
- Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
| | - Meenu Katoch
- Fermentation and Microbial Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu 180001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine-CSIR, Jammu 180001, India
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Preharvest Application of Commercial Products Based on Chitosan, Phosphoric Acid Plus Micronutrients, and Orange Essential Oil on Postharvest Quality and Gray Mold Infections of Strawberry. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415472. [PMID: 36555113 PMCID: PMC9779177 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Strawberry is a perishable fruit with a limited shelf life after harvest due to deterioration of quality and the development of gray mold, Rhizopus rot and other minor diseases. In this study, the effectiveness of commercial compounds based on chitosan, phosphoric acid plus micronutrients, and sweet orange essential oil (EO) in reducing decay and optimizing the quality of strawberries was analyzed. The plant canopy of a greenhouse crop was sprayed once and strawberry fruit were harvested three days later. Gray mold infections were evaluated after chilled storage for seven days at 4 ± 0.5 °C followed by five days shelf life. The qualitative parameters were recorded at harvest (initial day) and after three days of storage at room temperature (RT, 20 °C) or after cold storage and shelf life (CS, 4 °C). The application of sweet orange EO increased the antioxidant and flavonoid content at harvest, while a decrease was reported following three days of storage at RT. At the same time, increased ethylene production and weight loss were observed during CS three days after harvesting. Chitosan treatment maintained the harvest fruit quality and was effective in the control of postharvest decay. Our results suggest that the investigated natural compounds could improve strawberry quality after harvest. Since chitosan performed best in terms of maintaining quality and reducing postharvest decay, it could be considered as a good substitute for chemical-synthetic fungicides for the preservation of strawberry postharvest gray mold.
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Xylia P, Chrysargyris A, Miltiadous P, Tzortzakis N. Origanum dubium (Cypriot Oregano) as a Promising Sanitizing Agent against Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes on Tomato and Cucumber Fruits. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11121772. [PMID: 36552281 PMCID: PMC9775658 DOI: 10.3390/biology11121772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the use of natural products such as essential oils (EOs) and other plant extracts for the preservation of fresh produce has attracted much interest from the food industry. Many endemic medicinal and aromatic plants, such as Cypriot oregano (Origanum dubium), present a plethora of properties that can be utilized by the fruit and vegetable sectors of the food industry. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of O. dubium EO and hydrosol (at different concentrations and durations of dipping application) for the preservation of tomato and cucumber fruit quality, and their effectiveness as sanitizing agents against two foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica). The results of this study indicated that increased concentrations of EO, combined with a longer duration of application, resulted in less marketable fruit compared to hydrosol application. Interestingly, EO application at lower concentrations and shorter durations of application (i.e., 0.01% for 5 min) increased fruit antioxidant, ascorbic acid and carotenoid levels (for tomato fruit), suggesting an increase in the nutritional value of the treated fruit, compared to the control. EO and hydrosol were able to decrease the bacterial populations (both bacteria) on fruits. Both products were especially effective against L. monocytogenes, even seven days after their application and storage at 11 °C (up to an approx. 3 log reduction with the EO application). Overall, the results of this study suggest that the use of O. dubium EO and hydrosol could be considered as alternative sanitation means for tomatoes and cucumbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiota Xylia
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Antonios Chrysargyris
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Panagiota Miltiadous
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
| | - Nikolaos Tzortzakis
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Biotechnology and Food Science, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol 3036, Cyprus
- Correspondence:
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Tančinová D, Mašková Z, Mendelová A, Foltinová D, Barboráková Z, Medo J. Antifungal Activities of Essential Oils in Vapor Phase against Botrytis cinerea and Their Potential to Control Postharvest Strawberry Gray Mold. Foods 2022; 11:foods11192945. [PMID: 36230021 PMCID: PMC9563059 DOI: 10.3390/foods11192945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants seem to have the potential to control several fungal pathogens and food contaminants. Botrytis cinerea is the main strawberry fruit contaminant causing high losses during storage. Here, thirteen EOs applied in the vapor phase were evaluated for their potential to inhibit the growth of three different strains of B. cinerea isolated from strawberry fruits. Eight EOs (lemongrass, litsea, lavender, peppermint, mint, petitgrain, sage, and thyme) were able to completely inhibit the growth of B. cinerea for 7 days when applied at a concentration of 625 μL·L−1. Four EOs with the lowest minimal inhibition concentrations (thyme, peppermint, lemongrass, and litsea) have been tested on strawberry fruits intentionally inoculated by B. cinerea. All four EOs showed high inhibition at a concentration of 250 or 500 μL·L−1, but only peppermint EO was able to completely inhibit B. cinerea lesion development at a concentration of 125 μL·L−1. The sensory evaluation of strawberries treated by EOs at a concentration 125 μL·L−1 resulted in a statistically significant decrease in taste, aftertaste, aroma, and overall quality. Lemongrass and litsea EOs scored better than thyme and peppermint ones, thus forming two viable methods for B. cinerea suppression and the extension of packed strawberries’ shelf life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Tančinová
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Mašková
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Mendelová
- Institute of Food Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Denisa Foltinová
- The State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic, Botanická 17, 842 13 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Barboráková
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Medo
- Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Tr. A Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
- Correspondence:
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Elshafie HS. Plant Essential Oil with Biological Activity. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11070980. [PMID: 35406964 PMCID: PMC9003095 DOI: 10.3390/plants11070980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Plant essential oils (PEOs), extracted from many aromatic and medicinal plants, are used in folk medicine and often represent an important part of the traditional pharmacopoeia: they have a long history of use in folk medicine as antimicrobial agents to control several human and phyto-pathogens. Many PEOs have been registered as effective alternatives to chemical and synthetic antimicrobials, and in the last few decades, they have also been effectively used in the food industry as antioxidants and anticarcinogens, thanks to the efforts of many research/medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies. This Special Issue discussed the chemical composition and biological-pharmaceutical activities of some important PEOs and their single constituents. Detailed information has been also covered in this Special Issue regarding the mechanisms, possible modes of action, and factors affecting these activities, such as geographical origins, environmental conditions, nutritional status, and the extraction methods used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazem S Elshafie
- School of Agricultural, Forestry, Food and Environmental Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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