Impact of Pre-Storage Melatonin Application on the Standard, Sensory, and Bioactive Quality of Early Sweet Cherry

Effect of preharvest melatonin applications at dusk on quality and bioactive compounds content of early sweet cherries

BACKGROUND

Early sweet cherries have a high economic impact on cherry growers but have poorer quality characteristics and shorter shelf-life than late cherries. Melatonin has been proposed as a biostimulant that regulates plant and fruit growth and increases fruit quality and shelf-life but, in general in fruit and vegetables, there is controversy about its effects. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the impact of exogenous preharvest melatonin applications at dusk on the quality and bioactive compounds of two early sweet cherry cultivars.

RESULTS

The M3 and M5 (3 × 10-4 and 5 × 10-4  mol L-1 melatonin, respectively) treatments effectively enhanced the endogenous melatonin and hydroxycinnamic acid concentration, enhancing the functional properties of the fruit. Additionally, the M5 treatment enhanced skin colour and consumer acceptance of 'Samba' cherries, while the M3 treatment improved cherry size in 'Sandon Rose'.

CONCLUSION

Preharvest melatonin applications at dusk could be included in the scheduled preharvest treatments for early cherry cultivars in order to improve the quality and to stimulate the functionality of the fruit. However, further studies are needed to adjust the concentration depending on the cultivar and the objective pursued. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Importance of Nutrition in Menopause and Perimenopause-A Review

Menopause is associated with an increased prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. These diseases and unfavorable laboratory values, which are characteristic of this period in women, can be significantly improved by eliminating and reducing dietary risk factors. Changing dietary habits during perimenopause is most effectively achieved through nutrition counseling and intervention. To reduce the risk factors of all these diseases, and in the case of an already existing disease, dietary therapy led by a dietitian should be an integral part of the treatment. The following review summarizes the recommendations for a balanced diet and fluid intake, the dietary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the role of sleep, and the key preventive nutrients in menopause, such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and protein intake. In summary, during the period of perimenopause and menopause, many lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of developing all the diseases (cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, and tumors) and symptoms characteristic of this period.