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Fertilisation and pesticides affect mandarin orange nutrient composition
Xiaotian Zhang1, Andrew P Breksa, Darya O Mishchuk
1Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Food Chemistry
|October 31, 2012
Summary
Foliar fertilization and pesticide application altered mandarin juice
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Food Science
- Metabolomics
Background:
- Nutritional quality of citrus fruits is influenced by agricultural practices.
- Foliar fertilization and pesticide application are common methods in citrus cultivation.
- Understanding their impact on juice composition is crucial for quality assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of foliar fertilization and pesticide application on the nutritional quality of mandarin orange juices.
- To investigate the metabolomic profile changes in mandarin juice due to these treatments.
- To assess the sensory detectability of compositional differences in the juice.
Main Methods:
- (1)H NMR metabolomics was employed to analyze the chemical composition of mandarin orange juices.
- A sensory evaluation experiment was conducted using non-trained individuals to assess taste differences.
- Juice samples were prepared to reflect the taste profiles of fruits treated with and without foliar fertilization.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in sugar, amino acid, and organic acid composition were observed between treated and untreated mandarin juices.
- Metabolomic analysis revealed distinct chemical profiles based on the application of fertilizer and pesticides.
- 68% of untrained sensory panelists could distinguish between the taste profiles (sweet/sour balance) of the juices.
Conclusions:
- Foliar fertilization and pesticide application demonstrably alter the nutritional and sensory profiles of mandarin orange juice.
- The observed changes in sugar content are perceptible to consumers, impacting taste perception.
- Findings can inform agricultural practices to enhance citrus fruit quality and consumer acceptance.
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