Gene Lester - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Gene Lester
Better crops with plant food, 2011
Subtropical Plant Science, 2002
Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Sep 1, 1986
Plant Disease, 1991
Cantaloups (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) grown in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas developed smal... more Cantaloups (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) grown in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas developed small, water-soaked lesions after harvest. Lesions were shallow, firm, and, in many cases, not easily detected until the peel was removed. A yellow bacterium was isolated on nutrient agar and used to fulfill Koch's postulates. The bacterium was nonfluorescent, gram-negative, rod-shaped (0.5-1.1×0.9-3.5 μm), motile, and capable of anaerobic growth. Mucoid colonies were produced on high sugar media. The bacteria grew at 36 C and on Miller-Schroth medium. The pathological and physiological attributes of the bacterium fit the description of Erwinia ananas (.)
Acta horticulturae, Aug 1, 2009
The effects of six foliar K sources: potassium chloride (KCl), potassium nitrate (KNO 3), monopot... more The effects of six foliar K sources: potassium chloride (KCl), potassium nitrate (KNO 3), monopotassium phosphate (KH 2 PO 4), potassium sulfate (K 2 SO 4), potassium thiosulfate (K 2 S 2 O 3), and a glycine amino acid-complexed K (Potassium Metalosate, KM) were evaluated on field-grown muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. cv. 'Cruiser') fruit quality parameters. Weekly foliar K treatments were established starting at fruit set and continuing to fruit maturity. Tissue K concentrations, soluble solids concentrations (SSC), total sugars, and the human wellness compounds ascorbic acid and β-carotene were generally higher in plants receiving supplemental foliar K than in the control plants. Significant differences were observed among K sources, with KNO 3 consistently resulting in poor fruit quality compared to fruit treated with the other K sources. Although there were no consistent trends among the other foliar K sources, the data is consistent with previous controlled environment research findings that supplementing soil K supply with foliar K applications during fruit development and maturation can improve the marketable and human health quality attributes of muskmelon fruit.
Acta horticulturae, Jun 1, 2004
Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, May 1, 1982
Acta horticulturae, May 1, 2007
Consumption of netted muskmelons (Cucumis melo L. Reticulaizis group) has been associated with he... more Consumption of netted muskmelons (Cucumis melo L. Reticulaizis group) has been associated with health concerns due to pathogenic bacteria attaching to inaccessible sites on the netted rind. The purpose of this study was to compare 1) the enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant capacity between representative cultivars of netted muskmelon ('Cruiser') and both green-('Honey Brew') and orange-('Orange Dew') fleshed honey dew muskmelons over a storage period of 17 days and 2) levels of non-nutrient phytochemicals between these genotypes in consideration of ultimately substituting netted orange-fleshed with non-netted orange-fleshed muskmelon. Melons were harvested in Texas in 2004. Fruit were analyzed immediately (day 0) or stored simulating retail conditions for 7 or 14 days at 7°C and 95% ±2% RH plus 3 days at 21°C. Both non-netted honey dew exhibited similar and less lipid peroxidation, and hence postharvest senescence, during the 17 days storage period than the netted muskmelon 'Cruiser'. In comparison with 'Cruiser', 'Orange Dew' exhibited higher concentrations of 13-carotene and phenolics and, with few exceptions, higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (AsPX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (PDX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Higher AsPX, PDX, and SOD activities in both 'Orange Dew' and 'Honey Brew' appear to confer a greater resistance to lipid peroxidation in these muskmelon genotypes than in the netted 'Cruiser'. 'Orange Dew' also appears to be a healthier food choice not only due to its lack of a netted rind which could potentially harbour human illness-related pathogens, but also that it is superior to both 'Cruiser' and 'Honey Brew' in overall beta-carotene and phenolic levels.
Hortscience, Jul 1, 2005
Germanium has been reported as a mineral element affecting plant cell metabolism. Many trials to ... more Germanium has been reported as a mineral element affecting plant cell metabolism. Many trials to supply germanium to fruit have been carried out since tests have confi rmed germanium's role as a medical substance. Supplying germanium to orchards by soil and foliar application was not effective because of loss from rainfall. Also, tree injection with germanium solution required the insertion of a tube to the tree xylem at each injection site. In order to increase germanium absorption by fruit, this study carried out the postharvest dipping of fruit into germanium solution. 'Niitaka' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) fruit was treated with two types of germanium, GeO (inorganic type) and Ge-132 (organic type), in a concentration of 50 mg•L-1 just after harvest in early Oct. 2004. Flesh browning after peeling the fruit was delayed by germanium treatment, and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activities were lowered. Postharvest potentials were maintained at high levels for fruit fi rmness, physiological disorders, and decayed fruit during cold storage at 0 to 1 °C for 2 months. Antioxidant and some phenolic compounds were higher than those of control fruit.
The FASEB Journal
'Orange Dew' (OD) melon is a cross between orange‐fleshed cantaloupe (CAN) and green‐fles... more 'Orange Dew' (OD) melon is a cross between orange‐fleshed cantaloupe (CAN) and green‐fleshed honey dew fruits. CAN has a rough, netted peel while honey dew has a smooth peel. OD fruit have both orange flesh like CAN and a smooth peel like honey dew. The smooth peel facilitates surface cleansing of microbes, and the orange flesh is an indicator of the presence the β‐carotene. We compared the β‐carotene content of OD and a CAN grown under the same glasshouse conditions. All melon plants were grown in well fertilized soil. Fruits at harvest were puréed and frozen (‐80 oC) until analysis. Percent dry weights were obtained, and β‐carotene concentrations were determined by HPLC. In vitro digestion was performed to determine percent digestive stability and percent micellerization of β‐carotene. The micelles were then applied to Caco‐2 cells to determine percent cell uptake (absorption). The average β‐carotene concentrations (µg/g dry weight) for the OD and CAN were 243 and 176, respectively. The average dry weight per gram of wet weight of OD and CAN was 0.09g and 0.07g respectively. Both mean β‐carotene content and dry weight of the OD were significantly greater than that of CAN (p‐values<.001). There were no differences in digestive stability, micellerization, or extent of cell uptake between the two fruits. However, the OD melons are both safer and contain more β‐carotene than CAN. Supported by USDA & NIH‐HL049879.
Postharvest Biology and Technology, Dec 1, 2015
Microgreens are an emerging food product with scarce information pertaining to their sensory and ... more Microgreens are an emerging food product with scarce information pertaining to their sensory and nutritional properties. In this study, six species of microgreens, including Dijon mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern.), opal basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), bull's blood beet (Beta vulgaris L.), red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), peppercress (Lepidium bonariense L.) and China rose radish (Raphanus sativus L.), were evaluated for their sensory attributes and chemical compositions. Results showed that bull's blood beet had the highest rating on acceptability of flavor and overall eating quality while peppercress the lowest. Chemical compositions also differed significantly among the six species. China rose radish had the highest titratable acidity and total sugars, while red amaranth had the highest pH value and lowest total sugars. Regarding the phytonutrient concentrations, the highest concentrations of total ascorbic acid, phylloquinone, carotenoids, tocopherols, and total phenolics were found in China rose radish, opal basil, red amaranth, China rose radish, and opal basil, respectively. The relationships between sensory-sensory attributes and sensory-chemical compositions were further studied. It was found that overall eating quality of microgreens was best correlated with flavor score and microgreen's pH value and total phenolic content were strongly correlated with flavor attributes, e.g., sourness, astringency, and bitterness. In general, despite the differences among individual microgreens, all of the microgreens evaluated in this study demonstrated "good" to "excellent" consumer acceptance and nutritional quality. 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2016
The mineral element composition was analyzed for varieties of microgreens, representing 10 specie... more The mineral element composition was analyzed for varieties of microgreens, representing 10 species within 6 genera of the Brassicaceae family. Brassicaceae microgreens were assayed for concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and of microelements, including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Determinations of mineral elements in microgreen samples were performed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP OES). Potassium was the most abundant macroelement ranging from 176-387 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), followed by P (52-86 mg/100g FW), Ca (28-66 mg/100g FW), Mg (28-66 mg/100g FW), and Na) 19-68 mg/100g FW. Among the microelements, Fe tended to be most abundant (0.47-0.84 mg/100g FW), followed by Zn (0.22-0.51 mg/100g FW), Mn (0.17-0.48 mg/100g FW), and Cu (0.041-0.13 mg/100g FW). Based upon the analysis of 30 varieties, the results demonstrate that microgreens are good sources of both macroelements (K and Ca) and microelements (Fe and Zn.). Consumption of microgreens could be a health-promoting strategy to meet dietary reference intake requirements for essential elements beneficial to human health.
International Postharvest Science Conference Postharvest 96, 1998
Better crops with plant food, 2010
Effectiveness of Potash Fertilization Potassium is an essential plant mineral element (nutrient) ... more Effectiveness of Potash Fertilization Potassium is an essential plant mineral element (nutrient) having a significant influence on many human-health related quality compounds in fruits and vegetables (Usherwood, 1985). Although K is not a constituent of any organic molecule or plant structure, it is involved in numerous biochemical and physiological processes vital to plant growth, yield, quality, and stress (Marschner, 1995; Cakmak, 2005). In addition to stomatal regulation of transpiration and photosynthesis, K is also involved in photophosphorylation, transportation of photoassimilates from source tissues via the phloem to sink tissues, enzyme activation, turgor maintenance, and stress tolerance (Usherwood, 1985; Doman and Geiger, 1979; Marschner, 1995; Pettigrew, 2008). Adequate K nutri-tion has also been associated with increased yields, fruit size, increased soluble solids and ascorbic acid concentrations, improved fruit color, increased shelf life, and shipping quality of man...
Netted muskmelon [Cucumis melo L. (Reticulatus Group)] fruit quality (ascorbic acid, beta-caroten... more Netted muskmelon [Cucumis melo L. (Reticulatus Group)] fruit quality (ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, total free sugars, and soluble solids concentration (SSC)) is directly related to plant potassium (K) concentration during fruit growth and maturation. During fruiting, soil fertilization alone is often inadequate due to poor root uptake and competitive uptake inhibition from calcium and magnesium. Foliar applications of Potassium Metalosate during cantaloupe fruit development has been shown to improve fruit quality, however, the influence of organic glycine-complexed K vs. an inorganic salt form has not been determined. In this study, the effects of two K sources; glycine-complexed K (Potassium Metalosate) vs. potassium chloride (KCl) with or without a surfactant were studied following application of K during fruit growth and maturation of glasshouse grown orange-flesh netted muskmelon ‘Cruiser’. Plants were fertilized throughout the study with soil-applied N-P-K fertilizer. Flowers ...
Better crops with plant food, 2011
Subtropical Plant Science, 2002
Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, Sep 1, 1986
Plant Disease, 1991
Cantaloups (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) grown in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas developed smal... more Cantaloups (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) grown in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas developed small, water-soaked lesions after harvest. Lesions were shallow, firm, and, in many cases, not easily detected until the peel was removed. A yellow bacterium was isolated on nutrient agar and used to fulfill Koch's postulates. The bacterium was nonfluorescent, gram-negative, rod-shaped (0.5-1.1×0.9-3.5 μm), motile, and capable of anaerobic growth. Mucoid colonies were produced on high sugar media. The bacteria grew at 36 C and on Miller-Schroth medium. The pathological and physiological attributes of the bacterium fit the description of Erwinia ananas (.)
Acta horticulturae, Aug 1, 2009
The effects of six foliar K sources: potassium chloride (KCl), potassium nitrate (KNO 3), monopot... more The effects of six foliar K sources: potassium chloride (KCl), potassium nitrate (KNO 3), monopotassium phosphate (KH 2 PO 4), potassium sulfate (K 2 SO 4), potassium thiosulfate (K 2 S 2 O 3), and a glycine amino acid-complexed K (Potassium Metalosate, KM) were evaluated on field-grown muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. cv. 'Cruiser') fruit quality parameters. Weekly foliar K treatments were established starting at fruit set and continuing to fruit maturity. Tissue K concentrations, soluble solids concentrations (SSC), total sugars, and the human wellness compounds ascorbic acid and β-carotene were generally higher in plants receiving supplemental foliar K than in the control plants. Significant differences were observed among K sources, with KNO 3 consistently resulting in poor fruit quality compared to fruit treated with the other K sources. Although there were no consistent trends among the other foliar K sources, the data is consistent with previous controlled environment research findings that supplementing soil K supply with foliar K applications during fruit development and maturation can improve the marketable and human health quality attributes of muskmelon fruit.
Acta horticulturae, Jun 1, 2004
Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, May 1, 1982
Acta horticulturae, May 1, 2007
Consumption of netted muskmelons (Cucumis melo L. Reticulaizis group) has been associated with he... more Consumption of netted muskmelons (Cucumis melo L. Reticulaizis group) has been associated with health concerns due to pathogenic bacteria attaching to inaccessible sites on the netted rind. The purpose of this study was to compare 1) the enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidant capacity between representative cultivars of netted muskmelon ('Cruiser') and both green-('Honey Brew') and orange-('Orange Dew') fleshed honey dew muskmelons over a storage period of 17 days and 2) levels of non-nutrient phytochemicals between these genotypes in consideration of ultimately substituting netted orange-fleshed with non-netted orange-fleshed muskmelon. Melons were harvested in Texas in 2004. Fruit were analyzed immediately (day 0) or stored simulating retail conditions for 7 or 14 days at 7°C and 95% ±2% RH plus 3 days at 21°C. Both non-netted honey dew exhibited similar and less lipid peroxidation, and hence postharvest senescence, during the 17 days storage period than the netted muskmelon 'Cruiser'. In comparison with 'Cruiser', 'Orange Dew' exhibited higher concentrations of 13-carotene and phenolics and, with few exceptions, higher activities of the antioxidant enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (AsPX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (PDX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Higher AsPX, PDX, and SOD activities in both 'Orange Dew' and 'Honey Brew' appear to confer a greater resistance to lipid peroxidation in these muskmelon genotypes than in the netted 'Cruiser'. 'Orange Dew' also appears to be a healthier food choice not only due to its lack of a netted rind which could potentially harbour human illness-related pathogens, but also that it is superior to both 'Cruiser' and 'Honey Brew' in overall beta-carotene and phenolic levels.
Hortscience, Jul 1, 2005
Germanium has been reported as a mineral element affecting plant cell metabolism. Many trials to ... more Germanium has been reported as a mineral element affecting plant cell metabolism. Many trials to supply germanium to fruit have been carried out since tests have confi rmed germanium's role as a medical substance. Supplying germanium to orchards by soil and foliar application was not effective because of loss from rainfall. Also, tree injection with germanium solution required the insertion of a tube to the tree xylem at each injection site. In order to increase germanium absorption by fruit, this study carried out the postharvest dipping of fruit into germanium solution. 'Niitaka' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) fruit was treated with two types of germanium, GeO (inorganic type) and Ge-132 (organic type), in a concentration of 50 mg•L-1 just after harvest in early Oct. 2004. Flesh browning after peeling the fruit was delayed by germanium treatment, and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activities were lowered. Postharvest potentials were maintained at high levels for fruit fi rmness, physiological disorders, and decayed fruit during cold storage at 0 to 1 °C for 2 months. Antioxidant and some phenolic compounds were higher than those of control fruit.
The FASEB Journal
'Orange Dew' (OD) melon is a cross between orange‐fleshed cantaloupe (CAN) and green‐fles... more 'Orange Dew' (OD) melon is a cross between orange‐fleshed cantaloupe (CAN) and green‐fleshed honey dew fruits. CAN has a rough, netted peel while honey dew has a smooth peel. OD fruit have both orange flesh like CAN and a smooth peel like honey dew. The smooth peel facilitates surface cleansing of microbes, and the orange flesh is an indicator of the presence the β‐carotene. We compared the β‐carotene content of OD and a CAN grown under the same glasshouse conditions. All melon plants were grown in well fertilized soil. Fruits at harvest were puréed and frozen (‐80 oC) until analysis. Percent dry weights were obtained, and β‐carotene concentrations were determined by HPLC. In vitro digestion was performed to determine percent digestive stability and percent micellerization of β‐carotene. The micelles were then applied to Caco‐2 cells to determine percent cell uptake (absorption). The average β‐carotene concentrations (µg/g dry weight) for the OD and CAN were 243 and 176, respectively. The average dry weight per gram of wet weight of OD and CAN was 0.09g and 0.07g respectively. Both mean β‐carotene content and dry weight of the OD were significantly greater than that of CAN (p‐values<.001). There were no differences in digestive stability, micellerization, or extent of cell uptake between the two fruits. However, the OD melons are both safer and contain more β‐carotene than CAN. Supported by USDA & NIH‐HL049879.
Postharvest Biology and Technology, Dec 1, 2015
Microgreens are an emerging food product with scarce information pertaining to their sensory and ... more Microgreens are an emerging food product with scarce information pertaining to their sensory and nutritional properties. In this study, six species of microgreens, including Dijon mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern.), opal basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), bull's blood beet (Beta vulgaris L.), red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), peppercress (Lepidium bonariense L.) and China rose radish (Raphanus sativus L.), were evaluated for their sensory attributes and chemical compositions. Results showed that bull's blood beet had the highest rating on acceptability of flavor and overall eating quality while peppercress the lowest. Chemical compositions also differed significantly among the six species. China rose radish had the highest titratable acidity and total sugars, while red amaranth had the highest pH value and lowest total sugars. Regarding the phytonutrient concentrations, the highest concentrations of total ascorbic acid, phylloquinone, carotenoids, tocopherols, and total phenolics were found in China rose radish, opal basil, red amaranth, China rose radish, and opal basil, respectively. The relationships between sensory-sensory attributes and sensory-chemical compositions were further studied. It was found that overall eating quality of microgreens was best correlated with flavor score and microgreen's pH value and total phenolic content were strongly correlated with flavor attributes, e.g., sourness, astringency, and bitterness. In general, despite the differences among individual microgreens, all of the microgreens evaluated in this study demonstrated "good" to "excellent" consumer acceptance and nutritional quality. 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2016
The mineral element composition was analyzed for varieties of microgreens, representing 10 specie... more The mineral element composition was analyzed for varieties of microgreens, representing 10 species within 6 genera of the Brassicaceae family. Brassicaceae microgreens were assayed for concentrations of macroelements, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and of microelements, including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Determinations of mineral elements in microgreen samples were performed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP OES). Potassium was the most abundant macroelement ranging from 176-387 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), followed by P (52-86 mg/100g FW), Ca (28-66 mg/100g FW), Mg (28-66 mg/100g FW), and Na) 19-68 mg/100g FW. Among the microelements, Fe tended to be most abundant (0.47-0.84 mg/100g FW), followed by Zn (0.22-0.51 mg/100g FW), Mn (0.17-0.48 mg/100g FW), and Cu (0.041-0.13 mg/100g FW). Based upon the analysis of 30 varieties, the results demonstrate that microgreens are good sources of both macroelements (K and Ca) and microelements (Fe and Zn.). Consumption of microgreens could be a health-promoting strategy to meet dietary reference intake requirements for essential elements beneficial to human health.
International Postharvest Science Conference Postharvest 96, 1998
Better crops with plant food, 2010
Effectiveness of Potash Fertilization Potassium is an essential plant mineral element (nutrient) ... more Effectiveness of Potash Fertilization Potassium is an essential plant mineral element (nutrient) having a significant influence on many human-health related quality compounds in fruits and vegetables (Usherwood, 1985). Although K is not a constituent of any organic molecule or plant structure, it is involved in numerous biochemical and physiological processes vital to plant growth, yield, quality, and stress (Marschner, 1995; Cakmak, 2005). In addition to stomatal regulation of transpiration and photosynthesis, K is also involved in photophosphorylation, transportation of photoassimilates from source tissues via the phloem to sink tissues, enzyme activation, turgor maintenance, and stress tolerance (Usherwood, 1985; Doman and Geiger, 1979; Marschner, 1995; Pettigrew, 2008). Adequate K nutri-tion has also been associated with increased yields, fruit size, increased soluble solids and ascorbic acid concentrations, improved fruit color, increased shelf life, and shipping quality of man...
Netted muskmelon [Cucumis melo L. (Reticulatus Group)] fruit quality (ascorbic acid, beta-caroten... more Netted muskmelon [Cucumis melo L. (Reticulatus Group)] fruit quality (ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, total free sugars, and soluble solids concentration (SSC)) is directly related to plant potassium (K) concentration during fruit growth and maturation. During fruiting, soil fertilization alone is often inadequate due to poor root uptake and competitive uptake inhibition from calcium and magnesium. Foliar applications of Potassium Metalosate during cantaloupe fruit development has been shown to improve fruit quality, however, the influence of organic glycine-complexed K vs. an inorganic salt form has not been determined. In this study, the effects of two K sources; glycine-complexed K (Potassium Metalosate) vs. potassium chloride (KCl) with or without a surfactant were studied following application of K during fruit growth and maturation of glasshouse grown orange-flesh netted muskmelon ‘Cruiser’. Plants were fertilized throughout the study with soil-applied N-P-K fertilizer. Flowers ...