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Papers by samira maatallah

Research paper thumbnail of Yield and biochemical fruit quality of irrigated peach cultivars subjected to conventional farmer’s fertilization practices in warm production area

Journal of food composition and analysis, Feb 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation changing of essential oil of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) under water deficit stress conditions

Industrial Crops and Products, 2016

The effects of water deficit stress on growth and essential oil yield and composition of Laurel e... more The effects of water deficit stress on growth and essential oil yield and composition of Laurel ecotypes (Annaba and Bardo) were studied. The factors studied included two stress intensities of permanent stress: 60% (S1) and 20% (S2) of field capacity or to cyclic water stress, plants being re-watered when the soil moisture dropped to 60% (S11) or 20% (S22) of field capacity. The results of this experiment showed that Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Leaf Mass Area (LMA) and chlorophyll content decreased under water stress especially under severe stress S2. For both ecotypes, essential oil yield was reduced under water deficit stress but essential oil% increased under this condition. Eight six components were determined in essential oils, which were mostly oxygenated monoterpenes. The main components were found to be 1,8-cineol in two ecotypes. In Annaba, 1,8 cineol increased with permanent stress (S1 and S2) and diminished by 50% under cyclic severe stress (S22) but in Bardo, we note that 1,8 cineol increased with water stress, this increase was much higher under cyclic stress (S11 and S22). Water stress decreased the constituents of ␣-terpinyl acetate, Sabinene and linalool for Annaba. For Bardo, ␣-terpinyl acetate increased under water stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of New Cultivars of Plum (Prunus salicina) under Deficit Irrigation in a Semi-Arid Zone of Tunisia

LAFOBA2

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Pomological evaluation of some genotypes of figs (Ficus carica L.)

JOURNAL OF OASIS AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In order to enhance some cultivars of fig widespread in the Oasis of Gafsa located in the south o... more In order to enhance some cultivars of fig widespread in the Oasis of Gafsa located in the south of Tunisia (arid bioclimatic stage). Four cultivars of Fig (Ficus Carica L.) were evaluated 'Sawoudi', 'Bayoudhi', ' Mlouki ',' Assal '. The phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of skin, pulp and whole fruit were determinate. In this study the results showed that the total polyphenol contents of Assal cultivar were the highest in the various tissues (190.98-697.94 mg/100g FW). In all cultivars and whatever the tissue examined (whole fruit, peel, and flesh), the flavonoid content varied from 14.71 to 63.92 mg/100gFW). Also, Assal cultivar was the richest with flavonoids in comparison to other cultivars. The ortho-diphenol content varied from 8.21 to 118.62 mg/100g FW. Indeed, the flesh of Sawoudi and Bayoudhi cultivars had the higher ortho-diphenol content. On the other hand, Bayoudhi (flesh) was the more concentrated in anthocyanins which was aro...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Agronomic Parameters of Three Plum Cultivars (Prunus salicina L.) under Semi-Arid Climate Conditions

Plants

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies may greatly contribute to save irrigation water, es... more Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies may greatly contribute to save irrigation water, especially in low water availability conditions. The effects of RDI on the growth process, photosynthesis, fruit yield, and some quality traits were assessed for two years on three plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cultivars (‘Black Diamond’, ‘Black Gold’ and ‘Black Star’) grown in Midwest Tunisia. The experiment was conducted during two successive seasons (2011–2012). Two water regimes were applied per cultivar during the phase of fruit growth until fruit ripening. Stressed trees receive 50% of the amount of irrigation compared to controls (CI). Several eco-physiological parameters and some pomological criteria were measured, based on the climatic condition (ETo, ETc, and VDP). Results showed that the three cultivars had an aptitude for tolerance for moderate stress with varying degrees of response time to drought stress. Globally, a slight decrease in the gas exchange rate (AN and gs) and th...

Research paper thumbnail of Germination capacity of some halophytic plants species under increasing salinity

African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016

In Tunisia, more particularly in semiarid and arid areas, the drought accentuated by the surface ... more In Tunisia, more particularly in semiarid and arid areas, the drought accentuated by the surface evaporation of water lead to gradual increase in salinity of the soil which a major hurdal in development of vegetation. In these highly salted ecosystems, some plants are growing naturally; however, various species show different tolerance levels to salinity during their development. Seed germination is the stage which is most susceptible to this abiotic constraint. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of increasing NaCl concentrations from 0 to 200 mM on the germination behavior of some halophytic plants species (Acacia cyanophylla, Acacia ampliceps, Medicago arborea, Hedysarum carnosum, Casuarina glauca and Ceratonia siliqua) whose seeds, were collected from Tunisian stands. The germination is evaluated through the daily and the cumulated rates of germination, the corrected seed germination rate and the recovery rate. The effect of salt stress revealed that the elevation of NaCl concentration induces a reduction of germination capacity as good as germination speed. In this setting, 200 mM concentrations of NaCl constitute a physiological limit of germination for all studied species. However, the interspecific variability is relatively important. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), seeds of C. glauca were the most salt tolerant, followed by M. arborea. Seeds of A. ampliceps were the least salt tolerant. The increase of the recovery rate with high salinity supposed that the latter has an osmotic reversible effect and not a toxic irreversible one on the studied species seeds.

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological responses and fruit quality of four peach cultivars under sustained and cyclic deficit irrigation in center-west of Tunisia

Agricultural Water Management, 2019

In arid and semi-arid regions, the research and application of new irrigation techniques that eco... more In arid and semi-arid regions, the research and application of new irrigation techniques that economize water without altering tree performance and fruit quality is a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different deficit irrigation strategies on tree physiology and fruit quality of four Prunus persica cultivars: two earlyripening cultivars (Flordastar and Early Maycrest), a mid-season cultivar (Rubirich), and a late-ripening cultivar (O'Henry). During two consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017), three different irrigation treatments were established: i) Full Irrigation (FI; 100% ETc), ii) Sustained Deficit Irrigation (SDI; 50% ETc) and iii) Cyclic Deficit Irrigation (CDI; trees irrigated at 100 % field capacity whenever the soil moisture dropped to 50% field capacity). Tree water status, gas exchange, yield, fruit pomology and the concentrations of the main sugars and organic acids were determined. Deficit irrigation decreased net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate while it improved instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEins). In O'Henry cultivar, WUEins increased from 3.21 μ mol mmol-1 in FI to 7.04 μmol mmol-1 in CDI during harvest. Deficit irrigation significantly reduced shoot growth in the four cultivars. Furthermore, SDI decreased the yield significantly (from 41 to 26.3 kg in O'Henry cultivar during 2016), fruit size and weight while CDI increased soluble solids and sugar contents and decreased titratable acidity. The total sugar content increased significantly under deficit irrigation in all cultivars studied. In conclusion, CDI seems to be the best strategy in semi-arid regions, since it can save water and improve fruit quality parameters.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of water stress on the nutritional quality of peach fruits

JOURNAL OF OASIS AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, affects the production of fruit trees. In... more Climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, affects the production of fruit trees. In this region, fruit tree production requires an efficient water supply that maintaining safe and stable yields. The aim of this work is to study the influence of irrigation modes on the nutritional peach fruit quality and the control of water stress indicators rates. Our experiment was carried out at the CRRA Sidi Bouzid (Central-West of Tunisia). It focused on four varieties of peach (Prunus persica L), two early varieties (Flordastar (FS) and Early Maycrest (EMC)), a seasonal variety (Rubirich (RUB)) and a late variety (O'Henry (O'H)). Three different irrigation treatments were applied to the experimental plot: full irrigation (T1; 100% ETc), sustained deficit irrigation (T2; 50% ETc) and cyclical deficit irrigation (T3). The contents of total sugar, protein, and proline as well as some bioactive compounds and stress indicators (MDA, H2O2) were quantified in the exocarp and mes...

Research paper thumbnail of Phenological and Biochemical Characteristics of Almond Cultivars in Arid Climate of Central Tunisia

LAFOBA2

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of two water deficit models on phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of different peach fruits parts

Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Carotenoids, Phenolic Profile, Mineral Content and Antioxidant Properties in Flesh and Peel of Prunus persica Fruits during Two Maturation Stages

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2016

Carotenoids and phenolic profile, antioxidant activity as well as concentrations of selected macr... more Carotenoids and phenolic profile, antioxidant activity as well as concentrations of selected macronutrients (K, N, Mg, Ca and Na) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu and Mn) in flesh and peel of peach fruit were recorded at two harvest dates. Predominant mineral was potassium, followed by calcium, magnesium and sodium. The concentration of most micronutrients was greater in the peel than in the flesh especially in early season. The concentration of most elements in flesh and peel decreased during fruit maturation. Total carotenoids content varied with respect to the cultivar. β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene were the major carotenoids in both tissues and flesh contain the lowest amounts. Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, were detected in both peel and flesh, with chlorogenic acid and catechin being the predominant components. Peel extracts showed markedly higher antioxidant activities, when estimated by ABTS or DPPH assays, than the flesh counterparts, consistent with the observed higher phenolic content. Overall, total phenolics levels increased at full ripening stage in both peel and flesh. The results found herein provide important data on carotenoids, phenolic and macro- and micronutrient changes during fruit growth, and emphases peach fruit as a potential functional food.

Research paper thumbnail of A greenhouse investigation of responses to different water stress regimes of Laurus nobilis trees from two climatic regions

Journal of Arid Environments, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Carotenoids, Phenolic Profile, Mineral Content and Antioxidant Properties in Flesh and Peel of Prunus persica Fruits during Two Maturation Stages

Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), Jan 7, 2017

The original version of this article contained errors. The family name of an author was corrected... more The original version of this article contained errors. The family name of an author was corrected from BHichem Hajlaloui'' to BHichem Hajlaoui''. Moreover, Tables 1 and 2 were cut incorrectly. The second part of both tables should start at the BFull Ripening'' stage to ensure that BPeel'' and BFlesh'' of BSweet Cap'' were in the same line. The original article was corrected.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of salinity on Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination and acid phosphatase activity

Archives of Biological Sciences, 2016

The salt tolerance of four accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana (COL (Columbia), NOK2, N1438 and N1... more The salt tolerance of four accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana (COL (Columbia), NOK2, N1438 and N1380) was evaluated during germination by the capacity of seeds to germinate in the presence of 50 mM NaCl and to maintain adequate acid phosphatase activity. Our results show that saline conditions reduced the final germination percentage, speed of germination and delayed the germination processes of accessions NOK2, N1438 and N1380. In contrast, 100% of germination was found in COL under salt-stress conditions. In the presence of NaCl 50 mM, acid phosphatase activity increased in the first 24 h, the activity reaching the control level in germinating seeds of COL, but in the three other accessions NOK2, N1438 and N1380, acid phosphatase activity diminished under salt stress. These findings suggest that changes in the phosphatase enzymes might play an important role in the acclimation of COL seeds to the changing environmental conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Improvement of fruit quality by moderate water deficit in three plum cultivars ( Prunus salicina L.) cultivated in a semi-arid region

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in biochemical compounds in flesh and peel from Prunus persica fruits grown in Tunisia during two maturation stages

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2016

Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with div... more Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with diverse biological properties and functions. Fatty acids (FA), phenolic compounds (PC) and volatile compounds (VC) of flesh and peel from three Prunus persica cultivars were evaluated at the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research - Experimental Farm (Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia) during two maturation stages. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids are the most abundant FA in Prunus persica cultivars. A genetic effect on FA composition was observed throughout the two sampling periods. Peel was rich in oleic acid with the highest content (31.3% on total FA) in 'O'Henry' cultivar at the commercial ripening date; flesh was rich in linoleic acid with the highest content (44.7% on total FA) in 'Sweet Cap' cultivar at the full ripening date. The monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios were higher in the commercial ripe than in the full ripe fruits. The analysis of the composition of the VC led to the characterization of 98 different compounds, showing a very high variability among the cultivars. The full ripe fruit (peel and flesh) exhibited the highest total number of terpenoids. Commercial ripe peels were richest in the percentage of hydrocarbons. Comparing cultivars, 'Sweet Cap' cultivar showed the lowest contents of alcohols in peel and flesh of full ripe fruit but highest in peel of commercial ripe fruit, and lowest content of aldehydes in peel and flesh of commercial ripe fruit but highest in peel of ripe ones and the highest ones of lactones. Among PC, the highest contents were observed for o-diphenols and the values showed varietal influence. Total phenols contents decreased during ripening process (p < 0.05) in both peel and flesh tissues, except found for 'Sweet Cap' cultivar. In conclusion, to achieve better FA composition and greater VC and PC production of the peach fruit, P. persica cultivars should be harvested at the commercial ripening date.

Research paper thumbnail of Variation of amino acids in Prunus persica cultivars leaves with regard to leaf age

Research paper thumbnail of Prunus persica by-products: A source of minerals, phenols and volatile compounds

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological behaviors and fruit quality changes in five peach cultivars during three ripening stages in a semi-arid climate

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum

Research paper thumbnail of Yield and biochemical fruit quality of irrigated peach cultivars subjected to conventional farmer’s fertilization practices in warm production area

Journal of food composition and analysis, Feb 1, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation changing of essential oil of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) under water deficit stress conditions

Industrial Crops and Products, 2016

The effects of water deficit stress on growth and essential oil yield and composition of Laurel e... more The effects of water deficit stress on growth and essential oil yield and composition of Laurel ecotypes (Annaba and Bardo) were studied. The factors studied included two stress intensities of permanent stress: 60% (S1) and 20% (S2) of field capacity or to cyclic water stress, plants being re-watered when the soil moisture dropped to 60% (S11) or 20% (S22) of field capacity. The results of this experiment showed that Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Leaf Mass Area (LMA) and chlorophyll content decreased under water stress especially under severe stress S2. For both ecotypes, essential oil yield was reduced under water deficit stress but essential oil% increased under this condition. Eight six components were determined in essential oils, which were mostly oxygenated monoterpenes. The main components were found to be 1,8-cineol in two ecotypes. In Annaba, 1,8 cineol increased with permanent stress (S1 and S2) and diminished by 50% under cyclic severe stress (S22) but in Bardo, we note that 1,8 cineol increased with water stress, this increase was much higher under cyclic stress (S11 and S22). Water stress decreased the constituents of ␣-terpinyl acetate, Sabinene and linalool for Annaba. For Bardo, ␣-terpinyl acetate increased under water stress.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of New Cultivars of Plum (Prunus salicina) under Deficit Irrigation in a Semi-Arid Zone of Tunisia

LAFOBA2

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Pomological evaluation of some genotypes of figs (Ficus carica L.)

JOURNAL OF OASIS AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

In order to enhance some cultivars of fig widespread in the Oasis of Gafsa located in the south o... more In order to enhance some cultivars of fig widespread in the Oasis of Gafsa located in the south of Tunisia (arid bioclimatic stage). Four cultivars of Fig (Ficus Carica L.) were evaluated 'Sawoudi', 'Bayoudhi', ' Mlouki ',' Assal '. The phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of skin, pulp and whole fruit were determinate. In this study the results showed that the total polyphenol contents of Assal cultivar were the highest in the various tissues (190.98-697.94 mg/100g FW). In all cultivars and whatever the tissue examined (whole fruit, peel, and flesh), the flavonoid content varied from 14.71 to 63.92 mg/100gFW). Also, Assal cultivar was the richest with flavonoids in comparison to other cultivars. The ortho-diphenol content varied from 8.21 to 118.62 mg/100g FW. Indeed, the flesh of Sawoudi and Bayoudhi cultivars had the higher ortho-diphenol content. On the other hand, Bayoudhi (flesh) was the more concentrated in anthocyanins which was aro...

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation on Agronomic Parameters of Three Plum Cultivars (Prunus salicina L.) under Semi-Arid Climate Conditions

Plants

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies may greatly contribute to save irrigation water, es... more Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) strategies may greatly contribute to save irrigation water, especially in low water availability conditions. The effects of RDI on the growth process, photosynthesis, fruit yield, and some quality traits were assessed for two years on three plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) cultivars (‘Black Diamond’, ‘Black Gold’ and ‘Black Star’) grown in Midwest Tunisia. The experiment was conducted during two successive seasons (2011–2012). Two water regimes were applied per cultivar during the phase of fruit growth until fruit ripening. Stressed trees receive 50% of the amount of irrigation compared to controls (CI). Several eco-physiological parameters and some pomological criteria were measured, based on the climatic condition (ETo, ETc, and VDP). Results showed that the three cultivars had an aptitude for tolerance for moderate stress with varying degrees of response time to drought stress. Globally, a slight decrease in the gas exchange rate (AN and gs) and th...

Research paper thumbnail of Germination capacity of some halophytic plants species under increasing salinity

African Journal of Agricultural Research, 2016

In Tunisia, more particularly in semiarid and arid areas, the drought accentuated by the surface ... more In Tunisia, more particularly in semiarid and arid areas, the drought accentuated by the surface evaporation of water lead to gradual increase in salinity of the soil which a major hurdal in development of vegetation. In these highly salted ecosystems, some plants are growing naturally; however, various species show different tolerance levels to salinity during their development. Seed germination is the stage which is most susceptible to this abiotic constraint. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of increasing NaCl concentrations from 0 to 200 mM on the germination behavior of some halophytic plants species (Acacia cyanophylla, Acacia ampliceps, Medicago arborea, Hedysarum carnosum, Casuarina glauca and Ceratonia siliqua) whose seeds, were collected from Tunisian stands. The germination is evaluated through the daily and the cumulated rates of germination, the corrected seed germination rate and the recovery rate. The effect of salt stress revealed that the elevation of NaCl concentration induces a reduction of germination capacity as good as germination speed. In this setting, 200 mM concentrations of NaCl constitute a physiological limit of germination for all studied species. However, the interspecific variability is relatively important. According to the principal component analysis (PCA), seeds of C. glauca were the most salt tolerant, followed by M. arborea. Seeds of A. ampliceps were the least salt tolerant. The increase of the recovery rate with high salinity supposed that the latter has an osmotic reversible effect and not a toxic irreversible one on the studied species seeds.

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological responses and fruit quality of four peach cultivars under sustained and cyclic deficit irrigation in center-west of Tunisia

Agricultural Water Management, 2019

In arid and semi-arid regions, the research and application of new irrigation techniques that eco... more In arid and semi-arid regions, the research and application of new irrigation techniques that economize water without altering tree performance and fruit quality is a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different deficit irrigation strategies on tree physiology and fruit quality of four Prunus persica cultivars: two earlyripening cultivars (Flordastar and Early Maycrest), a mid-season cultivar (Rubirich), and a late-ripening cultivar (O'Henry). During two consecutive seasons (2016 and 2017), three different irrigation treatments were established: i) Full Irrigation (FI; 100% ETc), ii) Sustained Deficit Irrigation (SDI; 50% ETc) and iii) Cyclic Deficit Irrigation (CDI; trees irrigated at 100 % field capacity whenever the soil moisture dropped to 50% field capacity). Tree water status, gas exchange, yield, fruit pomology and the concentrations of the main sugars and organic acids were determined. Deficit irrigation decreased net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate while it improved instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEins). In O'Henry cultivar, WUEins increased from 3.21 μ mol mmol-1 in FI to 7.04 μmol mmol-1 in CDI during harvest. Deficit irrigation significantly reduced shoot growth in the four cultivars. Furthermore, SDI decreased the yield significantly (from 41 to 26.3 kg in O'Henry cultivar during 2016), fruit size and weight while CDI increased soluble solids and sugar contents and decreased titratable acidity. The total sugar content increased significantly under deficit irrigation in all cultivars studied. In conclusion, CDI seems to be the best strategy in semi-arid regions, since it can save water and improve fruit quality parameters.

Research paper thumbnail of Influence of water stress on the nutritional quality of peach fruits

JOURNAL OF OASIS AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, affects the production of fruit trees. In... more Climate change, especially in arid and semi-arid areas, affects the production of fruit trees. In this region, fruit tree production requires an efficient water supply that maintaining safe and stable yields. The aim of this work is to study the influence of irrigation modes on the nutritional peach fruit quality and the control of water stress indicators rates. Our experiment was carried out at the CRRA Sidi Bouzid (Central-West of Tunisia). It focused on four varieties of peach (Prunus persica L), two early varieties (Flordastar (FS) and Early Maycrest (EMC)), a seasonal variety (Rubirich (RUB)) and a late variety (O'Henry (O'H)). Three different irrigation treatments were applied to the experimental plot: full irrigation (T1; 100% ETc), sustained deficit irrigation (T2; 50% ETc) and cyclical deficit irrigation (T3). The contents of total sugar, protein, and proline as well as some bioactive compounds and stress indicators (MDA, H2O2) were quantified in the exocarp and mes...

Research paper thumbnail of Phenological and Biochemical Characteristics of Almond Cultivars in Arid Climate of Central Tunisia

LAFOBA2

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of two water deficit models on phenolic profiles and antioxidant activities of different peach fruits parts

Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Carotenoids, Phenolic Profile, Mineral Content and Antioxidant Properties in Flesh and Peel of Prunus persica Fruits during Two Maturation Stages

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2016

Carotenoids and phenolic profile, antioxidant activity as well as concentrations of selected macr... more Carotenoids and phenolic profile, antioxidant activity as well as concentrations of selected macronutrients (K, N, Mg, Ca and Na) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu and Mn) in flesh and peel of peach fruit were recorded at two harvest dates. Predominant mineral was potassium, followed by calcium, magnesium and sodium. The concentration of most micronutrients was greater in the peel than in the flesh especially in early season. The concentration of most elements in flesh and peel decreased during fruit maturation. Total carotenoids content varied with respect to the cultivar. β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene were the major carotenoids in both tissues and flesh contain the lowest amounts. Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, were detected in both peel and flesh, with chlorogenic acid and catechin being the predominant components. Peel extracts showed markedly higher antioxidant activities, when estimated by ABTS or DPPH assays, than the flesh counterparts, consistent with the observed higher phenolic content. Overall, total phenolics levels increased at full ripening stage in both peel and flesh. The results found herein provide important data on carotenoids, phenolic and macro- and micronutrient changes during fruit growth, and emphases peach fruit as a potential functional food.

Research paper thumbnail of A greenhouse investigation of responses to different water stress regimes of Laurus nobilis trees from two climatic regions

Journal of Arid Environments, 2010

Research paper thumbnail of Erratum to: Carotenoids, Phenolic Profile, Mineral Content and Antioxidant Properties in Flesh and Peel of Prunus persica Fruits during Two Maturation Stages

Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands), Jan 7, 2017

The original version of this article contained errors. The family name of an author was corrected... more The original version of this article contained errors. The family name of an author was corrected from BHichem Hajlaloui'' to BHichem Hajlaoui''. Moreover, Tables 1 and 2 were cut incorrectly. The second part of both tables should start at the BFull Ripening'' stage to ensure that BPeel'' and BFlesh'' of BSweet Cap'' were in the same line. The original article was corrected.

Research paper thumbnail of Effect of salinity on Arabidopsis thaliana seed germination and acid phosphatase activity

Archives of Biological Sciences, 2016

The salt tolerance of four accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana (COL (Columbia), NOK2, N1438 and N1... more The salt tolerance of four accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana (COL (Columbia), NOK2, N1438 and N1380) was evaluated during germination by the capacity of seeds to germinate in the presence of 50 mM NaCl and to maintain adequate acid phosphatase activity. Our results show that saline conditions reduced the final germination percentage, speed of germination and delayed the germination processes of accessions NOK2, N1438 and N1380. In contrast, 100% of germination was found in COL under salt-stress conditions. In the presence of NaCl 50 mM, acid phosphatase activity increased in the first 24 h, the activity reaching the control level in germinating seeds of COL, but in the three other accessions NOK2, N1438 and N1380, acid phosphatase activity diminished under salt stress. These findings suggest that changes in the phosphatase enzymes might play an important role in the acclimation of COL seeds to the changing environmental conditions.

Research paper thumbnail of Improvement of fruit quality by moderate water deficit in three plum cultivars ( Prunus salicina L.) cultivated in a semi-arid region

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in biochemical compounds in flesh and peel from Prunus persica fruits grown in Tunisia during two maturation stages

Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2016

Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with div... more Plants can synthesize tens to hundreds of thousands of primary and secondary metabolites with diverse biological properties and functions. Fatty acids (FA), phenolic compounds (PC) and volatile compounds (VC) of flesh and peel from three Prunus persica cultivars were evaluated at the Regional Centre of Agricultural Research - Experimental Farm (Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia) during two maturation stages. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids are the most abundant FA in Prunus persica cultivars. A genetic effect on FA composition was observed throughout the two sampling periods. Peel was rich in oleic acid with the highest content (31.3% on total FA) in 'O'Henry' cultivar at the commercial ripening date; flesh was rich in linoleic acid with the highest content (44.7% on total FA) in 'Sweet Cap' cultivar at the full ripening date. The monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios were higher in the commercial ripe than in the full ripe fruits. The analysis of the composition of the VC led to the characterization of 98 different compounds, showing a very high variability among the cultivars. The full ripe fruit (peel and flesh) exhibited the highest total number of terpenoids. Commercial ripe peels were richest in the percentage of hydrocarbons. Comparing cultivars, 'Sweet Cap' cultivar showed the lowest contents of alcohols in peel and flesh of full ripe fruit but highest in peel of commercial ripe fruit, and lowest content of aldehydes in peel and flesh of commercial ripe fruit but highest in peel of ripe ones and the highest ones of lactones. Among PC, the highest contents were observed for o-diphenols and the values showed varietal influence. Total phenols contents decreased during ripening process (p < 0.05) in both peel and flesh tissues, except found for 'Sweet Cap' cultivar. In conclusion, to achieve better FA composition and greater VC and PC production of the peach fruit, P. persica cultivars should be harvested at the commercial ripening date.

Research paper thumbnail of Variation of amino acids in Prunus persica cultivars leaves with regard to leaf age

Research paper thumbnail of Prunus persica by-products: A source of minerals, phenols and volatile compounds

Research paper thumbnail of Physiological behaviors and fruit quality changes in five peach cultivars during three ripening stages in a semi-arid climate

Acta Physiologiae Plantarum