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Consumption of green kiwifruit is known to relieve constipation. Previous studies have also reported improvements in gastrointestinal (GI) comfort. We investigated the effect of consuming green kiwifruit on GI function and comfort. Participants included healthy controls (n = 63), patients with functional constipation (FC, n = 60), and patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C, n = 61) randomly assigned to consume 2 green kiwifruits or psyllium (7.5 g) per day for 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout, and then the other treatment for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) per week. Secondary outcomes included GI comfort which was measured using the GI symptom rating scale, a validated instrument. Data (intent-to-treat) were analyzed as difference from baseline using repeated measures analysis of variance suitable for AB/BA crossover design. Consumption of green kiwifruit was associated with a clinically relevant increase of ≥ 1.5 CSBM per week (FC; 1.53, P < 0.0001, IBS-C; 1.73, P = 0.0003) and significantly improved measures of GI comfort (GI symptom rating scale total score) in constipated participants (FC, P < 0.0001; IBS-C, P < 0.0001). No significant adverse events were observed. This study provides original evidence that the consumption of a fresh whole fruit has demonstrated clinically relevant increases in CSBM and improved measures of GI comfort in constipated populations. Green kiwifruits are a suitable dietary treatment for relief of constipation and associated GI comfort.

Double-arm picking robots are widely used in agricultural production for their high collaborative efficiency. While picking, area planning and collision detection between the mechanical arms is a crucial challenge for the double-arm robot, which needs to establish a collision-free path for fruit picking. In this study, we developed a double-arm cooperation method for robotic picking of kiwifruit. Firstly, the problem of dividing the picking area was simplified into a multiple traveling salesmen problem (MTSP) to be solved. The picking sequence of each robotic arm was formulated by the principle of similar picking numbers, and combined with the brainstorming optimization algorithm (BSO). Secondly, a double-arm parameter model was built to solve the forward and backward movements of the robotic arms and to figure out the joint position. The spatial mathematical relationship of the bounding boxes between the robotic arms was used to detect the collision between the two robotic arms, in order to achieve the avoidance between the robotic joints. Then, simulation software was applied to the simulation and analyzed the availability of picking area planning and collision detection. The simulation results showed that the optimized picking sequence planning using BSO was more efficient; the smooth joint trajectory during the movement of the robotic arms met the limits on the range of movement and on the angular velocity of the robotic arm joints. Finally, based on the simulation result, a double-arm collaboration platform was tested. The double-arm collaboration platform harvesting trials showed that the average picking success rate was 86.67%, and collision detection time was 3.95 ± 0.83 s per fruit. These results indicated that the proposed method could plan the operation tasks of the double-arm picking robot system, and effectively implement the collision-free picking operation.

The global production of kiwifruit has been seriously affected by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) over the last decade. Psa damages both Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (green kiwifruit) but specially the susceptible Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis (gold kiwifruit), resulting in severe economic losses. Treatments for Psa infections currently available are scarce, involving frequent spraying of the kiwifruit plant orchards with copper products. However, copper products should be avoided since they are highly toxic and lead to the development of bacterial resistance to this metal. Antibiotics are also used in some countries, but bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious worldwide problem. Therefore, it is essential to develop new approaches for sustainable agriculture production, avoiding the emergence of resistant Psa bacterial strains. Attempts to develop and establish highly accurate approaches to combat and prevent the occurrence of bacterial canker in kiwifruit plants are currently under study, using specific viruses of bacteria (bacteriophages, or phages) to eliminate the Psa. This review discusses the characteristics of Psa-induced kiwifruit canker, Psa transmission pathways, prevention and control, phage-based biocontrol strategies as a new approach to control Psa in kiwifruit orchards and its advantages over other therapies, together with potential ways to bypass phage inactivation by abiotic factors.

Whole kiwifruit (‘Hayward’ and ‘Zesy002’) were examined for their bioaminergic potential after being subjected to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and colonic fermentation. Controls included the prebiotic inulin and water, a carbohydrate-free vehicle. The dopamine precursor l-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan were increased in the kiwifruit gastrointestinal digesta (‘Hayward’ > ‘Zesy002’) in comparison to the water digesta. Fermentation of the digesta with human fecal bacteria for 18 h modulated the concentrations of bioamine metabolites. The most notable were the significant increases in L-DOPA (‘Zesy002’ > ‘Hayward’) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (‘Hayward’ > ‘Zesy002’). Kiwifruit increased Bifidobacterium spp. and Veillonellaceae (correlating with L-DOPA increase), and Lachnospira spp. (correlating with GABA). The digesta and fermenta were incubated with Caco-2 cells for 3 h followed by gene expression analysis. Effects were seen on genes related to serotonin synthesis/re-uptake/conversion to melatonin, gut tight junction, inflammation and circadian rhythm with different digesta and fermenta from the four treatments. These indicate potential effects of the substrates and the microbially generated organic acid and bioamine metabolites on intestinal functions that have physiological relevance. Further studies are required to confirm the potential bioaminergic effects of gut microbiota–kiwifruit interactions.

Aging is a complex biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physical function and an increased risk of age-related chronic diseases. Additionally, oxidative stress is known to cause severe tissue damage and inflammation. Pollens from acorn and darae are extensively produced in Korea. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these components under the conditions of inflammation and oxidative stress remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bee pollen components on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages. This study demonstrates that acorn and darae significantly inhibit the LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in RAW 264.7 cells. Specifically, bee pollen from acorn reduces NO production by 69.23 ± 0.04% and PGE2 production by 44.16 ± 0.08%, while bee pollen from darae decreases NO production by 78.21 ± 0.06% and PGE2 production by 66.23 ± 0.1%. Furthermore, bee pollen from acorn and darae reduced active oxygen species (ROS) production by 47.01 ± 0.5% and 60 ± 0.9%, respectively. It increased the nuclear potential of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, treatment with acorn and darae abolished the nuclear potential of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and reduced the expression of extracellular signal-associated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Specifically, acorn decreased NF-κB nuclear potential by 90.01 ± 0.3%, ERK phosphorylation by 76.19 ± 1.1%, and JNK phosphorylation by 57.14 ± 1.2%. Similarly, darae reduced NF-κB nuclear potential by 92.21 ± 0.5%, ERK phosphorylation by 61.11 ± 0.8%, and JNK phosphorylation by 59.72 ± 1.12%. These results suggest that acorn and darae could be potential antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

The most widely cultivated species globally is Actinidia deliciosa cv. 'Hayward'. However, in recent years, consumers have shown greater demand for new varieties with novel flesh colour, flavour and appearance in international markets. To meet these expectations, one breeding study was started in 2016 at the University of Guilan in Iran to develop new kiwifruit cultivars with superior characteristics. In this breeding program, 201 female and 534 male hybrid genotypes were obtained from combinations of six different parents using the controlled cross-breeding technique. The evaluations were carried out over three consecutive stages. In the first stage, 201 female hybrid genotypes and control ('Golden') were evaluated based on 25 phenological and pomological traits. In the second stage, hybrids passed the desired threshold values in 7 key attributes were selected. Sensory testing in the next stage evaluated these selected hybrid genotypes more. As a result of the first stage, 30 hybrid genotypes with fruit weight (90 [greater than or equal to] g) were selected. Then, in the second stage, 21 hybrids that showed acceptable dry matter, hue angle, flesh firmness, soluble solid content, acidity, and ascorbic acid were selected. Finally, 13 hybrid genotypes received high scores in sensory testing, and just two hybrid genotypes represented a 100% of novelty with positive texture. These genotypes were selected as potential cultivar candidates. In future studies, fruit yield, disease/pest resistance, and post-harvest performance trials of the 13 selected candidates will be evaluated at different sites. Thus, the ones that give the best results will be introduced to kiwifruit growers.

Over the last years, the global production and trade of kiwifruit has been severely impacted by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), a phytopathogen that causes a disease in kiwifruit plants known as bacterial canker. The available treatments for this disease are still scarce, with the most common involving frequently spraying the orchards with disinfectants, copper-based bactericides and/or antibiotics. Moreover, these treatments should be avoided due to their high toxicity to the environment and promotion of bacterial resistance. Phage therapy may be an alternative approach to inactivate Psa. The present study investigated the potential application of the already commercially available bacteriophage (or phage) ϕ6 to control Psa infections. The inactivation of Psa was assessed in vitro, using liquid culture medium, and ex vivo, using artificially contaminated kiwifruit leaves with two biovar 3 (a highly aggressive pathogen) strains (Psa CRA-FRU 12.54 and Psa CRA-FRU 14.10). In the in vitro experiments, the phage ϕ6 was effective against both strains (maximum reduction of 2.2 and 1.9 CFU/mL for Psa CRA-FRU 12.54 and Psa CRA-FRU 14.10, respectively). In the ex vivo tests, the decrease was lower (maximum reduction 1.1 log and 1.8 CFU/mL for Psa CRA-FRU 12.54 and Psa CRA-FRU 14.10, respectively). The results of this study suggest that the commercially available phage ϕ6 can be an effective alternative to control Psa infections in kiwifruit orchards.

This article is a Commentary on Wang et al. (2022), 233: 373–389.

This study describes novel formulations and approaches to produce reconstitutable (in water) spray dried kiwifruit milk powders that possess the intrinsic fruit colour and antioxidants of kiwifruits. Novel feed formulations, containing the aqueous fraction of green or gold kiwifruit puree, skim milk, fortifying zinc (in the form of zinc citrate) and a minimal amount of maltodextrin (3 % w/w), were spray dried at a relatively low inlet temperature (150 °C) to produce kiwifruit juice–milk powders with good dissolution efficiency (complete dissolution in 21–28 s), low water activity (0.22–0.28) and high retention of vitamin C, phenolics and carotenoid antioxidants. Both the green and gold kiwifruit juice–milk powders were pseudoplastic-like materials. Their reconstituted aqueous solutions had viscosity of 2–23 mPa · s and exhibited a shear rate dependence. Adding kiwifruit pulp residue to the feed solution at a mass ratio of 25:75 significantly enhanced the dissolution efficiency and the natural kiwifruit colour of the product powders without affecting the total phenolic and vitamin C contents. Preheating the feed solution to 50 °C for 1 min had a positive impact on the physicochemical attributes and bioactive profile of kiwifruit juice–milk powders, including a greater retention of initial kiwifruit juice colour, lower water activity, better dissolution efficiency and a higher total phenolic content. The powders obtained in this study contain multiple health-promoting nutrients and bioactives including kiwifruit antioxidants and milk proteins, and can be used in beverages or as functional ingredients for nutraceutical applications.