Comparative analysis of quality and nutritional traits from Lonicera caerulea (Honeyberry) cultivars and other berries grown in Scotland

Lonicera caeruleabrix is a perennial shrub native to North America, Europe and Asia. It produces dark blue berries known as honeyberries or haskap berries which are produced commercially in several territories including Canada, Japan, Russia and Poland. Plants are suited to UK environments, but it is yet to be widely commercially developed in the UK. In the present work, quality and nutritional traits of six honeyberry cultivars grown in Scotland were compared with other commonly grown berry fruits (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, blackcurrant) to aid the identification of environmentally stable, high-quality honeyberry cultivars suitable for UK cultivation. Differences were observed in fruit quality variables (soluble solids, titratable acidity and Brix/acid ratios) between honeyberry cultivars. Three of six cultivars examined exhibited notable variation in soluble solids dependent on harvest year with ‘Aurora’ and ‘Strawberry Sensation’ having consistently high ^oBrix values. Titratable acidity exhibited cultivar differences and there was limited variation over harvest years. ‘Aurora’ exhibited consistently high ^oBrix/titratable acidity ratio reflected by high glucose and fructose content. Honeyberry fruit had good nutritional profile relative to other soft fruits with higher polyphenol and anthocyanin content than strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry, manifested in greater antioxidant capacity. The major anthocyanins in aqueous honeyberry fruit extracts were cyanidin, pelargonidin and peonidin glycosides. These findings indicate that L. caerulea represents a crop suitable for UK cultivation capable of producing high quality fruit with a valuable nutritional profile relative to other soft fruits. Cultivars exhibit significant differences in fruit quality and nutritional profile as well as harvest consistency and growers should consider this when establishing new plantations.     

Effects of boron fertilization on `Conference' pear tree vigor, nutrition, and fruit yield and storability

The aim of the study was to examine the response of pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees to soil and foliar applications of boron (B). The experiment was carried out during 2000–2001 in a commercial orchard in Central Poland on mature `Conference' pear trees grafted on Pyrus communis var. caucasica seedlings planted at a spacing of 4 × 2.5 m on a sandy loam soil with a low hot water-extractable B status. Annually, foliar sprays with B were applied. (i) before full bloom (at green and white bud stage, and when 1–5% of flowers was at full bloom), (ii) after flowering (at petal fall, and 7 and 14 days after the end of flowering), or (iii) postharvest in fall (approximately 6 weeks before leaf fall). Spray treatments involved application of B at a rate of 0.2 kg ha^–1 in spring or 0.8 kg ha^–1 in fall. Additionally, other trees were supplied with soil-applied B at the bud break stage at a rate of 2 kg ha^–1. Trees untreated with B served as the control. The results revealed that foliar applications of B before full bloom or after harvest increased fruit set and fruit yield. Tree vigor, mean fruit weight, firmness, soluble solids concentration and titratable acidity of fruits at harvest were not affected by B treatments. Foliar B sprays before full bloom or after harvest increased B concentrations in flowers, and both leaves and fruitlets at 40 days after flowering. Only the foliar treatments after flowering and soil fertilization with B increased the content of this microelement in fruit and leaves at 80 and 120 days after full bloom. Foliar B application before full bloom or after harvest increased calcium (Ca) in fruitlets at 40 days after full bloom, in fruit, and in leaves at 80 and 120 days after full bloom. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) in plant tissues were not affected by B fertilization. After storage, and also after the ripening period, fruits from the trees sprayed with B before full bloom or after harvest had higher firmness and titratable acidity than those from the control trees. After the ripening period, fruits from the trees sprayed with B before full bloom or after harvest had lower membrane permeability and were less sensitive to internal browning than the control fruits. These findings indicate that prebloom and postharvest B sprays are successful in increasing pear tree yielding and in improving fruit storability under the conditions of low B availability in the soil.     

Effect of pre-storage treatments on mango fruit ripening

The effectiveness of pre-storage treatments of nitrogen (low oxygen), heat and ethanol and acetaldehyde vapours were examined for their potential for improving mango storage. Mature green mango fruit (Mangifera indica L. cv. Keitt) were treated with low oxygen (< 3% oxygen, 97% nitrogen) for 72 h, acetaldehyde (0.12%) and ethanol (1%) vapours for 24 h or heat (38 ± 2°C) for 48 h prior to storage at 14°C. The nitrogen and ethanol treatments induced substantial levels of acetaldehyde and ethanol in the fruit. Initially the firmness of the nitrogen treated fruit remained higher than the control although later in storage this effect was lost. Differences in ripening were reflected in the total soluble solids and acidity levels, nitrogen maintaining a higher acidity and lower total soluble solids (less mature) whereas the heat treated fruit had lower acidity and higher total soluble solids (more mature). Ethanol and acetaldehyde treatments showed no effect. The use of a pre-storage treatment of nitrogen therefore had a beneficial effect on retarding ripening, although as storage progressed this effect was lost.     

Effect of ethephon on sweet cherry pedicel-fruit retention force and quality is cultivar dependent

Ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) is effectively used to promote development of the pedicel-fruit abscission zone in tart cherry (Prunus cerasus) for mechanical harvest. Our research program is investigating the use of ethephon to promote pedicel-fruit retention force (PFRF) reduction on new sweet cherry (P. avium) cultivars to assist mechanized harvest and its affect upon fresh market quality fruit. Ethephon treatments were made at different timings and rates to ‘Bing’ and ‘Chelan’ during the 2006 season. Ethephon applications to ‘Bing’ trees more than 10 days prior to harvest were effective at reducing PFRF and facilitating mechanical harvest, irrespective of rate (1.2, 3.5, 5.8 L ha⁻¹ [1, 3, 5 pt A⁻¹]). Ethephon applied fewer than 10 days prior to harvest did not reduce PFRF sufficiently. In contrast, no rate or timing of ethephon studied induced a reduction in ‘Chelan’ PFRF sufficient for mechanical harvest. Accompanying PFRF analyses, fruit quality was assessed by measuring firmness (g mm⁻¹), soluble solids (oBrix), weight (g) and color (CTIFL, scale 1–7). Ethephon applied 22 days before harvest at a rate of 3.5 L ha⁻¹ enhanced exocarp color in ‘Bing’ by 27%, while reducing firmness in both ‘Bing’ (−19%, 22 days prior to harvest) and ‘Chelan’ (−15%, 20 days prior to harvest). We observed a significant natural decline in ‘Skeena’ PFRF to levels acceptable for mechanical harvest. This research documents genotypic-specific pedicel-fruit abscission characteristics and the potential to facilitate mechanical harvest of fresh market quality sweet cherry fruit using ethephon.     

皱皮木瓜果实发育后期品质变化及其成熟阶段的划分初探

以湖北长阳产皱皮木瓜为材料,测定果实发育后期果实鲜质量、果长、果径、果色、果实硬度以及果肉干物质量、可溶性糖含量、总酸含量和总黄酮含量等品质指标的动态变化,划分不同成熟阶段,为判断果实适宜采收期、实现优质生产提供理论参考。结果表明:(1)皱皮木瓜果实发育后期果实鲜质量、果长、果径、果肉干物质量和可溶性糖含量均呈现上升趋势;果色由绿色、黄绿色渐变为淡黄色到黄色;果实硬度、果肉总酸和总黄酮含量呈先上升后下降趋势。(2)各品质指标快速变化的时间区域存在差异,果实鲜质量在花后105~150d增加较快,果色在150d后逐渐变黄,果实硬度在花后135~165d快速下降,果肉总酸、总黄酮含量则在花后105~120d快速增加至峰值。(3)根据主成分分析结果和各品质指标的变化特点,可初步将皱皮木瓜果实发育后期划分为未成熟(花后105d之前)、早期成熟(花后120~150d)和成熟(花后165~180d)3个阶段。研究表明,随着果实成熟度的提高,皱皮木瓜果实鲜质量、果色、果肉干物质量、可溶性糖含量等指标不断升高,果实硬度逐渐下降,其食用加工品质不断提升,而在早期成熟阶段(花后120~150d)果实的药用品质则相对较高。     

The combined effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene and citral suppressed postharvest grey mould of tomato fruit by inhibiting the growth of Botrytis cinerea

1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP, 1 μl/L) and 1 × minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) citral alone and in combination were used to treat on postharvest tomato fruits to investigate their influence on disease incidence and postharvest quality during fruit storage, which were stored at 90%–95% relative humidity and 25 ± 2°C. Weight loss, pH, hue angle (Hue^°), total soluble solid (TSS), ascorbic acid content, firmness and antioxidant enzyme activities were evaluated after each storage period. 1 μl/L 1‐MCP or 1 × MFC citral reduced weight loss, retarded peel colour changes and retained postharvest fruit quality. 1 μl/L 1‐MCP + 1 × MFC citral could better maintain firmness and ascorbic acid content and increase antioxidant enzyme activities, compared to other treatments. Disease incidence of tomato fruit was significantly decreased, and spore germination and mycelia growth of Botrytis cinerea were suppressed by the combined treatment with 1 μl/L 1‐MCP and 1 × MFC citral. These results indicate that the combined treatment could effectively delay postharvest tomato fruits senescence and inhibit postharvest pathogens in vitro.     

Fruit quality attributes of blackberry (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rubus sanctus</Emphasis>) mutants obtained by <Superscript>60</Superscript>Co gamma irradiation

Blackberry mutants were induced by the irradiation of blackberry shoots with 5 kilo radians of cobalt (⁶⁰Co) gamma irradiation. Seven mutant plants demonstrating improved plant growth properties were selected for evaluation of the fruit quality characteristics, such as size, shape, color, firmness, soluble solids content, juice acidity, nutritive value (e.g. ascorbic acid) and overall fruit flavor. The organoleptic properties, including texture, firmness, flavor, sweetness, acidity, color, and overall fruit flavor, were evaluated by a consumer panel. The results indicated that irradiation induced changes in some of the quality parameters of blackberry fruits, as well as increased the fruit shelf-life.     

Loquat fruit size is increased through the thinning effect of naphthaleneacetic acid

The thinning effect of naphthaleneaceticacid was examined in loquat trees (Eriobotryajaponica Lindl.). The effect depended on theconcentration applied and on the treatment date. Themost effective treatment found to thin fruit andincrease the average fruit size was the application of20 mg l^–1 of naphthaleneacetic acid 10–15 daysafter anthesis. Treatment reduced the fruit resistanceto puncturing and improved total soluble solidsconcentration and coloration and, consequently,harvest time was markedly advanced.     

采前二氧化氯处理对‘海沃德’猕猴桃的防腐保鲜效果

研究了采前二氧化氯（ClO2）处理对采后‘海沃德’猕猴桃果实在冷藏条件下的防腐保鲜效果。分别用浓度（有效成分）为0、20、40、60、80mg·L-1的ClO2溶液,在采收前对果实进行喷布处理,在采收后冷藏过程中定期测定相关生理指标,并在贮藏末期（120d）观察统计其腐烂指数。结果表明,浓度60mg·L-1的ClO2采前处理可有效清除猕猴桃果实表面菌落,并能显著延缓冷藏期间果实硬度的下降、抑制可溶性固型物的上升、降低猕猴桃呼吸速率、乙烯释放速率、失重和腐烂指数,提高过氧化物酶（POD）和苯丙氨酸解氨酶（PAL）的活性。通过比较,确定采前ClO2处理的适宜浓度为60mg·L-1。该浓度的ClO2处理对‘海沃德’猕猴桃具有明显的防腐保鲜效果,可有效延长贮藏期。     

Banana harvest maturity and fruit position on the quality of ripe fruit

There is an increasing market demand for smaller banana fruit. The way that this is being addressed involves harvesting some fruits on a bunch at a less advanced stage of maturity. Experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of age of fruit at harvest, position of the fruit on the bunch and different banana varieties on the speed of ripening and the quality of the ripe fruit at two different ripening temperatures after being exposed to exogenous ethylene. The maturity of bananas at harvest affected both the speed of ripening and the quality of the ripe fruit. Speed of ripening of fruit at 13°C was slower the more immature the fruit at harvest, but there was no effect on the speed of ripening of harvest maturity at a ripening temperature of 16°C. The effects of harvest maturity and position of the fruit on the bunch on peel colour and texture were significant but so small that they would be unlikely to affect the consumers' perception in a commercial situation. The higher soluble solids, flavour, sweetness and acceptability after ripening of the more mature fruit at harvest was sufficiently high that consumers could probably detect them.     

The relationship between fruit retention force at harvest and quality of feijoa after storage

Feijoa (Feijoa sellowiana, cvs Apollo and Gemini) fruits were removed from the tree and grouped into treatments according to retention force (RF) at harvest. Fruits with greater RF at harvest had higher titratable acidity and flesh firmness, lower soluble solids content and less locule clarity at harvest than fruits with lower RF. After 4 wk storage at 4 °C and 5 days shelflife at 20 °C titratable acidity, soluble solids and firmness in these fruits were similar across RF grades except that after shelflife the incidence of flesh and locule browning was greater in fruits harvested with low RF when compared with fruits picked with greater force. At harvest the total sugar and organic acids, and the sugar: acid ratio were similar irrespective of RF, whereas after storage and shelflife no consistent effect of RF existed. Taste panellists could not detect differences in the eating appeal of fruit harvested with high or with low retention force after storage and shelflife. Soluble solids, acidity and flesh firmness declined markedly over storage and shelflife irrespective of retention force at harvest and although these fruits were still acceptable for eating, they no longer had the characteristic flavour and texture of unstored feijoas.     

Magnesium deficiency of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa)

Magnesium deficiency was associated with large yield reductions in a five-year-old commercial kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) orchard. The effect on yield resulted primarily from a reduction in fruit numbers, there being no difference in mean fruit weight between fruit harvested from affected and unaffected vines. Magnesium deficiency had no deleterious effect on postharvest storage characteristics of fruit stored at 0.5–1°C for 18 weeks; fruit from deficient vines were firmer but had slightly lower soluble solids than fruit from control vines. Although deficiency symptoms were first observed on the basal leaves of the non-fruiting shoots mid season, indications of the impending deficiency could be established very early in the season using foliar analysis. Magnesium concentrations in youngest fully expanded leaves (YFEL) on the affected vines were less than 2.0 g kg⁻¹ DM four weeks after budbreak and remained below this value for the rest of the season; concentrations in YFEL on unaffected vines did not decrease below this value and gradually increased after fruitset to 4.5 g kg⁻¹ DM at harvest. To avert potential production losses, it is suggested that soluble magnesium fertilizers (containing at least 200 kg ha⁻¹ Mg) should be broadcast early in the season if foliar magnesium concentrations less than 2.0 gkg⁻¹ DM are measured four–six weeks after budbreak.     

Effect of fruit maturity on UV-B-induced post-harvest anthocyanin accumulation in red Chinese sand pear

The effect of fruit maturity on UV-B-induced post-harvest anthocyanin accumulation in red Chinese sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) cultivar ‘Mantianhong’ was evaluated. During the irradiation, compared with the fruit harvested at 20 days before harvest (DBH) and 10 DBH, the mature fruit (harvested at commercial harvest date) had higher soluble solids content, soluble sugars concentration but lower firmness and starch content. In addition, higher content of anthocyanin has been detected in mature fruits than in immature fruits due to the significant increase in the expression of genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis, especially PpCHS, PpF3H, PpANS, PpUFGT, PyMYB10 and PpbHLH in red Chinese sand pears. Hierarchical clustering analysis suggested that most genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis showed a coordinate expression pattern. These findings are helpful in understanding the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis and regulation, which could lead to the development of new technologies for improving fruit color in Chinese sand pears and other fruits.     

外源5-氨基乙酰丙酸对设施番茄果实发育及糖酸品质的影响北大核心CSCD

番茄果实糖酸类物质的含量及比例直接影响其风味品质,前期研究表明,适宜浓度的外源5-氨基乙酰丙酸(ALA)能够促进果实的成熟并提高其芳香品质。该试验为探究外源ALA对番茄果实发育及其糖酸品质的影响,以番茄‘原味1号’(Solanum lycopersicum cv.Yuanwei No.1)品种为试材,于第4穗果授粉后10 d果实表面喷施0、100和200 mg·L^(-1)的ALA溶液,分析ALA对番茄果实形态、果皮色泽及果实不同部位组织中糖、酸类物质组分及含量的影响。结果表明:(1)外源ALA溶液能显著促进番茄果实横径、纵径的增加,提高果实单果重,还显著降低果实硬度,促进果实软化,提升果实口感,并提高了果实V_(C)和可溶性固形物含量。(2)果实不同部位组织(包括果肉、小柱和隔膜)糖类物质组分含量测定结果显示,外源ALA处理能够显著提高果实可溶性总糖含量(包括果糖、葡萄糖和蔗糖),并有利于糖类物质向果肉中积累。(3)在有机酸类物质中,除酒石酸含量增加外,外源ALA处理均能不同程度地降低果实各部位组织中酸类物质含量,从而显著提高番茄果实果肉部位糖酸比,提升果实糖酸品质。研究发现,在番茄果实发育过程中外源施用200 mg·L^(-1) ALA不仅能够促进果实发育及着色,提高单果重,提升果实的外观品质,还有利于果实糖酸品质的形成。     

猕猴桃品种‘金桃’采收指标与果实软熟品质相关性研究

分别对河南省27个果园的中华猕猴桃（Actinidia chinensis Planch.）品种‘金桃’果实的5项采收生理指标及果实软熟时的8项品质性状进行测定,采用主成分分析法对果实软熟时的品质指标进行综合评分,并对果实的采收生理指标、果实软熟品质指标及综合分值间进行相关性分析。结果显示,采收时的生理指标（干物质、色度角、硬度和可溶性固形物）均与果实软熟品质综合分值间呈极显著相关,其中干物质相关系数最高,为0.437。干物质与体现果实软熟品质的关键指标（可溶性固形物、总糖和糖酸比）均呈极显著性相关。研究结果表明‘金桃’果实采收时,干物质含量是果实软熟时品质的重要评价指标,而可溶性固形物和色度角是评判采收期的辅助指标。     

Effects of the Lycopersicon chmielewskii sucrose accumulator gene (sucr) on fruit yield and quality parameters following introgression into tomato

A gene controlling fruit sucrose accumulation, sucr, was introgressed from the wild tomato species Lycopersicon chmielewskii into the genetic background of a hexose-accumulating cultivated tomato, L. esculentum. During introgression, the size of the L. chmielewskii chromosomal segment containing sucr was reduced by selection for recombination between RFLP markers for the sucr gene and flanking loci. The effects of sucr on soluble solids content, fruit size, yield and other fruit parameters were studied in the genetic background of the processing tomato cultivar Huntl00. In a segregating BC₅F₂ generation, the smallest introgression containing sucr-associated markers was necessary and sufficient to confer high-level sucrose accumulation, the effects of which were completely recessive. Fruit of sucr/sucr genotypes were smaller than those of +/sucr or +/+ genotypes at all stages of development. The timing of sugar accumulation and total sugar concentration were unaffected by sugar composition. No differences in total fruit biomass (fresh weight of red and green fruit) at harvest were observed between the genotypes, and sucrose accumulators produced greater numbers of fruit than hexose accumulators in one family. However, the proportion of ripe fruit at harvest, and hence yield of ripe fruit, as well as average ripe fruit weight and seed set were reduced in sucr/sucr genotypes. Sucrose accumulation was also associated with increased soluble solids content, consistency, serum viscosity, predicted paste yield and acidity, and decreased color rating. In the first backcross to L. chmielewskii, hexose accumulators (+/sucr) had larger fruit than sucrose accumulators (sucr/sucr), while no difference in soluble solids was detected.     

Micronised and non-micronised sulphur applications control peach scab equally well with negligible differences in fruit quality

In a 2-year study, micronised (finely ground) and non-micronised sulphur spray programmes were investigated for peach scab control and influence on peach fruit quality variables including fruit colouration, soluble solids content and flesh firmness. Both sulphur programmes, applied six or 11 times at 15 kg ha⁻¹, controlled scab equally well in both years on cultivars (cvs) Contender and Cresthaven. Six applications of a half dosage of both micronised and non-micronised sulphur programmes were significantly less effective ( P  < 0.05) compared with all other programmes when scab incidence was >90% on cv. Contender. None of the sulphur programmes influenced significantly ( P  < 0.05) colouration and flesh firmness of harvested fruits compared with the industry standard (a chlorothalonil–captan programme). Only soluble solids concentrations showed significant differences among fungicide programmes ( P  < 0.05), but these differences were not consistent with either particle sizes of sulphur fungicide or reduced application fungicide programmes. In conclusion, our study showed that (a) micronised sulphur did not control peach scab more effectively compared to non-micronised sulphur; (b) six applications of sulphur were sufficient to control peach scab when disease pressure was low to medium; and (c) neither six nor 11 applications of sulphur-based products applied at 15 kg ha⁻¹ had commercially relevant negative impacts on important peach fruit quality variables.     

外源ALA对克瑞森无核葡萄叶片光合特性及果实品质的影响

以日光温室栽培的欧亚葡萄品种克瑞森无核为试验材料,在果实膨大期和始熟期采用不同浓度(50、100和150mg·L~(-1))5-氨基乙酰丙酸(ALA)喷施叶片和果穗,研究外源ALA处理对葡萄叶片光合特性、果实着色效果及果实品质的影响。结果表明:(1)各浓度ALA处理后葡萄叶片胞间CO_2浓度(Ci)、气孔导度(Gs)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、净光合速率(Pn)都有不同程度的增加,并以100mg·L~(-1) ALA处理效果最好。(2)50~150mg·L~(-1) ALA处理均能不同程度提高葡萄果皮花青素、叶绿素及类胡萝卜素含量,且各ALA处理的果实可溶性糖含量显著高于对照,但可滴定酸含量低于对照。(3)100和150mg·L~(-1) ALA处理能够显著改善果实成熟期的着色参数,且果实着色指数(CIRG)与花青素的积累呈现出良好的一致性。研究发现,在葡萄果实膨大期及始熟期喷施适宜浓度(100mg·L~(-1))ALA能够有效提高叶片光合性能,同时促进果实着色,显著改善果实外观色泽和果实品质。     

红地球葡萄延后栽培成熟期水分运输研究

以3年生延后栽培的红地球葡萄为材料,在生育后期设置土壤水分处理控制在0.20(T_1)、0.25(T_2)和0.30 m~3·m~(-3)(T_3)左右,以果农常用的管理方法为对照(CK),在果实成熟期采用切片和田间树体茎流测定方法,研究果实水分运输结构变化和树体耗水状况。结果表明:(1)葡萄果实转色初期,果梗维管束的木质部结构完整且导管壁清晰可见;转色中期,果梗木质部部分导管壁变模糊,果刷中央维管束横切面积较转色前期变小;转色后期,果刷和果梗木质部导管壁模糊且破裂。(2)当葡萄果实可溶性固形物为7%时,果梗表皮细胞排列紧密且细胞间隙小,果刷维管束导管清晰可见;当可溶性固形物含量达到11%时,果刷中央维管束导管数量大于胚珠维管束,且分布不同;当可溶性固形物含量增加至15%时,果梗表皮细胞排列疏松,表皮细胞拉长,部分细胞发生破裂,果刷中央维管束和胚珠维管束的导管均出现解体。(3)9月11日左右,不同土壤水分处理(CK、T_1、T_2和T_3)茎液流达到最大值,峰值分别为3.51、3.95、4.37和4.59 d·L~(-1);葡萄转色中期,在低温影响下T_1的茎液流量整体显著低于T_2、T_3(P0.05),但与CK无显著差异;10月15日至10月26日无明显极端低温发生,不同处理树体茎液流量均呈下降趋势;11月下旬随着温度持续降低,树体各处理茎液流量迅速下降。研究发现,土壤含水量过高,低温发生时会造成树体茎液流量降低,增加土壤供水能够延缓葡萄可溶性固形物的积累,从而延缓葡萄成熟。     

Efficacy of plant essential oils on post-harvest control of rot caused by Botrytis cinerea on kiwi fruits

Antifungal activity of the essential oils of Carum carvi and Pimpinella anisum against Botrytis cinerea fruit rot of key kiwi fruit was studied. In vitro experiments, antifungal activities of essential oils were tested on potato dextrose agar media. Results of an in vitro experiment showed that these essential oils, at all applied concentrations, inhibited grey mould growth. Black caraway essential oil at concentrations of 600 and 800?μL?L^?1 inhibited germination spores of grey mould. Then, the fruits were artificially inoculated with a suspension at 1?×?10⁵?conidia/ml and then treated with different concentrations of these essential oils. The results of in vivo conditions showed that black caraway and anise essential oils applied at all concentrations were increasing the shelf life and inhibited the grey mould growth on kiwi fruits completely in comparison to control. The result showed that black caraway and anise oils at a concentration of 800?μL?L^?1 had higher total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, titrable acidity and antioxidant content compared to untreated fruits.