All Issue

2025 Vol.43, Issue 2 Preview Page

Research Article

Assessing the Impact of Elevated Day and Night Temperatures on Flesh Red Coloration and Diminished Quality in Peaches
L. Sugandhi Hirushika Jayasooriya1†
,
Yong Bum Kwack2†
,
Mi Hee Shin3
,
W.M. Upeksha Darshani Wijethunga1
,
Gyeong Ho Kim1
,
Ye Ji Moon1
,
Seung Heui Kim2
,
Jung Gun Cho4
,
Jin Gook Kim13*
1Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
2Major of Fruit Science, Department of Horticulture, Korea National University of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju 54874, Korea
3Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
4Fruit Research Division, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Wanju 55365, Korea
*Corresponding Author
†These authors contributed equally to this work.
30 April 2025. pp. 165-181
PDF XML Citation
Abstract

In South Korea, the prevalence of red coloration in peach flesh has been widely documented in recent years owing to elevated temperatures triggered by climate change. This study implemented soil–fruit–daylight–system (SFDS) artificial chambers that maintained four distinct day and night temperature categories to provide an overview of the effects of high temperatures on flesh discoloration and reduced fruit quality in ‘Daewol’ peaches. The day and night temperatures in each chamber were maintained as 1; 20°C/10°C; 2; 25°C/15°C; 3; 30°C/20°C; and 4; 35°C/25°C, while all other external factors remained constant. Changes in flesh color and the physicochemical quality characteristics related to flesh were assessed under these conditions over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. The significantly lowest fruit weight was observed in the 30°C/20°C and 35°C/25°C chambers, where tropical night phenomena were demonstrated. A remarkably higher soluble solids content was reported from the 35°C/25°C chamber, with firmness however not showing a significant difference among the chambers. Peach flesh displayed excessive red/brown coloration in the 30°C/20°C and 35°C/25°C chambers, exhibiting higher a* values, lower hue values, and color development index (CDI) values beyond 0.5 ± 0.01, where 0.5 signifies maximum yellowness. Furthermore, the markedly highest reddish pulp index was observed in the chambers with temperatures set to 30°C/20°C and 35°C/25°C. These findings emphasize that reddish pulp disorder intensifies with elevated temperatures as a result of climate change. Hence, it is crucial to prioritize and address this issue to maintain a steady peach production process and improve peach quality levels ultimately to meet the demand for peach fruit. This requires the prompt adoption of strategies such as appropriate irrigation, shading methods to protect the fruits from intense sunlight, and choosing peach varieties that can withstand high temperatures.

Keywords
artificial chamber
climate change
fruit quality
red/brown flesh
tropical night phenomena
References
1

Antunes MDC, Sfakiotakis EM (2000) Effect of high temperature stress on ethylene biosynthesis, respiration and ripening of 'Hayward' kiwifruit. Postharvest Biol Technol 20:251-259. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0925-5214(00)00136-8

10.1016/S0925-5214(00)00136-8
2

Arias R, Lee TC, Logendra L, Janes H (2000) Correlation of lycopene measured by HPLC with the L*, a*, b* color readings of a hydroponic tomato and the relationship of maturity with color and lycopene content. J Agric Food Chem 48:1697-1702. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf990974e

10.1021/jf990974e
3

Bourne MC (1982) Effect of temperature on firmness of raw fruits and vegetables. J Food Sci 47:440-444. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1982.tb10099.x

10.1111/j.1365-2621.1982.tb10099.x
4

Cáceres D, Díaz M, Shinya P, Infante R (2016) Assessment of peach internal flesh browning through colorimetric measures. Postharvest Biol Technol 111:48-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2015.07.007

10.1016/j.postharvbio.2015.07.007
5

Cai X, Yang J, Zeng X, Zou JJ (2022) Light and temperature effects on the color and scent of Osmanthus fragrans 'Houban Yingui'. Hortic Sci Technol 40:595-604. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20220054

10.7235/HORT.20220054
6

Cheng GW, Crisosto CH (1994) Development of dark skin discoloration on peach and nectarine fruit in response to exogenous contaminations. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 119:529-533. https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS.119.3.529

10.21273/JASHS.119.3.529
7

Choi G, Kwon WT (2005) Spatial-temporal patterns and recent changes of tropical night phenomenon in South Korea. J Geol Soc Korea 40:730-747

8

Christopoulos M, Ouzounidou G (2021) Climate change effects on the perceived and nutritional quality of fruit and vegetables. J Innov Econo Mang 34:79-99. https://doi.org/10.3917/jie.034.0079

10.3917/jie.034.0079
9

Fukuda F, Tomita Y, Aishima Y, Koumoto K, Fujii Y, Hirano K, Morinaga K, Kubota N (2017) Effect of flowering time on occurrence of reddish pulp in the peach. J Hortic 86:145-150. https://doi.org/10.2503/hortj.OKD-012

10.2503/hortj.OKD-012
10

Giovannini D, Liverani A, Bassi D and Lateur M (2013) ECPGR Priority descriptors for peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch]. European Cooperative Programme for Plant Genetic Resources, pp 1-30.

11

Hayama H (2015) Water-soaked brown flesh disorders in peach fruit (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) Jpn Agric Res Q 49:91-95. https://doi.org/10.6090/jarq.49.91

10.6090/jarq.49.91
12

Hayama H, Fujimaru O, Iwatani A, Ito A, Sakamoto D, Okada S, Kashimura Y (2007) Influences of temperature during fruit growing season on fruit development of 'Akatsuki' peach. Hort Res (Japan) 6:201-207. https://doi.org/10.2503/hrj.6.201

10.2503/hrj.6.201
13

Jayasooriya LSH, Shin MH, Wijethunga WMUD, Lee SK, Cho JG, Jang SH, Kim JG (2023) Selection of a proper maturity index for the mechanical harvesting of 'Mihong' peach fruit. Horticulturae 9:730. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9070730

10.3390/horticulturae9070730
14

Kaur K, Gupta N, Mahajan M, Jawandha SK, Kaur N (2023) A novel edible coating of beeswax impregnated with karonda polyphenol rich extract maintains the chemical and bioactive potential of fresh ber fruit during storage at low temperature. Hortic Environ Biotechnol 64:1001-1014. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13580-023-00533-y

10.1007/s13580-023-00533-y
15

Kim CG, Lee SM, Jeong HK, Jang JK, Kim YH, Lee CK (2020) Impacts of climate change on Korean agriculture and its counter strategies. Korea Rural Economic Institute Basic Research Report, 1:306

16

Kim EA, Lee JH, Nam SY (2024) Experimental control of day and night temperatures to improve the growth and external quality of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. Hortic Sci Technol 42:94-103. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20240008

10.7235/HORT.20240008
17

Kim M, Kang SB, Yun SK, Kim SS, Joa J, Park Y (2021) Influence of excessively high temperatures on the fruit growth and physicochemical properties of 'Shiranuhi' mandarin in plastic-film greenhouse cultivation. Plants 10:1525. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081525

10.3390/plants10081525
18

Kortei NK, Akonor PT (2015) Correlation between hue-angle and colour lightness of gamma irradiated mushrooms. Ann Food Sci Technol 16:98-103

19

Kumarihami HPC, Cha GH, Kim JG, Kim HL, Lee M, Kwack YB, Cho JG, Kim J (2020) Effect of preharvest Ca-Chitosan application on postharvest quality of 'Garmrok' kiwifruit during cold storage. Hortic Sci Technol 38:239-248. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20200023

10.7235/HORT.20200023
20

Lachapelle M, Bourgeois G, DeEll JR (2013) Effects of pre-harvest weather conditions on firmness of 'McIntosh' apples at harvest time. Hort Sci 48:474-480. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.48.4.474

10.21273/HORTSCI.48.4.474
21

Layne DR, Bassi D (2008) Peach: Botany, Production and Uses; Cabi: Wallingford, UK. https://doi.org/10.1079/9781845933869.0000

10.1079/9781845933869.0000
22

Lee SK, Han JH, Cho JG, Jeong JH, Lee KS, Ryu S, Choi DG (2022) Effect of temperature on photosynthesis and fruit quality of 'Mihong' peaches under high CO2 concentrations. Horticulturae 8:1047. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8111047

10.3390/horticulturae8111047
23

Li Y, Liang J, Zeng X, Guo H, Luo Y, Kear P, Zhang S, Zhu G (2021) Genome-wide analysis of MYB gene family in potato provides insights into tissue-specific regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Hortic Plant J 7:129-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpj.2020.12.001

10.1016/j.hpj.2020.12.001
24

Lin-Wang K, Bolitho K, Grafton K, Kortstee A, Karunairetnam S, McGhie TK, Espley RV, Hellens RP, Allan AC (2010) An R2R3 MYB transcription factor associated with regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in Rosaceae. BMC Plant Biol 10:50. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2229-10-50

10.1186/1471-2229-10-50
25

Lopez G, DeJong TM (2007) Spring temperatures have a major effect on early stages of peach fruit growth. J Hortic Sci Biotechnol 82:507-512. https://doi.org/10.1080/14620316.2007.11512266

10.1080/14620316.2007.11512266
26

Lopez G, Johnson R, Dejong T (2007) High spring temperatures decrease peach fruit size. Calif Agric 61:31-34. https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.v061n01p31

10.3733/ca.v061n01p31
27

Moretti C, Mattos L, Calbo A, Sargent S (2010) Climate changes and potential impacts on postharvest quality of fruit and vegetable crops: A review. Food Res Int 43:1824-1832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2009.10.013

10.1016/j.foodres.2009.10.013
28

Mulholland BJ, Edmondson RN, Fussell M, Basham J, Ho LC (2003) Effects of high temperature on tomato summer fruit quality. J Hortic Sci Biotechnol 78:365-374. https://doi.org/10.1080/14620316.2003.11511633

10.1080/14620316.2003.11511633
29

Niu J, Zhang G, Zhang W, Goltsev V, Sun S, Wang J, Li P, Ma F (2017) Anthocyanin concentration depends on the counterbalance between its synthesis and degradation in plum fruit at high temperature. Scientific Reports, 7:7684. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-07896-0

10.1038/s41598-017-07896-0
30

Palou E, López‐Malo A, Barbosa‐Cánovas GV, Welti‐Chanes J, Swanson BG (1999) Polyphenoloxidase activity and color of blanched and high hydrostatic pressure treated banana puree. J Food Sci 64:42-45. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1999.tb09857.x

10.1111/j.1365-2621.1999.tb09857.x
31

Pimenta TM, Souza GA, Brito FAL, Teixeira LS, Arruda RS, Henschel JM, Zsögön A, Ribeiro DM (2022) The impact of elevated CO2 concentration on fruit size, quality, and mineral nutrient composition in tomato varies with temperature regimen during growing season. Plant Growth Regul 100:519-530. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10725-022-00889-8

10.1007/s10725-022-00889-8
32

Ribeiro JA, Cantillano RFF, Nora FR, Nora L (2020) Effect of 4-hexylresorcinol on post-cut browning and quality of minimally processed 'Fuji' apple fruits. J Food Meas Charact 14:2461-2471. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-020-00494-1

10.1007/s11694-020-00494-1
33

Ruangchakpet A, Sajjaanantakul T (2007) Effect of browning on total phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica L.). Agric Nat Resour 41:331-337

34

Rumainum IM, Worarad K, Yamaki Y, Yamane K (2016) Effects of developmental stages, light, and an auxin polar transport inhibitor on the skin and flesh pigmentation of red-fleshed peach fruit. J Hortic 85:141-147. https://doi.org/10.2503/hortj.MI-077

10.2503/hortj.MI-077
35

Scalisi A, O'Connell MG, Islam MS, Goodwin I (2022) A fruit colour development index (CDI) to support harvest time decisions in peach and nectarine orchards. Horticulturae 8:459. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050459

10.3390/horticulturae8050459
36

Scalisi A, Pelliccia D, O'Connell MG (2020) Maturity prediction in yellow peach (Prunus persica L.) cultivars using a fluorescence spectrometer. Sensors 20:6555. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20226555

10.3390/s20226555
37

Sikhandakasmita P, Kataoka I, Mochioka R, Beppu K (2022) Impact of temperatures during fruit development on fruit growth rate and qualities of 'KU-PP2'Peach. J Hortic 91:152-156. https://doi.org/10.2503/hortj.UTD-341

10.2503/hortj.UTD-341
38

Sugiura T, Takada N, Kuroda H, Sugiura H (2003) Influence of temperature in young fruit stage on growth, development, and cell division of 'Hakuho' peach fruits. J Japan Soc Hort Sci 72:340

39

Takata DK, Tagami F, Fukuda, Kubota N (2005) Characterization of "reddish-pulp", a physiological disorder of peach fruit. J Japan Soc Hort Sci 74:407-413. https://doi.org/10.2503/jjshs.74.407

10.2503/jjshs.74.407
40

Tilahun S, Jeong MJ, Choi HR, Baek MW, Hong JS, Jeong CS (2022) Pre-storage high CO2 and 1-MCP treatment reduce chilling injury, prolong storability, and maintain sensory qualities and antioxidant activities of "Madoka" peach fruit. Front Nutr 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.903352

10.3389/fnut.2022.903352
41

Urbonaviciene D, Viskelis P, Viskelis J, Jankauskiene J, Bobinas C (2012) Lycopene and -carotene in non-blanched and blanched tomatoes. J Food Agric Environ 10:142-146

42

Vanalli C, Casagrandi R, Gatto M, Bevacqua D (2021) Shifts in the thermal niche of fruit trees under climate change: The case of peach cultivation in France. Agric For Meteorol 300:108327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2021.108327

10.1016/j.agrformet.2021.108327
43

Wang SY, Bunce JA (2004) Elevated carbon dioxide affects fruit flavor in field-grown strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch). J Sci Food Agric 84:1464-1468. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.1824

10.1002/jsfa.1824
44

Wei Z, Du T, Li X, Fang L, Liu F (2018) Interactive effects of elevated CO2 and N fertilization on yield and quality of tomato grown under reduced irrigation regimes. Front Plant Sci. 9:328. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2018.00328

10.3389/fpls.2018.00328
45

Whale SK, Singh Z (2007) Endogenous ethylene and color development in the skin of 'Pink Lady' apple. J Am Soc Hortic Sci 132:20-28. https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS.132.1.20

10.21273/JASHS.132.1.20
46

Wijethunga WUD, Shin MH, Jayasooriya LSH, Kim GH, Park KM, Cheon MG, Choi SW, Kim HL, Kim JG (2023) Evaluation of Fruit Quality Characteristics in 'Irwin' Mango Grown via Forcing Cultivation in a Plastic Facility. Hortic Sci Technol 41:617-633. https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20230053

10.7235/HORT.20230053
47

Xi H, He Y, Chen H (2021) Functional characterization of SmbHLH13 in anthocyanin biosynthesis and flowering in eggplant. Hortic Plant J 7:73-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpj.2020.08.006

10.1016/j.hpj.2020.08.006
48

Yamagishi M (2022) High temperature enhances anthocyanin coloration in Asiatic hybrid lily flowers via upregulation of the MYB12 positive regulator. Hortic Plant J 8:769-776. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpj.2022.05.003

10.1016/j.hpj.2022.05.003
49

Yamaguchi M, Haji T, Yaegaki H (2004) Differences in mesocarp cell number, cell length, and occurrence of gumming in fruit of Japanese apricot (Prunus mume Sieb. Et Zucc.) cultivars during their development. J Japan Soc Hort Sci 73:200-207. https://doi.org/10.2503/jjshs.73.200

10.2503/jjshs.73.200
50

Zhao Y, Cao H, Xu W, Chen G, Lian J, Du Y, Ma K (2018) Contributions of precipitation and temperature to the large-scale geographic distribution of fleshy fruited plant species: growth form matters. Sci Rep 8:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-35436-x

10.1038/s41598-018-35436-x
51

Zhou R, Xie J, Gao Q, Chen Q (2012) Effects of slightly acidic electrolyzed water and carboxymethyl chitosan preservative on flesh discoloration of peaches. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering, 28:281-286

Information
  • Publisher :KOREAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국원예학회
  • Journal Title :Horticultural Science and Technology
  • Journal Title(Ko) :원예과학기술지
  • Volume : 43
  • No :2
  • Pages :165-181
  • Received Date : 2024-05-08
  • Revised Date : 2024-07-16
  • Accepted Date : 2024-07-30
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7235/HORT.20250015
Journal Informaiton Horticultural Science and Technology Horticultural Science and Technology
Online Submission
  • scopus
  • NRF
  • KOFST
  • crossref crossmark
  • crossref cited-by
  • crosscheck
  • orcid
  • open access
  • ccl
Journal Informaiton Journal Informaiton - close