The 26S proteasome is a multicatalytic complex that acts as primary protease of the ubiquitin-mediated proteolytic pathway in eukaryotes. We provide here the first evidence that the proteasome plays a key role in regulating pollen tube growth. Immunoblotting experiments revealed the presence of high levels of free ubiquitin and ubiquitin conjugates in rehydrated and germinating pollen of kiwifr...

OBJECTIVES Previous clinical trials have shown bowel function is improved through consumption of whole kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa). This study investigated whether encapsulated kiwifruit extract (1 g/day) could alleviate constipation in otherwise healthy adults. METHODS Forty adults with confirmed constipation entered this trial, of which 32 completed with >80% compliance. Two capsules we...

Numerous anecdotal reports have suggested that kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) has laxative effects. This could be an acceptable dietary supplement, especially for elderly people who often present with constipation. We wished to obtain objective evidence as to whether or not kiwifruit eaten regularly could promote laxation in elderly people. Thirty-eight healthy adults of age > 60 years consume...

SVP-like MADS domain transcription factors have been shown to regulate flowering time and both inflorescence and flower development in annual plants, while having effects on growth cessation and terminal bud formation in perennial species. Previously, four SVP genes were described in woody perennial vine kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.), with possible distinct roles in bud dormancy and flowering. Kiw...

Kiwifruit [Actinidia deliciosa (A. Chev.) C.F. Liang et A.R. Ferguson, cv. "Hayward"] is classified as climacteric fruit and the initiation of endogenous ethylene production following harvest is induced by exogenous ethylene or chilling exposure. To understand the biological basis of this "dilemma," kiwifruit ripening responses were characterized at 20°C following treatments with exogenous ethy...

Post-harvest ozone application has recently been shown to inhibit the onset of senescence symptoms on fleshy fruit and vegetables; however, the exact mechanism of action is yet unknown. To characterize the impact of ozone on the post-harvest performance of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cv. 'Hayward'), fruits were cold stored (0 °C, 95% relative humidity) in a commercial ethylene-free room for ...

BACKGROUND Kiwifruit is high in pectic polysaccharides and dietary fiber. This study aimed to find out how the ingestion of kiwifruit will affect intestinal microbiota populations, namely Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. METHODS Freeze dried kiwifruit (equivalent of two fresh kiwifruits) was given to each of the six subjects daily for four days. Faec...

Kiwifruit hold significant nutritional value and are a good source of antioxidants due to their diverse range bioactive compounds. waste is generated throughout the food supply chain, particularly during transportation storage. rejected from retail market unfavorable appearance still possess potential economic as kiwifruit abundant in phenolic The present work studied profile antioxidant kiwifr...

Evidence exists to suggest that melatonin (MT) is important to abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Here, we investigated whether exogenous MT reduces heat damage on biological parameters and gene expression in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) seedlings. Pretreatment with MT alleviates heat-induced oxidative harm through reducing H₂O₂ content and increasing proline content. Moreover, MT applicati...