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[Objectives] In order to provide a scientific basis for improving yield and quality of pear through nutrient optimization management in China, the current situation of farmers' conventional fertilization management and yield in pear producing area was clarified, and the effects of different nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K₂O) fertilization measures on the yield and quality were studied. [Methods] The data of 112 journal articles published from 1992 to 2022 on the effect of optimal fertilization on pear yield and quality were integrated and analyzed to study the relationship between pear yield and N, P₂O, and K₂O application rates under conventional and optimal fertilization, and targeted fertilization suggestions were put forward for the main pear producing areas based on the yield effects. [Results] From a national perspective, the average yield of pear was 31 thm and the average amounts of N, P2O5 and K₂O application rates were 453,235 and 320 kg.hm² under conventional fertilization, while the nutrient inputs were relatively high and there were large differences between the main production areas. Compared with conventional fertilization, optimizing N, P2O5 and K₂O fertilization increased fruit soluble sugar content by 5.5%-7.3%, fruit shape index by 1.5%- 1.6%, and vitamin C content by 3.0%-3.4%, and decreased total acid by 3.6%-7.3% and peel firmness by 1.4%-2.2%. Meanwhile, reducing N, P2O5 and K₂O to a certain extent was helpful to increase the yield and quality of pears. Based on this, the appropriate application intervals of N, P2O5 and K₂O could be proposed for each main production area: the optimal input in the western producing area were 292.9-390.5 kg-hm-2, 113.1-169.6 kg.hm² and 71.0-106.4 kg.hm¯², respectively; the optimal inputs in the Yangtze River Basin producing area were 289.0-385.3 kg.hm², 221.7-277.1 kg.hm² and 158.7-238.0 kg.hm², respectively; the best inputs in the Circum-Bohai Sea producing area were 228.1-342.2 kg.hm², 113.9-170.8 kg.hm² and 261.6- 348.8 kg.hm², respectively; the best inputs of the old Yellow River producing area were 258.7-388.1 kg.hm²,164.1-218.8 -2 kg.hm², and 330.1-440.1 kg.hm², respectively. [Conclusions] Optimized fertilization could synergistically improve the yield and fruit quality of pear, and the targeted fertilization recommendations based on this will also help to achieve efficient, green and sustainable development of the main pear producing areas in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the yield and some quality characteristics of 20 beef tomato lines at the F6 stage. As a result, the total yield, average fruit weight, fruit length, and fruit width of the lines varied between 6.60-14.93 t/da, 200.80-384.00 g, 53.68-75.05 mm, and 71.95-98.29 mm respectively. Furthermore, it was found that the fruit flesh firmness values of the tomato lines used in the study varied between 0.41-1.32 kg/cm²; brix values between 6.10-9.60%; vitamin C values between 20.03-25.57 mg/100 g; total phenolic contents between 13.28-30.72 mg/100 g; lycopene contents between 4.69-9.68 mg/100 g and beta-carotene contents between 0.83-2.17 mg/100 g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic tomato cultivation is growing all over the world due to its healthy functional properties and environmental concerns. Recently, some new varieties with increased functional properties, particularly high lycopene, have been developed. However, few were assessed under organic farming systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate physico-chemical properties and the main bioactive compound contents, as well as lipophilic, hydrophilic and total radical scavenging activities of a recently developed high lycopene tomato variety homozygous for hp-2dg genes (HLT-F71) grown under organic conditions for two non-consecutive years (2019 and 2021) compared to the ordinary control 'Nemador' variety. The lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C, radical scavenging activity and tocopherols were analyzed by using spectrophotometric and HPLC methods, respectively. The high lycopene content variety presented suitable marketable yield, average fruit weight, pH, titratable acidity, firmness and higher °Brix, pulp color than the control. Additionally, it has significantly higher lycopene, β-carotene, total phenol, flavonoid, vitamin C and particularly considerable α-tocopherol contents, as well as radical scavenging activity. The high lycopene tomato variety with hp genes proved to be an effective sustainable variety for enhancing tomato fruit yield and functional properties even under organic grown conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out at Thirumaraiyur village, Sattankulamtaluk, Thoothukudi district, to study the effect of organic amendments with the recommended dose of fertilizers on the growth and yield of watermelon in Ther isoil (red sand dunes) during the year 2017 and 2018. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Factorial concept (FRBD). There were three factors as organic amendments with 6 treatment combinations for each factor, which were assigned at random in each plot with three replications. The recommended dose of fertilizers in treatments was two levels 75 and 100 percent. Among the treatment combinations, the tank silt application @ 100 t ha-1 with 100 per cent recommended fertilizer as 200:100:100 kg of NPK ha-1 through Fertigation at 7 days interval (A1N5) produced the maximum number of branches (10.67), longest vine (362.0 cm), number of fruits plant-1 (2.57), the weight of fruit (5.27 kg), fruit yield (68.77 t ha-1), total soluble solid (TSS) 10.94%), ascorbic acid (8.08 (mg 100g-1), gross return (4,09,320/ha), B:C ratio (2.45), uptake of NPK 41.51, 3.93 and 31.94 kg ha-1, respectively) compared to other treatments. Significant built-up of organic carbon (0.52%), available N (253.47 kg ha-1), P (16.40 kg ha-1) and K (218.40 kg ha-1) were registered with the application of tank silt application @ 100 t ha-1 with 100 per cent recommended fertilizer as 200:100:100 kg of NPK ha-1 through Fertigation at 7 days interval (A1N5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kinnow is the trademark of citriculture industry of Pakistan and the most important cultivar which is appreciated due to delicious taste and quality. Kinnow is heavy bearer with variable fruit size which fetch low price in market. Fruit thinning is practiced in tree fruits to obtain grade A fruits and overcome alternate bearing. Therefore, this research was planned during 2017-19 to investigate the effect of fruit thinning on quality and profitability of Kinnow mandarin. Fruit thinning was done manually after June drop using the quadratic frame. Four treatments were applied i.e., control (no thinning), retention of 7, 9, and 11 fruits per frame and each treatment had four replications. The results showed that retention of 9 fruit per frame yielded the best fruit size, quality and profitability. The yield and number of fruits per tree decreased due to the fruit thinning but enhanced the fruit quality like juice percentage (68.6%), TSS (10.9 °Brix), TSS:TA ratio (11.3), ascorbic acid (68.8 mg 100 g-1 FW), antioxidant (94.9% inhibition) and phenolic contents (169.8 mg GAE 100 g-1). The yield calculations showed that grade A (38.6%) and B (36.6%) fruits were the highest in treatment having 9 fruit per frame. Benefit cost ratio depicted that 9 fruit per frame although caused 44.56% fruit thinning yet resulted 25% increase in the total income as compared to the other treatments. Hence, fruit thinning practices in citrus have significant effects on fruit physical and biochemical characters and overall orchard profitability based on fruit grading criterion. Kinnow is the trademark of citriculture industry of Pakistan and the most important cultivar which is appreciated due to delicious taste and quality. Kinnow is heavy bearer with variable fruit size which fetch low price in market. Fruit thinning is practiced in tree fruits to obtain grade A fruits and overcome alternate bearing. Therefore, this research was planned during 2017-19 to investigate the effect of fruit thinning on quality and profitability of Kinnow mandarin. Fruit thinning was done manually after June drop using the quadratic frame. Four treatments were applied i.e., control (no thinning), retention of 7, 9, and 11 fruits per frame and each treatment had four replications. The results showed that retention of 9 fruit per frame yielded the best fruit size, quality and profitability. The yield and number of fruits per tree decreased due to the fruit thinning but enhanced the fruit quality like juice percentage (68.6%), TSS (10.9 °Brix), TSS:TA ratio (11.3), ascorbic acid (68.8 mg 100 g-1 FW), antioxidant (94.9% inhibition) and phenolic contents (169.8 mg GAE 100 g-1). The yield calculations showed that grade A (38.6%) and B (36.6%) fruits were the highest in treatment having 9 fruit per frame. Benefit cost ratio depicted that 9 fruit per frame although caused 44.56% fruit thinning yet resulted 25% increase in the total income as compared to the other treatments. Hence, fruit thinning practices in citrus have significant effects on fruit physical and biochemical characters and overall orchard profitability based on fruit grading criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out at Vegetable Research Station, ARI, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India during kharif (June-October, 2014), rabi (October-February, 2014-15) and Summer (February-May, 2015) to assess the performance of genotypes in terms of yield as well as quality across seasons under wide range of environments through phenotypic stability studies. Thirty brinjal genotypes were evaluated for yield and quality parameters under three environments comprising of three different seasons. The portioning of environments + (genotypes × environments) mean squares showed that environments (linear) differed significantly and were quite diverse with regards to their effect on the performance of the genotypes for fruit yield and quality traits. A perusal of stability parameters indicated two genotypes C3 and P6 showed stable performance for earliness, C3 for days to first fruit harvest and C3, C10, C16, C21, P1 for days to last fruit harvest hence these genotypes were adapted to all types of environments. Among the stable hybrids, five hybrids C3, C11, C13, C16 and C21 were significantly more yield plant-1 and more number of marketable fruits plant -1 over the best check Chhaya. Whereas, for ascorbic acid content 5 hybrids i.e C2, C4, C11, C14 and C18 to be stable over the check Utkarsha. C3 was showed stable performance over best check Chhaya for the trait fruit and shoot borer infestation on shoots and four hybrids C3, C11, C13 and C21 were found to be stable for the trait fruit and shoot borer infetstation on fruits over the best check Chhaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present experiment was performed at fruit orchard of Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur during 2016-18 to explore optimum concentration of urea causing deblossoming and defoliation in summer crop, subsequently improving fruit quality and production in winter crop of guava cv. ‘Surahi’. Five treatment combinations containing different concentrations of urea applications viz 0% (T0 =control), 09% (T1 ), 12% (T2 ), 15% (T3 ) and 18% (T4 ) which were applied twice fortnightly when summer crop attained 50% blooming. Percentages of flower drop, fruit drop, fruit set and defoliation as well as fruit weight, fruit length & diameter, total soluble solids, acidity, total sugars, ascorbic acid and yield per plant were recorded. Significant differences among treatment combinations were recorded in effect on each parameter during both years of study. Results from combined analysis of two-years data indicated that 15% urea spray on summer crop produced the highest yield (64.83 kg/plant), heavier fruit (203 g), bigger fruit size (length 9.3 cm & diameter 7.5cm), higher TSS (15o Brix), total sugars (7.1%) with minimum acidity (0.65%) in winter crop because of higher flower (75.5%) and fruit drop (41.5%), defoliation (25.8%) and less fruit set (17.7%) compared to non-target summer crop. High concentration of urea (18%) ranked 2nd with respect to fruit and yield parameters of winter crop but it led in flower dropping (80%), fruit dropping (46.8%), defoliation of summer crop (33%) and ascorbic acid (164.4 mg/100g pulp). Urea spray @ 15% proved the best for deblossomig and defoliation of summer crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current experiment was done during the 2018 and 2019 seasons on 'Ewais' mango trees (Mangifera indica) grown in Research Station, El-Nubaria district, Egypt, to study the impact of spraying ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and irrigation time on vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality. All experimental plants have been received the same care, i.e. control of pests & weeds, fertilization, and irrigation until the 1st week of October. The irrigation was adapted to apply 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week to control leaves damage due to low temperature after this period and the treatments included: (T1) Water spraying at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at the same time after four weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week (Control). (T2) Spraying with NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at the same time after four weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan /week. (T3) Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at 1st week of December after eight weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week. (T4) Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November + start normal irrigation program at 1st week of January after twelve weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week. All treatments received the same quantity of irrigation water, approximately 4000 m3/feddan/year. Results: All treatments (T2, T3 & T4) had a significant influence on vegetative growth, fruiting behavior (fruit set % & the yield), and the fruit quality compared with the control (T1). The significant was not only the fruit physical characteristics (weight, dimensions, volume, and specific gravity) but also the fruit chemical characteristics (total soluble solids % (T.S.S.), acidity %, T.S.S / acid ratio and vitamin C (L- ascorbic acid)). Conclusion: Spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November plus start normal irrigation program at 1st week of November or December or January after 4 or 8 or 12 weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan (4200 m2)/week (T2, T3, and T4) increased the vegetative growth, i.e. length of terminal shoots, No. leaves / terminal shoots & leaf area as well as the fruiting behavior such as fruit set percentage, No. fruits per tree & the tree production (kg/tree) and improved the fruit characteristics not only the fruit physical parameters but also the chemical properties in comparing with the untreated trees. During the two seasons, spraying NH4NO3 2% at 1st week of November plus start normal irrigation program at 1st week of January after 12 weeks of adapted irrigation as 5m3/feddan/week (T4) is recommended since; it is the only treatment with the superiority effect on studied parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the importance of foliar application of macro and micro nutrients to increase the yield and quality of guava under high density planting system, an experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design consisting of nine treatment combinations with three replications. [(Control - Fertigation alone), (NPK (19:19:19)), (NPK + Zn), (NPK + Ca), (NPK + B), (NPK + Zn + Ca), (NPK + Zn + B), (NPK + Ca + B), (NPK + Zn + Ca + B). Among the treatments, fruit weight (225.22 g), fruit volume (215.35 ml), number of fruits per plant (80.35), fruit yield per plant(17.67 kg plant-1), TSS(10.60 0Brix), titratable acidity (0.196 %) and pectin content (1.31 %) was found to be significantly higher with the foliar application of NPK @ 1% + Zn @ 0.5 % + B @ 0.4%. The foliar spray of NPK @ 1% + Ca@ 0.2% + B@ 0.4% significantly increased the fruit diameter (7.85 cm), and ascorbic acid content (159.84 mg 100g-1). Thus, foliar spray of NPK, zinc and boron maintained more number of fruits per plant and improved the fruit set leading to an 18% increase in yield. Whereas, the addition of calcium to the plants increased the ascorbic acid content of the fruit and pectin that enhanced the shelf life of the fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of promising hybrids of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) was carried out in 2016--2018 in South- Estonia at Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The objective of the Estonian blackcurrant breeding programme is to produce cultivars that are winter hardy, resistant to gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis Westw.) and gooseberry mildew (Sphaerotheca mors-uvae (Schw.) Berk.), well suited to machine harvesting, with good yield and quality of fruits. The evaluation plot was established in the autumn of 2014. Twenty-four blackcurrant promising hybrids from the Estonian blackcurrant breeding programme and a new Estonian cultivar 'Mairi' as the standard were evaluated for beginning of flowering and fruit ripening (expressed in growing degree-days, GDD), winter hardiness, resistance to diseases and pests (expressed in scores 1--9), number of fruits per cluster, yield (kg per bush), weight of fruit and content of the soluble solids (°Brix). Fruits were analysed for titratable acids, ascorbic acid, anthocyanins and polyphenols. The evaluation revealed the best black-fruited genotypes to be Nos 3-08-1 ('Ben Alder' x 'Titania'), 7-08-1, 7-08-2 ('Intercontinental' x 'Pamyat Vavilova') and 15-09-1 ('Asker' free pollination), and the green-fruited genotype No. 8-09-3 ('Öjebyn' x 'Mairi'). All these genotypes are winter hardy and visually resistant to gall mite and gooseberry mildew. The first four produced good yields and large fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to experimentally study the optimal spectrum and duration of illumination in regulating yield and quality of sweet pepper (Capsium annuum L.) grown in greenhouse. The cultivar of 'Aodaili' was used as the model plant and LED was used as the light source. We compared nine combinations of three light durations (2h, 18:00-20:00; 4h, 18:00- 22:00 and 8h, 18:00-02:00) and three light spectra measured with red (R) : blue (B) ratio at 2:1 (2R1B); 4:1, (4R1B), and 8:1 (8R1B); without supplemental light served as the control (CK). In each treatment, we measured the growth, yield and fruit quality of the sweet pepper. Results showed that the diameter of the canopy, soluble proteins, soluble sugar, and Vitamin C under 2R1B for 2h were the highest, increasing by 24.6%, 33.8%, 15.2% and 29.9%, respectively, compared to those in the CK. Nitrate content and acid-sugar ratio under 2R1B for 8h were the lowest, reduced by 19.4% and 27.0% respectively, compared to that in the CK. The dry biomass of the shoot and whole plant in 4R1B for 2h were the highest, increasing by 58.4% and 62.4% respectively, compared to that in the CK. In contrast, the fresh weight of the shoot and whole plant under 8R1B for 8h were the highest, increasing 55.1% and 48.9%, respectively, compared to that under the CK. Compared to those under the CK, the leaf area, fruit number and single plant yield under 4R1B for 8h increased by 32.4%, 37.9% and 47.2%, respectively. The SPAD, acid-sugar ratio and output-input ratio of the pepper under 8R1B for 2h increased significantly compared with that in CK, while no significant differences were found in the soluble proteins, soluble sugar, Vitamin C and nitrate content between them. These results revealed that the duration and spectrum of the supplemental light had a combined impact on growth, yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper at significant level. Supplemental lighting increased fruit number, single plant yield, soluble proteins, soluble sugar, titratable acid, Vitamin C, nitrate content, acid-sugar ratio. We used electricity consumption to analyze the effect of spectrum and duration of light on plant growth, based on the fuzzy membership function. The best three treatments calculated by the method are in the order of 8R1B for 2h > 4R1B for 8h > 8R1B for 8h. In summary, the optimal supplemental lighting for the greenhouse sweet pepper is 8R1B for 2h. The results presented in this paper has implications for using supplemental lighting to improve green peppers production in greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The purpose of this paper is to improve the yield and quality of Chinese bayberry and promote the development of green-efficient bayberry industry. [Method] Taking Biqi bayberry as test materials, the application of humic acid soluble fertilizer(HASF)was studied for higher yield and better quality fruit, while two field experiments were conducted in Fumin County and Panlong District, Yunnan Province. [Result] The results showed that the yield and fruit quality were improved by spraying HASF with 800-1000 times concentration at pre-flowering, young fruit and fruit enlarged stage, based on conventional fertilization. The average single fruit weight, yield and net income of bayberry of spraying HASF were significantly higher than those of spraying water(CK), with up to 27. 86 %-31. 54 %, 13. 0 %-13. 4 % and 13. 8 %-14. 2 %, respectively, and the contents of soluble solids and vitamin C(Vc) increased by 18. 4 %-19. 54 %and 18. 56 %-24. 9 %, respectively. However, compared with conventional fertilization, spraying water had no significant effect on fruit yield and quality. [Conclusion] The yield, quality and economic benefit of bayberry could be improved significantly by applying HASF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the hedgerow system is the main raspberry growing system, which has no clearly-defined standards regarding plant density and fruit-bearing potential per meter of hedgerow. This study evaluates the effect of precision cane meristem management in growing major floricane red raspberry cultivars in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During 2015 and 2016, in Willamette, Meeker, and Tulameen, grown under the hedgerow system, mixed buds were selected on fruiting laterals with the fruitbearing potential of 80, 100, and 120 well-developed and well-positioned mixed buds per meter of hedgerow. High stable yields were recorded under the medium load of 100 buds per meter of hedgerow. Yield ranged from 22.6 t/ha to 24.9 t/ha in Meeker and from 17.7 t/ha to 24.5 t/ha in Tulameen. The yield variation over the experimental years was somewhat higher in Willamette (10.4-21.8 t/ha). Fruit size was largest under the 100-bud load per meter of hedgerow. The biochemical characteristics of the fruit, expressed through vitamin C, phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents, and the antioxidant capacity, indicated differences among cultivars and the effect of the experimental year. The load of 100 mixed buds well-positioned on canes per meter of hedgerow was the optimum load of fruit-bearing potential. The reduction in bud numbers per meter of hedgerow led to a significant decrease in fruit yield, with no changes in fruit quality. Conversely, the increase in the number of buds per meter of hedgerow resulted in a decline in fruit quality, while not adversely affecting fruit yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted during two successive seasons (2016/2017 first ratoon and 2017/2018 second ratoon) of Williams banana plants. The plants grown in a private banana orchard, where clay loam soil under flood irrigation system, at 3.5x3.5m apart located at Nakada district, Quena Governorate, Egypt. Forty eight stools each containing three plants were chosen to evaluate the effect of yeast applied as soil drench and spraying ascorbic acid (V.C) on growth, yield and fruit quality. These treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement with three replicates. The obtained results could be summarized as follows. Ascorbic acid spraying significantly increased the length and circumference of pseudostem, leaf area and total leaf area/plant as well as percentage of N, P and K of leaves compared to unsprayed ones. Also, these treatments significantly increased the yield components and improved the fruit quality compared to unsprayed ones. Yeast application was very effective in enhancing all growth aspects, yield and fruit characteristics compared to untreated ones. All combinations of ascorbic acid spraying on the yeast treated plants resulted in a significant increament in all growth aspects, yield components and fruit quality as compared to check treatments. The best results regarding the growth and fruiting were obtained with ascorbic acid spraying (at 200 ppm) accompanied with yeast application (at 40 g/plant) compared to other tested treatments. It is evident from the foregoing results that the application yeast at 40 g/plant and ascorbic acid at 200 ppm application four times during growth season (April, June, August & October), singly or in combination improved the growth and yield of Williams banana plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate) is an efficient nitrification inhibitor, thus increasing nitrogen (N) fertilization efficiency, crop yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of DMPP on yield, nutritional and organoleptic quality and chlorophyll fluorescence in strawberry plants. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in Huelva (Spain) between October 2013 and June 2014 on one type of strawberry ( Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cultivar ‘Sabrina'). A completely randomized design with three N treatments and five replicates was established. The number of plants used per treatment was 50 (10 plants per replicate, i.e. a total 150 plants were used). The following N treatments were tested: T1: 100% of N in ammonium nitrate form; T2: 75% of N in Novatec solub 21 form (ammonium sulphate + DMPP) + 25 % of N in ammonium nitrate form; T3: T2, but applying 75% of total N. Results show that the total yield per pot of the ‘Sabrina' cultivar yield was affected by N treatment and crop cycle (weeks of harvest). During the total crop cycle, the yield per pot (g pot −1 ) was significantly higher in treatment T3 than in treatments T2 and T1; and the yield was significantly higher in treatment T2 than in treatment T1. The N content on leaf, crown and root were significantly higher in treatments T2 and T3 than in treatment T1. During the late crop cycle, treatment with DMPP (T2 and T3) increased the contents of antioxidant compounds such as vitamin C (AsA) and phenolics. This may be due to the lower losses of antioxidants compounds, because NH 4 + can be used directly for protein metabolism. Total increase in yield resulting from treatments including DMPP may be due, among other factors, to the increase of N content in leaves, crown and root of plants treated with DMPP; the lower loss of antioxidant compounds can be directly attributed to protein metabolism and the increase of SPAD values in treatments T2 and T3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the grape variety "Summer Black" as the test material, the effects of different shoot-fruit ratios on grape yield, fruit quality and grapevine storage nutrient were investigated for 2 consecutive yeas, so as to determine the optimized load for Summer Black grapes in Shandong. The results showed that the grapes with shoot-fruit ratio of 1: 1 had the highest soluble solid content, vitamin C content and grapevine storage nutrient. Based on the comprehensive analysis, the shootfruit ratio of 1: 1 was the optimized load for Summer Black grapes in Tai'an of Shandong Province, and the yield was 1 179. 37 - 1 288.63 kg per 667 m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Selection of seven thermotolerant Italian tomatoes genotypes. • 'Lampião' and 'Fascínio' showed the highest plant production and number of fruit. • 'Candieiro' contains the highest lycopene and ascorbic acid contents. • 'Vedete' fruit is the best source of β-carotene. • The tasters preferred 'Fascinio' due to its aroma and flavor. High temperature is a limiting factor for the production and quality of tomato fruit, especially during the summer in tropical regions, when the cultivation must be carried out in a protected environment due to heavy rainfall. Thus, there is a need to identify cultivars adapted to these climatic conditions. In this study we aimed to carry out the selection of thermotolerant cultivars, adapted to protected cultivation, to combine characteristics of high yield, fruit quality, and consumer acceptance through principal component analysis (PCA). 'Fascínio', 'Lampião', 'Vedette', 'Tytanium', 'Candieiro', 'Mariana', and 'Shanty', grown under high temperatures (36 °C), differed in yield, physicochemical parameters of fruit (soluble solids, titratable acidity and ripening index), bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, lycopene, and β-carotene), and sensory analysis. According to the PCA, 'Fascínio' stood out due to its high yield characteristics (68.32 t ha−1), with a higher prevalence of large (38.6%) and medium (54.9%) fruit, sweeter fruit (4.33 °brix), and were preferred by the consumer, in addition to having thermotolerance and adaptation for the greenhouse. 'Candieiro' presented with the highest content of bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid: 45.31 mg/100 g and lycopene: 2.73 mg/100 g), attributes that add value to the fruit and may fulfill the needs of more demanding consumers. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]