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A natural low fruit set is reported in cranberry. It is hypothesised that a carbohydrate shortage limits fruit set, and thus yield potential. We aimed to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate availability induced by shade and saccharose spraying during reproductive stages of 'Stevens' cranberry to identify critical periods for yield and juice quality (soluble solids, acidity, and colour). Two independent experiments were conducted. On five separate dates, artificial shade (90% shade nets) was imposed for two weeks. On the same dates, 417 kg ha−1 of saccharose was sprayed as a 10% w/v solution. Results showed that shading from full bloom to the beginning of the fruit set reduced fruit number and juice colour. In contrast, 10% saccharose spray increased yield by 22% compared to the control without compromising juice quality. Therefore, the period between the end of full bloom and the beginning of fruit growth is the most critical stage for 'Stevens' cranberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop yield increases with a sustained increase in leaf photosynthesis. Due to many limitations, plants do not sufficiently use their photosynthetic capacity. Carbon dots (CDs) have a high light harvest capability, which may be used to improve the photosynthesis efficiency of plants. In this study, nontoxic orange CDs (o-CDs) were foliarly applied to boost the maize (Zea mays L.) and green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity in the field. Leaves of both plant species were sprayed three times with 1 and 5 mg/L of the o-CDs aqueous solutions in equal intervals during the vegetative growth stage until flowering. To find the best geometries for CO2 adsorption on o-CD, modeling of o-CDs-CO2 interaction was performed. Photosynthesis parameters and fruit yield were measured during plant growth. Total phenolic content and antioxidative activity were monitored as oxidative stress indicators. Computational simulations and spectroscopic measurements suggest that o-CDs, acting as a "CO2 delivery" system, can enhance photosynthetic efficiency. Photosynthesis was enhanced in both plant species, but only green beans showed an increased fruit yield. CO2 use in tested species was discussed in light of two mechanisms. Plant species show different, but no significant antioxidative responses. The chemical surface composition has shown that o-CDs were not contained in either the leaves or fruits of the treated plants. The results indicate that o-CDs may be applied as a simple and safe biostimulator on plants. That could have an environmental benefit in capturing CO2 in the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melon (Cucumis melo) is an important economic and nutritional crop extensively cultivated worldwide. Morocco ranks 13th among the melon-producing countries with a production of 520,000 tones. Melon cultivation is facing the double challenge of solving management problems (fertilisation, pest control, etc.), and meeting the tendency to seek high-quality chemical-free fruits. This study aims to assess the effect of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizophagus intraradices (Rin), Rhizophagus fasciculatus (Rfa), Funneliformis mosseae (Fmo), and their complex, on yield and quality attributes of melon 'Ananas' based on field experiments. The results showed that inoculated plants exhibited higher production and fruit quality than the control. Rin-plants showed the highest increases in yield (84%), fresh weight (84.4%), longitudinal (34.7%) and equatorial (28.8%) perimeters, pulp thickness (39.8%), pulp-to-peel ratio (146.3%), Brix degree (14,6%), and highest decrease in peel thickness (77.7%). Moreover, Rin-plants exhibited the highest increases in proteins (343%), polyphenols (291%), flavonoids (140%), carotenoids (693%), ascorbic acid (43%) concentrations, DPPH radical inhibition (30%) and in reducing power (53%). According to the sensory evaluation, consumers were more appreciative of the quality attributes of the Rin-plant fruits which were highly rated by participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimum plant population, natural resources, such as nutrients, sunlight, soil moisture and efficient fertilization are some of the primary factors that ensure satisfactory growth and yield. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of plant spacing and fertilizer application on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annum) in experimental farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. Three levels of spacing (S1=30cm x 50cm, S2=40cm x 50cm and S3 =50cm x 50cm) and four different levels of fertilizer application (F0 = control, F1 = 20 t ha-1 poultry manure, F2 = 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and F3 = 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 10 t ha-1 were adopted. The parameters measured were plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, fresh fruit weight per plant, fresh fruit weight per plot, fruit diameter, fruit length, and number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. The results showed that S3F1, (50cm x 50cm spacing + 20 t ha-1 poultry manure) had the highest plant height and stem diameter and S2F3, (40cm x 50cm spacing + 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and 10 t ha-1) had the highest fruit yield (1731.60 kg ha-1). The lowest yield (994.49 kg ha-1) was obtained at S1F0, (40cm x 50cm spacing + control). Therefore, farmers in this locality could grow bell pepper (Capsicum annum) at S2F3 for increased fruit yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted in 2018 and repeated in 2019 to investigate the impact of complementary application of poultry manure and NPK fertiliser on insect pest populations and damage to cucumber crops. The study used a 4x4 factorial design with four levels of poultry manure (0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1) and four levels of NPK fertiliser (0, 100, 200, 300 kg ha-1) arranged in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. Data were collected on insect pest density, damage to leaves and fruits, as well as cucumber growth and fruit yield. The study showed that increasing the rate of poultry manure reduced insect pest infestation and damage, while increasing the rate of NPK fertiliser increased infestation. The highest fruit yield and lowest insect pest infestation were observed in plots with 15 t ha-1 poultry manure and 200 kg ha-1 NPK fertiliser. Thus, this combination was concluded to be the most favourable treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural water scarcity poses a serious threat to food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of deficit irrigation and mulching on agronomic traits of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) varieties. The experimental design was split-split plot. Treatments consisted of two varieties assigned as main plot factor (Mongal F1 and Pectomech), deficit irrigation as subplot factor at three levels: 100, 75 and 50% crop water requirement (ETc) and rice straw mulch as sub-subplot factor at three levels: 6, 3 and 0 t ha-1. The results showed significant effect of treatments on measured traits. Mild irrigated Mongal F1 mulched with 3 t ha-1 rice straw recorded significantly higher leaf chlorophyll concentration of 69.35 µmol/m². Mulching with 3 t ha-1 rice straw resulted in higher mean leaf chlorophyll than with 6 or 0 t ha-1. Leaf stomatal conductance was significantly higher (74.10 mmol/m2s) for plants under full irrigation combined with mulch at 6 t ha-1 than with medium or no-mulch. Mongal F1 out-yielded Pectomech by a margin greater than 100%, especially when irrigated with higher volumes of water. Full irrigation did not significantly differ from mild deficit irrigation in fruit yield. Mongal F1 mulched at 6 t ha-1 gave significantly higher fruit yield of 11.93 t ha-1 than un-mulched Pectomech. The mulch effect resulted in significantly higher irrigation water-use efficiency for Mongal F1 that ranged from 2.82 - 3.10 kg m-3 compared to un-mulched Pectomech. In addition, 50% deficit irrigated Mongal F1 recorded significantly higher irrigation water-use efficiency of 3.88 kg m-3 than full irrigated Pectomech. The integration of mulched Mongal F1 with mild deficit irrigation can improve crop and water productivity of tomatoes under water limiting environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Recursos Rurais is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Servicio de Publicaciones and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present investigation was aimed at assessing the efficacy of N1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N3-phenylurea (CPPU) and salicylic acid on fruit retention, yield, and quality of mango cv. Dusehri. The research was carried out at the Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India. The experiment was conducted simultaneously at two different locations for two cropping seasons during 2019–20 and 2020–21. Fruit retention enhancing treatments of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (@20 ppm), CPPU (@5, 10, and 15 ppm), and salicylic acid (@100, 200, and 300 ppm) were applied at pea stage of fruit growth. Experimental plants were observed for various reproductive, yield, and fruit quality parameters. The results indicated that foliar application of CPPU (T6-CPPU @10 ppm) significantly enhanced fruit retention during marble and harvest stages at both locations in both seasons. The novel growth hormone also improved fruit yield, fruit weight, and fruit quality in mango cv. Dusehri. Foliar applied salicylic acid recorded intermediate values for observed parameters. Therefore, foliar application of CPPU can be considered as a better alternative to 2,4-D for fruit drop management of mango. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three gummy stem blight (GSB) resistant watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) genotypes (IIHR-82, IIHR-617 and BIL-53), two resistant bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) genotypes (BG-95, BG-77-6-1) and three hybrid combinations based on watermelon genotypes (IIHR-617 × Arka Manik, IIHR-82 × Arka Manik and IIHR-82 × IIHR-617) were evaluated as rootstocks for yield, quality and GSB incidence in a sick plot during spring 2019, spring 2020 and spring 2021 at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. The commercial watermelon hybrid NS-295 was used as a scion for grafting onto these rootstocks. Significant differences were observed among the grafted entries and checks in terms of disease incidence (PDI). Among agronomic traits, grafting significantly affected plant growth, earliness and yield in a desirable direction. The grafted scion onto the hybrid rootstocks and BG-95 could maintain its oblong fruit shape compared to those onto IIHR-82 and BIL-53, whereas BG-77-6-1 produced spherical fruits. Quality traits showed an improvement in terms of total soluble solids (TSS), flesh colour, total carotenoids and lycopene content among the grafted entries as compared to non-grafted controls. Overall, the use of hybrid rootstocks i.e. IIHR-82 × IIHR-617 and IIHR-82 × Arka Manik was found to be advantageous in managing GSB apart from imparting desirable agronomic and fruit quality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples grown often produce more fruit, but they are characterised by heavy bloom and fruit set, which results in undersized, poorly coloured, and low-quality apples. The optimal crop load, which is a quantitative measure, results in a steady annual yield and marketable fruit. Winter pruning technique, chemical thinning, hand thinning, mechanical thinning, and artificial spur extinction (ASE) are several crop load management techniques that all work together to improve return bloom and boost high-quality fruit production in apple, especially in high-density plantations. An overview of current studies to regulate apple crop load via apple-producing regions is provided in the article. In high-density apple orchards, this will help in determining the best crop load management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is known for its health benefits, but yields are low, due to poor soil fertility and paucity of information on fertiliser use. This, together with the detrimental impacts of synthetic fertilisers on soil fertility and productivity requires a critical search for eco-friendly alternatives. Studies were conducted on organic sources, such as compost, biochar and micronutrients in greenhouse pot and field trials. The pot experiment was a randomised block with three replications; treatments consisted of biochar and compost applied each at 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg N/ha, and micronutrients concentration at 1, 2 and 3 L/ha each applied one, two and three times after transplanting; each treatment had a control without any fertiliser application. The results of the pot experiment indicated 45 kg N/ha and 30 kg N/ha as the optimum application rates obtained from compost and biochar, respectively; while optimum micronutrient concentration was 1 L/ha applied twice. The field experiment consisted of a control together with the optimum rates (as determined from the pot experiment) of biochar, compost, micronutrients and their combinations; it was laid out in a randomised block design with three replications. The field experiment results indicated that the combined effects of biochar + compost enhanced plant height and number of leaves more than other fertiliser treatments, although, the effect was not significantly (P > 0.05), different, from that obtained, from biochar + compost + micronutrients. The combined effects of biochar + compost + micronutrients fertiliser, positively influenced early flowering and fruiting, produced the highest fruits weight, biomass yield, fruit yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency (P = 0.05), more than the other treatments. The result established that for optimum growth and economically higher yield, the tomato crop may be fertilised with biochar at 30 kg N/ha and compost at 45 kg N/ha. Also, micronutrients optimum concentration of 1 L/ha applied twice should be used for growth and yield of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predatory hoverflies can provide dual ecosystem services since adults are pollinators and larvae are aphidophagous biocontrol agents. In the present study, we compare the effects of two release strategies, banker plant and pupal release on the potential of the American hoverfly, Eupeodes americanus to control Myzus persicae and to improve pollination of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) in research greenhouses. Results show that E. americanus effectively controls aphids regardless of the release strategy with an infestation reduction ranging from 91 to 99% depending on the year. However, the production of new adult hoverflies over time without needing additional releases is an advantage of the banker plant strategy. Indeed, adults' number were multiplied by 7 throughout the duration of the experiment, i.e., 8 weeks while the pupal release strategy had a constant number of adults with no increase. Finally, the use of E. americanus significantly increased the fruit yield by 88.4% and 97.5% respectively for banker plant and pupae release treatments compared to the control. However, further studies are necessary to confirm its impact on pollination of sweet pepper plant since a greater occurrence of malformation in fruit occurred in both hoverfly treatments. In conclusion, the present study is the first to clearly demonstrate that E. americanus is an efficient predator against M. persicae via banker plant or pupal release. It also reveals its potential as a pollinator, another key ecosystem service in agricultural production. • E. americanus is an efficient predator against M. persicae. • Banker plant or pupal release strategies reduce infestation between 91 and 99%. • Banker plant considerably increases the hoverfly population without new releases. • E. americanus increased the fruit yield regardless of the release strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ciencia en su PC is the property of Instituto de Informacion Cientifica y Tecnologica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Universitaria is the property of Universidad de Guanajuato/Acta Universitaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We examined the effects of partial rootzone drying (PRD) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on some physiological and agronomical traits in tropically grown sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). Seven different irrigation strategies were applied over three consecutive years and compared regarding their effects on leaf gas exchange, vegetative growth, fruit yield and quality and gene expression of fruit quality-related genes. Stomatal conductance and leaf temperature were significantly affected by the different irrigation treatments and seasonal variations in the atmospheric vapour pressure deficit and air temperature. Both PRD treatments (with alternation of the irrigation side every 15 and 30 days) significantly increased the irrigation water use efficiency by 41–56% compared to the full irrigation treatment. RDI treatments induced a significant upregulation of genes related to the citrate metabolism and carotenoid biosynthesis. Trees exposed to PRD with alternation of the irrigation side at every 15 days, as well as to RDI at the fruit ripening stage, showed values of yield, productive efficiency, fruit mass, length and size, juice yield and ratio between soluble solids and titratable acidity similar to those of the full irrigation treatment. Therefore, PRD and RDI can be viable water saving irrigation strategies for sweet orange production in tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassinosteroids (BRs) have emerged as pleiotropic phytohormone owing to their wide function in crop growth and metabolism. Homobrassinolide (HBR) being an analogue of BRs is known to improve the growth, yield and quality parameters in many crop plants. Thus, an evaluation study was conducted for two years (2018 and 2019) to elucidate the performance of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to a novel group of phytohormone,HBR. The field experiment comprised of seven treatments with homobrassinolide 0.04% (Emulsifiable Concentrate) EC at four different concentrations (0.06, 0.08, 0.10 and 0.12 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha−1) and two well-known growth promoters viz., Gibberellic acid (GA), Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) along with the untreated control. Plant height and chlorophyll concentration were found significantly different in both years of experiment as well as among the different treatments. HBR at 0.12 g a.i. ha−1 was found better with maximum number of fruits (77.36 plant−1), fruit length (6.72 cm), fruit breadth (6.45 cm) and fruit weight (80.52 g) over other concentrations and treatments. Fruit yield was more pronounced in the plots treated with plant growth regulators compared to untreated control. However, significantly higher fruit yield of 91.07 t ha−1 (62.58 t ha−1 with untreated control) along with improved quality traits viz., fruit firmness (4.11 kg cm−2), ascorbic acid content (24.09 mg 100 g−1), total soluble solids (4.43°Brix) and keeping quality (12.50 days) was recorded in 0.12 g a.i. ha−1 HBR treated plots. Thus, it can be inferred that HBRapplication would be a better option to enhance growth, yield as well as quality traits in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de la Sociedad Química del Perú is the property of Sociedad Quimica del Peru and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Drought poses a major challenge to global agricultural crop production, as it is considered one of the most severe abiotic stresses. Understanding the effects of exogenous microbial biofertilizer on okra [ Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] under drought stress can lead to new strategies for coping with drought conditions. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of microbial biofertilizer on growth, physio-biochemical traits, fruit yield, and water productivity of okra under drought stress. A factorial pot experiment, consisting of eight biofertilizer treatments applied as a soil drench (autoclaved inoculum [control], and inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi [AMF], phosphate-solubilizing fungi [PSF], plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria [PGPR], AMF + PSF, AMF + PGPR, PGPR + PSF, and AMF + PSF + PGPR) and three soil moisture regimes (50%, 75%, and 100% field capacity [FC]), was carried out. The results indicated that decreasing soil moisture level severely affected growth and fruit yield of okra. The application of microbial biofertilizer effectively enhanced growth, fruit yield, and physio-biochemical traits of okra under different soil moisture levels. Among the biofertilizer treatments considered, the combined application of AMF and PGPR showed remarkable efficacy in enhancing growth and productivity of okra plants under both 75% and 100% FC conditions. This co-inoculation significantly boosted shoot dry matter by 51%, root dry matter by 73%, fruit yield by 113%, and irrigation water productivity by 122% compared with plants grown without inoculation, irrespective of soil moisture levels. Furthermore, the plants treated with AMF and PGPR exhibited a noteworthy decrease in free proline accumulation by 31% compared with their non-inoculated counterparts. The results suggest that application of both AMF and PGPR biofertilizer to soil is an effective strategy to alleviate moderate drought stress. It is recommended to apply AMF and PGPR in combination to improve okra yield and water productivity under drought stress. • We evaluated the effects of biofertilizer on fruit yield and water productivity of okra under drought stress. • Decreasing soil moisture level severely affected growth and yield of okra. • Application of biofertilizer effectively enhanced yield and water productivity of okra. • Co-inoculation of AMF and PGPR exhibited promising results. • It is recommended to apply AMF and PGPR in combination to improve okra yield and water productivity under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild and managed pollinators are the key component of biodiversity, contributing to important ecosystem services such as pollination and supporting human food security. Pollination by insects is a crucial component of the food chain that ensures the production of fruits and strongly affects the fruit quality, but the effect of insect pollination on fruit physiological and chemical parameters is largely unknown. The current study was conducted to determine the insect pollinators diversity and their relative abundance in the loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) orchard during 2017–2019. Further, the effect of insect pollinators pollination on the physiological and chemical parameters of fruit quality as compared to control pollinated flowers was investigated. The results revealed that a total of 22 species from 3 families (Apidae, Halictidae, and Syrphidae) were identified during the flowering season. The Apidae and Syrphidae were the most frequently observed families with major groups honey bees (67.89%) and hoverflies (21.57%), respectively. Moreover, results indicated that the fruit yield by the open-pollinated flowers (22.31 ± 0.34 kg/tree) was significantly higher than the control pollinated flowers (14.80 ± 0.25 kg/tree). Physiological and chemical parameters of loquat fruit differed significantly when fruits obtained from open-pollinated flowers as compared to control pollinated flowers. These results suggested that native insect pollinators play important role in the fruit quality of loquat. Hence, maintenance of appropriate habitat of native pollinators near loquat orchards is necessary to ensure good productivity and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study objective was to determine the effects of field application of hexanal on pre-harvest market attributes of orange (Citrus sinensis L.) fruits. The first factor was hexanal concentration (0.01, 0.02, 0.04% and controls – untreated fruits), the second factor consisted of time of hexanal application prior to fruit harvest (7, 21, 42 and 60 days to harvest) and the third factor was season (1st and 2nd season). Tested orange varieties were Early Valencia ('Msasa'), Jaffa and Late Valencia varieties. A fruit tree for each orange variety constituted a treatment for hexanal application and time of its application prior to fruit harvest. The results show that hexanal application at 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04% equally improved fruit marketable yields by increasing fruit firmness and number of marketable fruit of Early Valencia, Jaffa and Late Valencia varieties. Number of marketable fruit increased by 34.89%, 34.04% and 42.48% over the controls for Early Valencia, Jaffa and Late Valencia, respectively. Similarly, fruit firmness increased by 11.38, 11.03 and 11.92 N/mm2 over the control for Early Valencia, Jaffa and Late Valencia, respectively. It is recommended that farmers should treat Early Valencia, Jaffa and Late Valencia with hexanal at 0.01% in order to increase marketable yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Balanced pruning is used to manage vegetative vigor and fruit load to optimize yield and fruit quality in most of fruit species. The objective of this study was to determine the bud viability, yield, and fruit quality potential of four grapevine cultivars using three pruning strategies. Four cold climate grapevine cultivars- -Brianna, Frontenac, La Crescent, and Marquette--were tested with spur (SP), short cane (SC), and spur plus short cane (SPSC) pruning treatments in 2018, 2019, and 2020. The SP treatment was 10 two-bud spurs per vine, SC was five four-bud short canes, and SPSC vines had four SP and three SC. Soluble solids, pH, and total acid were measured for individual bud positions on all spurs, canes or spurs and canes on each treated vine. Yield in all cultivars was lower in 2019 and 2020 due to severe winter cold. The greatest bud viability across the three years in each cultivar was achieved in Frontenac and Marquette with SP, followed by Brianna with SP and SC and La Crescent with SPSC pruning treatments. The highest yield for pruning treatments was Brianna with SC, Frontenac with SPSC, La Crescent with SC and SPSC, and Marquette with SP and SC pruning treatments. Brianna had the greatest fruit soluble solids and pH in SC pruning treatment. In contrast, Frontenac and La Crescent had greatest fruit soluble solids and lowest total acid with SP pruning treatment. Marquette showed similar soluble solids across all pruning treatments; however, pH was greatest in SC and total acid was lower in SP and SC than in SPSC. The pruning strategy impacted bud viability, yield and fruit quality measures most differently in Brianna and La Crescent; however, with these vigorous vines the SC could provide greater yield. In contrast, in Marquette and Frontenac bud viability, yield, and fruit quality were generally favored with SP. Results of this study indicate different pruning techniques, which taken in consideration with winter injury, can be used to optimize each grape cultivar yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is facing various problems of yield such as abiotic and biotic stresses. The wild tomato species are excellent source of economical traits which resistant to various types of stress and quality characters that can be transferred into cultivated tomato through intra and interspecific hybridisation. This study describes the development of inter and intraspecific hybrid tomato plants and screens the best hybrids. The interspecific hybrid tomato plants were developed by making a cross between wild tomato species and cultivated tomato. In the morphological traits, hybrids F1 showed intermediate values from both of their parents in fruit weight. Although wild parent male showed dominant impact in hybrids for many morphological characters such as leaf width and length, number of fruit set per truss, and fruit yield. The hybrids F1 also showed good characters in total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing and non-reducing sugar were enriched in cultivated tomato after crossing with wild relatives. The wild tomato has play important role in increased the lycopene level in hybrids. So, the hope that this study opens the new world gene pool for tomato breeding, ultimately contributing to the adapted of climate change and increase the tolerance to abiotic and biotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum on the root development and yield of melon plants (Cucumis melo L. cv. Hispano de Nunhems), grown in soil under intensive agriculture for four months, was evaluated. The parameters root length, root volume, area, number of root tips, rhizosphere activity, yield, and crop quality were measured. The inoculated melon plants had an increased percentage of colonisation, which reached 75% at the end of experiment. As a consequence, the inoculated plants exhibited greater rhizospheric activity with higher bacterial and fungal population than the control plants. Inoculation produced a greater volume of roots. It was also observed a higher area of roots with a diameter less than 0.2 mm, and a greater number of tips in roots with a diameter less than 0.5 mm. This suggested a proliferation of lateral roots and significant changes on the root architecture. In addition, these plants had greater fruit number and length, yield, and fruit sugar content than untreated plants. Therefore, the mycorrhizal association had a strong positive effect on the architecture and root activity, which stimulated the capacity for nutrient absorption, resulting in a higher yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solubilization of inorganic P-sources and production of siderophores and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) by Beauveria brongniartii were quantified and then, the effects of biofertilization using B. brongniartii on the plant growth, fruit yield and quality of Capsicum chinense were evaluated. Beauveria brongniartii solubilized more P from Ca3(PO4)2 (158.95 mg L−1) than FePO4 (31.7 mg L−1) and produced siderophores (59.8% of Fe3+-Chrome azurol-S degradation) and IAA (31.2 mg L−1). Plants fertilised at 100% of the recommended dosage (120N-150P-150K) had the tallest height at 30 (37.56 cm, P = 0.0494), 45 (57.56 cm, P = 0.0510) and 60 (67.87 cm, P = 0.0461) days after transplanting (dat) compared to plants inoculated and fertilised at 75% (90N-112.5P-112.5K) during the same period (30 dat = 30.68 cm, 45 dat = 45.81 and 60 dat = 55.75 cm). Inoculated plants with B. brongniartii had a higher foliar N content (3.53%, P = 0.0532) than non-inoculated plants (3.31%). The fruit weight (FW = 6.767 g, P = 0.00001), longitudinal fruit diameter (LFD = 37.82 mm, P = 0.0001) and equatorial fruit diameter (EFD = 25.59 mm, P = 0.0003) were also higher in inoculated versus non-inoculated plants (FW = 5.632 g, LFD = 33.98 mm and EFD = 24.10 mm). The P-solubilizing ability and siderophore and IAA production of B. brongniartii played an important role in the plant growth, foliar nutrient content and fruit quality of C. chinense plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant growth regulators are the organic chemical compounds, other than nutrients and vitamins, which modify or regulate physiological processes in an appreciable measure in the plant when used in small concentration. They are known to influence fruit set, retention, yield and quality of fruit crops. Fruit trees are considered high-value crops and even small modifications in production efficiency, product quality or enhanced cosmetic appeal have the potential to significantly increase product value. Application of plant growth regulators results in better output as it improves the internal physiology of developing fruits to improve fruit set, reduce fruit drop and to amend various physiological disorders in order to improve quality and yield. In this review, we have discussed about impact of various plant growth regulators on fruit set, retention, quality and yield of fruit crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of soil and foliar application of some fertilizers on the yield and quality of table grapes cv. Alkdarri. Soil and foliar fertilizer application treatments included a control, Ca 200 g/vine, K 150 g/vine, N 200 g/vine, Ca 30 g/L, grow more INCfertilizer 10 g/L, K 20 g/L, and Cu 5 mg/L. Results indicate that soil and foliar fertilizer application increases quality and quantity of table grapes compared to control treatment. The highest berry diameter, a weight of 100 berries and a size of 100 berries were obtained in vines treated with Ca 200 g/vine, using the soil application method. The highest cluster weight was obtained in vines that were treated with K 150 g/vine, using the soil application method. The highest berry firmness was obtained in vines that were treated with K 20 g/L using the foliar application method. The highest pH and TSS were obtained in vines treated with Cu 5 mg/L, using the foliar application method. The highest fruit yield was found in vines that were treated with 150 g K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to evaluate the differences in growth parameters of one- and two-year-old plants of a day-neutral strawberry Aromas® grown in the Atlantic Coast production area of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fresh-dug, leafless, bare-rooted plants were planted in the second week of May of the years 2009 and 2010. Two-year-old plants (T2) showed higher total biomass production, fruit yield and precocity. Crown and root yields of T2 plants in October were 49 and 32 times higher, respectively, and leaf area of T2 plants was three times larger than leaf area of one-year-old plants. T2 plants yielded a higher proportion of crowns and roots, and a lower proportion of dry matter partitioning into leaves. Fruits were the strongest photoassimilates sink (65% to 72% of dry weight accumulation), followed by leaves (13% to 20%), crowns (6% to 10%), roots (2% to 7%), and inflorescences (3% to 4%). Individual fruit weight from T2 plants was lighter than fruit weight of one-year-old plants, and this difference was observed principally from October to December, when T2 plants carried a high fruit load. T2 plants showed a decline in all measured growth parameters from February onwards, associated with crown and root diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soilborne fungus Athelia rolfsii (synonym Sclerotium rolfsii) causes stem or collar rot in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). We aimed to develop an optimal treatment for A. rolfsii in processing tomatoes in Israel through an understanding of the key developmental stages of the plant that are susceptible to disease development. We tested two approaches: best timing for pesticide application, and grafting onto a tolerant rootstock. The fungus attacked processing tomatoes at two stages: (i) immediately after planting, when the root neck is attacked and the young plant wilts, and (ii) in the last month of growth, when the humidity under the foliage increases, temperatures are high, and the root neck, shoot and fruit, which are lying on the ground, are susceptible to pathogen attack. The number of infected plants was significantly reduced after incorporating azoxystrobin at 2.5 and 5 L a. i./ha in the soil preplanting, and applying the combination fungicide Nativo (a.i. tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin) at 0.75 kg/ha in the drip-irrigation system (chemigation) once, 60–90 days after planting. This treatment enhanced total yield by up to 35.2% and marketable yield by up to 33.7% relative to untreated plots. Grafting to a resistant rootstock significantly reduced plant wilting in the first weeks of growth to less than 1% of the plants, and enhanced fruit yield up to four fold. In soil with a history of infestation, A. rolfsii infection should be treated during the plants' susceptible stages: preventive azoxystrobin treatment preplanting, and a single treatment of Nativo later on to prevent infection and decay, especially for late harvest; grafting to a resistant rootstock can also reduce infection in the early stages of growth and enhance yield. In this study, we show for the first time that A. rolfsii infection in processing tomato can be dramatically decreased with minimal pesticide application against key stages of the disease and rootstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]