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Combining ability assessment helps select parents and hybrids with high performance, which can lead to increased yield and effective crop improvement. The present study aimed to evaluate 24 diverse crosses for ten different quantitative traits using line x tester mating in the kharif season. The experiment involved the assessment of crosses, which included 4 females, 6 males, and 1 commercial cultivar (Nishant). The evaluation employed a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Major discrepancies were observed in the genotypes of both parents and hybrids for all traits, indicating a significant amount of variation in fruit yield and other characteristics that contribute to yield. JBR-20-05 was found the best general combiner for days to 50% flowering, fruit length and plant height. JBR-20-04 was found to be the best general combiner for average fruit weight, fruit girth and total fruit yield per plant. The genotype identified in the JBR-20-07 study, resistant to fruit and shoot borer infestation, held significant potential for use in breeding and selection programs to enhance the resistance of brinjal varieties. Estimation of Specific combining ability effect revealed that among the hybrids, the hybrids JBR-20-04 x JBR-20-05 recorded highly significant specific combining ability (SCA) effects for total fruit yield per plant. The cross JBR-20-03 x JBR-20-05 showed high desirable significance to SCA for fruit and shoot borer infestation. Variance due to general combining ability was less than the variance due to SCA, and the ratio of GCA to SCA variance was less than unity. When choosing hybrids to enhance yield in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) through breeding, it is crucial to prioritize specific traits that directly contribute to increased production.

An outdoor experiment was performed for six months to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizers obtained from marine residual materials on strawberry plants. Three types of organic fertilizers were used, i.e., cod (Gadus morhua) bone powder, common ling (Molva molva) bone powder, and pellets obtained by mixing small cod bone powder and rockweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) residues. A tabletop system for strawberry cultivation was designed, in which two bare-root strawberry plants of cultivar ‘Albion’ were planted in a peat substrate in each pot. Five treatments were applied, i.e., cod bone powder (F1), common ling bone powder (F2), small cod bone powder and rockweed residue pellets (FA), chemical fertilizer (E), and a control (C). The number of leaves and their nutrient content, fruit yield and quality characteristics of the strawberries grown using the organic fertilizers were similar or better than those corresponding to treatments E and C. Organic fertilizers derived from the residues of fish and macroalgae could be a promising alternative to chemical fertilizers in strawberry production.

Boron nutrition and pollination influence fruit set, fruitlet retention, yield and fruit quality in avocado orchards. Rapid nutrient analyses are required to prevent crop-nutrition deficiencies that reduce avocado crop productivity. This thesis described how boron application to avocado trees affects yield and fruit quality, how pollen parentage affects fruitlet retention and fruit quality, and how effectively hyperspectral imaging can be used as a rapid assessment tool to predict avocado crop-nutrient status. Applying boron at recommended rates provided a good yield of high-quality fruit but applying high levels of boron reduced the yield. Cross-pollinated fruitlets were retained selectively by the tree during the period of fruitlet abscission and they grew larger than self-pollinated fruitlets. Consequently, cross-pollinated mature fruit were heavier and had greater diameter than self-pollinated mature fruit. Hyperspectral imaging successfully predicted the concentrations of 12 foliar nutrients, ten of which could be predicted using hyperspectral images of either the top or bottom leaf surface. Monitoring foliar boron concentrations, adjusting boron fertiliser applications, and managing orchards to increase the frequency of cross-pollination are recommended as strategies to increase avocado yield and fruit quality., Thesis (PhD Doctorate), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), School of Environment and Sc, Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology, Full Text

Arid degraded soils have a coarse texture and poor organic matter content, which reduces the activity of microorganisms and soil enzymes, and thus the soil quality, plant yield and quality decrease. Potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) have been suggested to increase the activity of soil enzymes and increase the release of potassium from natural K-feldspar in the arid degraded soil, and thus potentially reduce the rates of the application of chemical fertilizers. Field studies were conducted for three successive growing seasons in an organic farming system to investigate the effects of K-feldspar and KSB (Bacillus cereus) on K release, soil fertility, and fruit yield of mango plants (Mangifera indica L.). The maximum growth of mango plants was found in the treatments inoculated with KSB. KSB increased soil available N, P, K, and the activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes by 10, 7, 18, 54, and 52%, respectively. KSB increased the fruit yield of mango by 23, 27, and 23% in the first, second, and third growing seasons, respectively. The partial (up to 50%) substitution of chemical K-fertilizer with K-feldspar gave fruit yield and quality very close to that fertilized with the full chemical K-fertilizer. The release rate of K (over all the treatments) varied between 0.18 and 0.64 mg kg−1 of soil per day. KSB significantly increased the K release rate. The application of chemical K-fertilizer gave the highest K release, while substitution with K-feldspar reduced the release of K. Natural K-feldspar contains 8.2% K but is poorly soluble when applied alone. KSB increased the soil quality parameters and enhanced the growth and quality of mango fruit. The fruit yield of mango, under KSB inoculation and fertilization with different K sources, ranged between 9.14 to 17.14 t ha−1. The replacement of 50% of chemical K-fertilizer with natural K-feldspar caused a decrease in the fruit yield by 17, 8, and 2.7% in the first, second, and third years, respectively

Solar ultraviolet (UV) light influences plant growth and metabolism. Whereas high doses of UV can be deleterious for plants, natural UV doses are important for morphogenesis in many plants species, including those used in horticulture. Greenhouses are widely used for horticultural production and common cladding materials strongly absorb UV. Thus, low amounts of UV may be limiting the optimal development in some plant species. Light supplementation using UV tubes can overcome UV deficiency. Here we study cucumber seedling production in the absence or presence of different UV wavelengths. UV-A- (315-400 nm) and UV-B- (280-315 nm) enriched light was used for exposure and parameters such as the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, stem development (internode length and diameter, stem dry weight, stem weight per unit of stem length, and stem bending), root biomass, leaf biomass and specific leaf mass were measured. We found that UV-A supplementation resulted in shorter more compact and sturdy plants, properties that are positive from a horticultural perspective. In contrast, UV-B-enriched light led to even smaller plants that lacked the sturdy stem. There were no signs of decreased F-v/F-m under any of the treatments, nor statistically significant differences in fruit yield between the control plants and the UV-treated plants when grown to harvest. In particular, the differences in fruit yield between the controls and the UV-A-treated plants were negligible in all cases. Thus, supplementary UV-A light can be an interesting alternative to chemical growth regulators for production of sturdy horticultural plants.

Identification of tomato varieties able to exhibit higher accumulation of primary and secondary metabolites in their fruits is currently a main objective in tomato breeding. One tool to improve fruit quality is to cultivate the plants under salt stress, although improvement of fruit quality is generally accompanied by productivity losses. However, it is very interesting to implement strategies aiming at enhancing fruit quality of tomato by means of growing plants in moderate salt stress that allows for a sustainable fruit yield. The traditional tomato varieties adapted to the Mediterranean environmental constraints may be very attractive plant materials to achieve this goal, given the wide range of fruit quality traits because of their genetic diversity. Here, agronomic responses and fruit quality traits, including primary and secondary metabolites, were analyzed in fruits of two Mediterranean traditional tomato varieties named “Tomate Pimiento” (“TP”) and “Muchamiel Aperado” (“MA”) because of the pepper and pear shape of their fruits, using as reference the commercial cultivar “Moneymaker” (“MM”). Plants were grown without salt (control) and with moderate salt stress (50 mM NaCl), which did not affect fruit yield in any variety. “TP” is of great interest because of its high soluble solids content (SSC) in control, which is even higher in salt, whereas “MA” is very attractive because of its high Brix yield index (SSC × fruit yield), used as overall fruit quality measure. Similitude between both traditional varieties were found for primary metabolism, as they significantly increased sucrose contents compared with “MM” in red ripe fruits from plants in control and, especially, salt stress conditions. The most remarkable difference was the high constitutive levels of total amino acids in “TP” fruits, including the three major free amino acids found in tomato fruit, GABA, glutamate, and glutamine, which even increased under salinity. Regarding secondary metabolites, the

Producción Científica, In this study, we evaluated stand status, dendrometric variables, and fruit production of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) trees growing in bushland and farmland-use types in dryland areas of Ethiopia. The vegetation survey was conducted using the point-centered quarter method. The fruit yield of 54 trees was also evaluated. Tree density and fruit production in ha were estimated. There was a significant difference in Tamarind tree density between the two land-use types (p = 0.01). The mean fruit yield of farmland trees was significantly higher than that of bushland trees. However, Tamarind has unsustainable structure on farmlands. Differences in the dendrometric characteristics of trees were also observed between the two land-use types. Predictive models were selected for Tamarind fruit yield estimations in both land-use types. Although the majority of farmland trees produced <5000 fruit year−1, the selection of Tamarind germplasm in its natural ranges could improve production. Thus, the development of management plans to establish stands that have a more balanced diameter structure and thereby ensure continuity of the population and fruit yields is required in this area, particularly in the farmlands. This baseline information could assist elsewhere in areas that are facing similar challenges for the species due to land-use change., Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo - (projects Sustfungi_Eth:2017/ACDE/002094 and Mycoproed_Eth: 2019/ACDE/000921)

The effect of different plant growth regulators on flowering, fruiting, yield, and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa was studied in a field trial at ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, during two seasons, namely ambe bahar (January–February) 2016 and hastha bahar (September–October) 2016-17. Nitrobenzene (NB) 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ml plant-1, Cycocel (CCC) 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm plant-1, Uracil 25 and 50 ppm plant-1, CCC 1000 ppm + Uracil 25 ppm plant-1, CCC 1500 ppm + Uracil 50 ppm plant-1, and Control were among the eleven treatments studied. The application of uracil 50 ppm plant-1 resulted in a higher number of hermaphrodite flowers plant-1 (264.7), number of fruits plant-1 (154.0), and fruit yield (27.1 kg/plant). Fruit weight (197.6 g), fruit length (6.64 cm), total aril weight (113.63 g), 100 aril weight (27.18 g), fruit juice weight (101.94 g), TSS content (19.96 OB), fruit anthocyanin content (6.46 mg 100 g) and low titrable acidity (0.41 percent) were recorded when CCC 1000 ppm + Uracil 25 ppm plant-1 was applied. During ambe bahar, the highest fruit width (6.90 cm) and volume (162.7 ml) were observed with CCC 1000 ppm and 1500 ppm plant-1, respectively. During hastha bahar, CCC 1500 ppm plant-1 resulted in a higher number of hermaphrodite flowers (287.8), the highest percentage of fruit set (86.10), the highest number of fruits plant-1 (156.66), the highest fruit yield (54.53 kg plant-1), the highest fruit weight (348.32 g), the longest fruit length (8.53 cm), and the largest fruit volume (8.53 cm) (33.93 ml), total aril weight (224.01 g), 100 aril weight (35.09 g), fruit juice weight (119.40 g) and TSS content (16.00 OB). A foliar spray of nitrobenzene 1.5 ml plant-1 compounded the high fruit anthocyanin content (6.47 mg 100g-1). As a result of the research, it can be concluded that CCC 1000 ppm + Uracil 25 ppm plant-1and CCC 1500 ppm plant-1were the most effective treatments for improving

Smart farming employs intelligent systems for every domain of agriculture to obtain sustainable economic growth with the available resources using advanced technologies. Deep Learning (DL) is a sophisticated artificial neural network architecture that provides state-of-the-art results in smart farming applications. One of the main tasks in this domain is yield estimation. Manual yield estimation undergoes many hurdles such as labor-intensive, time-consuming, imprecise results, etc. These issues motivate the development of an intelligent fruit yield estimation system that offers more benefits to the farmers in deciding harvesting, marketing, etc. Semantic segmentation combined with DL adds promising results in fruit detection and localization by performing pixel-based prediction. This paper reviews the different literature employing various techniques for fruit yield estimation using DL-based semantic segmentation architectures. It also discusses the challenging issues that occur during intelligent fruit yield estimation such as sampling, collection, annotation and data augmentation, fruit detection, and counting. Results show that the fruit yield estimation employing DL-based semantic segmentation techniques yields better performance than earlier techniques because of human cognition incorporated into the architecture. Future directions like customization of DL architecture for smart-phone applications to predict the yield, development of more comprehensive model encompassing challenging situations like occlusion, overlapping and illumination variation, etc., were also discussed.

Plantain is one of the major staples contributing to food security and income generation in West and Central Africa. Local cultivars in Cameroon are susceptible to pests and diseases causing severe losses in plantain production. This study aimed at evaluating the agronomic performance and producer’s perception of plantain hybrids in the humid forest of Cameroon. Field trials were established in a completely randomized block design with eight genotypes and three replicates. Data on pest and disease as well as farmer perception were collected over two growing cycles. These genotypes included seven improved and one local genotype (check). Improved genotypes were highly tolerant to the Black Sigatoka disease compared to local plantain. While root necrosis index was above 50% in local varieties, indices below 25% were recorded in hybrids. Weevil severity in local was higher (55.0 ± 5.2%) compared to 21.0 ± 4.6% to 28.5 ± 3.2% in improved plantains. Average bunch weight was higher for FHIA 21 with 17.9 ± 0.7 kg in the first and 19.7 ± 0.3 kg for the second cycle, while those of the local Ebang were 9.6 ± 0.5 kg and 12.8 ± 0.9 kg, respectively. FHIA 21 and CRBP 568 were the preferred varieties by farmers (68.8% and 56.3% acceptance) from an agronomic perspective. The consumers’ preferences for all the genotypes varied with types of cooking. The implications of these findings for adoption by farmers and consumers as well as for the promotion of the plantain sector in central Africa are discussed.

Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) can be used as an effective strategy for increasing water use efficiency (WUE) under arid and semiarid climate. Therefore, in this study the effect of RDI (50 and 75% evapotranspiration of a crop under irrigation (ETC)) as compared to control during pit hardening and after fruit harvest on vegetative growth, fruit yield and quality of Japanese plum 'Methly' was investigated during two consecutive years. The results showed that water available limitation in RDI 50% both during pit hardening and after fruit harvest significantly reduced shoot growth. RDI treatment during postharvest decreased both node number and internode length. The highest flowering rate and fruit set percentage was found when plum tree was irrigated 75% ETC during pit hardening in both years. In the first year, RDI decreased fruit yield, whereas, in the second year, RDI 75% during pit hardening even increased slightly fruit yields for 6 and 11% as compared to control and postharvest stage, respectively. Fruit weight was significantly reduced under RDI 50%. Fruit produced under 50% RDI showed higher firmness and lower soluble solids concentration (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) than control and other treatment. Furthermore, RDI treated fruits had lower N, P, Mg content and N/Ca and Mg/Ca ratio and higher Ca content than control. Overall, moderate water stress (75% RDI) improved fruit yield and saved water without undesirable effect on plum fruit quality. FA

Early season foliar fertilization with different nutrients is a promising tool in pomegranate grown in poor, high pH soils. The effects of foliar fertilization with FeSO4 and the synthetic chelate Fe(III)-EDDHA (Fe(III)-ethylendiaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetate)) on fruit yield and physicochemical characteristics were assessed in a two-season field trial. Fertilizers were sprayed at full bloom and one month later, using Fe concentrations of 1.3 and 2.6 mM for FeSO4 and 1.1 and 2.1 mM for the Fe-chelate. Both doses of FeSO4 and the higher chelate dose increased leaf Fe concentrations and fruit yield, with the best results being observed with 2.6 mM FeSO4 (20–31% increases in yield). On the other hand, leaf N, P, K, Ca, and Mn concentrations were not affected by foliar Fe fertilization. The only treatment that increased the number of fruits per tree, aril juice content and juice total soluble solids and decreased juice total acidity in both seasons was 2.6 mM FeSO4. Both FeSO4 doses caused consistent increases in the maturity index and total sugars in juice, along with minor decreases in juice total phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity in juice was slightly decreased by 2.6 mM FeSO4. In conclusion, early season foliar Fe fertilization had positive effects on pomegranate yield and quality, with FeSO4 being better than Fe(III)-EDDHA.

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of different varieties, planting densities, tree training systems and canopy aspect (north and south) on tree water use efficiency and nitrogen (N) availability in relation to mango fruit yield and fruit size as well as soil fertility (particularly total carbon (C) and total N as well as C and N isotope compositions) in a 5-year-old mango plantation of tropical Australia.

The antioxidants found in grapes and wine have been linked to health benefits in humans, but may be affected by agronomic parameters, grape type/variety, and processing. Here, we report results of a farm survey which investigated the effects of production system (organic vs. conventional) and grape variety on fruit yield, total antioxidant activity/capacity (TAA, assessed by the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays), and total concentrations of total phenolics (TPC) and anthocyanins (TAC) in grapes of one red (Kotsifali) and two white (Villana and/or Vidiano) traditional Cretan grape varieties. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results showed that grape variety choice had a more substantial effect on TPC, TAA, and TAC than primary production protocols, and significant interactions were identified between production system and grape variety choice for TAATEAC. Specifically, TAATEAC was significantly (57%) higher in organic than conventional Vidiano grapes, while there was no significant effect of production system on TAATEAC in Kotsifali and Villana grapes. As expected from previous studies, the TAC was substantially higher in red Kotsifali grapes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) identified grape variety as the only strong explanatory variable/driver for yield, TPC, TAA, and TAC of table grapes, and positive associations were detected between the variety Vidiano and both TPC and TAATEAC. All other explanatory variables included in the RDA (including supplementary irrigation, orchard orientation, production system, soil type, vineyard age, plant density, and fertiliser inputs) explained only a small proportion of the additional variation.

Using proper greenhouse covering materials can provide a suitable environment for plant growth in Saudi Arabia. The effects of three different greenhouse covering materials, clear glass, polycarbonate and diffuse tempered glass were used to evaluate its effect on cucumber productivity, water and energy use efficiency. Results show that either water or light use efficiency was higher in compartments covered with diffused or clear glass than polycarbonate compartment. Inconsequence, fruit yield of cucumber plants/m2 was significantly higher (58%) in clear and diffuse glass greenhouses as opposed to polycarbonate greenhouse. In term of the effect of cultivar or plant density, no significant differences on cucumber yield were found. Using of different covering materials did affect environmental data of greenhouses. Less light was transmitted through polycarbonate cover than clear or diffuse glass. The photosynthesis active radiation (PAR) was 996, 1703, 1690 mol/m2/d, while the electricity consumption was 2.97, 3.44, and 2.88 kWh under polycarbonate, clear glass, and diffuse glass, respectively. Meanwhile, diffuse glass compartment revealed 16% lower of water consumption than other covering materials. In this respect, it could be concluded that using diffuse glass, as a greenhouse cover material, has a strong positive influence on crop productivity under Saudi Arabia climate.

An experiment was conducted to study the correlation of trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) with fruit yield, quality and leaf nutrient status in plum at ICAR-Central Institute for Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir during 2013-14. The TCSA (110.45, 118.23, 123.45, 131.67, 139.25, 146.82, 152.37 and 161.26 cm2) was based on their trunk girth at 15 cm above the ground. Maximum canopy volume (23.14m3 and fruit number 128/ tree) were recorded when TCSA was highest (161.26cm2). Maximum fruit weight (58.85g) was recorded with 123.45cm2 TCSA. Fruit yield and productivity efficiency (59.47kg/ tree and 0.29kg/ cm2) were recorded with 152.37cm2 TCSA. Fruit size (47.45 x 44.12mm), pulp weight (57.54g) and pulp/stone ratio (43.92) were recorded with 123.45cm2 TCSA. Maximum TSS (19.450B), total sugar (13.98%) and reducing sugar (11.46%) were recorded with 161.26 cm2 TCSA. Non-reducing sugar (2.53%) was recorded with 118.23cm2 TCSA. Higher leaf nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content (2.38, 0.19 and 1.95%) was observed with 161.26 cm2 TCSA. A positive and significant correlation was noticed between TCSA and canopy volume (0.995), fruit number (0.992), yield (0.968), pulp/stone ratio (0.903), TSS (0.977), total sugar (0.937), reducing sugar (0.920), non-reducing sugar (0.048), leaf N (0.971), leaf P (0.977) and leaf K (0.997) value in plum variety Santa Rosa under North West Himalayan region of India.

Nutrient requirement for guava under high density planting is much higher than normal planting. Combined application of organic manures and chemical fertilizers will enhance nutrient use efficiency. The field experiment was carried out at Raichur, Karnataka, India during 2017 to standardize rate of fertilizers and organic manures for Guava (Psidium guajava L.)  cv. Allahabad safeda under high density planting. Treatments consists of application of fertilizers for normal planting compared with 100:40:75 g NPK/plant as recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 75% and 50% of high density planting (HDP) along with 25 kg farmyard manure, organic manure alone and foliar application of urea @ 1 % at 2,3 and 4 months after pruning. Results indicated that application of NPK@ 235: 118: 120 g per plant as per the RDF for HDP along with 25 kg FYM has resulted in taller plants, plant spread E-W as well as N-S directions, canopy volume and leaf area index. Higher fruits/plant, average fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit yield per plant and fruit yield (48.58 t ha-1) was recorded by application of NPK@ 235: 118: 120 g per plant same as that of HDP along with 25 kg FYM. Application of 50 % of HDP recommendation along with foliar application of urea @ 1% at 2, 3 and 4 months after pruning and 25 kg FYM was also found effective in achieving higher fruit yield of guava.

In addition to stable and high fruit yields, traits related to nutritional quality play a significant role in placing pumpkins on the market. The paper analyzes traits related to nutritional quality (fruit flesh dry weight, total sugars and carotenoids content, and pH) together with traits of agronomic importance (number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, and yield per plant) in seven pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Duch.) accessions, grown at the same locality (Bački Petrovac) during three consecutive seasons (2016, 2017, and 2018). We observed significant differences among the accessions regards all the investigated traits, except for pH. Adverse effects of the environmental factors, primarily those related to high and extremely high air temperatures, were observed for total carotenoids and sugars content, and for fruit weight and yield. Accessions B2398 and A2620-2 had the best values of the examined parameters and therefore should be used for breeding pumpkins of high yield and quality., Pored stabilnih i visokih prinosa, značajnu ulogu u plasiranju bundeve na tržište imaju osobine vezane za nutritivni kvalitet. U radu su analizirane osobine koje se odnose na nutritivni kvalitet (suva masa mesa ploda, sadržaj ukupnih šećera i karotenoida, pH vrednost) zajedno sa osobinama od agronomskog značaja (broj plodova po biljci, masa ploda i prinos po biljci) kod sedam akcesija bundeve (Cucurbita maxima Duch.), gajenih na lokalitetu Bački Petrovac tokom tri uzastopne sezone (2016, 2017. i 2018). Primećene su značajne razlike među akcesijama u pogledu svih ispitivanih osobina, osim pH vrednosti. Nepovoljni efekti sredine, pre svega oni koji se odnose na visoke i ekstremno visoke temperature vazduha, uočenl su kod sadržaja ukupnih karotenoida i šećera, kao i kod mase i prinosa ploda. Najviše vrednosti ispitivanih parametara imale su akcesije B2398 i A2620-2 i stoga bi ih trebalo koristiti za oplemenjivanje bundeve visokog prinosa i kvaliteta.

Water resource limitation has caused increasing interest in changing irrigation strategy to improve water use efficiency. In this study, effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) (75 and 50% ETC) in combination with different concentration of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) (0, 100, 200 and 300 g/tree) on fruit yield and quality of 'Granny Smith' apple was investigated during two consecutive growing seasons. The tree irrigated with 100 ETC was used as control. No significant difference was found between control and RDI and SAP treatments for apple fruit yield. But in the second year of the experiment, apple trees treated with 200 g/tree superabsorbent showed by 15% greater fruit weight. The fruit soluble solid content (SSC) was significantly affected by irrigation regimes and superabsorbent polymer. The highest SSC was found in RDI50 in two years and 200 g/tree superabsorbent in the first year. In the first season, titratable acidity (TA) was significantly affected by SAP levels. The apple trees that received 300 g/tree of SAP, had the highest content of TA in the first season. No significant difference was observed among treatments regarding dry matter percentage and firmness. Total phenolic content of apple fruits was significantly affected by both RDI and SAP treatments in both seasons. In each level of SAP application, by reducing RDI percent total phenolic content increased. The highest phenolic content was found when the trees were treated with 50% RDI with and without SAP treatment.

This study aimed to phenotype young tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants for heat tolerance by measuring Fv/Fm after short-term heat treatments in climate chambers and selected sensitive (low Fv/Fm) and tolerant (high Fv/Fm) cultivars to investigate their in-field performance. Twenty-eight genotypes were phenotyped at 40 : 28°C for 2 days in climate chambers. A second screening (four high Fv/Fm and four low Fv/Fm genotypes) was conducted for 4 days at 38 : 28°C, followed by 5 days' recovery (26 : 20°C). The tolerant genotypes maintained high net photosynthesis (PN) and increased stomatal conductance (gs) at 38° C, allowing better leaf cooling. Sensitive genotypes had lower Fv/Fm and PN at 38°C, and gs increased less than in the tolerant group, reducing leaf cooling. Under controlled conditions, all eight genotypes had the same plant size and pollen viability, but after heat stress, plant size and pollen viability reduced dramatically in the sensitive group. Two tolerant and two sensitive genotypes were grown in the field during a heat wave (38 : 26°C). Tolerant genotypes accumulated more biomass, had a lower heat injury index and higher fruit yield. To our knowledge, this is the first time screening for heat tolerance by Fv/Fm in climate chambers was verified by a field trial under natural heat stress. The differences after heat stress in controlled environments were comparable to those in yield between tolerant and sensitive groups under heat stress in the field. The results suggest that Fv/Fm is effective for early detection of heat tolerance, and screening seedlings for heat sensitivity can speed crop improvement.

Inorganic N fertilizers are commonly used in commercial blueberry fields; however, this form of N can favor increased weed species’ growth, which can ultimately reduce the benefits of fertilization. We hypothesized that chipped ramial wood (CRW) compost is an effective alternative organic fertilizer for blueberry plants when weeds are present, as ericaceous shrub species are generally more efficient in utilizing organic N than herbaceous weed species. In this study, we measured the growth, fruit yield, and foliar N response of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) to an application of 45 kg N ha-1 in the form of organic (CRW) or inorganic N (ammonium sulfate) in two areas of a commercial field colonized by either poverty oat grass (Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv.) or sweet fern (Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coult.). We also assessed the impact of the fertilization treatments on litter decomposition rates. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found no significant increase in blueberry fruit yield or growth using CRW. By contrast, inorganic N-fertilization increased fruit yield by 70%. The effect was higher in the area colonized by D. spicata (+83%) than by C. peregrina (+45%). Blueberry fruit yield was on average twice higher in the area of the field having D. spicata than C. peregrina, suggesting a stronger competition with the latter. However, the increase in D. spicata density from 0–1 to >25 plants m-2 reduced fruit production by three-fold and strongly impacted vegetative growth in both fertilized and unfertilized plots. The impact of increased C. peregrina density was comparatively much lower, especially on vegetative growth, which was much higher in the area having C. peregrina. These patterns are likely due to a lower competition for N uptake with C. peregrina as this species can derive N from the atmosphere. Interestingly, the higher fruit yield in the area colonized by D. spicata occurred even in plots where the weeds were nearly absent (density of 0–1 plan

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. On the coast of Granada and Malaga (SE Spain), irrigated subtropical fruit species have been introduced and cultivated on terraces with a considerable economic importance as the only European production region. The subtropical fruit production in this zone is possible with intensive irrigation on terraces, which are economically more profitable than traditional rainfed crops (almond and olive), which have been replaced or abandoned. A 2-year monitoring period was conducted using drainage lysimeters to determine the crop coefficients (Kc) and fruit yield in mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Osteen) orchards. Also, some quality parameters such as titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and vitamin C were evaluated under these conditions. The averaged Kc values of mango trees varied within production cycle of 0.43, 0.67, and 0.63 at flowering, fruit set, and fruit growth, respectively. In this study, the fruit yield under full water requirements (100% ETC) averaged 24.1 kg tree−1, amounting to 21.2 kg ha−1 mm−1 in terms of water-use efficiency. The quality parameters of the mango fruits harvested in the study area were satisfactory. Thus, this study highlights the need to optimize the irrigation-water use according to actual mango requirements, thereby achieving more sustainable Mediterranean subtropical farming in orchard terraces.

L’association de l’espèce ligneuse Moringa oleifera et des cultures maraichères est devenue une forme d’utilisation des terres permettant aux exploitants de faire un usage judicieux des terres surexploitées. Aussi, parmi les cultures associées au M. oleifera figure aujourd’hui Solanum melongena (aubergine). Cette étude a pour objectif de passer en revue l’effet combiné des facteurs disposition et niveau de coupe des plants de M. oleifera sur les rendements en fruits de S. melongena. Ces facteurs comprennent respectivement trois et deux niveaux. Ainsi six (6) traitements A1B1, A1B2, A2B1, A2B2, A3B1 et A3B2 et un traitement témoin (T) ont été utilisés. Les paramètres étudiés sont la productivité en fruit et la corrélation linéaire entre la productivité en fruits de l’aubergine et le temps. Les tests statistiques ont montré que les traitements n’ont pas eu d’effet significatif sur le rendement de l’aubergine au seuil de 5%. L’analyse des coefficients de détermination a montré que les modèles A1B2, A2B2, A3B2 et le Témoin sont ceux qui expliquent le mieux la variabilité de la productivité en fruits en fonction du temps. Ces résultats témoignent que les exploitants peuvent associer M. oleifera à l’aubergine sans risque de perte considérable en rendement. Mots clés: Moringa oleifera, Solanum melongena, Disposition, niveau de coupe, rendement, The combination of the woody species Moringa oleifera and vegetable crops has become a form of land use that allows farmers to make judicious use of overexploited land. Also, among the crops associated with M. oleifera today is Solanum melongena (eggplant). The objective of this study is to review the combined effect of the disposition and cutting level factors of M. oleifera plants on the fruit yields of S. melongena. These factors include three and two levels respectively. Thus, Six (6) treatments A1B1, A1B2, A2B1, A2B2, A3B1 and A3B2 and a control treatment (T) were used. The parameters studied are fruit productivity and the linear correlation between eggplant fruit productivity and time. Statistical tests showed that the treatments did not have a significant effect on eggplant yield at the 5% level. Analysis of the coefficients of determination showed that the models A1B2, A2B2, A3B2 and the Control are those which best explain the variability of fruit productivity as a function of time. These results demonstrate that farmers can combine M. oleifera with eggplant without the risk of significant loss in yield. Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Solanum melongena, layout, cutting level, yield

Green manures as an alternative to inorganic fertilizer offer considerable potential as a source of plant nutrients and organic matter. Hence, field experiments were carried out during 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to compare impacts of green manures (GM) and NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer on soil properties, growth, fruit yield, mineral, lycopene and vitamin C contents of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). The GM from green tender stems and leaves of: Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.), Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.) were applied at 5 t ha-1, and the NPK fertilizer was applied at 300 kg ha-1. Plots without fertilizer were used as a control. Application of GMs reduced soil bulk density and increased soil organic matter (OM), N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with the control. The NPK fertilizer had no effect on soil bulk density and soil OM, and increased soil N, P, K, Ca, Mg, growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with the control. Gliricidia increased growth and fruit yield of tomato compared with NPK fertilizer and other GMs. The GMs and NPK fertilizer increased mineral, lycopene and vitamin C contents in the tomato fruits compared with the control. Moringa produced higher K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, lycopene and vitamin C contents compared with other GMs and NPK fertilizer. Use of GM has potential to improve soil properties, and growth, fruit yield and nutritional contents of tomato than does NPK fertilizer. The Gliricidia treatment best improved soil properties and tomato productivity as indicated by the benefit-cost ratio. For those growing tomato for fruit quantity Gliricidia is recommended as green manure. For those that desire fruit quality Moringa is recommended as green manure.

Present emphasis on sustainable agriculture requires successful soil resources management geared towards quality soil environment and crop production. Mulching and application of poultry manure (PM) are easy ways to enhance natural soil-nutrient build-up and soil quality protection. Field experiments were carried out to determine effects of mulching and poultry manure on soil properties, growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The legume mulch types derived from Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, and Acacia auriculiformis, rates of PM (0 or 10.0 t ha-1) were tested over 2015 and 2016. Legume mulch materials, with or without addition of PM, reduced bulk density and soil temperature and increased porosity, moisture content and soil chemical properties compared with the initial soil status before application of treatments. In both years, with or without addition of PM to mulch, Acacia improved soil physical properties and increased soil organic matter (SOM) compared with Leucaena and Gliricidia mulches that increased N, P, K, Ca and Mg compared with Acacia mulch without PM. In 2015, without addition of PM, Gliricidia increased tomato growth and yield compared with Leucaena and Acacia. Acacia with addition of PM had the highest value of growth and yield. In 2016, with or without addition of PM, Acacia increased growth and yield compared with Leucaena and Gliricidia. In 2015, addition of PM to Leucaena, Gliricidia and Acacia mulches increased tomato fruit yield by 40.0, 9.2 and 84.9%, respectively. Also in 2016, addition of PM with Leucaena, Gliricidia and Acacia mulches, increased fruit yield of tomato by 43.0, 45.0 and 52.8%, respectively. Leucaena and Gliricidia mulches enhanced tomato growth and yield through direct nutritional contributions, whereas Acacia mulch did so through mulching effects on soil microclimate. Acacia+PM produced significantly higher yield, therefore adequate application of PM to mulches should be encouraged, especially wher

Istraživanje je sprovedeno radi procene mogućnosti oplemenjivanja tikava (C. moschata) i bundeva (C. maxima) u pravcu poboljšanja prinosa i kvaliteta ploda. Izvršene su analize svojstava od agronomskog značaja (prinos po biljci-P, masa ploda-MP, broj plodova po biljci-BPB, datum cvetanja-DC, dužina glavne stabljike-DGS, veličina lista-VL) i svojstava od značaja za kvalitet mesa ploda (sadrţaj suve materije-SSM, šećera-SŠ, karotenoida-SK, proteina-SP, rastvorljivih čestica-SRČ, refrakcioni indeks-RI, pH); kod po 20 perspektivnih linija obe biljne vrste. Ogled je postavljen na eksperimentalnoj parceli Instituta za ratarstvo i povrtarstvo, Novi Sad, Odeljenje za alternativne kulture i organsku proizvodnju u Baĉkom Petrovcu, po slučajnom blok sistemu, dve sezone (2016, 2017). Kod obe vrste su zabeležene značajne razlike između linija u pogledu svih ispitivanih svojstava., This study was aimed to access possibilities for breeding squash (C. moschata) and pumpkin (C. maxima) for improved fruit yield and quality. Traits of agronomic importance (yield per plant-Y, fruit weight-FW, number of fruits per plant-NFP, anthesis date-AD, length of main stem-LMS, leaf blade size-LBS) and traits related to fruit flesh quality (dry weight-DW, sugars-SC, carotenoids-CC, proteins-PC, soluble solids-SSC, refractive index-RI and pH) were analyzed in 20 perspective lines of each plant species. The two-year (2016, 2017) trial was set at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad experimental plot, Alternative Crops and Organic Production Department in Baĉki Petrovac, randomized in complete block system. Significant differences were found among lines of both species in terms of all investigated traits.

[EN] Arlequin (Alq) is a gain-of-function mutant whose most relevant feature is that sepals are able to become fruit-like organs due to the ectopic expression of the ALQ-TAGL1 gene. The role of this gene in tomato fruit ripening was previously demonstrated. To discover new functional roles for ALQ-TAGL1, and most particularly its involvement in the fruit set process, a detailed characterization of Alq yield-related traits was performed. Under standard conditions, the Alq mutant showed a much higher fruit set rate than the wild type. A significant percentage of Alq fruits were seedless. The results showed that pollination-independent fruit set in Alq is due to early transition from flower to fruit. Analysis of endogenous hormones in Alq suggests that increased content of cytokinins and decreased level of abscisic acid may account for precocious fruit set. Comparative expression analysis showed relevant changes of several genes involved in cell division, gibberellin metabolism, and the auxin signalling pathway. Since pollination-independent fruit set may be a very useful strategy for maintaining fruit production under adverse conditions, fruit set and yield in Alq plants under moderate salinity were assessed. Interestingly, Alq mutant plants showed a high yield under saline conditions, similar to that of Alq and the wild type under unstressed conditions.

This study was carried out to assess the effects of the foliar application of nano-fertilizers of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on pomegranate (Punica granatum cv. Ardestani) fruit yield and quality. A factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized block design, with nine treatments and four replications per treatment. Foliar sprays of nano-Zn chelate fertiliser at three concentrations (0, 60 and 120 mg Zn L−1) and nano-B chelate fertiliser (0, 3.25 and 6.5 mg B L−1) were applied as a single spray before full bloom at a rate of 5.3 L tree−1. The application of Zn and B increased the leaf concentrations of both microelements in August, reflecting the improvements in tree nutrient status. A single foliar spray with relatively low amounts of B or Zn nano-fertilizers (34 mg B tree−1 or 636 mg Zn tree−1, respectively) led to increases in pomegranate fruit yield, and this was mainly due to increases in the number of fruits per tree. The effect was not as large with Zn as with B. Fertilization with the highest of the two doses led to significant improvements in fruit quality, including 4.4–7.6% increases in TSS, 9.5–29.1% decreases in TA, 20.6–46.1% increases in maturity index and 0.28–0.62 pH unit increases in juice pH, whereas physical fruit characteristics were unaffected. Changes in total sugars and total phenolic compounds were only minor, whereas the antioxidant activity and total anthocyanins were unaffected.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is highly sensitive to temperature variation and high temperature promotes flower drops and reduce fruit yield. An experiment was undertaken to identify suitable planting time of bell pepper and stable performed varieties for different plating dates during the winter season of 2011-12 and 2012-13 at U.B.K.V., Pundibari, West Bengal, India. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 3 replications. Three planting dates (15th November, 30th November and 15th December) were allotted in sub plots while 4 varieties (Mekong, California Wonder, JK Peeyali and Asha) were placed in main plots. Bell pepper responded differently with the changes in planting dates irrespective of years. The 30th November planting date emerged best in terms of different and growth and yield attributes. Among the varieties, Mekong emerged as superior in terms of more number of fruits (10.24), fruit weight (65.50 g) and yield (670.76 g/plant and 18.11 t/ha) while maximum beta carotene and vitamin C were recorded in the variety California Wonder (0.071 ?g/100g fresh fruits, 154.80 mg/100g fresh fruits, respectively). The interaction effect showed that variety Mekong transplanted on 15th December resulted in many fold improvement in the form of highest leaf area (8.79 cm2), maximum number of fruits/ plant, fruit weight (86.93 g) and fruit yield (854.69 g/plant and 23.08 t/ha). The result established that 30th November is ideal for bell pepper planting and the variety Mekong is the most stable performing variety with respect to the different planting dates.

Effect of plant growth regulators on leaf biochemical parameters (chlorophyll pigments, sugars, nitrate reductase activity, total phenols) and fruit yield bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) was studied. The experiment consisted of foliar treatment with three plant growth regulators, GA3 (20, 40 and 60ppm), NAA (50ppm) and CCC (100 and 200ppm) in two bittergourd varieties, MHBI-15 and Chaman Plus at 45 days after sowing (DAS). Results revealed significant difference between treatments on chlorophyll, sugar, total phenol content as also on nitrate reductase activity. Foliar application of CCC (200ppm) recorded maximum amount of total sugars (18.03% over Control), total phenol content (10.93%) as also nitrate reductase activity (16.12%). Among the treatments, application of GA3 (20ppm) recorded maximum chlorophyll content (18.03% over Control). Highest increase in mean fruit yield over Control was recorded with application of GA3 (20ppm) (39.88%), followed by CCC (200ppm) (34.15%) in both the cultivars.

A field trial was conducted for eight years at Indian Institute of Horticulture Research, Bengaluru to find out the effect of dose and time of application of paclobutrazol (PBZ) on flowering, fruit yield and quality of 'Alphonso' mango. The percentages of flowering, vegetative and dormant shoots were affected by paclobutrazol application. Different dose and time of application of paclobutrazol increased the percentage of flowering shoots significantly and most pronounced effect was with treatment D1T2 (3ml/m canopy PBZ applied 90 days before bud break) which recorded 89.9% flowering shoots as compared to 73.8% in control treatment. Regarding fruit yield, maximum mean fruit yield of 22.0kg/plant was recorded with treatment D1T2 (3ml/m canopy PBZ applied 90 days before bud break) and least was with control (13.1kg/plant) which accounts for fruit yield increase of 67.9%. No particular trend was observed in respect of shoot length in different treatments. However in general, paclobutrazol application reduced the shoot length compared to control. With respect of fruit quality attributes, acidity and TSS were found to be non-significant among different treatments during different years. Average fruit weight was found to be significant during different years and paclobutrazol application reduced the average fruit size compared to control. Cost benefit ratio was maximum of 1:2.52 was with treatment 3ml/m canopy PBZ applied 90 days before bud break and least cost benefit ratio of 1:1.06 was with control.

This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of different plant densities (4762, 7143, 9524, 14286, 28571 plants ha(-1)) on the fruit yield and some other yield components of fodder watermelon under typical Mediterranean climate conditions during summer period of 2012 and 2013. Results indicated that average number of fruit per plant increased by decreasing plant densities but not single fruit weight and soluble solid content. It was suggested that 9524 plants ha(-1) (210x50cm) of fodder watermelon was the most successful crop density regarding the total fruit yield (189 t ha(-1)). It was also concluded that fodder watermelon fruits can be easily stored 210 days with 24% weight loss without any rot.

A Na+/H+ antiporter-like protein (NHXLP) was isolated from Sorghum bicolor L. (SbNHXLP) and validated by overexpressing in tomato for salt tolerance. Homozygous T2 transgenic lines when evaluated for salt tolerance, accumulated low Na+ and displayed enhanced salt tolerance compared to wild-type plants (WT). This is consistent with the amiloride binding assay of the protein. Transgenics exhibited higher accumulation of proline, K+, Ca2+, improved cambial conductivity, higher PSII, and antioxidative enzyme activities than WT. Fluorescence imaging results revealed lower Na+ and higher Ca2+ levels in transgenic roots. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that SbNHXLP interacts with a Solanum lycopersicum cation proton antiporter protein2 (SlCHX2). qRT-PCR results showed upregulation of SbNHXLP and SlCHX2 upon treatment with 200 mM NaCl and 100 mM potassium nitrate. SlCHX2 is known to be involved in K+ acquisition, and the interaction between these two proteins might help to accumulate more K+ ions, and thus maintain ion homeostasis. These results strongly suggest that plasma membrane bound SbNHXLP involves in Na+ exclusion, maintains ion homeostasis in transgenics in comparison with WT and alleviates NaCl stress.

Information regarding the correlation between characters are of great importance to simultaneous traits selection in breeding programs. However, quantification and interpretation of the correlations magnitude do not imply in direct and indirect effects. In this context, the path analysis is presented as an alternative and viable tool for the selection process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic, genotypic and environmental correlations between eight major agronomic characters in pepper lines (C. chinense L.) and its consequences in direct and indirect effects by path analysis. Eight agronomic traits were assessed under field conditions in 22 C. chinense L lines. According to the results, there is a genetic variability among the evaluated lines, whose yield per plant (PY) and total number of fruits (NF) variables are highly correlated with high direct effect on pepper lines yield. The selection of pepper lines with high yield can be accomplished through direct selection or using a suitable selection index, being advantageous to select lines with other characteristics, such as appropriate scion height and diameter for conducting manual and mechanized harvesting. The use of the constant k is efficient to reduce the variance of path coefficients, providing better estimation of the effects that affects yield.

A Na+/H+ antiporter-like protein (NHXLP) was isolated from Sorghum bicolor L. (SbNHXLP) and validated by overexpressing in tomato for salt tolerance. Homozygous T2 transgenic lines when evaluated for salt tolerance, accumulated low Na+ and displayed enhanced salt tolerance compared to wild-type plants (WT). This is consistent with the amiloride binding assay of the protein. Transgenics exhibited higher accumulation of proline, K+, Ca2+, improved cambial conductivity, higher PSII, and antioxidative enzyme activities than WT. Fluorescence imaging results revealed lower Na+ and higher Ca2+ levels in transgenic roots. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that SbNHXLP interacts with a Solanum lycopersicum cation proton antiporter protein2 (SlCHX2). qRT-PCR results showed upregulation of SbNHXLP and SlCHX2 upon treatment with 200 mM NaCl and 100 mM potassium nitrate. SlCHX2 is known to be involved in K+ acquisition, and the interaction between these two proteins might help to accumulate more K+ ions, and thus maintain ion homeostasis. These results strongly suggest that plasma membrane bound SbNHXLP involves in Na+ exclusion, maintains ion homeostasis in transgenics in comparison with WT and alleviates NaCl stress., QC 20230908

Within a climate change scenario, increases in air temperature are projected, which may negatively impact grape ripening and must composition. In this regard, varietal and genetic diversity may be exploited to maintain grape and wine quality under future warm conditions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of elevated temperature on fruit yield and grape quality of six Tempranillo grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) clones. Tempranillo selections 260, 1048, 1089, 8, 280 and 843 were grown as own-rooted fruit-bearing cuttings under greenhouse conditions. Two temperature regimes (24ºC/14ºC or 28ºC/18ºC, day/night) were applied from fruit set to maturity. Fruit yield, and technologic and phenolic maturity parameters were determined at ripeness. In general, elevated temperature did not affect grape yield, and it only reduced bunch weight in plants of clone 1089, which was the least productive under elevated temperature conditions. Regarding grape quality, clones 8, 260 and 843 were the most affected by elevated temperature, with decreases in malic acid, phenolic richness and anthocyanin concentration, as well as increases in tartaric acid and must tonality. By contrast, clones 280 and 1089 were the least affected by temperature, and the concentration of malic and tartaric acid, phenolic richness, potential anthocyanins and anthocyanin extractability in plants grown at 28ºC/18ºC were similar to those of plants grown at 24ºC/14ºC. Results suggest that Tempranillo clones 280 and 1089 may be considered in a future climate change scenario to preserve the effects of global warming, thus maintaining a high level of grape quality. http://www.abstract.xlibx.com/a-biology/92123-82-plant-biology-europe-fespb-epso-2014-congress-abstract-book-po.php

A field trial on organic practices in papaya cv. Surya was conducted during 2009-2011 with 10 nutrient combinations involving farm yard manure, biofertilizers and VAM along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers and no manure/ fertilizer treatment. Vegetative parameters were recorded periodically. At 18 months after planting, plant height, plant girth and number of leaves were found to be significant. Results indicated that, crop growth was better with organic treatments compared to no manure/fertilizer treatment. Fruit yield and quality parameters were also recorded. Fruit yield and average fruit weight were found to be significant. Maximum fruit yield of 32kg/plant (80 t/ ha) was recorded under 75% recommended dose of fertilizer applied as farm yard manure+vermicompost, which was significantly superior to that in 100% recommended dose of fertilizer for the 18-month cropping period.

The growth, phenology and fruit yield of 14 Japanese plum cultivars (Prunus salicina Lindl) were studied in two newly established experimental orchards under organic and conventional management. The experiment was conducted during 2005-2011 in the province of Seville (SW Spain), an important region of Japanese plum culture. Trunk crosssection areas (TCSA), flowering, yield and tree defoliation before winter dormancy were analysed over several years. After one year, TCSA were larger in the organically managed orchard (OMO) for most of the cultivars, in the next two years they were equal, and from the fourth year, several cultivars showed significantly larger TCSA in the conventionally managed orchard (CMO). Flowering in the conventional orchard started from 2 to 6 days before and lasted for 3 to 5 days more than in the OMO. Several cultivars produced significantly more fruit in the CMO, being the average fruit yield in the organic orchard about 72% of the conventionally managed orchard. Autumn defoliation was significantly advanced in the organic orchard, especially in cultivars highly susceptible to rust (Tranzschelia pruni spinosae), a disease not adequately controlled in the organic orchard.

A field trial was conducted from 2005 to 2009 on pruning and spray of various chemicals to study their effects on flowering and fruit yield in 'Alphonso' mango, at Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore. Seven treatments were imposed, with pruning of fruited shoots as a common treatment, followed by chemical sprays and a control. Over the five years, flowering parameters (% vegetative, dormant or flowering shoots) were found to be non-significant among different treatments. Treatments increased fruit yield compared to control. The best treatment was T3 (Pruning+1% K2HPO4+1% KNO3 spray) which recorded mean fruit yield of 63.9 kg/plant, compared to a fruit yield of 33.0 k/ plant in control.

In order to obtain basic ecological information on Actinidia kolomikta, as an initial step to use it as a local product, we collected strains in the northern part of Chuo Alps, Japan. The distribution area and habitat environment, as well as variation of fruit morphology and yield were investigated. We collected 10 strains at an elevation of 1420 to 1830 m. Each habitat was located on a slope facing a river, mostly at the edge of a riparian forest. The average fruit weight of 10 strains was 1.09 g (0.35-1.65 g) and there was little variation in fruit shape. Allometric analyses revealed a high correlation of average fruit weight with fruit length and diameter. Fruit yield shown by the efficiency of gathering,which is expressed as a logarithmic value of the number of collectable fruits per hour,ranged from 0.04 to 2.22 (1.1-165.3 g･hr-1). Both average fruit weight and maximal fruit yield were only a quarter of those in A. arguta in the same research area. The relationship between elevation and average fruit weight and between elevation and fruit yield, showed a convex curve with an optimal elevation at around 1600 m.

Research focus - Mango (Mangifera indica L.), the fifth most cultivated fruit in the world, is mainly produced in tropical and subtropical regions. Its cultivation raises a number of issues: (i) mango yield is irregular across years, (ii) phenological asynchronisms within and between trees maintain long periods with phenological stages susceptible to pests and diseases, and (iii) fruit quality and maturity are heterogeneous at harvest. To address these issues, we developed an integrative model synthesizing the knowledge acquired on the vegetative and reproductive development of mango tree architecture and fruit quality. Its objective was to simulate yield and quality of mango at the tree scale over successive growing cycles. Methods - The proposed functional-structural plant model of the mango tree combined complementary architectural, phenological and ecophysiological knowledges and relied on two sub-models parameterized for the cultivar Cogshall in Réunion Island. The first sub-model simulated the development of mango tree architecture. The appearance of the different organs (growth units, inflorescences, fruits) was decomposed into elementary events describing the occurrence, the intensity and the timing of vegetative and reproductive development. These events are affected by structural and temporal architectural factors and the corresponding probabilities were estimated using generalized linear models, leading to development rules. Daily growth and development of growth units and inflorescences were modelled using empirical size distributions and thermal time. Fruit growth and quality development were simulated by a second sub-model. It took into account the effects of the environment and accounted for carbon- (i.e., leaf photosynthesis, mobilization/storage of reserves, respiration, demand for growth and carbon allocation) and water-related (i.e., water flows driven by stem and fruit water potentials and fruit transpiration) processes occurring at the branch le

Grapefruit grown in tropical climates reach a suitable fruit size and juice content for fresh consumption during August – October in the northern hemisphere. However, some tropical plantations delay harvesting until November or December, with the fruit then being used for processing. In our experiments, delaying the harvest from October to December reduced the average mature fruit weight by 10% and increased abscission from 29 to 70 fruit per tree. Juice contents decreased slightly, from 44.5% (w/w) to 43.2% (w/w), while total soluble solids (TSS) contents barely changed, from 10.4 ºBrix to 10.2 ºBrix. Delaying the harvest date also reduced return flowering by 20% in the following Spring, and the number of fruit set by 20%. Mature fruit abscission and reduced flowering were not dependent on weather conditions.The former was spontaneous and due to senescence, while the latter was due to fruit remaining on the tree. Over a 4-year period, our results showed an average reduction of 30% in fruit yield per tree when harvest dates were delayed from October (153 kg tree–1) to December (105 kg tree–1). As juice content and TSS content values were suitable for processing in October, there was no reason to delay the harvest date.

Treatments with organic manure, inorganic fertilizers and their combinations showed significant differences for fruit yield and yield attributing traits. Among the treatments, application of 20 t FYM/ha along with full dose of recommended NPK i.e. 150:60:60 kg NPK / ha recorded the highest fruit yield of 428.32 and 530.55 q/ha during the year 2002 and 2003, respectively with grand mean fruit yield of 479.43 q/ha. This treatment was on par with 40 tonnes FYM + 1/2 dose of recommended NPK during 2002 and 2003, which recorded mean fruit yield of 456.17 q/ ha. Both these treatments were significantly superior to recommended inorganic NPK fertilizer treatment (435.57 q/ha) as well as to application of different doses of organic manure alone such as FYM and green manure, indicating that integration of both organic manures and inorganic fertilizers are important for obtaining higher fruit yield in tomato. Addition of organic manure besides having favourable effect on crop yield was also found to be better in maintaining soil health and growth of succeeding crop.