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Foliar application of plant growth regulators and micronutrients is a rapid uptake strategy of plant-feeding directly through leaves irrespective of soil condition. This experiment was conducted to assess the impact of the foliar application of synthetic auxins and micronutrients on subtropical Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) fruit yield and quality. The experiment was performed in a plum orchard based on a completely randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The foliar treatments included NAA 15 ppm, NAA 15 ppm + urea 2%, 2,4-D 10 ppm, 2,4-D 10 ppm + urea 2%, borax 0.50%, borax 0.50% + urea 2%, ZnSO4 0.50%, ZnSO4 0.50% + urea 2%, and control (sprayed with distilled water) applied as a two spray in 15 days interval after fruit set. Foliar application of NAA 15 ppm + urea 2% led to least fruit drop followed by highest fruit yield. The fruit physicochemical attributes including fruit length and diameter, fruit weight, pulp weight, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, sugars, and ascorbic acid were also significantly improved by foliar spray of NAA 15 ppm + urea 2%. However, all the treatments were ineffective in improving anthocyanin and total phenol content of 'Satluj Purple' plum. The results further revealed that reduced fruit drop followed by highest fruit yield with foliar application of NAA 15 ppm + urea 2% was associated with reduced activity of cell wall degrading enzymes viz., cellulase and polygalacturonase at abscission zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible indigenous fruit trees and shrubs (IFTS) serve as crucial sources of supplementary food and essential nutrients, income/cash, traditional medicine, and various other uses for local communities in Tigray, Ethiopia. However, there is limited documentation on IFTS contributions, production potential, and nutritional compositions. The primary aim of this study was to analyse the production potential, nutritional compositions, and overall contributions of IFTS to rural households. Data were gathered through structured and semi-structured questionnaires from 55 key informants, 15 vendors, and 30 consumers. Nutrient analyses were conducted using triplicate samples following the basic procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. This study has identified and documented 44 IFTS species. These edible fruits from trees and shrubs are available throughout the year, with peak seasons varying across agroecological zones. Specifically, the lowland, midland, and highland experienced peak fruit availability in November, May, and June, respectively. Fruit yields exhibited significant variation among agroecological zones (P = 0.001), and among growth stages (P < 0.001) within each agroecological zone. Further laboratory analysis revealed that edible IFTS are rich in carbohydrates, crude fiber, crude protein, crude fat, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents. These nutritional attributes underline the importance of integrating indigenous fruits into the diets of rural and urban households. In conclusion, this research highlights the significant roles played by edible IFTS in the livelihoods of rural households in Tigray, Ethiopia. It also suggests the need for their recognition, conservation, domestication and restoration to enhance food security, income generation, climate adaptation and overall well-being in these communities and beyond.

Salinity stress is a serious limitation to tomato growth and development. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Sly-miR164a on tomato growth and fruit nutritional quality under salt stress. The results showed that the root length, fresh weight, plant height, stem diameter and ABA content of miR164a#STTM (knockdown of Sly-miR164a) lines were higher than those of WT and miR164a#OE (overexpression of Sly-miR164a) lines under salt stress. Compared with WT, miR164a#STTM tomato lines exhibited lower ROS accumulation under salt stress. In addition, the fruits of miR164a#STTM tomato lines had higher soluble solids, lycopene, ascorbic acid (ASA) and carotenoid content compared with WT. The study indicated that tomato plants were more sensitive to salt when Sly-miR164a was overexpressed, while knockdown of Sly-miR164a enhanced plant salt tolerance and improved fruit nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a huge challenge for farmers worldwide to successfully increase the organic matter content of their soils and improve their water balance at the same time. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to develop and test organic-based nutrient composite materials that can be successfully used by farmers to increase soil organic matter content, improve water management parameters and implement water-efficient technologies. The study was performed in the orchard of the Institute of Horticultural Science of the University of Debrecen in Hungary (Debrecen-Pallag). The experiment was set up in a ten-year-old apple (Malus domestica 'Pinova') orchard. In the trial, fermented poultry manure and superabsorbent polymers (SAP) were used at different doses to study their effects on soil properties and fruit quality. Applied composite materials increased the nitrate and organic nitrogen content of the soil. Treatments did not affect the sugar content of the fruits but significantly and positively affected the individual fruit weight and the titratable acidity of the fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of fermented chicken manure on soil nutrient availability, leaf nutrient status and fruit quality parameters were studied in an apple plantation from Eastern Hungary. Beside control, three fermented chicken manure products (BIO-FER Natur Extra, Nitro vit and 7-9-7) were used in a field experiment trial at the Horticultural Experimental Farm of University of Debrecen in 2020. In this trial, soil and leaf analysis were made to check the effects of applied treatments on the nutrient supply of the soil and the nutrient status of the leaves. Beside soil and leaf analysis, yield and some fruit quality parameters were investigated. The products were applied at the beginning of April in 2020. Each treatment consisted of 5 trees. Soil pH has slightly decreased during the trial. The organic carbon content of the soil has not significantly changed during the experiment. Chicken manure treatments could not affect considerably the soil P, K, Mg, Mn, Cu and Zn content compared to the control. All applied treatments increased the N content of leaves compared to the control, but the effect was not significant. Leaf P content was the same in all treatments, while the leaf K content was slightly higher where chicken products were used. Leaf Ca and Mg were not affected significantly by the treatments compared to the control. The usage of chicken manure increased yield, fruit weight and fruit flesh hardness compared to the control, but significant effect was observed only in certain treatments. Moreover, all applied treatments decreased the Brix value of apples compared to the control.

BACKGROUND: Tomato is widely consumed throughout the world for its flavor and nutritional value. This functional food largely depends on the implementation of new strategies to maintain the nutraceutical value, e.g. lycopene concentration, and overcome the challenges of sustainable production and food security. The use of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)‐based biostimulants represents one of the most promising tools for sustainable management of agricultural soils, being fundamental for organic food production, reducing fertilizers and pesticides use, and decreasing environmental damage. This study aimed at elucidating whether native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could positively affect tomato yield and lycopene concentration. RESULTS: Native AMF inoculum consisted of two inoculum types: the single species Claroideoglomus claroideum, and a mix of Scutellospora calospora, Acaulospora laevis, Claroideoglomus claroideum, and Claroideoglomus etunicatum. At the end of the study up to 78% of the root system was colonized by single inoculum. Tomato diameters in single and mix mycorrhizal plants showed increases of 80% and 35% respectively. Fresh weights were 84% and 38% higher with single and mix inocula compared with the controls, respectively. The lycopene concentration in tomato fruits of plants with single and mix inoculum was higher than controls. The lycopene concentration was 124.5% and 113.9% greater in single and mix than non‐inoculated plants. CONCLUSION: Tomato diameters, fresh weight and lycopene concentration was significantly higher in plants colonized by AMF compared with uninoculated plants. Results suggest that the role of single species Claroideoglomus claroideum could generate better plant performance due to its high production of extraradical mycelium. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the Green Deal efforts, the importance and relevance of organic fertilization will increase in the near future. Therefore, the investigation of the effects of different organic fertilizers on soil productivity and nutrient supply is a priority area of agricultural research. Organic fertilizer experiment was conducted in an eight-year-old apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchard at Debrecen-Pallag. In the trial Pinova cultivar was used. In this study, two different fermented chicken manure products were added to the soil (in 20 cm depth) to test their effects on soil nutrient status, plant uptake and fruit quality. It was found that the applied treatments slightly increased the pH and nutrient levels in almost all cases, but significant effect was not observed in all treatments compared to the control. Leaf nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) were measured in the experiment. Leaf nutrient status was not affected by the fermented chicken manure treatments. However, used treatments had strong effects on the fruit characteristics and inner parameters, such as fruit diameter and Brix value. Moreover, it was established that the applied organic fertilizers increased the yield significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays the main task of scientists and farmers is to find natural ways to avoid negative effects of climatic anomalies and improve plant productivity lead to environmental friendly agriculture. Biostimulants have a great potential to achieve these aims but unfortunately there is little information about its application in apple growing mostly in East Hungary. For this reason, foliar nutrition experiment was made in the region of Nyírség (East Hungary) to investigate the effect of different biostimulants (algae products) on yield, leaf nutrient concentration and quality parameters of cv. ‘Gala Must’ apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) variety. The study was conducted in 2012 at Nyírbátor in East Hungary in a 14 years old apple plantation. Treatments (application time and doses) were adjusted to the phenological phases of apple and the control was used an untreated check. Effect of treatments was monitored by leaf diagnosis and apple quality measurements. The results demonstrate that the treatments increased the external fruit parameters (diameter, weight, shape index) but not affected consequently the leaf macronutrient status compared to the control. We suppose that, stable treatment effect on leaf nutrient status can be observed in long- lasting experiment only. The applied products significantly increased the amount of flavonoid and phenolic compounds and water soluble antioxidant capacity value compared to the control. Our fruit analysis results supported that the applied biostimulators had no effect on fruit acid and ash content. Moreover, the applied products resulted higher sugar, vitamin C and dry matter content despite the unfavourable, very dry climatic conditions. In sum, results showed that foliar application of biostimulants had a positive effect on yield and resulted bigger and healthier therefore more marketable fruits.

The possible role of an early calcium application via sprays (0.25, 0.5 and 1M CaCl2 ) on dormant buds to improve sweet cherry (cv. Ferrovia) fruit quality at harvest was investigated. Fruit quality characteristics were also investigated in response to the age of spurs, the ripening stage, and their interactions. Results indicate that calcium enters the dormant flower buds and the phloem but not to the dormant vegetative buds. At harvest, the levels of Zn, Mn, and Cu were declined in fruits by increasing CaCl2 doses of sprays. Fruit respiratory activity was higher and on–tree fruit cracking was lower in red-colour (unripe) cherries as well as in fruit that was produced by 2-year-old short spurs or by Ca-treated buds. Differences in the sweet cherry skin metabolic profiles were identified. Fruit produced from Ca-exposed spurs exhibited lower levels of ribose and other cell-wall-related sugars and higher sucrose, maltose, and quininic acid levels. Nutrient shift was increased in red cherries, while anthocyanins were boosted in the black ones. PCA analysis was performed between the high dose of calcium spray and a control for mineral element content and cherry quality traits. This study illustrates that the high dose of calcium application during bud dormancy can effectively improve sweet cherry fruit characteristics, in terms of calcium content, cracking incidence, and fruit set. Overall, the present study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of calcium nutrition in fruit crops, which will provide references for alternative nutrient management and quality control in sweet cherry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functional role that invasive species occupy within their new range is of significant interest for those concerned about invasive species management. Of particular importance is the distribution mechanisms of invasive plants. Viburnum dilatatum and Viburnum sieboldii are considered invasive species in New Jersey forest understories. We have observed that while the fruit of both species ripens at the same time, there is a difference in how long fruit persists. To better understand the temporal pattern, we examine fruit phenology and consumption, as well as energy density, percentage crude fat, and antioxidant capacity. We hypothesized that the difference in the timing of fruit consumption in these species is largely driven by nutritional content and that fruit with higher energy and fat content are eaten during migration. Our results indicate that V. sieboldii fruit is depleted in the fall, while V. dilatatum fruit persists into winter. In addition, we found that V. sieboldii fruit had higher energy density and 4.4 times as much crude fat compared to that of V. dilatatum fruit. However, V. dilatatum fruit had 9.5 times greater antioxidant capacity than V. sieboldii fruit. We also found that V. sieboldii fruit is mainly consumed by gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) during the fall migration and the primary avian consumer of V. dilatatum fruit are American robins (Turdus migratorius) in the winter when birds are more sedentary. We suspect a mutualistic relationship has developed between these two invasive viburnum species and native avian frugivores. What remains to be seen is what effect different fruiting strategies have on seed dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Investigación Agraria is the property of Investigacion Agraria 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.)

Tomato fruit consumption is influenced by flavor and nutrient quality. In the present study, we investigate the impact of water saving irrigation (WSI) as a pre-harvest management on flavor and nutrient quality of tomato fruit. Our results demonstrate that WSI-treated tomato fruit exhibited improved sensory scores as assessed by a taste panel, accompanied by elevated levels of SlGLK2 expression, sugars, acids, and carotenoid contents compared to non-treated fruit. Notably, WSI treatment significantly enhanced the development of chloroplast and plastoglobulus in chromoplast, which served as carotenoid storage sites and upregulated the expression of carotenoid biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis revealed heightened expression of sugar and flavonoid metabolism pathways in WSI-treated tomato fruit. Remarkably, the master regulator SlMYB12 displayed a substantially increased expression due to WSI. These findings suggest that WSI is an effective and sustainable approach to enhance the pigments metabolism and storage capacity as well as the organoleptic characteristics and nutritional value of tomato fruit, offering a win-win solution for both water conservation and quality improvement in agro-food production. [Display omitted] • Water saving irrigation (WSI) improves consumer preference for the flavor of tomato fruit. • WSI treatment promoted the nutrient metabolism and storage capacity. • WSI treatment activates key regulatory components of tomato flavor and flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent surge in interest in fruit growing without the use of agrochemicals in order to safeguard environmental and human health has led to increased awareness of organic fruit production (OFP). Despite the widespread use of the method, there is little information on its nutritional aspects, especially in Hungary. Therefore, the aim of this three-year study was to investigate the nutrient status in an organic apple management system and the impact of nutrient applications on nutrient uptake and on the environment. The research was undertaken at the orchard Fruit Research Station of the University of Debrecen in Debrecen-Pallag, Hungary, during 2009-2011. Three cultivars (’Reanda’, ’Rewena’, and ’Retina’) were selected for the study. In the plantation, only organic manure was applied (stable manure, 30 t ha-1 in 2007). The effect of organic methods was monitored by soil and leaf analyses, as well as field observations. Leaf analysis results indicated significantly lower N, K, Mn, Cu and Zn content in cultivar ‘Retina’ than in ‘Reanda’ and ‘Rewena’. Results suggested that mobility and availability were unbalanced and obstructed, especially in the case of Ca. The study also demonstrated that the lower nutrient content of soil and also the generally poorer uptake of Ca and Zn in organic apple orchards resulted in higher production risks as compared with conventional or integrated ones. We conclude that a more balanced and more efficient nutrient supply system is needed for organic farms in order to achieve good quality and profitable yield.

The possible role of an early calcium application via sprays (0.25, 0.5 and 1M CaCl2) on dormant buds to improve sweet cherry (cv. Ferrovia) fruit quality at harvest was investigated. Fruit quality characteristics were also investigated in response to the age of spurs, the ripening stage, and their interactions. Results indicate that calcium enters the dormant flower buds and the phloem but not to the dormant vegetative buds. At harvest, the levels of Zn, Mn, and Cu were declined in fruits by increasing CaCl2 doses of sprays. Fruit respiratory activity was higher and on–tree fruit cracking was lower in red-colour (unripe) cherries as well as in fruit that was produced by 2-year-old short spurs or by Ca-treated buds. Differences in the sweet cherry skin metabolic profiles were identified. Fruit produced from Ca-exposed spurs exhibited lower levels of ribose and other cell-wall-related sugars and higher sucrose, maltose, and quininic acid levels. Nutrient shift was increased in red cherries, while anthocyanins were boosted in the black ones. PCA analysis was performed between the high dose of calcium spray and a control for mineral element content and cherry quality traits. This study illustrates that the high dose of calcium application during bud dormancy can effectively improve sweet cherry fruit characteristics, in terms of calcium content, cracking incidence, and fruit set. Overall, the present study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of calcium nutrition in fruit crops, which will provide references for alternative nutrient management and quality control in sweet cherry production.

• Deficit irrigation combined silicate spray and supplemental lighting could improve strawberry fruit sugars concentrations. • Silicate spray combined with supplemental lighting improved the concentration of reducing sugars, polyphenols and ascorbate in strawberry fruit. • Silicate spray enhanced the activity of glutamate synthase and the glutamate concentration in strawberry leaf. Light, water and nutrient are essential factors influencing fruit quality of strawberry plants grown in commercial greenhouse. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of supplemental light on the fruit quality as well as the effect of incorporating deficit irrigation and silicate spray on the plant nitrogen assimilation and fruiting of strawberry plants. The experimental plants were subjected to two light conditions, supplemental lighting (LED) and natural lighting environment (N), combining with two irrigation regimes, full irrigation (FI) or deficit irrigation (DI) and two foliar spray treatments, silicate spray (Si) or water spray (W), resulting in 8 treatments in total, viz., FIWN, FISiN, FIWLED, FISiLED, DIWN, DISiN, DIWLED, DIWLED. The Light treatment significantly elevated fruit polyphenols by 15.5% in the early season, and elevated fruit total sugar, glucose and fructose concentrations by 10.0%, 10.9% and 10.2% in the late season, respectively. The DI increased fruit anthocyanins concentration by 25% in the early season, and increased fruit glutamate concentration by 12.3% in the late season. The Si increased fruit anthocyanins, polyphenols and citrate concentrations by 41.7%, 14.7% and 8.2% in the early season, respectively, and increased single fruit mass by 8.8% in the late season. Furthermore, the Si enhanced the leaf GOGAT activity and glutamate concentration by 56.3% and 25.8%, respectively. The FISiLED and DIWLED had comparable advantages in elevating the fruit glucose, fructose, polyphenols and ascorbate concentrations in both seasons. Therefore, the silicate spray combined with supplemental lighting was recommended for growers to produce high quality strawberry fruit, and the deficit irrigation could be incorporated for the purpose of water conservation. The influence of supplemental light on the nitrogen metabolizing cycle and the carbohydrates transportation when the plants subjected to silicate spray or drought stress deserve further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspects of the dispersed characteristics of two nonnative shrubs, Elaeagnus umbellata and Ligustrum sinense, were compared with those of two native shrubs, Cornus amomum and Frangula caroliniana, to identify factors that contribute to successful invasion of the nonnative species. For each species, the following aspects were examined: shrub abundance, physical characteristics and nutritional values of fruits, arrangement of fruits along the stem and number of fruits per branch, phenology of fruit maturation and foliage coloration, and animal interactions. The two native shrubs and E. umbellata were similar in abundance, but L. sinense was significantly more abundant than the others. Cornus amomum and F. caroliniana present bicolored displays of fruits that are rapidly dispersed during autumn avian migration. Elaeagnus umbellata produces moisture- and protein-rich fruits during summer that are also rapidly removed. In contrast, L. sinense produces high numbers of fruits in late autumn that remain available to frugivores throughout the winter. The large quantities and prolonged availability of L. sinense fruits enable the dispersal of this shrub by a diverse array of frugivores and contribute at least partially to its successful invasion of new habitat and its observed abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted in an integrated apple orchard (Malus domestica Borkh.) established on a lowland chernozem soil in East-Hungary, to investigate if flower analysis could be used to diagnose the nutritional status of the trees. In April 2008, during full bloom, flowers and leaves were collected. Leaves were collected again in August, at the standard sampling time from the same trees. The content of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium magnesium and boron were measured in flowers and in leaves. Correlation analyses were carried out to establish the relation s between nutrient contents in same and different plant part s. In flowers the following ratio was found between nutrients: N:P: K:Ca:Mg:B -10: l.35:7: 1.7: I :0,02. From result s it was evident that flower as organ contain significant and comparable amount of nutrients like as leaf. The N, K and Ca content were higher in leaves than in flowers at full bloom. The opposite was true for B. The P and Mg content of flower were quite equal with leaf P and Mg at full bloom . All examined nutrients were significantly affected by cultivars both in flowers and leaves. Significant correlation, was found between flower P and leaf P, flower B and leaf B (P=O.O 1) and flower K and leaf K at blooming time (P=0.05). Significant, but weaker correlation was also found between flower K and leaf K and between flower Mg and leaf Mg al JOO days after full bloom (P=0.05). Moreover, strong, but negative correlation was observed between flower B and leaf B at 100 clays after full bloom (P=O.O 1). Within flowers, the strongest positive correlation was found between Mg and B content (P=O.O 1). Strong positive correlations were also recognised between flower K and flower N, Ca and Mg and between N and Ca in the flowers (P=0.01). The strongest correlation was found between K and P in leaves at full bloom (P=O.O 1 ). Strong significant correlation was observed between N and B in the leaves collected at standard sampling time (100 DAFB) (P=0.01). Strong, but negative correlations were found bet ween leaf Mg and leaf P, K and between leaf N and leaf P at 100 days after full bloom (P=O.O 1).

The year of 2007 was critical for fruit growers in the region of Easter-Hungary. Several orchards were suffered frost damages. Significant frost damage was also happened in the orchard of Tedej Rt., which caused total fruit failure in the orchard. Our study was conducted in the integrated apple orchard (Malus domestics Borkh.) established on a lowland chemozem soil in East-Hungary, to investigate how frost changes the mineral content of different apple species. Leaf samples were collected 100 days after full bloom both in 2006 and 2007. The concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium were measured in leaves. The absence of fruits caused a smaller accumulation of nitrogen and magnesium in leaves. Falling down of flowers and fruit sets hindered the translocation of the uptaken phosphorous, potassium and calcium towards fruit sets. Due to fruit failure the vegetative processes became dominant. Leaves larger amount of phosphorous, potassium and calcium stored. Besides the absolute element content, the ratio of the different elements was also determined. Majority of calculated ratios were removed from optimal values due to frost. Both absolute content of nutrients and their ratios pointed out that the frost damage significantly affected the uptake of nutrients and their storing processes.

The objective of our research was to compare the nutritional aspects of organic and integrated production systems in apples (Malus domesticaBorkh., Rewena, Retina, and Reanda) in the region of Hajdúság (eastern Hungary). Adjacent pairs of production systems were studied. In our 2-year study, the macronutrient statuses of soil and leaves as well as fruit inner parameters were compared in integrated and organic apple management systems to determine the differences in nutrient uptake and utilization with the aim to improve and harmonize nutrient supply in environmentally benign apple orchards. The effects of year, cultivar, and production system were studied on leaf mineral concentrations and acid and sugar contents of apples. There were no differences in soil nutrient contents between examined production systems. Regarding leaf mineral composition, the year effect was significant for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) and less significant for potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). Production system and cultivar had no significant effect on leaf nutrients examined, except Mg and P in 2009. It seems that cultivars had stronger effect on acid contents of apples than production system. The effects of year, cultivar, and production system on the vitamin C content of apples were significant. Moreover, the concentrations of sugars (except sucrose) were not significantly affected by production system and cultivar. Although fruit quality (sugar and organic acid contents) depends on environmental factors, which can be influenced by irrigation, nutrition, plant protection, and training system, we found that the effect of species (plant genetic factor) was stronger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas slurry is a cheap source of plant nutrients and can offer extra benefits to soil fertility and fruit quality. However, its current utilization mode and low content of active ingredients limit its further development. In this paper, a one-growing-season field study was conducted to assess the effects of concentrated biogas slurry on soil property, tomato fruit quality, and composition of microflora in both nonrhizosphere and rhizosphere soils. The results showed that application of concentrated slurry could bring significant changes to tomato cultivation, including increases in organic matter, available N, P, and K, total N and P, electrical conductivity, and fruit contents of amino acids, protein, soluble sugar, β-carotene, tannins, and vitamin C, together with the R/S ratios and the culturable counts of bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi in soils. It was concluded that the application is a practicable means in tomato production and will better service the-is area of sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of synthetic polypropylene groundcover in the row area of young sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees (Regina on Gisela 6) on soil nutrient availability, tree mineral nutrition and productivity, and cash costs and returns were investigated on a Van Horn fine sandy loam soil at Hood River, Ore., from 2001 to 2005. Treatments included 2.44-m wide synthetic fabric groundcover made of black, woven polypropylene over the row area of cherry trees and no groundcover but with herbicide applications in the row area with the same width as the polypropylene groundcover. Soil-available NO3-, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Zn, Mn, and Cu contents in 0 to 30 cm in August did not differ significantly between the cover and no cover treatments in any year except 2005, when soil N and K levels were lower with polypropylene cover. Leaf N concentration in August was enhanced by 11% to 19% each year in the polypropylene cover treatment. However, leaf P concentration was lowered by 19% to 37% with polypropylene cover each year; and leaf Ca and Mg concentrations were reduced by 9% to 13% and 6% to 24%, respectively, as a result of polypropylene cover in 3 of 5 years. Reduced leaf P, Ca, and Mg concentrations in the cover treatment were attributed to the diluting effects of enhanced tree growth and fruit yield. Cumulative cash costs for the orchard within the first 4 years before fruit production were $5246/ha higher with polypropylene cover relative to no cover. However, these costs were offset quickly by increased returns from enhanced fruit yields. In the long-term, more fertilizers may need to be applied on polypropylene groundcovered trees to compensate for the enhanced tree growth and fruit production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Erwerbs-Obstbau is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Changes in the concentration, distribution and quantity of macro- and micronutrients in the skin and flesh of fruit from 30 mature kiwifruit vines (Actinidia deliciosa var, deliciosa cv, Hayward) were recorded over a growing season in two high-producing orchards. The concentration of copper, iron, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and zinc in the flesh (seeds inclusive) declined sharply during the first 8 weeks of growth1 reaching values which remained relatively constant, or declined only gradually, until harvest. For boron, calcium, magnesium and manganese flesh concentrations declined steadily throughout the season. Concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the flesh were generally higher, and those of calcium, manganese and zinc consistently lower, than corresponding concentrations in skin over the entire maturation period (23 weeks). Flesh concentrations of copper, iron, magnesium and sulphur exceeded those in the skin, but only during the early stages of fruit development (up to 11 weeks after pollination). Boron concentrations in flesh and skin were similar during the season. The quantity of all nutrients increased throughout the season to be at a maximum by harvest. The rate of accumulation of each element was greatest during the first 8 weeks of growth corresponding to the cell division phase of fruit development. There was 61-75%, of the total calcium, manganese and zinc content taken tip during this time, compared with 37-54% of the content of other nutrients. In the subsequent 15 weeks of development rates for nutrient accumulation declined. In the case of boron, calcium, magnesium, magnesium, potassium and zinc there was minimal accumulation in the final 6 weeks prior to harvest. A mass Row-vascular transport model based on carbon and water influxes was used to predict the relative importance of phloem and xylem supply, and to partition nutrient accumulated by fruit over two time intervals; 2-8, and 8- 17 weeks of growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]