Search

Growers may adopt a tomato hybrid if it is high yielder with good fruit quality and can withstand the bacterial wilt (BW) disease. A line × tester mating design was used to determine heterobeltiosis, combining ability and gene action for 15 characters in tomato. Most traits under study exhibited additive and non-additive gene action except days to 50% flowering, polar diameter of fruit, pH of fruit and lycopene content of fruit which were controlled by additive gene effect. Two genotypes, ‘Utkal Kumari’ and ‘CLN-2460E’ were identified as potential donors. The maximum, significant, heterobeltiosis was for disease incidence of BW followed by fruit yield per plant, fruit firmness, and fruits per plant. In the tropical tomato growing zones, two potential hybrids, ‘Utkal Kumari × CLN-2460E' and ‘Utkal Deepti × CLN-2460E', may fulfil significant horticultural requirements since they exhibited resistance against virulent biovars 3 and 6. More testing in a variety of edapho-climatic conditions is required to confirm the stability of the developed resistance and the hybrids’ resilience. Partial- to over-dominance reactions of fruit yield and other economic traits were reflected. Isolating pure lines from the segregating generation of heterotic F1s is another method to improve fruit yield and quality as well as disease resistance against bacterial wilt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) is an important crop in the United States. In this study, we analysed strawberry trials established across 7 years and two locations. Our objective was to estimate genetic parameters and predict breeding values for yield. Linear mixed models were used for unbalanced data across years and locations and study the genotype by year and location interactions. The results suggested significant differences between cultivars for fruit weight but not for total and marketable yield. Fruit weight was controlled by genetic factors, shown by the high heritability of cultivar means (0.93), whereas marketable yield and total yield showed lower heritability estimates (0.48 and 0.63, respectively), indicating a substantial environmental influence. For fruit weight, cultivars exhibited stability across years and locations, supported by the high additive genetic correlations observed for cultivar‐by‐year (r = 0.90) and cultivar‐by‐location interactions (r = 0.98). Fruit weight and total yield were genetically independent as suggested near zero additive genetic correlation (−0.06 ± 0.416) between two traits, and they should be considered for an index selection in the strawberry breeding strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nBoron (B) is less mobile in plants, particularly in fruit crops like guava (Psidium guajava L.) despite sufficient soil B concentrations. In this regard, foliar application of plant growth regulators like gibberellic acid (GA3) together with boron (B) possibly helps in B re-distribution, thereby improving B translocation in guava leaves. The present study aimed to investigate the combined application of foliar sprays of GA3 and B on B concentrations in different leaves, guava fruit yield, and quality. Guava was subjected to control, 100 ppm GA3, 0.6% B, and 100 ppm GA3 + 0.6% B during the flowering seasons of 2021 and 2022. Individually, ‘GA3’ and ‘B’ remained insignificant for any of the measured parameters except for leaf B, nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Combined application of B along with GA3 increased guava yield by 27 and 38% during the years 2021 and 2022, respectively. The same treatment enhanced vitamin C contents by 21 and 20% and total sugars by 31 and 27%, whereas decreased total soluble solids by 10% and 15% during the year 2021 and 2022, respectively. In general, younger leaves had lower concentrations of B than older leaves, however, both factors ‘GA3’ and ‘B’ helped in B redistribution. In conclusion, the interaction between foliar applied B and GA3 enhanced leaf B translocation because of the additive effects of both factors, which thus exhibited strong correlations with other nutrients and improved the fruit quality and yield of guava. Foliar sprays of boron (B) and gibberellic acid (GA3) were applied to guava plants.Individually, both B and GA3 remained insignificant in enhancing guava yield.The combined application of B and GA3 had additive effects on leaf B accumulation.Moreover, the interaction between B and GA3 resulted in maximum guava production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study evaluated the potential use of fly ash amended cow dung based vermicompost as a medium for Swiss chard and tomato growth, yield, and heavy metal uptake. Fly ash vermicompost was used to substitute 50%, 25%, and 0% cocopeat with the application of 100% and 50% of the recommended hydroponic fertilizer. The vermicompost incorporation level (VC) and fertilizer level (F) did not significantly influence Swiss chard chlorophyll content, but significantly influenced that of tomatoes. The highest chlorophyll content in tomatoes was recorded under the 25%VC with 100% F. For Swiss chard and tomato, the incorporation of 50% fertilizer resulted in an average decrease in yield of 43.8% and 15.02%, respectively. Interestingly, with tomatoes, the highest yield was observed under 50% VC with 100% fertilizer treatment, which was 10.3% higher than that of the control. VC did not significantly influence the Zn concentration for either crop, with none of the treatments showing a Zn concentration above the maximum permissible limit for vegetables at 60 mg/kg. For both Zn and Cr, 50% fertilizer application resulted in the highest concentrations in both crops. Notably, the Cr concentration which has a maximum permissible value of 2.3 mg/kg resulted in all treatments, including the control, yielding values above this critical value. Based on our study, Swiss chard and tomatoes grown with 25% fly ash amended VC may be consumed with limited human risk, though fly ash vermicompost alone does not seem to have enough nutrients for tomato and Swiss chard growth and require fertilizer supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry production is significantly affected by the climatic conditions (mainly light, temperature, and humidity). Thus, management of climate is of utmost importance for improving the plant growth, yield, and quality of strawberries. Keeping this in view, a study was undertaken to study the impact of greenhouse climate on performance of strawberry cultivated in soilless media under time-differential supplemental lighting. This research included three levels of supplemental lighting (I) viz. 235 (I1), 169 (I2), 132 μ mol m−2 s−1 (I3), and 3 levels of photoperiod (P) viz. 12 (P1), 14 (P2), and 16 h (P3) replicated thrice in a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) layout. The supplemental lighting of 132 μ mol m−2s−1 and photoperiod of 16 h resulted in highest fruit yield of 450.0 g/plant with an average value of 408.9 g/plant. The results indicated a significant increase in yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) of camarosa strawberry with decrease in supplemental lighting from 235 to 132 μ mol m−2s−1 and increase in photoperiod from 12 to 16 h. Thus, subjecting the camarosa strawberry plants to light in the range of 362.5–430.6 μ mol m−2s−1 (including supplemental light of 132 μ mol m−2s−1) for about 16 h, keeping the temperature and humidity in the range of 19.5–25.0 °C and 65.0–75.0%, respectively, is desired to record the improved plant growth and quality fruit production, when cultivated in soilless media inside a greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chestnut tree exhibits self-incompatibility, where the selection of the male parent (pollen xenia) significantly affects seed starch metabolism, as well as fruit yield and quality. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying pollen xenia remains largely unknown. In this study, we utilized the 'Lan You' variety of C. mollissima to construct a high-quality reference genome. As a result, a first Telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gap-free genome for this species was successfully assembled. A total of 560 transcription factors and 22 structural genes were identified as consistent across the TO-GCNs, indicating a consistent regulation pattern in the co-expression of genes involved in starch accumulation. These networks were further divided into three sub-networks: T1, T2, and T3. Among these, the T1 and T2 sub-networks exhibited a higher number of structural genes with consistent regulation patterns and were closely associated with sugar biosynthesis. The gene SBE (Camol08G0254600) was identified as the hub gene with the highest degree of connectivity, encoding a key rate-limiting enzyme in the amylopectin biosynthesis pathway. This study provides a foundation for further research on C. mollissima population genetics, genetic improvement, and strategies aimed at enhancing yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most widely cultivated species globally is Actinidia deliciosa cv. 'Hayward'. However, in recent years, consumers have shown greater demand for new varieties with novel flesh colour, flavour and appearance in international markets. To meet these expectations, one breeding study was started in 2016 at the University of Guilan in Iran to develop new kiwifruit cultivars with superior characteristics. In this breeding program, 201 female and 534 male hybrid genotypes were obtained from combinations of six different parents using the controlled cross-breeding technique. The evaluations were carried out over three consecutive stages. In the first stage, 201 female hybrid genotypes and control ('Golden') were evaluated based on 25 phenological and pomological traits. In the second stage, hybrids passed the desired threshold values in 7 key attributes were selected. Sensory testing in the next stage evaluated these selected hybrid genotypes more. As a result of the first stage, 30 hybrid genotypes with fruit weight (90 ≥ g) were selected. Then, in the second stage, 21 hybrids that showed acceptable dry matter, hue angle, flesh firmness, soluble solid content, acidity, and ascorbic acid were selected. Finally, 13 hybrid genotypes received high scores in sensory testing, and just two hybrid genotypes represented a 100% of novelty with positive texture. These genotypes were selected as potential cultivar candidates. In future studies, fruit yield, disease/pest resistance, and post-harvest performance trials of the 13 selected candidates will be evaluated at different sites. Thus, the ones that give the best results will be introduced to kiwifruit growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on gene action controlling the inheritance of quantitative traits is essential for selecting parents for hybridization and multiline varieties. Twenty hybrids obtained through 5 × 5 diallel mating with their parents were established on Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, in September 2018 using Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates. The plants were observed for numbers of days to 50% flowering, plant height at flowering, stem girth, number of branches per plant, plant height at maturity, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, and fruit yield per plant. Data were subjected to variance analysis, General and Specific Combining abilities were estimated, and gene effects and parameter ratios were done using Hayman’s method. Mid- and better-parent heterosis were estimated using Allard’s procedure. Genotype ‘NGB00356’ was the most desirable parent for earliness and the number of fruits per plant, while hybrid ‘NGB00347’ × ‘NGB00356’ was the best hybrid for fruit yield per plant. ‘NGB00356’, with its significant and positive general combining ability value for the number of fruits per plant, can be used as a parent in a hybridization program for yield improvement in okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of copper (Cu) stress on tomato plants (Solanum pimpinellifolium) and explores the potential of chitosan and nanosilver (nAg) in mitigating its effects. Copper, while essential for plant growth, can be toxic at elevated levels, leading to oxidative stress and reduced plant productivity. This research focuses on determining how chitosan and nAg treatments influence plant growth, fruit yield, and biochemical responses under Cu-induced stress. A greenhouse experiment was conducted, where tomato plants were treated with Cu, chitosan, nAg, and their combinations. The results revealed that chitosan improved root growth, and enhanced antioxidant properties, including increased ascorbic acid and lycopene content. Nanosilver treatments, while reducing shoot growth, significantly increased fruit yield and potassium uptake. The combination of Cu with chitosan or nAg provided synergistic benefits, improving plant resilience and fruit quality. Specifically, copper+chitosan (Cu+Ch) increased dry matter and delayed ripening, while Cu+nAg enhanced potassium uptake and overall fruit yield. Additionally, Cu accelerated the ripening of tomatoes. These findings suggest that chitosan and nanosilver are effective strategies to mitigate copper toxicity in tomato plants, offering a sustainable approach to improve crop productivity and quality under heavy metal stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of insects to pollination constitutes a globally important ecosystem service. Due to the increasing demand for entomophilous crops, the nutritional and economic importance of insect‐pollinated crops and the inability of managed pollinators (Apis mellifera L) to meet the high demand for their services indicate that agriculture heavily relies on wild pollinators. Almonds are an economically valuable crop in Morocco. Therefore, it is essential to understand the fundamental pollination requirements of major almond varieties to promote their production. The main objectives of this study were to assess the dependency of three almond cultivars (Espoir, Largueta and Planeta) on insect pollination, and then to evaluate the pollination deficit resulting from the lack of these pollinators. For this purpose, we used insect‐proof net bags constructed around branches of almond trees to compare fruit set and yield with open and open + hand‐pollinated flowers. The results of the fruit set experiment confirmed that all three varieties require insect pollination, as fruit set and yield were significantly higher in insect‐pollinated than insect‐isolated trees. All three almond varieties were categorized as obligatory dependent on biotic pollinators. In addition, two out of the three studied almond varieties showed high pollination deficit resulting from the lower abundance and/or diversity of pollinating insects. The results of the current study highlights the important role of insect pollinators for almond crops and the urgent need for the implementation of sustainable strategies to preserve pollinators within agricultural ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hormonal variation essential for fruit set differs regarding crop species. Parthenocarpy is a key trait to reduce the climate dependency of fruit crops. Two distinct molecular mechanisms lead to a gibberellin-induced fruit setting. Transcription factors and miRNA interactions control parthenocarpy in several species. Fruit development is essential for flowering plants' reproduction and a significant food source. Climate change threatens fruit yields due to its impact on pollination and fertilization processes, especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures, insufficient light, and pollinator decline. Parthenocarpy, the development of fruit without fertilization, offers a solution, ensuring yield stability in adverse conditions and enhancing fruit quality. Parthenocarpic fruits not only secure agricultural production but also exhibit improved texture, appearance, and shelf life, making them desirable for food processing and other applications. Recent research unveils the molecular mechanisms behind parthenocarpy, implicating transcription factors (TFs), noncoding RNAs, and phytohormones such as auxin, gibberellin (GA), and cytokinin (CK). Here we review recent findings, construct regulatory models, and identify areas for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Saffron spice owes its commercial appreciation to its specific apocarotenoids: crocins, picrocrocin, and safranal. In Crocus sativus, these compounds are biosynthesized from zeaxanthin through oxidative cleavage by the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 2 (CCD2). Transgenic tomato plants expressing CsCCD2 in the fruit, named Tomaffron, accumulate high levels of saffron apocarotenoids despite the low substrate availability for CsCCD2. In the present study, CsCCD2 has been introduced into Xantomato; this tomato variety accumulates high levels of zeaxanthin and β‐carotene in ripe fruit due to a combination of four mutant alleles. Xantomato and Tomaffron genotypes have been combined to optimize apocarotenoid production. The best transgenic lines accumulated 15 and 14 times more crocins and picrocrocin than Tomaffron, alongside a fourfold increase in β‐carotene compared to Xantomato, albeit at a cost in fruit yield. Segregation of the four mutations has been carried out to find the best combination for obtaining high levels of saffron apocarotenoids without adverse effects on fruit yield. Plants harboring the high‐pigmented 3 (hp3) and BETA (BSh) mutations accumulated 6 and 15 times more crocins and picrocrocin than Tomaffron, without observable pleiotropic effects. Additionally, those high levels of saffron apocarotenoids were obtained in fruit accumulating high levels of both lycopene and β‐carotene independently or in combination, suggesting a regulatory role for the apocarotenoids produced and indicating that it is possible to increase the levels of both types of healthy promoting molecules simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased frequency and severity of flooding are linked to global warming. Flooding stress can severely affect crop yields and plant survival, and therefore the livelihoods of farmers. An oil palm breeding trial plot consisting of six progenies in Terengganu, Malaysia, happened to be inundated with flooding within a year after planting and annually for 2 years thereafter. Flooding recurred at the 8th year of planting and several times after that within the 14‐year period of monitoring. Due to the uneven terrain in this trial, palms were exposed to various flood levels and were categorized into two flooding groups. Yields and survivability of the palms were not affected by low‐flood levels, in contrast to the palms in lower areas that experienced higher flood levels. Compared to neighbouring non‐flooded trials, palms exposed to high floodwaters generally experienced lower fruit yields, and reduced vertical growth with poorer canopy cover. However, one of the progenies that exhibited a moderate survival rate in high‐flooded areas outperformed the other progenies in terms of yield in these areas. Generally, young oil palms exposed to low floods were able to survive and produce yields that were comparable to palms in non‐flooded areas, though 10%–20% of the low‐flooded palms produced poor yields in the first 3–5 years. In high‐flooded areas however, oil palm survivability ranged from 45% to 73% during the early 3 years and 46%–89% thereafter. Hence, young palms exposed to recurrent flooding of approximately more than 1 m during their early years are likely to become poor yielders with poor survival rates. Observations from this study may assist oil palm farmers in the management of this crop in the event of unexpected flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of high-pressure enzymatic treatment (HPET) on the quality characteristics such as soluble solid content, yield, flavonoid content, and phenolic acid content of mulberry fruits. Of particular note, first, the quality characteristics of the mulberry fruits were most significantly improved under the high-pressure treatment with mixture of Pectinex Be XXL and Ultra color. Second, in the flavonoids, a decrease in rutin content and increases in hyperoside and quercetin contents were confirmed by HPET, which may be the result of the two-step deglycosylation of rutin by pectinase activity. Finally, the extraction yield of mulberry fruits was maintained during HPET 0–36 h, and its bioactive compound profile was variously changed. Therefore, this study provided new clues as to how the HPET may promote changes in the extraction yield and bioactive substance profile of mulberry fruits and suggest the potential for use of natural materials based on mulberry fruit extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microbial necromass carbon (C) is a crucial component of the soil organic C pool. The impact of both straw mulching treatments and years on the soil microbial necromass C accumulation remains unclear. We investigated factors driving soil microbial necromass C accumulation and its role in improving yield by analyzing the dynamic response of microbial necromass C, total organic C (TOC) and available nutrients, genes encoding carbohydrate-degrading enzymes and fruit yield of citrus under different straw types of mulching (wheat, rice, oilseed rape, no mulch) from 2019 to 2022. Annual rainfall was the main factor affecting the soil bacterial necromass C (BNC) accumulation. Straw mulching treatments were the main factor affecting the soil fungal necromass C (FNC) accumulation. Increased annual rainfall and high soil moisture levels hindered the soil microbial necromass C accumulation, especially BNC. No correlation was found between BNC and the relative abundance of genes encoding peptidoglycan (bacteria-derived biomass) degrading enzymes. Decreased relative abundance of genes encoding chitin (fungal-derived biomass) degrading enzymes, particularly GH18, favored the accumulation of FNC. Actinomycetes were the most significant contributors of the GH18 gene among microbial phyla. Moreover, oilseed rape and rice mulching treatments reduced the relative abundance of genes encoding enzymes degrading chitin. Microbial necromass C, especially BNC, was key for sustaining TOC, supplying nutrients, and enhancing citrus fruit yield. Our results provide new information for optimizing straw mulch type and application time in citrus orchards to improve soil microbial necromass accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] This study investigated the growth conditions and fruit traits of different jujube varieties introduced to southern Xinjiang and selected the best varieties suitable for local jujube production. [Method] One-year-old branches of 17 excellent fresh jujube varieties in China were selected as scions, and 5-year-old gray jujube was selected as rootstock for introduction tests in Aksu, Xinjiang. By comparing the phenological period, tree growth potential (grafting survival rate, tree growth amount and dendritic force), fruit results (fruit lifting rate, fruit cracking rate, fruit mass, fruit uniformity and edible rate) and fruit quality (appearance color, flesh taste and flavor and main nutrient contents), 9 varieties with good taste, flavor and nutrient contents were initially screened. According to contents of soluble solid, VC, titrable acid and soluble sugar, single fruit mass, edible rate, fruit shape index and fruit uniformity, these varieties were scored by grey correlation method. [Result] After the introduction to southern Xinjiang, the phenological periods were quite different among varieties, which included 2 very early maturing varieties, 5 early maturing varieties, 9 medium maturing varieties and 1 medium late maturing variety. The graft survival rates of all varieties were higher than 65%. Jinggudazao, Fucuimi, Lengbaiyu and Yujiao trees had large growth amounts, strong branching force and prosperous growth. In the second and third years of grafting, fruit lif-ting rates of all varieties were relatively stable and consistent, and Zaocuimi and Luzao 5 had higher rate. Fruit cracking rates of Jingzao 28 and Jingzao 60 were 20. 57% and 23. 83%, respectively. Single fruit mass was very different among verities, ranging from 4. 22 to 26. 18 g, and the single fruit masses of most varieties were higher in the third year than in the second year. The fruit uniformity was 46. 63% to 79. 41%, and the edible rates were 91. 67% to 98. 76%. The fruit appearance was different among varieties, mainly in oval, oblong and inverted oval shapes. The fruit size was also greatly different with light red or red color. In the second year (2021), Jinsi 4 had the highest content of soluble solids of 38. 33%. The soluble sugar contents of Zaocuimi, Fucuimi and Jinsi 4 were higher than 29%. The titrable acid contents of Jingzao 18 and Yulu were above 1. 41%. The VC contents of Yujiao, Luzao 5 and Jinggudazao were higher than 400 mg/hg. According to the taste and flavor, 9 varieties with crisp, delicate and juicy flesh were initially screened, including Zaocuimi, Zaoqiuhong, Fucuimi, Yingbailu, Yueguang, Jingzao 28, Jingzao 60, Luzao 5 and Yulu. Three varieties of Jingzao 60, Jingzao 28 and Yueguang with good comprehensive fruit quality were selected by the comprehensive score of grey correlation degree. [Conclusion] Jingzao 60, Jingzao 28 and Yueguang can be promoted and cultivated as the main fresh jujube varieties in southern Xinjiang as they well adapted to the climate and site conditions and showed good yield and fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preharvest fruit splitting is a significant concern for Daisy mandarin cultivation due to its adverse effects on both fruit quality and yield. This study, which was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, aimed to analyze the anatomical changes in the peel, pedicel and stem end of healthy and split fruits of Daisy mandarin. Light microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy were employed to examine the different sections of the peel, stem end and pedicel of the fruits. Significant differences were observed between the healthy and split fruits in terms of peel thickness, epidermal cell arrangement and vascular tissue organization. Split fruits, exhibited structural deformities in vascular bundles with limited functioning of the vascular bundles. Displaced xylem tissues in split fruits formed damaged cell masses in the pith and the parenchymatous cells lacked intercellular spaces. Additionally, pedicel vascular bundles in split fruits were often deformed and fused with adjacent bundles. Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis revealed a smooth and uniform epidermis with well-developed oil glands in healthy fruit peels, in contrast to disorganized and ruptured oil glands with empty spaces in split fruits. Thinner, coarser peels with larger oil glands and smaller epidermal thickness were found to be more susceptible to fruit splitting. Disorganized xylem tissue disrupted the flow of water and minerals to growing fruits, potentially due to irregular water transport and pulp expansion, leading to fruit splitting. This disruption of vascular tissues impaired the transport of water and nutrients to the albedo and flavedo, contributing to fruit splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study assesses special and mineral fertilizers and the splitting of fertilizer application in coffee - a crop with high nutritional requirements for full yield potential. A 4 × 3 factorial scheme was implemented with four fertilizers [mineral, mineral with polymer, organomineral with cellulosic residue (OM-CR), or sugarcane filter cake (OM-FC)] and three application times, or splits (100% at once, 50%+50%, 33.3%+33.3%+33.3%). Coffee plant height, canopy diameter, plagiotropic branch growth, leaf chlorophyll, nutrient contents in the soil and leaves, and harvest yield after fruit maturation were evaluated in two consecutive crop cycles. The results indicated that organomineral fertilizers performed similarly to other fertilizers regarding coffee leaf chlorophyll and plant height. Only one fertilizer application effectively increased canopy diameter in both crop cycles. In the first crop cycle, OM-FC and conventional mineral fertilizers were significantly better for coffee foliar N content. In contrast, in the second crop cycle, mineral-P, OM-CR, and OM-FC achieved satisfactory results with one fertilizer application, whereas conventional mineral fertilizer required three applications for superior results. There are no differences in leaf P content among different sources and frequencies of application. Still, mineral-P and OM-CR had better soil P content than the conventional mineral fertilizer. OM-CR required two applications to reach high levels of leaf K content, while other fertilizers achieved it with one application. Organomineral and protected mineral fertilizers performed similarly in both crop cycles, with two applications resulting in greater coffee yield in the second cycle, regardless of the fertilizer used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening a suitable genotype is important for nutrient recovery and its acquisition potential. Twenty genotypes of tomato were studied under different doses of B-application. The indices of B use efficiencies, viz. apparent B recovery (ABR), fruit production efficiency (FPE), physiological efficiency (PE), agro-physiological efficiency (APE) and utilization efficiency ratio (UER) were worked out for tomato genotypes. The field experiment was laid out in a split-plot design for the two consecutive years, assigning three B levels (control i.e. without B application, @ 2.0 kg B ha−1 through borax and 0.25% boric acid foliar spray twice) in main plot and location-specific twenty tomato genotypes in subplots, replicated thrice. Soil applied B produced greater fruit yield than the twice foliar spray of 0.25% boric acid B. However, the tomato fruit yield was improved by 2–12% over control by soil applied B @ 2.0 kg B ha−1 through borax and twice foliar spray of B. Irrespective of genotypes, B content in fruit and shoot of tomato plant improved upon application of B. The apparent B recovery (ABR) and agronomic efficiency (AE) of B suggested that foliar application was more effective in comparison to soil application. The use efficiencies were highest in the cultivars NS–812 followed by NS–512 and B–9–2 in B-deficient calcareous soils with the application of 0.25% boric acid foliar spray twice. These genotypes could be a promising lines for breeding program for B enrichment in tomato for cultivation in B-deficient soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High annual tomato yields are achieved using high-tech greenhouse production systems. Large greenhouses typically rely only on one central weather station per compartment to steer their internal climate, ignoring possible microclimate conditions within the greenhouse itself. Methods: In this study, we analysed spatial variation in temperature and vapour pressure deficit in a commercial tomato greenhouse setting for three consecutive years. Multiple sensors were placed within the crop canopy, which revealed microclimate gradients. Results and discussion: Different microclimates were present throughout the year, with seasonal (spring - summer - autumn) and diurnal (day - night) variations in temperature (up to 3 °C, daily average) and vapour pressure deficit (up to 0.6 kPa, daily average). The microclimate effects influenced in part the variation in plant and fruit growth rate and fruit yield - maximum recorded difference between two locations with different microclimates was 0.4 cm d-1 for stem growth rate, 0.6 g d-1 for fruit growth rate, 80 g for truss mass at harvest. The local microclimate effect on plant growth was always larger than the bulk climate variation measured by a central sensor, as commonly done in commercial greenhouses. Quality attributes of harvested tomato fruit did not show a significant difference between different microclimate conditions. In conclusion, we showed that even small, naturally occurring, differences in local environment conditions within a greenhouse may influence the rate of plant and fruit growth. These findings could encourage the sector to deploy larger sensor networks for optimal greenhouse climate control. A sensor grid covering the whole area of the greenhouse is a necessity for climate control strategies to mitigate suboptimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTomato is one of the most widely produced vegetables in Ethiopia. Year-round production, mono-cropping, and genetically uniform hybrid varieties in relatively large areas result in pest buildup and recurrent pest epidemics in the country. Chemical control remains the primary management option for controlling tomato pests, and frequently indiscriminate and injudicious use of pesticides leads to several problem such as resistance development in insects/pathogens, destruction of natural enemies, food safety risks due to pesticide residues on the edible products and destruction of pollinators resulting in the non-setting of fruits and low yields. Multi-location and multi-season trials were conducted at Rift-Valley tomato production sites to reduce synthetic pesticides and promote good agricultural practice (GAP) packages. GAP package composed of healthy seedlings produced using seedling trays and treated with Trichoderma asperellum, and scheduled spray of bio-pesticides such as Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, and neem extract depending on the insect pests at early infestation time, along with the installation of colored sticky traps (yellow and blue) significantly reduced Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta and increased marketable yield compared to the farmers’ practice and untreated control. Hence, the GAP package can be considered effective and economical in managing tomato pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that limit plant growth and affect fruit quality and yield. Plants primarily lose water through leaf transpiration, and wax effectively reduces the rate of water loss from the leaves. However, the relationship between water loss and the wax formation mechanism in goji (Lycium barbarum) leaves remains unclear. 'Ningqi I' goji and 'Huangguo' goji are two common varieties. In this study, 'Ningqi I' goji and 'Huangguo' goji were used as samples of leaf material to detect the differences in the water loss rate, chlorophyll leaching rate, wax phenotype, wax content, and components of the two materials. The differences in wax-synthesis-related pathways were analyzed using the transcriptome and metabolome methods, and the correlation among the wax components, wax synthesis genes, and transcription factors was analyzed. The results show that the leaf permeability of 'Ningqi I' goji was significantly lower than that of 'Huangguo' goji. The total wax content of the 'Ningqi I' goji leaves was 2.32 times that of the 'Huangguo' goji leaves, and the epidermal wax membrane was dense. The main components of the wax of 'Ningqi I' goji were alkanes, alcohols, esters, and fatty acids, the amounts of which were 191.65%, 153.01%, 6.09%, and 9.56% higher than those of 'Huangguo' goji, respectively. In the transcriptome analysis, twenty-two differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and six transcription factors (TFs) were screened for wax synthesis; during the metabolomics analysis, 11 differential metabolites were screened, which were dominated by lipids, some of which, like D-Glucaro-1, 4-Lactone, phosphatidic acid (PA), and phosphatidylcholine (PE), serve as prerequisites for wax synthesis, and were significantly positively correlated with wax components such as alkanes by the correlation analysis. A combined omics analysis showed that DEGs such as LbaWSD1, LbaKCS1, and LbaFAR2, and transcription factors such as LbaMYB306, LbaMYB60, and LbaMYBS3 were strongly correlated with wax components such as alkanes and alcohols. The high expression of DEGs and transcription factors is an important reason for the high wax content in the leaf epidermis of 'Ningqi I' goji plants. Therefore, by regulating the expression of wax-synthesis-related genes, the accumulation of leaf epidermal wax can be promoted, and the epidermal permeability of goji leaves can be weakened, thereby reducing the water loss rate of goji leaves. The research results can lay a foundation for cultivating drought-tolerant goji varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing planting density is crucial for balancing resource competition, light penetration, and tree productivity in orchard systems. This study investigateed the impact of planting density on the yield and fruit quality of the hazelnut cultivar 'Tonda Francescana®' grafted onto Corylus colurna L. rootstocks. The research aimed to assess how different planting densities influenced light penetration, canopy volume, yield, and the nutritional profile of hazelnuts during their sixth growing season. Three planting densities were tested: 625, 1250, and 2500 trees per hectare (low, medium, and high density, respectively). The results show that medium-density planting provided the best balance between light availability, canopy development, and yield efficiency. The synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) was more prominent in the medium-density system (80.2% and 10.3%, respectively), suggesting a favorable metabolic response to moderate competition for resources. In contrast, high-density planting yielded the most per hectare (2898 kg/ha) but exhibited lower individual tree productivity (1.16 kg). Low-density planting had the highest light penetration (53%) but lower overall yield (822 kg/ha) and quality, with greater starch accumulation in the fruit. In general, medium-density planting optimized both yield and kernel quality, with potential implications for orchard management and breeding strategies to enhance hazelnut production and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of four ammonium N rates on fruit yield and leaf nutrient concentration in blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivars grown on a substrate. The experiment was conducted with increasing ammonium sulfate (NH4–N) rates 0, 100, 200, and 300%), using plants of two-year-old of pot-grown nine highbush blueberry cultivars, grown in 35 liters (L) pots with soilless media, consisting of coconut fiber, peat, and perlite at 2:2:1 (v/v). Leaf nutrient concentration was affected by cultivar and nitrogen (N) rate. Increasing the N rate increased N, P (phosphorus), Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium), S (sulfur), and Mn (manganese) concentrations and decreased K (potassium), Cu (copper), and B (boron) concentrations in most cultivars. Increasing the N rate increased fruit yield per plant equivalent to 67%, 93%, and 152% concerning the control. Considering the highest fruit production obtained with NH4–N rates from 100% to 300% leaf nutrient concentrations (%) ranged from 1.83 to 2.82 for N, 0.10 to 0.15 for P, 0.62 to 1.04 for K, 0.31 to 0.63 for Ca, 0.13 to 0.24 for Mg, and 0.20 to 0.59 for S. The main conclusions obtained are: leaf N and S concentration responded positively to applied N, yield was almost always positively affected by N, and the reference standard for foliar analysis in blueberry should be adjusted according to the cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractUnderstanding the nutritional dynamics before pruning is essential to elucidate how nutrient reserves affect the mango tree’s ability to regenerate tissues. A research project was carried out to determine the adequate range of supply for mango sprout phase (pre-pruning) in two different mango leaves (from the first and second vegetative flushes), and evaluate effect of biochemical activity on mango sprouting and correlate it with fruit yield. Two experiments with ‘Ataulfo’ and ‘Kent’ mangoes were carried out from 2021 to 2023. The experiments were arranged in randomized blocks with treatments distributed in subdivided plots referring to two N sources (NO3-, NH4+) in the plots and N doses (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200% of the recommended dose) in the subplots. The leaf nutrient concentrations, sodium, and α-amylase were evaluated in leaves of the 1st and 2nd vegetative flush, the number of shoots per pruned branch, and fruit yield. The number of shoots per pruned branch, influenced by the nutritional status prior to production pruning, varies with nutrient, and the 2nd vegetative flush after the previous pruning has a greater impact on shoot development in the current cycle. The shoot growth of the ‘Ataulfo’ after production pruning depends on leaf concentrations of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, cooper, manganese, zinc and molybdenum, in addition to sodium, while ‘Kent’ depends only on phosphorus, cooper, iron, manganese, and zinc. The highest fruit yield indices are recorded under the average number of sprouts per pruned branch of 2.72 for ‘Ataulfo’ and 2.63 for ‘Kent’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIndigenous fermented liquid formulations (Panchagavya, Jeevamrut and Amritpani) are rich sources of beneficial microflora and fauna, vitamins, minerals and growth-promoting hormones. Small and marginal farmers of North-West Himalayan region popularly grow sweet pepper as commercial crop. Poultry manure and vermicompost are two cheap nutrient sources, popular among these growers. So, inorder to investigate the combined effect of these organic inputs, two-year field experiment with seven treatments and three replications; with randomized block design; comprised of 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40 per cent recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) which was applied through vermicompost and poultry manure along with Panchagavya (5%), Jeevamrut (5%), Amritpani (5%) and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria which was isolated from experimental location, applied to all treatments, except T1; was carried out to study the response of these inputs on quality parameters of sweet pepper. Results revealed that treatment T2 that comprised of 90% RDN including Panchagavya, Jeevamrut, Amritpani and PGPR led to noticeably improvement in growth and quality parameters viz. chlorophyll-a (0.52 mg g−1), chlorophyll-b (0.73 mg g−1), ascorbic acid (29.47 mg 100 g−1), protein content (28.90%), capsaicin content (0.23 mg g−1), number of primary branches (8.20), average fruit weight (62 g), fruit yield (290.58 quintals ha−1), number of flowers per plant (24.97), leaf area index (4.73) and shelf life (6.03 days). Hence, it is concluded that the combined use of these inputs has the potential to enhance growth and quality characteristics of sweet pepper in achieving sustainable crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the saleable fruit yield of red hermaphrodite papaya (Carica papaya L.) relies on waiting until tree maturity. Recombinant inbred lines (RIL) seedlings (F6-F7 RIL) were assessed for fresh root length, fresh shoot weight, fresh shoot width, dry root weight and dry shoot weight during three growth stages after sowing (0-30 days after sowing; DAS, 31–60 DAS and 61–90 DAS). During the 31–60 DAS period, significant intra-genotypic variation was observed for each trait across the RIL assessed. A strong genotypic correlation at growth stage II was predicted among the traits (P < 0.05; rg > 0.60), with a moderate to high broad-sense heritability (H2b.s; > 0.30) and with genetic advances of up to 10% in the RIL compared to the parental genotypes. Growth stage II was most reliable for predicting saleable fruit yield (R2 = 0.73) with levels of influence of traits measured across the RIL in the following order: fresh root length (40% to 70%) > dry root weight (20% to 50%) > dry shoot weight (10% to 48%) > fresh shoot width (13% to 38%) > fresh shoot weight (1% to 42%). Hence, these F7 genotypes will be used to develop new F1 hybrids with significant increases in saleable fruit yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brinjal is the important vegetable crop. The extensive use of heterosis in vegetable crops has led to the creation of numerous high-yielding hybrid cultivars. Newly developed hybrids should also be tested across environments to develop region specific hybrids or hybrid for all the regions. Methods: The purpose of the present experiment was to develop region-specific brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) hybrids through line × tester design and to gather information on heterosis and stability for fruit yield and associated characters at multiple locations of viz., Sardarkrushinagar, Jagudan and Bhiloda under the jurisdiction of S.D.A.U. in late rabi 2021-2022. Result: There were noticeable genetic differences in the material for the majority of the traits. Several crosses were identified which showed desirable heterosis for at least one yield component in individual and pooled over locations. Fruit yield per plant is the most important trait. Hybrid 'ISD-006 × GOB-5' showed the highest fruit yield and maximum standard heterosis for fruit yield per plant, fruit girth, fruit weight, total soluble solids and chlorophyll content index. The interaction of G × E was highly significant for the majority of characters suggesting the differential response of experimental material to the varied locations. Stability analysis suggested 'ISD-006 × GAB-6', 'JDNB-16-1 × GOB-1' and 'ABSR-2 × GAB-6' as the top three stable crosses for fruit yield per plant. Overall, 'ISD-006 × GRB-5' appeared to be an outstanding cross for fruit yield and its attributing traits in terms of heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis in individual and pooled environments. As well as it was found to be average stable for four major traits and stable in favourable environments for fruit weight and yield per plant. Also, incorporating hybrids identified in this experiment might potentially result in transgressive segregants in brinjal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andaliman (Z. acanthopodium) is an aromatic Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) plant species that contains essential oils (EOs), which have various benefits for cuisine, medicine, and cosmetics. This study is essential because it is not yet known what biotic factors (basal area) and abiotic factors (soil and elevation) influence the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene as skin anti-aging. This study investigated whether the basal area, soil, and elevation factors influence the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene content of Andaliman fruit. The biotic and abiotic factors were measured from 9 sample plots representing the Andaliman habitats in North Sumatra, Indonesia. A vegetation analysis was conducted to derive the Andaliman basal area of each sample plot. Soil samples were taken randomly in each plot and analyzed for their physicochemical (pH, C, SOM, N, CNR, P, K, Ca, Mg, CEC, BS, SA, DU, CL, WC, and BD) contents. Elevation gradients were measured on each plot. The EOs of Andaliman fruit include yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene as skin anti-aging. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Square Regression for Generalized Linear Models (PlsRglm) to determine which biotic and abiotic factors influenced the EOs yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene. This study confirmed that clay soil texture was the main factor influencing EOs of Andaliman fruit yield, geranyl acetate, and D-limonene. Apart from soil factors, basal area, and elevation factors were also essential to consider when cultivating Andaliman fruit as a source of skin anti-aging substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato production faces challenges such as high input costs, pests, diseases, and climate change. Biostimulants like Nurspray®, based on hydroxycinnamic acid oligomers, offer a promising solution. This study evaluated the impact of different application timings of Nurspray® on tomato yield and fruit quality under open-field conditions. Four treatments were tested: T1 (control), T2 (Nurspray® at BBCH 19–51), T3 (Nurspray® at BBCH 19–51–61), and T4 (Nurspray® at BBCH 19–23–51). The results showed significant improvements in root development, canopy cover, and flowering for T3 and T4, with root systems increasing by up to 103% in T4 compared to the control. Fruit yield and quality were enhanced, with a reduction in blossom-end rot (BER) incidence to 0% in T3 and T4, compared to 5% in the control. Additionally, T4 produced the highest dry matter content in fruits. The optimal application strategy was three doses of Nurspray® at BBCH 19–23–51, enhancing both yield and fruit quality. This study highlights the potential of Nurspray® as an organic biostimulant in sustainable tomato farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal drought and summer soil high-temperature stress in Southern China often lead to decreased yield and quality of Annona squamosa. It is important to explore reasonable and effective water and fertilizer management measures as well as cover measures to improve the soil hydrothermal conditions in orchards to realize the increase in yield and quality of Annona squamosa. This study involved a two-year (2022–2023) field experiment in Yun County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, using three factors and a three-level orthogonal test, resulting in nine different experimental treatments for water, fertilizer and heat. The three irrigation levels were W1 (soil moisture content of 55% of field moisture capacity), W2 (soil moisture content of 75% of field moisture capacity) and W3 (soil moisture content of 85% of field moisture capacity). The three fertilizer levels were F1 (1666 kg·hm−2), F2 (2083 kg·hm−2) and F3 (2500 kg·hm−2), and the three cover methods were A1 (no cover), A2 (fresh grass cover) and A3 (straw cover). The effects of these treatments on soil hydrothermal conditions, growth indices and fruit yield and quality of Annona s1uamosa were systematically monitored and analyzed, and the relationships between these treatments and yield and quality was analyzed based on a Mantel test. The results showed that T5 (W2F2A3) had the highest average soil moisture content over two years, followed by T7 (W3F1A3). The T7 (W3F1A3) treatment effectively reduced soil temperature by 5 °C compared to T1 (W1F1A1). T5 (W2F2A3) had the highest average yield over two years, with an increase of 33.99% compared to T1 (W1F1A1). Additionally, T5 (W2F2A3) has the highest average soluble solids, soluble sugars and vitamin C content over two years, with increases of 28.13%, 13.36% and 4.86%, respectively, compared to T1 (W1F1A1). A Pearson correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between Annona squamosa growth and soil moisture content and soil temperature, and the Mantel test showed that soil hydrothermal conditions had significant influence on the growth and yield. T5 (W2F2A3) has the highest comprehensive benefit in promoting growth, increasing yield and improving quality for the plant. The effects of different irrigation quantities, fertilizer amounts and different cover measures on the coupling interaction for soil hydrothermal status in the root zone, growth, yield and quality of Annona squamosa were investigated, providing reliable theoretical support for the scientific planting model of Annona squamosa in the low-heat river valley of Yunnan Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially cultivated Prunus species are commonly grown in adjacent or mixed orchards and can be infected with unique or commonly shared viruses. Apple (Malus domestica), another member of the Rosacea and distantly related to Prunus, can share the same growing regions and common pathogens. Pollen can be a major route for virus transmission, and analysis of the pollen virome in tree fruit orchards can provide insights into these virus pathogen complexes from mixed production sites. Commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination is essential for improved fruit sets and yields in tree fruit production systems. To better understand the pollen-associated virome in tree fruits, metagenomics-based detection of plant viruses was employed on bee and pollen samples collected at four time points during the peak bloom period of apricot, cherry, peach, and apple trees at one orchard site. Twenty-one unique viruses were detected in samples collected during tree fruit blooms, including prune dwarf virus (PDV) and prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) (Genus Ilarvirus, family Bromoviridae), Secoviridae family members tomato ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus), tobacco ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus), prunus virus F (genus Fabavirus), and Betaflexiviridae family member cherry virus A (CVA; genus Capillovirus). Viruses were also identified in composite leaf and flower samples to compare the pollen virome with the virome associated with vegetative tissues. At all four time points, a greater diversity of viruses was detected in the bee and pollen samples. Finally, the nucleotide sequence diversity of the coat protein regions of CVA, PDV, and PNRSV was profiled from this site, demonstrating a wide range of sequence diversity in pollen samples from this site. These results demonstrate the benefits of area-wide monitoring through bee pollination activities and provide new insights into the diversity of viruses in tree fruit pollination ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive anthracnose induced by different Colletotrichum species causes dramatic losses of fruit yield and oil quality. The increasing incidence of Colletotrichum fioriniae (Colletotrichum acutatum species complex) as causal agent of olive anthracnose in Italy, is endorsing new studies on its biology, ecology, and environmental factors such as temperature. Five isolates from different sampling sites in Lazio region (Central Italy) were studied under controlled laboratory conditions aiming to better understand the differences of thermal development among the isolates and to lay the foundations of a future mathematical model able to describe the key aspects of the pathogen's life cycle. The mycelial growth rate and the conidial germination rate were assessed at seven different constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C) and fixed relative humidity (100% RH). The obtained dataset was analysed to estimate the parameters of mathematical functions that connect the mycelial growth rate and the spore germination with the environmental temperature. The parameters set provided as the result of this study constitute a key step forward in the biological knowledge of the species and the basis for future formulations of mathematical models that might be the core of decision support systems in an integrated pest management framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the combined effects of standard soil fertilization, composted animal manure, and foliar fertilization on tomato yield, soil nutrient content, and soil biological properties under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted from March to October 2023 using a completely randomized block design with four replications. The treatments included: 1) Control (no fertilization), 2) Standard soil fertilization (30 kg N/da, 8 kg P2O5/da, 40 kg K2O/da), 3) Standard soil fertilization + composted animal manure (2 t/da), 4) Standard soil fertilization + foliar fertilization (1 kg 17-17-17/100 liters of water every 20 days), and 5) Standard soil fertilization + compost + foliar fertilization. Tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Roma) were transplanted into pots filled with clay soil. Throughout the experiment, soil moisture content was maintained at field capacity. Plants were harvested on October 30, 2023, and data on fruit yield, soil nutrient content (NPK), and soil biological properties (microbial biomass C, CO2 production, and dehydrogenase enzyme activity) were recorded. The highest yield (4.5 kg/plant) was observed in the treatment combining standard soil fertilization, composted animal manure, and foliar fertilization, representing a 275% increase compared to the control (1.2 kg/plant). The standard soil fertilization treatment alone yielded 2.8 kg/plant (133.3% increase), while the combination with composted animal manure yielded 3.5 kg/plant (191.7% increase), and with foliar fertilization, 3.9 kg/plant (225% increase). Soil analyses showed significant increases in available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the combined treatments. The highest biological properties were also recorded in the combined treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By developing and implementing a local temperature control system, such as a root zone, with a high energy efficiency heat source, we can ensure both yield and energy efficiency against extreme temperatures. This system, designed with practicality in mind, has a remarkably positive impact on paprika plants' growth and yield in greenhouse cultivation. In the summer season, paprika plants were grown with no cooling, nutrient solution cooling (NSC) and the combination of NSC and substrate surround cooling (SSC) (NSC + SSC). In the case of SSC, cooled water circulated through the pipe surrounding the substrate to lower the substrate temperature. The cooling system maintains the nutrient solution temperature at 18 °C and the circulating water temperature at the system in the winter season; the paprika plants were grown with no heating (NH), nutrient solution heating (NSH) and the combination of NSH and substrate surround heating (SSH) (NSH + SSH). The heating system maintains the nutrient solution temperature at 25 °C and the circulating water temperature at 30 °C. In the summer, the root fresh and dry weights, stem fresh and dry weights, stem length and node number were increased in the NSC + SSC. In the winter season, the stem fresh and dry weights, leaf area and leaf fresh and dry weights were increased in the NSH + SSH. In both seasons, root-zone temperature control increased the fruit quality and yield. The result indicates that this easy-to-install root-zone temperature control system can be applied to the commercial greenhouse to secure paprika growth and yield in year-round cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), the second most important vegetable crop globally, faces a significant threat from various viral diseases. A newly emerging disease, characterised by distinctive shoestring symptoms on leaves and the development of unripe, small, and hard fruit, poses a serious challenge to tomato cultivation in India. An initial survey in an experimental field revealed more than 50% of the plants displayed symptoms of the shoestring disease, resulting in substantial reductions in fruit yield and quality. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and molecular analyses identified an isolate of the tomato mottle mosaic virus (ToMMV) in the affected plants. When the partially purified virus was mechanically inoculated into tomato cv. Pusa Ruby plants, it reproduced the characteristic shoestring symptoms, confirming its causal relationship with the disease. Notably, the present shoestring isolate of ToMMV (ToMMV-Tss) was found to induce similar shoestring symptoms in most of the major commercial tomato varieties when inoculated under controlled experimental conditions in the glasshouse, indicating its aggressive nature. Host range studies demonstrated that the ToMMV-Tss can infect several solanaceous species, while cucurbitaceous hosts remained unaffected. Moreover, the virus was found to be seed-transmissible, with a small percentage of seedlings from infected plants displaying symptoms. These findings underscore the significant impact of ToMMV on tomato production in India and emphasise the need for reliable diagnostic tools and effective management strategies to curb the spread and mitigate the impact of this virus on commercial tomato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has emerged as a crucial global issue that significantly threatens the survival of plants. In particular, low temperature (LT) is one of the critical environmental factors that influence plant morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes during both the vegetative and reproductive growth stages. LT, including abrupt drops in temperature, as well as winter conditions, can cause detrimental effects on the growth and development of tomato plants, ranging from sowing, transplanting, truss appearance, flowering, fertilization, flowering, fruit ripening, and yields. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the comprehensive mechanisms underlying the adaptation and acclimation of tomato plants to LT, from the morphological changes to the molecular levels. In this review, we discuss the previous and current knowledge of morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes, which contain vegetative and reproductive parameters involving the leaf length (LL), plant height (PH) stem diameter (SD), fruit set (FS), fruit ripening (FS), and fruit yield (FY), as well as photosynthetic parameters, cell membrane stability, osmolytes, and ROS homeostasis via antioxidants scavenging systems during LT stress in tomato plants. Moreover, we highlight recent advances in the understanding of molecular mechanisms, including LT perception, signaling transduction, gene regulation, and fruit ripening and epigenetic regulation. The comprehensive understanding of LT response provides a solid basis to develop the LT-resistant varieties for sustainable tomato production under the ever-changing temperature fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: For nearly two centuries, cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) breeders have improved fruit quality and yield by selecting traits on fruiting stems, termed "reproductive uprights." Crop improvement is accelerating rapidly in contemporary breeding programs due to modern genetic tools and highthroughput phenotyping methods, improving selection efficiency and accuracy. Methods: We conducted genotypic evaluation on 29 primary traits encompassing fruit quality, yield, and chemical composition in two full-sib cranberry breeding populations--CNJ02 (n = 168) and CNJ04 (n = 67)--over 3 years. Genetic characterization was further performed on 11 secondary traits derived from these primary traits. Results: For CNJ02, 170 major quantitative trait loci (QTL; R²= 0.10) were found with interval mapping, 150 major QTL were found with model mapping, and 9 QTL were found to be stable across multiple years. In CNJ04, 69 major QTL were found with interval mapping, 81 major QTL were found with model mapping, and 4 QTL were found to be stable across multiple years. Meta-QTL represent stable genomic regions consistent across multiple years, populations, studies, or traits. Seven multi-trait meta-QTL were found in CNJ02, one in CNJ04, and one in the combined analysis of both populations. A total of 22 meta-QTL were identified in cross-study, cross-population analysis using digital traits for berry shape and size (8 meta-QTL), digital images for berry color (2 meta-QTL), and three-study cross-analysis (12 meta-QTL). Discussion: Together, these meta-QTL anchor high-throughput fruit quality phenotyping techniques to traditional phenotyping methods, validating state-of-the-art methods in cranberry phenotyping that will improve breeding accuracy, efficiency, and genetic gain in this globally significant fruit crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an increase in the frequency of low-sunlight conditions due to climate change has resulted in a decline in the yield and quality of crops for greenhouse farmers, leading to significant challenges in maintaining optimal plant growth. The crop growth model can be used to predict changes in cucumber yield in response to variations in sunlight, which can help efficiently address sunlight shortages. The objective of this study was to improve and validate the model for predicting cucumber yield under different light environment conditions, including shading and supplemental lighting. The model comprises three steps: LAI prediction, daily assimilate yield prediction, and fruit yield prediction, each of which involves modifying the coefficients applied to suit the cucumber cultivar and environment condition. The improved model demonstrated a high degree of accuracy in predicting cucumber yields in the control and low-sunlight treatments (10, 20, and 30% shading), with a coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.98. When supplemental lighting was incorporated into the control and shading treatments, the accuracy of the improved model in predicting cucumber yield was also high, with a coefficient of determination (R2) > 0.99. The model also accurately predicted the decrease in cucumber fruit yield under low-sunlight conditions (shading treatments) and the increase in yield due to supplemental lighting. The findings of this study indicate that the improved cucumber yield prediction model can be applied to assess the efficacy of yield reduction in low-sunlight conditions and the potential for yield enhancement through supplemental lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open-field experiment was conducted in Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines to investigate the effects of combining chemical fertilizers, vermicompost, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Azospirillum spp.) on the growth, nutrient uptake, and yield of tomato plants. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated four times. The treatments include the recommended rate of chemical fertilizer (RRC) and three integrated nutrient management (INM) strategies. The results revealed that AMF inoculation significantly increased the uptake of P, K, Ca, and Mg while INM 3 recorded the highest N uptake. Treatments with vermicompost application recorded a significantly higher uptake of Cu. INM 1, INM 2, and INM 3 gave a significantly higher fruit yield than the RRC with an increase of 8%, 13%, and 14%, respectively. The percentage of mycorrhizal root colonization and number of rhizosphere spores were higher in mycorrhizal plants. Fruit yield and AMF root colonization were positively correlated with the uptake of several nutrients. INM strategies obtained a higher net income than the current fertilizer recommendation by 4–15%. These findings imply that the INM strategies can increase tomato productivity, reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer inputs, increase profitability, and potentially lead to soil health and environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcomyxa edulis is a characteristic low-temperature, edible mushroom in Northeast China. It has a delicious taste and rich nutritional and medicinal value. The artificial cultivation of S. edulis has been increasing in recent years. However, the number of S. edulis varieties is scarce, and strain degradation is a serious issue, affecting the yield and quality of S. edulis. Therefore, we collected 21 wild strains of S. edulis (Y1–21) in this study, aiming to develop strains of S. edulis. Five strains without antagonistic reaction were eliminated via the antagonism test, and the remaining sixteen strains were identified as S. edulis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) marker identification. The mycelial growth rate, mildew resistance, fruiting body yield, agronomic traits, and nutrient content of the 16 strains were determined. The results demonstrate that Y12, Y13, Y14, and Y15 exhibited a rapid mycelial growth rate (6.43–6.8 mm·day−1). Their colony density was moderate; their edges were neat; and their colonies were leathery and had obvious pigmentation. Moreover, they exhibited strong mildew resistance and a low Trichoderma contamination rate (<40%). Their fruiting body yield (281.15–342.03 g) and biological efficiency (56.23–68.40%) were high. Their fruiting body shape was good. Their polysaccharide and crude protein contents were higher, while their crude fiber, ash, and crude fat contents were lower. Overall, these four S. edulis strains exhibited high yield, excellent traits, and good quality for commercial production and food production with high nutrient contents. This study provides a foundation for the further cross-breeding and matrix improvement of S. edulis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light downconversion films can modulate incident light wavebands on crops, converting less utilised wavebands in an efficient way. In this experiment, red (conversion of green into red light wavebands), pink (conversion of UV and green into blue and red light but to a smaller degree than red film), and blue (conversion of UV into blue light) light downconversion films were used to cover blackberry plants throughout all phenological stages (from leaf emergence to fruit harvesting). The plants' physiological and biometric performance, and fruit yield and quality were evaluated. Plants under blue and red films showed a higher net photosynthetic rate with +23.1% and +14.9%, respectively, and a higher stomatal conductance with +56.0% and +23.6%, respectively, with respect to controls, maintaining stability across stages, except for a decrease under the red film during fruiting. Both films significantly boosted the fruit yield, with the red film increasing the fruit number (+49.8%) and the blue film enhancing the berry shape (+10.7) and fresh weight (+36.6). Notably, no significant differences in nutraceutical quality, including total flavonoid and anthocyanin content, were observed. These findings suggest that light downconversion films, particularly red and blue films, can effectively enhance the photosynthetic performance and fruit production in blackberry plants without compromising the fruit quality. Future research on this topic should focus on balancing plant growth, fruit productivity, and enhancing fruit nutraceutical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: The growth rates of current-year shoots, fruits and trunks in apple trees peak sequentially during the growing season. The period of most intense growth coincided with the lowest NSC reserves. Vegetative and reproductive growth and storage are major carbon sinks in fruit trees; however, little is known about their mutual seasonal coordination. In this study, we monitored growth dynamics of trunks, fruits and current-year shoots together with the concentration of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in trees subjected to defoliation, early season flower thinning, mid-season fruit thinning and their respective combinations across the season. We found that defoliation had a negative effect on both trunk radial growth and annual fruit yield. Flower and fruit thinning caused lower fruit number per tree, but the individual fruits were larger resulting in a similar annual fruit yield among the treatments. Shoot extension growth was not significantly affected by the defoliation and flower and fruit thinning treatments. The concentration of non-structural carbohydrates was also similar across treatments. Modelled daily growth rates of shoots, fruits and trunks peaked sequentially one after another throughout the growing season with a delay of 15 and 18 days, respectively. The period of most intense growth of tree's organs corresponded well with the lowest NSC reserves and a temporary depletion of starch in 1-year-old branches. Taken together, our study illustrates a tight temporal coordination of major carbon sinks and improves our understanding of sink/source relations of commercially important apple trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a key pest in Southeastern peach production by infesting fruit and decreasing yield. In Northeastern apples, plum curculio was found to have an "edge effect," where more plum curculio are present next to a forested border than in the center of an orchard, and their propensity to fly or walk depended on air temperature. We conducted field studies over 3 seasons (2019–2021) to investigate whether plum curculio in small Southeastern peach plots exhibits the edge effect and to determine its primary mode of movement (flying or walking). Our results revealed that plum curculio did not exhibit the edge effect in Southeastern peaches. Thus, unlike Northeastern apples where plum curculio exhibits the edge effect, the reduced-input application program where insecticide sprays mainly target a few perimeter-row trees instead of the whole orchard for plum curculio management is not recommended for Southeastern peaches. Additionally, we observed that plum curculio in Southeastern peaches did not exhibit a primary mode of movement, and in most of the sampling weeks, the numbers of flying and walking plum curculio were not significantly correlated in the field. These results emphasize that using plum curculio sampling tools that only capture flying or walking plum curculio is not ideal for monitoring plum curculio activity in the Southeast. Overall, our findings indicate that plum curculio in Southeastern small peach plots and Northeastern apples does not exhibit the same behavior (i.e. edge effect and propensity to fly or walk). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenges associated with kiwi fruit detection methods, such as low average accuracy, inaccurate recognition of fruits, and long recognition time, this study proposes a novel kiwi fruit recognition method based on an improved lightweight network S-YOLOv4-tiny detection algorithm. Firstly, the YOLOv4-tiny algorithm utilizes the CSPdarknet53-tiny network as a backbone feature extraction network, replacing the CSPdarknet53 network in the YOLOv4 algorithm to enhance the speed of kiwi fruit recognition. Additionally, a squeeze-and-excitation network has been incorporated into the S-YOLOv4-tiny detection algorithm to improve accurate image extraction of kiwi fruit characteristics. Finally, enhancing dataset pictures using mosaic methods has improved precision in the characteristic recognition of kiwi fruits. The experimental results demonstrate that the recognition and positioning of kiwi fruits have yielded improved outcomes. The mean average precision (mAP) stands at 89.75%, with a detection precision of 93.96% and a single-picture detection time of 8.50 ms. Compared to the YOLOv4-tiny detection algorithm network, the network in this study exhibits a 7.07% increase in mean average precision and a 1.16% acceleration in detection time. Furthermore, an enhancement method based on the Squeeze-and-Excitation Network (SENet) is proposed, as opposed to the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) and efficient channel attention (ECA). This approach effectively addresses issues related to slow training speed and low recognition accuracy of kiwi fruit, offering valuable technical insights for efficient mechanical picking methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study investigated how selected tomato genotypes performed with combined applications of cocoa pod (CP) + poultry manure (PM), kola nut pod (KP) + poultry manure (PM), and NPK fertilizer, focusing on fruit yield, mineral content, and vitamin composition. Method: The trial was carried out at Landmark University Teaching and Research Farm, Omuaran, Nigeria during the 2020 and 2021 planting seasons. The experiment utilized a completely randomized design with three treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments are: CP+PM; KP+PM; and NPK 15:15:15. Data were taken on yield and related traits, mineral and vitamin composition of tomato fruits. Data collected were subjected to a two-way statistical Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: NGB00711 exhibited superior fruit quality, whereas NGB00696 achieved the highest yield. Additionally, the combination of cocoa pod + poultry manure enhanced tomato yield, while kola nut pod + poultry manure boosted fruit nutrient content. Conclusion: Genotypes NGB00711 and NGB00696 were identified as good candidates for the development of high-yielding tomatoes under organic nutrient regimes. Moreover, the application of 6.5 g/plant of CP+PM and 6.4 g/plant KP+PM appeared to improve both the yield and quality of tomato fruit compared to NPK Fertilizer. The combination of CP+PM seemed to result in higher fruit yield compared to other manure types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Salinity is a devastating abiotic stress that poses serious risks to agricultural sustainability and global food security. The yield of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is adversely affected by salinity stress. The research was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic amendments on the physiological and yield parameters of okra plants under saline conditions. Method: In a pot experiment, okra plants were grown in non-saline and saline (50 mM sodium chloride) soil supplemented with municipal solid waste compost, farmyard manure (FYM), and press mud, each applied individually or in various combinations (Compost + FYM, FYM + Press mud and Compost + Press mud). Results: Salinity stress significantly reduced relative water content, membrane stability index, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, photosynthetic rate, fruit length, fruit diameter, no. of fruits per plant, fruit fresh weight, fruit dry weight, fruit yield per plant, no. of seeds per pod and 100 seeds weight of okra plants, compared to control. Under saline conditions, 5% (FYM + Press mud) was the most effective treatment in significantly improving stomatal conductance, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, no. of fruits per plant, fruit dry weight, and fruit yield per plant of okra, compared to saline soil. Conclusion: Application of 5% (FYM + Press mud) could improve the physiological and yield parameters of okra grown in saline soil (50 mM Sodium chloride) by mitigating adverse effects of salinity and could be used as a cost-effective and bio-rationale approach for alleviation of salinity stress in crops to attain agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylation, one of most important types of post-translational modification, plays multiple indispensable roles in plant growth and development and abiotic stress responses. However, little information about the roles of histone deacetylase in regulating inflorescence architecture, fruit yield, and stress responses is available in tomato. Functional characterization revealed that SlHDT1 participated in the control of inflorescence architecture and fruit yield by regulating auxin signalling, and influenced tolerance to drought and salt stresses by governing abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. More inflorescence branches and higher fruit yield, which were influenced by auxin signalling, were observed in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic plants. Moreover, tolerance to drought and salt stresses was decreased in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic lines compared with the wild type (WT). Changes in parameters related to the stress response, including decreases in survival rate, chlorophyll content, relative water content (RWC), proline content, catalase (CAT) activity and ABA content and an increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) content, were observed in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic lines. In addition, the RNA-seq analysis revealed varying degrees of downregulation for genes such as the stress-related genes SlABCC10 and SlGAME6 and the pathogenesis-related protein P450 gene SlCYP71A1, and upregulation of the pathogenesis-related protein P450 genes SlCYP94B1, SlCYP734A7 and SlCYP94A2 in SlHDT1-RNAi transgenic plants, indicating that SlHDT1 plays an important role in the response to biotic and abiotic stresses by mediating stress-related gene expression. In summary, the data suggest that SlHDT1 plays essential roles in the regulation of inflorescence architecture and fruit yield and in the response to drought and salt stresses.Key message: SlHDT1 controls inflorescence architecture and fruit yield by mediates auxin signalling and involves in the response to drought and salt stress by regulates ABA signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]