Average Fruit Mass Research Articles

Watermelon fruit production and characterization affected by molybdenum (Mo) and other micronutrient fertilization

Micronutrients are essential for the development of plants and may affect the quantity and quality of the products of interest. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilization with molybdenum and other micronutrient on 'Olimpia' watermelon fruit yield and quality. The experiment was carried out following a randomized block design, with treatments in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, for molybdenum doses (0, 15, 30, and 60 g Mo ha-1) and Kit presence or absence, with four replications. The number of fruits per plant, yield per plant, commercial productivity, average fruit mass, longitudinal and transverse diameters, peel thickness, and pulp yield were evaluated. Molybdenum foliar fertilization increased the yield per plant and the fruit diameters, with the best results at dose of 30 g Mo ha-1. The Kit promoted higher productivity per plant (25.7%), fruits with higher pulp yield (5.3%) and lower peel thickness (11.07%). Joint molybdenum and Kit application increased watermelon fruit pulp yield by 5.7% at 30 g Mo ha-1, and up 8.4% at higher doses. Foliar fertilization with 30 g Mo ha-1 and other micronutrients improve the 'Ol mpia' watermelon fruit yield and quality being recommended to producers.

Cultivation of strawberry in substrate: Productivity and fruit quality are affected by the cultivar origin and substrates

ABSTRACT The production and quality of strawberries may vary according to cultivar, transplant origin, and the system of plant cultivation. The objective was to evaluate the effect of different organic substrates and different transplant origins on strawberry production and fruit quality. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with a 2x2x4 factorial scheme using two cultivars (Albion and Camarosa) obtained from different origins (National-Brazilian and Imported-Argentine) and four combinations of substrates: (crushed sugarcane bagasse [70%] + organic compost [30%], crushed sugarcane bagasse [70%] + Carolina® commercial substrate [30%], burnt rice husks [70%] + organic compost [30%], and burnt rice husks [70%] + Carolina® commercial substrate [30%]). The experimental unit was composed of eight plants, with repetition in four blocks. The quality parameters of titrable total acidity, total soluble solids, ratio of sugar / acidity, firmness, and pulp coloration (chroma, hue angle, and L*, a* and b*) were evaluated, as were the production parameters of total number of fruits, total fruit production, average fruit mass, non-commercial fruit production, commercial fruit production and total productivity. The substrate influences the strawberry production variables. Fruit yield was highest in the Camarosa cultivar grown on the S3 substrate mixture. The cultivar, the transplant origin and the cultivation substrate influence fruit AT. SST and AT / SST are influenced only by cultivar and transplant origin. Chroma differs between plants with different transplant origins. Camarosa of National origin cultivated in burnt rice husks + organic compost presented the best production results and fruit quality.

Yellow Passion fruit performance in organic crop under mulch

Abstract The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of mulch on clay loam and sandy loam soils on the start harvest, number of fruits per plant, yield and quality of yellow passion fruits in organic crop. A complete randomized block design with five treatments and four replicates of five plants each was used. Treatments corresponded to different percentages of mulch of the area occupied by the plant (3 x 3 m), extending from the center of the planting line to the planting row in 0% without mulch (T1); 25% (T2); 50% (T3); 75% (T4) and 100% (T5). Mulch anticipated the harvest in comparison to crop in uncovered soil in both types of soil. The number of fruits per plant and yield increased in a quadratic function with maximum point of 38.6 fruits plant-1 and 5,182.0 kg ha-1 with 75.7% and 78.0% of soil cover, respectively. Mulch on clay loam soil did not provide increase in the average fruit mass and did not change the quality of fruits in relation to control fruits.

Yield of 'Royal Gala' apple trees in response to pruning before or after leaf drop

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate different pruning times, performed before or after natural leaf drop, regarding their effects on the yield of 'Royal Gala' apple (Malus domestica) trees. The experiment was carried out in Vacaria, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on seven-year-old trees in four harvests from 2008/2009 to 2011/2012, using a randomized block design. The following pruning times were tested: 46 days before leaf drop (DBLD); 25 DBLD; 5 DBLD; 15 days after leaf drop (DALD); 36 DALD; 55 DALD; and 75 DALD. All pruning times before natural leaf drop reduced yield per tree and fruit set. Among the pruning times before leaf drop, 46 DBLD resulted in the lowest yield. Pruning performed after natural leaf drop, still during dormancy, resulted in a higher yield per tree, in comparison with pruning times before leaf drop. The effect of pruning times on average fruit mass, pulp firmness, content of soluble solids, titratable acidity, and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio differed between harvest years. Pruning performed at different times, before natural leaf drop, causes yield reduction in 'Royal Gala' apple trees, and the pruning time at 46 DBLD results in the lowest yield.

Influence of irrigation treatments on the yield and quality of ‘Istrska belica’ olive oil

In recent years, Slovenian olive growers and producers have faced problems in achieving constant yields and quality of olive oil due to extreme weather conditions, especially because of the more frequent occurrence of drought. A technically accomplished pilot automatic irrigation system for olive trees was established. In 2015, the impact of different irrigation treatments (0, 15, 33, 40 and 100% ETc (crop evapotranspiration)) on olive cultivar 'Istrska belica' were studied to determine the minimum amount of added water that has a positive effect on the yield and quality of the extra virgin olive oil produced. The study results showed that the quantity of applied water equal to 100% ETc had a significant effect on yield of olive fruits. The average fruit mass of the trees grown under full irrigation (100% ETc) was significantly higher than that of those given rain-fed and deficit irrigation treatments (15, 33 and 40% ETc), with no significant differences found between these treatments. The fatty acid contents showed the highest amount of oleic acid (75.61%) at 100% ETc and the lowest amount (74.69%) at 15% ETc, while the highest amount of linoleic acid (6.52%) was determined at 15% ETc and the lowest (5.98%) at 100% ETc. Total biophenol content and biophenol composition was determined. The 40% ETc irrigation system produced the highest amounts of total biophenols, total oleuropein and total ligstroside derivatives (1076, 562 and 388 mg kg-1, respectively), while the lowest results (883, 477 and 299 mg kg-1, respectively) were determined in the control system (0% ETc). The organoleptic assessment of the olive samples showed that the positive sensory attributes of fruity, bitter and pungent were more intensive at 33% ETc and were graded highest. Olive oil from non-irrigated trees (0% ETc) received the lowest sensory score.

Non-parametric indexes in selecting hybrids of chili pepper

ABSTRACT On Solanaceae, the use of hybrids in seed market has been consolidated in recent decades, especially for sweet pepper and tomato crops. However, other crops such as chili peppers (Capsicum spp.) are still neglected by breeding programs which aim to obtain hybrids. The objectives of this work were to evaluate experimental chili pepper hybrids dedo-de-moça (C. baccatum var. pendulum) in relation to production and quality of fruits in two growing seasons and to compare non-parametric selection indexes based on these aspects. Eight chili pepper genotypes were evaluated, being three experimental hybrids (HP03, HP04 and HP08), three lineages (PIM01, PIM02 and PIM03) and two commercial cultivars as controls (‘BRS Mari’ and ‘Ibirajá’), under field conditions in two growing seasons (autumn/winter and spring/summer) in the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The number of days to flowering, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit length, fruit diameter, yield, fruit dry mass, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and soluble solids content were evaluated. A highly significant difference among genotypes for all evaluated parameters was obtained. Significant interaction was observed for genotypes x growing seasons only for fruit length, fruit dry mass and ascorbic acid content, considering the last two ones of a complex nature. Chili pepper hybrids tested had a constant performance in the two growing seasons based on agronomic and physicochemical characteristics. By the selection indexes used, the superiority of the hybrid HP03 in relation to the other evaluated genotypes was verified. In addition to the evaluated agronomic and physicochemical parameters, this hybrid stands out for having a differentiated and innovative shape of chili pepper, since no such hybrid has been found in the Brazilian market until then. Mulamba & Mock and Genotype-Ideotype selection indexes were concordant in the selection of the three best genotypes.

Agronomic potential and selection of okra hybrids to obtain potential genitors

ABSTRACT Evaluation of pre-commercial hybrids in a germplasm bank is essential for determining its commercial potential or its utility as a potential genitor in a breeding program. The objective of this study was to determine genetic divergence and per se behavior of 47 pre-commercial hybrids from okra germplasm bank of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. Precocity index (%), number of fruits (fruits per plant), average fruit mass (g) and productivity (g per plant) were evaluated. Analysis of genetic divergence was performed by multivariate analysis using Mahalanobis distance with different clustering methods (UPGMA and canonical analysis). The performance of hybrids was compared by Scott-Knott (p= 0.05). A significant genetic variability among okra hybrids was observed. UPGMA and canonical analysis grouped the hybrids similarly, being satisfactory to represent genetic divergence. Ten hybrids presented higher performance than the commercial hybrids. Among them, UFU-QB16 stood out as the most promising hybrid for being used as a potential parent in breeding programs after auto pollination.

Productivity and quality of organic strawberries pre-harvest treated with silicon

ABSTRACT Mineral nutrients have important role in plant metabolism, acting on specific vital metabolic pathways for the cell. Among the nutrients, we highlight silicon (Si), for promoting growth, improving post-harvest quality and plant productivity, as well as being able to induce resistance to pest and disease. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the productivity and post-harvest quality of strawberry fruits cultivars Aromas and Albion cultivated in organic system with four doses of foliar applications of SiO2 in pre-harvest (0, 5, 10, 15 g L-1), and refrigerated storage (8 days under refrigeration and 1 day at room temperature). The valuated traits were: mass loss, fruit mass, productivity, fruit firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolics, total anthocyanins, ascorbic acid and soluble solids titratable acidity ratio. The cultivar Aromas presented higher productivity per area (33.05 t ha-1), and more fruits per plot (479.42); however, higher average fruit mass was obtained in cultivar Albion (24.44 g), presenting better-quality fruits for fresh market. Soluble solids content, SS/TA ratio and ascorbic acid content were not influenced by silicon doses, however, refrigeration during 8 days and 1 day at room temperature provided reduction of fruit firmness, titratable acidity and, ascorbic acid content and increased soluble solids content and SS/TA ratio. Refrigeration attenuated significant reductions in anthocyanin content and, in addition, foliar silicon application promoted higher levels of anthocyanins in the fruits of both strawberry cultivars, increasing with the applied dose. The application of silicon was also efficient in maintaining fruit firmness of both cultivars.

Agronomic aspects of two Physalis species as a function of Nitrogen fertilization

The cultivation of small fruits has been increasing with good economic returns, and among these, the genus Physalis has been an important alternative source of income due to the high value and possibility of cultivation in small areas. However, there is not established fertilization for this crop and considering that nitrogen is one of the most limiting nutrients for the growth and development of plants, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic aspects of two species of Physalis submitted to different N doses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design, using two species (Physalis pubescens and P. peruviana) and five N doses (0, 200, 250, 300 and 350 kg ha-1), and seven replications. The plant height, dry mass of aerial part and roots, the number of branches, root length, yield and average fruit mass were evaluated. In these experimental conditions, it was observed that for P. peruviana the dose of 250 kg ha-1 N resulted in a greater yield of fruit per plant, as for P. pubescens the dose of 350 kg ha-1 N showed a more efficient performance.

Yield of strawberry crops under different irrigation levels and biofertilizer doses

ABSTRACT Strawberry is produced and appreciated in different regions of the world, due to its productive and commercial characteristics. Biofertilizer is an organic fertilizer that is easy to prepare and effective to nourish plants. The objective of this work was to assess the effect of different irrigation levels and anaerobically fermented bovine biofertilizer doses, on biomass accumulation and strawberry crop yield. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of the UFC, in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, from August to December 2012, under a screened environment. The experimental design was randomized blocks designed into subdivided plots, in which irrigation levels were applied via drip irrigation (equivalent to 33.3, 66.6, 100, 133.3 and 166.6% of the evaporation measured in the Class A tank - ECA), corresponding to the plots. The four doses of bovine biofertilizer (125, 250, 375 and 500 mL plant-1 week-1) were the subplots, with four replications. The assessed parameters were: biomass (root, shoot and total dry matter), fruit diameter, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass and yield. The biofertilizer and irrigation increased strawberry shoot biomass and total biomass. The interaction between irrigation and bovine biofertilizer raised the root matter to 3.7 g. The biofertilizer was nutritionally efficient for the strawberry regarding number of fruit, fruit diameter and yield. Irrigation increased strawberry length and average mass.

Morphological characteristics for fruits of aronia mitschurinii A.K. Skvortsov & Maitul.

The aim of this study was to determine morphometric characteristics of fruits within some phenotypes of Aronia mitschurinii A.K. Skvortsov & Maitul. Their morphometric parameters were following: weight from 0.75 g (AM-03) to 1.52 g (AM-04), length from 9.46 mm (AM-03) to 12.73 mm (AM-04), diameter from 10.49 mm (AM-03) to 13.73 mm (AM-04), fruits number in the corymb from 11.33 (AM-07) to 20.13 (AM-03), cumulative weight of fruits in the corymb from 10.42 g (AM-07) to 21.73 g (AM-04), volume of fruits from 0.55 (AM-03) to 1.26 (AM-04) cm3. The shape index of the fruits was found in the range of 0.87 (AR-01, AR-05, AR-07) to 0.93 (AM-02). The analysis of coefficient of variation showed the difference of variability in morphological characteristics between Aronia mitschurinii samples. Data showed that the most variability of important selection characteristics are the average cumulative mass of fruits in a сorymb - from 12.34 (AM-03) to 38.61 (AM-02) % and fruit number of fruits in the сorymb - from 14.56 (AM-03) to 36.88 (AM-02) %. The other characteristics are more or less stable. The introduction population of the Aronia mitschurinii, was created in the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden in Kyiv, has a sufficient potential for successful selection work.

Prediction of genetic gains with selection between and within S2 progenies of papaya using the REML/Blup analysis

Abstract: The objective of this work was to predict the genetic gains with selection of superior individuals within papaya (Carica papaya) progenies using the REML/Blup analysis. Thirty-six S2 progenies, originated from the Calimosa and Tainung 1 hybrids, and two commercial control checks were evaluated in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. The following traits were evaluated: heights of plants and first fruit; stem diameter at 12 and 18 months; number of days required for fruiting; number, mass, and average mass of commercial fruit; and number and mass of carpelloid and pentandric fruit. The magnitudes of the genetic parameters indicated that the variability present in most of the characters allows greater genetic gain if the selection is made at the progeny level, and not in individual plants. For selection among progenies, PROT-268, PROT-74, PROT-55, and PROT-22 were the most promising, with the greatest genetic gain for the studied characters. In the selection among and within progenies, the prediction of the gains is higher for the increase in the expression of the number of commercial fruit and for the decrease in the expression of pentandric fruit.

Characteristics of muskmelon fruits in relation to temporary row cover and the number of fruits

ABSTRACT The muskmelon plants allow several ways to manipulate sources/drains ratio. The objective of this work was to evaluate characteristics of the productivity and quality of Cantaloupe melon fruits due to the temporary use of row cover and the number of fruits per plant. The experiment was carried out from August to December 2014, at Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), Paraiba State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments allocated in split plots 5x3, with four replicates. The authors reported permanence time of the row cover at different times in the plot {20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 days after transplanting (DAT)} and, in the subplots, the number of fruits per plant (plants with one fruit, plants with two fruits and fruit-free setting plants). The authors evaluated traits of production and quality of fruits. The permanence time of row cover and number of fruits per plant promoted changes in the productivity and quality of the muskmelon fruits. The permanence of the row cover from 20 to 36 DAT provided reduction in the total soluble solids. The average fruit mass and fruit yield reached the maximum value with the permanence of the row cover up to 26.6 and 25.1 DAT, respectively. Plants with one and two fruits presented higher average fruit mass, but with lower productivity compared to the plant with fruit-free setting.

Planting density and arrangement for the mechanized spraying of vertically staked tomatoes

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine an adequate planting density and arrangement for the mechanized spraying of vertically staked tomatoes. Two experiments were carried out in the 2013/14 and 2014/15 harvests in the city of Calmon, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, both in randomized block design. In 2013/14, treatments were arranged in a 4x2 factorial, corresponding to four planting densities (10,753, 12,903, 16,129 and 21,505 plants/ha) and two planting arrangements (single and double rows). In 2014/15, treatments were arranged in a 5x2 factorial, corresponding to five plant densities (the same planting densities of the previous harvest beyond 32,258 plants/ha) and the same planting arrangements. Total, marketable (considering extra AA and extra A fruits as marketable) and unmarketable yield, the average mass of marketable fruits and severity of leaf diseases were evaluated. Economic analysis was also performed. For tomatoes grown under mechanized spraying, double row plantings resulted in higher yield of marketable fruits and a higher percentage of top grade fruits compared to single row plantings. Maximum fruit yield was reached at approximately 34,000 plants/ha, although maximum revenue was estimated for 23,000 plants/ha. Bacterial spot and Septoria leaf spot severity were higher in double rows than in single rows. Increases in planting density resulted also in increases in bacterial spot and early blight severity.

Agronomic performance of okra under the effect of seed microbiolization with rhizobacteria

ABSTRACT Plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria are an alternative to increase the productivity, adding value to the productive system of crops like okra. We aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of okra genotypes after seed microbiolization with nine strains of rhizobacteria. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 2x10 factorial scheme, using two okra genotypes, cultivar Santa Cruz 47 and hybrid Dardo, nine strains of rhizobacteria, LEBM 103, 105, 109, 112, 118, 134, 135, 152 and 154 and one control (without microbiolization), with four replications. We analyzed number of fruits per plant (NFP), average diameter of fruits (DM), productivity (PDT); fresh mass of fruits per plant (MFFP) and average mass of fruit (MMF). The rhizobacteria strains LEBM 109, 112, 152 and 154 provided the highest values for MFFP (1202.7; 1086.5; 1158.2 and 1175.9 g, respectively) PDT (24.1; 21.7; 23.2 and 23.5 t/ha, respectively) and NFP (78.0; 69.4; 73.27 and 76.5, respectively) in relation to the other strains and the non-use of seed microbiolization of hybrid Dardo. For cultivar Santa Cruz 47, the rhizobacteria LEBM 105, 112 and 152 provided the highest values for MFFP (896.7; 769.0 and 762.2 g, respectively). Evaluating genotypes when using each rhizobacteria, for MFFP and PDT, only for LEBM 105, no difference among genotypes was noticed, so, we concluded that okra seed microbiolization with rhizobacteria may provide productivity gain with possibility to become a feasible technique. The rhizobacteria which are the most recommended for growing hybrid Dardo are LEBM 109, 112, 152 and 154, whereas for growing cultivar Santa Cruz 47 are LEBM 105, 112 and 152.

Agronomic characteristics of tomato plant cultivar Santa Cruz Kada grafted on species of the genus Solanum

ABSTRACT In this study were evaluated gas exchanges, fruit production and fruit quality of tomato Santa Cruz Kada grafted onto different species of the genus Solanum, using two grafting methods. For the grafted tomato cultivation, the authors used a randomized complete block design, in a 8x2 factorial scheme, evaluating eight rootstocks: accessions of mini tomatos (0224-5, RVTC 57, RVTC 20 and 6889-50); wild tomato species Solanum habrochaites var. hirsutum (PI-127826); Solanum pennellii (LA716); Solanum sessiliflorum (cubiu); and tomato cultivar Santa Cruz Kada (self-grafting, control), and two grafting methods {cleft grafting (FC) and approach grafting (EC)}. The authors verified a significant interaction between rootstock x grafting method. The S. pennellii rootstock provided the best results for physico-chemical characteristics, when grafted using the cleft method. However, the same method, along with cubiu rootstock, presented lower fruit production. Considering the gas exchange and productive characteristics, S. habrochaites as rootstock for tomato Santa Cruz provided the best results for photosynthetic yield and water use efficiency, and for the commercial fruit production characteristic, both grafting methods, and for the average mass of commercial fruits when grafted using FC, with about 5.03 kg/plant and 163.5 g/fruit, respectively. In relation to the grafting methods, the cleft showed to be the most suitable.

Evaluation Results of Finnish Apple Rootstocks in Latvia

Abstract A trial was established in 2011 with five rootstocks - MTT1, MTT4 and control B.9 (1.5 × 4 m, five replications with two trees), MTT5 and control MM.106 (2.5 × 5 m, six replications with two trees), and two cultivars - ‘Auksis’ and ‘Gita’. The evaluated parameters were: tree general condition, flowering, and yielding intensity (points), number of root suckers, average yield (kg·tree-1), yield per trunk cross section area (g·cm-2), average fruit mass (g), and amount of non-standard fruits (%). A randomised fruit sample from each cultivar-rootstock combination was put into storage, and a panel taste was performed once each season. A snowless winter occurred in 2013/2014, when soil froze to 1.5 m depth, which was critical for MM.106. Other rootstocks did not show injury. The best results were obtained for MTT4, which was similar to that of M.26 in Finland. Its vigour was similar to MM.106, and start of bearing to B.9. Rootstock MTT5 was initially grouped with medium vigour MM.106, as having 60-80 % of vigour of ‘Antonovka’ seedlings in Finland. Yet in our trial, it had vigour and start of bearing was similar to that of B.9 or slightly larger, depending on cultivar; it has a tendency to form root suckers. MTT1, ranged with B.9 in Finland, had too weak vigour. The most promising cultivar-rootstock combination was ‘Gita’ on MTT4.

<b>Breeding new improved clones for strawberry production in Brazil

Breeding different strawberry genotypes and plant selection in Brazil could result in new cultivars with better environmental adaptations. The aim was to develop and select new F 1 strawberry plants with higher potential yields. Twelve hybrid populations were obtained from breeding the cultivars Aromas, Camarosa, Dover, Festival, Oso Grande, Sweet Charlie and Tudla, and 42 F 1 hybrids were obtained from each population. An augmented randomized block design was used. Productive traits were measured and heterosis was calculated for all traits. The breedings Dover x Aromas and Camarosa x Aromas both showed 28.6% of their hybrids with a total fruit mass that was higher than that of cv. Aromas, and 9.5 and 14.3% were higher than that of cv. Camarosa, respectively. The breeding of Camarosa x Aromas produced hybrids with high potential yields and a large average fruit mass that reached the commercial standard. Hybrids MCA12-93, MFA12-443 and MCA12-89 showed high potential yields and can be used as parents in strawberry breeding programs.

Produção de melancia em solo adubado com esterco bovino e potássio

The variability and low Watermelon yields in northeastern Brazil are linked to the lack of research on the fertilization management of culture. This experiment aimed to evaluate the watermelon production at soil under the levels cattle manure and potassium. The treatments were distributed in randomized block design with three replications and 21 plants per plot in factorial scheme 3 × 5 + 1, referring to three cattle manure levels (0.0 1.10 and 2.52 kg hole-1), five K2O levels (0.0; 7.5; 15; 22.5 and 30 kg ha-1), and one additional treatment (without organic and mineral fertilizers). Except additional treatment, the other treatments received nitrogen, in the form of urea (120 kg ha-1 N). Were evaluated: number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, productivity and fruit size (longitudinal diameter fruit-LDF and equatorial diameter fruit-EDF). The K2O levels supplied were not sufficient to raise the average mass of watermelon fruits to satisfactory values. The 1.10 kg dose of bovine manure was the one that promoted higher values of productivity. The increase in the dose of manure reduced the need for potassic fertilizer to increase the productivity of watermelon plants.

The Research Status and Future Development of a New Chestnut Cultivar “Huaqiao 2”

“Huaqiao 2” is a new chestnut (Castanea mollissima) cultivar developed from seeding tree by Xiangtan Research Institute of Forestry Sciences. It comes into blossom 2-3 years after planting. It has early maturity, good quality and glossy surface. The average mass of fruit is 16.2 g. The yield is 6900 kg·hm﹣2 (yield of test tree), with high and stable yield, and suitable for planting in the neutral to acidic gravel soil. Xiangtan Research Institute of Forestry Sciences has built some successful “Huaqiao 2” chestnut orchards.