Average Number Of Fruits Research Articles

Benzyladenine treatment promotes floral feminization and fruiting in a promising oilseed crop Plukenetia volubilis

Plukenetia volubilis, whose seeds contain a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, produces approximately 60 male flowers but only 1–2 female flowers per inflorescence. Increasing the number of female flowers is critical for yield improvement of P. volubilis. In this study, we determined the effect of the plant growth regulator 6-benzyladenine (BA) on floral sex determination in P. volubilis. Exogenous application of BA converted male flowers on most of the inflorescences to female flowers, and approximately 8–20% of the induced female flowers further developed into fruits. Treatment with various concentrations of BA resulted in 3–41 female flowers per inflorescence, reaching the highest average of 23.9 at 160mg/L BA treatment. There were 3–22 inflorescences with induced female flowers per branch on the trees treated with various concentrations of BA, and the highest average of 13.8 was observed at 20mg/L of BA treatment. The average number of fruits per infructescence was 3.3 in the trees treated with the optimal concentration of BA (20 mg/L), compared with 1.3 for infructescences of the control trees. The results of this study show that BA is a plant growth regulator with the potential to induce floral feminization and promote fruiting of P. volubilis.

Evaluation and correlation for growth, yield and quality traits of ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) under arid conditions

Landraces of ridge gourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.] are spread over a wide range of environments in India and their fruits are consumed as vegetable. The dry fruits of six commonly grown genotypes were collected from different parts of Rajasthan. The collected materials were evaluated during summer season of 2011 and 2012 under hot arid conditions of western Rajasthan for growth traits, flowering, yield, yield components and quality traits. The evaluated genotypes showed significant variation for most of these traits, except pH of flesh. Average number of fruits per plant was the highest in AHRG 29 (21.75) and the lowest in AHRG 27 (17.30), which had the highest fruit length (27.26cm), fruit diameter (5.13cm), ovary length (8.06 cm) and fibre content (1.96 g/100g edible portion). The highest fruit hardness was also recorded in AHRG 27 (4.91 kg/cm2), whereas the lowest in AHRG 29 (3.54 kg/cm2). Significant correlation coefficients among growth, flowering, yield, yield traits and quality traits were found. The marketable yield/plant had positive and highly significant correlation with fruit weight (0.834) and number of marketable fruit/plant (0.624) at phenotypic level. The results of this study could be used in breeding programs for improving local landraces of ridge gourd grown in Rajasthan, India.

Control of nematode disease of egg plant (Solanum aethiopicum) using manure

Pot experiment was conducted in the year 2010 and repeated in 2011 to examine the effects of organic manure (poultry, cow dung and domestic waste) and inorganic manure (NPK 15:15:15) on the yield, soil and root population of Meloidogyne incognita-infected Ethiopian egg plant Solanum aethiopicum in a greenhouse at Kabba college of agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Kabba, Nigeria. Each of the organic manure was applied as soil amendment at the rate of 5t/ha and the inorganic fertiliser (NPK) was applied at the rate of 200 kg/ha, while there was an untreated control that acted as standard check. The experimental design was a completely randomised design comprising of five treatments including control and each of the treatments was replicated four times. The result of the experiment showed that all the organic manures considered and NPK fertilisers were effective in suppressing the nematode’s negative effects on the plant, as shown by the improved yield, reduced soil and root population as well as reduced gall index of the organic and inorganic manure-treated plant compared with the control. The mean fruit yield of the manure-treated plant was of the range 18 ± 1 fruits and NPK fertiliser had an average of fruit number of 17, while the untreated control recorded an average fruit number of 6.5. The organic and inorganic manure-treated plants recorded bigger fruit size compared with control, and are significantly different from the control. The soil and root population as well as root gall index are reduced in all the manure treatments compared with the control and are significantly different from the control. The result of this experiment confirmed that organic manure can be utilised to manage nematode in soil endemic with root-knot nematode M. incognita.

Effect of Different Plant Densities on The Fruit Yield and Some Related Parameters and Storage Losses of Fodder Watermelon (Citrillus lanatus var. Cit

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

Effect of Gibberellic Acid on Growth, Quality and Yield of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

This study was conducted with the objective to determine the effects of Gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth, fruit yield and quality of tomato. The experiment consisted of one tomato variety- Golden, and six treatments with five levels of gibberellic acid (GA3- 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm, 40 ppm and 50 ppm), arranged in randomized block design with three replications. The highest plant height, Number of leaves, Number of fruits, Fresh fruit weight has been observed and ascorbic acid, total soluble solid (TSS) was estimated for GA3 50 ppm. I. Introduction Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) belongs to family solanaceae having chromosome number (2n=24). It is a self pollinated crop and Peru-Ecuador region is considered to be the centre of origin. Tomato was introduced by the Portuguese. Tomato is cultivated in tropics and subtropics of the world. Tomato is one of the most highly praised vegetables consumed widely and it is a major source of vitamins and minerals. It is one of the most popular salad vegetables and is taken with great relish. Tomato has a significant role inhuman nutrition because of its rich source of lycopene, minerals and vitamins such as ascorbic acid and s-carotene which are anti-oxidants and promote good health. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are extensively used in horticultural crops to enhance plant growth and improve yield by increasing fruit number, fruit set and size. Plant growth regulators like promoters, inhibitors or retardants play a key role in controlling internal mechanisms of plant growth by interacting with key metabolic processes such as, nucleic acid metabolism and protein synthesis. Use of plant growth regulators (PGR's) might be a useful alternative to increase crop production. Recently, there has been global realization of the important role of PGR's in increasing crop yield. GAs constitute a group of plant hormones that control developmental processes such as germination, shoot elongation, tuber formation, flowering, and fruit set and growth in diverse species. The most widely available plant growth regulator is GA3 or gibberellic acid, which induces stem and internode elongation, seed germination, enzyme production during germination and fruit setting and growth (Davies, 1995). Gibberellic acid is an important growth regulator that may have many uses to modify the growth, yield and yield contributing characters of plant (Rafeekher et al., 2002). Keeping these things, the present investigations to find out the effect of gibberellic acid on growth quality and yield of tomato. II. Materials And Methods This study was conducted at Central research field of SHIATS, Allahabad (U.P.). The experiment consisted of one tomato variety- Golden, five levels of gibberellic acid (GA3- 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm, 40 ppm and 50 ppm arranged in randomized block design with three replications and six treatments (T0- Control, T1- 10 ppm GA3, T2- 20 ppm GA3, T3- 30 ppm GA3, T4- 40 ppm GA3, T5- 50 ppm GA3. The required weight of the PGRs was taken using electronic sensitive balance and solution was prepared by dissolving in 1 mg L -1 . The solution was poured into hand-held sprayer and was directly sprayed on the plants three times at 20, 40 and 60 days after transplanting. Spraying was performed early in the morning to avoid rapid drying of the spray solution, due to transpiration. All the recommended cultural practices were followed during the conduction of the experiment. Data were collected from selected plants in the rows. The collected data includes average plant height (cm), average number of leaves, average number of fruits, average fresh fruit weight (kg), ascorbic acid (mg/100g), total soluble solids (°Brix). The data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean separation was carried out at 5% probability level. III. Results And Discussion Plant height (cm)

Performance of cucumber hybrids cultivated in coconut fiber and soil

The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of three Japanese group cucumber hybrids, which were cultivated in two cultivation systems. The experiment was designed in a split-plot randomized block design with two cultivation systems (coconut fiber and soil) for commercial Japanese cucumber hybrids ('Tsuyataro', 'Yoshinari' and 'Nankyoku'). After harvesting the cucumbers, we evaluated the number of marketable fruits per plant, the average fruit length, the mean fruit diameter, the bottom fruit diameter, the marketable production of fruits per plant and the marketable yield per hectare. There were significant interactions between the cultivation system and the hybrid, as indicated by the number of marketable fruits. The Nankyoku hybrid had the highest average (14.54 fruits pl-1), although it did not differ from the Yoshinari hybrid when grown in coconut fiber. In soil culture, the Yoshinari hybrid had the highest average number of fruits per plant (10.12 fruits pl-1) and did not differ from the Tsuyataro hybrid. Cultivation in coconut fiber provided better results for production traits and plant productivity. 'Yoshinari' and 'Nankyoku' were the most productive hybrids. Based on the cucumber cultivation results from a protected environment, the cultivation of hybrid Japanese cucumbers and Yoshinari and Nankyoku hybrids in coconut fiber is recommended.

Physiological and growth responses of young tomato seedlings to drip-irrigation containing two low doses of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum sp. nova

SummaryTwo different doses of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF; Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum sp. nova) were applied through a drip irrigation system to evaluate their effects on the physiological, nutritional, and agronomic performance of tomato plants. Trials were conducted in south-eastern Spain under controlled greenhouse conditions from September – December 2012. The high rate of AMF colonisation at both doses applied improved plant growth performance, leading to significant increases in leaf macro- (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micro- (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and B) nutrient concentrations. The AMF present in colonised plants not only exerted some control over the rate of transpiration (stomatal control), but also maintained a higher rate of net photosynthesis and hence improved the intrinsic water use efficiency (computed from the ratio of the rate of net photosynthesis:stomatal conductance). In addition, a close relationship was found between the respiratory activity of the AMF and the rate of net photosynthesis, leaf N, P, Fe, and K concentrations, and fruit yield (expressed as the product of the average number of fruit × the average fruit weight in each treatment). In summary, the application of AMF was effective at improving the performance (i.e., the growth, nutrition, and yield) of tomato plants cultivated under an intensive fertigation regime.

Nutritional risk of European elderly

The elderly constitute a population group with a high prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases and high risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated to nutritional risk in free-living European elderly. The sample included 644 European citizens, free living in the community, aged 65 years or more. The sample was quota controlled for age groups (65-74, ≥75 years), gender (male/female) and living circumstances (living alone/with others). Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with nutritional risk. Several variables regarding socio-demographic characteristics, food choice, health status and the satisfaction with food-related life were included in the analysis. According to the recoded score of the 'Determine your nutritional health' (NSI checklist), 53% of the elderly were at nutritional risk. Nutritional risk was more likely to occur in elderly who considered that it was more important to choose foods 'easy to chew'; with lower average number of fruit and vegetables (F&V) intake episodes and lower score for general health. It was also found in non-married participants; those that did not identify changes in their appetite; and those that felt changes in health status. In this sample, the lowest nutritional risk was found for body mass index (BMI) around 18.5 kg/m(2). Country of residence, gender and age were not found to have a significant effect on nutritional risk. Attention should be drawn to the living circumstances, changes in appetite or health, the general heath perception, F&V intake, choice of foods easy to chew and having a low or high BMI.

УСОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЕ СЕЛЕКЦИИ ПО СПОРОФИТУ С ЦЕЛЬЮ УСКОРЕНИЯ ОТБОРА ФОРМ ТОМАТА ДЛЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ УЗКОСТЕЛЛАЖНОЙ ГИДРОПОНИКИ

The gamete selection technologies, wide used at the end of XX at the beginning of XXI century during the adaptability breeding, are needed in improvement. In presented work the authors demonstrated the ways of improvement of sporophyte selection by the use of prebreeding stage, permitting to determine the hereditability of main characteristics of tomato, intended for narrow shelf hydroponics. It was established, that the main parameters of productivity (average number of fruits and average mass of one fruit) are inherited on one’s mother’s side. The 24 maternal forms were selected from 63 collection variants, which will be able to transfer the mentioned determinants to hybrid progeny.

적과 노력 절감용 촉성 딸기 '옥매' 품종 육성

A new strawberry cultivar (Fragaria ananassa Duch.) 'Okmae' was developed from a cross between 'Toyonoka' and 'Maehyang'. This cultivar has a good fruit quality and suitable number of flowers per cluster for labor saving in fruit thinning. 'Gyoengnam No. 1' was selected as an elite line with vigorous plant growth, higher soluble solids content and fruit firmness after examining its characteristics and productivity in forcing cultures from 2007 to 2009. Farmer's field trial of 'Gyoengnam No. 1' was conducted in 2010 and it was registered as 'Okmae' thereafter. The general characteristics of 'Okmae' are vigorous growth habit, erect plant type, less number of leaf and elliptic leaf shape. 'Okmae' has long peduncle and 9-10 flowers per flower cluster which need less labor for fruit thinning. Fruits of 'Okmae' are conical having a bright red and glossy skin color. Although 'Okmae' has a smaller average fruit number per plant of 21.9 than that of the control cultivars, it's possible to produce high yield because of greater fruit weight of 26.0 g. 'Okmae' showed a high soluble solids content of , low acidity of 0.37%, and high firmness of . It is sensitive to anthracnose and powery mildews, but high-quality strawberry can be harvested by using effective control measure.

Development and comparative studies of double cross tomato hybrids

In this present study, six F1 hybrids (Maya, Roma, Rio Grande, Emotion F1 Hybrid, Tomato 55 and Western Hybrid) were grown and their 15 crosses were evaluated. Out of 15 combination of crosses, 10 were recorded as successful viable hybrids, that is, Maya x Roma, Maya x Rio Grande, Maya x Western Hybrid, Roma x Rio Grande, Roma x Western Hybrid, Rio Grande x Tomato 55, Rio Grande x Western Hybrid, Emotion F1 Hybrid x Tomato 55, Emotion F1 hybrid x Western hybrid, Western Hybrid x Tomato 55. In F1 hybrids, average plant height, average flowers per cluster, average number of fruits per cluster, average weight of fruits, average days to harvest and 100 seed weight were recorded maximum in western hybrid, while average number of fruits per plant and average fruit yield per plant were recorded maximum in emotion F1 hybrid. In double cross hybrids, average flowers per cluster, average number of fruits per cluster and average fruit yield per plant were recorded maximum in emotion F1 hybrid x western hybrid. Average fruits weight and 100 seed weight were recorded maximum in emotion F1 hybrid x tomato 55, while average plant height, average number of fruits and average days to harvest were recorded maximum in western hybrid x tomato 55, Maya X Roma and Rio Grande X Western hybrid, respectively. Overall, a general trend was found that all F1 plants within the same variety were similar while plants within the same double cross hybrid showed segregation and distinct characteristics were noted. This study showed that there are greater chances of improvement through double cross hybrid production. The adopted pattern is an ideal way of exploiting variability which usually arises during the hybridization of two parental lines. Key words: F1 hybrids, double cross hybrids, hybrids variability.

Cultivo de morangueiro sob diferentes tipos de mulching

O experimento foi realizado durante os meses de junho a outubro de 2008, no município de Três Corações (MG), à altitude de 864 m. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2x3, com três repetições, onde o primeiro fator correspondeu a duas épocas de instalação do mulching, ou seja, antes e depois do transplantio e o segundo, à cor da face externa do filme plástico (preto, branco e prata). As mudas de morango, cultivar Oso Grande, foram transplantadas em 06/06/08. Após 75 dias do transplantio foi iniciada a colheita, que se estendeu até meados de outubro. Avaliaram-se as características número médio de frutos por planta, comprimento médio de fruto (cm), massa fresca de frutos (g planta-1), número médio de folhas por planta e comprimento médio de folíolo (cm). O número médio de frutos e a massa média de frutos apresentaram efeito significativo na interação entre os dois fatores. As características comprimento médio de frutos e número médio de folhas por planta apresentaram efeito significativo de modo isolado, somente para o fator cor de mulching. Assim, nas condições em que foi conduzido o experimento, concluiu-se que os filmes plásticos preto e prata possibilitam aumento no rendimento e maior desenvolvimento de frutos, desde que instalados em pré-transplantio das mudas de morangueiro.

Aplicação de ethephon no raleio químico de ameixeira e seu efeito sobre a produtividade

O raleio promove aumento no tamanho dos frutos, equilíbrio entre o crescimento vegetativo e produtivo e evita alternância da produção. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de ethephon no raleio químico da ameixeira cv. Irati, com 4 anos de idade, sobre o porta-enxerto A-9, em espaçamento 5,0 x 2,5 m, no município de Arapoti - PR. Os tratamentos foram cinco concentrações de ethephon, 0,1; 0,125; 0,15; 0,2 mg L-1, aplicados 30 dias após a plena florada. As seguintes características foram avaliadas: número médio de frutos por ramo, número total de frutos na colheita, produção por planta, peso médio de frutos, diâmetro dos frutos, teor de sólidos solúveis, firmeza, acidez titulável, pH e coloração. O aumento na concentração de ethephon reduziu linearmente o número de frutos calibre I, calibre II e calibre III, aumentando o número de frutos de calibre IV, frutos maiores, obtidos com a concentração de 0,093 mg L-1 de ethephon . A seca ocorrida entre os meses de agosto e setembro pode ter afetado o bom desenvolvimento dos frutos.

Demographic response by a small epiphytic orchid

Biotic changes are an inevitable consequence of climate change. Epiphytes may be more susceptible to changes in climate variation, but data regarding responses to climate variability under field conditions are limited. We evaluated whether the abundance of demographic stages in the epiphytic orchid Lepanthes rupestris at the Luquillo Experimental Forest in Puerto Rico was associated with short-term changes in climate variation over an 8-yr period. We used cross-correlation analyses to evaluate associations between the abundance of seedlings, juveniles, adults, and fruits per subpopulation, population growth, colonization and extinction rates in L. rupestris with variables related to precipitation and temperature, with and without lag- responses. We detected significant negative correlations between the average number of seedlings and the number of dry days, between the average number of fruits and minimum average temperature with a 6-mo response lag, and between the average number of adults and the maximum temperature with a 1-yr response lag. Neither population growth rate nor probability of colonization and extinction were directly related to climatic variation between 2000 and 2007. Associations between climatic variables and demographic stages could have negative implications for this orchid within the context of expected drying trends in the Caribbean. Results argue for the establishment of long-term monitoring studies of orchid populations, because only long-term studies would provide the appropriate temporal scale to detect and predict climate change effects and adaptive management of orchid populations.

Influence of different growth media on the fruit quality and reproductive growth parameters of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa)

Organic food is getting much preference worldwide because they are free of diseases pure and possess good physiochemical features. Taking the beneficial impact of organic production, into account, this study was conducted under a poly tunnel system using five organic media mixtures including. T0: (Control) Soil + Sand (1: 1), T1 Soil + Silt + Farm Yard Manure (1: 1: 1), T2: Soil + Silt + Leaf Manure (1: 1: 1), T3: Soil + Silt + Poultry Manure (1: 1: 1) and T4: Soil + Silt + Coconut Coir Dust (1: 1: 1). Effects of these growing media on the reproductive growth parameters and subsequently on the quality of parameter of its fruit strawberry (Fragaria annanasa Duch.) cv. “Chandler” were recorded by using randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Result showed that different reproductive growth parameters of the strawberry plant were also affected by the different growing media. It was observed that coconut coir dust based medium (T4) proved to be the best medium in many aspects. Treatment T4 produced favorable effects on other relevant growth stages. Its influence was also positive on the average number of trusses with (4.33), average number of flowers per truss (6.33), average number of flowers (96), flower size (1.90 cm), average number of fruit set (16.00), average number of fruits (72.96) and fruit size (3.01 cm). Improvement in the fruit weight was observed on T3 (10.0 g). Effect of T4 growing medium was also prominent on fruits color with maximum value of luminance, L* (32.67), redness, a* (29.00), chromaticity, C* (26.00) with low value of b* (7.500) and hue angle, h° (14.00) due to which fruits were more bright and reddish in color. Moreover it also improved the ascorbic acid contents (68.00 mg 100-1 ml) in fruits. The growing medium, T1 improved the total soluble solids (6.26%) of the fruits with an additional improvement in total sugars (15.92%). A significant effect on total sugars was also induced by T4 (15.22%) in strawberry fruits. Key words: Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), growing media, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, total sugar, trussess, farm yard manure, coconut coir dust, leaf manure, poultry manure, growing media.

Produção e atributos de qualidade de cultivares de marmeleiro na região leste paulista

Considerando a baixa produção dos marmeleiros em regiões de inverno ameno, o presente trabalho foi desenvolvido com o intuito de selecionar cultivares produtivas para o Estado de São Paulo. Plantas de três anos de idade dos marmeleiros 'Marmelo Pera', 'Smyrna', 'Cheldow', 'Van Deman', 'Meliforme', 'Portugal', 'Provence', 'Mendoza Inta-37', 'Rea´s Mamouth', 'Fuller', 'Meech Prolific', 'De Patras' e 'Pineapple', cultivadas no Centro APTA de Frutas do IAC (Jundiaí-SP), em espaçamento 3 x 4 m, foram avaliadas nas safras 2008/09 e 2009/10. Durante as duas safras, foram avaliadas as fases fenológica, número médio de frutos, produção média e produtividade estimada, massa, diâmetro e comprimento médio de frutos, coloração da epiderme e polpa, firmeza da polpa, sólidos solúveis, acidez titulável e relação SS/AT. Concluiu-se que os marmeleiros 'Fuller', 'Smyrna', 'Portugal', 'Provence' e 'Mendoza Inta-37' apresentaram maior desempenho produtivo. A cultivar Mendoza Inta-37 apresentou atributos de qualidade mais adequados ao consumo in natura, com maior teor de sólidos solúveis, menor acidez titulável e firmeza de polpa e ratio mais elevado, seguida pelos marmeleiros 'Fuller', 'Provence' e 'Portugal'.

Economic losses of lesser date moth (Batrachedra amydraula. Meyrick) (Cosmopterygidae:Lepidoptera) on the two cultivars, Varieties Khastawi and Zahdi of date palm in the middle of Iraq

The study was conducted in date palm plantation in Tarmiia, Baghdad province, Iraq, during 2003 growing season in order to estimate the economic losses of lesser date moth (Batrachedra amydraula. Meyrick) on two cultivars of date palm (Phoenix dectylifera L.). The results showed that average number of fruits in Zahdi was 30801 fruit / tree at the last week of April and became 17238 fruit / tree at the second week of July . Of the 15349 fallen fruit / tree there were 980 infested fruits which amounts to a percentage economic loss of 5.37% equaling about 7.84 kg / tree . Where as in Khastawi there were 29844 fruit / tree at the first week of May and became 11200 fruit / tree at the end of July ، so that the number of fallen fruits were 18644 of which 6702 were infested amounting to a percentage economic loss of 37.43% equaling 44.68 kg / tree. The study indicated a significant positive relationship between number of larvae and number of fallen infested fruits . It was averaged between 0.004 – 12.76 larvae / 100 fallen infested fruits in Zahdi , and 0.43 – 32.02 larvae / 100 fallen infested fruits in Khastawi , when the percentage of infestation in fallen fruits was 0.2 – 45.6% and 5.4 – 94.2% in Zahdi and Khastawi respectively . Coefficient of correlation (r) was 0.990 in Zahdi and 0.994 in Khastawi .

EFFECT OF N, P, K AND SPACING ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF PAPAYA (CARICA PAPAYA L.) CV. PANT PAPAYA 1

A field experiment was conducted at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Zonal Research Centre - Nagina during 2000. Three doses of nitrogen i.e. 200, 250 and 300 g and two doses of phosphorus and potash i.e. 200 and 250 g/plant were applied with different combinations. Papaya variety Pant Papaya 1 was sown in the nursery on 20 th July 2000 and the seedlings were planted at three spacings viz. 3×1.5, 2.5×1.5 and 2×1.5 m with two plants per hill on 20 th September 2000. The maximum plant height (144.11 cm) was noted under the N3 P2 K2 (300 g N and 250 g each of P & K/plant) which was followed by N2 P2 K2 (250 g each of N, P & K). Flower initiation at maximum height (84.88 cm) was noted under the treatment of N3 P2 K2 which was followed by N3 PI K2 (81.66 cm) but significantly at par with N2 P2 K2. The maximum days (246.11) taken to flower initiation was N2 P2 K2 treatment which was followed by N3 P2 K2 and N1 P2 K2 treatments but they were statistically at par with each other. The highest average number of fruits (44.66) was recorded in N2 P2 K2 treatment which was followed by N3 P2 K2 and N1 P2 K2 treatments. The maximum average fruit weight 1298.88 g was recorded under N3 P2 K2 treatment which was followed by N2 P2 K2 treatment but it was significantly at par with each other. On the other hand, the minimum average fruit weight (682.22 g) was noted under N1 PI K1 treatment.

The insertion of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC gene in tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) affects plant architecture and endogenous auxin and abscisic acid levels

In the present paper we report on the effects of the insertion of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes rolC gene in the tomato ( Solanum lycopersicum L., formerly Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivar Tondino. Several transgenic lines were successfully obtained, between which two clones, rolC1 and rolC3, were chosen for the analysis of morpho-productive traits as well as of the endogenous levels of auxin and abscisic acid. Consistent with the known phenotypic effect of this gene, the transformed tomato plants were significantly shorter than the corresponding controls. On the other hand, even if yield was not affected by the transformation in terms of average number of fruits produced, fruit weight was significantly lower in the transgenics with respect to the controls. Therefore, insertion of the rolC gene does not lead to an improvement in plant productivity. Furthermore, we have observed alterations in the hormonal levels in the shoot apices of the transgenic plants. In fact, quantifications of free and conjugated forms of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) indicated a significant reduction of IAA levels in the shoot apical region of the transgenic clone rolC3, in comparison with both the control and the clone rolC1. Abscisic acid (ABA) concentration on the other hand was unchanged in the transgenics compared to the controls, but significantly lower in rolC3 with respect to rolC1 plants. The resulting ABA/IAA ratio was higher in both transgenic clones compared to the untransformed plants, indicating that the rolC gene affects the balance between these hormones in transformed tomato plants.

Effect of Some Nutrients on yield of Fig Aswad Diala Cultivar

This study was conducted on Fig trees cultivar Aswad Diala, to investigate the influences of Nitrogen, sprying potassium Fe and Zn on the yield and its compounents. Urea was added to the soil after one month from bud burst at 3 levels (0, 500, 1000 g/ tree) while potassium was sprayed at (0, 1000 mg/ L) concentration with and without Fe and Zn at a concentration of 200 mg/ L for each of them as a sulphate after one week from the addition of Nitrogen. The experiment results can be sumarized as follows: 1. The single treatments with N, K and (Fe + Zn) increased the fruit size significantly and the effect was increased when the interaction between these of elements, the increment was 20.42% and 13.77% for both seasons respectively. 2. The average number of fruits/ branch was increased in the single treatments at a ratios of (11.80% to 15.06) while the increament was 50.52% at the interaction between the three elements. 3. The percentage of fruit drop was reduced significantly by the application of all nutrient elements and specially the interaction between them when the percentage of dropping was (6.19% and 5.11%) an compared with (13.22 and 10.56%) at the control treatment. 4. The yield was significantly increased by the using of each element alone and the ratios were 5.5% to 9.27% while the interaction between the three element was at a percentage of (32.22% and 28.79%) for both seasons. 5. There are a differences between the nutrient elements in their effects on T.S.S , Nitrogen decreased it when its concentrations increased while TSS was increased when potassium used and no significant effect when Fe and Zn were used.