Early Harvest Research Articles

Co-Harvest and Anaerobic Co-Storage of Corn Grain and Stover as Biomass Feedstocks

Highlights Cutting height and harvest date were used to alter stover moisture content, yield, and composition. Anaerobic co-storage of grain and stover limited losses to less than 6% of dry matter. Extent of fermentation was greater for higher moisture stover than grain, but total acids were less than 5 g kg-1. Reducing the harvester cutter head rotational speed resulted in a greater fraction of whole corn kernels. Abstract. This research investigated the utility of co-harvesting and anaerobic co-storage of corn grain and stover to positively influence their physical and chemical characteristics as a biomass feedstock. Corn grain and stover were harvested in 2019 and 2020 with a self-propelled forage harvester. Stover yield, moisture content, and composition were altered by the harvest date, stubble height, and header configuration. Harvest date had the utility of varying the stover moisture content (p < 0.001) from 42.3% to 53.5% (w.b.) and 43.1% to 53.9% (w.b.) for the 2019 and 2020 harvest years, respectively. Stubble height was also utilized to vary stover moisture content. A negative linear relationship was established between stubble height and stover moisture content for the early (R2 = 0.76) and late harvest (R2 = 0.91) dates for both years. Stover yield also showed a negative linear relationship (R2 = 0.76) with stubble height over both years. Regardless of the stubble height, the row-crop header collected more stover (p < 0.001) than the ear-snapper header. In 2020, harvested stover ranged from 5.0 to 10.5 Mg ha-1, with ha-1 representing 41% to 85% of the total available stover. In both years, stover ash content was less than 64 g kg-1. Material stored in pilot-scale silos (19 L) was well conserved during anaerobic storage, with average DM losses of 4.8% and 3.4% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Grain moisture content averaged 23.6% (w.b.) at harvest, and 31.0% (w.b.) after storage as moisture migrated from the moist stover to the drier grain. Harvesting whole-plant corn with a forage harvester had the unwanted effect of reducing the particle size of the grain fraction, which would complicate downstream utilization. However, reducing the harvester cutterhead speed increased the fraction of intact kernels from 47% to 85% by mass. The studied system was a viable alternative to conventional corn grain and stover systems for producing feedstocks for biochemical conversion. Keywords: Ash, Ensiling, Ethanol, Maize.

Differences in Vegetative and Generative Characters of M2 Generation of Mutant Rice Compared to Wild Types and Commercial Cultivars

This study aims to obtain information on the differences in vegetative and generative characters of M2 generation rice mutants compared to wild types (MSP13 line) and commercial cultivars (IR64 and Ciherang). Gamma ray radiation treatment at 200 Gy was carried out on MSP13 line rice seeds in the M0 generation. The observation variables included plant height, number of productive tillers, age at harvest, weight of well-laden grains, and weight of 100 grains. The data obtained were analyzed by t test and cluster analysis. The results of t test showed that there are three M2 generation of mutant rice plants that have shorter plant sizes (dwarf), potential number of productive tillers, early harvest period and yield, compared to the wild type (MSP13 line), Ciherang and IR64 cultivars. Cluster analysis based on vegetative, generative and yield characters, obtained groups consisting of 9 and 66 rice mutant individuals with 21.87 % and 21.11 % similarity respectively compared to other rice mutant groups as well as wild type, Ciherang and IR64 varieties.

Improvement of Anthocyanin Accumulation and Fruit Quality by Cold Storage after Early Harvesting in ‘Tarocco’ Blood Orange

Improvement of Anthocyanin Accumulation and Fruit Quality by Cold Storage after Early Harvesting in ‘Tarocco’ Blood Orange

CHANGE IN FORAGE QUALITY OF WHOLE PLANT, LEAF AND STEM ACCORDING TO SOWING AND HARVESTING PERIODS IN Atriplex nitens SCHKUHR GROWN WITHOUT FERTILIZER

Atriplex nitens, which can grow in extreme ecological conditions and produce a high amount of forage material, has been seen as an important alternative forage source for livestock. With the present study, the effect of different sowing (mid-April, late-April, early-May, mid-May) and harvesting periods (end of vegetative period, beginning of flowering, full flowering period) on forage quality was tried to be determined. For this purpose, a study was planned according to randomized complete block design in split plots with three replications in Iğdır irrigated conditions in 2019 and 2020. As a result of the study, the forage quality values of the stem, leaf and whole plant differed according to the sowing and harvesting periods. Accordingly, it was determined that the crude protein, dry matter digestible, disgestible energy, metabolic energy and relative feed value of the stem, leaf and whole plant increased as the sowing time was delayed, but neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre ratios decreased. Similar results were obtained by moving harvests to an earlier time. As a result, it was determined that the stem, leaf and whole plant produced a low, very high and medium quality forage material in late sowing and early harvests, respectively.

BREEDS OF UKRAINIAN SELECTION AND THEIR PRODUCTIVITY IN THE CONDITIONS OF WESTERN FOREST STEPPE

This article covers the list of precocious soybean varieties (Ukrainian Selection) for the purpose of studying them in the conditions of Western Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine. The research was conducted during 2017–2020 at the experimental field of Crop Production Technology Department of the Lviv National Environmental University.
 In these studies, the following soybean varieties were used, namely Ustia, Khvylia, Muza, Arnica, Vilshanka, Siverka, Suziria, Vyshyvanka, originated by the Institute of NSC «Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences». These varieties belong to the early-germinating group that means their growing season ranges from 83 to 107 days, and they are also characterized by increased resistance to damage by the most common diseases, bean cracking and grain shedding. Considering their early harvest dates, the researched varieties can be used as a precursor for winter crops, and are suitable for harvest crops (Siverka variety).
 Ustia variety was entered into the Register of Varieties of Ukraine in 2002. Precocious. Weight of 1000 seeds is 155–160 g. The seeds contain 41–42 % protein and 19–20 % oil. Muza variety is in the State Register since 2015, bred by the method of repeated individual selection from Yug-30/Ustia hybrid generations. The weight of 1000 seeds is 235–245 g. The seeds contain 41–42 % protein and 20–21 % fat. Arnica variety was entered in the State Register in 2016, bred by the method of individual selection from the combination of crossing two early and productive lines 242 and 427. The weight of 1000 seeds is 155–160 g, seeds contain 40–42 % protein and 20–21 % fat. Khvylia variety is in the State Register since 2013, bred by the method of individual selection from the L.364/Cherniatka hybrid population. The weight of 1000 seeds is 158–162 g. The seeds contain 40–42 % protein and 21–22 % fat. The Vilshanka variety is in the State Register since 2011, bred by the method of repeated individual selection from the hybrid L.955/Cherniatka. The weight of 1000 seeds is 240–250 g. The seeds contain 41–42 % protein and 21–22 % fat; Siverka variety is in the State Register since 2013, bred by the method of individual selection from the Yug-30/Ustia hybrid population. The weight of 1000 seeds is 170–175 g. The seeds contain 41–42 % protein and 20–21 % fat; Vyshyvanka variety is in the State Register since 2019. The weight of 1000 seeds is 144–183 g. The seeds contain 38–39 % protein and 22–23 % fat; the Suziria variety is medium-ripe, entered into the State Register of plant varieties being suitable for distribution in Ukraine since 2011 in the Forest Steppe and Polissia zones. The weight of 1000 seeds is 220–240 g. The seeds contain 42–43 % protein and 20–21 % fat.

Evolution of Physicochemical Properties and Phenolic Maturity of Vilana, Vidiano, Kotsifali and Mandilari Wine Grape Cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) during Ripening.

Determining the optimum harvest time is a significant factor affecting the quality of the grapes and the wine. Monitoring the evolution of grapes' physicochemical properties and phenolic maturity during ripening could be a valuable tool for determining the optimum harvest time. In this study, the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, flavonols, flavanols, anthocyanins and resveratrol content were determined during the last weeks of ripening for the white cultivars Vilana and Vidiano, as well as for the red cultivars Kotsifali and Mandilari (Vitis vinifera L.). According to the results, an early harvest for the white cultivars and a late harvest for the red cultivars may increase the total phenolics and trans-resveratrol content in grapes and wine. An early harvest would be desirable to maintain high flavanols content and high levels of antioxidant activity in the grapes' skin and seeds. Conversely, a late harvest for the red cultivars may be desirable to increase the total flavonols and anthocyanin content in grapes and wines.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Approach on Growth, Yield, and Economics of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis)

The integrated nutrient management approach addresses the issues arising from the irrational use of chemical fertilizers such as soil quality degradation, and the unsustainability of productivity and profitability. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the integrated nutrient management approach on the growth, yield, and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis cv. Khumal Jyapu), through a field experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and seven treatments- 50% NPK + 6.90 Mt ha-1 vermicompost, 75% NPK + 3.45 Mt ha-1 vermicompost, 50% NPK + 3.75 Mt ha-1 poultry manure, 75% NPK + 1.88 Mt ha-1 poultry manure, 50% NPK + 20.80 Mt ha-1 farmyard manure, 75% NPK + 10.40 Mt ha-1 farmyard manure and 100% recommended NPK, 200:120:80 kg NPK ha-1 as the control. Among the tested treatments, organic and inorganic nutrient sources, in combination, recorded a significant influence on growth and yield-attributing characters as compared to sole inorganic treatment. 50% NPK + 6.9 Mt ha-1 vermicompost recorded highest height (63.33 cm), earliest harvest (73.67 days), largest curd diameter (16.83 cm), highest curd weight (680.53 g), biomass (1384.79 g), curd yield (25.2 Mt ha-1), gross margin (NRs.10,08,000 ha-1), net return (NRs. 6,91,944 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.19). Desirable growth parameters, higher yield, cost-effectiveness, and profitability from 50% NPK + 6.90 Mt ha-1 vermicompost show that the use of vermicompost is economically viable. Results also show that farmers can reduce chemical fertilizer costs by up to 50% using vermicompost without affecting profitability.

Study of tomato breeding forms based on a complex of biological and economic characteristics

In Dagestan, there are local varieties of tomatoes that have valuable economic and biological characteristics: good yield, excellent taste qualities of fruits, high technological qualities, etc. In this regard, the Apple variety is of interest. However, the Apple variety is uneven and represents a motley population. There are deviations – low-yielding, weak-leaved, strongly exposed to sunburn, with different fruit shapes from rounded to flat. Fruit ripening also occurs at different times. Some plants bear fruit early, others-late. The research was carried out in order to improve the local Apple variety by the method of intra-variety family selection. The forms that meet the set goals are highlighted. These include numbers 22.43 and 56 from the early–maturing group, mid–late - 1a, 3, 3a, and 6a. Early–ripening forms 22, 43 and 56 had an advantage over the control in yield by 4.0 - 12.4 t/ha, i.e. by 7.1 - 22.1%, yield of commercial fruits by 5.9 -14.4t/ha or by 11.6 -28.5%, early yield by 1.4 – 3.7 t/ha. Mid-late - 3a, 1a, 3, 6a, had a yield higher by 5.0 – 11.3 t/ha or 10 -11.3%, the yield of commercial fruits was 6.8 -12.8 t/ha or 13.4 – 25.3% more than the control. According to the early harvest, number 6a stood out. Its harvest for the first collections was obtained above the control by 7.8 t / ha.

Transcriptome and Gene Regulatory Network Analyses Reveal New Transcription Factors in Mature Fruit Associated with Harvest Date in Prunus persica.

Harvest date is a critical parameter for producers and consumers regarding agro-industrial performance. It involves a pleiotropic effect controlling the development of other fruit quality traits through finely controlling regulatory mechanisms. Fruit ripening is a process in which various signals and biological events co-occur and are regulated by hormone signaling that produces the accumulation/degradation of multiple compounds. However, the regulatory mechanisms that control the hormone signaling involved in fruit development and ripening are still unclear. To investigate the issue, we used individuals with early, middle and late harvest dates from a peach segregating population to identify regulatory candidate genes controlling fruit quality traits at the harvest stage and validate them in contrasting peach varieties for this trait. We identified 467 and 654 differentially expressed genes for early and late harvest through a transcriptomic approach. In addition, using the Arabidopsis DAP-seq database and network analysis, six transcription factors were selected. Our results suggest significant hormonal balance and cell wall composition/structure differences between early and late harvest samples. Thus, we propose that higher expression levels of the transcription factors HB7, ERF017 and WRKY70 in early harvest individuals would induce the expression of genes associated with the jasmonic acid pathway, photosynthesis and gibberellins inhibition. While on the other hand, the high expression levels of LHY, CDF3 and NAC083 in late harvest individuals would promote the induction of genes associated with abscisic acid biosynthesis, auxins and cell wall remodeling.

The Influence of the Bud Stage at Harvest and Cold Storage on the Vase Life of Narcissus poeticus (L.) Flowers

The Narcissus poeticus (L.) species stands out from other narcissus due to its unique ornamental and sensory values. In our experiment, the flowers of N. poeticus were harvested at five different stages. After cutting, the plants were placed directly at room temperature or at 4 °C for 1 week. The opening status of the flowers was recorded every 12 h, and based on this, the ornamental value of the flowers was calculated. Additionally, the flower diameter, the scape and flower weight, the dry matter content, the water soluble K, Ca, and Mg content of the plant parts, and the chlorophyll content of the scapes were measured. The complete senescence of the stored flowers was noted to be earlier (after 6.6–7.5 days) than that of the fresh flowers (7.5–8.5 days) and depended on the bud stage at harvest. Flowers opened from all the buds, but the flower size was smaller in the early developmental harvest stage (a 10 mm reduction in diameter and a 0.38 g reduction in fresh weight between the green bud and the large white bud harvest stages). Cold storage delayed further bud development and reduced the flower size in several cases, but it increased the maximum decorative value of the flowers for those flowers that had been harvested as big white buds.

Potentials of synthetic hexaploid wheats to improve drought tolerance

Synthetic hexaploid wheat-derived lines (SHW-DL) offers new hope for breeders to restore genes lost during the evolutionary bottleneck. The study of adaptability, variation, and the possibility of selection in SHW-DL for drought tolerance is poorly understood in arid environments. The potential of 184 SHW-DL and their variation for agro-morphological traits were assessed under normal and water stress conditions for 2 years. The mean values of grain yield (YLD) varied from 683.9 g/m2 (water stress) to 992.1 g/m2 (normal conditions). Grain yield decreased by 64 and 71% under water stress in the two growing seasons. High genotypic variation was found for measured traits and drought tolerance. Heritability ranged from 19 (harvest index) to 47% (spike length), whereas grain yield indicated a moderate heritability (32%). Using the assessment of the interrelationship of traits, hectoliter (a quality trait) was correlated with drought tolerance and stability indices. Therefore, it can be considered as an important trait to select drought tolerant genotypes. In the following, the priority of yield components entering the regression model was different in two moisture conditions suggesting different strategies in indirect selection programs to improve yield. Spike m−2 and grain spike−1 indirectly and negatively affected yield through thousand-grain weight (TGW) under normal and water stress conditions, respectively. Furthermore, SHW-DL compared to ordinary wheat were significantly superior in terms of early maturity, dwarfing, yield, TGW, stem diameter, and harvest index. Overall, our findings suggest that SHW-DL are a valuable source for improving wheat yield and drought tolerance, and indirect selection might be possible to improve these complex traits.

Could a Legume-Switchgrass Sod-Seeding System Increase Forage Productivity?

Nowadays, the lack of cattle feed, particularly green fodder, has become a key limiting factor in the agricultural economy. Switchgrass appears to offer a viable solution to the feed shortage. An improved cultivation practice might be needed to boost switchgrass forage production all season long. This study was conducted to quantify the positive effects of introducing different legume crops (vetch and pea), optimally fertilized, on the production and quality of mixed harvested switchgrass-legumes hay in late spring (May) and switchgrass hay harvested once more in early fall (September). The studied intercropping systems, independently of the legume species used, increased forage productivity (almost threefold), reaching 7.5 t ha-1 and quality characteristics, with protein content almost rising threefold, reaching 12.5%. The aforementioned practice can assist the perennial crop (switchgrass) in providing a high hay production during the early fall harvest, even without fertilization. The overall annual economic benefit for the farmers may be increased by 90-720 € per ha, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Overall, it may be concluded that the suggested cropping system produces a significantly higher yield of cattle feed compared to traditional monocultures, improving the agricultural economy while reducing the negative effects of modern agriculture on the environment.

Tilling Rows and Early Harvests

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IMPACT OF DIFFERENT CASING MATERIALS FOR PRODUCTION OF MILKY MUSHROOM (CALOCYBE INDICA)

Milky mushroom (Calocybe indica) is an indigenous tropical edible mushroom becoming popular among people these days during summer and rainy season. This experiment was conducted in mushroom cultivation laboratory, Dept. of Agricultural Sci., &RD, Loyola Academy Degree and PG College Hyderabad, India in completely randomized design (CRD) replicated thrice. The temperature of Hyderabad ranges from 27 to 34 0 C with Relative humidity (RH) ranging from 70-85% and continued by gentle spraying of water over cemented floor 2-3 times during day time. The morphological characters i.e. pileus diameter (cm), average number of pinheads, length of stalk (cm), biological efficiency (%) and yield (g) were recorded. Paddy substrate is used for growing milky mushroom with different casing materials viz., T1 (cocopeat), T2 (cocopeat+ vermicompost), T3 (FYM), T4 (vermicompost), T5 (sandy loam soil), T6 (FYM+ sandy loam soil) and T7 (Vermicompost + sandy loam soil) were tested. The result of the experiment revealed that, out of seven different casing material evaluated T6(FYM + sandy loam soil gave significantly highest yield (1428g), average number of Pinheads(41.66), length of stalk(7.76cm), Pileus Diameter (7.78cm), with early first harvest(33days) and biological efficiency (142.36%) ,followed by T7 (Vermicompost + sandy loam soil) compared to other treatments. Lowest values were observed in T5 (sandy loam soil).This study confirms the suitability of locally available wild strain APK2 which can be recommended for cultivation by mushroom growers by using paddy straw as substrate with FYM +Sandy soil as a casing material for achieving higher yield.

Early Vegetative Growth of Barley And Triticale Sown at Different Seed And Dap Fertilizer Rates under Rainfed Conditions

This study was carried out during the growing season 2020-2021 at two locations (Sumail and Zakho) to study the influence of different seeding (2,500000, and 3000,000 and 3,500000 seeds.ha-1) and DAP (0, 200, and 300 kg.ha-1) rates on some early growth characters of barley (Hordeum distichum L.) and Triticale (X Triticosecale wittmack). The experimental was designed as factorial of three factors in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Some early and pre harvest (flag leaf area, plant height, number of total tillers and number on fertile tillers) were measured. The results displayed significant superiority of all studied characters for Zakho location compered to Sumail location. Also, Barley surpassed Triticale crop in flag leaf area, plant height, but inferior in number of total and fertile tillers. Higher numbers of tillers were recorded in Sumail location of experiment with lower seeding rate (314.17 tillers) compared to Triticale or other seeding rate or Fertilizer treatments. DAP fertilizer treatment enhanced most of the studied traits while their effect was not reached significant level. The results recommend that the crops or varieties with fewer tillers are favorable in water limited environments and more studies are recommended mainly for Triticale crop as the studies on this crop in our areas are very rare rather than its economic importance in feeding and food processing

Early Vegetative Growth of Barley And Triticale Sown at Different Seed And Dap Fertilizer Rates under Rainfed Conditions

This study was carried out during the growing season 2020-2021 at two locations (Sumail and Zakho) to study the influence of different seeding (2,500000, and 3000,000 and 3,500000 seeds.ha-1) and DAP (0, 200, and 300 kg.ha-1) rates on some early growth characters of barley (Hordeum distichum L.) and Triticale (X Triticosecale wittmack). The experimental was designed as factorial of three factors in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Some early and pre harvest (flag leaf area, plant height, number of total tillers and number on fertile tillers) were measured. The results displayed significant superiority of all studied characters for Zakho location compered to Sumail location. Also, Barley surpassed Triticale crop in flag leaf area, plant height, but inferior in number of total and fertile tillers. Higher numbers of tillers were recorded in Sumail location of experiment with lower seeding rate (314.17 tillers) compared to Triticale or other seeding rate or Fertilizer treatments. DAP fertilizer treatment enhanced most of the studied traits while their effect was not reached significant level. The results recommend that the crops or varieties with fewer tillers are favorable in water limited environments and more studies are recommended mainly for Triticale crop as the studies on this crop in our areas are very rare rather than its economic importance in feeding and food processing

Market response to typhoons: The role of information and expectations

AbstractDamages from tropical storms are enormous and predicted to increase with climate change. This study uses high‐frequency data to investigate typhoons' effects through information channels on Taiwan's wholesale vegetable market during the 1996–2014 period. We first identify effects on prices and quantities during storms' striking periods and further separate price effects into those due, respectively, to supply and demand shifts. The results show that for typhoons that make landfall, prices rise significantly during the striking period, and the decomposition results indicate that most of the price effects during periods with warnings but no landfall are due to demand shifts, which supports evidence of precautionary purchases by consumers. However, during the landfall period, the price effect is mainly driven by decreased supply. In addition, we find that typhoon effects differ between specific vegetables, and the magnitude of precautionary purchase is correlated with expected damage to those vegetables. Consumers also make more precautionary purchases when they face higher‐intensity typhoons or learn typhoons will make landfall within 24 h, and such prior information related to intensity or landfall urgency can also amplify early harvest effects by farmers.

Optimization of the management and pruning concept of cherry plantations by improving the relationship between growth and f

This article describes the research carried out to develop a strategy for the management and pruning of current cherry plantations. The vigour of the variety-rootstock association, crown shape, planting distance, the age of trees and the pruning system have been studied. The studies regarding the establishment of culture systems for the cherry species were carried out in 6 stationary experiments, located on ordinary chernozem, in the southern and central fruit-growing areas of the Republic of Moldova. The growth and fruiting of the Valerii Cikalov, Record, Ferrovia, Kordia, Regina, Stella, Skeena, Bigarreau Burlat, Lapins, Early Star, Samba and Black Star varieties, grafted on rootstocks of the Cerasus mahaleb L., MaxMa 14 and Gisela-6 in different combinations and at different planting distances, have been investigated. High vigor trees are used on non-irrigated soils in association with self-fertile varieties and optimal planting distances that ensure high yields. Cherry trees, grafted on rootstocks of medium-low vigor (Gisela 6) and moderate (MaxMa 14) are used on fertile soils and well-irrigated, provide medium-sized trees, managed entirely from the ground level, early harvests, average yield, reducing costs for harvesting fruits by increasing labor productivity. The investigated cultivar-portaltoi associations are suitable for the pedoclimatic conditions favorable for cultivation in the respective area. The variety-portaltoi associations will have to be selected according to the direct objective, the culture system and the applied technology.

Evaluation of potato hybrids by the dynamics of accumulation of yield and starch content in tubers in agro-ecological conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region

The article provides the results of studying the accessions of potato in the nursery of dynamic test for 2019-2021 in agro-ecological conditions of the Volga-Vyatka region (Kirov region) by the yield and starch content in tubers. The objects of the study were 10 hybrids bred by Falenki Breeding Station - branch of Federal Agricultural Research Center of the NorthEast named N. V. Rudnitsky (FARC North-East). Early variety Udacha (Russian Potato Research Centre), middle-early variety Nevsky (North-West Research Institute of Agriculture), mid-season variety Chaika (FARC North-East) were taken as standard. Promising potato hybrids of different maturity groups with high potential yield have been selected: early variety 172- 13 (24.1 t/ha), middle-early varieties 27-07 (22.7 t/ha), 179-10 (22.9 t/ha), 233-12 (24.0 t/ha), mid-season 232-12 (22.4 t/ha). By favorable agro-weather conditions (2019) the highest yield (more than 28.0 % t/ha) was developed by hybrids: early 172-13, middle-early 27-07 and 179-10, mid-season 580-13. In the unstable environment of 2020 and 2021 the following hybrids were noted: middle-early 233-12 (19.6 and 27.7 t/ha) and mid-season 232-12 (19.2 and 24.0 t/ha). In the group of middle-early varieties with high starch content (15 % and more) during the years of study there were selected the hybrids 27-07, 179-10, 72-13, 182-13. The maximum accumulation of starch (18-21 %) was noted in mid-season hybrid 580-13. Significantly high inter-seasonal correlations by yield on the 60th day from the planting have been established, that characterized all the varieties as the most stable. On the 80th day there were noted weak inter-seasonal correlations that proved the instability of this parameter during the years which differed in weather conditions (strong interaction “genotype-environment”, that is the yield of variety samples during this period depended on the effect of environment factors). High inter-seasonal correlations by the parameter “starch content” on the 80th day have been revealed. The varieties and hybrids by the time of complete ripeness preserved the stability by this indicator unlike early harvesting periods when they were more dependable on the fluctuations of environmental factors.

Color desynchronization with softening of ‘Hass’ avocado: Targeted pigment, hormone and gene expression analysis

Main determinants of ‘Hass’ avocado quality and consumer acceptance are mesocarp firmness and skin color. Relevant producing and exporting countries have evidenced during the last seasons color desynchronization with softening at edible ripeness. The mechanisms driving this desynchronization are still unknown. Thus, this study aimed to provide a first deep insight into this problem by combining targeted pigment, hormone and gene expression analysis in avocado exocarp samples from different harvests and storage conditions. Results showed that color desynchronization was more pronounced in regular air (RA) condition and early harvest for all orchards. Prolonged controlled atmosphere (CA) storage synchronized color development in all orchards analyzed. Chlorophylls and carotenoids did not decrease in content as the fruit reached the ready to eat stage but remained stable while total anthocyanins increased in all evaluated orchards. Total anthocyanins and abscisic acid were strongly and positively correlated with the “black color” phenotype. The other evaluated hormones (JA, IAA, SA, tZ, DHZ, iP) revealed negative correlations with the “black color” phenotype. Gene expression related to the ethylene biosynthesis pathway (PamACS, PamETR avocado gene orthologues) showed an up-regulation in fruit phenotyped as ready to eat (RTE) Green. In addition, the expression of the genes orthologues PamPAL, PamF3H and PamCHS was also positively correlated with anthocyanin content in the skin. Our results revealed that color desynchronization with softening of ‘Hass’ avocado is quite complex in terms of hormonal interplay and the role of storage conditions (RA vs CA). Thus, further studies need broader approaches such as the incorporation of omics studies to elucidate the physiological and molecular mechanisms driving color desynchronization.