Flesh Thickness Research Articles

SlKIX8 and SlKIX9 are negative regulators of leaf and fruit growth in tomato.

Plant organ size and shape are major agronomic traits that depend on cell division and expansion, which are both regulated by complex gene networks. In several eudicot species belonging to the rosid clade, organ growth is controlled by a repressor complex consisting of PEAPOD (PPD) and KINASE-INDUCIBLE DOMAIN INTERACTING (KIX) proteins. The role of these proteins in asterids, which together with the rosids constitute most of the core eudicot species, is unknown. We used Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 genome editing to target SlKIX8 and SlKIX9 in the asterid model species tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and analyzed loss-of-function phenotypes. Loss-of-function of SlKIX8 and SlKIX9 led to the production of enlarged, dome-shaped leaves and these leaves exhibited increased expression of putative Solanum lycopersicum PPD (SlPPD target genes. Unexpectedly, kix8 kix9 mutants carried enlarged fruits with increased pericarp thickness due to cell expansion. At the molecular level, protein interaction assays indicated that SlKIX8 and SlKIX9 act as adaptors between the SlPPD and SlTOPLESS co-repressor proteins. Our results show that KIX8 and KIX9 are regulators of organ growth in asterids and can be used in strategies to improve important traits in produce such as thickness of the fruit flesh.

The Effects of Single and Split NPK Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield of Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

Inorganic fertilizer application and the quantity required by the crop for optimum production led agronomists to introduced varying measures in crop production. A study to investigate the effects of single and split NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer application on muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) production was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University. A 4 × 2 factorial experiment laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replicates with four varying rates (0, 167, 333 and 500 kg ha-1) of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer applications and two-mode of applications (single and split) serves as the treatments. Data collected include the number of leaves and branches, vine length, number of fruits, fruit length and width, fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness (fruit pulp width), number of seeds fruit-1 and seed weight. Collected data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and treatment means separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. The split application at 333 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer produced a significantly higher number of leaves (90), leaf area (109.58 cm2) and vine length (110.77 cm) at 10 WAS than other applied fertilizer rates. The split application of 500 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer produced a higher fruit yield (12.64 t ha-1) than 12.09 t ha-1 from the single application which was not significantly different from the 333 kg ha-1 NPK fertilizer. The results indicated that the split application of NPK fertilizer is a better fertilizer application approach than a single application for muskmelon production.

Yield and quality performance of bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.] genotypes in humid tropical lowland of Kerala

The present investigation was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellayani, during 2019-2020 to study the performance of bottle gourd genotypes. Among the genotypes, the BG-3 recorded the lower most node to fruit production (13.7) and highest fruit set per cent (43.4%). BG-2 was earliest to first fruit harvest (57.8 days). IC 371745 recorded longer fruit length (68.8 cm) which was at par with IC 538142 (62.2 cm). Genotype IC417704 recorded maximum fruit diameter and flesh thickness (15.97 cm and 12.56 cm). Genotype IC 331101 recorded the lowest rind thickness (1.69 mm) and IC 536593 recorded the highest fruit weight (2.41 kg). Tvpm Local recorded highest number of fruits per vine (6) followed by Pant Lauki-4 (4.3). The highest fruit yield was recoeded in Tvpm Local (43.98 t ha-1) with crop duration of 129.4 days. The highest TSS and ascorbic acid content were noted in the BG-3 (2.5°B) and IC398545 (12.0 mg 100-1 g), respectively. Based on the mean yield performance of the genotypes and selection index score IC 536593, Tvpm Local and Pant lauki-4 were best performing genotypes.

English

An investigation was carried out to study the performance of 28 hybrids of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria mol. stand) through diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. Observations were recorded on the traits, viz., number of primary branches per vine, days to 50% flowering, node number at which first female flower appears, days to initiation of first female flower, number of fruits per vine, days to first fruit harvest, fruit weight, fruit size, hundred seed weight, flesh thickness, vine length and fruit yield per vine besides quality traits such as moisture content and TSS content in the fruit. Among the 28 hybrids of bottle gourd studied, thecross ‘PSPL X Pusa Naveen excelled in yield per vine, followed by the crosses ‘DBG-5XPusa Naveen. Thus, first generation hybrids can be well-utilized for exploiting hybrid vigour to achieve improved quality.

Identification of morphological characters and kinship of coconut genotypes (Cocos nucifera L.) in Aceh Tamiang District, Aceh

Coconut productivity in Indonesia was relatively low, whereas the potential for coconut production can reach 3–5 tons of copra/ha/yr. Collection of genetic material or sources of genetic diversity of coconuts that are indispensable to plant breeders. This research was conducted using a descriptive survey method based on books IPGRI (International Plant Genetic Resources Institute) coconut descriptor guide with sampling technique by accidental sampling. Cultivation of coconuts in Tenggulun, Seruway and Rantau Districts consists of land and yard coconut with monoculture or polyculture cropping patterns. The research conducted on 27 genotypes of coconut, which research showed that all of the genotype coconut identified were genotypes of coconut Dwarf. Morphological characterization results were found for canopy shape (round, half round, X-shaped silhouette, V-shaped), flowers (normal and still covered with leaf sheaths), fruit (oval, ovate, angled, round), shell (pointed, ovate almost spherical, oblate). From the 27 genotypes, there are genotypes that are good as a source of parents, namely AS26 with the character of heavy and thick flesh and AS4 with a large number of fruits.

Genetic analysis of root traits in tropical carrots (Daucus carota L.)

Carrot root being used as vegetable and salad due to the nutritional value, hence consumers demanding carrot production. Thus, the production can be achieved by an understanding of the genetics of root traits namely root length, root weight, root diameter, core diameter, flesh thickness and root to top (shoot) ratio. Thus, the results assist in the development of carrot hybrids or varieties. Genetic analysis of economic traits of carrot was estimated through three cross combinations, and the results revealed the existence of additive [d], dominance [h], additive × additive [i], additive × dominance [j] and dominance × dominance [l] gene actions. The nature and magnitude of gene interaction and effects showed the importance of the inheritance modes, and the complimentary type of non-epistatic gene action of traits could be used for the exploitation of heterosis through favourable positive [h] and [l] gene interaction and effects. This information on root genetics aided to the adoption of suitable breeding method, handling and selection of segregates with desirable economic traits.

Identification of superior jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) genotypes based on morphological and fruit characterizations.

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is of great importance due to its medicinal properties and nutritional value. The current investigation was carried out to assess phenotypic variation of naturally grown accessions of this species. The accessions investigated exhibited meaningful variabilities based on the recorded characters. Fruit fresh weight ranged from 0.36 to 3.83 g with an average of 1.16, fruit dry weight varied from 0.21 to 3.04 g with an average of 0.80, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.24 to 8.51 mm. Skin color showed large variabilities among the accessions, including maroon‐yellow, light maroon, maroon, dark maroon, light brown, brown, dark brown, and maroon‐crimson. Principal component analysis (PCA) determined the characters influencing the most variation among the accessions. Cluster analysis performed with the Euclidean distance and Ward's method divided the accessions into two main clusters. The present findings provided essential data about the morphological traits of Z. jujube that can be used for the selection of superior genotypes and development of the fruit processing industry. Besides, the available results can be useful in designing conservation strategies and breeding of Z. jujube.

Genetic analysis in F3 generation of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch Ex. Poir)

The study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during 2018. The experimental plot was laid out in Randomized block design without replication due to segregating population with four crosses P2 X P5, P3 x P5, P5 x P6 and P6 x P5 selected from the F2 generation based on the yield attributes of a single plant from the plant population and raised as F3 generation to find out GCV, PCV, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path analysis for growth and yield traits. Though in segregating generation the plant possesses bizarre of traits in plant population. However, a wider genetic variability was observed in the crosses. The mean performance for vine length (7.47), average fruit weight (1.15) and the number of fruits per plant (3.42) was estimated for the crosses P2 x P5, P3 x P5, P5 x P6 and P6 x P5. The PCV was registered high with low genetic advance over the mean for average fruit weight (40.44), the number of seeds per fruit (30.55) and fruit yield per plant (64.31). From the correlation it was revealed that the traits viz., average fruit weight (0.822), fruit diameter (0.417), the number of seeds per fruit (0.460) and hundred seed weight (0.340) showed a significant and positive association with fruit yield per plant in the F3 generation. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the biometric traits viz., number of fruits per vine (0.5767) and average fruit weight (0.981) showed a positive direct effect on fruit yields per plant and traits like fruit diameter (0.4566), fruit length (0.3221), flesh thickness (0.1728), number of seeds per fruit (0.5719) and hundred seed weight (0.4939) exhibited positive indirect effect through average fruit weight.

The validation of traditional knowledge to harvest sustainably the Udono reed materials for rozetsu of hichiriki

The objective of this study is to validate the traditional knowledge of reeds for the hichiriki (traditional Japanese oboe) harvested from the Udono reed field. Hichiriki is one of main instruments in gagaku (Japanese imperial court music). The reeds at the Udono reed field in Osaka is used for high quality rozetsu (vibrating plate) for hichiriki. The reeds for hichiriki was selected not in the water area but in the land area for larger stem diameter and thicker flesh. It was found the area, for harvesting the reeds for hichiriki, has soft soil and can develop rhizomes to deep underground in comparison to other land area. It is shown that harvesters, with their long time experiences and skills, can select the most efficient places to harvest the best reeds. Therefore, it seems passing down the skill of harvesters contributing to the cultural continuation of gagaku which is an important intangible cultural property.

Genetic analysis and inheritance of floral and fruit traits in melon (Cucumis melo) in the full diallel cross

AbstractTo evaluate gene effects and heritability of fruit and flower characters in melon, three experiments were performed. In the first experiment, 48 genotypes of different melon groups were planted to choose the monoecious melon. To investigate the sex modification regarding fruit traits, seven parents, including a monoecious type and andromonoecious types, crossed in a full diallel scheme to obtain all possible combinations. Evaluation amongst all genotypes revealed one Cantaloupensis and all Flexuosus genotypes with monoecious flowers. Floral and fruit characters of F1 hybrids obtained from the diallel cross, were recorded. All hybrids that have been crossed with the monoecious parent revealed the monosexual progenies. Most of the floral characters with high GCA/SCA values remarked the additive gene effect. There were also cytoplasmic effects on flower and fruit traits. The significant GCA /SCA estimates observed for fruit traits such as yield, fruit length, fruit length to width, flesh thickness referred to the importance of additive gene effects. It could be demonstrated that classic hybridization holds great potential in controlling flowering habit and yield‐related fruit traits.

Effect of grafting and growing media on the chosen fruit quality compounds and sensory parameters of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

AbstractGrafting is an effective tool in intensive vegetable growing systems that provides standard quality and yield. In the present study, the effect of two rootstocks (‘Capsifort F1’ and ‘Snooker F1’) on two commercial varieties (‘SV9702 F1’ and ‘Karpex F1’) grown on two media (soil and coconut fibre) was evaluated. During our 2-year study, those instrumental attributes, which have a dominant effect on the chosen chemical components of fruit quality (total soluble solids and titratable acidity) were investigated. Sensory tests were also implemented in order to identify any changes due to the applied technological combinations. Sensory profile analysis was used to identify the descriptive attributes and their perceived intensities. Panellists worked in individual booths with standard lighting, test results were recorded with the Profisens software. In general, it can be concluded that the major instrumental and sensory parameters did not deteriorate as a result of grafting and the application of coconut fibre medium. Some attributes were identified, where the grafted plants on coconut fibre medium showed higher values, namely flesh thickness and shape. Based on our results, grafting and the application of coconut medium is a feasible technological development for growers and agri-business companies.

Breeding Melon (Cucumis melo L.) for resistance to powdery mildew and fruit quality characteristics.

This study was conducted during the period from 2015 to 2017 to study resistance of powdery mildew in eight melon inbred lines and their hybrids in order to reduce losses in quality and yield. Eight different genetically inbred lines of melon were selfed for six generations to ensure homozygosity. They have been self-pollinated and intercrossed in a half diallel mating design to obtain 28 melon hybrids in 2015. Thirty six melon genotypes (8 inbred Lines and 28 produced hybrids) were evaluated for their reaction to powdery mildew in 2016. The results showed that P5, P6, P7 and P8 of inbred lines, and all hybrids that contain P6 [(P1) X(P6), (P2) X(P6), (P3) X(P6), (P4) X(P6), (P5) X(P6), (P6) X(P7) and (P6) X(P8)] beside P5X P7, P5X P8 and P7X P8 showed low infection (between 1-12.5%) that is meaning they are resistant. The genetic study showed that most hybrids appeared significant negative heterosis over its mid parent. On the contrary, most studied hybrids appeared significant positive heterosis over its better parent. The most potence ratio estimates indicated dominance towards powdery mildew resistance. In 2017 at WADY El-Natroon, The 36 hybrids were evaluated along with their parents to determine heterosis and potence ratio for the economic traits, viz., days to picking, early yield/plant, total yield/plant, average fruit weight, fruit shape index, netting, total soluble solids and flesh thickness. The results showed highly significant mean squares for all of the studied traits. Some crosses revealed highly significant and significant mid-parent and better-parent heterosis for many of studied traits. The inbred lines P5, P6 and P7 were resistant to powdery mildew and had good horticultural characteristics. They were the best and promising inbred lines.

Physical characterization of coconut fruit (Cocos nucífera L) in the region of Jember regency

Jember is known as the region that produces the source of coconut in abundant yet it is not utilized optimally in processing. The research was carried out in May to November 2020 at Jember: 1) in the lowland Wuluhan and Puger subdistrict with a height of 10-100 m above sea level; 2) in Medium region in Arjasa and Silo Subdistrict with an altitude of 100-350 m above sea level and 3) High region in Sumberjambe and Panti subdistrict, with an altitude 400 m above sea level. The measurement of the fruit was analyzed by using a ruler and digital weighing, involved 1) the weight of coconut, 2) fiber of the coconut, 3) water, 4) shell, 5) flesh coconut, and 6) Copra. Data of research are by description. Physical characteristics include the weight of the coconut fruit, the weight of coconut water, the weight of coconut flesh, the weight of the coconut shell, the weight of the copra and the thickness of the coconut flesh. The coconut showed optimally physical characteristics in the medium region (100-350 m above sea level).

Genetic analysis and QTL mapping of yield and fruit traits in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is an economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical parts of the world. In this study, a high-density linkage map of M. charantia was constructed through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology using F2:3 mapping population generated from the cross DBGy-201 × Pusa Do Mausami. About 2013 high-quality SNPs were assigned on a total of 20 linkage groups (LGs) spanning over 2329.2 CM with an average genetic distance of 1.16 CM. QTL analysis was performed for six major yield-contributing traits such as fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. These six quantitative traits were mapped with 19 QTLs (9 QTLs with LOD > 3) using composite interval mapping (CIM). Among 19 QTLs, 12 QTLs derived from ‘Pusa Do Mausami’ revealed a negative additive effect when its allele increased trait score whereas 7 QTLs derived from ‘DBGy-201’ revealed a positive additive effect when its allele trait score increased. The phenotypic variation (R2%) elucidated by these QTLs ranged from 0.09% (fruit flesh thickness) on LG 14 to 32.65% (fruit diameter) on LG 16 and a total of six major QTLs detected. Most QTLs detected in the present study were located relatively very close, maybe due to the high correlation among the traits. This information will serve as a significant basis for marker-assisted selection and molecular breeding in bitter gourd crop improvement.

Colchicine effects on the ploidy level and morphological characters of Katokkon pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) from North Toraja, Indonesia

BackgroundProductivity and quality of crops can be increased through polyploidy plants induced by colchicine. The use of colchicine has never been applied to Katokkon pepper, a local red pepper variety from North Toraja Indonesia. This pepper is characterized by its unique shape like the small-bell pod type of paprika and its strong spicy taste. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of colchicine treatment on the ploidy level and morphological characters of Katokkon pepper. ResultsFlow cytometer analysis showed that all colchicine concentration treatments ranging from 0.025 to 0.1% with 24 h immersion time generated two plant groups based on their ploidy level; 50% of the total treatment plants was diploid while the rest plants were mixoploid. All colchicine treatment plants were significantly different in their width of stomata guard cells from the control plant. The effect of colchicine was also significantly on the plant height, thickness of fruit flesh, and the number of fruits per plant. ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that colchicine treatment had a significant effect on the ploidy level and several morphological characters of the Katokkon pepper. The colchicine treatment increased the number of fruits per plant and thicker flesh of fruits but reduced the size and weight of Katokkon pepper. Our findings provide essential information to obtain tetraploid Katokkon plants through colchicine treatment in further research. This study benefits as a preliminary step for increasing the productivity and quality of the local red peppers in Indonesia.

Fruit Morphology Measurements of Jujube Cultivar ‘Lingwu Changzao’ (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao) during Fruit Development

‘Lingwu Changzao’ (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwuchangzao), a cultivar of Ziziphus in the Rhamnaceae family, is a traditional jujube cultivar in Ningxia, China. For ‘Lingwu Changzao’, morphological traits are prominent in characterizing fruit yield, quality, and consumer acceptance. However, morphological measurements for ‘Lingwu Changzao’ cultivation are limited. Therefore, the objective of this study is to measure the growing patterns of selected morphological traits during ‘Lingwu Changzao’ fruit development. Eight morphological traits, including four fruit traits (fruit length, diameter, weight, and flesh (mesocarp) thickness), three stone traits (stone length, diameter, and weight), and fruit firmness (also known as fruit hardness), were measured over a 3-mo (months) period, covering a completed fruit development period. Results indicate that the growing patterns of fruit traits coincide with double ‘S’ growth curves, which mainly present the growth of ‘Lingwu Changzao’ fruit. Increases of stone traits terminated in the early fruit growth period, while fruit traits continuously increased till the end of the 3-mo period. That implies a high fruit-stone ratio, i.e., a desirable quality attribute for ‘Lingwu Changzao’ as fresh-eating fruits. The results presented in this study can serve as one part of the standard dataset for jujube fruit cultivation in China, and it can also support decisions in plant breeding and field managements for ‘Lingwu Changzao’.

The papaya selection based on fruit characters: a way to assembly new preferred variety

The recent program for assembly new papaya variety was aimed to improve its quality, which based on consumer preference on papaya fruit characters namely size (small to medium), flesh thickness, flesh color (reddish, orange and chewy), and the taste (sweet). To get that kind of papaya variety, a plant breeding program could be applied to assembly. Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute (ITFRI) had conducted several papaya hybridizations in order to obtain a wide genetic variability. The study was carried out in Sumani Experimental Filed of ITFRI, Solok Regency, West Sumatra, and performed to select high-quality papaya hybrids based on the fruit characters. The tested genotypes were selected based on its heritability index on fruit size (length, diameter, and weight), flesh thickness and total dissolved solids (TSS). As the results, six papaya varieties were selected based on fruit character, which mirroring best quality of papaya fruit.

Studied on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance in some cultivated genotypes of carrot (Daucus carota L.) under two different seasons

The purpose of this research was to investigate the genetic variability, heritability, genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genetic advance among 15 genotypes of carrot in terms of quantitative, qualitative and nutritional important characters for the effective selection of genotypes. So, a total of fifteen carrot genotypes were studied based on nineteen quantitative, qualitative and nutritional characters at North Eastern part of Rajasthan during the 2018 and 2019 cropping season respectively. Investigation were carried out in randomized block design (RBD) in two different seasons i.e., environment 1 (E 1) and environment 2 (E 2) with the objectives to assess the magnitude of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of fifteen genotypes of carrot (Daucus carota L) among 19 characters. Based on the performance and variance the genotypes, selection M E 01 was found to be the best with respect to growth, yield, quality and nutritional attributes followed by Shin Kuroda, Selection Red and Pearl Red for both the season respectively. The highly significance difference among all the characters viz. inner core diameter (cm), flesh thickness (cm), plant height (cm) at 60 DAS, plant height (cm) at 90 DAS, harvest index (%), gross root weight / 5 plants (kg), net root weight / 5 plants (kg), dry matter (%), TSS (o brix %), β carotene content (mg / 100 g fresh wt.) and vitamin A (I U) except days to seed germination, number of leaves / plants and moisture % in roots for both the season (E 1 and E 2), were observed sufficient amount of genetic variability. The highest pooled genotypic co-efficient of variation was found in flesh thickness (24.18 cm), followed by net root wt. / five plants (21.85 kg), vitamin A (19.62 I U), β carotene content (19.61 mg / 100 g fresh wt.), yield qt / hectare (18.42) and harvest index (17.11 kg). The maximum estimate of heritability (h2) was observed in inner core diameter (97.74 cm) for environment 2 (E 2), followed by vitamin A (96.22 IU) and β carotene content (95.37 mg / 100 g fresh wt.) in environment 1 (E 1). The correlation study revealed that majority of the characters were positively correlated with each other. The highest total sugar (0.64* %) over the genotypic environment was found positively and significantly at 5 % with gross root weight / 5 plant (kg). TSS (1.00** 0brix %) was found maximum significantly at 1 % correlated with root girth (cm) over the genotypic environments. Similarly, total sugar (0.64* %) was found positively significant at 5 % correlated with TSS (0brix %) and vitamin A (0.96** I U) was recorded positively significant at 1 % correlated with β carotene (mg / 100 g fresh weight) over the phenotypic environments.

Correlation and path coefficient analysis in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

A field experiment including fifteen brinjal genotypes was conducted at Bagusala (Village) instructional farm, Paralakhemundi, Department of Horticulture, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management during the rabi season of 2019-20. The observations were recorded on both quantitative and qualitative traits. Study on correlation between several characters shows that selection for fruit yield must based on plant height, plant spread (E-W), plant spread (N-S), stem girth, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of fruits plant-1, fruit and shoot borer, pericarp thickness, flesh thickness, vitamin C and dry matter. In present study genotypic correlation was observed to be higher than the corresponding phenotypic correlations for all the character combinations and therfore it shows that the suppression of phenotypic expression under the influence of environmental factors. Path coefficient analysis of total fruit yield contributing attributes estimated that fruit length, showed maximum positive direct effect followed by vitamin C, pericarp thickness, number of primary branches plant-1, fruit weight, days to first flowering, TSS, stem girth and number of fruits plant-1 which indicated that these traits have to give much importance in selection programme for yield improvement in brinjal.

Principal component analysis (PCA) of physio-chemical components in different pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) accessions

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) is an immense fruit with varied chemical composition and nutritional value. The aim of the study was to decide the major contributing physiochemical properties that explain the variations in different pumpkin accessions by applying principal component analysis. Thus the study revealed that starch, moisture, total solids, reducing sugar, total carbohydrate and TSS were the principal component of pumpkin accessions followed by flesh thickness, fruit weight and fruit equatorial diameter.