Fruit Calyx Research Articles

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides from fruit calyx of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino

Physalis alkekengi L. (PM) is a traditional Chinese medicine with valuable nutritional and medicinal potential. Polysaccharides were considered as the important active component of calyx of P. alkekengi (PMC). In this study, four polysaccharides (PMCPs) were successfully isolated and purified by extraction, deproteination, dialysis and column chromatography. The structure characterization showed that PMCPs were mainly composed of mannose, glucosamine, ribose, rhamnose, glucose, sorbose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid with the molecular weights of 16.27, 71.53, 77.17 and 299.45 kDa. The FT-IR and NMR analysis suggested the presence of α and β configurations of PMCPs. PMCPs have the triple helix conformation which was determined by Congo red analysis. Moreover, the potential in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of PMCPs was investigated in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells. The results indicated that PMCPs could significantly inhibit NO production at the experimental concentrations. S-PMCP-3 was found to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines including PGE2, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. The findings indicated that PMCPs may be a promising natural source for addressing inflammatory damage.

Tzeltalia graciellae (Solanaceae), a new species from the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico

Tzeltalia graciellae (Solanaceae), a new species from the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and illustrated. This species is related to T. esenbeckii, but can be distinguished by its (4–)6–10(–11) flowers per fascicle, pedicels 10–16 mm long, spherical fruit calyx 4.5–7 mm long, fruits 3–6 mm in diameter, and entire leaf margins. A detailed comparison table, a key to the known species of Tzeltalia, and photographic illustrations are provided.

PE (Prickly Eggplant) encoding a cytokinin-activating enzyme responsible for the formation of prickles in eggplant.

Eggplant is one of the most important vegetables worldwide, with some varieties displaying prickles. These prickles, present on the leaves, stems, and fruit calyxes, posing challenges during cultivation, harvesting, and transportation, making them an undesirable agronomic trait. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying prickle morphogenesis in eggplant remain poorly understood, impeding genetic improvements. In this study, genetic analyses revealed that prickle morphogenesis is governed by a single dominant nuclear gene, termed PE (Prickly Eggplant). Subsequent bulk segregant RNA-sequencing (BSR-seq) and linkage analysis preliminarily mapped PE to chromosome 6. This locus was then fine mapped to a 9233 bp interval in a segregating population of 1109 plants, harboring only one candidate gene, SmLOG1, which encodes a LONELY GUY (LOG)-family cytokinin biosynthetic enzyme. Expression analyses via transcriptome and qRT-PCR demonstrate that SmLOG1 is predominantly expressed in immature prickles. CRISPR-Cas9 knockout experiments targeting SmLOG1 in prickly parental line 'PI 381159' abolished prickles across all tissues, confirming its critical role in prickle morphogenesis. Sequence analysis of SmLOG1 pinpointed variations solely within the non-coding region. We developed a cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) marker from a distinct SNP located at -735-bp within the SmLOG1 promoter, finding significant association with prickle variation in 190 eggplant germplasms. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing prickle development in eggplant and facilitate the use of marker-assisted selection (MAS) for breeding prickleless cultivars.

Fine mapping an AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR, SmARF18, as a candidate gene of the PRICKLE LOCUS that controls prickle absence/presence on various organs in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Prickle is a sharp protrusion that covering plant and fruit calyxes of eggplant are considered undesirable agronomic traits, for they bring troubles and create additional costs for farmers. However, little is known about its regulatory genes and molecular mechanism of morphogenesis. In this study, two eggplant inbred lines, prickly ‘140’ and prickleless ‘145’ were applied to construct F1, BC1, and F2 offspring populations. Genetic analysis results showed that prickle's absence/presence on various organs in eggplant was controlled by only one dominant nuclear gene. The PRICKLE LOCUS (Pl) was fine mapped into a candidate interval with 28.3 Kb on chromosome 6 ultimately by adopting bulked segregant analysis combined with genome walking strategy. An auxin response factor SmARF18 (Smechr0602826.1) was deduced to be a candidate gene encoded by Pl, which possesses a non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism co-segregating with prickle phenotype in F2 population. The finding here could provide a basis to reveal the molecular regulatory mechanism of prickle morphogenesis in plants and breed prickle-free eggplant cultivars.

Cataracta, a new monotypic genus segregated from Physalis (Solanaceae)

We describe a new monotypic genus Cataracta based on Physalis microphysa. From 1896 to 2016, five different authors have pointed out that removing P. microphysa from Physalis may contribute to the monophyly of the genus. Recent phylogenetic analyses showed that P. microphysa does not share the most recent common ancestor with Physalis, and its taxonomic position remained uncertain. Therefore, this taxonomic change is necessary. The diagnostic traits of Physalis microphysa are the fruiting calyx that loosely covers the fruit, remaining open apically, with lobes as long as, or longer than the tube, a dry berry with thin pericarp, and a dehiscent epicarp covered by a thick cuticle. In contrast, Physalis species with typical morphologies have an inflated and completely closed fruiting calyx at the apex that fully envelopes the fleshy berry. The anatomical evidence and molecular phylogenetic analysis with six cpDNA and three nDNA regions performed with Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference confirm that P. microphysa can be recognized as a distinct genus from Leucophysalis, Physalis and Quincula. Cataracta gen. nov. is sister to Chamaesaracha and along with the closely related Quincula grows in arid to semi-arid environments in Mexico and North America. An artificial key to Physalidinae genera is included.

Postharvest Diseases of Pomegranate: Alternative Control Means and a Spiderweb Effect.

The pomegranate is a fruit known since ancient times for its beneficial properties. It has recently aroused great interest in the industry and among consumers, leading to a significant increase in demand. Consequently, its cultivation has been boosted all over the world. The pomegranate crop suffers considerable yield losses, especially at the postharvest stage, because it is a "minor crop" with few permitted control means. To control latent (Alternaria spp., Botrytis spp., Coniella spp., Colletotrichum spp., and Cytospora spp.) and wound (Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Talaromyces spp.) fungal pathogens, different alternative compounds, previously evaluated in vitro, were tested in the field on pomegranate cv. Wonderful. A chitosan solution, a plant protein hydrolysate, and a red seaweed extract were compared with a chemical control treatment, all as preharvest (field application) and postharvest treatments and their combinations. At the end of the storage period, the incidence of stamen infections and external and internal rots, and the severity of internal decay were evaluated. Obtained data revealed that pre- and postharvest application of all substances reduced the epiphytic population on stamens. Preharvest applications of seaweed extract and plant hydrolysate were the most effective treatments to reduce the severity of internal pomegranate decays. Furthermore, the influence of spider (Cheiracanthium mildei) cocoons on the fruit calyx as a possible barrier against postharvest fungal pathogens was assessed in a 'Mollar de Elche' pomegranate organic orchard. Compared to no-cocoon fruit (control), the incidence of infected stamens and internal molds in those with spiderwebs was reduced by about 30%, and the mean severity of internal rots was halved. Spiderwebs analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) disclosed a layered, unordered structure that did not allow for the passage of fungal spores due to its mean mesh size (1 to 20 µm ca). The aims of this research were (i) to evaluate alternative compounds useful to control postharvest pomegranate decays and (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of spiders in reducing postharvest fungal infections by analyzing related mechanisms of action. Alternative control means proposed in the present work and calyx spider colonization may be helpful to reduce postharvest pomegranate diseases, yield losses, and waste production in an integrated control strategy, satisfying organic agriculture and the planned goals of Zero Hunger Challenge launched by the United Nations.

New Insights from Solanum fernandesii (Solanaceae)

Solanum fernandesii is an unusual and important species of the genus Solanum, and it is the only known species within Solanum that has a petiolar gland. We provide new insights for this species endemic to Brazil, including a new record for the state of Piauí, Northeastern Brazil. S. fernandesii is distributed in the states of Piauí, Ceará, Bahia, Alagoas, Minas Gerais, and Pernambuco. Based on the use of online tools and field observations, its conservation status is classified as Least Concern for the Extension of Occurrence (754.583,610 km2) and Endangered for the Area of Occupancy (68.000 km2). We emphasize that serrated leaf margins, the presence of a petiole gland, and the shape of the calyx of fruits and seeds are important characteristics for the delimitation of this species. Taxonomic notes, field images, comments, and identification key for species of the genus Solanum in the study area are presented. Key words: Caatinga, Flora of Piauí, Gardneri Clade, Petiolar glands.

Ethyl Formate Fumigation for Control of the Scale Insect Asiacornococcus kaki, a Quarantine Pest on Sweet Persimmon, Diospyros kaki: Efficacy, Phytotoxicity and Safety

Sweet persimmons are a valuable export commodity. However, the presence of live insects such as Asiacornococcus kaki limits their access to many export markets. Methyl bromide, traditionally used for pest control, is damaging to human health and the environment. Ethyl formate (EF) is a viable alternative; however, its effectiveness against A. kaki on sweet persimmon fruit is unknown. We evaluated the effectiveness of EF fumigation in controlling A. kaki present under the calyx of persimmon fruit. The hatching rate of eggs and the survival rates of nymphs and adults of A. kaki at low temperatures, its LCt50 and LCt99 after EF exposure, and phytotoxic damage caused by EF were evaluated in laboratory-scale and commercial-scale tests. The dose-response tests showed that the EF LCt99 at 5 °C was 9.69, 42.13, and 126.13 g h m-3 for adults, nymphs, and eggs, respectively. Commercial-scale tests demonstrated EF efficacy against all A. kaki stages without causing phytotoxic effects on persimmons, though the eggs of A. kaki were not completely controlled in linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)-packaged fruit. This study demonstrated that EF is a potential fumigant for quarantine pretreatment, especially before persimmon fruit is packed with LLDPE film, to control A. kaki infesting sweet persimmon fruit.

Comparative analysis of anthocyanin content in various tomato samples in connection with breeding

Relevance. Anthocyanin pigments can be synthesised in the stem, leaves, calyx, peel and pulp of tomato fruit. These compounds protect the photosynthetic apparatus of the plant, neutralise free radicals, increase the efficiency of phosphorus and nitrogen assimilation, have an osmoregulatory function, antimicrobial activity and increase the level of adaptation to unfavourable environmental conditions. In addition, anthocyanins from plant foods play an important role in the prevention of type II diabetes, neurodegenerative processes, cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Therefore, the cultivation of tomatoes with anthocyanin-coloured fruits is a perspective area for the vegetable industry in Russia. Vegetable products containing antioxidant substances belong to the functional products and conform to the concept of a healthy diet. As one of the most popular and frequently consumed vegetable crops, the anthocyanin content of tomato is advisable to increase in the fruit (peel and pulp).Material and methods. In this work we studied breeding samples of FSBSI FSVC: L-Ch-365, L-IR-2080, L-Zemba, hybrid combination F1 Zemba x L-Ch-365, variety of Siberian Botanical Garden Bosare blue. The aim of our research was to determine the quantitative composition of phenolic compounds - anthocyanins in different tomato samples, and on this basis to determine the objectives of breeding to improve the content of phenolic compounds.Results. As a result of the research, the quantitative content of anthocyanins in fruits of dif- ferent tomato specimens has been studied, on which the dietary and medicinal quality of the fruits depends. The sources of high content of anthocyanins (L-Zemba, L-IR-2080) have been obtained, which will make possible to conduct directed breeding work for high content of phenolic compounds. It has been shown that anthocyanin-rich tomato samples can be rich in carotenoids, which gives an opportunity to create new varieties and hybrids with high content of water- and fat-soluble antioxidants. Potential samples for breeding according to the complex of biochemical indicators have been identified: L-Zemba, L-IR-2080, Bosare blue. It has been shown that selection for high content of anthocyanins can be performed at various stages of fruit ripening (large ripe fruit, blangetongue, biological ripeness), selecting the most intense colouring. The Zemba tomato variety developed at FSBSI FSVC has a sufficiently high anthocyanin content and is recommended for cultivation in production.

Qualitative Characters Diversity of Prentul Kediri Cayenne Pepper Mutant (M1) Resulted from Gamma Ray Mutation Induction

Prentul Kediri cayenne pepper is a local variety that has the potential to be developed into a new superior variety through the breeding of gamma-ray mutations. The purpose of the study is to find out the diversity and degree of similarity in plants of the M1 generation based on qualitative character. The research was conducted in August 2021-February 2022 at the research field, Ketindan Village, Malang City. This study was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications. Data was subjected to cluster analysis using the NTSYSpc.2.02i program. The results showed that induction of gamma-ray mutations led to phenotype diversity in several qualitative characters, namely plant habitus, leaf shapes, and fruit shapes, while two other characters, i.e., fruit calyx and the position of flowers remained uniform. The degree of intermutants at each dose of gamma ray mutation is varied. Qualitative characters that remained uniform in the mutant population (M1) were the calyx character of the fruit and the position. In the mutant population (M1), the results of mutations in gamma rays at doses of 100 Gy and 200 Gy were still found in individuals with characters 100% similar to control plants. Meanwhile, in the mutant population (M1), the results of mutations in gamma rays at a dose of 300 Gy were not found to have individuals with characters 100% similar to control plants. Keywords: Gamma ray, Mutation diversity, Prentul Kediri Cayenne Pepper

Genetic variability and correlation analysis for yield and yield contributing characters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Thirty brinjal genotypes were evaluated for eighteen quantitative characters in a randomized block design with three replications. Variability studies for 18 quantitative characters revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was comparatively greater than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. Maximum PCV (59.49%) and GCV (59.48%) were registered for fruit weight. High estimates of heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were  recorded for most of the traits viz., fruit length, diameter, pedicel length, pedicel thickness, relative fruit calyx length, fruit weight, fruits per plant, the number of marketable fruits, marketable fruit yield and fruit yield per plant indicating the prominence of additive gene action, thus pointing towards the effectiveness of simple selection depending on the phenotypic expression of genotypes would be rewarding for genetic improvement of these characters. Significant positive correlation of fruit yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, percentage of medium and long styled flowers, fruit setting percentage, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit pedicel length, fruit pedicel thickness, fruit weight, marketable fruit yield and significant negative correlation with the number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvest, relative fruit calyx length, fruits per plant, total marketable fruits. Therefore, considering these characters would be beneficial in the selection for fruit yield per plant. Keywords: Brinjal, Genetic variability, Correlation analysis

Phenotypic Screening of Chilli Genotypes Collected from Different Regions

The experiment was performed at Maharajpur Farm under the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, J.N.K.V.V., Jabalpur (M.P.) during the Kharif season 2019-2022 and planted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The characterization of thirty genotype for thirty-five qualitative traits articulated no variability for trait i.e., the monomorphic trait was non-enveloping fruit calyx cover, two descriptors were found to be moderately diverse, which were with medium fruit intensity of the red colour (at the mature unripe stage) and the narrow triangular shape of fruit with the Shannon-Weaver diversity index H'=0.46 & H'=0.50, both of these are fruit related traits. The descriptor intensity of pubescence (hairiness) of the stem had the highest diversity index of 1.82. The studies highlighted some of the genotypes with the distinctness, MPKC-1(Katni collection) addressed unique features with green with purple tinge leaf colour, purple petal colour, upright fruit orientation, absence of fruit curvature, purple fruit colour at ripening maturity, ovate leaf and erect plant habit, depicting it like a wild relative of capsicum and could be utilized as the morphological descriptor.

Integrating Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses to Explore the Effect of Color Under Fruit Calyx on That of Fruit Apex in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).

Fruit color is an important commercial characteristic of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), which affects both the profits of growers and consumer choice. Two eggplant inbred lines were discovered: “Z,” which is a light purple color under the fruit calyx, with purple on the fruit apex; and “L,” fruits of which are green under the calyx and at the apex. To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of fruit peel color under the calyx on that at the fruit apex, we conducted a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the Z and L inbred eggplant lines. Transcriptome analysis of peel samples from three fruit regions (under the calyx, the apex, and the middle surface) of each line was conducted by RNA sequencing, and generated a total of 791,512,404 clean reads from 18 samples (three biological replicates). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs; n = 424) were identified in comparisons of peel samples from the three sites of L line fruits. Gene ontology analysis showed that “catalytic activity” was extremely significantly enriched. Further, DEGs (n = 8) were enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway “flavonoid biosynthesis.” Levels of CHI, LDOX, F3′5′H, and dihydroflavonol reductase were higher in the Z line than the L line. In addition, metabolome analysis showed that, 10 differentially accumulated metabolites were detected between peel samples from the apex of L and Z line fruit. The most significant DAM was delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside (Z line content, 34.89 μg/g vs. L line content 0.01 μg/g). Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that DFR and F3′5′H were closely related to content of the metabolites, cyanidin and delphinidin, and that some downstream metabolites differed significantly between the L and Z lines. Content levels of delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside were markedly down-regulated in the L line. Altogether, increased CHI levels could up-regulate the downstream genes, LDOX, F3′5′H, and DFR, which further lead to increasing the content of delphindin. Thus, the uniform purple color was presented at the apex of fruits in Z plants. These findings not only identify key candidate genes, but will also improve understanding of the genetics and the efficiency of breeding for eggplant fruit color.

A new species and a new record of Heisteria Jacq. (Olacaceae s.l.) from the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo, Brazil

During taxonomic studies of extra-Amazonian species of Heisteria, a new record (Heisteria maytenoides) and new species (Heisteria longipedicellata) from the Atlantic Forest of Espírito Santo were identified. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, the geographic distribution, and conservation status are provided for these species; an identification key for species of Heisteria of the state is also presented. Heisteria longipedicellata is known only from the type locality and recognized mainly by the long pedicel of the fruits (ca. 67 mm long). It is morphologically similar to H. blanchetiana, however, it differs by the length of the pedicel in fruit, diameter of the accrescent calyx in fruit and drupe size. Heisteria maytenoides, until now registered only in the phytogeographic domain of the Amazon in Colombia and Venezuela, had its distribution confirmed to Brazil, in the phytogeographic domain of the Atlantic Forest, in the state of Espírito Santo; it is recognized mainly by its coriaceous leaves and globoid fruits. In this study the richness of Heisteria for the Espírito Santo state is updated to five species. Heisteria blanchetiana, previously registered only to the state of Bahia, had its distribution expanded to include Espírito Santo.

First report of chili pepper fruit rot caused by Fusarium incarnatum in China.

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), with annual production over 1 million tons, is ranked the first vegetable crop in Hainan Province, China. In December 2018, fruit rot of chili pepper , with yield loss of up to 15%, was found in 10 fields (12 hm2) in Yacheng (18°N, 109°E), Hainan Province, China. Water-soaked and soft lesions developed on fruit, with white to light gray fungal mycelium present inside. The diseased fruit turned soft and decayed at the later stages. Diseased tissue was cut into 12 pieces of 0.5×0.5 cm, surface-disinfected with 2% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, followed by 70% ethanol for 30 s, rinsed with sterile distilled water five times, and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). After growing on PDA for 2 to 3 days at 28°C in an incubator without light, 10 pure culture isolates were obtained. All isolates had abundant dense white aerial mycelia that became beige with age. The macroconidia were slightly curved with four to seven septa, 29.51 to 42.15 × 4.29 to 6.22 μm. Spindle-shaped mesoconidia with three to four septa were abundantly produced, 20.34 to 24.54 × 4.58 to to 11.70 × 2.35 to 3.20 μm. Chlamydospores were absent. Based on the morphological characteristics, the fungus was tentatively identified as Fusarium incarnatum (Leslie and Summerell 2006). An isolate SQHP-01 was chosen for molecular identification and pathogenicity test. Two DNA fragments of the isolate, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor genes (EF-1α) were amplified for sequencing. BLAST analysis showed that sequences of ITS (GenBank acc. no. MN317371) and EF-1α (acc. No. MN928788) had 99.61 to 100% identity with those of known F. incarnatum (MN480497 and KF993969). Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using neighbor-joining algorithm based on ITS and EF-1a genes separately, and the isolate was well clustered with F. incarnatum both with 100% bootstrap support. Pathogenicity test of the isolate were carried out twice on five healthy chili pepper fruit. After surface-disinfection, fruit were wounded at three different points and 20 μl of conidial suspension (106 conidia/ml) were deposited on each wound. Unwounded inoculation was conducted by spreading 100 μl of the suspension on each fruit surface including the pedicel and calyx. The fruit spread with sterile distilled water represented the negative control. All fruit treatments were placed on the moist sterile cotton in moist chambers at 25°C with 16 h light and 8 h darkness. After 4 to 6 days, water-soaked necrotic lesions appeared on the wounded fruit, the symptoms identical to those observed in the field. Water-soaked necrotic lesions developed on the pedicel and calyx of unwounded fruit. No symptoms were observed on the control fruit. The morphology and sequences of re-isolated fungal isolates from the tested peppers were the same as the original isolate. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. incarnatum (synonym of F. semitectum) causing fruit rot on chili pepper in China. F. incarnatum has been reported to cause root rot of greenhouse pepper in China (Li et al. 2018), fruit rot of bell pepper in Trinidad (Ramdial et al. 2016) and Pakistan (Tariq et al. 2018). Effective control strategies need to be developed to prevent the economic losses caused by the disease in chili pepper.

Evaluation of Advanced Backcrosses of Eggplant with Solanum elaeagnifolium Introgressions under Low N Conditions

Selection and breeding of eggplant (Solanum melongena) materials with good performance under low nitrogen (N) fertilization inputs is a major breeding objective to reduce environmental degradation, risks for human health, and production costs. Solanum elaeagnifolium, an eggplant wild relative, is a potential source of variation for introgression breeding in eggplant. We evaluated 24 plant, fruit, and composition traits in a set of genotyped advanced backcrosses (BC2 and BC3) of eggplant with S. elaeagnifolium introgressions under low N conditions. Significant differences were found between the two parents for most traits, and a wide phenotypic diversity was observed in the advanced backcrosses, with some individuals with a much higher yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and phenolics content than the S. melongena parent. In general, the lower the proportion of S. elaeagnifolium genome introgressed in the advanced backcrosses, the higher was the general phenotypic resemblance to S. melongena. Putative QTLs were detected for stem diameter (pd4), presence of prickles in stem (ps6), leaf (pl6) and fruit calyx (pc6), fruit width (fw7), chlorogenic acid content (cg5), total phenolic acid peaks area (ph6), chlorogenic acid peak area (ca1), and phenolic acids pattern (cp1). Our results reveal that introgression breeding of eggplant with S. elaeagnifolium has a great interest for eggplant breeding, particularly for adaptation to low N conditions. These materials can potentially contribute to the development of improved eggplant varieties for a more sustainable agriculture.

Pest categorisation of Resseliella citrifrugis.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of the citrus fruit midge, Resseliella citrifrugis Jiang (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), for the territory of the EU. This species is not included in EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. This oligophagous species, which feeds on Citrus spp. fruits, is known to occur in China (provinces of Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Sichuan). First‐generation adults emerge in April and oviposit on the peduncle and calyx of citrus fruits. Larvae feed on the albedo (the white layer between skin and pulp) of the fruit, which they tunnel. Infested fruit most often drop prematurely. Larvae pupate either within the fallen fruit or in the soil. This species has three main peaks of activity (May, June–July, August–September) and four generations per year in its native range. Mature larvae from the last generation are the overwintering stage. Potential entry pathways for R. citrifrugis, such as Citrus spp. plants for planting with foliage and soil/growing media, and soil/growing media can be considered as closed. The citrus fruit pathway remains open from countries where R. citrifrugis is known to occur. Indeed, this species was intercepted in fresh pomelos 11 times from December 2020 to January 2021 in the EU. Should R. citrifrugis enter the EU, the ample availability of hosts (Citrus spp.) and the climatic conditions in citrus‐growing areas of southern EU Member States would most probably allow this species to successfully establish and spread. Economic impact in citrus production is anticipated if establishment occurs. R. citrifrugis satisfies the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for this species to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. There is uncertainty about the nomenclature of R. citrifrugis and its exact host range. However, because the name Resseliella citrifrugis is used in multiple sources reporting it as a pest of citrus in China, where symptoms, biology and impact are described, these uncertainties do not affect the conclusions of this categorisation.

Finite Element Method Simulations and Experiments of Detachments of Lycium barbarum L.

When harvesting Lycium barbarum L., excess amounts of detachments of the half-ripe fruit, unripe fruit, flowers, and leaves significantly affect the yield and adversely affect the subsequent processing, such as drying and grading. Finite element method (FEM) simulations and experiments of detachments were performed to harvest more ripe fruit and less half-ripe fruit, unripe fruit, flowers, and leaves. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the ripe fruit, half-ripe fruit, unripe fruit, flowers, leaves, fruit calyxes (flower calyx), fruit stems (flower stem), and branches were constructed using a 3D scanner, and material mechanics models of the above parts were established based on physical tests with universal testing machines. Detachment simulations and experiments of the ripe fruit, half-ripe fruit, unripe fruit, flowers, and leaves were performed to determine the detachment mechanisms and sequences. The detachment forces of each set of two parts were obtained. The field experiments showed that the detachment force between the fruit and calyx of ripe fruit was the lowest value of these forces, and only the ripe fruit was the first to detach from the calyx when harvesting. The results provided data support on the mechanics properties of wood and the optimization basis for the harvesting method of L. barbarum.

Morphological Characterization of 58 Chilli Genotypes

Chilli is an important vegetable and condiment crop having immense commercial and therapeutic value with great export potential. Current research was aimed to characterize resolving power of morphological traits for reliable identification of 58 chilli accessions using 25 morphological descriptors. All the characters genotypes showed a wide range of variation. UPGMA based clustering using morphological markers distributes all genotypes into three separate major clusters and six sub clusters with unique traits specific genotypes in each. Fruit calyx cover, fruit neck (basal end) and stem pubescence were the most prominent descriptors as that were showing highest PIC value. High discriminating power of number of petals and anthers was found in our study.

Effect of pre-harvest application of ethephon on colouration and expression of ripening related genes in citrus fruit

ABSTRACT In citrus, post-harvest treatment with ethylene or ethephon in an airtight container frequently resulted in fruit calyx drying, browning and abscission, with a consequent reduction in commercial value. To avoid these problems, pre-harvest degreening with ethepnon was performed on ‘CARA CARA’ navel orange fruits. An earlier and deeper orange colour development was obtained after treatment, reflecting at higher lightness (L*) and a*/b* ratio. The total carotenoid content in flavedo significantly increased, paralleling with a remarkable decrease in chlorophyll content, while in flesh TSS, TA and Vc were all not affected. A transcriptome analysis revealed that 171 genes in flavedo were involved in ethylene-degreening. These ethylene-responsive genes were involved in photosynthesis, chloroplast biogenesis, sugar metabolism, secondary metabolism, and activation of regulatory processes, including transcription regulation and protein posttranslational modification. In the chlorophyll metabolism, a chlorophyllase gene was strikingly increased, indicating the role of ethylene in promoting chlorophyll degradation. While, the genes related to carotenoid metabolism did not show any significant expression change after ethephon treatments. In conclusion, our data showed that pre-harvest degreening was an effective method to accelerate colour improvement, and meanwhile created a solid foundation for future investigations on the molecular mechanism underlying degreening of orange fruits.