Fruit Fresh Weight Research Articles

Commercial Seaweed Liquid Extract as Strawberry Biostimulants and Bioethanol Production.

Seaweeds are increasingly intriguing as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds. They have applications in agriculture, fuels, feed, and food products. To become a cost-competitive product with zero waste, a biorefinery approach is applied, where several products are valorized at the same time. True-Algae-Max (TAM®) has been investigated for its ability to improve the yield and nutritional facts of a strawberry plant. Three concentrations of TAM (0, 50, and 100%) were examined by foliar spray in 2017 with 50% NPK chemical fertilizer. Results indicated that growth, yield, chlorophyll, and potassium content were significantly improved by TAM treatments. TAM50 % resulted in maximum root length, leaf area, plant fresh weight, fruit weight, and yield with an increase ranging from 10 to 110% compared to control. Compared to the NPK control, strawberries grown with TAM50% improved total soluble solids (TSS) from 7.58 to 10.12% and anthocyanin from 23.08 to 29.42 mg CGE 100 g-1. Noteworthily, this reduced total sugar, and total phenolics were boosted by TAM applications, while non-reducing sugar was reduced compared to control. On the other hand, whole seaweed biomass and TAM residuals were used for bioethanol production by acid scarification. The maximum bioethanol yield was observed in residual biomass (0.34 g g-1 dw), while the whole seaweed biomass showed only 0.20 g g-1 dw. These results proved the biorefinery concept of using seaweed extract as a biostimulator and bioethanol production.

Responses of tomato fruit water balance and xylem hydraulic property of pedicel and calyx to water deficit and salinity stress

Moderate water scarcity and high soil salinization always limit fruit growth but largely promote fruit quality. Water is transported to the fruit via xylem and phloem and lost via transpiration, which is important for fruit growth and quality parameters. So far, few studies have quantified the relationship between fruit water balance and fruit growth and quality under water deficit and salinity stress (especially combined water deficit and salinity stress). In this study, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants were grown under full irrigation (CK), water deficit (WD), salinity stress (SS), and combined water deficit and salinity stress (WS). We measured fruit size and quality parameters, investigated fruit water balance using a subtraction method, evaluated xylem hydraulic resistance of pedicel and calyx applying a hydraulic head, and assessed the xylem functionality by fruit rehydration and dye-tracing experiments. Results showed that WD, SS, and WS decreased plant water status and leaf gas exchange and fruit growth, but increased fruit total soluble solids. These effects were more pronounced in WS than both WD and SS. The inhibition of fruit growth by three treatments was caused by the jointly reduced xylem and phloem flow. Although xylem hydraulic resistance of pedicel and calyx at 35 d after anthesis was not significantly affected under WD and SS, it greatly increased by 112% under WS, which coincided with a significant reduction of daily growth rate and xylem flow computed on a per fruit basis by 83% and 87% under WS. These results also suggested that the xylem tissues were still functional regardless of the applied stress and fruit growth period. Phloem flow computed on a per fruit basis was decreased under all treatments, resulting in a reduction in fruit dry matter quantity, partly due to the decreased photosynthates. Phloem flow and fruit transpiration computed on a per fruit fresh weight basis were not affected due to the synergistic reduction of flow and fruit size by all treatments. This study provides a new understanding on the water relations of plant-fruit system under water deficit and salinity stress.

Impact of foliar application of humic acid and the measure time on growth and production of roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

The present study was accomplished to achieve the effect of Humic Acid (HA) spraying on the vegetative and calyxes yield characteristics of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. plants, during May ,22th to December, 31st, 2017, at (Girdarasha) open field, Department of Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering Science College, Salahaddin University. Four levels of HA were sprayed (0, 1, 2, 3 g.l-1) at three frequencies (60, 75 and 90 days after sowing). The data were collected after (4, 8 and 12 weeks of last spraying) for vegetative and reproductive parameters: plant height (cm), number of branches, stem diameter (mm), days to 50% of plants flowering, flower diameter (mm), node sequence of 1st flower, number of fruits. plant-1 , fruit length (mm), fruit diameter (mm), fresh and dry weight of fruits. plant-1 (g) and fresh weight of calyxes. plant-1 (g). The obtained results revealed that all treatments of HA increased significantly both vegetative and reproductive parameters and shortened the number of days to flowering as compared with the control. The application of 2g.l-1 produced the tallest plants. Maximum numbers of branches were obtained from the treatment 3g.l-1 HA. The 2g.l-1 and 3g.l-1 treatments formed the thickest stems. Regarding the reproductive parameters; the highest values of fruit diameter, fruit length, fresh and dry weights of fruits. plant-1, fresh and dry weights of calyxes.plant-1 were recorded with the treatment 3g.l-1 after 8 weeks of the last treatment.

Strawberry preservation using combination of yam bean starch, agarwood Aetoxylon bouya essential oil, and calcium propionate edible coating during cold storage evaluated by TOPSIS-Shannon entropy

The effect of edible coatings made from yam bean starch (ST), agarwood bouya essential oil (ES), and calcium propionate (CP) on strawberry fruit in cold storage for 16 days was investigated. Strawberries coated with four different coating formulations and uncoated fruits were packed in sealed containers and stored at 4 °C with 85 % of humidity. Antifungal evaluation was conducted on the coating solution (membrane permeability and germination of Botrytis cinerea) and edible film (microstructure analyzed using atomic force microscopy), as well as testing at 4-day intervals on fresh fruit (weight loss, surface color, firmness, microstructure using scanning electron microscopy, and antifungal activity) and physicochemical analysis of strawberry juice (total soluble solid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, pH, and titratable acidity). Each result was then tested using TOPSIS-Shannon entropy analysis. From these tests, the edible coating treatment with ST-ES was the best treatment in this study (has Ci 0.839 as the highest of all untreated and treated sample) and better than fruit without coating, demonstrating that the coating was able to maintain the quality of strawberries during storage. At the final day of storage ST-ES samples has L* 30.9, a* 26.65, b* 16.36, total soluble solid 3.98 Brix/%.

Pemberian POC Urine Kambing dan Jarak Tanam terhadap Respon Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Gambas (Luffa acutangula)

This study aims to describe the effect of giving goat urine POC and spacing on the growth response and yield of the luffa plant (Luffa acutangula). The method used was factorial RAK on two treatment factors (planting distance and giving POC goat urine) with three replications. Parameters observed were plant height, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruit and fresh fruit weight. The results showed that setting spacing significantly affected all parameters used, with the best spacing being: J2 = 40x50 cm. Administration of goat urine POC did not significantly affect the parameter of fresh fruit weight (ounces), but the best level of giving goat urine POC was U4 = 60 ml/L. As for the interaction between plant spacing and administration of goat urine POC, it has no significant effect on one parameter, namely fresh fruit weight. In conclusion, setting spacing is the most effective way to increase production and profits for gambas farmers. 
 Keywords: Gambas, Planting distance, Goat Urine POC

Exploring the Plant Growth-Promotion of Four Streptomyces Strains from Rhizosphere Soil to Enhance Cucumber Growth and Yield

The genus Streptomyces is the most abundant and essential microbes in the soil microbial community. Streptomyces are familiar and have great potential to produce a large variety of bioactive compounds. This genus considers an efficient biofertilizer based on its plant growth-promoting activities. Based on their ability to produce a wide varieties of bioactive molecules, the present study aimed to explore the potential plant growth promotion of four Streptomyces strains and their role in enhancing cucumber growth and yield under greenhouse conditions. Streptomyces sp. strain HM2, Streptomyces thinghirensis strain HM3, Streptomyces sp. strain HM8, and Streptomyces tricolor strain HM10 were chosen for the current study. Plant growth-promoting (PGP) features, i.e., indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore excretion, and solubilizing phosphate, were evaluated in vitro. All four strains produced IAA, siderophore, and immobilized inorganic phosphate. Following 4 days of incubation at 30 °C, strains HM2, HM3, HM8, and HM10 produced copious amounts of IAA (18, 22, 62, and 146 µg/mL, respectively) and siderophores (42.59, 40.01, 16.84, 64.14% SU, respectively). At the same time, P solubilization efficacy scored 64.3%, 84.4%, 57.2%, and 81.6% with the same frequency. During in planta evaluation, selected Streptomyces strains combined with rock phosphate were assessed as biofertilizers on the growth and yield of cucumber plants. Under all treatments, positive and significant differences in studied traits were manifested except dry stem matter (SDM), net assimilation rate (NAR), relative growth rate (RGR), and fruit firmness (FF). Treatment T4 (rock phosphate + strain HM3) followed by T5 (rock phosphate + strain HM8) revealed the best results for plant height (PH), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), root length (RL), number of fruits per plant (NFPP), fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD), fruit fresh weight per plant (FFWPP), soil P (SP) after 21 DAT, and soil P at the end of the experiment. Notably, T6 (rock phosphate + strain HM10) caused a considerable increase in leaf area (LA). Plant growth-promoting bacteria enhance plant growth and yield through phosphorus solubilizing, improve nutrient availability, produce phytohormones, and support plant growth under abiotic stress. These features are important for sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental pollution with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Character Association and Path Analysis for Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Yield, Fruit Quality and Resistance to Yellow Vein Mosaic

Objective: To find the best parents for desirable traits, particularly earliness, yield, and fruit quality, as well as YVMV (Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus) resistance, in order to create novel hybrids or varieties.
 Experimental Design: The experiment was carried out using a randomised block design with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Experiment: The study was conducted in the 2016 kharif seasons at the Department of Horticulture's field experimentation centre at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology, and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.). At 78 metres above mean sea level, this location is situated between 25.87° N latitude and 81.15° E longitude. The experimental area's soils have a sandy to sandy loam texture, are moderately well to well drained, and include a provision for ground water irrigation.
 Methodology: 25 genotypes were collected for this Trail during the 2016 kharif season. To grow the crop, good agricultural methods were used. Plant height (cm), number of branches/plant, number of leaves/plant, first flowering (in days), 50% flowering (in days), first flowering node, fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), fresh fruit weight (g), number of fruits/plant, fruit yield/plant (g), fruit yield/plot (g), YVMV incidence (%), YVMV severity (%), and crude were the observations to be recorded for five randomly chosen plants from each genotype in each replication To calculate the genetic correlation coefficient analysis, the data were subjected to statistical analysis. The Miller et al. algorithm was used to determine the genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients.
 Results: Based on collected and analysed data, a substantial and positive connection between Days to First Flowering and Days to 50% Flowering (0.94) and between Fruit Weight (g) and Fruit Yield/plant (g) was found (0.91). Demonstrating that okra could experience real improvement thanks to these characteristics. At both the genotypic and phenotypic levels, fruit weight demonstrated the highest beneficial direct impact on fruit yield per plant. The genotype Kashi Satdhari had the lowest YVMV incidence (%), followed by Kashi Vardan (16.38%), whereas 151-10-1-2-3 had the highest YVMV incidence (79.17%), followed by Larem-1 (75.31%).
 Conclusion: A very strong positive and significant correlation was recorded between Days to First Flowering with Days to 50% Flowering and Fruit Weight with Fruit Yield/plant. Negative and significant association of YVMV Incidence % with Fruit Yield/plant (g) indicates that fruit yield/plant decreases with increase in YVMV incidence %.Fruit weight showed maximum positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic level indicating that effective improvement through these characters could be achieved in okra.

Plant Growth and Fruit Nutrient Changes in Carica papaya L. Genotypes Subjected to Regulated Deficit Irrigation.

The current genotypes of Carica papaya L. cultivated worldwide are considered relatively tolerant or sensitive to drought conditions, depending specifically on the cultivar features and the severity of water shortage. In this work an experimental field was established by subjecting "Intenzza" and "Siluet" to the following water regimes: Control ("CT"), plants irrigated at field capacity (100%); Moderate Deficit Irrigation ("MDI", watered at 66%); and Severe Deficit Irrigation ("SDI", watered at 50%). The results indicated that water deficit decreases leaf number leading to a decline of total leaf area, being "Intenzza" equally affected by "SDI" and "MDI", whereas in "Siluet" the major decrease was induced by "SDI". Regarding fruit development, in "Intenzza", "MDI" and "SDI" did not affect fruit number except two dates (120 and 202 DAT), decreased fruit fresh weight (FW), and increased total soluble solutes (TSS) levels, while in "Siluet" only "SDI" reduced fruit FW and watering systems did not change TSS, suggesting a better performance of this cultivar under "MDI". In addition, drought did not impair fruit mineral concentrations excepting in few dates, and in such cases stressed fruits accumulated a slight minor or even major concentration of some nutrients than control, maintaining consequently suitable organoleptic quality.

Growth-promoting fungi and potassium doses affects productivity and nutrition of cherry type tomatoes

Tomato plants show great potassium (K) demand and good response to potassium fertilization, whose insufficiency leads to a drop in fruit production and quality. On the other hand, the association of growth-promoting fungi (GPF) with roots has been shown to be able to optimize the absorption of not only phosphorus, but either other nutrients, like K, which opens possibilities of better nutrient use efficiency and consequently reduces environmental risks of fertilization. Thus the present work aims evaluating the yield and nutritional status of hydroponic cherry type tomato inoculated with Piriformospora indica and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and subjected to K doses. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using drip irrigation system. The plants were conducted in recipients containing washed and sterilized sand. The minimum and maximum greenhouse temperatures, ranged between 10.8 and 16.5 °C and 28.2 and 35.4° C. Relative humidity ranged between 45% and 68% and between 25% and 50% in the morning and afternoon respectively. Colonization was found to be higher with P. indica and tended to reduce with increasing doses of K. Under nutritional stress, the P. indica inoculation reduced the number of fruits with green shoulder and increased fresh weight of commercial fruits. It also increased the concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients. This symbiotic association favors the yield performance of cherry type tomato under nutritional stress.

Genome-wide identification and functional analysis of Cellulose synthase gene superfamily in Fragaria vesca.

The Cellulose synthase (CesA) and Cellulose synthase-like (Csl) gene superfamilies encode key enzymes involved in the synthesis of cellulose and hemicellulose, which are major components of plant cell walls, and play important roles in the regulation of fruit ripening. However, genome-wide identification and functional analysis of the CesA and Csl gene families in strawberry remain limited. In this study, eight CesA genes and 25 Csl genes were identified in the genome of diploid woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca). The protein structures, evolutionary relationships, and cis-acting elements of the promoter for each gene were investigated. Transcriptome analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the transcript levels of many FveCesA and FveCsl genes were significantly decreased during fruit ripening. Moreover, based on the transcriptome analysis, we found that the expression levels of many FveCesA/Csl genes were changed after nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) treatment. Transient overexpression of FveCesA4 in immature strawberry fruit increased fruit firmness and reduced fresh fruit weight, thereby delaying ripening. In contrast, transient expression of FveCesA4-RNAi resulted in the opposite phenotypes. These findings provide fundamental information on strawberry CesA and Csl genes and may contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanism by which FveCesA/Csl-mediated cell wall synthesis regulates fruit ripening. In addition, these results may be useful in strawberry breeding programs focused on the development of new cultivars with increased fruit shelf-life.

Assessing The Effects of Microorganisms (EM) and Bokashi on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Towards Plant Growth and Yield Performance

The fertilizer application can impact crop production, quality, and growth performance. However, excessive use of chemical fertilisers in farming can cause in poor soil conditions, contamination, environmental pollution and decreased yield. Thus, this study aims to investigate the possible impacts of Effective Microorganisms (EM) and Bokashi on the quality, growth, and yield performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The field study was conducted at the Agropark, UMK Jeli Campus,Kelantan . The study's treatments included in the study were as follows: (T0) control; (T1) EM solution; (T2) bokashi fertiliser; and (T3) EM solution and bokashi fertilizer combined. The experiment layout was designed in a completely randomised design (CRD) with 16 samples. Data regarding quality, plant growth, and yield performance were gathered, including the germination date, harvesting date, plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits produced, dry weight of fruit, and fresh weight of fruit. Compared to the other treatments, Bokashi alone (T2) delivers the highest mean value of products in terms of number of leaves, number of fruits, fresh weight of fruits, the dried weight of fruits, and germination date of okra seeds. Whereas the combined application of EM and Bokashi (T3) has produced the highest plant height and the earliest harvesting date as the first to produce their yield that developed into mature and ready to be harvested relatively than others. The control treatment (T0) showed the slowest growth rate and okra plant yield. However, it can be concluded that individual applications of Bokashi had a significant effect on the plant development and yield performance of okra plants. This study hoped to improve okra’s yields and growth performance and aid in its production effort

CO2 enrichment changed N metabolism of tomatoes under salinity stress

• Elevated CO 2 reduced the negative effect of salinity stress in tomato. • Photosynthesis and transpiration improved in 50/50 v/v NO 3 : NH 4 but growth parameter was improved in 100/0 NO 3 : NH 4 in salinity stress in tomato. • The rate of reduction of vegetative traits due to salinity stress was significantly reduced by increasing the nitrate in the ratio of NO 3 : NH 4 in salinity stress in tomato. • Carbon dioxide enrichment was significant on protein and nitrate concentration. Salinity is a worldwide concern. The effects of CO 2 enrichment and N sources under salinity on the vegetative, photosynthetic, and biochemical parameters of tomato was explored. The tomato plants are cultivated in two climate-controlled greenhouses with two CO 2 levels: 300 (C1) and 700 (C2) ppm. Five NO 3 :NH 4 ratios (25/75(N1), 50/50(N2), 75/25(N3), and 100/0 (N4)) were used to fertilize plants in two salinity conditions (0 (S1) and 50 mM (S2)). When NH4 was raised, vegetative, yield and biochemical characteristics were seen to decline. By increasing nitrate, yield, and desirable tomato characteristics such as fresh weight of shoot, root, and fruit, dry weight of shoot and fruit, and the number of fruits per plant, photosynthesis, and water content of shoot were enhanced. Increased CO 2 mitigated the detrimental effects of salt stress. By increasing the nitrate in the ratio of NO 3 :NH 4 , notably in the S2N4 treatment, the rate of decrease of vegetative characteristics caused by salinity stress was greatly slowed. Under the detrimental influence of salinity stress, photosynthesis and transpiration improved in NO 3 :NH 4 , 50/50 (S2N2 treatment). In general, when the amount of ammonium was greater than nitrate (NO 3 :NH 4 ratio of 25/75) in both saline and non-saline conditions, the examined attributes did not demonstrate a favorable influence on all features.

Suitability and economic viability of bioremediated hydrocarbon-contaminated drill mud waste for cultivation of selected food crops

Bioremediation can condition contaminated soil for agricultural production, although this potential has scarcely been explored in many developing countries. In this study, the suitability and economic viability of a bioremediated hydrocarbon-contaminated drill mud waste (HCDW) for production of tomatoes ( Solanum lycopersicum L.), cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) and okra ( Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) were evaluated using a pot experiment. The experimental treatments comprised 36 pots filled with the bioremediated soil (2 kg substrate each) and 12 pots with agricultural soil (topsoil) as control. The pots were planted with the three food crops in equal proportions and laid out in a completely randomized design. Physicochemical quality indicators of the HCDW (pH, texture and total nitrogen) as well as growth and yield performance indicators (plant height and fresh weight of pods or fruits) were determined through standard procedures. Results showed that the bioremediated HCDW was suitable for crop production as suggested by the greater growth performance (mean height = 39.6 cm, mean number of fruits per plant = 11; mean fresh weight = 45.5 g) in tomatoes compared to the control soil (height = 36.1 cm; number of fruits per plant = 12; fresh weight = 39.6 g). On the contrary, the cowpea and okra recorded lower growth and yield performances relative to the control, likely due to the high clay content and moderately basic pH of the bioremediated HCDW. A positive gross margin of $4914.14 and a benefit–cost ratio of 1.38 amply demonstrate the economic viability of using the remediated soil for tomatoes cultivation. Overall, findings from this study demonstrate the potential for the reuse of bioremediated HCDW for vegetable production, which can be explored for large-scale application. • The bioremediated hydrocarbon contaminated drill mud waste (HCDW) was characterized. • Soil quality of the treated HCDW was enhanced by the organic soil additives. • The suitability of the bioremediated HCDW for tomatoes production was revealed. • Economics analysis revealed that using the bioremediated hydrocarbon contaminated for tomatoes production was profitable.

Influence of kitchen waste compost and chemical fertilizer on the growth and yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of kitchen waste compost (KWC) and NPK fertilizers on the growth and yield of tomato. It was laid out in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) using 25 treatments having 3 replications each. Agronomic parameters of the growth and yield of tomato were recorded at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days interval. The highest growth and yield parameter found with 60 days. The tallest plant height (57 cm) was recorded in T13(N120P60K80 kg ha-1 + 2.5ton KWC ha-1). Highest number of leaf found (17 per plant) in T18 (N30P15K20 kg ha-1 + 7.5 ton KWC ha-1) and T23 (N60P30K40 kg ha-1 + 10 ton KWC ha1. The length of midrib (22 cm) inT3 (5ton KWC ha-1) and dry weight of midrib (1.46 g plant-1) obtained topmost in T6(N30P15K20 kg ha-1). The girth of plants (1.4 cm) in T14: (N30P15K20 kg ha-1 + 5 ton KWC ha-1, and leaf area (5.61 cm2) in T2 (2.5 ton KWC ha-1). Total fresh weight of leaf, root and stem (60.3 g plant1) and dry weight of leaf, root and stem (21.91 g plant-1) were superior inT24(N90P45K60 kg ha-1 + 10 ton KWC ha-1), number of fruit per plant (10) inT5(10 ton KWC ha-1) and longest fruit (7.5 cm) inT5(10 ton KWC ha-1). Maximum fresh weight of tomato fruit (13.48 g plant-1) produces in T24 (N90P45K60 kg ha-1 + 10 ton KWC ha-1) and dry weight (5.32 g plant-1) in T20 (N90P45K60 kg ha-1 + 7.5 ton KWC ha-1). The findings revealed that KWC with NPK T24 (N90P45K60 kg ha-1 + 10 ton KWC ha-1) could be suggested to use for the maximum growth and yield of tomato. This trial has also been created the evidence that kitchen waste may be an alternative source of organic materials to produce tomato. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(1): 81-90

Genetic variability and correlation studies for morphological and biochemical traits of Annona genotypes

The present study was carried out for genetic variability and correlation studies for morphological and biochemical traits of Annona genotypes. The maximum plant height (4.35 m), fresh fruit weight (FFW) (346.66 g), fruit length (8.11 cm) and pulp weight (237.76) were observed in the genotype No.1. Similarly in Arka Sahan, the highest total soluble sugars (TSS) (27.170 B) and total sugars (26.13%) were recorded. Most of the traits exhibited a heritability of more than 50% depicting their higher heritability. The highest values for phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were observed for traits like fruit weight, fruit diameter, pulp weight, rind weight, seed weight, number of seeds and seed percentage (SPER). Biochemical traits like TSS (6.860B), reducing sugar (5.14%) showed the lowest GCV values. The highest genetic advance as per cent mean (GAM) was found for fruit diameter (167.19%) followed by pulp weight (129.28 g), number of fruits/plant (124.52) and FFW (96.09 g). The highest GAM for biochemical traits was exhibited by titratable acidity (TA) (73.21%).Pearson correlation matrix revealed that plant height, fruit diameter, number of seeds/fruit exhibited positive correlation with fruit weight. However, seed weight, TSS, total sugars, number of fruits/plant parameters were negatively correlated to plant height. Based on the desirable fruit characters, viz. high pulp percentage, low SPER with minimum number of seeds, the genotypes No. 1, Island Gem, No. 2 Arka Sahan and Balanagar found highly promising genotypes.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Behavior of Ridge Gourd [Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.] in Tropical Urban Ecosystem

Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) is a climbing vegetable that produces edible fruits. Young fruits are harvested at a time when the seed coats have been established, but cotyledons have not yet formed. This study covered morphological characteristics, growth behavior, and cultivation practices suitable for increasing the production of the ridge gourd in urban ecosystems. Results of observation revealed the heart-shaped leaf of the ridge gourd was very uniform, and the leaf surface was flat so that their leaf area could be accurately estimated using leaf length and/or width (R2 > 0.97). Yet, leaf thickness was not a reliable predictor for the leaf area (R2 < 0.34). The length of petioles was not correlated with the leaf blade area. All single leaves, multiple tendrils, an inflorescence of male flowers and/or a single female flower, and a branch could be formed at each stem node. Water content in the leaf blade was lower than in the petiole. This phenomenon is related to water favor loss due to transpiration activity. Nevertheless, the total conserved water within the leaf blade was 6.26 times more than those within the petiole. The process of fruit enlargement followed the Sigmoid curve. The upper end of the curve started to flatten 10 days after the female flower bloomed. Moreover, at the age of 10 days, cotyledon has not yet formed, so it can be used as a guide to determine the harvest time of the gourd ridge fruit. Based on the leaf SPAD value, by the time the fruit began to enlarge, 4-5 leaves at the stem base were instigated to show symptoms of senescence. Ridge gourd fruit fresh weight can be best estimated using the length × diameter of the plants as a predictor. Keywords: Climbing vegetable, Fruit age, Leaf shape, Sigmoid curve, Urban olericulture

Profiles of citrus orchard nutrition and fruit quality in Hunan Province, China

ABSTRACT Understanding of orchard nutrition status can facilitate the proper management of orchards for higher fruit yield and quality. From 2011 to 2019, the nutrition status of orchards in Hunan Province, a major citrus-producing area in china, were assessed. A total of 361 soil samples, 378 leaf samples and 285 fruit samples of sweet oranges including navel orange (citrus sinensis l. Osbeck ‘newhall’) and common sweet orange (citrus sinensis l. Osbeck ‘bingtangcheng’), and mandarins including satsuma mandarin (citrus unshiu marc. ‘miyagawa’) and ponkan (citrus reticulata blanco ‘xinnu’) were collected. These samples were from112 sweet orange orchards and 140 mandarin orchards. Parameters of soil, leaf and fruit nutrition and fruit quality were analyzed based on these samples. The results revealed that soil acidification occurred in 79.0% of sweet orange orchards (ph 3.56 to 8.12) and 74.7% of mandarin orchards (ph 2.75 to 8.15). Soil organic matter (om) was abundant in both sweet orange orchards (21.3 g/kg on average) and mandarin orchards (19.77 g/kg on average). Nutrient analysis demonstrated deficiencies of nitrogen (n), potassium (k) and boron (b) in soils and leaves of sweet orange and mandarin orchards. Zinc (zn) was abundant in soils but deficient in leaves, suggesting a low zn utilization efficiency in these orchards. Besides, excessive iron (fe), magnesium (mn) and copper (cu) were found in sweet orange and mandarin leaves, which may be associated with low soil ph and fungicides application in this area. The average contents of n, phosphorus (p) and k in the fruit were about 0.80%, 0.11% and 0.51%, respectively, with a ratio close to 1:0.14:0.6. Multiple linear regression (mlr) analysis revealed that leaf npk and molybdenum (mo) significantly affect fruit fresh fruit weight (ffw) and total soluble solids (tss), and leaf p is closely correlated with fruit titratable acid (ta).

EFFECT OF SAGO BARK BIOCHAR APPLICATION ON Capsicum annuum L. var. Kulai GROWTH AND FRUIT YIELD

Applying biochar in crop farming or agriculture activity generally increases productivity through improved soil fertility and water holding capacity. However, there is a lack of empirical data on the effects of sago bark waste-derived biochar on the growth media of Capsicum annuum L. This work, reported the effect of sago bark biochar and acid-base treated sago bark biochar on Capsicum annuum L. var. Kulai growth media fertility. The plant growth study was carried out using completely random design experimental layouts with five replicates and 8 treatments at various biochar application rates (0.5,1.5, & 3.0%, w/w). Results showed that plant grown with 1.5% sago bark biochar has the highest number of the leaf (122.90). Plant with 1.5% acid-base treated sago bark biochar showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher number of flower buds (1.90) and stem height (69.00 cm) during 4 months of the vegetative period. Meanwhile, plants with 3% acid-base treated sago bark biochar obtained the highest yield of fruit fresh weight (67.64 g). In general, acid-base treated sago bark biochar application increase the yield of Capsicum annuum L. var. Kulai.

Changes in soil bacterial community and functions by substituting chemical fertilizer with biogas slurry in an apple orchard.

Growing concerns about the negative environmental effects of excessive chemical fertilizer input in fruit production have resulted in many attempts looking for adequate substitution. Biogas slurry as a representative organic fertilizer has the potential to replace chemical fertilizer for improvement of sustainability. However, it is still poorly known how biogas slurry applications may affect the composition of soil microbiome. Here, we investigated different substitution rates of chemical fertilizer with biogas slurry treatment (the control with no fertilizer and biogas slurry, CK; 100% chemical fertilizer, CF; biogas slurry replacing 50% of chemical fertilizer, CBS; and biogas slurry replacing 100% of chemical fertilizer, BS) in an apple orchard. Soil bacterial community and functional structure among treatments were determined using Illumina sequencing technology coupled with Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxonomy (FAPROTAX) analysis. Leaf nutrient contents, apple fruit and soil parameters were used to assess plant and soil quality. Results showed that most of fruit parameters and soil properties were significantly varied in the four treatments. CBS treatment increased the contents of soil organic matter, alkali nitrogen and available potassium average by 49.8%, 40.7% and 27.9%, respectively. Treatments with biogas slurry application increased the single fruit weight, fresh weight, and dry weight of apple fruit average by 15.6%, 18.8% and 17.8, respectively. Soil bacterial community dominance and composition were significantly influenced by substituting of chemical fertilizer with biogas slurry. Biogas slurry application enhanced the relative abundance of some beneficial taxa (e.g. Acidobacteria Gp5 and Gp7, Parasegetibacter) and functional groups related to carbon and nitrogen cycling such as chemoheterotrophy, cellulolysis, and nitrogen fixation. Soil available phosphorus and potassium, pH and electrical conductivity were identified having a high potential for regulating soil bacterial specific taxa and functional groups. This study showed that the proper ratio application (50%: 50%) of biogas slurry with chemical fertilizer could regulate soil bacterial composition and functional structure via changes in soil nutrients. The variations of bacterial community could potentially take significant ecological roles in maintaining apple plant growth, soil fertility and functionality.

Effects of a Local Tomato Rootstock on the Agronomic, Functional and Sensory Quality of the Fruit of a Recovered Local Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Named “Tomate Limachino Antiguo”

The Old Limachino Tomato is a valuable fruit with exceptional nutritional values and organoleptic sensory properties. However, it suffers from a short shelf-life, compromising post-harvest behavior. As an attempt to improve the fruit’s qualities, Limachino (L) scion was grafted onto rootstock from the rustic landrace Poncho Negro (R). Fruits produced in this graft combination were compared with fruits produced by self-grafted plants (L/L) and from a long-shelf-life cultivar Seminis (LSL). The trials were carried out for 146 days during summer of two consecutive years. Poncho Negro rootstock increased the total number of fruits produced by Limachino scion (L/R). It did not affect the fresh weight of individual fruits but reduced their water content. It has no impact on the Limachino fruit form (quality), a typical characteristic well appreciated by consumers. Fruits produced by LSL exhibited a higher firmness but a lower titratable acidity and antioxidant capacity than L/R and L/L fruits. Panels of 104 untrained final consumers and a trained panel of 13 experts attributed the highest value to L/R fruits and the lowest one to LSL. It was concluded that Poncho Negro rootstock contributes to increasing preferences and the level of acceptability towards Limachino fruits. Further research is needed to develop local technologies in order to expand the production of local tomatoes that are highly valued by consumers.