Fruits Of Plant Species Research Articles

Exploring Polybag Size, Nursery Mixtures and Rootstocks for Optimizing Lasoda (Cordia myxa L.) Nursery Techniques

Background: Lasoda (Cordia myxa L.) is lesser utilized fruit plant species suitable for growing in large parts of arid and semi-arid regions of India. Besides the economic importance of its fruits in the vegetable and pickle industry, this species is also known for ethnomedicinal properties in different plant parts. In order to utilize it to its fullest potential, standardization of nursery technology for mass multiplication by vegetative propagation method is a necessary step. With the above background in the view, an experiment was conducted to see the effect of polybag size, nursery mixture and rootstock on seed germination, growth of seedlings after germination, budding success and growth of budded plants. Methods: The study was conducted during June-September, 2020. The treatment comprised of two polybag sizes, six nursery media compositions and two kinds of rootstocks. The observations were recorded on seed germination, seedling growth, days to bud sprout after budding, budding success and shoot length and diameter after 30 days of budding. Result: The main effects of nursery mixture revealed that plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, shoot length and shoot diameter after budding were significantly affected by nursery mixture composition. The highest plant height (29.53 cm) recorded in the M4 mixture was significantly higher over M1, M2 and M3 but the differences were non-significant when compared with M5 and M6. A similar trend was also recorded in the case of stem diameter and number of leaves which showed significantly higher values in M4, M5 and M6 as compared to M1, M2 and M3. The highest shoot length (8.34 cm) and shoot diameter (3.40 mm) were recorded in M5 and M4 which were significantly higher than most of other media levels.

Survey of Wild Fruits Consumed by Animals in the Forest Block of Ubangi Eco-region, Democratic Republic of the Congo

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Gbado-Lite city (Province of North Ubangi) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, among 74 hunters and bushmeat sellers in order to inventory the wild fruits consumed by animals in the forest block of the Ubangi eco-region. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire containing questions that could provide information on each plant species and its main consumers. The results reveal that the majority (41.8%) of respondents live in the Kaya neighborhood. 27% of female informants live in the Mbanza neighborhood, 10.8% in the Pangoma neighborhood, and 9.7% in the Lite neighborhood. The majority of respondents were men (89.1%), while women accounted for only 10.9%. As for marital status, married people (70.2%) and widowers (14.8%) are the most represented. Hunting and the sale of bushmeat (44.5%) and agriculture (41.8%) are the main activities carried out by the respondents. The diversity of the wild flora is composed of 19 species of fruit plants, distributed in 19 genera and 16 botanical families. The main families of wild fruit plants consumed by wildlife are Malvaceae, Meliaceae, and Urticaceae. As for the wildlife, the animals inventoried belong to five classes, mammals (76.9%), Reptilia (7.8%), Aves (7.8%,) and Polyplacophara (7.8%). The fauna studied is composed of 12 families of wild animals, the most abundant of which are Bovidae (27.5%), and Nesonyidae (10.0%). It is necessary that chemical and pharmacological studies be carried out on these plant taxa in order to evaluate their medicinal and food values. The domestication of these plant species should be part of the subsequent studies to ensure the sustainability of the wild fauna. Thus, the integration of local wild edible fruit plants into agroforestry systems is the best solution to combat their disappearance in the Ubangi ecoregion, which is faced with traditional slash-and-burn agriculture.

Diversity and Host Ranges of Whiteflies in Mekarsari Fruit Park, Bogor: a Comprehensive Study of 20 Whitefly Species Across 56 Fruit Plant Species

Diversity and Host Ranges of Whiteflies in Mekarsari Fruit Park, Bogor: a Comprehensive Study of 20 Whitefly Species Across 56 Fruit Plant Species

Ac-DEVD-CHO (caspase-3/DEVDase inhibitor) suppresses self-incompatibility–induced programmed cell death in the pollen tubes of petunia (Petunia hybrida E. Vilm.)

Programmed cell death (PCD) is relevant to many aspects in the growth and development of a plant organism. In their reproduction, many flowering plant species possess self-incompatibility (SI), that is an intraspecific reproductive barrier, which is a genetic mechanism ensuring the avoidance of inbreeding depression by preventing self-pollination. This phenomenon enhances intraspecific variation; however, SI is rather a hindrance for some fruit plant species (such as plum, cherry, and peer trees) rather than an advantage in farming. PCD is a factor of the S-RNase–based SI in Petunia hybrida E. Vilm. The growth of self-incompatible pollen tubes (PTs) is arrested with an increase in the activity of caspase-like proteases during the first hours after pollination so that all traits of PCD—plasma membrane integrity damage, DNA degradation/disintegration, and damage of PT structural organization (absence of vacuoles, turgor disturbance, and separation of cell plasma membrane from the cell wall)—are observable by the moment of PT growth arrest. We succeeded in discovering an additional cytological PCD marker, namely, the formation of ricinosomes in self-incompatible PTs at early stages of PCD. SI is removable by treating petunia stigmas with Acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde (Ac-DEVD-CHO), an inhibitor of caspase-3/DEVDase, 2 h before a self-incompatible pollination. In this process, the level of caspase-3-like protease activity was low, DNA degradation was absent, PTs grew to the ovary, fertilization was successful, and full-fledged seeds were formed.

Advancement in Tissue Culture Techniques for Fruit Crops

Tissue culture is a highly promising approach that enables the efficient propagation of many plants from tiny fragments of the parent plant within a relatively brief timeframe and confined area. Tissue culture, a contemporary approach, is primarily employed for the efficient and extensive replication of many commercially significant plant species, such as the date palm. Utilizing the tissue culture technique presents a potential approach for generating a substantial quantity of genetically homogeneous palm plants that resemble other plants and yield typical fruit within four years from initial planting. Furthermore, this technique allows to produce date palm plants devoid of diseases, exhibiting an exceptionally high survival rate of nearly 100% when compared to the traditional vegetative propagation of shoots, owing to the robustness of their root system. The process of surface sterilization holds significant importance in the production of explants for in vitro studies, as it effectively addresses the issue of bacterial and fungal contamination originating from field sources, which might vary considerably across different fruit plant species. The efficacy of tissue culture techniques for date palm acclimatization in vitro is contingent upon the observation of leaf count prior to transplantation in the greenhouse. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the determinants that govern the tissue culture of fruit trees. India is known for being the native land of various fruit crops that are both significant and minor in terms of their importance. These crops include Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Karonda (Carissa carandas L.), Bael (Aegle marmelos Corr.), Jamun (Syzygium cuminii L.), and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.), etc. These fruits possess considerable nutritional, medicinal, and therapeutic value, making them highly valuable in commercial sectors such as medicine, food, and cosmetics. The limited availability of suitable planting materials imposes constraints on the commercial production process for these crops. Using plant tissue culture techniques holds promise in substantially augmenting the number of novel cultivars or genotypes inside fruit crops. The primary aim of this review study is to consolidate and synthesize the extant body of knowledge about the tissue culture techniques employed in cultivating various fruit crops.

The role of bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) as seed dispersers in indigenous forests in the Soutpansberg Mountain range, South Africa

Abstract Seed dispersal influences the survival and distribution of plant species and is an important mechanism for maintaining floristic diversity. Bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) are large mammals of indigenous forests and well-wooded areas of eastern and southern Africa and may play an important role as seed dispersers. However, the diversity of fruits consumed and the effect of digestion on seeds remains poorly understood. This study was conducted from October 2018 to January 2019 and gives first insights into seed dispersal by bushpigs in the Soutpansberg Mountain range, South Africa. Here, we collected bushpig faeces and assessed the number of seeds and seed species found. Furthermore, germination experiments with digested and nondigested seeds and fruits were conducted. Our results show that bushpigs are omnivorous, consuming fruits and seeds of 126 different plant species. The proportion of seeds per plant species found in faeces was unhomogeneously distributed with a few hyperabundant species, in particular Searsia chirindensis (55%). The germination experiments showed that gut passage did, overall, not influence germination or seedling growth rates. However, seeds remaining within fruits showed reduced growth, pointing to a high importance of fruit consumption for seed fate. Our results suggest that bushpigs are major seed dispersers of a large variety of fruiting plant species in wooded areas of Africa.

Complex evaluation of wild pear

Abstract The National Centre for Biodiversity and Gene Conservation (NBGK) started the gene bank collection and agrobotanical evaluation of wild pear varieties in 2022. The survey of individuals and the recording of descriptors was carried out in several rounds. Part of the data was recorded in situ on the field, and the other part was analysed after the trip. For the in-situ collection of wild fruit plant species and varieties, it was necessary to develop a method for the collection and description. This applied to the development of the survey methodology as well as to the design of the working method.

Evaluating pre-sowing seed treatment on the germination of important forest fruit plant species

Evaluating pre-sowing seed treatment on the germination of important forest fruit plant species

Expositionen mit Fruchtpflanzen in Deutschland im Zeitraum 2010–2019

ZusammenfassungHintergrundAnfragen zu Fruchtpflanzen sind ein häufiger Konsultationsgrund von Giftinformationszentren, wobei hervorzuheben ist, dass es keine großen systematischen Studien zur Giftigkeit auf Grundlage von Expositionsdaten gibt. Ziel der Arbeit ist die Bestimmung des Vergiftungsrisikos durch Fruchtpflanzen in Deutschland.MethodenRetrospektive Untersuchung der Daten des Gemeinsamen Giftinformationszentrums Erfurt zu Vergiftungsanfragen bzgl. Fruchtpflanzen (2010–2019) mit ausführlicher Darstellung vorab publizierter Zwischenergebnisse, tabellarischer Handreichung und Pflanzenfotografien als Identifizierungshilfe sowie Trendanalysen.ErgebnisseAus 16.088 Pflanzenexpositionen mit 16.700 Pflanzen wurden 214 verschiedene Fruchtpflanzenarten identifiziert. 45 Fruchtpflanzenarten (21 %) stellten sich als relevant (≥ 30 Anfragen) heraus, davon 6 (2,8 %) als hochrelevant (≥ 300 Anfragen). Allen relevanten Pflanzen wurde eine definierte Risikokategorie (RK) zugeordnet: RK 0 (2; 4,4 %), RK 1 (26; 57,8 %), RK 2 (12; 26,7 %) und RK 3 (5; 11,1 %). Von den Anfragen bezogen sich 6 % (459/7607) auf RK 0, 47,9 % (3645/7607) auf RK 1, 39,3 % auf RK 2 (2986/7607) und 6,8 % (517/7607) auf RK 3. 69,5 % (5284/7607) der Anfragen betrafen Kleinkinder (1 bis < 6 Jahre). Die Expositionsfolgen waren für alle Altersklassen zu 82 % symptomlos, 14,7 % leichtgradig, 3 % mittelschwer und 0,3 % schwer, wobei schwere Vergiftungen durch 7 Pflanzenarten verursacht wurden. Eine Intervention wurde in 66,8 % (5079) der Anfragen eingeleitet. Anfragen betrafen am häufigsten: Taxus baccata, Ligustrum vulgare, Physalis alkekengi, Prunus laurocerasus, Convallaria majalis, Mahonia spec., Sambucus spec., Lonicera spec., Sorbus aucuparia, Thuja spec., Hedera helix und Cotoneaster spec.DiskussionVergiftungen durch Fruchtpflanzen in Deutschland sind selten. Es besteht allerdings ein hoher Informations- und Aufklärungsbedarf.

Multi-omic characterisation as a tool to improve knowledge, valorisation and conservation of wild fruit genetic resources: the case of Arbutus unedo L.

The valorisation and conservation of plant genetic resources (PGRs) and wild fruit PGRs are critical to ensure the maintenance of genetic and cultural heritage and to promote new perspectives on resource use. New strategies to characterize PGRs are needed, and the omics approach can provide information that is still largely unknown. The Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) is an underutilized, drought and fire-resistant species distributed in the Mediterranean area and its berries have large ethnobotanical use. Although their phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity are known, they are not well characterised, particularly from a proteomic perspective. The aim of this work is the characterisation of two ecotypes of A. unedo (Campania and Sicily) from a molecular viewpoint to valorise and encourage the preservation of this wild fruit. Samples were collected from two different geographical areas to assess whether different geographical conditions could influence the characteristics of leaves and fruits at the three stages of ripening (green, veraison, red). Proteomic analysis identified 904 proteins, of which 122 showed significance along the ripening. Some of these differentially abundant proteins, such as chalcone synthase, show a marked increase during ripening. The protein functional classes with the highest representation are involved in protein and amino acid metabolism, glycolysis and in secondary metabolism. From a proteomic perspective, there are no differences between the fruits from the two regions compared by the ripening stage. However, the pedoclimatic metabolic imprinting allowed the observation of good diversity in the metabolomic profiles between the two ecotypes, especially for anthocyanins, 4 times more abundant in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit than in the Campania one, and catechins, with double the abundance in the Campania ecotype compared to the Sicilian ecotype in the green phase, but more abundant (3x) in the Sicilian veraisoned fruit. Phenolic compounds show a 20% greater abundance in the Campania green arbutus fruit than in the Sicilian one, values that then equalise as ripening progresses. Multi-omic characterisation enhanced the knowledge on a wild fruit plant species which shows specific adaptations and responses to the environment to be considered when addressing the issue of local agrobiodiversity.

Diversity of wild edible fruits in the agroforestry area of Cigalontang Village, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia

Abstract. Kulsum NNS, Susandarini R. 2023. Diversity of wild edible fruits in the agroforestry area of Cigalontang Village, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4161-4167. Wild edible fruits are non-timber forest products that support the nutritional adequacy of communities around the forest. Scientific inventory and documentation of wild fruit plant diversity are important to reveal local resources' potential in supporting local communities food security. A study on wild edible fruits in the agroforestry area in Cigalontang Village aimed to document the diversity of fruit plant species and traditional knowledge of the community on food plants available from the forest. This study used semi-structured interviews with 63 respondents and guided fieldwork to identify natural habitats and collect specimens of wild edible fruits. The results showed that people of Cigalontang Village commonly consumed 49 wild edible fruit species belonging to 27 families. Zingiberaceae and Moraceae were two families with the highest number of wild edible fruit species mentioned by the respondents. All the fruits were consumed raw as fresh fruits, and some were known as ingredients for traditional medicine to treat minor health complaints. The community discussed the use of wild edible fruits with a review of the nutritional content based on relevant references. Results showed that the community used wild edible fruits for daily nutritional needs, not for sale. Both older and younger generations shared knowledge about the diversity of wild edible fruit plants and were closely related to local traditions kept within the frame of local wisdom. This knowledge, supported by local wisdom held by the community, is important to maintain the sustainability of fruit plant diversity and its conservation.

Ethnobotany and Conservation of Wild Edible Fruits in Sumatra: a Case Study in Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Wild edible fruit (WEF) plant species are species that are not cultivated or domesticated but are available in their natural habitat and are an important food source for indigenous communities. In recent times, WEFs have been threatened by various factors – particularly over-exploitation, land-use changes, and biodiversity loss. The aim of the study, therefore,is to investigate the diversity and ethnobotany of WEF species used by indigenous people in West Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in five villages of Pesisir Selatan district,West Sumatra, Indonesia – namely, IV Koto Mudiek, Sungai Nyalo IV Koto Mudiek, Taratak Tempatih IV Koto Mudiek, IV Koto Hilie, and Taluk Tigo Sakato. The plant materials were collected from the study area, while local knowledge was gathered through semi-structured interviews involving 393 respondents that were selected using random sampling. A total of 75WEF plants from 30 botanical families were found in the study area. These plants were used for multiple purposes – including food, medicine, construction materials, agricultural tools,fuel wood, and fodder. Artocarpus integer, Baccaurea polyneura, Pometia pinnata, Baccaurea macrocarpa, Bellucia pentamera, Mangifera foetida, Durio oxleyanus, Mangifera odorata, and Baccaurea racemosa were the most popular species for local people in the study area. Loss of traditional knowledge among generations is a major threat to the availability and existence of these species. Indigenous and local knowledge is essential for the use, management, and conservation of WEF plants.

Fungi inhabiting aboveground organs of sea buckthorn (&lt;i&gt;Hippophae rhamnoides&lt;/i&gt; L.) in organic farming

Sea buckthorn is becoming an increasingly popular medicinal plant. This plant material contains many nutrients and bioactive substances used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Compounds found in the organs of this plant have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, but, despite these features, sea buckthorn is affected by many pathogens. As shown by studies on the health and presence of pathogenic fungi on the aboveground organs of this plant, no obligatory pathogens and Basidiomycota fungi were found in 2019. The mycological analysis of the aboveground organs, i.e. leaves, fruits, and shoots, showed that &lt;i&gt;Alternaria alternata&lt;/i&gt; was the most frequent species of fungi isolated from all examined organs. Moreover, the &lt;i&gt;Monilinia fructigena&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Botrytis cinerea&lt;/i&gt; species were often isolated from fruits and &lt;i&gt;Cladosporium cladosporioides&lt;/i&gt; fungus was found on leaves. Numerous isolates of the pathogenic &lt;i&gt;Fusarium sporotrichiodes&lt;/i&gt; fungus and single isolates of &lt;i&gt;Phomopsis&lt;/i&gt; spp., i.e. fungi causing gangrene and drying out of the bark of shoots and the bark of many fruit plant species, and &lt;i&gt;Nigrospora oryzae&lt;/i&gt; causing leaf blotch of herbaceous plants and fruit trees were obtained from the examined organs of the sea buckthorn. The mycological analysis revealed no species of the genus &lt;i&gt;Verticillium&lt;/i&gt;, universally recognized as the most dangerous to this plant.

The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract. Suwardi AB, Syamsuardi, Mukhtar E, Nurainas. 2023. The diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit species in Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 3245-3257. Sumatra Island is recognized as the distribution center of tropical fruit species in Indonesia. However, increased human activity threatens the existence of edible wild fruit plants in nature. The study aims to assess the diversity and regional conservation status of wild edible fruit plant species in Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in four provinces: West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and Bengkulu. For the sampling, a modified line transect method was used. A total of 331 wild edible fruit plant species at four studied sites in Sumatra consisted of 73 families. The highest number of fruit plant species was recorded in West Sumatra Province, i.e., 176 species, followed by Jambi (172 species), Riau (121 species), and Bengkulu (76 species). The diversity of wild edible fruit plant species was higher in West Sumatra Province (3.85) but lower in Riau Province (3.25). Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr., Baccaurea lanceolata (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea macrocarpa (Miq.) Müll.Arg., Baccaurea polyneura Hook.f., Garcinia atroviridis Griff. ex T.Anderson, Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.fil. ex J.Anderson, Mangifera foetida Lour., Mangifera laurina Blume, Mangifera odorata Griff., and Pometia pinnata J.R.Forst. &amp; G.Forst. were the most frequently recorded wild fruit plant species in all of the study area. However, 74 wild edible fruit plant species were recorded only in West Sumatra, 45 in Riau, 79 in Jambi, and 9 in Bengkulu. Among the 331 wild edible fruit species in the present study, 1 taxon was classified as endangered (0.30%), 9 taxa (2.72%) as vulnerable, 11 taxa (3.32%) as near threatened, and 139 taxa (41.99%) as least concern, and 171 taxa (51.67%) as Data Deficient.

Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritoidea) and Parasitoids (Hymenoptera) Associated with Native Fruit Trees in the Chaco Biome.

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritoidea) are the main pests over important fruits and vegetables. In this research was evaluated the tritrophic interactions of fruit flies and their parasitoids occurring in native fruits in the Chaco Biome. Fruit sampling was carried out monthly in three areas of vegetation communities in Chaco Biome: Forested Steppic Savanna, Wooded Steppic Savanna, Park Steppic Savanna, Porto Murtinho-MS, Brazil, from April 3, 2017, to November 16, 2018 (totaling 20 samples). Fruits of 33 plant species were examined for fruit flies and parasitoids from these three Chaco locations. Sixteen species of fruit plants were infested by 11 species of fruit flies: five species of Anastrepha Schiner (Tephritidae): Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), Anastrepha obliqua (Macquart), Anastrepha sororcula Zucchi, Anastrepha turpiniae Stone, Anastrepha zenildae Zucchi, and six of Neosilba McAlpine (Lonchaeidae): Neosilba bifida Strikis and Prado, Neosilba certa (Walker), Neosilba glaberrima (Wiedemann), Neosilba inesperata Strikis and Prado, Neosilba pendula (Bezzi), Neosilba zadolicha McAlpine and Steyskal. Three species of parasitoids: Doryctobracon areolatus (Szepliget) and Utetes anastrephae (Viereck) (Braconidae) parasitized Anastrepha spp., and Aganaspis pelleranoi (Figitidae) parasitized Neosilba spp. All fruit flies and parasitoid species reported here are new records for the Chaco Biome. Furthermore, the following trophic associations are new records worldwide: Anastrepha obliqua in Sideroxylon obtusifolium; Anastrepha zenildae, Neosilba inesperata, and Neosilba zadolicha in Eugenia myrcianthes; Anastrepha fraterculus, Anastrepha sororcula, Neosilba pendula, and Neosilba inesperata in Campomanesia adamantium; Anastrepha spp. in Garcinia gardneriana and Agonandra brasiliensis.

Structure and characteristics of the plant-frugivore bird network from the Guilin Botanical Garden.

The interaction between plants and frugivores is crucial to ecosystem function and community diversity. However, little is known about the interaction between plants and frugivorous bird species in urban green spaces. We observed interactions between plants and frugivorous birds in the Guilin Botanical Garden for one year and determined the structure and characteristics of the interaction network. We also analyzed the impact of species traits on their network roles. Interactions between 14 frugivorous birds and 13 fruit plant species were recorded in the study area. Autumn interactions comprised 38.79% of the overall network, and winter interactions comprised 33.15%. The modularity (Q, z-score) of the network was higher in autumn; the weighted nestedness (wNODF, z-score) and interaction evenness (E2 , z-score) of the network were higher in winter; the connectance (C, z-score) and interaction diversity (z-score) of the network were higher in spring; and the specialization (H2', z-score) of the network was higher in summer. The observed network showed lower C, lower interaction H2 , lower E2 , lower wNODF, higher H2' and higher Q when compared to the random networks. The bird species most important to network stability were Hemixos castanonotus, Parus venustulus, and Pycnonotus sinensis. The most important plant species were Alocasia macrorrhiza, Cinnamomum camphora, and Machilus nanmu. Of all the bird and plant traits included in this study, only plant color had a significant impact on species strength, with black fruit having a higher species strength. Our results suggest that interaction networks in urban green spaces can be temporally complex and variable and that a network approach can be an important monitoring tool for detecting the status of crucial ecosystem functions.

The diversity and traditional knowledge of wild edible fruits in Bengkulu, Indonesia

Background: Wild edible fruit plant species (WEFs) contribute significantly to human well-being. These plants have a high nutritional value and are a source of novel alleles/genes that are important in developing new and improved crop cultivars to promote sustainable food security. However, most WEFs are less well-known and underutilized. This study aimed to investigate wild edible fruit species diversity and their potential in the Bengkulu region, Indonesia. Methods: The ethnobotanical study was carried out in eight villages from four districts of Bengkulu province, Indonesia, i.e. Mukomuko, Lebong, Rejang Lebong, and Bengkulu Selatan. The ethnobotanical survey was carried out from July to September 2022 and included 383 randomly selected respondents. The ethnobotanical investigation uses semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on the traditional knowledge of WEFs. Plant specimens were collected and identified in herbarium ANDA, Universitas Andalas. Results: A total of 73 wild edible fruit plant species belonging to 37 genera and 26 families were recorded in the study area. Most of the plant species were trees (87.7%), followed by shrubs (5.5%), climbers (4.1%), and herbs (2.7%). Forty-eight (79.5%) species were discovered in the forest, 7 (9.6%) in the farmlands, and 8 (11%) in both the forest and the farmlands. WEFs are mostly consumed as food. Artocarpus integer, Mangifera odorata, Pometia pinnata, Flacourtia rukam, Durio oxleyanus, Baccaurea racemosa, Bellucia pentamera, Baccaurea macrocarpa, Baccaurea polyneura, and Mangifera foetida. Artocarpus integer are the most preferred WEFs by their taste quality. Besides foods, WEFs have multi purposes including as traditional medicine, construction, agricultural tools, fuelwood, and fodder. Indigenous knowledge of WEFs was significantly associated with districts, age groups, and educational levels. Conclusion: Bengkulu has a diverse range of WEFs, but only a small proportion has been used by local people, particularly as food. Promotion and domestication of WEFs should be a primary concern in Bengkulu in order to take advantage of their nutritional value and potential economic value. Moreover, integrating knowledge related to WEFs into the educational curriculum is critical for educating the next generation regarding the potential of WEFs in the future. Keywords: Bengkulu, biodiversity, local knowledge, wild fruits, underutilized plants

Fruit Crop Improvement with Genome Editing, In Vitro and Transgenic Approaches

Fruit species contribute to nutritional and health security by providing micronutrients, antioxidants, and bioactive phytoconstituents, and hence fruit-based products are becoming functional foods presently and for the future. Although conventional breeding methods have yielded improved varieties having fruit quality, aroma, antioxidants, yield, and nutritional traits, the threat of climate change and need for improvement in several other traits such as biotic and abiotic stress tolerance and higher nutritional quality has demanded complementary novel strategies. Biotechnological research in fruit crops has offered immense scope for large-scale multiplication of elite clones, in vitro, mutagenesis, and genetic transformation. Advanced molecular methods, such as genome-wide association studies (GWAS), QTLomics, genomic selection for the development of novel germplasm having functional traits for agronomic and nutritional quality, and enrichment of bioactive constituents through metabolic pathway engineering and development of novel products, are now paving the way for trait-based improvement for developing genetically superior varieties in fruit plant species for enhanced nutritional quality and agronomic performance. In this article, we highlight the applications of in vitro and molecular breeding approaches for use in fruit breeding.

Allelopathic Effects of Some Fruit Plant Species with Weeds

Aqueous extracts of seven fruit plant species viz., banana (Musa paradisiaca), Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), litchi (Litchi chinensis), wood apple ((Aegle marmelos) were tested for germination, radical and plumule growth of barnyard grass and green amaranth. The lowest germination percentage (9.5 and 14.4%), plumule (3.94 and 0.92 cm) and radicle length (0.825 and 0.495 cm) of barnyard grass and green amaranth seedlings were obtained in seed treated with wood apple aqueous extract due to presence of some toxic compounds or other inhibitory materials in the species. One of these plant extract which performed the best i.e. wood apple leaves extract has the potential for use as an alternative crop as a herbicide (protectants) against barnyard grass and green amaranth weed species.

Environment‐dependent influence of fruit size upon the distribution of the Malesian archipelagic flora

Societal Impact StatementWe found evidence that larger fruited plant species are more likely to be found in aseasonal wet areas of Malesia. These areas are likely to be impacted by increasing human encroachment, which threatens both large‐fruited species and the large fauna that are most likely responsible for their dispersal. This synergistic threat could drive the loss of fruit‐crop relatives that potentially have key traits for resilient fruit crops of the future.Summary It is unclear how fruit size determines distributions of megadiverse tropical flora. Energetic constraints of ecosystems suggest plant species with larger fruit should be found in the higher productivity, aseasonal wet tropics. However, the probability of seed dispersal over large scales should be increased by fruits being smaller, due to being available to a greater number of dispersal agents. We use a Bayesian phylogenetic model of species occurrence for &gt;3400 species in Malesia to test how fruit size and environment interact to determine species distributions across the archipelago. We show that larger fruited species are more likely to occur in aseasonal wet areas. We also found that smaller fruit size was associated with species occurrence in more mountainous areas. Fruit size interacts with environmental variables to shape plant distributions across the megadiverse Malesian islands. The evolutionary processes that influence the patterns we have observed require further examination.