Fruits Of Plant Species Research Articles

Scion–Rootstock Relationship: Molecular Mechanism and Quality Fruit Production

Most tree fruits are commercially grown on different root systems, hence called composite plants. The section provides the root system as the rootstock, and the atop ground portion is called the scion. The combination is selected based on different traits of scion varieties, rootstock, and prevailing edaphic situations. The dated back plant propagation technique of joining two plants (grafting/budding) that directly communicates new physiological traits to the desirable scion variety from the rootstock remains unclear. In spite of this, this propagation technique continues widely applied in the multiplication of several fruit plant species. In a grafted plant, rootstocks impacted the scion variety’s growth, yield and quality attributes, physiology, nutrient accumulation as well as biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in many ways. Modern research in plant science for next-generation sequencing providing new vital information about the molecular interactions in composite plants multiplied using grafting. Now it was confirmed that genetic exchange is occurring between rootstock and scion variety through grafting joints. In this aspect, we discuss the process and the molecular mechanism of rootstock scion interactions. This review finally explains the dynamics of rootstock–scion interactions as well as their effect on physiology in terms of production, environmental stresses, and fruit quality. The morphological, physiochemical, and molecular mechanisms have been reviewed to develop an integrated understanding of this unknowable process that questions existing genetic paradigms. The present review summarizes the reported molecular mechanism between scion and rootstock and the impact of rootstocks on the production biology of scion varieties of economically important fruit crops and identifies numerous key points to consider when conducting rootstock scion interaction experiments. Rootstocks may offer a non-transgenic approach to rapidly respond to the changing environment and expand agricultural production of perennial fruit crops where grafting is possible in order to meet the global demand for fruit, food, and demands of the future.

Phytochemical, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activities of leaf methanolic extract of Lai (Durio kutejensis), the endemic plant of Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Manurung H, Susanto D, Kusumawati E, Aryani R, Nugroho RA, Kusuma R, Rahmawati Z, Sari RD. 2022. Phytochemical, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activities of leaf methanolic extract of Lai (Durio kutejensis), the endemic plant of Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5587-5594. Lai (Durio kutejensis Hassk. Beck) is a fruit plant species endemic to Kalimantan, Indonesia. The leaves are traditionally used to treat several diseases. Currently, there is no scientific validation of the phytochemical content, bioactive compounds, and biological activities of leaf extracts of this plant from the East Kalimantan Province of Indonesia. So, this study aimed to determine the phytochemical compounds, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of crude leaf methanol extract of D. kutejensis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to determine the bioactive compounds of lai leaf methanol extract. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Screening of phytochemical compounds of the leaf methanol extract showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and steroids. The leaf extract of lai contains total phenolic (104,55 µg GAE g-1 extract) and total flavonoid (281,41 µg QE g-1extract). The extract has weak antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 163,849 ppm. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of 43 identified compounds in the crude leaf methanolic extract of D. kutenjesis such as; 2-(1,1-dimethyl ethyl)-Phenol; 4-(3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-2-methoxy-Phenol (Coniferyl alcohol); E7-Decenylacetate; Octadecanoic acid (Stearic acid); 1,3,6-Octatriene, 3,7-dimethyl-, (Z)-; Palmitaldehyde, diisopentyl acetal; Ledol; Estran-3-one, 17-(acetyloxy)-2-methyl-, (2.alpha.,5.alpha.,17.beta.)-. This study revealed that the leaf methanol extract of D. kutejensis is a good resource of many bioactive compounds that justifies the traditional usage of this species.

Global transcriptome dissection of pollen-pistil interactions induced self-incompatibility in dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.).

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a major issue in dragon fruit (Selenicereus spp.) breeding and production. Therefore, a better understanding of the dragon fruit SI mechanism is needed to improve breeding efficiency and ultimate production costs. To reveal the underlying mechanisms of SI in dragon fruit, plant anatomy, de novo RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic analysis, and multiple bioinformatic approaches were used to analyze gene expression in the pistils of the self-pollinated and cross-pollinated dragon fruit flowers at different intervals of time after pollination. Using fluorescence microscopy, we observed that the pollen of 'Hongshuijing', a self-incompatible dragon fruit variety (S. monacanthus), germinated on its own stigma. However, the pollen tube elongation has ceased at 1/2 of the style, confirming that dragon fruit experiences gametophyte self-incompatibility (GSI). We found that the pollen tube elongation in vitro was inhibited by self-style glycoproteins in the SI variety, indicating that glycoproteins were involved in SI. That is to say the female S factor should be homologous of S-RNase or PrsS (P. rhoeas stigma S factor), both of which are glycoproteins and are the female S factors of the two known GSI mechanism respectively. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that among the 43,954 assembled unigenes from pistil, there were six S-RNase genes, while 158 F-box genes were identified from a pollen transcriptomic dataset. There were no P. rhoeas type S genes discovered. Thus, the identified S-RNase and F-box represent the candidate female and male S genes, respectively. Analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the self and cross-pollinated pistils at different time intervals led to the identification of 6,353 genes. We then used a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to find some non-S locus genes in SI responses in dragon fruit. Additionally, 13 transcription factors (TFs) (YABBY4, ANL2, ERF43, ARF2, BLH7, KNAT6, PIF3, two OBF1, two HY5 and two LHY/CCA) were identified to be involved in dragon fruit GSI. Thus, we uncovered candidate S and non-S genes and predicted more SI-related genes for a more detailed investigation of the molecular mechanism of dragon fruit SI. Our findings suggest that dragon fruit possesses a GSI system and involves some unique regulators. This study lays the groundwork for future research into SI mechanisms in dragon fruit and other plant species.

Diversity and use of wild edible fruits in the Bukit Rimbang-Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve, Kampar, Riau, Indonesia

Abstract. Syamsuardi, Mukhtar E, Nurainas, Suwardi AB. 2022. Diversity and use of wild edible fruits in the Bukit Rimbang - Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve, Kampar, Riau, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5035-5042. The Bukit Rimbang-Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve is a protected area with a diverse ecosystem and vegetation. The area provides many ecosystem services that are critical to life, particularly for humans. The aim of this study is to document wild edible fruits and their use by the community surrounding the Bukit Rimbang-Bukit Baling Wildlife Reserve. The study was carried out in eight villages of Kampar district, Riau province, namely Tanjung Belit, Tanjung Belit Selatan, Gema, Kota Lama, Muara Bio, Muara Selayah, IV Koto Setingkai, and Sungai Rambai. This study was based on field surveys, plant collection, and interviews with the local people. Interviews were performed with 334 respondents selected by using the random sampling technique. A total of 67 wild edible fruit plant species, consisting of 29 families, have been documented in the study area. Artocarpus integer, Mangifera odorata, Mangifera foetida, Nephelium maingayi, Durio oxleyanus, Syzygium polyanthum, Pometia pinnata, Baccaurea deflexa, Garcinia xanthochymus, and Bellucia pentamera were among the plants recognized and frequently harvested by respondents. Local communities use wild edible fruits as food, either eaten raw or processed into candy, snacks, or vegetables. About 54% of the respondents reported traditional knowledge linked to wild edible fruits is transferred from the parents/grandparents to the next generations in the study area. The expansion of agricultural lands and the decline in traditional knowledge are the main threats to the sustainability of wild edible fruits in the study area.

Sustainable Use and Management of Wild Edible Fruit Plants: A Case Study in the Ulu Masen Protected Forest, West Aceh, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Wild edible fruit plant species (WEFs) are species that are not cultivated or domesticated but are available in their natural habitat, providing a readily available source of food, medicine, and economic value to the local people. In recent times, WEFs have been threatened by over-exploitation, land-use changes, and biodiversity loss. This study aims to (1) identify and document wild edible fruit plant species, (2) investigate the patterns of knowledge, use, and management of WEFs in the Ulu Masen protected area; and (3) assess threats to wild edible fruit plant species and recommend possible management scenarios for their conservation. The study was conducted in six villages of Pantai Ceuremen subdistrict, Southeast Aceh, Indonesia, namely Sikundo, Jambak, Canggai, Lawet, Pulo Tungoh, and Keutambang. The plant materials were randomly collected from the study area, while local knowledge was gathered through a semi-structured survey and in-depth interviews involving 209 respondents that were selected using random sampling. A total of 53 wild edible fruit plants from 30 genera and 21 families were found to be commonly used. Syzygium pycnanthum, Syzygium littorale, Syzygium polyanthum, Garcinia xanthochymus, Baccaurea polyneura, Flacourtia rukam, Sandoricum koetjape, and Baccaurea racemosa were the most important species for local communities in the study area. The WEFs in the study area is influenced by a variety of factors, primarily agricultural expansion, which means that conservation practices need to be improved through the implementation of management strategies, prioritizing species currently used by local communities. Management strategies based on traditional knowledge, such as community-based forest management systems (CBFMS) are being considered for future conservation, and they are also being implemented in other developing countries with similar circumstances.

Inventory of Rare Fruit in Sibohe Forest of Singkawang City, West Kalimantan

The location close to urban areas and the rapid rate of decline in area can threaten the diversity of rare fruits in the Sibohe Forest. A re-survey in the Sibohe Forest, Singkawang, West Kalimantan was conducted to confirm reports of the existence of 15 rare fruit plant species collected in 2017-2018 by previous researchers. The inventory process started from collection of specimens carried out during June-July 2021, herbarium making, identification and descriptive data analysis. Based on the similarity of regional names, 13 out of 15 species were confirmed according to the previous reports, while 2 species were not found due to the possibility of out of fruiting season. However, 4 of the 13 confirmed species were identified with different scientific names. Additional survey to the people in Pontianak City aged 17-34 years revealed some different names for the same type of fruit among these four species. Four new plant species were also collected and described in this study including amok (Alpinia sp., Zingiberaceae), nubik (Artocarpus sp., Moraceae), tehengan (Artocarpus sp., Moraceae), and smallest arok (Ficus sp., Moraceae). Potentials and challenges in the inventory of rare fruit plants in the Sibohe Forest should be studied regularly as well as efforts to increase public knowledge and interest, especially for the younger generation. Moreover, recommendation should be made to support conservation activities based on the actual data collected in the field regularly.

Phytochemistry and Antiviral Activities of Some Fruit Plant Species As Potential Resources For AntiViral Agents

The aim of the present work was to review data on the antiviral activities of some fruit plant species and their macronutrient composition. This was done with the aim of promoting these plants for the management of viral diseases, particularly covid-19. Several fruit plant species are mentioned in the literature for their antiviral properties. These include: Cocos nucifera, Garcinia mangostana, Malus domestica, Mangifera indica, Musa acuminate, Musa balbisiana, Musa paradisiaca, Nephelium lappaceum, Passiflora edulis, Persea americana, Syzygium aromaticum, Syzygium guineense, Syzygium malaccense, Vitis vinifera. Some compounds of the above-mentioned fruit plants can interact with the therapeutic targets of various viruses including SARS-Cov-2 proteases. Others, on the other hand, are known to have immunostimulatory or both antiviral and immunostimulatory activities.

Frugivore distributions are associated with plant dispersal syndrome diversity in the Caribbean archipelagos

AbstractAimMany plants rely on interactions with frugivores for dispersal, suggesting that animal communities may affect plant occupancy and diversity. However, the contribution of these interaction‐led biotic variables on plant diversity is poorly understood, especially in archipelagic hotspots such as the Caribbean. In island ecosystems, biogeographic theories suggest that island configurations drive colonization‐extinction dynamics, while macroecology argues for the importance of climatic drivers of biodiversity. Within this context, we examine how frugivore‐driven biotic factors are associated with fruiting plant species richness in relation to abiotic (climatic and geologic) and island configuration characteristics.LocationCaribbean archipelagos.MethodsWe compiled a review of the diversity and distributions of 6039 plants and 326 vertebrate frugivores across 105 islands within the Caribbean. We then identified characteristics related to plant‐frugivore interactions and assigned each species as having either abiotic (wind, water, etc.) or zoochoric (frugivory‐dependent) dispersal syndromes. We related plant richness and dispersal syndromes to the regional diversity and characteristics of frugivorous animals, abiotic environments and island configuration characteristics through stepwise multivariate regression with generalized linear models and model selection.ResultsWe found that 44.6% of Caribbean plants are dispersed through frugivory (endozoochory). Frugivore‐related characteristics, namely accumulated body mass of island bird assemblages, were the best predictors of the diversity of seed dispersal syndromes. To a lesser degree, reptile richness and soil variety were also considered important predictors for zoochoric plant distribution, while island areas affected abiotically‐dispersed plants.Main conclusionWe found that biotic characteristics of frugivore communities are important predictors of plant diversity in the Caribbean archipelagos. However, this may also be influenced by climate and colonization history. Given the importance of biotic metrics in explaining plant diversity, we suggest that fruit‐frugivore interactions are important components of island biogeography and that frugivorous communities should be accounted for plant biodiversity predictions and forecast models.

Diversity of Plant Species in Homestead Area of Moulvibazar District in Bangladesh

The study was conducted at Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh during January to September 2015 to observe the diversity of plant species in the homestead area with their arrangement and to explore the relationships of plant diversity with the selected characteristics of the respondents. Face to face interview was performed with 135 respondents with the help of questionnaire. A total of 92 plant species, 45 vegetables species were recorded in the homestead of the study area. Out of different categories of plant species, 35 timber, 36 fruits and 21 medicinal and other plants were recorded. Most of fruit plants and medicinal and other plant species were found in front yard and backyard of homestead area. Timber trees were dominated at boundary side than any other side of homesteads. Diversity of fruit (0.79-0.99), timber (0.77-0.93) and medicinal plant species (0.77-0.96) were high in most of the unions. Mango Jackfruit, Papaya, Coconut were dominant fruit species. Acasia hybrid and Mehogony were dominant timber species. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Areca nut (Areca catechu), Tulsi (Ocimum americanum), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bamboo (Bambusa sp), Pudina (Mentha spicata) and Bohera (Terminalia bellerica), were dominant medicinal and other plant species. There was a positive correlation between plant diversity with most of the selected characteristics of the respondents. Results conclude that plant diversity in homestead areas of Kamalganj upazila could be a good option for improving the livelihood of the respondents. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 285-299 (2021)

Diversity of wild edible fruit plant species and their threatened status in the Aceh Province, Indonesia

Abstract. Suwardi AB, Navia ZI, Harmawan T, Seprianto, Syamsuardi, Mukhtar E. 2022. Diversity of wild edible fruit plant species and their threatened status in the Aceh Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1311-1319. Aceh Province, Indonesia is home to a diverse range of tropical fruit plants. However, increased anthropogenic activities such as population growth and natural disasters resulted in various biological resources such as wild edible fruit plants being under threat. The study aimed to assess the diversity and threatened status of wild edible fruit plant species in the Aceh Province of Indonesia. The study was conducted in six regencies, namely Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Timur, Aceh Selatan, Aceh Utara, Aceh Barat, and Aceh Tengah. At each study area, a line transect of 1,000 meters was laid from the forest's edge into the forest. Wild edible fruit plant species discovered along the transect were collected and given local names. A total of 129 wild edible fruit plant species at six studied areas in the Aceh Province belonged to 38 families. The highest number of fruit plant species was recorded in the district of Aceh Tamiang, i.e., 63 species, followed by Aceh Selatan (56 species), Aceh Barat (46 species), Aceh Timur (37 species), Aceh Utara (31 species), and Aceh Tengah (23 species). Mangifera foetida Lour., Mangifera odorata Griff., Artocarpus integer (Thunb.) Merr., Ficus altissima Blume, Ficus fistulosa Reinw. ex Blume, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Passiflora foetida L., and Pometia pinnata J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. were the most frequently recorded wild fruit plant species in all regencies. From 129 wild edible fruit species recorded in the study areas, 35% are currently classified as Least Concern, 6% as Vulnerable, 3% as Near Threatened, 2% as Low Risk, 2% as Data Deficient, and 52% of species in the IUCN red list had No Available Data. Community-based conservation through domestication of wild edible fruit plant species can be one of the management strategies for the conservation of wild edible fruit plants in Aceh Province.

Structure and Characteristics of Plant-Frugivore Network in an Urban Park: A Case Study in Nanjing Botanical Garden Mem. Sun Yat-Sen

Interaction between animals and plants is an important way to maintain terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem function, but little is known about the structure of reciprocal networks between fruit plants and frugivore birds in urban habitats. To explore the characteristics of the plant–frugivore network and network roles of species, we observed the fruit ripening phenology of 21 species of fruit plants and the interactions between these plants and 39 species of frugivore birds during the whole year in a large urban park. Then, we assessed the characteristics of the total plant–frugivore and seasonal networks, and analyzed the network roles of species and the relationship between their network roles and ecological traits. Fruit ripened mainly in autumn and winter, and interaction connections in the two seasons contributed 39.68% and 44.83% to the total network, respectively. The specialization (H2′), connectance (C), nestedness, and interaction evenness (eH2) of the network were lower in autumn and winter, while the interaction diversity was higher. Compared with the networks (N = 1000) generated by the null model, the observed network exhibited higher nestedness and interaction diversity (E2) and lower specialization (H2′), connectance (C), and interaction evenness (eH2). A correlation analysis combining ecological traits and network roles showed that plants with black fruit had higher effective partners and partner diversity, while other traits of plants and birds were not significantly correlated with their network parameters. The important plants (N = 6) and birds (N = 3) contributed to 71.78% and 67.55% of the total network connection, they were mainly evergreen plants with black and red drupes and omnivorous generalist birds with medium and large sizes. Our research highlighted the seasonal differences in urban plant–frugivore network and the value of important species in maintaining network structures and providing ecosystem services.

Evaluation of Wild Flora Surrounding Blueberry Fields as Viable Hosts of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Georgia.

Drosophila suzukii, an economically important pest of small and thin-skinned fruits, has caused annual crop losses up to 20% in the state of Georgia's multimillion-dollar blueberry industry. The known host range of D. suzukii is large, yet the breadth of uncultivated and wild plants that can serve as alternative hosts in the southeastern United States is still not fully understood. Establishing comprehensive lists of non-crop D. suzukii hosts in woodlands near blueberry production will assist in the creation of more sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Objectives of this study were to determine viability of wild fruiting plant species to this pest based on survivorship to adulthood and assess D. suzukii short-range preference between cultivated blueberries and wild fruit. Laboratory choice and no-choice assays were performed to determine if D. suzukii could complete its development on wild fruits sampled from the field. Results from our no-choice assays indicated that multiple species of wild fruits surveyed in Georgia were viable D. suzukii hosts including blackberry species, deerberry, hillside blueberry, common pokeweed, beautyberry, elderberry, evergreen blueberry, and large gallberry. Yet, none of these hosts were preferred by adult female D. suzukii as ovipositional substrates when compared to cultivated blueberries. However, these uncultivated species have the potential to sustain D. suzukii populations pre- and post-harvest season. This information can help farmers do more targeted management of these viable alternative hosts from wooded areas surrounding blueberry fields in order to minimize D. suzukii populations.

Profile of geographical variation in marginal land and its relationship with the fruit tree species richness in Jombang District, Indonesia

Abstract. Zulfikar, Arisoesilaningsih E, Indriyani S, Fernandes AAR. 2021. Profile of geographical variation in marginal land and its relationship with the fruit tree species richness in Jombang District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3315-3325. The purpose of this study was to determine the sites of fruit tree species richness, in order to analyze the relationship between the locations with fruit tree diversity, and geographical variations, towards the success of marginal land conservation in Jombang Regency. The study area covered four districts, and was divided into 11 sites with different slopes and altitudes. Multivariate analysis was carried out using the R program. The results showed that the structure and composition of fruit trees were discovered to be 21 species from 14 families. The uniqueness of the fruit trees was shown in Tamarindus indica and Cocos nucifera, which were observed as rare plants on slopes with high and low altitudes, respectively. The results of the geographical variation analysis also showed that the slope and elevation with values of 0.5889 and 0.5077, respectively, were significantly correlated with the site of fruit plant species richness at the (?) 0.05 level, as the response formed was not linear for the three geographical diversities studied. Also, the model built between site, slope, and elevation towards the fruit tree species richness was acceptable, due to the fact that the value (Pr> F) = 0.004 was very significant at the (?) 0.001 level.

Inflorescence abscission protein SlIDL6 promotes low light intensity-induced tomato flower abscission.

In many fruiting plant species, flower abscission is induced by low light stress. Here, we elucidated how signaling mediated by the peptide INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION (IDA) controls low light-induced flower drop in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We analyzed the expression patterns of an IDA-Like gene (SlIDL6) during low light-induced flower abscission, and used tandem mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the mature SlIDL6 peptide. Tomato knockout lines were created to investigate the in vivo function of SlIDL6. In addition, yeast one-hybrid assays were used to investigate the binding of the SlWRKY17 transcription factor to the SlIDL6 promoter, and silencing of SlWRKY17 expression delayed low light-induced flower abscission. SlIDL6 was specifically expressed in the abscission zone and at high levels during low light-induced abscission and ethylene treatment. SlIDL6 knockout lines showed delayed low light-induced flower drop, and the application of SlIDL6 peptide accelerated abscission. Overexpression of SlIDL6 rescued the ida mutant phenotype in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), suggesting functional conservation between species. SlIDL6-mediated abscission was via an ethylene-independent pathway. We report a SlWRKY17-SlIDL6 regulatory module that functions in low light promoted abscission by increasing the expression of enzymes involved in cell wall remodeling and disassembly.

Parasitic nematodes of wild and cultivated subtropical fruit plants in Central Asia

The purpose of the research is studying the species composition and control measures against parasitic nematodes of wild and cultivated subtropical fruit plants of Central Asia.Materials and methods. We studied subtropical fruit crops in 198 farms and 1985 household plots located in various soil and climatic zones of over 20,675 hectares in Central Asia. The materials were collected in the autumn (September-October), spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months in 1970–1990 by the route method. Study subjects were plant parasitic nematodes of 8 species of wild and cultivated subtropical fruit plants in the Central Asian republics. A modified Baermann funnel method was used to isolate plant nematodes from plants and soil near roots. In total, we collected and analyzed more than 5,400 plant and soil samples. To identify the species of plant parasitic nematodes, we used the Atlas of plant parasitic nematodes compiled at the Institute of Parasitology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as morphometric indicators obtained according to the generally accepted De Mann formulae.Results and discussion. More than 129,000 specimens of plant parasites of 98 species were found in the studied wild and cultivated subtropical fruit crops and soil near their roots. In many farms of the Central Asian republics, we found southern root-knot nematodes, peanut root-knot nematodes, javanese root-knot nematodes, and cotton root-knot nematodes in mixed populations. In Uzbekistan, the prevalence in these crops was from 8 to 61.3%, in Tajikistan – from 78 to 98%, in Turkmenistan – from 6 to 98%, and in Kyrgyzstan – 33%. In addition to root-knot nematodes, representatives of ecto- and endoparasites of the genera Tylenchorhynchus, Merlinius, Quinisulcius, Rotylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Paratylenchus, Macroposthonia, Labocriconema and Xiphinema were parasitizing in the above subtropical cultures. Under production conditions, we tested Furadan at a dose of 40 kg/ha, Heterophos at a dose of 60 and 120 kg/ha, and Aldicarb at a dose of 40 kg/ha to control root-knot and other parasitic nematodes. Their efficacy ranged from 89 to 100%. We also used the soil solarization method developed by us, the efficacy of which was 95–98%.

Edible Fruit Plant Species in the Amazon Forest Rely Mostly on Bees and Beetles as Pollinators.

Edible fruit plants of tropical forests are important for the subsistence of traditional communities. Understanding the most important pollinators related to fruit and seed production of these plants is a necessary step to protect their pollination service and assure the food security of these communities. However, there are many important knowledge gaps related to floral biology and pollination in megadiverse tropical rainforests, such as the Amazon Forest, due mainly to the high number of plant species. Our study aims to indicate the main pollinators of edible plants (mainly fruits) of the Amazon forest. For this, we adopted a threefold strategy: we built a list of edible plant species, determined the pollination syndrome of each species, and performed a review on the scientific literature searching for their pollinator/visitors. The list of plant species was determined from two specialized publications on Amazon fruit plants, totaling 188 species. The pollination syndrome was determined for 161 species. The syndromes most frequently found among the analyzed species were melittophily (bee pollination), which was found in 101 of the analyzed plant species (54%) and cantharophily (beetle pollination; 26 species; 14%). We also found 238 pollinator/visitor taxa quoted for 52 (28%) plant species in previous publications, with 124 taxa belonging to Apidae family (bees; 52%), mainly from Meliponini tribe (58 taxa; 47%). Knowledge about pollinators is an important step to help on preserving their ecosystem services and maintaining the productivity of fruit trees in the Amazon.

Local snake fruit conservation in East Java, Indonesia: Community knowledge and appreciation

Abstract. Indah NK, Indriyani S, Arumingtyas EL, Azrianingsih R. 2021. Local snake fruit conservation in East Java, Indonesia: Community knowledge and appreciation. Biodiversitas 22: 416-423. The community-based conservation of plant species diversity by variety of utility is an effective method for preserving local plants. Salak or the ‘snake fruit’ from East Java is an important fruit plant species in East Java. However, recent dramatic decline in its production and consumption occurred due to land-use change of plantation into resident or settlement areas. This study aims to analyze the value of local knowledge and appreciation and discusses the conservation strategy to cope with the situation. This descriptive research adopted 328 respondents from 10 local and introduced snake fruit cultivation areas in East Java. Respondents were divided into four age categories: young (17-30 years), adults (30-45 years), middle-aged (45-60 years), and old (>60 years). The questioner consisted of closed and open questions about knowledge (9 questions) and appreciation (13 questions). There were variations in the level of knowledge and appreciation between locations and ages. The highest appreciation about snake fruit utilization was shown by the middle-aged group (85.53% and 75% respectively) based on the age group. In comparison, the lowest scores were shown in the young group (79.82% and 59.80% respectively). The points that support appreciation such as benefits and value of snake fruit for societal support. Based on the snake fruit cultivation area, the highest score for knowledge and appreciation of its value was found in Bojonegoro (98.1% and 87.01% respectively) while these were the lowest in Trenggalek (68.0% and 57.10% respectively). Appreciation supports community-based conservation through snake fruit festivals, product diversification i.e. making processed foods, and its use in religious ceremonies.

Antioxidant activities in Vitex doniana and Saba comorensis fruits from coastal forests of Tanzania

ABSTRACT Coastal forests of Tanzania are endowed with edible wild fruit plant species that can be used as dietary supplements to humans. The antioxidant activities of two common wild fruits Vitex doniana and Saba comorensis from two coastal regions (Tanga and Coastal) were determined using diphenly-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The antioxidant activities for V. doniana ranged between 71.0 ± 0.4 and 49.11 ± 0.04 in fruit samples from Tanga and 65.6 ± 0.1 and 48.3 ± 0.1 in fruit samples from Coast region. The activity in S. comorensis ranged between 56.28 ± 0.02 and 44.22 ± 0.03 for fruit samples from Coast region and between 61.77 ± 0.00 and 51.8 ± 0.1 for fruit samples from Tanga. However, the differences in antioxidant activity between fruits from the two regions were not significant (P > .05) as they performed on the same latitudinal gradient influenced by the similar coastal habitat conditions. Data indicated a positive correlation between concentration of the fruit extracts and the free radical scavenging capacity where higher antioxidant activity was observed at 1000 µg/ml fruit extract concentration than in 62.5 µg/ml. The regression analysis indicated significant influence of the wild fruit extracts on antioxidant activity in fruit samples from Tanga than it was in fruit samples from Coast regions. The considerable antioxidant activity depicted by the fruits of both V. doniana and S. comorensis indicated their neutraceutical potential as natural antioxidants.

The importance of tropical edible fruit plants for tribal communities in East Aceh region, Indonesia

The study investigated the diversity and use of tropical edible fruits consumed by tribal communities in East Aceh, Indonesia. The plant materials were randomly collected from four villages in two subdistricts, while local knowledge was gathered through a survey and in-depth interviews. Data were collected by surveying 80 people, 20 from each of four study areas, simple random sampling selected for this study. A total of 32 tropical edible fruit plant species were found in the study area. The fruits are rich in macro and micro-nutrients. Besides being a source of food, they can also be used as remedies for various diseases. This plant has the potential to be used as a commercial crop to increase food shortages, tribal economy, and to regenerate degraded lands. In addition, this study could contribute to educating the younger generation on the importance of tropical edible fruit plants.

Fruclimadapt: An R package for climate adaptation assessment of temperate fruit species

Climate strongly determines the growing range of fruit plant species that can be grown successfully in an area, and also the cultivars that will perform best. Therefore, the assessment of the adequacy of a climate is critical for decision-making in the design of fruit orchards and vineyards, and also for the evaluation of the potential consequences of future climate on fruit production. Bioclimatic indices and plant phenology models are commonly used to assess the suitability of climate for growing quality fruit and to provide temporal and spatial information about regarding ongoing and future changes. In this paper, we present fruclimadapt, a flexible and versatile package in the R language that streamlines the assessment of climate adaptation and the identification of potential risks for grapevines and fruit trees. A core set of functions allows to assess climate adaptation of fruit tree species by calculating specific bioclimatic index values and to evaluate potential threats to yield and fruit quality. Three additional sets of functions have been included as companions to: i) downscale daily meteorological values to hourly data, ii) estimate winter chill and forcing heat accumulation and iii) estimate the occurrence of phenological phases. fruclimadapt is currently available from the CRAN website (https://cran.r-project.org/package=fruclimadapt).