Fruit Production Research Articles

Animal pollination contributes to more than half of citrus production

Animal pollination is crucial for the reproduction and economic viability of a wide range of crops. Despite the existing data, the extent to which citrus crops depend on pollinators to guarantee fruit production still needs to be determined. Here, we described the composition of potential pollinators in citrus (Citrus spp.) from the main growing areas of Argentina; moreover, we combined Bayesian models and empirical simulations to assess the contribution of animal pollination on fruit set and yield ha−1 in different species and cultivars of lemons, grapefruits, mandarins, and oranges. Honeybee (A. mellifera L.) was the most commonly observed potential pollinator, followed by a diverse group of insects, mainly native bees. Regardless of citrus species and cultivars, the probability of flowers setting fruit in pollinated flowers was 2.4 times higher than unpollinated flowers. Furthermore, our simulations showed that about 60% of the citrus yield ha−1 can be attributable to animal pollination across all species and cultivars. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain environments that support pollinator diversity and increase consumer and to producer awareness and demand in order to ensure the significant benefits of animal pollination in citrus production.

Nocturnal pollinators significantly contribute to tree bean (Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.) reproductive success compared to diurnal pollinators

The prevailing scientific research in agricultural pollination is primarily focused on diurnal pollinators. However, the active role of pollinators during the night hours, such as moths and bats, is gradually expanding. Parkia timoriana (tree bean) was selected for the present study to test the significance of nocturnal pollinators in reproductive success. Tree bean is a highly valuable tree species of ecological and socio-economic importance on agricultural farms in Southeast Asia. We examined the contributions of nocturnal and diurnal floral visitors to the reproductive success of P. timoriana via an exclusion bagging experiment in the Mizoram, north-east India. A comparison of the relative contributions of nocturnal and diurnal pollinators to the fruit production of P. timoriana was performed by quantitative parameters. We found that nocturnal pollinators outperformed diurnal pollinators in terms of all the quantity parameters and were significantly different (p < 0.05) from each other. The nocturnal pollinators have clearly facilitated fruit production in P. timoriana, which was statistically similar to the levels of pollination observed in the open pollination treatment. The results of the present study suggest that the nocturnal pollinators significantly affect the reproductive success of P. timoriana (tree bean) in an agricultural land setting.

EVALUATING SOIL AMENDMENT EFFECTS ON TOMATO YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY

This study investigates the impact of various soil treatments on key yield components of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants, including fruit diameter, length, number per plant, and weight. Eight treatments were evaluated: BK+, MgSO4, CaPh, EcoTea, Pig Manure, Cow Manure, Combined Inorganic Fertilizer, and a Control. Comprehensive statistical analyses revealed significant differences in yield parameters across treatments. CaPh, MgSO4, and the Combined Inorganic fertilizer enhanced fruit production. EcoTea promoted larger tomato lengths, while Pig Dung increased weights. Mineral composition analyses showed distinct treatment effects on sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels. Nutrient profiling indicated varied impacts on moisture, protein, ash, fiber, fat, and carbohydrate contents. Strong correlations were observed between mineral and nutrient pairs, highlighting potential synergies and antagonisms. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing soil management practices for improved tomato yield, quality, and nutritional value, contributing to sustainable agricultural development.

Recent research highlights and innovations for sustainable crop protection†.

Dimpropyridaz is a novel insecticide active ingredient (a.i.) for the control of piercing and sucking pests. The discovery of dimpropyridaz included the synthesis of thousands of compound analogs which were investigated for their potential efficacy and registrability. Dimpropyridaz is the sole representative of the pyridazine pyrazolecarboxamide class, Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) Group 36. The novel mode of action is characterized by disrupting the function of an insect's chordotonal organs in a way that is distinctly different from IRAC Groups 9 and 29. Dimpropyridaz demonstrates translaminar and systemic effects as well as high selectivity, providing both application flexibility and, when applied according to the label, beneficial organism, and environmental compatibility. Dimpropyridaz,powered formulations will be availablein select markets, covering a broad range of vegetable, fruit, row crop, and ornamental production segments. Dimpropyridaz also has commercial registered name: Axalion Active. This review will focus on a broad outline of the chemical preparation, regulatory overview, and select biological performance and represents a summary of the information shared during the invited lecture at the 15th IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)International Congress of Crop Protection Chemistry held in New Delhi, India in March 2023. © 2024 BASF. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

An integrated environmental-economic assessment of orange production in China during 2010–2020

It is unclear how agricultural materials use affects environmental sustainability, carbon emissions and economic benefit of fruit plantation as well as relationships among the three aspects. To address these issues, Chinese orange production, as a study case, was investigated through combination of emergy method, carbon footprint and economic analysis, as well as the proposed co-benefit index based on emergy-carbon-economy. This evaluation framework was applied to assess orange production in Chinese seven provinces during 2010–2020. On average, Jiangxi has the highest emergy sustainability level (0.14) while Guangxi and Chongqing show the lowest level (0.08). Chongqing and Guangdong achieve the best and the worst economic benefit (3.34 vs. 1.78 in terms of Return on Investment) respectively. Hunan and Guangdong possess the lowest and the largest carbon emission intensity (0.11 vs. 0.90 kg CO2-eq kg −1 product) accordingly. Hunan and Guangdong achieve the best and the worst co-benefit effect (13.52 vs. 0.48 in terms of Co-benefit Index) respectively. Except Hunan and Jiangxi, emergy sustainability adversely affects co-benefit effect of orange production in the other five provinces. Carbon emission intensity reduces co-benefit effect of orange production in Guangdong. Economic benefit weakens co-benefit effect of orange production in Fujian, Hubei, Hunan and Guangdong. The work proposed one feasible framework for investigating comprehensive performance of fruit production based on emergy – carbon - economy.

A comprehensive physicochemical characterization and proposed portfolios of applications for the fruits and seeds of 11 accessions of Jatropha curcas L.

The seed oil and extraction cake from 11 accessions of Jatropha curcas from Mexico, El Salvador, and India were comprehensively characterized with the objective of selecting parentals based on desirable traits for a hybridization program. Kernels contained up to 65 % oil and up to 30 % protein. The most abundant protein types were glutelins (48 %) and globulins (24 %), with arginine (0.096 mg/g) and leucine (0.070 mg/g) being the major amino acids. Glucose (0.09 g/g) and arabinose (0.03 g/g) were the most abundant carbohydrates. The oil was primarily composed of oleic (41 %) and linoleic (37 %) acids. The physicochemical properties of the oil included an acid value of 0.28–1.15 %, saponification value of 155–208 mg KOH/g, iodine value of 0.97–1.08 g I2/g, and viscosity of 21.9–40.9 cSt at 40 °C. Six accessions were selected as parental candidates based on their potential as feedstock for a diverse portfolio of products. The most common applicability of oils were lubricants, biopolymers, biofertilizer, and liquid biofuels production. One Mexican accession had a phorbol-ester concentration much lower than the toxicity threshold (0.06 mg/g) and a high protein content, making it attractive for the animal feed industry and for protein extraction. The selected accessions are preserved in a local germplasm bank and will be used for continued genetic improvement through hybridization, aiming to preserve the identified traits while increasing fruit productivity.

The underlying molecular mechanisms of hormonal regulation of fruit color in fruit-bearing plants.

Fruit color is a key feature of fruit quality, primarily influenced by anthocyanin or carotenoid accumulation or chlorophyll degradation. Adapting the pigment content is crucial to improve the fruit's nutritional and commercial value. Genetic factors along with other environmental components (i.e., light, temperature, nutrition, etc.) regulate fruit coloration. The fruit coloration process is influenced by plant hormones, which alsoplay a vital role in various physiological and biochemical metabolic processes. Additionally, phytohormones play a role in the regulation of a highly conserved transcription factor complex, called MBW (MYB-bHLH-WD40). The MBW complex, which consists of myeloblastosis (MYB), basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), and WD40 repeat (WDR) proteins, coordinates the expression of downstream structural genes associated with anthocyanin formation. In fruit production, the application of plant hormones may be important for promoting coloration. However, concerns such as improper concentration or application time must be addressed. This article explores the molecular processes underlying pigment formation and how they are influenced by various plant hormones. The ABA, jasmonate, and brassinosteroid increase anthocyanin and carotenoid formation, but ethylene, auxin, cytokinin, and gibberellin have positive as well as negative effects on anthocyanin formation. This article establishes the necessary groundwork for future studies into the molecular mechanisms of plant hormones regulating fruit color, ultimately aiding in their effective and scientific application towards fruit coloration.

Accessing the genetic diversity of natural populations of Acrocomia aculeata (Arecaceae) through microsatellites

Acrocomia aculeata holds cultural and economic importance as the second-largest producer of oleaginous fruits in arid and semi-arid regions, with potential for exploitation as an agricultural crop. It is a tropical arborescent species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical Americas, with a significant occurrence of natural populations in the Cerrado biome. Its broad distribution across various landscapes is supported by a mixed reproductive system, diverse pollination strategies, and resilience to environmental stressors. Despite its resilience in fragmented habitats, anthropogenic habitat fragmentation generally harms populations, affecting gene flow and genetic diversity. In this context, this study aimed to assess genetic diversity and structure of natural populations of A. aculeata from northern Minas Gerais using microsatellites. The five natural populations were named according to the municipality where they were collected, being them Espinosa, Mirabela, Claro dos Poções, Grão Mogol, and Itacambira. The results revealed that four SSR loci amplified 46 different alleles, totaling 1352 alleles. The loci showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, with a mean f of 0.288. Among the populations analyzed, ITA was the most genetically diverse, while ESP was the least diverse. As subpopulations, they displayed high genetic structure, with a mean FST of 0.329 and FIT of 0.484. The study suggests the natural populations of Macaw palm in northern Minas Gerais that can be used for germplasm banks, and the ones that requires human intervention to restore genetic diversity.

Fruit and vegetable peel characteristics and their conversion to biosorbents using hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis: A review

Peels make up a considerable proportion of solid waste generated from fruit and vegetable production and processing. If not properly managed, they could contribute to environmental degradation through the dispersion of nutrient-rich leachate and the release of various greenhouse gases. Alternatively, these peels could be transformed to biosorbents, which could assist in the removal of pollutants of environmental and human health concerns from wastewaters. Using peels as raw material for biosorbent production is an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for waste disposal. Peels also contain bio-activators, which can be used to activate the biosorbent produced, minimizing the use of synthetic chemicals for biosorbent activation. This review considers the different physicochemical characteristics of vegetable and fruit peels that make them suitable raw materials for biosorbent production. Additionally, their transformation to biosorbents using hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis is discussed. The review concludes with a discussion on the efficiency of peel-based biosorbents in the removal of diverse types of pollutants from wastewater.

Jasmonate and salicylic sprays improve cherry tomato fruit productivity and quality in unheated greenhouses

Introduction. Arable regions often have insufficient soil nutrients, which means that fertilizers must be used. However, using fertilizers excessively can harm the environment, human health, and food safety. Natural growth regulators derived from plants are environmentally friendly and reasonably priced. Salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) phytohormones are crucial for enhancing plant biomass, quality, productivity, and resistance to environmental stresses. Objective. To evaluate the foliar effect of MeJA and SA on fruit quality and production of cvs. colorful tomato under greenhouse conditions. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out in the University of Diyala, Iraq, from 1 December, 2022 to 5 June 2023. Foliar of 0, 200 mg/L SA and or 200 mg/L MeJA was evaluated to determine effects on fruit quality and production of colorful cherry tomato cultivars indeterminate: LA4013, LA353, LA2921, LA3899 and IQ2, with a randomized complete block design with each treatment having three replicates. Results. The cv. IQ2 had the heaviest fruit (82.13 g), highest yield (4.56 kg/plant), total yield (4.56 t/house) and highest treatable acidity (0.62 %). The cv. LA4013 had a higher fruit number (612.88 fruit/plant) and the highest total soluble solids (2.933 %). Foliar of SA at 200 mg/L had the highest chlorophyll index (36.68 SPAD) highest fruits per plant (373.73), highest yield (3.15 kg/plant) and total yield (3.93 t/house). Conclusion. When considering all variables together, the best genotypes were IQ2 and LA4013, which were found to be superior to the other genotypes in quality and yield trials. The 200 mg/L foliar SA improved the yield and quality of cherry tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.

Deciphering the Effects of Different Calcium Sources on the Plant Growth, Yield, Quality, and Postharvest Quality Parameters of ‘Tomato’

Tomatoes are one of the most important vegetables in every home, especially in South Asian countries, used as a vegetable, ketchup, and condiment in many kitchen recipes. It is a good source of calcium, potassium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, and lycopene, which are beneficial for the human body and protect it against different diseases. Nutrient management is a key factor for the best quality production of tomato fruit. The present study was conducted to compare the efficiency of different calcium salts (calcium sulphate, calcium carbonate, calcium nitrate, and calcium chloride) in improving the growth, yield, and other quality-related parameters of tomatoes. A single field experiment was conducted and laid out according to the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a single factor in the field and a Complete Randomized Design (CRD)) for postharvest fruit storage. The results obtained from this experiment suggest that plants treated with 2% calcium chloride solution exhibited the greatest plant height (85.27 cm), number of leaves (221), yield per plant (2.3 kg), ascorbate peroxidase (290.75 m mol s−1 kg−1), superoxide dismutase (7.13 m mol s−1 kg−1), catalase (18.74 m mol s−1 kg−1), total phenolics (2.44 mg g−1), and β carotene (0.48 µg g−1). During postharvest storage, the maximum shelf life (18 days), minimum disease incidence (4.78%), weight loss (6.61%), and ethylene production (119.6 µL C2H4 kg−1h−1) rate were also observed in calcium-treated fruits.

Early diagnosis, monitoring, profiling, and management of bayberry twig blight disease by nitrogen metabolism

Pestalotiopsis versicolor, pathogen of Bayberry Twig Blight Disease causes wilt and leaf spots thereby reducing the photosynthetic area which ultimately leads to production of small fruits with poor nutritional quality. Due to heavy dependence on chemicals with its detrimental effect, new biofriendly measures are sort. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering technology was used in early discovery and monitoring of the disease progression in bayberry seedlings. The spectra 1454.46 cm−1 was inferred as the fingerprint of the fungus. MgO nano-bioprotectant (MgONBs) antifungal mechanism of action was studied via transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling at 12 and 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) with P. versicolor and metagenomics profiling at 7 and 14 days post-inoculation (dpi) with P. versicolor. MgONBs enhanced the recruitment of Bradyrhizobium to overcome the attack of P. versicolor. Nitrogen fixation activities in the diseased leaves at 7 and 14 dpi were significantly reduced, while it was significantly increased from 17.74 % in the diseased leaves to 26.79 % in the diseased leaves treated with MgONBs at 14 dpi. Thus, activating bayberry defense by increasing its nitrogen metabolism. In addition, in MgONBs group compared to control, urea, L-Methionine sulfone, and 5-Aminosalicylic acid compounds were activated which enriched its defense and signaling pathways. Upregulated differentially expressed genes in MgONBs relative to the control at 12 and 24 hpi mapped to KEGG pathways involved in amino acid metabolism which was tightly linked to photosynthesis gene (CJ030_MR1G012863). Our results reveals the mechanism of action of MgONBs in combatting phytopathogens.

Frontiers of fortune: mobilising land, water, and collective identity for watermelon production in Southeastern Morocco

ABSTRACT Watermelon production has rapidly increased in Morocco over the last 15 years. Since its independence in 1956, Morocco has promoted the production of early-season fruits and vegetables for European supermarkets to boost the national economy and improve rural livelihoods. Today, the expansion of watermelon production in arid regions of the country has had profound impacts on local land and water resources. In Zagora, a pre-Sahara oasis region in the southeast of the country, watermelons have contributed to the overuse of aquifers, trapping farmers in cycles of accumulating debt, and increasing conflict over land. Drawing on interviews and participant observation with residents and officials from 2021-2023, this paper demonstrates how a pastoral community embraced watermelon production in an effort to engage with the agro-export sector that drives the country's agricultural growth. Yet rather than contributing to the overall development of the region, watermelon production has deepened gender and economic disparities within the community and privileged a small group of farmers with access to capital. Although authorities restricted watermelon production in 2023, larger investors simply moved production, leaving small farmers to confront the volatile market while trying to sustain land, water, and collective identity in the region.

UMBU TREE (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam. - Anacardiaceae): FROM EXTRACTIVE TO PLANTED CULTURE IN BRAZIL

Umbu tree (Spondias tuberosa Arr. Cam.) is botanical species native to the Caatinga that plays significant cultural and economic role in Northeast Brazil. The aims of this study to evaluate the trend in umbu fruit production over a period of 21 years and to discuss the cultivation of the species, associated with its socioeconomic and environmental advantages in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil. Data on extractive production and the monetary value of umbu fruit were obtained from the official platform of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics. Silvicultural aspects cultivation, management, and its market was obtained from specialized literature. Descriptive statistics on the data set and a trend analysis through regression model fitting was carried out using JMP® software. A downward trend in umbu tree fruit was estimated for most states, except for Alagoas, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Norte. Alagoas was the only one with the best average variation (74.6%) in production and price (US$ 0.83) per kg of production via extractivism. The cultivating through plantations for commercial fruit umbu production is an alternative to overcome the declining trend in extractivism, ensuring continuation of family income and environmental protection of umbu tree populations in their natural habitats.

Influence of Combined Supplemental Lighting and Nutrient Solution Concentration on Fruit Production and Quality of Cherry Tomato

We conducted an analysis on the combined effects of two light conditions (L1: greenhouse natural lighting; L2: greenhouse natural lighting plus supplemental lighting (SL)) and three nutrient solution concentrations (EC, NS1: 3.2 dS/m; NS2: 3.7 dS/m; NS3: 4.2 dS/m) on the growth, fruit production, and quality of two cherry tomato cultivars with different fruit coloring (‘Baiyu’ and ‘Qianxi’). The plants subjected to NS2 exhibited enhanced growth, photosynthetic parameters, and fruit production. The utilization of SL further enhanced stem diameter, leaf number, and single fruit weight, resulting in higher fruit weight per plant in ‘Baiyu’, which was not observed in ‘Qianxi’. The growth, fruit size, and fruit weight of both cultivars cultivated under NS3 conditions were suppressed, while these fruits exhibited elevated levels of total soluble solids (TSS), soluble sugars, vitamin C, polyphenols, fructose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid, and carotenoids. These levels were further enhanced by SL treatment. The improvement of fruit quality through the application of SL was found to be cultivar and EC dependent. In ‘Baiyu’, SL at NS1 significantly enhanced the accumulation of fruit water, minerals (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), TSS, vitamin C, fructose, sucrose, and carotenoids. However, this effect was not observed in ‘Qianxi’. The combination of SL and EC 4.2 dS/m (NS3) generally contributes to the enhancement of fruit quality, while SL and EC 3.7 dS/m can ensure consistent fruit production. The yellowish-white fruit cultivar exhibited higher levels of soluble sugars, vitamin C, and polyphenols under L2NS3 conditions compared to the red fruit cultivar, whereas the carotenoid content showed an opposite trend. The findings are anticipated to establish a theoretical foundation for the consistent annual cultivation of cherry tomatoes in protected horticultural settings.

Agronomic features of introduced Argan tree in eastern of Morocco and optimization of their propagation

Argania spinosa or argan is an endemic plant of Morocco that belongs to sapotaceae family. This species has significant ecological and socioeconomical impact in Morocco and is mainly recognized by argan oil that is very known for its nutritional quality and health benefits. Our study aims to elaborate an agronomical and pomological characterization of introduced argan trees in Oujda, Morocco (about 200 trees, 10 years old) , select high-performance clone heads based on their productivity and stability criteria, by measuring various productivity parameters over a tree years study period (fresh fruit production, almonds production and oil production), and successfully propagate them asexually using apical grafting technique in controlled condition ( phytotron ) with the aim of stabilizing the high-performance clone. The obtained results indicated the existence of high diversity in terms of the various pomological parameters assessed. Parallelly, productivity and profitability parameters, the average production of fresh fruits, almonds and oil per tree and per year was 8.62 kg, 0.253 kg and 0.133 L, respectively. While, the maximal production was 34.4 kg/year for fresh fruits production, 1.07 kg/year/tree for almonds, and 0.575 liter/year/tree oil produced. Regarding the propagation of these clones, the results showed that the grafting success rate depended on the mother stock and the season, with 100% success rate. The results obtained show that the argan tree is an adaptive species, and the most suitable grafting method for the argan tree is apical split grafting during the autumn season.

Screening of Germplasm Accessions for Breeding Programme Specific to Mulberry Fruit Production

The present study evaluates the screening of germplasm accession for breeding programme specific with mulberry fruit production. Mulberry plants are heterozygous species due to their wide range of character differences and capacity to adapt to cross-pollination in the absence of inter-specific reproductive barriers. Since every plant in a natural population is unique, it is challenging to compile data and conduct research on how various edaphic conditions affect the expression of genotypic features in order to assess variations. In lieu of this known diversity for posterity, the collection of mulberry genotypes from diverse genetic sources, their conservation, evaluation and consequent documentation is of prime importance. In the present study, 71 mulberry accessions were characterized for morphology, reproductive and 37 fruit parameters. Based on multiple trait analysis, 14 top performing accessions viz., Mysore local, MI-11 and MI-012, ME-182, S-34, S-1635, MI-143, MI-47, MI-04, MI-79, Srinagar local, MI-231, China white, MI-07, MI-524, M. laevigata, M5, C-20, ME-224, MI-231, ME-185, ME-65, China white were identified. These accessions could serve as resources for further evaluation aimed at trait-specific crop improvement.

Molecular hydrogen: a sustainable strategy for agricultural and food production challenges

The world is confronting numerous challenges, including global warming, health epidemics, and population growth, each presenting significant threats to the stability and sustainability of our planet’s ecosystems. Such issues have collectively contributed to a reduction in agricultural productivity, corresponding with an increase in demand and costs of essential commodities. This critical situation requires more sustainable environmental, social, and technological solutions. Molecular hydrogen (H2) has been suggested as a “green” solution for our energy needs and many health, agricultural, and food applications. H2 supplementation in agriculture may represent a novel and low-carbon biotechnological strategy applicable to the abundant production of crops, vegetables, and fruits in agri-food chains. H2 is a potential green alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers. The use of a hydrogen-rich water irrigation system may also provide other health-related advantages, i.e., decreasing the heavy metal accumulation in crops. By adopting a H2 strategy, crop producers, food processors, and decision-makers can contribute to sustainable solutions in the face of global challenges such as climate change, communicable disease epidemics, and a growing population. The versatile applications of H₂ in agriculture and the wider food industry position it as a uniquely suitable approach to address today’s significant challenges, potentially fostering better crop production and positively impacting the agri-food chain. The present review is timely in combining the latest knowledge about the potential applications of H2 in the agriculture and food industry, from farm to fork.

Effect of Pit and Soil Types on Growth and Development, Nutrient Content and Fruit Quality of Pomegranate in the Central Deccan Plateau Region, India

To enhance pomegranate production on marginal gravelly lands, standardized planting techniques were evaluated in an 8-year-old orchard. Trenching, wider pit excavation, pit digging, and auger digs with dimensions of 1 and 2 m were employed. Utilizing native soil from barren land, with or without spent wash, and mixing it with black soil up to 1 m deep, growth parameters, leaf nutrients, fruit production, and fruit quality were assessed. The trench and wider pit methods outperformed others, yielding greater above-ground biomass (&gt;70.3 kg tree−1), root biomass (&gt;24.5 kg, tree−1), and cross-sectional area (&gt;3.30 m2 tree−1). These methods also produced longer roots (&gt;4.0 m tree−1) and higher leaf phosphorus (&gt;0.28%) and potassium (&gt;1.81%) levels, fruit juice content (&gt;48.50%), and total soluble solids (&gt;16.05°) compared to other planting methods. This resulted in higher and more sustainable fruit yield production under the trench and wider pit planting methods (&gt;7.21 t ha−1). Similarly, the native and black soil mixture produced healthy fruit trees, improved fruit quality, and sustainably higher fruit yield over the native soil alone. In summary, the trench and wider pit methods (2–3 m3), combined with a soil mixture, are recommended for sustainable, high-quality fruit production in shallow gravelly terrains, thereby improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers in arid regions.

Targeted Metabolites and Transcriptome Analysis Uncover the Putative Role of Auxin in Floral Sex Determination in Litchi chinensis Sonn.

Litchi exhibits a large number of flowers, many flowering batches, and an inconsistent ratio of male and female flowers, frequently leading to a low fruit-setting rate. Floral sexual differentiation is a crucial phase in perennial trees to ensure optimal fruit production. However, the mechanism behind floral differentiation remains unclear. The objective of the study was to identify the role of auxin in floral differentiation at the transcriptional level. The results showed that the ratio of female flowers treated with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was significantly lower than that of the control stage (M0/F0). The levels of endogenous auxin and auxin metabolites were measured in male and female flowers at different stages of development. It was found that the levels of IAA, IAA-Glu, IAA-Asp, and IAA-Ala were significantly higher in male flowers compared to female flowers. Next-generation sequencing and modeling were employed to perform an in-depth transcriptome analysis on all flower buds in litchi 'Feizixiao' cultivars (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Plant hormones were found to exert a significant impact on the litchi flowering process and flower proliferation. Specifically, a majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the auxin pathway were noticeably increased during male flower bud differentiation. The current findings will enhance our comprehension of the process and control mechanism of litchi floral sexual differentiation. It also offers a theoretical foundation for implementing strategies to regulate flowering and enhance fruit production in litchi cultivation.