Fruit Width Research Articles

The prospects of intercropping of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) with other vegetables on sorjan system in vulnerable southern coastal saline and non-saline areas of Bangladesh

The demand for food in Bangladesh is increasing due to the increasing population. Land is the primary natural resource that affords habitat and sustenance for living beings. In Bangladesh, the coastal areas cover an area of 47,201 km2 or 32 % of the total land under 19 districts of Bangladesh. The coastal southern saline and non-saline areas are vulnerable to water logging conditions and farmers cannot grow any crops except dry season (rabi). However, in some areas, farmers are trying to use their indigenous technologies to combat natural disasters to ensure food security. For example, floating, sorjan or raised bed systems are potential and farmers are practicing in these areas. Among these techniques, the sorjan bed system is one of the potential techniques that is extensively used in southern Bangladesh, particularly water logging conditions to improve food security. To enhance the production and make land cultivation profitable, the experiments were carried out at the farmers’ fields under the sorjan system in consecutive two growing seasons. The sole crop was brinjal (cv. BARI Begun-12), BARI Lalshak-1 (cv. Red amaranth), BARI Dhania-1 (cv. Coriander leaf), Cauliflower (cv. Cold queen), Cabbage (cv. Equatoria) and Knol Khol were utilized as intercropping with brinjal. The treatments were i) Sole brinjal, ii) Brinjal + Red amaranth, iii) Brinjal + Coriander leaf, iv) Brinjal + Cauliflower, v) Brinjal + Cabbage, and vi) Brinjal +. 24-day-old seedlings of the BARI Begun-12 grown in a nursery bed were transferred to the plots where the seeds of Red amaranth and Coriander leaf were directly sown. However, the seedlings of Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Knol Khol were also transplanted to the field after one week of transplanting brinjal. The results exposed that sole crops had the highest results in terms of days to flowering, days to first fruit set, days to first harvesting, leaf area, fruit length, fruit breadth, single fruit weight, fruits plant−1, fruit yield, TSS %, and dry matter %. In both years, brinjal exhibited the highest yield as the sole crop compared to intercropping. 48.12 t/ha and 46.27 t/ha in the first and second cropping seasons, respectively. In the first cropping season, Red amaranth, Coriander leaf, Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Knol Khol performed with a yield of 10.12, 7.23, 23.14, 22.87, and 9.05 t/ha. During the second cropping season, the same crops exhibited a yield of 10.05, 7.01, 23.09, 22.68, and 9.98 t/ha. The highest land equivalent ratio, gross return, net return, and BCR were obtained from brinjal-cauliflower intercropping, which was 1.74, 1049300 BDT, 553820 BDT, and 2.12, respectively, in the 2021–2022 cropping season and 1.78, 1057900 BDT, 562010 BDT, and 2.13, respectively, in the next season in 2022–2023. This intercropping approach resulted in a higher land equivalent ratio, net return, and benefit-cost ratio of 1.76, 557915 BDT, and 2.125, respectively, over the average of two successive cropping seasons.

Integrated Nutrient Management in Muskmelon: A Comprehensive Field Study

The present study aims to describe the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on Madhumita variety of muskmelon cultivation in terms of plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. The experiment has been carried out in the crop field located in the North Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. This case study involved seven different treatments (T1 to T7), each with varying nutrient application regimes. Certain observational data, such as vine length, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, and fruit yield, were recorded for three replications over the course of the experiment. The results of statistical analysis revealed significant differences, with specific treatments demonstrating T6, which included Vermicompost at 5 tons/ha, 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and 1% NOVEL prime organic liquid nutrient, consistently outperformed the other treatments groups. The findings highlight the utility of integrated nutrient management. It helps in understanding and optimizing the application of nutrients to boost crop productivity and promote sustainability.

Effective techniques to break seed dormancy in Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. for seed germination enhancement

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is a valuable plant for medical and pharmaceutical uses. The plant reproduces through seeds; however, the seeds become dormant, resulting in low germination rates. The industrial demand for this plant is expanding, making sustainable propagation a major challenge. The present study aims to evaluate different techniques for breaking the dormancy of R. tomentosa seeds. A randomized design was used to evaluate different techniques for breaking the dormancy of R. tomentosa seeds, including de-operculum, chemical scarifications, and exogenous gibberellic acid (GA3), in both laboratory conditions at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C) and field conditions. The characteristics of R. tomentosa fruit and seeds were assessed. The average mass, width, and length of fruits were 1.90 g, 13.78 g, and 15.27 g, respectively. The average seed/ripe fruit contained 57 seeds, and the mass of 1000 seeds was 2.64 g. Seed viability (100 %) was achieved in the treatment with 0.075 % tetrazolium at 45 °C for 3 h, but a germinated seed was only 13.00 %. The study of breaking seed dormancy in laboratory conditions revealed that de-operculum significantly enhanced seed germination up to 83.00 % within 15 days, compared with control treatment of 13.00 % within 34 days (p ≤ 0.01). In contrast, 10 % KNO3 for 24 h under field conditions resulted in the highest seed germination rate of 91.00 % within 34 days, while de-operculum treatment showed 63.00 % of seed germination within 15 days. In addition, the seed water imbibition rate between control and de-operculum seeds was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the control seeds absorbed water more slowly than the de-operculum seeds, indicating that de-operculum promoted faster germination. The findings concluded that breaking seed dormancy is important for R. tomentosa seed germination. De-operculum and KNO3 were discovered to be effective ways of breaking seed dormancy in R. tomentosa.

Rootstock scion interaction studies on various horticultural attributes of pomato grafts under protected structures

Pomato is a horticultural wonder plant, as tomato and potato can be produced from a single plant. This experiment explored the influence of diverse graft combinations of tomato scions grafted onto potato rootstocks on various growth and yield-attributing traits. The investigation outcomes confirmed the significantly positive influence of scion grafted onto rootstock on various yielding attributes of tomato and potato harvested from pomato grafts. Scion “Rakshita” grafted onto the rootstock of Kufri Himalini had the maximum fruit length. In contrast, the fruits harvested from the graft combination of Avtar grafted onto Kufri Khyati had the maximum number of fruits per cluster and the number of fruits per plant. The highest average fruit weight, fruit yield per meter square, and total fruit yield quintal per hectare were recorded with control “Avtar. The longest harvest duration was noticed with the graft combination of Heemsohna grafted onto Kufri Himalini. Moreover, on, rootstock Kufri Himalini with scion Rakshita resulted in maximum tuber length, and average tuber weight, while Kufri Himalini with Avtar had maximum fruit width. The maximum number of tubers per plant was also noticed with Kufri Pukhraj with Palam Tomato hybrid −1. The potato harvested from the rootstock of Kufri Pukhraj with Avtar had the highest tuber yield per plant, total tuber yield quintal per hectare, and tuber equivalent yield. The highest survival percentage of grafted plants was noted in Heemsohna onto Kufri Jyoti. In context to the cumulative yield of tomato fruits and potato tubers obtained from the pomato graft was found to be incremented in grafts of Avtar grafted onto Kufri Pukhraj followed by Rakshita grafted onto Kufri Rakshita, which also resulted in the maximum benefit-cost ratio with highest net return and gross return. The graft combination of scion Avtar and Rakshita onto Rootstock Kufri Pukhraj resulted in a positive increment in yield attributing traits of the pomato plant than of control of un-grafted tomato and potato.

Description of The Phenotypic Characteristics of Some Tomato Genotypes

This study was carried out in order to determine some morphological characteristics of 240 tomato genotypes at S2 level and to demonstrate the usability of these materials in breeding programs. Accordingly, the average fruit weight was between 553.11 gr and 74.83 gr. The mean pericarp thickness, carpel number, and soluble dry matter content of the genotypes were 7.38 mm, 3.6 pieces and 4.04% brix, respectively. Based on these measurements and observations, tomato genotypes were also investigated using the Cluster and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods. According to the PCA results, the first component explained 24.1% of the total variance, and the number of fruit carpels, average fruit weight, and fruit width were the most highly explained parameters. The second and third main components constituted 13.06% and 11.16% of the total. Based on the results of fruit characterization studies, genotypes 233, 447, 126, 22, 391, 118, 71, 100, 340, 102 were determined as superior. Overall, A high degree of morphological variation was detected among the characterized tomato genotypes.

Morphological Characterization of Local Jinten Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry) in Wakasihu Village, West Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency

Clove jinten are one of the local cloves cultivated in Wakasihu Village, West Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency. Until now, there has not been much information about various studies related to the morphology of cloves Jinten. The research aims to analyze the morphological characters of local cloves jinten and identify the plant's descriptor characters. The research was carried out in Wakasihu Village, West Leihitu District, Central Maluku Regency, Maluku Province in January - May 2024. The research results based on Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) showed two large groups with a dissimilarity coefficient of 14.30% (similarity of 85.70%). Group I consisted of 4 accessions clustered with a dissimilarity coefficient of 12.80% (similarity 87.20%) and group II consisted of 26 accessions with a dissimilarity coefficient of 12.50% (similarity 87.50%). Group II in the grouping is also divided into two groups, namely group II-a which consists of 20 accessions with a dissimilarity coefficient of 11.80% (similarity 88.20%) and group II-b which consists of 6 accessions with a dissimilarity coefficient of 12% (similarity 88%). Characteristics of cloves jinten based on Principle Component Analysis (PCA) were obtained in the form of leaf length, leaf area, leaf stalk length, flower stalk length, fruit length, fruit width and fruit weight.

Morphological, phenotypic and nutritional characterization of exotic and local tomato germplasm under tunnel

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated fruit. By characterizing local germplasm, exclusive breeding material is successfully identified and improved varieties could be created. The research conducted between November 2020 and 2021 at the Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI) in Pakistan used developmental, vegetative and fruit traits to individualize sixty tomato inbred lines for 17 morphological traits. The study showed that 6 qualitative and 11 quantitative morphological traits exhibited a wide range of variation, while 8 traits showed a high coefficient of variation among genotypes according to biplot principal component analysis (PCA). According to biplot PCA, the first component contributed 17.6% of the variation, while the second component contributed 13.0%. Together, the first and second components explained 30.6% of the variation. A correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between genotypic traits and phenotypic traits. A very positive correlation was observed between inter-nodal distance, flower per cluster and immature fruit color. The morphological data for firmness, pericarp thickness, fruit width, TSS, inter-nodal distance, number of flowers and fruits per cluster showed specific characteristics that can be used to distinguish the genotypes. The highest value of lycopene of 21.2 mg kg−1 fresh weight was observed among the genotypes. We conclude the results of this study, presenting the crop quality and yield characteristics that could be used in future plant breeding and genetic enhancement of tomato germplasm for improved food security. Based on yield characteristics, Nyagous, Korneseivje and Earliana were selected as the best and most promising genotypes.

Screening and classification of rosehip (Rosa canina L.) genotypes based on horticultural characteristics

BackgroundDuring the pandemic, the interest in colorful wild small fruits increased due to their positive effects on health. Also it has become very important to offer species with high nutritional value as fresh or processed products for human consumption due to increasing world population and decreasing arable land. In this context, we characterized the horticultural characteristics of 11 rosehip genotypes grown from seeds.ResultsCitric acid was determined as the main organic acid in all the genotypes investigated. The mean values of the organic acids obtained from all the genotypes were found to be as follows: citric acid (7177 mg L–1), malic acid (3669 mg L–1), tartaric acid (1834 mg L–1), oxalic acid (1258 mg L–1), carboxylic acid (631.9 mg L–1), shikimic acid (157.8 mg L–1), ascorbic acid (155 mg L–1), and acetic acid (20.9 mg L–1). Ellagic acid was the dominant phenolic compound (90.1 mg L–1 – 96.2 mg L–1) in all genotypes. The average values obtained from all genotypes for total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were 37 261 mg GAE L–1, 526.2 mg quercetin L–1, and 93.6%, respectively. These characteristics had the lowest coefficients of variation, which indicated that all genotypes were similar regarding high biochemical with antioxidant effect. In addition, fruit width, fruit length, and fruit weight varied between 13.0 and 17.3 mm, 20.7 and 25.5 mm, and 1.4 and 2.7 g, respectively.ConclusionsThe genotypes were categorized according to different purposes, such as suitability for wine production, making vinegar, etc. While the pomological characteristics were strongly positively correlated among themselves, they were generally found to be negatively correlated with the phytochemical characteristics. Categorizing genotypes according to different usage purposes can improve the agricultural and industrial application of rosehip and enhance their breeding efficacy.

Assessment of foliar application of nutrients on yield and quality of guava (Psidium guajava)

Present study was carried out during rainy (kharif) seasons of 2020–2022 at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to assess the effect of foliar application of nutrients on the yield and quality aspects of rainy season guava (Psidium guajava L.). Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 4 different foliar applications of zinc sulphate, viz. ZnSO4 @0% (Control); ZnSO4 @0.3%; ZnSO4 @0.6%; ZnSO4 @0.9%; and 4 foliar applications of potassium sulphate, viz. K2SO4 @0% (Control); K2SO4 @1.0%; K2SO4 @1.5%; and K2SO4 @2.0, and replicated thrice. However, foliar application of ZnSO4 @0.9% was found to be the best treatment in improving the fruit yield (46.2 kg/plant), fruit weight (135.2 g), fruit length (6.10 cm) and fruit breadth (5.64 cm) of rainy season guava (cv. L-49). Similarly, ZnSO4 @0.6% was found best for increasing the TSS (total soluble solids) (10.6 B) and ascorbic acid content (187.4 mg/100 g pulp). On the other hand, K2SO4 @2.0% increased the fruit yield (45.4 kg/plant), fruit weight (135.2 g) and ascorbic acid content (190.3 mg/100 g pulp) of guava fruit. The maximum N, P, K and Zn content for nutrient analysis in leaf was noted under foliar application of ZnSO4 @0.9% and K2SO4 @2.0%. The maximum N and Zn content in fruit was observed due to application of ZnSO4 @0.9% and maximum P and K content was observed with treatment ZnSO4 @0.6%. Similarly, K2SO4 @2.0% increased the N, P, K and Zn content of guava fruit.

Data variability in the imputation quality of missing data

Imputation methods were developed to define estimates for missing data and hence solve possible problems generated by the loss of this information. This study aims to assess whether data variability influences the results obtained after applying an imputation method. Incomplete databases were generated from complete real databases of experiments of tomato plants conducted using the randomized block design with three replications and 12 treatments by removing different amounts of data. The evaluated variables consisted of fruit weight per plant, number of fruits per plant, and average fruit length and width, forming eight balanced databases. Subsequently, the distribution-free multiple imputation method was applied, generating complete databases from imputation. The number of missing information influenced the accuracy measures for the data in this study. Data imputation was inadequate when there was high variability but more precise and accurate in cases of low variability. It confirmed the importance of assessing data variability before choosing to apply the imputation method.

OFF-SEASON AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF THREE EXOTIC WATERMELON VARIETIES IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN REGION OF BANGLADESH

The watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] - a herbaceous, annual, and monoecious fruit - belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and is usually cultivated in Bangladesh during the period from February to April. However, they may be grown year-round, and off-season watermelon cultivation is more profitable than seasonal farming. The research was conducted at the Field Laboratory of Khulna University from August to December, 2021 to evaluate the off-season agronomic performance of the selected three watermelon varieties viz. Kanya, Black Super, and Tripti. The experiment investigated both the vegetative and reproductive growth of watermelon following a Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications. Kanya had the longest vines with the most leaves, and nodes followed by Black Super and Tripti. All the watermelon cultivars were found to be similar in producing male flowers, while Black Super and Kanya produced more female flowers, and Black Super also produced the highest fruit yield (6.37 t ha-1), which was statistically similar to Kanya (5.84 t ha-1) and the lowest yield was obtained from Tripti (3.69 t ha-1). Kanya performed better regarding fruit length (22.47 cm), fruit width (30.89 cm), and fruit weight (1.03 kg). Black Super scored the highest TSS (8.43) (Brix0) value, followed by Kanya (7.63) and Tripti (6.39). The amount of weight loss after the harvesting of fruits was less in Black Super, followed by Kanya and Tripti. Black Super had a longer recorded shelf life (28 days) than the other two varieties. The results of this study suggest that Black Super and Kanya can be grown during the off-season in the south-western region of Bangladesh.

Effect of Plant Density on Mechanical Harvest Efficiency of New Mexico Pod-type Green Chile Pepper

Summary. New Mexico green pod-type chile (Capsicum annuum) has significant importance as a vegetable crop. The cultivation and trade of New Mexico pod-type green chile are culturally significant within New Mexico (USA) and contribute to the state’s economy by providing income and employment to farmers and through supporting industries. However, because of the high cost and limited availability of labor, New Mexico pod-type green chile acreage has declined. Traditionally, New Mexico pod-type green chile is hand-harvested when the fruit are full-size but physiologically immature. To preserve and expand the production of New Mexico pod-type green chile, the adoption of mechanical harvest technologies is essential. In 2015 and 2016, experiments were conducted at New Mexico State University’s Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center (Los Lunas, NM, USA) to examine the effects of increased planting density on New Mexico pod-type green chile fruit size, plant architecture, and mechanical harvest efficiency. Two commercial New Mexico pod-type green chile cultivars, NuMex Joe E. Parker and AZ-1904, were direct-seeded on 17 Apr 2015 and 14 Apr 2016. On 11 Jun 2015 and 14 Jun 2016, three plant density treatments were implemented at 39,000 (high), 23,000 (medium), and 15,000 (standard) plants/acre. Before harvest, plant measurements, including height, width, height to first bifurcation, stem diameter, and number of lateral basal branches, were obtained. Plots were mechanically harvested using an inclined double helix harvester, and harvested material was sorted into marketable green fruit, machine-broken fruit, and nonpod plant material. Fruit measurements, including fruit weight, width, length, pericarp thickness, and number of locules, were obtained. Both cultivars exhibited a 9% increase in height to bifurcation accompanied by fewer basal branches grown at high density. Plant density did not significantly affect the fruit length, width, number of locules, and pericarp thickness. Plants grown at high density had an increased percentage of marketable fruit, with ‘NuMex Joe E. Parker’ having a higher percentage of marketable green fruit compared to ‘AZ-1904’. The results demonstrated that an increase in planting density in production fields to 39,000 plants/acre coupled with cultivar selection enhanced efficiency in a mechanical harvest system.

Pomological and Biochemical Characteristics of Local Pomegranate Genotypes of Kahta (Adıyaman) Region

In the study carried out to determine the pomological characteristics of local pomegranate genotypes grown in Kahta district center and Bostanli, Eceler, Balli, Kilisk, Sarica, and Narince villages of Adıyaman province, one orchard belonging to a grower in each region and 1 genotype in each orchard were determined. 10 fruits in each genotype were harvested, and pomological measurements and biochemical analyses were performed. The largest fruit was obtained with the Sarıca genotype and Narince was the genotype with the smallest fruit. In genotypes, the fruit weight was between 196.300-328.909 g, the fruit length 61.528-72.801 mm, and the fruit width between 73.047-86.613 mm. Total aril weight was between 94.144-203.567 g and the fruit volume was between 188.333-327.000. The Sarıca genotype had the highest juice volume and the lowest juice ratio was recorded in the Eceler genotype. Calyx length was longer in the Sarıca genotype and the highest values in terms of calyx radius were recorded with the Kilisk genotype. The Eceler genotype had thicker shells and the Narince genotype had thinner shells. The number of chambers in the genotypes was between 5 and 6. There were significant differences between genotypes in terms of fruit skin and aril color. The soluble solids content (SSC) in genotypes was determined between 12.011-17.267, pH was 3.583-4.073 and total acidity (TA) was 0.736-1.489%. Phenolic compounds such as protocatechuic acid, rutin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, floridzin, vanillic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, and p-coumaric acid were detected in pomegranate fruit, and rutin was phenolic compound with the highest concentration.

Determination of Pomological and Molecular Characteristics of Some Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivars and Selected Genotypes

In this study, it was aimed to determine the quality, phytochemical contents and molecular characterization of the best thirteen pomegranate genotypes selected as a result of the selection study carried out between 2019-2020 in the İnhisar district of Bilecik province. As a result of the research, the fruit weight of the selected promising genotypes and cultivars was between 208.00 and 601.3 g, fruit width was 74.54-103.47 mm, fruit length was 63.08-92.32 mm, hundred-aril weight was 28.00-66.25 g, aril yield was determined as 35.48-85.00%. The amount of soluble solid was determined between 14.33 and 18.77%, while pH values were between 3.22 and 4.36% and titratable acidity was between 0.23 and 1.72%. The total antioxidant capacity, which was determined with the TEAC method, was 3.28-8.48 µmol TE g-1, while the total amount of phenolic substances was 956.10-2116.10 g GAE kg−1, and the total amount of anthocyanins was 45.50-344 µg Plg-3-glu/g. Seven UBC-ISSR primers were employed to conduct molecular analyses aiming to determine polymorphism levels among the selected thirteen genotypes, along with the comparative Fellahyemez, Katırbaşı, and Hicaznar varieties. The resulting dendrogram is divided into two main clusters at a 25% dissimilarity level, one smaller and the other larger. All local genotypes clustered within the larger group, with Genotype 9 and Genotype 10 exhibiting the closest similarity. When the criteria determined as a result of the study were examined, it was determined that among the selected pomegranate genotypes, there were individuals that could be registered as table and industrial.

Prediction accuracy of genomic estimated breeding values for fruit traits in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

BackgroundGenomic selection (GS) is an efficient breeding strategy to improve quantitative traits. It is necessary to calculate genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) for GS. This study investigated the prediction accuracy of GEBVs for five fruit traits including fruit weight, fruit width, fruit height, pericarp thickness, and Brix. Two tomato germplasm collections (TGC1 and TGC2) were used as training populations, consisting of 162 and 191 accessions, respectively.ResultsLarge phenotypic variations for the fruit traits were found in these collections and the 51K Axiom™ SNP array generated confident 31,142 SNPs. Prediction accuracy was evaluated using different cross-validation methods, GS models, and marker sets in three training populations (TGC1, TGC2, and combined). For cross-validation, LOOCV was effective as k-fold across traits and training populations. The parametric (RR-BLUP, Bayes A, and Bayesian LASSO) and non-parametric (RKHS, SVM, and random forest) models showed different prediction accuracies (0.594–0.870) between traits and training populations. Of these, random forest was the best model for fruit weight (0.780–0.835), fruit width (0.791–0.865), and pericarp thickness (0.643–0.866). The effect of marker density was trait-dependent and reached a plateau for each trait with 768−12,288 SNPs. Two additional sets of 192 and 96 SNPs from GWAS revealed higher prediction accuracies for the fruit traits compared to the 31,142 SNPs and eight subsets.ConclusionOur study explored several factors to increase the prediction accuracy of GEBVs for fruit traits in tomato. The results can facilitate development of advanced GS strategies with cost-effective marker sets for improving fruit traits as well as other traits. Consequently, GS will be successfully applied to accelerate the tomato breeding process for developing elite cultivars.

Morfološke osobine plodova i sjemena i trajanje učinka skarifikacije sjemena sumpornom kiselinom na neke vrste iz roda Crataegus Tourn. ex L.

Hawthorn species (Crataegus Tourn. ex L.) are widely known for their medical, ecological, and economic benefits. The main issue of this study was to define the morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds as well as the impact of sulfuric acid (96% concentration) scarification with different time duration on seeds of three different hawthorn species (C. crus-galli, C. monogyna, C. laevigata). Statically significant differences were reported for all measured fruit and seed morphological traits. Highest fruit weight, length and width was recorded for C. crus-galli, while lowest for C. monogyna. Different sulfuric acid (96% concentration) scarification treatments were used for C. cruss-galli (150 and 210 min), C. laevigata, and C. cruss-galli (45, 75 and 105 min) seeds. Only significant differences were found in contrast to the control. Thickness of the tiniest part of the seed coat was significantly reduced in C. crus-gallic and C. laevigata scarified seeds in contrast to control. Thickness of the thickest part of the seed coat was significantly reduced only in C. crus-galli seeds scarified for 210 min in contrast to control. Therefore, optimal duration of scarification treatment for C. crus-galli seeds should be 210 min. The results obtained in this study will contribute to a better knowledge of morphometric characteristics and the pre-sowing treatment of seeds of some Crataegus species which can be utilized in nursery production.

Fruit Quality and Biochemical Characteristics of Different Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Genotypes Grown In Giresun

Fruit quality, chemical and biochemical properties of strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) genotypes that naturally spread in Bulancak district of Giresun province were examined. In this context, as a result of examinations carried out on 20 genotypes subject to research were determined fruit weight 2.39-4.69 g, fruit width 16.85-20.62 mm, fruit length 14.52-17.29 mm, pH 3.36-3.88, SSC 11.60-19.60%. Glucose, sucrose, fructose and total sugars of water soluble sugars in arbutus genotypes were analyzed and respectively 2.32-8.34 g 100 g-1, 0.02-1.93 g 100 g-1, 3.08-17.93 g 100 g-1 and 7.47-27.51 g 100 g-1 values were obtained. The amount of vitamin C contained in the fruits of strawberry tree was determined as 13.53-126.60 mg 100 g-1, the amount of citric acid was 0.16-0.69% and the amount of malic acid was 0.27- 1.30%.

Reduced fertigation input sustains yield and physiological performance for improved economic returns and cleaner production of greenhouse eggplant

Greenhouse horticulture, a sustainable alternative to conventional horticulture, maximises resource use and return for vegetable production. This study evaluated the impact of varying nutrient solution electrical conductivity (EC) levels (EC 1.8, 2.8, and 3.8) on eggplant cultivars (Solanum melongena L. cv. Lydia, and Tracey) performance and economic viability in high-tech glasshouses. We found that morphological traits such as plant height and leaf number were consistent across EC levels, while fruit weight, length, and width are significantly higher at the lowest EC (1.8). Photosynthetic rates increased significantly with rising EC levels, while other gas exchange parameters such as stomatal conductance, intrinsic water use efficiency, and vapour pressure deficit were similar for all EC levels tested. Yield analysis revealed a negative correlation between eggplant yield and increasing EC levels, with optimal yields in both eggplant varieties (0.81 and 1.14 kg m−2 week−1 in Lydia and Tracey, respectively) achieved at the lowest EC. Economic analysis highlighted that lower EC levels lead to lower operational costs and higher net profit values (NPV). Sensitivity analysis underscored the importance of wholesale price and crop yield in determining NPV, with lower EC levels offering a shorter payback period of approximately 6 years in Australia and China and higher economic returns. The study highlights the significance of optimizing EC levels for achieving more resource-sustainable and profitable eggplant production in greenhouses.

Determination of fruit characteristics, nutrients and biochemical contents of Transvalia (Prunus persica L.) peach cultivar grafted on different clonal rootstocks obtained by selection and hybridization

Rootstocks are frequently used in modern orchard practices due to their special characteristics. They not only eliminate the limiting factors in fruit growing but also have advantages such as increasing productivity, fruit quality, dwarfing, and nutrient yield. In addition, rootstocks have a significant impact on plant development, fruit characteristics, nutrients, and biochemical content. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different peach rootstocks on fruit quality, nutrient content, and biochemical content. A total of 16 rootstocks of the species P. persica were used as test material. GGF3 rootstock has the highest values in terms of fruit weight (297.33 g), fruit width (83.50 mm), fruit length (77.58 mm), seed weight (9.96 g), seed width (28.16 mm), and seed length (43.47 mm) features. The effect of rootstocks on nutrients (except Cu, K, P, and Fe) in the fruits was statistically significant. The effect of rootstocks on nutrients (except Cr and Na) in the leaves was found to be statistically significant. The effect of rootstocks on both leaf and fruit plant nutrient contents varied. The rootstocks had statistically significant effects on fruit nutrient contents (except Cu, K, P, and Fe) and leaf nutrient contents (except Cr, and Na). It has been found that there is a positive relationship between micro and macronutrients. According to the results of biochemical analysis, statistically significant differences were found in biochemical contents. The highest total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total monomeric anthocyanin contents except for the total antioxidant content of peach fruits were observed in Kl 38 rootstock (137.19 mg kg−1, 25.68 mg kg−1 and 7.48 mg kg−1, respectively). The highest total antioxidant content was detected in NG1 and NGF14 rootstocks (349.46 mg kg−1). According to principal component analysis (PCA), the eigenvalue of 13 PCs was above 1.0 and accounted for 86.08 % of the total variation; this effectively showed the variation among peach rootstocks with respect to the traits analyzed. The data obtained show that rootstock varieties have a significant impact on the traits and that the selection of rootstock varieties has a very important place, especially in economic breeding.

Respuesta fisiológica y agronómica del pimiento (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. Labrador a la aplicación de bioestimulantes

The work was carried out in the Basic State Unit of “La Pupa” cultivation houses, in the province of Granma, Cuba, on a Fluvisol soil in the period September-December 2021. The objective was to evaluate the effect of three bioproducts on the crop. of the Labrador variety pepper. Four treatments were formed, each with 112 plants and four repetitions, in a completely randomized experimental design. Treatment 1: Application of Pyroligneous Acid, Treatment 2: Application of Quitomax®; Treatment 3: Application of Pectimorf®, 4.-Control treatment. The physiological variables fluorescence of origin (Fo), maximum fluorescence (Fm), the ratio of variable fluorescence and maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) and the time to reach the maximum fluorescence intensity were evaluated: in addition to the reproductive variables: number of flowers , number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, fruit mass and the yield was also calculated. An analysis of variance and comparison of means was applied to the data collected using the Tukey test at a 5% probability of error. The best result was obtained when applying Pyroligneous Acid, followed by Quitomax® and Pectimorf® with averages of 9.47, 9.1 and 8.57 kg m-2, respectively.