Fruit Zone Research Articles

Effects of spatial arrangement and population density on the growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in a sesame/maize intercrop

A field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as affected by the row arrangement and population density of maize (Zea mays L.). The full population of sesame in two-row arrangements (1:1) and (2:2) was combined with four population densities of maize viz: 100S:100M; 100S:75M; 100S:50M and 100S:25M (where S and M represented sesame and maize, respectively). Sole crops of sesame and maize at full population were included in the treatments as control. The number of pods per plant (NPP), length of fruit zone (LFZ), and yield of sesame were significantly (P?0.5) influenced by the interactive effect of population ratios and row arrangements. These variables increased as the population of associated maize decreased. All variables measured in maize were influenced by population density and row arrangement except for the number of cobs per plant (NCP), cob length (CL), and cob circumference (CC). Regardless of spatial arrangement and population density, the aggressivity (A) value was positive for sesame and negative for maize. The competitive ratio (CR) values were also higher in sesame than in maize. Land equivalent ratio (LER) and land equivalent coefficient (LEC) values, for all population ratios tested, indicated the intercropping advantage with the highest value recorded at a full population of sesame mixed with fifty percent population of maize in a 2:2-row arrangement and hence, recommended for adoption.

Efficiency of liquid chelate fertilizers organomix in apple growing in the conditions of the forest zone of the KBR

Horticulture is a highly intensive industry that requires significant costs in the establishment and maintenance of plantations. The profitability of horticulture, which in the republic can reach up to 150%, depends on the use of a rational fertilization system, taking into account the biological characteristics of fruit and berry crops, the age of the garden, the phase of plant development, soil and weather conditions. Particularly high nutritional requirements are imposed by intensive early ripening varieties of fruit crops on tall rootstocks. In this work, we studied the effect of liquid chelated fertilizers Organomix when processing trees on the yield, commercial qualities of the fruit of the Florina apple tree in the conditions of the forest fruit zone of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The most noticeable effect on increasing the yield of trees (27.4 t / ha) was exerted by the combined use of the preparations Organomix fruit and berry (0.5 l / ha), Organomix Bor (0.5 l / ha), Organostim (0.6 l / ha) ha) in the walnut phase. The use of the preparations contributed to an increase in the productivity of the apple tree by 16.9-32.4%. Treatment of apple trees with Organomix preparations gives high economic efficiency due to the increase in the commercial quality of the fruits.

Biological features of individual phases of the development of unpaired silkworms in Uzbekistan of the walnut fruit zone of the bassen river chirchik (Lymantria Dispar L)

Truss traps based on disparlur allow you to accurately set the start dates for males, to track the entire period of their flight and end. The use of truss traps is necessary for monitoring the appearance of outbreaks of mass reproduction of unpaired silkworms in walnut stands. In the conditions of the Tashkent region, the Chirchik river bassin in walnut-fruit stands, the development of caterpillars from the moment of their birth to pupation took 55–61 days. A biometric analysis of pupae of males and females revealed that the weight categories can fluctuate significantly and an increase in the proportion of pupae with the smallest weight, both in females and males, shows that the studied population of unpaired silkworm has entered the attenuation phase. The timing of the development of the caterpillars depends on the species of fodder trees.

Crop level vs. leaf removal: Effects on Istrian Malvasia wine aroma and phenolic acids composition

The impact of crop level and leaf removal on Istrian Malvasia (Vitis vinifera L.) white wine aroma and phenolic acids composition was studied over two vine-growing seasons. Two crop levels were combined with leaf removal or untreated control in two-factorial design. Crop level showed limited impact on aroma compounds in wine and the concentration of some esters was increased by higher crop level. In contrast, leaf removal increased the concentration of several aroma compounds and especially monoterpenes and esters. The concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids in wine was enhanced only by leaf removal, while no consistent impact of the investigated factors on hydroxybenzoic acids was observed. The obtained results suggest that in cases where environmental conditions are not limiting, increasing the crop level under adequate microclimate in fruit zone has no detrimental effects on white wine aroma and hydroxycinnamic acids composition, potentially leading to economically more sustainable grape production.

Grape Flavonoid Evolution and Composition Under Altered Light and Temperature Conditions in Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.).

The evolution of flavonoids under altered temperature and light conditions in the fruit zone was followed in Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes during ripening. The study was conducted over two consecutive seasons in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 comprising two main treatments in which the light quantity was manipulated in the bunch zone: (1) standard (STD) with no lateral shoot or leaf removal and (2) leaf removal west (LRW) treatment with leaf removal on the western side of the bunch zone. Furthermore, the light quality was altered by installing ultraviolet B-suppression sheets within the bunch zone in both seasons. Tannin evolution was dependent on the prevailing light quality/quantity and temperatures during berry development in a particular season. Grape seed tannin accumulation coincided with seed development and commenced at the early stages of berry development. Seed proanthocyanidin composition was not influenced by the treatments. The largest impact on proanthocyanidin accumulation and structure in the skin was due to seasonal variations highlighting the complex interaction between light quality and/or quantity across the two growing seasons and eventually the complex interaction with temperature. Flavonol accumulation was significantly influenced by the light quality, which is known to be the main abiotic driver of flavonol biosynthesis regulation. Anthocyanin concentration and content were largely dependent on the temperature and light quality in a particular season. Anthocyanin composition was altered by the season rather than the treatment.

Early Leaf Removal as a Strategy to Improve Ripening and Lower Cluster Rot in Cool Climate (Vitis vinifera L.) Pinot Grigio

Removal of basal leaves early in the vegetative and reproductive development of grapevines is a tool used to decrease fruit set, lower cluster rot severity, and improve fruit quality. However, the considerable time required for implementation limits its use by grapegrowers. Efficient mechanization can potentially mitigate these issues, albeit this practice has not yet been compared to manual application at prebloom and after-bloom stages in a cool and humid growing region where cluster rot is the major limitation for yield and fruit quality. The goal of this study was to compare mechanical leaf removal (ME) with the manual (MA) removal of six leaves at the prebloom (PB) and after-bloom (AB) phenological stages over two seasons in Pinot Grigio (a tight-clustered cultivar). Fruit set was only decreased in 2017 by MA of six basal leaves at PB (PB-MA); however, PB reduced cluster compactness in each season. The loss of fruit to gray mold was lowered by all leaf removal treatments in the drier 2017 season, but only MA treatments mitigated loss from sour rot in that year. This indicates that a clear fruit zone and reduced cluster compactness are both needed to lower the effect of cluster rot disease. Only PB treatments enhanced fruit quality, likely driven by a similar reduction in cluster compactness. The results suggest that ME at PB may be used to decrease fruit loss to gray mold in dry seasons and enhance fruit Brix. Nevertheless, PB-MA can be an effective means to reduce fruit loss to sour rot in drier seasons and enhance ripening in years with high precipitation during veraison. This information provides a single approach to alleviate two prominent issues facing seasonal management strategies in cool climate viticulture.

Некорневые обработки кальцийсодержащими препаратами против развития горькой ямчатости на яблоках

Приведены результаты применения кальцийсодержащих удобрений — Calcium 44 LG, Alga Ca и Algical, Интермаг Ca, в комплексе Интермаг Ca + Басфолиар Келп — в фазы развития плодов яблони для управления формированием качественных показателей плодов в процессе созревания и снижения потерь от горькой ямчатости при хранении. Опыты проводили в 2015 – 2017 гг. на плодах яблонь позднего срока созревания сорта Ренет кубанский, выращенных в условиях Прикубанской зоны плодоводства Краснодарского края. Применение кальцийсодержащих удобрений способствовало улучшению минерального состава плодов яблони по сравнению с контролем в среднем на 15 – 20 %. Максимальный эффект, предотвращающий появление горькой ямчатости (до 100,0 %), получен при некорневой обработке яблонь комплексом препаратов Интермаг Ca + Басфолиар Келп. В результате хранения через 7 месяцев отмечена разница между опытным и контрольным вариантами по товарному анализу плодов. Выход неповрежденных плодов яблони в варианте с обработкой составил 96 %. Контрольный вариант имел до 8,0 % плодов с горькой ямчатостью, что снизило выход товарных сортов до 89 %. Использование минеральных удобрений позволило улучшить химический состав яблок в съёмной зрелости по содержанию витаминов на 5 – 10 %. Полученные результаты свидетельствуют о наличии высокого стимулирующего действия исследуемых кальцийсодержащих удобрений на оптимизацию минерального состава яблок, что обеспечило снижение потерь от физиологического заболевания «горькая ямчатость» и позволило увеличить выход товарных сортов на 7 – 10 % после длительного хранения.

Multi-year study of the effects of cluster thinning on vine performance, fruit and wine composition of Pinot noir (clone 115) in California’s Edna Valley AVA (USA)

A three-year study was conducted at a commercial vineyard site in California’s Edna Valley AVA to evaluate the physiological and agronomical effects of the timing of cluster thinning on Pinot noir (clone 115) grapevines. Vines were thinned to one cluster per shoot at three selected time-points during the growing season (bloom + 4 weeks, bloom + 8 weeks and bloom + 12 weeks), and fruit from each treatment was harvested and made into wine. Across all growing seasons, yield decreased 43% in thinned vines relative to non-thinned control vines. No effect of cluster thinning or interaction with growing season was found in vine shoot diameter, internode length, fruit zone light level, or cluster weight. The growing season significantly affected more fruit and wine parameters than did cluster thinning treatment, with interactions between treatment and growing season found in fruit Brix, titratable acidity, and anthocyanins, as well as wine anthocyanins and wine b* (yellow component). For example, bloom + 8 and bloom + 12 thinning treatments advanced Brix in 2017 but had no effect in 2018. Cluster thinning treatments respectively increased berry anthocyanins and total phenolics by 43% and 87% in 2017 and by 103% and 140% in 2018 relative to the non-thinned control, with no significant differences found between the different thinning treatments. However, the resulting wines from cluster thinning treatments showed no differences in the levels of anthocyanins and total phenolics. The fact that different cluster thinning treatments resulted in nil or minor effects on fruit and wine suggests that the vines tested were at or below a balanced crop load prior to the application of cluster thinning. Edna Valley AVA Pinot noir grapes could likely support crop loads (expressed as the Ravaz index) higher than 3.2 without negatively impacting fruit or wine composition and reducing crop load below that level is unlikely to increase fruit or wine quality.

Intensive Fruit-zone Leaf Thinning Increases Vitis vinifera L. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ Berry Temperature and Berry Phenolics without Adversely Affecting Berry Anthocyanins in Virginia

Selective leaf removal in the proximity of grape clusters is a useful practice to manage fruit diseases and otherwise improve fruit composition. The current recommendation in the eastern United States is to create a fruit zone with one to two leaf layers and to focus removal on the “morning sun” side of the canopy. We evaluated a more intense and an earlier application of fruit-zone leaf thinning relative to current recommendations to determine whether additional benefits could be obtained without a penalty of impaired berry pigmentation or other ill effects of abundant grape exposure. Fruit secondary metabolites and berry temperature were monitored in two different field experiments conducted with ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ in the northern Shenandoah Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Virginia. One experiment evaluated the effects of no leaf removal, prebloom removal of four basal leaves per shoot, and prebloom removal of eight basal leaves per shoot. The other experiment evaluated the effects of no leaf removal and postfruit set removal of six basal leaves per shoot. On average, exposed grapes heated to ≥30 °C for a 126% longer period (53 hours) than shaded grapes in the postveraison period (from color development through harvest). However, postveraison grape temperatures did not remain above provisional, critical temperature thresholds of either 30 or 35 °C for as long as they did in studies conducted in sunnier, more arid climates. There were minimal differences in berry temperature between east- and west-exposed grapes in the northeast/southwest-oriented rows of the experimental vineyard. Regardless of implementation stage, leaf removal consistently increased total grape phenolics measured spectrophotometrically, and either increased or had no impact on anthocyanins relative to no leaf removal. Grape phenolics and anthocyanins were unaffected by canopy side. Berry total phenolics were increased and anthocyanins were at least maintained in fruit zones void of leaf layers—a canopy attribute that reduces bunch rot in humid regions.

Prospects of commercial horticulture placement of Dagestan

In the article, the complexity of the geomorphological conditions of the Republic of Dagestan, which necessitates the solution of issues of scientifically based placement and specialization of the horticulture is noted. The goal of study is the evaluation of approaches in placement of fruit crops in Dagestan in recent years. Economical and statistical, analytical, abstract and logical methods are applied. The card of placement of fruit crops on zones and subzones of the regions of Dagestan is given. The issues of horticulture development disclosed, taking into account the existing vertical zoning. The perspective directions of development of horticulture are determined taking into account the complex of natural and economic peculiarities of each fruit zone. The advantages of foothill and mountainous zone of the Republic in the development of industrial fruit-growing, which are expressed in high quality of fruit products and tree trees resistance to diseases are reflected. Among the main negative factors of placement of fruit crops in this zone, high costs for reclamation and agro-technical measures, as well as susceptibility to return spring frosts, the probability of which increases despite the fact that winters are becoming visibly warmer have been highlighted. The positive aspects of conducting terraced agriculture for the Republic, ensuring the involvement in the turnover of sloping lands, reduction of material and labor costs are given. The analysis of structure of varieties has revealed negative tendency in the spread of new foreign varieties, which are not adapted to local conditions that negatively influences on phytosanitary environment in the region. It was proposed to restore the functioning of variety plots in each natural-climatic zone. Calculations of the areas, outputs and productivity from 1990 to 2016 are given. The negative dynamics of areas and gross harvest of fruit crops in agricultural enterprises for the analyzed period is revealed, that is due to deep production and financial crisis situation in this sector of management, especially for horticultural enterprises of the mountain zone. It was noted that the key trend in Dagestan horticulture is the implementation of intensive technologies. The main directions of horticulture recovery in the republic are suggested: modernization of material and technical resources, creation of highly specialized horticultural farms, electronic maps for the gardens, development of a new plan of the placement of horticulture and fruit farming enterprises, as well as full state support.

Research Note: Effect of Light Quality on Fruit Growth, Composition and the Sensory Impact of the Wines

The stage at which grapes are harvested has an influence on the aromatic and phenolic composition of the berries and the resulting wines. The aim of this study was to evaluate wines harvested sequentially as outlined in the berry sugar accumulation model. Two vintages and treatments in which the light quality and quantity were altered at the fruit zone were compared. In 2010/2011, the grapes were harvested at two ripening stages after the sugar loading plateau was reached, namely the “fresh fruit” stage (20-25 days afterwards) and “pre-mature” stage (at approximately 35 days). In the 2011/2012 season, grapes were harvested 45 days after the sugar loading plateau was reached (the “mature fruit” stage). Vegetative aromas were synonymous with the “fresh fruit” stage in 2010/2011, while the 2011/2012 wines from the “mature fruit” harvest date were characterized by raisin, prune and spicy aromas. In both seasons, the control treatments were rated more intense in ‘satin in the mouth’ in and after expectoration. Wines in which the UV-B radiation was excluded during berry growth were rated the highest in the mouthfeel attribute ‘coarseness’ in both treatment seasons. Wines were analyzed chemically for phenolic content using HPLC, and sensorial using descriptive analysis with a trained panel. In the leaf removal treatments, higher acidity content enhanced the perception of astringency in the wine. Wines were analyzed chemically for phenolic content using HPLC and sensorial using descriptive analysis with a trained panel. Overall, the data showed that grape composition was altered by varying light quality, within a season, but seasonal variation overrode treatment effects. Flavonol concentration in 2011/2012 wine was higher in the exposed leaf removal treatment compared to the other treatments. High light intensities in 2011/2012 season increased anthocyanin concentration in the wine.. This study emphasizes the importance of the quality and quantity of light on the composition and quality of wines, and presents new findings regarding sensory attributes associated with harvesting at different ripening stages.

Impact of Fruit Zone Sunlight Exposure on Ripening Profiles of Cold Climate Interspecific Hybrid Winegrapes

The introduction of cold climate interspecific hybrid grape (CCIHG) cultivars has stimulated a new wine industry in northern climates; however, high fruit acidity at harvest and limited information on fruit composition of these new cultivars make producing quality wines difficult. Organic acid and sugar profiles were determined during two growing seasons for Brianna, Frontenac, La Crescent, and Marquette under control and fruit zone exposure (“exposed”) treatments consisting of removing two to three leaves/shoot that were shading clusters and lateral shoots from the first three node positions, two weeks after fruit set. From veraison to harvest, glucose to fructose ratios ranged from 0.88 to 1.13, and tartaric to malic acid ratios ranged from 0.23 to 0.88 between years and cultivars. La Crescent and Frontenac had higher levels of acidity from veraison to harvest, mainly due to high levels of malic acid. The exposed treatment increased irradiance in the cluster zone, as well as berry temperature. Treatment effect on fruit glucose and fructose concentrations varied among cultivars and growing seasons. The exposed treatment reduced total titratable acidity, particularly malic acid concentrations in almost all evaluated cultivars. Leaf and lateral shoot removal just prior to veraison could be an effective tool to reduce acidity in CCIHG grown in cold climate regions with short growing seasons. In addition, this work highlights the need to develop independent fruit maturity standards for CCIHG, as opposed to relying on those established for Vitis vinifera cultivars.

Preveraison Leaf Removal Changes Fruit Zone Microclimate and Phenolics in Cold Climate Interspecific Hybrid Grapes Grown under Cool Climate Conditions

Changes in grape cluster microclimate during ripening have been explored extensively across Vitis vinifera cultivars, but there is limited information about its effect on cold climate interspecific hybrid grape (CCIHG) cultivars grown under cool climate conditions. The influence of a single preveraison leaf and lateral shoot removal (“exposed”) treatment on fruit zone microclimate and juice total phenolic concentration (TPC), monomeric anthocyanin concentration (MAC), and percent polymeric color was evaluated in the white cultivars Brianna and La Crescent and the red cultivars Frontenac, Marquette, and Petite Pearl over three consecutive growing seasons and in their respective wines in the last year of the study. Treatment effect on juice TPC in the white cultivars was cultivar-dependent, and there was no detectable treatment effect on wine TPC. For the red cultivars Frontenac, Marquette, and Petite Pearl, the exposed treatment increased the TPC, MAC, and percent polymeric color in the wines. The beneficial influence of the exposed treatment on MAC, TPC, percent polymeric color, and titratable acidity was associated with increased berry temperature and photosynthetically active radiation in the fruiting zone. The cultural practice of a single preveraison leaf and lateral shoot removal may be an effective strategy to improve red wine color stability of CCIHG cultivars grown under cool climate conditions.

Preharvest Fruit Drop in Huanglongbing-affected ‘Valencia’ Sweet Orange

For field-grown ‘Valencia’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) affected by Huanglongbing [HLB (Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)], trees that displayed more severe HLB symptoms (severe trees) had 74% fruit drop before harvest; however, the drop rate for less symptomatic trees (mild trees) was 45%. For mature fruit (3 weeks before harvest) still attached to the branches, 60% of them from severe trees were “loose fruit” [fruit detachment force (FT) < 6 kgf]. In contrast, only 13% of the attached fruit from the mild trees were loose. Overall, fresh weight and size of loose fruit were lower than “tight fruit” (FT > 6 kgf). Irrespective of the symptom levels of trees, the concentrations of glucose, fructose, and inositol in juice of loose fruit were the same or larger than those of tight fruit, suggesting that the shortage of carbohydrates is not the dominant cause of HLB-associated preharvest fruit drop. Expression levels of the cell wall modification genes encoding cellulase (endo-1,4-β-glucanase), polygalacturonase, and pectate lyase were greater in the calyx abscission zones of loose fruit compared to tight fruit, indicating that cell separation was occurring in the former at the time of collection. No differences in the expression levels of genes encoding the ethylene biosynthesis enzymes, including 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO), and an ethylene-responsive transcription factor 1 (ERF1) were observed in tissues of loose and tight fruit. Interestingly, ACS, ACO, and EFR1 expressions were lower in calyx abscission zones and in leaves of the severe trees compared with those of mild trees, suggesting an ostensible, HLB-dependent reduction in ethylene biosynthesis and/or signaling close to harvest time. However, the role of ethylene in HLB-associated preharvest fruit drop remains to be determined. The results leave open the possibility of early ethylene production and action before the initiation of fruit abscission.

ОЦЕНКА АГРОКЛИМАТИЧЕСКИХ РЕСУРСОВ АНАПО-ТАМАНСКОЙ ПОДЗОНЫ ЮЖНОЙ ПЛОДОВОЙ ЗОНЫ КРАСНОДАРСКОГО КРАЯ И ПРОВИНЦИИ ГИЛЬМЕНД РЕСПУБЛИКИ АФГАНИСТАН С ЦЕЛЬЮ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ АБРИКОСА

ОЦЕНКА АГРОКЛИМАТИЧЕСКИХ РЕСУРСОВ АНАПО-ТАМАНСКОЙ ПОДЗОНЫ ЮЖНОЙ ПЛОДОВОЙ ЗОНЫ КРАСНОДАРСКОГО КРАЯ И ПРОВИНЦИИ ГИЛЬМЕНД РЕСПУБЛИКИ АФГАНИСТАН С ЦЕЛЬЮ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ АБРИКОСА

ПОЧВЕННО-КЛИМАТИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА РЕСУРСОВ ПРИКУБАНСКОЙ ПЛОДОВОЙ ЗОНЫ КРАСНОДАРСКОГО КРАЯ С ЦЕЛЬЮ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ ЯБЛОНИ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ЕЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ В ПРОВИНЦИИ КАНДАГАР РЕСПУБЛИКИ АФГАНИСТАН

ПОЧВЕННО-КЛИМАТИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА РЕСУРСОВ ПРИКУБАНСКОЙ ПЛОДОВОЙ ЗОНЫ КРАСНОДАРСКОГО КРАЯ С ЦЕЛЬЮ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ ЯБЛОНИ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ЕЕ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ В ПРОВИНЦИИ КАНДАГАР РЕСПУБЛИКИ АФГАНИСТАН

Antioxidant metabolism in stem and calyx end tissues in relation to flesh browning development during storage of 1-methylcyclopropene treated ‘Empire’ apples

Development of firm flesh browning, a physiological disorder, in ‘Empire’ apples during long term controlled atmosphere (CA) storage, can be enhanced by 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an inhibitor of ethylene perception. The disorder develops earlier in stem-end tissues than in calyx-end tissues. The antioxidant scavenging systems in the tissue zones of fruit stored under CA conditions (2 kPa O2/2 kPa CO2) at 3 °C at 6 and 10 months were investigated. Flesh tissue browning as indicated by lightness and hue angle was greater in 1-MCP treated than in untreated fruit, and in stem-end tissues than in calyx-end tissues. 1-MCP treatment decreased superoxide production as indicated by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reducing activity but increased H2O2 concentrations, while treatment effects on malondialdehyde concentrations were inconsistent. Ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations declined during storage, regardless of 1-MCP treatment, but were lower in stem-end tissue than in calyx-end tissue. While ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was not affected by 1-MCP treatment, its activity in untreated fruit was lower in stem-end tissues than in calyx-end tissues. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and copper/zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) increased during storage. The activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) decreased in 1-MCP treated fruit but effects on activities of other enzymes were inconsistent. Overall, higher browning may be associated with lower AsA and GSH concentrations in stem-end tissues, but the enhanced browning resulting from 1-MCP treatment does not appear to be directly related to antioxidant metabolism.

Palissage Reduces Cluster Zone Lateral Shoots Compared to Hedging

Summary Goals: Hedging grapevines is a common canopy management practice in vineyards in the northeastern United States, however it is criticized as being a short-term solution to vine vigor because it can stimulate lateral shoot growth, resulting in a repeated cycle of hedging and leaf removal that costs growers time and money. Palissage is an alternative canopy management tool where long shoot tips are tucked down into the canopy (i.e. Tuck) or wrapped horizontally along the top of the canopy (i.e. Wrap). Anecdotally, growers had reported that palissage initiated earlier cessation of shoot growth during the growing season and reduced or eliminated the need for leaf removal in the fruiting zone due to fewer lateral shoots. This work aimed to test the effects of palissage on vegetative and reproductive growth, yield, disease incidence and severity, and juice and wine sensory on Riesling ( Vitis vinifera L.) grown in northeastern United States. Key Findings Neither palissage treatment affected vine yield in 2015, but Tuck increased yield in 2016 compared to hedging. Wrap reduced the number of laterals in the fruit zone in 2015 but not 2016 compared to hedging. Tuck increased rachis length by 1.4 cm compared to hedging in 2016, but cluster compactness wasn’t reduced by either treatment. Tuck and Wrap decreased botrytis incidence slightly in 2016 when compared to hedging. A sensory panel found that wines grouped separately by treatment based on aroma. Impact and Significance: This study demonstrated that palissage – particularly Wrap - was a potentially viable canopy management technique to reduce lateral growth in the fruit zone. Impacts varied based on year, but in at least one year palissage reduced lateral shoot growth in the fruiting zone, increased rachis length, and maintained or increased yield, although fruit in the Tuck treatment was less ripe. The potential long-term impacts palissage has on vine vigor, yield, and fruit quality need to be further explored, but these methods hold promise to break the hedging-leaf removal cycle in vigorous vineyards.

Canopy management strategies to control yield and grape composition of Montepulciano grapevines

Background and Aims Higher temperature during the season is forcing growers in Central Italy to explore ways to reliably control vine yield and grape ripening, while maintaining grape composition. The most common approaches include altering winter pruning, shoot thinning (St), leaf removal and bunch thinning. These studies, however, rarely evaluated these practices in concert and over multiple seasons. Methods and Results From 2009 to 2013, five treatments were applied to Vitis vinifera L. cv. Montepulciano: winter pruning only (Wp, Control); Wp plus St; St plus pre-flowering defoliation (St + Dpa); St plus pre-veraison defoliation (St + Dpv); and St + Dpv plus bunch thinning (St + Dpv + Bt) applied prior to veraison. Effects on canopy architecture, yield, ripening and berry composition were measured. Compared to Wp, St, St + Dpv and St + Dpv + Bt treatments reduced leaf area and leaf layer number in the fruiting zone, while St + Dpv + Bt reduced yield. No treatment slowed ripening. The treatment St + Dpa reduced yield and the incidence of Botrytis cinerea, and improved fruit composition, but increased TSS in berries. All treatments were ceased after 2013 and the vines were pruned in winter only. The treatment St + Dpa imposed in 2013 had a strong carry-over effect on yield but not TSS in 2014. Conclusions Shoot thinning alone reduced canopy density but failed to reduce yield or improve fruit composition. Both the St + Dpv and St + Dpv + Ct treatments provided a more open fruit zone, had no effect on yield and increased TSS in fruit at harvest. Shoot thinning plus pre-flowering defoliation decreased yield and improved berry composition in a Mediterranean climate; however, given its observed carry-over effects on yield this approach should be applied only in alternate years, suggesting the need for further research exploring additional viticultural practices. Significance of the Study Despite some benefits of St, defoliation and bunch thinning on their own or even in concert, no combination tested was consistently effective for controlling vine yield and grape ripening, while maintaining grape composition.

Impact of variety features and environmental factors of zones where apricots are grown on biochemical complex of apricots

The article explores biochemical complexes of apricots (Prunus armeniaca L.) of different varieties (Dzhengutaevskiy, Krasnoshchekiy, Khonabah and Shalah), which grow in the unique soil and climatic conditions of the Republic of Dagestan on the plain, and in the fruit zones located in the foothills and in the mountainous river valley. The researchers investigated the components of apricots by means of flame and atomic absorption photometry. The composition of titratable acids, sugars, pectin substances and vitamin C was determined colorimetrically by titrimetric, phenolic compounds and vitamin P. The paper identifies varieties valuable for consumption and appropriate environmental zones in Dagestan, where the apricot varieties can reveal their biological properties most. Such studies are important and relevant both for effective use of resource capacities in fruit zones located at different heights above sea level, and for production of new apricot products with high nutritional values. The revealed varietal differences in the biochemical complexes of the studied fruits allow to assess their nutritional values. The authors observed the highest number of pectin substances in Shalah fruits – 0.84%, vitamin C – 15.7 mg%, phenolic substances – 137.1 mg% and vitamin P – 72.5 mg% and all macro - and microelements typical for apricot, except copper. Honabach variety had a high amount of sugar and copper, and Gengutsu – titratable acids. The highest concentration of magnesium and iodine was observed in Shalah and Krasnoshchekiy varieties respectively 63,4-57,0 and 1,2-1,1 mkg%. The authors outline that environmental conditions of the mountain valley contribute to the increased accumulation of titrated acids, vitamins C and P, phenolic and pectin substances and zinc, copper and Fe in apricots. Adaptation of all studied varieties to soil and climatic factors of the plain increased concentration of sugar, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and iodine in fruits. The results of experiment on biochemical composition of apricots allow us to recommend producing of new crop plantings taking into consideration the altitude gradient of the growing place. The data obtained on nutritional value of apricot varieties Dzhengutaevskiy, Krasnoshchekiy, Khonabah and Shalah varieties can be applied for developing formulations for new functional food products.