Fruit Research Articles

Tree detection and in-row localization for autonomous precision orchard management

This work presents a framework for localizing ground robots within fruit tree orchards. The standard practice of managing orchards at the large block-level does not maximize the potential of farms — individual plants have different needs due to variations in soil, pests, disease, irrigation, etc. In order to make selective management decisions for individual trees, such as precision fertilization, a robot must be able to accurately localize itself within the row. This is a challenge since in high density, modern orchard systems it is often difficult to obtain accurate GNSS measurements. Our algorithm begins by using deep learning to segment a tree trunk in an RGB-D image and then estimate its width. We then use the trunk segmentations and widths to calculate particle weights in a particle filter-based localization system. We show that integrating trunk width into the particle update step led to a 45% decrease in the distance traveled before convergence, and a 31% decrease in convergence time, alongside a marginal increase in the rate of correct convergence. We also demonstrate autonomous tree-level localization with a large ground robot in realistic field experiments in a commercial apple orchard.

Design and Testing of a Fruit Tree Variable Spray System Based on ExG-AABB

This paper addresses the issue of pesticide waste and low utilization rates resulting from traditional plant protection via spraying operations, which apply equal dosages to different targets or to different parts of the same target. To tackle this problem, we designed a variable fruit tree spraying system based on the ExG-AABB (excess green and axis-aligned bounding box) algorithm. We used a Kinect depth camera to capture information about the fruit tree canopy and constructed a spray flow model using pulse width modulation and variable spray control technology. Variable multi-nozzle spraying was guided by combining this canopy data. We evaluated the accuracy of each model in calculating canopy volume by comparing the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) of the ExG-AABB with the slice convex hull method, voxel method, three-dimensional alpha-shape method, and QuickHull method. The ExG-AABB algorithm had the highest R2 value (0.9334) and the lowest RMSE value (0.0353 m3) among the five models, indicating that it most accurately reflects the true volume of the fruit tree canopy. This validates the effectiveness of the ExG-AABB algorithm in calculating canopy volume. We established a correlation model between canopy volume and spray volume, designed a canopy-adaptive layering method based on point cloud processing, and achieved precise calculation of nozzle flow. Comparative field experiments were conducted to analyze the spray coverage rate and observed flow, thereby evaluating the spraying effect of this variable spraying system. The experimental results showed that compared to conventional continuous spraying, this variable spraying system not only achieves more uniform spray coverage but also significantly reduces pesticide usage by 48.1%. Furthermore, through system optimization, the average coverage rate of the middle layer of the canopy decreased by 17.53%, effectively reducing the phenomenon of overlapping spraying from multiple nozzles and improving spraying efficiency.

Combined Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Provides Insights in Response Mechanism under Heat Stress in Avocado (Persea americana Mill.)

Plants generate a range of physiological and molecular responses to sustain their growth and development when suffering heat stress. Avocado is a type of tropical fruit tree with high economic value. Most avocado cultivars delete, wither, or even die when exposed to heat stress for a long time, which seriously restricts the introduction and cultivation of avocados. In this study, samples of a heat-intolerant variety (‘Hass’) were treated under heat stress, and the transcriptomics and metabolomics were analyzed, with the expectation of providing information on the variety improvement and domestication of avocados. The differentially expressed genes identified using transcriptome analysis mainly involved metabolic pathways such as plant hormone signal transduction, plant–pathogen interaction, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Combined transcriptome and metabolome analysis indicated that the down-regulation of Hass.g03.10206 and Hass.g03.10205 in heat shock-like proteins may result in the reduced Trehalose and Sinapoyl aldehyde content. Metabolomics analysis results indicated that the decrease in Trehalose and Sinapoyl aldehyde content may be an important factor for heat intolerance. These results provide important clues for understanding the physiological mechanisms of adaptation to heat stress in avocados.

Prospect and Challenges of Litchi Cultivation in Northeast Region of India

The dynamics of pests affecting litchi crops have undergone changes over time, with litchi mites and bugs becoming less economically significant. However, insect pest infestations have emerged as a major constraint, causing substantial economic losses for growers. Litchi trees need to complete their post-harvest vegetative flush in a timely manner to produce a second flush in winter, which will then flower. Litchi fruit is highly perishable and temperature-sensitive, making it difficult to transport to distant markets without adequate cool chain infrastructure. The cumulative effect of biotic and abiotic factors compromises the agricultural value of this cash crop. Investigating natural defense mechanisms in litchi may uncover opportunities to enhance or induce antifungal compounds through defense elicitors. Further research could explore the applicability of these techniques in other countries, although registration issues may arise. Alternatively, other chemicals with similar benefits and lower health risks could be investigated. Additionally, the long-term effects of cincturing on fruit set and tree health warrant further investigation.

Evolution of Algerian’s given names referring to Arabic plant names

The Arabic personal names meaning can be classified in several categories, those related with nature, plant or agricuiture are common in the Algerian anthroponymy. The naming of the new born is the dutty of the parents who must choose a good, a blessful, shining name, specific to the gender of the newborn. The aim of this paper is to evaluate how much the names related to floriculture is commonly used and constant in genrations. In this paper we examined the evolution of given names of Algerian people. The analyzed sample was the lists of names of person (male and female) of three generations: old people, youth and kids . To estimate the frequency of those given names we exanime about 1000 names of lecturers, students and pupils. The obtained results show that the given names referring to floriculture are about 45 plants in Algerian anthroponymy , females are named more than male names referring to Arabic plant names. There are common names found in the 3 generations (the case of Zahra(Citrus sp)an aromatic plant, Nesrine (Rosa canina) an ornamental plant), other classic names (case of Khoukha (Prunus persicae) a fruit tree) and modern (case of Bailassan (Sambiscus nigra) a medicinal plant. According to Algerian beliefs, the floriculture species that arround a person make it inspirational, that the people use one plant name, or a combination of names as given names for a newborn,

Estudio etnobotánico de ciruela mexicana (<i>Spondias purpurea</i> L.) en la región centro del Estado de Guerrero

Background: Ethnobotanical work makes it possible to recognize and take advantage of plants that are potentially important to communities. In the Central region of Guerrero, Mexican plum is a highly appreciated fruit tree due to its versatility as a crop and its commercial potential; However, economic ethnobotanical studies on this species are scarce in the state. Questions: Which morphotype of Mexican plums exist in the study area and which are the most important for its inhabitants? What are the uses and agronomic management of Mexican plum? What are the cultivation and economics characteristics of Mexican plum in the region? Studied species / data description /Mathematical model: Spondias purpurea L. Study site and dates: 3 localities of Juan R. Escudero, Guerrero, México; 2022 and 2023. Methods: Information was collected through 40 semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the information was carried out using descriptive statistics and ethnobotanical indices. Results: Nine morphotypes of Mexican plums were registered, two of them ('Roja Dulce' and 'Roja Grande'), stood out for being the most preferred, the most cultivated and commercialized. The Mexican plum is cultivated preferentially in relation to other fruit crops due to its low water needs, the low economic investment and the short time required to produce fruits. Conclusions: The main use of the Mexican plum is as a foodstuff, there is a very marked preference for two of the nine morphotypes that are grown in the region, their commercialization allows producers to obtain important economic income.

Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in Torreya grandis cones: A simple and rapid tool for gene expression and functional gene assay

Agrobacterium-mediated transient gene expression is a powerful tool for characterizing gene function in plants, particularly in fruit trees with long juvenile periods. However, few studies have systematically explored transient expression in nut trees, such as T. grandis. In this study, we developed a rapid and easily manipulated transient transformation system using Agrobacterium-mediated injection infiltration in T. grandis cones. Cones at the enlargement stage (30 days after aril protrusion) were used, and the bacterial solution was gently injected into the kernel at a depth of 1 cm, filling nearly the entire cone, as indicated by a red dye. Using the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene as a reporter for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, we confirmed GFP expression in T. grandis cone successfully through confocal microscopy, western blot, and PCR. Transformation conditions, including bacterial density and days after agroinfiltration, were optimized for higher transformation efficiency, with the optimal conditions being an OD600 of 0.6 and an agroinfiltration period of 6 - 9 days. Transient overexpression of TgWRKY47, a cell size regulator, altered cell size in T. grandis cones, indicating that this Agrobacterium infiltration method can be used for gene functional analysis. Furthermore, confocal microscopy revealed that TgWRKY47-GFP was localized in the nucleus along with a nuclear marker, demonstrating its applicability for protein subcellular localization. In summary, this method presents a versatile tool for efficient and targeted transient gene functional analysis and subcellular localization in T. grandis cones, offering new insights into nut tree biology research.

Economic impact of four fruit trees in three municipalities of the Laxaxalpan basin, Puebla, Mexico in the period 2003 - 2022

Economic impact of four fruit trees in three municipalities of the Laxaxalpan basin, Puebla, Mexico in the period 2003 - 2022

Blooming Phenograms, Pollen Production, and Pollen Quality during Storage of Pistachio Cultivars in New Mediterranean Growing Areas.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a dioecious, anemophilous, and drought-resistant fruit tree species. It is cultivated in new Mediterranean areas, including the regions of southern Italy (Apulia and Basilicata). It has been estimated that over 40,000 ha are suitable for pistachio cultivation in areas infected by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca. As a newly introduced species, knowledge of its biological reproductive behaviors in its new areas of spreading is essential for appropriate agronomic planning and management. This two-year study (2022 and 2023), carried out in the countryside of Stigliano (MT, Italy), had the objective of evaluating the flowering phenograms, pollen production, and assessing protocols for the conservation and extension of pollen viability, of the most widespread cultivars. A slight delay was observed in the blooming phenograms, compared to other cultivation Mediterranean areas, such as Spain or Sicily. Furthermore, the overlap between female and male phenograms was partial. No significant differences were observed in the polliniferous aptitude of the two male cultivars. Among the different protocols tested, the pollen storage at 33% relative humidity and a temperature of -80 °C maintained the pollen germinability above 50% for up to three weeks. These findings highlight the importance of controlled environmental conditions in preserving pollen viability over extended periods, providing valuable insights for agricultural and botanical research that relies on maintaining pollen viability for breeding and genetic studies.

Fat storage and drought tolerance in a seasonally‐adapted primate: Implications for modeling the effects of animal responses to global climate change

AbstractGlobal warming is changing habitats and affecting biodiversity, and is expected to exacerbate aridification in many regions. Animals and plants in seasonally dry tropical forests often exhibit adaptations to cope with seasonal resource limitation. However, whether these adaptations will facilitate drought tolerance or increase drought vulnerability is unclear. Here, we combine long‐term individual‐based data on phenology, morphometrics, and demographics to investigate how drought impacts the food resources, health, reproduction, and behavior of a population of Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi), a critically endangered lemur inhabiting dry deciduous forests in Madagascar. Between December 2010 and May 2023, the population experienced 3 years of severe drought (2016, 2017, 2022). During green periods in severe drought, the availability of high‐quality sifaka foods (young leaves, fruit) was significantly reduced and fruit tree mortality increased. This reduced availability of fruit persisted in the year after a drought, despite typical rainfall. Yet surprisingly, we found no negative effects on body condition or commonly‐used metrics for reproductive success during drought years or years following a drought. Instead, sifaka exhibited significantly higher levels of subcutaneous body fat during severe droughts. We observed little change in sifaka behavior between drought and non‐drought periods. However, they were more likely to lick dew during severe drought, and spent significantly less time feeding on young and mature leaves. They also significantly increased their time feeding on flowers and fruits, despite the reduced abundance of fruit in the habitat. Together, our results suggest that increased consumption of water‐rich fruit and flowers during severe droughts could facilitate physiological mechanisms that help sifaka cope with water scarcity, including fructose‐mediated fat storage, metabolic water production, and water conservation. These results provide new insights into how critically endangered animals may respond to climate change, suggesting that behavioral and physiological adaptations to seasonal resource limitation may buffer some mammals from the effects of severe drought or other extreme weather events.

Negative Regulatory Role of Non-Coding RNA Vvi-miR3633a in Grapevine Leaves and Callus under Heat Stress

The grapevine, a globally significant fruit and an essential fruit tree species in China, is vulnerable to the adverse effects of high temperatures. Understanding the roles of microRNA and transcription factors in plant development and stress resistance is crucial for mitigating the impact of high temperature on grape growth and yield. This study investigates the response of miRNA to high-temperature stress in grape leaves. The expression level of Vvi-miR3633a was found to be inhibited under heat treatment in both Thompson seedless and Shen yue varieties, while its potential target genes (Vv-Atg36 and Vv-GA3ox2) were induced. Through transgenic overexpression experiments, it was demonstrated that Vvi-miR3633a plays a role in thermal response by affecting the expression of target genes. Furthermore, under heat stress conditions, overexpression of Vvi-miR3633a in grape callus decreased heat resistance compared to the control group (CK). The study also revealed that the target genes of Vvi-miR3633a regulate the expression of oxidase synthesis genes VvSOD and VvCAT, leading to reduced oxidase synthesis which may compromise the oxidation system. Additionally, the expression level of heat shock proteins in the transgenic lines was changed compared to the control (CK). Overall, this research provides valuable insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in different crossing/breeding programs to produce heat-resistant grape varieties. Such varieties can be appropriate to propagate in warm climate areas with high temperature conditions.

Deciduous fruit trees and grapevines as alternative crops in Demathophora necatrix (syn. Rosellinia necatrix) infested soils

White root rot, caused by Dematophora necatrix (syn. Rosellinia necatrix), affects deciduous trees. A D. necatrix infection-distribution survey found widespread disease in apple and cherry orchards in northern Israel bordering a Mediterranean forest, although the forest trees were unaffected. Because cherry and apple orchards must be abandoned due to long fungal survival in infested soils, alternative deciduous fruit trees and grapevines were assessed for growth in these D. necatrix-infested orchards. In the field, grapevine rootstocks and the almond–peach rootstock GF-677 were most tolerant to D. necatrix-infested soil. Apple was the most sensitive crop, with the rootstock Hashabi being more tolerant than PI80 or MM104. The Mediterranean forest tree Pistacia atlantica, which can serve as a rootstock for pistachio, was as sensitive as kiwifruit and apple, and persimmon rootstock sensitivity was not different from grapevine. Those results show that beside the above mentioned crops, vineyards can also replace apple orchards in D. necatrix-infested soils and so broadens the list of possible crops for the local farmers in a Mediterranean climate at altitudes above 440 m above sea level. This has also been observed in a commercial 10-year-old vineyard of ‘Shiraz’ grapevines grafted on SO4 rootstock. The almond-peach rootstock GF-677 can also be grown in infested soil, but in commercial orchards requires additional treatment for adequate disease control.

Dormancy regulator Prunus mume DAM6 promotes ethylene-mediated leaf senescence and abscission.

Leaf senescence and abscission in autumn are critical phenological events in deciduous woody perennials. After leaf fall, dormant buds remain on deciduous woody perennials, which then enter a winter dormancy phase. Thus, leaf fall is widely believed to be linked to the onset of dormancy. In Rosaceae fruit trees, DORMANCY-ASSOCIATED MADS-box (DAM) transcription factors control bud dormancy. However, apart from their regulatory effects on bud dormancy, the biological functions of DAMs have not been thoroughly characterized. In this study, we revealed a novel DAM function influencing leaf senescence and abscission in autumn. In Prunus mume, PmDAM6 expression was gradually up-regulated in leaves during autumn toward leaf fall. Our comparative transcriptome analysis using two RNA-seq datasets for the leaves of transgenic plants overexpressing PmDAM6 and peach (Prunus persica) DAM6 (PpeDAM6) indicated Prunus DAM6 may up-regulate the expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis and signaling as well as leaf abscission. Significant increases in 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate accumulation and ethylene emission in DEX-treated 35S:PmDAM6-GR leaves reflect the inductive effect of PmDAM6 on ethylene biosynthesis. Additionally, ethephon treatments promoted autumn leaf senescence and abscission in apple and P. mume, mirroring the changes due to PmDAM6 overexpression. Collectively, these findings suggest that PmDAM6 may induce ethylene emission from leaves, thereby promoting leaf senescence and abscission. This study clarified the effects of Prunus DAM6 on autumn leaf fall, which is associated with bud dormancy onset. Accordingly, in Rosaceae, DAMs may play multiple important roles affecting whole plant growth during the tree dormancy induction phase.

Current and Future Applications of Genetic, Archaeological, and Ethnobotanical Data to Uncovering Avocado Domestication

The domestication of fruit trees is a topic of increasing significance in anthropological research. The avocado is a perennial fruit domesticated in Central America with a complex history of management and dispersal since the arrival of humans in the New World. Archaeological data illustrates the avocado’s domestication from wild to cultivar forms throughout the Holocene, while genetic and ethnobotanical evidence provide insights into ancient avocado cultivation patterns. It is only through the combined application of all three lines of evidence that we may fully understand the dynamic origins of this essential fruit.

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 (>70.3 kg tree−1), root biomass (>24.5 kg, tree−1), and cross-sectional area (>3.30 m2 tree−1). These methods also produced longer roots (>4.0 m tree−1) and higher leaf phosphorus (>0.28%) and potassium (>1.81%) levels, fruit juice content (>48.50%), and total soluble solids (>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 (>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.

A Plum Story? Early Encounters and Colonial Views of the Safu in Central Africa, Seventeenth-Twentieth Centuries

ABSTRACT The diversity of edible species originating in Africa is considerable, but the history of their use and domestication remains largely neglected, despite existing historical records. This essay aims to explore attitudes towards safu (Pachylobus edulis), a Central African fruit that defies Western categories. Based on more than one hundred archival documents, this study examines the history of the safu and the tree that produces it as seen by Europeans (German, English, Belgian, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, etc.) present in Central Africa. The documentation collected on safus and safu trees reflects not only local views of the species but also the broader European projects pursued on the continent and the vision of African foodways. Indeed, their valuation is symptomatic of food encounters and hierarchies during colonial settlement. More broadly, it reveals how subsistence and agriculture were viewed in the region: the ubiquity of this fruit tree around villages, as often reported, contrasts sharply with the historical narrative of the absence of African agriculture in the tropics. Finally, it shows how colonial enterprises, despite hindered dispersal and missed opportunities, circulated the species in different parts of the planet.

Optimizing water-fertilizer integration with drip irrigation management to improve crop yield, water, and nitrogen use efficiency: A meta-analysis study

So far, many studies have examined the effects of drip irrigation and water-fertilizer integration on crop yield indices, nutrient use efficiency (NUE), and water use efficiency (WUE). However, they are carried out under different conditions. Due to the scattered research results and the lack of general conclusions from published results, it is necessary to use meta-analysis as a structured method to draw a conclusion. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the effects of water–fertilizer integration with drip irrigation (WFIDI) on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), water use efficiency (WUE), and crop yield to explore the most suitable application strategy of WFIDI, further discussion of its impact mechanism. A total of 352 studies in the Chinese region were included, of which 84 studies met the entry criteria for the meta-analysis, and 779 pairs of data were finally obtained. The meta-analysis results showed that WFIDI improved NUE (31.3 %), WUE (34.5 %) and crop yield (12.5 %) by changing soil physical and chemical properties (SOC increased by 36.4 %, TN increased by 9.3 %, and ETC decreased by 11.5 %). In order to screen the key influencing factors and determine the applicable conditions, PCA and win-win analysis were carried out. The results showed that WFIDI was suitable for food crops and fruit trees in medium-textured soils. It is recommended to use subsurface drip irrigation with a lower flow rate (≤1Lh−1) and nitrogen fertilizer (10–25 % lower than the traditional nitrogen application rate of farmers). This study provides inspiration for efficient and economical agricultural water management.

Kegiatan Penghijauan Penanaman 150 Bibit Pohon di Desa Wonorejo Kecamatan Kaliwungu Kabupaten Kendal

Trees play an important role in carbon sequestration and the global carbon cycle, contributing to climate change mitigation. The carbon dioxide cycle maintains a natural balance between concentrations in the atmosphere. The government mandate along with the Minister of Environment and Forestry's directive is to plant 200 trees in a lifetime. Trees are one way to reduce pollution, there is very little activity along the main roads of the village so this had to be done. The purpose of this work is to create a beautiful environment on the main road of the village so that the activities and benefits can be heard by the community. In this process the trees planted were Ketapang Kenka, Sengon, Glodogan and Pachira trees. Fruit trees can not only be utilized for air conditioning and disaster prevention, the community can also manage fruit trees. The community can see from the work that has been done that the community really appreciates the work. This can be seen from the enthusiasm of the community and village owners who participated in the tree planting activity.

Analyzing the impacts of climate change on ecosystem services provided by apple orchards in Southeast France using a process-based model

We know that fruit production, especially in the Mediterranean, will need to adapt to climate change to ensure the sustainability of fruit tree-based agroecosystems. However, there is a lack of evidence on the long-term effects of this change on sustainability indicators. To fill this gap, we used a fruit tree model, QualiTree, to analyze the impacts ofclimate change on the ecosystem services provided by apple orchards in south-eastern France. To do this, a blooming model was parameterized to simulate blooming date on the basis of climate data, and QualiTree was supplemented with a model of nitrogen processes in the tree and a soil module describing resource input (irrigation, mineral and organic fertilization), transfer in the soil (water and nitrogen) and metabolic transformation-immobilization (mineralization, (de)nitrification). This type of extension makes it possible to simulate a wide array of ecosystem services, including C sequestration, nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions. The model was compared with data from an apple orchard in southeastern France. The predicted daily mean and variability over time of fruit growth, composition and soil water content were consistent with observed data. QualiTree was then used to assess the potential impacts of climate change on the ecosystem services supplied by apple orchards. For this purpose, weather variables from 2020 to 2100 were generated for three contrasted greenhouse gas emission scenarios, and simulations were performed under two irrigation schemes (no restriction and restricted use of water). Model outputs indicated that, on average, marketable apple yields would increase until 2050 and then subsequently decrease. The fruit refractometric index, an indicator of fruit quality, was projected to sharply decrease with the intensity of climate change. Ecosystem services such as C sequestration by the orchard will decrease with climate change severity, mainly due to a higher mineralization of soil humus, whereas N2O emissions will increase with larger denitrification rates. Soil water availability, fertility, drainage and leaching were predicted to depend more on the irrigation strategy than on climate change severity. The new functions performed in QualiTree broadened its predictive capabilities and allowed for a better understanding of ecosystem service delivery in fruit orchards under varying climate conditions.

A glimpse of light on the mystery of regulating temperate fruit tree blooming time

A glimpse of light on the mystery of regulating temperate fruit tree blooming time