Fruiting Trees Research Articles

Fruit traits of tree species in lower montane rainforest at Doi Suthep–Pui, northern Thailand

AbstractFruits are a major food resource for wildlifes and have evolved different traits which attract specific frugivores and facilitate seed dispersal. This study examines the quantity of the frequency of fruit tree species, distribution amongst fruit traits and estimates the potential availability of the fruit resource for frugivores in a 16-ha permanent forest plot at Doi Suthep–Pui, Thailand. The similarity amongst traits for fleshy fruited species was explored using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Fleshy fruited species comprised 122 of 208 tree species >2 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) recorded in the permanent plot. Amongst fleshy fruited species, small fruits (length <20 mm) were most common (63.16% of species) while large fruits were rare (4.1%). Black was the most common fruit colour (43.4%). Principal Component Analysis of fruit traits explained 57% of total variance on the first three axes, and allowed identification of three species groups. Litsea martabanica and Persea gamblei are the greatest density and represented the major PCA group; black, small-sized and thin husk indehiscent fruits. These fruiting trees scattered throughout the permanent plot and were of good regeneration status. Indicating fleshy fruit can be a food resource for frugivores especially small-sized fruit. Furthermore, large-fruited species such as Madhuca floribunda is low density but important to preserve for food resource of large frugivores. This finding is very important not only for forest protection policy but also for wildlife conservation as food resources.

Physio-chemical characterization of indigenous agricultural waste materials for the development of potting media.

Organic residues are an important factor that directly affects fruiting tree seedlings' health at earlier stages. It provides a suitable environment for seedling growth by providing better nutrient ions, water, and aeration. However, low organic contents and high shrinkage of most organic materials mostly deteriorate ideal potting media characteristics. Low aeration, high water, and nutrients leaching decrease seedling growth and cause a significant loss of valuable resources. That is why the current study was conducted to screen out the best indigenous materials based on particle size to produce good characteristics bearing potting media. For that, eight different ingredients, i.e., “sugarcane”, “coconut coir”, “wheat straw”, “rice straw”, “corn cob”, “leaf litter”, “farmyard manure”, and “sunflower heads” were collected. Initially, all the materials were air-dried and processes as per requirement. After grinding, three particles size (fine = < 2 mm, medium = 3 mm and coarse = 5 mm) were separated by sieving. Results showed that decreasing particle size in “rice straw”, “corn cob”, “farmyard manure,” and “sunflower head” decreased leachate pH. Higher EC in leachates was negatively correlated with particle size in all potting media ingredients. Except for farmyard manure, fine particle size increases the water-holding ability of potting media ingredients. However, air-filled porosity was associated with a decrease in particle size of potting media in gradients. In conclusion, farmyard manure, “sunflower heads”, “leaf litter” and “sugarcane” should be incorporated while making a combination for potting media. More investigations are suggested by mixing different particle size ingredients to prepare potting media.

Diversity of Volatile Organic Compounds in leaves of Pimenta dioica L. Merrill at Different Developmental Stages from Fruiting and no-fruiting Trees

Abstract. Pimenta dioica L. Merrill, known as pimienta gorda, xocoxochitl (in Nahuatl) or allspice, is native to Mesoamerica. In Mexico, it has been used since pre-Hispanic times due to its medicinal properties and as a condiment for the preparation of “tamales” and “moles”. The dried fruits have a high economic value due to their flavor and aroma: a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. For this reason, it is known as allspice in English. Xocoxochitl is a dioecious tree. The fruiting, female trees, have a greater economic importance, while non-fruiting trees, or male trees, function to some extent as pollinators. However, leaves and fruits present similar volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the already mentioned properties. In order to evaluate the VOCs in leaves at different developmental stages, leaves were collected from: 2-years-old sexually undifferentiated trees and 14-years-old female and male differentiated trees. VOCs were collected and evaluated using SPME-GC-MS. Data obtained show a great diversity of VOCs at all leaf developmental stages, regardless of the tree analyzed. The dried fruit essential oil is highly valued by the international industry, but the leaves have minor use. However, leaves showed a great VOCs richness containing most of the dried fruit compounds. The VOCs profile in female and male trees were also evaluated. Individual VOCs displayed a different relative amount in each leaf developmental stage, as well as specific compounds for each type of tree were identified.&#x0D; &#x0D; Resumen. Pimenta dioica L. Merrill, conocida como pimienta gorda, xocoxochitl (en náhuatl) o como allspice, es originaria de Mesoamérica. En México, se ha usado desde la época prehispánica debido a sus propiedades medicinales, así como condimento para la preparación de tamales y moles. Los frutos secos tienen un alto valor económico debido a su sabor y aroma: una combinación de canela, nuez moscada y clavo. Por esta razón, en inglés se le llama allspice. Xocoxochitl es un árbol dioico. Los árboles que fructifican, árboles hembra, presentan una mayor importancia económica mientras que los árboles que no fructifican, árboles macho, funcionan en forma limitada como polinizadores. Sin embargo, las hojas y los frutos presentan compuestos orgánicos volátiles (COVs) similares responsables de las características mencionadas. Con el fin de evaluar los COVs presentes en hojas de diferentes estados de desarrollo, se colectaron hojas de árboles no diferenciados de 2 años de edad, así como de árboles diferenciados, hembra y macho, de 14 años de edad. Los COVs fueron colectados y analizados mediante SPME-GC-MS. Los datos obtenidos muestran una riqueza de COVs en todos los estados de desarrollo de la hoja, independientemente del árbol analizado. El aceite esencial del fruto seco es altamente apreciado en la industria internacional, sin embargo, las hojas presentan un menor uso. Además, también se evaluó el perfil de COVs de árboles hembra y macho. Ciertos COVs mostraron una cantidad relativa diferente en cada estado de desarrollo de la hoja, así mismo, se identificaron compuestos específicos para cada tipo de árbol.

Comparative analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical screening, in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Mangifera indica and Artocarpus heterophyllus

Medicinal plants have known to play a wide role in the development of human culture. Artocarpus heterophyllus and Mangifera indica are the well-known evergreen tropical fruiting tree families abundantly grown in Asia. Different parts of both the trees such as bark, leaves, fruits, and flowers are used in traditional medicine. The present study aims to screen the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical present, in-vitro antioxidant, and anti-microbial activity of Artocarpus heterophyllus and Mangifera indica leaf extracts and combined extract of both the leaves. The qualitative phytochemical results indicated the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterols, tannins, and saponins. The quantitative phytochemical results revealed that M.indica has high phenolic and flavonoid content. The Combined extract showed significant antioxidant activity when compared to both the extracts. All the extracts showed significant antimicrobial activity.

Composition of Phenolic Compounds, Cyanogenic Glycosides, Organic Acids and Sugars in Fruits of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.)

The forest understory is rich in fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. They include both native species and invasive alien plant species (IAPS). One of the most spreading IAPS is black cherry (Prunus serotina E.). Problems with the invasiveness of P. serotina is well known in many European countries. However, there are very few studies related to this IAPS. This article aims to fill the gap in research on the bioactive compounds of black cherry fruits and thus to start a discussion on the potential use of this species on an industrial or semi-industrial scale, which may lead to the reduction of this species presence in forests. Fruits were collected in a forest of Northern Poland. Contents of sugars, phenolic compounds as well as cyanogenic glycosides were determined. Pphenolic compounds and cyanogenic glycoside were assayed using HPLC-DAD coupled with MSn. Sugars and organic acids were determined with the use of HPLC-DAD. Fruits of P. serotina can be considered as rich in anthocyanins, even at a lower level of total phenolics than in their plantation-grown couterparts, fruits of black cherry are still a good source of dietary phenolics of natural, forest-grown origin. When stones are not crushed during processing the level of GCC is within a safe, admissible range.

First attempt at rehabilitation of Asiatic Black Bear cubs to the wild in Thailand

Returning orphan bear cubs to the wild can benefit bear welfare and conservation but is hindered in Asia by the scarcity of documented experience. We experimented with rehabilitation of two Asiatic Black Bear cubs in Thailand using the assisted method of soft-release. We raised the 5-month old cubs for 11 months with minimal human contact in a remote enclosure in high quality habitat, letting cubs out periodically to walk with caretakers in the forest. The caretakers acted as surrogate mothers, allowing cubs to safely acquire foraging skills and familiarity with the forest. Supplementary feeding resulted in the cubs’ rapid weight gain (average 157g/day), faster than would occur in the wild. Faster growth allowed the cubs to be released sooner, reducing the likelihood of long-term habituation. After three months of rehabilitation, the bear cubs started showing signs of being wary of the caretakers (e.g., cautious when we approached their enclosure) and their focus during walks switched from play to foraging. After seven months they began to spend nights away from their enclosure, thus declining the supplemental food. This sequence and timing of increasing separation and independence from people matched other assisted soft releases in the region. The cubs went missing in month 12, shortly before planned collaring and release. They were seen together 2.5 months later on a fruiting tree and ran away when approached. Assisted soft releases might be a promising option for bear rehabilitation in Asia but more data are needed to evaluate their effectiveness relative to other methods. This method affords direct observations of bears in the wild that can augment our knowledge of bear behavior and ecology.

Evaluation of Electrolysed Oxidizing Water for European Pear Rust Management on Pear (Pyrus cv. Conference)

Pear rust is a foliar pathogen of ornamental and fruiting pear trees. Unmanaged, yield and aesthetic losses can be severe. Over-reliance on synthetic fungicides means novel means of pathogen management are required. Field trials were conducted using pear (Pyrus cv. Conference) to assess the efficacy of electrolysed oxidizing water (EO water) as a rust protective compound. A synthetic fungicide (boscalid + pyraclostrobin) spray program used for pear rust management was included for comparison. Each treatment was applied 4 times prior to the visible appearance of rust (April through June, i.e., preventatively). Studies were conducted in 2017 and repeated in 2018. Efficacy of EO water as a rust protectant compound was confirmed (increased leaf chlorophyll content, reduced leaf rust incidence and severity). The degree of leaf rust severity protection conferred was not statistically different from a boscalid + pyraclostrobin spray program. Results suggest 4 spray applications of EO water provides a useful addition to existing methods of pear rust management under field conditions that may have applicability against other foliar pathogens.

NHỮNG THÁCH THỨC VÀ GIẢI PHÁP PHÁT TRIỂN CÂY ĂN QUẢ THEO HƯỚNG BỀN VỮNG Ở TỈNH SƠN LA

Son La has a lot of potentials for the development of fruit trees. In recent years, fruit trees have thrived, bringing about high economic efficiency, actively contributing to poverty reduction for upland people. However, the development of fruit trees presents many major challenges. Challenges in price, quality, expansion of acreage, product processing, market... There should be solutions for planning, seeding, labor, investment... to develop sustainable, fruit-bearing fruit trees. high economic efficiency.

Viabilidade financeira de sistemas agroflorestais biodiversos no Centro Oeste Brasileiro

Os sistemas agroflorestais biodiversos (SAF’s) combinam espécies arbóreas frutíferas ou lenhosas, com culturas agrícolas e/ou criação de animais, em uma mesma área. Para o agricultor que o detém, esses sistemas trazem melhoria da qualidade de vida econômica, social e ambiental, pois proporcionam formas sustentáveis de produção de alimentos, segurança alimentar, além da preservação ambiental. O estudo apresenta a análise de viabilidade financeira de dois modelos de sistemas agroflorestais implantados no município de Dourados, MS. A pesquisa objetivou fornecer subsídios aos agricultores familiares para a implementação de SAF’s. As culturas de interesse econômico selecionadas para composição dos SAF’s implantados foram: SAF1- café, abacaxi, milho, feijão; SAF2 – palmito de pupunha, banana, abacaxi, milho, feijão, além de nove espécies arbóreas para ambos os SAF’s: acerola, graviola, goiaba, pitanga, aroeira, guaritá, ipê, canafístula e peito de pombo, cada SAF’s contou com um hectare. Para planejamento e elaboração dos sistemas, foi utilizada a planilha AmazonSAF, onde foram inseridos dados de receitas e despesas, que refletem a realidade da agricultura familiar, verificando a rentabilidade ao longo de 20 anos. Ambos os SAF’s apresentaram condições de viabilidade financeira, pois o Valor Presente Líquido do SAF 1 foi de R$ 11.018,24 e do SAF 2 foi de R$ 40.377,04. Este último se apresentou ligeiramente como o mais rentável, já que sua relação Benefício/Custo foi de 1,2 e o payback 9 anos, diferente do SAF 1, cuja RB/C foi de 1,1 e payback de 10 anos. A viabilidade financeira, tanto do SAF 1, com café como cultura principal, quanto do SAF 2, com palmito de pupunha e banana, foi confirmada, de forma a garantir ao produtor rural que, se bem planejados e acompanhados, estes sistemas demonstraram boas condições para produção de alimentos e geração de renda. Além disso, se tornam soluções possíveis para uma agricultura sustentável, valorizando e utilizando sabiamente os recursos naturais.

A comparison of fruit removal in Ficus colubrinae between birds and Ectophylla alba (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a Costa Rican rain forest

ABSTRACT Ectophylla alba almost exclusively feeds on the fruits of Ficus colubrinae therefore significantly contributing to dispersal of its seeds. The objective of this research was to quantify the fruit removal of F. colubrinae by E. alba and compare it with that of birds in a F. colubrinae tree at the La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica. We established seven quadrats randomly at different heights of the tree. We took photographs of each quadrat, quantified the fruits in each photograph, and compared the number of fruits removed during periods of high and low activity. The on-site persistence time of birds (9:05 min) was higher than that of E. alba (0.32 s). Birds removed more fruits (46) than E. alba (41). Birds defecated on site more times (13.08 feces per day) than E. alba (7.5 feces per day). Thus, E. alba is a more important seed disperser of F. colubrinae than are birds, because it persisted a short time at the feeding site, and consumed food beyond the individual trees’ canopies. Most importantly, by defecating during flight or away from the fruiting tree, E. alba disperse seeds some distance from the F. colubrinae tree, thereby contributes more effectively toward seed dispersal.

Variation in Seed Germination and Seedling Growth in Five Populations of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vitellaria paradoxa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; C.F. Gaertn. Subsp. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Nilotica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in Uganda

We studied seed germination and seedling growth performance in an economically and socially important fruit tree species Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn. subsp. nilotica (shea tree) in Uganda. The study aimed at determining variations in germination among five shea tree seed provenances and seedling growth performance based on five growth traits (total height, root collar diameter, leaf length, leaf width and leaf petiole length). Five populations were considered from four agroecological zones comprising of 180 candidate “plus” trees. The seed trees consisted of 16 ethnovarieties selected based on their traits for fast growth and high oil yield. A total of 1,204 biological seeds were collected and sown in a tree nursery at Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute during the month of June 2018 in a randomized incomplete block design with three replications. Significant variation (χ = 708; p < 0.01) was observed in seedling phenotypic traits within and between populations. Regression equation for height growth and leaf size index were given as y = 0.3787 + 12.671x and y = 0.6483 + 15.413x respectively. Root collar diameter was more correlated to leaf size index (0.425) than to height growth (0.30). Clustering of shea tree seedlings based on phenotypic growth traits revealed one aggregated cluster indicating that most of the seedlings from the five populations were similar (Jaccard index 0.92, p < 0.01). However, clustering based on SNP markers revealed three different populations. We recorded higher growth (χ = 708; p < 0.001) in Arua shea population. Red seeded; thin pulped and hairy fruited shea tree ethnovarieties recorded faster growth than the rest. The results reveal useful traits in selection for tree growth and further identified shea tree ethnovarieties that could be selected for fast growth.

In vitro digestive activity and stability study of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruit and its value-added products

Rhus chinensis Mill. belonging to the family Anacardiaceae is a highly acidic fruit-bearing tree abundantly grown in the North-Eastern part of India. Due to its high medicinal values, the local medical practitioners of this region have widely used the fruit in various treatments like indigestion, dysentery, and gastrointestinal disturbances since ancient times. However, because of its ‘underutilized status’, there is an acute shortage of scientific literature thereby undermining its high potential use in developing many commercial functional foods or food ingredients. Therefore, this study was undertaken to address the same by formulating natural digestive tablets, R. chinensis tablets and R. chinensis candy from the fruit with minimal expenses. R. chinensis fruit and its products’ efficacy for the digestive property was determined in vitro by amylolytic, proteolytic and lipolytic activity and compared other commercial samples of the herbal digestive, Gasex and allopathic digestive, Unienzyme. The formulation was evaluated for a period of zero to 90 days. Physical parameters viz. extractive values, total titratable acidity, total soluble solids, pH, and reducing sugar were determined. The fruit and its products showed significant amylolytic, proteolytic, and lipolytic activities in comparison with other commercial samples. Interestingly in all the samples, no significant changes in digestive activities were observed during the storage period. The formulations were found to possess the property of breaking down starch, protein, lipid into simpler units hence, substantiating the traditional practice of digestive activity. This is the first scientific record in terms of in vitro digestive property of R. chinensis fruit.

MECHANIZATION OF CROWN PRUNING OF FRUIT TREES

The descriptions and technical characteristics of specialized technical means intended for cutting the crown of trees in orchards, developed by the Federal Research Horticultural Center, are given. One of the most important parts of a fruit plantation care system is the tree pruning. This is one of the most important operations for orchard care, which regulates the growth and fruiting trees. Pruning takes 12–15 % of the total labor costs for maintenance work. In order to increase productivity, quality and facilitate labor on pruning perennial plantations, the Federal Research Horticultural Center has designed an ASV-8 unit for the care of orchards, vineyards and berry fields, for ornamental plantings (using pneumatic pruners), for mechanization of the processes of detailed pruning and removal of overgrowth in orchards. The use of ASV-8 increases labor productivity in pruning trees by 2.8 times with an annual saving of labor costs of 3682 man-hours and a decrease in reduced costs by 33.3 %. The Federal Research Horticultural Center has designed a block-modular unit for the cultivation of orchards AMS-7, intended for use in agricultural production and can perform the following technological operations: contour pruning of fruit trees in traditional and intensive orchards; shaking off fruits from trees; making holes for trellis posts, fence supports, stakes, etc.; loading and unloading and transportation of containers with fruits, vegetables and root crops, cut branches, pallets, bulk materials and other various cargoes. The unit complete with a contour cutter consists of the following assembly units: a lifting device, which is the basis for hinging all types of equipment: a cutting device for contour pruning of the crown of fruit trees, consisting of two cutting bars for heavy pruning, a front frame with two sliders and a hydraulic system. The introduction of the AMS-7 unit into production will ensure an increase in labor productivity up to 1.8 times, a decrease in direct operating costs up to 40 % and labor costs up to 45 %.

Insect visitors of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), Black plum (Syzygium cumini) and cashew (Anacardium occidentale)

The honeybees are labelled as the champion pollinators. Through their pollination services, the quality of seed set, forage crops, and fruit yield improves. Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of introduced honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) in the number and weight of harvested fruits of the three (3) tropical fruit-bearing trees (rambutan, black plum, cashew). Three (3) fully grown rambutan, black plum, and cashew trees approximately 10 years old were selected. The t-Test was employed using 20 samples per treatment (open pollinated flowers, T1 in three (3) replications wherein twenty (20) panicle samples were selected) to gather the needed data. During the onset of blooming, one (1) standard bee colonies major pollinator aside from the other insects in the area was placed within the vicinity of the plantation crops. Results of the study on the pollination of insect visitors on the experimental fruit trees showed significant differences between the open pollinated flowers (T1) and enclosed treatments (T2). In terms of harvested, percentage and weight of developed fruits of rambutan, black plum and cashew, results revealed that trees introduced with honeybee as pollinators significantly produced more fruits and heavier developed fruits than those in enclosed flowers (T2).

CHARACTERIZATION OF PARTIALLY PURIFIED CYSTEINE PROTEASE INHIBITOR FROM THE FRUITS AND SEEDS OF SOURSOP (ANNONA MURICATA)

Introduction: Soursop (Annona muricataLinn) is an edible lowland tropical fruit-bearing tree that is widely cultivated across regions of the world. It has been extensively researched as a result of its store of acetogenin; a potent anticancer agent. However, there is a dearth of information on the precise mechanism of action of acetogenin; thereby subjecting it to rigorous scrutiny. It is therefore imperative to investigate this plant in the hope of discovering a different class of anticancer agent inherent in it. Various studies have demonstrated that cysteine protease inhibitors (CPIs) have considerable therapeutic potential which can be utilized in a variety of disease states including cancer. Aim: Study was designed to isolate, purify and characterize CPI from the fruits and seeds of Soursop. Method: Isolation and purification of CPI was achieved by simple methods consisting of ammonium sulphate precipitation, anion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography. Mode of inhibition, optimum pH and temperature, as well as the effect of metals on the enzyme activity were determined using spectrophotometry. Result: The purified CPI from seeds and fruits exhibited competitive and noncompetitive inhibition against papain respectively. However, maximal inhibitory activities for both fruit and seed samples were observed at similar optimal pH and temperature of 8 and 40°C respectively. Although, metal cations such as cobalt (Co2+), copper (Cu2+) and zinc (Zn2+) did not effect a considerable decrease on the inhibitory activity of the CPI; Lead (Pb2+), Magnesium (Mg2+) and manganese (Mn2+) significantly inhibited CPI at a very low concentration (1mM). Conclusion: The antagonistic properties exhibited by the purified CPI certainly indicate its likely suitability for pharmaceutical application in the treatment of some pathological conditions such as cancer in which uncontrolled proteolytic activities of cysteine proteases are implicated. There is an ample scope for further research on structure elucidation and protein engineering to facilitate its usage in wide range of application.

The assessment of field resistance to scab and winter resistance of columnar apple trees in the Samara Region

The research was conducted from 2006 to 2019 in the garden of Research Institute of Horticulture and Medicinal Plants Zhigulevskie Sady in the village of Malaya Tsarevshchina of Krasnoyarsk District of the Samara Region on 14 (0,432 ha), 43 (0,1 ha), 44 (0,05 ha) and 47 (6,8 ha) areas. On the 14th area, to accelerate flowering, fruiting, pollen collection and hybridization, in the springs of 2007, 2009 and 2012, parent varieties-donors of immunity were grafted to scab of domestic and foreign selection in the crown of young fruit-bearing trees of the Northern synapsis. Hybrid seeds obtained by crossing these varieties with local varieties were sown on the seedling plot (in a new plantation) and tested for scab resistance at an early age (from 2 years old). Scab-resistant hybrids were culled, and resistant hybrids were replanted in the breeding garden on the 47th area and tested for winter resistance separately after low-temperature stress in the freezer and in the field. The authors have identified columnar elites resistant to scab, which are superior in winter resistance to the local zoned coastal variety Kutuzovets, zoned variety Northern synapsis and common Antonovka. Apple trees with a columnar crown type of local selection in Research Institute of Horticulture and Medicinal Plants Zhigulevskie Sady with a high field resistance to scab, immunity, winter resistance and other varietal advantages will contribute to the improvement of orchards (amateur, farm, industrial) and import substitution of fruit products in the Samara Region of Russia.

The community structure of bird assemblages on urban strangler figs

AbstractFigs have been regarded as keystone plant resources that support diverse tropical vertebrate frugivore communities. Planting or conserving large fig trees, such as stranglers, have therefore been proposed for enhancing urban biodiversity. We compared the diversity and community structure of bird assemblages on strangler figs with non‐fig urban trees as well as between the fruiting and non‐fruiting fig trees in an urban setting in Singapore. The total bird abundance across all the fig trees when in fruit was 4.5‐fold higher than on non‐fig trees and 3.5‐fold higher than when the same fig trees were not fruiting, but only attracted two more species. On individual trees, after accounting for the presence of mistletoes, tree height, the area covered by buildings, road lane density, and the distance to natural vegetation, mean diversity was not different between non‐fig trees and fig trees when they were not in fruit. On the other hand, when fruiting, each fig tree on average had 1.4 more species, 3 more counts of non‐native birds, and 1.6 more counts of insectivorous birds than when not fruiting. There was significant compositional turnover between non‐fig trees and non‐fruiting fig trees, while community dispersion was significantly lower among fig trees in fruit. Our results demonstrate that fig trees provide fruit and non‐fruit resources for birds in an urban landscape but do not necessarily support more diverse total bird assemblages than non‐fig trees. Instead, bird communities on fruiting urban figs would be highly homogeneous and dominated by a few species.Abstract in Malay is available with online material.

Genetic diversity of Prunus sibirica L. superior accessions based on the SSR markers developed using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing

Prunus sibirica (Siberian apricot) has ecological, economic, and social benefits that makes it an important fruit-bearing tree in China. However, current fruit yields are low and unstable, thus restricting development of Prunus sibirica industry. To provide a scientific basis for successful breeding research aimed at developing superior cultivars, 98 screened SSR markers were first used in our study, developed by restriction-site associated DNA sequencing, to assess the genetic diversity of 66 Prunus sibirica accessions collected from four populations. The average number of alleles per locus (9.910) and the number of effective alleles (5.445) showed high polymorphism in the entire population, and the polymorphism information content (0.675) indicated that these markers were highly polymorphic. There was gene flow among the Prunus sibirica accessions, however the genetic differentiation coefficient showed 15.4% gene frequency differentiation among the provenances. Meanwhile, extensive linkage disequilibrium (D′ > 0.5, P < 0.01) was found, however the overall level was low (r2 < 0.5, p < 0.01). Additionally, the 66 accessions clustered into four groups, and these groups were extremely significantly correlated with the provenances classification. The clustering results showed that geographical distribution and genetic diversity changed from high to low as the geographic separation between provenances increased. Furthermore, population structure analysis supported these findings as genetic structure and provenances were extremely significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Additionally, the relationships between the geographical and genetic distances of the provenances and of the individuals were significantly correlated, indicating that geographical isolation importantly influenced Prunus sibirica evolution. The geographic and genetic effects underlying the superior accessions which we selected provide a reference for future molecular marker assisted breeding of Prunus sibirica.

‘Ray Ruby’ Grapefruit Affected by Huanglongbing I. Planting Density and Soil Nutrient Management

Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening disease, affects practically all fruit-bearing trees in commercial citrus orchards in Florida with no cure identified yet. High-density plantings and enhanced nutritional programs such as application of controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) with higher micronutrient levels can mitigate disease symptoms and extend the tree life span of sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of tree planting density and application of CRF blends differing in N to K ratio and micronutrient content on grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) plant health, canopy volume, fruit yield, and fruit quality in an HLB-affected orchard. A study was conducted in Florida for two growing seasons (2017–18 and 2018–19) to evaluate the response of ‘Ray Ruby’ grapefruit on Kuharske citrange (Citrus sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) to three planting densities (300, 440, and 975 trees per ha) and two CRF blends [12 nitrogen (N)–1.31 phosphorus (P)–7.47 potassium (K) and 16N–1.31P–16.6K] with different nutrient sources and composition. According to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction testing, all sampled trees tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen associated with HLB. Trees planted at 975 trees per ha had 33% lower canopy volume per tree but 160% greater fruit yield per hectare and 190% higher yield of solids compared with 300 trees per ha. Fruit produced in high-density planting (975 trees per ha) was 18% more acidic with higher soluble solid compared with low-density planting (300 trees per ha). The use of a CRF blend with higher amounts of micronutrients along with lower K increased canopy volume in both seasons and resulted in 24% and 29% reduction in fruit yield per hectare and yield of solids, respectively, in 2017–18. Our results indicate that high-density plantings increase fruit yield per area, and regardless of the N to K ratio, the use of CRF blends supplemented with micronutrients may not increase fruit yield in HLB-affected grapefruit.

Diversity and distribution of figs in Tripura with four new additional records

Abstract: The genus Ficus L., commonly known as Fig plays an important role in the forest ecosystem, being a keystone species. Taxonomic revision, habitat assessment, and floristic study of the genus Ficus of northeastern region are scanty and still lacking. As the genus is rich in diversity, this region possesses tremendous scope for utilisation of its members, as many species belonging to this genus carry good properties for diverse uses for the benefit of mankind. Therefore, the present study has been undertaken for identification of the collected taxa, diversity assessment of the wild as well as planted species, distribution throughout the state and preparation of a comprehensive checklist along with measures of diverse functions and ecological role of the genus Ficus in Tripura, North-East India. Field survey was conducted between April 2017–August 2018 throughout Tripura and all the locations were marked with GPS which is given in the present distribution map of Ficus in Tripura. This study is based on extensive field survey and specimen collection. Key taxonomic description, both accepted and vernacular names, phenology, and diverse habitat function of all species have been provided. Based on the available literatures, distribution information of the present records were calculated. Evaluation of diverse ecological role were scored based on the published literature and field observations. In the present study, 23 taxa of Ficus have been reported from the study area including four new distribution records. Most of the Ficus species recorded in this study were from moist mixed deciduous and secondary forests. Out of 23 species of Ficus recorded in the present study, seven (7) species belong to evergreen small tree to shrub (F. benghalensis, F. drupacea, F. elastica, F. microcarpa, F. racemosa, F. sarmentosa and F. semicordata); three (3) species recorded are large deciduous tree (F. racemosa, F. religiosa and F. rumphii). Fleshy fruited trees are the most preferable option for survival of frugivores over diverse habitats and thus, plays major role for entire ecosystem restoration. The present work will be useful to understand the critical interactions between plants and frugivore at different trophic levels. Further, Ficus groups tend to have multiple ecological roles, and as a result there exists huge scope to understand the mechanisms of plant functional traits for conservation of threatened frugivore diversity.