Fruit Plants Research Articles

Arduino Based Automatic Banana Chip Slicer

Banana is a herbaceous fruit plant, in Latin banana Musa spp which belongs to the Musaceae family from Southeast Asia. What is meant by superior varieties is that banana plants are strong enough to withstand pests and diseases so they are capable of high production. Nowadays, many people who slice bananas still use simple or manual tools to slice raw bananas. An efficient machine mechanism must be needed in the manufacturing process to get these thin banana slices. This tool aims to avoid hand injuries and banana sap getting on your hands if you use a manual banana slicer. The working method of this tool is controlled by Arduino Uno R3 using an Ir sensor and with an output in the form of a relay which functions as a switch to rotate the blade. This test was carried out fifty times using three different types of bananas, namely, wak bananas, kapok bananas, and flower bananas. The results of testing three types of bananas, namely weak bananas, kapok bananas, and flower bananas, have the same thickness level, namely 1mm. This tool concludes that it makes it easier for people to slice bananas from manual to automatic so that the thickness is the same. The tool works based on input from two IR sensors using an analog signal pin connected to Arduino. The two IR sensors will detect if there is movement near the container.

Phosphorus Fertilization Can Improve Young Almond Tree Growth in Multiple Replant Settings

Young almond (Prunus amygdalus) orchards replanted where old orchards of stone fruits (Prunus sp.) have been removed are subject to physical, chemical, and biotic stressors. Among biotic challenges, for example, is almond/stone fruit replant disease (ARD; formally known as Prunus replant disease), which specifically suppresses the growth and yields of successive almond and other stone fruit plantings and is caused, in part, by a soil microbial complex. During four orchard trials representing different almond replant practices and scenarios in the San Joaquin Valley in California, we examined the impacts of phosphorus (P) fertilization on the growth of replanted almond. During all trials, P was applied to tree root zones just after replanting, and the impact was assessed according to trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) growth for 2 years. Expt. 1 was performed where a previous almond orchard was cleared using whole orchard recycling (i.e., the old orchard was “chipped” and then turned into the soil). The land was replanted without preplant soil fumigation. We tested separate fertilizer treatments based on various P, nitrogen, micronutrient, and “complete” formulations. Expt. 2 was also performed where an old almond orchard was recycled, but the soil was preplant-fumigated before replanting. Here, we tested only P fertilization. Expts. 3 and 4 were conducted where an old peach (Prunus persica) orchard was removed. Here, P and nitrogen fertilizer treatments were tested among additional factors, including preplant soil fumigation (Expts. 3, 4) and whole orchard recycling chips (Expt. 4). During all four trials, P fertilization (P at 2.2 to 2.6 oz/tree within a few weeks after planting) significantly increased TCSA growth. The growth benefit was nuanced, however, by almond cultivar, date of replanting, rootstock, and other site-specific factors. Although P fertilization did not match the benefit of preplant soil fumigation for the management of ARD, our data indicated that P fertilization can improve the growth of young almond orchards in diverse replant settings with or without preplant soil fumigation and should be considered by California almond producers as a general best management practice.

Abundance and diversity of fungal endophytes isolated from monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) grown in a Canadian research greenhouse.

Monk fruit (Siraitia grosvenorii) is an herbaceous perennial vine of the Cucurbitaceae family cultivated commercially mainly in southern China. There is very little information available about the fungal endophytes in monk fruit. In this study, monk fruit plants were grown from seeds in a research greenhouse at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, Canada to explore the abundance and diversity of their fungal endophytes. Fungal endophytes were isolated from seeds, seedlings, mature monk fruit plants, and fruits, and cultured on potato dextrose agar and water agar media. Isolates were identified by microscopic examination and BLAST comparison of ITS sequences to published sequences in GenBank. At least 150 species of fungal endophytes representing 60 genera and 20 orders were recovered from monk fruit tissues. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) was carried out to explore the similarity of fungal communities among roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds based on fungal orders. Our study showed that monk fruit plants are a rich source of fungal endophytes with the greatest abundance and diversity in leaves. This work has deepened our understanding of the intricate interactions between plants and fungi that sustain ecosystems and underpin plant health and resilience.

Integrated nutrient module: an efficient tool for sustainable farming of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.)

Cape gooseberry is a nutrient loving crop. But excessive use of inorganic fertilizers may leads to health hazards, ecological vulnerabilities and diminution of soil physico-chemical characteristics. Hence, a trial was conducted for substituting inorganic fertilizers with biofertilizer in cape gooseberry to maintain the yield potential with soil fertility status too. The experimental plants were treated with azotobacter, phosphate and potash solubilizing bacteria (PSB and KSB) at 10 g plant-1 each with reduced dose of recommended fertilizer (RDF) (100- 60%) for two consecutive growing season. Total harvestable fruit plant-1 with highest yield was recorded in 90% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment with par value in 60% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment. Quality of ripped fruit with respect to TSS (15.90 °B), total sugar (11.29%), ascorbic acid (60.03 mg 100 g-1) and carotenoid content (49.25 µg 100 g-1) was also improved significantly in 60% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment. Soil physico-chemical properties of the field was not varied significantly over initial reading. However, microbial population viz. bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes count was improved significantly in all the nutrient modules. Hence, it can be concluded that integrated nutrient module comprising 60% RDF of NPK + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB at 10 g plant-1 is the best treatment module for improving the production system of cape gooseberry in sustainable manner for long run without hampering the soil health and quality. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(1): 83-90, 2024 (March)

ДИКОПЛОДОВЫЕ ПОРОДЫ НА НАРУШЕННЫХ ЗЕМЛЯХ СЕВЕРНОГО КАВКАЗА

Wild fruit species on disturbed lands grow in degraded areas and have the ability to quickly restore the ecosystem. Restoration of disturbed lands in mountain and piedmont areas plays a big role and is a significant resource in the national economic potential of the region, an important reserve for agricultural production. The article provides an overview of the disturbed lands of the North Caucasus as a result of mining. For the purpose of biological rehabilitation, a classification of technogenic landscapes has been developed. The state of wild fruit and berry plants in disturbed areas has been revealed, which depends on the types of substrate, topography, climate, parts of the slopes and their steepness. Eleven wild fruit species grow naturally in quarries in the study region. Among them, sea buckthorn and dog rose stand out. They tolerate drought well and are resistant to low soil fertility. Cherry plum, common hazel and hawthorn prefer better moisture conditions. The degree of root growth in different parts of the slope has been established, which makes it possible to determine the suitability of soil and hydrological conditions for wild fruit species and to plan appropriate measures. It has been confirmed that the moist parts of the lower slopes are the most favorable for the growth and development of plants. The individuality of the formation of wild fruit and berry plantings according to the exposures at each deposit separately is noted. The prospects of wild fruit breeds capable of producing root shoots are substantiated. It was revealed that the spread of root suckers occurs more intensively on light soils, despite the fact that moisture is better on clay; this is not the main criterion for the spread of suckers. An assortment of wild fruit plants has been developed to create protective plantings in various environmental conditions. Measures are proposed to restore disturbed lands. Key words: WILD FRUIT SPECIES, DISTURBED LANDS, SLOPE, QUARRY, REHABILITATION, ROOT OFFSPRING, ASSORTMENT

ЦИФРОВЫЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИИ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ БИОТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИМИ ПРОЦЕССАМИ НА ОСНОВЕ КОГНИТИВНОГО МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ЗАЩИТЫ НАСАЖДЕНИЙ ЯБЛОНИ ОТ ЯБЛОННОЙ ПЛОДОЖОРКИ)

The necessity of developing digital technologies for managing biotechnological processes in long-term agrocenoses based on cognitive modeling is substantiated. Methodological approaches to the construction of effective management tools for biotechnological processes based on the logical concept of the triad (organization, management, efficiency) in a dynamic cycle have been developed. An algorithm for the formation of digital technologies for managing biotechnological processes is proposed, including: the formation of multifunctional databases and data banks and digital applications, cognitive modeling of system relationships and the formation of cognitive maps, the development of a system architecture of a prototype program, approbation and verification of the adequacy of a digital application. An algorithm has been developed for constructing cognitive models for the formation of management tools for biotechnological processes in long-term agrocenoses, including clarification of goal setting and local tasks; the distribution of functional relationships between the structural components of the agrocenosis using methods of correlation and regression analysis; economic and statistical characteristics of systemic relationships in reproductive processes by functional areas of influence using correlation matrices and discriminant analysis; verification of the results of optimization of parameters of functional stability and technological and economic efficiency of production and technological processes. A cognitive process management map is constructed using the example of protecting fruit plantations from pests. A flowchart of an algorithm for building a digital control program for biotechnological processes for protecting fruit plantations is proposed using the example of an apple moth, which provides for the development of a technology for importing data from a weather station to determine the sum of effective temperatures and determine the start of processing depending on the stage of development of the pest; neural network technologies for detecting a harmful object; a module for automated selection of a protection system. Key words: DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, MANAGEMENT, BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES, PLANT PROTECTION, COGNITIVE MODELING, ALGORITHM, MODEL

POTENSI PENGEMBANGAN AGROFORESTRI MASYARAKAT SEKITAR HUTAN ADAT GHIMBO POMUAN, KAMPAR, RIAU

Agroforestry applied to community gardens/yards around the Ghimbo Pomuan Indigenous Forest has the potential to be developed. The purpose of the study was to analyze the potential for agroforestry development of the community around the Ghimbo Pomuan Indigenous Forest, Kampar Riau. The method used in this research is a survey method. The survey method was carried out by structured interviews through questionnaires, identifying and making an inventory of fruit trees and agriculture with agroforestry patterns. Interviews were conducted to determine the types of fruit trees and agricultural products that have the potential to be developed by the community around the Ghimbo Pomuan Indigenous Forest. The results showed that the respondent's perception of the agroforestry system based on the Likert scale value had an average of 4.01. This shows that the respondent's knowledge of the agroforestry system is good. There were 29 types of trees, fruit and, agricultural crops, consisting of 19 families and 27 genera which were planted in the garden/yard with the respondent's agroforestry pattern. Generally, tree species are dominated by fruit trees. The combination of species in the agroforestry pattern is dominated by woody plants, namely rubber (Hevea bransiliasis) and coconut (Cocos nucifera). Types of fruit plants are sweet orange, longan, and guava image (Syzygium aqueum). While agricultural crops are dominated by bananas, corn, and chilies. The choice of combination of types of plants with agroforestry patterns is dominated by banana with longan, matoa with rimbang, chili, jambu citra with cassava.

Genome-Wide Identification of the DGK Gene Family in Kiwifruit (Actinidia valvata Dunn) and an Expression Analysis of Their Responses to Waterlogging Stress

Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) is a lipid kinase that phosphorylates diacylglycerol (DAG) to generate phosphatidic acid (PA). Based on converting one important signaling molecule (DAG) to another (PA), DGK plays an important role in plant responses to abiotic stress, including waterlogging stress. However, no studies have been reported on the characterization of the DGK gene family in the waterlogging-tolerant kiwifruit germplasm Actinidia valvata Dunn. In this study, we identified 18 AvDGK genes in the A. valvata genome. The phylogenetic analysis showed that AvDGKs can be classified into three clusters, and members within the same cluster have similar domain distributions, exon-intron structures, and conserved motif compositions. The chromosome localization analysis revealed that all AvDGK genes are located across 18 different chromosomes. There were 29 duplicated gene pairs in A. valvata and all had undergone purifying selection during evolution. The promoter cis-element analysis revealed that the cis-elements within AvDGK genes are associated with multiple functions, including phytohormone signal transduction, stress responses, and plant growth and development. The expression pattern analyses indicated that AvDGKs play important roles in fruit development and plant responses to waterlogging stress. The AvDGK gene family in the tetraploid A. valvata genome might promote PA synthesis and subsequent signal transduction both under short- and long-term waterlogging stresses. These results provide information regarding the structural characteristics and potential function of AvDGK genes within A. valvata and lay a fundamental basis for further research into breeding to enhance the kiwifruit’s tolerance to waterlogging stress.

Strategi Pemasaran Produk Sayur Hindroponik “Mount Harvest” Di PT Anugerah Bumi Trawas Surabaya

The agricultural sector in Indonesia is an important sector in national economic growth. Most of Indonesia's population lives in rural areas and more than half of the population depends on the agricultural sector for their living. The development of the agricultural sector includes not only food crop commodities, but also plantation and horticultural crops. Horticultural commodities have high economic value, so that horticultural agribusiness (fruit, vegetables, floriculture and medicinal plants) can be a source of income for the community and farmers, both small, medium and large scale. Vegetables are the main food requirement after rice. Hydroponic vegetables are relatively more expensive because the process is not natural or in other words requires technology. So, the growing process is also much faster than organic vegetables. The advantages of hydroponic vegetables are that they are more hygienic, safer to consume, the vegetables are crisper, the higher water content can dissolve fat more effectively, the skin will be better nourished if consumed regularly, reduces triglyceride levels thereby preventing the risk of high cholesterol. Therefore, this is able to attract the attention of consumers to make it suitable for consumption. Changes in people's lifestyles form a new lifestyle, namely a healthy lifestyle. People's lifestyles reflect consumption patterns, so a healthy lifestyle makes people switch to consuming hydroponic vegetables which are considered healthier. Marketing of hydroponic agricultural products in Indonesia is quite rapid, this can be seen from the development with the increasing number of hydroponic agricultural products being sold in outlets. and large supermarkets in Indonesia, including hydroponic vegetables. Marketing of hydroponic vegetables is important to pay attention to, because it involves fulfilling consumer demand for food needs.
 

Development of silver nanoparticle-chitosan composite film for determination of total antioxidant capacity of some fruit juices and plant extracts

In this study, a silver nanoparticle-chitosan (AgNPCh) composite film was developed for the determination of antioxidant capacity of polyphenolic compounds. The optimum conditions of solid nanosensor based on chitosan-based polymeric membranes containing AgNPs such as content of the composite film, pH and incubation time were idendified. The sensor measurement is based on the fact that the addition of polyphenols to the sample solution increases the absorption of Ag(0) NPs, which exhibit a characteristic plasmon absorption band at a wavelength of 423 nm and the developed method exhibits a linear variation versus the concentrations standard polyphenolic compounds. The method was applied to the apple, peach, cherry, grape and pomegranate juices and rosemary, marjoram and sage plant extracts. This sensor may be an alternative to conventional spectroscopic methods to design portable, low-cost, simple and easy-to-use field analyses without the need for special equipment for the determination of antioxidant capacity of polyphenolic compounds.

Isolation and extraction of gallic acid from Hylocereus undatus and a biochemical and histological study on laboratory Wistar albino rats with induced rheumatoid arthritis

The herb Hylocereus undatus, which is rich in phytochemicals and thought to contain antioxidants comparable to those in its peel, has a lot of promise for use in the food field. The presented study aimed to study the protective effect of the aqueous extrac and the active compounds (gallic acid) isolated from the dragon fruit (H. undates) to lessen the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant (CFA)) by studying some of the changes in biochemical and histochemical parameters. The Wistar albino rats (male) were divided into four groups viz., Group I : A negative control group, dosed only with plain water orally, Group II : Induced for RA by CFA, a positive control group; Group III: dosed with aqueous extract of the fruit of H. undatus (kg/500 mg); and Group IV: dosed with gallic acid isolated from this fruit (kg/mg20). The results showed a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), platelet, interleukin 6 ( IL-6), and RF in rats treated with CFA and a significant decrease in Hb compared to the negative control group. There was a significant decrease of MDA, Platelet, IL-6, and RF in the groups treated with aqueous extract and a significant increase in Hb compared with the positive control group while there was a significant decrease in each of MDA, platelets, IL-6, and RF. Based on a histological analysis, the study group's liver and kidneys had smaller lesions and different abnormalities than the control . Thus, the fruit plant's gallic acid extracts were protective in reducing RA damage caused by CFA and improving kidney and liver tissue.

Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Response of Monk Fruit Plant to Charged Gold Nanoparticles Under In Vitro Conditions

Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Response of Monk Fruit Plant to Charged Gold Nanoparticles Under In Vitro Conditions

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

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

A histone deacetylase, FaSRT1-2, plays multiple roles in regulating fruit ripening, plant growth and stresses resistance of cultivated strawberry.

Sirtuins (SRTs) are a group of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase that target both histone and nonhistone proteins. The biological function of SRT in horticultural plants has been rarely studied. In this study, FaSRT1-2 was identified as a key member of the 8 FaSRTs encoded in cultivated strawberry genome. Transient overexpression of FaSRT1-2 in strawberry fruit accelerated ripening, increased the content of anthocyanins and sugars, enhanced ripening-related gene expression. Moreover, stable transformation of FaSRT1-2 in strawberry plants resulted in enhanced vegetative growth, increased sensitivity to heat stress and increased susceptibility to Botrytis cinerea infection. Interestingly, knocking out the homologous gene in woodland strawberry had the opposite effects. Additionally, we found the content of stress-related hormone abscisic acid (ABA) was decreased, while the growth-related gibberellin (GA) concentration was increased in FaSRT1-2 overexpression lines. Gene expression analysis revealed induction of heat shock proteins, transcription factors, stress-related and antioxidant genes in the FaSRT1-2-overexpressed plants while knocked-out of the gene had the opposite impact. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that FaSRT1-2 could positively promote strawberry plant vegetative growth and fruit ripening by affecting ABA and GA pathways. However, it negatively regulates the resistance to heat stress and B. cinerea infection by influencing the related gene expression.

Biocontrol mechanism of Bacillus siamensis sp. QN2MO-1 against tomato fusarium wilt disease during fruit postharvest and planting

Tomato fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) is a highly destructive disease, resulting in severe economic losses of global tomato production annually. An eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicide using biological control agents (BCAs) is urgently needed. Here, Bacillus siamensis QN2MO-1 was isolated from Noli fruit and had a strong antagonistic activity against Fol in vitro and in vivo. Strain QN2MO-1 also exhibited a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against the selected 14 phytopathogenic fungi. The crude protein produced by strain QN2MO-1 could inhibit the spore germination of Fol and destroy the spore structure. It was closely related with the generation of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase secreted by strain QN2MO-1. In a pot experiment, the application of B. siamensis QN2MO-1 effectively alleviated the yellowing and wilting symptoms of tomato plants. The disease index and incidence rate were decreased by 72.72% and 80.96%, respectively. The rhizospheric soil in tomato plants owed a high abundance of microbial community. Moreover, strain QN2MO-1 also enhanced the plant growth and improved the fruit quality of tomato. Therefore, B. siamensis QN2MO-1 will be explored as a potential biocontrol agent and biofertilizer.

Manipulated ants: inducing loyalty to sugar feeders with an alkaloid.

Wood ants are promising biocontrol agents in fruit plantations because they prey on pest insects and inhibit plant diseases. However, these ants also attend plant-feeding homopterans to harvest their honeydew secretions, thereby increasing their numbers. This problem can be solved by offering ants alternative sugar sources that are more attractive than honeydew. From natural interactions, it is known that some species manipulate mutualistic partners toward loyalty by adding alkaloids to the food they offer their mutualists. Inspired by this, the addition of alkaloids might be used to make ants loyal to artificial sugar feeders and thus used to reduce populations of ant-farmed homopterans in ant-mediated biological control. We aimed to explore whether wood ants (Formica polyctena) would develop a taste preference for morphine-containing sugar solutions in two-choice laboratory tests. After having fed on a morphine/sugar solution for 1 week, ants showed a significant preference for morphine solutions compared with equal concentration sugar solutions without morphine. Furthermore, ants lost this preference after 6-9 days on a morphine-free diet. The results show that wood ants react to morphine in their food, enabling chemical manipulation of their behavior, most likely through a taste preference. Thus, ants are susceptible to manipulation by mutualistic partners in natural interactions and furthermore may be manipulated artificially in biocontrol programs to avoid ant-mediated build-up of homopteran populations. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Perception and adoption of integrated plant disease management by family farmers in Ribeira Valley (São Paulo State, Brazil)

Family farming, crop diversity and traditional knowledge for plant diseases management characterize Ribeira Valley, São Paulo State, Brazil. Our aim was to diagnose the profile of family farmers from Registro, a municipality of Ribeira Valley, and to determine their perception and adoption of integrated plant disease management (IDM). Semi-structured questionnaire was conducted with farmers and data were analyzed by average, median, mode, Pearson's χ2 test and Monte Carlo simulation. Men and women are involved in farming, but men are prevalent (68%). There are few young people (18% were up to 30 years old), reaffirming their exodus from rural activities. These farmers grow and sell vegetable, fruit, medicinal, and ornamental plants, and they exchange information among themselves, with low demand for farm store sellers. Elimination of symptomatic plants is the main control (13% of strategies adopted). Crop residues elimination, crop rotation and resistant plants were also highlighted (12% each one). Most of the respondents did not know IDM concepts, and after the explanation, they agreed that it is possible put into practice. Dialogue between farmers is strategic for them to obtain information, and rural extension is important for the dialogical transmission of knowledge, and for IDM adoption and maintenance in small properties.

From Seed to Succulence: Mastering Dragon Fruit Propagation Techniques

From Seed to Succulence: Mastering Dragon Fruit Propagation Techniques delves into the intricacies of propagating dragon fruit, a fascinating tropical fruit known for its exotic appearance and nutritional benefits. This article explores various propagation methods, including seed germination, stem cuttings, and grafting, shedding light on the challenges and rewards associated with each technique. By elucidating the principles of dragon fruit propagation and offering practical tips for success, this article equips growers with the knowledge and skills to cultivate thriving dragon fruit plants from seed to succulence. Whether you’re a novice enthusiast or an experienced horticulturist, this comprehensive guide serves as an invaluable resource for mastering the art of dragon fruit propagation and reaping the rewards of homegrown delicacies.

Characteristics of Hyloceregurt: Fermented Milk from Stems and Peel of Dragon Fruits

Background: Fruitghurt, the result of fruit or fruit by-product fermentation, is a functional food. Functional foods are foods that are rich in benefits. A formulation of hyloceregurt has been derived from the stem and peel of the dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), with potential as an immunomodulatory agent. Objectives: This study is aimed at determining the quality of hyloceregurt. Material and Methods: Hyloceregurt formula variations are made from fermented stem powder, fruit peel powder, or dragon fruit peel juice. The test include physical characteristics, chemical analysis, microbiology analysis, and hedonic test. Results: Hyloceregurt formula from the stems of the plant and the peel of the dragon fruit has almost the same physical characteristics that include a distinctive smell, an acidic taste with a pH ranging from 3-5, and a thick liquid consistency. The color of the hyloceregurt follows the waste of the dragon fruit used (pink and green). The chemical characteristics of hyloceregurt have met the SNI standard, including fat content with a range of 3.1-3.6% and protein content with a range of 4.95–6.74% b/b. The microbiological characteristics of hyloceregurt indicate that the value of the total plate figure is in the range of 1.1-3.3 x 109 CFU/mL. Panelists on the hedonic test preferred three formulas: 1% hyloceregurt from the peel powder or fresh peel fruit juice, and dragon fruit plant stems based on smell, taste, color, and consistency. Conclusions: All formulas in 1% fruit or by-fruit were the most preferred formulas, and based on the best physical characteristic tests and chemical content analysis, met the requirements of SNI 2981 of 2009. However, microbiologically, they still did not meet the requirements of SNI 2981 of 2009, so further tests still need to be carried out.

Home garden mixed cropping practice by communities living on peatland in household’s income resilience and climate adaptation

Land use with mixed crop cultivation practices, or agroforestry, is currently important for small farmers because it provides economic resilience and ecosystem-based solutions for climate change adaptation. This research is to examine the role of agroforestry in the homegarden of communities living on peatlands in supporting household economic resilience and the impact of climate change on their livelihoods. In-depth interviews using questionnaires and field observations were carried out for data collection. The research results show that agroforestry based on fruit plants such as Durio kutejensis, Artocarpus champeden, Lansium domesticum, and Parkia speciosa is found in Pulang Pisau Regency, while the mixed crop pattern of Pinang catechu, Coffea liberica, and Cocos nucifera is found in West Tanjung Jabung Regency. This type of land use provides economic stability for farming households on peatlands. Farmer experience and knowledge, species preferences, markets, land ownership, and labor availability are considered in implementing mixed cropping systems. Access to credit and capital and increasing farmers’ abilities during harvest and post-harvest are really needed by farmers. Therefore, support from various stakeholders and pro-farmer policies is needed so that mixed cropping systems can improve the livelihoods of small farmers and reduce their vulnerability to climate change.