Fruit Weight Research Articles

Morphological and molecular characterization of wax jambu (Syzygium samarangense)

An experiment was carried out at BAU-GPC and laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to study morphological characteristics of Wax Jambu (Syzygium samarangense), genetic variability, characters association, correlation and path coefficient analysis of 5 accessions of Wax Jambu collected from BAU-GPC and from Indonesia during the period from February, 2012 to March, 2013. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to characterize these accessions at molecular level. In spite of having close resemblance, the morphotypes of 5 accessions of Wax Jambu were different from each other in respect of fruit color, shape and TSS percentage with different leaf characteristics. In respect of path analysis, fruit breadth, dry matter and percent moisture contributed towards maximum phenotypic and genotypic direct effect on fruit weight indicating its importance as a selection parameter. Molecular characterization was conducted to investigate the variability of 5 Wax Jambu accessions using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Out of 4 primers screened, 2 primers were selected which gave 23 clear and bright fragments. Between the two primers used, CCAACGTCGG showed the highest level of polymorphism (83.33%). Of the 23 bands, 19 (82.7%) were polymorphic. The estimation of Nei’s (1972) genetic diversity for entire accessions of Wax Jambu was 0.3339 and Shannon’s information index was 0.4952. The highest genetic distance (0.9861) was observed between the accessions BAU Jamrul 3 and Indonesian Jamrul. On the other hand, the lowest distance (0.1911) was found between the accessions BAU Jamrul 1 and BAU Jamrul 2 which revealed that there is a great genetic difference among the accessions. The present lend an adequate support to the potentiality of using molecular markers as supplementary to morphological descriptors in the identification process of different morphotypes and accessions of Syzygium samarangense

ОЦЕНКА ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ ФЕРТИГАЦИИ ПРИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИИ СОРТОВ ЯБЛОНИ В САДУ ИНТЕНСИВНОГО ТИПА ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОГО ПРЕДКАВКАЗЬЯ

The purpose of research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods of watering and feeding apple trees in an intensive type orchard in the conditions of the Central Ciscaucasia. To achieve this goal, experiments were carried out on the territory of the training and experimental station of the Stavropol State Agrarian University to study the effectiveness of fertigation and drip irrigation relative to control without the use of irrigation and fertilizer. The apple varieties Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Gala, Champion and Jeromini were the object of research. Accounts were taken of the influence of the analyzed factors on the average growth of annual shoots, the average weight of fruits and the yield of the apple varieties under consideration. On average, for varieties on the studied backgrounds, there was a significant increase in the average length of the growth of branches relative to the control by 12.8–23.1 cm, and against the background of fertigation, a significant advantage was also noted relative to the variant with irrigation without fertilizer – by 10.3 cm. Of the considered apple varieties, the most restrained growth of branches was observed in the varieties Braeburn and Champion, which amounted to 19.9–21.9 cm in the experiment. Accounting for the average fruit weight in the experiment showed that against the background of the considered irrigation options, there was a significant increase in the average fruit weight relative to the control by 21.7–29.7 g. The maximum average fruit weight in the experiment was observed against the background of fertigation. The highest indicator was observed in the Champion variety, which significantly exceeded the results of the other varieties in the experiment by 24.3–34.7 g. The harvest records showed a similar picture. Both irrigated options showed a significant increase relative to the control by 2.5–4.5 t/ha, and when comparing the studied options with each other, a significant advantage of fertigation is noted relative to the option with irrigation without fertilizer by 2.0 t/ha. The maximum yield in the experiment was in the Champion variety with fertigation, which exceeded the performance of other options by 2.2–15.6 t/ha.

Slightly acidic electrolyzed water enhances the storability and quality maintenance of Chinese olive fruit during storage

Abstract Postharvest Chinese olives are prone to quality deterioration, spoilage, and decay, which lead to postharvest loss and shorten the shelf life of fresh Chinese olives. Slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) is an economical, safe, and environmentally friendly postharvest technology for fresh produce. The effects of SAEW at 40 mg/L available chlorine concentration (ACC) on the storage behaviour and quality performance of Chinese olives were explored. In contrast with the control sample, SAEW-treated Chinese olives presented a lower pericarp greenness (−)-redness (+) (a*) value, a lower percentage of fruit weight loss, a lower fruit respiration rate, a higher percentage of healthy fruit, and higher values of pericarp lightness (L*), blueness (−)-yellowness (+) (b*), chroma (C), and hue angle (h°). Additionally, SAEW treatment helped delay the declines in the levels of pericarp chlorophyll, pulp sucrose, total soluble solids, titratable acid, vitamin C, and total soluble sugars, as well as reduce the increases in pericarp carotenoid and pulp reducing sugar. These data suggest that SAEW treatment could efficaciously elevated the storage performance and quality maintenance of postharvest Chinese olives, thereby lengthening the storage life of fresh Chinese olives.

Effect of Spatial Arrangement on Grain and Fruit Yield of Component Crops in Maize/Okra Intercrop in Kilifi County, Kenya

Maize production in Kilifi County, Kenya has been on the decline due to limitations of poor soils, unpredictable rainfall and its cultivation in small parcels of land. Okra is one of the high value crops intercropped with maize in the County. The area under okra cultivation has been on the rise due to increased demand, good export market, nutritional and medicinal value. Intercropping has considerable benefits of maximizing productivity. In Kilifi County, intercropping maize and okra is done in various mixtures, with inconsistence in plant density. Field studies were undertaken in two seasons: short rains (October 2020 - January 2021) and long rains (April - July 2021), at Industrial Crops Research Institute (ICRI) farm, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) - Mtwapa in Kilifi, Kenya. The objective was to evaluate the effect of spatial arrangement on grain and fruit yield of maize and okra respectively in maize/okra intercropping system. There were four treatments consisting of sole maize, sole okra, maize/okra intercrop in alternating rows of 1:2, and maize/okra intercrop in 2:2 spatial arrangement, replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Maize yield data measured included: number of cobs per plant, cob diameter, cob length, cob weight, number of grains per cob, 1000 grain weight, and total grain yield. Okra yield parameters included number of fruits per plant, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit yield (t/ha). Results showed that the number of okra fruits per plant, fruit weight and fruit length were significantly affected (P ≤ 0.05) by spatial arrangement. However, spatial arrangement did not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affect the number of cobs per plant, cob length, cob diameter, cob weight, number of grains per cob, 1000 grain weight and total maize grain yield. Moreover, okra fruit diameter, and total okra yield were not significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected by spatial arrangement. This study recommends that farmers in Kilifi County can combine maize and okra as intercrop in the ratio 1:2 and 2:2. Intercropping maize and okra can enable them get their staple food of maize, and have okra vegetable to meet their dietary requirements, and increase land utilization.

Foliar application of nano biochar solution elevates tomato productivity by counteracting the effect of salt stress insights into morphological physiological and biochemical indices

Nano-biochar considers a versatile and valuable sorbent to enhance plant productivity by improving soil environment and emerged as a novel solution for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in modern era. In this study, roles of foliar applied nanobiochar colloidal solution (NBS) on salt stressed tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, NBS was applied (0%, 1% 3% and 5%) on two groups of plants (control 0 mM and salt stress 60 mM). Tween-20 was used as a surfactant to prolong NBS effective stay on plant leaf surface. The results showed that 3% NBS application effectively improved the plant height, plant biomass, fruit count and fruit weight under non-stressed and stressed plants. In addition, 3% NBS application further increased the plant pigments such as chlorophyll by 72% and 53%, carotenoids by 64% and 40%, leaf relative water content by 4.1 fold and 1.07 fold under both conditions, respectively. NBS application stabilized the plasma membrane via reducing electrolyte leakage by 30% as well as reduced the lipid peroxidation rates by 46% and 29% under non-stressed and stressed plants, respectively. 3% NBS application also significantly enhanced the plants primary and secondary metabolites, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to control plants. Overall, NBS foliar application significantly improved all growth and yield indices, pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, leaf water content, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation rates in tomato to combat stress conditions. In future, studies on nano biochar interactions with soil microbiota, surface modifications, long-term environmental impacts, reduced methane gas emissions, and biocompatibility could provide insights into optimizing its use in sustainable agriculture.

Evaluation of sour-type pomegranate germplasm for field performance, fruit yield and anardana quality attributes

Thirty-one sour-type pomegranate genotypes have been evaluated for growth, fruit yield, physico-chemical attributes and anardana quality in randomized complete block design under hot arid climate. Germplasm CIAH PG-1 had highest fruit number/plant 46.92 as well as fruit yield 12.40kg/plant, followed by Gul-e-Shah R. Pink (42.74 fruit number/plant and 10.98kg/plant) and Tujetis EC-104347 (42.75 fruit number/plant and 9.96kg/plant). The highest fruit weight 263.84g was also recorded in CIAH PG-1. The highest aril content (67.71%) was observed in CIAH PG-1 which was statistically at par with Khog and Bedana Seedless. The highest juice acidity was recorded in Tujetis EC-104347 (3.57%), statistically alike CIAH PG-1 (3.50%). The lowest dehydration ratio was observed in CIAH PG-A-3 (2.23), comparable to CIAH PG-A-5 (2.31). Maximum anardana recovery was reported in CIAH PG-1 (2.23kg/plant) which was followed by Tujetis EC-104347 (1.93kg/plant) and Gul-e-Shah Rose Pink (1.82kg/plant). The anardana acidity ranged from 4.63 to 7.99% and the promising germplasms with more than 7% acidity were AHPG H-2, Tujetis EC-104347, CIAH PG-1, Khog, Gul-e-Shah, IC-318712 and Tabest. Based on nine points hedonic scale, CIAH PG-1 received the highest overall acceptable sensory score of 8.67, followed by Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink at 8.37 and 8.23 respectively. In conclusion, CIAH PG-1 demonstrated exceptional performance across various matrices, including field performance, anardana recovery, quality and sensory attributes, which establishes it asthe superior choice for quality anardana production. Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink also observed suitable option for processing applications and valuable contributors to future breeding programs.

Study on characters associations and path coefficient analysis for yield and quality traits of parthenocarpic cucumber genotypes in poly-net house conditions

Parthenocarpy in cucumber is a complex trait regulated by various genes and phytohormones. It is an important feature which helps to overcome the problem of poor fruit setting in cucumbers. The present research was conducted to estimate the variability, correlation and path analysis in 15 yield and quality traits using 30 advance breeding parthenocarpic lines including standard check ‘Punjab Kheera 1’. The genetic variability studies reported high estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation for number of fruits set per node and number of fruits per plant which signified the improvement of these traits with selection. High to moderate heritability and genetic gains were observed for fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, internodal length, vine length, number of female flowers per node, number of fruits set per node, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, and vitamin C content of fruit. The correlation and path analyses provided a clear picture that there was direct and positive effect of fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of fruits set per node, fruit length, vitamin C, flesh to seed cavity ratio, and pistil length on fruit yield per plant.

Unveiling the Potential of Southern Elderberry (Sambucus australis): Characterization of Physicochemical Properties, Carbohydrates, Organic Acids and Biophenols.

Sambucus australis is a wild species with purple fruits like berries. It is native from South America and can be found in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. A comprehensive characterization of S. australis fruiting period and ripening could provide valuable information on the stage of development suitable for formulating typical and new food and cosmetic products, as well as it could contribute to reveals its nutritional value. This study aimed to examine the evolution of fruit size and weight alongside the accumulation patterns of sugars, organic acids, biophenols and antioxidant activity during different development stages of S. australis fruit, assessing its potential as a source of health-promoting compounds. The increase in total sugar (269.59g/kg dry weight), together with the decrease in the total organic acids (321.63g/kg dry weight) at the fully ripe stage, indicates that the fruit is sweet. This suggests that it is an appealing product to be consumed when it is fully ripe. The fatty acid composition contains significant levels of α-linolenic, linoleic, oleic and palmitic acids. It is characterized by high ratios of polyunsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids, ranging from 5.8 to 6.4. S. australis fruits appeared to possess good levels of biophenols at fully ripe fruits (4709.7µg/g dry weight) together with antioxidant activity (higher than 80%), so, it could be considered as a functional food.

Genetic potential of papaya genotypes: insights from agronomic descriptors and parameter estimation

Carica papaya L., a fruit crop of high nutritional and economic importance, faces significant challenges regarding yield stability, fruit quality and environmental stress tolerance. This study explored genetic variation, heritability and trait correlations to support targeted papaya breeding programs. Through a Line × Tester mating design, 40 F1 hybrids were developed from 14 parental genotypes, revealing considerable genetic diversity. High heritability values (87.25% – 99.65%) for key traits confirmed the strong genetic influence on fruit yield, size and number of fruits per plant. Notable anticipated genetic advances, particularly for fruit yield (93.16%), emphasize the prospects for substantial improvement through selective breeding. Traits such as fruit yield per plant (45.30%), fruit weight (39.06%) and number of fruits per plant (31.46%) showed the highest genotypic and phenotypic variability. The study also highlighted the impact of environmental factors, as phenotypic coefficients of variation exceeded genotypic coefficients across traits, underlining the need for integrating ecological adaptability in breeding strategies. These results emphasize the importance of utilizing genetic diversity to enhance papaya yield and quality, meeting both domestic and global market demands. By leveraging the observed genetic potential, breeders can develop improved genotypes that align with sustainability goals, ensuring higher productivity, better market returns and enhanced food security in papaya-producing regions.

Exogenous application of chemical elicitors affects crop yield and nutraceutical potential of yellow summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L. var. cylindrica) fruits

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of applying chitosan (CHT), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA) during cultivation of yellow summer squash on selected nutraceutical properties. Plants treated with SA (3 mM) increased the number of fruits, fruit weight, and crop yield by 91.6, 51.4, and 188.8%, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). SA (3 mM) and MeJA (1.5 mM) increased the total phenolic content (TPC) by 19.3 and 39.8%, respectively. SA (3 mM) also increased total flavonoid content (TF) by 28.2% and the antioxidant capacity (AC) by 15.5–60.5%. The three elicitors CHT (1.5 g/L), MeJA (1.5 mM) and SA (3 mM) increased (13.3–17.4%) the cellular antioxidant activity (CCA) compared to the control. Among the treatments, SA (3 mM) was the most effective in enhancing crop yield and key nutraceutical properties while preserving postharvest quality. Although pronounced, CHT (1.5 g/L) and MeJA (1.5 mM) also contributed to crop yield, TPC, and CAA, underscoring their potential as complementary strategies to optimise the production and quality of yellow summer squash.

Phenotypic simulation for fruit-related traits in F1 progenies of chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) using genomic prediction based solely on parental information.

Chili pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruits are used as vegetables, spices, and ornamental plants, necessitating various fruit characteristics. However, their genetic improvement is challenging through conventional crossbreeding due to the quantitative traits, which makes it difficult to predict phenotypes in the progeny. As a breakthrough, we focused on phenotypic simulation via genomic prediction (GP) and aimed to clarify its utility for fruit-related traits in chili peppers. The present study used 291 C. annuum accessions, including two populations: inbred lines and F1 accessions derived from 20 inbred parents. We collected data of fruit length, width, shape index (length/width), weight, and pericarp thickness, and obtained single nucleotide polymorphism data via multiplexed inter-simple sequence repeat genotyping by sequencing. We simulated the fruit-related traits in the F1 accessions by inputting their estimated genotypes (based on their parents) into the GP model using the GBLUP-GAUSS model, which was shown to be the most accurate regardless of population or trait differences in the present study. As a result, we observed strong positive correlations (r = 0.833-0.908) between the simulated and observed phenotypic values across all traits, suggesting that accurate ranking of F1 progenies based on fruit-related traits can be achieved using parental information. This is the first report demonstrating the utility of phenotypic simulation via GP in chili pepper breeding, offering valuable insights for its application in this field.

Assessment of genetic diversity by multivariate analysis in Turkish Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus) genetic resources

Abstract Due to its diverse climatic conditions, Türkiye provides a suitable environment for the cultivation of many fruit species. This study focused on natural hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus), one of these fruit species, to select 94 different hawthorn genotypes collected from natural populations in Türkiye and determine their molecular and morphological characteristics. A significant variation was observed among the hawthorn genotypes in terms of the analyzed traits. According to the results of the molecular study using the inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker system, 178 polymorphic bands were obtained from 12 different primers (Invitrogen Life Technologies, USA), and the polymorphism rate was determined to be 100%. The similarity index for the genotypes ranged from 0.40 to 0.93, and the genotypes were completely differentiated from one another. In terms of fruit characteristics, there was considerable variation among the genotypes: fruit width ranged from 8.96 mm (genotype 72) to 29.75 mm (genotype 101), fruit length ranged from 9.19 mm (genotype 72) to 24.86 mm (genotype 101), and fruit weight ranged from 0.45 to 12.42 g. This study provides a foundation for developing hawthorn genotypes that will offer high productivity while conserving water and soil resources in arid and semi-arid regions by revealing the degree of genetic variation and the morphological characteristics of hawthorn genetic resources adapted to different ecological conditions in Türkiye. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that genotypes with superior traits can be utilized as genetic material in hawthorn breeding programs, medical research, and the development of new cultivars.

Performance of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum) Under Different Grow Bag Media in Lalitpur District, Nepal

Promoting rooftop farming using suitable grow bag media is of utmost importance in densely populated cities like Lalitpur to sustain the human race. To assess the productivity and other economic characteristics of bell peppers, an experiment was conducted from Feb 2022 to Jun 2022 in different grow bag media on the premises of Vegetable Crop Development Centre, Khumaltar, Lalitpur. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with four replications and five treatments with growing media: Coco peat: vermicompost (1:1), Soil: sand: FYM (Farmyard Manure) (1:1:1), Soil: Sand: FYM: Vermicompost (1.25:0.75:0.5:0.5), Soil: vermicompost (1:1), and Soil: ash: FYM (1:0.5:1) on the cultivar California Wonder. Growth parameters like plant height (47.865 cm), number of leaves (50.6), number of branches/plant (9.5), and stem diameter, and yield parameters like total fruit weight (1693.93 gm), average fruit weight (84.68 gm), number of fruits (42.75), fruit diameter (6.37 cm), and fruit length (7.22 cm) were observed during the experiment. The media consisting of T3 (Soil: Sand: FYM: Vermicompost (1.25:0.75:0.5:0.5)) proved to be statistically superior over the rest of the combinations for almost all aspects under investigation, whereas comparatively poor performance was observed in Coco peat: vermicompost (1:1) media. This study suggests that the grow bag media of Soil: Sand: FYM: vermicompost (1.25:0.75:0.5:0.5) gave the highest gross return and net return, with the highest B: C ratio (2.08) observed in the grow bag media of Soil: Sand: FYM (1:1:1).

Determination of genetic diversity in persimmon accessions using morphological and inter simple sequence repeat markers

Background: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) belongs to the Ebenaceae family, which includes six genera and about 400 species. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 100 persimmon accessions from Hatay province, Türkiye using 42 morphological and pomological traits, along with inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and multivariate analysis. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among the accessions (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The coefficient of variation ranged from 19.24% for leaf length to 133.89% for fruit calyx groove end, with 97.62% of traits showing more than 20% variation. This indicates high genetic variability. Fruit weight, length, and diameter varied greatly, with strong positive correlations between fruit weight and other traits. Principal component analysis explained 72.42% of the total variance, while cluster analysis showed varying levels of similarity among accessions. ISSR analysis identified 139 bands, 128 of which were polymorphic. The similarity index ranged from 0.41 to 0.96. Notably, accessions ‘P78’, ‘P7’, ‘P48’, ‘P29’, ‘P44’, ‘P25’, ‘P5’, ‘P98’, ‘P80’, ‘P50’, ‘P37’, ‘P77’, ‘P57’, ‘P56’, ‘P41’, ‘P73’, ‘P39’, ‘P65’, ‘P72’, and ‘P61’ were identified as promising candidates for further study. Conclusions: This study demonstrates significant genetic diversity in persimmon accessions from Hatay. The high variability supports adaptability and resilience. Positive correlations among traits, especially fruit weight, are useful for breeding. ISSR markers highlighted valuable polymorphic bands, underlining the importance of local germplasm for developing resilient cultivars. Variations in growth vigor and ripening dates offer opportunities for customized cultivation practices, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

A Multi-Year Study of Forchlorfenuron’s Effects on Physical Fruit Quality Parameters in A. chinensis var. chinensis

CPPU, N-(2-Chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea, is a synthetic cytokinin extensively used to enhance fruit size and overall quality in several crops, including kiwifruit. This study aimed to investigate the effects of three different CPPU application strategies (2.3, 3.0, and 4.6 ppm) and two crop load levels on key fruit quality parameters at harvest, as well as on post-harvest storage performance. Our results demonstrate that two applications of CPPU (4.6 ppm) significantly increased fruit weight, especially under standard crop-load conditions, likely due to more efficient resource allocation. Additionally, fruit firmness improved with two or three CPPU applications, probably because of enhanced cell wall development. Crop load consistently influenced fruit firmness, with lower loads resulting in softer fruits. The soluble solids content was not significantly affected by the two CPPU applications; however, it was notably influenced by crop load, with fruits from the standard crop load showing higher sugar accumulation. A similar trend was observed in fruit dry weight, where CPPU had a greater impact under standard crop loads. Regarding post-harvest performance, CPPU applications showed a limited effect on maintaining fruit firmness during the first five months of storage. Overall, CPPU can be a potential strategy to enhance fruit quality, but its effectiveness depends heavily on field management practices. Therefore, controlling field variables is essential to fully realize the benefits of CPPU and to avoid interference with the plant’s physiological responses.

Effects of Chemical Thinning Agents on the Growth, Fruit Set, Yield and Quality of the Nectarine Cultivar 'Silver King'

The investigation was conducted at the Research Farm of the Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar campus, during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the effects of chemical thinning agents on vegetative growth, fruit set, yield, and fruit quality of the nectarine cultivar 'Silver King.' The chemicals tested, were Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Urea, and Ethephon and were applied after petal fall. The findings revealed that NAA (30 ppm) significantly enhanced vegetative parameters such as plant height, shoot elongation, and leaf area. Both NAA and ethephon effectively reduced fruit set and overall yield while improving fruit quality traits, including fruit size, weight, and coloration. Additionally, ethephon (150 ppm) accelerated fruit maturation by 7–8 days. These results indicate that chemical thinning, particularly with NAA and ethephon, holds potential for optimizing fruit quality and marketability in the 'Silver King' nectarine cultivar.

Time–Course Analysis of the Onset and Progression of Cuticle Cracking in Fruits of Cherry Tomato Cultivar ‘Nene’

Cuticle cracking in tomatoes, characterized by fine cracks on the cuticular membrane, significantly reduces their shelf life. In this study, we collected basic information about the onset and progression of cuticular cracks in cherry tomatoes by observing the time–course of cuticular cracks incidence and severity during three cultivation periods. Several fruit characteristics—including the fruit weight, cuticular membrane deposition, and epidermal cell morphology—were analyzed alongside environmental factors to identify the conditions under which cuticular crack occurs. In the spring–summer season, cuticular cracks’ onset occurred at 30 days after anthesis, whereas in the summer–autumn, it occurred at 20 days after anthesis. The severity of cuticular cracks at harvest was higher in the summer–autumn cultivation than in the spring–summer. These results indicate that the period during which susceptibility to cuticular cracks increases may vary by season, contributing to seasonal differences in the final severity. However, no consistent relationship was observed between the incidence or severity of cuticular cracks and the fruit size, temperature, or humidity throughout the study. In both seasons, the onset of cuticular cracks coincided with the peaking of the cuticular membrane deposition. Thickening of the cuticular membrane, resulting in decreased elasticity may contribute to the cuticular cracks’ onset.

Effects of Different Nitrogenous Fertilizers and Potassium Doses on Yield, Yield Components, and Fruit Quality of Tomato Grown in Alkaline and Acidic Soils

Different nitrogen fertilizers and potassium applications have an important impact on the yield and yield components and fruit-quality parameters of tomatoes in both alkaline and acidic reaction soils. This study investigated the effects of different nitrogenous fertilizers and potassium doses on the yield, yield components, and fruit quality of tomatoes grown on alkaline and acidic soils. The experiment was carried out in the research greenhouse of the Agriculture Faculty, at Selcuk University. It was performed by using two different soil types, three nitrogen fertilizers [ammonium sulfate (AS), ammonium sulfate with inhibitor (AS+inh.), and calcium nitrate (CaNit)], and three different concentrations of potassium sulfate (0, 240, and 480 mg K2O kg-1). We conducted the study by using a randomized experimental plot design with four replications. According to the research results, the highest fruit yield in alkaline soil was 'inh. AS and 480 mg K2O kg-1', while the highest fruit yield in acid soils was obtained with 'calcium nitrate and 240 mg K2O kg-1'. Furthermore, different nitrogen sources and potassium doses significantly affected tomato yield components such as stem diameter, plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit hardness, fruit pH, and Brix values. According to the results of the completed soil analysis, the applications demonstrated the importance of accurate and balanced fertilization for high-yield and quality tomato production in different soils. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate nitrogen fertilizers and potassium doses to increase tomato yield and yield components in alkaline and acidic soils. It provides valuable insights for tomato farmers and researchers seeking to improve tomato cultivation techniques in different soil conditions.

Influence of some plant growth regulators on fruit set, yield and quality of sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) var. Arka Neelachal Vikram

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of foliar application of homobrassinolide (HBL), gibberellic acid (GA3), and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for improving fruit set, yield, and quality in sugar apple. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatments, comprised of NAA (50, 100, and 150 ppm), HBL (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 ppm), GA3 (100, 150, and 200 ppm), and water as a control. Treatments were foliar sprayed thrice during major flowering period at monthly interval, i.e., April, May, and June. Observations were recorded on fruiting, yield, and fruit quality parameters. Results: Foliar application of GA3 at 150-200 ppm was found effective for enhancing the fruit set, fruit retention, and yield in sugar apple, when applied during May and June. Application of GA3 @ 200 ppm not only recorded the maximum fruit set and retention in May (5.03 and 69.18 %) and June flowering (9.38 and 75.35 %), but also scored the maximum values for number of fruits, fruit weight, and yield in their corresponding month of harvesting, i.e., October (50.60 fruits per tree, 235.70 g per fruit, and 11.88 kg per tree) and November (36.79 fruits per tree, 231.88 g per fruit, and 8.40 kg per tree). With respect to fruit quality, GA3 (100-200 ppm) and NAA (100-150 ppm) registered a significant improvement in various fruit quality parameters, however, GA3 treatments excelled in the performance. Fruits harvested from 200 ppm GA3 had the best quality (pulp: 72.07 %, TSS: 23.90 ºB, TSS/acid ratio: 59.81, total sugar: 30.37 %, reducing sugar: 19.57 %, non-reducing sugar: 10.80 %, vitamin C: 52.34 mg 100 g−1 pulp, total flavonoid: 44.21 mg QE 100 g−1 FW, ferric reducing antioxidant power: 40.73 mM Fe(II) 100 g−1 FW and scavenging activity: 74.65 %), followed by 150 ppm GA3. Interpretation: In sugar apple, foliar application of GA3 (150-200 ppm) twice during May and June flowering is effective for improving fruit set and enhancing yield and quality of the produce. Key words: Fruit set, Fruit quality, Gibberellic acid, Plant growth regulators, Sugar apple

Impact of Gibberellic Acid and Growth Stimulants on Productivity Metrics of Kagzi Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

Background: Acid lime is a nutrient-intensive crop and it needs sufficient mineral nutrition for healthy growth and development and there was a need to study the effect of GA3 and growth-promoting chemicals as a nutrient source for acid lime cv. Kagzi trees. The reason to undertake this research was based on the impact of GA3 and growth-inducing chemicals on better nutrient supplementation, quick nutrient intact, better photosynthates translocation and carbohydrates mobilization and its effect on production parameters in acid lime cv. Kagzi trees. Methods: A field trial was carried out at the Fruit Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar between June 2023 and December 2023 in a 15-year-old established orchard of acid lime cv. Kagzi. The trial was set up following a randomized block design with three replications. It involved the application of nine different treatments through foliar spraying, which included GA3 and various growth-promoting chemicals such as KNO3, thiourea and salicylic acid. Result: According to the findings of the current study, the foliar application of T4 treatment (GA3 @ 100 mg/l + KNO3 @ 2%) proved to be more successful in enhancing the production parameters of acid lime cv. Kagzi. The application of T4 treatment comprising GA3 @ 100 mg/l + KNO3 @ 2 % resulted in the shortest time to initiate flowering (40.05 days), the briefest flowering period (53.79 days), the highest number of flowers per shoot (144.66), the greatest fruit set percentage (69.08%) and the highest fruit retention percentage (47.37%). The foliar application of treatment T4 (GA3 @ 100 mg/l + KNO3 @ 2%) proved to be the most successful in increasing the fruit count per tree (448.00), fruit weight (70.00 g) and yield (31.35 kg/tree) in Kagzi acid lime trees.