Gram Of Fruit Research Articles

Investigating intermittent immersion during osmotic dehydration of mango (Mangifera indica L. Moench). Part B mathematical modeling of D2I and D3I kinetics in mango (Mangifera indica L. Moench) slices

This work aims to investigate the dynamics of water loss (WL) and solute gain (SG) during dehydration impregnation by immersion (D2I) and intermittent immersion (D3I). WL and SG of mango slices, 4 × 1× 1 cm3 in size, during dehydration immersion impregnation (D2I) and dehydration impregnation by intermittent immersion (D3I) were determined at 35, 45 and 55 °C for 270 min. Mango slices were immersed in a hypertonic sucrose solution of (61.6 ± 0.2) °Brix at a ratio of 6 mL of hypertonic solution per gram of fruit. Five semi-empirical models, two of which have been modified, were used to study mass transfer during D2I and D3I, namely the Azura, Weibull, Crank, Modified Crank I, and Modified Crank II models. The equilibrium water loss (WL∞), the equilibrium solute gain (SG∞), the diffusion coefficient, and activation energy were determined using the Modified Crank II model which was the best of all the tested models. Equilibrium water loss during D2I decreased with increasing temperature, while during D3I it increased with temperature. The SG∞ during D2I and D3I increases with temperature but was higher in D2I than in D3I. The average water diffusion coefficients were (6.02 ± 2.62) × 10−8 m2 s−1 for D2I and (4.89 ± 0.55) × 10−8 m2 s−1 for D3I and the average solute diffusion coefficients were (4.45 ± 0.53) × 10−8 m2 s−1 for D2I and (8.33 ± 0.79) × 10−8 m2 s−1 for D3I. The activation energies for WL in D2I and D3I were respectively 38789 J mol−1 and 9503 J mol−1. The respective values for SG were 9037 J mol−1 and 7327 J mol−1. This work demonstrates that mass transfers in D3I are better than those in D2I, and it highlights that, unlike the D2I process, the D3I process is less sensitive to temperature variations, making it particularly advantageous for processing products with high nutritional value.

The Health and Nutritional Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables to Reduce the Risk of Obesity and High Blood Lipids

Background: Vegetables and fruits are an important part of a healthy diet and help with growth and support body functions and physical, mental, and social well-being at all ages. They can also help prevent all forms of malnutrition, such as undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and overweight, and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. World Health Organization consumption of at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables per day, or five servings of 80 grams each, and the reasons for the sad fact that most people do not eat enough of them to maintain a healthy life for the sake of obesity treatment and weight reduction. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of increasing fruit and vegetable intake rich in antioxidants and vitamins on people at risk of obesity and high levels of blood fat and to provide education about its benefits and the amount of daily rations. Methods: This a descriptive cross-sectional study, 160 obese women underwent to Aspetar ospital in Misurata city during The period (October–December 2022) and they were divided into two groups of 80 women per group. The first group was presented with a weight-loss diet devoid of vegetables and fruits. The second group was given a weight-loss diet rich in vegetables, including cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and fruits (kiwi, apple, and orange). For three consecutive months. Results: The findings were a decrease in weight with an average of 8 kg per woman for the first group and 15 kg per woman for the second group, and the average cholesterol and triglycerides were 280 mg/100 dL of blood and 230 mg/100 dL of blood, respectively, for the women of the first group. While it was 150 mg/100 dL blood and 90 mg/100 dL blood for the women of the second group, with some daily light exercise for all women in the two groups. Conclusion: This study indicates that consumption of three to five portions/day of fruit and vegetables is highly associated with prevention and a low risk of obesity, high blood fat, cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we recommend relying on eating vegetables and fruits daily to reduce weight and blood fats, improve health, and nourish the body.

Leaf gas exchange, water use, and yield of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and Kei Apple (Dovyalis caffra): South African indigenous fruit trees with domestication potential

Conventional crop production is expected to decline in the future in sub-Saharan Africa due to the rising costs of inputs, soil degradation, and increasing water scarcity related to climate variability and change. South Africa has more than 30 species of indigenous fruit trees that are adapted to grow under harsh conditions, yet these species are currently underutilized. Their cultivation is constrained by the lack of detailed ecophysiological information required to develop effective management strategies that optimize tree performance. In this study we investigated how two species with domestication potential namely Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra) responded to climate and soil factors over a period of two years (2019–2021). Photosynthesis, transpiration, and yield were quantified for mature trees growing in experimental orchards in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Leaf gas exchange data were collected at selected intervals during the growing season using an infrared gas analyser while whole tree transpiration rates were quantified using the heat ratio method of monitoring sap flow. These data were used to parameterize a big leaf Penman-Monteith (PM) model to estimate the transpiration dynamics of individual trees at the daily time step. S. birrea's transpiration responded strongly to both climatic and soil water content variations while the water use of D. caffra was driven mostly by climatic factors. Transpiration rates averaged 0.30 L/m2 of leaf area for S. birrea while that of D. caffra was around 0.45 L/m2. Both species exhibited significant alternate bearing with yield of individual trees fluctuating by more than 50 % between successive years. For the 2019/20 season, water productivity (grams of fruit per litre of water transpired) varied between 6.2 and 17.4 g/L for S. birrea and between 24.3 and 41.7 g/L for D. caffra. Whole tree transpiration by both species were accurately predicted using the PM model albeit with different parameters for each species. This study demonstrates that a simple PM model can accurately estimate the water requirements of these species in other growing regions.

Analyzing Genetic Variation and Graphical Representation (Wr-Vr) in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) using the Hayman Approach in the Northwestern Region of India

Background: Brinjal, also known as eggplant, is a resilient and widely cultivated vegetable crop in the Solanaceae family. It plays a crucial role in diets due to its rich supply of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, helping address the deficit in vegetable consumption recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which advises a daily intake of at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables. Estimating genetic parameters is essential for understanding the genetic architecture of yield and its determining factors. Hayman’s diallel cross analysis method is extensively utilized in plant breeding due to its capacity to provide comprehensive insights into diverse genetic parameters, including gene action, degree of dominance and heritability. Methods: Nine parents with thirty six F1 hybrids of brinjal derived using a half diallel mating design with nine brinjal genotypes, namely JBL-1, JBR-1, JBR-2, JBR-3, JBL-2, JBL-3, JBR-4, JBR-5 and JBR-6 were evaluated for yield and other yield attributing traits during kharif season 2023) using randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Result: The dominance effect (H1) was significant and displayed a greater magnitude, indicating dominance gene action for yield per plant. The regression coefficient slope showed a significant deviation from zero, but not from unity, indicating the absence of non-allelic interaction. Furthermore, the regression line intersected the Wr axis below the origin, suggesting the presence of over-dominance for days to 50% flowering, fruit length (cm), number of primary branches per plant, plant height (cm), total fruit yield per plant (kg) and fruit borer infestation (%). The mean degree of dominance exceeding one indicated the prevalence of over-dominance for all traits except days to first picking, average fruit weight (gm), fruit girth (cm) and number of fruits per plant. These findings emphasize the importance of dominance variation in eggplant improvement, enabling successful heterosis breeding for advancing these populations and development of hybrids.

Sieve classification and bean defects of coffee genotypes from the Big Coffee VL group

The aim of this study was to evaluate large-bean coffee genotypes from the Big Coffee VL group in terms of bean size and the percentage of post-harvest defects, according to the official Brazilian classification. The experiment was carried out in the Coffee Crop Sector of the Department of Agriculture at the Federal University of Lavras, where the progenies with the greatest production potential were selected, known as "elite" progenies. The experimental design was the Completely Randomized Design. Twelve progenies were selected, arranged in 6 replicates. The samples consisted of 300 grams of fruit from each progeny, which were classified according to grain size: large grains were those retained on the 17 (round sieve) and 13 (oblong sieve) sieves; medium grains were those retained on the 15 (round sieve) and 10 (oblong sieve) sieves and small grains were those retained at the bottom of the sieves. The percentage of mocha grains was obtained from the sum of all the sieves for mocha grains 10 and above. The data was submitted to analysis of variance and grouped using the Scott-Knott test at 5% significance. It was observed that there is genetic variability between the progenies that are segregating for the grain size characteristic, with some progenies standing out for their superior performance: M20, M4, G16 and G17. In terms of defect analysis, P14, P23, P32, M4, M5, M11, M20, G9 and G16 showed the lowest percentage of bored fruit. As the selected progenies are still segregating, further studies could be carried out.

Fruit consumption improvement as an effort to sustainable lifestyle

The integration of healthy diets into sustainable lifestyles faces challenges as modern living often sidelines nutritional choices. While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends 150 grams of fruit daily per capita, Statistics Indonesia (2021) reports an average consumption of only 81.14 grams, meeting just 54.09% of the WHO's minimum nutritional adequacy. This qualitative descriptive study aims to analyze the knowledge, attitude, and actions influencing fruit consumption in Indonesia. Primary data, collected through questionnaires, reveal that respondents generally possess good knowledge and attitude towards fruit benefits. However, discrepancies arise in the action aspect, with consumption frequency falling below recommended standards. Utilizing the Scopus publication database and Vosviewer software, bibliometric analysis identifies key keywords like female, male, adult, fruit, diet, and food intake in Indonesian fruit consumption research. Despite positive attitudes and awareness, actual fruit consumption remains suboptimal, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.

Children’s song media’s influence on consumption vegetables and fruits in primary school children

Indonesian people consume 173 grams of fruits and vegetables per day, below the World Health Organization's recommended 400 grams. 16.54% of children aged 5-9 years do not consume vegetables and fruit, with 73.79% consuming only 1-2 portions daily. Low consumption is linked to increased risk of chronic diseases. To increase awareness, a song policy called "Vegetables and Fruits are Rich in Benefits" is being implemented in Tasikmalaya City elementary schools. The research used qualitative methods, including Focus Group Discussion and Brainstorming, and found positive responses from informants. The plan is supported by adequate facilities and infrastructure in schools. Stakeholders and schools agree to commit to the song to increase children's knowledge and consumption of vegetables and fruits.

Application of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection for Non-Polar Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines and Acridine Derivatives Determination in Pork Loin Roasted in a Roasting Bag.

Heat treatment of meat can lead to the formation of carcinogenic organic compounds. The influence of dried fruits on the formation of non-polar heterocyclic aromatic amines (carbolines) and nitrogen derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (azaarenes) in roasted pork loin was elucidated. Two hundred grams of fruit per 1 kg of meat were used as stuffing. Carbolines, derivatives of pyridoimidazole and pyridoindole, and azaarenes (benzoacridines and dibenzoacridines) were determined by means of high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The total concentration of six δ-, γ- and α-carbolines in roasted pork loin was 1.3 ng/g. This content decreased by 64%, 58%, and 54% in pork loin stuffed with prunes, apricots, and cranberries, respectively. Concentrations of β-carbolines (harmane and norharmane) increased under the influence of added fruits. The norharmane content increased the most, from 2.2 ng/g in the control sample to 12.3 ng/g in meat prepared with cranberries. The harmane content increased from 1.0 ng/g to 3.6 ng/g in meat with prunes. The total concentration of azaarenes (two benzoacridines and dibenzo[a,c]acridine), which was close to 0.1 ng/g, decreased in dishes with prunes and apricots by 54% and 12%, respectively. Azaarenes were not found in samples of meat stuffed with cranberries.

Vitamin C and Phenolic Antioxidants of Jua (Ziziphus joazeiro M.) Pulp: A Rich Underexplored Brazilian Source of Ellagic Acid Recovered by Aqueous Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction.

Jua (juá in Portuguese) is an underexplored fruit from Brazil’s northeast. This fruit is rich in antioxidant substances. However, there is a dearth of information about jua’s bioactive potential. The present study evaluated two extraction methods (continuous agitation and ultrasound-assisted extraction—UAE) and employed three different solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone) to efficiently recover soluble phenolic compounds. Aqueous extracts obtained by UAE showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity. Besides being an eco-friendly procedure, extraction and/or solubility in an aqueous medium is also important for food application. Ellagic acids were the predominant phenolics (80%) found in aqueous jua pulp extract obtained by UAE, as determined by HPLC, while its TPC was 405.8 gallic acid equivalent per gram of fruit. This extract also exhibited a higher scavenging activity towards peroxyl radicals when compared to that of several other fruits from the literature, including grape, strawberry, cranberry, and walnuts, which are known references in terms of antioxidants. This is the first report that demonstrates jua pulp’s potential as an alternative source of ellagic acid and other phenolic acids and flavonoids. Therefore, the outcome of this study provides new information that can be useful for functional food and nutraceutical industries.

Barriers to Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Outpatients in Belarus.

This study aimed to determine the main barriers and reasons for non-adherence to preventive measures and treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus among outpatients in Belarus. An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted with 814 adults aged 18 years and over who visited outpatient health care units and hospitals in Belarus. The questionnaire was developed to analyze the perceived barriers that limit adherence to preventive measures and treatment for type 2 diabetes. The proportion of respondents who reported doing daily physical activity was 53.2%, and 46.6% consumed at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day. Among the 42.8% of respondents with a prescribed treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, 50.1% sometimes forgot to take their medicine. The specific barriers to treatment most frequently identified by survey respondents were "Financial situation" (23.5% of respondents), and "Fear of side effects" (25.2%). Those for lifestyle instructions were "Insufficient knowledge" (29.3%), "Financial situation" (27.9%), and "Lack of motivation" (21.7%). The study revealed that the main barriers to adherence were insufficient knowledge of diabetes and its treatment and an underestimation of the role of behavioral risk factors in health, combined with financial difficulties. We recommend that physicians should take a patient-centered approach to raising awareness of behavioral risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus, and suggest that the importance of adhering to preventative measures and treatment should be promoted in consultations in Belarus.

Low fruit and vegetable intake is associated with poor self-rated health in the Czech part of the HAPIEE study.

Background: Although fruits and vegetables are considered a pillar of healthy eating, previous evidence suggests that their consumption in Eastern European countries is low, and their association with health outcomes has rarely been researched in this region. Aim: To examine the effect of fruit and vegetable intake on self-rated health (SRH) in the Czech arm of the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe prospective cohort study. Methods: Dietary data on fruit and vegetable intake was measured at baseline using food frequency questionnaires, and SRH from the second wave was chosen as the main outcome. The relationship between fruit and vegetable intake and SRH was analysed using multivariable ordinal regression. Results: A total of 4255 persons aged 45-69, in good and very good SRH at baseline were included in the longitudinal analysis, with a median follow-up time of 3.7 years. In the second wave, 218 (5.1%) individuals reported poor or very poor SRH. In the fully adjusted model, individuals in the lowest fruit and vegetable intake quartile had higher odds of poor SRH compared to those in the highest quartile (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01-1.52). When examined separately, the results were similar: for vegetables (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03-1.51) and fruit (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.97-1.44). Conclusion: The observed longitudinal association suggests that low fruit and vegetable intake is associated with poor SRH in the Czech Republic. Considering almost half of our sample reported less than the daily recommended intake of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables, higher consumption should be supported.

Efektivitas penggunaan poster dan video dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan dan sikap tentang buah dan sayur pada siswa Dayah Terpadu Inshafuddin

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) generally recommends the consumption of vegetables and fruit for a healthy life of 400 grams per person per day, consisting of 250 grams of vegetables and 150 grams of fruit. Not all Indonesians consume fruits and vegetables as much as 97.3% consume vegetables 73.6% consume fruit, nutrition education with audio-visual media is effective in increasing students' knowledge.Objective: This study aims to measure the effectiveness of poster and video media in increasing students' knowledge and attitudes about fruits and vegetables at Dayah Terpadu Inshafuddin.Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental research design (quasi-experimental). The sample in this study was all students of class 2A and 2C Dayah Terpadu Inshafuddin Banda Aceh, with the study time in 2019. Data collection used a questionnaire and direct interviews were conducted. The data is processed using computer applications. Data analysis using T-dependent and T-independent tests.Results: The results showed that students' knowledge of vegetables and fruit increased to 83.6%, and attitudes increased to 84.5%. There was an increase in students' knowledge and attitudes about fruits and vegetables between before and after counseling (p < 0.05). In addition, it also showed that there was a significant effect of counseling using videos and posters (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The use of posters and video media can increase students' knowledge and attitudes, and using video media is more effective than posters in increasing knowledge and attitudes about vegetable and fruit consumption.

Bio-Preservative Potential of Microorganisms Isolated from Red Grape against Food Contaminant Fungi.

Fungal spoilage is one of the main reasons of economic losses in the food industry, especially in the wine sector. Consequently, the search for safer and new preservation techniques has gained importance in recent years. The objective of this study was to investigate the antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic activity from 28 microorganisms (MO) isolated from red grape. The antifungal activity of a cell free supernatant of fermented medium by the isolated MO (CFS) was tested with the agar diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) assay. Additionally, different antifungal compounds from the CFS were identified and quantified (organic acids, phenolic compounds, and volatile organic compounds). Finally, the most active CFS were tested as red grape bio-preservative agents. Results evidenced that CFS fermented by the strain UTA 6 had the highest antifungal activity, above all isolates, and produced a wide pool of antifungal compounds. The use of UTA 6 CFS as bio-preservative agent showed a reduction of 0.4 and 0.6 log10 spores per gram of fruit in grapes contaminated by A. flavus and B. cinerea, respectively. Moreover, UTA 6 CFS treatment reduced the occurrence of aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin (B2, B3, and B4) production in grapes contaminated by 28–100%.

Host Preference of Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) Among Fruits of Solanaceous Plants.

Simple SummaryBactrocera latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae) is the major pest in economic chili and eggplant of Thailand. Although B. latifrons has many host plant species, it does not unequally prefer each host plant. Results of this study indicated that among seven host plant species of family Solanaceae, Capsicum fruits were preferred by B. latifrons for oviposition over Solanum fruits. Bird chili and banana pepper were the most preferred hosts for B. latifrons. Turkey berry was least preferred by B. latifrons. Results of this study develop knowledge of the specific mechanisms by which host fruit varieties, host fruit species and physiological changes during ripening of host fruit influence B. latifrons’ preference. This is of potential value in field management, quarantine and plant breeding using traditional or transgenic approaches.Host preference of Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae), major chili and nightshade pest, was studied using seven host plant species of family Solanaceae. Two nightshade species, eggplant, Solanum melongena L. and turkey berry, Solanum torvum Sw.; three pepper and one large chili cultivar of Capsicum annum L., banana pepper, cayenne pepper, noom pepper and duey kai chili; and one small chili cultivar of Capsicum frutescens L., bird chili, were used as tested host plants of B. latifrons for a series of choice test and no-choice test under the laboratory. Results revealed that B. latifrons preferred Capsicum fruits for oviposition rather than Solanum fruits. Bird chili and banana pepper were the most preferred host for B. latifrons, with the highest number of pupae per gram of fruit in no-choice and choice experiment, respectively. Although the best larval performance parameters of B. latifrons were better for eggplant than for other Solanaceous plants, fruit characteristics and total phenolic content in fruit play a major role for host preference of B. latifrons. Turkey berry was least preferred by B. latifrons, with the lowest number of pupae per fruit and it was not oviposited by B. latifrons female fly under the choice situation at all stages of ripeness.

Quality Assessment of Fruits and Vegetables using Bio-impedance based Expert System

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily intake of at least 400 grams of fruits and vegetables, to prevent diet related chronic diseases and micronutrient deficiencies. It is essential to ensure the quality of foods consumed by the population on a daily basis. Quality of fruits and vegetables is governed by nutritional level, appearance, flavor and climate. Quality assessment methods should be environment friendly and should also benefit both consumers and farmers by enhancing taste and increasing yield, respectively. Conventionally employed quality assessment methods like bio-chemical analysis, imaging etc. are destructive, inefficient and time consuming. Bio-tissues are made up of cells with selectively permeable cell membranes and this makes them equivalent to resistive-capacitive network. Such a network impedes an alternating current (AC) excitation signal applied to it. This bio-impedance (BI) is measured through LCR meters, impedance analysers and off-the shelf chip based boards. In this work we have developed an accurate, smart and non destructive bio-impedance based quality evaluation technique. BI is measured as magnitude and phase for 7 days for each variety of fruit and vegetable followed by exhaustive frequency (5 kHz-200 kHz), ripening and rot analysis. BI magnitude increases as number of days advance i.e. with ripening and the phase undergoes considerable decrease with rotting. The system is made smart by incorporating an expert system. 178 samples of bio-impedance data are used to train the expert system and supervised classification is done through Random Forest classifier. Any fruit or vegetable can be classified as ’Good’ or ’Bad’ immediately and accurately with a maximum accuracy of 98.57%.

Yeast communities structure in fruits of different native plant species of brazilian Cerrado

In this study, we evaluated the occurrence and diversity of endophytic and total (endophytic + epiphytic) yeasts in fruits of seven Cerrado native plant species in two Conservation Units from the Distrito Federal, Brasília, Brazil. Healthy and mature fruits were collected for the isolation of yeasts using MYGP medium. After five days, the colonies were counted and the morphologically distinct yeasts were isolated axenic culture. The molecular identification of the isolates was performed using ITS region (rDNA). A total of 69 specimens of yeasts were isolated. The Guapira graciliflora (endophytic) and Ouratea hexasperma (total) hosts had higher yeast densities per gram of fruit and together with the Brosimum gaudichaudii showed higher species diversity. Yeasts belonging to the Ascomycota Phylum were predominant. The most frequent genera of yeasts were Candida, Aureobasidium and Hannaella. Others genera such as Hanseniaspora, Meyerozyma, Filobasidium, Cryptococcus, Symmetrospora, Sirobasidium, Meira, Rhodosporidiobolus, Papiliotrema and Erythrobasidium were identified. This is the first report of the occurrence of endophytic yeasts in fruits of G. graciliflora and represents the host with greater density and diversity of species of endophytic yeasts. In addition, expands the knowledge about the occurrence of yeasts associated with the fruits of seven native plant species of the Cerrado.

Infestation index of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in small fruit in southern Brazil

ABSTRACT: The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is considered the main insect pest of small fruit in the world. Identifying susceptible hosts is essential to develop management strategies. The aim of this study was to verify the level of D. suzukii infestation in blackberry, blueberry, strawberry, cattley guava and Surinam cherry fruits cultivated in the southern region in Brazil, and to determine the infestation index (II) per fruit. The studies were carried out during two harvests (2015/16 and 2016/17) in three areas with organic cultivation of small fruit. The highest level of D. suzukii natural infestation was observed in blackberry (40 to 65% infestation), and strawberry (approximately 30% infestation) fruits. In contrast, blueberries were less preferred (< 7% infestation). For native fruit of the region (cattley guava and Surinam cherry), it was also verified infestation of the fly, demonstrating they are hosts for multiplication in the off-season periods of the other crops. In relation to II, blackberry and Surinam cherry provided a higher average number of insects per gram of fruit (≈ 1.6 adults of D. suzukii). In contrast, blueberries and cattley guava had the lowest insect ratio per gram of fruit (≈ 0.7 adults per gram). The period between late spring to mid-autumn was considered ideal for the pest occurrence in the field. The knowledge of natural infestation levels is essential for understanding the behavior of the pest in the field, which will assist in the design of management strategies.

Temporal Dynamics of Host Use by Drosophila suzukii in California's San Joaquin Valley: Implications for Area-Wide Pest Management.

A major challenge to the area-wide management of Drosophila suzukii is understanding the fly’s host use and temporal dynamics, which may dictate local movement patterns. We determined D. suzukii’s seasonal host use in California’s San Joaquin Valley by sampling common crop and non-crop fruits in a temporal sequence of fruit ripening. We then evaluated the suitability of selected fruits as hosts. Drosophila suzukii emerged from both intact and damaged cherries during the cooler, early season period. Fly density remained low through the hot spring–summer period and re-surged as temperatures lowered in fall when the fly did not cause damage to intact peach, nectarine, plum, pear, grape, pomegranate, apple, persimmon and citrus (in order of ripening) but did emerge from the damaged fruits of these crops. The fly also emerged from two ornamental fruits (loquats and cactus) but was not found on wild plum and two endemic wild fruits (buckthorn and bitter berry). Drosophila suzukii completed development (egg to adult) on cactus, mandarin carpel, pomegranate seed, wild plum and buckthorn at survival rates similar to cherry (51.2–68.8%), whereas it had a lower survival rate on bitter cherry (33.2%), table grape (31.5%), raisin grape (26.5%), and wine grape (4.5%). The high acidity levels of grapes negatively affected the fly’s fitness. Among 10 cherry cultivars, survival rate was not affected by sugar content, but it decreased with increasing egg density per gram of fruit. Results suggest that in California’s San Joaquin Valley, the early season crops are most vulnerable, summer fruits ripen during a period of low pest pressure, and late season fruits, when damaged, serve to sustain D. suzukii’s populations in this region.

Varietal and Developmental Susceptibility of Tart Cherry (Rosales: Rosaceae) to Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is an invasive species of vinegar fly that infests soft-skinned and stone fruits. Since its first detection in the United States, D. suzukii has become a prominent economic threat in fruit crop industries, particularly affecting caneberry and sweet cherry growers. This study examined the susceptibility of tart cherries (Prunus cerasus) to D. suzukii and sampled for larvae and adult D. suzukii during the tart cherry growing season. Four tart cherry cultivars (Montmorency, Balaton, Carmine Jewel, and Kántorjánosi) were tested at three different ripeness stages (unripe, ripening, and ripe), in no-choice laboratory bio-assays. Field monitoring and sampling revealed that first adult D. suzukii detection occurred on 16 June, and first field larval D. suzukii detection occurred on 28 July. Adult D. suzukii populations increased through late August, and high numbers of adults overlapped with the tart cherry harvest. Lab assays indicated that tart cherry cultivars generally became more susceptible to D. suzukii as they ripened. As the fruit developed, °Brix (sugar content) increased and firmness generally decreased. Tart cherry °Brix and firmness were not correlated with the number of D. suzukii eggs per gram of fruit, but showed a significant interaction effect with the number of larvae and adults per gram of fruit. This study shows that tart cherries are largely not susceptible to D. suzukii when unripe and become susceptible as soon as the fruits change color, suggesting that fruits should be protected as soon as they begin to ripen and D. suzukii populations begin to rise.

Respon Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Cabai terhadap Aplikasi Pupuk Cair Organik dengan NPK pada Inceptisol Jatinangor

This study aimed to determine the effect of the application of liquid organic fertilizer (PCO) accompanied with Nitrogen-Phosphate-Pottasium (NPK) fertilizer towards the growth and yield of chili plants on Jatinangor Inceptisol. The study was conducted from September 2017 until January 2018 in the experimental field and Laboratory of Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. The experimental design used was simple Randomized Block Design consisted of 10 treatments. Each treatments were repeated 3 times with the treatment arrangement as follows; A: Control 0 PS + 0 NPK, B: 0 PCO + 1 NPK, C: 1 PCO + 0 NPK, D: 1 PCO + ¼ NPK, E: 1 PCO + ½ NPK, F: 1 PCO + ¾ NPK, G : 1 PCO + 1 NPK, H: ¼ PCO + ¾ NPK, I: ½ PCO + ¾ NPK and J: ¾ PCO + ¾ NPK. The results showed that the treatment with the highest yield was treatment F, which is 1 dose of PCO or 4 liters per ha of PCO together with a dose of NPK or 112.5 Urea, 150 SP-36 and 112.5 KCl yielded an average 333.76 grams of fruit per plant. Key word: Chili, NPK, PCO, Yield