Greater Number Of Fruits Research Articles

<b>Characterization of blueberry cultivar ‘climax’

The objective of this work was to characterize the blueberry ( Vaccinium spp.) cultivar Climax, Rabbiteye group ( Vaccinium ashei Reade). In order to achieve that, a survey with blueberry plants (cultivar Climax), in full production, was conducted during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons in the mesoregion of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Data regarding the distribution of flower and vegetative buds on branches of two lengths (long and short) was collected. Another evaluation, considering three positions of flower buds in the branch (apical, medial and basal), the number of flower primordia, open flowers and fruits formed was performed. Data were subject to ANOVA and, when significant, the averages were compared using either the F or Tukey’s HSD test (p ≤ 0.05). The results demonstrate the presence of flower buds intercalated with vegetative ones. The total number of flower and vegetative buds, flower primordia, flowers and fruits was influenced by the length of the branch. Likewise, the position of the bud on the branch affected the results, with a greater number of flower primordia on the basal, a greater number of flowers on the medial and a greater number of fruits on the apical portions of the branches.

Diversity among Modern Tomato Genotypes at Different Levels in Fresh-Market Breeding

Cultivated tomato has been in existence for about 400 years and breeding activities have been conducted for only eight decades. However, more than 10,000 tomato cultivars have already been developed. Ninety-one tomato genotypes were characterized for twenty-one morphological traits using developmental, vegetative, and fruit traits. Correlation, principal component, and cluster analysis between the traits were carried out. Higher correlations between fruit traits including fruit shape, fruit size, and fruit types were observed. These correlations indicate that specific fruit types require specific traits like branched inflorescence and a greater number of fruits per inflorescence are beneficial only for smaller fruit sizes like cherry and grape tomatoes. Contrastingly, traits like determinate growth habit and fruit maturity are preferred in all fruit types of tomato for better cultivation practices and longer production duration and hence showed lower correlations. Principal component analysis clustered tomato genotypes into three main clusters with multiple subgroups. Similar tomato genotypes were placed into one or more clusters confirming the results from correlation analysis. Involvement of private breeding programs in cultivar development has increased the competition on introgression of novel and desired traits across new cultivars. Understanding the diversity present in modern cultivars and potential traits identification in related wild species can enhance tomato diversity and improve quality and production.

Variation in leaf biomass and fruit output of Juniperus indica along an elevation gradient in north-central Nepal

Biomass and reproductive output are important functional traits that influence aspects of plant performance. Measurements of these attributes by harvesting plant parts are often destructive and impractical. Therefore, non-destructive methods, based on allometric relationships, have been recommended for measuring plant biomass and reproductive output, particularly in the ecosystems where plant harvesting is not very practical or feasible. Here, we assessed the variation in the traits related to vegetative and reproductive performance (including plant height, trunk diameter, canopy area, leaf biomass and number of fruits set) among populations of Juniperus indica distributed along an elevation gradient in Manang district of the north-central Nepal, and finally determined the allometric relationships addressing the leaf biomass and the fruit output. The distribution range of J. indica was divided into lower- (3,350–3,580 m), mid- (3,650–3,880 m) and higher- (3,950–4,250 m) elevation classes where we made 54 sample plots of 10 m × 10 m size. In each plot, we recorded the number of individuals of J. indica classifying into seedling, juvenile and mature classes, and measured their vegetative traits and fruit output. Trunk diameter, leaf dry-weight and fruits set parameters spatially varied within the same elevation class. The individuals at the lower-elevation were larger in vegetative size with larger- trunk, height and canopy area, and produced higher leaf biomass and greater number of fruits as compared to those produced by the individuals situated at the mid- and higher-elevations. The regression analysis showed the strongest relationship between the canopy area and the leaf biomass. Thus, the use of outer canopy dimension is found to be the best option for estimation of leaf biomass of J. indica using non-destructive method.Banko Janakari, Vol. 27, No. 1, 2017, page: 3-10

The Use of Trellis and Mulch Increased Fruit Production of Spaghetti Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

Spaghetti squash is squash of American origin that has spaghetti-like characteristic of fruit flesh, unlike any other squash varieties. This study aims to investigate the use of trellis and mulch to increase the spaghetti squash production. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station of Centre of Tropical Horticulture, Bogor from April to November 2016. The experiment used a completely randomized block design with four replicates. Two factors were tested, i.e. the use of trellis and mulch as the main plots, and accessions of the spaghetti squash as a sub-plot. The treatments were the use of trellis and mulch, mulch without the trellis, the trellis without mulch, and without the trellis and mulch. The spaghetti squash accessions used in this experiment were accessions from Taiwan (F1) and from America. Each experimental unit consists of five plants with a total a total of 160 plants. The results of this experiment showed that the growing squash using mulch and trellis had the greatest number of fruits per plant, more marketable fruits and had the largest fruit weight as compared with the other treatments. Taiwan accession had more fruits per plant and total marketable fruits, the largest fruit weight, the longest and widest fruits with large fruit diameter. Taiwan accession produced fruits at lower nodes of the plants, and fruits can be harvested earlier than the American accession. Correlation analysis indicated that the more fruits per plant, the more number of fruits that are marketable, the greater fruit weight and more fruits can be harvested from the higher nodes of the plants. From agronomical point of view, Taiwan spaghetti squash would be preferable to obtain the high fruit production provided the crops were mulched and grown with trellis.Keywords: Cucurbitacea, trellis, mulch, plant culture

Factors affecting fruit set and fruit quality along branch units of different apricot cultivars

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the differences in fruit quality within apricot tree canopies is necessary before developing strategies to reduce variation. Fruit set, fresh weight (FW) and soluble solids and dry matter concentrations (SSC, DMC) were lower, by up to 30%, 28 g, 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively, in fruit from 1-year-old long shoots and terminal spurs or from short shoots and spurs on 4-year-old wood, than on those from 2- and 3-year-old wood, for the six genotypes examined. Genotype, year and wood age affected mealiness, gel development, rubberiness and/or juiciness in fruit after cold storage. Effects of position along the shoot, fruit number and fruiting node leaf area on fruit quality were examined for one cultivar. FW, SSC and DMC were higher in fruit on distal zones of 2-year-old wood, but were lower in fruit from distal zones of 1-year-old wood. Greater fruit number per shoot before thinning decreased FW on 2-year-old wood. On 1-year-old wood, there was an interaction between fruiting node leaf area, position and fruit FW. These results will assist in devising management techniques, such as differential thinning and pruning, to reduce fruit quality variation.

Effect of light microclimate on the quality of ‘d’Anjou’ pears in mature open-centre tree architecture

Light availability within trees is an important factor for canopy and fruit development as light drives photosynthetic processes. The effect of pre-harvest light microclimate on ‘d’Anjou’ pear fruit quality from harvest through to cold storage and ripening on fruit grown in open vase pear tree canopy was investigated. Light penetration was used to determine the light availability at different positions within the tree canopy. Five light penetration levels were predefined as 0–20%, 20%–40%, 40%–60%, 60%–80%, and 80%–100% and 60 fruits were selected from each level for quality assessment during three-month cold storage and postharvest ripening period. At harvest, upper canopy portions had a greater number of fruit than lower portions, but average single fruit mass was similar. During the cold storage and ripening period, the IAD index, a measure of chlorophyll degreening indicating fruit maturity, decreased. Fruit mass decreased for all light penetration levels during cold storage. No significant difference was found in fruit mass between light penetration levels following cold storage. Fruit soluble solids increased with light penetration while firmness exhibited an inverse relationship with light penetration level. Fruit from 80% to 100% light penetration level had significantly lower titratable acidity compared to other levels. This study indicated that light microclimate had consequential effects on ‘d'Anjou’ pear fruit quality, and effects of light penetration on quality were most pronounced in extreme light conditions, which are suggested to be the focus of further research.

PRODUÇÃO E QUALIDADE DE FRUTOS HÍBRIDOS DE MARACUJAZEIRO-AMARELO NO NORTE DO PARANÁ

RESUMOAtualmente, encontram-se quatorze cultivares de maracujazeiro-amarelo no Registro Nacional de Cultivares do Ministério da Agricultura. É de grande importância o aprimoramento de trabalhos de melhoramento genético nessa cultura, para favorecer a disponibilização de novas cultivares adaptadas às regiões produtoras. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produção e as características qualitativas dos frutos de treze híbridos de maracujazeiro-amarelo cultivados no norte do Paraná. As avaliações foram realizadas durante dois ciclos de produção da cultura, de abril a julho de 2009 e de janeiro a julho de 2010, com coletas semanais dos frutos maduros. A produção foi determinada por meio da pesagem dos frutos colhidos e do número de frutos por planta. Para as características qualitativas, foram avaliados: massa, comprimento, diâmetro, relação entre comprimento e diâmetro dos frutos, espessura da casca, rendimento de polpa, teor de sólidos solúveis totais (SST), acidez total titulável (ATT ) e relação SST/ATT . Os híbridos ‘66’ e ‘65’ apresentaram, respectivamente, maior produção e maior número de frutos no acumulado das duas safras. Os frutos do híbrido ‘72’ destacaram-se no atendimento das características desejáveis de qualidade para o consumo in natura, enquanto o híbrido ‘69’ apresentou caracteristicas importantes para a indústria de suco.

Crescimento, produção e qualidade de frutos de pimenta ( Capsicum annuum) em diferentes espaçamentos

A densidade de plantio e cultivares adequadas às condições climáticas da região Sudoeste do Paraná são de grande importância no rendimento da produção e qualidade de frutos da pimenteira. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento, a produção e qualidade de frutos de cultivares de pimenta em diferentes espaçamentos e épocas de colheita conduzidas a campo na região Sudoeste do Paraná. Os experimentos foram conduzidos na área experimental da Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Dois Vizinhos, no período de setembro de 2009 a julho de 2012. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 2x3, compreendendo duas cultivares de pimenta (BRS Mari e Páprica) e três densidades de plantio: 1,50x1,00 m; 1,00x1,25 m; 1,50x1,25 m entre linhas e entre plantas, respectivamente. Foram avaliados o número, massa fresca e produção de frutos, comprimento e diâmetro do fruto, índice de área foliar, sólidos solúveis, teor de capsaicina e dihidrocapsaicina de frutos frescos das pimenteiras. A cultivar BRS Mari resultou em maior número de frutos (199,33), produção por área (5,87 t/ha), massa fresca de frutos (768,67 g/planta) e teor de capsaicina (549,92 mg/kg) e dihidrocapsaicina (251,93 mg/kg). No espaçamento de 1,00x1,25 m obteve-se maior produção de frutos por área (22,88 t/ha), teor de capsaicina (362,25 mg/kg) e dihidrocapsaicina (165,02 mg/kg). O adensamento pode ser uma estratégia para rendimentos na produtividade das cultivares de pimenteira avaliadas.

Adubação orgânica e Lithothamnium no cultivo da pitaia vermelha

The red pitaya is a fruit cactus native from the rainforests of Mexico, Central America and South America that has shown great potential in domestic and foreign markets, due to its hardiness and exotic appearance. The work was carried out to evaluate the influence of organic fertilizers and the application of Lithothamnium (calcified seaweed) on production and fruit quality of red pitaia [ Hylocereus undatus (Haw.) Britton & Rose]. The experimental design was a randomized block with eight treatments: control (no fertilization), cattle manure (CaM), chicken manure (ChM), calcified seaweed (CS), cattle manure + chicken manure, cattle manure + calcified seaweed, chicken manure + calcified seaweed and cattle manure + chicken manure + calcified seaweed. The fertilizers were applied every three months since September 2008, with three blocks, and the experimental unit consisted of four plants. The analyzes done were: yield , number of fruits per plant, fruit mass, pulp yield, transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, peel thickness, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), pH and SS/TA ratio. The highest productivities were obtained in treatments containing CaM + ChM + CS (7.16 t ha-1) and CaM + ChM (6.90 t ha-1) in 2011, and the first treatment also showed higher productivity in 2012 (9.40 t ha-1). Greater number of fruits per plant was obtained when fertilization was carried out with CaM + ChM + CS in the two years evaluated. There were no significant differences among the chemical characteristics of red pitaia fruits with different fertilizations.

EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF THREE NATIVE TOMATO GENOTYPES (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM VAR. CERASIFORME)

ISHS International Symposium on Growing Media and Soilless Cultivation EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY OF THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF THREE NATIVE TOMATO GENOTYPES (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM VAR. CERASIFORME)

Grafting under water stress in tomato cherry: improving the fruit yield and quality

AbstractAs the concentrations of essential vitamins and minerals and a number of other health‐promoting compounds are often low in stable crops, research is under way to understand and increase synthesis of phytochemicals in order to improve crop nutritional quality. The question addressed in this study is whether shoot genotypes or root genotypes with tolerant drought character are able to increase the fruit quality and production under moderate water stress. Zarina (drought tolerant) and Josefina (drought sensitive) were grafted self and reciprocally. The results showed that the use of cv. Zarina (drought tolerant) as rootstock (Zar × Jos) results in a greater number of fruits under water‐stress conditions, a moderate increase in some antioxidant compounds, such as ascorbic acid, phenols and flavonoids and lycopene and β‐carotene, and Zar × Jos showed high levels of sugars and organic acids, sweetness index and sugars : acids ratio, as well as important minerals, such as K and Mg, which could increase its nutritional quality under stress conditions. Overall, the use of drought‐tolerant rootstock could provide a useful tool to improve fruit yield and quality of cherry tomato fruit under moderate water stress, which in turn could mean lower costs in the use of irrigation water.

Desenvolvimento e produtividade do tomateiro sob diferentes freqüências de irrigação em estufa

O crescimento de plantas em substrato em cultivo protegido requer conhecimento técnico apropriado para uso racional e eficientede água e de nutrientes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de seis freqüências de irrigação no desenvolvimento e na produção do tomateiro cultivado em ambiente protegido. O experimento foi conduzido em Campinas, de novembro de 2003 a abril de 2004. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em seis freqüências de irrigação: cinco, quatro, três, duas, uma vez por dia e irrigação em dias alternados. A irrigação foi aplicada por gotejamento. O substrato utilizado foi o composto de fibra de coco. As freqüências de irrigação de uma, três, quatro e cinco vezes por dia resultaram nas maiores produções de frutos comerciáveis de tomateiro. O maior número e peso médio dos frutos foram obtidos nos tratamentos com freqüência de irrigação de uma, duas, três, quatro e cinco vezes por dia. As freqüências de irrigação de uma vez por dia e em dias alternados proporcionaram maior número de frutos não comerciáveis (fundo preto).

The effect of shoot training on yield, fruit quality and leaf chemical composition of eggplant in greenhouse cultivation

Abstract The aim of the investigations was to determine the best method of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) pruning in greenhouse production. The investigations were carried out in 1999 - 2001 in the experimental greenhouse of the University of Agriculture in Krakow, Poland. The ‘Tania F1’ hybrid was used in the early spring-summer production in a heated greenhouse. Plants were pruned to one or two shoots. In the case of two-shoot plants, the second shoot was led out from the first, third, sixth and ninth node. The intense pruning positively affected the PAR conditions in the plant profile. The most effective fruit setting was observed in the intensely pruned plants. The greatest number of fruits was set at the lowest nodes. Pruning affected the total but not marketable yield of fruits. Two-shoot plants with the second shoot led out from the sixth node produced the greatest fruits, both in early and total yield. A high level of reducing sugar was found in the fruits of moderately pruned plants. Fruits of two-shoot plants with the second shoot led out from the sixth node and pruned to one shoot contained the greatest level of L-ascorbic acid. The greatest levels of reducing sugar and starch were found in the leaves of moderately pruned plants, having the best PAR conditions. The method of pruning slightly affected the level of pigments in the eggplant leaves.

Shredded Maize Stems as an Alternative Substrate Medium

There is increased interest in the use of mixes of inorganic and organic materials as substrates in soilless culture in greenhouses, especially in parts of the world where the mixtures have not been commonly used. The potential of different ratios of shredded maize (Zea mays L.) stems as organic media on nutrient uptake, and the performance of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), in soilless culture, were studied. Tomato plants, cv. Belladona, were grown over a five-month period in a closed soilless culture system on four different substrates (pumice alone, shredded maize stems alone, pumice mixed with 25% or 50% maize shredded stems) and in Nutrient Film Technique, in an un-heated glasshouse. The amount of nutrient solution absorbed increased in proportion to days following transplanting, and was in part dependent on the strength of radiation and night temperature after the middle stage of growth. Plants grown on pumice + 50% maize and maize alone had similar distributions of elemental nutrient uptake. Elemental content in fruit was different only for Mn, Cu, B and Na among substrates. The ratio of number of leaves/fruit produced, favored plants grown in pumice + 50% maize, but plants grown in maize produced the greater number of fruit and the least number of leaves. No regression was observed between numbers of fruit and mean fruit weight. As nutrient uptake increased so did water uptake, with plants grown on pumice having the greater water use efficiency. The addition of maize in different ratios (25-50%) in pumice may improve its properties as a substrate for tomato soilless culture. The ratio of 50% shredded maize stems mixed with pumice could be the optimum mix for protected tomato production under the prevailing local conditions.

BOTH ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY AND SODIUM ABSORPTION RATIO OF THE FERTIGATION SOLUTION AFFECT YIELD AND QUALITY OF SOILLESS MELON CROPS

ISHS III International Symposium on Models for Plant Growth, Environmental Control and Farm Management in Protected Cultivation (HortiModel 2006) BOTH ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY AND SODIUM ABSORPTION RATIO OF THE FERTIGATION SOLUTION AFFECT YIELD AND QUALITY OF SOILLESS MELON CROPS

Cultivar differences in yield distribution patterns in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

A total of 15 okra cultivars of Indian, Turkish, West African, and United States origin with diverse plant traits were selected to investigate the distribution patterns of yield throughout the harvest period. The proportion of fruits harvested up to mid-harvest period (FMH) was calculated for each cultivar and taken as a criterion in transforming yield distribution patterns into numerical variables. Cultivars showed a gradation for FMH values ranging from 64.5% to 30.7%. High FMH values were exclusively found in the Indian cultivars, whilst there was no origin-specificity for lower FMH values. Most parts of the plant architecture were associated with FMH. When moving from lower to higher FMH values, the number of lateral branches and consequently the proportion of yield carried by the lateral branches decreased (both at P < 0.001) and flowering initiated earlier (P < 0.001). However, plants showed reduced mean stem diameter (P < 0.05), leaf area (P < 0.001), and fruit weight (P < 0.05). Hence, fewer generative nodes per plant were formed (P < 0.001). However, the proportion of generative nodes translated into fruits was higher (P < 0.001), and consequently a greater number of fruits per plant was harvested (P < 0.01). Coefficient of determination (R 2) analysis revealed that a multiple regression model containing the 3 traits most correlated with FMH [number of days to flowering (r = –0.89), first flowering node (r = –0.84), proportion of generative nodes translated into fruits (r = 0.80)] explained 85% of the variation in FMH. Number of days to flowering alone explained 79% and a complex regression model containing all variables (10 variables) explained 90%. Traits associated with yield distribution patterns may be considered in introducing cultivars to different ecological and production systems, as well as in selection for breeding lines.

The Influence of Fresh and Composted Solid Fractions of Swine Manure Slurry on Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Use of animal by‐products for crop production has the potential to be an economical way for our society to protect the environment and to conserve natural resources. Swine farms are an important source of animal manure production. In this experiment, the effect of swine manure and mineral fertilisation on the mass yield of different parts of the cucumber plant (Cucumis sativus L.) was studied. Fertilizer treatments were fresh and composted solid fractions of swine manure slurry fertilization (FSF and CSF, respectively) at two different rates (300 and 450 kg N ha−1), mineral fertilization (MF, equivalent to 300 kg N ha−1), and a control (C) without fertilization. All fertilizing scenarios produced a higher biomass yield of the different plant parts analyzed than the control. The aerial total biomass (expressed on both a fresh and dry mass basis) from CSF at 300 kg N ha−1 plots was the greatest. In the first sampling, the leaf biomass production was greater, in general, for the organic fertilization treatments. However, in the second sampling, in most cases, differences were not found in the leaf biomass production between organic and inorganic fertilization. Shoot mass of plants fertilized at 300 kg N ha−1 swine manure was similar to that of the MF plots. The application rate of swine manure did not affect the shoot yield, except in plants with FSF treatment at the first sampling. The fruit production by plants fertilized with FSF and CSF at 300 and 450 kg N ha−1, respectively, was not different from fruit production produced by the MF. The greatest cucumber yield was observed in plots with CSF at 300 kg N ha−1 treatment. The fruit size was smaller in plants fertilised with CSF at 300 kg N ha−1 than in the other fertilization treatments. These plants had the greatest number of fruits.

Competição de genótipos de goiabeira (Psidium guajava L.) na região do submédio São Francisco

Com objetivo de avaliar e selecionar genótipos de goiabeira que possam incrementar o sistema de produção da cultura na região do Submédio São Francisco foi desenvolvido na Estação Experimental de Bebedouro, base física da Embrapa Semi-Árido, em Petrolina-PE, um experimento em blocos ao acaso com cinco tratamentos (Paluma, Red Fleshed, Surubim, Red Selection of Florida e Ruby Supreme) e cinco repetições. Considerando os resultados obtidos relativos a primeira e segunda poda de frutificação e análise conjunta dos dois anos de produção, observou-se que a variedade Surubim apresentou tendência de maior produção e maior número de frutos, entre os genótipos estudados.

Produção e qualidade do melão em diferentes densidades de plantio

Avaliou-se a produção e qualidade do melão em diferentes densidades de plantio em experimento em Mandacaru, Juazeiro (BA), de setembro a novembro/98. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas constituídas pelos espaçamentos entre linhas (1,80 e 2,00 m) e as subparcelas pelos espaçamentos entre plantas (0,20; 0,40 e 0,60 m) correspondendo à densidades de plantio de 5,00; 2,50 e 1,66 plantas por metro linear de sulco, com quatro repetições. Utilizou-se a cultivar AF-682. A produção comercial diminuiu linearmente com a redução da densidade de plantio. O espaçamento de 0,20 m com 5,00 plantas metro/linear alcançou a maior produtividade com 40,69 t/ha. A massa fresca do fruto apresentou efeito linear positivo com a redução da densidade de plantio. O espaçamento de 0,60 m com 1,66 plantas por metro linear apresentou a maior massa fresca do fruto com 2,09 kg/fruto. Com o aumento do espaçamento de plantio registrou-se maior número de frutos por planta. A maioria dos frutos concentrou-se nos tipos 6 e 8, que são os de maior tamanho e que têm a preferência do mercado interno e em menor porcentagem para os tipos 10 e 12, que são os de melhor aceitação no mercado externo. A densidade de plantio não afetou os sólidos solúveis e a relação de formato do fruto.

Brief, validated survey instruments for the measurement of fruit and vegetable intakes in adults: a review

Background Brief surveys measuring fruit and vegetable intakes of populations have been used to monitor local and national trends in fruit and vegetable consumption over time, and to evaluate interventions to promote fruit and vegetable consumption for the primary prevention of disease. To date, brief validated survey instruments measuring self-reported fruit and vegetable consumption levels have not been systematically reviewed. Methods MEDLINE search for papers describing validated survey instruments with 16 or fewer fruit and vegetable items. Results Ten survey instruments with total numbers of 6 to 16 items met our search criteria. In comparisons with in-depth dietary assessment methods, survey instruments with relatively greater numbers of fruit and vegetable items, and with questions on portion sizes and mixed vegetable dishes, were characterized by higher Pearson and/or Spearman rank correlation coefficients for fruit and vegetable intakes and by closer estimations of mean/median total fruit and vegetable intakes. Conclusions This review suggests that the inclusion of a moderate number of representative fruit and vegetable items, and the review of questions on portion size and the consumption of mixed vegetable dishes, may enhance the validity of brief fruit and vegetable instruments.