Greater Number Of Fruits Research Articles

Effects of Water Stress and NPK Levels on Growth and Yield Attributes of Greenhouse-Grown Cucumbers

Judicious use of water and nutrients is a key factor for successful off-season vegetable production in greenhouses. This experiment was conducted under plastic tunnels to evaluate the effect of water stress and NPK levels on the growth and yield attributes of greenhouse-grown cucumbers. Effect of three irrigation levels viz., 100%, 80% and 60% of actual crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and three drip fertigation levels, viz., 100%, 80% and 60% of the recommended dose of NPK (RDF) with control (furrow irrigation with 100% RDF) were studied in a randomized complete block design experiment. The study indicated better plant growth, a greater number of fruits per plant and enhancement in the yield under drip irrigation. Among the various treatments, T5 (W80%ETc.F80% RDF) resulted in the highest mean fresh fruit yield (66.7 ton/ha) while the full irrigation treatments T1 (W100%ETc.F100% RDF) and T2 (W100%ETc.F80%RDF) recorded the lowest mean fresh fruit yield of 12.9 t/ha and 13.9 t/ha, respectively, as against 9.6 t/ha for the control plot. Conversely, the fully stressed T7, T8 and T9 treatments reduced the irrigation requirement by 29%, 26% and 21% but the mean cucumber yield was significantly decreased by 40%, 70% and 59%, respectively. These results suggested that drip irrigation has a great scope for the production of off-season vegetables. A water deficit level of 80% ETc with 80% RDF is the most appropriate treatment and optimal level to obtain better yield, quality and profitability of greenhouse-grown cucumbers under scarce water resources.

Оценка хозяйственно-биологических признаков малины ремонтантной в условиях Оренбургского Приуралья

Abstract. The agro-climatic conditions of the Orenburg Urals are considered sharply continental, but generally favorable for the cultivation of raspberries. However, periodically there is a risk of exposure to abiotic stresses on plants, as a result of which raspberry varieties cannot maximize their productive potential. The purpose of the work is to give a comprehensive assessment of varieties and forms of raspberries of the repair type of fruiting according to economic and biological characteristics and to identify varieties and forms with high productivity and fruit quality. Methods. The objects of research were 9 varieties and 3 forms of raspberries of repair domestic breeding: Gerakl, Rubinovoe Ozherel’e, Zhar-Ptitsa, Oranzhevoe Chudo, Kalashnik, Arisha, Karamel’ka, Malinovaya Gryada, Zevs, 2-73, 1-33, 1-43. In this work, the duration of the fruiting period, the regenerative ability, biological productivity and the main elements of its structure, as well as the biochemical qualities of fruits were evaluated. Results. The greatest number of fruits on the shoot was found in varieties Zhar-Ptitsa (C) (168–175 pcs.), Arisha (160–173 pcs.), Malinovaya Gryada (150–157 pcs.), in forms 1-33 (169 pcs.) and 2-73 (158 pcs.). The variety Gerakl during the three years studied had the highest average fruit weight of 6.5-6.9 g and exceeded the control (Zhar-Ptitsa) by 56.8–58.5%. Our studies show that in the selected varieties and forms of raspberry repair, the percentage of ripe berries varied from 80 to 100 %, the yield was: Gerakl – 17.2–20.1 t/ha, Arisha – 13.2–17.6 t/ha, Malinovaya Gryada – 11.3–17.2 t/ha and 1-33 – 11,6–17,8 t/ha. The maximum sugar content was found in the varieties Karamel’ka (8.1%), Arisha (7.9%), Malinovaya Gryada (7.7%), exceeding the control (Zhar-Ptitsa) by 5.5–12.5%. Scientific novelty. The obtained results on the evaluation of raspberry cultivars are of great practical importance and can be used both in production and in breeding work.

Evaluation of the Effect of Biostimulation on the Yielding of Golden Delicious Apple Trees

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of N Pro and Seactiv Complex technologies based on sea algae extracts on the yield and quality of Golden Delicious apple trees compared to the standard fertilization program. Research conducted in the years 2008–2017 showed that the tree fertilization technology and the year of research had a significant impact on the quality and yield parameters. The abundance of seaweed extracts had a positive effect on the greater number of fruits per tree (pcs.), their weight (t × ha−1; kg tree−1), the percentage of fruits exceeding 7.5 cm in size (%) and the average weight of fruits (g) compared to the control combination. In most of the analyzed study years, total yield exceeded the 90 t × threshold regardless of the fertilization program. The use of technology based on sea algae extracts during 10 years of research had a positive effect on the quality and weight compared to the standard fertilization technology commonly used in cultivation.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield Attributes of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Research was conducted by using effective management application of Flyash, Azospirillum and inorganic fertilizer with objective to enhance the growth and yield of okra crop. The field experiment was carried out at the research farm of soil science and agricultural chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Zaid season 2022. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 9 treatments replicated three times. Data were collected on plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, fruits per plants and yield. Results showed significant differences on all parameters such that the best plant height with the most leaves, high number of branches, greater number of fruits per plant and highest yield was registered in treatment with the combination of Flyash 25 t ha-1, Azospirillum 2 kg ha-1 with RDF 100: 60: 50 kg ha-1 indicating that the synergy by Azospirillum, Flyash and fertilizers improved growth and yield. The results are based on one season experiment, therefore further investigation is recommended to substantiate the findings.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Okra Crop (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Deepika

Research was conducted by using effective management application of FYM and Azospirillum with inorganic fertilizer with objective to enhance the growth and yield of okra crop. It has been concluded from the trial that the different level of FYM with inorganic fertilizers in the experiment gave the highest value. Effective results were obtained with T9 treatment with combination FYM 20 t ha-1, Azospirillum 2 kg ha-1 with RDF 100: 60: 50 kg hhah ha-1. This treatment result shown best plant height with the most leaves, a high number of branches, a greater number of fruits per plant and highest yield in compared with the control treatment T1­ had the lowest results in all categories. T9 was found to be the best for the improvement of growth and yield of okra therefore, farmers of Prayagraj region can adopt this combination to give the highest yield of Okra.

Influence of cultivar and fertilization treatment on the yield and leaf nutrients content of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Fertilisation strategy can have a big impact on apple (Malus domestica Borkh) yield, with considerable environmental and economic implications. This research paper presents the yield and leaf nutrients content of three apple cultivars fertilised with three treatment regimes over 2 years (2020–202) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The specific apple cultivars investigated were: Jonagold Decosta, Red Idared and Gala Schnitzer®Schniga, each fertilised with three treatments: T1 (control‒without fertilization); T2 (300 kg ha−1 NPK (6:18:36) + 150 kg/ha N (calcium ammonium nitrate‒CAN)) and T3 (foliar nutrition‒mixture organic-mineral fertilizer commercially named “FitoFert Kristal” (0.6%) (10:40:10) + “FitoFert Kristal” (0.6%) (20:20:20) + “FoliFetril Ca” (0.5%) (N:Ca)) in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the period of two years (2020–2021). Significant differences of different yield categories (yield per tree, yield per hectare and yield efficiency) were found among cultivar/treatment combinations, cultivars, treatments and years. Yield per tree, yield per hectare and yield efficiency were lowest in cultivar Jonagold DeCosta. Fertilization treatment T1 significantly influenced the lowest yield per tree and yield per hectare with the magnitudes 7.55 kg tree−1 and 27.96 t ha−1, respectively. The highest yield efficiency was found in trees fertilised with treatment T3 with 9.21 55 kg tree−1, 34.11 96 t ha−1 and yield efficiency of 0.25 kg cm−2. Six mineral elements in the apple leaf, such as boron (B), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), potassium (K), and zinc (Zn), were presented in known magnitudes. The cultivar Jonagold DeCosta's leaves had the highest K, B, and Zn contents with 8500.8 mg kg−1 FW (i.e. fresh weight of leaves), 33.8 mg kg−1 FW, and 12.2 mg kg−1 FW, respectively, while cultivar Red Idared's leaves had the highest Ca, Fe, and Mg contents. The fertilisation treatment T3 influenced significantly the highest content of Ca (301.37 mg kg−1 FW), Fe (116.5 mg kg−1 FW), B (41.6 mg kg−1 FW), Mn (22.4 mg kg−1 FW), and Zn (14.9 mg kg−1 FW) in leaves, while the highest content of K was found in leaves from trees fertilised with treatment T2 (8130.5 mg kg−1 FW). The experimental outcomes have proven that the cultivar/treatment combinations, cultivars, treatments, and time duration (in years) are the key factors affecting the potassium, calcium, iron, boron, and manganese contents. It was concluded that the foliar application enables easier mobility of elements, which results in a greater number of fruits and larger fruits, which leads to a higher yield. This study is the first of its kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the findings of this research will pave the way for future research activities involving increasing the number of cultivars and different fertilisation treatments on apple yield and leaf mineral composition.

Effect of seaweed extract on avocado root growth, yield and post-harvest quality in far north Queensland, Australia

Seaweed extracts are proven to increase productivity in many agricultural crops, but there is limited research on their use in avocado production. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of a seaweed extract from Durvillaea potatorum and Ascophyllum nodosum on avocado yield, revenue and post-harvest fruit quality in a series of field experiments in Australia, and on seedling root growth in a pot experiment. The field experiments were conducted on commercial farms across three different locations in northern Queensland over four years and utilised avocado trees with different ages, cultivars (Hass and Shepard) and inoculum pressures from Phytophthora cinnamomi. Results showed that the application of the seaweed extract by fertigation significantly improved avocado yield (kg fruit per tree) by 38%, fruit firmness by 4% (skin) and 22% (flesh) and fruit skin colour by 1° (hue), and an upgraded visual ripeness score. The increases in yield were associated with greater number of fruits per tree (up to 42%) indicating the liquid seaweed extract improved fruit set and retention per tree. Regular soil application of the seaweed extract to young trees (cv. Hass) in pots increased the root fresh weight by 22%. Overall, the regular application of the seaweed extract to avocado trees was found to be practical and economically viable for improving fruit production and post-harvest quality in Australian orchards.

Unonopsis guatterioides: morphological and chemical characteristics of its fruits and seeds, and germination processes under experimental conditions.

The Unonopsis guatterioides (Annonaceae) species provides wood which is used in rural construction projects, has leaves which are used in traditional medicine and its fruit is important in bird diets. This study aimed to evaluate the morphometry of seeds and fruits, their chemical composition, and the germination at different temperatures using seeds subjected to tegumentary dormancy break from fruits collected in a semi-deciduous seasonal forests in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The fruits under ripening showed a higher number of secondary metabolites and higher phenolic compounds. Morphometry results indicated that most seeds have length between 3.5 and 5.6 (81.3%), width between 8.1 and 9.0 mm (85.0%) and average weight of 0.28 g. The results indicate that there is a greater number of fruits with length ranging between 9.0 and 16.5 mm (74.8%), width between 9.0 and 12.0 mm (60.0%) and average weight of 1.33 g. Germination was strongly affected by temperature, reaching 58.0% and 62.0% of germinability at 30 °C and 25-35 °C, respectively, with seeds showing integumentary dormancy, requiring scarification.

Performance of parthenocarpic and non-parthenocarpic grafts of cucumber

Effect of rootstock on yield and quality of cucumber scion was studied at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during February-May, 2021. Parthenocarpic and non-parthenocarpic cucumber scions were grafted onto five different cultivated cucurbit species i.e. pumpkin, bottle gourd, oriental pickling melon, culinary melon and ash gourd. Significant variations were observed for all the traits under this study. The highest vine length (4.37 m) was observed in Heera scion grafted onto Lagenaria siceraria rootstock followed by Heera scion grafted onto Cucurbita moschata rootstock (4.13 m). The diameter of rootstock hypocotyl was higher in case of KPCH-1 grafted onto bottle gourd (1.48 mm) and Heera grafted onto bottle gourd (1.43 mm). KPCH-1 grafted on bottle gourd (29.33 days) and culinary melon (31 days) rootstocks showed early female flower initiation. The greater number of fruits was observed in graft combination of KPCH- 1 and bottle gourd (32) followed by parthenocarpic grafts with pumpkin (30.33) and ash gourd (30.33) rootstocks. A greater fruit weight was observed in graft combination of Heera and bottle gourd (7.51 kg) followed by Heera grafted onto pumpkin (7.38 kg). Results of this experiment suggest that these graft combinations can be employed in sustainable vegetable cultivation.

Agroeconomic Production and Antioxidant Activity of the Hibiscus Cultivated Under Organic Practices and Plant Arrangements

In order to obtain better productivity and a good level of secondary metabolites for cultivating plants with organic residues, it is necessary to define the method of application and the best combination considering plant density. Our objective was to study the influence of the plant arrangement and methods of application of poultry manure in the soil over agroeconomic performance and the antioxidant activity of the hibiscus. Treatments in the field consisted of two plant arrangements (single or double rows, both with 0.50 meters between plants) and four methods of application of poultry manure to the soil [incorporating (10 t ha-1), mulching (10 t ha-1), mulching (5 t ha-1) + incorporating (5 t ha-1) and a control—no poultry manure] and, in the laboratory, antioxidant activity in relation to the treatments in the field and preparation methods (maceration or infusion). Treatments were arranged in randomized blocks of 2 × 4 with four replicates. The greatest production of dried calyx (0.68 t ha-1) and of capsules (1.32 t ha-1), the greatest number of fruits (2.10 million ha-1) and the greatest net income (R$ 36,115.42) resulted of plants cultivated in single rows with the poultry manure covering the crops. The antioxidant activity of the hibiscus calyces showed no variation in relation with field treatments or with the method of preparation. Cultivation in single rows covered with poultry manure is adequate for the hibiscus plant.

SOIL MULCHING AS AN AGRICULTURAL METHOD FOR GROWING ZUCCHINI IN CONDITIONS OF RIGHT BANK FOREST-STEPPE

It has been established that the mulching materials was carried out by influence on the biometric parameters of plants and the production of zucchini yield in the years of research. According to research results, the greatest length of stem in the flowering stage was observed in plants mulching soil with black agro-textile and plastic film, black perforated, varieties Zolotynka – and 63,6 – 61,3 cm, varieties Chaklun and 62,4 – 61,0 cm, where the increase relative to the control was 3,3–5,6 cm. The greatest number of leaves at flowering stage was observed in varieties Zolotynka for soil mulching with black agro-textile – 22,5 PCs/plant, black perforated polyethylene film – 24,0 PCs./plant, which is 4,8 – 6,3 PCs/plant more of the variant without mulch. The variety Chaklun, a significant difference was on the options for soil mulching with black agro-textile – 23,0 PCs/plant and black polyethylene film perforated to 23,5 PCs/plant, 5,4 and 5,9 PCs/plant more control. An important indicator in evaluating biometric parameters of the zucchini is leaf area. The highest it has been for mulching the soil with black agrotextile and plastic film, black perforated, varieties Zolotynka to 6,8 and 7,1 thousand m2/ha, varieties the Sorcerer – 8,2 and 8,5 thousand m2/ha, of 0,7–1,0 and 0,8–1,1 thousand m2/ha more control. Large productivity on average was noted for mulching the soil with black agro-textile and plastic film, black perforated, varieties Zolotynka – of 49,7 and 53,3 t/ha, 7,3 and 10,9 t/ha more control. The variety Chaklun all the studied variants had significantly higher yields, but the highest it has been for mulching the soil with black Agro-textile and plastic film, black perforated – between 90,0 and 97,8 t/ha, respectively, and 20,2 to 28,0 t/ha more in comparison with the control. The greatest number of fruits was noted for mulching the soil with black agro-textile and plastic film black perforated : y grade Zolotynka – 14,7–14,6 PCs/plant, varieties the Chaklun of 26,6–29,8 per PCs/plant. The highest fruit weight was observed in varieties Zolotynka for soil mulching with black agro-textile – 303 g, a polyethylene film, black perforated – 314 g sawdust and – 302 g, which is 15,0–27,0 g more control. The variety Chaklun large mass of the fetus had options for mulching the soil with black agro-textile – 305 g and black perforated polyethylene film – 319 g, which exceeded the control at 14-28 g. The diameter of the fruit greatly from the use of mulching materials did not change, but their use was noted a positive trend. So, for the sorts Zolotynka the diameter of the fruit for soil mulching with different materials grew by 0,1–0,3 cm, for a variety of Chaklun – 0,1-0,2 see. Key words: zucchini, variety, multi-valley material, biometrics, productivity.

Efficient management of the application of paclobutrazol for the production and quality of 'Tommy Atkins' mango

The application of paclobutrazol (PBZ) by irrigation system to induce the flowering of mango may be an economically and environmentally more efficient practice. The objective of this work is to determine the most efficient dose of PBZ to be applied by irrigation system to manage the production and quality of fruits of the mango cultivar ‘Tommy Atkins’ in the middle region of the São Francisco Valley. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five paclobutrazol doses applied by irrigation system (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g a.i.-1, linear canopy) and an additional treatment (control) with the application of a dose using the conventional form (2.0 g a.i.-1 linear canopy applied manually by haul), and four replications. The variables analyzed were number of panicles, panicle length, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, production per plant, economic viability, and qualitative characteristics of fruits. The application of paclobutrazol by irrigation system is more efficient than the conventional application, in which the dose 1.4 g a.i.-1 linear canopy provided a greater number of fruits and a greater production per plant. The highest content of total soluble solids in fruits was obtained at the dose 1.3 g a.i.-1 linear canopy, and acidity decreased as the applied dose of PBZ increased. Regarding the economic analysis, the results show that the application of PBZ by irrigation system increases the revenue by R$ 5,328.00 per hectare in comparison with the conventional application.

Phenology, vegetative growth, and yield performance of fig in Southeastern Brazil

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the phenological patterns, vegetative growth, and yield characteristics of fig (Ficus carica)varieties in Southeastern Brazil. The 'Roxo de Valinhos', White Genova, PI-189, and Troyano varieties were distributed in a randomized complete block design and evaluated in the field. The following characteristics were assessed: number of days between pruning and the beginning of sprouting; leaf chlorophyll content; number of shoots on each branch; length, diameter, and number of internodes on each branch; number of leaves per plant; leaf area; number of fruit per plant; mass, length, and diameter of fruit; production and yield; and duration (days) of each phenological stage, such as thermal requirement models. 'Roxo de Valinhos' and White Genova sprouted the fastest and showed the largest number of shoots. Troyano obtained the greatest branch length and diameter, as well as the greatest number of fruit per plant, which had the shortest diameter and length and the lowest mass of fruit. Furthermore, Troyano showed the latest harvest, besides the thermal requirement of 4,577.31 degree-days. 'Roxo de Valinhos' and White Genova produced fruit with the greatest average mass and diameter and the longest length. Troyano shows better vegetative growth and produces more fruit per plant than 'Roxo de Valinhos', but both genotypes show similar yields.

Changes in root architecture and productivity of melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Hispano Nunhems) promoted by Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum

ABSTRACTIn this work, the effect of inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus iranicum var. tenuihypharum on the root development and yield of melon plants (Cucumis melo L. cv. Hispano de Nunhems), grown in soil under intensive agriculture for four months, was evaluated. The parameters root length, root volume, area, number of root tips, rhizosphere activity, yield, and crop quality were measured. The inoculated melon plants had an increased percentage of colonisation, which reached 75% at the end of experiment. As a consequence, the inoculated plants exhibited greater rhizospheric activity with higher bacterial and fungal population than the control plants. Inoculation produced a greater volume of roots. It was also observed a higher area of roots with a diameter less than 0.2 mm, and a greater number of tips in roots with a diameter less than 0.5 mm. This suggested a proliferation of lateral roots and significant changes on the root architecture. In addition, these plants had greater fruit number and length, yield, and fruit sugar content than untreated plants. Therefore, the mycorrhizal association had a strong positive effect on the architecture and root activity, which stimulated the capacity for nutrient absorption, resulting in a higher yield and fruit quality.

Effect of Pruning to Improve Yield and Fruit Quality of ‘Kinnow’ Mandarin Plants under High Density Plantation

Due to rapid increase in population and limited available resources, world trend is moving towards high density plantation for proper utilization of land and resources. The present experiment was planned to investigate the effects of pruning on plant yield and fruit quality of ‘Kinnow’ mandarin grown under high density plantation. Plants were pruned by three different ways i.e. i) pruning of one side’s branches, (ii) pruning of both sides’ branches and (iii) pruning of top branches. Overall results revealed that all the pruning treatments were effective but the plants pruned from both sides performed better in terms of improved yield (greater number of fruits and higher total fruit yield per plant) and fruit quality (increased fruit size, higher juice weight, lower peel weight, lower juice TA, greater TSS:TA ratio, and higher total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidants). Keeping in view the above results, it is concluded that ‘Kinnow’ plants grown under high density plantation should be pruned from both side of canopy to obtain better yield and fruit quality.

Yield Response of Winter Squash to Irrigation Regime and Planting Density

Consumers are increasingly interested in buying local vegetables in the fall and winter. Winter squash is an important vegetable crop for local and regional fall and winter markets, and consumers are increasingly seeking high-culinary value Cucurbita maxima types such as kabocha and buttercup. Although consumer demand for kabocha and buttercup squash is increasing, Oregon farmers report they are marginally profitable. The goals of this project were 1) to identify productive kabocha and buttercup varieties for western Oregon when grown with or without overhead irrigation and 2) to describe the effects of planting density on yield, fruit weight, number of fruit per hectare, and fruit per plant. Seven varieties of C. maxima winter squash, including kabochas and buttercups, and one interspecific (C. maxima × C. moschata) hybrid ‘Tetsukabuto’ were grown in a split-split plot randomized complete block design experiment with irrigation as the main plot, planting density as the subplot, and variety as the sub-subplot. Four replications of four different planting densities for eight varieties were grown in 2016 and 2017. Irrigated planting densities ranged from 8611–32,292 plants/ha (0.86–3.2 plants/m2) and dryland planting densities ranged from 3827–14,352 plants/ha (0.38–1.4 plants/m2) in 2016 and 5741–21,528 plants/ha (0.57–2.2 plants/m2) in 2017. The seven C. maxima types had statistically comparable yield under both irrigated and dryland production, with an average yield of 33.9 t·ha−1 with irrigation and 19.4 t·ha−1 without irrigation. Dryland yields in 2016 and 2017 were 76% and 37% of irrigated yields, respectively. ‘Tetsukabuto’ had the greatest yield (mean, 51.4 t·ha−1), the greatest number of fruit per hectare (mean, 12,080), and the greatest number of fruit per plant (mean, 1.94) when grown with irrigation, and yielded comparably with other varieties when grown in dryland production. Planting density impacted the fruit weight, number of fruit per hectare, and number of fruit per plant, although it did not impact yield statistically in both irrigated and dryland production. Average fruit weight decreased linearly from 1.89 to 1.30 kg for the irrigated trials, from 2.04 to 1.56 kg in the 2016 dryland trial, and from 1.42 to 0.93 kg in the 2017 dryland trial as planting density increased from 0.86 to 3.2, 0.38 to 1.4, and 0.57 to 2.2 plants/m2, respectively. The number of fruit per hectare increased linearly from 6660 to 10,590 as the number of plants per hectare increased from 8611 to 32,292 plants/ha for the irrigated trials, because even at the lowest planting density, plants did not produce more than two fruit per plant on average across varieties when grown with irrigation. Farmers can manipulate squash fruit size to suit market preferences by changing planting density. The very low 2017 dryland yields were likely a result of unusually high summer temperatures in western Oregon. Increasingly hot summers may render dryland squash production unfeasible in this region.

Producción de semilla de tomate de cáscara en hidroponía

Fruit and seed productive capacity and physiological seed quality of 2 varieties of husk tomato were estimated: Jojutla and CHF1. The study was conducted in hydroponics under greenhouse, in the CUCBA-UDG, Zapopan, Jalisco. Red volcanic rock (/Tezontle) of 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter was used in 19 L polyethylene bags and Steiner's universal nutrient solution of 0.3 to 0.7 atm, depending on the stage of the plant. The production of fruit and seed and the physiological quality of the seed were estimated. The varieties Jojutla and CHF1 showed a similar behavior in the production of fruit and seed, with lower fruit yields than expected (30 ton / ha in the field) because only 3 harvests were made, looking to produce husk tomato in winter when it reaches attractive prices. The weight of the fruit was greater as cuts were made while the seed production improved by cutting, associated with a greater number of fruits, while the weight of the fruit was not related to the seed yield. The physiological quality of the seed was affected by cutting the fruit to commercial maturity even when it was left to mature in the shade.

Analysis of Genetic Parameters of Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) in the Yucatan, Mexico

The variability and genetic parameters of seven agronomic characteristics were estimated for 11 genotypes, and high values of the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) of capsaicin content (CC) were obtained. Heritability (h2) was high for yield per plant (YP; 0.98) and CC (0.93). The principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that the first three components explained 94.02% of the total variation; therefore, genotypes with higher YP values and fruit weight (FW) (AKN-08, ASBC-09) were placed in quadrant I. Those with greater CC and lowest YP and FW (MBI-11, RES-05) were placed in quadrant II. The greatest fruit length (RNJ-04) was placed in quadrant III. Those with the greatest number of fruits per plant (NBA-06, RKI-01, RHC-02, RHN-03, NKA-07, and MSB-12) were placed in quadrant IV. The results showed that the genotypes studied comprise an excellent source of genetic material for Habanero pepper improvement programs.

Tomato Generative Growth from the Seeds Exposed to 0,2 mT of Magnetic Field and Infected by Fusarium sp.

Previous research has shown that magnetic fields can increase the vigor and growth of tomato plants resistant to Fusarium sp. In this study we investigated whether the increase of vigor and tomato growth of plants resistant to Fusarium sp. attack will continue with the resulting increase in generative growth. The research was conducted factorially using a split strip plot design consisting of 0.2 mT magnetic field exposure (M) as the main plot; infection of Fusarium sp. (F) as a sub plot; and seed soaking (S) for 15′ before the magnetic field treatment as strip plots. Each treatment unit was repeated 3 times. The generative growth parameters studied were the number of flowers, the rate of fruiting, the number of fruits, and the total fresh weight of the fruit per plant. The results of the analysis of variance at α = 1 and 5% indicated that the magnetic field exposure (M) treatment and combination of magnetic field exposure and seed soaking treatment (MxS) affected all parameters measured. Treatment of infection of Fusarium sp. (F) only affect the speed of fruit formation. The S treatment and combination of MxF, FxS, and MxFxS did not affect all parameters measured. Exposure to magnetic fields for 7′48″ produced ants with the highest rate of flower formation and the greatest number of fruits. The highest number of flowers and the highest rate of fruiting was obtained from the treatment of magnetic field exposure for 11′42″. Fusarium-infected plant stems from soaked seeds which were grown on sterile soil produced plants with the lowest of fruiting rate (F5). Exposure of magnetic field for 7′48″ to the soaked seed yields the highest number of fruit. The highest number of flower was obtained from the treatment of magnetic field exposure on un-soaked seed while the highest rate of fruiting obtained from the treatment of the soaked beans without exposure to the magnetic field.

Agromorphological characterization of wild and weedy populations of Physalis angulata in Mexico

Some species of Physalis develop fruits that are appreciated as fruit and as culinary ingredients. Only Physalis peruviana and Physalis philadelphica are grown on a larger scale in America. Physalis angulata is grown on a small scale in Jalisco, Mexico. It is a wild species with extensive cultivation potential in tropical areas and a model of wide interest due to its phytochemical, pharmacological, and nutraceutical properties. The objectives of this study were to carry out the agromorphological characterization of wild and weedy populations of P. angulata, to determine if differences exist between both conditions, and to identify populations with outstanding agronomic attributes. Eleven populations were selected that represent the area of Mexico where this species is traditionally cultivated and consumed. A cultivated population was also used for comparison. The characterization was done with 13 descriptors and multivariate methods. A nested PERMANOVA indicated that no significant differences exist between the wild and weedy condition. The classification and ordination analyses confirmed that the condition does not determine the patterns of variation, nor does it explain the formation of the two groups identified. These analyses also demonstrated the variability in the vegetative attributes and fruit in both conditions. In addition, these analyses showed that four populations exhibit similar agronomic characteristics —a greater number of fruits per plant, of larger size (>14 mm) and more weight (>1.5 g), greater precocity (germination 4–7 days), and higher germination percentage (>95%)— to the cultivated populations. The production per hectare estimated for these populations (11–14 and up to 28 t ha−1) is similar to that recorded for other wild tomato species and slightly lower than that of P. philadelphica. Due to their agronomic attributes, these populations can be part of a core collection for a breeding program. The genetic basis of P. angulata is wide and allows the agronomic evaluation and response to nutrition trials of outstanding genotypes, which will favor greater production.