Fruit Growth Research Articles

Change Patterns of Major Functional Components in the Loquat Summer Shoot Leaf during Annual Growth

Loquat leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and food processing as raw materials. To provide a theoretical basis for suitable harvesting periods based on the utilization of distinct components, the change patterns of major functional components in the annual growth of loquat leaves were investigated. In this study, the summer loquat leaves were sampled regularly during their annual growth, and the contents of seven main functional components and 13 monomer components were determined. The results showed that there was a regular change pattern for major functional components during loquat annual growth from Jul 2020 to Jun 2021; however, the change trend was different among different components. Among them, the contents of total flavonoids, total phenols, total triterpenoid acids, vitamin C, asiatic acid, quillaic acid, corosolic acid, and chlorogenic acid presented an overall upward trend. The content of maslinic acid showed a downward trend, whereas the content of neochlorogenic acid did not change much throughout the whole growth period. The content changes in the loquat leaves were affected by the light durations and temperature changes in different seasons, with mutual transit during the flowering and fruit growth processes. Sampling in May to June was found to be a most optimized option when applied in Chinese medicine processing; however, the degree of fibrosis is another indicator when it is used as food raw material. This study revealed the change pattern of major functional components of loquat leaves during the annual growth period and provides a theoretical basis for the reasonable harvesting period of loquat leaves as raw materials for processing different types of products.

Re-harvest application of 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid on pineapple plants

The application of plant regulators such as exogenous auxin may provide effects on the translocation of carbohydrates to plant sinks, which may result in larger parthenocarpic fruits. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of the application of 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid on the growth and quality of pineapple fruits. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design. After floral induction, 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (CPA) was applied directly on the inflorescences at the following doses: 0 mg L-1; 40.0 mg L-1; 80.0 mg L-1; 120.0 mg L-1 and 160.0 mg L-1. Growth evaluations continued until 84 days after application, measuring fruit length (cm) with and without crown, crown length (cm), leaf D dry matter, fruit weight with and without crown (g), calculating if also, the absolute and relative growth rates. The post-harvest and quality characteristics of the fruits were also evaluated, as well as the harvest index. The application of CPA significantly reduces the length and weight of the crown of the fruits, however, the exogenous application of auxin provided an increase in the weight of the fruit. Regarding the post-harvest analysis, the application of CPA reduced the content of soluble solids in the fruit pulp.

Growth and Reproduction Performance of the Earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) Fed with Different Substrates Made of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches: A Case of Vermicompost Production, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

The objective of the present study is to analyze the growth capacity and activity of the worm species Eudrilus eugeniae in different substrates based on palm oil empty fruit bunches as part of the production of vermicompost. To this end, 4 treatments were carried out by adding to palm oil empty fruit bunches other substrates readily available in the environment, notably Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings. 1.5 L plastic boxes were filled with 800 g of soil and 300 g of various precomposted substrates. In each box, 4 earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were seeded. A total of 4 treatments were carried out: T1 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + earthworms), T2 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), T3 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + grass clippings + earthworms) and T4 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + grass clippings + earthworms). For the different vermicomposts based on palm oil empty fruit bunches, growth parameters and Eudrilus eugeniae activity were better in treatments T3 and T4. These same treatments also showed significant variation in substrate quantity after vermicomposting. The combination of palm oil empty fruit bunches and green waste (Chromolaena odorata and grass clippings) would be ideal for the production of vermicompost with good agronomic potential to be applied as an organic amendment to cultivated plants.

Fruit growth and water use of two pear cultivars grown in South Africa: implications for precision irrigation scheduling

In South Africa, as in other semi-arid countries, sustainable production of high-value crops requires precise management of limited water resources. We investigated daily and seasonal changes in stem and fruit growth as indicators of water stress in pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees, in the Western Cape Province. Stem and fruit growth data were collected hourly throughout the 2022–2023 growing season on 2 cultivars commonly planted in South Africa – Packham’s Triumph and Forelle. Soil water content, tree sap flow, and orchard microclimate were also monitored. Fruit maximum daily shrinkage (MDS) was highly sensitive to soil water deficit and more sensitive than stem size changes. However, the patterns of fruit MDS for both cultivars changed as the season progressed. Early in the season (October–December), there was a strong correlation between fruit MDS and soil water deficit (R2 ~ 0.72). The fruit shrunk with increasing soil water deficit as water loss through transpiration exceeded gains through xylem and phloem inflows. In contrast, daytime fruit size swelled from late December until harvest (February/March), likely because of the dominance of phloem inflows and decreased peel transpiration as the fruit matured. Correlation between fruit expansion and soil water deficit was weaker (R2 ~ 0.32) during the later stage even though fruit growth continued until harvest. Stem MDS consistently showed midday shrinkage throughout the season in response to soil water deficit, but with more scatter (R2~ 0.37). Seasonal total transpiration was greater for Forelle (733 mm) than Packham’s Triumph (539 mm) because of the higher leaf area index of the Forelle and the longer growing season. This study suggests that pear fruit growth data can provide accurate estimates of tree water status, but only during the early stages of growth. Towards maturity, fruit size changes respond indirectly to water deficit, possibly through reductions in photosynthesis.

Effect of Foliar Spray of Micro - Nutrients on Fruit Growth and Yield of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit

Aim: To examine the effect of foliar spray of micro - nutrients on fruit growth and yield of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. Lalit. Study Design: The Randomized Block Design (RBD) experimental design was used. Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was carried out during Hasth Bahar flowering seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at Horticulture Research Farm of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University. Methodology: There were nineteen treatments with three replication. The variety selected for experiment was Lalit. Results: The foliar application of Borax 0.2%+Zinc 0.4% was found to be the best treatment in improving the morphological characteristics of guava such as fruit length (8.59 cm), fruit width (8.6cm), fruit volume (169.09 cm), fruit weight (174.99 g), peel weight (17.13g), pulp weight (155.32g),number of seed per fruit (212.49),seed weight per fruit (2.53g), seed weight kg per plant (1.23 kg), pulp and seed ratio (61.29) and specific gravity (1.03 g cc-1) of guava fruit. Conclusion: On the basis of the result obtained in the present investigation, it is concluded the combined foliar application of Borax 0.2%+Zinc 0.4% (T11). Therefore, combined spray Borax 0.2%+Zinc 0.4% (T11) can be advocated to guava growers for maximum growth and yield parameters of guava.

The Impact of Climatic Characteristics on Increasing Soil Salinity in Manathira District Center

The climate plays a crucial role in shaping soil characteristics. High temperatures during summer can lead to increased evaporation of soil moisture, resulting in drier and more fragmented soils. This process often leads to higher salt concentrations, altering the soil's properties. In the study area, the soil is categorized into four types: river shoulder soil, river basin soil, riverine island soil, and desert gypsum soil. These soil types are significantly influenced by environmental factors, both natural and anthropogenic. Soil, being a fundamental component of the environment that supports life, is essential for the survival of humans, plants, and animals. In the Najaf Governorate, the soil is vital for agriculture, supporting the growth of various important crops, including vegetables and fruits. However, the soil's natural and human-induced changes have led to a noticeable deterioration in its quality, rendering much of the land unsuitable for agriculture due to high concentrations of saline elements. The natural factors impacting the soil in the study area include climate, soil properties, and water resources, while human activities have further exacerbated these effects. As a result, the soil, particularly in cultivated and uncultivated basins, has seen a rise in the levels of total dissolved salts, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulfate, and chloride, often exceeding global standards. In contrast, the soils of river shoulders have remained within acceptable limits.

Temperature and Precipitation Synergistically Affect Yield, Harvesting Time and Post-Processing Quality of Tropical Macadamia Nuts

In response to climate change challenges and to ensure stable macadamia nut production, this study analyzed empirical data on macadamia nut yield, climate factors, harvesting time, and post-processing quality from 2020 to 2022. Key findings include: (1) During the flowering to fruit growth stage, 2020 had the highest average temperature, followed by 2021, and then 2022. Conversely, 2022 had the highest precipitation, followed by 2021, and then 2020. (2) Lower temperatures and higher precipitation during the flowering to fruit growth stage contributed to a significant increase in macadamia nut yield, which indirectly extended the harvesting time. In 2022, the average yield of the eight macadamia growers was 8.04 t ha−1, significantly higher than the yields of 6.60 t ha−1 and 6.16 t ha−1 in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Furthermore, the average harvesting time for the eight macadamia growers in 2022 was 8.88 days longer than that in 2021, and 12.50 days longer than that in 2020. (3) Temperature and precipitation had a significant impact on the post-processing quality of macadamia nuts. Lower temperature and higher precipitation during the flowering to fruit growth stage significantly increased the proportion of first-grade fruit, as well as the incidence of mildewed and insect-infested fruits. In conclusion, although a lower temperature and higher precipitation can improve macadamia nut yield, they also lead to delayed harvesting and decreased post-processing quality. Given the observed yield sensitivity to temperature and precipitation, targeted water supplementation strategies during peak heat periods emerge as vital. This approach should be integrated with broader climate resilience planning, including the timing of pest control and disease management, to safeguard macadamia nut production against the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Aux/IAA Gene Family in Strawberry Species

Auxin is the first plant hormone found to play a dominant role in fruit growth, from fruit set to fruit ripening. Strawberry plants represent a suitable model for studying auxin’s biosynthesis, sensing, and signaling machinery. Aux/IAA genes are a classical rapid auxin-responsive family. However, the Aux/IAA gene family in Fragaria genus is poorly understood. In this study, a total of 287 Aux/IAA genes were identified in the eight strawberry genomes. Their physicochemical properties, domain structure, and cis-regulatory elements revealed the functional multiplicity of the strawberry Aux/IAAs. We used a phylogenetic analysis to classify these genes into 12 classes. In addition, based on synteny analysis, gene duplications, and calculation of the Ka/Ks ratio, we found that segmental duplications promote the evolution of Aux/IAAs in Fragaria species, which is followed by purifying selection. Furthermore, the expression pattern and protein–protein interaction network of these genes in Fragaria vesca revealed various tissue-specific expressions and probable regulatory functions. Taken together, these results provide basic genomic information and a functional analysis of these genes, which will serve to expand our understanding of the direction in which the Aux/IAA gene family is evolving in Fragaria species.

Multispecies Trichoderma in Combination with Hydrolyzed Lignin Improve Tomato Growth, Yield, and Nutritional Quality of Fruits

The application of biological pesticides as alternatives to chemical phytosanitary products is a natural and innovative method to improve environmental protection and sustainable agricultural production. In this work, the compatibility between Trichoderma spp. and a commercial lignin extract was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The beneficial effects of lignin in combination with different Trichoderma consortia were evaluated in terms of improved growth and quantitative and qualitative tomato productivity. T. virens GV41 + T. asperellum + T. atroviride + lignin formulation was the most effective in growth promotion and increased root and stem dry weight compared to control (45.4 and 43.9%, respectively). This combination determined a 63% increase in tomato yield compared to the control, resulting in the best-performing treatment compared to each individual constituent. Consistent differences in terms of lycopene, GABA, ornithine, total, essential, and branched-chain amino acids were revealed in fruits from tomato plants treated with Trichoderma–lignin formulations (T. asperellum + T. virens GV41 + lignin) or with the microbial consortia (T. asperellum + T. virens GV41, T. atroviride + T. virens GV41). The developed bioformulations represent a sustainable biological strategy to increase yield and produce nutritional compound-enriched vegetables.

Fruit Distribution Density Estimation in YOLO-Detected Strawberry Images: A Kernel Density and Nearest Neighbor Analysis Approach

Precise information on strawberry fruit distribution is of significant importance for optimizing planting density and formulating harvesting strategies. This study applied a combined analysis of kernel density estimation and nearest neighbor techniques to estimate fruit distribution density from YOLOdetected strawberry images. Initially, an improved yolov8n strawberry object detection model was employed to obtain the coordinates of the fruit centers in the images. The results indicated that the improved model achieved an accuracy of 94.7% with an mAP@0.5~0.95 of 87.3%. The relative error between the predicted and annotated coordinates ranged from 0.002 to 0.02, demonstrating high consistency between the model predictions and the annotated results. Subsequently, based on the strawberry center coordinates, the kernel density estimation algorithm was used to estimate the distribution density in the strawberry images. The results showed that with a bandwidth of 200, the kernel density estimation accurately reflected the actual strawberry density distribution, ensuring that all center points in high-density regions were consistently identified and delineated. Finally, to refine the strawberry distribution information, a comprehensive method based on nearest neighbor analysis was adopted, achieving target area segmentation and regional density estimation in the strawberry images. Experimental results demonstrated that when the distance threshold ϵ was set to 600 pixels, the correct grouping rate exceeded 94%, and the regional density estimation results indicated a significant positive correlation between the number of fruits and regional density. This study provides scientific evidence for optimizing strawberry planting density and formulating harvesting sequences, contributing to improved yield, harvesting efficiency, and reduced fruit damage. In future research, this study will further explore dynamic models that link fruit distribution density, planting density, and fruit growth status.

Object Detection in High-Resolution UAV Aerial Remote Sensing Images of Blueberry Canopy Fruits

Blueberries, as one of the more economically rewarding fruits in the fruit industry, play a significant role in fruit detection during their growing season, which is crucial for orchard farmers’ later harvesting and yield prediction. Due to the small size and dense growth of blueberry fruits, manual detection is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. We found that there are few studies utilizing drones for blueberry fruit detection. By employing UAV remote sensing technology and deep learning techniques for detection, substantial human, material, and financial resources can be saved. Therefore, this study collected and constructed a UAV remote sensing target detection dataset for blueberry canopy fruits in a real blueberry orchard environment, which can be used for research on remote sensing target detection of blueberries. To improve the detection accuracy of blueberry fruits, we proposed the PAC3 module, which incorporates location information encoding during the feature extraction process, allowing it to focus on the location information of the targets and thereby reducing the chances of missing blueberry fruits. We adopted a fast convolutional structure instead of the traditional convolutional structure, reducing the model’s parameter count and computational complexity. We proposed the PF-YOLO model and conducted experimental comparisons with several excellent models, achieving improvements in mAP of 5.5%, 6.8%, 2.5%, 2.1%, 5.7%, 2.9%, 1.5%, and 3.4% compared to Yolov5s, Yolov5l, Yolov5s-p6, Yolov5l-p6, Tph-Yolov5, Yolov8n, Yolov8s, and Yolov9c, respectively. We also introduced a non-maximal suppression algorithm, Cluster-NMF, which accelerates inference speed through matrix parallel computation and merges multiple high-quality target detection frames to generate an optimal detection frame, enhancing the efficiency of blueberry canopy fruit detection without compromising inference speed.

Effect of the concentration and ionic form of nitrogen (N) on photosynthesis, growth and fruit production of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.)

The aim of this work was to evaluate the main effects and the interactions of nitrogen (N) concentration and ammonium (NH4+): nitrate (NO3-) proportion in the nutrient solution, on net photosynthesis, plant growth, production and quality of fruits on blueberry (Vaccinium corimbosum L.) plants. The studied factors were N concentration (0.6 and 6.0 mM) and NH4+: NO3- proportion (100 % NH4+, 50 % NH4+ - 50 % NO3- and 100 % NO3-). 243 days after the experiment establishment net photosynthesis (PN) was measured and a day after, leaf area (LA), shoots fresh weight (SFW) and roots fresh weight (RFW) were determined. Fruit yield (FY), fruit diameter (FD) and Brix degrees (oBrix) were evaluated in four harvests along fruit production period. The results showed higher values on PN, LA, SFW, FY and FD in plants that received 6.0 mM N as NH4+; nevertheless, N concentration altered the NH4+: NO3- proportion effects and at 0.6 mM N only FY and FD maintained such a pattern. It is concluded that N concentration modifies the effect of NH4+: NO3- proportion and it is proposed that the effects of both factors on photosynthesis, growth and fruit production of blueberry were mediated by their interaction with plant carbohydrates availability.

Genetic and molecular regulation of fruit development in cucumber.

Fruit development can be generally classified into a set of biologically sequential stages including fruit initiation, growth, and ripening. Cucumber, a globally important vegetable crop, displays two important features during fruit development: parthenocarpy at fruit initiation and prematurity at harvest for consumption. Therefore, fruit growth plays essential role for cucumber yield and quality formation, and has become the research hot spot in cucumber fruit development. Here, we describe recent advances in molecular mechanisms underlying fruit growth in cucumber, include key players and regulatory networks controlling fruit length variation, fruit neck elongation, and locule development. We also provide insights into future directions for scientific research and breeding strategies in cucumber.

Effects of Different Weeding Methods on Soil Physicochemical Properties, Root Morphology, and Fruit Economic Traits in Camellia oleifera Abel. Plantations

Soil physicochemical properties, root characteristics, and fruit economic traits were determined in Camellia oleifera plantations under spontaneous vegetation + mowing (W1), spontaneous vegetation + glyphosate (W2), and no weeding (CK) treatments. Compared with CK, W1 reduced soil bulk density and increased total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and effective potassium content. W2 treatment resulted in higher bulk density than W1 and lower water-holding capacity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and available potassium of the soil. Generally, both W1 and W2 inhibited weed morphological traits while favoring the C. oleifera root system, with the W1 treatment resulting in the greatest increase. Fruit transverse diameter, longitudinal diameter, yield, and oil yield were higher in W1 than in CK and W2 treatments. Weed root systems and C. oleifera root systems ultimately affect oil production and yield by affecting bulk density, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, fruit transverse diameter, seed yield, and seed kernel oil content. In summary, W1 treatment improved the physicochemical properties, root growth, fruit growth, and soil quality in C. oleifera plantations.

Image analysis and model development for eggplant fruit growth in a greenhouse

Image analysis and model development for eggplant fruit growth in a greenhouse

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN BERBAGAI JENIS PUPUK ORGANIK TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN VEGETATIF TANAMAN BUAH NAGA (Hylocerios costaricensis)

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of various types of organic fertilizer on the vegetative growth of dragon fruit. The research used an experiment using the Completely Randomized Design method with four treatments A1 = Goat Manure, A2 = Cow Manure, A3 = Guano Fertilizer, A4 = Chicken Manure with four replications. The results of the research showed that the application of various kinds of organic fertilizer had a very significant effect on plant height and a significant effect on the number of branches of dragon fruit plants. Providing organic fertilizer, namely guano fertilizer and chicken manure, can provide higher plant height and a greater number of branches. It is thought that the high content of macro nutrients N, P and K can increase the vegetative growth of dragon fruit plants

Microclimate monitoring in commercial tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) greenhouse production and its effect on plant growth, yield and fruit quality

IntroductionHigh annual tomato yields are achieved using high-tech greenhouse production systems. Large greenhouses typically rely only on one central weather station per compartment to steer their internal climate, ignoring possible microclimate conditions within the greenhouse itself.MethodsIn this study, we analysed spatial variation in temperature and vapour pressure deficit in a commercial tomato greenhouse setting for three consecutive years. Multiple sensors were placed within the crop canopy, which revealed microclimate gradients.Results and discussionDifferent microclimates were present throughout the year, with seasonal (spring – summer – autumn) and diurnal (day – night) variations in temperature (up to 3 °C, daily average) and vapour pressure deficit (up to 0.6 kPa, daily average). The microclimate effects influenced in part the variation in plant and fruit growth rate and fruit yield – maximum recorded difference between two locations with different microclimates was 0.4 cm d-1 for stem growth rate, 0.6 g d-1 for fruit growth rate, 80 g for truss mass at harvest. The local microclimate effect on plant growth was always larger than the bulk climate variation measured by a central sensor, as commonly done in commercial greenhouses. Quality attributes of harvested tomato fruit did not show a significant difference between different microclimate conditions. In conclusion, we showed that even small, naturally occurring, differences in local environment conditions within a greenhouse may influence the rate of plant and fruit growth. These findings could encourage the sector to deploy larger sensor networks for optimal greenhouse climate control. A sensor grid covering the whole area of the greenhouse is a necessity for climate control strategies to mitigate suboptimal conditions.

A logistic model for precise tomato fruit-growth prediction based on diameter-time evolution

Monitoring tomato fruit growth in large greenhouse environments is crucial for estimating harvest volume and maximising labour efficiency. Mathematical modelling is commonly used to characterise crop and fruit growth and to understand crop responses to environmental influences. This study presents a logistic approach for estimating tomato fruit maturity based on fruit diameter. A set of logistic models were evaluated, and their precision and ability to forecast tomato fruit growth were analysed. Non-linear least square regression was used to fit each model to individual tomato fruits from a sample of over 600 fruits of two species (small and large fruit-bearing tomatoes) grown within one year. The focus was on fruit diameter and the necessary measurement precision for fruit maturity estimation. Low-dispersion variables were identified within our logistic model functions, and fruit species-specific model parameters were determined. Furthermore, we reduced the number of regression variables by identifying parameters of low variance. This allowed for high prediction precision (>80%) at the early fruit maturity stages (<30%). The fruit diameter data were collected manually using a caliper. Our results establish an upper limit for the measurement precision of automated fruit size estimation approaches utilising photogrammetry, with an optical range of 98% for 3 mm and 90% for 5 mm precision.

Sink Strength Dynamics Based on Potential Growth and Carbohydrate Accumulation in Strawberry Fruit

Fruit size and sugar content are key determinants of fruit quality, influenced by environmental factors and agronomic practices and sink strength provided by the genetic potential. Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) produces fruits arranged in inflorescences, whose growth is affected by carbon competition between them. The competitive ability is termed as sink strength, which can be quantified as the potential growth rate under sufficient resource supply and/or no carbon competition among sinks, referred to as non-limiting conditions. Most previous studies did not observe potential growth, thereby failing to adequately evaluate sink strength and to assess the influence of environmental factors and agronomic practices on fruit growth. This study aimed to investigate the potential growth of strawberry fruits and analyze its sink strength dynamics. Non-limiting conditions were established by removing flowers to one fruit per inflorescence in a greenhouse experiment with plants grown in soil and given water and nutrients through drip irrigation. Fruits were harvested every 5 days from 5 to 55 days after anthesis (DAA), measuring the size, weight, and concentrations of major soluble carbohydrates in strawberry (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and starch. Sink strength was represented by absolute growth rate based on fruit weight, and its components, sink size and sink activity, were represented by weight and relative growth rate, respectively. Fruit volume and weight showed a gradual linear increase at 5 DAA and then rapidly increased, following a single sigmoid curve between 30 and 55 DAA. Fruits primarily accumulated glucose and fructose during early growth, shifting to sucrose after 35 DAA. Starch concentration peaked at 5 DAA and then exponentially decreased. Sink strength exhibited a single peak between 40 DAA and 45 DAA. Sink strength gradually increased with sink size until 30 DAA, whereas sink activity significantly decreased until 30 DAA. Thereafter, sink strength and sink activity exhibited a peak, whereas sink size continued to increase. These results suggest that the major determinant of sink strength was sink size during early fruit growth, shifting to sink activity during late growth.

Studies on the effect of fruit growth enhancing substance and bunch covering on fruit growth, yield and sun burn percentage of banana cv. Karpura Chakkera Keli

Studies on the effect of fruit growth enhancing substance and bunch covering on fruit growth, yield and sun burn percentage of banana cv. Karpura Chakkera Keli