Harvest Date Research Articles

Cold Storage Effects on Ethylene Emission, Co₂ Accumulation, and TSS Variation in Golden Delicious Apples at 3°C

The study investigates the ethylene production and respiratory metabolism of Golden Delicious apples stored at 3°C for 13 weeks. Apples were all picked at a maturity stage corresponding to the commercial harvest date and stored at 3°C with a relative humidity of 85±5 %. The results showed that TSS increased at the beginning of the storage while the ethylene release increased slowly under the 3⁰C cold storage. The results of this study show that after 7 weeks of storage, the ethylene release rate peaked at 35.5 μL∙kg-1∙h-1, followed by 14.9 μL∙kg-1∙h-1 after 11 weeks. Then it progressively reduced and remained at a low level. Fruit respiration rate decreased during cold storage at 3⁰C and gradually rose after storage. The goal is to develop strategies to extend the shelf life of apples while reducing post-harvest food waste. By reducing food waste, we reduce the ecological footprint of apple cultivation.

Examination of Red Clover Optimum Harvesting Status in Seed Production With Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Red clover is the second most valuable and intensively produced leguminous fodder crop in Hungary. Optimum harvesting should start when 75-80 per cent of seed-heads are brown and 90 per cent or more of the seeds are past the hard-dough stage of maturity. Harvesting must be done before an appreciable amount of seed-head deterioration begins. On fall plantings the first-year crop normally matures during the months of August and September. Seed from second-year stands, if not cut back, will mature somewhat earlier. The harvesting of red clover is divided into two distinct operations: (1) the curing or preparation and (2) the hulling and separation of the seed. The curing is by windrowing or contact desiccant spraying. It is the timing of each step that can make all the difference between a good yield and a mediocre one. The agronomists decide those actions with personal on-site inspections of the heads. Their decisions rely on random point sampling. A trend has developed with the recent interest in the harvesting time estimation of red clover in seed production to meet the demands of sustainable and precise agriculture. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are one of the current state-of-the-art tools when it comes to supporting farm-scale phenotyping trials. In this examination, we explored the red clover seed heads classification using deep learning on a UAS RGB aerial image. We assessed different ripening status of the flower heads with a single-shot detector (SSD) deep learning model. It is proposed that drone data collection was suggested to be optimum in this study, closer to the harvest date, but not later than the ageing stage. With SSD model we can calculate the number of heads on the vegetation surface but to differentiate them (e.g., purple-, light-brown-, dark-brown flower heads) with high confidence, we need more examinations, spectral bands or fine adjustments of the model with additional data.

Biomass production of hairy vetch and Egyptian clover as affected by sowing dates under warm and hot semi-arid conditions

Abstract In Southern Africa, feed gaps towards the end of the cool–dry season are a challenge that needs addressing by the timely growth of suitable forage species. Therefore, we assessed the adaptation of the species vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) with one cultivar of each. A fully irrigated experiment consisting of a factorial combination of species, sowing dates (early, late) and sites (warm and hot environments) was conducted across two separate cool–dry seasons. Data were collected at successive harvest dates (hd1, hd2 and hd3) i.e. about 50, 70 and 90 days after sowing, respectively. The accumulated aboveground biomass was affected by the effect of site × sowing date irrespective of harvest date. At hd3, aboveground biomass was further affected by the effect of site × species. Site-specific sensitivity to temperature, photoperiod and soil type influenced the vegetative development of the selected species. Early sowing compared to late sowing achieved about 60% higher biomass accumulation. The species effect was major with higher vetch biomass than clover (2943 v. 961 DM kg/ha), and (1459 v. 1066 DM kg/ha) at the warm and hot sites, respectively. Moreover, clover showed a lower DM response to irrigated water (4.7 against 13.5 kg DM/ha/mm) as compared to vetch. Thus, vetch was the better-adapted crop providing adequate biomass across harvest dates and under different environments. Adoption of these species to alleviate feed gaps is possible when irrigated; however, implementation of the genetic variability of cultivars should also be assessed.

Assessment of Harvest Losses in Mejhoul Date Variety in Northwest Mexico

Objective: To assess date losses during harvest and identify the factors causing them. Design/methodology/approach: A complete randomized block design with ten repetitions was used; the different farms where data on the evaluated variables were taken were the treatments. In each treatment, 10 plants were selected from which data on average fruit weight, polar and equatorial fruit diameter, fruit weight, number of clusters per plant, and yield in tons per hectare were taken. Results: For yield in tons per hectare of good fruits during the date harvest in the 2023 cycle, an average of 11 t ha-1, 14 t ha-1, 8 t ha-1, and 15 t ha-1 was found for the plantations of El Pólvora, El Pino, Las Palmas and Cucapah respectively. In losses during the harvest, Cucapah Farm presented the highest losses with an average of 1.2 t ha-1, while El Pino was the one that presented the lowest losses with an average of 0.7 t ha-1. Fruits with a percentage greater than 10% of peeled skin are also considered losses during the harvest, because they cannot be marketed for fresh consumption. Limitations on study/implications: Data were collected only from the harvest; exact dates of irrigation and fertilizer application are not available as the study was conducted with cooperating producers. This factor is crucial for the quality and yield of date palm cultivars. Findings/conclusions: The age of the plant represents a significant difference in the yield per hectare due to the number of clusters it has; the more clusters it has, the higher the yield. The relative humidity directly affects the quality of the dates, and there are a more significant number of bulging fruits (with peeled skin). In this evaluation, we found that the rains during August and September 2023 significantly affected the losses during the date harvest in that season.

Seed Germination and Composition of Double and Triple Endosperm Mutants of Tropical Sweet Corn under Different Harvest and Storage Conditions

The development of inbred sweet corn lines that combine multiple endosperm mutants is an important aspect of breeding for eating quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different endosperm mutants, harvest times, and storage durations on traits related to seed quality and kernel carbohydrates. Sweet corn genotypes with specific gene combinations were carefully selected using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker-assisted selection. Sixteen corn genotypes underwent germination assays through two tests: the standard between-paper test (BP test) and sand test (S test). The genotypes in each group were further refined based on germination and then evaluated for kernel carbohydrate dynamics during milk stages and postharvest storage. Each corn genotype exhibited distinct kernel carbohydrate dynamics during postharvest at each storage period. Out of 16 genotypes, four genotypes (K99, K30, 101L, and C13) were tolerant to degradation with slow rates [<0.27 mg·g−1 fresh weight (FW) per hour] for sucrose and total sugar. Three corn genotypes K118 (bt2bt2sese), K116 (bt2bt2sh2sh2sese), and K127 (bt2bt2sh2sh2sese) exhibited the highest germination percentage and germination speed in both tests. The optimal harvest date to achieve maximum sucrose, total sugar, and phytoglycogen was 22 days after pollination in the dry season of tropical savanna. When corn kernels have an increased shelf life, the amount of sucrose decreases, but the accumulation of fructose, glucose, and phytoglycogen increases. Two genotypes, K108 (bt2bt2sese) and K30 (bt2bt2sh2sh2sese), were identified as interesting alternatives for testers in sweet corn breeding programs. Genotype K108 showed moderate seed quality, tenderness, and high creaminess, and genotype K30 had low seed quality and tenderness, but high sweetness. This information is important for enhancing the efficiency of producing synergistic and augmented sweet corn F1 hybrids.

The Effect of Harvest Time and Plantation Age on the Yield, Chemical Composition, and Calorific Value of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) Intended for Energy Purposes

Based on our own research conducted on a purpose-built plantation, the production capacity of reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) was assessed depending on the age of the plantation and the date of the biomass harvest. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the harvest date and plantation age on the yield, chemical composition, and calorific value of reed canary grass intended for energy purposes. The biomass on the plantation was cut twice during the growing season (summer/winter). The obtained biomass was analyzed for its ash content and selected elements, i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, and chlorine. The total moisture, calorific value in working condition, and combustion heat were also assessed. The two-cut harvest system allowed us to obtain 3.85 t∙ha−1 of biomass from reed canary grass in the first year of cultivation. The highest biomass yields were obtained in the third and sixth years of cultivation and amounted to 8.50 and 8.75 t∙ha−1, respectively. Regardless of the age of the plantation, the biomass yield harvested in the summer period was always higher than the yield obtained from the winter harvest. The contents of some elements in the biomass also depended on the age of the plantation and the harvest date. The biomass of reed canary grass obtained from the summer harvest of the annual plantation was characterized by a high content of nitrogen (1.97% d.m.), potassium (2.35% d.m.), and phosphorus (0.31% d.m.) compared to the content of these elements in the biomass obtained from the three- and six-year plantations. In the case of sodium, the highest content (0.072% d.m.) was found in the biomass obtained from the summer harvest of the three-year plantation, and the lowest was obtained from the winter harvest of the six-year plantation (0.037% d.m.). The average sulfur content was the highest in the biomass obtained from the annual plantation, regardless of the harvest date (0.20% d.m.—summer harvest and 0.21% d.m.—winter harvest). On the other hand, the lowest amount of sulfur was contained in the biomass obtained from the winter harvest of the six-year plantation (0.12% d.m.). Only the magnesium content (from 0.09% d.m. to 0.14% d.m.) in the biomass remained at a similar level, regardless of the age of the plantation or the harvest date. The calcium content was the highest in the biomass obtained from the winter harvest of the annual plantation (0.35% d.m.), and the lowest was obtained from the six-year-old plantation, also from the winter harvest. In addition, the moisture and ash content of the obtained biomass depended on the age of the plantation and the harvest date. The highest moisture content (12.50%) was characteristic of the biomass harvested in the summer period from the one-year plantation. On the other hand, the lowest moisture content was found for the biomass harvested in the winter period from the six-year plantation. The highest ash content was obtained from biomass harvested in the summer period from the one-year plantation (75 g∙kg−1 d.m.) and the three-year plantation (69 g∙kg−1 d.m.). The lowest ash content was obtained from the winter harvest from the six-year plantation (45 g∙kg−1 d.m.). The highest calorific value of 16.0–16.2 MJ∙kg−1 d.m. was obtained for biomass harvested in the sixth year of the study (irrespective of the harvest date). The value of the combustion heat was also dependent on the age of the plantation and the date of the biomass harvest. The highest value for the combustion heat of 17.5 MJ∙kg−1 d.m. was obtained for biomass harvested in the winter period from the six-year plantation

Research on infrared spectral characteristics and rapid detection technology of industrial hemp

Objective: The aim of this study was to research the infrared spectroscopic features of various industrial hemp samples, establish a rapid infrared detection method for industrial hemp based on cannabidiol (CBD) content, and utilize infrared spectroscopy to differentiate industrial hemp flowers and leaves from different varieties and origins. Methods: Appropriate preprocessing was conducted on the industrial hemp samples based on their inherent characteristics. The samples were then scanned using the FTIR spectrometer, with careful subtraction of the background spectrum. A semi-quantitative rapid detection method for flowers and leaves using infrared spectroscopy was developed through partial least squares discriminant analysis. Data processing software was used to conduct principal component analysis and cluster analysis on the transmittance values of infrared characteristic absorption peaks, aiding in the identification and differentiation of samples from different varieties, origins, and harvest dates. Results: A semi-quantitative rapid detection method for industrial hemp flowers and leaves based on CBD content was successfully developed. Principal component analysis was able to clearly distinguish industrial hemp of different varieties and origins, effectively clustering samples of the same variety. This underscores the significant impact of mid-infrared spectroscopy in the identification and analysis of industrial hemp, providing an innovative approach to quickly identifying different hemp varieties.

Combined physiological, biochemical, and multi-omic analyses provide insight into the cause of differential browning in early and late harvested fresh-cut yams

Tissue browning reduces the cosmetic quality of fresh-cut yams and poses a marketing problem. The degree of browning of fresh-cut yams varies depending on when they are harvested. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted in yams harvested in September (DHPS) and October (DHPO) to determine the mechanisms responsible for the browning of fresh-cut yams. Results showed that the browning index, total phenol and lignin content, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), 4-coumarate: CoA Ligase(4CL), and cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase(C4H) activity in fresh-cut DHPO yams were lower than they were in fresh-cut DHPS yams. Flavonoids and catalase (CAT) activity remained consistently higher during storage in DHPO yams than in DHPS yams. The browning of fresh-cut DHPO yams was mitigated by the regulation of the expression of genes and the abundance of metabolites associated with phenolic metabolism, phytohormones, and signal transduction, as well as sucrose and starch metabolism. The level of browning enzyme activity in DHPO yams was significantly lower than it was in DHPS yams. Our study provides a basis for the selection of optimum harvest date for yams that will undergo fresh-cut processing.

Mixing oak and eucalyptus sawdusts improves shiitake (Lentinula edodes) yield and nutritional value.

The study aimed to explore suitable substrates comprising locally available hardwood sawdusts for the cultivation of Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) in Lebanon. Sawdusts of oak (OS), maple (MAP), and eucalyptus (EUC) were used alone or in combination, supplemented equally by wheat bran (WB). Results showed that complete mycelia run, fruiting, and harvest dates were the minimum in OS-WB: 800-200 by 72.2, 75.5, and 79.5 days after spawning (DAS) respectively, and the maximum in EUC-MAP-WB: 400-400-200 (by 88.3, 87.5, and 92.0 DAS, respectively). The substrate EUC-OS-WB: 400-400-200 had the highest biological efficiency (74.1%) compared to all treatments. Mushroom numbers ranged between 13.0 and 29.5 at harvest 1 (H1) and between 9.5 and 26.5 at harvest 2 (H2), showing a significant decrease in H2 in comparison to H1 in all treatments. Mushroom weight ranged between 8.8 and 25.9 at H1 and between 5.9 and 14.6 at H2. Furthermore, stepwise correlation showed that total biological yield (TBY) was positively affected by the biological yield at first harvest (BYH1) in OS-WB: 800-200 (R2 = 0.943), and at BYH2 in EUC-WB:800-200 (R2 = 0.944) and MAP-WB: 800-200 (R2 = 0.998), and it was negatively affected by BYH1 and stipe diameter in MAP-OS-WB: 400-400-200 (R2 = 0.946). Also, there was an improvement in mushroom protein, crude fibers, and vitamin C contents, and a decrease in carbohydrate contents on most substrates compared to control. Mushrooms obtained in EUC-OS-WB:400-400-200 recorded the highest protein and crude fiber contents (15.1 and 5.4%). Therefore, the mixture containing oak and eucalyptus sawdust has a good potential to improve shiitake yield and nutritional value compared to oak sawdust and could be an appropriate alternate for producing shiitake mushrooms.

Revolutionizing Palm Dates Harvesting with Multirotor Flying Vehicles

This study addresses the challenges of traditional date palm harvesting, which is often labor-intensive and hazardous, by introducing an innovative solution utilizing multirotor flying vehicles (MRFVs). Unlike conventional methods such as hydraulic lifts and ground-based robotic manipulators, the proposed system integrates a quadrotor equipped with a winch and a suspended robotic arm with a precision saw. Controlled remotely via a mobile application, the quadrotor navigates to targeted branches on the date palm tree, where the robotic arm, guided by live video feedback from integrated cameras, accurately severs the branches. Extensive testing in a controlled environment demonstrates the system’s potential to significantly improve harvesting efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This approach offers a promising alternative to traditional harvesting methods, providing a scalable solution for date palm cultivation, particularly in regions with large-scale plantations. This work marks a significant advancement in the field of agricultural automation, offering a safer, more efficient method for harvesting date palms and contributing to the growing body of knowledge in automated farming technologies.

Influence of fertilisation type and harvest date on lignin content and structural carbohydrates in meadow plants

The nutritional value of green forage is a result of various pratotechnical practices, including fertilisation and harvest timing. Additionally, individual plant species present in natural grasslands may respond differently to those practices. The study aimed to investigate the effect of fertilisation type (farm yard manure (FYM) and NPK fertilisation) and the timing of the first regrowth harvest of meadow sward (ten harvest dates) on the lignin and structural carbohydrates of three dicotyledonous meadow plants: Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg., Achillea millefolium L. and Lotus corniculatus L. Plant material was harvested from 28 Apr until 26 Jun at 7-day intervals and analysed for cellulose (CL), hemicellulose (HCL), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and ADL were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with a NIRFlex N-500 device. Cellulose was calculated as the difference between ADF and ADL, while HCL was calculated by subtracting ADF from NDF. T. officinale had the lowest HCL (average 65.5 g∙kg−1 DM) and ADL content (47.1 g∙kg−1 DM) while A. millefolium had the highest CL content (266.5 g∙kg−1 DM) and ADL (52.3 g∙kg−1 DM). In contrast, L. corniculatus accumulated the highest HCL (104.5 g∙kg−1 DM) and the lowest CL content (246.1 g∙kg−1 DM). An increase in all studied parameters content was observed with later harvest dates. On average, plants fertilised with FYM contained lower amounts of structural carbohydrates and ADL compared to those fertilised with NPK.

Exploration of Strawberry Fruit Quality During Harvest Season Under a Semi-Forcing Culture with Plants Nursed Without Chilling.

Strawberry, a profitable crop, adapts well to diverse environments. This study evaluated the stability of fruit quality in different strawberry varieties produced as green plants without chilling during the harvest season in northern Uruguay. The focus was on understanding the impact of harvest date versus agricultural practices (different orchards and growers) on key fruit quality variables such as color, firmness, sugars, and acidity. Results indicated that the INIA Yrupé variety showed greater stability in external coloration and sugar content across harvest dates, suggesting that standardizing fruit coloration is viable under challenging conditions. INIA Guapa consistently met minimum requirements for soluble solids and ratio, with stable acidity and red coloration. Firmness was positively correlated with ratio (r = 0.81) and negatively impacted by rainfall 2-3 days before harvest. The findings suggest that harvest date has a more significant impact on INIA Yrupé fruit quality than growing conditions or practices, with variability observed in firmness and ratio but minimal variation in fruit coloration. These insights highlight the importance of harvest timing for maintaining stable fruit quality traits, which is crucial for breeding programs and ensuring consistent sensory quality and crop profitability.

An improved framework for mapping and assessment of dynamics in cropping pattern and crop calendar from NDVI time series across a heterogeneous agro-climatic region.

The absence of spatial and temporal cropping information in semi-arid regions poses a significant challenge in assessing the dynamics of agricultural systems at river basin scales. Satellite remote sensing provides qualitative and quantitative information to derive vegetation dynamics over extensive areas of inherent complexities due to limitations in the availability of field data and the diverse nature of agricultural cropping practices. Utilizing phenological information derived from MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series data from 2003-2004 to 2021-2022, this study derives major crop types, and cropping calendar (sowing, maturity, and harvest dates) for each season and year at 250-m resolution. This study introduces an integrated function-fitting model based on the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and a Lagrangian 3-point derivative-based approach to extract phenological events from the NDVI time series automatically. The derived phenological information is used in a hybrid crop classification algorithm that combines a rule-based decision tree approach (using the phenological events/dates) and a random forest classifier (using the phenological metrics) to generate the classified crop map at a river basin scale for multiple seasons and years. The implemented approach successfully captured sowing and harvesting dates for every crop growing season over 19years, with an RMSE of 9days, as observed with the available field survey data from 2015 to 2021. The classification results from this hybrid approach demonstrate an overall 82% accuracy. The proposed method shows a substantial improvement in cropping area estimation with a 60% reduction in MAE and RMSE compared to the existing algorithm. From the long time series of derived seasonal crop data (19-year analysis period), the influence of monsoonal activities and shifts on the spatial and temporal dynamics of sowing time and cropping patterns are assessed for a large river basin, demonstrating the utility of this continuous crop calendar. Further, an extensive analysis of results highlights farmers' adaptive strategies in response to dry and wet years, providing foundational insights for future studies on assessing the impacts of climate change. Hence, the hybrid framework adopted in this study for deriving a continuous crop calendar holds immense relevance for parameterizing and utilizing such information for developing river basin scale hydrologic and crop growth models for water resources planning and assessment.

Estimation of consumptive water use for Watermelon in Auchi, Nigeria

This study aims to estimate the consumptive water use (CWU) for watermelon production in Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria. The research was conducted over a period of eight months (March–October) and used data collected from the watermelon field at the Demonstration and Research Farm of Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi. The result of the experiment revealed the estimation of CWU and watermelon water requirements (CWR) of 175.9 mm and 195 mm for the 62-day (August to October) vegetation stage of watermelon, with a CROPWAT projected harvest on November 20, 2022. The finding also revealed that the mean annual consumptive water use for watermelon production was 520.7 mm. The mean seasonal water use for watermelon production was higher in the dry season (March to June, 488.7mm) than in the wet season (July to October, 390.6mm). However, based on this harvest date, the model predicted irrigation requirements of 23.1 mm and 59.4 mm in October and November. Additionally, this study offers proof that management strategies for water use efficiency and irrigation scheduling can dramatically lower water losses and boost efficiency. The findings of this study can be applied to the Auchi region’s water management decision-making procedures as well as to help watermelon farmers reduce their water consumption levels while maintaining output.

Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy: A Tool for Determining the Harvesting Time of Olive Fruit

The harvesting time of olive (Olea europaea L.) fruit, which significantly affects the characteristics of virgin olive oil, is mainly determined empirically based on the fruit’s skin color. Developing objective methods such as electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for assessing ripeness is essential. This study aimed to explore the potential of EIS as a rapid and objective technique for detecting the harvesting time of olives. Olive fruits from two varieties, ‘Picholine’ and ‘Buža momjanska’, were harvested in two periods and sorted into four color groups. EIS was applied to each color group to establish a relationship between fruit color and electrochemical properties. The distance of the coordinate at the top of the circular arc of the Cole–Cole plot from the origin (LTO) indicated tissue degradation. The LTO values varied depending on the olive variety, fruit color, and harvest date. The LTO values decreased from green to black fruits in both varieties, indicating textural changes in the olive fruit tissue. This study contributes to the knowledge and understanding of the electrical properties of olive fruit tissue during ripening. EIS shows potential as an innovative tool for determining the harvesting time of olives and for ‘in-field’ olive ripeness assessment.

Design and evaluation of an active vineyard heating system to simulate temperature increase in the context of climate change

The current study introduces an innovative direct and active heating system designed for precise temperature control in vineyards. This system serves as a valuable tool for investigating the influence of climate change on grapevine physiology and, consequently, the characteristics of the resulting wine. The research took place in an experimental vineyard located in Mendoza, Argentina, with V. vinifera cvs. trained to a vertical shoot positioning trellis system over two consecutive growing seasons. The system design utilized electric hot water tanks and polypropylene pipes attached to the foliage catch wires. Over two growing seasons, the system consistently elevated the ambient air temperatures within the canopy by 2.5 ± 0.12 °C compared to the control group. This temperature increase emulated the temperature projections for Mendoza as forecasted by the IPCC by the end of this century. The system displayed heating uniformity, as evidenced by the absence of both vertical and horizontal temperature gradients. Additionally, the significant variation in mean daytime and night-time temperatures between the control and heated treatments highlighted the effectiveness of the system in modifying temperature conditions on a diurnal basis. The heated treatment applied with this system proved to have an effective biological impact on the physiology of grapevines. In both seasons, plants under the heated treatment advanced their bud break and harvest dates. The study showed a significant growth enhancement in the heated treatment, with apical shoots extending significantly longer than those in the control treatment. Additionally, the total soluble solids content increased in the heating treatment, while yield decreased, for both experimental seasons. These results illustrate the robust performance of the system throughout the entire growth period, regardless of fluctuations in atmospheric conditions. This study establishes a new foundation for future research on grapevine responses to climate change. It also opens the door to the implementation of effective adaptation strategies in vineyards, promising a more resilient and adaptable future for grape cultivation.

Phenological Monitoring of Irrigated Sugarcane Using Google Earth Engine, Time Series, and TIMESAT in the Brazilian Semi-arid

Monitoring sugarcane phenology is essential since the globalized market requires reliable information on the quantity of raw materials for the industrial production of sugar and alcohol. In this context, the general objective of this study was to evaluate the phenological seasonality of the sugarcane varieties SP 79-1011 and VAP 90-212 observed from the NDVI time series over 19 years (2001–2020) from global databases. In addition, this research had the following specific objectives: (i) to estimate phenological parameters (Start of Season (SOS), End of Season (EOS), Length of Season (LOS), and Peak of Season (POS)) using TIMESAT software in version 3.3 applied to the NDVI time series over 19 years; (ii) to characterize the land use and land cover obtained from the MapBiomas project; (iii) to analyze rainfall variability; and (iv) to validate the sugarcane harvest date (SP 79-1011). This study was carried out in sugarcane growing areas in Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil. The results showed that the NDVI time series did not follow the rainfall in the region. The sugarcane areas advanced over the savanna formation (Caatinga), reducing them to remnants along the irrigation channels. The comparison of the observed harvest dates of the SP 79-1011 variety to the values estimated with the TIMESAT software showed an excellent fit of 0.99. The mean absolute error in estimating the sugarcane harvest date was approximately ten days, with a performance index of 0.99 and a correlation coefficient of 0.99, significant at a 5% confidence level. The TIMESAT software was able to estimate the phenological parameters of sugarcane using MODIS sensor images processed on the Google Earth Engine platform during the evaluated period (2001 to 2020).

Less hay collected at more dates: toward successful restoration of subtropical grasslands by hay transfer

Hay transfer is a promising method to restore temperate and subtropical grasslands, but its efficiency may depend on the harvesting timing and amount of hay used. We evaluated effects of harvest date (mid‐spring/November, early summer/December, and mid‐summer/February) and hay quantity (500 and 1000 g/m2) on vegetation cover, species richness, and species composition in an experimental study in subtropical southern Brazil for a period of 2 years. We transfer undried hay from a well‐conserved reference area onto a former grassland site degraded by pine plantations. Hay harvested during mid‐spring and early summer led to higher soil cover and species richness compared to the mid‐summer hay treatment in the first year of the experiment. A drought spell decreased vegetation cover in the second year following the hay transfer, with the mid‐spring hay treatment being the least affected. C3 grasses were more effectively introduced by mid‐spring and early summer hay, in contrast to C4 grasses that were better introduced by mid‐summer hay. Lower quantities of hay tended to lead to higher cover and species richness for all harvest dates. Freshly cut undried hay can be an effective way to reintroduce native species in degraded subtropical grasslands. We conclude that timing of hay collection and the amount of hay used influence vegetation cover and species composition at the restoration site and that multiple harvest dates increase restoration success. The drought in the second year of the experiment illustrates the need to consider the possibility of adverse climatic conditions in restoration planning.

Determination of the Effects of Aminoethoxyvinilglycine (AVG) and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) Applications on Pre-Harvest Fruit Drop Amount and Fruit Quality in Hakko Pear Cultivar

This study was conducted to determine the effects of pre-harvest Aminoethoxyvinylgylcine (AVG) and Gibberellic acid (GA3) applications on the pre-harvest fruit drop amount and fruit quality in the 'Hakko' pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) cultivar grafted on BA29 rootstock in a private orchard in the Bala district of Ankara in 2021-2022. It was conducted in an orchard belonging to a producer. 50-100-150 mg/l AVG and 25-50-75 mg/l GA3 were applied 4 weeks before the estimated harvest date. Fruits are harvested at full maturity date; Pomological properties such as cumulative drop percentage, yield, fruit weight, fruit width and length, fruit stem width and length, fruit flesh firmness, fruit color, and chemical properties such as soluble solids content (SSC), pH and titratable acidity (TA) were evaluated. It was observed that all doses of AVG and GA3 during the harvest period reduced the cumulative casting rate compared to the control application (6.78%). In general, the yield per tree was found to be high in GA3 applications. In both AVG and GA3 applications, its effects on fruit weight, fruit width and length, fruit flesh firmness, SSC and pH were found to be statistically significant. It was observed that in both AVG and GA3 applications, the amount of fruit drop pre-harvest decreased and fruit quality characteristics were better than the control.

Changes in redox status in raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruit during ripening

The knowledge of the mechanisms affecting the process of berry fruit ripening is important, not only to correctly determine the appropriate date of harvest, at which the fruit is most palatable and characterized by adequate shelf-life stability, but also, to develop new strategies of regulating the ripening process before harvesting. It is recognized that berry fruit quality and its post-harvest shelf-life depend on the cellular redox homeostasis. We, therefore, decided to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the level of oxidative stress status in the raspberry fruit proper at different stages of fruit ripening, from green to overripe fruit. We assessed both the level of typical oxidative stress markers, i.e. ROS production, expression of antioxidant enzymes, degree of cell damage, as well as the expression of selected proteins involved in the energy, glutathione, and polyphenols metabolism. We found two stage-related peaks of ROS production. The first - in green fruit, which corresponded to the maximum expression of antioxidant enzymes (MnSOD, CAT), PARP-1, as well as proteins related to glutathione biosynthesis (GS, γ-GC), autophagy (ATG-8) and ubiquitination (UBQ-11). The second one, in the overripe fruit, was responsible for the intensification of oxidative modifications of cell components, i.e. lipids, proteins, and DNA, as well as the loss of low molecular-weight antioxidants. The fruit ripening process, in turn, was manifested by a strong increase in the expression of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of polyphenols (PAL, CHS), cellular respiration (ACO-1, Cyt-C-ox, ATPase), ethylene biosynthesis and signaling (SAMs, EIN-2) and increasing amounts of ABA.