Higher Percentage Of Fruit Set Research Articles

Studies in the seed ecology and seedling Phenology of Andrographis paniculata (Brum. f.) Wall. ex Ness in West Bengal, India

Andrographis paniculata (Brum. f.) Wall. ex Nees is an important medicinal plant of tropical Asia and has been used widely for a long time for different clinical ailments. Despite profuse flowering and a high percentage of fruit set,the number of seedlings in the natural population is the bare minimum. Knowledge regarding the seed ecology and seedling phenology of A. paniculata, is needed to formulate conservation strategies for the species. Therefore, a detailed study on seed ecology and seedling phenology has been conducted. During seed ecological studies,seed production, seed-set percentage, seed-ovule ratio, mechanism of seed dispersal, seed structure along with germination status, viability, dormancy and its breaking, and percentage of moisture content loss have been studied. Seeds exhibit some kind of dormancy [germination percentage (GP) = 28.51 ± 0.98, mean germination time (MGT) = 33.07± 0.89 days, and germination index (GI) = 0.73 ± 0.08] which can be effectively overcome through acid scarification using H2SO4 and hot water treatment. The species shows epigealphanerocotylar germination. The hypocotyls exhibit rapid growth, and cotyledons emerged at 7.52±0.27 TARA (Time After Radicle Appearance in days). Seedling is characterised by a thickened, hairy hypocotyl, a distinct collet, a pair of paracotyledons, and three pairs of eophylls in opposite decussate phyllotaxy. The studies on seed ecology and seedling phenology play a significant role in understanding how the shortening of the inception period enhances the germination status, and distinct seedling morphology provides the opportunity to formulate conservation strategies in their wild habitat.

Optimized Protocol for in vitro Pollen Germination in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Background: Understanding floral and pollen biology is essential for efficient artificial hybridization in hybrid seed production. This knowledge helps ensure proper fertilization of the ovary and optimal fruit and seed set. Selecting suitable pollen parents and preserving pollen for future use allows for better control and optimization of hybridization practices in brinjal breeding programs. To achieve this, a robust protocol for pollen collection and viability testing is necessary to monitor pollen quality in the field and during storage. This information is crucial for maintaining desired characteristics and genetic traits in the resulting hybrid seeds. Methods: This study; aimed at optimizing the pollen germination assessment protocol for brinjal. The step wise modification standard medium composition was done, the optimal growth condition was tested and in vivo predictions were made. So, the study aimed to standardization of media for in vitro pollen germination evaluate and viability in brinjal in ambient as well as cold storage conditions. The pollen germination was tested in vitro as well in vivo, by incubating the pollen grains for 3 hours at 25°C in different concentrations of sucrose, boron and agar media and distilled water at interval of 12 hours. Result: The most favorable germination of fresh pollen was achieved with a treatment consisting of 1% Agar, 12% Sucrose and 300 ppm Boron. Comparing the two storage conditions, pollen stored in the refrigerator exhibited higher in vitro germination percentages compared to ambient storage conditions. The highest in vitro pollen germination and viability percentages were observed in fresh pollen collected within 12 hours (95.00%). As the duration of pollen storage increased in both storage conditions, the in vitro pollen germination decreased. This decline in in vitro pollen germination was reflected in the in vivo fertilization fruit set percentage. The highest fruit set percentage was observed when pollen was stored in the refrigerator (64.52%) and when female flowers were pollinated with pollen stored for less than 12 hours (84.66%).

Effect of pre-flowering sprays of micronutrients on flowering, fruit set, fruit drop and yield of mango cv. Amrapali ​

Being the national fruit of India, mango possess a significant position in its history, tradition culture and economy. This delicious and nutritious fruit contains considerable amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in abundance. The plant flowers in panicle at the end of winter and fruit drop is a common problem which is manifested due to several causes and micronutrient deficiency is one of major cause. The present study was conducted at the instructional farm of Institute of Agriculture, Visva Bharati, Sriniketan which comes under humid sub-tropical region of West Bengal, India during the year 2020 and 2021 to study the effect of pre-flowering sprays of zinc and boron on panicle emergence and panicle growth of mango cv. Amrapali. The experiment comprised of 9 treatment combinations of pre flowering sprays of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4, 7H2O) and borax (Na2B4O7, 10H2O) replicated 3 times as T1: Control (distilled water), T2: ZnSO4 @ 0.5%, T3: ZnSO4 @ 1.0%, T4: Borax @ 0.5%, T5: Borax @ 1.0%, T6: ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + Borax @ 0.5%, T7: ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + Borax @1.0%, T8: ZnSO4 @ 1.0% + Borax @ 0.5% and T9: ZnSO4 @ 1.0% + Borax @ 1.0%in Randomized Block Design (RBD). Highest number of total flowers and hermaphrodite flowers per panicle were recorded under ZnSO4 @ 1.0% + Borax @ 1.0% spray (T9). Apart from these, higher percentage of fruit set and lower fruit drop in all the stages have also been observed ZnSO4 @ 1.0% with Borax @ 1.0% treatment (T9). Same treatment also exhibited maximum yield in both the years. Thus, foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 1.0% and Borax @ 1.0% can be used at pre-flowering stage in mango (cv. Amrapali) for good flowering, high fruit set and less fruit drop.

Influence of Gibberellic Acid and Mulch Materials on Yield and Biochemical Attributes of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Festival

One of the most important factors in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cv. Festival production for achieving higher yields is the availability of strawberries with better quality. The experiment was carried out during the period from November 2020 to March 2021 to find out the responses of gibberellic acid (GA3) and mulch materials on biochemical and quality attributes related to strawberry yield characteristics. The experiment consisted of two treatments including different mulch materials: black polythene, white polythene, sawdust, and control (no mulch); and GA3 (0 and 200 mg/L) were studied. Various quality parameters, namely total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar, phenolic, and anthocyanin content of the strawberries were determined. The results observed in the GA3-treated plants showed more significant results than the plants not treated with GA3. Among the mulch materials, sawdust performed better than the other mulch materials in terms of yield, biochemical, and quality attributes. The highest fruit set percentage (89) and fruit yield (18.70 t/ha) were obtained from the GA3 and sawdust mulch treatments. GA3 and sawdust mulch performed best in terms of quality parameters including TSS, pH, ascorbic acid, total sugar, phenolic, and anthocyanin content. Accordingly, sawdust and GA3 are more responsive to strawberry plant quality parameters. These findings provide practical insights for sustainable strawberry cultivation practices, contributing to increased fruit availability and improved nutritional value for consumers.

Fruit Set dan Daya Simpan Buah Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum frutescens L.) Akibat Pemberian Paklobutrazol dan Pupuk Organik Cair Buah Pisang

Increasing the productivity of cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) can be done through the use of growth regulators, namely paclobutrazol and liquid organic fertilizer. Treatment of paclobutrazol concentrations and doses of liquid organic fertilizer derived from banana fruit waste is expected to increase the fruit set and storability of the resulting cayenne pepper. The purpose of this study was to determine the best concentration of paclobutrazol and POC banana fruit to increase the fruit set of cayenne pepper, and to determine the best concentration of paclobutrazol to produce cayenne pepper with a more resistant shelf life. The research method used was using a Split Plot Design with the main plot being the dosage of liquid organic fertilizer for bananas, which consisted of NPK 40 g/plant (control), 300 ml/plant POC banana, 400 ml/plant and 500 ml/plant POC bananas. While the concentration of paclobutrazol as a sub-plot, which consisted of 0 ppm/without paclobutrazol (control), 100, 150 and 200 ppm. The results showed that there was a significant interaction between the combination treatment concentrations of paclobutrazol and the dosage of liquid organic fertilizer for bananas in the observed parameter of fruit set percentage. A higher percentage of fruit set was obtained from the combination treatment of 150 ppm paclobutrazol concentration with a dose of 300 ml/plant of banana liquid organic fertilizer. The concentration of paclobutrazol had a significant effect on the storability of cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper that more resistant to storage were obtained from treatment with a concentration of 150 ppm paclobutrazol.

Increasing off-season snake fruit (Salacca zalacca) yield by preventing fruit set failure with different exogenous auxin spray

Snake fruit blooms every three months, but only one to two of the flowering seasons result in fruit production. Failure of fruit set causes the fruit harvest seasonally. Therefore, the aim of this research was to increase off-season production by preventing the failure of fruit set with various exogenous auxin spray. The research was conducted in the snake fruit orchard at Bebandem Sub-District, Karangasem Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia, from February to November 2019. The experiment was designed as a nested factorial with a randomized block design. The treatment consisted of three types of auxin with a specific concentration for each, IAA at 0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm, IBA at 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm, and NAA at 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The IAA, IBA, and NAA were sprayed on the flowers and leaves 3 times in March, April, and May. The results showed the highest percentage of fruit set, fruit weight per tree, and weight per fruit obtained with IAA treatment were 59.80 %, 2,612.91 g, and 91.06 g, respectively. These results were not statistically different to those of the IBA and NAA. Furthermore, the IAA concentration of 25, 50, and 75 ppm produced a significantly higher percentage of fruit set compared with the control. The increased fruit set in the IAA, IBA and NAA treatments resulted in better yield than the control. The novelty of this result is that spraying snake fruit with IAA, IBA and NAA can prevent the failure of the fruit set. Therefore, IAA, IBA, and NAA are recommended to be applied to increase off-season fruit production of snake fruit.

Effect of pollination time, the hour of daytime, pollen storage temperature and duration on pollen viability, germinability, and fruit set of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv "Deglet Nour"

Success artificial pollination with viable pollen is crucial process in the production chain of date palms. This study evaluated the impact of pollen storage temperature and duration, pollination time following spathe cracking, and the hour of daytime on pollen viability, germinability, fruit set and yield of 'Deglet Nour' date palm cultivar. In in vitro tests, fresh pollen showed the maximum viability (96.3%) and germination (85%) but it decreased thereafter upon the storage temperature (28, 4 and −30 °C) and duration (3, 6, 9 and 12 months). In this respect, pollen stored at −30 °C retained highest viability and germinability followed by those stored at 4 and then at 28 °C. In filed experiments, fruit set was 85, 75, 65, and 45% with pollination using fresh pollen, or pollen stored at −30, 4 and 28 °C, respectively. Fruit set was 95%, 75%, and less than 50%, for pollination performed on the same day of spathe cracking, 6 and 12 days later, respectively. The highest fruit set percentage and yield/bunch were obtained with pollination performed between 12.0 pm and 15.0 pm in contrast to 8.0–11.0 am or 16.0–17.0.

Induction of flowering and improvement of fruit yield and quality in pomegranate (Punica granatum) cv. Bhagwa by various plant growth regulators

The effect of different plant growth regulators on flowering, fruiting, yield, and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa was studied in a field trial at ICAR - Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, during two seasons, namely ambe bahar (January–February) 2016 and hastha bahar (September–October) 2016-17. Nitrobenzene (NB) 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ml plant-1, Cycocel (CCC) 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm plant-1, Uracil 25 and 50 ppm plant-1, CCC 1000 ppm + Uracil 25 ppm plant-1, CCC 1500 ppm + Uracil 50 ppm plant-1, and Control were among the eleven treatments studied. The application of uracil 50 ppm plant-1 resulted in a higher number of hermaphrodite flowers plant-1 (264.7), number of fruits plant-1 (154.0), and fruit yield (27.1 kg/plant). Fruit weight (197.6 g), fruit length (6.64 cm), total aril weight (113.63 g), 100 aril weight (27.18 g), fruit juice weight (101.94 g), TSS content (19.96 OB), fruit anthocyanin content (6.46 mg 100 g) and low titrable acidity (0.41 percent) were recorded when CCC 1000 ppm + Uracil 25 ppm plant-1 was applied. During ambe bahar, the highest fruit width (6.90 cm) and volume (162.7 ml) were observed with CCC 1000 ppm and 1500 ppm plant-1, respectively. During hastha bahar, CCC 1500 ppm plant-1 resulted in a higher number of hermaphrodite flowers (287.8), the highest percentage of fruit set (86.10), the highest number of fruits plant-1 (156.66), the highest fruit yield (54.53 kg plant-1), the highest fruit weight (348.32 g), the longest fruit length (8.53 cm), and the largest fruit volume (8.53 cm) (33.93 ml), total aril weight (224.01 g), 100 aril weight (35.09 g), fruit juice weight (119.40 g) and TSS content (16.00 OB). A foliar spray of nitrobenzene 1.5 ml plant-1 compounded the high fruit anthocyanin content (6.47 mg 100g-1). As a result of the research, it can be concluded that CCC 1000 ppm + Uracil 25 ppm plant-1and CCC 1500 ppm plant-1were the most effective treatments for improving floral characters, fruiting, yield, and quality in pomegranate cv. Bhagwa during both seasons.

Pollination and hybridisation systems in genus Ribes L. (Grossulariaceae)

Currants are important berry crops cultivated for medicinal purposes. Most currant cultivars are crossings between Ribes nigrum varieties, while many Ribes species are not used in hybridisation. Recent research on Ribes crossbreeding is scarce. Hybridisation of wild species can improve reproductive success and the taste of fruit. However, hybrids of certain currant species cannot produce fully formed berries. Crossbreeding of currant species was performed in Northwest Russia (Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden). The research included both introduced (R. sachalinense, R. sanguineum, R. rubrum, R. hispidulum, R. mandschuricum, R. spicatum, R. latifolium) and native species (R. aureum, R. alpinum, R. nigrum). The research aimed to identify the hybridisation system, pollination mechanisms and hybrids with the highest percentage of fruit and seed set. Pollen fertility and viability were assessed. Pollen is fertile (acetocarmin staining: 80.3% for R. alpinum and 96.0% for R. mandschuricum); germination is active on nutrient medium and in situ, especially in R. sachalinense, R. aureum and R. spicatum (54.2–41.8%). Pollen germination can be irregular. Flowers were castrated before pollination. Optimal hybrids with a high percentage of fruit set were identified: R. alpinum x R. mandschuricum, R. alpinum x R. aureum, R. sachalinense x R. sanguineum, R. rubrum, R. hispidulum.

Relationship of severity pruning and weather variables on quality fruit production of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L. cv. Sanaur-2)

Pruning had a vital role on the quality of fruit production in ber fruit crop under lower Shiwaliks of Punjab. The severity of pruning intensity significantly influenced the tree vegetative growth parameters and flowering behaviour of ber cv. Sanaur-2 viz. number of emerged shoots per branch, shoot length and girth of primary shoot. A significant higher percentage of fruit set, fruit retention, higher percentage of ‘A’ grade fruits and other fruit quality parameters viz., fruit weight, TSS, acidity, vitamin C, total sugars was recorded significantly higher in pruning treatment by removal 50 per cent vegetative growth over other treatments. Powdery mildew incidence steadily increased from standard meteorological weeks (SMW) 36 - 39 to 40 - 43 and then decreased under different pruning treatments. The severity of pruning reduces the incidence of powdery mildew. The meteorological knowledge on various weather variables at 3 - 4 weeks to actual incidence also can be effectively used to check the spread and severity of the disease.

Pod set and Pollen Viability Studies in Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata sub sp. sesquipedalis)

A study was conducted in a yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata sup/ssp. sesquipedalis) hybrid VS 50 (Kakkamoola Local) x VS 26 (Vellayani Jyothika) to assess the percentage fruit set at two time intervals and to identify the best time interval for pollination in yard long bean hybrids. Hand pollination was done using VS 50 as female parent and VS 26 as male parent for seven consecutive days at two time intervals, 6.30 – 7.30 am and 7.30 – 8.30 am. Higher percentage of fruit set (36.8 %) was observed between 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. as compared to the time interval 7:30 – 8:30 am. (23.8%). Pollen viability was determined for the parents VS 50 (Kakkamoola Local) and VS 26 (Vellayani Jyothika) at 6.30, 7.30 and 8.30 am. Highest pollen viability for both the parents VS 50 and VS 26 was observed during 7.30 am. The present study shows that the best time interval for crossing in yard long bean is 6.30- 7.30 a.m.

Pod set and Pollen Viability Studies in Yard Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata sub sp. sesquipedalis)

A study was conducted in a yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata sup/ssp. sesquipedalis) hybrid VS 50 (Kakkamoola Local) x VS 26 (Vellayani Jyothika) to assess the percentage fruit set at two time intervals and to identify the best time interval for pollination in yard long bean hybrids. Hand pollination was done using VS 50 as female parent and VS 26 as male parent for seven consecutive days at two time intervals, 6.30 – 7.30 am and 7.30 – 8.30 am. Higher percentage of fruit set (36.8 %) was observed between 6:30 – 7:30 a.m. as compared to the time interval 7:30 – 8:30 am. (23.8%). Pollen viability was determined for the parents VS 50 (Kakkamoola Local) and VS 26 (Vellayani Jyothika) at 6.30, 7.30 and 8.30 am. Highest pollen viability for both the parents VS 50 and VS 26 was observed during 7.30 am. The present study shows that the best time interval for crossing in yard long bean is 6.30- 7.30 a.m.

Analysis the effects of pollen grain sources on the fruits set and their characteristics of ‘Clementine’ mandarin using microscopic and molecular approaches

‘Clementine’ is one of the most important cultivars of mandarin that always has problems with fertilization and fruit set because of its self-incompatibility. Therefore, for the commercial fruit production, suitable and compatible pollen is required. To determine the best pollen source, ‘Clementine’ flowers were subjected to the different pollen grains including sweet lemon, Lisbon lemon, grapefruit, sour orange, as well as self-pollination and open pollination. Compatibility and incompatibility tests were carried out using controlled pollination method and microscopic study of pollen tube growth. Molecular markers were used to study the genetic relationships of the species and assess the role of genetic similarity on the fruits set and their attributes. The results of the microscopic study indicated that ‘Clementine’ mandarin is a self-incompatible cultivar but it is compatible with all the cultivars used in the experiment. Clementine fruit characteristics significantly influenced by pollen grain sources. The results of controlled pollination showed that the highest percentage of fruit set was obtained from flowers pollinated with sweet lemon pollen (73.75%) followed by Lisbon lemon pollen (69.25%) while the lowest fruit set was obtained from the self-pollinated flowers (11.75%). The highest and the lowest hale seeds were obtained from the flowers pollinated by Lisbon lemon pollen (12.22%) and self-pollinated ones (no viable seed), respectively. High correlation was observed between some of the studied characters that would be useful for selection purposes in the breeding programs. Results of microscopic evaluation of pollen grain tubes revealed that among the studied pollen grains, sour orange pollens were the most successful for penetration to the basal portion of style and into ovary of ‘Clementine’ mandarin. Assessment of genetic relationship among different Citrus species revealed that sour orange was the most similar species with ‘Clementine’ mandarin. High positive correlation was observed between genetic similarities of pollen sources at DNA level with the pollen grain sprouting and penetration to the different parts of style and ovary as well as seed formation percentages. Based on the studied fruit characteristics, grapefruit and Lisbon lemon pollens are suggested as the suitable pollinators for improving the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of ‘Clementine’ mandarin fruit.

Increased percentage of fruit set of F1 hybrid of Capsicum chinense during high-temperature period

Low percentage of fruit set in fruit vegetables cultivated in greenhouses, such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), eggplant (S. melongena), and capsicum (Capsicum), in high-temperature seasons has been reported as one of the biggest problems in commercial vegetable production. In this study, C. chinense ‘Sy-2’ and ‘No. 3686’ were cultivated in greenhouses for a year. Remarkably low percentages of fruit set (3.2% and 0%, respectively) were obtained in the high-temperature season (40 °C/25 °C: day/night). However, the percentage of fruit set was recovered with the decrease in temperature in autumn and winter (30 °C/20 °C). On the other hand, in F1 (‘Sy-2’ × ‘No. 3686’), the percentage of fruit set was 40.8% even in the high-temperature season. On in vitro pollen germination test, the pollen of F1 was found to have a higher germination rate than that of ‘Sy-2’ or ‘No. 3686’ during the high-temperature season. After ‘Sy-2’ was cross-pollinated with ‘Sy-2’ and ‘No. 3686’ pollen, percentages of fruit set were 23.3% and 0%, respectively. It is noteworthy that the cross-pollination of ‘Sy-2’ with F1 pollen resulted in a considerably higher percentage of fruit set (73.3%). When F1 was self-pollinated, the percentage of fruit set (56.7%) was higher than that after when cross-pollinated with ‘Sy-2’ or ‘No. 3686’ pollen. Interestingly, no fruit set was obtained when ‘No. 3686’ was cross-pollinated with ‘Sy-2’, ‘No. 3686’, or F1 pollen. The results for ‘No. 3686’ indicated that not only does the male factor affect pollen germination ability but also unknown female factors are involved in reducing the percentage of fruit set of C. chinense under the high-temperature season. A significant increase in the percentage of fruit set in the high-temperature season was also observed in the reciprocal cross of F1, ‘No. 3686’ × ‘Sy-2’. Furthermore, 10 plants of (‘No. 3686’ × ‘Sy-2’) × ‘Sy-2’ and 31 plants of ‘Sy-2’ × (‘No. 3686’ × ‘Sy-2’) were cultivated in a greenhouse, but no difference was found in the percentage of fruit set between these two combinations. Therefore, our findings suggest that cytoplasmic factor(s) does not influence the percentage of fruit set.

The effect of polyamines and SICS on the compatibility, fertility and yield indices of apple cv. Golden Delicious

The most critical problems of temperate fruit trees are poor fruit set and low yield. To solve the problem, some major chemical compounds such as polyamines and SICS (self-incompatibility control substance, Mn+B) can be used. Popular polyamines including Putrescine (0.1 and 0.25 mM), both Spermine and Spermidine (0.05 and 0.25 mM), and SICS (1 and 2 mg L-1) were used alone or with cotton coverage bags to cover branches in order to investigate self-incompatibility in Malus domestica. Results showed that Spermidine (0.25 mM) led to higher yields in comparison with that of the control. SICS (2 mg L-1), also, demonstrated the highest yield compared with that of the control. At June fruit set, treatment with Spermidine (0.25 mM) led to the highest percentage of fruit set and also the highest index of self-incompatibility and percentage of final fruit set among treatments.

Effect of androecious genotypes as pollinizers on ‘Soshu’ persimmon fruit quality

Several androecious germplasms bearing only staminate flowers were collected from Dabie Mountains located in central China. The effect of those genotypes as pollen sources on leading commercial cultivar fruit setting and quality has not been elucidated yet. The fruit characteristics of Japanese PCNA cultivar 'Soshu' were assessed after pollination with 'Male 1', 'Male 3', 'Male 8' and 'Zenjimaru'. The blossom period of 'Male 8' and two other androecious genotypes lasted respectively for 2 weeks and 10 days longer than 'Zenjimaru', overlapping the leading cultivar blooming. Pollen germination on 'Soshu' stigma was analysed through in vivo and in vitro microscope observation. The highest percentage of fruit set and average fruit weight were obtained by pollinating with 'Male 8'. The average seed number per fruit varied from 2 to 4. Fruit juice and skin color were also affected by the pollen donors. In addition, differences in flesh firmness, tannin content, Vc content, soluble solids content, titratable acid contented depended on treatments. SPSS and PCA analysis of the pollen donors revealed that 'Male 8' with stable androecy improved the fruit characteristics. The fruit yield and internal quality of 'Soshu' × 'Male 8' exceeded the results obtained from other pollen donors and open-pollination, although fruit quality could also be enhanced with other pollen sources. Thus, 'Male 8' must be considered as an important potential genetic resource as pollen donor for persimmon orchard production.

Interspecific Hybridization between Cucurbita Maxima Duch. and Cucurbita Moschata Duch. for High Efficient Development of Cucurbit Rootstocks

Interspecific hybrids between Cucurbita maxima and C. moschata have been commonly used as a rootstock for watermelon, melon, and cucumber, as well as to develop new Cucurbit types and widen the genetic variation. In this study, 218 interspecific hybridizations were performed between C. moschata (Alseiny) and ten lines of C. maxima. C. moschata (Alseiny) was successfully crossed with all ten lines of C. maxima resulted 20 interspecific hybrid combinations (including reciprocal) and fruit set, hybrid normal seed and seed germination was obtained. Fruit set and hybrid seed was generally higher in interspecific hybrid combinations when C. moschata (Alseiny) used as maternal parent, with the exception of hybridizations involved C. maxima MAX5 and MAX7. The highest fruit set percentage with normal seeds was obtained in interspecific hybrid MAX5 X Alseiny (86.6%), followed by Alseiny X MAX14 (83.3%). In addition, interspecific hybrid combinations Alseiny X MAX20, MAX2 X Alseiny, MAX5 X Alseiny gave the higher hybrid seed number and weight per fruit. Overall, interspecific hybrid MAX5 X Alseiny was the most promising combination for fruit setting and hybrid seed yield. Success in production of interspecific hybrid seeds and germination could be promising for cucurbit rootstock production in Egypt.

Effect of pollenizers on production and fruit characteristics of date palm(Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivar Medjool in Mexico

Pollen from four date palm cultivars (Medjool, Zahidi, Khadrawy, and Deglet Noor) was selected to study the effect of pollenizers on Medjool female production and fruit characteristics. The study was conducted during the 2016 season in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. Three bunches of each of the four selected female palms were pollinized by each source of pollen. Results were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA test. Set percentage and fruit characteristics showed a significant effect depending on the selected pollenizer. Bunches pollinized with the Zahidi cultivar had the highest fruit set percentage at 50.30%, while bunches pollinized with the Khadrawy cultivar had the lowest set percentage at 13.25%. However, bunches pollinized with Khadrawy had the highest total weight (25.73 g), the highest weight of pulp (23.98 g), and the highest length (5.33 cm). The lowest weight of fruit (21.73 g), lowest pulp (20.39 g), and lowest fruit length (4.97 cm) was obtained from bunches pollinized with the Zahidi cultivar. The highest total yield was obtained with Zahidi pollen at 64.55 kg, while the lowest total yield, 41.79 kg, was obtained with Deglet Noor pollen. Total soluble solids, bunch weight, and seed diameter did not show significant variation. The best pollenizers for the Medjool cultivar in terms of fruit set and quality characteristics are the Zahidi and Khadrawy varieties. This study allowed for the identification of fruit characteristics according to the pollenizer used. These results can be used to strategically reach high yields in Medjool date cultivar.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF SOME SEMI-DRY ARABIAN DATE PALM CULTIVARS GROWN IN MOUNOFIA GOVERNORATE

This study was carried out through 2014 and 2015 to study the performance of four Arabian semi-dry date cultivars produced through tissue culture namely: Zahdi, Sakai, Medjool, and Khalas” grown in El-Khatatba region, Mounofia governorate, Egypt in comparison with the commercial semi-dry Sewy (as a local cultivar). The study involved the flowed assessed parameters, dates of the first and last spathe emergence and bursting, fruit set and fruit retention %, date of harvest, number of bunches/palm and average yield per palm, as well as physical and chemical properties of fruits. Emergence and bursting of spathe of Medjool and Khalasoccurred early, followed by “Sewy and “Zahdi while Sakaicv. came last. Harvesting of all tested cultivars was done on the first week of October. Regarding the yield, highest yield was obtained fromMadjool palms in comparison with other tested cvs. followed by “Sewy and “Zahdi while it was the lowest with Sakai and Khalas. Also, Sewy andMadjool palms produced the highest number of bunches /palm while the lowest number of bunches /palm was recorded by Sakai. With regard to fruit set and fruit retention % Medjool attained the highest percentage of fruit set and fruit retention% while “Khalas was the lowest cultivar in this respect. Concerning physical properties, data proved the superiority of Medjoolfruits in weight, dimensions and flesh/fruit weight% meanwhileSakai fruits were the opposite. As for chemical properties, moisture content in fruits was the highest in “Sakai fruits and lowest in Khalas. Data proved the superiority of Sakai and Madjool in T.S.S% and total sugars content. Results showed also that most of these sugars were reducing sugars. Regarding tannins content, the differences between tested cultivars did not reach the level of significance. General evaluation revealed that Madjoolcv. proved to be the superior in yield and fruit quality among all the studied cvs., followed by Sewy cultivar which ranked the second in both total score units of yield and fruit quality, while Khalas and Sakaicvs.had the lowest score in general evaluation due to receiving the lowest score units specified for yield. However, fruit quality of these cvs.was lower than of the standard cultivar (Sewy). In addition, seemed to be of great yield but fruit quality was less than that of “Sewycv. Thus, one can conclude thatMedjool and Sewy” cvs. proved to be the superior cvs. in yield and fruit quality. However Zahdi seemed to be of great yield but fruit quality was lower than the standard Sewy. On the other hand,Sakai cv. showed lower palm yield but fruit quality was reasonable for consumer, but, it was generally lower than of Sewy cultivar.

Interspecific Hybridization between Eggplant and Wild Relatives from Different Genepools

Wild relatives represent a source of variation for many traits of interest for eggplant (Solanum melongena) breeding, as well as for broadening the genetic base of this crop. However, interspecific hybridization with wild relatives has been barely used in eggplant breeding programs. As initiation of an introgression breeding program we performed 1424 interspecific hybridizations between six accessions of eggplant from the Occidental and Oriental groups and 19 accessions of 12 wild species from the primary (Solanum incanum and Solanum insanum), secondary (Solanum anguivi, Solanum dasyphyllum, Solanum lichtensteinii, Solanum linnaeanum, Solanum pyracanthos, Solanum tomentosum, and Solanum violaceum), and tertiary (Solanum elaeagnifolium, Solanum sisymbriifolium, and Solanum torvum) genepools. Fruit set, hybrid seed, and seed germination were obtained between Solanum melongena and all wild species of the primary and secondary genepools. The highest fruit set percentage and quantity of seeds per fruit were obtained with the two primary genepool species S. incanum and S. insanum as well as with some secondary genepool species, like S. anguivi, S. dasyphyllum, or S. lichtensteinii, although some differences among species were observed depending on the direction of the hybridization. For small-fruited wild species, the number of seeds per fruit was lower when using them as maternal parent. Regarding tertiary genepool species, fruit set was obtained only in interspecific hybridizations of eggplant with S. sisymbriifolium and S. torvum, although the fruit of the former were parthenocarpic. However, it was possible to rescue viable interspecific hybrids with S. torvum. In total we obtained 58 interspecific hybrid combinations (excluding reciprocals) between eggplant and wild relatives. Some differences were observed among S. melongena accessions in the degree of success of interspecific hybridization, so that the number of hybrid combinations obtained for each accession ranged between 7 (MEL2) and 16 (MEL1). Hybridity of putative interspecific hybrid plantlets was confirmed with a morphological trait (leaf prickliness) and 12 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. The results show that eggplant is amenable to interspecific hybridization with a large number of wild species, including tertiary genepool materials. These hybrid materials are the starting point for introgression breeding in eggplant and in some cases might also be useful as rootstocks for eggplant grafting.