Highest Number Of Fruits Research Articles

Plaintain clones

The following plantain clones were evaluated for yield and morphological characteristics at the Agricultural Experiment Substation of Corozal: plátano enano, Congo enano, Dominican Dwarf, Hartón, Maricongo, Congo 300 and Lacknau. Plátano enano, Dominican Dwarf, Hartón and Maricongo belong to the horn type of plantain; the other clones to the French type. The experiment was planted August 1987 in a Corozal clay soil (Aquic Tropudults) at a spacing of 1.8 square meters per plant. The Congo 300 clone produced the most fruits per hectare, 211,593 fruits, and the Hartón clone the lowest, 47,242 fruits. The Lacknau clone yielded highest: 39.4 mt/ha and the Hartón lowest, 19.5 mt/ha. Congo 300 produced an average of 82.3 fruits per bunch and was significantly different from the other clones except for Congo Enano. Although Congo 300 had the highest number of fruits per bunch, it had the lowest average fruit weight, 131 g. All fruits from clones of the horn type averaged more than 280 grams, a weight well accepted for the Puerto Rican market. All clones flowered in an average of 452 days; the Maricongo clone was the earliest in flowering, 429 days, and the Congo 300 the latest, 495 days. All clones were harvested in an average of 107 days after flowering: the Hartón was harvested in 96 days, and Congo Enano in 118 days.

Diversity and genetic parameter of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) based on yield component in three location

Abstract. Sayekti TWDA, Syukur M, Hidayat SH, Maharijaya A. 2021. Diversity and genetic parameter of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) based on yield component in three locations. Biodiversitas 22: 823-829. With the increase in the use of chili, it is necessary to develop these commodities through plant breeding activities. Phenotypes are not only determined by genetics, but also by environmental factors and the GxE interactions, so all the factors need to be considered. The aims of this study were to evaluate the variability of ten elite breeding lines and three commercial varieties of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) across three different environments. This experiment was conducted in three environments namely Bogor, Kolaka, and Palembang, from January until July 2019. Thirteen genotypes consisting of ten elite lines and three commercial chili pepper were used. This experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications for each environment. To determine the effect of environment, Combined Analysis of Variance was carried out for all environments using PBSTAT-GE. The environment used in this experiment was lowland that varies between each other. The genotype with the fastest harvesting age relative in three environments was F7-145293-19-8-3-113-1. The highest number of fruits per plant was observed in genotype F9-160291-9-4-3-2-1-1-1 with 261 fruits per plant. The highest yield was observed in genotype F7-145174-9-7-1-5-3. From the clustering analysis, this population was grouped into five clusters. The heritability values for the 12 observed traits ranged between 22.68-69.97%, classified into high and moderate criteria.

Influence of organic manures and biofortification of selenium on growth, yieldand selenium contentof cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Field experiment was conducted to study the influence of organic manures and biofortification of selenium on growth, yield and selenium contentof cucumber (CucumissativusL.) during 2019 at Koneripalayam village in Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu. The popular variety Green Long suitable for this region was used for the present study. The experiment was carried out during two seasonsviz., Season I (February-May) and Season II (July-October)in randomised block design with fifteen treatments and three replications. The results of the experiment revealed that application of 25 tFYM ha -1 and 2 kg CBF ha -1 along with foliar application of Se (20 µg L-1) significantly recorded the highest vine length (209.1 cm and 214.6 cm), number of leaves (108.2 and 113.7), leaf length (15.7 cm and 15.9 cm) and leaf breadth (16.2 cm and 16.5 cm) in first and second season, respectively. The highest number of fruits per vine (13.3 and 16.5), fruit length (19.6 cm and 20.8 cm), fruit girth (17.1 cm and 18.2 cm), mean single fruit weight (78.1 g and 81.2 g), fruit yield vine-1 (723.5 g and 1009.2 g)and selenium content per fruit (8.1 µg kg-1 and 10.6 µg kg-1) in first and second season respectively was obtained with1 t EM ha -1 + 2 kg CBF ha -1 + Se (20 µg L-1) as foliar application. Among all the organic manures, farmyard manure was proved to be superior in respect of growth parameters and enriched manure in respect of yield parameters. The foliar application of selenium was found to be the best method of its supplementation in plants and relatively higher values of Se content in fruits were noted with higher dose of Se as folior application.

Effectiveness of different pest management modules on plant growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

An investigation was carried out at experimental farm of Department of Seed Science and Technology, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.) on bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) having nine different treatment combinations. The trial conducted in two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) with Randomized Complete Block Design. The experimental results revealed that all the treatment combination performed significantly superior than control. The treatment T2: Seed treatment with Trichoderma spp. @ 10 g/kg seed + vermicompost @ 50 q/ha + Neem cake application @ 12g/plant + foliar application of NPV @ 1 g/l once in 7 days (after borers appearance) recorded highest plant height (62.59 cm), higher number of branches per plant (5.77), highest number of fruits per plant (21.02), maximum fruit weight (49.85) and highest fruit yield (1047.73 g/plant, 9.43 kg/plot and 310.44 q/ha) as compared to the control. In overall investigation, the results concluded that the application of Trichoderma sp. along with vermicompost, neem cake and NPV gives better results in bell pepper cultivation to obtain higher crop growth and yield.

Influence of Trellising Method on Growth, Yield and Quality of Indeterminate Tomato Produced in Dome Shape Tunnels

The adoption of improved horticultural practices by smallholder farmers has been identified as one of the strategies that could be useful to solve the challenges associated with lower yields. This study evaluated the effect of layering trellising techniques on growth, photosynthetic rate (A) and yield performance of indeterminate tomato (Star 9037) cultivars grown under a dome shape tunnel. The experiment was laid out in a complete randomised design replicated three times, with each replication represented by 4 plants. The experimental treatments included: early- , late-, and vertical layering trellising method. The results showed a slightly increase in A in early- 32.1 (µmol CO2 m -2 s -1 ) and late- 36.3 (µmol CO2 m -2 s -1 ) than vertical trellising 31.3 (µmol CO2 m -2 s -1 ) method. Similar trend was also observed in plant height. Contrary, vertical trellising exhibited higher stem diameter (10.9 mm plant -1 ) than early- (10.4 mm plant -1 ) and late layering trellising (10.3 mm plant-1) method. Early and late layering trellising had high fruit number (6.47 and 5.67 fruit plant -1 ) and fruit mass in each harvest (132 and 131 g plant -1 ) compared to vertical trellising method. Color index showed significant interaction between trellising methods and harvest time. The general trend was that early layering found to have higher color index compared to vertical and late layering. Therefore, the results showed that early and late layering trellising were the most promising methods be used by smallholder to maximize yield in dome shape tunnels.

Varijabilnost morfoloških karakteristika plodova i semena brekinje (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) sa područja Košutnjaka

Wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) is an autochthonous deciduous species that have highly valuated timber. It often occurs individually in oak and beech forests, but it is necessary to monitor the intensity of regeneration and presence in these forests. The fruits of this species are edible and medicinal, usually contain 2-4 seeds, which are characterized by dormancy. The fruits and seeds collected from trees from the area of Košutnjak (Belgrade, Serbia) were used in this study. This study aimed to determine the variability of fruits and seeds in the population. Length and width of fruit and also determined length, width, and thickness of the seed were measured. The dimensions of fruits and seeds from this population were by results reported in previous studies. The obtained results showed clear differences between trees in morphological attributes of fruits and seeds (OneWay ANOVA, p<0,05). The average fruit contained more than two seeds and a maximal number of seeds per one fruit was 5. At one tree were recorded a high number of empty fruits. The obtained results indicate a high degree of genetic variability in this population, but also indicate the need for testing with other morphological and molecular markers.

Influence of Bioregulators on Latex Yield and Proteolytic Activity of Papain Extracted from Field-grown TNAU Papaya CO. 8 under the Natural Incidence of Papaya Ring Spot Virus

The cultivation of papaya for both fruits and commercial papain extraction drastically suffers often due to the devastating incidence of papaya ringspot virus disease. The present study aimed to find out whether the papain yield and quality are influenced when bioregulators are applied to manage papaya ring spot virus (PRSV) incidence or as a measure to limit the height of the crop in TNAU Papaya CO.8 variety grown in the open field with the natural incidence of PRSV. Three growth retardants [250 ppm of prohexadione calcium (G2), 500 ppm of mepiquat chloride (G3) and 500 ppm of chlormequat chloride (G4)] and three stress tolerance promoting bioregulators [100 ppm of methyl jasmonate (S2), 100 ppm of salicylic acid (S3) and 0.6 g/ l of strobilurins (S4)] were employed in the study. Water spray (G1 and S1) was kept as control. The treatments were imposed at 4th and 8th months after planting. The growth retardants were initially sprayed and, in the subsequentweek ,the stress tolerance promoting bioregulators were sprayed as per the recommended doses. Among the combinations tried, spraying 250 ppm of prohexadione calcium followed by water spray (G2S1) a week later recorded the lowest plant height (140.79 cm) at the time of fruiting. The treatment combination G 2S2 involving 250 ppm of prohexadione calcium and 100 ppm of methyl jasmonate registered a higher number of fruits (42.17). The combination of 250 ppm of prohexadione calcium along with 100 ppm of salicylic acid (G2S3) was found to be the most effective combination to manage PRSV without compromising papain production and to enhance the proteolytic activity significantly (44378.36 TU g-1) as compared to other combinations. The treatment combination of 500 ppm of mepiquat chloride and 100 ppm of salicylic acid (G3S3) favored higher dry latex yield apart from a significant reduction in PRSV symptoms. Both these treatment combinations (G2S3 and G 3S3) merit due consideration in PRSV management for commercial fruit and papain production in papaya

Performance Analysis of Bitter Gourd (MomordicacharantiaL.) under Different Training Systems

The present study aimed to identify suitable training system for bitter gourd cultivation,The experiment was conducted at College Orchard, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. Among the different training systems evaluated, pandal system recorded the highest vine length (481.81 cm), followed by the bamboo training system (476.76cm). The treatment using fish net training system showed the highest internodal length (6.34 cm). Pandal training system exhibited the highest number of branches (10.04). Earliness in terms of days for the appearance of male and female flowers was observed in pandal training system (41.33 and 53.16 days respectively). Days to 50% flowering was also found earlier in the pandal system (64.23 days). The narrow sex ratio (5.86) was observed in the bamboo pole support system tied with gunny thread. The pandal system recorded the highest number of fruits per vine (78.66) and gunny thread training system recorded the lowest number of fruits (34.83). The highest fruit length of 21.35 Madras Agric.J., 2021; doi: 10.29321/MAJ.10.000291(online first) cm and fruit diameter of 3.57 cm wererecorded inthe pandal training system. The maximum fruit weight was recorded in the pandal system (74.12 g fruit-1) and the minimum fruit weight was observed (52.74g fruit-1) in the fish net system. Pandal training system exhibited the highest yield plant-1 (5.79 kg plant-1), yield plot-1 (132.65 kg) and yield hectare-1 (119.16 q ha-1) while the lowest values were recorded under gunny thread system of cultivation. Among the different training systems pandal/conventional training system is more economical with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.51 followed by bamboo system, fish net system and bamboo poles support system tied with gunny thread

Assessment of Performance on Yield and Yield Contributing Attributes of Summer Tomato Genotypes in Bangladesh

Twenty three tomato genotypes were evaluated during summer season of 2011 to characterize and evaluate the yield performance under high temperature conditions. Days to first flowering ranged from 41.00 to 51.33 days among the studied genotypes. The highest number of fruits per plant (45.27) was recorded from the genotype FP5 × WP10 followed by C41 ×TLB182 (30.90) while it was the lowest (2.27) for the genotype TLB182. The genotype C41 × VRT004 had the highest fruit weight (80.81 g) closely followed by C51 × VRT004 (79.75 g). The genotype FP5 × WP10 yielded the highest amount of fruits per plant (1.90 kg) followed by C71 × VRT004 (1.61 kg). The corresponding yield (t/ha) was also the highest (64.6 t/ha) for FP5 ×WP10 followed by C71 ×VRT004 (54.74 t/ha).

Effects of The Use of Colored Cover Materials and Led Lighting in Greenhouses on Plant Nutrient Concentration: Case of Tomato Plant (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

In this study, the effects of four different color plastic greenhouse treatments on nutrient concentrations of leaf and fruit, leaf SPAD (Soil and Plant Analyzer Development) values and some yield parameters of tomato were tried to be determined. For this purpose, plastic greenhouses with Red (RedG), Blue (BlueG), Colorless (ConG) and white Led (LedG) lighting have been used as materials in the research. The used plastic greenhouses are 3 m in width, 6 m in length, 2 m in sidewall height and 2.8 m in roof ridge height. Led lighting is; Three hours of extra lighting is planned for one hour before sunrise, 2 hours after sunset. The research was carried out in ISUBU (Isparta), Faculty of Agriculture, field area in the summer season in 2019. The nutrient elements of K, Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe were determined in the leaf and of the tomato plant. It has been determined that four different greenhouse treatments have a positive effect on K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe nutrients in leaf, and K, Ca, P, Mg nutrient in fruit. In terms of SPAD values, all treatments were determined to be higher than the control treatment. It was determined that the highest SPAD value was in BlueG treatment. When the efficiency-related values are examined; It was determined that the highest fruit number, fruit weight and yield were in BlueG treatment. BlueG treatment was followed by RedG, ConG, and LedG treatment respectively in terms of efficiency. As a result, considering the effects of four different greenhouse treatments on macro and micronutrient nutritions SPAD values, and yield values, it was concluded that the most suitable treatments for tomato cultivation in greenhouses is BlueG treatment and RedG treatment should not be ignored.

Growth Response, Production and Analysis of Revenue of Hiyung Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum frustescens L) with Dosage Application of Liquid Bokashi Fertilizar (LBF) from Cattle Wate and Rice Straw

This study aimed to (1) analyze the nutrient content of liquid bokashi fertilizer (LBF) derived from cattle waste and rice straw, (2) analyze the effect of liquid bokashi fertilizer dose on plant height, age of first flowering, and the number of fruits in the first harvest, the weight of the first fruit, and the weight of fresh fruit biomass. Analyzing revenue (income versus cost) and the feasibility of planting the Hiyung cayenne pepper by applying LBF at various dosage levels. The method used in this study was a Single Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with data analysis using ANOVA with further testing of Real Differences (LSD). B0 was control (without bokashi). B1 consisted of 125 ml of LBF and water to dilute the solution up to 500 ml. B2 consisted of 250 ml of LBF and water to dilute the solution up to 500 ml. B3 consisted of 375 ml of LBF and 125 ml of water. B4 consisted of 500 ml of LBF. The results showed that the highest growth response (69 cm) occurred with the addition of 125 ml of LBF, while the lowest growth occurred in the control (B0). In the first age, the most optimal flowering occurs in the B2 of 60.00 dap, and lowest in the control (B0) of 50.00 dap. The highest number of fruits was obtained from B2 of 170.00 g, and the lowest was in B0 (control) of 94.00 g. The average weight of the first fruit was found in B2 of 285.00 g, and the lowest in B0 (control) of 126.00 g. The highest weight of plant biomass was found in B2 of 405.00 g, and the lowest was in B0 (control) of 177.75 g. The highest revenue analysis and business feasibility were found in B2, namely Rp. 17.065,00 and the ratio of 4,96. The lowest revenue occurred in Control, which was Rp 5.318,75, with a TR/TC value of 2,28. Based on the revenue analysis, B2 treatment produced the highest revenue and was the most feasible to be applied compared to other treatments.

Desempenho produtivo de maracujazeiro amarelo em área com Fusarium solani

The use of tolerant rootstocks has shown good results in the control of Fusarium wilt in yellow passion fruit, which is considered one of the main problems in the crop as it affects the plant’s root system and has no chemical control. The present study aimed to evaluate the survival rates, the agronomic performance of the plants and the physical characteristics of the yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) grafted on different rootstocks in area with Fusarium wilt. The experiment was carried in Pracinha, in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, from August 2014 to May 2015, and a randomized block design was adopted, with five treatments, five replications and four plants per plot. The treatments were constituted by the following rootstocks: Passiflora alata Dryand, Passiflora gibertii N.E. Brown, Passiflora caerulea Linnaeus, double grafting P. gibertii x P. edulis and plants without grafting. The stem diameter of rootstock and the graft, the lenght of secondary branches, the number of tertiary branches, the number of surviving plants, the longitudinal and transversal diameters of the fruits, the number and mass of fruits and the productivity were evaluated. The largest diameter of the rootstock was observed in Passiflora alata while in the graft it was in plants of Passiflora edulis. The length of the secondarty branches and the number of tertiary branches were affected by the type of grafting and the rootstock used. The highest survival rates were observed in Passiflora alata (90%) and Passiflora gibertii (100%). The highest number of fruits per plant and productivity occurred in plants grafted on Passiflora gibertii. The adoption of double grafting using Passiflora gibertii x Passiflora edulis and simple grafting with Passiflora caerulea were not effective in the control of this disease. The species Passiflora gibertii and Passiflora alata showed the potential to be used as a rootstock for yellow passion fruit.

Production of watermelon irrigated with saline water in mulched Entisol with potassium fertilization

The adjustment in the growing season associated with cultural practices can mitigate the negative effects of salinity on crop production. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production components of watermelon cv. Crimson Sweet under the effects of irrigation with saline water, soil cover and potassium doses in crops during dry and rainy seasons. The treatments were arranged in a split plot with 2 x 2 x 4 scheme, with the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water (0.3 and 3.0 dS m-1) in the main plot, and the combinations between soil mulch (without and with) and doses of potassium (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1 of K2O) in the subplots, distributed in randomized blocks. Final stand, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, production per plant and yield were evaluated. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and potassium doses were evaluated by regression. In the rainy season, watermelon was more productive than in the dry season even under irrigation, with higher number of fruits and production per plant and yield. Irrigation using water with electrical conductivity of 3.0 dS m-1 should be used with moderation in watermelon crop, as it did not compromise yield. Potassium chloride application is not recommended in soil with intermediate potassium content, because it reduced the number of fruits per plant and yield. The use of mulch is recommended in watermelon cultivation, since it increased the number of fruits and production per plant.

Effect of plant geometry on growth and yield of capsicum under open ventilated poly house

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of six different plant geometry on growth and yield parameters of capsicum under open ventilated poly house at Horticultural Research Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University during 2016-17 and 2017-18. Healthy seedlings were transplanted in a plot size of 5.4 m x 2.8 m i.e. 15.12 m2in six different plant geometry i.e. T1: 45 × 30 cm, T2: 45 × 45 cm, T3: 45 × 60 cm, T4: 60 × 30 cm, T5: 60 × 45 cm and T6: 60 × 60 cm. Results of the experiment showed that maximum picking was obtained in plant geometry 45 x 30 cm and 60 x 30 cm. Whereas, the highest number of fruits per plant were recorded in plant geometry 45 x 60 cm and 45 x 30 cm. The highest yield kg/plant was obtained in plant geometry 45 x 60 cm. However, maximum yield (kg/plot and q/1000 m2) was recorded in plant geometry 45 x 30 cm. Thus, plant geometry 45 x 30 cm is most suitable for cultivation of capsicum under open ventilated poly house for getting higher yield.

Effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and yield attributing characters of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

The field experiment was conducted at the research farm, J.N.K.V.V., College of Agriculture, Tikamgarh (M.P.), India; during kharif season of 2016-2017 to study the Effect of plant growth regulators on growth, yield and quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv. VRO-6. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replication accommodating ten treatments in each replication. The treatments consists of GA3 (25, 50 and 100 ppm), NAA (100, 150 and 200 ppm), Cycocel (250, 500 and 750 ppm) and Control. The result revealed that foliar spray of GA3 was found beneficial for increasing maximum plant height (96.17 cm), maximum number of leaves (23.79) and minimum number of days to 50% of flowering (36.25 days) while the maximum numbers of branches (5.77) were recorded in cycocel 750 ppm. The highest number of fruit (22.05), highest fruit yield plant-1 (301.19 g) and fruit yield ha-1 (167.38 q) was recorded with GA3 100 ppm in comparison to the rest of the treatments. Therefore, it can be concluded that the treatment GA3 is the best treatment to enhancing okra productivity.

An Appraisal of Biodegradable Mulch Films with Respect to Strawberry Crop Performance and Fruit Quality

Fragaria × ananassa is a fruit grown all over the world, appreciated for its organoleptic and nutraceutical properties. Together with other berry fruits, it is rich in bioactive molecules that make it a beneficial fruit for human health. However, strawberry cultivation is influenced by pre- and post-harvest factors. Being a small plant, its fruit comes into direct contact with the soil and, as such, can quickly decompose. To reduce this inconvenience, farmers have used different strategies to mulch the soil, and the most useful method is polyethylene mulch films that are not biodegradable. The focus on environmentally sustainable agriculture can be represented by a transition to biodegradable mulch films. In our study, ten biodegradable mulch films were used to understand their effectiveness in covering the soil during the cultivation cycle of strawberry cv. Rociera. Polyethylene film was considered the control. The best yield and the highest number of fruits with greatest size and quality were obtained on polyethylene, BioFlex® (P2), Bio 6, and Bio 7 films. On BioFlex® (P2) and Bio 3 biodegradable films, strawberries showed a higher calcium and magnesium content, respectively. These results may encourage growers toward the use of eco-sustainable agricultural practices, such as biodegradable mulch films.

Field validation of TOMCAST modified to manage Septoria leaf spot on tomato in the central-west region of Brazil

Septoria leaf spot, caused by Septoria lycopersici, is a devastating disease on tomato in Brazil. In order to rationalize the chemical control, we validated the TOMCAST system to manage Septoria leaf spot on fresh market tomato in the State of Goiás, Brazil. Three field experiments were performed in a randomized complete block with five treatments and four replications. The first experiment was carried out from October 2017 to February 2018, the second from October 2018 to February 2019, and the third from November 2018 to March 2019. The treatments evaluated were: 1. Weekly calendar application of fungicides (WCA); 2 to 4. Disease severity values (DSV) 15, 20, and 25; 5. Control: plants not treated with fungicides. The values of the average air temperature and leaf wetness were used to calculate the DSV. The environmental conditions were favorable to the disease in experiments. The lowest values of the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) were recorded in WCA (809), DSV 20 (837), and DSV 15 (842) in the first experiment. Disease rates (r) of 0.010 were estimated in these treatments. Highest AUDPC (1325) and r (0.013) were detected in the control. In the second and third experiments, the highest AUDPC values were 638 and 59 in the control, respectively. The lowest AUDPC values were recorded in DSV 15 and WCA which were 325 and 28, 349 and 26, in the second and third experiments, respectively. No differences of r were detected in the second and third experiments. The highest number of fruits by plant (15) was estimated in DSV 15 in the second experiment. There were no differences on tomato yield in other experiments. As the number of fungicides applications was the highest in DSV 15, the TOMCAST system is not a useful tool for controlling Septoria leaf spot on tomato in the State of Goiás and other Brazilian regions with similar climatic characteristics.

Post-harvest foliar-applied Fe(II)-sulfate promotes Fe nutrition of pear trees grown in calcareous soil

The effectiveness of post-harvest foliar-applied Fe(II)-sulfate was assessed and indices were tested for precocious prognosis of Fe-chlorosis in field-grown pear trees. In a commercial pear (Abbé Fétel/BA 29) orchard, Fe-induced chlorotic trees were sprayed in early autumn with a Fe(II)-sulfate heptahydrate solution and compared with water-sprayed control trees. Leaf Fe concentration was higher in senescent and abscised leaves of Fe-sprayed trees, indicating that Fe was taken up. However, phytotoxic symptoms occurred and leaves fell earlier than in untreated trees. Fe(II)-sulfate spray increased Fe concentration of flower buds and fruiting spur leaves as well as leaf Chl values. Yield was increased in sprayed trees by about 13%, mostly associated with a higher fruit number per tree rather than fruit size, indicating an improved fruit set. We hypothesize that a fraction of the absorbed Fe contributed to sustain Fe requirements of the newly formed organs as from growth resumption. Summer leaf SPAD readings were positively correlated with Fe concentration of flower buds, fruiting spur leaves and, in particular, with senescent and abscised leaves. Our findings suggest the effectiveness of the post-harvest foliarly applied Fe(II)-sulfate to improve Fe nutrition of pear trees the following season. Rather than inducing a temporary re-greening, our approach is based on the fact that high Fe-rates sprayed before leaf fall may contribute to increase Fe pools within perennial organs. We propose utilizing leaf Fe concentration of senesced and abscised leaves as a predictive tool for the diagnosis of the Fe-chlorosis occurrence in pear trees.

The Growth, Fruit Set and Fruit Cracking Incidents of Tomato Under Shade

Six tomato genotypes were grown in the field under full sun at 50% reduced light intensity using shading net to evaluate growth, fruit set, and fruit cracking incident. The experiment was conducted during the rainy season in December 2016 to March 2017 in Cikarawang Experimental Station, Bogor, Indonesia. The genotypes tested were sensitive (“Tora” and F7005001-4-1-12-5), tolerant (F7003008-1-12-10-3 and F7003008-1-12-16-2), and shade-loving (SSH-3 and “Apel Belgia”). The results showed 50% shading delayed flowering and harvesting time in all genotypes. Genotype and shading treatments had an independent effect on fruit set. Shaded plants had lower flower abortion and resulted in a higher number of fruits per harvest, except in “Apel Belgia” and “Tora” genotypes. Fruit cracking incidents were low under shading implying the use of shading can increase tomato quality. However, it needs further investigation through using natural shading, e.g., intercropping system before this finding is applied in farmers’ field.

Effect of foliar spray of silicon and boron on fruiting and yield of rejuvenated mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Sonpari

An experiment was conducted at Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, during two continuous years 2017-18 and 2018-19 to assess the effect of different silicon and boron sources on fruiting and yield of mango cv. Sonpari under South Gujarat conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with factorial concept having ten treatment combinations comprising five levels of silicon and two levels of boron. Foliar spray of potassium silicate @ 1.5% (S3) was found better with respect to maximum fruit retention (4.14%), higher number of fruits at marble (11.05) and harvest (1.91) stages per panicle, higher number of fruits per tree (182.00) and yield (64.62kg/tree). Similarly, foliar spray of boric acid @ 1.2g L-1 (B2) gave maximum fruit retention (4.08%), number of fruits at marble (10.56) and harvest (1.78) stages per panicle, number of fruits per tree (172.80) and yield (60.94kg/tree). In interaction effect, combined spray of potassium silicate @ 1.5% + boric acid @ 1.2g L-1 (S3B2) gave maximum number of fruits per panicle at marble and harvest stages.