Highest Fruit Weight Research Articles

Influence of bio-enhancers and bio-fertilisers on the physical, physicochemical and yield attributes of winter-season guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49

The study explores the impact of bio-enhancers and bio-fertilizers on the physical and physicochemical characteristics of guava (Psidium guajava L.) cv. L-49. An experiment was conducted over 2022-23 and 2023-24 at Nursery Kalyanpur, Department of Fruit Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The study evaluated different treatments, including combinations of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), organic mulch (paddy), Amritpani, Panchagavya, Jivamrit, Azotobacter and PSB culture. The study evaluated various physical (fruit diameter, weight, volume, specific gravity, pulp weight, seed weight, pulp to seed ratio and seed count per fruit) and physicochemical attributes (ascorbic acid content, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugar). Yield per ha was also assessed. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the physical attributes of guava with the T9 treatment (FYM, organic mulch, Panchagavya, PSB culture and Azotobacter), yielding the largest fruit diameter (8.26 cm), highest fruit weight (146.61 g) and highest pulp weight (121.83 g). Physicochemical properties such as increased ascorbic acid (294.91 mg/100 g), TSS (13.54 %), total sugars (12.3 %) and reduced titratable acidity (0.61 %) were also improved. This study underscores the potential of integrating bio-enhancers and bio-fertilisers to enhance guava fruit quality and yield.

Alternative Plant Protection Strategies Using Bacteria and Thyme to Improve Strawberry (cv. Elsanta) Yield and Quality

Alternative plant protection methods should be promoted to mitigate the dangers and consequences of using chemical pesticides, ensuring a safe environment and protecting human health (Directive 2009/128/EC). One of the objectives of the EU organic production action plan is to provide substitutes for plant protection methods, decrease the adverse effects on the environment, and promote the diversity of living organisms. The use of synthetic and non-organic chemicals has significantly expanded, damaging human health and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate alternative plant protection solutions for the improvement of the strawberry cv. Elsanta plant’s generative development, yield, fruit quality, and biochemical composition. The two-year strawberry experiment conducted in a tunnel greenhouse included chemical and biological means (Bacteria and Thyme preparations). The experiment randomised a block design with four replicates and 32 plants per replicate. The treatments were conducted at the 10% flowering state (BBCH 61–65), every 7–10 days (a total of four times): (1) Control, (2) Chemical, (3) Bacteria, and (4) Thyme. We evaluated the yield, fruit weight, size, number of leaves, crowns, flowers, inflorescences, fruit firmness, soluble solids, and Vitamin C. The highest fruit weight at the first picking was in the Bacteria treatment. The number of rotten fruits was similar after all treatments. Additionally, they were firmer and bigger in size but had a smaller soluble solids content. The strawberry ascorbic acid and soluble solids content (Brix %) showed significant variation. The highest ascorbic acid concentration in the fruit was after the Thyme application (45.06%). Our study showed that alternative plant protection measures can reduce the use of chemical fungicides and maintain proper fruit quality.

Growth and Yield Performance of Cayenne Peppers in Ultisols

Cayenne peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are horticultural commodities with high economic value and increasing market demand, both for household consumption and large-scale processing industries. However, cayenne pepper productivity in Indonesia remains relatively low, partly due to the limited availability of fertile land. One potential solution to this problem is the utilization of marginal lands, including ultisols. Ultisols possess chemical characteristics that are less favorable for optimal plant growth, such as low pH, poor nutrient content, and high aluminum saturation. There fore, this study aimed to obtain information on cayenne pepper genotypes that can adapt well and produce optimally on ultisols. The research was conducted at the Experimental Garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, from May to October 2023, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Observed parameters included plant height, first dichotomous height, stem diameter, number of dichotomous points, total leaf area, shoot dry weight, stomatal density, days to first harvest, number of fruits per plant, fruit length and diameter, fruit weight per plant, and percentage of marketable fruits. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a 5% significance level and followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the same level. The results indicated significant differences among genotypes in most growth and yield parameters. The genotypes ‘Iggo’ and ‘Lajang’ exhibited superior performance, with the highest dry biomass weight and the highest fruit weight per plant. These findings suggest that the ‘Iggo’ and ‘Lajang’ genotypes hold strong potential for cultivation on Ultisol soils to support sustainable national cayenne peppers production improvement.

Field Performance of Eight Commercial Date Palm Cultivars of Balochistan Grown under Agro-Climatic Conditions of District Khairpur, Pakistan

Field performance of eight commercial date palm cultivars of Balochistan was carried out under agro-climatic conditions of district Khairpur, Pakistan. Five years old offshoots of different date palm cultivars brought from Turbat and Panjgoor, Balochistan, and were cultivated in the Research Orchard of Date Palm Research Institute, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. In this study, vegetative, flowering, bunch and fruit physical characteristics were studied after ten years of plantation in the field. Fruits of different cultivars were collected at three distinct fruit growth stages (kimri, khalal and rutab) for morphological characterization (fruit colour, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, seed length, seed diameter, seed weight). Results of vegetative characteristics revealed that higher leaf/frond length (187.3 cm), pinnae number (208.6) and spine number (26.6) was observed in cv. Begum Jangi. Flowering characteristics showed that highest number of spathes (14.3) and number of strings per spathe (88.6) were noted in cv. Begum Jangi. Highest bunch length (44.6 cm) and bunch weight (15.4 kg) was observed in cv. Muzawati. Highest fruit length (4.3 cm, 5.3 cm and 5.6 cm) was recorded in cv. Aab-e-dandan at kimri, khalal and rutab stages respectively. Highest fruit weight (22.5 g) was observed in cv. Muzawati at kimri stage, 23.3 g in cv. Shakri at khalal stage and 24.0 g in cv. Muzawati at rutab stage. Highest seed length (2.41 cm) was noted in cv. Gogna at kimri stage, 2.97 cm at khalal and 3.0 cm at rutab stages were observed in cv. Aab-e-dandan. Higher pulp/fruit ratio (PFR) (94.6%) was observed in cv. Muzawati at khalal stage, whereas at rutab stage higher pulp/fruit ratio (94.4%) was recorded in cv. Halini at edible rutab stage. Findings of the current study revealed that soil and climate of district Khairpur were suitable for the cultivation of exotic commercial date palm cultivars in the area.

Performance Evaluation of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) Varieties

The present study was conducted during January to June 2024 at the Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, to evaluate the performance of 15 sponge gourd genotypes under the local agro-climatic conditions. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. Significant variation was observed among the genotypes for growth, yield, and quality traits. Genotype 2022/SPGVAR-6 outperformed others in fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per vine, TSS, and vitamin C content, and also recorded the highest gross return, net return, and benefit-cost ratio (4.44). 2022/SPGVAR-7 excelled in vine length and fruit length, while 2022/SPGVAR-4 had the highest fruit weight. The variety Lalita showed superiority in fruit diameter, days to germination, and days to first male flower appearance. These findings suggest 2022/SPGVAR-6 as the most promising variety for cultivation under Prayagraj conditions.

Quality monitoring of apple fruit during long-term cold storage

This study aims to evaluate the post-harvest characteristics of two commercial apple cultivars (ʻGloster’ and ‘Morren’s Jonagored®’), examining their quality at harvest and after storage for different period (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 months). Physical (fruit weight, weight loss, and firmness) and chemical traits (total sugars content (TSC), titrable acidity (TA), and TSC/TA ratio) were determined using standard laboratory methods. A comparison of the apple cultivars showed that ‘Morren’s Jonagored®’ had a higher fruit weight (217.87 g), while ‘Gloster’ exhibited higher fruit firmness (10.18 kg cm-2). The TA content was higher in ‘Gloster’ (0.45%), while TSC/TA ratio was higher in ‘Morren’s Jonagored®’ (32.96). No significant differences were observed in weight loss and TS content. At harvest, fruits of the apple cultivars exhibited the highest values for weight and firmness. During cold storage, a decrease was observed, and after 8 months, the investigated quality parameters showed the lowest values, along with the highest fruit weight loss (10.10%). The highest TSC content in apple fruit was recorded after 2 months of storage (10.33%), TA after 4 months (0.43%), while the highest TSC/TA ratio was observed at the end of the cold storage (35.03). A throughout analysis indicates that both cultivars are well-suited for long-term cold storage, as no significant changes were observed in the physical and chemical properties of the apple fruits throughout the storage period. This stability suggests their potential for extended shelf life and consumer acceptance.

Fruit weight and primary metabolites content of plum fruits as affected by planting density

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different dense planting (4×1 m; 4×2 m and 5×3 m) on the fruit weight and contents of primary metabolites (soluble solids, total sugars, invert sugars, total acids, and pH) in the fruits of eight plum cultivars (‘Čačanska Rana’, ʻČačanska Lepotica’, ‘Timočanka’, ‘Krina’, ‘Mildora’, ʻČačanska Najbolja’, ʻČačanska Rodna’ and ‘Stanley’). During the three-year experimental period, results showed variability in fruit weight and chemical composition between different cultivars and planting densities. The highest fruit weight was recorded at the planting distance of 4×2 m in cultivars ʻČačanska Rana’, ʻČačanska Lepotica’, ʻKrina’, ʻMildora’ and ʻČačanska Najbolja’, while the cultivars ʻTimočanka’, ʻČačanska Rodna’ and Stanley’ had the highest value at the standard distance of 5×3 m. Regarding primary metabolites, in all tested cultivars, the accumulation and synthesis of soluble solids and sugars in the fruit increased with increasing planting density, while pH and total acids showed the opposite trend. The present results indicated that different planting densities have an important effect on fruit weight and plant metabolism, promoting the synthesis and accumulation of primary metabolites in the fruits, thus positively affecting the quality and commercial value of the fruit.

Impact of pre-cooling on fruit quality attributes during storage of apple cv. ‘Jeromine’

ABSTRACT The study aimed to provide research-based knowledge for apple growers about the application of pre-cooling and its impact on fruit quality characteristics of a newly introduced ‘Delicious’ group cv. ‘Jeromine’ of apple stored at room temperature (20–22°C) and relative humidity between 40 and 50 per cent. The experiment was carried out over two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) with 20 treatment combinations of four different pre-cooling treatments (P1: control – no pre-cooling; P2: field cooling; P3: hydro-cooling; P4: air cooling) and five storage durations (D1: 0 days; D2: 7 days; D3: 14 days; D4: 21 days; D5: 28 days). A significant positive correlation was observed between the storage duration and physiological loss in weight (PLW), total sugars, non-reducing sugars, TSS, and fruit weight. Conversely, a significant negative correlation was observed with fruit volume, firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin content, total phenol contents, and antioxidant activity. After being stored for 28 days, fruits that were pre-cooled with hydro-cooling had the highest fruit weight (84.75 g), lowest percentage of post-cooling weight (35.80%), fruit volume (98.79 cc), firmness (2.62 kg/cm2), ascorbic acid content (2.66 mg/100 g), total phenolic contents (432.41 mg GAE/100 g), and antioxidant activity (85.08%).

Evaluation of Hydroponic Systems for Optimizing Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

An investigation was performed to identify the best hydroponic system suitable for tomato cultivation at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during February 2022-June 2022. The present study was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with seven treatments and three replications. The study included the comparison of six different systems of hydroponics viz., nutrient film technique (NFT), deep flow technique (DFT), ebb and flow system, deep water culture (DWC), drip system and wick system along with soil cultivation as control. Growth attributes such as number of branches and stem girth, recorded during 20 days after transplanting (DAT), 40 DAT, 60 DAT, and at the harvest stage, were found to be significantly higher in the ebb and flow system (T3). Furthermore, the ebb and flow system (T3) outperformed all other treatments, producing greater fruit length and diameter, the highest fruit weight (46.85 g) and yield (2.10 kg/plant), while the control (T7) had the lowest yield (0.99 kg/plant). T3 also recorded the highest values of root volume (39.10 cm3) and root weight (28.67 g) at the harvest stage of the crop. Among the different methods of hydroponics, ebb and flow system was identified as the best method of hydroponics for tomato cultivation based on its growth, yield and root parameters.

Maturity Level on the Quality of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L Merr.) Smooth Cayenne Variety During Storage Period

harvest can produce good quality fruit. The characteristics of fruit commodities at various levels of maturity at harvest time greatly determine the quality because different levels of fruit maturity will affect the quality of the fruit, and inappropriate levels of maturity will cause low fruit quality. This research was carried out by the UGJ Cirebon Faculty of Agriculture Laboratory from July to August 2024. This research used an experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Variables measured included weight loss, total dissolved solids content and vitamin C. Tests were carried out using analysis of variance and Duncan's test. The results showed that differences in pineapple ripeness levels made a difference to fresh weight, weight loss and total soluble solids levels. High fresh fruit weight and weight loss were obtained at a maturity level of 20%, while high total soluble solids were obtained at a maturity level of 30%. Vitamin C levels showed no differences at various stages of maturity.

Co-inoculation of Indigenous Pseudomonas sp. and Priestia sp. to Improve the Soil Health, Plant Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality Parameters of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.).

This study investigated the impact of co-inoculating Pseudomonas sp. and Priestia sp. on soil microbial activity, plant growth, yield, and fruit quality parameters in tomato. From twenty-three morphologically distinct rhizobacteria, 12 exhibited phosphate solubilization capabilities (PSI: 0.5-4.1), while three showed zinc solubilization abilities (ZSI: 3.0, 2.6, and 3.0). All isolates produced IAA, and six demonstrated siderophore production (zones ranging from 1.2 to 3.1cm). Based on their functional traits, five isolates (TM8, TM11, TM19, TM24, and TM26) were selected for further evaluation in a greenhouse experiment. In the pot experiment, isolates TM8 and TM19 significantly enhanced plant height (40.32%), available nitrogen (37.4%), available potassium (52.1%), and available phosphorus (25.56%) compared to the uninoculated control. Isolate TM8 showed 100% similarity with Pseudomonas sp. and TM19 showed 99% similarity with Priestia sp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The field evaluation of these selected isolates as a liquid consortium with Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and inorganic fertilizers revealed a synergistic increase in soil microbial population and enzyme activities. Treatment T10 (N100 FYM + Pseudomonas sp. and Priestia sp.) showed a significant 45.27% increase in available nitrogen and 49.54% in available phosphorus, while treatment T11 (N75 FYM + NP25 + Pseudomonas sp. and Priestia sp.) resulted in a 25.77% increase in available potassium. The inoculation of rhizobacterial strains significantly improved tomato growth parameters, with the maximum number of fruits (14.04), higher fruit weight (96.87g), maximum fruit yield (1.36kg/plant), and enhanced fruit quality attributes observed in treatment T10. This study has led to the identification of a novel plant growth-promoting bacterial liquid consortium as a potential inoculant for improving tomato growth, yield, and fruit quality.

Effect of Organic Manure and Bio-fertilizers on the Quality Enhancement of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) (Web.) Britton and Rose

Aims: This study aimed to assess the effects of vermicompost and bio-fertilizers on the quality attributes of Red Skin, Purple Flesh dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis L.), focusing on improving fruit size, biochemical composition, and overall fruit quality through sustainable agricultural practices. Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design, consisting of eleven treatments with three replications, including a control. The treatments varied in the combination of vermicompost and bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, VAM, and PSB) applied to dragon fruit plants. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from 2022 to 2024 at the Orchard, Department of Fruit Science, C.S.A. University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, India. Methodology: Eleven treatments were testedT1-Control, T2-Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant, T3-Azotobacter @ 50 g/plant, T4-VAM @ 100 g/plant, T5-PSB @ 50 g/plant, T6-Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant + Azotobacter @ 50 g/plant, T7-Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant + VAM @ 100 g/plant, T8-Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant + PSB @ 50 g/plant, T9-Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant + Azotobacter @ 50 g/plant + VAM @ 100 g/plant, T10-Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant + Azotobacter @ 50 g/plant + PSB @ 50 g/plant and T11-Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant + VAM @ 100 g/plant + PSB @ 50 g/plant. Each treatment was replicated three times.A basal dose of FYM (5 kg/plant), Trichoderma (25 g/plant), and neem cake (50 g/plant) was applied uniformly. Various quality parameters, such as fruit weight, size, pulp-to-peel ratio, and biochemical properties (total soluble solids, total sugars, ascorbic acid, and acidity), were measured to evaluate fruit quality. Results: The application of T₁₁ (Vermicompost @ 0.5 kg/plant + VAM @ 100 g/plant + PSB @ 50 g/plant) resulted in the highest fruit weight (280.50 g), length (9.42 cm), diameter (7.64 cm), and volume (254.98 cm³). T₁₁ also exhibited superior biochemical attributes, including the highest total soluble solids (15.76° Brix), total sugars (9.42%), and ascorbic acid content (14.26 mg/100 g), with the lowest acidity (0.17%) and highest TSS/acid ratio (92.85). Conclusion: The integration of vermicompost with VAM and PSB significantly enhanced dragon fruit quality by improving nutrient availability, optimizing physiological processes, and enhancing fruit size and biochemical attributes. These findings suggest that combining organic amendments and beneficial microbes offers a sustainable approach to improving dragon fruit production in tropical regions.

Fruit Characteristics of In Situ Collected Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Genotypes

Native genotypes of fruit species are an important source of phenotypic variability for breeding and provide valuable material for the creation of new cultivars. Therefore, the present study was conducted to characterize and decipher the phenotypic variability of 39 native cherry genotypes (Prunus avium L.) with some bitter taste from spontaneous or cultivated flora from the Northeast European region, in Romania. The research was conducted during 2018–2022 and aimed to analyze the biochemical composition and physical characteristics of the fruits in order to identify the most useful traits for dissemination. All genotypes presented small fruits but with exceptional nutraceutical properties. The highest fruit weight was observed in G10 and G11 (3.2 g). The highest total soluble solids was found in G19 and G25 (28.2°Brix and 26.0°Brix, respectively), and in terms of antioxidant capacity, the highest level was observed in G32 and G33 (98.22% and 96.71%, respectively). In the cluster analysis, wild cherry accessions were clustered into five groups of related genotypes, indicating that they were useful for evaluating the characterization of cherry germplasm due to the superior fruit weight and phenolic compounds content. The genotypes studied represent valuable phenotypic resources for enriching the cherry gene pool and improving important horticultural traits for increasing production and thus nutrition.

Effects of Organic Calcium Sources and Calcium Nutrition on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L Moench)

The field experiments were conducted at the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad and RARS, Pilicode Kerala Agricultural University. The first investigation was performed in a completely randomized design with three treatments - by dissolving egg shells, bone pieces and powdered lime shell in coconut water vinegar replicated five times. The objective was to develop an organic calcium source for foliar spray by studying the physico- chemical characteristics and shelf life. The second experiment aimed to identify the best source and method of calcium nutrition, thereby assessing its impact on the growth, productivity, and profitability of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]. This experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments replicated three times. The solution prepared from egg shells can be used as an organic calcium source for foliar sprays. The highest fruit weight was exhibited by T6(KAU POP + foliar spray of 0.5 percent calcium chloride), which was statistically on par with T5(KAU POP + foliar spray of one percent calcium nitrate) and T7 (KAU POP + foliar spray of 0.5 percent calcium acetate). The total fruit yield (24.93 t ha-1) was significantly superior in all treatments where calcium is applied externally. Foliar application of calcium chloride and calcium nitrate along with KAU POP significantly increased fruit and plant dry matter production. The results demonstrate the significant role of calcium nutrition in enhancing yield, quality and economic returns in okra. The application of the recommended dose of nutrients as per KAU POP coupled with foliar spray of either 0.5% calcium chloride or 1.0% calcium nitrate can be suggested for improving calcium nutrition and thereby productivity in Okra.

Morpho-Physicochemical, Nutritional Composition and Phenolic Compound Profile of Two Avocado Landraces in Different Ripening Stages.

Avocado landraces have gained great interest due to their importance in maintaining biodiversity and the presence of bioactive compounds in their fruit, depending on fruit tissues or ripening stages. This study aimed to evaluate the morpho-physicochemical and nutritional components of the peel, pulp, and seed tissues from Lagunero (LA) and Criollo (CA) avocado landraces at different ripening stages. Additionally, phenolic profiles were analyzed by using UPLC-DAD/ESI-MS, and a principal component analysis (PCA) was constructed to determine variations among the determined contents from avocado landraces, fruit tissues, and ripening stages. The CA showed a 30% higher fruit weight and higher percentages of seed (0.52%) and peel (3.62%) weight yields as compared to the LA. Ripening significantly affected the physical characteristics of LA and CA, and a substantial decrease in hardness (83%) after 4 days of storage. In LA, ripening resulted in an increase in fat content in both the peel and pulp. In contrast, CA showed an increase in protein content in the peel and pulp but a decrease in seeds; fat content increased significantly in the pulp of CA and carbohydrates remained the predominant component in all tissues, though they decreased slightly in CA peels during ripening. The ripe LA peel presented approximately 50% more total phenolic compounds than other tissues. The unripe CA peel showed a higher antioxidant capacity according to DPPH (3831.97 µMol Eq Trolox/g dw) and ABTS+ (3674.70 µMol Eq Trolox/g dw) assays. The main phenolic compounds identified in the avocado peel were chlorogenic acid, catechin, quercetin-3-O-hexoside, quercetin-3-O-pentoside, coumaric acid, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, kaempferol-3-O rhamnoside, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside. The PCA analysis revealed a strong correlation between chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid with TPC, while catechin was more closely related to antioxidant activity. These findings suggest that peel and seed tissues of avocado landraces, often considered byproducts, are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant potential.

Pertumbuhan dan Hasil 17 Genotipe Melon (Cucumis melo L.) di dataran rendah Bengkulu Utara

National melon production has decreased from 2021 to 2023. One means to overcome this decline is through the expansion of planting areas. The potential of lowland areas can be optimized to enhance melon production. The development of melon varieties in lowlands relies heavily on the availability of germplasm. Genetic diversity within germplasm is a key prerequisite for producing adaptive and high yielding varieties. This research aims to identify melon genotypes with optimal growth and yield performance in lowland areas. The study was conducted at the Arga Makmur experimental farm, North Bengkulu Regency, from January to March 2024, at an altitude of 203.9 meters above sea level. The experiment used a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 17 melon genotypes as treatments and three replications. Data were statistically analyzed using the F-test, and significant genotypic treatments were further evaluated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test at a 5% significance level. The results identified five selected melon genotypes based on high fruit weight, fruit diameter, and sweetness level: genotypes G3, G4, G7, G12, and G17

Accessing the higher production with integrated nutrient management in Custard apple cv. Arka Sahan

The experiment evaluated different levels of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and biofertilizers like Azotobacter (AZB) and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) in custard apple cv. Arka Sahan. Treatment 75% RDF + VC @ 2 kg/plant + AZB + PSB (T9) showed the highest plant height (400 cm), plant spread (East-West 409.96 cm, North-South 481.36 cm), number of branches (58.92), fruits per plant (31.5), and yield per plant (9.08 kg). The highest fruit weight (350.65 g) was recorded with 50% RDF + VC @ 4 kg/plant + AZB + PSB (T10), while 100% RDF + 20 kg FYM (T2) resulted in the maximum stem girth (37.49 cm). These findings underline the efficacy of integrated nutrient management in enhancing the growth and yield of custard apple cv. Arka Sahan, offering valuable insights for its cultivation under Madhya Pradesh’s conditions.

Evaluation of sour-type pomegranate germplasm for field performance, fruit yield and anardana quality attributes

Thirty-one sour-type pomegranate genotypes have been evaluated for growth, fruit yield, physico-chemical attributes and anardana quality in randomized complete block design under hot arid climate. Germplasm CIAH PG-1 had highest fruit number/plant 46.92 as well as fruit yield 12.40kg/plant, followed by Gul-e-Shah R. Pink (42.74 fruit number/plant and 10.98kg/plant) and Tujetis EC-104347 (42.75 fruit number/plant and 9.96kg/plant). The highest fruit weight 263.84g was also recorded in CIAH PG-1. The highest aril content (67.71%) was observed in CIAH PG-1 which was statistically at par with Khog and Bedana Seedless. The highest juice acidity was recorded in Tujetis EC-104347 (3.57%), statistically alike CIAH PG-1 (3.50%). The lowest dehydration ratio was observed in CIAH PG-A-3 (2.23), comparable to CIAH PG-A-5 (2.31). Maximum anardana recovery was reported in CIAH PG-1 (2.23kg/plant) which was followed by Tujetis EC-104347 (1.93kg/plant) and Gul-e-Shah Rose Pink (1.82kg/plant). The anardana acidity ranged from 4.63 to 7.99% and the promising germplasms with more than 7% acidity were AHPG H-2, Tujetis EC-104347, CIAH PG-1, Khog, Gul-e-Shah, IC-318712 and Tabest. Based on nine points hedonic scale, CIAH PG-1 received the highest overall acceptable sensory score of 8.67, followed by Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink at 8.37 and 8.23 respectively. In conclusion, CIAH PG-1 demonstrated exceptional performance across various matrices, including field performance, anardana recovery, quality and sensory attributes, which establishes it asthe superior choice for quality anardana production. Tujetis EC-104347 and Gul-e-Shah R. Pink also observed suitable option for processing applications and valuable contributors to future breeding programs.

Increasing Tomato Yield in a Sandy Dryland Through the Application of UV Plastic Shade and Soil Amendment

Cultivating tomato plants in dry, sandy soils aims to achieve high yields while enhancing or maintaining soil fertility. This study investigates the effects of soil amendments and ultraviolet (UV) plastic shade on tomato yield and various indicators of soil fertility. The experiment was conducted in the dryland of Gumantar village, North Lombok Regency, Indonesia, during the dry season from May to August 2024. The soil amendment factor included three levels: no soil amendment, chicken manure, and seaweed biochar. Meanwhile, the shading factor consisted of two levels: no shading and shading with UV plastic (200-micron thickness, which transmits 86% of UV light). All treatments received inorganic NPK fertilizer (16-16-16) at a rate of 1,200 kg per hectare. Treatments were arranged factorially using a randomized block design with three replications. Results showed an interaction between soil amendments and shading that affected soil pH, the number of fruits, and fruit weight per plant and plot. The highest fruit weight per plant, recorded at 4.2 kg with 100.7 fruits, was achieved using seaweed biochar and shading. The treatments slightly improved soil fertility indicators, such as soil organic carbon (C-organic), total microbial count, and cation exchange capacity. Applying soil amendment and UV plastic shading can be a sustainable practice for tomato crops production in sandy dryland soils

Kvalitet ploda novih sorti jagode u Crnoj Gori

Interest for new strawberry cultivars in the world is increasing due to high demands for nutritionally valuable fruits with good agronomic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the fruit quality of three new promising strawberry cultivars - 'Asia', 'Joly', and 'Premy' and to determine their potential for providing high-quality fruits for the market. Among the analyzed parameters physical and biochemical properties of the fruit were measured, followed by a sensory analysis of the fruit attractiveness, taste and aroma. The cultivar 'Joly' had the biggest fruits, with the highest fruit weight, length and diameter. The smallest fruits were present in the cultivar 'Premy'. The highest soluble solids and titratable acidity were present in the cultivar 'Premy', while these parameters were the lowest in the cultivar 'Joly'. The cultivar 'Premy' also had the highest antioxidant capacity, measured by both assays (ABTS and DPPH). The cultivar 'Joly' was superior in comparison to other cultivars regarding the content of phenols and flavonoids, which are important nutritional components of the fruit. Regarding the fruit attractiveness, all the studied cultivars were rated as attractive, but regarding the taste and aroma the cultivar 'Joly' showed the best results and had the highest overall rating. Each of the three analyzed cultivars showed different potential, depending on consumers' preferences towards taste and nutritional value of strawberry fruits.