Improve Fruit Quality Research Articles

Study on the Optimal Leaf Area-to-Fruit Ratio of Pear Trees on the Basis of Bearing Branch Girdling and Machine Learning.

The leaf area-to-fruit ratio (LAFR) is an important factor affecting fruit quality. Previous studies on LAFR have provided some recommendations for optimal values. However, these recommendations have been quite broad and lack effectiveness during the fruit thinning period. In this study, data on the LAFR and fruit quality of pears at 5 stages were collected by continuously girdling bearing branches throughout the entire fruit development process. Five different clustering algorithms, including KMeans, Agglomerative clustering, Spectral clustering, Birch, and Spectral biclustering, were employed to classify the fruit quality data. Agglomerative clustering yielded the best results when the dataset was divided into 4 clusters. The least squares method was utilized to fit the LAFR corresponding to the best quality cluster, and the optimal LAFR values for 28, 42, 63, 91, and 112 days after flowering were 12.54, 18.95, 23.79, 27.06, and 28.76 dm2 (the corresponding leaf-to-fruit ratio values were 19, 29, 36, 41, and 44, respectively). Furthermore, field verification experiments demonstrated that the optimal LAFR contributed to improving pear fruit quality, and a relatively high LAFR beyond the optimum value did not further increase quality. In summary, we optimized the LAFR of pear trees at different stages and confirmed the effectiveness of the optimal LAFR in improving fruit quality. Our research provides a theoretical basis for managing pear tree fruit load and achieving high-quality, clean fruit production.

Saladette-type dwarf tomato introgression lines with agronomic potential, improved fruit quality, and biotic stress tolerance

Saladette-type dwarf tomato introgression lines with agronomic potential, improved fruit quality, and biotic stress tolerance

Long-Term Field Application of a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterial Consortium Suppressed Root-Knot Disease by Shaping the Rhizosphere Microbiota.

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are one of the most economically important plant parasitic nematodes, infecting almost all cultivated plants and resulting in severe yield losses every year. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been extensively used to prevent and control root-knot diseases and increase yield. In this study, the effect of a consortium of three PGPR strains (Bacillus cereus AR156, B. subtilis SM21, and Serratia sp. XY21; hereafter "BBS") on root-knot disease of cucumber was evaluated. The application of BBS significantly reduced the severity of root-knot disease by 56 to 72%, increased yield by 36 to 55%, and improved fruit quality by 14 to 90% and soil properties by 1 to 90% relative to the control in the cucumber fields of the Nanjing suburb, Jiangsu Province, from 2015 to 2018. BBS altered the rhizosphere bacterial community. Compared with the control group, it significantly (false discovery rate, P < 0.05) increased the abundance of 14 bacterial genera that were negatively correlated with disease severity. Additionally, the redundancy analysis suggested that BBS-treated rhizosphere soil samples were dominated by disease-suppressive bacteria, including the genera Iamia, Kutzneria, Salinibacterium, Mycobacterium, Kribbella, Pseudonocardia, Sporichthya, Sphaerisporangium, Actinomadura, Flavisolibacter, Phenylobacterium, Bosea, Hyphomicrobium, Agrobacterium, Sphingomonas, and Nannocystis, which were positively related to total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total organic matter, dissolved organic carbon, [Formula: see text]-N, and available phosphorus contents. This suggests that BBS suppresses root-knot nematodes and improves the soil chemical properties of cucumber by altering the rhizosphere microbial community.

Respectful Pruning Improves Grapevine Development: A Case Study in Young Vineyards

Grapevine pruning is an agronomical operation required to regulate growth and yield, improve fruit quality, and maintain plant health and vigour. However, the intensification of the crop in the last decades, driven by efforts to increase productivity and decrease costs, has led to reduced attention to this operation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether different pruning styles during the first years of vineyard training affect grapevine development. Three pruning styles were followed in a newly planted cv. “Tempranillo” vineyard for four consecutive pruning seasons: (i) respectful (RESP), where pruning cuts were always made leaving protection wood between the cut and vine perennial structures, and the preferential sap flow path was chosen; (ii) aggressive (AGGR), where no protection wood was left and, when possible, the nonpreferential sap flow path was followed; and (iii) winegrape grower (WIN), where the common practices used in the area were followed, which corresponds to an intermediate style between RESP and AGGR. In general, the RESP style increased the vegetative development compared to WIN and AGGR styles over the years and produced a higher yield in the first production year, although the intensity of the effect was not the same in the two vineyards considered. This was the first effort to systematically assess the effects of respectful pruning techniques on vine vegetative growth and demonstrate scientifically its impact.

Effect of rock phosphate and bacteria solubilizing nutrients soil application on yield and fruit quality of olive trees cv. “Picual” under the arid zones

This study was carried out throughout two seasons and Located in a private olive grove on Cairo-Ismailia Desert Road in Egypt. The aim of this experiment was to use different amounts of rock phosphate (1, 2 or 3 kg/tree) with different time of additions (2 or 3 times) for phosphorous and sulfur release bacteria to form 6 treatments beside the control (untreated trees) on the mineral contents of the leaves, the vegetative growth, the yield, and the quality of the fruit of Picual olive trees planted in sandy soil and watered with drip irrigation for two seasons. The outcomes demonstrated that application of 2 or 3 kg rock phosphate per tree for two or three times of phosphorus and sulfur release bacteria gave the highest yield and improves fruit quality. Generally, the treatment of 2 kg rock phosphate for three times of P and S release bacteria is recommended due to its clear effect among all treatments on the abovementioned parameters.

STUDIES ON HOLISTIC METHODS TO EXTEND THE SHELF LIFE AND INCREASE THE QUALITY OF GUAVA (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA L.)

The tropical fruit guava (Psidium guajava L.) is renowned for its distinct flavour and health benefits. Guava’s high perishability, however, makes it difficult for the fruit sector to preserve its quality and increase its shelf life. In recent years, researchers have concentrated on creating integrated systems that include multiple pre-harvest, post-harvest, and storage strategies in order to enhance the quality and shelf life of guava. Interventions made prior to harvest are essential to improving guava quality. Improving fruit size, colour, and nutritional value can be accomplished through enhancing irrigation, fertilization, and insect control procedures. Furthermore, the application of growth regulators, such as plant hormones and bio stimulants, has produced encouraging results in terms of improving fruit quality traits including firmness, sugar content, and scent. Premature fruit ripening and degradation may be avoided by using proper harvesting methods, such as selective plucking based on maturity indices. Moreover, guava’s shelf life may be increased by using methods including hot water treatment, wax coating, and changed environment packing to successfully suppress fungal development, postpone senescence, and prolong the life of the fruit. Guava quality and shelf life are substantially impacted by storage conditions. Fruit quality may be kept intact for a longer amount of time by maintaining proper levels of temperature and humidity as well as by utilising cutting-edge storage techniques like controlled environment storage and ethylene scrubbers. Additionally, by suppressing microbiological development and postponing physiological degradation, the incorporation of natural substances like as essential oils and edible coatings has the potential to extend the shelf life of guava. Guava quality and shelf life have been shown to be improved by integrated techniques that incorporate numerous treatments. The industry may increase fruit quality, minimize post-harvest losses, and satisfy customer needs for fresh, nutritious, and longer-lasting guava by applying pre-harvest practices, adopting proper post-harvest handling procedures, and utilizing optimal storage strategies. However, further study is required to improve these methods, create standardized procedures, and make sure that they can be used successfully and sustainably in the production of commercial guavas.

The Effect of Some Growth Regulators and Ascorbic Acid to Improve Fruit Quality of Balady Guava Trees Growing in Sandy Soils

The Effect of Some Growth Regulators and Ascorbic Acid to Improve Fruit Quality of Balady Guava Trees Growing in Sandy Soils

Amelioration of non-irrigated stress and improvement of sweet pumpkin fruit quality by &lt;i&gt;Kushneria konosiri&lt;/i&gt; endophytic bacteria

Amelioration of non-irrigated stress and improvement of sweet pumpkin fruit quality by &lt;i&gt;Kushneria konosiri&lt;/i&gt; endophytic bacteria

Optimizing the Zn, Mn, and Fe mineral dose as tank mix foliar application for improvement of fruit yield, quality, and uptake of nutrients in the kinnow mandarin

Kinnow production is hampered due to the lack of micronutrient applications such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), which play a significant role in the metabolic activities of the plant, affecting yield and quality. The farmers of the region use mineral micronutrient fertilizers, but it leads to phytotoxicity due to unoptimized fertilizer application dose. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to optimize the Zn, Mn, and Fe minerals dose as tank mix foliar application for improvement of fruit yield, quality, and uptake of nutrients. The twelve combinations of different doses of zinc sulphate, manganese sulphate, and ferrous sulphate fertilizers replicated three times were tested at kinnow orchards established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bathinda, Punjab, India. The data revealed that the fruit drop was significantly low in the treatment F12 (43.4%) (tank mix spray of 0.3% ZnSO4 + 0.2% MnSO4 + 0.1% FeSO4 ) compared to control treatment. The fruit yield per tree was significantly higher in the treatment F12 compared to untreated control. The juice percentage was also recorded higher in treatment F12 as compared to control, and the juice percentage improved by 2.6%. The leaf nutrient analysis also revealed translocation of higher amount of nutrient from leaf to fruit under optimized supply of micronutrient. Thus, the application of tank mix spray of 0.3% ZnSO4 + 0.2% MnSO4 + 0.1% FeSO4 may be used for better fruit yield and quality.

Minimization of Frost Injury in Mango cv. Sindhri via Different Irrigation Levels

Mango is one of the most important fruit crops all over the world. It is the second-most significant fruit crop in Pakistan. The standardization of irrigation needs for the mango crop is one of the primary and most crucial factors for reducing frost injury, improving fruit quality, and yield, which must be taken into account. Low moisture content in the soil increases the likelihood of frost injury, so it is essential to maintain an ideal amount of moisture to mitigate such damage. To conserve valuable irrigation water, apply water only during critical stages. Research was conducted at the Experimental Orchard of Makhdom Ahmad Aalam Anwar, Mohsin Abad, during 2020-21 and 2021-22. Mango trees of the Sindhri variety were of uniform age (20 years) for this experiment. The experimental layout was a randomized complete block design. Irrigation was applied to mango trees at three different moisture levels (35-40%, 30-35%, and 25-30%) that were measured and maintained via the HH2 Moisture Meter (Version 2.3). The mango trees showed good results at the 35-40% soil moisture level compared with the rest of the treatments, especially in terms of vegetative growth. Fruit size, yield per tree, and total soluble solids of the fruit were maximum in mango trees irrigated at 35-40%. Minimum frost incidence (21%) was observed at the 35-40% moisture level, while maximal damage by frost (37%) was noticed in plants subjected to the 25-30% moisture level. This study concludes that moisture level is more important for enhancing mango yield. It will be more supportive for future work on the impact of frost injury in the mango crop.

The involvement of brassinolides in fruit ripening: crosstalk with plant growth regulators and transcription factors

Abstract Brassinolides (BRs) are a kind of endogenous plant hormone that play an important role in regulating fruit ripening. BRs can regulate the process of fruit ripening by interacting with plant growth regulators and transcription factors. In this review, we discuss recent research advances on the role of BRs in fruit ripening and its relation to plant growth regulators and transcription factors. In addition, BR signaling molecules that are involved in fruit ripening and ripening-related genes are also highlighted. This review provides a better theoretical basis for improving fruit quality and regulating fruit ripening to speed up market availability, and for studying the mechanisms of BRs in fruit ripening.

The effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a main active ingredient in tea residues, on improving fruit quality and prolonging postharvest storage in apple

EGCG, as an active oxygen scavenger, has a significant effect on inhibiting the greasiness of apples. However, the impact of greasiness on fruit storage and how EGCG eliminates this effect, as well as its influence on apple quality formation, have not been clarified. In this study, we found that exogenous application of EGCG effectively improved a series of nutritional growth indicators, including seedling growth status and photosynthetic activity. Additionally, it significantly increased indicators of reproductive growth, such as fruit diameter, soluble solids content, surface wax, and surface smoothness. Through our experiments, we further discovered that greasiness primarily affects fruit respiration, accelerating fruit decay and causing harm during storage, while EGCG mitigates this process. We also found that the application of tea residue had similar effects to exogenous EGCG. Collectively, these studies suggest that EGCG could be used as a novel foliar fertilizer to enhance overall fruit quality. Moreover, the application of tea residue has similar effects to EGCG, providing a cost-effective solution for apple production.

γ irradiation mediated the inhibitory effect of Ca2+ signals on softening of blueberry fruit during cold storage

Postharvest blueberries tend to soften and rot, resulting in serious fruit waste. Gamma (γ) irradiation can delay the softening of blueberries and improve fruit quality. Calcium is a structural component of plant cell wall and membrane, and plays a role as a second messenger in the physiological process of fruit. To explore the mechanism of inhibiting the softening of cold storage blueberry fruit by γ irradiation, ‘Bluecrop’ blueberry fruit were treated by γ irradiation at a dose of 2.5 kGy, and then combined with calcium ion (Ca2+) inhibitors and intracellular calmodulin antagonists. The Ca2+ fluorescence signals, fruit firmness, protopectin and different soluble pectin contents, cellulose and hemicellulose contents, and hydrolase activities were detected. Results showed that irradiation induced Ca2+ release from intracellular calcium store to generate fluorescence signals. Irradiation mediated the Ca2+ signals to exert a positive effect on fruit firmness of blueberries during cold storage, for the degradation of protopectin and chelator-soluble pectin to water-soluble pectin was reduced by inhibiting activities of polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase. Therefore, γ irradiation-induced Ca2+ signals played an important role in regulation of pectin-involved fruit softening in blueberries during cold storage. This study provides a theoretical basis for the mechanism of Ca2+ signaling in blueberry storage.

Benefits of Cross-Pollination in Vegetable Soybean Edamame

Dependence on cross-pollination varies widely among wild and cultivated plant species. Even among crops that are less dependent on outcrossing, such as soybean (Glycine max L.), cross-pollination can improve fruit quality and commercial value. There is a growing body of literature regarding the role of insect pollination in soybean; however, there is a knowledge gap on the intersection between the reproductive system of soybean and its pollination ecology. To address this gap, we first sought to characterize the reproductive system of vegetable soybean (edamame) in terms of benefits and reliance on outcrossing using three traditional experimental pollination scenarios in field conditions: open pollination, automatic selfing (pollinator-exclusion), and hand cross-pollination (controlled crossing). We also tested whether proximity to floral supplements planted on one edge of the field affected its reproductive outputs, and surveyed the floral visitors of the crop. Overall, we found a significant increase in fruit weight among open-pollinated plants compared to those in the automatic selfing treatment, with this effect accentuated with proximity to the flower strip. Despite open pollinated flowers having 30% higher flower abortions rates compared to automatic selfing, the number of developed seeds per fruit was similar among these treatments, with open-pollination having a greater proportion of commercial grade-A fruits. Additionally, grade-A fruits in open-pollination and hand cross-pollination treatments were similar in weight, both of which were significantly heavier than those in the automatic selfing treatment. Although edamame can automatically self, our results suggest that reproductive outputs including fruit weight and number of commercial grade-A fruits are positively affected by cross-pollination and proximity to floral supplements.

Long-term impact of biofortified iodine on tomato (Lycopersicon Esculentum) growth, yield, and quality

Background: Naturally occurring iodide iodine exhibits complex soil behavior. Even though higher plants don’t consider iodine a vitamin, living things need it. Iodine is part of the thyroid hormone, which is vital to human health and metabolism. Potassium is the most effective cation for tomato plants and has a crucial role in improving several post-harvest quality characteristics in tomato fruits as well as in almost all vegetables. Methods: In the present work, we assessed the growth, yield and quality (Ascorbic acid, Titrable acidity and soluble solids) of tomatoesfrom different sources of chitosan and potassium iodate alone and combinations. The field experiment was carried out in the Thondamuthur block of Viraliyur village in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in 2022. The experiments were performed in randomized block design with three replications in palaviduthi soil series using hybrid tomato “Shivam”. Result: The chitosan iodate complex and foliar application combination enhanced the growth, yield and quality of tomato. Potassium iodate alone applied to soil and foliar, improved fruit quality but did not prevent acid loss during ripening. Chitosan reduces respiration and oxygen permeability to preserve losses. Thus, potassium iodate chitosan complex was favoured for boosting plant growth, fruit yield and quality.

Positive Changes in Fruit Quality, Leaf Antioxidant Defense System, and Soil Fertility of Beni-Madonna Tangor Citrus (Citrus nanko × C. amakusa) after Field AMF Inoculation

Citrus plants rely heavily on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) due to their lack of root hairs. Most experiments have been conducted with AMF inoculation under potted conditions, while field inoculation of AMF on citrus, especially a high economic hybrid tangor variety Beni-Madonna (Citrus nanko × C. amakusa), has been rarely recorded. This study aimed to analyze the effects of two AMF inoculations (a single Funneliformis mosseae and a mixture of F. mosseae, Diversispora versiformis, and Rhizophagus intraradices) on the internal and external fruit quality, leaf antioxidant defense system, and soil fertility and structure of top-worked Beni-Madonna tangor citrus trees. Three and a half years after AMF inoculations, soil hyphal length and root mycorrhizal colonization rate increased by 61.2–101.8% and 15.85–29.6% in inoculated plants, respectively. Inoculated trees had higher external fruit coloration value, fruit horizontal diameter, and fruit weight, and lower fruit rigidity than uninoculated trees. AMF-inoculated trees had higher glucose levels of fruit peels, fructose and sucrose levels of fruit fleshes, and the ratio of fruit soluble solids/titratable acids, as well as lower titratable acids concentrations than non-AMF-inoculated trees. AMF inoculation significantly increased leaf nitrogen balance index, chlorophyll index, peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase activities, as well as reduced glutathione and oxidized glutathione concentrations, resulting in lower hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels when compared to the uninoculated treatment. In addition, inoculated trees presented higher soil nutrient levels, including organic carbon, available K, and Olsen-P as, well as soil aggregate stability (based on mean weight diameter) than uninoculated trees. This study concluded that field AMF inoculation improved fruit quality, enhanced leaf antioxidant defense system, and improved soil fertility of Beni-Madonna trees, with mixed AMF being prominent in improving fruit quality and F. mosseae being prominent in enhancing leaf antioxidant defense system and improving soil fertility.

Improving Fruit Quality and Prolonging Postharvest Life of Superior Grapevine during Cold Storage

Improving Fruit Quality and Prolonging Postharvest Life of Superior Grapevine during Cold Storage

Changes of Postharvest Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Enzymes in ‘Haribhanga’ Mango by Aloe vera Gel with Chitosan and Coconut Oil Coating During Ambient Storage

Abstract Mango is a well-known tropical climacteric fruit that decays rapidly. Thus, a postharvest management strategy utilizing natural and biodegradable materials is necessary to minimize crop losses. The study evaluated the coating effects of A. vera gel with chitosan and coconut oil on postharvest features and mango shelf life throughout 15 days of storage at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Fruits were treated with the following six coatings: control (distilled water), 1.5% chitosan solution (CH) (w/v), Aloe vera gel (AV) (1 : 1, v/v), coconut oil (CO) (1 : 1, v/v), 1.5% chitosan solution + A. vera gel (CH + AV) (1 : 1, v/v), and coconut oil + A. vera gel (CO + AV) (1 : 1, v/v). The findings showed that the coating with A. vera gel and chitosan significantly decreased decay, weight loss, respiration rate, and ethylene production compared to control. This coating improved fruit quality indicators like acidity, total soluble solids, pH, fruit firmness, and ascorbic acid content. Additionally, the phenol content and antioxidant activity decreased slightly during storage, while the control fruits demonstrated a rapid decrease in phenol content and antioxidant activity. Coated fruits significantly reduced the activity of polyphenol oxidase, whereas control fruits had the lowest catalase and peroxidase activity throughout the storage period. Coated fruit skin showed higher L* and b* values than the control fruits throughout storage. These findings suggested that A. vera gel with chitosan coating might preserve bioactive components and postharvest ‘Haribhanga’ mango fruit quality under ambient storage.

KI Increases Tomato Fruit Quality and Water Deficit Tolerance by Improving Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Amino Acid Accumulation: A Priming Effect or Relief during Stress?

A water deficit can negatively impact fruit yield and quality, affecting critical physiological processes. Strategies to mitigate water deficits are crucial to global food security. Iodine (I) may increase the efficiency of the antioxidant system of plants, but its role against water deficits is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of I in attenuating water deficits and improving fruit quality, investigating whether metabolic responses are derived from a “priming effect” or stress relief during water deficits. Tomato plants were exposed to different concentrations of potassium iodide (KI) via a nutrient solution and subjected to a water deficit. A water deficit in tomatoes without KI reduced their yield by 98%. However, a concentration of 100 μM of KI increased the yield under a water deficit by 28%. This condition is correlated with increased antioxidant activity, photosynthetic efficiency improvement, and malondialdehyde reduction. In addition, the concentration of 100 μM of KI promoted better fruit quality through antioxidant capacity and a decline in the maturation index. Therefore, KI can be an alternative for attenuating water deficits in tomatoes, inducing positive responses during the water deficit period while at the same time improving fruit quality.

Productivity of Cherry Tomato Cultivars as Influenced by Watering Capacities and Microclimate Control Designs

Background: Cherry tomatoes remain relatively expensive due to limited public knowledge, few producers, and lower productivity rates in Indonesia. Although cherry tomatoes are increasingly popular in modern marketplaces, they are still uncommon in traditional markets. Cherry tomatoes have an enormous economic impact on many regions, particularly Indonesia, in the broader agricultural environment. Their cultivation, however, may be impacted by problems with water supply and climatic regulation. By evaluating how various watering capacity and microclimate control strategies affect cherry tomato productivity, this study seeks to address these challenges. The research is anticipated to offer farmers and agricultural practitioners useful information to improve cherry tomato output in response to market demands and sustainability concerns. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the effect of cultivars on the growth, yield, and quality of cherry tomatoes. Methods: The research is designed to determine the effect of each cultivar (Ruby, Fortesa), watering capacities (100% ETc, 75% ETc, 50% ETc), and microclimate control designs (Greenhouse, Rain shelter, Screen house) on the growth, yield, and quality of cherry tomatoes. Results: The cultivar Fortesa produced the highest possible fruit, biological yield per plant, maximum marketable fruit output, greater growth index, maximum fruit firmness, and water use efficiency. The cultivar Ruby performed better in terms of root-shoot ratio and fruit elasticity. The greenhouse produced the highest possible fruit and biological yield per plant, marketable fruit yield, growth index, leaf chlorophyll content, fruit firmness, elasticity and water use efficiency. In the watering capacities treatment condition, 100% ETC was more significant for parameters, such as marketable fruit yield, root-shoot ratio, growth index, leaf chlorophyll content, fruit firmness, and elasticity. Conclusion: Growing cherry tomato cultivar Fortesa in a greenhouse using a watering capacity of 100% ETc under the results is recommended. These conditions have improved fruit quality, making them favorable options for successful cherry tomato cultivar production.