Incremental Growth Rate Research Articles

Larval distribution pattern of Muraenesox cinereus (Anguilliformes: Muraenesocidae) leptocephali in waters adjacent to Korea

To understand the transport and recruitment processes of the daggertooth pike conger, Muraenesox cinereus, in the marginal seas of East Asia, we investigated the distribution pattern, estimated spawning areas and periods, and recruitment mechanisms of M. cinereus, based on 51 individuals of leptocephali collected from Korean waters during 2010–2014. Back-calculated hatching dates, determined from the daily incremental growth rates of the otoliths, indicated that the spawning period for M. cinereus was during July–September. The size range of M. cinereus leptocephali collected offshore of Jeju Island and southeast of the Korea-Japan intermediate zone was 16.6–20.9 mm TL (age, 18–23 d). We hypothesize that one of the spawning grounds of M. cinereus is located offshore in the East China Sea. In Korean waters, the ages and body lengths of M. cinereus leptocephali increased northward from latitude 31°30′N to 34°40′N, with metamorphosis occurring at latitude 34°40′N. Therefore, we surmised that the hatched preleptocephali of M. cinereus were transported from offshore areas in the East China Sea to Jeju Island and the Korea Strait (KS) by the Kuroshio and Tsushima Warm Current.

Harvest of the Soft-Shell Clam (Mya arenaria) by Malaga Island, Maine, Residents From 1865 to 1912 Occurred Primarily in the Fall and Winter Based on Incremental Growth Assessment

ABSTRACTSclerochronological analysis of Mya arenaria shells from archeological sites can provide valuable information on the lifestyles of the sites' inhabitants. Inhabited from ca. 1860 to 1912, Malaga Island, Maine, was the home of a marginalized, mixed-race community of which only scant historical records remain. Our study analyzes M. arenaria shells from three horizons of shell middens at two house sites, utilizing incremental growth assessment, age, and growth rate to determine harvest behavior of the Malaga Island community. We examined modern clams from a nearby site to estimate the pattern of growth line deposition in M. arenaria so we could accurately determine the season of harvest from midden clams. Our results indicate that, throughout Malaga's historic inhabitation, the islanders consistently harvested between September and March, suggesting that they were selling M. arenaria to cod fisheries as bait, though it is also possible that they relied on clams for food. Large M. arenaria from the uppermost horizons of the middens averaged 2.5 to 4.8 years older than individuals from lower horizons. In one midden, average clam growth was significantly slower from the uppermost horizon compared to lower horizons, indicating that the islanders probably changed harvesting sites near the end of the island's occupation. Our sclerochronological results provide information necessary to complete an important chapter of Maine history. They also indicate that changes in harvest location should be considered an explanation for changes in the size, age, and growth of midden mollusks through time.

Development and evaluation of an in-situ tire testing facility with variable side slip angles

An in-situ tire test rig was developed for field research on tire tractive and maneuverability performances. The Single Wheel Tester (SWT) was mounted on a tractor and a tested wheel was driven by a hydromotor, along a frame of 3m length. In the SWT, four load cells were utilized to measure longitudinal and lateral forces, input and self-aligning torques, and two optical counters were applied to calculate forward and angular velocities. Response Surface Methodology was used to execute experimental design and to analyze the collected data. Afterwards, reduced form of a 2 Factor Interaction model was extracted to predict rolling resistance using seven factors. The test results show that increasing the normal load and side slip angle will cause an increment of rolling resistance. The incremental growth rate of the rolling resistance due to the normal load increment was observed. At higher cone index values, increasing the angular velocity reduces the rolling resistance, although at lower cone index values, the effect of angular velocity on rolling resistance is in reverse order. In addition, the increasing moisture content effect on rolling resistance at lower side slip angle values was observed.

Coral reef recovery in the Galápagos Islands: the northernmost islands (Darwin and Wenman)

The remote northernmost Galapagos Islands, Darwin and Wenman, exhibited well-developed coral communities in 1975, which were severely degraded during the 1982–1983 El Nino warming event. Mapping of the coral reef at Darwin, herein Wellington Reef, shows it presently to be the largest known structural reef in the Galapagos. It consists of numerous 1- to 3-m-high Porites framework towers or stacks and overlies a carbonate (coral/calcareous sediments) basement. Pre-disturbance Wellington Reef was constructed chiefly by Porites lobata and Pocillopora elegans, and Wenman coral cover was dominated by Pavona clavus and Porites lobata. Subsequent surveys in 2012 have demonstrated robust recovery in spite of ENSO thermal shock events, involving both high and low stressful temperatures that have caused tissue bleaching and mortality. No losses of coral species have been observed. Radiocarbon dating of 1- to 3-m-high poritid framework stacks, from their peaks to bases, revealed modern ages of up to 690 yr. Incremental stack growth rates ranged from 0.15–0.39 to 1.04–2.40 cm yr−1. The former are equivalent to framework accretion rates of 1.5–3.9 m Kyr−1, the latter to coral skeletal growth rates of 1.0–2.4 cm yr−1. Coral recovery in the central and southern Galapagos has been nonexistent to low compared with the northern islands, due chiefly to much higher population densities and destructive grazing pressure of the echinoid Eucidaris galapagensis. Thus, coral reef resistance to ENSO perturbations and recovery potential in the Galapagos are influenced by echinoid bioerosion that varies significantly among islands.

Erratum to: Effects of electron beam velocity spread, temperature, and self-fields on dispersion relation and growth rate in a Cherenkov radiation

We study the effects of electron beam velocity spread, temperature, and self-fields on dispersion relation and growth rate in a Cherenkov radiation when an axial magnetic field is present. A generalized dispersion relation is derived and shown that in addition to cyclotron, FEL, and beam modes there are two other modes which are induced by thermal velocity of electron beam. For cyclotron mode, the effects of electron beam self-fields on the growth rate are investigated and shown that the growth rate in the presence of self-fields has a maximum value which is considerably greater than the saturation value of growth rate in the absence of self-fields. The optimum value of axial magnetic field at which the maximum growth can take place is determined for different electron beam densities. Then the effects of electron beam velocity spread and temperature on growth rate are studied and it is found that the electron beam temperature causes an increment in growth rate, while the velocity spread of electron beam has an opposite effect.

Effects of electron beam velocity spread, temperature, and self-fields on dispersion relation and growth rate for a Cherenkov radiation

We study the effects of electron beam velocity spread, temperature, and self-fields on dispersion relation and growth rate in a Cherenkov radiation when an axial magnetic field is present. A generalized dispersion relation is derived and shown that in addition to cyclotron, FEL, and beam modes there are two other modes which are induced by thermal velocity of electron beam. For cyclotron mode, the effects of electron beam self-fields on the growth rate are investigated and shown that the growth rate in the presence of self-fields has a maximum value which is considerably greater than the saturation value of growth rate in the absence of self-fields. The optimum value of axial magnetic field at which the maximum growth can take place is determined for different electron beam densities. Then the effects of electron beam velocity spread and temperature on growth rate are studied and it is found that the electron beam temperature causes an increment in growth rate, while the velocity spread of electron beam has an opposite effect.

Slow drift mirror kinetic instability at a finite electron temperature in a nonmaxwellian space plasma

A slow drift mirror (SDM) instability has been analyzed in the scope of kinetic approximation, with accounting for the electron pressure for different particle distribution functions. The dependence of the SDM instability increment growth rate on the parameters of the anisotropic κ distribution with the loss cone, which is used to model real space plasma particle distributions, has been studied. An analysis indicated that the appearance of the loss cone in the ion distribution function results in a decrease in the SDM mode frequency, and an enhancement of the suprathermal tail (a decrease in κ) increases the SDM mode frequency as compared to the Maxwellian distribution. In other words, particle redistribution from the region of low velocities into that of high velocities results in an increase in the SDM mode frequency.

Population Structure for Sea Turtles at Drini Bay: An Important Nearshore Foraging and Developmental Habitat in Albania

Loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta using an important shallow-water foraging ground at Drini Bay, Albania, were monitored over 3 consecutive summers (2008–2010). Working closely with local artisanal fishermen, researchers were able to obtain many of the sea turtles captured as bycatch (nontarget species). There were 407 new records (402 loggerhead and 5 green turtles, Chelonia mydas), with most (99%) being captured in 2 stavnike fish traps (a type of pound net) and a few with mrezh (gill nets). Morphometric data were collected from all captured turtles, and they were allocated into 10-cm size classes (length-frequency-distribution) based on their curved carapace length; caudal measurements were used to assess the developmental-stage of secondary sexual characteristics. An unusually high number of male loggerhead turtles (27%) were captured; their morphometric data were subsequently used as a reference for determining if short-tailed turtles might be adult or sexually developing females. Nesting has not been reported for Albania, so the presence of females is unclear. Drini Bay is also a developmental habitat, as 69% of the studied turtles were yet to mature. Interannual recaptures of 26 turtles allowed their incremental growth rate to be calculated.

Is Active Management the Key to the Conservation of Saproxylic Biodiversity? Pollarding Promotes the Formation of Tree Hollows

Trees with hollows are key features sustaining biodiversity in wooded landscapes. They host rich assemblages of often highly specialised organisms. Hollow trees, however, have become rare and localised in Europe. Many of the associated biota is thus declining or endangered. The challenge of its conservation, therefore, is to safeguard the presence of hollow trees in sufficient numbers. Populations of numerous species associated with tree hollows and dead wood are often found in habitats that were formed by formerly common traditional silvicultural practices such as coppicing, pollarding or pasture. Although it has been occasionally mentioned that such practices increase the formation of hollows and the availability of often sun-exposed dead wood, their effect has never been quantified. Our study examined the hollow incidence in pollard and non-pollard (unmanaged) willows and the effect of pollarding on incremental growth rate by tree ring analysis. The probability of hollow occurrence was substantially higher in pollard than in non-pollard trees. Young pollards, especially, form hollows much more often than non-pollards; for instance, in trees of 50 cm DBH, the probability of hollow ocurrence was ∼0.75 in pollards, but only ∼0.3 in non-pollards. No difference in growth rate was found. Pollarding thus leads to the rapid formation of tree hollows, a habitat usually associated with old trees. It is therefore potentially a very important tool in the restoration of saproxylic habitats and conservation of hollow-dependent fauna. If applied along e.g. roads and watercourses, pollarding could also be used to increase landscape connectivity for saproxylic organisms. In reserves where pollarding was formerly practiced, its restoration would be necessary to prevent loss of saproxylic biodiversity. Our results point to the importance of active management measures for maintaining availability, and spatial and temporal continuity of deadwood microhabitats.

Contributions of aging to the fatigue crack growth resistance of human dentin

An evaluation of the fatigue crack resistance of human dentin was conducted to identify the degree of degradation that arises with aging and the dependency on tubule orientation. Fatigue crack growth was achieved in specimens of coronal dentin through application of Mode I cyclic loading and over clinically relevant lengths (0⩽a⩽2mm). The study considered two directions of cyclic crack growth in which the crack was either in-plane (0°) or perpendicular (90°) to the dentin tubules. Results showed that regardless of tubule orientation, aging of dentin is accompanied by a significant reduction in the resistance to the initiation of fatigue crack growth, as well as a significant increase in the rate of incremental extension. Perpendicular to the tubules, the fatigue crack exponent increased significantly (from m=14.2±1.5 to 24.1±5.0), suggesting an increase in brittleness of the tissue with age. For cracks extending in-plane with the tubules, the fatigue crack growth exponent does not change significantly with patient age (from m=25.4±3.03 to 22.9±5.3), but there is a significant increase in the incremental crack growth rate. Regardless of age, coronal dentin exhibits the lowest resistance to fatigue crack growth perpendicular to the tubules. While there are changes in the cyclic crack growth rate and mechanisms of cyclic extension with aging, this tissue maintains its anisotropy.

Follow-up study on population structure and breeding pattern of the mangrove horseshoe crab Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda in Singapore

In 2009 Cartwright-Taylor et al. (2009; Aquat Biol 8:61-69) published a paper show- ing the monthly changes in population structure and breeding pattern of the mangrove horseshoe crab Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda over a 1 yr period at the Mandai mud-flats at Kranji in Singa- pore. Although breeding is thought to be year-round, our work demonstrated that the proportion of juveniles in different size groups varied each month, with recruitment into the smallest size classes from November to March with a corresponding decrease in the proportion of adults, and into larger size classes from March to July coupled with an increasing proportion of adults, sug- gesting periods of high and low breeding activity through the year. Follow-up data, collected for a further 3 yr to determine if this pattern was maintained, indicate that this indeed is a feature of the population. Each January a high proportion of the small juveniles was found consistently in the population, while each July the population was dominated consistently by adults with some large juveniles. Mean incremental growth rate at ecdysis (36%) from a further 10 ind. confirmed growth rate findings in the first year. The male:female ratios also confirmed findings from the first year with little change from 1 in the sex ratios for the 3 follow-up yr, suggesting mating activity is not strongly seasonal, as occurs in temperate climates. Pairs in amplexus were seen year-round, but the numbers varied from month to month with no apparent seasonal pattern.

"ALLOMETRY" DETERMINISTIC APPROACHES IN CELL SIZE, CELL NUMBER AND CRUDE FIBER CONTENT RELATED TO THE PHYSICAL QUALITY OF KANGKONG (Ipomoea reptans) GROWN UNDER DIFFERENT PLANT DENSITY PRESSURES

Kangkong, especially the upland type (Ipomoea reptans) is popularly consumed as a vegetable dish in the South East Asian countries for its quality related to Vitamins (A and C) and crude fiber contents. Higher fiber contents would prevent from the occurrence of colon cancer and diverticular disease. With young stem edible portion, its cell number and size contribute to the stem crude fiber content. The mathematical approach of allometry of cell size, number, and fiber content of stem could be used in determining the 'best' plant density pressure in producing the quality young stem to be consumed. Basically, allometry is the ratio of relative increment (growth or change) rates of two parameters, or the change rate associated to the log of measured variables relationship. Kangkog grown equal or lower than 55 plants m-2 produced bigger individual plant and good quality (physical) kangkong leafy vegetable, but with lower total yield per unit area as compared to those grown at higher densities.

Study on the Prolactin Receptor 3 (PRLR3) Gene and the Retinol-binding Protein 4 (RBP4) Gene as Candidate Genes for Production Traits in Berkshire Pigs.

To investigate the influence of the prolactin receptor 3 (PRLR3) gene and the retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene on the production traits of swine, genotyping was performed on 156 and 141 Berkshire pigs, respectively, that were carefully selected for economic traits. The frequencies of allele A in the PRLR3 locus and allele B in the RBP4 locus were 0.50 and 0.42, respectively. Neither locus was in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. After a genotype was assigned to the individuals whose parents had the homozygous genotype, a statistical analysis was conducted for 291 pigs. The animals with the PRLR3 and RBP4 genotypes included 182 and 227 head, respectively. Even though the genotypic effects of PRLR3 (p<0.05) and RBP4 (p<0.01) had a significant influence on the pigs’ back fat thickness, the interaction of both genes was not highly significant in terms of the back fat thickness (p = 0.1235). While the estimated epistasis effects of aaBB and aaBb decreased the back fat thickness and reduced the growth rate, the effects of AAbb and aabb increased the growth rate. Despite the insignificant difference in the PRLR genotypes in terms of the days to 90 kg and the average daily gain, the back fat thickness showed a significant difference (p<0.05), and the additive effect of allele A and the dominant effect of the hetero-genotype were −0.377 and 1.206 mm, respectively. The RBP4 genotypes had a very significant effect (p<0.01) on the back fat thickness, the days to 90 kg, and the average daily gain. The additive effects of allele B of the RBP4 locus on the back fat thickness, the days to 90 kg, and the average daily gain were 0.70 mm, −1.3 days and 6.2 g, respectively. Moreover, the dominant effects of the heterozygote for those traits were 0.63 mm, 9.9 days and −45.0 g, respectively. Allele A of the PRLR3 locus favorably influenced the back fat thickness, the days to 90 kg of the body weight, and the average daily gain and its dominant effect unfavorably influenced those traits. Allele B of RBP4 showed an incremental growth rate and back fat thickness, which could lower the lean meat percentage in the carcass. The RBP4 hetero-genotype negatively affected the pork production. These results strongly imply that the selection of allele A of PRLR3 and allele B of RBP4 would produce highly productive pigs in the Berkshire breed. Careful selection of allele B of RBP4 is required because of the increase in the back fat thickness.

Wood quality variation in Tectona grandis (teak) clones from CSO raised at Maredumilli (Rajahmundry), Andhra Pradesh

Core samples collected from 30–31 year old Tectona grandis (teak) clones from CSO raised in 1974 at Maredumilli, Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh were evaluated for different wood quality parameters. Based on mean annual increment (MAI) computed from tree growth and volume of wood, the trees were categorized in three groups—best (B), average (A) and poor (P) performing clones. Variation in fibre length, fibre diameter, wall thickness; increment growth rate, moisture content and specific gravity were studied using core samples taken from two opposite sides at breast height of stem of each clone. Comparisons were made between these categories based on the wood quality parameters. The objective of study was to generate base line information on wood quality of teak clones which are source material for plantations and further research programs. This will also help the tree breeders and forest managers in selecting best quality planting stock based on the inherent wood quality traits for further propagation. The results of the study indicated that different wood quality parameters such as anatomical structure, growth rates, percentage of moisture content and specific gravity varied within as well as between the categories and exhibited to have greater relevance as reference information for quality improvement and value addition than MAI alone. Some of clones having average MAI exhibited comparatively better wood quality parameters. Similarly, some of best clones showed slightly inferior values to certain wood quality parameters. It is thus suggested that in any large scale species improvement programs taken up by the plantation industries including Forest Departments, more emphasis should be given to wood quality parameters during progeny trials of such commercially important species for different end use applications as value addition.

Toxic Effects of Citrus aurantium and C. limon Essential Oils on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Citrus aurantium and C. limon were selected in the search for natural plant insecticides. The essential oils of C. aurantium and C. limon and ethanol extracts of the seeds, pulp, albedo, and peel of C. aurantium were incorporated into the larval diet of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera frugiperda. Larval and pupal mortality were quantified and adult malformation was observed. C aurantium essential oil had antifeedant action and the mixture of albedo ethanol extract and C aurantium essential oil had toxic effects on S. frugiperda larvae at early stages, when they had not yet produced major damage to the crop. Our results indicated that a mixture of ethanol extract of albedo and C. aurantium essential oil (250 microg of extract mix per g of diet) deterred feeding by 46% and had the highest larval mortality (100%) of the materials tested. The peel extract (250 microg per g of diet) produced an increment in growth rate and diet consumption. However, 40% of the larval and 45% of the pupal populations died after 96 h of treatment. The blend of essential oil and C. aurantium albedo ethanol extract showed the lowest consumption and a poor nutrient conversion into biomass. Finally, the presence of D-limonene and nootkatone in the peel ethanol extract, and C. limon and C. aurantium essential oils, may be the cause of the response in the feeding behavior and toxic effects found on S. frugiperda.

Spatial distribution of particle number concentration and its volume change in the planetary boundary layer over Tokyo and its suburban areas

The Japanese Ministry of the Environment established a new PM 2.5 air quality standard in September 2009, which has lead to increased public interest in air quality improvement. Concentrations of primary particles such as elemental carbon have decreased during the last decade, but secondary particles have become a major concern. When ground-based observations are carried out, the influence of neighboring emissions must be considered. At the same time, as much as possible, particles must be collected in places that will allow the average behavior of secondary particles to be understood. Making observations using aircraft in city skies is advantageous in that samples taken there are not influenced by local exhaust, such observations can cover a wide range at one time, and they are useful in understanding the spatial character of secondary particles. Using a helicopter for sampling, we measured the spatial variation of particle size distribution (0.5–10 μm) on the coastline and over inland areas in the South Kanto region, including the Tokyo metropolitan area, nine times in three days starting on July 30, 2008. The vertical profile of pollutant concentrations was approximately constant between the altitudes of 300 m and 600 m, but concentrations varied both temporally and spatially. Data gathered in level flights at an altitude of 600 m showed that the particle number concentration increased while the mean particle diameter decreased as we flew north (inland). The particle number concentration and its relationship with the mean particle diameter showed a well-organized distribution. A volumetric change of more than 3-fold was seen in the distribution of particles sampled in the inland area, whereas no clear volumetric change was seen in the distribution of particles sampled along the coast. The particle number concentration, mean particle diameter, and particle volume changed at rates of 0.74 cm −3 km −1 , −0.48 nm km −1 , and 0.057 μm 3 cm −3 km −1 , respectively, with increasing distance from the coastline. The incremental volumetric growth rates were seen to relate positively in proportion to the NO 2 concentration in particular. ► Using an aircraft, secondary PM behavior was measured in South Kanto, Japan. ► The PM number and mean diameter showed well-organized distribution. ► A volumetric change in PM was seen in the inland area, but not in the coast area. ► The increment tendency of the volume growth rates was seen with NO 2 concentration. ► The increase ratio of PM number and volume was obtained as a function of distance.

The Reduction in Fatigue Crack Growth Resistance of Dentin with Depth

The fatigue crack growth resistance of dentin was characterized as a function of depth from the dentino-enamel junction. Compact tension (CT) specimens were prepared from the crowns of third molars in the deep, middle, and peripheral dentin. The microstructure was quantified in terms of the average tubule dimensions and density. Fatigue cracks were grown in-plane with the tubules and characterized in terms of the initiation and growth responses. Deep dentin exhibited the lowest resistance to the initiation of fatigue crack growth, as indicated by the stress intensity threshold (ΔKth ≈ 0.8 MPa•m0.5) and the highest incremental fatigue crack growth rate (over 1000 times that in peripheral dentin). Cracks in deep dentin underwent incremental extension under cyclic stresses that were 40% lower than those required in peripheral dentin. The average fatigue crack growth rates increased significantly with tubule density, indicating the importance of microstructure on the potential for tooth fracture. Molars with deep restorations are more likely to suffer from the cracked-tooth syndrome, because of the lower fatigue crack growth resistance of deep dentin.

Germania and Climate Variability in 3rd and 4th Centuries A.D.: A Methodological Approach to Dendroclimatology and Human Migration

This study compared the timing of migrations of the Germanic tribes and the incremental growth rates of trees in Central Europe from the 3rd and 4th century A.D. It has been suggested that the Germanic tribes were not influenced by climate change; however, this study of climate data found coincidence between low-growth periods in trees and human activity among the Germanic tribes. A network chronology, compiled from cross-dateable regional master oak and pine tree-ring chronologies, reveals periods of low and high growth rates in trees that can be indicative of paleoclimates. Tribal activity was defined by contemporaneous documentation of attacks, incursions, migrations, and evidence of new or abandoned settlements where dates are known or widely accepted. The co-occurrence frequency between low-growth years as evident in trees and tribal activity was high, at 74% for all 201 years (136 events) and 97% from the years A.D. 269 to 374 (61 events). The findings of this study may help understand the various events and motivations of the Germanic tribes in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D., and, minimally, should reinstate climate as an influence to migration.

GROWTH OF MANGROVE COCKLE (Anandara antiquata) CULTURED IN CAGES

Study on growth of mangrove cockle (Anadara antiquata) was conducted in the intertidal area of Passo, Inner Ambon Bay. Three size-classes of 25 individual cockles were cultured in 1 m3 cage. Length increment data was collected every two weeks for seven periods of observation. Relative growth rate, length-weight relationship and condition factor were estimated using formula proposed by Effendie, Pauly and King, respectively. The results showed that the small size had the highest length increment and relative growth rates while the large size had the best condition factor. Length-weight relationship showed isometric growth for all categories.

Analyzing the functional association among seed traits, berry growth and chemical composition in Cabernet-Sauvignon berry (&lt;em&gt;Vitis vinifera&lt;/em&gt; L.) using a mathematical growth function

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aims&lt;/strong&gt;: This study aimed at assessing the functional linkage among seed traits (including seed number, seed weight), berry growth and berry sugar and acid concentration by adapting a mathematical growth function with parameters having biological importance.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods and results&lt;/strong&gt;: The evolution of berry diameter of Cabernet- Sauvignon was satisfactorily fitted to a bi-phasic growth function with six parameters. Correlations between the parameters and berry characteristics, including time of skin color change, seed number, seed weight, final berry size and chemical composition, were analyzed. Results showed that berry growth within a bunch deviated according to seed number, which positively related to parameters describing diameter increment (D1) and initial growth rate (GRini) during the first rapid growth phase, but not related to any parameters involved in the second growth phase. The time of skin color change was negatively associated with mean seed weight, and coincided with growth parameter DABmax that denotes the time when growth rate is maximum during the second rapid growth phase. Sugar concentration was negatively correlated to final berry fresh weight (BFW), seed fresh weight (SFW), GRini and diameter increment during the second rapid growth phase (D2). Path analysis further revealed that the negative effects of SFW and D2 were indirectly mediated via BFW and GRini.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions&lt;/strong&gt;: We thus conclude that seed affects berry growth and exerts its influence only during the first growth phase via modifying the parameters D1 and GRini. The time of colour change is also affected by seed, and might not be a good indicator of growth restoration after the lag phase. Sugar concentration is linked to final berry size, specific berry growth parameters and seed weight, for the last mainly in an indirect manner.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Significance of the study&lt;/strong&gt;: This study, integrating the analysis of berry growth and composition with a mathematical growth function, provides a valuable approach for deeper understanding of the functional associations among seed traits, berry growth and berry sugar and acid concentration at the berry level.&lt;/p&gt;