Large Fruit Size Research Articles

Performance of Strawberry Varieties Developed for Perennial Matted-Row Production in Annual Plasticulture in a Cold Climate Region

Annual plasticulture production of strawberries promises superior weed control, fruit quality and yields. However, strawberry varieties adapted for perennial, matted-row production and local markets in cold climate regions have not been widely tested for adaptation to an annual production cycle. Productivity of seven short-day varieties developed for matted-row and/or annual production was examined in an annual plasticulture system in two consecutive trials in central NY (lat. 42.87° N, long. 76.99° W) harvested in 2013 and 2014. ‘Flavorfest’ demonstrated good performance in Trial 1 with high yield (390 g/plant) and large fruit size (13.9 g mean berry weight). ‘Jewel’ was shown to be well adapted to the annual plasticulture system with consistently high yields (330 and 390 g/plant) that equaled or surpassed other varieties and had moderate fruit size. ‘Chandler’ performed similarly to previous trials conducted in warmer regions with yield (340 g/plant) and fruit size (9.8 g mean berry weight) similar to ‘Jewel’. ‘Clancy’ yielded less but was consistent from year to year. The late season varieties Seneca and Ovation showed marked variability between years, possibly due to drastically different temperatures during flowering and fruit development in Trial 1 compared to Trial 2. High temperatures in Trial 1 likely caused higher early fruit yield, a compressed season and a precipitous decline in fruit size in the later season, thus reducing yield in the late season. Survival after a second dormant period was poor resulting in a small second harvest and reduced fruit size. Overall, the system demonstrated many of the expected benefits but may be more sensitive to weather conditions in the region. While many varieties developed for matted-row production may work well in an annual plasticulture system, not all varieties are equally adapted. Performance of each variety should be determined independently before large scale adoption by growers.

An Effective Dose of Magnetic Field to Increase Sesame Plant Growth and Its Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum Wilt

Globally, sesame consumption continues to increase, so it requires additional production to balance. Often there are obstacles in the production process, both technique and the presence of pests. One way to increase production is to treat it with a magnetic field during seed growth and germination. This study aims to determine the magnetic flux density (MFD) to obtain the optimal stem growth, chlorophyll content, fruit size, and plant resistance to Fusarium oxysporum. The seeds are processed by giving treatment using a MFD of 0.0-0.5 mT, which oscillates with a frequency of 50 Hz. Plant seeds were treated using a magnetic field every day for five days with a treatment time of 20 minutes each. The results showed that sesame seeds treated with magnetic fields had earlier emergence time of sprouts, higher stems, more chlorophyll content, faster flowering, larger fruit sizes, and more resistance to F. oxysporum wilt attacks. Treatment with a MFD of 0.3 mT resulted in optimal plant growth, health, and resistance to F. oxysporum attack. Treatment of seeds using magnetic fields ranging from wetting the seeds to germinating makes the plants healthier, bigger fruits, and more resistant to F. oxysporum wilt attacks.

Taxonomic revision of Sageretia (Rhamnaceae) from China I: identities of S. lucida, S. thea var. cordiformis and S. yunlongensis, with the description of a new species S. ellipsoidea

A taxonomic revision of Sageretia lucida, S. thea var. cordiformis and S. yunlongensis in China is presented. Sageretia lucida is revised in terms of morphological characters (habit, branchlet color, phyllotaxis and rachis length), distribution, habitat, and phenology; S. thea var. cordiformis is raised to S. cordiformis; and S. yunlongensis is excluded from the genus Sageretia and reduced to the synonym of Rhamnus nigricans. Furthermore, a new species, S. ellipsoidea, is erected based on the paratype collections of S. lucida. The new species morphologically differs from S. lucida in having reddish brown branchlets, opposite or subopposite phyllotaxis, shorter rachises, and flowering in spring or early summer. S. ellipsoidea is factually closest to S. hamosa as they share similar woody-vine habit and larger fruit size, and fruiting in winter, whereas the former can be easily recognized based on its smaller leaf blades, fewer lateral veins, shorter rachises, and ellipsoidal or elliptic-ovoid fruits.

Fruit picking time and fruit characteristics of the F2 population of local okra [Abelmoschus esculentus [L.] Moench] crosses with introduced variety

Okra attains its best fruit quality when the pods are still tender. The previous research reported that the crosses of the local okra, i.e. okra Merah and okra Hijau with introduced variety VE022 and B291 success to obtain plants with extended picking time. This research aimed to evaluate the fruit picking time and fruit characteristics of the F2 population and obtain the F2 genotypes that have a more extended fruit picking time. The research was conducted at the Research Station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University. The materials used are seeds collected from selfed-pollination of ten crosses [F2 populations] and okra Merah and okra Hijau cultivar as a control. Data collected based on an individual observation, and then the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and unpaired t-test at a 5% significance level. Results showed that a particular plant from the F2 population has a more extended picking time of up to nine days after anthesis, indicating improved fruit quality characters, i.e. fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit weight. Plants obtained with a longer fruit picking time of nine and eight days after anthesis are 14.4% and 67.0%, respectively. Selected plants, i.e. FOHVE022-8-13, SOMVE022-10-1, and FOHVE022-8-13 that consistently reveal a high number of fruits per plant, larger fruit size, and heavier fruit weight, need to be self-pollinated and evaluated in further research before releasing as a variety.

Development of large-fruited bird cherry cultivars on the basis of wild species for northern and eastern regions of Russia

Bird cherry occupies a special place among stone fruit plants. Its fruits, collected in nature, were widely used by local communities, native to regions with severe climate. Development of new bird cherry cultivars, well adapted to such environments, with stable productivity and larger fruit, is a necessity.Crossings were performed involving the most large-fruited genotypes of Prunus padusL. and P. virginianaL., selected during the study of their intraspecific variability and interspecific hybrids. A number of hybrids were identified for their considerably higher fruit weight than that of both parents. Crossing the most large-fruited hybrid cultivars ‘Pamyati Salamatova’ and ‘Cherny blesk’ with large-fruited P. padussamples from Bondarev No. 11-2-64, No. 11-2-70, No. 11-2-76, and P. virginianasamples No. 1-14-1 and No. 10-5-2, produced many hybrids with a fruit weight gain of 20–50% over the parent with the largest fruit. It can be explained by the polygenic nature of fruit weight inheritance. The samples with the largest fruits had an average fruit weight of 1.4–1.5 g and maximum weight of 1.8–1.9 g. Many of them combined large fruit size with good quality and high productivity. Brief descriptions of fruit traits are presented for several hybrids. Suppositions are made about the prospects of further breeding for the large fruit trait on the basis of the same genetic sources or with the use of other sources of large fruit size in hybridization.Thus, preliminary selection of the best genotypes in nature and in introduced populations, followed by their crossing within their own species and with other species, makes it possible to produce genotypes with larger fruits than the average fruit size for a population and considerably larger than in their parents. It would help to develop bird cherry cultivars, well adapted to local conditions, for amateur and industrial horticulture under different climate conditions of Russia.

Characterization and elimination of linkage-drag associated with Fusarium wilt race 3 resistance genes

Key messageReducing the size of the I-3 introgression resulted in eliminating linkage-drag contributing to increased sensitivity to bacterial spot and reduced fruit size. The I-7 gene was determined to have no effect on bacterial spot or fruit size, and germplasm is now available with both the reduced I-3 introgression and I-7.Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production is increasingly threatened by Fusarium wilt race 3 (Fol3) caused by the soilborne fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. Although host resistance based on the I-3 gene is the most effective management strategy, I-3 is associated with detrimental traits including reduced fruit size and increased bacterial spot sensitivity. Previous research demonstrated the association with bacterial spot is not due to the I-3 gene, itself, and we hypothesize that reducing the size of the I-3 introgression will remedy this association. Cultivars with I-7, an additional Fol3 resistance gene, are available but are not widely used commercially, and it is unclear whether I-7 also has negative horticultural associations. To characterize the effect of I-3 on fruit size, segregating populations were developed and evaluated, revealing that the large I-3 introgression decreased fruit size by approximately 21%. We reduced the I-3 introgression from 5 to 140 kb through successive recombinant screening and crossing efforts. The reduced I-3 introgression and I-7 were then separately backcrossed into elite Florida breeding lines and evaluated for effects on bacterial spot sensitivity and fruit size across multiple seasons. The reduced I-3 introgression resulted in significantly less bacterial spot and larger fruit size than the large introgression, and it had no effect on these horticultural characteristics compared with Fol3 susceptibility. I-7 was also found to have no effect on these traits compared to Fol3 susceptibility. Together, these efforts support the development of superior Fol3-resistant cultivars and more durable resistance against this pathogen.

Effect of Processing Steps on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of High Anthocyanin Mulberry Fruit Powder

The objective of this research was to determine the amounts of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in each processing step in the production of high anthocyanin powder (HAP) from mulberry fruits to investigate suitable processing methods. For fresh mulberry fruits derived of Chiang Mai varieties, both in-season and off-season fruits had similar amounts of total anthocyanin content (TAC) and total phenolic compounds (TPC). In-season mulberry fruits had the highest potential to be used as a raw material for further study because of high antioxidant activities, large fruit size, and high productivity. Two methods of HAP production were tested. The first method used whole fruit drying with different drying methods included hot air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), and freeze drying (FD). Hot air drying at 50, 60 and 70°C showed a decreased concentration of anthocyanins, which were 60% lower than that of fresh fruits. Vacuum drying at 55 and 75°C could provide high anthocyanin content and was similar to freeze drying, which had 87–97% anthocyanin retention. Vacuum drying at 75°C was most suitable for HAP production because of the short drying time (22.3 ± 0.4 hours), high anthocyanin retention (87.21%), high phenolic compound content, and high antioxidant activities. The second method used fermented and concentrated mulberry juice. This process used the following steps: yeast fermentation to decrease the sugar content, filtration to get rid of solid parts, evaporation to concentrate the solution, drying with different drying methods (vacuum drying and freeze drying), and crushing to powder. Throughout fermentation, filtration, and evaporation, high phenolic compound content and antioxidant activities were observed and 77.29% of anthocyanins were retained. However, these values decreased dramatically after the drying step. Therefore, drying the concentrated solution was not effective for HAP production. Of the processing methods tested, directly drying whole mulberry fruits with VD at 75°C was most suitable for HAP production. This method provided 13.06% ± 0.35 production yield of HAP, contained 13.51±0.08 mg/g DW of total anthocyanins, and 27.47 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g DW of total phenolic compounds. Additionally, the antioxidant activities by DPPH, TRAP, and TEAC assays were 2.91 ± 0.19, 16.22 ± 0.31, and 22.34 ± 0.29 mmol GAE/g DW, respectively.

Variation in South African citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides [L.H. Bailey] Mansf. ex Greb.) landraces assessed through qualitative and quantitative phenotypic traits

Citron watermelon [Citrullus lanatus var. citroides (L.H. Bailey) Mansf. ex Greb.] is an important genetic resource serving for food, feed, and breeding dessert watermelon (C. lanatus var. lanatus) and other cross-compatible species. Wide phenotypic variation exists among South African citron watermelon landraces which are yet to be systematicaly assessed for diverse uses and cultivar design. The objective of this study was to assess phenotypic diversity of citron watermelon landrace accessions of South Africa and to select desirable genotypes with suitable agronomic and horticultual traits for direct production, breeding and conservation. Thirty six citron watermelon landrace accessions were evaluated under field conditions in two seasons using a 6 × 6 alpha lattice design with three replicates. Data on key qualitative and quantitative traits were collected and subjected to non-parametric and parametric statistical analyses. The accessions showed wide phenotypic variation and unique traits for genetic improvement. Positive and significant correlations (p < 0.001) were recorded between total fruit yield per plant with plant height (r = 0.64), number of harvestable fruits (r = 0.70), number of marketable fruits (r = 0.73) and marketable fruit yield (r = 0.96). Seed yield per plant positively and significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with number of male flowers (r = 0.68), plant height (r = 0.61) and total fruit yield (r = 0.79). Prinicipal component analysis identified nine components which accounted for 86.38% of total variation amongst accessions for assessed phenotypic traits. Citron watermelon accessions WWM16, WWM67 and WWM79 were high-yielding suitable for fruit production for food or livestock feed. Accessions namely WWM03, WWM09, WWM16, WWM39, WM64 and WWM76 produced high fruit number and marketable fruit yield per plant which are recommended as parental genotypes for breeding. Furthermore, accessions WWM04, WWM15, WWM24, WWM28, WWM46, WWM66, WWM68, WWM76 and WWM79 were selected with higher seed production for the food or feed industry. The study recommends citron watermelon accessions such as WWM14, WWM16, WWM39, WWM41, WWM67 and WWM79 for use as leafy vegetables owing to their profuse branching ability and longer vine production. Whereas accessions including WWM03, WWM17, WWM35, WWM40, WWM50, WWM67, WWM79 and WWM85 are selected with larger fruit size. Accessions WWM05 and WWM09 are sour-flesh types which are suitable genetic stocks for breeding sweet-and-sour dessert watermelons. Orange-fleshed accessions such as WWM03, WWM04, WWM46, WWM64, WWM66 and WWM67 are recommended for fresh consumption, cooking, processing or variety design. Accessions WWM02, WWM03, WWM08, WWM14, WWM16, WWM23, WWM38, WWM40, WWM41 and WWM67 have red and white seed coat colour which are superior selections to prepare roasted citron watermelon seed snack.

Quality variation of fruits of species of the genus Lycium in Ukraine: A comparative morphological analysis

Goji berries (Lycium L.) have been an important element of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries due to their health-promoting properties and chemical composition, and they deserve the term “superfruit”. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphological parameters of Lycium (L. barbarum L., L. chinense Mill. and L. truncatum Y. C. Wang) fruits for 21 cultivars and varieties from the collections in the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of NAS of Ukraine (Kyiv). Cultivars and varieties differed by weight, shape, and size of fruits. Their morphometric parameters were the following: fruit weight from 0.44 (L. truncatum cv. Princess Tao) to 1.08 (L. chinense cv. Tybet) g, fruit length from 10.41 (L. chinense cv. Delikat) to 22.84 (L. truncatum cv. Super Sweet) mm, fruit diameter from 7.16 (L. truncatum cv. Princess Tao) to 13.48 (L. chinense cv. Delikat) mm, number of seeds in fruit from 1.0 to 49.0. The shape indexes of fruits were found ranging from 0.78 (L. chinense cv. Delikat) to 2.56 (L. truncatum cv. New Big). The analysis of coefficient of variation showed the difference of variability in morphometric characteristics between Lycium spp. cultivars and varieties. The most variable features are fruit weight (11.4–37.1%) and number of seeds in fruits (9.7–60.8%), which are important parameters for selection that indicates about potential success of selection. Using the cluster analysis with the Bray-Curtis similarity index allowed us to establish the relationships among the fruits Lycium spp. germplasm and arrange the cultivars and varieties into three relatively main clusters. Plants of the genus Lycium, due to the growing importance as functional food, require systematic research work. In cases of food use, large fruit size is important. In the results of our research on L. barbarum, L. chinense and L. truncatum, in terms of fruit sizes the following cultivars and varieties stand out : LB02, LC Amber Sweet and LT Super Sweet. The collected varieties can be the basis for obtaining new cultivars distinguished by the size of crops and their quality.

Development, evaluation and characteristic of economically valuable traits in new sterile line of tomato for producing hybrids in the South of Russia

To meet the needs of the population and commodity producers in southern Russia for tomato fruits, it is necessary to develop hybrids of various purposes, taking into account their increased adaptability to abiotic environmental factors that meet modern production technologies and market requirements, as well as combine high economically valuable traits and an acceptable price for seeds. The use of lines with a sterility trait may reduce labor costs for the production of hybrids and improve their quality. The purpose of these studies was to develop sterile lines of tomato for open ground for various purposes (fresh consumption and processing) and to obtain high-yielding hybrids on their basis. As a result of the research carried out, promising functionally sterile lines of tomato with a number of economically valuable traits have been developed, including large fruit size, productivity, lack of stalk articulation, biochemical parameters and commercial attractiveness of fruits. According to the length of the growing season, all inbred lines were divided into 3 groups: mid-early, mid-season, and mid-late. Further involvement of new sterile lines in the hybridization process as parent components in development of heterotic tomato hybrids resistant to abiotic environmental factors will make it possible to develop hybrids of various purposes for growing in open ground in the soil and climatic conditions of southern Russia.

Branched Secondary Alcohol Ethoxylate, Ammonium Thiosulfate, Calcium polysulfides-thiosulfate, and Fish Oil Effects on Blossom Thinning, Fruit Set and Quality of Peaches and Nectarines

Abstract Total crop load has an inverse relationship with fruit size, while larger fruit size is often demanded by the peach and nectarine markets. Hand-thinning is extremely expensive, and thus, crop load adjustment, using blossom thinners is a crucial practice to ensure production of commercially acceptable fruit size and yield efficiency in stone fruit. In this study, the influence of branched secondary alcohol ethoxylate (Tergitol TMN-6), ammonium thiosulfate (ATS), Crocker Fish Oil, (FO) and a mixture of calcium polysulfides and thiosulfate (lime sulfur) on fruit set and quality attributes in peaches (Prunus persica) and nectarines (P. persica var. nectarina) were studied. All blossom thinners reduced fruit set in 'Summer Lady' peach in both 2016 and 2017. Fruit sets in 'Summer Lady' peach trees with a double application of Tergitol TMN-6 at the rate of 7.5 or 10 mL.L-1, each rate applied at 40% and 80% bloom, were lower than those receiving the same rates of this chemical only at 80% bloom, but they were similar to those receiving a single Tergitol TMN-6 spray at 15 mL.L-1 at 80% or 100% bloom. 'Summer Lady' peach trees receiving Fish Oil at 20 mL.L-1 plus lime sulfur at 25 mL.L-1, once at 40% bloom and again at 80% bloom had lower fruit set as compared to Un-treated Control but the fruit set was higher than those with any Tergitol-TMN-6 spray. Tergitol TMN-6 at 12m.L-1 at 100% bloom or 10 mL.L-1 all stages of bloom reduced fruit set in 'Zee Lady and Snow Giant' peaches. Total yield was proportional to the severity of thinning and final fruit weight. In 'Snow Giant' peach, trees receiving Tergitol TMN-6 at all concentrations and blossom stages had significantly higher fruit weight as compared to the trees of Un-treated Control. Applications of Tergitol TMN-6 at all concentrations at 80% bloom reduced fruit set in 'Red Globe' and 'Elberta' peaches in Utah comparing with Un-treated Control. Overall, it is concluded that efficacy of blossom thinners depends on the rate of thinners, cultivar and stage of bloom development.

Early Performance of Jujube Drying and Multipurpose Cultivars in the Southwestern United States

Jujube cultivars have been imported into the United States for more than 100 years, but cultivar trials have been limited. To accurately recommend cultivars for each region, trials have to be conducted. We have set up jujube cultivar trials at the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Alcalde (2015, USDA hardiness zone 6a), Los Lunas (2015, 7a), and Leyendecker (2017, 8a) Centers with over 35 cultivars at each site with two replicates and a complete random block design. We reported the early performance of fresh-eating cultivars in 2019. Here we report the performance of 19 drying and multipurpose jujube cultivars. Between 40% and 100% of jujube trees produced a few fruit to more than 100 fruit in the planting year, depending on cultivar and location. Trees were more upright at Los Lunas than at Alcalde. ‘Kongfucui’ (KFC) was the most productive cultivar at Alcalde with 13.3 kg/tree in 2019, followed by ‘Chaoyang’, ‘Jinkuiwang’ (JKW), ‘Pitless’, and ‘Lang’. The yield at Los Lunas was lower than Alcalde for the first 3 years after planting; however, ‘Jinsi 2’, ‘Jinsi 4’, ‘Jixin’, ‘Sherwood’, ‘Sihong’, and ‘Xiangzao’ produced higher yields at Los Lunas than Alcalde in 2019. All cultivars produced higher yields and contained higher soluble solids at Leyendecker than Alcalde and Los Lunas at similar ages. ‘JKW’ was the most vigorous and productive cultivar at Leyendecker. ‘JKW’, ‘Xiangzao’, and ‘Lang’ produced more than 3.0 kg/tree in their second year after planting. ‘JKW’ yielded 12.3 kg/tree in its third year after planting. Among the three locations, drying cultivars are not recommended for commercial production at Alcalde. However, home gardeners can plant multipurpose and early-drying cultivars at Alcalde. Leyendecker produced the best dry fruit with larger fruit size, rich color, and meaty fruit; dry fruit quality was acceptable in most years at Los Lunas except 2019. We preliminarily recommend some drying and multipurpose cultivars for each location. As trees mature and produce more fruit, we will fine-tune the cultivar recommendations. We also discuss the jujube cultivar zoning information in New Mexico and fruit uses.

КРУПНОПЛОДНОСТЬ У ТОМАТА Solanum lycopersicum L.: ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ДЕТЕРМИНАНТЫ, ОРГАНОГЕНЕЗ И РАЗВИТИЕ ПЛОДА (обзор)

Large fruit in Solanum lycopersicum L. is the result of domestication. We were interested in the appearance of large fruits in tomato in connection with the practice task to get new tomato forms with large fruits for multi-tiered hydroponic and aeroponic installations for vertical fruit production in greenhouses. Using the technology of target tomato breeding we obtained the first special dwarf tomato varieties Natasha and Timosha with small fruits for multi-tiered hydroponic installations. Obtaining of large fruit in tomato is connected with genetic and epigenetic control of the trait (An. Frary et al., 2000; B. Cong et al., 2006; Z. Huang et al., 2011; S. Wang, et al., 2011; A.J. Monforte et al., 2014; L. Azzi et al., 2015). The goal of this review is to summarize data on genetic determinants the trait of “size/weight of the fruit”, analysis processes of organogenesis, hormone and metabolic regulation of fruit development. Analysis of papers dedicated to fruit weight increasing during domestication shows the availability of 37 loci involved in regulation of cell division and enlargement at four different stages of fruit development, starting from the phases of ovary development and fruit set to the phases of cell development and enlargement of cells which form the mature fruit. Some of these loci are connected with processes of hormonal plant development at the phase of anthesis, fertilization, formation of fruits and seeds, and so, they are involved in auxin (SlPIN4, SlTIR1, SlARF7, SlARF8, SlIAA9) and gibberellin (SlGA20ox1, SlDELLA1) signaling pathways. Others control cell enlargement during fruit development and maturing, and so, they are involved in regulation of primary (HXK1, SuSY, LIN5, TIV1, mMDH, cpFBP, SPA) and secondary (NOTABILIS/NCED1, FLACCA, Gal-LDH, GME) metabolism. Individual group of loci controls cell cycle at the period of ovary development (TAGL1, FAS, LC, SlWUS, SlIMA) and fruit growth (SlCDKA1, SlCDCB1, SlCDKB2 and SlCCS52A, SlWEE1, SlKRP1) (L. Azzi et al., 2015). The fw2.2 is the first locus which has been described in detail (An. Frary et al., 2000). Locus fw2.2 controls the small fruit size in S. lycopersicum and is semidominant to allele FW2.2 of large fruit size. With transgenic lines, it had been established, that locus fw2.2 is carried by cos50. Sequence analysis of the cos50 had identified two open reading frames. One of them contain a single recombinant event, which delimited “the rightmost” end of the fw2.2 (XO33). Because genetic mutation(s) causing change in fruit size must be to the left of XO33, cDNA44 cannot be involved and open reading frame is the likely cause of the small-fruit phenotype. Next studies indicated that fw2.2 acts as a negative regulator of cell division during the very early stages of fruit development following pollination. Thus, fw2.2 is one ofregulatory QTLs, such as achaete-scute, scabrous and Delta QTLs in fruit flies, teosinte-branched 1(tb1) in maize and Hox genes in animals (cited by B. Cong et al., 2006). Possible, locus FW2.2 is positive regulator of cell division, which is involved in interaction with cytoplasmic membranes mediated by the regulatory (beta)-subunits of CKII kinase, that is well known in yeast and animals where it forms part of cell cycle related with signaling pathway (B. Cong et al., 2006).

LARGE FRUIT OF TOMATO Solanum lycopersicum L.: GENETIC DETERMINANTS, ORGANOGENESIS AND FRUIT DEVELOPMENT(review)

Large fruit in Solanum lycopersicum L. is the result of domestication. We were interested in the appearance of large fruits in tomato in connection with the practice task to get new tomato forms with large fruits for multi-tiered hydroponic and aeroponic installations for vertical fruit production in greenhouses. Using the technology of target tomato breeding we obtained the first special dwarf tomato varieties Natasha and Timosha with small fruits for multi-tiered hydroponic installations. Obtaining of large fruit in tomato is connected with genetic and epigenetic control of the trait (An. Frary et al., 2000; B. Cong et al., 2006; Z. Huang et al., 2011; S. Wang, et al., 2011; A.J. Monforte et al., 2014; L. Azzi et al., 2015). The goal of this review is to summarize data on genetic determinants the trait of “size/weight of the fruit”, analysis processes of organogenesis, hormone and metabolic regulation of fruit development. Analysis of papers dedicated to fruit weight increasing during domestication shows the availability of 37 loci involved in regulation of cell division and enlargement at four different stages of fruit development, starting from the phases of ovary development and fruit set to the phases of cell development and enlargement of cells which form the mature fruit. Some of these loci are connected with processes of hormonal plant development at the phase of anthesis, fertilization, formation of fruits and seeds, and so, they are involved in auxin (SlPIN4, SlTIR1, SlARF7, SlARF8, SlIAA9) and gibberellin (SlGA20ox1, SlDELLA1) signaling pathways. Others control cell enlargement during fruit development and maturing, and so, they are involved in regulation of primary (HXK1, SuSY, LIN5, TIV1, mMDH, cpFBP, SPA) and secondary (NOTABILIS/NCED1, FLACCA, Gal-LDH, GME) metabolism. Individual group of loci controls cell cycle at the period of ovary development (TAGL1, FAS, LC, SlWUS, SlIMA) and fruit growth (SlCDKA1, SlCDCB1, SlCDKB2 and SlCCS52A, SlWEE1, SlKRP1) (L. Azzi et al., 2015). The fw2.2 is the first locus which has been described in detail (An. Frary et al., 2000). Locus fw2.2 controls the small fruit size in S. lycopersicum and is semidominant to allele FW2.2 of large fruit size. With transgenic lines, it had been established, that locus fw2.2 is carried by cos50. Sequence analysis of the cos50 had identified two open reading frames. One of them contain a single recombinant event, which delimited “the rightmost” end of the fw2.2 (XO33). Because genetic mutation(s) causing change in fruit size must be to the left of XO33, cDNA44 cannot be involved and open reading frame is the likely cause of the small-fruit phenotype. Next studies indicated that fw2.2 acts as a negative regulator of cell division during the very early stages of fruit development following pollination. Thus, fw2.2 is one ofregulatory QTLs, such as achaete-scute, scabrous and Delta QTLs in fruit flies, teosinte-branched 1(tb1) in maize and Hox genes in animals (cited by B. Cong et al., 2006). Possible, locus FW2.2 is positive regulator of cell division, which is involved in interaction with cytoplasmic membranes mediated by the regulatory (beta)-subunits of CKII kinase, that is well known in yeast and animals where it forms part of cell cycle related with signaling pathway (B. Cong et al., 2006).

Niedzwetzky’s apple (Malus niedzwetzkyana Dieck): evaluation and breeding prospects

Background. Niedzwetzky’s apple (Malus niedzwetzkyana Dieck), native to Central Asia, has excellent prospects in the development of new cultivars with high anthocyanin content and hybrids that could be widely used in ornamental horticulture.Materials and methods. The collection maintained at Maikop Experiment Station of VIR currently contains 17 different forms of Niedzwetzky’s apple. Most of them were introduced in 1968 from the pomological garden in Talgar, Kazakhstan. Evaluation of their phenological patterns, yield, precocity of bearing, disease resistance, fruit quality, ornamentality, etc. was based on the guidelines developed at VIR.Results and conclusion. Characteristics and specific features for all accessions of Niedzwetzky’s apple are formatted into a table. As a result of testing, the following accessions were identified: k-2389, k-29429, k-29428, k-29430 and k-29422 for their high yield; k-29429 and k-29426 for a large fruit size; k-29429, k-29430 and k-29422 for fruiting precocity; k-29431, k-29423, k-29427 and k-2389 for a pleasant sour-sweet fruit flavor, and a number of forms with medium resistance to apple leaf and fruit scab. Of special interest are the accessions with red and dark red fruit flesh color (k-14948, k-2389 and k-13279): they are most impressive in their flowering and fruiting phases. Niedzwetzky’s apple accessions with red pigmentation are promising for the development of cultivars with higher anthocyanin content in fruit. Besides, M. niedzwetzkyana and its hybrids have good prospects as ornamental plants.

Diversity in jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.): insights into fruit characterization for the identification of superior genotypes

AbstractJackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a nutritious crop from the Moraceae family. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of fruit characteristics using a set of 27 standardized fruit descriptors to describe 28 jackfruit genotypes. These data were used to identify the superior jackfruit genotype that could be used for commercial cultivation. The data revealed a wide range of differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied. Cluster analysis classified the genotypes into four major groups that confirmed the wide diversity among them. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed that 80.22% of the variability among the jackfruit genotypes was explained by the first five principal components (PCs). Based on the overall results, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER) JS 6/3 and 10/3 genotypes were found to be the most promising for table purposes (medium fruit size, pulp percentage &gt;50 and total soluble solid (TSS) &gt;20°Brix), whereas the ICAR-RCER JS 7/7 genotype with large fruit size, pulp percentage &gt;50 and TSS &gt;20°Brix was found to be suitable for processing. The coefficient of variation was the least for traits such as TSS (12.56%) and average seed length (13.56%). Hence, priority may also be given to the TSS and seed size when exploring promising genotypes and operating a selection procedure for crop improvement in jackfruit. The information generated under the study forms a potential baseline for fruit breeders to use in selecting genotypes with superior fruit qualities for jackfruit crop improvement programmes in the future.

Yield and fruit quality of introduced cultivars of raspberries {Rubus idaeus L.) in the Crimea

The aim of the research was to study introduced cultivars of raspberries on economic and biological characteristics and selection of adapted to the conditions of the Crimea, high-yielding, winter-hardy, disease- resistant cultivars with high taste and commercial qualities of berries. The article presents the results of a study of seven raspberry cultivars (Glen Ample, Cowichan, Laszka, Marianuska, Perseya, Polka, Phenomen) for agronomic characteristics: yield, disease resistance, average weight, quality and biochemical composition of berries. Control - Balsam cultivar, recognized in the Crimea. The data obtained allowed to distinguish the following cultivars: on the basis of large fruit size (3.0-4.0 g) Phenomen, Laszka, Glen Ample, Marianuska, Cowichan; high yield (0.322 - 0.393 kg/shoot) Laszka, Marianuska, Perseya; good taste of fruits (4.5 - 4.9 points) Cowichan, Marianuska, Perseya, Polka; high content of ascorbic acid (47.6 - 61.7 mg/100g) Glen Ample, Marianuska, Perseya; the high content of soluble solids (15.3 - 17.7%) Laszka, Marianuska, Polka, Phenomen, Cowichan. Over the years of research, all raspberry plants had a healthy appearance; chemical treatments on the experimental site were not used. The introduction of promising cultivars of raspberries will significantly improve the assortment of culture in the Crimea, increase the production of berry products. The best cultivars chosen for valuable characters can be used in breeding.

Сurrent directions in improving the sweet cherry sortiment for the south of Russia

The article presents the results of the breeding work to obtain varieties of the new generation of open pollination. These include varieties of Krasna Devitsa, Madonna, Podarok Leta, Chernie Glaza, Yasno Solnishko, transferred to the State variety test. Sweet cherry (a diploid, 2n = 16) refers to various species of the genus (Cerasus Mill.) and valuable stone fruit crops. Current trends in work with southern sweet cherry varieties today are breeding for ecological plasticity, immunity to disease, low growing, yield, large fruit size and fruit quality. The purpose of the study is to assess the biological potential of new varieties for use in modern intensive plantings and improvement of the regionalized assortment of Krasnodar region. Sweet cherry varieties derived from open pollination of the best varieties that is actually by intervarietal hybridization within the species Cerasus avium. Primary selection was carried out on the basis of the North Caucasus Federal Scientific Center for Horticulture, Viticulture, Winemaking, which collection of cherries is presented by the best foreign and domestic varieties. It has been established that the sweet cherry varieties obtained from open pollination along with varieties derived from directed crosses, combine in their genotype a set of valuable characteristics and are superior in some traits of the original parent forms. The variety Madonna is characterized by a super-early period of ripening, and adaptability to stress factors; the Krasna Devitsa is a variety with a restrained force growth and large fruits (10.0-11.0 g); the varieties Yasno Solnishko and Chernie Glaza are highly resistant to coccomycosis and shot-hole disease. The selected sources of breeding significant traits, when included in directional crosses, will speed up the breeding process and increase the efficiency of breeding work.

Collection accessions and source material as a determining factor for producing new melon cultivars

Background. The main trend in melon breeding is the development of cultivars with good taste, high yield, and disease resistance. The task may be solved through a scientific search for new source material meeting these requirements.Materials and methods. The research was performed at Bykovsky Cucurbit Breeding Experiment Station. Melon accessions of various origin and F1 hybrids from the nursery of source material served as the research material. In total, during the period of 2015–2017, over 100 melon accessions were studied: 45 accessions from the VIR collection, 61 from various companies, and 12 developed at various research institutions. In the nursery of source material, the accessions were hybridized and the resulting hybrid combinations were tested, including tests against infections. All of them were evaluated for their economically useful traits, yield, taste qualities, and resistance to bio- and abiostressors. During the trials they were compared with the best released cultivars approved for dryland conditions according to the developed guidelines.Results. The purpose of this work was to study the genetic collections of melons and obtain new source forms for further breeding. As a result of the study of the collection material, 12 accessions were identified with the following economically useful traits: high yield (exceeding the reference by more than 20%), high dry matter content (from 14 to 19%), large fruit size (fruit weight higher than 4.0 kg), and other features. After hybridization and testing in F1, the following 5 hybrid combinations were distinguished: Ekler × Osen; Dyuna × Mayskaya, Sheker and No 323; Katyusha × Mestny (k-7459, Georgia); Harmony × Mestny (k7461, Georgia), characterized by a set of features important for breeding.Conclusion. Thus, for further improvement by breeding and release of new melon cultivars, source accessions were selected with a yield exceeding 15.0 t/ha, dry matter content of 13.0%, bright fruit color, and resistance to diseases.

Genetic Analysis of G1/01 Chili pepper Based on Morphological, Physiological and Molecular Characteristics

The G1/01 mutant line is a chili pepper variant resulting from a mutation with Ethyl Methane Sulfonate to the genotype 1 (G1) which is a descendant of a commercial chili pepper varieties Cakra Hijau. In this study the G1/01 line was compared with Capsicum frutescens varieties, Cakra Hijau and Genie and large chili Capsicum annum (CAT2) based on morphology, physiology (capsaicin content) and molecular, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). The results showed that G1/01 had a similar morphology to the varieties of Cakra Hijau, Genie and CAT2 based on habitus, branching, plant height, flower shape and fruit shape, but G1/01 had greater leaf length and width than the Cakra Hijau, Genie and CAT2 and larger fruit size than the Cakra Hijau and Genie. When compared with CAT2, G1/01 has a shorter fruit size even though its diameter was almost the same. The four types of are included in the spicy and very spicy categories. The fruit of G1/01 line showed a change in the level of spiciness from the spicy category when young to the very spicy category when the fruit was ripe red. The RAPD results showed that the Cakra Hijau and Genie varieties were similar to each other while the G1/01 mutant was different from the two. CAT2 shows quite a distance with the other three types. Dendrogram based on morphological, physiological and molecular data shows that G1/01 changes quite large from the Cakra Hijau, but does not similar as CAT2.