Large Fruit Research Articles

PARTIAL RESULTS ON FRUITS ASSESSMENT OF SOME WALNUT GENOTYPES PRESERVED AT RIFG PITESTI, ROMANIA

Forty-five walnut genotypes, with different origins, from germplasm fund of RIFG Pitesti, Romania were evaluated, regarding fruit size (nut weight, size index – SI, index of roundness - IR and kernel percentage). The results obtained have highlighted the fact that in walnut collection from RIFG Pitesti there is a large phenotypic diversity. Thus, the average nut weight ranged from 8.00 g ('Novaci' cv.) to 22.00 g ('Geoagiu' 453 cv.). The largest fruits registered 'Geoagiu 453', 'Germisara', 'Ciprian Ion', 'Hartley' cvs. (over 20 g). The kernel percentage ranged from 30.66% ('Geoagiu 210' cv.) to 56.25% ('Valrex' cv.). The largest kernel percentage (over 50%) registered 'Recea', 'Valcor', 'Valrex', 'M 44-39', 'Sarmis', 'Velnița', 'Schinoasa', 'Ciumești 77', 'Cazacu', 'Chisinau', 'Fălești', 'Codrene' and 'Jupânești' cvs. It has been observed that some genotypes, although they have small fruits, have a high kernel percentage ('Valcor', 'Valrex', 'M 44-39', 'Sarmis', 'Schinoasa', 'Recea', 'Chandler', etc.). and other genotypes with large fruit have small kernel percentage ('Geoagiu 453', 'Germisara', 'Ciprian Ion', 'Hartley'. etc.). The values of the index of roundness varied from 0.64 mm on 'Recea' cv. (elongated form) to 1.01 mm on 'Secular' cv. (round form). Most of the genotypes studied (86.67%) had elongated fruits.

Farklı Dikim Sıklıklarının Yalancı İğde (Hippophae rhamnoides) Çeşitlerinde Vejetatif, Pomololik Ve Kimyasal Özelliklerine Etkisi

This study was carried out in the conditions of Okenov farm, Issyk-Kul region, Cety-Oghuz district. As materials, Athena, Inya, Etna, Dwarf (male) Elizabeth (K) and False oleaster varieties developed by the Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia were used. The varieties were evaluated in terms of yield, fruit weight, biochemical contents, morphological and phenological characteristics. At the end of the study, the data obtained from the varieties were evaluated and an economic analysis was made. As a result of the study, Athena and Inya varieties were found to be superior to the control variety in terms of yield (26%) and dry matter (24%). In the experiment, the largest fruits were detected in the Athena variety, which produced 14% larger fruits than the control variety, and the smallest fruits were determined in the Etna variety, which produced 10.2% smaller fruits than the control variety. It was determined that the Etna variety had the highest value in terms of biochemical contents such as Vitamin C, carotene and pectin compared to the other varieties included in the study. Considering all evaluations, Athena and Inya' varieties have been determined as promising varieties for this region.

Esults of the study of black currant varieties on the complex of economically valuable traits in Kirov region conditions

The aim of the research is to study collection material of black currant in conditions of Kirov region and to identify varieties which combine high productivity, large fruits and resistance to bud mite (Cecidophyes ribes West.) and powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca mors-uvae (Schw) Berk et Gurt.). The researches had been held in an experimental garden of FSBSI FARC of the North-East (Kirov) in 2015-2021. The objects of the research were 36 black currant varieties of 2013 planting year. The check variety was Vologda. As a result of the research, source of the complex of economically valuable traits was distinguished: three varieties of Cherniy Zhemchug (Black Pearl), Chishma, Karachinskaya singled out for the combination of high productivity 62,3-142,0 c/ha (the exceeding of productivity over the check variety is 35,0% and more), for the large fruit (an average mass of a berry is 1,20 -1,70 g) and for high resistance to bud mite; the varieties Yadrenaya (Vigorous) and Gulliver were differed in a combination of high productivity 47,0 - 62,9 c/ha (the exceeding over the check variety is 35% and more), a large fruit (an average mass of a berry is 1,20 - 1,30), a high degree of resistance (the maximum degree of damage is 0,5 - 1,0 point) to powdery mildew and bud mite; two samples, Mila and Sputnik were identified for a combination of high productivity 46,7 - 49,6 c/ha (the exceeding of productivity over the check variety is 35,0% and more), for the large fruit (an average mass of a berry is 1,20 -1,80 g), a taste (4,0 points), a high degree of resistance (the maximum degree of damage is 0,5 - 1,0 point) to powdery mildew and bud mite. Complex resistance to powdery mildew and bud mite (the maximum degree of damage is 0 point during the research) was found in the Alexandrina variety.

Effects of tomato-Sedum alfredii Hance intercropping on crop production and Cd remediation as affected by soil types.

Intercropping crops with hyperaccumulators is a proven model for coupling crop safety production and soil heavy metal remediation. And both crop genotypes and soil properties might have great impacts on the effect of intercropping. Therefore, a greenhouse pot experiment was designed to investigate the effects of intercropping different tomato varieties with the cadmium (Cd) hyperaccumulator Sedum alfredii Hance (S. alfredii Hance) on different soils. The results showed that intercropping promoted Cd uptake by S. alfredii Hance and reduced soil total Cd concentration. There was no significant effect of intercropping on tomato yield and Cd concentration. Different tomato varieties had different effects on tomato yield and Cd concentration. The yield of cherry tomato was 1.04 times higher than that of common large fruit tomato, while the Cd concentration in all parts was lower than that of common large fruit tomato. Different typical zonal soils had different effects on tomato production and soil remediation. And among the four studied soils, tomatoes grown on ZJ soil had the highest yields and lowest fruit Cd concentration, making them more suitable for remediation coupled with safety production. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of tomato production benefits and soil remediation effects, which could be useful as a guide in vegetable safety production coupled with soil remediation practices in the Cd-contaminated greenhouse.

Comprehensive evaluation of fruit quality for premium Wangmo Castanea mollissima plants

In this study, the fruit phenotype and quality of 32 superior Wangmo Castanea mollissima plants (designated GM1 to GM32) were examined to identify the trait characteristics of different cluster groups and germplasms with excellent comprehensive performance. The goal was to provide a theoretical basis and research foundation for collecting high-quality germplasm resources and breeding superior cultivars of Wangmo C. mollissima. Ten fruit phenotypic traits and 13 quality traits were measured and analyzed in these 32 superior Wangmo C. mollissima plants. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to perform a comprehensive evaluation. Extremely significant positive correlations (P<0.01) were observed for 15 pairs of fruit phenotypic and quality traits, and significant positive correlations (P<0.05) were observed for 16 pairs of traits. Highly significant negative correlations (P<0.01) were observed for 4 pairs of fruit phenotypic and quality traits, and significant negative correlations (P<0.05) were observed for 15 pairs. The plants were divided into three groups by cluster analysis: the first group had large fruits and good fruit quality, the second group had small fruits and poor fruit quality, and the third group had medium-sized fruits with a high starch content. Four principal components were extracted from the 23 traits by PCA, contributing 76.23% of the variance. The ten plants with the highest comprehensive quality were GM32, GM31, GM29, GM1, GM8, GM17, GM10, GM30, GM3 and GM28. The results of this study provide a reference for the development and utilization of Wangmo C. mollissima germplasm resources.

INFLUENȚA UNOR PORTALTOI VEGETATIVI ASUPRA CREȘTERII ȘI FRUCTIFICĂRII LA SOIUL DE PRUN ‘ROMANȚA’

The most popular rootstock in the plum orchards from Romania was ‘Myrobalan’ seedling which is very vigorous, incompatible with some cultivars, causes late bearing and intensive suckering. Recently researches were begun about the vegetative rootstocks suitability to conditions of Romania. In 2018-2022 periods the influence of four vegetative rootstocks (‘Adaptabil’, ‘Mirodad 1’, ‘Mirodad 2’ and ‘Mirobolan dwarf’) comparative with ‘Mirobalan’ seedling on growth, yield and fruits quality at ‘Romanța’ cultivar was carried out at Genetics and Breeding Department, in Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania. The trees were planted in the spring of 2015 at 4 x 3 m and comprised 3 trees / 3 replications. As results of the investigations we found that: ‘Adaptabil’ and ‘Mirodad 2’ rootstocks induced a very low vigour; ‘Romanța’ cv. yielded significantly better on ‘Adaptabil’, ‘Mirobolan dwarf’ and ‘Mirodad 2’ rootstocks; the largest fruits were obtained when the cultivar was grafted on ‘Adaptabil’, ‘Mirobolan dwarf’ and ‘Mirodad 1’; the best taste was obtained in the case of the ‘Mirobolan dwarf’ and ‘Adaptabil’ rootstocks. In conclusion, it can be said that all the vegetative rootstocks studied had a better influence than the ‘Mirobalan’ seedling on the growth and fruiting of the ‘Romanța’ cv., being able to be recommended for intensive plum orchards.

'SAROM' ȘI 'IREAL', SOIURI NOI DE CĂPȘUN

Since 1980, the strawberry breeding program developed at the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania has released seven short-day cultivars of interest for temperate climate environments. The latest released cultivars, 'Sarom' and 'Ireal' are late cropping season ones (second decade of June) with large fruit size (more than 25 g) and total yield per plant of over 600 g. Fruits are firm flesh and excellent flavour. Plants have compact habit with high vigour, and fruits are well presented on long braces providing increased picking efficiency. They are characterized with high plant resilience to diseases and high fruit quality.

Effect of Nutrient Solution Concentration on Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Tomato Grown Hydroponically in Single-Truss Production System

Abstract The single-truss production system for tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a relatively new developed cultivation technology that guarantees high yields and high-quality fruit throughout the annual cycle. In this study, we examined the impact of electrical conductivity (EC) of nutrient solutions on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of tomatoes grown in a single-truss system in a hydroponic culture. Plants were supplied with nutrient solution at the following EC values: 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4 mS·cm−1 in the spring and summer cycles, and at 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 mS·cm−1 in the winter cycle. In the spring cycle, the EC of the nutrient solution increased in all treatments, particularly after pinching the main stem. Increased EC values of nutrient solutions were also recorded at the 1.2 and 1.4 EC in the summer cycle and the 1.4 and 1.6 EC in the winter cycle. The leaf number per plant did not differ between treatments in all production cycles. The largest leaf area was found at the 1.2 and 1.4 EC in the spring cycle and the 1.0 and 1.2 EC during the summer. During the winter cycle, no differences in leaf area between treatments were observed. In spring, plants at the 1.2 and 1.4 EC had the highest yields and largest fruits, while during the summer, plants at the 1.0 and 1.2 EC produced the most fruit. In winter, the highest yield was found at the 1.4 EC. The soluble solids concentration (SSC) of fruit was increased at the 1.4 EC both in the spring and summer cycles, while in the winter cycle, there was no difference between the treatments. Only fruit at the 1.4 EC in the summer cycle had an increased acidity. The findings indicate that under greenhouse conditions, tomato cultivation in a single-truss system can be successful if the plants are supplied with a nutrient solution at an EC value of 1.2–1.4 mS·cm−1.

ANALISIS FORECASTING PENJUALAN GUNA MEMINIMALISIR KERUGIAN AKIBAT KEKURANGAN STOK MENGGUNAKAN METODE MOVA DAN WMA (STUDI KASUS PADA TOTAL BUAH SEGAR CABANG CIKARANG PENJUALAN JERUK WOKAM)

In Indonesia, citrus fruits occupy the second level, which is the most consumed fruit with an average of 12.57 grams/capita/day. Lately the type of orange that is popular in Indonesia is wokam orange. Wokam oranges are citrus fruits imported from China. This type of orange can only be found in large fruit stores or supermarkets. Total Buah Segar is a large fruit shop that has several branches, one of which is Total Buah Segar Cikarang branch. Total Buah Segar Cikarang branch sells a variety of quality fruits, one of which is the popular wokam orange. Of course, its popularity can also cause problems in terms of stock inventory, namely there is often a shortage of wokam orange stock in Total Buah Segar Cikarang branch. Therefore, the management of Total Buah Segar Cikarang branch needs a sales forecast in order to determine the supply of wokam oranges in order to meet consumer demand. The method used in this study is a quantitative descriptive method. The calculation of forecasting the sales of wokam oranges uses the MOVA and WMA methods. Precise forecasting results are obtained, namely the WMA method from determining the smallest MAD, MSE, and MAPE values. So that Total Buah Segar Cikarang branch can consider the results of forecasting to make decisions regarding the supply of wokam oranges in the future.

User preferences and consumer acceptability of boiled plantain in rural and urban localities in Cameroon.

An understanding of the preferences of different stakeholders in the plantain value chain in rural and urban segments in Cameroon is important for the selection and adoption of new plantain cultivars. Boiled plantain is one of the most commonly consumed food products from this crop in Cameroon. Gendered food mapping and consumer testing with two plantain landraces (Batard and Big Ebanga) and a plantain-like hybrid (CARBAP K74) was carried out in rural and urban areas in the West and Littoral regions of Cameroon. Plantain users in these two regions were categorized into producers, traders, processors, and consumers. Preferences indicated that raw plantain should bear long and large fruits, with heavy bunches, and an orange pulp color, whereas boiled plantain should present with a yellow color and a soft and mealy pulp, with a good plantain aroma. Batard and Big Ebanga were liked moderately by consumers, whereas CARBAP K74 was liked slightly. CARBAP K74 was on par with Batard and Big Ebanga for some attributes, except for color and sweetness. More emphasis should be given to attributes such as color, firmness, and taste for the development of new plantain clones to be adopted by end users consuming boiled green plantain. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Fruit Thinning Improves Fruit Size, Yield and Return Flowering in ‘Washington Navel’ Orange (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck)

ABSTRACT “Washington Navel” orange is the principal mid-season maturing cultivar grown in south-eastern Australia. The cultivar has strong export potential and earns high returns for citrus growers. However, trees bear a large number of small-sized fruit in an on-year followed by a small number of large-sized fruit the next year if crop load is not properly managed. Thinning can be used as a crop management strategy to adjust crop load. A thinning experiment was conducted, and crop loads were adjusted on a whole tree basis to 2, 4, 6 or 8 fruit/0.125 m3 canopy volume (CV), removing 46%, 30%, 20% and 8% of the crop respectively, and compared to non-thinned control trees. Fruit diameter was measured at regular intervals from February to July. Fruit yield and number were recorded for two consecutive seasons. Return bloom after thinning was also recorded. Thinning treatments 2, 4 and 6 fruit/0.125 m3 CV resulted in higher fruit growth rates of 24%, 9% and 14% compared to the control. Thinning to a crop load of 6 fruit/0.125 m3 CV produced the best results for fruit size and yield during the treatment year. The following year return bloom was increased in the 2, 4 and 6 fruit/0.125 m3 CV compared to the control. The 6 fruit/0.125 m3 CV treatment resulted in a higher cumulative yield of 169 kg/tree over two cropping seasons and 42% fruit in the size class > 75 mm diameter compared to the control. Economic analysis revealed that 6 fruit/0.125 m3 CV could generate an extra $4,240/ha of income for citrus growers. It was concluded that a fruit load of 6 fruit/0.125 m3 CV was required to produce high yields and large fruit size over two cropping seasons.

The yields of industrial cultivars of primocane raspberry in the Central region of Russia

Industrial raspberry plantations in Russia occupy just over 10 % of all plantings and do not fully meet the needs of the population and the berry processing industry. One of the ways to increase the production efficiency of this crop is the use of high-yielding cultivars for planting new plantations. The aim of the researches was to evaluate the industrial assortment of primocane raspberry type in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation in terms of productivity components and to isolate the most productive ones of them. The work was carried out in 2019-2022 on the basis of the genetic collection of berry crops of the Kokino base station of the FSBSI FRC of Horticulture. 8 cultivars of the primocane raspberry type of domestic selection, included in the register of breeding achievements and meeting the requirements for the industrial cultivar: Atlant, Zhar-ptista, Caramel’ka, Medvezhonok, Pingvin, Podarok Kashiny, Poklon Kazakovy, Salyut served as researches objects. It was established that the largest fruits were formed by the cultivars Salyut (4.6 g), Poklon Kazakovy (4.8 g), Medvezhonok (5.0 g), Podarok Kashiny (5.1 g). The multi-fruited cultivars Medvezhonok, Zhar-ptista and Podarok Kashiny were among the best in terms of stem loading by generative organs (194-216 pcs.). The cultivars Zhar-ptista, Poklon Kazakovy, Atlant, Salyute, Medvezhonok and Podarok Kashiny were distinguished by high yields (15.0-20.0 t/ha). The ripening degree of their harvest on average over the years of researches was 75.4-100 %.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF RS3 OBTAINED FROM CILACAP BREADFRUIT (Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg) STARCH

Cilacap breadfruit is a variety native to Indonesia, characterized by superior properties, including fast growth, large fruit size, high carbohydrate, and starch content. This plant has a relatively high content of amylose and resistant starch (RS), allowing its conversion into RS for health benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of autoclaving temperature (100, 121, and 140℃), cooling at 4ºC, and storing time (24 and 48 hours) on the formation of RS from Cilacap breadfruit, and determine its physicochemical (amylose, amylopectin, resistant starch, pasting properties, and thermal properties), as well as functional properties. The results showed that autoclaving-cooling increased the amylose and RS content, water solubility, onset, and peak of thermal temperature. The pasting properties of all parameters, gelatinization enthalpy, swelling power, and amylopectin content were decreased. Amylose content also significantly increased (p≤0.05) from 31.01±0.24 to 37.91±0.43, and RS content (p≤0.05) from 10.98±0.07 to 19.41±0.05. Furthermore, native starch and Cilacap breadfruit RS3 were categorized as high in Amylose. The autoclaving cooling process on Cilacap breadfruit starch effectively increased RS levels, making it a viable alternative for developing functional food

A contribution to the systematics of Xylopia (Annonaceae) in the New Guinea region

In the New Guinea region, including the Solomon Islands and Halmahera, three species of the pantropical genus Xylopia L. have been previously recognised: X. calosericea Diels, X. papuana Diels, and X. peekelii Diels. In recent floristic tabulations the genus has thus comprised a minor component of the Annonaceae flora. Here we present descriptions and illustrations of 14 new species of the genus from the region: Xylopia aenea D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. ampla D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. brunneola D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. bullata D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. chlorosperma D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. cornuta D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. corrugata D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. makiraensis D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. musella D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. pachysericea D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. rogstadii D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. sulangwane D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, X. takeuchii D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray, and X. vulcanicola D.M.Johnson & N.A.Murray. We distinguish the 17 species in a diagnostic key. The region includes Xylopia species that are among the tallest in this genus of c. 220 species, one with the largest leaves and another with the largest fruit, as well as several species with distinctive cataphyll-covered resting buds. The genus has undergone multiple dispersals both to and within the region, with higher diversity on smaller islands than on New Guinea. Its presence on oceanic islands indicates over-water dispersal.

Morphological characterization and interspecific variation among five species of Ziziphus genus to select superiors in Iran

BackgroundSeveral species of the genus Ziziphus are used worldwide for their medicinal and therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the phenotypic variation of five species of the Ziziphus genus, including Z. jujuba Mill. (25 accessions), Z. mauritiana Lam. (25 accessions), Z. spina-christi L. (25 accessions), Z. nummularia L. (10 accessions), and Z. xylopyrus Willd. (10 accessions) from Markazi, Sistan-va-Baluchestan, and Khuzestan provinces, Iran.ResultsThe investigated accessions have significant differences in terms of all the measured as revealed using analysis of variance (ANOVA, P < 0.01). The range of fruit weight was 0.43–1.29 g in Z. jujuba, 17.85–29.87 g in Z. mauritiana, 0.94–3.44 g in Z. spina-christi, 0.93–2.02 g in Z. nummularia, and 0.91–3.02 g in Z. xylopyrus. All the measured traits showed significant and positive correlations with each other. Multiple regression analysis (MRA) results showed that fruit length, stone width, stone weight, stone length, and fruit width have significant effects on fruit weight, and thus their fluctuations have a significant effect on increasing or decreasing fruit weight. The accessions were grouped into two main clusters using hierarchical cluster analysis. The first cluster (I) included all the accessions of Z. mauritiana, while the second cluster (II) contained the accessions of the rest species forming two sub-clusters.ConclusionBased on the commercial characters, accessions no. 12, 13, 17, 23, and 24 in Z. jujuba, accessions no. 3, 9, 17, 18, 20, 22, and 23 in Z. mauritiana, accessions no. 5, 6, 8, 13, 19, 22, and 24 in Z. spina-christi, accessions no. 3, 7, and 9 in Z. nummularia, and accessions no. 2, 4, 7, and 10 in Z. oxyphylla showed the highest fruit weight and thus can be suggested as superior for cultivation or use in breeding programs due to having larger fruits.

Analysis of Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil from Orange Peels

The largest fruit in Nepal is citrus, which takes up 2684 of the country's total fruit-growing land. 71.65% of the nation's citrus-growing land is devoted to the planting of citrus called mandarin oranges. Pectin is a structural hetero-polysaccharide that is integral to the motion of terrestrial flora. The fact some components are becoming resistant to specific fungal infections and illnesses has become among the biggest obstacles in treating them at the moment. This necessitated the employment of novel medications to treat infectious disorders brought on by these microbes. Additionally, they are exceedingly low in toxicity and abundant sources of active chemicals. Soxhlet can be used to easily extract the essential oil. The end result confirms that essential oils were successfully extracted as pectin solutes, which is particularly helpful for pectin extraction in industrial sectors both economically and for environmental health.

Determination of Target Crop Loads for Maximising Fruit Quality and Return Bloom in Several Apple Cultivars

In apple (Malus domestica), the level and timing of crop load have a major impact on the final fruit size and can also play a role in optimising internal fruit quality. Ideal crop loads vary with cultivar, but very few cultivars have recommended crop load targets that consider the effect of crop load on both return bloom and fruit quality. To address this issue, studies examining a range of crop loads and thinning times were undertaken on several apple cultivars. Return bloom and multiple fruit quality parameters were examined. The results of these studies demonstrate positive effects for early thinning, not only on fruit size but also on firmness and soluble solids content. Early-thinned fruit showed higher sugar levels than late-thinned fruit. Previously undemonstrated positive relationships between fruit sugar content and weight and between fruit firmness and weight in both ‘Fuji’ and ‘Delicious’, as well as between fruit sugar content and fruit firmness in ‘Delicious’, indicate that early thinning is a valuable tool in improving fruit quality. The current target crop load recommendations of 4–6 fruit cm−2 trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) for ‘Fuji’ and 2–4 fruit cm−2 TCSA for ‘Delicious’ are confirmed by this study. New recommendations are proposed for the other cultivars in this study taking into account the impact of crop load on both fruit quality and return bloom. Both ‘Pink Lady’ and ‘Gala’ can support crop loads of up to eight fruit cm−2 TCSA without impacting return bloom, but fruit quality is compromised; hence, lower targets in the range of 4–6 fruit cm−2 TCSA are recommended. Large fruit size and good return bloom can be maintained in ‘Jonagold’ at crop loads of eight fruit cm−2 TCSA, while crop loads of four fruit cm−2 TCSA are suggested for ‘Braeburn’ to sustain regular bearing and good fruit size.

IMPLEMENTASI SIMPLE ADDITIVE WEIGHTING DALAM PENENTUAN BIBIT JAGUNG VARIETAS UNGGUL DI WILAYAH LAHAN LAHAN KERING

Corn is a staple food source that is rich in carbohydrates. As a source of carbohydrates, some people consume corn as daily food. Determination of corn seeds is an aspect that needs to be considered by farmers before planting because inaccurate selection of seeds can cause unsatisfactory yields and cause farmers to suffer losses. Determination of corn seeds carried out by farmers in Nansean Village and East Nansean Village is still using a manual method by looking at the size of the large fruit and choosing from seeds that have a fast harvest time but will produce unsatisfactory yields which causes farmers to feel crop failure. So it is necessary to build a decision support system that can provide answers to problems using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method. The capability of the system built can provide solutions in selecting superior corn seeds for farmers and the results are in the form of rankings. The system development model used in developing this system is the waterfall model. Based on the research results, the chosen alternative in this study was alternative A01, namely NASA 29 Hybrid Corn with a total value of 0.88.

Comparison of nutrient composition, phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of two large fruit cultivars of sea buckthorn in Xinjiang of China

Although the basic nutritional composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of different cultivars of sea buckthorn fruit have been reported, the contents of sugars, acids, antioxidant components and antioxidant activities of two large fruit cultivars, ZhuangYuanHuang (ZYH) and ShenQiuHong (SQH), sea buckthorn fruits from Xinjiang of China have not been studied. In this study, we found that the soluble sugars were mainly glucose and fructose, and no significant difference in soluble sugars content was found between the two cultivars. ZYH exhibited higher contents of total acids, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and succinic acid, but lower quinic acid compared to that in SQH. ZYH owned higher total phenolics and total flavonoids contents than that in SQH. A total of 12 phenolics were found in the two cultivars, isorhamnetin and quercetin contents were considerably higher in ZYH than in SQH, while protocatechuic acid, catechin, ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid contents were lower than in SQH. VC and VE (γ-VE, α-VE, δ-VE) were much higher in ZYH than in SQH. The contents of total carotenoids, β-carotene and lycopene in ZYH were considerably higher than those of SQH. In addition, the DPPH and FRAP scavenging activity and cellular antioxidant activity of ZYH were significantly higher than those of SQH. Taken together, the higher antioxidant activities of ZYH may be due to its higher levels of phenolics, flavonoids, VC, VE and carotenoids.

The ORGAN SIZE (ORG) locus modulates both vegetative and reproductive gigantism in domesticated tomato.

Gigantism is a key component of the domestication syndrome, a suite of traits that differentiates crops from their wild relatives. Allometric gigantism is strongly marked in horticultural crops, causing disproportionate increases in the size of edible parts such as stems, leaves or fruits. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) has attracted attention as a model for fruit gigantism, and many genes have been described controlling this trait. However, the genetic basis of a corresponding increase in size of vegetative organs contributing to isometric gigantism has remained relatively unexplored. Here, we identified a 0.4-Mb region on chromosome 7 in introgression lines (ILs) from the wild species Solanum pennellii in two different tomato genetic backgrounds (cv. 'M82' and cv. 'Micro-Tom') that controls vegetative and reproductive organ size in tomato. The locus, named ORGAN SIZE (ORG), was fine-mapped using genotype-by-sequencing. A survey of the literature revealed that ORG overlaps with previously mapped quantitative trait loci controlling tomato fruit weight during domestication. Alleles from the wild species led to lower cell number in different organs, which was partially compensated by greater cell expansion in leaves, but not in fruits. The result was a proportional reduction in leaf, flower and fruit size in the ILs harbouring the alleles from the wild species. Our findings suggest that selection for large fruit during domestication also tends to select for increases in leaf size by influencing cell division. Since leaf size is relevant for both source-sink balance and crop adaptation to different environments, the discovery of ORG could allow fine-tuning of these parameters.