Large Fruit Research Articles

The impact of fruit size on internal browning in pineapples.

A typical symptom of post-harvest pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) internal browning is influenced by multiple factors. However, the precise mechanism through which fruit size influences the occurrence of browning remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of fruit size in browning and its possible mechanisms in harvested pineapple fruit using physical and biochemical analysis and RNA-seq. Disease incidence was assessed in four groups of fruits (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5±0.2kg), with the two most significant groups (1 and 2.5±0.2kg) selected for detailed analysis. The results showed that the large pineapple fruits had faster browning senescence and membrane lipid peroxidation, higher respiration intensity, more reactive oxygen speciesaccumulation, and higher malondialdehydecontent. Likewise, lower antioxidant capacity such as ascorbic acid, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and higher polyphenol oxidase activity, peroxidase activity, phenylalanine ammonia-lyaseactivity, and lipoxygenaseactivity. It can be concluded that the large pineapple fruits were severely subjected to oxygen stress and membrane lipid peroxidation during storage. Gene ontology enrichment reveals that this relates mainly to oxidoreductase and glutathione metabolism. The large pineapple fruits accelerated AsA-GSH cycle pathway metabolism. Real-time quantitative PCRshows downregulated expression of AcAPX1, AcAPX6, AcAPX6×1, AcCAT2, AcSOD[Fe]2, and AcSODX2 in large pineapple fruits, whereas AcPPO and AcLOX upregulated expression. This study offers insights into fruit size and browning. Future molecular techniques may reduce fruit browning.

Floor Management and Amendment Applications Affected Dry-farmed Tomato Production during a 2020 Experiment in the Willamette Valley of Oregon

‘Early Girl’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) was dry-farmed during 2020 to determine the effects of floor management and amendment treatments on the total and unblemished yields, average fruit weight, blossom-end rot (BER) incidence, sunscald incidence, plant size, soil water tension, predawn leaf water potential (PDLWP), and leaf and soil nutrient concentrations. Floor management treatments included leaf mulching (4 inches of semi-composted leaf mulch), dust mulching (mechanical tillage to a depth of 6 to 8 inches after rain events), and a weedy treatment (weeds were not controlled). Amendment treatments included high compost (additional 73.5 wet tons/acre), high nitrogen (N) (160 lb/acre N applied as composted chicken manure and feather meal), low N (40 lb/acre N), and gypsum (2075 lb/acre gypsum). All these treatments were compared with a clean-cultivated control fertilized at 100 lb/acre N. No floor management treatment performed better (referring to total yield, unblemished yield, fruit count, fruit weight, BER incidence, sunscald incidence, and PDLWP) than the clean-cultivated control, and the leaf mulch and weedy treatments performed significantly worse. The leaf mulch treatment decreased the average fruit weight (30%), increased the BER incidence (34%), and increased the necrotic BER incidence (88%) when compared with the control. However, the leaf mulch treatment also used soil moisture more slowly than the control did. The weedy treatment decreased total yields (65%) and unblemished yields (88%), decreased the total fruit count (53%), decreased the average fruit weight (25%), increased the BER incidence (53%) and necrotic BER incidence (82%), decreased PDLWP (suggesting that the plants were more drought-stressed) on 20 Jul (27%) and 3 Aug (44%), and resulted in smaller plants when compared with those treated with the control. No amendment treatment performed better than the control, and the high compost treatment performed significantly worse. When compared with the control, the high compost treatment decreased the average fruit weight (15%), increased the BER incidence (39%), increased the necrotic BER incidence (67%), and increased plant aboveground biomass at the end of the experiment (34%). Increasing applications of organic fertilizers increased the BER incidence, with 48% BER at 40 lb/acre N and 62% BER at 160 lb/acre N. These data suggest that excess fertilizer applications and factors that increase drought stress (e.g., weeds) induce BER in dry-farmed tomato. Dust mulching may not be necessary, and shallow cultivation can be used instead for weed management. Dry farmers in the Willamette Valley must control weeds and avoid excess soil fertility and leaf mulches because they can result in large plants with a large fruit set; however, these fruit are more susceptible to BER.

Quality analysis of Idesia polycarpa fruit oil samples from cultivars with different phenotypes.

To study the quality characteristics of Idesia polycarpa fruit oil (IPFO) samples under varying phenotypic traits and their differences, three typical phenotypic fruits of the same cultivar were compared, both morphologically and chemically. The results revealed that the highest water content (51.90%) occurred in small red fruits (RID-S), and the highest oil content (20.63%) was obtained in large yellow fruits (YID). A total of 532 aroma compounds were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with terpenes as the major contributors. The fatty acid composition was dominated by linoleic acid (LA), palmitic acid and oleic acid, and the LA content was highest in large red fruits (RID-B) (1633.25-1807.21μg/mL), whereas the palmitic acid and oleic acid contents were highest in YID (863.72-976.70μg/mL and 505.96-604.04μg/mL, respectively). The oil quality of I. polycarpa varied according to its phenotypic characteristics, with RID-B identified as an excellent cultivar, followed by YID and RID-S.

Optimizing storage conditions for 'Harlikar' apples: The role of 1-methylcyclopropene and harvest stage.

The 'Harlikar' apple, known for its larger fruit and rich flavor, faces challenges in post-harvest storage. Our study compared the storage characteristics of 'Harlikar' apples at three different harvest stages and found that stage II showed superior storage characteristics. At stage II, the application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) proved particularly beneficial, resulting in the slowest decline in apple firmness. By the end of cold storage, apples treated with 1-MCP retained a firmness of 56N, which was superior when compared to the other two stages. Moreover, 1-MCP treatment was effective in maintaining the soluble solid content of the apples. 1-MCP treatment at stage II significantly delayed cell wall degradation by reducing protopectin and cellulose content. Additionally, the treatment also decreased softening-related enzyme activities, and related gene expression. 1-MCP also influenced key aroma compounds, 2-hexenal and hexyl acetate. These findings suggest that stage II with 1-MCP is optimal for storage.

Behaviour of some Bulgarian plum cultivars in the pedo-climatic conditions of the Pitesti – Romania area

In Romania and Bulgaria, plum is one of the most widespread species, both countries carry out a large breeding program. ‘Stanley’ is the most widespread cultivar in the plum orchards of both countries. Although it is a very productive cultivar, further requested by farmers, it presents some defects such as the low fruit quality and the sensitivity to Plum pox virus. That is why in both countries an improvement of the assortment was imposed by creating new cultivars in their breeding program, but also by introducing valuable cultivars obtained in other breeding centers from Europe. For this reason, researchers from both countries have changed biological material. In 2015, three Bulgarian cultivars were planted in a field trial by the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti, Romania. This paper aimed to evaluate the behaviour of these cultivars in climatic conditions from the Pitesti-Maracineni area. All Bulgarian cultivars were noted by good production, large fruits with high soluble solids content, as well as by tolerance to Plum pox virus. These cultivars can be recommended for extension in the commercial orchards from Romania, taking into account the requirements of the private fruit growers. Also, these cultivars can be used as genitors in breeding programs.

Morphological Characterization of P. serotina subsp. capuli Collected in Ecuador

Prunus serotina (black cherry) is native to America and has five subspecies: serotina, eximia, hirsuta, virens, and capuli. P. serotina subsp. capuli is found in Central and South America with superior fruits found in Ecuador. These have large, juicy, and tasty fruits used for human consumption. They are available in produce markets and have important nutraceutical properties. However, no commercial cultivars of capuli are currently available. The main goal of this research was to understand if different morphological characters can differentiate unique populations of P. serotina subsp. capuli present in Ecuador. Morphological traits (tree, leaf, and flower) of plants grown from the OP seeds of 44 capuli accessions collected from three provinces of Ecuador (Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua) were characterized in 2019 and 2020. Tree measurements included the number of primary branches and growth habit. Leaf measurements included petiole length, leaf area, leaf height, leaf width, leaf apex angle, and leaf basal angle. Flower measurements included pedicel length, flower width, and flower length. Raceme length, number of racemes per branch, and number of flowers per raceme were also characterized. ANOVA were performed with significant differences observed among capuli accessions for all variables measured. No clear differences were observed across regions with PCA and cluster analysis that may support the presence of different populations.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) yield and quality depending on the osmotic potential and the number of stems

Objective: To evaluate the biochemical components, physical characteristics (number of stems and fruit), and yield of Saladette tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Var. Cid F1, grown under greenhouse conditions and its response to a constant increase (from 1 to 2.5 dS m-1) of the osmotic potential of a nutrient solution, during three phenological stages (transplantation, 2nd cluster fruiting, and 6th cluster fruiting) of plants subjected to a single- and two-stem training system. Design/Methodology/Approach: A sampling was carried out in the 5th cluster to determine the physical characteristics (firmness, size, number, color) and biochemical components (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, lycopene, pH, electrical conductivity, and ripening index) of the fruits. The experiment was established in 2018, under a greenhouse hydroponic system at Colegio de Postgraduados. The experiment was set as randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results: The increase of osmotic potential and pruning had a positive effect on yield and number of fruits without affecting the biochemical components. Regarding the physical characteristics, T1 had 76% large fruits, 19% medium-sized fruits, 4% small fruits, and 1% tiny fruits. Study Limitations/Implications: This methodology should be evaluated to other tomato varieties using different substrate mixtures and rates of chemical and organic fertilizers to evaluate water response and crop yield. Findings/Conclusions: Increasing the osmotic potential of the nutrient solution, during phenological stages of maximum water and nutrient demand and the removal of old leaves had a positive response by increasing fruit number, size, and yield.

Physico-chemical characterization of some naturally grown apricot genotypes

The degradation of natural ecosystems under global climate change, coupled with increasing population pressures, results in a narrowing of genetic resources while exacerbating biotic and abiotic stress factors, thereby limiting plant production. In this context, the thorough exploration, comprehensive characterization, and effective conservation of genetic resources have gained significant importance, serving as crucial steps in preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable utilization strategies. In this study, twelve apricot genotypes of seed origin from various provinces were characterized in terms of several physico-chemical properties in 2023 and 2024. The traits examined showed significant differences among the genotypes, with variation coefficients ranging from 11.18% (fruit length) to 52.78% (ripening index). The fruit width, length, and weight varied from 24.01 to 39.99 mm, from 27.41 to 40.36 mm, and from 9.58 to 33.01 g, respectively. Seed adhesion was not observed in the ten genotypes, while the a* value of the upper skin color ranged from 4.66 to 14.17. Seed weight positively contributed to the improvement of pomological characteristics, while reducing biochemical accumulation. Genotypes 1 and 3, which are prominent for their large fruit size and relatively low soluble solid content, seem promising for fresh consumption. In contrast, Genotypes 2, 4, and 5, with their high acidity, may be suitable for industrial applications.

Interaction rewiring can buffer the reduction of long‐distance dispersal of seeds when large birds go extinct: an allometric perspective

The loss of large frugivorous birds can impact their plant partners through loss of ecological services, like long‐distance dispersal of seeds. Yet, interaction rewiring, or the redistribution of interactions among remaining bird species, might help counteract the loss of long‐distance dispersal from large bird extinctions. Here, we tested if rewiring could mitigate loss of long‐distance dispersal and whether its effectiveness differed among plants with small and large fruits at different scales. We analyzed interaction data from eight Andean bird–plant seed dispersal networks, simulated extinction of large birds, allowed for lost interactions to rewire based on previous observed interactions, trait‐matching between birds and plants, and similarity in body sizes among birds (trait‐resemblance), and related changes in long‐distance dispersal to fruit‐size ratios. At the local scale, reduction in long‐distance dispersal varied among individual networks depending on whether rewiring occurred or not and the type of rewiring. At the regional scale, after aggregating results across local networks, reduction in long‐distance dispersal was between 20 and 40% for relatively small‐fruited plants (size ratio ≤ 0.25) and between 40 and 80% for relatively large‐fruited plants (size ratio ≥ 0.75) without interaction rewiring. However, with rewiring, reduction in long‐distance dispersal of smaller‐fruited plants was limited to 4% and between 4 and 10% for larger‐fruited plants. Thus, interaction rewiring can buffer losses in ecological functions, such as long‐distance dispersal, in response to large bird extinction, although relatively large‐fruited plants remain more vulnerable than smaller‐fruited plants.

Flavonoids analysis in citrus peels by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and its antioxidant and anti-inflammation activity

Citrus is the world's largest fruit, developed a rich variety resources in a long history of cultivation. Flavonoid is a natural product found widely in citrus plants. In this study, the major flavonoids and relative activities of 9 citrus peels were investigated by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) analysis and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays in A549 cell. A total of 51 flavonoids were identified, comprising a variety of subclasses. Notably, Citrus Reticulata Blanco (MJ) and Bu Zhi Huo (CJ) demonstrated distinctive flavonoid profiles. Flavonoid extracts from MJ and Citrus maxima (HY) peels significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and decreased the levels of cytokines (IL-8, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6) in A549 cells. Furthermore, these extracts up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 and inhibited the phosphorylation of p65 and NF-κB activity. Gray correlation analysis identified (-)-vestitone, dimefline, eupafolin, and trans-cinnamaldehyde as strongly associated with inflammatory markers. The findings suggest that flavonoids extracted from citrus peels possess significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, highlighting their potential as natural therapeutic agents for combating inflammation.

Taxonomy, systematics and conservation of the highly threatened and endemic Mexican genus Tridimeris (Annonaceae)

Tridimeris is the only genus of Annonaceae endemic to Mexico, and since its description more than 150 years ago, the genus has been largely ignored. Here, based on herbarium specimens and a comprehensive phylogenomic study involving hundreds of nuclear markers, the first taxonomic revision of the genus Tridimeris (Annonaceae, Malmeioideae, subtribe Sapranthinae) is presented. Ten species are recognized, six of which are newly described here. All the species are exclusively found in Mexico's most humid forests, particularly in the montane cloud forest and the tropical rainforest. The genus Tridimeris is morphologically distinguished from other neotropical genera of the Annonaceae by its leaves with pocket domatia present in the axils of the secondary veins, by its dimerous flowers (two sepals and four petals), basally fused sepals with ciliated margins, by a reduced number of carpels per flower (1–5) and by its large and fleshy fruits (monocarps) with numerous seeds. A highly resolved phylogenetic hypothesis provides strong support for the relationships among Tridimeris species, forming two well-supported clades. Consequently, two new sections are proposed, namely Tridimeris sect. Tridimeris and Tridimeris sect. Zoque. A detailed description of the morphology of the genus is presented, including the description of the pollen, domatia and its phylogenetic relationships. Taxonomic treatments of the species include synonyms, geographic and ecological notes, comparisons with similar species and a preliminary assessment of their conservation status. All species of the genus are potentially threatened with extinction and eight are assessed as Critically Endangered, which makes it the most threatened lineage of Mexican trees. This study emphasizes the importance of scientific collections as invaluable sources of data for current taxonomic revisions and conservation. It is a formal invitation to preserve and support the basic scientific research.

Non‐Destructive Prediction Approach for Pomelo Granulation Rate Using MRI Technology

ABSTRACTPomelo is prone to juice sac granulation during ripening and storage, resulting in decreased moisture content, hard flesh, and bland flavor, which affects market value and consumer experience. Due to the complexity of the causes of juice sac granulation, coupled with the thick peel of pomelo, the detection means of pomelo is lacking and difficult to detect. In order to solve the shortcomings of the traditional granulation rate calculation, which has an error and cannot realize non‐destructive detection. This study proposes a non‐destructive detection of pomelo juice sac granulation and the calculation of granulation rate based on the nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology combined with the computer vision technology. Based on the strong analytical power of the MRI technology for moisture and the change of moisture in the granulated juice sac of pomelo, in this study, the cross section of pomelo was scanned by MRI scanner to obtain the corresponding MRI images. The MRI images of the cross section of pomelo were segmented using the threshold segmentation method to realize the calculation of the percentage of granulated pulp. The experimental results show that the segmentation threshold T1 = 102 can effectively segment the pulp from the peel, and the segmentation threshold T2 = 175 can effectively segment the granulated pulp from the normal pulp. The granulation rate of pomelo pulp can be calculated by calculating the ratio of the granulated pulp area to the total pulp area. Therefore, based on the MRI technology can be used for the detection of the granulation rate of pomelo juice sac, which provides a certain reference value for the subsequent non‐destructive detection of the internal quality of large melons and fruits.

Товарные качества плодов новых форм груши в условиях предгорной плодовой зоны

Abstract. The need for pear breeding in the foothills of the North Caucasus is associated with the inconsistency of varieties grown in the region, including world standards, with the requirements of modern horticulture. Continuous improvement of the breeding process has led to the creation of new varieties of fruit crops with valuable characteristics and qualities. Currently, pear breeding is actively carried out using classical and modern methods, aimed at creating new sources and donors of valuable traits. As a result of breeding work in our institute, promising pear hybrid forms (2002 year of crossing) with fruits of high commercial quality have been identified. The data of the analysis of the commercial qualities of fruits for 2020-2023 are presented. The largest fruits are marked in two combinations Talgarskaya krasavitsa (free pollination). In the first variant, Talgarskaya krasavitsa (free pollination / working name – Zul’fira/), the average fruit weight was 509 g, and the largest reached 637 g. In the second variant of the Talgarskaya krasavitsa combination (free pollination / working name – Chegemskaya/), the average fruit weight was 258,2 g, and the largest weighed 323,5 g. The content of vitamin "C" in pear fruits is small, and therefore the pear cannot serve as a source of ascorbic acid. The variation of this indicator was noted in the range of 4,0...6,0 mg/100 g. The largest number of them in the Talgarskaya krasavitsa form (free pollination / Chegemskaya/) is on average 6,0 %, and this variety also has a higher sugar content – on average 11,6 %. The presented varieties show a high degree of adaptation to the specific weather conditions of the region. Despite the prevailing meteorological conditions, they mature physiologically, accumulate a sufficient number of chemical components that contribute to the formation of fruits with good dessert taste qualities. As a result, they can not only replenish the zoned assortment, but also are of undoubted interest for further breeding work. Key words: pear, varieties, commercial qualities, fruit weight, biochemical composition

Перспективные сорта и гибридные формы абрикоса селекции Дагестанской селекционной опытной станции плодовых культур

Abstract. The article presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of breeding varieties and hybrid forms of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) for 2021-2023 based on the following traits: yield capacity, resistance to major diseases (clasteresporium and moniliosis), and fruit quality. The following varieties were distinguished by yield capacity: Tamasha (8.0 t/ha), Uzden (8.9 t/ha), Kokan kyurek (7.3 t/ha) (early ripening); Hukumat kyurek (10.2 t/ha) and hybrid 3/34 (9.2 t/ha) (mid-season ripening) and Esdelik (10.4 t/ha), Untsukulskiy late (10.6 t/ha), Dzhengutaevskiy (9.7 t/ha) (late ripening). Among the studied breeding varieties and hybrid forms, Tamasha (0.5 points) and Uzden (0.1 points) are noted for their comparatively high resistance to clasterosporium. For the other varieties and hybrid forms, this indicator is in the range from 1.0 points to 1.7 points. In terms of resistance to blossom blight, Tamasha and Uzden (0.5 points) stand out among the early varieties; among the mid-season ripening varieties, the seedling Khonobakha (0.5 points) and among the late varieties, Dzhengutaevskiy and Untsukulskiy pozdniy (0.5 points). Damage by fruit rot in most varieties and hybrid forms fluctuates between 0.1 and 0.5 points. Only three varieties have this indicator in the range from 0.8 to 1.0 points. The content of total sugar in fruits of breeding varieties and hybrid forms of apricot varied from 5.8 to 9.8%. The varieties with large fruit size (fruit weight over 35 g) Bukhara, Esdelik, Uzden, Salikh, Musa, Dzhengudaevskiy and hybrids 3/34 and 6/22 have been selected. The selected breeding varieties and hybrid forms of apricot will be recommended for inclusion in targeted crossings in order to increase the efficiency of the breeding process. Keywords: breeding variety, hybrid form, adaptability, clusteresporium, moniliosis, fruit rot, yield capacity

Models reveal shifting distribution of climatic suitability for pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) cultivation under future climate change scenarios

The pawpaw (Asimina triloba [L.] Dunal) is a deciduous tree notable for its large edible fruit. Native to the eastern US and Canada, it has earned attention as a horticultural commodity and focus of scientific inquiry. However, few studies have modeled its potential future distribution under climate change. This study predicted the current and future potential distribution for pawpaw in North America and globally, with a focus on understanding future climatic suitability for fruit cultivation. This study first modeled suitability via the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) method by relating climate predictors with different datasets on pawpaw distribution, including nursery locations growing pawpaw. It also trained a boosted regression tree (BRT) model to estimate where sufficient heat accumulation for fruit ripening would occur. The models were applied to two future times (2041–2060 and 2081–2100), four emissions scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, and SSP585), and climate projections from three climate models. Using nursery locations, the MaxEnt model yielded a mean area-under-the-curve statistic of 0.978 (standard deviation = 0.009) using 10-fold cross-validation, indicating strong predictive performance. The model suggested optimal conditions for pawpaw at these values: -4 °C for minimum temperature of coldest month, 26 °C for maximum temperature of warmest month, 88 cm for annual precipitation, and 0 % for precipitation seasonality. Models suggested shifting suitable climate conditions and accompanying increases in heat accumulation for fruit ripening. Northern America, Eastern Europe, and Northern Europe were predicted to have higher and increasing suitability; Western Europe, Southern Europe, and Eastern Asia were predicted to have higher but decreasing suitability. Little uncertainty existed due to collinearity shift or dissimilarity between current and future climate, but more uncertainty existed when predictions were based on differing climate model projections. This study provides insight into the pawpaw's potential response to climate change, and guidance on future locations for cultivation.

Wild pear (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.) fruit and seed morphology depending on fruit size

The current study aims to evaluate the effects of fruit size of wild pear (Pyrus pyraster (L.) Burgsd.) on morphological fruit and seed traits. Wild pear fruit was collected from 10 trees in the area of Žumberačko gorje in the fall of 2022. The fruit was randomly collected from the ground and divided into three groups according to their weight (small (<10 g), medium (10 – 15 g) and large (>15 g)). Fruit size had a significant effect on the following morphological traits: fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, the number of filled seeds, the weight of fresh seeds per fruit, the weight of 1 fresh seed and the weight of air-died seed, while no significant difference was found for fruit shape index, the number of empty seeds, the weight of 1 air dried seed and the share of seed dry matter. For all the aforementioned traits where the difference was significant, large fruit had significantly highest values, while in most cases (with the exception of the weight of 1 fresh seed), medium fruit had significantly higher values than small fruit. Comparing the correlation coefficients between different fruit size groups, it is evident that higher fruit size traits had a significant effect on the number of filled seeds in medium and large wild pear fruit only. In addition, it is visible that fruit weight and width, and not fruit length, had of the largest impact on the number of filled seeds. The principal component analysis revealed 3 significant principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1, which explained 75.88% of the total variability. It was shown that large fruit distinguish themselves from small and partly between medium by F1 axis. F1 was mainly influenced by fruit weight, fruit length, fruit width, the number of filled seeds, the weight of fresh seeds per fruit and the weight of air-dried seed per fruit. Based on the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that for nursery production of wild pear seedlings bigger fruit should be used due to the higher number of filled seeds.

MICROMORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES (ACHENE / CYPSELA) ON SELECTED ASTERACEAE TAXA NATIVE TO TURKIYE

With this study fruit width-length measurements, weights and surface morphologies of some taxa belonging to Asteraceae family distributed in Türkiye were studied. The aim of the study was to reveal the fruit morphological characteristics and differences between the taxa of Tragopogon buphthalmoides, Dittrichia viscosa, Dittrichia graveolens, Tripleurospermum caucasicum, Kemulariella caucasica, Leontodon hispidus subsp. hispidus, Jurinea consanguinea and Jurinea moschus. Widths and lengths of the fruits were measured with Leica EZ4 microscope and digital caliper. Fruit weights were weighted out with Dikomsan precision scales. The stereomicroscope to determine the morphological characteristics of the fruits was also used. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in USKIM (Center for University and Industry Collaboration) was used to determine the surface morphology of the fruits. The smallest fruits were determined in Dittrichia graveolens (0.40 mm wide and 1.23 mm long), while the largest fruits were determined in Tragopogon buphthalmoides (25.88 mm long and 1.62 mm wide). The heaviest fruits were measured in Jurinea consanguinea (0.0065 gr) and the slightest fruits in Dittrichia graveolens (0.000062 gr) taxa.

Black currant cultivars, developed at the Polli Horticultural Research Center (Estonia), in Northwest Russia

Background. Introduction of new foreign cultivars makes it possible to expand the limits of the genetic potential of the VIR collection. A comprehensive study of such germplasm accessions is important for identifying sources of traits useful for breeding and the best cultivars for practical utilization. Materials and methods. Eight black currant cultivars released in Estonia were studied from 2015 through 2023 at Pushkin and Pavlovsk Laboratories of VIR. Conventional methods were used to test their adaptability and assess their main productivity indicators and berry quality. The resulting data were statistically processed in Microsoft Excel according to the guidelines by B. A. Dospekhov. Results and conclusion. The studied cultivars appeared well adapted to the environments of Northwest Russia. The heat supply in Leningrad Province is optimal for their cultivation. Good adaptability, synchronized fruit ripening, stable yields, and fine taste of berries were demonstrated by cvs. ‘Almo’ (k-44169), ‘Albos’ (k-44167), ‘Elo’ (k-44171), ‘Karri’ (k-44172), ‘Mulgi Must’ (k-38061), ‘Musti’ (k-44173), and ‘Varmas’ (k-44174). They are recommended for amateur gardens in Northwest Russia. Cv. ‘Karri’ (k-44172) is a promising source of such traits as good self-fertility, large fruit size, stable yield, well-balanced taste, high anthocyanin content in berries, and resistance to American powdery mildew and gall mite. Cv. ‘Varmas’ is a source of earliness, high self-fertility, and dessert taste of berries.

Specialized seed dispersal in Neotropical Vanilla reveals fruit unpalatability to omnivores.

Flowering plants are essentially sessile organisms that disperse their genes through pollination, expanding their areas of occurrence through seed dispersal. In orchids, seed dispersal is commonly mediated by air currents. Conversely, members of several genera have evolved seeds adapted to endozoochory. This is the case for Vanilla, the most economically important genus in the orchid family. The role of indehiscent fruits in the attraction and rewarding of Vanilla seed dispersers was investigated based on field observations, analysis of fragrances, reward substances, and investigation of seed viability through the digestive tract. Indehiscent Vanilla fruits are consumed exclusively by herbivores, i.e. agoutis. Besides providing nutritional rewards, the fruits are rich in polyphenols that are unpalatable to omnivores. The most dominant compound in fruits is attractive only to agoutis. This is the first study showing synzoochory in Orchidaceae and specificity of seed dispersal in orchids. Indehiscent fruits may have evolved early in Neotropical Vanilla in response to selection pressures mediated by large herbivores as the genus emerged ca. 34 Mya in South America, concomitantly with megafauna diversification in the Oligocene. Extinction of the megafauna during the Pleistocene has left agoutis as inheritors of seed dispersal in species with large fleshy fruits. Apart from the effects on omnivores, this study shows that indehiscent fruits of V. chamissonis are consumed exclusively by agoutis, providing the first evidence of target mutualism in orchid seed dispersal.

Урожайность гибридов смородины черной в Центральной Якутии

Abstract. A study was carried out of the yield and large-fruited original material of black currant in a breeding nursery in the conditions of Central Yakutia. The purpose is to identify sources of high yield and large-fruited black currant hybrids for use in breeding. The objectives of the study included high-yielding hybrids of black currant to carry out crop accounting and identify; determine the mass of berries in hybrids and select sources of large fruit. Methods. The research was carried out according to the generally accepted methodology “Program and methodology for the selection of fruit, berry and nut crops” (Oryol, 1995). Scientific novelty. For the first time, new sources of black currant productivity have been identified for breeding in Yakutia. Results. In the breeding nursery, 10 sources of high yield (more than 10 t/ha) and 4 sources of large-fruited black currant hybrids from various genetic groups were selected. Among them, the hybrid 3-7-18 (Podarok Kuzioru × Khara Kytalyk), a derivative of three subspecies of black currant and low-flowering currant with a yield of 18.9 t/ha, is distinguished by the characteristics of early fruiting, high and stable yield. Of 4 black currant hybrids - 3-19-18 (Podarok Kuzioru × Myuryuchana), 3-2-18 (Podarok Kuzioru × Khara Kytalyk), 2-18-18 (Podarok Kuzioru × Yakutskaya) and 1-17-18 (Ksyusha × Yakutskaya) was characteristic large fruiting. The weight of 1 berry ranged from 1.53 to 1.70 g. A negative relationship was revealed between the indicators of yield and large-fruited black currant (r = –0.47), as a result of mathematical processing of experimental data The identified sources of high yield and large fruit will be used in the selection of black currants in Central Yakutia to create new source material and further study them according to a set of traits.