Marketable Fruit Research Articles

Genetic diversity study of bacterial wilt-tolerant bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) genotypes using cluster and principal component analysis

The present study was carried out during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh to study the genetic diversity among 43 bacterial wilt tolerant genotypes of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum Sendt), focusing on 12 quantitative and 3 qualitative traits along with disease resistance. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications. Following hierarchical cluster analysis, the 43 unique genotypes were categorized into 5 separate clusters. Cluster I consisted of maximum number of genotypes (39), followed by clusters II, III, IV and V, each having only one genotype. The greatest inter-cluster distance was observed between cluster II and V (3090.70), while the smallest distance was noted between cluster II and III (1299.21). Cluster I displayed the greatest intra-cluster distance (803.75), while clusters II, III, IV and V showed the lowest distances (0.00). The primary contributors to genetic divergence were found to be capsanthin content (23.4%), followed by ascorbic acid (21.4%), fruit length (12.5%), plant survival (11.1%) and marketable fruit yield/plant (10.9%). Principal component analysis indicated that the initial six principal components, each possessing an eigen value surpassing one, jointly accounted for 70.62% of the total observed variability. PCA biplot revealed that, the traits namely, marketable fruits/plant, average fruit weight, harvest duration and plant height were the major yield contributing traits. The results underscored the importance of genetic characterization and the selection of diverse genotypes for hybridization, facilitating the development of improved bell pepper cultivars with enhanced productivity and quality.

Sun Protection as a Strategy for Managing Heat Stress in Avocado Trees.

The increasing incidence of heat stress due to global climate change poses a significant challenge to avocado (Persea americana) cultivation, particularly in regions with intense solar radiation. This review evaluates sun protection strategies, focusing on the efficacy of different sunscreen products such as kaolin, titanium dioxide, and calcium oxide in mitigating thermal stress in avocado trees. The application of these materials was shown to reduce leaf and fruit surface temperatures, improve photosynthetic efficiency, and enhance fruit quality by preventing sunburn and dehydration. Despite these benefits, challenges remain, including the optimal timing and dosage of application, and the potential residue impacts on fruit marketability. The review emphasizes the need for ongoing research to develop more effective formulations and to integrate these sun protection strategies with other agronomic practices. The role of extension services in educating producers about the proper use of these technologies is also highlighted as crucial for the successful adoption of sun protection measures in avocado farming.

Tropical fruit‐derived starch: An innovative strategy for high‐value nutritional processing of agricultural solid waste

AbstractTropical fruits are popular worldwide due to their appealing flavors and diverse health benefits. However, a significant amount of waste is caused by inferior fruits that are partly eliminated from the fresh fruit market and by‐products produced during transportation, storage, and processing. With increasing focus on environmental sustainability and resource conservation, recycling waste resources from tropical fruits has emerged as a hot topic of interest. Fruit‐derived starch is an emerging approach to adding value for some tropical fruit waste and inferior fruits. This review article briefly overviews extraction methods, chemical composition, structural characteristics, physical and chemical properties, physiological benefits, modification techniques, and potential applications of new tropical fruit‐derived starch. Compared with traditional starch, tropical fruit‐derived starch exhibits unique structural and processing attributes, making it suitable as a supplement or replacement for industrial starch in the food industry. Moreover, tropical fruit‐derived starch retains the rich nutrients and functional components present in fruits to some extent, thereby offering potential health benefits and greater consumer acceptance. Although current research on starch derived from tropical fruits is primarily at the laboratory stage, and there is limited exploration of its processing and application, evolving lifestyle trends and heightened health awareness are expected to foster its further development and utilization, paving the way for large‐scale commercialization and driving future market growth.

Specialty Melons Grown under High Tunnel Conditions Yield Good to Excellent Internal Quality

Interest in local foods, especially locally grown fruit, is increasing. High tunnel vegetable growers are strategically poised to meet this demand by growing specialty melons (Cucumis melo). Although specialty melons are commonly grown in high tunnels in other parts of the world, it is an uncommon practice in the midwestern United States. The objectives of this study were to evaluate 10 specialty melon cultivars for high tunnel production and measure fruit yield and internal quality. Fruit of the cultivar Eden’s Gem yielded the greatest number of marketable fruits per plant; however, these melons are small and have a loose cavity. Fruit of the cultivars Honey Orange and Divergent yielded the largest marketable fruit per plant with tighter cavities; however, the cavities were large. All cultivars had good to excellent internal quality in terms of sugar content. The production of specialty melons in the high tunnel was successful, resulting in the production of melons with good to excellent internal quality, and several yielded three to four marketable fruit per plant. Implementing a strong pest management plan for cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum, Sphaerotheca fuliginea) is recommended to prevent yield loss, especially in locations such as the Midwest, where cucumber beetles often vector bacterial wilt (Erwinia tracheiphila).

Enhancing the fruit yield and quality of pomegranate in a new niche area: Insights into site specific agronomic practices

The sustained higher profitability of a pomegranate orchard relies heavily on the production of a greater proportion of high-quality fruits, a goal achievable through the implementation of effective management practices. The objective of this study is to provide site-specific supplementary knowledge regarding the response of pomegranate plants to various management practices under arid conditions. With the aim of enhancing both marketable fruit yield and quality of pomegranate in arid regions, four separate and simultaneous experiments were conducted in the same orchard to evaluate (i) the response of planting materials derived from tissue culture, air layering, and cutting; (ii) the impact of crop (fruit) load; (iii) the response of crop regulation; and (iv) the application response of organo-mineral fertilizers containing potassium (OMF-K) and phosphorus (OMF-P). The results obtained for plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality did not exhibit significant differences among pomegranate plants raised through the three different methods of vegetative propagation. Striking results in terms of producing superior-grade fruits, higher marketable yield, and overall fruit quality were achieved with crop loads of 80 fruits per plant. Staggering the crop regulation from June to September effectively extended the harvesting season to four months, from the last week of November to March, with eventual benefit of reduced fruit cracking compared to the standard two-month harvesting period obtained from normal regulation. Soil application of the indigenously developed OMF-K in two equal splits, along with the recommended N and P through inorganic sources, significantly reduced fruit cracking (only 6.23%) compared to the recommended NPK through inorganic sources (26.9%), while maintaining similar physicochemical quality attributes.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices for simple and nondestructive durian fruit maturity assessment

Accurately predicting durian maturity is a critically unresolved worldwide issue. Farmers currently determine durian ripeness based on their own observation and experience leading to inconsistencies in harvest timing. This reliance on human judgment often results in premature or overripe harvests, impacting fruit quality, yield, and market value. Existing technological solutions, such as sensors are often complex and require specialized expertise, hindering their adoption by farmers and consumers. Developing sensors that can accurately measure durian ripeness without damaging the fruit, are easy to use, and affordable remains a challenge. We introduce a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) for on-site, safe matching to meet the demands of durian maturity evaluation. The μPAD automatically collected peduncle fluid without destroying the durian fruit for dual detection of total sugar and amino acid. For determining total sugar including sucrose, glucose, and fructose, several enzymatic steps were reduced to a single step of invertase for sucrose hydrolysis before total reducing sugar was measured using gold nanoparticle (AuNP) generation. Kinetics study of invertase on the μPAD showed Vmax and Km values of 1.42 mM min−1 and 2.17 mM, respectively, that agreed with the direct study of sucrose conversion. To increase device reliability, amino acid was also simultaneously measured with sugar using the simple ninhydrin test with the addition of SnCl2. The developed sensor provided LODs of 3.50, 3.10, 3.30 μM, and 0.02 mg mL−1 for glucose, fructose, sucrose, and amino acid respectively. The μPADs were able to nondestructively discriminate between the mature and immature durians, showing high linear correlation with the standard dry weight method. The development of this μPAD technology has the potential to revolutionize durian cultivation practices, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the overall sustainability and profitability of the durian value chain, and can be further developed for maturity tests of other fruits.

Evaluating the Growth, Yield, and Resilience of F1, F2, and Open-Pollinated Squash Varieties: A Comparative Study

In our country, malnutrition poses a severe challenge due to the limited production of nutritious food. Developing disease and pest-resistant varieties such as squash is crucial to tackle this issue. A recent study conducted in Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, from July to October 2019, explored the growth and yield performance of different squash varieties (OP, F1, F2). The research aimed to understand the variations in yield, horticultural and reproductive characteristics, inbreeding depression, and profitability of growing diverse squash genotypes. The results, obtained through a Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments, highlighted significant differences in traits among the genotypes. Notably, inbreeding depression was observed in marketable fruit production and yield. The analysis revealed varying traits across genotypes, with Gracia hybrid emerging as the most profitable choice, showing positive returns on investment. This study sheds light on the importance of developing resilient crop varieties like squash to address malnutrition challenges effectively.

Correlation between Sweet Cherry Quality Attributes and Fruit Cracking Index

Sweet cherry skin cracking, particularly due to rainfall, presents a significant challenge for commercial production. This issue impacts fruit quality and marketability, making it crucial to identify effective, accessible solutions tailored to local climatic conditions. Understanding the relationship between fruit quality parameters and cracking susceptibility is essential for supporting farmers and improving production practices. However, in an attempt to obtain higher quality fruit, it is possible that sometimes, especially if there is significant rainfall during the fruit ripening period, producers neglect the possibility that the fruit is much more susceptible to cracking. A two-year experience (2022-2023) investigated how certain quality parameters—such as fruit weight, firmness, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), fruit maturity index, and color —affect the cracking of sweet cherries. The research focused on three cherry cultivars (‘Ferrovia’, ‘Kordia’, and ‘Skeena’) grafted onto the ‘IP-C8’ rootstock. By examining these parameters, the study sought to identify factors that contribute to cracking and offer insights for improving fruit quality. The ‘Kordia’ cv. had the highest induced cracking index (1.67), followed by the ‘Skeena’ cv. at 1.27, and ‘Ferrovia’ cv. with a lower value of 0.27. Higher values indicate that ‘Kordia’ and ‘Skeena’ are more susceptible to cracking under stress conditions compared to ‘Ferrovia’. The induced cracking index highlights how cultivars respond to stress conditions, such as heavy rainfall. The ‘Kordia’’s higher value suggests it is more vulnerable to cracking under stress compared to ‘Ferrovia’ cv., which might be more resilient.

Enhanced Defect Management in Strawberry Processing Using Machine Vision: A Cost-Effective Edge Device Solution for Real-Time Detection and Quality Improvement

Managing defects in agricultural fruit processing is crucial for maintaining quality and sustainability in the fruit market. This study explores the use of edge devices, web applications, and machine vision algorithms to improve defect reporting and classification in the strawberry processing sector. A software solution was developed to utilize edge devices for detecting and managing strawberry defects by integrating web applications and machine vision algorithms. The study shows that integrating built-in cameras and machine vision algorithms leads to improved fruit quality and processing efficiency, allowing for better identification and response to defects. Tested in small organic and conventional strawberry processing enterprises, this solution digitizes defect-reporting systems, enhances defect management practices, and offers a user-friendly, cost-effective technology suitable for wider industry adoption. Ultimately, implementing this software enhances the organization and efficiency of fruit production, resulting in better quality control practices and a more sustainable fruit processing industry.

Evaluation of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes for their reaction to wilt complex disease and yield performance in Jabi Tehena district, northwestern Ethiopia

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production and productivity is highly hampered by biotic and abiotic factors in Ethiopia. Among biotic factors, wilt complex disease is the major production constraint both in the study area in particular and wherever hot pepper is grown in general. Field experiments were carried out during the 2020 and the 2021 main-rainy growing seasons to evaluate the reaction of 14 hot pepper genotypes to the wilt complex disease and their agronomic performance. Analysis of variance revealed differences among genotypes in disease reaction, growth and yield performance. The local check had the highest disease incidence (58.04%), severity (56.33%), area under the disease progression curve (1471.67% days), and faster disease progression rate (0.0157 units per day) as compared to the rest of the genotypes. The results categorize eight hot pepper genotypes as susceptible (Bako Local, local check, Marko Fana, Melka Awaze, Melka Dear, Melka Oli, Melka Shote and Melka Zala) and six hot pepper varieties as moderately susceptible (Chala, Deme, Dinisire, Kume, Oda Haro and Revival). There were no hot pepper genotypes categorized under the resistant reaction class to the wilt complex disease. Melka Zala produced the highest number of fruits per plant (133.80), marketable dry fruit yield (2.13 t ha−1) and total dry fruit yield (2.30 t ha−1). Out of the evaluated genotypes, the varieties Melka Zala, Melka Dera and Melka Oli were superior in their yield performance. Providing those high-yielding hot pepper varieties in the study area may serve as a short-term solution for sustainable production and productivity of the crop.

Growth of Horticultural Export Market: The implication of Post-harvest Handling Practices among Small Scale Farmers in South Rift, Kenya

The inclusion of rural smallholder farmers in the export of horticultural products has two major implications: increased household income through access to a promising global market and enhanced productivity, cumulatively contributing to the growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange. Currently, there are an estimated 2,500 smallholder farmers participating in horticultural exports South Rift of Kenya. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between post-harvest handling practices by smallholder farmers and the growth of the horticultural export market. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from a sample of 334 small-scale horticultural farmers, randomly selected for the study. Validity and reliability tests were conducted prior to the main study. Descriptive statistics and simple linear regression were employed to analyze the data. Post-harvest handling practices were assessed through the utilization of packaging materials, storage facilities, energy supply, hygiene, and transportation facilities. The findings indicated a statistically significant relationship between post-harvest handling practices and the growth of horticultural export markets. However, deficiencies were observed among small-scale farmers in South Rift, Kenya, in managing horticultural products after harvest. The study recommended for strategic interventions for the adoption of modern technologies in every stage of the supply chain and establishes collaborations with key stakeholders in order to minimize cost of investment per farmer and ultimately enhancing market standards compliance and competitiveness in the fruit and vegetable export market. Keywords: Post harvest, storage, packaging, Hygiene, Export, Markets

Effect of L-glutathione treatment on biochemical properties, antioxidant capacity and antioxidant enzymes activity in strawberry fruits during storage

The potential of L-glutathione (GSH) (0, 4, 16, 32 and 64 mM) to improve the post-harvest quality and antioxidant capacity of strawberries was investigated during storage (0, 5, 10, and 15 days) in this study. Results showed that weight loss in fruits treated with 64 mM GSH was significantly lower than the control. GSH treatments resulted in higher levels of total phenol content and antioxidant capacity in treated fruits of strawberry. Based on the results, GSH 64 mM significantly increased the levels of total flavonoid, anthocyanin, ascorbic acid, total soluble protein, antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). In addition, GSH 64 mM decreased Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and prevented cell membrane lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, the results of the present study showed that the use of GSH 64 mM may be a promising strategy to improve the marketability, quality and antioxidant capacity of strawberry fruits during storage.

Field assessment of Lake Erie dredged sediment for specialty crops cultivation

AbstractAnnually, approximately 1.5 million tonnes of sediment are dredged from federal navigational channels in Lake Erie. Recognizing the potential influence of Lake sediments on soil compaction, structure, water retention capacity, and aeration, this research assessed the agronomic performance of selected specialty crops under varying sediment ratios in an open‐field production system. The experimental design involved three sediment application rates: 0 tonne (100% farm soil), 0.7 tonne (90% farm soil and 10% sediment), and 7 tonnes per bed (100% sediment). Lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) were harvested 35 days after planting, with assessments including fresh and dry weights of leaves root biomass and root length measurements. Radishes (Raphanus sativus L.) were evaluated for root length, leaf fresh weight, root fresh weight, and diameter. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants were monitored for plant height and stem diameter. Fruit harvest occurred at days 70 and 75 post‐transplant. Metrics such as total number of marketable fruits, total fruit weight, number of US grade‐1 fruits, and polar and equatorial diameters were recorded. The results revealed significant positive effects of the 7‐tonne sediment treatment on lettuce, including increased dry leaf and root biomass, root lengths, and fresh weight. Similarly, radishes exhibited enhanced weight and length when grown in beds with 7 tonnes of sediment. Tomatoes from the 7‐tonne sediment treatment displayed higher values in plant measurements and harvested fruits. Overall, the findings indicate that soils treated with Lake Erie sediment positively influence the development and production of lettuce, radishes, and tomatoes compared to untreated soils.

Evaluation on Morphological and Quality Attributes of Mango Cultivars in Western Uttar Pradesh

The study aimed to assess the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars grown in western Uttar Pradesh, using pooled data from the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 and conducted at Horticulture Research Center of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meerut, the experiment utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications per treatment. The cultivars are regular bearers included Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Dashehari-51, Kesar, Pusa Surya, Amrapali, Mallika, Burma Surakha, Neelum Chausa, Mithua Malda, Rataul and Saurav, all planted in 10-year-old orchards with a spacing of 6x6 meters. The study aimed to evaluate the morpho-economic and biochemical attributes of twelve mango cultivars in western Uttar Pradesh, identify the most suitable cultivars for the region and determine the cultivars with the most marketable fruit traits. Additionally, it sought to assess the genetic diversity among the cultivars for future breeding programs. The results demonstrated significant differences in morpho-economic and quality attributes among the cultivars. Mallika, Pusa Arunima and Amrapali emerged as superior varieties, excelling in tree morpho-economic and quality attributes, while others were classified as moderate. Mallika and Pusa Arunima were identified as the highest-yielding varieties, based on the mean number of fruits per plant and fruit weight over the two-year period. Furthermore, the fruits of Mallika, Pusa Arunima, Amrapali, Rataul and Kesar exhibited the most marketable attributes. The findings underscore the significant genetic and environmental influences on mango attributes. Mallika and Pusa Arunima consistently demonstrated superior performance in yield, fruit quality and biochemical attributes, positioning it as a promising cultivar for the region. The diversity observed among the cultivars highlights the need for targeted selection and management practices to optimize mango production and quality. The study also emphasizes the importance of preserving and conserving these unique genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing new, commercially viable cultivars.

Эффективность биопрепаратов при выращивании томата открытого грунта

The problem of regulating the growth and development of plants with the help of physio-logically active substances that have both growth-regulating, anti-stress and immune-stimulating effects in the system of other elements of technology is one of the most pressing in modern biol-ogy, the realization of their biological resource and productive potential. Research has shown that the biostimulants used in the experiment, Isabion and Benefit, had different effects on the survival rate of seedlings of the studied tomato hybrid Semko 98, biometric indicators of plants, yield and quality of marketable fruits. Keywords: SEEDLING SURVIVAL, BIOMETRIC INDICATORS, DEGREE OF FUSARIOSIS DE-VELOPMENT, FRUIT MARKETABILITY

Boosting cherry tomato yield, quality, and mineral profile through the application of a plant-derived biostimulant

The present experiment addressed the effects of a plant-derived biostimulant (PDB, Bioup® TF) on fruit quality and composition of two greenhouse cherry tomato cultivars (Caravaggio and Creativo) grown during the autumn-winter. The biostimulant application enhanced the marketable fruit yield up to 1.148 g m−2 of ‘Creativo’ (+16 %) and increased the fruit dry matter, firmness, and chroma (C*), particularly of ‘Caravaggio’ (by 23, 12, and 11 %, respectively). ‘Caravaggio’ also showed the strongest increase in total polyphenols (+26 %) and carotenoid contents (+50 %) in response to the treatment. This trend paralleled the strongest rise of the in vitro antioxidant activity of its fruit extracts, as revealed by the DPPH and FRAP assays. Moreover, the biostimulant treatment resulted in higher concentrations of 10 among 12 minerals analyzed in fresh fruit. This effect was particularly relevant for calcium, manganese, and copper, whereas ‘Caravaggio’ proved the strongest rise for potassium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc. Interestingly, the biostimulant application did not promote or even reduced the concentration of nickel in fresh ‘Caravaggio’ and ‘Creativo’ (-38 %) fruit, respectively. This suggests that the integration of PDBs in the framework of agronomic strategies could assist in producing Ni-poor tomatoes while increasing, at the same time, their levels in health-promoting minerals.

Observation on the Influence of Apple Woolly Aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm.) on Vegetative Parameters of Grafted Plants in Container Production

The use of fruit-propagated planting material has played a vital role in the growth of the fruit market from both economic and social perspectives. When creating new orchards using a material with unclear phytosanitary conditions, the trees may dry out gradually or rapidly during the early stage. This material leads to significant losses and failure to recoup the investment in establishing and cultivating the orchards. As responsible producers, Bulgaria and other EU member countries adhere to Commission Implementing Directive 2014/98/EU, which enforces Directive 2008/90/EC on marketing fruit trees for propagation purposes. This compliance ensures that we uphold the highest standards in our operations, contributing to the overall health and sustainability of the fruit market. Pests play a crucial role in producing planting material as they can, directly and indirectly, influence the process. Pests can directly damage the quality and quantity of the produced material, while indirectly, they can act as carriers of infection. Observations on woolly apple aphids in Bulgaria's scientific community date back to the end of the last century. According to a 2021 report by CABI, Bulgaria is one of the six countries with a wide distribution of the woolly aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum Hausm.).

Advancing Fruit Preservation: Ecofriendly Treatments for Controlling Fruit Softening

Textural softening is a major factor that limits the storage potential of fruit. Fresh produce markets incur severe financial losses due to excessive fruit softening. The application of preservation strategies aimed at mitigating fruit softening is crucial for optimising the marketability of fruit. Proposed preservation strategies include ecofriendly treatments, namely, hexanal, edible coatings, heat treatments, ozone and UV-C irradiation. These treatments optimise firmness retention by targeting the factors that affect fruit softening, such as ethylene, respiration rates, enzymes and pathogens. This review discusses the mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments inhibit fruit softening, providing insights into their effect on ethylene biosynthesis, cell wall metabolism and disease resistance. Although ecofriendly treatments offer a promising and sustainable approach for delaying fruit softening, the optimisation of treatment application protocols is needed to improve their efficacy in retaining fruit firmness. Studies reporting on the molecular mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments inhibit fruit softening are limited. Future studies should prioritise proteomic and transcriptome analyses to advance our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms by which ecofriendly treatments delay the fruit-softening process.

MdWRKY31-MdNAC7 regulatory network: orchestrating fruit softening by modulating cell wall-modifying enzyme MdXTH2 in response to ethylene signalling.

Softening in fruit adversely impacts their edible quality and commercial value, leading to substantial economic losses during fruit ripening, long-term storage, long-distance transportation, and marketing. As the apple fruit demonstrates climacteric respiration, its firmness decreases with increasing ethylene release rate during fruit ripening and postharvest storage. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ethylene-mediated regulation of fruit softening in apple remain poorly understood. In this study, we identified a WRKY transcription factor (TF) MdWRKY31, which is repressed by ethylene treatment. Using transgenic approaches, we found that overexpression of MdWRKY31 delays softening by negatively regulating xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases 2 (MdXTH2) expression. Yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), electrophoretic mobility shift (EMSA), and dual-luciferase assays further suggested that MdWRKY31 directly binds to the MdXTH2 promoter via a W-box element and represses its transcription. Transient overexpression of ethylene-induced MdNAC7, a NAC TF, in apple fruit promoted softening by decreasing cellulose content and increasing water-soluble pectin content in fruit. MdNAC7 interacted with MdWRKY31 to form a protein complex, and their interaction decreased the transcriptional repression of MdWRKY31 on MdXTH2. Furthermore, MdNAC7 does not directly regulate MdXTH2 expression, but the protein complex formed with MdWRKY31 hinders MdWRKY31 from binding to the promoter of MdXTH2. Our findings underscore the significance of the regulatory complex NAC7-WRKY31 in ethylene-responsive signalling, connecting the ethylene signal to XTH2 expression to promote fruit softening. This sheds light on the intricate mechanisms governing apple fruit firmness and opens avenues for enhancing fruit quality and reducing economic losses associated with softening.

Impact of Greenhouse Size on the Growth and Yield of Warm Season Vegetables During the Summer Ladakh, India

No guidelines exist on the size of naturally ventilated passive solar greenhouses in mountain regions, especially above 10,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL). Two different-sized greenhouses in Ladakh were studied, and it was figured out that a large greenhouse (60 feet in length, 24 feet in width, 9 feet 6 inches in height) was better than a small greenhouse (32 feet in length, 18 feet width, 9 feet 6 inches height) for growing cucumber, capsicum, and brinjal in summer. The mean maximum and minimum temperature of the large greenhouse was 3.6±4.1°C and 1.3±1.6°C warmer in comparison to the small greenhouse. Cucumber was harvested seven days earlier, while capsicum and brinjal were harvested 17 days earlier in the large greenhouse. The marketable fruit numbers in cucumber, capsicum, and brinjal were 50.5 %, 46.9 %, and 67.7 % higher in the large greenhouse. The average marketable fruit yield of cucumber, capsicum and brinjal was 112 %, 55 % and 71.4 % higher in the large greenhouse than in the small greenhouse. Hence, large greenhouses are suggested for high-altitude Ladakh regions for growing warm-season crops in summer.