Mean Fruit Research Articles

Selection of Promising Candidate of Malabar Tamarind [Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb.]- a Multipurpose Fruit Tree

ABSTRACT Garcinia gummi-gutta is valued for its dried fruit rind used as a souring agent in traditional cuisine and for the extraction of natural hydroxy citric acid (HCA) in the formulation of anti-obesity nutraceuticals. The species is widely distributed in Kerala State but is not yet an economically profitable crop in the region. Promising germplasm screening based on the fruit mass traits of 180 trees was performed leading to the selection of 35 candidates plus trees (CPTs) characterized by the fewest fruits to weigh 1 kg (i.e., the largest fruits) with two fruit bearing seasons. Fruit mass data of 35 CPTs showed significant (P < .001) variations and highest fresh fruit mass (1091.27 kg), and dry rind mass (48.18 kg) recorded in CPT 6 and is 40-fold higher mass than mean fruit mass (25.4 kg) of 180 trees. Multivariate analysis and web diagram-based ranking supported selection of CPT 6 as a promising candidate tree. In the tree improvement programs through nutraceutical enrichment, the superior germplasm selected (CPT 6) in the present study can use effectively.

Improving Bell Pepper Crop Performance and Fruit Quality under Suboptimal Calcium Conditions by Grafting onto Tolerant Rootstocks

Calcium deficiency or its inefficient translocation to pepper fruits leads to considerable economic loss by reducing the number of marketable fruits. The present study proposes grafting as an environmentally friendly technique to effectively reduce such loss. A commercial variety (Al-cudia F1; V) was grafted onto two pepper (Capsicum annum L.) accessions (V/A6 and V/A8), a hybrid rootstock (V/N) and was also self-grafted (V/V). All rootstock–scion combinations were cultivated under greenhouse conditions with optimal and suboptimal Ca supply and assessed for fruit yield and biomass production, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, mineral concentration in leaves and fruits as well as several fruit quality parameters. The V/N plants demonstrated an enhanced capacity for increased biomass, higher yield and number of commercial fruits and greater mean fruit weight compared with the other rootstock–scion combinations. These improvements are attributed primarily to increased intrinsic water efficiency. Additionally, a significantly higher Ca concentration in leaves was found under suboptimal Ca conditions in the V/N combination than that found in the other rootstock–scion combinations indicating a higher capacity for Ca uptake and translocation. Under the same conditions, the concentration of organic acids in fruits, such as citric and tartaric, which impact the organoleptic quality, was also higher in V/N plants. Consequently, we can conclude that grafting pepper onto tolerant rootstocks is a successful tool for ameliorating the negative impact of suboptimal Ca conditions on pepper crop performance and fruit quality.

P111 Five-a-Day: Medically Tailored Meal Program Supports Intake of Recommended Fruit and Vegetable Servings

<h3>Objective</h3> Assess intake of fruits and vegetables during participation in The Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance (MANNA, Philadelphia, PA) community-based medically tailored meal program for individuals with serious illness. <h3>Use of Theory or Research</h3> Meals provided by MANNA include levels of fruits and vegetables that follow evidence-based guidelines. There is a need to determine whether individuals receiving such meals do, in fact, consume the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables and corresponding nutrients. <h3>Target Audience</h3> The sample consists of individuals (n = 204) who received meals from MANNA from January through March of 2021. Individuals were contacted by phone to take a ten-question survey. The 204 individuals who completed the survey were 59% female with an average age of 61.7 years. <h3>Program Description</h3> MANNA is a "Food is Medicine" program that provides 21 medically tailored meals/week to community members with serious illness. Individuals are offered nutrition counseling from a Registered Dietitian. The program is short-term, averaging 3-6 months. The goal is for individuals to achieve adequate nutritional status and be able to follow their prescribed diet independently. <h3>Evaluation Methods</h3> The Block Fruit-Vegetable-Fiber Screener (NutritionQuest) was used for assessment of dietary intake. Daily servings of fruits and vegetables and intake of dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium were calculated using prediction equations provided by NutritionQuest. <h3>Results</h3> Mean fruit and vegetable intake was 4.7 and 4.9 servings per day for females and males, respectively. Fiber intake was 12.5 g/day for females and 17.2 g/day for males. Intakes of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium were 130.6, 300.0, and 2966.3 mg/day, respectively, for females and 151.6, 384.5, and 3643.0 mg/day, respectively, for males. <h3>Conclusions</h3> MANNA's medically tailored meal program supports recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables (5/day). Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for vitamin C and potassium were also met. Magnesium intake was slightly below and fiber intake was significantly below the RDA. Adding menu items with more whole grains and legumes may help increase intake of magnesium and fiber. <h3>Funding</h3> None

Fruit weight and yield estimation models for five avocado cultivars in Ethiopia

Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) is an important tree crop and proved to be a very rewarding commercial crop for export and local consumptions. Due to high local and global market demand, avocado plantation and production is considerably increasing in many parts of Ethiopia. Thus, pre-harvest yield estimation is necessary for market planning, monitoring, and tracking long-term productivity. Though there are studies on various characteristics of avocado tree, not much has been documented about its productivity due to lack of easy and non-destructive ways to estimate yield. Hence, this study was conducted to develop cultivar-specific and mixed-cultivar fruit weight estimation models using single and multiple predictors including fruit length and diameter. We harvested and weighted 1800 fruits from five cultivars grown in 30 smallholder farmlands. The highest mean fruit load was recorded for Nabal (281 (±36 Fruit. tree−1) and Hass 249 (±27 Fruit. tree−1). A large proportion of avocado fruits were in the range that are commercially valuable. The correlation between fruit load and crown diameter were positive for each cultivar and it was stronger for Ettinger (r = 0.7, p < 0.01, n = 30), followed by Nabal (r = 0.64, P < 0.01, n = 30). We observed that fruit weight correlates significantly (P < 0.01) with fruit diameter and length. Our best models explained 80% for Ettinger, 78% for Fuerte, 80% for Hass, 63% for Nabal, 72% for Reed and 72% for multiple cultivars. Estimated yield was nearly 45 kg. tree−1 for Ettinger, Fuerte, Hass, Reed and 90 Kg. tree−1 for Nabal. The equations developed in this study are suitable for conducting pre-harvest yield estimation and monitoring changes in avocado productivity. Such information is critical for planned marketing and support government initiatives towards making horticulture sector as a possible engine for poverty alleviation and national economic growth.

Effects of Faba Bean Strip Cropping in an Outdoor Organic Tomato System on Soil Nutrient Availability, Production, and N Budget under Different Fertilizations

Crop diversification has been identified as a tool to improve both productive and environmental performances of organic horticulture. We tested the introduction of faba beans in a tomato cropping system—both as preceding crop and in strip cropping (SC)—under different fertilization strategies—faba residues, animal manure, and vegetable compost. We studied: (i) the tomato nutrient uptake and yield and quality; (ii) the soil-N and P, the N-budget, and the mycorrhizal colonization. SC did not provide consistent positive effects on tomato production and quality, namely the N-uptake, N in the tomato yield, the mean fruit weight, and the sugar accumulation in berries, regardless of the type of fertilizers applied. SC improved the tomato dry yield and P-uptake, especially in years when the faba growth and the subsequent yield were problematic. Faba residues could provide sufficient N to sustain tomato production but care should be given in balancing additional N-inputs. Organic fertilization increased the soil-N concentration but did not always translate into an increased yield and a higher quality production, with the risk of escalating N-losses. SC improved the soil-P availability and mycorrhizal colonization in tomato, due to the rhizobia–mycorrhiza-mycorrhiza association, especially when coupled with organic fertilization. Finally, introducing faba as SC holds potential to improve the productive and environmental performance of organic tomato production.

Morphophysiology and production of guava as a function of water salinity and salicylic acid

ABSTRACT The availability of water with low electrical conductivity for irrigation in the Northeastern semi-arid region is one of the limiting factors for the expansion of irrigated agriculture. Thus, it is necessary to use waters with high electrical conductivity, requiring the search for strategies to reduce the negative impacts of salts on plants. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiology and production of guava cv. Paluma subjected to irrigation with saline waters and foliar application of salicylic acid after grafting. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in Campina Grande - PB, Brazil, in a randomized block design, adopting a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, with two values of electrical conductivity of irrigation water - ECw (0.6 and 3.2 dS m-1) and four concentrations of salicylic acid (0, 1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 mM), with three replicates. Irrigation with water of 3.2 dS m-1 reduced gas exchange, rootstock and scion diameters, crown diameter and volume, vegetative vigor index, polar and equatorial diameters of fruit, number of fruits, mean fruit weight, and fresh fruit weight of fruits of guava cv. Paluma. Salicylic acid application up to 3.6 mM did not mitigate the effects of salt stress on grafted guava cv. Paluma, at 390 days after transplanting.

Perceived Stress Level, GI Symptoms, and Dietary Intake Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesTo investigate perceived stress, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dietary intake among male and female college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsCollege students (n = 459; aged 18–23), participated in the study. An online questionnaire was collected in mid-April 2020 that included the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), National Cancer Institute Dietary Screener, and an adapted version of the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to analyze the data with significance set at p < .05. ResultsOverall, there was a significant difference in mean GI scores reported between those with low, medium, and high perceived stress (F2,459 = 28.33; p = .000). Mean fruit intake differed among low and high perceived stress tertiles (F2,459 = 3.067; p = .048). In females, mean GI scores were significantly different, with increasing GI mean scores in each PSS tertile (F2,331 = 18.66; p = .000). In females, added sugar intake was significantly different between low and high and medium and high perceived stress tertiles (F2,3328 = 4.350; p = .014) with increased added sugar consumption the higher the perceived stress scores. In males, significant differences in GI mean scores were found between low and high and medium and high perceived stress tertiles (F2,125 = 6.713; p = .002). No significant differences were found in dietary intake based on perceived stress tertile for males (p > .05). ConclusionsThese results suggest that college students’ GI symptoms appear to be greater in those with more perceived stress. Stress management could be prioritized to reduce the occurrence and severity of GI symptoms in both college-age males and females and possibly lead to less added sugar intake in females. Funding SourcesCSBSJU Undergraduate Research Grant.

Standardization of harvest maturity of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) by morpho-physical investigation

An experiment was carried out to investigate the standardization of harvest maturity indicators in Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)The mean number of spines/cm2 was lowest in tree 1 (8.0), the mean metallic sound (hedonic scale) was highest in tree 1 (2.8), the mean fruit length was significantly increasing and reaching its maximum in tree 1 (39.00 cm), and the mean fruit circumference was significantly increasing and reaching its maximum in tree 1 (39.00 cm) (41.48 cm).The experiment's data were considered non-replicated, and the recorded data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA design in the computer software MS Excel. Considering morphological analysis the characters viz., fruit circumference(39.00 cm), low spine density(8.0), moderate to high spreading of spines, presence of sensible hollow metallic sound could be used as the maturity indices of jackfruit. It is also noted that jackfruit could be harvested after 100 days of fruit set.

On-Farm Supplemental Irrigation of ‘Roja Lisa’ Cactus Pear: Pre- and Postharvest Effects

Opuntia species grow in arid and semiarid lands, where water for irrigation is scarce. However, supplemental irrigation can be a feasible strategy for commercial cactus pear orchards. From 2018 to 2020, a commercial cactus pear orchard was managed to validate the effect of supplemental irrigation on fruit yield, crop water use efficiency, fruit quality, and storability of ‘Roja Lisa’ cactus pear grown in the semiarid region of Mexico. The irrigation treatments were no irrigation and supplemental irrigation, with four replications. Crop water use was less and, therefore, water productivity greater in non-irrigated plants than in plants with supplemental irrigation. Mean fruit yield, mean fruit mass, and proportion of commercial fruit increased with supplemental irrigation. These differences were more pronounced in growing seasons with less rainfall. Fruit quality at harvest or after room temperature or cold storage was examined. Fruit mass loss rate was reduced in fruit receiving supplemental irrigation in both storage conditions. In addition, supplemental irrigation was consistent with water savings and food security programs in marginal areas: this irrigation strategy improved both pre- and postharvest some quality components of cactus pear fruit. Therefore, this irrigation strategy is suggested for cactus pear growers, depending on the availability of water for irrigation.

Morphological Characterization and Estimates of Genetic Parameters in Peppers With Ornamental Potential

The low number of ornamental pepper cultivars available in the market, combined with a high demand for this ornamental product, has boosted breeding programs for this crop. The objective was to morphologically characterize, estimating the genetic parameters of the main variables of ornamental importance in an F2 population of pepper (C. annuum). The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse at the experimental area of the State University of Montes Claros, Jana&amp;uacute;ba campus, MG, Brazil. The accessions Uni01 and Uni07 were used as parents to obtain F1 generations and, subsequently, a F2 population; 333 genotypes from the F2 generation were evaluated using 19 qualitative and five quantitative descriptors correlated to important characteristics for varietal description and ornamental use. Five fruits per plant were used to evaluate fruit characters: mean fruit weight, mean fruit length, mean fruit diameter, mean peduncle length, and mean pericarp thickness. The genetic parameters of quantitative descriptors were estimated using mean square expected values obtained through Anova. The genetic variability found can be explored for most evaluated characteristics. The quantitative descriptors related to fruit characteristics, based on heritability estimates, can be considered for selection.

The Effects of Aerated Irrigation on Soil Respiration and the Yield of the Maize Root Zone

To investigate the effect of aerated irrigation on the soil environment and yield in the root zone of maize, and to provide a basis for the extension of aerated irrigation, a 2-year experiment (2020–2021) was conducted at the Zhanjiang National Soil Quality Observation Experiment Station, with two experimental observations per year (spring-summer and fall-winter) to investigate the effects of aerated irrigation (AI) and non-aerated irrigation (CK) on soil respiration rate, soil temperature, water content, oxygen content, soil bacterial biomass and root biomass. We used partial least square regression analysis (PLSR) to establish the regression equations of soil respiration rate, soil temperature, water content, oxygen content, soil bacterial biomass and root biomass under the two treatments, and the screening of the main soil environmental factors affecting changes in soil respiration rate under aerated irrigation technology. The results showed that, compared with CK, the AI treatment significantly increased the soil respiration rate and soil oxygen content (15.38~17.87% and 18.94~25.17%, respectively), as well as the root biomass and soil bacterial biomass (14.99~19.09% and 35.10~45.59%, respectively), and reduced the soil water content by 5.33~12.71% (p &lt; 0.05). The effects of different treatments on soil temperature were not significant. The mean fruit yield with AI treatment was also 7.16~20.51% higher (p &lt; 0.05) than that with CK, and the stem thickness and leaf area of maize plants were significantly increased (9.31~17.06% and 8.68~15.20%, respectively (p &lt; 0.05)). The regression fitting results showed that the soil respiration rate is quadratic polynomial negatively correlated with soil temperature, water content and soil oxygen, and the power function is positively correlated with root biomass and bacterial biomass under the two treatments. The variable importance for projection (VIP) values of the PLSR model showed a soil temperature VIP = 1.51, soil oxygen content VIP = 1.42 and root biomass VIP = 1.40, demonstrating that aerated irrigation technology can drive soil respiration rate by changing soil oxygen content and root biomass. Furthermore, the improvements in soil aeration conditions and respiration with AI appeared to facilitate the improvement in fruit yields, which also suggests the economic benefits of AI.

Characterization of cultivated pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) landraces for genotypic variance, heritability and agro-morphological traits

Cucurbita moschata (Pumpkin) is a multipurpose species whose fruits and sometimes oil seeds are used for various purposes. It is low in calories and is a significant source of income. Despite the great potential of the pumpkin production and usage, there is no attention to establish the varieties grown in Benin for proper documentation. Therefore, the present study was carried out to (i) evaluate the agro-morphological variability of pumpkin accessions collected in Benin and (ii) investigate heritability, genetic gain, phenotypic and genotypic variances of the agronomic traits. Six landraces from one hundred and twenty accessions collected in Benin were sown and characterized. The agronomic experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. Out of the twenty-seven quantitative descriptors measured, fifteen were found to be significant. The 50% emergence time (p = 0.03), the number of female flowers (p = 0.02), the seed width (p = 0.05) and the ratio seed width and length (p = 0.01) were significant. A highly significant difference was observed with the days to 50% flowering and the length of male flower stalks (p = 0.002), the average weight of one hundred seeds (p = 0.009). Fruit set at 50%, length of female flower peduncle, number of male flowers, mean fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, average number of seeds per fruit and seed length were very highly significant (p < 0.001). Fruit color and shape, seed color and leaf color showed phenotypic variability. A positive correlation (r = 0.76; p < 0.05) was observed between average fruit weight and average number of seeds per fruit. Principal component analysis and Hierarchical Ascending Classification revealed three classes. Estimates of the phenotypic coefficient of variation were higher than estimates of the genotypic coefficient of variation for most characters. High heritability was observed for fruit diameter (96.73%), average fruit weight (96.46%) and fruit length (94.64%). High heritability associated with high genetic advance was observed for these traits. In sum, the genetic diversity observed within the landraces of pumpkin shows that there is possibility for further selection.

Grafting effects on bioactive compounds, chemical and agronomic traits of ‘Corbarino’ tomato grown under greenhouse healthy conditions

In tomatoes, grafting onto resistant rootstocks represents an effective strategy to control several soil-borne diseases that reduce crop profitability, especially for landraces with little or no resistance to multiple pathogens/pests. In this study, the high-value ‘Corbarino’ tomato landrace was grafted onto seven commercial Solanum interspecific rootstocks to evaluate graft compatibility, yield performance, and qualitative characteristics under greenhouse healthy conditions. Three rootstocks were the most effective in improving fruit yield without negatively affecting the carpometric, technological, and health-related traits of the traditional tomato. ‘Dinafort’ rootstock increased fresh and dry yield, harvest index, and fruit/clusters, while mean fruit weight, shape index, total and soluble solid content, simple sugars, organic acids, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and trans-lycopene content did not differ with respect to the ungrafted ‘Corbarino’. ‘Interpro’ rootstock also showed promising results for the overall yield and quality traits, although it reduced the trans-lycopene content in the fruit. ‘Silex’ rootstock showed the highest harvest index as result of decreased vigour. The fruit quality induced by ‘Silex’ was satisfactory and high levels of simple sugars, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and trans-lycopene were also observed. However, graft success, especially for ‘Dinafort’ and ‘Silex’, needs to be improved by investigating more suitable methods for seedling production, grafting, acclimatization, etc.

Comparison with botanicals and the bio-agents on Fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Tomato

The present investigation was conducted to study “Comparison with botanicals and the bio-agents on Fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Tomato” was carried out during the Rabi season of 2019-20 at the central field of the Department of Entomology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The study revealed that the overall efficacy of botanicals and bio-agents from the two sprays revealed that treatment Spinosad 45% SC was the best treatment which recorded a minimum (9.75%) mean fruit infestation and was significantly superior over all other treatments. It was followed by Bacillus turingiensis, which recorded (12.03%) fruit infestation. The following treatments in descending order of effectiveness were Ha-NPV, Neem seed kernel extract, Beauveria bassiana, Tobacco leaf extract and karanj oil which were recorded (12.29%), (14.26%), (14.71%), (15.16%) and (15.58%) fruit infestation, respectively. All the above treatments were found to be superior to the control, which recorded maximum fruit infestation (24.46%). In Spinosad, 45% SC (245q/ha), Fruit yields were high followed by Bacillus turingiensis (220q/ha).

A Bio-rational Management Strategy Using Insect Growth Regulators Against Conopomorpha sinensis (Bradley) and Quality Assessment of Litchi Fruit

The litchi fruit borer, Conopomorpha sinensis (Bradley) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is one of the major destructive and main pest of litchi fruits in Southeast Asia, including Bangladesh. This experiment was carried out in three different litchi orchards to develop a bio-rational management strategy using insect growth regulators (IGRs) to control the population of C. sinensis. The effectiveness of emamectin benzoate 5%, buprofezin, lufenuron, lufenuron (5%) + emamectin benzoate (5%), and abamectin were evaluated on the basis of fruit damage, yield of undamaged fruit and size, % fallen fruit, and total number of larvae in fallen fruits in three different litchi orchards. In our results, treatment with buprofezin showed the lowest (13.3%) level of fruit damage, followed by lufenuron + emamectin benzoate, abamectin, emamectin benzoate, and lufenuron, all of which were statistically significant compared with the untreated control. Furthermore, the highest number of undamaged fruits rate and mean fruit length were 86.7% and 17.8 mm, respectively, for buprofezin treatment compared to control (75.5 and 16.2). A large number of damaged, fallen fruits were found in the control plots (11.3%), while their number was lowest in buprofezin-treated orchards (4.1%). The chemical composition of litchi fruits was not affected by the application of IGRs. Indeed, levels of vitamin C, sugars, and titratable acidity increased in IGR-treated fruits compared with fruits from the control plots. Moreover, IGR treatments had a positive effect on total phenol (except lufenuron + emamectin benzoate) and flavonoid content of litchi fruits, improving their quality and as a source of antioxidants. Therefore, buprofezin can be used to manage the litchi fruit borer in organic litchi orchards.

Management of fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) in guava (Psidium guajava) by pheromone traps

Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is one of the most important commercial fruits grown in Punjab. Fruit flies (Bactrocera spp.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) are considered the key insect pest of guava causing yield losses and quality degradation during rainy season and thus decreasing fruit production. The present studies emphasis on ecofriendly management of fruitflies using the methyl eugenol pheromone traps (PAU traps) during 2017 and 2018. Fruit flies analysis by traps installation in guava orchard characterized high population of fruit flies (24.8–760.9) captured per trap per week (pooled mean of two years) in July to September. Population of fruit fly increased rapidly reaching its peak with weekly trap catches of 801.5 and 720.4 fruit flies/trap/week during the second week of August (32nd SMW) during 2017 and 2018 respectively, when the trees were at the maximum fruiting period. Maximum fruit infestation in control was observed in 34th and 35th SMW, i.e 67 and 81% as compared to 45 and 48% in treatment. The marketable fruits/ tree was 96 and 85 fruits/tree in treated plots as compared to 52 and 47 fruits/tree in untreated plots during 2017 and 2018 respectively. Mean fruit yield was 15.4 kg/tree and 12.6 kg/tree in treatment as compared to control with 8.8 kg/tree and 8.1 kg/tree during 2017 and 2019 respectively. There was significant increase in number of marketable fruits/tree and fruit yield. The results clearly depict that fruit fly traps offer one of the most effective method for the management of fruit flies especially in the rainy season.

Effect of Potassium Nitrate Spray on the Flowering and Fruiting of Mango Varieties Grown in Uganda

Aims: To evaluate the effect of potassium nitrate (KNO3) on flowering and fruiting of mangoes in Uganda.&#x0D; Study Design: Randomized complete block design in a split plot arrangement.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: National Crops Resources Research Institute Namulonge, National Semi–Arid Resources Research Institute in Serere and Bulindi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Hoima in 2015 and 2016.&#x0D; Methodology: The study was superimposed on eight-year-old mango orchards which were simultaneously planted at the three sites. Main plot treatments comprised three mango varieties (Bire, Tommy Atkins, Zillate), while sub-plot treatments comprised four concentrations of KNO3 (zero as control, 1, 2 and 4%). Data was collected on number of terminal buds induced after applying KNO3, percentage flowering, number of fruits set per 20 panicles and fruit yield per tree.&#x0D; Results: Trees sprayed with KNO3 produced higher (P &lt; .05) numbers of terminal buds than the control. Across sites, Bire produced higher numbers of buds (64.8) than Tommy Atkins (46.3) and Zillate (17.8). Flowering response was higher in Bire (28.6%) than in Tommy Atkins (20.8%) and Zillate (17.8%). Flowering response of trees sprayed with 2% KNO3 (31.4%) was higher than that of trees sprayed with 1% KNO3 (24.7%). Mean number of fruits induced per 20 panicles in trees sprayed with 4% KNO3 (8.24) was higher than that of trees sprayed with 1% KNO3 (4.8). Fruit yield of Tommy Atkins (23.01 kg/tree) was higher than that of Bire (10.97 kg/tree). Mean fruit yield of trees sprayed with 2% KNO3 (27.36 kg/tree) was higher than that of trees sprayed with 1% KNO3 (15.93 kg/tree).&#x0D; Conclusion: For better fruit yields, farmers at Bulindi should grow Tommy Atkins and apply 2% KNO3. Farmers at Namulonge can grow any of the three mango varieties and apply 2 or 4% KNO3, while those at Serere can grow Tommy Atkins and Zillate, and should apply 4% KNO3.

Increase in okra production with the addition of nitrogen

Introduction: Growth, yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) are related to fertilizer application, being nitrogen (N) the most outstanding, due to its direct relationship with photosynthesis and vegetative growth of the plant. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the agronomic and productivity characteristics of okra as a function of N dose. Materials and methods: The study was conducted at the experimental area of Campus Gurupi, the Universidad Federal de Tocantins (UFT), Brazil, in two planting periods (autumn/winter and spring/summer). The experimental design used was randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments (50, 100, 150, 150, 200 and 250 kg N ha-1) and four replications. Urea was used as a source of N. The characteristics evaluated were: productivity, average fruit mass, height and plant chlorophyll index. Results: Productivity and plant height were superior in the fall/winter crop. Mean fruit mass and chlorophyll index were not influenced by planting time. For productivity, a linear response was obtained with increasing dose up to the limit of the N dose used (250 kg ha-1), with a mean value higher than 14 t of fruit. Mean mass and plant height responded linearly to increasing N dose. Nitrogen affected the chlorophyll index, with maximum values of 45.96 and 47.19, observed in the two evaluation periods. Conclusion: Planting time and N content in the soil interacted with plant height, being favorable in the period without precipitation. N influenced all the characteristics, demonstrating the importance of nitrogen fertilization in the development of okra plants.

Adubação potássica e seu impacto na produção e composição mineral de pessegueiros

Abstract This study aimed at evaluating production parameters of peach trees subject to different doses of potassium fertilization and at establishing the critical level of this nutrient in the soil and in peach tree leaves. The experiment was conducted in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons in a commercial orchard located in Morro Redondo, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Peach trees of the cultivar Sensação were fertilized at the following doses: 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1 K2O as potassium chloride applied to the surface of the soil. In the 3-year study, production per plant, number of fruit, fruit mass and fruit diameter were evaluated while soil and leaf samples were collected to undergo chemical analyses. Potassium fertilization in peach orchards increases levels of this nutrient in the 0-20 cm soil layer. Potassium fertilization via soil increased potassium contents in peach tree leaves. Productivity of peach trees responds to superficial potassium application via soil but it does not affect mean fruit mass. The critical level between relative productivity and potassium content in the soil could not be established while the one between production and potassium content of leaves of peach trees was 2.84%.

Morphological Characterization of Okra {Abelmoschus eculentus (L.) Moench} Genotypes

The present study entitled “Morphological characterization of okra {Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench} genotypes” was carried out at the Research farm of Department of Vegetable Science, CCS HAU, Hisar during spring summer season of the year 2012 on the basis of morphological descriptors with the objective to identify key diagnostic characters of the genotypes. Observations were recorded for 14 morphological characters. Analysis of variance studies indicated significant differences among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. Highest mean fruit yield per plant was recorded for the genotype Hisar Naveen. Serration of leaf blade margin, vein colour, intensity of colour between vein, depth of lobing and petal base colour distinguished all the 20 genotypes by assigning them key diagnostic features that would certainly help the plant breeders, to use these diagnostic characters for trait specific use in breeding programme. The genotype Hisar Naveen was found as superior with high mean values for internodal length, number of nodes at first flowering, petiole length, plant height and flower diameter were recorded maximum in HBT-1-1, HBT-51-1-1, HBT-70-1 and HBT-6-7-1 respectively.