Number Of Fruits Per Plant Research Articles

Genetic Diversity and Response of Melon Accessions toMonosporascus cannonballus

ABSTRACTMelon holds significant economic importance for Brazilian agribusiness. It exhibits high polymorphism and genetic variability, yet knowledge regarding its genetic diversity and response to root diseases remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and response of melon plant accessions to Monosporascus cannonballus. Two trials were conducted involving 29 melon accessions and a commercial hybrid of the yellow melon plant, Natal RZ. In the first trial, the accessions and the commercial hybrid were grown in the field under a randomised complete block design with three replications. They were evaluated for fruit‐related descriptors: number of fruits per plant (NFP), average fruit weight, shape index, pulp thickness, pulp firmness (PF) and total soluble solids (TSS). Standardised Euclidean distances were calculated on the basis of the results, and the accessions were grouped using the UPGMA method. In the second trial, the melon plant accessions and commercial hybrid were cultivated in a greenhouse under a completely randomised design with 12 replications. For inoculation, wheat grains infested with M. cannonballus isolate CMM‐2429 were used. Evaluations were conducted 60 days after transplanting, assessing the incidence and severity of the disease, and biometric variables. The study revealed genetic variability among the evaluated accessions for fruit descriptors and response to M. cannonballus. Most divergent accessions were A16, A53, NZR, A28, A51 and A44, with divergence primarily observed in NFP, PF and TSS. Promising accessions for breeding programmes aimed at resistance to M. cannonballus included A01, A04, A25, A27 (moderately resistant) and A26 (highly resistant to the pathogen).

Histological Variations in Cucumber Grafted Plants and Their Effect on Yield

Cucumber is a vegetable crop of economic importance in Mexico. In 2023, fresh or frozen cucumber and pickle international sales reached USD 783M, placing Mexico in second rank among countries with the highest currency inflow in the world. This crop is mostly grown under protected environments with new production technologies, including rootstocks that are tolerant to biotic and abiotic factors that limit the yield and quality of the harvest. Therefore, the goal of this work was to assess three cucurbits as rootstocks (Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata and Citrullus lanatus), as well as studying the response of cucumber crop to the tested rootstocks. The following treatments were assessed: T1:PSP = cucumber Cv. Paraizo F1 without rootstock; T2:P/MA = cucumber grafted over Cucurbita maxima; T3:P/MO = cucumber grafted over Cucurbita moschata; T4:P/CL = cucumber grafted over Citrullus lanatus Citroides Var. The assessed variables included the number of fruits per plant (NFPP), fruit weight per plant (PFPP), average fruit weight (PPF), plant dry weight (PSP), xylem vessel area (AVX), number of xylem vessels (NVX), vascular bundle area (AHV) and number of vascular bundles (NHV) in roots (R), basal stalk (TB) and apical stalk (AT). Significant differences among treatments were found in the results for variables: NFPP, highlighting that T2:P/MA was superior by 46.15% versus T1:PSP and by 67.69% versus T3:P/MO. Regarding PFPP, T2:P/MA achieved the highest weight (5445 g), as it proved superior by 99.45% than the cucumber without rootstock (T1:PSP). Regarding PSP, T2:P/MA achieved the highest weight (196.65 g), significantly exceeding T1 by 137.5%. Regarding AVXR, T4:P/CL had the highest value (30,063 µm2). Regarding NHVR, watermelon had (T4:P/CL) 39.33% more vascular bundles than the root system of cucumber (T1:PSP). Treatments T2:P/MA and T4:P/CL had the highest values at AVXTB, while for variable NVXTB, treatments T3:P/MO and T2:P/MA were almost equal, surpassing non-grafted cucumber by 175.47%. However, T2:P/MA showed the greatest AHVTB, and T1:PSP was significantly superior to T3:P/MO, by 34.93%, for NHVTB. Furthermore, positive and significant correlations were found among PFPP, AHVR, and AVXTB, as well as among PSP, AVXTB, and AHVTB. Therefore, we may say that having a larger area of vascular vessels in the roots and a larger area of xylem vessels in the basal stalk leads to higher fruit yields per plant. In the same vein, the use of rootstocks is a sustainable alternative to increase fruit yield.

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT COMPOSTED PLANT MATERIALS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF BELL PEPPER (Capsicum annum L.) IN LAPAI, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

A field experiment was conducted at the Botanical Garden of Biological Science Department, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University during the 2023 cropping season to investigate the influence of different composted plant materials on growth and yield of bell pepper. The three plant materials used were Moringa oleifera fruits, neem fruits and locust beans fruits which were collected and composted. The composted materials were applied each at the rate of 0, 10, 20 and 30kg corresponding to 0, 10, 20 and 30t/ha respectively. These treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design (RCBD) in three replications. Bell pepper growth and yield attributes measured included plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, length of branches, number of flowers per plant (NOFL/PLT), number of fruits per plant (NOF/PLT), fruit diameter (FDM) and fruit weight per plot (FW/PLOT). Data collected on all the mentioned parameters were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Minitab statistical software version 2017. Means that showed significant differences were separated using Tukey Pairwise Comparison at 5% probability level. Results from the ANOVA indicated that composted plant material (CPM) produced a significant effect on plant height, stem girth, leaf area, number of leaves per plant and length of branches with composted locust beans fruits showing superiority in growth attributes of pepper compared to Moringa oleifera and neem fruits. Composted neem fruits consistently recorded the least effect on all the growth and yield parameters of bell pepper evaluated. It was also observed to produce...

Exploring the Plant Growth-Promotion of Four Streptomyces Strains from Rhizosphere Soil to Enhance Cucumber Growth and Yield

The genus Streptomyces is the most abundant and essential microbes in the soil microbial community. Streptomyces are familiar and have great potential to produce a large variety of bioactive compounds. This genus considers an efficient biofertilizer based on its plant growth-promoting activities. Based on their ability to produce a wide varieties of bioactive molecules, the present study aimed to explore the potential plant growth promotion of four Streptomyces strains and their role in enhancing cucumber growth and yield under greenhouse conditions. Streptomyces sp. strain HM2, Streptomyces thinghirensis strain HM3, Streptomyces sp. strain HM8, and Streptomyces tricolor strain HM10 were chosen for the current study. Plant growth-promoting (PGP) features, i.e., indole acetic acid (IAA) production, siderophore excretion, and solubilizing phosphate, were evaluated in vitro. All four strains produced IAA, siderophore, and immobilized inorganic phosphate. Following 4 days of incubation at 30 °C, strains HM2, HM3, HM8, and HM10 produced copious amounts of IAA (18, 22, 62, and 146 µg/mL, respectively) and siderophores (42.59, 40.01, 16.84, 64.14% SU, respectively). At the same time, P solubilization efficacy scored 64.3%, 84.4%, 57.2%, and 81.6% with the same frequency. During in planta evaluation, selected Streptomyces strains combined with rock phosphate were assessed as biofertilizers on the growth and yield of cucumber plants. Under all treatments, positive and significant differences in studied traits were manifested except dry stem matter (SDM), net assimilation rate (NAR), relative growth rate (RGR), and fruit firmness (FF). Treatment T4 (rock phosphate + strain HM3) followed by T5 (rock phosphate + strain HM8) revealed the best results for plant height (PH), number of leaves per plant (NLPP), root length (RL), number of fruits per plant (NFPP), fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD), fruit fresh weight per plant (FFWPP), soil P (SP) after 21 DAT, and soil P at the end of the experiment. Notably, T6 (rock phosphate + strain HM10) caused a considerable increase in leaf area (LA). Plant growth-promoting bacteria enhance plant growth and yield through phosphorus solubilizing, improve nutrient availability, produce phytohormones, and support plant growth under abiotic stress. These features are important for sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental pollution with chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Combining Ability, Heritability and Genetic Variance in Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) Genotypes

A study was conducted to determine gene actions controlling yield and other qualitative traits of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) as well as combining ability among selected genotypes at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. Five tomato genotypes and ten offspring (F1), obtained from a 5×5 diallel crosses were sown in plots, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replicates. Data were collected on plant height (PH), number of cluster per plant, days to 50% flowering (50%FL), individual fruit weight (IFW), number of fruits per plant (NFPP), pericarp thickness (PT), number of lobe (NOL), number of seeds per fruit (NSPF), fruit lycopene (LYCOP), ascorbic acid content (ASCO) and fruit yield (YH). Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (P=0.05). Also, diallel analysis was carried out to determine the General and Specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) of the parents and hybrids respectively, following the Griffing (1956) Method II for partial diallel analysis. Results obtained showed significant differences among the genotypes, for all the characters measured. Also, non-additive and additive gene actions were responsible for the genetic control of the traits. The ratio of GCA and SCA were < 1 for Plant height, CPPL, 50%FL, IFW, NFPP, PT, NOL, NSPF, LYCOP, ASCO and YH thus revealing the preponderance of non-additive gene action. GCA analysis suggested that parents Uc-op and Ibadan-local were the best general combiners while, SCA performance suggested that FDT4 X FDT2 was the best specific combiner. Broad sense heritability for NOL, NSPF, LYCOP, and ASCO were above 90%, indicating that they were highly heritable while narrow sense heritability of NOL was very high (55% and 83% respectively), PH, NSPF, NFPPL and LYCOP were moderate ranging between 20% and 38%. It is concluded that high yielding tomato hybrids, best combiners and a guide line for the assessment of relative parents breeding potential of the parents could be established following diallel technique.

Liquid Organic Fertilizer Waste Painage Skin on Tomato Growth and Production in Alluvial Soil

This study aims to obtain a concentration of POC of pineapple skin waste that can provide the best growth and yield of tomatoes in alluvial soils. The research was carried out from December 1, 2, 2019 to March 05, 2020 at the location located on Jalan Silat Baru, untan komplek. Pontianak City. The study used the Complete Randomized Design (RAL) method with one factor, which consisted of 5 treatments with 5 tests and each test consisted of 4 sample plants. The treatment in question is k1 = 10% POC pineapple skin waste, k2 = 15% POC pineapple skin waste, k3= 20% POC pineapple skin waste, k4 = 25% POC pineapple skin waste, k5 = 30% POC pineapple skin waste. The variables observed in this study were plant height, root volume, dry weight of plants, Number of Fruits Per plant, Fruit Weight Per Plant, and Weight Per Fruit. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the application of POC pineapple skin waste with a concentration of 15% and 20% shows good growth at plant height 1 and 2 weeks after planting. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that from the administration of PINEAPPLE SKIN WASTE POC, it is not found that the best concentration but an efficient concentration for tomato growth and yield is 10% POC of pineapple skin waste.

ESTIMATION OF VARIABILITY PARAMETERS, CORRELATION AND PATH COEFFICIENT ANALYSIS IN F2 POPULATION OF TOMATO IN THE CROSS BETWEEN LINE 33-1 × LA-1

Genetic variability, correlation and path coefficient analysis were the important parameters whichaid in the selection. For this study 300 F2 plants were used from the cross between Line 33-1 × LA-1. Thestudy showed that existence of large amount of genetic variability for all the characters studied viz., Plantheight, primary branches per plant, number of clusters, number of fruits per clusters, number of fruits perplant, average fruit weight, number of locules and fruit yield per plant exhibited higher values of genotypicand phenotypic coefficient of variation. Whereas, high heritability was exhibited by all characters exceptnumber of fruits per plant, while high genetic advance as per cent mean was exhibited by plant height,primary branches per plant, number of clusters, number of fruits per clusters, number of fruits per plant,average fruit weight, rind thickness, number of locules and fruit yield per plant. These characters can beeffectively improved through selection. Correlation indicated that yield was significantly and positivelyassociated with plant height, primary branches per plant, number of clusters, number of fruits per cluster,number of fruits per plant and average fruit weight. The number of clusters, average fruit weight, numberof fruits per cluster and number of fruits per plant had the most positive direct influence in path coefficientanalysis. To decrease the indirect influence of other traits during the creation of a high yielding tomatovariety, direct selection can be performed with these qualities as the primary selection criteria.

Combining abilities and heterotic patterns for heat tolerant traits in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

AbstractThis present study was undertaken to (i) assess the performance of hybrids under heat stress, (ii) determine the combining abilities of parental lines and their crosses, and (iii) identify the most efficient heterotic grouping method to classify the lines. We evaluated two sets of hybrids generated using the NC II design and a partial diallel mating design. Most crosses outperformed their parents and the best commercial hybrids for fruit weight per plant (FWP), fruit set (FS), fruit weight (FW), and the number of fruits per plant (NFP) under heat stress. The specific (SCA) and the general (GCA) combining ability variances were significantly higher than zero. The crosses Fla.7171 × P005 and CLN2026D × ATS020 had positive SCA effects and high per se performance for FW and FWP. BJ01 was the best combiner for FWP, NFP, and FS. The SNP‐based heterotic grouping was 28% more efficient than the heterotic grouping based on the GCA of multiple traits method and classified the lines into three groups. These findings provide a foundation for speeding up heat‐tolerant hybrid in tomatoes.

Repeatability coefficient estimates and optimum number of harvests in graft/rootstock combinations for 'tahiti' acid lime

Combining longitudinal data and statistical models from perennial crops enabled us to estimate the optimum number of measures (harvests), implying accurate discrimination of superior genotypes in those crops. Herein, the goal of this study was to determine the optimum number of harvests based on yield traits and recommend a superior graft/rootstock combination (GRC) for Citrus latifolia Tanaka. Twenty-four GRCs of 'Tahiti' acid lime were evaluated from July 2017 to August 2018 for fruit yield per plant (FYP), number of fruits per plant (NFP), and longitudinal (LFD) and transversal fruit diameter (TFD). The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. The experimental unit consisted of three individuals, totalling 244 individuals. The GRCs were composed of (i) two hybrids that were used as rootstock, citrumelo ‘Swingle’ (Citrus paradisi x Poncirus trifoliata) and cintrandarin ‘Riverside’ (Citrus sunki x Poncirus trifoliata); and (ii) 12 different C. latifolia genotypes that were used as grafts: Bello Fruit, Eledio, Iconha, Itarana, Santa Rosa, Bearss lime, CNPMF 01, CNPMF 02, CNPMF 2001, CNPMF 5059, BRS Passos, and Persian 58. Mixed models were employed to estimate the variance components. The optimum number of harvests was determined based on selective efficiency values above 0.9. The estimated repeatability coefficients presented values of 0.14 (LFD), 0.16 (TFD), 0.36 (FYP), and 0.38 (NFD). Based on the results, four harvests were able to choose genotypes based on FYP and NFP, whereas LFD and TFD were considered inefficient traits for recommending superior GRCs.

Genotype-environment interaction for production characteristics in cherry tomato (Solanum spp.)

Much of the tomato diversity is found in cherry-type populations. There are promising wild cherry tomato species with good behavior in terms of yield and quality that can be produced with a minimum of agro-inputs. The genetic expression of genotypes is influenced by the optimal environment they can develop in. The genotype-environment interaction must be known to estimate the phenotypic adaptability in different environments. The objective of this research was to evaluate the genotype-environment interaction for 10 cherry tomato introductions in nine environments, four of which were artificial environments (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 of potassium) established in natural environments on the Farms Montelindo, Tesorito and CEUNP. The experiment design used randomized complete blocks with four replicates; the experiment unit consisted of five effective plants per introduction. The evaluated variables were production per plant (PFT) (kg/pl), number of fruits per plant (NFT), and average fruit weight (AWF) (g/fruit). The genotype×environment interaction and the stability of the 10 genotypes were estimated with the AMMI multivariate model. The environments for T120K and T180K were optimal for the variables associated with production (PFT, NFT and AWF), with IAC1621, IAC426 and IAC1624 being the most promising genotypes per environment on the Farms Tesorito, Montelindo and CEUNP, respectively. The results are useful for the identification of genotypes in key locations for selection and evaluation in breeding programs.

Genetic diversity analysis through cluster constellation in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

In present investigation, 110 locally developed genotypes from different breeding programmes in brinjal were classified into eleven clusters on the basis of their D2 values computed from Mahalanobis D2 statistics of twelve morphological traits, wherein inter-and intra-cluster distances highlighted the genetic divergence of the genotypes grouped among and within different clusters. Among all, fourth cluster was the largest with 33 genotypes; however, each of second, fifth, ninth, tenth and eleventh clusters contained only single genotype. The genotypes of eighth and tenth clusters were highly diverse (1584.40) followed by third and eighth (1431.31), eighth and ninth (1302.69), sixth and eighth (1126.33) and first and eighth (1042.91) clusters. Intra-cluster (within cluster) variation was the highest in seventh cluster (74.43) followed by eighth (61.20) and sixth (54.36) that described the diverse nature of eighteen, five and nineteen genotypes in these groups, respectively. However, PBL-268, PBGL-401, PBL-243, PSR 308 and PBOB-518 were grouped individually in IInd, Vth, IXth, Xth and XIth clusters, respectively. Overall, fifth cluster had most vigorous and high yielding ((2.82 kg/plant) genotype (PBGL-405); eighth cluster included genotypes with big round fruits and maximum fruit weight (317.43g); and tenth cluster had the earliest genotype (PSR-308) with the maximum number of fruits per plant (43.17). Out of twelve morphological traits, 94.19% diversity was brought by average fruit weight (67.86%), number of fruits per plant (17.26%), fruit yield per plant (5.37%) and fruit breadth (3.70%), however, other traits had negligible share towards the variation. This study created the foundation for future hybridization programmes in brinjal, where the parents can be selected on the basis of highly diverse groups as well as traits.

Organic and mineral fertilization on productivity and postharvest of okra

Mineral fertilization promotes good results for the components of production and quality of okra fruit; however, it raises the cost of production, making it, sometimes, unviable to the small producers. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate organic and mineral fertilization in different forms, in the components of production, productivity, and quality of okra fruits. The experiment was carried out, under full sunlight, in a completely randomized design (CRD), with six replications. The treatments corresponded to the different forms of fertilization, being: MF = mineral fertilization with NPK (100% of the recommended dose); BF = fertilization with bovine biofertilizer (100% of the NPK contents); VA = fertilization with vegetable ash (100% of NPK contents); MFBF = mineral fertilizer (50%) + bovine biofertilizer (50%); MFVA = mineral fertilizer (50%) + vegetable ash (50%); C = control (without fertilization). The variables analyzed were as follows: number of fruits per plant (NFP), average fruit mass (AFM), fruit length (FL), fruit diameter (FD), fruit skin thickness (FST), and yield (Y). Therefore, the use of bovine biofertilizer in isolation or supplemented with mineral fertilization enhances the production of okra and improves the quality of the fruits, reveling as promising alternatives for growing okra.

Coeficiente de repetibilidade para produção de frutos e seleção de matrizes de <i>Bertholletia excelsa</i> (Bonpl.) em castanhais nativos do estado do Acre

Mais de 95% da produção brasileira de castanha-da-amazônia é oriunda da coleta extrativista sendo poucos os plantios para produção comercial. Buscando contribuir com informações básicas para o melhoramento genético da castanheira, este estudo teve por objetivos: estimar os coeficientes de repetibilidade para o número de frutos (NFP); determinar o número adequado de medições para uma eficiente seleção de matrizes; e, selecionar castanheiras promissoras em dois castanhais nativos, no Estado do Acre. O estudo foi realizado em parcelas permanentes no Filipinas (Resex Chico Mendes, Epitaciolândia-AC) e Cachoeira (PAE Chico Mendes, Xapuri-AC). O número de frutos por planta (NFP) foi avaliado em 140 castanheiras no Filipinas, no período de 2002 a 2014 (13 anos), enquanto no Cachoeira foram 175 castanheiras de 2009 a 2014 (seis anos). As análises genético-estatísticas foram feitas com base na metodologia de modelos mistos, utilizando-se o software Selegen-REML/BLUP, Modelo 63. Foram selecionadas 20 matrizes, sendo 08 no Filipinas e 12 no Cachoeira. Em ambos os castanhais, a variância fenotípica permanente (Vfp) representou a maior porcentagem da variância fenotípica individual (Vf). O coeficiente de repetibilidade foi considerado moderado para o Cachoeira e alto para o Filipinas. Considerando um coeficiente de determinação de 90%, seriam necessários sete anos de avaliação do NFP para o Cachoeira e seis anos para o Filipinas. O banco de dados existentes para a produção de frutos das castanheiras é suficiente para se realizar a seleção de matrizes com alta produção de frutos. Com base nos valores estimados espera-se que a nova população apresente uma produção média de 465,3 frutos.arv-1, indicando um ganho na produção de frutos cerca de 2,4 vezes para o Cachoeira e 4,2 para o Filipinas.

Combining capacity and heterosis in eggplant hybrids under high temperatures

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to estimate the combinatorial capacity and heterosis of eggplant hybrids under high temperature conditions. Seven genitors, twelve hybrid combinations, originated from a partial diallel, and the Ciça F1 hybrid, as control, were evaluated. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions in randomized block design with four replications, from April to December 2017. The assessed traits related to high temperatures were pollen viability (PV) and fruit fixation index (FFI); the morphoagronomic traits were number of fruits per plant (NFP), fruit weight (FWe), production per plant (PP), fruit length (FL), fruit width (FWi), fruit length/width ratio (FLWR) and plant height (PH). The variance analysis showed greater participation of the additive gene effects in relation to the non-additive gene effects in most traits, except for PV. The genitors CNPH 141, CNPH 135, CNPH 109 and CNPH 51 stood out with favorable gene effects to obtain genotypes tolerant to high temperatures, since they present good general combining ability (GCA) for the traits FFI, NFP and PP. The 1x4 and 3x4 hybrids presented positive estimates for both GCA and specific combining ability (SCA), demonstrating a greater potential to be used in breeding to increase the FFI, NFP and PP, under high temperatures. The 1x4, 1x5 and 1x6 hybrids expressed positive heterosis for most analyzed traits. The 1x4 hybrid stood out for the highest averages for PV, FFI, NFP and PP. For FWe, FL, FWi and FLWR, both positive and negative heterosis were observed, as consequence of the phenotypic variability of the genitors for these traits and suggests the possibility of selection for different sizes and formats.

Effects of Open- and Self-Pollination on Fruit Set and Seed Quality in Jatropha curcas L.

Investigation on different mating systems is necessary to improve fruit and seed production and seed quality in Jatropha curcas. In the present study, a total of 150 female flowers belonging to five accessions from Indonesia and Malaysia were screened for traits associated with fruit set and seed quality under open- and self-pollination. The study was conducted at Biodiesel Research Station, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Pilah from April to September 2015. The number of fruits per plant (NFP), number of seeds per plant (NSP) and number of seeds germinated (NSG) showed significant differences among the mating systems. Under open-pollination, the maximum mean values for NFP, NSP, NSG and number of seedlings surviving after three months (NSS) were 10, 29, 27 and 18, respectively. Conversely, self-pollination scored at 9, 26, 22 and 18 for NFP, NSP, NSG and NSS, respectively. Seed weight (SWt) showed significant differences among accessions whereas seed length (SLT) showed significant differences among the mating systems and accessions. UKMJC20 (Indonesia) showed the best performance in terms of NFP under both open- and self-pollination whereas UKMJC21 (Malaysia) showed the best performance in terms of SWt and SLT under both conditions. Two (UKMJC13 and UKMJC21) out of five accessions showed occurrence of apomixis.

Selection of Eggplant Genotypes Tolerant to High Temperatures

In the northeast of Brazil, the yield of eggplant has been unpredictable, especially when the flowering coincides with the hottest period of the year. The objective of this study was to evaluate eggplant genotypes for tolerance to high temperatures and to identify correlations between traits that aid the indirect selection of genotypes tolerant to high temperatures. Twenty-two genotypes were arranged in a randomized block design with four replications conducted in a greenhouse and in the open field, both located at the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, between December 2016 and May 2017. Positive correlations were obtained for the pairs, number of fruits per plant (NFP) x fruit fixation index (FFI), NFP x production per plant (PP) and PP x FFI and negative for the pair NFP x PP. The associations among the traits pollen viability (PV), FFI, NFP and PP were low and/or negative for all pairs in both environments and indicates that the indirect selection for FFI and PP through PV is not efficient. Higher values for PV, NFP, PP were observed in greenhouse cultivation, while in the field the genotypes had the best performance for fruit weight (FWe) FFI, fruit length (FL), fruit width (FWi) and length/width ratio of fruit (FLWR). In high temperature conditions, the genotypes CNPH 135, CNPH 93, CNPH 79, CNPH 84, CNPH 71, CNPH 71, CNPH 668, Ajimurasaki F1 and Kokushi Onaga F1 with good FFI and CNPH 135 with the highest FFI, PP, PV and PWe. The FFI in 45.4% of the genotypes under high temperatures was low, around 21.3 and 40.5%. In the field, genotypes CNPH 84 and CNPH 668 stood out with the best FFI (> 60%).

Genetic variability studies in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) under ecofriendly management

Twenty genotypes of tomato were evaluated for yield, quality and other traits under eco-friendly management. Analysis of variance revealed that highly significant differences among genotypes for all the traits. High magnitude of phenotypic coefficients of variation and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for traits including fruit yield per plant, plant height and number of fruits per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance estimates were observed for number of fruits perplant, plant height and fruit yield per plant. Fruit yield/planthad positive and highly significant correlation with number of fruits/ plant, fruit weight, fruit shape index and number of primary branches/plant indicating these traits are important yield components. Whereas, negative andsignificant association with days to 50% flowering, leaf curl and fruit borer incidence, ascorbic acid content and thickness. Maximum positive and direct effect towards fruit yield/plant was exerted by average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, leaf curl incidence and plant height. Few genotypes with high yield and other useful traits were identified for future under eco-friendly management.

Soil moisture tension as an alternative for improving sustainable use of irrigation water for habanero chilies (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

During 2015 and 2016, two experiments were conducted under contrasting climatic conditions (rainy and dry seasons, respectively) in Campeche, Mexico, to test various thresholds (treatments) of soil moisture tension for the beginning of irrigation, and their effect on the yield and quality of Habanero Chilies, and also on the efficiency of water use, the virtual water content and its blue and green components. In both experiments, irrigation was initiated when the soil moisture tension, measured at 30 cm depth, took the values −10, −40 and −70 kPa, considered as treatments, using producer irrigation management as a control. The number of fruits per plant (NFP), fruit weight per plant (FWP), fruit diameter (FD), fruit length (FL), yield (Y), total water use efficiency (TWUE), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), virtual water (VW), green virtual water (GVW), and blue virtual water (BVW) were determined and statistically analyzed. During 2015, rains masked treatment effects, although significant effects were detected for FL, IWUE, VW and BVW. In 2016, the different irrigation treatments during the dry season had significant effects on the variables NFP, FWP and Y, with statistically higher values in the −10 kPa treatment; and also in IWUE, GVW and BVW with statistically higher values in the −70 kPa, −40 kPa and the control treatments, respectively. Nearly all crop growth and yield related variables had higher values with lower soil moisture tension. In both production cycles, significantly lowest values for IWUE and significantly highest values for BVW were obtained under producer irrigation management (controls); whereas significantly highest values were recorded for IWUE and significantly lowest for BVW in the −40 and −70 kPa treatments. It was concluded that the use of tensiometers to define the beginning of irrigation allows for improving irrigation sustainability.

Agronomic performance of okra under the effect of seed microbiolization with rhizobacteria

ABSTRACT Plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria are an alternative to increase the productivity, adding value to the productive system of crops like okra. We aimed to evaluate the agronomic characteristics of okra genotypes after seed microbiolization with nine strains of rhizobacteria. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 2x10 factorial scheme, using two okra genotypes, cultivar Santa Cruz 47 and hybrid Dardo, nine strains of rhizobacteria, LEBM 103, 105, 109, 112, 118, 134, 135, 152 and 154 and one control (without microbiolization), with four replications. We analyzed number of fruits per plant (NFP), average diameter of fruits (DM), productivity (PDT); fresh mass of fruits per plant (MFFP) and average mass of fruit (MMF). The rhizobacteria strains LEBM 109, 112, 152 and 154 provided the highest values for MFFP (1202.7; 1086.5; 1158.2 and 1175.9 g, respectively) PDT (24.1; 21.7; 23.2 and 23.5 t/ha, respectively) and NFP (78.0; 69.4; 73.27 and 76.5, respectively) in relation to the other strains and the non-use of seed microbiolization of hybrid Dardo. For cultivar Santa Cruz 47, the rhizobacteria LEBM 105, 112 and 152 provided the highest values for MFFP (896.7; 769.0 and 762.2 g, respectively). Evaluating genotypes when using each rhizobacteria, for MFFP and PDT, only for LEBM 105, no difference among genotypes was noticed, so, we concluded that okra seed microbiolization with rhizobacteria may provide productivity gain with possibility to become a feasible technique. The rhizobacteria which are the most recommended for growing hybrid Dardo are LEBM 109, 112, 152 and 154, whereas for growing cultivar Santa Cruz 47 are LEBM 105, 112 and 152.

Heterosis for ether extract production and its components in seed of Cucurbita argyrosperma

Twenty-one genotypes (six parental lines and 15 direct crosses) of butternut squash (Curcurbita argyrosperma subsp. sororia) were evaluated at the Experimental Center of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Candelaria (Valle del Cauca, Colombia) during the second semesters of 2012 (2012B) and the first semester of 2013 (2013A). Heterotic effects (average, variety, and specific) were determined for ether extract production per plant (EEPP) and the following components: percentage ether extract (EE) in seed, seed weight per fruit (SWF), 100-seed weight (100- SW), and number of fruits per plant (NFP). The methodology of Gardner and Eberhart (1966) was used in a randomized complete block experiment design with four replicates (five plants per replicate). Variety heterosis accounted for 48% of the variation of total heterosis for EEPP. Variety heterosis was better expressed in 2013 first semester, with significant differences for EEPP, SWF, and 100-SW; average heterosis was significant for EEPP and EE. In 2012 second semester, heterosis was significant for SWF, indicating genetic divergence between hybrids and parents. Introductions 256 and 132 expressed the greatest effects of variety heterosis for EEPP and superior segregants should be selected from these two parental lines. No significant differences were observed on specific heterosis; however, the best hybrid in terms of EEPP at 2013 first semester came from crosses 256×132 and 140×260.