Number Of Fruits Research Articles

Studies on the Interaction Effect of Pruning Methods and Training Systems on Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus l.) Cv. Malini Grown under Protected Conditions

Aim: To study the interaction effect of pruning methods and training systems on growth and yield of cucumber cv. Malini under protected conditions. Study Design: The research plot was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in green house at vegetable block, College of Horticulture, Mojerla. Duration of crops is 3 months. Methodology: Research was carried out with 12 treatments and 3 replications Results: Pruning methods and Training systems interaction was assessed for growth and yield characters of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Cv. Malini under protected conditions during rabi season. The treatments consists of four levels of pruning i.e., P1 (Removal of flower buds up to 45cm), P2 (Removal of flower buds up to 60cm), P3 (Removal of flower buds up to 75cm), P4 (No Pruning) and three levels of training systems viz., T1 (Single head training system), T2 (Umbrella training system), and T3 (Low middle training system). Growth and yield characters were studied. Data collected was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and separation of means for significant effect was done by the use of Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5% of probability. The results showed that among the interaction treatments maximum numbers of fruits per vine (25.33), yield per vine (6.97 kg), yield per hectare (154.90 t/ha), marketable yield (150.10 t/ha) were recorded in P3T1 followed by P2T1. Conclusion: Single head training system with pruning up to 75cm (P3T1) was found to be the best treatment and the treatment P2T1 was found on par with it.

Eggplant Little Leaf-Associated Phytoplasma Detection in Seedlings under Insect-Proof Conditions

Eggplant, or brinjal, is one of the most consumed and important tropical solanaceous vegetable crops grown worldwide. Little leaf is a disease associated with the presence of phytoplasmas especially widespread in brinjal in India. To clarify the epidemiology of this disease, a verification of its transmission through seeds to seedlings and their progeny derived from symptomatic mother plants was performed. Brinjal seeds field-collected in the Dharwad district of Karnataka State, India, were sowed in a greenhouse under insect-proof conditions. DNA was extracted from seedlings and their progeny and from symptomatic plant samples collected in the field. The first- and second-generation seedlings obtained *under these conditions were tested at various time points after germination by amplification of the 16S rRNA gene of phytoplasmas. The amplicons obtained were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and sequencing for the identification of detected phytoplasmas. Ribosomal groups 16SrI, 16SrII, 16SrIII, 16SrV, 16SrVI, and 16SrXII were identified. Moreover, a number of fruits produced from the first-generation seedlings showed precocious seed germination, and the young seedlings resulted as phytoplasma-positive. The seed transmission of phytoplasmas in eggplants for two subsequent generations highlights the risk of additional sources of infection of the disease represented by asymptomatic and infected seedlings in the presence of insect vectors. The seed transmission could explain the continuous presence of epidemic outbreaks of phytoplasmas in brinjal cultivations in several cultivation areas.

Mitigation of Salinity Stress Effects in Tomatoa (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ) by Using Calcium Chloride

       In the world, salinity has become an increasing danger for agricultural production. A factorial pot experiment using a completely randomized design (CRD) was conducted in the present research, aimed to look at how growth, yield parameters, and biochemical contents were influenced by the exogenous application of calcium chloride (CaCl2, 0, 5, and 10 mM) of tomato exposed to salt stress (NaCl, 0, 25, and 75 mM), Growth was slowed and Both the sodium percentage and proline content increased under salt stress. However, the growth, yield, and biochemical content characteristics were improved by the application of Ca, enhanced plant height, dry weight of the shoots and roots, the number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, the percentage of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, relative water content (RWC), and increased proline content,  moreover a significant reduction in the sodium percentages, when compared to the control. Lastly, exogenous Ca use improves resistance to salt stress.  Moreover, the use of 10 mM CaCl2 caused the beneficial effects of Ca, which has been suggested to enhance tomato performance in salinized conditions.

Effects of Variable Electrical Conductivity Levels in Hydroponic Nutrient Solutions on Morphological and Physiochemical Characteristics of Cucumber Plants in Advanced Greenhouse Cultivation

Cucumber (Cucumus sativus L.) is a fruit of the Cucurbitaceae family that is refreshing, low in calories, and offers various health benefits due to its rich nutritional profile. However, high-tech hydroponic greenhouse production of cucumber is nutrient-intensive and requires efficient management of electrical conductivity (EC) in the growing medium. In this study, three different EC levels (1.3, 2.6, and 3.6 dS/m) were applied to the nutrient medium of hydroponically grown Lebanese and Continental varieties of cucumber. The experiment did not have a significant impact on the number of fruits (p=0.744, p=0.163) or leaves per plant (p=0.252, p=0.377) at varying EC levels. However, in the Continental variety, pH (0.001***) and osmolality (0.005**) were significantly different among the three varied EC levels. High EC levels in the nutrient medium resulted in reduced TSS, pH, and osmolality of the fruit juice. Although the plants grown in low EC conditions produced almost the same number of fruits and leaves per plant as those grown in optimal EC conditions (2.6 dS/m), the physio-chemical attributes of the cucumbers were of inferior quality.

Effect of different nitrogen levels on yield and yield attributes of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Farmers in Lamjung have been unable to maximize okra performance and yield due to being unaware of the ideal fertilizer dosage. A field experiment was carried out at Sundarbazar-7, Lamjung during the period from March to June 2023 to understand the optimal N level to enhance the growth and yield of okra. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used to set up the experiment with the seven treatments viz. control, 40, 55, 70, 85, 100, and 115 kg N ha-1 each had three replications. A hybrid variety Arka Anamika mostly used by farmers in Lamjung was used. Recorded data on yield and yield contributing parameters were subjected to statistical analysis and results revealed a significant effect of the treatments on the yield and yield attributes of okra. Plants treated with T6(100 kg N ha-1) had the highest number of fruits per plant (13.10), fruit length (15.84cm), weight of a single pod (15.84 g), and total fruit yield of 14.74 t ha-1. The lowest number of fruits per plant (7.93), fruit length (9.29 cm), single fruit weight (9.29 g), and yield (8.12 t ha-1) were recorded from the control treatment T1 (0 kg N ha-1). Meanwhile, the impact of treatment T6 (100 kg N ha-1) was found to be effective compared to other treatments under study. Based on these findings, the experiment suggests okra farmers to use 100 kg N ha-1 to maximize okra performance and yield considering the soil health.

The maxillary palps of Tephritidae are selectively tuned to food volatiles and diverge with ecology

The maxillary palp is an auxiliary olfactory organ in insects, which, different from the antennae, is equipped with only a few olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) types. We postulated that these derived mouthpart structures, positioned at the base of the proboscis, may be particularly important in mediating feeding behaviors. As feeding is spatio-temporally segregated from oviposition in most Tephritidae, this taxonomic group appears quite suitable to parse out sensory breadth and potential functional divergence of palps and antennae. Scanning electron microscopy and anterograde staining underlined the limited palpal olfactory circuit in Tephritidae: only three morphological subtypes of basiconic sensilla were found, each with two neurons, and project to a total of six antennal lobe glomeruli in Bactrocera dorsalis. Accordingly, the palps detected only few volatiles from the headspace of food (fermentation and protein lures) and fruit (guava and mango) compared to the antennae (17 over 77, using gas-chromatography coupled electrophysiology). Interestingly, functionally the antennae were more tuned to fruit volatiles, detecting eight times more fruit than food volatiles (63 over 8), whereas the number of fruit and food volatile detection was more comparable in the palps (14 over 8). As tephritids diverge in oviposition preferences, but converge on food substrates, we postulated that the receptive ranges of palpal circuits would be more conserved compared to the antennae. However, palpal responses of three tephritid species that differed in phylogenetic relatedness and ecologically niche, diverged across ecological rather than phylogenetic rifts. Two species with strongly overlapping ecology, B. dorsalis and Ceratitis capitata, showed inseparable response profiles, whereas the cucurbit specialist Zeugodacus cucurbitae strongly diverged. As Z. cucurbitae is phylogenetically placed between B. dorsalis and C. capitata, the results indicate that ecology overrides phylogeny in the evolution of palpal tuning, in spite of being predisposed to detecting food volatiles.

Assessment of Path Co-efficient Analysis for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Sponge Gourd [Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem.]

This investigation was conducted to determine the path coefficient analysis using 40 genotypes of sponge gourd at the experimental plot of Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, UHS, Bagalkot (Karnataka) in RBD design along with two replications during the year 2020-2021. Path co-efficient analysis considered as one of the best statistical methods which can help breeders to characterize the genotypes during the parent selection program and select the desirable genotypes for higher yield production. Path coefficients analysis showed thatthe traits like number of fruits per vine, average fruit weight, fruit length, number of branches per vine and vine length had positive direct effect on fruit yield per vine. Thus the higher magnitude of positive direct effect of these traits explains the higher value of association between these traits on yield per vine. Therefore, direct selection for these traits would reward for yield improvement in sponge gourd.

Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Capsicum Hybrids (Capsicum annuum) as Affected by Integration of Inorganic Fertilizers and Organic Manures (FYM) in Protected Condition

A trial was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, during the year 2023-24. Five Capsicum varieties Names Nemalite, Cebrail, Bungi, Volante and Shehzadi. were evaluated at SHUATS, Prayagraj in randomized block design with three replications during Jan-April 2023-24 to evaluate the best performing variety in terms of growth, yield and quality. The variety Cebrail performed best in terms of plant height (68.97 cm), number of branches (5.65), days to first flower initiation (42.89), chlorophyll content (SPAD Value) (45.71 cm), number of fruits per plant (8.53), fruit length (9.2 cm), individual fruit weight (160.44 g), fruit yield per plant (1.09 kg), maximum fruit yield per plot (6.56 kg). The highest benefit cost ratio was found at 3.15 in the same variety.

Effects of selected biostimulants on qualitative and quantitative parameters of nine cultivars of the genus Capsicum spp.

Abstract Despite the growing popularity of biostimulants among farmers, a major problem remains with their variable effects on individual species and varieties of cultivated crops. Therefore, it is important to know how to choose a suitable product for the given growing conditions while simultaneously considering species and varietal variability in crop cultivation. The goal of this study is to highlight different reactions of plants to the applied preparations within the monitored representatives of the Capsicum genus, with an emphasis on intervarietal variability. The experiments with two monitored and one control variants occurred during the growing seasons of 2020 and 2022 in Slovakia’s southwest region, characterized by a European continental climate with warm and dry summers. Seven varieties of Capsicum annuum and two varieties of Capsicum chinense were chosen based on actual growers’ preferences: “Žitava,” “Szegedi 80,” “Karkulka,” “Hodoníska sladká,” “Habanero Orange,” “Habanero Chocolate,” “Kristián,” “Damián” and “Kurtovska kápia.” In the present study, we observed the effects of selected commercial biostimulants – the combination of Energen Fulhum Plus and Energen Fruktus Plus in the first variant and the biostimulant Humix® Universal in the second variant – on bell pepper fruits. We evaluated three productivity parameters: fresh fruit weight per variety, weight of one fruit and number of bell pepper fruits per plant. From the qualitative parameters, we evaluated the content of ascorbic acid, capsaicin, carotenoids, and the American Spice Trade Association color value. The monitored biostimulants had variable effects in all pepper varieties, while some of them statistically significantly increased and others significantly decreased the monitored parameters. In conclusion, we state that the application of verified biostimulants did not have a uniform effect on the observed varieties of the Capsicum genus. Therefore, based on our results, we cannot generalize the effect of a specific biostimulant on a specific crop genus or species.

Exploring multivariate associations of yield and yield-associated traits in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) accessions in the Northwestern Region of India

Evaluating genetic diversity simplifies the identification of superior genotypes, facilitating the development of high-yielding, resilient to climatic conditions and promoting effective crop improvement. The present study aimed to examine the divergence, correlation and path analysis across 55 okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) germplasms for 17 traits during the summer season (March- July) of 2022. The experiment utilized randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in Phagwara, Punjab.  Analysis of variance suggested a sufficient amount of genetic variation was found among all genotypes. Using Mahalanobis D2 analysis, the samples were classified into seven clusters, the largest being cluster I, composing 34 germplasm. Only one germplasm was found in Clusters II, IV, V, VI, and VII. The inter-cluster distance was highest between clusters II and VII, whereas the intra-cluster distance was greatest in Cluster III. The number of fruits per plant had the highest percent contribution to the divergence, accounting for 49.63%. At both phenotypic and genotypic levels, there was a strong positive correlation (+) observed between fruit yield and various characteristics, including plant height, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, number of marketable fruits per plant, average fruit weight, and the number of pickings. Genotypic path analysis revealed that characteristics such as the first flowering node, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, plant height, inter-nodal length, number of nodes per plant, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruits per plant, and average fruit weight exhibited a positive and direct effect on fruit yield. When selecting this trait to improve yield in okra through breeding, it is essential to focus on specific characteristics that directly contribute to higher production. This research will help resilient okra varieties understand yield-influencing factors in Punjab environmental conditions.  

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SPATIAL ARRANGEMENTS OF Jatropha curcas L. ON FOOD CROPS

The objective of this study was to assess, during three years, the spatial arrangement that will enhance the morpho-productive development of Jatropha curcas L. in association systems with staple crops. It was hypothesized that the association of crops is a factor that determines the behavior of the species and the development of agroenergetic farms, considering rainy and low rainfall periods. A quasi-experimental design was used, and four treatments were tested: 1) J. curcas (Jc) in monoculture; 2) 50 % of the area with Jc and 50 % planted with food crops in rotation (CA); 3) Jc intercropped with CA; and 4) area planted with CA. A principal component statistical analysis was performed with the variables fruit yield and associated crop yield using 95 % confidence intervals from a Student’s t-test. The number of bunches and total fruit and seeds harvested from Jc were shown to be the most important and had a positive correlation for the first component in each period. As for fruit yield, the highest values were achieved in monoculture. Although high yields were not attained in CA, the relationship is regarded favorable since the use of polycultures is viable, fundamentally in the arrangement of 50 % Jc + 50 % CA, being positive the biological efficiency given by the diversification and the best equivalent land use.

Studies on the Sex Ratio of Different Mango Varieties under the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

An investigation was carried out to evaluate different cultivars of mango for their performance, growth, and flowering under the northern dry zone of Karnataka. Tree height, canopy volume and trunk girth were maximum in Baneshan, while Kadar recorded maximum tree spread. Baneshan were the first to come into full bloom, and Dashehari were recorded maximum panicles per plant. The maximum number of fruits per panicle at harvest was found in Kesar. The maximum fruit set per cent was observed in Totapuri

Evaluasi Kajian Oil Extraction Rate (OER) Optimum sebagai Standar Panen Kelapa Sawit

This research aims to carry out a basic evaluation of the harvest of palm kernel 3 (BD3), palm kernel 7 (BD7), fraction 1 (FR1), and fraction 2 (FR2) on the types of soil and peat and minerals that are tested and analyzed based on observations of the number of loose fruits from bunches (brondolan) on the plate. This research was conducted at PT Gandaera Hendana, Ukui 2 Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency, Riau Province. The study used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) with two factors:  harvest base and two types of soil. The parameters observed consisted of adding a number of brondolan after harvest, the multiple of brondol after harvest, oil to bunch analysis, and potential oil extraction rate (OER). The analysis showed that adding loose fruit after harvest in mineral soil increased significantly two times more than peat (15.2 loose fruit). The harvest standard for fraction 2 increased significantly due to the addition of loose bunches after harvest (23.9 bunches) and their interaction in mineral soil (38.6 bunches). The base of palm kernels 3 (BD ​​3) shows a very significant increase in the yield of palm kernels after harvest (2.4 times) as well as its interaction in mineral soil (2.7 times). The palm kernels harvest standard 3 showed the highest increase in OER potential (23.25%) and OER potential in mineral soil (24.46%).

MORPHO-YIELD RESPONSE AND QUALITY CHARACTERIZATION OF BOTTLE GOURD (LAGENARIA SICERARIA) VARIETIES TO NITROGEN FERTILIZATION

The morpho-yield and quality traits of bottle gourd varieties were tested in response to nitrogen (N) nutrition during the year 2020 at the horticulture research area of Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. The study was performed by applying Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The two varieties Anmol and Long green were tested by applying six N rates that included (0 Kg N, (control), 50, 75 ,100, 125 and 150 Kg N ha-1). Both the varieties exhibited positive response to nitrogen fertilization. The maximum vine length, branches vine-1 were noted in plants, fertilized with increasing N rates (150 and 125 kg ha-1). In contrast shorter plants with less branches were noted when they were not fertilized with N nutrition.). The N nutrition also had a positive effect on fruit traits. The maximum fruit number with greater length and weight was recorded in plants supplied with increasing N fertilization. The N fertilization had beneficial influence on plant quality characteristics. The maximum pH, TSS, moisture and ash content in plants were observed, nourished with increasing N supply. The varietal comparison indicates that fruits of "Long green" had lower pH (5.88 vs. 6.0), higher in TSS (5.39 vs. 4.28%), moisture (67.74 vs. 55.52%), ash contents (19.96 vs. 19.01%), fruit yield (18178 vs. 17123 kg ha-1) than variety “Anmol”. In general, vines fertilized at 150 kg ha-1 N performed better than those fertilized at lower N levels for entire studied attributes, and "Long green" did better than "Anmol" among the evaluated varieties. The data clearly indicated severe soil N deficiency; and with each increment in applied N, the crop response was positive and significant (p<0.05). Hence, the farmers are suggested that “Long Green” bottle gourd variety may preferably be adapted with N at 150 kg ha-1 due to intense performance under agro-ecological conditions of Tandojam Sindh, Pakistan

The Effect of Different Ratio Combinations of Rice Husk Charcoal: Soil Media and Different NPK Fertilizer Rates on Growth and Fruit Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)

Okra plant is a vegetable plant that contains many vitamins and minerals that are very good for health. Increased production of okra plants can be done by setting the composition of the media and the provision of NPK fertilizer. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the composition of charcoal husk planting media and NPK fertilizer is appropriate for the growth and yield of okra plants. The experiment was carried out in Air Tawar Barat sub-district, North Padang sub-district, Padang City from September to December 2019. This study used a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) factorial with 2 factors. The first factor with the composition of charcoal planting media husks banding soil 0:1, 1;1, 1;2 and 1:3 . and the second factor with NPK fertilizer doses 400kg/ha, 500kg/ha and 600kg/ha repeated 4 times. The observation data is analyzed with the F test at a 5% level, if the F count is greater than the F table then continue with the Duncan New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at a real level of 5%. The results of the study showed there is an interaction between the administration of the composition of the planting media of charcoal husks and soil 1:2 and the administration of NPK fertilizer dose 3.0g / polybag to the height of plants, as well as the provision of the composition of planting media affects the lifespan of flowers, the number of flowers, the number of fruit, the length of fruit, the diameter of the fruit and the total weight of the fruit.

Genetic Analysis of Yield Traits in Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.) Genotypes

The present investigation was conducted to understand these parameters, which form an integral part of a programme for making improvements in snake gourd yield and its contributing characters. The present investigation was carried out with 32 snake gourd genotypes during late kharif 2021-22. There was need for more genetic research because the genotypes for every character under study differed significantly. Average fruit weight, fruit yield per vine, number of seeds per fruit, node to first female flower, fruit length, fiber content, acidity content, and potassium content all showed high values of PCV with correspondingly high values of GCV, indicating a greater degree of variability that could be attributed to genotype. Selection was very successful for these characters because of their high heritability and high genetic advance as measured by the percentage of mean for the following traits: fruit set percentage, fruit length, average fruit weight, flesh thickness, number of seeds per fruit, number of fruits per vine, fruit yield per vine, acidity content, and potassium content. Heritability was primarily caused by additive gene effect.

Yield Components and Nutritional Analysis of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Under Varying Rates of Vermicast Fertilizer

This study was conducted in a farmer’s field at Balantay, Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines, to evaluate the performance of different eggplant varieties with different levels of vermicast fertilizers. The different varieties were arranged in the plot while the levels of vermicast applied were set in the sub-plot using a two-factorial design in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Growth parameters such as the number of days to flowering and plant height at maturity were evaluated. The fruit yield and other parameters like yield per treatment in kgs, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, yield per hectare basis, and the chemical analysis of the nutritional value of eggplant fruits were also gathered. Based on the result of the study, growth parameters, and yield performance, particularly on the number of days to flowering, plant height in cm at maturity period, yield per treatment in kilograms, number of marketable fruits, number of non-marketable fruits, and yield in tons were significantly affected by the varying levels of vermicast application. However, a non-significant result was observed between different varieties of eggplant. For nutritional analysis, it was found that the application of higher rates of vermicast (10 tons/ha) resulted in a higher calcium, magnesium, and sodium content. In light of these findings, applying vermicast at 10 tons/ha as a substitute for synthetic fertilizer in eggplant production is recommended for a higher fruit yield and better farm profit.

The effect of tobacco leaf extract dosage on the development of virus disease in curly chili

Curly chili is a horticultural product with high nutritional value, greatly demanded as a distinctive complement or flavoring for dishes due to its unique taste and aroma. Despite the increasing demand for chilies, production has not followed suit, mainly due to disruption caused by viruses transmitted by Bemisia tabaci and Thrips sp. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tobacco extract on the growth and development of viral diseases in curly chili. Conducted at Kwangsang Village, Jumapolo District, Karanganyar Regency, from September to December 2021, the research was designed using a completely randomized block design, with treatment doses of tobacco extract at 0 mL/L, 1 mL/L, 2 mL/L, 3 mL/L, and 4 mL/L, labeled J0, J1, J2, J3, and J4, respectively. The results indicated that the variabels, i.e. plant height, number of leaves, number of fruits, and fruit weight per plant, were significantly affected by the tobacco extract. Similarly, the disease incidence and severity of viral infection were significantly influenced by the tobacco extract application. The yield decrease in curly chili was attributed to virus infection by Bemisia tabaci and Thrips sp., which caused chlorosis and mosaic symptoms on the leaves. Although the affected plants did not die, they experienced a yield reduction. The application of tobacco extract significantly reduced the percentage of incidence and severityof virus infection on curly chili. The highest disease incidence was 35.42% (J0) and disease severity was 70.92% (J0), while the lowest disease incidence was 14.58% (J4) and disease severity was 20.58% (J4).

Inoculation with Biofilm of Bacillus subtilis Is a Safe and Sustainable Alternative to Promote Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Growth

Over-fertilization and agrochemicals adversely affect soil quality and agricultural ecosystem sustainability. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is ranked as an important crop due to its high profitability and nutritional value. In Argentina, tomato is mainly produced in horticultural belts at peri-urban areas, whose soils frequently are contaminated by heavy metals and/or agrochemicals. To explore safer alternatives, we investigated the effects of seed inoculation with a common plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), i.e., Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii, on development at various growth stages of two tomato varieties, “Platense” and “Río Grande”, and on production and fruit quality at harvest time of the “Río Grande” variety. The experimental design consisted of three treatments per variety: a control versus traditional planktonic or biofilm inoculation, with three replicates per treatment. Germination at 10 days and seedling agronomical parameters showed that the response to seed inoculation was superior in the “Río Grande” variety. At harvest time, and irrespective of the inoculant, several agronomical parameters of the “Río Grande” variety were significantly enhanced with respect to the control. The biofilm significantly increased tomato production, as quantified by fruit number and weight, compared to the planktonic inoculum. This case study demonstrates that the incorporation of bio-inoculants is relevant in sustainable agriculture to promote crop growth and quality.

Assessing the effect of artificial shading and saccharose sprays on the yield and fruit quality of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)

ABSTRACT A natural low fruit set is reported in cranberry. It is hypothesised that a carbohydrate shortage limits fruit set, and thus yield potential. We aimed to evaluate the effect of carbohydrate availability induced by shade and saccharose spraying during reproductive stages of ‘Stevens’ cranberry to identify critical periods for yield and juice quality (soluble solids, acidity, and colour). Two independent experiments were conducted. On five separate dates, artificial shade (90% shade nets) was imposed for two weeks. On the same dates, 417 kg ha−1 of saccharose was sprayed as a 10% w/v solution. Results showed that shading from full bloom to the beginning of the fruit set reduced fruit number and juice colour. In contrast, 10% saccharose spray increased yield by 22% compared to the control without compromising juice quality. Therefore, the period between the end of full bloom and the beginning of fruit growth is the most critical stage for ‘Stevens’ cranberry.