Percentage Of Fruit Set Research Articles

The relationship between canopy microclimate, fruit and seed yield, and quality in Xanthoceras sorbifolium

Xanthoceras sorbifolium has high oil content and important biomass energy value, but its development is limited by the problem of low yield. This study investigated the relationship between the canopy microclimate, fruit yield, and fruit quality of Xanthoceras sorbifolium. Difference between the distributions of canopy microclimate factors as well as fruit and seed parameters in the inner and outer canopies of the lower layer, as well as between the inner and outer canopies of the upper layer, were investigated for a period of one year. Canopy structure induced significant differences between canopy microclimate factors during various periods of the year. Light intensity and temperature of the outer and upper canopies were higher than those of inner and lower canopies. However, relative humidity showed an opposing trend. Light intensity was significantly and positively correlated with fruit set percentage, fruit yield, and seed yield. Temperature was significantly and positively correlated with fruit yield and seed yield, but significantly negatively correlated with the oil concentration of seed kernels. Fruit and seed yields significantly decreased from the outer to the inner canopy and from the upper to the lower canopy. Fruit set percentage in the outer canopy was also significantly higher than that in the inner canopy. However, oil concentrations in the seed kernels of the lower layer were significantly higher than those of the upper layer. Additionally, regression analysis was used to construct evaluation models for microclimate, fruit, and seed parameters. Regression equations corresponding to the association between single microclimatic factors during different periods and the fruit and seed parameters may provide a reference for canopy pruning and help develop an optimal regression model that may be used to predict and estimate fruit and seed parameters.

INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC AND BORON ON FLOWERING AND FRUITING OF MANDARIN (CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO) AT MYAGDI, NEPAL

A study was conducted during the spring season of 2022 to find out the effect of foliar application of micronutrients (Zinc and Boron) in flowering and fruit setting of mandarin (Citrus reticulata blanco) in Myagdi, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in a factor-randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consist of foliar application of sole and combined application of Zinc and Boron namely: control (water spray), 0.2% Zn, 0.1% B, 0.15% Zn + 0.05% B, and 0.1% Zn + 0.1% B. Twenty mandarin trees of the same age and height from an orchard were chosen from the north-facing slope. The spray solution was formulated using standard procedures. The foliar application of the micronutrients was done twice, the first application was done days before flowering, and the second application was done after 2 days of full flowering. The data analysis was done using MS Excel and R-stat. Treatments had significant variations in total flowers and hermaphrodite flowers per branch, fruit diameter, fruit set, and fruit drop. Thus, our study showed that foliar spray of Zinc 0.1% + Boron 0.1% was the best for the production of more hermaphrodite flowers, for a higher fruit set percentage, and for a higher fruit retention percentage in Mandarin.

Horticultural Practices in Early Spring to Mitigate the Adverse Effect of Low Temperature on Fruit Set in 'Lapins' Sweet Cherry.

Yield of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is determined by fruit set, a developmental stage sensitive to variable spring environmental conditions. To sustain fruit production and enhance crop climate resilience, it is important to understand the impacts of abiotic stresses and the effectiveness of horticultural mitigations in the spring on the critical developmental processes during fruit set. In this study, flowering phenology, pistil browning and percent fruit set of 'Lapins' were monitored at five sites of different elevation and frost risk in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, in 2019 and 2022. At Site 1 in Summerland Research and Development Centre ("SuRDC1"), where a 'Lapins' on Krymsk 5 planting was located in a frost pocket where the crops were exposed to high risk of cold damage in the spring, a series of experiments were conducted to investigate the floral organ viability and percent fruit set under low temperatures, and under the effects of four spring horticultural mitigation measures. Installation of polyethylene sleeves and FAME spray (fatty acid methyl esters-based plant growth regulator, WAIKEN, SST Australia) were implemented in 2019; boric acid spray and postponed irrigation were tested in 2022. Low fruit set at SuRDC1 in both years was associated with severe pistil browning after night temperature dropped below -4 °C in late April. In 2019, the semi-enclosure of polyethylene sleeves led to an increase in the surface temperature (Tsurfae) of floral buds by 2-4 °C, which prolonged the stage of first bloom, delayed petal fall and prevented frost damage on pistils, but led to the decrease in percent fruit set by 77%, due to ovule abortion or cessation of fruitlet development. The early and late sprays of FAME had no significant influence on either abundance of germinated pollen tubes or percent fruit set; however, the potential of late spray in improving pollen abundance and reducing pistil browning requires further investigation. In 2022, the spray of 0.01% boric acid solution led to a decrease in fruit set by 6.95%. Six-week postponement of irrigation starting from full bloom decreased soil moisture, but increased soil temperature and improved fruit set by 7.61%. The results improved our understanding about the damages of adverse spring air temperatures on pistils and ovules, and suggested the potential of irrigation adjustment in regulating soil moisture and temperature and improving fruit set in the cool and moist spring.

Diversity, Abundance and Impact of Insect Visitors in Litchi chinensis Production

Litchi chinensis is the “queen of fruits”, and pollination is an essential requirement for fruit set and production. The present study was conducted in litchi orchards to study the diversity/abundance of insect visitors, the impact of pollination on quantitative parameters, and different modes of pollination. The results showed that 75 insect species during flowering were reported including Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. In natural pollination, the abundance of insect visitors of Hymenoptera was more during morning and evening (50.25% and 44.89%, respectively) compared to Lepidoptera (21.83 and 26.67%) and Diptera (24.37 and 23.33%). Similarly, natural pollination with one Apis mellifera colony also showed higher abundance of insect visitors of Hymenoptera during morning and evening (50.15 and 57.31%, respectively) as compared to Lepidoptera and Diptera. The Dipteran insect visitors under natural pollination showed significant positive correlation with temperature, wind speed and UV. The fruit/seed size, peel weight, juice pH, pulp weight, moisture, and total soluble solids were higher in natural pollination with A. mellifera. The percentage of fruit set and fruit weight (g) was significantly higher in natural pollination with A. mellifera (23.24 ± 1.40% and 1.60 ± 0.11 g, respectively). There was no fruit set observed in bagged panicles with nylon mesh.

Parametros de seleção para aumento na produtividade e qualidade de tomatillo

ABSTRACT The extended use of the same variety by farmers over successive generations and reuse of the “seeds” caused natural variability that can be a magnificent opportunity for genetic improvement of tomatillo. Two successive seasons were accomplished to select genotypes with good performance from a heterogeneous population of the local tomatillo “Balady”. The results revealed significant differences in early yield as fruit number and average fruit weight over the original population. Additionally, the results revealed a highly significant correlation between fruit set percentage and total soluble solids (TSS) at 60 days and the marketable yield with fruit length and TSS at 60 days. In conclusion, the path analysis along with heritability and selection genetic gain showed that early yield and fruit set are the two most critical component traits for fruit yield in tomatillo. In addition, the average fruit weight showed a low indirect effect on fruit yield per plant. Twenty promising genotypes were selected as a kernel for pure line development through further breeding programs.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulator on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economic of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L. Var. Pattypan) in Mid Hills of Uttarakhand

Field study on the Effect of Plant Growth Regulator on Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L. Var. Pattypan) was conducted during 2017 (summer season). Ten treatments of plant growth regulator consist of T1 Control; T2 Ethrel 150 ppm; T3 Ethrel 200 ppm; T4 Ethrel @ 250 ppm; T5 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 25 ppm; T6 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 50 ppm; T7 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 75 ppm; T8 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 50 ppm; T9 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 100 ppm; T10 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 150 ppm were tried in Randomized Complete Block Design having three replications. Results revealed that the maximum number of male flowers per plant (13.63) was found under T5 that was closely followed by T4, T7, T3 and the lowest number of male flowers per plant (7.06) in T9. In contrast, the maximum number of female flowers per plant (7.86) was found under T9 while the lowest number of female flowers per plant (4.76) was found under T7.The lowest sex ratio (1.26) was observed with T9, while the highest sex ratio (2.43) was observed with T6.The maximum fruit set percent (71.58) were found under T8 that was statistically identical by T10: Naphthalene acetic acid 150 ppm while the minimum fruit set (49.02) were found under T2. Different plant growth regulators showed a statistically significant variation on number of fruits per plant. The maximum (6.03) fruits per plant in number were recorded under T9 and the minimum fruits per plant were recorded in T2. The yield of summer squash was recorded the maximum (403.75 q ha-1) in treatment T4 which was closely followed by T10. The quality parameters i.e., TSS (4.66) and shelf life (114.6 days) of summer squash was determined the maximum in T8 as compared to other treatments. The economics of using different growth regulators revealed that the benefit cost ratio was the maximum with Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 100 ppm (T9) followed by Ethrel 250 ppm (T4). The overall results showed that the effective treatment for increasing femaleness and yield of Summer Squash was Ethrel (250 ppm) with the satisfactory benefit cost ratio (4.23).

Floral Characterization of Pomegranate Genotypes to Improve Hybridization Efficiency.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has staminate (male), androgynous (hermaphrodite), and intermediate flower types. Floral characterization is difficult for breeding efficiency across many pomegranate genotypes in Pakistan, which is essential for pomegranate cultivar enhancements. The present research focused on the floral characterization and breeding efficiency of fifteen pomegranate genotypes. Flower sex ratio, floral morphological parameters, i.e., flower length, ovary width, flower notch, flower tip and stigma with style length, and fruit set percentage were examined during the experiment. In terms of sex ratio, male flowers were found to be higher among all genotypes. Due to clear differences in flower length, width, and heterostyly facilitating visual identification of the hermaphrodite flowers, genotype Ternab-2, Kandhari White, and Kandhari Red had higher fruit set (≥70%) among all cross combinations attempted. Genotype Sava had higher flower length and heterostyly of hermaphrodite flower type, but ovary width was not very distinct, leading to average crossing success (85-34%). In conclusion, single or combination of morphological characters can be used for accurate identification of hermaphrodite flowers, which can improve hybrid efficiency and fruit set after artificial cross-pollination.

Evaluation of the effect of open-, self- and cross pollinations on fruit set in Domat, Gemlik and Sarı Ulak olive cultivars

This study aimed to determine the fruit set and beaded fruit levels of Domat, Gemlik and Sari Ulak olive cultivars grown in Mediterranean region. For this purpose, open-pollination, self-pollination and cross-pollination treatments were carried out. In each application, the branches selected from four cardinal points (east, west, north, south) were marked and before the petals were open, the number of flowers in the inflorescence was measured. To perform dusting applications, the branches were insulated with nonwoven material. Pollination operations were carried out 3 times during the periods when 25%, 50% and 75% of the insulated flowers were open. The number of fruits on the marked branches was measured during the harvesting period and the percentage of fruit set for each application was calculated. It was detected that the fruit set of all cultivars in self- pollination was very low, so cross-pollination applications with appropriate cultivars were necessary. It has been determined that the Domat cultivar is self-fertile, while the Gemlik and Sarı Ulak cultivars need a pollenizer for an economically satisfactory fruit set. In addition, no cross-incompatibility was detected between the cultivars examined. Sarı Ulak for Domat cultivar, Domat for Sarı Ulak and both Sarı Ulak and Domat cultivars for Gemlik were designated as the most suitable pollenizers. It has been determined that the formation of beaded fruits in the Sarı Ulak cultivar was quite high.In conclusion, in olive cultivation, it has been determined that yield and quality could be increased whether the appropriate pollenizer cultivars are kept in the same orchard, even if the cultivar used is a self-fertile cultivar.

INFLUENCE OF LEAF AND RADICULAR FERTILIZATION ON APPLE GROWTH AND FRUITING PROCESSES

Fertilization is a basic condition of agriculture, as a branch of sustainable development. It is often recommended to supplement mineral nutrition with organic product administration because, through their bio-stimulating effect, it potentiates mineral nutrition. Under these conditions, between 2020 and 2022, a bifactorial study was carried out on three apple cultivars (5-7 years after planting), grown at the Research Institute for Fruit Growing Pitesti-Maracineni, in a high-density orchard. The influence of five foliar and one soil fertilizers, on the background of standard mineral fertilization, over the mineral elements and chlorophyll content of the foliar apparatus for 'Red Braeburn', 'Jonagold Boerekamp', and 'Jonagold Novajo' cvs. was studied. Indicators of growth, fruiting processes, and fruit quality were also assessed. The foliar diagnosis results indicated that the level of mineral elements (N, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Fe) was within the limits of normality established for apple leaves, except for manganese, which accumulated in slightly excess (108.8, compared to 100.0 ppm). On average, during the experiment, the fertilization variants significantly increased the foliar level of mineral elements such as K, Cu, and Fe, compared to the control. Regarding the growth-fruiting processes, the mean of the tree trunk cross-sectional area annual growth was 6.6 cm2. Given that the percentage of fruit set fluctuated around 66.9%, a fruit yield of 66.8 t/ha was obtained. On average, the percentage of fruit set increased significantly by 16.9-19.5% when CropMax (0.2%), M1 (0.5%), and M2 (0.5%) products were applied, and fruit yield by 19.3-21.2% for Poly-Feed (1%) and Fertisol (2 kg/tree). The fruit weight ranged from 72.3 to 443.2 g, with an average of 166.5 g. The average values recorded for firmness, juice pH and total soluble content were 76.4 units HPE-II- FFF Bareiss, 3.6, and 12.7°Brix respectively. All fertilization treatments significantly increased the average weight of the fruit, by 6.2-9.2%, compared to the untreated variant. The results of the study certify the favorable effect of supplementing the fertilization plans with the studied products, containing biostimulators that enhance and harmonize the physiological processes of the apple in a high-density system.

Effect of Humic and Salicylic Acids Foliar Application on Vegetative Growth and Fruit Quality of Olive (c.v Sorani and Khadrawi)

This study was carried out on 15 years old trees of two Syrian olives (Olea europaea L.) cultivars Sorani and Khadrawi during 2020-2021 growing season at research orchard, of Horticulture department / College of Agricultural Engineering sciences, University of Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan region. Humic and salicylic acids foliar application with three levels (0, 2000 and 4000 ppm) and (0, 750 and 1500 ppm) were applied respectively (before and after full bloom as well as at fruit set). The parameters annual shoot length, fruit set percentage, fruit weight, fruit volume, oil content in fruit and leaf (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) content were studied, and the results showed that cultivar had significant effects on all studied parameters except (fruit weight and fruit volume). Maximum concentration of humic acid (4000ppm) recorded maximum values in all parameters compared to the other concentrations, and also had significant effects on all parameters. Except (fruit volume) all parameters be affected significantly by salicylic acid application.

Effect of Supplemental Pollination, Boron Spray and Cultivar on Fruit Quality and Quantity of Olive (Olea europaea L.)

This study was conducted during the 2020-2021 growing season at orchard of Horticulture Department, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani, Bakrajo, Iraqi Kurdistan Region, in order to investigate the effects of artificial pollination, boron application, and cultivar on some fruit quality and quantity of olive. Six selective pollinizers (Arbequina, Ashrasi, Hojiblanca, Picual, K18, Kaissy) in addition to self and air-pollination, two boron levels (0 and 200 mg.L-1) as well as two main cultivars (Sourani and Khadrawi) were used. Results showed that cultivars are relatively self-incompatible while cultivar, pollinizer, and boron recorded significant differences with regard to some studied parameters. Sourani Cultivar gave the highest percentage of final fruit set (1.96 %), self-incompatibility index (0.59), fruit weight (2.64 g), fruit volume (2.51cm3), oil content percentage (38.81%), soluble sugar content (185.74 μg/g DW), while the lowest fruit dropping (13.56%), and the lowest acidity value (0.46%). Besides, the highest values of boron content (10.587%) were obtained Sourani cultivar. Boron sprayed with 200 mg.L-1 achieved the highest values of all studied parameters. Moreover, Arbequina, Ashrasi, and Picual pollinizers gave the best results. The dual interactions of the factors revealed that Sourani and 200 mg.L-1 boron, the two cultivars (Sourani and Khadrawi) with Arbequina, Ashrasi, Picual and Hojiblanca pollinizers, and 200 mg.L-1 boron with Arbequina, Ashrasi, Picual and Hojiblanca pollinizers gave the best results. Additionally, triple interactions of the factors indicated that the combination of the two cultivars, 200 mg.L-1 boron and Arbequina, Ashrasi, Picual and Hojiblanca pollinizers, demonstrated the best significant results.

Growth Performance of Guava Trees after the Exogenous Application of Amino Acids Glutamic Acid, Arginine, and Glycine

A 2020–2021 study was performed on five-year-old guava trees to examine the influence of the foliar application of three amino acids, glycine, arginine, and glutamic acid, at a concentration of 500 or 1000 ppm. Additionally, two combinations of the three mentioned amino acids were also applied: 500 glycine + 500 arginine + 500 glutamic acid (combination 1) and 1000 glycine + 1000 arginine + 1000 glutamic acid (combination 2), and compared with a control (untreated trees). The results indicated that the application of the three amino acids, solely or in combination, was effective at increasing the shoot length, shoot diameter, and leaf chlorophyll. Additionally, the applied treatments also improved markedly the fruit set percentage, fruit yield, fruit firmness, fruit content of total soluble solids (TSS %), vitamin C (VC), and total sugars as well as the leaf mineral content (nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus) compared with untreated trees in 2020 and 2021. Moreover, the results indicated that the combinations were more effective than individual applications and that glycine had a greater influence than arginine or glutamic acid, particularly when it was applied at 1000 ppm.

Assessment of pollen morphology and hybridization in pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Pollen studies act as a prerequisite for choosing a compatible pollen parent and help plant breeders to achieve successful crossing between different cultivars. An experiment was conducted during 2018–19 at Fruit Research Farm of Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station Bajaura, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh to evaluate 8 commercial genetically distant pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars (Chawla, Nabha, P-26, Kandhari Kabuli, G-137, Jodhpur Red, Mridula and Bhagwa) for pollen morphology (shape and size) and viability. Hybridization studies were also carried out to assess the role of cross pollination in fruit set to infuse blood red aril colour and soft seededness in the selected cultivars. The compatibility behaviour was studied by using different cross combinations of cultivars followed by recording their fruit set percentage. It could help breeders understand the performance of cultivars as pollinizers which would ultimately help them in hybridization programs. Pollen viability of the pomegranate germplasm was determined using 2% acetocarmine. Highest pollen viability was recorded in Bhagwa (94.29%) followed by Chawla (91.21%). In hybridization studies, highest fruit set per cent among 16 crosses was observed in Mridula × P-26 (77.80%). The differences in fruit set percentage could be due to varied degree of compatibility between different genotypes, behaviour of pollen with respect to viability percentage, differences in growth rate of pollen tube and might also be due to differences in temperature during bloom period.

Animal pollination dependence in Feijoa [Acca sellowiana (Berg) Burret] (Myrtaceae) and variation of pollinators between regions of Uruguay

The Feijoa “Guayabo del país” (Acca sellowiana) is a native Myrtaceae whose fruits have a great commercial potential for their nutritive properties. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent to which fruit production depends on biotic pollination and to identify potential pollinators in Uruguay. Two farms and three park, located in Salto and Canelones were used for the study. The percentage of fruit set in the branches excluding pollinators did not exceed 5.1%, whereas in the branches with free access of pollinators it varied between 10.4% (Salto) and 90.9% (park trees, Canelones). A total of 28 insect species and 3 Passeriforme species were identified on the flower varying with the region. Apis mellifera were present on all plantations with high frequency. Remarkably, 7 species of native bees and 3 species of native passerines were found only in the southern trees of the country. Some pollinators can be managed to improve production, of commercial quality, like honeybees or bumblebees.

Correlation studies in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) crosses under open field and rainshelter

Correlation analysis was done among ten crosses of yard long bean for vegetative, flowering and yield characters, in order to understand the nature of interrelationship among the characters under two different environment conditions viz., open field and rainshelter at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2017. Positive correlation was observed for pod yield per plant with fruit set percentage, number of pods per plant and pollen viability both in open field and rainshelter (0.639, 0.804; 0.791, 0.574 and 0.801, 0.576 respectively). Pod length was positively correlated with pod girth (0.652 and 0.587 respectively) and pod weight (0.820 and 0.806 respectively) under open field and rainshelter. Fruit set percentage showed strong positive association with number of pods per plant (0.759 and 0.813) and pollen viability (0.777 and 0.806), under both conditions. Number of pods per plant exhibited significant positive correlation with pollen viability in open field (0.986) as well as rainshelter (0.938). Correlation studies revealed that, in open field as well as under rainshelter, pod yield per plant showed significant positive correlation with fruit set percentage, pods per plant and pollen viability and hence selection of hybrids based on these characters could be effective for improving pod yield of the crop.

Contents of nitrogen compounds during bud break and peach tree performance in response to budburst-inducing products

The growth of peach orchards in subtropical regions depends on the minimal requirements for chilling accumulation, and crop loading requires sprays of chemical compounds to overcome dormancy, induce bud break, and allow adequate flowering and fruiting. The ability of hydrogen cyanamide, nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate to break the dormancy of ‘BRS Kampai’ peach trees and their effects on nitrogen, tryptophan, and polyamine contents in buds were evaluated. Furthermore, budburst, flowering, fruit set percentage, flowering period, tree performance, and bioactive compound content in the fruits were assessed. The study was undertaken in São Paulo state, a subtropical region of southeast Brazil, and the field experiment was carried out in two crop seasons. Short flowering duration and higher percentages of budburst, flowering, and fruit setting were correlated with higher nitrogen content in vegetative buds and spermidine contents in flower buds. The better performance of hydrogen cynamide, compared with other treatments, was confirmed by the anticipation, patterning, and increase in budburst, flowering, and fruit setting, associated with high levels of spermidine in the flower buds. Hydrogen cyanamide also increases the concentration of antioxidant compounds in fruits. Hydrogen cyanamide and the combination of nitrogen fertilizer and calcium nitrate enhanced yield and production efficiency and are recommended for inducing budburst in subtropical regions.

Impact of Autonomous Drone Pollination in Date Palms

Artificial pollination of date palms has been practiced over thousands of years to improve the fruiting traits in date palms. Due to the changes in agricultural practices in the modern period, mechanical pollination techniques were tried in some parts of the world. But machine pollination of date palms has not gained popularity worldwide owing to economic, environmental, or technical challenges. Of late, agricultural drones were introduced to pollinate date palms in significantly less time and reduce the risk of injury, manpower, and cost. Modern drones can have integrated, built-in smart data-collecting devices to provide the farmers with all relevant information. Although this autonomous method provides a number of benefits in terms of labor and cost, pollination time, ease of use, etc, studies have not yet entirely evaluated the efficacy of drone pollination on date palms. This paper summarizes the outcomes of an autonomous drone pollination study performed during the 2022 season in the orchards of Oman. The pros and cons of this artificial aerial pollination method are examined in the paper. The impact of this method of pollination on crop yield, fruit quality, and fruit set percentage are analyzed. This study also explores the limitations of the autonomous drone pollination system and throws light on ways to improve its efficiency.

Impact of pollination strategies on fruit set and fruit growth attributes in jasmine

Jasmine occupies predominant position among the flower crops in India in terms of area, production and productivity. The demand for jasmine flowers is growing day by day owing to its wide range of uses and there is a pressing need for improving the crop by exploring strategies to evolve diverse genotypes. The present study focuses on the hybridization of Jasminum spp with the objective of introgression of desirable traits that would aid in creation of wider genetic variability. Pollination is the basis in any hybridization programme. The main aim of this research study was to determine the suitable pollination methods among self, open and cross pollination and to assess the effect of the pollination methods on the fruit set and fruit characteristics. The results of the study revealed that the overall response of J. auriculatum was found effective with maximum fruit set percentage. J. auriculatum cv Parimullai yielded the highest fruit set of 76.43% under open pollination and the least fruit set rate of 2.14% under self-pollination. Among the possible cross combination involving J. auriculatum and J. grandiflorum cultivars as seed parents with various pollen parents, J. flexile showed considerable results. Cross combination of J. auriculatum x J. flexile recorded maximum fruit set revealing best cross compatibility while crosses involving J. sambac resulted in no fruit set indicating the prevalence of fertilization barriers that hinder hybridization.

Genetic variability and correlation analysis for yield and yield contributing characters in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Thirty brinjal genotypes were evaluated for eighteen quantitative characters in a randomized block design with three replications. Variability studies for 18 quantitative characters revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was comparatively greater than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the characters studied. Maximum PCV (59.49%) and GCV (59.48%) were registered for fruit weight. High estimates of heritability accompanied with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were  recorded for most of the traits viz., fruit length, diameter, pedicel length, pedicel thickness, relative fruit calyx length, fruit weight, fruits per plant, the number of marketable fruits, marketable fruit yield and fruit yield per plant indicating the prominence of additive gene action, thus pointing towards the effectiveness of simple selection depending on the phenotypic expression of genotypes would be rewarding for genetic improvement of these characters. Significant positive correlation of fruit yield per plant at both genotypic and phenotypic levels with plant height, percentage of medium and long styled flowers, fruit setting percentage, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit pedicel length, fruit pedicel thickness, fruit weight, marketable fruit yield and significant negative correlation with the number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, days to first harvest, relative fruit calyx length, fruits per plant, total marketable fruits. Therefore, considering these characters would be beneficial in the selection for fruit yield per plant. Keywords: Brinjal, Genetic variability, Correlation analysis

Evaluation of Pollen Production of Common Male Date Palms Grown in the Mexicali Valley, Mexico

The aim of this study was the evaluation of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) pollen production during the 2021 and 2022 seasons in the Mexicali Valley, Mexico. Twelve seed-propagated male palms of 20 years of age and similar vigor were selected and grouped into four groups with phenotypic characteristics of the common female cultivars in the area (Medjool, Deglet Noor, Khadrawy, and Zahidi). The pollen was extracted manually, with average production among all individuals of 780.94 and 777.11 g, in 26 and 24 inflorescences, respectively, for each year. Likewise, the flowering period on average was 47 and 41 days for each year. The pollen extracted from the earliest four inflorescences averaged 38.7 and 32.55 g, while that of the latest one produced 10.70 g and 18.28 g for each year, respectively. Seedling male palms with a phenotype similar to the Deglet Noor cultivar produced the greatest amount of pollen with 1250.98 and 1114.26 g on average for each year, produced during a late, short flowering period. Likewise, those palms with phenotypes similar to the Medjool cultivar produced the second-highest amount of pollen with 851.28 and 866.43 g on average for each year, produced during an early, long flowering period. Finally, an in vivo viability test through the fruit set percentage, revealed that the use of any of these four pollen sources would be suitable for the pollination of the recipient female cultivar Medjool, the most widely cultivated variety in Mexico. These results will allow date producers to select and propagate better pollen-producing male palms.