Pomological Traits Research Articles

Pomological Traits and Genome Size of Prunus armeniaca L. Considering to Geographical Origin

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is an important fruit crop and member of the Prunus genus of the Rosaceae family that is planted in many temperate regions worldwide. The quality of fruit is assessed by many pomological parameters which can serve as a decisive factor in apricot breeding, because the introduction of new cultivars is required. These parameters can differ with climate conditions, geographical location or geographic ecological origin. Similarly, another biological characteristic can be measured depending on these terms. The present study was conducted with the aim of estimating pomological traits together with the nuclear DNA content of 35 apricot cultivars with different geographical origins. Only CV values lower than 5% were considered in flow cytometry analysis. All analyzed cultivars were diploid and the genome size value ranged from 0.587 to 0.644 pg/2C, where Turkish apricots reached the highest value (on average 0.628 pg/2C) followed by the European group (on average 0.625 pg/2C). A Spearman-rank correlation was used and the different correlation was found for specific geographical groups of apricot cultivars. The genome size values of apricots and related botanical species P. mume, P. sibirica and P. ansu showed to be very similar values.

The influence of organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilizers on tree growth, yielding, fruit quality and leaf nutrient composition of apple cv. ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’

This work was carried out to obtain data about the vegetative growth, productivity, fruit external and internal quality and leaf nutrient composition of apple cv. ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ from different fertilization regimes, with reference to their role in tree and fruit growth and development, especially for their specific recommendations. Organic, organo-mineral and mineral fertilizers were applied to soil during three consecutive years. Results showed that organo-mineral fertilizer called Italpolina (ITP) and N fertilizer called calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) increased TPC, antioxidant activity, acidity, FW and D. Compound NPK induced the best values of SSC, TS and IS contents and TFC. Urea as a physiologically acidic N fertilizer mostly affected TS/TA and SSC/TA ratios. Interestingly, manure conditioned the best values of yield per tree and unit area and YE, while the greatest tree vigor was found in the control treatment (without fertilization). In paradox, the lowest tree growth was observed by CAN and compound NPK, i.e. fertilizers with high N contents. Compound NPK, organo-mineral ITP fertilizer and manure induced ideal balanced leaf nutritional values, followed by CAN and urea. Besides, it is highly important that experts and growers are encouraging the application and use of organic and organo-mineral fertilizers to increase soil fertility and its quality. Thus, the applied fertilizers behaved differently in terms of the impact on the tested properties. One improved agronomic properties, while the other improved pomological traits, nutritional value of fruits and the amount of elements in the leaf. However, cattle manure, organo-mineral Italpolina and compound NPK fertilizer could be recommended generally for fertilizing the ‘Golden Delicious Reinders’ apple on M.9 T337 in similar soil and climatic conditions. PCA can be a useful tool for segregation fertilizers that have the best influence on tree growth, productivity and apple fruit quality.

Diversity of the genus Rosa pomological traits in ecological conditions of continental Croatia

Rosaceae family is characterized by the large number of genus and species which are of great importance for horticulture. The main goal of this research was to analyze pomological traits in order to determine biodiversity existence between five genotypes (G) of genus Rosa belonging to four different taxons (G1 - Rosa canina L., G2 - Rosa corymbifera Borkh., G3 - Rosa canina L. var. squarrosa A. Rau Rosa squarrosa (A. Rau) Boreau, G4 - Rosa subcanina (Christ.) Vuk., G5 - Rosa corymbifera Borkh) in continental part of Croatia during two years. Genotype had significant effect on all pomological traits, while year and interaction between year and genotype affected the majority of pomological traits. Multivariate discriminant analysis successfully explained 77.48% of total variability. It achieved separation of genotypes G5 and G1 from genotypes G2 and G4 using canonical axis 1 (Can1) (46.74% of total variability mostly influenced fruit length, width, volume, surface, and shape index). Likewise, genotype G2 was separated from genotype G3 by the Can2 axis (30.74% of total variability mostly influenced by fruit mass). Since genotypes G2 and G5 were of the same species (Rosa corymbifera), their separation by Can1 axis indicates notable effect of ecological factors on pomological traits, which was not the case for Rosa canina genotypes (G1 and G3) where no separation occurred, indicating major effect of hereditary factors on studied pomological traits on this species.

‘Helete Güneşi’, a New Walnut Cultivar with Late Leafing, Early Harvest Date, and Superior Nut Traits

‘Helete Güneşi’ was selected among different genotypes obtained from crossing ‘Maraş 18’ × ‘Chandler’ in Turkey. The present study compares phenological and pomological traits of ‘Helete Güneşi’ with those of its parents so as to scale their performances. ‘Helete Güneşi’ staged leaf out on 22 April, whereas its parents, ‘Chandler’ and ‘Maraş 18’, did on 20 and 12 April, respectively. The harvest date of ‘Helete Güneşi’ was as early as 17 September, whereas ‘Chandler’ and ‘Maraş 18’ began to be harvested on 5 October and 15 September, respectively. Defoliation in ‘Helete Güneşi’ occurred about 1 month earlier than ‘Chandler’. The nut weight and kernel percentage of ‘Helete Güneşi’ were 13.41 g and 53.39%, respectively, whereas in ‘Chandler’ the values were 12.73 g and 48.23%, respectively, but were 14.62 g and 53.76% in ‘Maraş 18’. ‘Helete Güneşi’ had a higher yield value compared to its parents. The results demonstrated that ‘Helete Güneşi’ has superior traits in being selected for late leafing date, early harvest date, high yield, and good nut quality. Therefore, it can be considered as a valuable genetic resource in future breeding programs around the world.

Development of a Multipurpose Core Collection of New Promising Iranian Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Genotypes Based on Morphological and Pomological Traits

Establishment of a core collection, of limited size and better representation of the whole germplasm phenotypic diversity, is fundamental for fruit tree breeding programs from an economic and management points of view. To achieve this goal with pomegranate fruit trees, 221 genotypes were evaluated for 25 morphological and pomological traits during two successive years. Using the maximization strategy in Power Core software, 12 out of 221 pomegranate genotypes were selected for the new core collection, reducing the population size to 5.42% of the entire collection. Variance difference (VD%) and mean difference (MD%) were calculated as 42.68% and 7.03% in core collection, respectively. This indicates an excellent diversity amongst genotypes within the core collection. The Shannon’s diversity index (H′) in the formed collection suggested that 19 out of 25 phenotypic variables were of high diversity. Results showed that core collection genotypes are equally presented in all three population groups formed by cluster analysis through the original collection. The current research is the first in using phenotypic data to establish a core collection of Iranian pomegranate germplasm. The formation of this core collection will be an effective step towards examining the diversity of the original population and breeding prospects.

Inheritance and correlation of main phenological and pomological traits in Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.)

Inheritance and correlation of main phenological and pomological traits in Japanese plum (<i>Prunus salicina</i> Lindl.)

Помологические особенности форм айвы, обнаруженных на территории Нахичевани

The article examines the areas of spread of quince types found in the territory of the Nakhchivan, their names and synonyms and which sortotype they belong to. For the first time, 11 types of quinces were found in the territory of Nakhchivan, and agro-biological traits were studied by conducting phenological observations on them. The development of annual shoots and fruits of each type was monitored separately, promising types were selected, and grafted material was taken from them, grafted in the area where they are spread and in the field of practice of our Institute. The pomological traits of each of the newly discovered types were studied separately. Here, the weight, color of fruits, stalk length, color and taste of the pulp, the location of the germ cell and the number of seeds in each cell were studied. The tasting prices of the fruits of each of the found types were determined separately. According to the tasting price, Badamli Factory 1, Andamich-2, Sabir village 2 and Milakh-1 types were preferred. Also, the productivity of these types was compared with standard varieties. Here the weight of the fruits of each type and the harvest of each tree were clearly given.

Diversity and Relationships among Neglected Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) Landraces Using Morphological Traits and SSR Markers: Implications for Agro-Biodiversity Conservation.

Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) is an economically important tree species globally cultivated in temperate areas. Italy has an ample number of traditional varieties, but numerous landraces are abandoned and at risk of extinction because of increasing urbanization, agricultural intensification, and varietal renewal. In this work, we investigated the morphological and genetic diversity present in an ex-situ collection of 28 neglected varieties belonging to the so-called “Vesuvian apricot”. Our aim was to understand the level of diversity and the possible link between the promotion of specific fruit types (e.g., by public policies) and the intraspecific variation in apricot. The combination of five continuous and seven categorical traits allowed us to phenotypically distinguish the varieties; while fruit quality-related attributes displayed high variation, both apricot size and skin colour were more uniform. The twelve fluorescent-based Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) markers identified cultivar-specific molecular profiles and revealed a high molecular diversity, which poorly correlated with that described by the morphological analysis. Our results highlighted the complementary information provided by the two sets of descriptors and that DNA markers are necessary to separate morphologically related apricot landraces. The observed morphological and genetic differences suggest a loss of diversity influenced by maintenance breeding of specific pomological traits (e.g., skin colour and size). Finally, our study provided evidence to recommend complementary strategies to avoid the loss of diversity in apricot. Actions should pivot on both the promotion of easily identified premium products and more inclusive biodiversity-centred on-farm strategies.

Pomological traits and fruit quality of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars as affected by soil management system

Pomological traits and fruit quality of black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars as affected by soil management system

Fruit and leaf diversity of selected Indian mangoes (Mangifera indica L.)

Genetic diversity was assessed of 58 mango genotypes obtained from different eco-geographical locations of India including 20 selections, 17 hybrids and 21 landraces (local genotypes) of Odisha State. A total of 70 pheno-biochemical features based on leaf morphology and fruits were considered for investigation through PCA, co-phenetic correlation and UPGMA cluster analysis, which revealed a significant extent of diversity among the studied mango genotypes. Correlations among quantitative and qualitative pomological traits not only enabled us to discriminate genotypes but, more importantly, helped us to select those specifically suitable for commercialization and selective breeding. Several pomological traits of economic significance displayed extreme variability based on the first three PCA components; these attributes might be used as breeding targets to enhance fruit production and quality. Unique or rare marker traits were identified which facilitated discrimination of 23 genotypes. Based on cluster analysis and outstanding ripe fruit quality characters (genotypes ‘Kancha Mitha’, ‘Karpura Bhog’, ‘Baldev’, ‘Aishwarya’, ‘Hamilton Sundari’), similarity coefficients (genotypes ‘Miskanta’, ‘Ganga’, ‘Kuanri’, ‘Baramasi’) as well as distribution in clusters and unique pomological attributes (genotypes ‘Hatimundi’, ‘Dophasal’, ‘Jehangir’, ‘Baldev’ and ‘Bileimundei’), new genotypes were found to be diverse and distinct for their desirable characteristics. They can be used as suitable candidates in breeding programs for mango improvement. The least similarity was observed between ‘Fazli’ vs ‘Manjeera’ followed by ‘Cherukrasam’ vs ‘Miskanta’, ‘Mallika’ vs ‘Ganga’ and ‘Lal Sundari’ vs ‘Ratna’, representing most diverse varieties. NJ tree based on pheno-biochemical data grouped 58 genotypes into five major clusters. The 2D and 3D PCA plots effectively clustered the genotypes based on their phenotypic resemblance and biochemical features. The information generated on genotypic diversity and interrelationships will certainly be helpful in sustainably exploiting the utilitarian value of available mango germplasm resources using process technology for commercial products and, in addition, further genetic improvement through breeding.

Variability in pomological traits of dog rose (Rosa canina L.) under the ecological conditions of the Republic of Croatia

Wild or dog rose (Rosa canina L.) is a successful colonizer of various habitats and different soil types and is widely distributed across the Republic of Croatia. In this research, in order to estimate pomological variability in native dog rose populations, four genotypes from four locations in different geographic areas of Croatia were selected and sampled. The genotypes selected were: genotype G1, originating from the continental part of Croatia (Pitomača); genotypes G2 and G3, originating from the Mediterranean part of Croatia (Kukurini and Posedarje, respectively); and genotype G4, originating from the upland part of Croatia (Gračac). Fruits were harvested at optimum harvest dates in 2010 and 2012. Genotype had a significant effect on each studied pomological trait (length, width, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, volume, surface, shape index, weight, flesh weight, flesh ratio and total dry matter content), while year significantly affected all parameters except sphericity and shape index. The highest values for most pomological traits in 2010 and 2012 were found in the G4 and G3 genotypes, respectively. This research highlighted the existence of high variability in pomological traits among dog rose populations in Croatia, which emphasizes the possibility of further breeding and cultivation.

Assessment of genetic diversity of thirty Tunisian fig (Ficus carica L.) accessions using pomological traits and SSR markers.

Sixteen pomological traits were employed to characterize the diversity of 30 fig accessions collected mainly from Southeastern Tunisia and maintained at CFPA 'El Gordhab', Tataouine, in Southeastern Tunisia. Additionally, 13 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were analyzed to detect the genetic diversity of the 30 fig accessions. In this study, qualitative data (fruit shape, fruit external color, fruit internal color, abscission of the stalk from the twig, skin peeling, fruit skin firmness) showed morphological variation within accessions. A highly significant difference (p < .01) among accessions was revealed for all the quantitative traits. The first three components (PC1, PC2, and PC3) of PCA accounted for 52.99% of the total variability. PC1, PC2, and PC3 accounted respectively for 28.02, 13.05, and 11.91% of the total variance. The most discriminating morphological parameters were fruit length and diameter, stalk length and diameter, neck length and diameter, stalk and flesh thickness, fruit shape, skin peeling, and skin firmness. Concerning the molecular results, 40 alleles were revealed. The number of alleles ranged between 2 to 6 with a mean of 3.08 alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.03 (LMFC21, LMFC23, and LMFC32) to 0.83 (LMFC30) with an average of 0.43. The expected heterozygosity (He) varied from 0.03 (LMFC21, LMFC 23 and LMFC32) to 0.74 (LMFC30) with an average of 0.37. UPMGA cluster analysis and PCA grouped the accessions in 6 groups. Our results showed that the SSR markers used detected low genetic diversity within the accessions studied.

Morphological and Pomological Characteristics of Sweet Cherry (Prunus Avium L.) Grown In-situ under South Mediterranean Climate in Morocco

ABSTRACT Twenty-four morphological and pomological traits were characterized in a group of 47 Moroccan sweet cherry genotypes to evaluate their diversity. The fruit weight varied between 3.6 and 7.52 g, considered acceptable for the fresh market. Six genotypes showed fruit weight between 3 and 5 g, making them suitable for specific industrial uses. The statistical analysis revealed high variability among genotypes, although these variables did not allow the classification of the genotypes according to their geographical origin. Genotypes with high physical traits could be planted in modern orchards in association with commercial cultivars or incorporated in sweet cherry breeding programmes.

Morphological and Phenological Characterizations of Some Male and Female Promising Pistachio Genotypes from an Open-pollinated Population

ABSTRACT Pistachio is one of the most important and high economic nut crops in the world. In the present research, the phenological and pomological traits of twenty superior male genotypes (MG) and twenty superior female genotypes (FG) of a pistachio open-pollinated population were evaluated along with five Iranian commercial pistachio cultivars in Damghan, Iran. A multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP) was also used for sensitivity analysis of kernel and nut traits based on leaf and shoot properties. The nut dry weight in selected female genotypes was between 0.7 and 1.28 g, in kernel dry weight between 0.34 and 0.63 g, and in the percentage of split nuts were between 58% and 93%. FG17 with the largest nut and kernel length and FG18 genotype with big green kernel have the heaviest kernel and nut dry weight. Flowering time and nut harvesting times had wide variation among genotypes. The MG20 was identified as male genotypes with a long flowering period (12 days). According to MLP analysis, leaf length, inflorescence rachis length, and width had the highest sensitivity coefficient. The results indicated that most of the genotypes were suitable in terms of nut and kernel weight and size, and kernel color which can be examined for field trials. Furthermore, they could be useful as a parent to be crossed to generate appropriate populations or improve cultivars.

Pomological, Sensorial, Nutritional and Nutraceutical Profile of Seven Cultivars of Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill).

In this work, the food quality of four international (Campas, Chaffey, Fino de Jete and White) and three local (Daniela, Torre1 and Torre2) cultivars of Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill) was investigated. With this aim, pomological traits, sensorial attributes, physiochemical parameters (pH, total soluble content and total acidity), nutritional composition (macro- and micro-nutrients) and nutraceutical values (bioactive compounds, radical scavenging and antioxidant properties) were evaluated. Among the seven observed cultivars, Fino de Jete was identified as the best, not only for its commercial attributes such as pomological traits and physiochemical values, but also for its nutritional composition. On the other hand, Chaffey and Daniela were the cultivars with the highest content of polyphenols, proanthocyanidins, and with the strongest antioxidant capacity. Concerning the two local ecotypes, Torre1 and Torre2, they displayed a balanced nutritional profile that, if combined with their discrete nutraceutical, physicochemical and pomological values, may result in a reassessment of their commercial impact. In conclusion, our data provide interesting information about the pomological, nutritional, and nutraceutical properties of cherimoya fruits. Our results, in addition to promoting the commercial impact of local cultivars, may increase the use of individual cultivars in breeding programs.

Pomological and phenological characteristics of the main pistachio cultivars in Greece

The present study aimed to evaluate the pomological and phenological traits, as well as kernel antioxidant potential of the dominant Greek pistachio cultivars, ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ (Pistacia vera L.). Blooming of ‘Aegina’ cultivar occurred from early to mid of April, and nut maturation at middle to late of August. Production started at 6 to 7 years from grafting and full production observed at year 13. Blooming and nut maturation of ‘Pontikis’ occurred about 1 to 2 days later than ‘Aegina’ and production started 6 to 7 years from grafting, with full production observed in the 14th year. Mean tree yields reached 18.0 ± 1.0 kg and 17.4 ± 1.1 kg of dry nuts, in ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ cultivar, respectively. ‘Aegina’ cultivar presented intermediate tree vigour and spreading growth habit, whereas ‘Pontikis’ high tree vigour and semi-erect growth habit. ‘Aegina’ nut had a narrowly cordate shape and the percentage of split nut was found at 78.5 ± 6.5. ‘Pontikis’ nut had ovoid shape and the percentage of split nut was 84.1 ± 6.2. In ‘Aegina’ cultivar 100 nuts weighted 101.0 g and in ‘Pontikis’ 114.4 g. Color of kernel was green externally and green to green-white internally, greener in ‘Pontikis’. The antioxidant potential of pistachio kernel measured by FRAP assay, total polyphenolic substances, flavonoids, flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids content, did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) between cultivars. Evaluation of ‘Aegina’ and ‘Pontikis’ pistachio cultivars revealed that both are high yielding, with large nut sizes of acceptable appearance and high quality.

Assessment of genetic diversity of cultivated and wild Iranian grape germplasm using retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) markers and pomological traits.

Understanding the genetic diversity and relationships between genotypes is an effective step in designing effective breeding programs. Insertional polymorphisms of retrotransposons were studied in 75 cultivated and wild grape genotypes using retrotransposon-microsatellite amplified polymorphism (REMAP) technique. In the morphological part of work, seven pomological traits with a high breeding interest were also analyzed in the cultivated genotypes. A total of 328 markers were produced by 42 primer pairs, out of which 313 markers (95.43%) were polymorphic. Number of markers ranged from 4 in loci Tvv1Fa-873, Vine1-811, Gret1Ra-855 and Tvv1Fa-890 to 12 in locus Vine1Ra-841 with an average value of 7.45. Similarity values based on Dice's coefficient among all 75 grapevine genotypes varied from 0.41 to 0.77. Classification of genotypes using unweighted pair-group method using complete-linkage clustering led to six distinct groups. Some wild and cultivated varieties placed in the same groups. It seems there are close relationship between wild and cultivated genotypes and maybe wild genotypes are ancestor of native grapevines. Grouping of grapevine genotypes based on molecular marker data was not in agreement with clustering by agro-morphological data indicating that the most of multiplied sequences are confined to the non-coding regions of transposon elements. Results showed a substantial level of genetic diversity at molecular and pomological level and the potential of this diversity for future grape breeding programs.

ECPGR recommended SSR loci for analyses of European plum (Prunus domestica) collections

A set of nine Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) loci, approved by the ECPGR Prunus working group, are proposed as a standard set for genotyping European plum accessions. These loci show sufficient reliability in spite of problems caused by hexaploidy. Polymorphism in the loci is high and enables differentiation between unique plum accessions as well as analyses of genetic grouping and overall genetic structure. A set of seven reference accessions are described. A compiled dataset with allelic information for 165 accessions is presented. Genetic structure reveals three different K-values (2, 4 and 9) demonstrating a major dichotomy between Prunus insititia-related accessions and cultivars belonging to Prunus domestica sensu stricto, as well as differentiation among minor subgroups defined by pomological traits and geographical origin.

Genetic Status of the Swedish Central collection of heirloom apple cultivars

Cultivated apple is one of the most widely grown fruit crops worldwide. With the introduction of modern apple cultivars, from foreign and national breeding programs, the use of local cultivars decreased during the 20th century. In order to minimize genetic erosion and avoid loss of special genotypes, a number of local clonal archives were established across Sweden, with the goal of retaining old and local cultivars. About 220 apple cultivars, appointed for preservation, obtained the status of mandate cultivars. Initially, they were identified based on pomological traits, but prior to the establishment of the Swedish Central Collection they were genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. SSR markers helped to evaluate the status of the preserved material, as well as to find the best possible true-to-type source for propagation, thus guiding the establishment of the Central Collection. Recently, 215 accessions from this collection were genotyped using the 20 K apple Infinium® single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, in order to gain insight into its genetic structure. The initial SSR analysis confirmed the identity of multiple samples with the same cultivar name grown in different locations and identified several mislabeled samples. In the subsequent SNP analysis we identified 30 clonal relationships and a number of parent-offspring relationships, including 18 trios. We also identified five cultivar samples with inconsistent ploidy levels between the SNP and SSR data, in some cases indicating problematic samples preserved in either the Central Collection or some of the local clonal archives. These cultivars need further investigation to ensure their true-to-typeness. Furthermore, the Swedish Central Collection has continued to grow since the onset of this work and now contains additional cultivars, which should be included in future studies. The results indicate that a number of the preserved mandate cultivars holds high potential value for modern breeding programs.

Chemical and mechanical methods on fruit setting and pomological traits of Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) under Czech agro climatic condition

Abstract. The aim of this research was conducted to improve fruit set using different types of treatments and to find out the best treatment on the basis of number of fruits and pomological traits. For the research, ten years old 12 Lang cultivar of jujube trees and 3 seedlings from open pollinated of Ukraine genotypes were used. The tree spacing was 3.50×1.26 m. Spraying of Borax showed that average numbers of fruits were higher than the other treatments, average values of height, weight, width and thickness were also higher than the other treatments. On the other hand Urea and Girdling gave poor results in both years. In case of seedlings, different treatments for fruit setting have not given good results. Spraying with different treatments did not affect fruit-setting and pomological characteristics as well, in a larger scale. In 2006, bud breaking started in jujube cultivars on 28th April and in seedlings on 6th May. In 2007, bud breaking started in jujube cultivars 11 days earlier and 10 days earlier on 26th April in seedling. In jujube cultivars, there were some variations in the dates of flowering during 2006; the average date of flowering was 26th June in 2006 for all cultivars of jujube. In seedlings, flowering started on 6th July 2006. During 2007 flowering started in jujube cultivar jujube cultivars started flowering 12 days earlier and seedlings 22 days earlier. During 2006, fruit set started in jujube cultivars and seedlings, on 12th July and 14th July respectively. During 2007, fruit set started in jujube cultivars and seedlings on 1st July and 10th July respectively. In 2007 fruit set in jujube cultivars started 11 days earlier and in seedlings 4 days earlier. During 2006, ripening started in jujube cultivars and seedlings on 26th Sept. During 2007 ripening started in jujube cultivars and seedlings on 2nd and 10th Sep. respectively. In 2007, ripening started in jujube cultivars 24 days earlier and seedlings 16 days earlier. Statistical evaluations of the data showed the differences between 2006 and 2007.