Horticultural Potential Research Articles

Pruning inflorescences reduces the yield of neutral-day strawberry cultivars

The lack of information on inflorescence pruning of strawberry cultivars can compromise fruit yield and quality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether inflorescence pruning intensities interfere with the horticultural potential of strawberry cultivars. The treatments studied were three cultivars (‘Albion’, ‘Monterey’, and ‘San Andreas’) and four inflorescence pruning intensities (no pruning, removal of the first inflorescence, removal of the first two inflorescences, and removal of the first three inflorescences). The experiment was laid out in randomized blocks, with four replications. Fruit production and quality were assessed. ‘Monterey’ produced the most fruit and had the highest total strawberry production. Regardless of the cultivar, the total number of fruits and the total yield decreased linearly as the intensity of inflorescence pruning increased. In conclusion, increasing the intensity of inflorescence pruning reduces the productive potential of strawberry plants. Regardless of pruning, ‘Monterey’ has the best productive performance. The chemical quality of strawberries is not influenced by the pruning and cultivars studied.

Assembly and comparative analysis of the initial complete mitochondrial genome of Primulina hunanensis (Gesneriaceae): a cave-dwelling endangered plant

BackgroundPrimulina hunanensis, a troglobitic plant within the Primulina genus of Gesneriaceae family, exhibits robust resilience to arid conditions and holds great horticultural potential as an ornamental plant. The work of chloroplast genome (cpDNA) has been recently accomplished, however, the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) that is crucial for plant evolution has not been reported.ResultsIn this study, we sequenced and assembled the P. hunanensis complete mtDNA, and elucidated its evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships. The assembled mtDNA spans 575,242 bp with 43.54% GC content, encompassing 60 genes, including 37 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 20 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. Notably, high number of repetitive sequences in the mtDNA and substantial sequence translocation from chloroplasts to mitochondria were observed. To determine the evolutionary and taxonomic positioning of P. hunanensis, a phylogenetic tree was constructed using mitochondrial PCGs from P. hunanensis and 32 other taxa. Furthermore, an exploration of PCGs relative synonymous codon usage, identification of RNA editing events, and an investigation of collinearity with closely related species were conducted.ConclusionsThis study reports the initial assembly and annotation of P. hunanensis mtDNA, contributing to the limited mtDNA repository for Gesneriaceae plants and advancing our understanding of their evolution for improved utilization and conservation.

Mycorrhizal Biotechnology Reduce Phosphorus in the Nutrient Solution of Strawberry Soilless Cultivation Systems

Among the bio-tools that contribute to making the strawberry production system more sustainable are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which can be used as biofertilizers. Thus, five doses of phosphorus (P) applied to plants with AMF and a control (100% P, no AMF) were analyzed in order to differentiate the horticultural potential of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. We used an on-farm inoculant made up of six fungal species. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the addition of AMF to the growing substrate made it possible to reduce the P supply in the nutrient solution by 75% without compromising the fruit yield. In addition, this combination improved the phytochemical quality of strawberries, the plant’s root system morphology, and the accumulation of nutrients in plant organs (roots, crowns, aerial part and fruits). We conclude that the use of a multi-species on-farm inoculant based on AMF associated with a reduction in the P supply in the nutrient solution modifies the horticultural potential of the ‘Camarosa’ cultivar. We confirmed the action of a native AMF community as a biofertilizer.

Efficiency of Strawberry Cultivation under the Effect of Different Types of Plants in a Soilless System in the High-Altitude Regions of Southern Brazil

By analyzing the growth and development of different types of strawberry plants, the researchers were able to evaluate the interference with the horticultural potential of the cultivar ‘Albion’. The five treatments that have been studied corresponded to different types of strawberry plants: mini plants in trays with young roots, plants in trays with mature roots and an initial reduction of fertigation, plants in trays with mature roots, plants with bare roots, and plants in trays with mature roots preserved by the cold. In bags containing coconut fiber, the experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The attributes evaluated were the total yield per plant, the total yield per plant with fruits above 10 g, the total yield per hectare, the total yield per hectare with fruits above 10 g, the average plant diameter, the average number of buds per plant, and the average number of stolons per plant. There were no significant effects among the plant types concerning yield production. Plants in cold-preserved trays with mature roots showed a higher number of buds than plants in trays with mature roots. Cold-preserved tray plants with mature roots produced the highest number of stolons, followed by bare-root plants. It is concluded that the types of strawberry seedlings did not influence the productive performance of the strawberry ‘Albion’ cultivar. However, cold-preserved tray plants with mature roots showed better vegetative performance, with a yield of a higher number of buds and stolons. However, the results were influenced by the agroclimatic conditions of the producing region; due to climatic interference in the behaviour of the plants about the factors studied, it is recommended to repeat the experiment for a better understanding of the objectives.

Morpho-horticultural potential of seven strawberry cultivars for two consecutive cycles

Maintaining plants for two consecutive cycles in strawberry cultivation makes it possible to reduce costs with the acquisition of daughter plants and allows fruit production throughout the year. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate whether strawberry cultivars grown for two consecutive cycles in a greenhouse change their horticultural potential. The research was carried out in the municipality of Passo Fundo, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We tested seven strawberry cultivars (classified as short days and neutral days in terms of flowering) in two production cycles. The cultivars morphology was characterized, and the fruit production and quality were evaluated. The morphological descriptor that most contributed to the divergence among cultivars corresponded to anthocyanin coloration of stipules. ‘Aromas’ stood out for the greater amount of fruit produced in both production cycles. In the first cycle ‘Albion’, ‘Camino Real’, and ‘Monterey’ produced fruits with the highest average fresh masses. Phenolic compounds of the fruits were superior in the second cycle of cultivation in relation to the first cycle. The total flavonoid content was higher in ‘Aromas’, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Camino Real’, and ‘Monterey’. ‘Camarosa’ and ‘San Andreas’ had the highest concentration of total polyphenols. The total antioxidant capacity was higher in ‘Aromas’ and ‘Camarosa’. It is concluded that strawberry cultivars conducted for two consecutive cycles in a greenhouse show variations in their horticultural potential. Producers who want to stagger their crops should choose ‘Aromas’ to obtain greater productive potential (in both cycles) and ‘Camarosa’ to meet the demanding consumer market in fruit quality.

Diagnostics and Description of a New Subspecies of Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull from Western Siberia

The article presents the results of the study of fifty populations of common heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull) collected throughout its range. A phased comparative analysis (genetic, biochemical, anatomical, morphological, and ecological) was carried out with the estimation of indicators that included two key populations—Zavodouspenskoe (Pritobolye, Western Siberia) and Luga (Baltic, Eastern Europe). It was concluded that heather growing in Western Siberia should be identified as a separate taxonomic group, giving it the status of a subspecies. The gene pool of Pritobolye populations (including Zavodouspenskoe) is represented by the completely dominant (100%) monohaplotype S, which is not found anywhere else. The heather plant growing in Zavodouspenskoe has a longer lifespan. It is distinguished by larger linear leaf dimensions (length 2.06 ± 0.09 mm), thicker cuticle (4.77 ± 0.33 μm), increased number of trichomes (18.98 ± 0.56), and a reduced number of stomata (13.60 ± 0.63) than that growing in Luga. The new subspecies differs in biochemical composition: twice less content of epicatechin (average 1.992 ± 0.005 mg g−1), three times more myricetin (average 2.975 ± 0.005 mg g−1), twice as much chlorogenic acid (average 2.763 ± 0.004 mg g−1). An ecological feature is that C. vulgaris does not grow in the swamps of Western Siberia and has a small population. This species has a high horticultural potential and requires protection as its population in Western Siberia continues to decline rapidly.

Changes in Carbohydrates, Organic Acids, and Minerals at Different Development Stages of Hexachlamys edulis Fruit, a Wild South American Species with Horticultural Potential

The aim of this work was to study the patterns of the accumulation of carbohydrates, organic acids, and minerals at different development stages of Hexachlamys edulis fruit for its evaluation as a source of health-promoting compounds, which is necessary in order to be included in the Argentine Food Code. Additionally, the obtained results will allow for deciding the optimal time for consumption to receive a better flavour and a good contribution of the nutrients evaluated. The succinic acid concentration (the major organic acid) was high in unripe fruit (112.33 mg/g of the dry weight), then decreased to a minimum in medium ripe and ripe fruit (92.48 to 99.43 mg/g of the dry weight,), to increase again in overripe fruit (115.65 mg/g of the dry weight,). Sucrose increased significantly from 21.20 mg/g of the dry weight in unripe fruit to a maximum of 82.53 mg/g of the dry weight in ripe fruit. Glucose increased significantly from 95.59 mg/g of the dry weight in unripe fruit to a maximum of 163.13 mg/g of the dry weight in overripe fruit. Fructose followed the same behaviour, increasing significantly from 150.08 mg/g of the dry weight in unripe fruit to a maximum of 205.85 mg/g of the dry weight in overripe fruit. The starch concentration was at the maximum in unripe and medium ripe fruit (171.39 and 161.19 mg starch/g of the dry weight, respectively), to then decrease in ripe and overripe fruit (40.45 and 65.96 mg starch/mg of the dry weight, respectively). Maximum insoluble dietary fibre values were attained in unripe and medium ripe fruit (26.71 and 27.13 mg/100 g of the dry weight, respectively), to then decrease in ripe and overripe fruit (15.81 and 15.51 mg/100 g of the dry weight, respectively). Soluble dietary fibre oscillated between 9.03 and 11.26 mg/100 g of the dry weight during the development stages, although without significant differences. The mineral concentrations (Mg, K, Mn, and total cations) did not vary significantly during the different development stages. The obtained results allow us to consider H. edulis fruit as a promising natural source of sugars, organic acids, and minerals.

Attitude of Farmers Toward National Horticulture Mission in Haryana

The majority of people in India are dependent directly or indirectly on agricultural sector, which is the country’s largest economic sector. In 2005–06, the Indian government introduced the National Horticulture Mission, a program for the comprehensive development of horticulture, in recognition of the incredible potential of horticulture to promote the expansion of Indian agriculture. The present study was undertaken in the year 2022 to assess the attitude of beneficiary’s farmers towards National Horticulture Mission in Sirsa and Karnal districts of Haryana. A total of 120 farmers were personally interviewed for the purpose of the study and revealed that 43.33 per cent of the respondents had a favourable attitude towards NHM. The type of family, size of horticultural land holding and their socio-economic status, level of education, size of land holding, annual income from horticulture crops, annual family income, mass media exposure had significant association with attitude towards NHM. Establishment of proper cold storage facilities for perishable horticultural crops and more efficient system for diffusion of information to the farmers so that they can adopt new practice efficiently is recommended.

Growth trend and potential of horticulture in Northeast India

The Northeast region of India is endowed with diverse soil and agro-climatic conditions that are conducive to the growth of a large variety of temperate and tropical horticultural crops. Fruits, vegetables, and spices of the region are highly nutritious and have a market within and outside the country. The paper is an attempt to assess the potential of horticulture in the region. To gauge the state-wise and regional growth trend and variability in area and production of these crops during the period 2009-2019, Compound Annual Growth rates and Instability Index have been computed from secondary data. The study reveals a rising regional growth trend with low instability for the production of fruits and vegetables and moderate instability for spices. This indicates the possibility of sustainable development of horticulture in all the Northeast states through strategic planning. Fruits and spices of the region also have a market in Middle-East and neighbouring countries. However, lack of commercialisation, poor market intelligence, and linkages are impeding the growth of exports. To unleash the true potential of horticulture, it is imperative to develop infrastructure, modernise farming and establish seamless value chains with greater market integration.

Potential distribution of six endemic species of Stanhopea (Orchidaceae) genus in Mexico

Stanhopea is an orchid’s genus that includes 55 species distributed from Mexico to Argentina. However, due to its horticultural potential, a decrease in wild populations has been generated by the effect of over-collecting, further aggravated by the effect of habitat destruction, placing some species of Stanhopea from Mexico in some risk categories. In this work, the potential distribution areas of six endemic Stanhopea species in Mexico and in some Federal Natural Protected Area (ANP) were modeled with the use of the MaxEnt software. The potential distribution of the six endemic species in Mexico was obtained, in addition to the fact that it is possible to find one or more species within 74 ANPs.

Are South African Wild Foods the Answer to Rising Rates of Cardiovascular Disease?

The rising burden of cardiovascular disease in South Africa gives impetus to managerial changes, particularly to the available foods in the market. Since there are many economically disadvantaged groups in urban societies who are at the forefront of the CVD burden, initiatives to make healthier foods available should focus on affordability in conjunction with improved phytochemical diversity to incentivize change. The modern obesogenic diet is deficient in phytochemicals that are protective against the metabolic products of sugar metabolism, i.e., inflammation, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial fatigue, whereas traditional southern African food species have high phytochemical diversity and are also higher in soluble dietary fibres that modulate the release of sugars from starches, nurture the microbiome and produce digestive artefacts that are prophylactic against cardiovascular disease. The examples of indigenous southern African food species with high horticultural potential that can be harvested sustainably to feed a large market of consumers include: Aloe marlothii, Acanthosicyos horridus, Adansonia digitata, Aloe ferox, Amaranthus hybridus, Annesorhiza nuda, Aponogeton distachyos, Bulbine frutescens, Carpobrotus edulis, Citrullus lanatus, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dovyalis caffra, Eleusine coracana, Lagenaria siceraria, Mentha longifolia, Momordica balsamina, Pelargonium crispum, Pelargonium sidoides, Pennisetum glaucum, Plectranthus esculentus, Schinziophyton rautanenii, Sclerocarya birrea, Solenostemon rotundifolius, Talinum caffrum, Tylosema esculentum, Vigna unguiculata and Vigna subterranea. The current review explains the importance of phytochemical diversity in the human diet, it gives a lucid explanation of phytochemical groups and links the phytochemical profiles of these indigenous southern African foods to their protective effects against cardiovascular disease.

Kalanchoe ×sogae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) derived from Kalanchoe lateritia × K. sexangularis, with notes on the inheritance of hairiness and resistance against phytophagous insects in Kalanchoe hybrids

The hybrid between Kalanchoe lateritia and K. sexangularis (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is described as K. ×sogae. Like K. lateritia, virtually all plant parts of K. ×sogae are covered in a fine indumentum, but with the indumentum being less substantial in the case of this nothospecies. The leaves and stems of material of K. ×sogae are bright red-infused, especially when growing in full sun. This hybrid shows considerable horticultural potential and is more resistant against phytophagous insects than K. sexangularis.

The checklist of Impatiens Riv. ex L. (Balsaminaceae) in Nilgiri and Palani Hills of southern Western Ghats (India)

A comprehensive checklist of the genus Impatiens Riv. ex L. (Balsaminaceae) in Nilgiri and Palani of southern Western Ghats, India is presented. After thorough field explorations in these areas from 2012 to 2020 in different seasons, 38 species of Impatiens are recorded, in which 6 species are endemic to Western Ghats and 26 species are endemic to southern Western Ghats of India. Horticultural potential of 18 endemic species of balsam is also discussed.

Breeding an underutilized fruit crop: a long-term program for Hylocereus.

This review describes three decades of introduction, agro-technology development, breeding and selection of Hylocereus species, known as pitaya or dragon fruit, as an example of a holistic program aimed to develop the horticultural potential of a perennial underutilized fruit crop. Interspecific homoploid and interploid crosses and embryo rescue procedures produced improved hybrids, some of which have been released to farmers. Molecular tools and morphological and phenological comparisons between the parental species and the resulting hybrids provided valuable information on dominant/recessive traits and on genetic relationships that could be exploited for further hybridizations. In addition, Hylocereus were crossed with species of the closely related genus Selenicereus, producing valuable intergeneric hybrids. In situ chromosome doubling resulted in the production of autopolyploid lines, from which an understanding of the effect of increased ploidy on fruit traits and metabolomic profiles was obtained. Gamete-derived lines were produced, adding to our biobank homozygote lines that were subsequently used for further hybridization. Spontaneous chromosome doubling occurred in haploid gamete-derived Hylocereus monacanthus lines and in interspecific interploid Hylocereus megalanthus × H. undatus hybrids obtained from an embryo rescue procedure, resulting in plants with double the expected ploidy. Challenging technical problems were addressed by the development of protocols for DNA isolation, flow cytometry, in situ chromosome doubling, androgenesis, gynogenesis and embryo rescue following interspecific and interploidy crosses. Current research leading to the development of genomics and molecular tools, including a draft genome of H. undatus, is also presented. Perspectives for further development of Hylocereus species and hybrids are discussed.

Structural and evolutive features of the Plinia phitrantha and P. cauliflora plastid genomes and evolutionary relationships within tribe Myrteae (Myrtaceae).

Plinia phitrantha and P. cauliflora are Myrtaceae species with recognized horticultural and pharmacological potential. Nevertheless, studies on molecular genetics and the evolution of these species are absent in the literature. In this study, we report the complete plastid genome sequence of these species and an analysis of structural and evolutive features of the plastid genome within the tribe Myrteae. The two plastid genomes present the conserved quadripartite structure and are similar to already reported plastid genomes of Myrteae species concerning the size, number, and order of the genes. A total of 69-70 SSR loci, 353 single nucleotide polymorphisms, and 574 indels were identified in P. phitrantha and P. caulifora. Observed evolutive features of the plastid genomes support the development of programs for the conservation and breeding of Plinia. The phylogenomic analysis based on the complete plastid genome sequence of 15 Myrteae species presented a robust phylogenetic signal and evolutive traits of the tribe. Ten hotspots of nucleotide diversity were identified, evidence of purifying selection was observed in 27 genes, and relative conservation of the plastid genomes was confirmed for Myrteae. Altogether, the outcomes of the present study provide support for planning conservation, breeding, and biotechnological programs for Plinia species.

Transplant season influences the horticultural potential of strawberry cultivars in Brazil

ABSTRACT Experiments were conducted to examine the effect of time of planting on the performance of ‘Albion’ and ‘Camarosa’ strawberry plants in a greenhouse in Brazil. New transplants were planted in March, April, May or June in the first year, and in March, April or May in the second year. Information was collected on crown production, leaf area expansion, shoot dry weight, marketable yield and average fruit fresh weight. Vegetative growth and marketable yields were higher in ‘Camarosa’ than in ‘Albion’, while the reverse was true for average fruit fresh weight. The number of crowns/plant, leaf area/plant and shoot dry weight generally decreased as planting was delayed. Yields were highly variable with no clear pattern across years, except for lower yields with the plantings in June. Mean yields (± SE) were 766 ± 72 g/plant for March, 876 ± 135 g/plant for April, 723 ± 169 g/plant for May and 533 ± 209 g/plant for June. Average fruit fresh weight decreased as yield increased and was lower in the earlier plantings. The results of these experiments suggest that the new transplants can be planted from March to May for commercial production in this area.

Tigridiopalma exalata, a new and endangered species of Melastomataceae from China.

A new species of the genus Tigridiopalma, formerly considered monotypic, is here described as T. exalata and illustrated based on molecular and morphological evidence. It is morphologically similar to T. magnifica in having a short stem, huge basal leaves, scorpioid cymes, and 5-merous flowers, but differs in having ribbed and pale yellow puberulent petioles, purple petals with a small white apical patch, connectives of longer stamens with a distinct dorsal short spur at their base, and wingless capsules. Due to the restricted distribution, small populations and horticultural potential of this new species, it should be categorized as an Endangered species (EN).

Evaluation of selected cider apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivars grown in Ontario. I. Horticultural attributes

Twenty-eight apple cultivars were selected for their potential for hard cider production in Ontario. An experiment was conducted to evaluate their horticultural potential in the province. After being planted in spring 2015, the trees were evaluated annually for their survival, tree height and spread, trunk growth, flowering dates, flower counts, fruit per tree, pre-harvest drop, crop load, fruit weight, fruit firmness, juicing extraction efficiency, and harvest dates. These horticultural attributes were sufficient to discriminate between cultivars. Additional exploratory analyses indicated a relationship between horticultural attributes and a cultivar’s origin, with British cider cultivars blooming the latest, American cider apples producing the most juice, and French cider cultivars having the highest pre-harvest fruit drop. Cultivars in this study that show promise for continued research in Ontario include Binet Rouge, Bramley’s Seedling, Breakwell, Bulmer’s Norman, Calville Blanc d’Hiver, Cline Russet, Cox Orange Pippin, Crimson Crisp®, Dabinett, Enterprise, Esopus Spitzenberg, Golden Russet, GoldRush, Medaille d’Or, Porter’s Perfection, and Stoke Red.

The horticultural potential of jiotilla (Escontria chiotilla [weber] rose) from the Mixteca region of Mexico

The horticultural potential of jiotilla (Escontria chiotilla [weber] rose) from the Mixteca region of Mexico

Horticultural potential of nine strawberry cultivars by greenhouse production in Brazil: A view through multivariate analysis

Yield is commonly the main focus of strawberry producers. However, we must encourage the choice of cultivars to meet consumer demands for foods rich in bioactive compounds. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether strawberry cultivars produced in a greenhouse differ in their horticultural performance. An experiment with nine cultivars (‘Albion’, ‘Aromas’, ‘Camarosa’, ‘Camino Real’, ‘Fronteras’, ‘Merced’, ‘Monterey’, ‘Portola’ and ‘San Andreas’) was carried out in a randomized complete block design with six replications. Plant yield and fruit quality were evaluated. The application of multivariate analysis indicated the formation of heterogeneous groups among the nine cultivars studied, bringing together the cultivars mainly because of the similarity of fruit size and total polyphenol content. ‘Merced’ stood out as the most productive cultivar and generated the largest fruits, whereas ‘Camarosa’ produced the greatest number of strawberries. ‘Aromas’ and ‘Camarosa’ produced fruits with higher phytochemical properties than other cultivars. We conclude that strawberry cultivars differ in their horticultural performance. Among the nine analyzed cultivars, we suggest to producers the use of ‘Aromas’ and ‘Camarosa’ to obtain better phytochemical properties of strawberries, and ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Merced’ to obtain higher yield and number of fruits. ‘Camarosa’ is recommended for those producers who seek a dual purpose.