Rind Thickness Research Articles

Molecular Markers and Marker-Assisted Selection Provide Genetic Insights for Identifying Key Quantitative Trait Locus for Watermelon Rind Thickness.

Rind thickness (RT) is an important agronomic trait in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.] and affects watermelon storability. However, genetic studies on this trait, as well as gene regulation studies, are scarce and of limited production significance. We constructed a temporary F2 generation using the highly differentiated thick-rind watermelon 'XiaoXiGua-4' and the thin-rind watermelon 'DuanMan' as parents and localized the Cla97C02G044120 gene, which controls the thickness of watermelon rind, to the intervals of chromosome 2, CL2-32303995 and CL2-32316840, through 2 years of genetic analysis. No exonic mutations were found in this gene, but two promoter mutations resulted in changes in the promoter progenitor. Fluorescence quantitative PCR analysis revealed highly significant differences in expression at 1 d and 28 d, and the expression was significantly lower in thick-skinned watermelon varieties. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) for this trait was performed using the Caps marker CL2-32303995 and the InDel marker CL2-32316840, which not only verified the stability of the localization interval but also distinguished thick rind from thin rind. These results can be used for germplasm resource screening and have strong breeding significance.

Estimation of Heterosis and Combining Ability for Quality Traits in Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl.

An experiment was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, Maharajpur, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur in kharif season of 2022 and 2023. The current study evaluated the performance of 23 bottle gourd genotypes, including 6 parental lines, their 15 diallel crosses, and 2 checks, focusing on their quality traits. Over two years of pooled data, genotype, JBG-4×JBG-5 was found to possess maximum TSS (3.93 °Brix), followed by JBG-2×JBG-4 (3.77 °Brix). JBG-4×JBG-5 was found to have maximum ascorbic acid content (14.48 mg 100-1 g) followed by JBG-4 (14.01 mg 100-1 g). Rind thickness was found maximum in JBG-2×JBG-4 (3.36 mm) followed by JBG-2×JBG-3 (3.28 mam). This study found a substantial association between the total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content with the yield of bottle gourd genotypes. Among the genotypes, JBG-4×JBG-5 demonstrated the highest yield per plant, along with the highest total soluble solids (TSS) and ascorbic acid content. Regarding heterosis, JBG-4×JBG-5 has found the highest heterosis for total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content. JBG-4 and JBG-2 are the best general combiners for TSS, ascorbic acid content, and rind thickness. JBG-4×JBG-5 has found the best specific combiner for TSS and ascorbic acid content.

Fruit and Seed Development of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle ‘Pan Rampai’ Cultivar

The ‘Pan Rampai’ cultivar of Mexican lime is highly consumed for its lime aroma and high juice content. However, occasional instances of low juice content could be found, potentially due to premature harvesting. Moreover, the seed development of the ‘Pan Rampai’ lime has never been investigated. Hence, this study was aimed to explore the development process of the ‘Pan Rampai’ lime fruit, focusing on its fruit weight, juice weight, juice content, fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit rind thickness, total soluble solids, titratable acid, TSS/TA ratio, and vitamin C content over the period of 11 to 18 weeks after flowering (WAF). Additionally, we examined the seed development by observing seed width, length, thickness, and germination percentage. Our findings revealed that fruit weight, juice weight, juice content, fruit diameter, and fruit length exhibited a consistent increase throughout the fruit development stages, while the fruit rind thickness decreased. Seed width and thickness remained relatively stable over 11 to 18 WAF, whereas seed length gradually increased. The study of germination percentage indicated that seed germination was mature from the 15th WAF, coinciding with the appearance of the secondary wall of seed coat. There results provide crucial insights into the optimal harvesting periods for juice (from 17 WAF) and seed (from 15 WAF) for the ‘Pan Rampai’ lime cultivar.

Effects of Pinching on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Varieties in Chitwan, Nepal

An investigation was accomplished at the production farm of Nepal Agrovine Private Limited, Bharatpur-5, Chitwan, from February 2021 to May 2021. Two factorial randomized complete block designs with twelve treatment combinations and three replications were used to set up the experiment. Factor A comprised three watermelon hybrids (Augusta, Sugar Queen, and Super Queen), and factor B comprised four pinching levels treatment (no pinching, fourth node pinching, sixth node pinching, and tenth node pinching). Pinching combinations were placed in each replication. Augusta had the longest main vine and the most nodes, while Sugar Queen had the longest leaves. The number of branches, the number of leaves per vine, and the internodal distance were not significantly affected by variety. Super Queen had the most female flowers, but Sugar Queen had the highest yield characteristics, such as average fruit weight, yield, and the number of fruits collected per vine. Fruit quality parameters like rind thickness were highest in Augusta, while fruit length, pulp percentage, and total soluble solids were reported to be highest in Sugar Queen. The sixth node pinching level recorded the maximum length of the main vine, number of branches per vine, number of nodes on the main vine, and leaf length, while the fourth node pinching level reported the maximum number of leaves per vine. Days to first, 50% and 100% flowering were lowest in no pinching. In sixth-node pinching, the maximum amount of female flowers, lowest sex ratio, and minimum number of male flowers were recorded. In a similar vein, the yield, average fruit weight, and number of fruits gathered per vine were reported to be the highest in sixth-node pinching. Significantly greater leaf width was reported in Sugar Queen x sixth node pinching, maximum main vine's node count was reported in Augusta x fourth node pinching, greater internodal distance in Augusta x no pinching, Sugar Queen x no pinching, and Super Queen x no pinching. Similarly, the amount and quantity of fruits obtained from each vine were reported to be maximum in Sugar Queen x 10th node pinching. In contrast, the average fruit weight was reported to be maximum in Augusta x sixth node pinching. Thus, it can concluded that the Sugar Queen variety of watermelon can be grown in Chitwan conditions during the late winter to spring season by pinching it at the 10th node for better yield. By implementing the pinching technique at the 10th node, farmers can potentially achieve higher yields, improving overall productivity and profitability.

Combining Ability and Hybrid Breeding in Tunisian Melon (Cucumis melo L.) for Fruit Traits

A half-diallel cross study of seven melon inbred lines was carried out. The seven parents and their 21 F1 hybrids were evaluated for precocity of maturity, average weight per fruit, and fruit quality (fruit size, rind thickness, and soluble solids). The Diallel analysis was investigated for breeding values of these melon genotypes via general and specific combining ability, relationships between general and specific combining ability, and heterosis for the evaluated traits. The analysis of variance of the traits evaluated indicated highly significant differences among genotypes, suggesting the presence of adequate genetic variation for breeding. Additive genetic effects were most important with respect to fruit weight, while genetic dominance and epistasis effects mainly controlled fruit quality traits (fruit size, rind thickness, and TSS). Parent 1 (P1) and parent 3 (P3) had significant positive general combining ability effects for fruit weight. Also, P3 had positive general combining ability effects for fruit length and diameter, and cavity diameter. P3 was found to show maximum significant GCA in the desirable direction for all the traits except for TSS. Evaluation of heterosis (%) revealed that hybrid P1 × P3 can be considered as the best-performing hybrid for average fruit weight, TSS, and precocity, which also exhibited the highest positive and significant SCA effect for these traits. These results suggested that, among the melon genotypes studied, there is the potential to generate superior new varieties in hybrid production.

The effect of structural bending properties versus material bending properties on maize stalk lodging

Stalk lodging (mechanical failure of stalks or stems before harvest) is a major problem in grain production that significantly reduces yield. Efforts to improve stalk lodging are hampered by a limited understanding of the determinants of stalk failure. This study examined the structural bending properties and material bending properties of maize (Zea mays L.) stalks. First, an in-field phenotyping device known as DARLING (Device for Assessing Resistance to Lodging In Grains) was used to determine structural properties of maize stalks. Stalks were then subjected to a rind penetration protocol and morphological measurements were acquired. Finally, small strips of rind tissue were excised from the stalks and micro three-point bending tests were conducted to determine the material properties of the rind tissue. Results showed that the material bending strength of the rind tissue was approximately twice as large as the bending stresses present in the rind tissue when failure occurred during field testing. This indicates that stalks ultimately fail due to some form of buckling (i.e., structural failure) as opposed to material failure. This result is relevant to genetic and breeding studies seeking to address the problem of stalk lodging. In particular, these results suggest that improvements in stalk lodging resistance should focus on the stalk's geometric features, such as the ratio of rind thickness to diameter, rather than solely on enhancing material strength. For the samples in this study, material strength ranged between 64 and 197 MPa whereas material stiffness ranged between 4 and 12 GPa. Rind penetration resistance was found to be a good predictor of material properties but a poor predictor of structural properties.

Recommendations for using analytical anisotropic algorithm and AcurosXB for epidermal dose calculations in breast radiotherapy from an in vivo Gafchromic film study.

This study recommends clinical epidermal dose calculation methods based on in-vivo film measurements and registered skin dose distributions with the Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems) treatment planning system's Analytical Anisotropic Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros XB (AXB) dose calculation algorithms. Eighteen AAA V13.6 breast plans were recalculated using AXB (dose to medium) V13.5 with the same beam parameters and monitor units as in the original plans. These are compared against in-vivo Gafchromic film measurements from the lateral and inferior breast regions. Three skin structures in the treatment planning system are evaluated: a surface layer of voxels of the body contour, a 0.2cm internal skin rind, and a 0.5cm internal skin rind. Systematic shifts are demonstrated between the film measurements of skin dose and the Eclipse dose calculations. On average, the dose to the surface layer of pixels is underestimated by AAA by 8% and overestimated by AXB by 3%. A 5mm skin rind extended into the body can increase epidermal dose calculations on average by 8% for AAA and 4% for AXB. This is the first study to register in-vivo skin dose distributions in the breast to the treatment planning system for comparison. Based on the results from this study it is recommended that epidermal dose is calculated with a 0.5cm skin rind for the AAA algorithm and with rind thickness up to 0.2cm for the AXB algorithm.

Production and quality of watermelon subjected to biofertilizer fertilization

The expansion of the area with organic agriculture is due to the market trend towards the consumption of healthier foods. However, with the increase in the cost of fertilizers imported by the country, the adjustment of doses and management practices with alternative sources for plant nutrition, such as biofertilizer, can be an alternative for the sustainability of properties. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Bebedouro (CEB) of EMBRAPA Semi-Arid Region in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, from September to December 2019, to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on the production aspects of three watermelon varieties in the semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of biofertilizer (0; 80; 160; 240; 320 and 400 mL plant-1) and three varieties of watermelon (Explorer, Red Heaven, and Majestic), with four replicates. Yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit diameter, fruit length, length: diameter ratio, pulp firmness, rind thickness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio were analyzed. The number of fruits per plant was not altered by biofertilizer doses. However, the variables yield and average fruit mass were altered by the interaction between varieties and biofertilizer doses. With yield of 40.22 t ha-1 obtained at the dose 201.33 mL plant-1, the Explorer variety proved to be more efficient with the use of biofertilizer in organic system. Positive responses to biofertilizer application in postharvest quality attributes were obtained in Explorer and Red Heaven varieties.

Exploration of genetic variability in Garcinia [<i>Garcinia gummi-gutta</i> L.(Robson)] germplasm based on growth, yield and quality traits

Eleven Garcinia germplasm along with local check of Pechiparai were evaluated and underwent principal component analysis to assess genetic divergence and variation patterns during 2019 to 2022. The first two principal components, contributing significant Eigen values, explained 71.20% of the total variability. The Acc. Gg 9 was the top performer, exhibiting favourable yield and growth traits with lower pest and disease incidence, high biochemical compounds viz., hydroxy citric acid and tartaric acid compared to local check. Cluster analysis revealed four major clusters, offering diversity for breeding programs. Correlation studies highlighted traits such as number of fruits per tree, rind thickness, and tartaric acid showing significant positive correlations with yield per tree. Selection based on identified key traits was deemed crucial for enhancing effectiveness. Additionally, DNA fingerprinting analysis indicated the potential use of RAPD markers (OPA03570) for differentiating Kudampuli cultivar PPI (K) 1 from the local check. Overall, the present investigation provides insights into optimizing Garcinia breeding programs, emphasizing trait-based selection and DNA fingerprinting for varietal differentiation.

Digital twins to quantify the impact of growing variability on the harvest quality of orange

The quality of citrus fruit is influenced by various growing conditions, including weather. However, the impact of weather differences between growing regions on citrus quality at harvest is not well understood. This study employs a mechanistic-driven digital replica of the growth process of a Valencia orange from fruit set until harvest to quantify this impact. Measured daily temperature, humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, and wind speed data from various orange growing regions of South Africa, including Citrusdal, Nelspruit, Letsitele, and Sundays River Valley (SRV), inform and drive this digital model. The results suggest that the differences in weather conditions between growing regions significantly affect fruit diameter (FD), fruit weight (FW), rind thickness (RT), rind weight (RW), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), and °Brix/acid ratio of oranges at harvest. The differences between growing regions led to variations of up to threefold for FD, twofold for FW, RT, RW, TSS, °Brix/acid ratio and up to fourfold for TA upon harvest. Particularly, oranges produced from warmer Letsitele and Nelspruit regions are found to be larger, sweeter and less acidic compared to those from coastal SRV upon harvest. The study also reveals the impact of the fruit growth process on the temperature gradient within the fruit, which varies across growing regions. The maximal temperature difference between the fruit core and surface during the growth process ranges from 4 °C to ∼7 °C. These variations in fruit temperature gradient could lead to variations in temperature-driven quality decay of fruit from different climatic regions at the start of their postharvest journey. These findings provide valuable insights for the citrus industry, aiding to optimize practices, harvest planning, and postharvest logistics. The output of this digital twin will help identify areas needing extra precooling to extend postharvest shelf life and minimize quality decay. Real-world use allows growers to schedule harvests based on regional weather conditions.

Evaluation of Kokum [Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy] Genotypes for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under the Humid Tropical Conditions of Central Kerala

A study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, to assess morphological, yield, and biochemical parameters of 29 kokum genotypes. Observations regarding growth, yield, and quality parameters were recorded for all the genotypes. The results showed that genotype IC136687-1 exhibited the highest height (15.60 m), while genotype IC552513 had the lowest height (5.20 m). The highest plant girth was observed in ACC.FSC-1 (156.88 cm), whereas the lowest girth was recorded in IC552522 (25.10 cm). The canopy spread of trees varied from 3.20 m (IC552513) to 8.10 m (ACC.FSC-4) in the East to West direction, and from 3.30 m (IC552513) to 9.42 m (ACC.FSC-9) in the North to South direction. The maximum canopy volume was found in ACC.FSC-9 (1030.01 m3), whereas the minimum volume was observed in IC552513 (57.12 m3). Leaf length ranged from 7.5 cm to 10.24 cm, leaf breadth varied from 3.18 cm to 4.78 cm and leaf area varied from 19.87 cm2 to 34.53 cm2 among different genotypes. Significant difference was recorded with respect to fruit characters among the yielding genotypes. Genotype ACC.FSC-6 exhibited significantly higher fruit weight (40.14 g), fruit volume (45.60 cm³), fresh weight of rind (21.01 g), and dry weight of rind (3.07 g). Conversely, genotype ACC.FSC-3 displayed significantly lower fruit weight (12.17 g), fruit volume (15.10 cm³), fresh weight of rind (7.15 g), and dry weight of rind (1.09 g). The rind to seed ratio ranged from 0.81 to 1.77, while rind thickness varied between 2.46 mm and 3.41 mm. Genotype ACC.FSC-9 exhibited the highest number of fruits per tree (2258) and the highest fruit yield per tree (60.64 kg). On the other hand, genotype ACC.FSC-3 recorded the lowest number of fruits per tree (252) and the lowest fruit yield per tree (3.07 kg). The moisture content varied from 82.91 % to 90.34 %, titratable acidity ranged from 2.30 % to 4.47 %, total sugars ranged from 4.32 % to 10.60 %, TSS ranged from 5.65 °B to 14.15 °B, and anthocyanin content ranged from 11.13 to 25.01 mg per 100 g. Genotypes IC552528-3 and IC336687-3 had significantly high TSS and low acidity were ranked as superior quality genotypes and these genotypes can be utilized for value addition.

Impact of Pollination on Pomegranate

Pollination mode affects crop quality and quantity in several economically significant crops. This study examined the effects of open pollination, Apis cerana pollination, hand, hand+ self-pollination, and self-pollination on pomegranate fruits. Open-pollinated plants had higher fruit length, weight, rind thickness, total soluble sugars, reducing sugar content, non-reducing sugar content, and total soluble solids, followed by A. cerana pollinated plants. A. cerana pollination increased pomegranate output and quality, including fruit shape, aril weight, TSS, and sugar content. The study found that open pollination and A. cerana integration increase pomegranate fruit yield and quality. A. cerana integration boosts farmers' income and conserves biodiversity.

Heterosis and combining ability analysis for fruit traits in melon (Cucumis melo L.) involving male sterile and snapmelon lines

Ten melon accessions including eight resistant lines involving one snapmelon line (Cucumismelo var. momordica) and two susceptible lines with one genetic male sterile line were crossed to generate 45 F1?s through half-diallel design. These genotypes were evaluated for yield, quality and disease resistance traits in randomized block design with three replication. Pooled ANOVA for experimental design revealed significant mean squares due to environments except for ?-carotene and TSS of juice and, treatment ? environment except for fruit shape index and TSS of juice. The GCA estimates showed that parents Punjab Sunehri was a good combiner for seed cavity area (-8.80), flesh thickness (0.12), rind thickness (0.42), firmness (0.61), dry matter (1.02) and ? carotene (0.80) while SM-2012-12 for fruit yield (4.74), number of fruits vine-1(3.43), average fruit weight (0.06) and fusarium wilt incidence (-0.51) whereas, KP4HM-15 was good for average fruit weight (0.01), days tofirst fruit ripening (-2.31), TSS (1.21), pH (0.13), titrable acidity (-3.13), ascorbic acid content (5.89) and ?-carotene (0.06). The heterobeltosis ranged from -87.2 to 927.08% for the yield and quality traits whereas for fusarium wilt incidence has -100 to 69.23%.The study offers an opportunity for transferring fusarium wilt incidence into superior horticultural genotype. Hybrids KP4HM-15 ? Kajri Sel. 1, Kajri Sel.1 ? MM-202 and MM-314 ? KP4HM-15 were identified as promising on the basis of phenotypic performance, SCA effects and resistance to fusarium wilt disease. These hybrids can be evaluated further at multilocation to assess their suitability for commercial release.

Productivity and juice quality of different passion fruit cultivars grown in northwest region of Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is the major world producer of passion fruits. This culture is an alternative for small farms due to the fast economic gain and monetary income distributed throughout the year. The intense occurrence of plant diseases in commercial orchards forced the development of new cultivars. The objective of this work was to characterize the fruit productivity, the pulp yield and the juice quality of improved passion fruit cultivars: BRS Gigante amarelo (GA), BRS Ouro vermelho (OV) and BRS Sol do Cerrado (SC), comparing to the Common Yellow (CY) passion fruit normally grown in the orchards. Juice quality was evaluated by titratable acidity (TA), pH, total soluble solids (TSS), ratio TSS/TA, total soluble sugars (SS), reducing sugars (RS) and ascorbic acid (AA) contents. BRS GA presented the higher fruit productivity and juice yield, but the lower rind thickness. Its content of TA was similar to the CY passion fruit. The three cultivars presented higher contents of RS and TSS than CY passion fruit, with higher value of SS for the BRS GA. The content of AA was similar among the different cultivars. BRS GA was considered as more productive and with better juice quality

Characteristics and variability of melon genotypes under shade conditions in greenhouse

The utilization of controlled greenhouses can be an alternative for melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivation. Growing melon in greenhouses lowers the risk of pests and infections by diverse pathogens. Low solar irradiation during the rainy season and pollution in the greenhouse roof, may cause shade stress conditions for the plants inside. This study aimed to elucidate the plant and fruit characteristics of nine genotypes of melon grown under shade conditions in a greenhouse and the variability among them. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse of Cikabayan Experimental Station, IPB University, Bogor, from November 2016 to January 2017. The genetic materials evaluated were nine melon genotypes from the Center for Tropical Fruit Studies at IPB University. A randomized complete block design with three replicates was followed. Shade intensity in the greenhouse was approximately 25%. The results showed that the genotype effect was significant for internode length, petiole length, plant height fruit, flesh thickness, fruit rind thickness, fruit weight, and total soluble solids. Genotype means for fruit weight were small in this experiment (< 300 g), whereas the total soluble solids were moderate to high (8.7-14.3 °Brix). Fruit diameter had a positive and significant correlation with leaf length, leaf width, and fruit length, whereas fruit weight had a positive and significant correlation with fruit diameter and fruit length.
 Keywords: correlation, honeydew, melon breeding, melon group, traits

Unveiling the phenotypic landscape of stalk lodging resistance in diverse maize hybrids

ContextStalk lodging causes up to 43 % of yield losses in maize (Zea mays L.) worldwide, significantly worsening food and feed shortages. Stalk lodging resistance is a complex trait specified by several structural, material, and geometric phenotypes. However, the identity, relative contribution, and genetic tractability of these intermediate phenotypes remain unknown. ObjectiveThe study is designed to identify and evaluate plant-, organ-, and tissue-level intermediate phenotypes associated with stalk lodging resistance following standardized phenotyping protocols and to understand the variation and genetic tractability of these intermediate phenotypes. MethodsWe examined 16 diverse maize hybrids in two environments to identify and evaluate intermediate phenotypes associated with stalk flexural stiffness, a reliable indicator of stalk lodging resistance, at physiological maturity. Engineering-informed and machine learning models were employed to understand relationships among intermediate phenotypes and stalk flexural stiffness. ResultsStalk flexural stiffness showed significant genetic variation and high heritability (0.64) in the evaluated hybrids. Significant genetic variation and comparable heritability for the cross-sectional moment of inertia and Young's modulus indicated that geometric and material properties are under tight genetic control and play a combinatorial role in determining stalk lodging resistance. Among the twelve internode-level traits measured on the bottom and the ear internode, most traits exhibited significant genetic variation among hybrids, moderate to high heritability, and considerable effect of genotype × environment interaction. The marginal statistical model based on structural engineering beam theory revealed that 74–80 % of the phenotypic variation for flexural stiffness was explained by accounting for the major diameter, minor diameter, and rind thickness of the stalks. The machine learning model explained a relatively modest proportion (58–62 %) of the variation for flexural stiffness. ConclusionsCharacterization of stalk and internode properties using standard phenotyping methods revealed tremendous variation for intermediate phenotypes underlying stalk lodging resistance. The intermediate phenotypes showed moderate to high heritability, indicating their genetic tractability for improving stalk lodging resistance. Stalk geometric and material properties showed complementarity in determining stalk flexural stiffness. Engineering-informed models outperformed machine learning approaches in explaining variation for flexural stiffness. ImplicationsIdentification of genetically tractable intermediate phenotypes will boost efforts toward genetic improvement of stalk lodging resistance in maize. Discovering the genetic architecture of the intermediate traits will enhance our understanding of the biological underpinning of stalk lodging resistance.

Sensory Profile of Semi-Hard Goat Cheese Preserved in Oil for Different Lengths of Time

The aim of this study was to investigate the sensory profile of semi-hard goat cheese preserved in an oil mixture (extra virgin olive oil from Mljet and refined sunflower oil; 50:50). Five batches of cheese were made, and each batch was divided into three groups: (i) ripening in air (group 1—control group), (ii) ripening in oil after 10 days of ripening in air (group 2), (iii) ripening in oil after 20 days of ripening in air (group 3). After 60 days of ripening, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) was performed by six trained experts and texture was analyzed with a texture analyzer. The correlations between the descriptive sensory scores of texture and the texture analyzer results were significantly related. Compared to the control group, the oil-ripened cheeses had significantly (p < 0.05) higher oily odor and taste intensity and greater elasticity and stickiness determined by fingers, but thinner rind, lower cross-sectional color intensity, and lower crumbliness in the mouth. Ripening in oil improved rind thickness, taste, texture, and cross-sectional properties. Group 3 cheeses were preferred in terms of appearance, cross-section, odor, and taste, suggesting that prolonged ripening in air before immersion in oil positively affected the sensory characteristics of the cheese.

Quantification of Diverse Local Germplasm of Pumpkin Through Genetic Variability Components in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Center, Department of Horticulture, H.N.B Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, India, during summer season 2019, to study “Quantification of diverse local germplasm of Pumpkin through genetic variability components in Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand”. Experimental material for the study consisted of 25 genotypes. The experiment was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The genotypes have been collected from different regions of Uttarakhand and other parts of India. Observations were recorded on 23 economic traits. Each of the traits under study, genetic variability analysis revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were nearly identical. Highest coefficient of variability both at phenotypic and genotypic level was observed for yield per vine (50.48% and 50.33%) and lowest for days to 1st fruit harvest (5.49% and 5.49%). Maximum heritability was found in number of seeds per fruit (100%) and moderate was found for number of ridges per fruit (40.10%). Highest genetic advance was observed for number of seeds per fruit (79.26) and lowest for rind thickness (0.15mm). In terms of percentages above the mean, vine length, number of primary branches/vine, number of nodes upto first male flower and female flower, number of fruits / vine, percent of fruits setting, average fruit weight and yield/vine all demonstrated high genetic advance. In order to continue crop development programs for pumpkin in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand, factors like vine length, percent of fruit setting, average fruit weight, and yield per vine could be taken into consideration through selection.

Screening of Cucurbits Germplasm for Antixenosis Basis of Resistance against Fruit Flies, Bactrocera spp. (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Varietal screening of cucurbit germplasm for their relative resistance/ susceptibility against fruit flies, Bactrocera spp. infestation was done at field trial laid under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Vegetables in the Vegetable Experimental Farm, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, Shalimar during kharif season, 2021 in different cucurbit crops i.e. Bottle gourd, Bitter gourd, Ridge gourd, Muskmelon and Cucumber. Various antixenotic traits including pubescence on fruit, fruit shape, color of fruits, rind thickness, flesh thickness, fruit toughness, fruit length and diameter, depth and number of ribs were studied on fifty-four varieties/genotypes of different cucurbit crops to assess their relative resistance/susceptibility to fruit flies. The cucurbit genotypes with maximum rind thickness, Pubescence, fruit toughness had least fruit flies infestation; and had significant influence in imparting resistance against fruit flies; however, shape, size and color of the cucurbit fruits were not of much significance in conferring resistance to fruit flies infestation.

Application of Azolla spp. as a Growing Medium Component for Melon Grown in a Soilless Culture System

Azolla spp. is a prominent macrophyte and one of the world’s fastest growing plants, making it a highly important resource that has been widely exploited as a biofertilizer, food and feed, and biofuel production. As a result, the uses, promotion, and application of Azolla spp. in sustainable agriculture would be of significant interest. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess the feasibility of using Azolla as a growing media of melons with a reduction in fertigation concentration in a soilless culture system, and (ii) to compare the agronomic and fruit quality traits of melons grown in different Azolla treatments. The experiment was carried out using a completely randomized design with 4 treatments including: (1) control treatment (1:1 combination of chopped coconut mesocarp (CCM) and coconut coir (CC) with recommended fertigation concentration (RFC)), (2) dried Azolla (1:1:2 combination of CCM, CC, and dried Azolla with 75% of RFC), (3) fermented Azolla (1:1:2 combination of CCM, CC, and fermented Azolla with 75% of RFC), and (4) fresh Azolla (1:1:2 combination of CCM, CC, and fresh Azolla with 75% of RFC). Seven melons per treatment were recorded on the agronomic traits (stem length, stem diameter, leaf width, leaf length, and leaf number) and fruit quality (fruit weight, fruit height, fruit perimeter, rind thickness, pulp thickness, fruit cavity, pulp firmness, pulp color (L*, a*, b*, Hue, and c*), total soluble solid, juice electrical conductivity, juice pH, and juice titratable acidity). Statistical analyses revealed the differences among melon agronomic and yield traits under different Azolla treatments. Nutrient analysis results showed that fermented and fresh Azolla had a high nutritional value as compared to dried Azolla. Most fruit traits from fermented and fresh Azolla treatments with a fertilizer reduction were not significantly different as compared to control. Both treatments were recommended for melon production in a soilless culture system, since these treatments can reduce fertigation use by 25% while maintaining growth and fruit quality when compared to conventional practice.