Pericarp Thickness Research Articles

Desempenho de cultivares de pimenta, baseado em caracteres de frutos, para consumo in natura

ABSTRACT Different studies report that pepper fruit cuticle and pericarp thickness vary among marked cultivars and these variations likely influence many fruit quality traits, especially water loss rates. Thus, the objectives of this work was to evaluate the fresh market performance of pepper cultivars based on fruit traits, and indicate the cultivars of Capsicum spp. with less probability of post harvest water loss. Pepper fruits, belonging to C. chinense, C. frutescens and C. baccatum species, were collected in an experimental area at Bonfim’s settlement, Alagoinha, Paraíba, Brazil. After harvest, fruits were taken to the laboratory of biotechnology at Centro de Ciências Agrárias of the Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Fruits were characterized according to pericarp thickness, fruit weight, and fruit length, larger and smaller fruit diameter. The experimental design was completely randomized with eight treatments and four repetitions. Analysis of variance, mean test, heritability, and ratio of coefficient of genetic variation by coefficient of environmental variation, genotypic and environmental correlation, and Tocher’s grouping method were performed. The cultivar habanero vermelha had better performance for fruit weight and larger and smaller fruit diameter. On the other hand ‘dedo de moça’ presented the longest fruits and major pericarp thickness. These two cultivars also belonged to different groups based on Tocher’s method. The genetic correlation between pericarp thickness and fruit weight was high (0.70) and highly significant. Fruit wall thickness also presented highly significant genotypic correlation with larger fruit diameter (0.93) and small fruit diameter. (0.93). Those finds indicate that indirect selection for pericarp thickness could be done based on larger fruit diameter. These correlations are trustworthy and important due to the high heritability values presented for these traits. Some authors suggest selecting fruits with higher cuticle thickness and fruit width values due to lower water loss. Thus, we suggest that small farmers cultivate ‘habanero vermelha’ and ‘dedo de moça’ in order to produce fruits with extended shelf life.

EVALUATION OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.) GENOTYPES FOR FRUIT, YIELD AND QUALITY TRAITS

The present investigation entitled “Evaluation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes for fruit, yield and quality traits’ was carried out at the vegetable research farm, Guru Kashi University, Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda during year 2020-2021. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Thirty genotypes including a check cultivar were evaluated for different horticultural traits. The observations were recorded, number of branches per plant, plant height (cm), average fruit weight (g), equatorial diameter of fruit (cm), polar diameter of fruit (cm), number of locules per fruit, pericarp thickness (mm), fruit pH, fruit TSS (Brix), number of fruits per plant and Average yield per plant (kg). Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters under study. Maximum numbers of branches were recorded in Sel Oval (6.01). The maximum plant height 169.00 cm was recorded in the genotype Sel-135. Sel 137 recorded maximum number of fruits per plant (71.30). Maximum average fruit weight was recorded in Sel-137 (104.00g.) as compared to check variety Pb Ratta-167 (68g). Sel IT-8 was found maximum equatorial diameter of fruit (6.13 cm) and maximum polar diameter of fruit (6.10 cm). Maximum number of locules per plant (7) was found in Sel Small Round. Maximum pericarp thickness (7.3 mm) was observed in Sel B1-9. Maximum value for fruit pH (4.60) was recorded in Sel-136. Maximum value for fruit TSS (4.430Brix) was recorded in Sel 15 ob-9. Maximum yield per plant was recorded in Sel B1-9 (3.75 kg).The genotypes SEL-137, Sel 30 and Sel B1-9 gave highest fruit yield.

Genetic variability studies in F2 segregating population of indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) genotypes under protected conditions

A field study under protected conditions was conducted to assess genetic variability for yield and yield attributes in an F2 segregating population of tomato cross EC521069× EC362941. The experiment was carried out during 2021–2022 at the College of Horticulture, Mudigere, in an augmented block design. Analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the traits. High values of PCV and GCV were registered for number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit volume and average fruit weight. Estimates of high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent over mean recorded for plant height, number of flowers per cluster, days taken from first harvest to last harvest, fruits per cluster, fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit volume, average fruit weight and pericarp thickness which supports the notion that selection could actually improve these traits by highlighting the significance of additive gene action.

BSR and Full-Length Transcriptome Approaches Identified Candidate Genes for High Seed Ratio in Camellia vietnamensis.

(1) Background: C. vietnamensis is very suitable for growth in the low hilly areas of southern subtropical regions. Under appropriate conditions, the oil yield of C. vietnamensis can reach 1125 kg/ha (the existing varieties can reach 750 kg/ha). Moreover, the fruit of C. vietnamensis is large and the pericarp is thick (>5 cm). Therefore, a high seed ratio has become the main target economic trait for the breeding of C. vietnamensis. (2) Methods: A half-sibling population of C. vietnamensis plants with a combination of high and low seed ratios was constructed by crossing a C. vietnamensis female parent. Bulked segregant RNA analysis and full-length transcriptome sequencing were performed to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying a high seed ratio. (3) Results: Seed ratio is a complex quantitative trait with a normal distribution, which is significantly associated with four other traits of fruit (seed weight, seed number, fruit diameter, and pericarp thickness). Two candidate regions related to high seed ratio (HSR) were predicted. One spanned 140.8-148.4 Mb of chromosome 2 and was associated with 97 seed-yield-related candidate genes ranging in length from 278 to 16,628 bp. The other spanned 35.3-37.3 Mb on chromosome 15 and was associated with 38 genes ranging in length from 221 to 16,928 bp. Using the full-length transcript as a template, a total of 115 candidate transcripts were obtained, and 78 transcripts were predicted to be functionally annotated. The DEGs from two set pairs of cDNA sequencing bulks were enriched to cytochrome p450 CYP76F14 (KOG0156; GO:0055114, HSR4, HSR7), the gibberellin phytohormone pathway (GO:0016787, HSR5), the calcium signaling pathway (GO:0005509, HSR6), the polyubiquitin-PPAR signaling pathway (GO:0005515, HSR2, HSR3), and several main transcription factors (bZIP transcription factor, HSR1) in C. vietnamensis.

Genetic Variability and Character Association in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)

The genetic variability and character association among important yield and attributing traits was studied in 20 genotypes of tomato. The magnus of the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all characteristics was higher than the magnitude of the genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV). High PCV, GCV, and heritability accompanied by high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, number of flower clusters/plant, number of fruits per cluster, plant height, number of flowers per cluster and locule number, polar diameter, equatorial diameter, pericarp thickness, fruit yield/plant. Therefore, selection in early generations would be effective in the improvement of these traits. The trait inter-relationship studies revealed that for aiming at high-yielding tomato genotypes, selection based on average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, polar and equatorial diameter, plant height, number of primary branches, days to 50% flowering, and days to the first harvest would be effective. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 747-757, 2022 (December)

THE BEHAVIOR OF SOME TOMATO GENOTYPES UNDER CONDITIONS OF THERMAL-HYDRIC STRESS IN THE SANDY SOILS AREA

The tomato genotypes studied (L-11/53, Monalbo, L-24/13 and AP-10) were subjected to an analysis of the variability of the main quantitative characteristics of the fruit (fruit weight, fruit height and diameter, shape index, pericarp thickness and soluble dry matter).The registered biometric data were statistically processed, calculating for each analyzed character the mean (x̄), the standard deviation (s), the coefficient of variability (s%), the range of variability (k = x̄ ± s) and the frequency of individuals in the range of variability (f%).The statistical analysis of the recorded data showed that the four tomato genotypes are uniform in terms of the variability of the main characters, the coefficient of variability having medium and low values for most of the analyzed characters, and represent a valuable material for the improvement of this species under conditions of thermal stress hydric from the area sandy soils.

Effect of Transplanting Date on Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) under Open and Net House Environment at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Sweet pepper, though a highly remunerative vegetable, environmental variability and inappropriate transplanting date have resulted low yield in Terai. Hence, to identify the suitable transplanting date under open and net house environment, a field research was conducted at Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Nepal, from October 2018 to May 2019. A split-plot design was used with two factors and three replications. Main-factor comprised of growing environments (open field and net house) and sub-factor was transplanting dates (October 15, November 4, November 24 and December 14).The plant height (94.38 cm), leaf area (91.24 cm2), plant spread (55.22 cm) as well as fruit quality parameters like fruit length (8.72 cm), fruit girth (7.32 cm), fruit weight (63.07 g) and pericarp thickness (6.85 mm) were significantly higher under net house while these parameters were significantly lower in open field. Significantly greater marketable yield was observed under net house (20.08 t/ha) than open field (16.29 t/ha).The plant growth and yield parameters were significantly the best with early transplanting date (October 15) and the least with December 14. Interactive effect revealed that October 15 inside the net house performed the best in terms of yield (33.31 t/ha) and marketable yield (33.17 t/ha), while the poorest performance was recorded on December 14 under open field with a yield of 3.96 t/ha and marketable yield of 3.48 t/ha. Therefore, transplanting inside the net house as early as October 15 helps to maximize sweet pepper yield with better size marketable fruits.

Species diversity of genus <em>Capsicum</em> using agromorphological descriptors and simple sequence repeat markers

Sustainability of crops in most demand depends upon their genetic diversity. Capsicum, commonly called chilli, is one such crop with its fruits extensively used as vegetable across the world. Knowledge on various traits is important for genetic improvement of such species. Here, we assessed the genetic diversity among 10 genotypes of six Capsicum species, namely Capsicum annuum, C. chinense, C. chacoense, C. frutescens, C. tovarii and C. galapagoense. C. annuum MS-12 is a genetic male sterile line. We used morphological descriptors and simple-sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers for this study. Out of 60 SSR screened, 22 markers (36.66%) showed polymorphism. Alleles number per locus varied from 3 to 7. Average PIC value for 22 polymorphic markers was 0.69, and ranged from 0.54 for the primer Hpms 1-139 to 0.85 for the primer CAMS-072. Ten genotypes of Capsicum species were grouped into three major clusters such that genotypes in a single cluster had less dissimilarity matrix values among themselves than which belongs to other clusters. Range of fruit weight and pericarp thickness varied from 0.1 g (‘PAU-621’) to 2.3 g (‘MS-12’), and from 0.29 mm (‘PAU-621’) to1.09 mm (‘MS- 12’), respectively. These two genotypes can be used in hybridization or in recombinant breeding program for obtaining higher heterotic effects/ heterosis or for transgressive segregants in chilli pepper.

Genotipagem e fenotipagem de híbridos de tomate grape visando possíveis genitores para programas de melhoramento

ABSTRACT Grape and cherry mini tomatoes have been conquering Brazilian consumers due to their sweet taste, practicality of consumption, and versatility in culinary use. Therefore, the present work aimed to characterize ten grape tomato hybrids based on genetic diversity and physical and biochemical traits to provide information for the development of new genotypes focused on the appearance and enrichment of nutritional factors. The evaluated hybrids were Aiko, BRSIG, BRS Zamir, Carolina, Dolcetto, Dulce, Guaraci, Santa West, SCI-023 and Sweet Heaven. The experiment was conducted in 2019 in a greenhouse at the State University of Londrina, using a completely randomized design with four replications and six plants in each replication. The plants were grown following the practices recommended for cultivating tomatoes. The physical and biochemical characterization data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test (p<0.05) and Scott & Knott means cluster test (p<0.05), and the molecular characterization data were subjected to analysis of principal coordinates (PCoA) and Bayesian clustering. Aiko presented the highest fruit mass and size as opposed to that observed on SCI-023, while BRSIG was the firmest fruit with the largest pericarp thickness. SCI-023, Dolcetto, and Sweet Heaven had higher sugar content. The soluble solids content ranged from 6.04 to 9.66 °Brix among the genotypes. Hybrids SCI-023, BRSIG, Sweet Heaven, BRS Zamir, and Dulce had the highest antioxidant activity levels. In the phenotypic characterization two groups were formed. The genotypic characterization showed seven groups in which high genetic similarity was verified among BRS Zamir, SCI-023, and Guaraci, as well as between Carolina and Dulce. The greatest dissimilarity was observed between Sweet Heaven and BRSIG. Both characterizations were useful to evaluate the aptitude of these genotypes as outstanding genitors for breeding programs for the Brazilian market.

Combining Ability, Heritability and Genetic Variance in Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) Genotypes

A study was conducted to determine gene actions controlling yield and other qualitative traits of tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum) as well as combining ability among selected genotypes at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons. Five tomato genotypes and ten offspring (F1), obtained from a 5×5 diallel crosses were sown in plots, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design, with three replicates. Data were collected on plant height (PH), number of cluster per plant, days to 50% flowering (50%FL), individual fruit weight (IFW), number of fruits per plant (NFPP), pericarp thickness (PT), number of lobe (NOL), number of seeds per fruit (NSPF), fruit lycopene (LYCOP), ascorbic acid content (ASCO) and fruit yield (YH). Data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (P=0.05). Also, diallel analysis was carried out to determine the General and Specific combining abilities (GCA and SCA) of the parents and hybrids respectively, following the Griffing (1956) Method II for partial diallel analysis. Results obtained showed significant differences among the genotypes, for all the characters measured. Also, non-additive and additive gene actions were responsible for the genetic control of the traits. The ratio of GCA and SCA were < 1 for Plant height, CPPL, 50%FL, IFW, NFPP, PT, NOL, NSPF, LYCOP, ASCO and YH thus revealing the preponderance of non-additive gene action. GCA analysis suggested that parents Uc-op and Ibadan-local were the best general combiners while, SCA performance suggested that FDT4 X FDT2 was the best specific combiner. Broad sense heritability for NOL, NSPF, LYCOP, and ASCO were above 90%, indicating that they were highly heritable while narrow sense heritability of NOL was very high (55% and 83% respectively), PH, NSPF, NFPPL and LYCOP were moderate ranging between 20% and 38%. It is concluded that high yielding tomato hybrids, best combiners and a guide line for the assessment of relative parents breeding potential of the parents could be established following diallel technique.

Assessment Genetic Variability among Three Parents and Six Progenies of Tomato using Multivariate Analysis

Six tomato hybrids developed through diallel mating design and the three parents were obtained from the plant breeding section of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko and used to assess the genetic variability among them. The breeding materials were raised in the nursery for three weeks before transplanting. The hybrids and parents were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) replicated three times Seedlings were transplanted at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm between and within row. Variability estimates were highly significant (p< 5%) in all the 10 measured quantitative traits. The average fruit mean yield of 21.42 g was recorded for all the materials evaluated. Phenotypic variances were higher in magnitude than its corresponding genotypic variances apart from pericarp thickness which had the same value of 0.002 and 100% heritability. Factor scores and communality of the 10 traits of tomato obtained from the factor analysis showed that the first factor were positively loaded with eigen vectors for number of branches (0.818), number of fruits per cluster (0.803), plant height (0.776), fruit yield (0.748) and number of clusters per plant (0.731). The second factor was positively loaded with pericarp thickness (0.723) and number of clusters per plant (0.460). Factor three was only positively loaded with fruit weight (0.881). The communality ranged from 0.618 for fruit yield to 0.930 for fruit weight. Conclusively, traits such as fruit yield, pericarp thickness, fruit weight, number of locules per fruit, days to flowering and days to first fruit set are important traits that should be considered in further breeding programme in tomato.

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses provide insights into the relevance of pericarp thickness variations in Camellia drupifera and Camellia oleifera

Camellia fruit is a woody edible oil source with a recalcitrant pericarp, which increases processing costs. However, the relevance of pericarp thickness variations in Camellia species remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify pericarp differences at the metabolic and transcription levels between thick-pericarp Camellia drupifera BG and thin-pericarp Camellia oleifera SG. Forty differentially accumulated metabolites were screened through non-targeted UHPLC-Q-TOF MS-based metabolite profiling. S-lignin was prominently upregulated in BG compared with SG, contributing to the thick pericarp of BG. KEGG enrichment and coexpression network analysis showed 29 differentially expressed genes associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway, including 21 genes encoding catalysts and 8 encoding transcription factors. Nine upregulated genes encoding catalysts potentially led to S-lignin accumulation in BG pericarp, and transcription factors NAC and MYB were possibly involved in major transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Conventional growth-related factors WRKYs and AP2/ERFs were positively associated while pathogenesis-related proteins MLP328 and NCS2 were negatively associated with S-lignin content. Thus, Camellia balances growth and defense possibly by altering lignin biosynthesis. The results of this study may guide the genetic modifications of C. drupifera to optimize its growth-defense balance and improve seed accessibility.

Genetic variability, trait inter-relationships, third and fourth degree statistics based genetics for fruit quality and yield traits governing shelf life in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

AbstractKnowledge on genetic architecture and inheritance of tomato shelf life contributing traits in different genetic backgrounds is a key issue for shelf life improvement. An investigation was undertaken to estimate the nature and magnitude of variability, traits inter-relationships, third and fourth degree statistics to unravel the genetics of 18 fruit quality and yield traits governing shelflife in F2 population of ‘Arka Vikas’ × ‘Red ball’ cross. The wider standardized range and higher estimates of phenotypic coefficient of variation indicated prevalence of adequate variability for fruit quality and yield traits. Fruit firmness and pericarp thickness ranged from 1.20–3.44 kg/cm2 and 2.44–5.31 mm respectively. Pulp content and shelflife ranged from 58.59–94.70% and 10.60–26.40 days respectively. Significant positive correlation with direct effect on fruit shelf life was exhibited by fruit firmness, pericarp thickness, TSS, titratable acidity, pulp content, fruit length and locule number. Positive skewness with platykurtic distribution recorded for TSS, lycopene, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, fruit length, weight, pericarp thickness, plant height and number of branches. Negatively skewed with platykurtic distribution observed for pH, fruit diameter, firmness, pulp content, locule number, shelf life and number of clusters which signified duplicate epistasis of dominant genes in traits inheritance. The transgressive segregants for fruit quality traits indicated complementary effects of dispersed allele combinations between parents. Additive and dominance components could be exploited in the advanced segregating population by evaluating large number of families. In addition to additive effects, predominance of dominance effects of genes are important in inheritance of fruit quality traits governing shelflife.

Genetic Variability and Scope of Response to Selection in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The present investigation was carried out in randomized block design with three replications during Rabi season of 2020-21 to judge the extent of genetic variability and scope of selection among thirty-two genotypes including two checks of tomato Narendra Tomato-4 (NDT-4) & Narendra Tomato -7(NDT-7) for fourteen characters. In present study the analysis variance showed that all the treatments were significantly different for all the characters. Which, indicates wide range of genetic variability among the available genotypes. On the basis of mean performance, five genotypes namely NDT-28, NDT-29, NDT-30, NDT-32 and NDT-P were promising ones. High genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) coefficient of variations were recorded for plant height, number of primary branches, polar diameter of fruit, equatorial diameter of fruit, locules per fruit, average fruit weight, marketable fruit yield per plant and total fruit yield per plant. Moderate genotypic coefficients of variation and phenotypic coefficients of variation were estimated for ascorbic acid content, number of fruits per plant and pericarp thickness. In contrast, low environment coefficient of variation was found for all the characters. High heritability (broad sense) coupled with high genetic advance in per cent of mean was observed for plant height, equatorial diameter of fruit, locules per fruit, pericarp thickness, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, marketable fruit yield per plant and total fruit yield per plant. Thus, ample variability is there and selection will be effective among the available germplasm of tomato.

Effect of Shade Screen on Sap Flow, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, NDVI, Plant Growth and Fruit Characteristics of Cultivated Paprika in Greenhouse

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of shade screens on the physiological activity, growth parameters and fruit characteristics of the paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) plant. Plants were grown in a protected greenhouse and treated under two different shade screens, S1 (single screen) and S2 (double screens; 10% low light intensity compared to S1), during summer at a particular time of the day. The results revealed that the plant height was significantly enlarged by the S2 treatment. However, the number of leaves, leaf fresh weight and leaf dry weight were significantly decreased under S2-treated plants compared to those grown in the S1 treatment. The stem diameter and shoot fresh weight were not significantly different between the treatments. The sap flow and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were higher in S1-treated plants than in those grown in the S2 treatment. The chlorophyll fluorescence fluctuated in both treatments. The fruit fresh weight, number of fruits, fruit pericarp thickness, fruit firmness, fruit volume, sugar content and acidity were significantly higher in S1-treated plants than in S2. Hunter values a and b were significantly higher in S2-treated plants. Moreover, the fruit length and width were not significantly different between the two treatments. The sugar content and acidity of paprika showed a positive correlation. These results suggest that, compared to a double screen for shade in the greenhouse, a single screen is suitable for the growth of paprika plants and enhanced their fruit production.

Glochidion malingheense (Phyllanthaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China

Glochidion malingheense, a new species from southwestern Guizhou, China, is described. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to G. oblatum Hook. f. in having angled branchlets, leathery leaves, and thick pericarp of capsules that become lignified to some extent when dry, but clearly differs from the latter by its long pedicelled pistillate flowers that are with oblong sepals, short cylindrical styles, depressed globose ovary, subcircular to broadly ellipticum sepals of staminate flowers, 3 stamens and smaller fruits.

Evaluation of Agronomic Performances and Fruit Quality of Improved Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) lines under greenhouse conditions

Although agriculture is the driving force of Ghana's economy, accounting for one third of GDP and employing more than half of the workforce, Ghana is still far from achieving food security due to serious challenges facing the sector. If agriculture is to fulfill its promise of achieving food and nutrition security in Ghana by 2030, it must take drastic steps towards enhancing vegetable crop production. Greenhouse technology is fast gaining recognition in urban and peri-urban areas. Low tomato production in Ghana is a problem owing to the lack of improved and high-yielding varieties. Evaluation of improved lines of tomato under greenhouse condition which is a fast-growing technology in Ghana can help identify adaptable and promising lines for cultivation. This can lead to increased tomato production as well as meeting consumer demands. In this study, 12 improved lines and 2 local checks of tomato were evaluated under greenhouse conditions to determine their agronomic performances, and fruit quality traits using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results indicate that Lines J138 and B24 recorded the highest yields (20.05 t/ha and 23.03 t/ha respectively) whiles the check varieties, Anna F1 and Nkansah HT gave yields of 18.77 t/ha and 16.96 t/ha, respectively. Lines B24, B25, J138, B45 and B46 also exhibited good fruit quality traits such as pH, pericarp thickness, fruit firmness and shelf life. These promising lines of tomato could be useful germplasm in tomato breeding programmes in Ghana and for cultivation under greenhouse conditions. • Promoting greenhouse vegetable production is a priority in Ghana's quest to achieving food and nutrition security by 2030. • Adaptable and promising improved tomato lines were identified. • These could be useful genetic material for breeding and cultivation purpose in Ghana.

Maternal drought stress induces abiotic stress tolerance to the progeny at the germination stage in sunflower

Climate change produces more frequent and intense drought events during seed development that can affect seed quality. Germination is critical to ensure plant growth and reproductive success but it can be impacted by various abiotic stresses. Here, we studied the effect of drought stress during sunflower seed development on the germination of the progeny. We applied different scenarios of drought stress during seed development in sunflower inbred lines and hybrids and assessed seed germination of the progeny. Drought stress during seed development provided tolerance to water, hypoxic, cold and salt stresses during seed germination and also induced lower dormancy. We established that the induction of these traits was not transgenerational but maternally transmitted and could be reproduced in sunflower hybrids. Drought stress during seed development decreased pericarp thickness and induced higher leakage of soluble electrolytes from pericarp but it also modified embryo metabolism. A metabolomics analysis showed that ABA, oligosaccharides and polyphenols accumulated differently in drought stress seeds and could also participate in the seed tolerance to abiotic stress conditions during germination. Altogether our results reveal an adaptative process that allows sunflower plants exposed to drought stress during their reproductive stage to produce seeds with higher fitness. Besides bringing novel insight on natural adaption of plant populations to climate change, these results may have implications for the seed industry through the production of seeds resilient to higher climatic variability during the establishment of sunflower crop. • Drought stress during sunflower seed development induces seed tolerance to abiotic stresses and lower dormancy • The modulation of germinative properties by the environment is not transgenerational but maternally transmitted • Seed pericarp and embryo both play a role in the inheritance of germinative traits

Maturation and determination of the harvest point of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘biquinho’ pepper)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘biquinho’ pepper) at different stages of maturation and to determine the ideal harvest point of the fruits according to the coloration of the epidermis. The treatments consisted of five maturation stages, characterized as: green, orange-green, orange, red-orange, and red. Fresh mass, vertical and horizontal diameters, pericarp thickness, cracked fruit, luminosity, chroma, hue angle, pH, soluble solids, acidity, and ratio were evaluated. The fresh mass, vertical and horizontal diameter, and pericarp thickness increased with the stages of maturation until reaching an red-orange color. The highest incidence of cracked fruit occurred at the red stage. There was a reduction in pH while soluble solids, acidity, and ratio increased with maturation. The highest chroma values ??occurred intermediate stages, while the hue angle and luminosity decreased with advancing of the stages of maturation. Thus, the ideal harvest point for consumption is the red-orange stage, because the fruits are larger, with a lower incidence of cracking compared to the more advanced stage of maturation, and their chemical characteristics indicate a soft fruit.

Morphological and biochemical resistance to Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) production in the tropics suffers from depredation by the tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), causing severe economic losses. Development of H. armigera resistant tomato cultivars in India is very limited due to lack of good sources of resistance for breeding. Use of insect resistant cultivars could reduce indiscriminate use of insecticides. A total of twenty-two tomato genotypes were assessed under field conditions for resistance to H. armigera during 2017–18 and 2018–19. Morphological and biochemical factors associated with the expression of resistance to this pest in tomato were estimated and considered as potential markers of resistance. The six genotypes, Kashi Sharad, Pb Barkha-1, DVRT-1, Pb Barkha-2, DVRT-2 and Pusa Rohit, were least infested by H. armigera with fruit weight loss ranging from 4.63 to 8.71 percent and were classified as resistant. Expression of resistance was associated with higher trichome density on leaves and calyxes, higher fruit pericarp thickness, higher phenol content in leaves and fruits, and lower soluble sugar and protein contents in leaves and fruits. Resistant genotypes of tomato with these factors may be used as sources of resistance in future breeding programs to enhance resistance to H. armigera in commercially cultivated tomato varieties.