Pulp Thickness Research Articles

Contribution of agromorphological and qualitative traits to the study of the diversity of the caprifig (Ficus carica L.) in traditional agroecosystems in northern Morocco

Morocco is founded to be as one of the substantial leading fig tree producers. Caprification plays a crucial role in fig production regions as the primary factor that significantly influences both the yield and quality of fig production. Our study focuses on characterizing caprifig varieties in the Bni Ahmed region (northern Morocco) and emphasizing their phenotypic potential in the context of climate change. Using 34 agromorphological and qualitative traits (IPGRI), the study examined 40 caprifig trees belonging to four local varieties of caprifig. The varietal characterization was completed by the collecting and analyzing fruit and leaf samples in the laboratory. Qualitative traits indicated morphological variability among the varieties investigated. All quantitative parameters, except fruit skin thickness, showed significant differences. Analysis of simple correlation coefficients indicated strong relationships between the measured variables. The analysis of the simple correlation coefficients revealed strong correlations between the measured variables. A remarkable phenotypic variety was identified among the caprifig accessions studied. The principal component analysis showed that the first two components explain 60% of the total variability. Weight, fruit dimensions, neck diameter, fruit pulp thickness, number of Blastophaga, length, width, leaf area, and central lobe length contribute significantly to the total variation. Analysis of the Hierarchical Ascending Classification revealed the existence of three varieties: L’morr, l’louizi, and l’hlou. The variety L’morr has shown a very high potential in terms of fruit characters and pollinating insects. Thus, a genetic analysis can confirm the agromorphological results and breeding programs should consider these unknown genetic resources, such as the L’morr variety, to provide better quality caprifigs.

Assessing the genetic diversity and character association of yield components in litchi (litchi chinensis sonn.)

Eighteen litchi genotypes were evaluated in this study for genetic advancement, heritability, variability, and association studies. The genotype ‘CHL-4’ exhibited maximum fruit weight (28.12 g), aril weight (14.00 g), aril thickness (9.65 mm) and seed weight (4.86 g). Fruit length (10.70 and 10.46%), panicle width (10.61 and 10.37%), and panicle length (15.75 and 15.45%) all had substantial phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation. All the metrics, with the exception of fruit diameter, aril thickness, seed weight, and number of fruits/panicle, showed higher heritability estimations with substantial genetic advances. In addition to being negatively correlated with fruit weight, aril weight, seed weight and pulp thickness, yield also showed a strong positive correlation with the number of fruits/panicle and aril percentage. Path analysis made the impact of different components on yield very evident. The maximum positive direct effect on yield at genotypic level was through fruit weight (10.120) followed by seed weight (4.070), panicle length (1.550), panicle girth (1.170) and negative direct effect via aril weight (-0.12.860) followed by panicle width (-11.830), fruit length (-6.290). In order to select a diverse parent for a subsequent breeding effort, cluster analysis assists in classifying comparable objects into appropriate categories. Therefore, the goal of the study was to confirm the genetic variability across genotypes of litchi and identify prospective features for the selection of genotypes that are superior. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 465-473, 2024 (September)

Genetic Diversity and Response of Melon Accessions toMonosporascus cannonballus

ABSTRACTMelon holds significant economic importance for Brazilian agribusiness. It exhibits high polymorphism and genetic variability, yet knowledge regarding its genetic diversity and response to root diseases remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and response of melon plant accessions to Monosporascus cannonballus. Two trials were conducted involving 29 melon accessions and a commercial hybrid of the yellow melon plant, Natal RZ. In the first trial, the accessions and the commercial hybrid were grown in the field under a randomised complete block design with three replications. They were evaluated for fruit‐related descriptors: number of fruits per plant (NFP), average fruit weight, shape index, pulp thickness, pulp firmness (PF) and total soluble solids (TSS). Standardised Euclidean distances were calculated on the basis of the results, and the accessions were grouped using the UPGMA method. In the second trial, the melon plant accessions and commercial hybrid were cultivated in a greenhouse under a completely randomised design with 12 replications. For inoculation, wheat grains infested with M. cannonballus isolate CMM‐2429 were used. Evaluations were conducted 60 days after transplanting, assessing the incidence and severity of the disease, and biometric variables. The study revealed genetic variability among the evaluated accessions for fruit descriptors and response to M. cannonballus. Most divergent accessions were A16, A53, NZR, A28, A51 and A44, with divergence primarily observed in NFP, PF and TSS. Promising accessions for breeding programmes aimed at resistance to M. cannonballus included A01, A04, A25, A27 (moderately resistant) and A26 (highly resistant to the pathogen).

Influence of Anastrepha host fruit size over parasitism by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata in open-field augmentative releases

ABSTRACT Fruit size can act as a physical barrier providing refuge for larvae of pest Anastrepha species against parasitoid attack. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of fruit size in six fruit species infested by Anastrepha larvae on the parasitism of Diachasmimorpha longicaudata after its augmentative release. About 1500 parasitoids were weekly released in disturbed wild vegetation patches. Fruit sampling was performed at the Coastal Lowlands of the Soconusco Region, southeastern Mexico, between June 2021 and October 2022. Overall, 310 ripe fruits belonging to grapefruit, creole mamey (large-size fruits), sweet orange, creole mango, wild guava (medium-size fruits), and wild hog plum (small-size fruit) were collected. The length, frontal width, lateral width and pulp thickness of all sampled fruits were measured. Such physical characteristics are indicators of the fruit size. Fruit collection was performed 48 h after release. Results indicated an inverse correlation between fruit size and parasitism, with a significant r 2 value higher than 75%. Host larvae in all fruits were parasitised only by D. longicaudata. The highest mean parasitism, which exceeded 90%, was recorded on hog plum and the lowest, below 20%, on Citrus spp. and mamey. Results corroborated the influence of host fruit size on parasitism levels by D. longicaudata regardless of its large-scale, open-field releases. Augmentative releases of D. longicaudata can be focused on wilderness areas with prevalence of medium-size to small-size Anastrepha host fruits. This would encourage long-term sustainable conservation of released parasitoid populations.

Influence of Pre-harvest Application of NAA, Ca, and B on Fruit Drop, and Yield of Thailand Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)

The present study was carried out to investigate the beneficial effects of the pre-harvest spray of NAA, calcium, and boron on fruit drop and yield of Thailand ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat-13 during 2022-2023. The treatment T4 i.e. spraying with NAA @ 20 ppm + B @ 0.5% resulted in maximum fruit set (4.68%), lesser fruit drop (53.28%), the highest yield per tree (18.12 kg/tree), yield per hectare (24.16 t), the maximum thickness of pulp (1.94 mm) and pulp weight (62.25 g). Spraying of NAA 20 ppm in combination with Boron 5% is the most profitable approach for minimizing fruit drop and maximizing production.

Effects of bio-fertiliser enriched organic amendments on flowering and fruiting behaviour, yield and quality attributes of Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

ABSTRACT Organic farming has emerged as an important priority area in view of the growing demand for safe and healthy food and long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. This case study investigated the effects of organic amendments on growth, flowering and fruiting behaviour, yield and quality attributes of Khasi mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) grown at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India. The study included 13 treatments comprising of various combinations of organic amendments, farm-yard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC), pig manure (PM), mustard oil cake (MOC), and bio-fertilisers Azospirillum, Azotobacter, phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB), potash solubilising bacteria (KSB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The results revealed that bio-fertiliser enriched organic amendments enhanced flowering and fruiting, yields and quality attributes of Khasi mandarin. Among the different combinations, the greatest plant height, girth, canopy spread, canopy volume, fruit weight, length, diameter, fruit volume, pulp weight, pulp-to-peel ratio, pulp thickness, number of segments and lowest unmarketable yield were obtained with VC + Azotobacter + AMF + KSB. The treatment with FYM + Azotobacter + AMF + KSB recorded the highest fruit set, fruit retention, marketable fruits, fruit yield and lowest fruit drop, and for the fruit quality parameters, the maximum TSS, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total sugar, sugar:acid ratio, ascorbic acid and lowest acidity. It was concluded that these two treatments can be recommended to achieve significant improvement in flowering and fruiting behaviour and yield and quality of Khasi mandarin.

Effect of grow cover and sowing time on growth, yield and quality of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.)

The present investigation entitled Effect of grow cover and sowing time on growth, yield and quality of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) was carried out at Instructional farm, Jambuvadi, College of Horticulture, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during 2022-23.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Factorial Concept (FRBD) with two factors. The treatments consisted of five date of sowing i.e., second fortnight of December, first fortnight of January, Second fortnight of January, First fortnight of February and second fortnight of February under open field as wellas biodegradable low tunnel, respectively. The result clearly indicated that effect of the grow cover (biodegradable grow cover) and sowing time (1st fortnight of February) (G2S4) recorded minimum days to germination (5.20), days to flowering (22.40) and maximum vine length (139.53 cm), length of secondary branches vine-1 (121.92), fruit weight (538.33 g), polar diameter (9.50 cm), fruit yield vine-1 (1.80 kg vine-1), total fruit yield (76.44 t ha-1), pulp thickness (3.00 cm), TSS(8.11oBrix) and minimum cavity index (3.68cm).

Characterization of growth and development of pumpkin cv Mini Jack fruits

The physiological changes that occur during the growth and development of Mini Jack pumpkins fruits can lead to post-harvest losses, and shorten their shelf life. Thus, this work aimed to characterize the growth and development of the pumpkin cv Mini Jack. For this, fruits were harvested at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days after anthesis (DAA) and evaluated for respiratory rate, height, diameter, weight, skin color, firmness, skin and pulp thickness, concavity fruit, pH, acidity, total soluble solids, carotene in the skin and pulp, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, and total sugars. During the growth and development of the fruits, there was an increase in the levels of total sugars, total soluble solids, and changes in carotene levels up to 10 DAA. The levels of total carotenoids increased significantly throughout the development of the fruits reaching the highest values at 20 DAA. It was possible to verify that the respiratory rate of the fruits was high at the beginning of development presenting reduction and stabilization at 10 DAA. The weight, height and concavity of the fruits increased up to 10 DAA. Thus, the ideal point for harvesting the fruits of the Mini Jack pumpkin occurred between 10 and 15 DAA.

Packaging Materials and Their Effect on Shelf Life and Quality of Banana in Kailali District of Nepal

The research was held in Kailali District of Nepal to assess the effect of different packaging materials on shelf life and quality of banana fruit. The experimental set up was done in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments of different packaging, each replicated four times. There were five different treatments used for the study and they were allotted as follows: T1: No packaging/open (control) T2: Banana leaf, T3: Straw, T4: Polythene bag, T5: Cardboard box. A digital hygrometer for measuring relative humidity and thermometer for measuring temperature were used. RH was recorded every 3rd day. Similarly, temperature was also recorded during those days. R-Studio 4.2.2 version was used for data analysis. TSS was found highest in polythene bag followed by cardboard box and lowest was control followed by straw. TSS (16.020 Brix) was found in polythene bag at 13th day and lowest TSS (5.250 Brix) in at 1st day. At 16th day, maximum TSS was found in polythene bag (15.320 Brix) and minimum in control (12.720 Brix). Titrable Acidity (TA) tends to increase at initial stage but later decreases with increase in storage time. The highest TA (0.32%) was found in polythene bag and lowest (0.24%) was found in control at day 16th. Physiological Loss in Weigh t(PLW) tends to increases with increase in storage time. The highest PLW (27.68 gm) was found in Control and lowest loss (21.61 gm) was found in polythene bag at day 16th. The firmness was decreased with the advancement in storage time in all treatments. The highest firmness (9.385kgcm-2) was found in polythene bag at 1st day and lowest (9.12 kgcm-2) was found in control at 1st day. At the end of the day i.e., at day 16th, maximum firmness was observed in Polythene bag (3.34 kgcm-2), and minimum was observed in control (2.07 kgcm-2) and pulp thickness tends to increase with increase in storage time. At day 16th, the highest pulp thickness (3.34 cm) was found on banana leaf and lowest (2.07 cm) on straw. Based on these findings, it is evident that packaging bananas in polythene bags resulted in significant improvements in weight loss, TA, firmness, TSS, pulp thickness, and peel thickness. This suggests that using polythene bags as packaging material provides better quality and extends the shelf life of bananas compared to the other materials tested in the study.

Growth and Fruit morphometric characteristics of local avocado germplasm (Persea americana Mill.) grown in northern Tanzania

Tanzania has a diverse agroecological area suitable for growing tropical fruits, including avocados. In Northern Tanzania, avocados have been growing under variable soil and altitudinal characteristics for over 100 years, allowing the naturalisation of this crop in this region. However, the region's avocado germplasm is uncharacterised, thus impeding the selection of elite genotypes for increased value and breeding programmes. This study examined the growth and fruit morphometric characteristics of avocado populations grown under variable soil pH and altitude in six districts in the Tanga, Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions. Variations in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics were compared using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Pearson product-moment correlations (r) were used to evaluate the relationship between studied growth and fruit morphometric traits. A linear mixed-effects model (LMM) was used to assess the influence of the soil pH, altitude, tree height, canopy diameter, and trunk diameter on fruit length, fruit diameter, pulp thickness, and seed diameter. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to depict the extent of the racial admixtures in the avocado germplasm in the Northern regions of Tanzania. The results revealed a significant variation in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics (p < 0.05). The Korogwe population had the highest tree height, while the Karatu had the lowest. Tree height was positively correlated with the trunk diameter (r = 0.63, p < 0.001. There was a positive correlation between fruit length and pulp thickness (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), fruit diameter and pulp thickness (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and fruit length and fruit diameter (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The fruit diameter was positively correlated with the seed diameter (r = 0.61, p < 0.001). There was a significant but weak association between fruit length and trunk diameter (−0.01), fruit length and canopy diameter (0.15), and between seed diameter and tree height (2.95e-2). These findings highlight the influence of individual tree genetic makeup on the variation in growth and fruit morphometric characteristics. The morphometric trait correlations may prove valuable in field measurements, especially when resources are limited. The study further indicates the presence of all avocado races within the local germplasm, highlighting its high diversity. Remarkably, the observed admixture of variant races implies gene flow among studied avocado populations, possibly facilitated by sharing seedlings among farmers or seed disposal through avocado fruit trading. Further study is needed, particularly in quantifying the above-ground biomass of local avocados in northern Tanzania, potentially contributing to carbon credit initiatives for fruit crops..

CPPU Improves Fruit Setting and Growth in Greenhouse-grown Oriental Melons (Cucumis melo L. var. makuwa Makino)

The production of melons (Cucumis melo L.) in greenhouses relies on pollination. Extreme temperature and insufficient light reduce not only flower visitation by pollinators but also pollen viability, resulting in inefficient pollination. In this study, we investigated the effects of forchlorfenuron [(N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N′-phenylurea (CPPU)] on the fruit setting and growth of oriental melons (C. melo L. var. makuwa Makino). The primary objective was to devise a new strategy for the management of oriental melons. Treatment with 5 mg·L−1 CPPU a day before flowering (T1), on the day of flowering (T2), and a day after flowering (T3) increased the fruit setting rate (by 20.1% to 30%) in melons subjected to artificial pollination (AP) or no pollination (NP) compared with the rate in those subjected to only artificial pollination without CPPU (CK). CPPU treatment induced unfertilized seeds; in addition, a tendency toward parthenocarpy was noted. The highest fruit setting rate (∼95%) was noted in plants subjected to the following treatments: AP+T1 and NP+T3. The rates of abnormal fruit formation decreased from 45.2% of CK group to 9.4% in plants subjected to AP+T1 and to 19.4% in those subjected to NP+T3. Elevated exogenous concentrations of CPPU markedly increased fruit weight. Plants subjected to NP+10 mg·L−1 CPPU bore the heaviest fruits (541.0 g), which were heavier than those borne by plants subjected to AP+10 mg·L−1 CPPU. CPPU treatment reduced the fruit cavity ratio in a concentration-dependent manner from 47.3% to 33.6% and increased the pulp thickness from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Notably, supplementary CPPU treatment exerted no significant effects on fruit traits. Regarding taste, inconsistent results were obtained for sugar accumulation. Although the content of cucurbitacin B increased immediately after the initial CPPU treatment, it markedly decreased after 15 days of CPPU treatment. Therefore, mature melons did not have a bitter taste.

To study and analyse the different packaging materials on shelf-life study of banana (Musa paradisiaca var. Robusta): A Review

Packaging plays an important role to maintain the shelf life of banana thereby providing nutritional and market value alongside to the farmer losses as well. The present review study is to determine how different banana cultivars’ shelf lives were affected by the materials used for packaging. The banana cultivars, referred to locally as Robusta var., would be packed using five different materials a perforated low density polyethylene bag, dried banana leaf, gunny bag, brown paper bag, cling wrap, and no packaging material. Three replications of a factorial combination were used in the Randomized Complete Block Design experiment. Every four days, a variety of physical characteristics were evaluated, such as weight loss, pulp hardness, pulp dry matter, pulp to peel ratio, peel colour, pulp thickness, decay, and loss % of marketability. The present review revel on different packaging materials to increase shelf-life banana, latest packaging technologies used in banana’s packaging and future research in banana packaging would revel.

Impact of planting schemes on hot pepper varieties in greenhouses

This article delves into a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying the optimal planting schemes for newly introduced hot pepper varieties that thrive under unheated greenhouse conditions. Specifically, the study evaluates the performance of three promising hot pepper varieties—“Sharq gavhari,” “Dilnoz 2019,” and “Niyat”—when subjected to a range of planting configurations (70x20, 70x30, 70x40, and 70x50 cm). The findings reveal a compelling relationship between planting density and fruit characteristics. In configurations that permitted a more spacious feeding area, the resulting fruits tended to be smaller, yet exhibited thicker flesh. Conversely, tighter planting arrangements produced taller plants with thinner fruits, which also corresponded with a decrease in pulp thickness. This nuanced understanding of how varying planting schemes influence not just yield but also the physical attributes of the fruit is critical for growers seeking to optimize production. Ultimately, this research provides valuable insights that can guide agricultural practices, ultimately enhancing both the quality and quantity of hot pepper harvests in unheated greenhouse settings. Such knowledge is vital for maximizing the potential of these varieties, thereby promoting better resource utilization and supporting sustainable agricultural development.

Post-harvest quality of melon accessions subjected to salinity.

The objective was to evaluate the behavior of melon genotypes (Cucumis melo L.) in the physical, chemical and biochemical quality of melon fruits as a function of electrical conductivity irrigation water levels (ECw). The experimental design adopted was randomized blocks in a 5 x 3 factorial scheme with five replications. The first factor was represented by five salinity levels (0.5, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, and 6.0 dS m-1) and the second factor by accessions A35, and A24, and the hybrid Sancho. The physical, chemical and biochemical variables showed a reduction in production, with smaller fruits, with less weight, smaller cavity, with increased pulp thickness for Sancho. Vitamin C and yellow flavonoids increased indicating antioxidant power against ROS. The genotypes showed similar post-harvest behavior, however, the hybrid Sancho stood out over the others, possibly because it is an improved material. Accession A24 presented physiological and biochemical responses that classify it as intolerant.

THE BEHAVIOR OF SOME MELON CULTIVARS (CUCUMIS MELON) ON THE SANDY SOILS FROM SCDCPN DĂBULENI

The study was carried out in an experimental plot in 2023 on the sandy soils of SCDCPN Dăbuleni, characterized by low natural fertility, having in the 0-20 cm soil layer an organic carbon content of 0.56% and a humus content of 0.96 %. Seven melon cultivars were studied in the experimental field, observing a great diversity of their morphological and biochemical characteristics. Morphological characteristics such as fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, diameter of the seminal cavity, pulp thickness, and sugar content were determined for the analyzed fruits. Among the analyzed cultivars, stood out the AS 086 cultivar with an average fruit weight of 2.08 kg and the Traian cultivar with an average pulp thickness of 3.94 cm. Regarding the sugar content, the highest value was recorded for the cultivar AS 084, respectively 11.40%. From the point of view of the realized productions, the AS 038 cultivar stood out with a production of 29.07 t/ha, the lowest production being recorded for the AS 088 cultivar, respectively 22.33 t/ha.

Enhancing photosynthesis and root development for better fruit quality, aroma, and lessening of radioactive materials in key lime (Citrus aurantifolia) using Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus thuringiensis

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus thuringiensis alone or with gradual levels of NPK on photosynthesis, growth, fruit quality, aroma improvement and reduced radionuclides of key lime fruits. The lemon seedlings were treated with (T0) without fertilizers as control, (T1) 100g of NPK at 100%, (T2) 5 g of Trichoderma. harzianum at 50% + 50 g of NPK at 50%, (T3) 5 g of Bacillus thuringiensis at 50% + 50 g of NPK at 50 %, (T4) 7.5 g of Trichoderma harzianum at 75% + 25 g of NPK at 25 %, (T5) 7.5 g of Bacillus thuringiensis at 75% + 25 g of NPK at 25 %, (T6) 10 g of Trichoderma harzianum at 100 % and (T7)10 g of Bacillus thuringiensis at 100 %. The results showed that T2 increased net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, internal CO2 concentration, fresh and dry root biomass by 209%, 74%, 56%, 376%, 69.4% and 71.6%, while, T5 increased root volume, root length, and root tip number by 27.1%, 167%, and 67%, respectively over the control trees. The microbial treatments developed cortex, vascular cylinder and tracheal elements of the root. Fruit number, length, diameter, weight, pulp thickness, pulp/peel ratio, juice, total soluble solids (TSS), pigment contents and antioxidant activity increased significantly in the T2 treatment. Vitamin C, total phenols, total flavonoids, and total sugar content increased by 1.59-, 1.66-, 1.44- and 2.07- fold in T5 treated fruits compared to the control. The two microbes increased volatile compounds and decreased radionucleotides in the fruit, moreover, 27 identified and 2 (two) unmatched volatile compounds were identified by GCMS analysis. It is concluded that T. harzianum and B. thuringiensis with 25–50 g NPK treatments improved photosynthesis, root structure, fruit growth, fruit quality, aroma and lessened radionuclides in key lime fruits.

Participatory tree selection and fruit morphological characterization ofPhoebe cooperiana(U.N Kanjilal ex A. Das) in the Eastern Himalayas of India

AbstractSelection of desirable phenotypes and characterization of variability in economically important traits are essential for domestication of indigenous fruit trees (IFTs). Currently, participatory tree selection is a widely accepted approach in IFT domestication wherein farmers' knowledge and preferences are included in tree selection processes. In Arunachal Pradesh, India, fruits ofPhoebe cooperianaare extensively consumed by people and traded across the state. In this study, we employed a selection index to screen trees for superior fruit traits from a base population of 45 farmer-identified trees ofP. cooperianain Arunachal Pradesh. Based on fruit diameter length ratio, pulp fruit ratio and yield, 19 trees were selected for superior fruit traits. The per cent improvement for 10 fruit and seed traits ranged from 0.16 to 14.56% compared to the base population. Significant variation for all fruit and seed parameters was observed among the 19 trees with coefficient of variation values ranging between 1.92% for fruit diameter and 8.26% for seed weight. There was significant positive association between economic traits including fruit weight with pulp weight, fruit diameter length ratio with fruit weight and pulp thickness with pulp weight. Principal component analysis revealed that variability was largely contributed by fruit weight (0.49), pulp weight (0.46), seed weight (0.45) and fruit diameter (0.42). Cluster analysis grouped phenotypes into seven groups with no clear clustering of individuals from the same area. The study highlights the significance of participatory tree selection approach and the benefits of individual tree selection in capturing wider variation and locating extreme phenotypes in IFT domestication.

Influence of Spraying Potassium, Sugar Alcohol, and Boron on Yield and Quality of Melon under Protected Cultivation

An experiment was conducted in one of the plastic houses at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, during the spring season of 2023. The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of spraying with potassium, a combination of alcohol sugar (Sorbitol), and Boron on the yield and quality of melon under protected cultivation conditions. The study included two factors: the first factor was spraying with potassium at three concentrations: 0, 4, and 8 gm/L, and it was coded as K0, K1, and K2, respectively. The second factor was spraying with a combination of sorbitol and boron at five concentrations that were coded as T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4. Potassium was sprayed when 50% of the flowers appeared and until the fruit ripened at a rate of one spray per week. The combination of Boron and Sorbitol was sprayed on the plants at age of 6-8 true leaves with three times, two weeks interval between sprays. The experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment within a Complete Randomized Block Design with three replicates. The study showed that the second Potassium concentration K1 was superior and achieved the highest (fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, plant yield, and plastic house yield) of 1.238 kg, 3.887 (fruit plant-1), 4.827 (kg plant-1), and 5.793 (tons per house-1). This was compared to the lowest values achieved by the control plants, which were 1.100 kg, 3.533 (fruit plant-1), 3.900 (kg plant-1), and 5.386 (tons per greenhouse-1), respectively. The combination of boron and sorbitol had a significant effect on yield traits, as treatment T4 significantly achieved the highest values in fruit weight, number of fruits, and total greenhouse yield of 1.281 kg, 4.078 (fruit plant-1), 5.232 (kg plant-1) and 6.279 (tons greenhouse-1), compared to the control treatment, which gave the lowest values for the same traits of 1.109 kg, 3.243 (fruit plant-1), 3.604 (kg plant-1), and 4.324 (tons per greenhouse-1). Spraying plants with potassium, especially at level K1, led to a significant increase in fruit quality traits, including fruit pulp thickness, total sugar content, and beta-carotene content, and gave the highest values of 6.550 mm, 10.770 (%), and 10.770 (μg g-1 fresh weight), compared to the lowest values achieved by the control plants, which gave the lowest values of 35.815 mm, 0.7449 (%), and 19.300 (μg g-1 fresh weight) for the same traits, respectively. The combination of sorbitol and boron had a significant effect on fruit quality traits, as treatment T4 plants achieved the highest values for fruit pulp thickness, total sugar content, and beta-carotene content of 48.618 mm, 11.272 %, and 20.754 (μg g-1 fresh weight) compared to the lowest values achieved by the control plants, which were 48.618 mm, 9.434 %, and 19.020 (μg g-1 fresh weight) for the same traits, respectively.

Association between traits related to fruit quality in papaya (Carica papaya L.) hybrids and their implications for selection

AbstractThe knowledge of the associations between the variables and the cause–effect discrimination allows the breeders to make efficient of new cultivars development with traits that meet the demands of producers and consumers. Therefore, the present work aimed to study the associations among the quality variables of papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruits and the effects on selection process. Eight variables related to fruit quality were evaluated in 62 topcross hybrids. The phenotypic and genotypic correlations and path analyses were performed to verify the associations between the variables and the effects on pulp volume. Canonical correlation analysis between primary and secondary quality variables was also carried out. Fruit firmness and soluble solids content showed a positive and significant genotypic correlation, providing evidence for selecting fruits with high averages for both variables. Fruit weight and pulp thickness (PT) were the variables that most contributed to the reduction and increased pulp volume percentage (PV%), respectively. The canonical correlation analysis showed an increase in PT associated with an increase in the fruit length and PV%variables. The physical–chemical variables showed a low association with others, which will make the selection process more laborious to obtain satisfactory gains between the groups of variables.

Field inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves quality attributes and yield of melon (Cucumis melo)

ABSTRACT Melon (Cucumis melo) is an important economic and nutritional crop extensively cultivated worldwide. Morocco ranks 13th among the melon-producing countries with a production of 520,000 tones. Melon cultivation is facing the double challenge of solving management problems (fertilisation, pest control, etc.), and meeting the tendency to seek high-quality chemical-free fruits. This study aims to assess the effect of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizophagus intraradices (Rin), Rhizophagus fasciculatus (Rfa), Funneliformis mosseae (Fmo), and their complex, on yield and quality attributes of melon ‘Ananas’ based on field experiments. The results showed that inoculated plants exhibited higher production and fruit quality than the control. Rin-plants showed the highest increases in yield (84%), fresh weight (84.4%), longitudinal (34.7%) and equatorial (28.8%) perimeters, pulp thickness (39.8%), pulp-to-peel ratio (146.3%), Brix degree (14,6%), and highest decrease in peel thickness (77.7%). Moreover, Rin-plants exhibited the highest increases in proteins (343%), polyphenols (291%), flavonoids (140%), carotenoids (693%), ascorbic acid (43%) concentrations, DPPH radical inhibition (30%) and in reducing power (53%). According to the sensory evaluation, consumers were more appreciative of the quality attributes of the Rin-plant fruits which were highly rated by participants.