Variation In Fruit Characteristics Research Articles

Characterization of Passiflora edulis accessions with sweet taste potential in Padang

A sweet fruit taste of passion fruit is produced by Passiflora ligularis, which adapts in around 1400 masl. Some P. edulis accessions which wide elevation adaptation was reported to have a sweet fruit taste. This study aimed to examine the morphological characteristics of progenies from red- and yellow-rind passion fruit and obtain an adaptive sweet passion fruit accession in low-elevation conditions. A total of 118 progenies of P. edulis classified as their parents’ rind color and fruit shape were germinated in October 2021 and transplanted to the field after two months in Padang city at 163 masl elevations. The characterization was conducted by observing all accessions which produced ripe fruits until September 2022. Results from 35 accessions showed variation in quantitative characters, while similar qualitative characters in stem, leaf, and flower among accessions, except tendril and stem color. The noticeable differences between the accessions are fruit characteristics. Round red-rind accessions have the heaviest fruit (102.05g). Yellow-rind passion fruit has a sweetness level of 19.5°brix, sweeter than oval red-rind (17.04°brix) and round red-rind (16°brix). Accession KK 42, ML 44 and MB 26 reveal high TSS, i.e. 20, 19 and 18°brix, respectively; however, no accession has a sweet taste fruit. A recessive allele may control the sweet taste character. Segregation of the genes that control carbohydrate metabolism into sugar in fruits and outcrosses occurring among accessions are responsible for the variation in fruit characteristics.

Relationship between fruit phenotypes and domestication in hexaploid populations of biribá (Annona mucosa) in Brazilian Amazonia.

Biribá (Annona mucosa Jacq.) is a fruit tree domesticated in Amazonia and has polyploid populations. The species presents ample phenotypic variation in fruit characteristics, including weight (100-4,000 g) and differences in carpel protrusions. Two cytotypes are recorded in the literature (2n = 28, 42) and genome size records are divergent (2C = 4.77, 5.42 and 6.00 pg). To decipher the role of polyploidy in the domestication of A. mucosa, we examined the relationships among phenotypic variation, chromosome number and genome size, and which came first, polyploidization or domestication. We performed chromosome counts of A. mucosa from central and western Brazilian Amazonia, and estimated genome size by flow cytometry. We performed phylogenetic reconstruction with publicly available data using a Bayesian framework, time divergence analysis and reconstructed the ancestral chromosome number for the genus Annona and for A. mucosa. We observed that variation in fruit phenotypes is not associated with variation in chromosome number and genome size. The most recent common ancestor of A. mucosa is inferred to be polyploid and diverged before domestication. We conclude that, when domesticated, A. mucosa was already polyploid and we suggest that human selection is the main evolutionary force behind fruit size and fruit morphological variation in Annona mucosa.

Genetic stability analysis of tissue culture derived date palm cv. Dedhi plants using IRAP markers

Phoenix dactylifera cv. Dedhi is an excellent soft date palm cultivar of district Khairpur, Sindh-Pakistan with large size fruit, brittle texture and very low tannins at the Khalal stage. The population of this palm cultivar is currently threatened by pest and disease issues, a limited availability of offshoots and by the prevailing monoculture of semi-dry cultivars together with import of exotic elite cultivars into the region. Hence, the current study aimed to determine genetic stability of large-scale in vitro multiplied materials after their transfer to the field. The palms were phenotyped and then genotyped using two Inter-retrotransposons Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) markers. Thirteen IRAP primers with 24 combinations were screened, of which 14 combinations produced 301 clear and reproducible bands which were all monomorphic. The IRAP banding patterns showed no variation among the tissue culture derived plants tested. No significant variation in fruit characteristics of the tissue culture derived plants was found when compared to mother plant. Using an optimized micropropagation protocol, number of plants unable to form inflorescences was reduced from 36.7% in the year 2016 to 10% in 2018. The study confirms the current micropropagation protocol to be effective for production of true-to-type plants and the applied marker system to be efficient for validating genetic stability of in vitro produced palms.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Major Quince Cultivars from Turkey

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) belongs to the Rosaceae family is native to south-eastern Europa and Asia Minor. It is generally used for table consumption and processed into jam, jelly and marmalade. It is also used as dwarfing rootstock for pear cultivars. In the present study, fruit characteristics and genetic diversity of 17 quince cultivars from Turkey were investigated. For fruit characteristics, 'Bardacik' had the highest fruit weight. The highest SSC/Acidity ratio were obtained from 'Osmancik'. There was high level of variation in fruit characteristics among cultivars. In molecular analysis, totally 133 bands were obtained from 23 sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) primer combinations and 67 of them were polymorphic. Genetic similarity of 17 cultivars was between 0.78 and 1.00. Two cultivars ('Sekergevrek' and '32S04') were found to be more distinct from the other cultivars genetically. This study showed that there was low level of genetic variation most of quince cultivars grown in Turkey. SRAP markers firstly used in quince with this study indicating that it can be used for characterization and diversity analysis of quince.

Variation in Fruit Characteristics of 3x Progenies Obtained from a Cross between 4x and 2x Grape Cultivars

Variation in Fruit Characteristics of 3x Progenies Obtained from a Cross between 4x and 2x Grape Cultivars

Reproductive ecophysiology ofRubus occidentalisin southeastern Michigan II. Variation in fruit characteristics relates to light and soil conditions

Abstract Variation in fruit characteristics is frequently studied through the lens of frugivore preferences, but it may also be driven by the abiotic environment. Research on the reproductive ecophysiology of Rubus occidentalis (blackcap or black raspberry) is timely because of increasing interest in its antioxidant-rich fruits. Forty-nine R. occidentalis stands in southeastern Michigan were surveyed to 1) quantify variation in fruit characteristics in wild populations and 2) test for correlations between fruit characteristics and light and soil conditions. All fruit characteristics showed variation that strongly correlated with abiotic factors. Yield increased with increasing light, soil pH, and soil ammonium, and fruit fresh mass was positively related to light, soil fine particle fraction, and soil nitrate. Adjusting these factors may improve commercial yield and fruit quality for this species. Fruit water mass and water fraction were also higher in finer, more nitrate-rich soils. On the other hand, fr...

Natural variation in fruit characteristics and seed germination of Jatropha curcas in Benin, West Africa

SummaryAn investigation was conducted in the ten phytodistricts of Benin, West Africa, in order to assess the level of morphological variation in Jatropha curcas seed and their germination potential. Hierarchical classification of the morphological traits of seeds identified five morphotypes, using 54% of the overall morphological information. Canonical discriminant analysis performed on the five morphotypes revealed highly significant differences. Morphotype 1 included seeds from the phytodistricts of Côtier, Pobè, The Ouémé Valley, and Plateau. Morphotype 2 and Morphotype 5 seeds were from the phytodistricts of Bassila, Zou, and Borgou-Sud; while Morphotype 3 and Morphotype 4 seeds were from the phytodistricts of Borgou-Nord, the Atacora Chain, and Mekrou-Pendjari. Significant morphological variation existed within the seeds as a consequence of genetic make-up and/or environmental effects. Seed from Mekrou-Pendjari and the Atacora Chain were black, smooth, light (0.67 g seed–1), and small (1.76 cm-long and 1.15 cm-wide). Seed from Plateau, Côtier,The Ouémé Valley, and Pobè zones were brown, rough, heavy (0.84 g seed–1), and large (1.97cm-long, 1.2 cm-wide). All seed germination started 4 d after sowing and ended between day-7 and day-8. Seed germination timing varied significantly with morphotype.

Phenotypic variations in fruits and selection potential in Sclerocarya birrea subsp. birrea

The domestication of indigenous fruits through agroforestry is seen as one of the important issues in the transformation in the way in which land is used within rural areas. A study of the variation in fruit traits is also important as it is a prerequisite for cultivar development in the domestication process. Following an aridity gradient, phenotypic variation was assessed in fruits of Sclerocarya birrea subsp. birrea, native to West African semi-arid areas. Fruits were collected from 42 trees of various diameters in agroforestry parklands from the dry and semi-humid Sudanian zones. They were partitioned into peel, flesh and pit. Each fruit was labelled and its components were measured and weighted. The overall mean fruit mass was 18.58 ± 0.24 g (mean ± SE) but fruits from the population in the drier zone were significantly larger (19.90 ± 0.37 g vs 17.02 ± 0.24 g; P < 0.001). The results showed a strong correlation between fruits and their components ( P < 0.05). Tree diameter was very weakly correlated with fruit traits. There was a high level of variation in fruit characteristics and components within and between populations. The within-population variation accounted for the greatest part (67–100%) of the total variation. Many trees, mainly from the drier zones, showed superior phenotypic traits. Five groups of trees which represented different fruit morphotypes were identified for various prospective exploitations. The results strongly support the implementation of preliminary practical conservation action and domestication of S. birrea in West Africa.

Natural variation in fruit characteristics, seed germination and seedling growth of Adansonia digitata L. in Benin

Adansonia digitata (baobab tree), a multipurpose tree species, occurs throughout semi-arid and arid zones of Africa. Its survival is, however, threatened by bush fire, over-exploitation, grazing and a lack of natural regeneration. The extent of variation in fruit characteristics, seed germination and seedling traits of the baobab tree in Benin, was evaluated at climatic zone level. 1,200 fruits were sampled in each of the three climatic zones of Benin for morphological assessment and to assess germination rate and seedling growth dynamics according to the climatic zones, the used substrate and the scarification of the seed coat. There were significant differences in fruit characteristics not only between climatic zones but also between individuals from the same zone and within-trees. Using mechanical scarification on freshly-collected baobab seeds negatively affected the germination rate of baobab seeds sampled in the Guinean and Sudano-Guinean zones of Benin. The best-germination rate was recorded for non-treated seeds from the Guinean zone, up to 57% on day 25. All seeds germinated best on the sand substrate, but supplying organic matter promoted further seedling growth after 11 days of germination. Based on these observations we propose some strategies for efficient ex situ conservation of baobab in Benin.

Variation in baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) leaf morphology and its relation to drought tolerance

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata L.) is a valued savannah tree. Although variation in fruit characteristics of this tree have been studied, no studies to our knowledge have been carried out on variation of leaf morphology which can be linked to drought adaptation mechanisms. Accessions of baobab from different ecosystems in Benin were characterised for leaf size and thickness, stomata size and density on the abaxial surface of leaves. Significant variation was found in leaf size and stomata characteristics. Trees from northern study sites had higher stomata density and smaller guard cell length than those from southern study sites. The results show that pruning has a significant effect on leaf size, but not on stomatal characteristics. Trees from northern study sites showed more xerophytic characteristics than those from the south. It seems that genetic and physiological effects may play a role in baobab drought adaptation.

IN VITRO INDUCTION OF AUTOTETRAPLOID ACTINIDIA PLANTS AND THEIR FIELD EVALUATION FOR CROP IMPROVEMENT

IN VITRO INDUCTION OF AUTOTETRAPLOID ACTINIDIA PLANTS AND THEIR FIELD EVALUATION FOR CROP IMPROVEMENT

Interaction between juniper Juniperus communis L. and its fruit pest insects: Pest abundance, fruit characteristics and seed viability

The relationships between the fruit features of Juniperus communis and the presence of fruit pests were studied in Sierra Nevada, SE Spain. The abundance of two insect species — a pulp-sucking scale and a seed-predator wasp — was surveyed with respect both to fruit characteristics and to viability of seeds contained therein. Seed-predator pressure was not significantly related to any fruit characteristics; however, pulp suckers tended to be more abundant in plants with low pulp: seed ratios and high fruit-water content. In addition, fruits with high levels of pulp-sucker attack tended to have higher water content. A multi-factor ANOVA, considering the identity of the plant and the attack of the different pests as factors, showed that plant identity accounts for most of the variation in fruit characteristics. The viability of seeds tended to be lower in plants strongly attacked by both pests. Fruits attacked by seed predators showed significantly lower proportions of viable and unviable seeds than did unattacked fruits. Seed viability was also lower in those fruits heavily attacked by pulp suckers, but this pattern is strongly mediated by plant identity. Pest activity proved to be clearly associated with a direct decrease in juniper reproductive capacity. This loss involved a reduction of the viable-seed number, mainly related to the seed predator, as well as a reduction of fruit attractiveness to frugivorous dispersers, related to the pulp sucker.

Light Environment and Time of Harvest Affect `Delicious' Apple Fruit Quality Characteristics

Photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), measured at various canopy positions throughout the growing season in 1989 and 1990, was used to explain variation in fruit characteristics of `Delicious' apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) harvested from these positions at 135, 145, 155, and 165 days after full bloom (DAFB). Hours above an average PPFD threshold of 250 μmol·m-2·s-1 (HR250) explained an average of only 2% more variation in fruit characteristics than other PPFD threshold levels or total cumulative photosynthetic photon density (PPD) in each year. Percent of red surface had a positive linear relationship with HR250 on all harvest dates in both years; intercepts increased on each successive harvest. The slopes and R2 were highest at 135 DAFB and decreased on each successive harvest. Intensity of red pigmentation and soluble solids concentration also increased linearly with HR250, with equivalent slopes and increasing intercepts on each successive harvest. Fruit weight, flesh firmness, length: diameter ratio, and starch index were not consistently affected by any measure of canopy light levels. Except for intensity of redness, relationships developed between fruit characteristics and cumulative late-season PPD during the final 10 weeks before harvest (CPPDLS) had trends similar to the models for HR250 for all harvests in both years. Models developed with instantaneous light measurements were similar to those developed with the more detailed cumulative light measurements.

Phenological variation in fruit characteristics in vertebrate-dispersed plants.

We investigated inter-specific variation in fruit characteristics - fruit size, seed number per fruit, seed weight, nutritional content, fruit persistence, and fruit synchronization - in relation to flowering and fruiting phenology in 34 species of fleshy fruited plants. Except for aspects of fruit synchrony and persistence, the results in general were inconsistent with previous suggestions about adaptive variation in phenologically related fruit traits. The main results were as follows: (1) Late flowering, late fruiting, lengthy development time from flower to fruit, and highly persistent fruits constitute a complex of correlated characteristics among the species. (2) Synchronization of fruiting within individuals increased from early ripening fruits to late ripening fruits. Fruiting synchrony was more pronounced in species with a small crop size than in species with a large fruit crop, whereas synchrony was not significantly related to flowering synchronization, nor to life form. (3) Nitrogen and carbohydrate content of fruit pulp did not vary in relation to phenology, whereas lipid content decreased from early to late ripening fruits. (4) No seasonal trends were found for variation in seed size or seed number per fruit. (5) Interactions with flowering phenology and developmental constraints are important in phenological fruiting patterns. Temporal variation in start of fruiting was partly (36%) explained by variation in flowering time. Seed weight variation explained 17% of variation in development time from flower to fruit. (6) Despite constraints from flowering and seed development, some adaptive adjustment in fruiting phenology is likely to be allowed for among the investigated species. Such an adaptive variation in fruiting phenology was suggested by intra-generic comparisons of Prunus and Vaccinium species.

The Fruiting Ecology of Osyris Quadripartita: Individual Variation and Evolutionary Potential

The fruiting ecology of Osyris quadripartita (Santalaceae), a hemiparasitic evergreen shrub, was studied over a 4—yr period in a Mediterranean scrubland of southern Spain. In addition to describing the natural history of seed dispersal in this species, objectives of the study were (1) to document patterns of individual and annual variation in seed—dispersal—related traits (fruit characteristics, crop size, fruiting phenology); (2) to determine the consequences, in terms of dispersal success, of individual variability; and (3) to examine the significance, in terms of differential reproductive output, of individual variability in dispersal—related attributes, in an attempt to evaluate the evolutionary potential for modification of these tratis. In this species during the 4—yr period considered, dispersal—related traits, although relevant to dispersal rates, were unrelated to individual differences in fitness because dispersal rates were irrelevant to fitness. O. quadripartita plants produce ripe fruits almost continuously, and most individuals have fruiting periods virtually encompassing the entire year. Significant individual variations exists in average fruiting schedule, crop size, and fruit characteristics. The peak of the fruiting period of individual plants may occur in almost any month of the year. Phenology, crop size, and fruit characteristics differ in the degree to which differences between individuals remain consistent from year to year in the face of population variation in these variables. Individual differences in crop size remain invariant among years, while differences in phenology and fruit characteristics do not. Individual variation in crop size is related to flower number, while annual differences are explained by variation in summer rainfall through influences on latent ovary abortion rates. There is within—plant seasonal variation in fruit characteristics, and there are also significant interplant and interannual differences in the way fruit characteristics change seasonally. Avian frugivores are present in the habitat throughout the year, but seasonal changes in abundance and amount of frugivory delimit distinct periods of high and low demand for O. quadripartita fruits. The probability of damage to ripe fruits depends on time of year (although there is considerable annual variation), crop size, and fruit size. Large fruits in small crops predictably face the highest probabilities of damage, and small fruits in large crops the lowest. The relation between the probability of damage and crop size, however, varied among plants and seasonally. Individual differences in fruit characteristics and crop size, but not in phenology, are related to individual variation in seed dispersal rates (proportion of ripe fruits dispersed). Nevertheless, dispersal rate accounts for only 0.2% of individual variation in relative contribution to the population's realized reproductive output, while estimated total number of fruits ripened accounts for 96%. This pattern is consistent from year to year. Components of interindividual variation that influence the dispersal prospects of fruits are eventually unimportant in accounting for individual variation in relative reproductive contribution.

Geographic Variation in Fruit Characteristics of Acer rubrum

Geographic Variation in Fruit Characteristics of Acer rubrum