Fruit Yield Research Articles

Response of Eggplant (<i>Solanum melongena</i>) to Diluted Seawater Irrigation

The rapid growth of the global population is driving an increasing demand for fresh water, particularly for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. As freshwater resources become scarcer, exploring alternative water sources for agriculture is imperative to ensure food security. Therefore, this research was conducted to determine whether diluted seawater would impact the growth and productivity of eggplant. The effects of irrigation water with five different salt levels—0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% %—were observed on eggplants (Calixto F1) that were grown in pots for three months. Response variables evaluated included plant height increment, leaf development, stem diameter increase, number of fruits harvested, and unit weight of fruits. The physicochemical properties of the irrigation water and growing media were also tested. The findings revealed that while the overall growth parameters were not significantly affected by the varying salt levels (p>0.05), a notable increase in fruit yield was observed at a 0.5% salinity level. This suggests that a minimal salt concentration in irrigation water can enhance eggplant productivity without compromising plant health. With these findings, this research presents an innovative approach to using diluted seawater as an irrigation strategy for eggplant cultivation. This approach offers a sustainable solution for agriculture in coastal and arid regions where freshwater is limited.

Appraisal of Mica-Based Potassium Mobilizing Bacterial Biofertilizers: Revolutionizing Soil Fertility and Plant Growth Employing Multi-Machine Learning Models

ABSTRACT Muscovite and biotite are two forms of mica, potassium (K)-bearing minerals, that are waste products of the mica industry. This study aims to evaluate the pattern of K release from muscovite and biotite inoculated with K-mobilizing bacterial (KMB) strains such as Bacillus cereus K5B, Bacillus cereus K6, Bacillus sp. GG6 (2015) K12 and Bacillus cereus K15, as well as their effectiveness as K fertilizers using tomato plants (Solanum Lycopersicum) grown in Giridih soil (Alfisol). Applying muscovite and biotite (at 200 mg kg−1 of soil) combined with Bacillus cereus K5B notably enhanced tomato plant biomass, boosted fruit quality and yield, and improved potassium availability in the soil. This approach also helped maintain soil quality, outperforming soils treated with synthetic potassium fertilizers and untreated soils in potassium availability. Statistical algorithms predict the free ion activity (FIAM) model to transport bioavailable forms of soil K to plant parts, forecasting KMBs’ effects on water-soluble K (WK) and exchangeable K (EK) mobilization from non-exchangeable K (NEK) form and uptake by soil-plant systems, enhancing plant growth, health, and yield. Multimodal machine learning techniques, such as Fuzzy-TOPSIS, Monte Carlo simulations and Sobol sensitivity analysis, have demonstrated the effectiveness of KMB fertilizers for K5B isolates. The Taylor diagram further aids in selecting the most accurate method for predicting outcomes within the dataset. The findings of this study suggest that bio-interventions using KMB with muscovite and biotite hold significant potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional potassium fertilizers. Machine learning and statistical modeling confirm the effectiveness of KMB strains, opening new pathways for advancing biofertilizer use in agriculture to boost soil health and crop productivity. In modern agriculture, these tools enable data-driven, precise, and sustainable farming practices that enhance yields reduce environmental impact, and help farmers adapt to changing conditions.

The Influence of Poultry Manure Application on Eggplant (Solanum Aethiopicum L.) Tolerance to Weed Interference

Garden egg is a vegetable valued for its nutritional and economic benefits. Its production is often constrained by poor soil fertility and weed competition interference. Improving soil fertility could enhance crop tolerance to weed competition. Therefore, this study investigates the influence of poultry manure (PM) on garden egg's resilience against weed competition. In a 4×2 factorial combination, PM at 0, 15, 30, and 45 kg N/ha represented as control, low, moderate, and high soil fertility conditions, respectively, and weed management (weedy check and regular weeding) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Garden egg (L01 variety) seedlings were transplanted at 40,000 plants/ha. Data on growth and yield were subjected to ANOVA, and significantly different means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test at p<0.05. The results showed that applying 45 kg N/ha of PM significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, and canopy spread compared to the other treatments in the first and second seasons. Variations in the growth parameters observed were significant (p < 0.05) for weed control. Weeded plots had 1274.67 and 1359.98 cm² leaf area, while non-weeded plots had 862.89 and 905.16 during the first and second seasons, respectively. The combination of 45 kg N/ha and regular weeding resulted in the highest fruit yield (6502.47 and 6004.10 kg/ha) and the lowest in the control treatment (0.00 and 125.00 kg/ha) in the first and second seasons, respectively. Applying poultry manure at 45 kg N/ha, with regular weeding, is more effective for garden egg production.

Performance of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) as Affected by Biochar and Pig Manure Applications

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is an important vegetable valued for its nutritional and health benefits. The intensification of available land for cultivation has led to fertility depletion and low crop yield. Biochar is increasingly recognized as a soil amendment, while pig manure enhances crop quality and soil health. This study aimed to determine the effects of biochar and pig manure on eggplant performance. A 3×4 factorial combination of biochar levels (0, 2.5, and 5 t/ha) and fertilizer levels (0, 30, 60 kg N/ha of pig manure and 60 kg N/ha urea as a check) was evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Eggplant (MERDAN 465 F1) seedlings were transplanted at 60 cm × 50 cm spacing. The results revealed that applying 5 t/ha of biochar and 60 kg N/ha of urea resulted in a significant increase in eggplant growth compared to the other treatments. Fruit yield was significantly higher with the application of 5 t/ha of biochar (2872.2 kg/ha) than with 0 t/ha (939.5 kg/ha) but similar to 2.5 t/ha (1931.1 kg/ha). Fruit yield for the biochar and fertilizer interaction ranged from 1462 kg/ha (5 t/ha biochar with 0 kg N/ha fertilizer) to 4450 kg/ha (5 t/ha biochar with 60 kg N/ha urea). However, the fruit yield for plants treated with 5 t/ha of biochar with 60 kg N/ha of urea was similar to that of 5 t/ha of biochar with 30 kg N/ha of pig manure application. Considering the environmental cost, applying 5 t/ha of biochar with 30 kg N/ha of pig manure was adequate for good eggplant performance.

Effect of Rates of Cow Dung and NPK on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Southern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

This study evaluates the effects of various application rates of cow dung and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in the Southern Guinea Savanna region. The experiment was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), the experimental treatment included five levels of cow dung (control, 3, 6, 9 and 12tons/ha) and five levels of NPK fertilizer (control, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) with three replications. Data were collected on growth attributes such as vine length, leaf area, number of branches, and on fruit characteristics such as number for fruits, fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit yield. Results indicated that the application of NPK at 200 kg/ha significantly enhanced most growth parameters, including vine length, leaf area, and fruit yield, owing to the immediate nutrient availability it provides. Cow dung, particularly at 12 tons/ha, also positively influenced growth and yield, though its effects were more gradual due to its slower nutrient release. The study concludes that while NPK fertilizer offers rapid growth and yield improvements, cow dung presents a sustainable alternative by enhancing soil fertility and supporting long-term productivity. Recommendations suggest a balanced application of both NPK and cow dung to optimize cucumber growth while maintaining soil health.

Declining Outcrossing Rates Inside Orchard Blocks of ‘Maluma’ and ‘Shepard’ Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) Trees: Effects on Fruit Yield and Quality

Many rapidly expanding food crops, including avocado (Persea americana Mill.), are dependent on animal pollination but there is a growing shortfall in global pollinator supply. Avocado flowers are insect-pollinated and yields of the main cultivar, ‘Hass’, are often pollen-limited, especially in the middle of single-cultivar orchard blocks, where there is limited deposition of cross-pollen from another cultivar. We analysed two avocado cultivars of alternate flowering types, ‘Maluma’ (Type A) and ‘Shepard’ (Type B), using SNP-based DNA markers to identify the pollen parent of fruit at different distances from the other cultivar. We aimed to determine whether the numbers of cross-fertilised fruit and tree yields decline at increasing distances from a cross-pollen source, and whether cross-fertilised fruit are larger than self-fertilised fruit. We found that the number of cross-fertilised fruit produced by each tree declined in the middle of the blocks of each cultivar. Trees in the middle of the ‘Maluma’ block compensated for low levels of cross-pollination by producing more self-fertilised fruit, and their yields did not appear to be pollen-limited. However, yields in the middle of the ‘Shepard’ block declined by 25% as a direct result of a 43% reduction in the number of cross-fertilised fruit produced by each tree. ‘Shepard’ trees did not compensate for poor cross-pollination by producing more self-fertilised fruit. Cross-fertilisation of ‘Maluma’ by ‘Shepard’ increased fruit mass by 8% and cross-fertilisation of ‘Shepard’ by ‘Hass’ increased fruit mass by 5%, compared with self-fertilisation. Our results confirm that yields of avocado trees are sometimes, but not always, pollen-limited. Low levels of both self-pollination and cross-pollination resulted in pollen limitation of yield in the middle of the ‘Shepard’ block, but high levels of self-pollination were sufficient to generate high yields in the middle of the ‘Maluma’ block. Closer interplanting of Type A and Type B avocado cultivars increases the opportunities for cross-pollination, which can often increase tree yield and fruit size, and improve the financial returns for growers. Improving the pollination efficiency of foraging insects by providing them with the optimal pollen genotypes is increasingly important as we experience a growing demand for managed pollinators and a declining abundance of wild pollinators.

Impact of Solanum Torvum Rootstocks on Grafted and Non-Grafted Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Cultivars

This study evaluated the growth, yield, and fruit quality of grafted and non-grafted tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars under protected cultivation. Conducted from March to July 2024 at Bhattarai Shiva Shakti Krishi Farm, Bhaktapur, Nepal, the experiment used two cultivars, Heemsikhar and Srijana, as scions grafted onto Solanum torvum (wild brinjal) rootstock. Four treatments— T1: Grafted Heemsikhar, T2: Control Heemsikhar, T3: Grafted Srijana, and T4: Control Srijana—were put in a randomized complete block design with five replications. Key parameters, including plant growth, fruit yield, and quality traits such as firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), sugar-acid ratio, and vitamin C content, were assessed. Grafting significantly improved fruit yield, TA, and vitamin C content but had no effect on plant height, stem diameter, fruit firmness, TSS, or sugar-acid ratio. The T3 (Grafted Srijana) treatment yielded the highest fruit weight, with 129.60 g/plant in the first harvest and 121.30 g/plant in the second. T1 (Grafted Heemsikhar) followed, with yields of 112.01 g/plant and 84.60 g/plant at the respective harvests. T3 also recorded the highest TA and vitamin C content, highlighting its potential for enhancing both yield and nutritional quality. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing tomato cultivation through grafting and offer practical recommendations for improving productivity and fruit quality under protected conditions.

Evaluation of Winter Squash Cultivars for Resistance to Whitefly-Transmitted Viruses in Georgia, 2023

Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV), cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), and cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), are the predominant whitefly-transmitted viruses (WTVs) that occur as mixed infections in cucurbit crops in southern Georgia. Mixed infection symptoms include leaves curling, crumpling, yellowing and plant stunting. This study evaluated ten commercial hybrid winter squash cultivars for resistance to WTVs in open field under natural virus disease pressure at the University of Georgia, Tifton Campus, during the fall-season of 2023. This study found no complete resistance to WTV among cultivars but identified variations in their tolerance levels and fruit yield performance.

Evaluation of Papaya Cultivars in the Valley of Les Cayes, Haiti

Papaya is one of the most nutritionally and economically important fruits grown in Haiti. A field experiment was conducted at Ducis, in the Valley of Les Cayes, South Haiti, to evaluate six commercial papaya cultivars (Red Lady# 786, Gold Maradol, Red Maradol, Hawaiian Solo Sunrise, Tainung#1, and Known You #1) and two local accessions (CA 1208-1, CA 1310-1) for plant vigor, fruit yield, and tolerance to papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). The experimental layout was a randomized complete block design of eight papaya cultivars in three replications. The experimental unit comprised a row of 5 papaya plants spaced 2.5 m within and between the rows. The variables measured were stem diameter, plat height, disease index, and fruit yield. There was no significant difference between the papaya cultivars for stem diameter (P-value = 0.426818), but there were significant differences for plant height (P-value = 0.00559), disease index (P-value = 0.0464), and fruit yield (P-value = 0.000101). The papaya cultivar Tainung #1 (33124.27 kg·ha-1), followed by Known You #1 (22813.33 kg·ha-1), had the highest fruit yield while the cultivar Gold Maradol (Disease Index = 1.80) had the highest tolerance to PRSV at 6 months after planting.

Performance of Different Varieties of Mango in North Gujarat Condition under Different Plant Spacing

The study was conducted to evaluate the performance of different varieties of Mango in North Gujarat condition under different plant spacing during 2008-2023 at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat. Accordingly, Kesar, Totapuri, Dashehari, Mallika and Amrapali varieties were planted in year 2008 at spacing of 4 m x 4 m, 5 m x 5 m, 6 m x 6 m and 7 m x 7 m. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications and twenty treatment combinations. The different growth and yield parameters were recorded in terms of plant spread, plant height, plant stem girth, fruit yield plant-1 and fruit yield hectare-1 as observations. The experimental results revealed that, individually, Dashehari variety recorded maximum plant spread (E-W and N-S) (7.05 m and 7.17 m respectively), stem girth (91.92 cm) and Kesar variety recorded maximum plant height (7.54 m), while in case of planting spacing 7 m x 7 m recorded maximum plant spread (E-W and N-S) (7.53 m and 7.55 m respectively), plant height (7.01 m) and stem girth (90.07 cm) after 15th year of planting. With regard to yield parameters, Kesar variety planted at 4 m x 4 m spacing found superior and reported highest fruit yield hectare-1 (11875.00 kg) whereas, highest fruit yield plant-1 (32.73 kg) was observed with 7 m x 7 m spacing after 15th year of planting. Hence, kesar variety planted at 4 m x 4 m spacing found suitable for North Gujarat condition.

Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Rates on the Citrus Leaf, Soil Nutrient Concentrations, Fruit Yield, and Postharvest Quality of HLB-affected Sweet Orange

Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Rates on the Citrus Leaf, Soil Nutrient Concentrations, Fruit Yield, and Postharvest Quality of HLB-affected Sweet Orange

The Post-Invasion Population Dynamics and Damage Caused by Globose Scale in Central Eurasia: Destiny of Wild Apricot Still at Stake

The globose scale (GS) Sphaerolecanium prunastri (Boyer de Fonscolombe) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is a serious pest affecting plants within the Rosaceae, notably wild apricot, Armeniaca vulgaris (Lamarck). Following its initial detection in 2019, more than 80% of valleys with wild apricots have become affected in the Ili River Basin of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China. This study assessed GS population dynamics post invasion and its effects on the growth and reproductive traits of wild apricot trees from 2019 to 2024. Nymph densities have decreased but remain high, with densities per 20 cm of shoots of 986 (1st-instar nymphs) and 120 (2nd-instar nymphs) in 2024, respectively. Damage has declined, with high damage rankings decreasing from 24% to 11% of wild apricot trees. However, the mortality of trees was higher (25%) in infested than non-infested areas (13%). Interestingly, GS feeding stimulated the growth of spring shoots but significantly reduced the reproductive capacity of wild apricots. Heavily infested trees exhibited increased shoot length (2–3 times), decreased fruit yield (20-fold), lower flowering percentage (8-fold), and reduced flower bud density (2-fold) compared to non-infested trees. Overall, despite a decrease in damage severity, wild apricot forests remain threatened by GS. Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies is essential for effective GS management and the recovery of wild apricot forests.

Influence of Vermicompost and Biofertilizers on Vegetative Growth and Yield of Dragon Fruit

An experiment was carried out in the Department of Fruit Science, C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) for evaluating the Influence of vermicompost and biofertilizers on vegetative growth and yield newly planted Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costarecencis) in Kanpur region using eleven treatments in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Data analyses revealed that in the second year after planting, growth and yield of dragon fruit were influenced by the use of vermicompost and biofertilizers. The maximum increase in plant length (37.93 cm), number of segments per plant (2.53), number of areoles per segment (9.13), number of spines per areole (0.62), distance between areoles (0.67 cm), stem thickness (0.47 cm), stem circumference (1.34 cm) and number of new sprouts per plant (3.97) was obtained under treatment T9. The highest number of fruits per pillar (12.64) and fruit yield (2.60 kg/pillar) were found with the treatment of T11 during the second year. Dragon fruit has high potential and is remunerative in the second year and onwards in north Indian conditions.

Combining Organic and Foliar Fertilization to Enhance Soil Fertility and Mitigate Physiological Disorders of Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) Fruit in the Tropics

Physiological disorders (PDs) in durian lead to reduced commodity prices; therefore, reducing the PD rate in durian enhances the fruit’s value and farmers’ profits. Nutrient and soil management may affect the PD rate during fruit development. Herein, we used amendments such as organic manure (OM) and foliar fertilization (FF) applications to reduce the PD rate and improve the soil health and fruit yield of durian. This study was conducted in three durian orchards in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta from 2022 to 2024. The treatments were as follows: (i) control (unamended), (ii) OM, (iii) FF, and (iv) OM + FF. N−P−K fertilizers (0.45 kg of N, 0.45 kg of P, and 0.45 kg of K per tree) were uniformly applied to all durian trees. We measured the characteristics of the soil, such as the soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available phosphorus (AP), and exchangeable cations (K+ and Ca2+). The leaf nutrient (K and Ca) content, fruit yield (kg tree−1), and fruit quality (PD rate, total soluble solids (TSS), and aril color characteristics) were also recorded. Our study indicates that OM + FF increased soil pH and SOC, AP, and exchangeable cations (K+ and Ca2+). In addition, the K and Ca concentrations in durian leaves increased by approximately 4% using OM + FF. Combining OM and FF decreased the PD rate of durian fruit (>85%) compared with the control. This practice increased the fruit quality TSS (13%), color, proportion of arils, and fruit yield (~10%) compared with conventional practice (control). Overall, using OM and FF contributed to improving durian production and values. Therefore, we recommend that farmers who cultivate durian apply OM + FF to their orchards to enhance soil health, fruit quality, and yield.

Population structure, phonological characteristics, and fruit yield potential of Ximenia americana in Quara district Alitash National Park West Gondar Zone of Ethiopia

X. americana L. is an important and multipurpose woody plant tree species. Due to the multipurpose uses of the species, it is over-exploited by the nearby communities for different purposes. Additionally, the species also have poor seed viability, and seed germination as well as insufficient pollination caused by long distances between male and female trees. This research was hypothesized whether there was a good distribution and regeneration status of X. americana or not based on the diameter class distribution. This study aimed to examine the population structure, phenological attributes, and fruit yield potential of X. americana in Quara district, Northwestern Ethiopia. The study was carried out by establishing 30 sample plots (20 m × 20 m) systematically. Further, 10 × 10 m subplots were laid out under the main plot quadrants for sapling and seedling count. Thirty reproductively matured trees with easily visible crowns were selected to record phenological characteristics and fruit yield. Quantitative data were determined by computing density, frequency, dominance, importance value index, and Pearson correlation. The findings revealed that X. americana appeared in the study area at about 488.33 population densities per hectare. An inverted J-shaped diameter class distribution was observed. X. americana flower initiation starts in March and sheds its fruit at the end of June. On average, 12.26 kg of fruits per tree were recorded with a maximum of fruits in mid-diameter size class trees. To ensure the species sustainably in the area, anthropogenic factors like deliberate fire, deforestation, and overgrazing should be properly managed.

Evaluation of Mean Performance in Agronomic and Quality Traits of Bottle Gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina)Standl.] Genotypes

An experiment was conducted at the Experimental Field of Urban Technological Park (Habbak), Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, during Kharif-2023 to assess forty-one phenotypically diverse bottle gourd genotypes, including two checks, Pusa Naveen and Pusa Santushti, for different agronomic and quality traits. The experiment was laid out in single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all the traits. The highest fruit yield per hectare was found in SKUA-BG-35 (714.58 q), SKUA-BG-29 (654.36 q), and SKUA-BG-23 (621.77 q). The lowest fruit yield per hectare was obtained in Pusa Naveen (221.21 q), SKUA-BG-36 (237.20 q), and SKUA-BG-14 (316.61 q). The mean fruit yield per hectare over all genotypes was 485.74 q.

Effect of Rain-Shelter Cultivation on Yield and Fruit Quality of Container-Grown Rabbiteye Blueberry in Central-Eastern China

The fruit ripening season for the rabbiteye blueberry often coincides with periods of heavy rainfall in central–eastern China. The use of rain shelters to protect fruit from rainfall damage has increased worldwide due to global climate anomalies. However, the effects of rain-shelter cultivation on the photosynthesis and fruit characteristics of the rabbiteye blueberry have not yet been fully explored. In the present study, 4-year-old container-grown rabbiteye blueberry plants were covered with polyethylene (PE) film from the berry coloration stage until fruit were harvested for three consecutive years in Nanjing, China. The results showed that rain-shelter cultivation did not affect the air temperature and relative humidity, but significantly reduced the photosynthetically active radiation and UV radiation reaching the canopy zone. However, the rain shelter conditions did not significantly decrease the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), and transpiration rate (E) of the rabbiteye blueberry leaves. Additionally, the fruit yield and berry weight of blueberries cultivated under the rain shelter were not significantly affected. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in total soluble solids, acidity, and total flavonoids content between fruits grown under the rain shelter and in the open field in all experimental years, but a significant decrease in total polyphenols and anthocyanins content was observed in fruits grown under the rain shelter in years with less rainfall. Our results suggest that simple rain shelter cultivation did not noticeably affect the photosynthesis and fruit yield of container-grown rabbiteye blueberry in rainy areas of central–eastern China, but its effects on the fruit quality vary depending on rainfall during the fruit ripening period.

Assessment of genetic variability for intraspecific hybrid derived from muskmelon and Mangalore melon (Arka Siri × SS-17)

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is a globally valued crop, particularly under hot and dry weather. Its nutritional richness and culinary versatility make it a significant horticultural commodity. However, challenges in shelf life motivate genetic enhancements, including cross-breeding with Mangalore melon (culinary melons) known for their extended shelf life. Understanding genetic variability, heritability, and gene action is pivotal for targeted breeding. The F3 generation of the intraspecific cross Arka Siri x SS-17 was studied for quantitative traits like vine length, fruit attributes, yield parameters, and shelf life. The significant variation observed in fruit yield, average fruit weight, and shelf life within the F3 families provides a diverse genetic pool from which superior lines can be selected and bred for improved Muskmelon varieties. Traits like vine length, fruit length, and average fruit weight showed strong genetic basis with high heritability and genetic advance and hence could be improved by direct selection. Fruit width and flesh thickness were observed to have a positive correlation with yield. Average fruit weight emerged as a key trait directly impacting yield, guiding breeding strategies. Although shelf life showed negative correlations with some traits, its indirect effect on yield through average fruit weight suggests opportunities for improvement while maintaining or enhancing yield. The study highlights significant genetic variability in the hybrid population, particularly in traits influencing yield and shelf life. This information guides targeted breeding efforts to develop improved muskmelon varieties meeting market demands effectively. Keywords: Muskmelon, GCV, PCV, correlation

Harnessing heterosis in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

A study was undertaken to examine the extent of heterosis and to identify promising parents and superior crosses in eggplant for yield and its component traits. The experiment consisted of 36 hybrids generated by half diallel mating, nine parents and a standard check. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications at the research farm, School of Agriculture, LPU, Punjab, during the kharif season of 2022-2023. Analysis of mean squares for 10 traits revealed significant variations among the entries. Heterotic effects, including heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis, exhibited a broad range indicating extensive heterosis for various traits. The hybrid JBR-3 x JBR-5 proved to be the top performer, displaying the highest heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for total fruit yield per plant, followed by JBL-1 x JBR-5, JBR-4 x JBR-5, JBR-1 x JBR-5, and JBR-5 x JBR-6. The combination JBR-3 x JBR-5 showcased the highest positive and significant standard heterosis for total yield per plant (154.49%) and also exhibited notable negative heterosis for days to 50% flowering (-20.37%), days to first picking (-8.61%), and fruit borer infestation (-40.08%). These factors are vital for leveraging heterosis to improve earliness and resistance in brinjal cultivation. The F1 hybrid JBR-3 x JBR-5, demonstrating a notable capacity for high yield, holds promise for potential commercial cultivation after further assessment Keywords: Brinjal, Half-diallel, heterosis, fruit borer

Pyrus pyrifolia WRKY31 activates the ribosomal protein gene RPL12 to confer black spot resistance.

Pyrus pyrifolia WRKY31 activates the ribosomal protein gene RPL12 to confer black spot resistance.