Search

For precision agriculture, agricultural development planning, and regional food security, accurate crop mapping is essential. The GF-6 satellite offers novel approaches for crop identification. As Jinzhou, Hebei province, China, comprises a mix of grain and fruit trees, this research has selected the area for a case study. First, spectral, index, and texture features are combined in various classification feature schemes. Second, the random forest algorithm is employed to ascertain the significance of these features. Optimal features are then chosen to accurately identify winter wheat, summer maize, and pear orchards. Concurrently, land cover for wheat and maize seasons is mapped. The results demonstrate that: (1) multisource features considerably enhanced the accuracy of crop classification based on GF-6 WFV data. Among these, index features have the greatest contribution, followed by spectral features, while the contribution of texture features, is almost negligible. (2) The classification effect utilizing random forest feature optimization is superior, with an overall accuracy of 94% and a kappa coefficient of 0.91. The extracted land area for each scheme exhibits an accuracy of over 70% when compared to the statistical area. (3) The critical time phases for extracting winter wheat, summer maize, and pear orchards are identified as, in sequence, the leaf-out and jointing stage, the tasselling stage, the leaf-fall stage, fruit development, and the first flowering/full flowering stages. Based on GF-6 WFV data, these research findings will offer a technical reference for the identification of grain crops and the extraction of pear orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose content influences the flavour and quality of fruits. Sucrose synthase (SUS; EC 2.4.1.13) mediates the reversible conversion of uridine diphosphate and sucrose to uridine diphosphate-glucose and fructose. Although genome-wide analyses of SUS gene families exist for various species, such studies are lacking for pineapple. The specific SUS gene(s) involved in sucrose metabolism during pineapple development remain unknown. This study identified six SUS genes (AcSUS1–6) and analysed their chromosomal locations, synteny, structure, motif composition, sequence alignments, and phylogenetic relationships. Gene promoter analysis revealed a predominance of light-response elements in the AcSUS gene family. AcSUS1 was predominantly expressed in the peduncle, pericarp, and core, whereas AcSUS4 was highly expressed in the flesh. The levels of sucrose, glucose, and fructose increase during pineapple fruit development. Further gene expression analysis indicated that AcSUS2, AcSUS3, and AcSUS5 were down-regulated during this period. These results suggest that AcSUS2, AcSUS3, and AcSUS5 may modulate sucrose breakdown in pineapple. This study contributes to our understanding of SUS gene function in regulating sucrose metabolism and offers valuable theoretical guidance for the genetic improvement of pineapples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective nutrient management necessitates monitoring of nutrient requirement, extent and timing of nutrient supply during the fruit development. To achieve a good nutrient balance and its impact on fruit quality, study of nutrient dynamics is of utmost importance as it provides an intriguing stratagem to control tree nutrient status. The research aimed at investigating seasonal patterns of nutrient concentrations in leaves and fruits of apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cv Silver Spur on various clonal rootstocks (MM106, M4 and M9) during the year 2019–2020 and their impact on fruit quality. For this purpose collection of leaf and fruit samples commenced from one month after full bloom (May 15) until harvesting (September 18) at an interval of twenty one days and samples were evaluated for both macro and micro-nutrients {Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Boron (B)} and quality characteristics. In general, concentration of N, P, K and B declined continuously in both leaf and fruit toward the end of fruit maturation, whereas leaf Ca and Mg augmented along the cycle, however fruit Ca and Mg increased up to first fruit development stage and then decreased again signifying nutrient dilution along growing season and its effect on fruit quality. With respect to rootstocks, semi-vigorous rootstock MM106 recorded higher values for leaf and fruit nutrient concentrations as compared to dwarf M9 and semi-dwarf M4 rootstocks specifying a significant effect of rootstocks on nutrient absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose synthase (SUS) is one of the most important enzymes catalysing the synthesis and cleavage of sucrose, and it also plays a crucial role in multiple plant biological processes. However, SUS has been scarcely reported in banana which accumulates large amounts of starch in its fruit. In this genome-wide study on banana, nine SUS genes were identified in each of the two subgenomes (A and B) for the first time, which were clustered into three distinct groups. Those in the group II underwent further duplications. In the transcriptome analysis of Baxijiao (BX, AAA) and Fenjiao (FJ, ABB) banana, four MaSUSs (MaSUS-2.1, -2.2, -2.3, and -3.2) and five MbSUSs (MbSUS-2.1, -2.2, -2.3, -2.4, and -3.2) were expressed during fruit development, with MaSUS2.2/MbSUS2.2 being the most highly expressed. Transient overexpression of MaSUS2.2 resulted in a significant increase in its transcription, which was consistent with significantly enhanced starch content in banana fruits. Its function was further identified by its transient silencing expression in banana fruit discs, which led to a significant reduction in total starch content. Taken together, the results show that multiple SUS genes, especially SUS2.2, play an important role in starch accumulation in banana fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's unprecedented economic growth in recent decades can largely be attributed to millions of migrant labourers that made China the 'world's factory'. It is well documented, however, that migrant labourers experience discrimination in the labour market. Despite China's phenomenal economic growth, few studies have investigated whether the working conditions of low-skilled migrants have improved. In this study, we ask: in the past two decades, have disparities in working conditions and earnings between low-skilled rural-to-urban migrant workers and their urban counterparts decreased? We contrast the working conditions and earnings between migrants and urban residents who lack a high school degree and age 18-55 years using panel data, the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1993-2015), and individual fixed effects models to account for selection problems. Findings indicate that over a span of twenty years migrants and urban residents had similar trends in employment and earned incomes, but migrants' weekly working hours and tendency to work more than legal work hours increased more than urban residents'. Working longer without earning more suggests persistent social inequality in Chinese society in general and deeper injustice among migrant workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of small fruits has increased in recent years. Besides their appealing flavor, the commercial success of small fruits has been partially attributed to their high contents of phenolic compounds with multiple health benefits. The phenolic profiles and contents in small fruits vary based on the genetic background, climate, growing conditions, and post-harvest handling techniques. in this review, we critically compare the profiles and contents of phenolics such as anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acids that have been reported in bilberries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, black and red currants, raspberries, and strawberries during fruit development and post-harvest storage. This review offers researchers and breeders a general guideline for the improvement of phenolic composition in small fruits while considering the critical factors that affect berry phenolics from cultivation to harvest and to final consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on changes in physico-chemical parameters of fruit on eight ber cultivars viz. Chhuhara, Chinese, Kalagola, Nazuk, Sanaur-2, Sanaur-4, Umran and ZG-2 was conducted at Horticulture Research Centre, Patharchatta, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand, India during the season of 2017–18 and 2018–19. The experiment was laid out in two factors Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Sampling dates and cultivars were considered as the treatments. There were 11 sampling dates ranging from 28 to 168 days after full bloom (DAFB), with observations taken at biweekly interval. In pooled data at 168 DAFB, Sanaur-2 recorded the maximum (6.89) pH while the minimum (6.62) in Kalagola. Umran recorded the maximum (83.55) ascorbic acid while the minimum ascorbic acid content was found in Sanaur-4 (66.50). Chhuhara recorded the maximum (9.31) total sugars while the minimum (7.55) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (4.45) reducing sugars while the minimum (3.19) in Kalagola. Chinese recorded the maximum (5.08) non-reducing sugars while the minimum (4.06) in Umran. Chhuhara recorded the maximum (138.38) TSS: acid ratio (Total soluble solids: acid ratio) and minimum (75.78) in Kalagola. The findings therefore imply that matured ber could be used for naturally occurring antioxidants and that the advanced ripening stage is the best time to collect fruit for fresh consumption or for commercial processing. Breeders will be helped by these kinds of studies to create new breeding programmes, find potential cultivars for breeding, and choose the best time to harvest for domestic and international markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature affects the growth and development of strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.). This review examines the effect of temperature on fruit growth from the published literature. Higher temperatures under global warming will result in lower yields and smaller, less sweet berries in the future. Warm weather has a negative impact on the size of the flowers, germination of the pollen and on carbon assimilation, which all contribute to the production of smaller fruit. The relationship between fruit weight and temperature was assessed across studies. The slope from the linear regression ranged from − 0.11 to − 5.00, with a median of − 0.96, and a mean (± s.d. or standard deviation) of − 1.32 ± 1.22 (N = 23 studies). Differences in the response reflect variations in cultivars, yields, the structure of the inflorescence and the period used to assess growth. There were strong linear relationships between the number of stamens per flower (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.62) and the number of carpels per flower (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.77), and the size of the flowers. There were strong relationships between the size of the fruit at harvest and the size of the flowers at anthesis (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.76; P < 0.001, R2 = 0.86). High temperatures during flower development decreased the size of the flowers (8.5 mm × 4.8 mm at 15°C and 6.0 mm × 3.7 mm at 25°C) and the number of carpels (achenes) per flower (P = 0.023, R2 = 0.29; and P = 0.003, R2 = 0.59). High temperatures decreased the period of floral differentiation (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.90) and the size of the fruit at harvest (P = 0.024, R2 = 0.99; P = 0.032, R2 = 0.99). The percentage of pollen grains which germinated was higher from 20° to 30°C, with lower germination at lower or higher temperatures. The slope from the linear regression between the fruit development period (FDP) and temperature ranged from − 0.77 to − 2.93, with a median of − 1.70, and a mean of − 1.71 ± 0.72 (N = 15 studies). Net CO2 assimilation was similar from 20° to 30°C, and only lower under extreme conditions (N = 15 studies). Respiration in the leaves increased with warm days and nights (P = 0.003 or 0.004, R2 = 0.95 or 0.94), while respiration in the fruit increased exponentially from 10° to 36°C (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.99). The effect of temperature on fruit growth in the field is confounded by changes in the structure of the inflorescences, with smaller fruit in the later inflorescences than in the first inflorescence (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.85, 0.82 or 0.89). The production of small fruit during warm weather is associated with smaller flowers and fewer stamens, germinated pollen grains, carpels and achenes in each flower or fruit. Warm conditions increase respiration in the leaves and the fruit. Fruit weight is moderately heritable, with a mean broad-sense heritability (H2) of 0.44 ± 0.23 (N = 11 studies) and a mean narrow-sense heritability (h2) of 0.45 ± 0.22 (N = 28 studies). High temperatures accelerate the development of the flowers and decrease the size of flowers and fruit. Efforts should be made to develop cultivars with acceptable fruit size under hot conditions. Genome-wide association (GWA) and genomic prediction (GP) will accelerate the identification of large-fruited populations and individuals under global warming. These studies should examine the genes associated with cell division and expansion during the development of the flowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphus mauritiana is a drought and salinity-tolerant crop and one of India's most crucial arid fruit trees. The present study evaluated the fruit development of ber based on durational advancement in eight different cultivars, viz. Chhuhara, Chinese, Kalagola, Nazuk, Sanaur-2, Sanaur-4, Umran, and ZG-2. The developmental stages were chosen based on the number of days after full bloom: these stages included 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, 112, 126, 140, 154, and 168 days after full bloom. With the advancement in fruit development, fruit firmness continued to decline till 168 days after full bloom. Total carotenoid content and flavonoid content were observed to increase as maturity progressed, but phenolic content decreased. The total antioxidant activity was also found to increase over time. Significant varietal differences were observed in the developmental changes in the quality attributes. To find optimized maturity time, varieties were grouped into four similar clusters. A normalized average maturity index was developed for each cluster. Depending upon the developed maturity index, a harvesting duration of 154 days after full bloom was found suitable for all tested varieties except ZG-2, for which 140 days after full bloom was found ideal as time for commercial harvest. The current experiment simplifies the complex maturity indices to a single harvesting time for each varietal cluster to act as ready recommendations to fruit growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was conducted on guava cv. Lalit spaced at 2 m × 1.5 m in meadow plant-soil interface during two consecutive rainy seasons of 2017 and 2018. Foliar application of humic acid was carried out at bud burst stage in two different levels i.e. 30 ml/L (HA30) and 60 ml/L (HA60), bio-inoculants were applied to the rhizosphere of the trees at two combinations, B1: PSB @ 10 ml/plant + Azotobacter chroococcum @ 10 g/plant, and B2: PGPR @ 25 ml/plant + AM fungi @ 25 g/plant along with reduced recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of N:P:K (360:740:200) i.e. 90 per cent of RDF (NPK90) and 80 per cent of RDF (NPK80). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with eight treatment combinations, replicated thrice along with a control. The results showed that application of humic acid at 60 ml/L along with each of PSB and A. chroococcum at 10 ml/plant along with 80 per cent of NPK resulted in growth and fruiting over control. This combination also recorded significant increase in fruit set with marked reduction in fruit drop. Fruit yield was 1.89 times compared to control. Both physical and biochemical fruit quality traits were also significantly affected by this conjoint application. Microbial biomass in terms of actinomycetes, A. chroococcum, PSB and AM fungi were also tremendously increased compared to control. This combination also exhibited considerably greater amount of leaf N (2.55%), leaf P (0.24%) and leaf K (1.32%) under meadow plant-soil interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Argan tree (Argania spinosa (L.) (Skeels)) is a woody species endemic to Algeria (Tindouf region mostly) and Morocco. It is a plant species of oleo-agro-sylvo-pastoral and ecological importance as it contributes to the fight against desertification and climate change. Moreover, the seed is used for extracting oil, which has high dietic and cosmetic qualities. In this work, the fruit harvest period and Argania spinosa productivity are related to the phenological process of flowering and fruiting. Our results show that the experimental argan trees of Mostaganem bloom late to be pollinated in the spring and remain dormant throughout the summer, in contrast to the endemic Tindouf trees that bloom early in September, bear fruit and ripen in the same season. This explains why that the fruits of the Tindouf region are the richest compared to the fruits of the other two regions. Our study shows that the pulp always contains more than almonds, as the oil was extracted and analyzed, the pulp is the fraction richest in phenols, while almond is the poorest fraction (3.43 ± 0.72 mg/g, 1.34 ± 0.03 mg/g), the same thing goes for the total flavonoid content (9 ± 0.5 mg/g, 2.83 ± 0.14 mg/g). The greatest activity was recorded in the fruits of Tindouf. As for the components of the fruit, the highest activity was recorded in the pulps then the almonds and the lowest in the oil (502 ± 11.42 g, 216 ± 8.43 g, 174 ± 3.61 g), respectively. Concerning primary metabolites, the fruit is rich (the almond is rich in proteins, the pulp is rich in sugar and the oil is rich in lipids). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GRAS protein family encodes a family of plant-specific transcription factors that have diverse and significant functions in regulating plant development and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Our study represents the comprehensive identification and comparison of GRAS protein family genes in the Rosaceae. Here, 535 GRAS genes were screened from eight Rosaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that whole-genome duplication (WGD) events and dispersed duplication events were the major mechanisms promoting the expansion of the GRAS protein family in these Rosaceae species. Furthermore, selection pressure caused by different duplication events indicates that GRAS genes were mainly under purifying selection during the evolution process, suggesting that strong functional restriction affected the evolution of GRAS genes. Analysis of gene expression patterns and qRT-PCR assays showed that GRAS genes were widely participating in the development of pear and that expression could be tissue-specific. In particular, further analysis indicated that Pbr010864.1 and Pbr024549.1 might be two important candidate genes during anthocyanin biosynthesis in pear. Our study is the first to perform a comprehensive analysis of the GRAS genes in pear and other Rosaceae species. These results presented here provide profitable information for understanding the process of the GRAS genes evolution and the possible improvement of pear fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schizophyllum commune has emerged as the most promising model mushroom to study developmental stages (mycelium, primordium), which are two primary processes of fruit body development. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been proved to participate in fruit development and sex differentiation in fungi. However, potential lncRNAs have not been identified in S. commune from mycelium to primordium developmental stages. In this study, lncRNA-seq was performed in S. commune and 61.56 Gb clean data were generated from mycelium and primordium developmental stages. Furthermore, 191 lncRNAs had been obtained and a total of 49 lncRNAs were classified as differently expressed lncRNAs. Additionally, 26 up-regulated differently expressed lncRNAs and 23 down-regulated between mycelium and primordia libraries were detected. Further, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs target genes from the MAPK pathway, phosphatidylinositol signal, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, autophagy, and cell cycle. This study provides a new resource for further research on the relationship between lncRNA and two developmental stages (mycelium, primordium) in S. commune. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of Colletotrichum latent infections during fruit development was evaluated in south-eastern and south-central agroclimatic regions of Uruguay, in Arbequina, Coratina and Picual cultivars. Colletotrichum latent infections were present at all stages of olive fruit development, with a substantially higher incidence in the south-eastern (60.5%) than the south-central region (1.2%). The south-eastern had substantially greater number of days with high relative humidity (>80%) and light rainfall (<5 mm) alone or combined with abundant rainfall and mean temperature ranging from 20 to 30 °C. Arbequina and Picual presented the highest incidence of Colletotrichum latent infections under Uruguayan agroclimatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit development, following pollination, involves a cell division stage, followed by cell expansion. A major challenges to study each individual stages is the limitations imposed by analyses of fruit development on the plant. Rapid growing cell culture systems that differentiate could be used to identify and understand the molecular control of each of these processes in vitro. In this study, an apple cell culture was initiated from the widely characterised 'Royal Gala' cultivar. The established apple cell culture was used to develop a screening system to assess the effect of different hormones on cell differentiation, which then were characterised at molecular and cellular levels. Three different hormone pairs were screened to determine the optimal for cell expansion on actively dividing cells. Using this strategy, we were able to reproduce, in vitro, the first two stages of apple fruit cell differentiation, cell division and expansion, which was correlated with changes in genes expression of specific markers for those two stages, a cyclin-dependent kinase gene (CDKB2;2) and an expansion gene (EXP3). The cell culture provides a unique tool and opportunity to study the effect of plant hormones on cell differentiation and will allow to decipher the molecular mechanism of apple fruit development irrespective of y. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of silicon (Si) in the nutrient solution on the fruit development of 2-year-old blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Ventura) was studied. Si was applied to the nutrient solution at a dose of 0.0, 0.6, and 1.2 mM. The parameters of fruit, stems and leaves growth, firmness, and biomass were measured. Fertigation in conjunction with traditional spread fertilization could improve the growth and yield of highbush blueberry to find the optimal method to control decay and prolong the quality of blueberries after harvest. The blueberry fruit has a light-blue appearance because its blue-black skin is covered with a waxy bloom. This layer is easily damaged or removed during fruit harvesting and postharvest handling. Si enhances the resistance of this layer to damage. A 2-year study was done to compare the effects of silicon fertigation and silicean sand and coir fiber as substrates on growth and availability of nutrients for blueberry plants during establishment of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. "Bluecrop"). The results of experiment indicated that the application of Si had better benefit on the fruit growth of blueberry plants in coir fiber, than the effect that was observed in the sand substrate. The results should improve our understanding for better preservation of postharvest quality of blueberry fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of rutin on mycelial growth and fruiting of Hericium coralloides, Polyporus umbellatus, and Flammulina velutipes on sunflower husks and on agar nutrient media. On sunflower husks, rutin (300 mg/30 g husk) inhibits the mycelial growth of H. coralloides, but the formation of fruiting bodies of the fungus occurs 3 weeks earlier than on the substrate, where rutin was not used. In half of the cases with rutin, we observed two waves of fungus fruiting. The weight of fruiting bodies formed on sunflower husks with rutin was 2.5 times greater than the weight of fruiting bodies formed on sunflower husks without rutin. For P. umbellatus and F. velutipes, adding rutin (300 mg/30 g husk) confers no net benefit. On wort agar (WA), the addition of rutin at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 mg per Petri dish inhibits the mycelial growth of H. coralloides but stimulates the rapid emergence of the fungus fruiting bodies rudiments. For F. velutipes on WA, rutin accelerates the complete overgrowth of the fungus on the Petri dish twice as fast, but it is not effective for accelerating fruiting. Rutin does not stimulate the formation sclerotia of P. umbellatus. Due to the fact that rutin is a stimulant of fruiting bodies only for H. coralloides, we believe that the initiating mechanism causing fungal fruiting is not isolated only to rutin. However, it may be more widely effective in influencing growth in mycelium than is shown in this study due to a limited number of strains. Production of metabolites as a result of secondary synthesis need to be tested as do more strains/species from a diverse group of Agaricomycetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose plays a crucial role in plant growth and development. Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS, EC 2.4.1.14) is a key rate-limiting enzyme in the sucrose metabolism of plants. To date, the genome-wide identification, characterisation, and expression profile analysis of SPS gene families have been reported in many species but not in pineapple (Ananas comosus). In this study, five SPS genes (AcSPS1–5), which contained sucrose synthase, glucosyltransferase, and SPP-like conserved domains, were identified. The phylogenetic tree indicated that these AcSPS genes were divided into three clades, i.e. A, B, and C. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of AcSPS gene families were first examined in pineapple. Among all tissues, AcSPS2 had the highest expression in flesh. Meanwhile, AcSPS2 expression was significantly upregulated during fruit development. Furthermore, AcSPS2 expression, SPS activity, and sucrose content consistently increased with fruit development. These results may indicate that AcSPS2 played a major role in sucrose metabolism during fruit development. AcSPS5 was strongly expressed in the peduncle, pericarp, and core. On the basis of its abundant expression, AcSPS5 was speculated to play an important role in plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to developing production methods and increasing consumption levels, improvement of fruit quality has become a focus of research. Cytokinins are important hormones that affect fruit quality. In this study, exogenous KT (Kinetin) and BA (6-Benzylaminopurine) were applied 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days after pollination to study the effect of cytokinins on the quality of strawberry (Fragaria vesca) fruit. The results showed that exogenous KT and BA significantly increased the weight and soluble sugar content of strawberry fruit at late stages of fruit development (27 and 31 DAP). KT and BA treatments up-regulated the expression levels of FvePAL6, FveCHS, FveMYB1, and FveMYB10 at 31 DAP, thus increasing the anthocyanin content. At the red fruit stage, the anthocyanin content of fruits treated with KT and BA were 1.59 and 1.45 times, respectively, higher than that of the control. KT and BA elevated the levels of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and total phenolics. Also, KT and BA increased the content of myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. In addition, KT and BA reduced the relative contents of several aromatic substances. Our results indicate that KT and BA treatments had a significant effect on the improvement of strawberry fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field trial was conducted to study the effect of shoot pruning on growth, flowering and fruiting characteristics of different guava cultivars. The experiment was carried out during Jan. 2018 to June 2019. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven cultivars as treatments including L-49 (T1), Allahabad Safeda (T2), Baruipur (T3), Doodh Khaja (T4), Kafri (T5), Bhagalpur (T6) and Harichal (T7). Shoot pruning in guava is an alternative practice used to control the excessive growth and vigor of the plant. The plants were pruned from 120 cm above the ground level as heading back to facilitate the production of new shoots from below the cut point and allow the primary shoots. These results revealed that, guava cultivar baruipur was best in terms of number of primary shoots (58.17), length of primary shoots (135.82 cm) at 12 months after pruning, flowering percentage (66.11%) and better fruit characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild dioecious plant Corema album, endemic to the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, has potential to become a new crop and to integrate the berry fruit market. Due to its potential, the aim of this study was to propose a BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemical Industry) scale for the species. Based on field observation, the principal growth stages were described and sequentially established. Photographs and stereomicroscope acquisition software were used to illustrate the phenological stages of male and female plants. The scale includes seven principal stages starting with bud development (stage 0), followed by leaf development (Stage 1), main stem elongation (Stage 3), inflorescence emergence (Stage 5), flowering (Stage 6), fruit development (Stage 7) and ending with fruit maturation (stage 8), with mesostages for male and female inflorescence (stage 5) and flower development (stage 6). Through field observations carried out in plants in different growth conditions, the proposition of this extended BBCH scale was made, to have a standardized system for Corema album phenological stages. This study will have an application especially in fields of agronomy and plant breeding and will also be a stepping stone for the inclusion of this species as a novelty crop in a nearby future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds are important components that affect the taste and health-care function of walnuts. And phenolic compounds in walnut (Juglans sigillata Dode. cv. 'Qianhe 7') pellicles at three developmental stages were explored to identify their role. The results showed that the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activities in pellicles increased gradually during fruits development, and reached the maximum value at maturation period. Syringic acid, gallic acid, catechin, and rutin contents were highly significantly positively correlated with reducing power or highly significantly negatively correlated with IC50 of free radical scavenging activities. Gallic acid and rutin contents were highly significantly positively correlated with phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity. Total phenolic content, syringic acid, catechins, and rutin contents were highly significantly negatively correlated with cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) and 4-coumarate CoA ligase (4CL) activities. Ferulic acid content was highly significantly positively correlated with polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. Overall, PAL, C4H, 4CL and PPO were key enzymes in the metabolism of polyphenols, and they affected the antioxidant capacity of the pellicles by regulating the content of polyphenol during walnut fruit development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims at detecting Programmed Cell Death (PCD) related genes that were triggered by exogenous oxalic acid (OA) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the relative abundance of transcripts of four PCD-related genes in wild type (WT) plants resulted in increased expression levels during the time course of the treatment. The results of virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) lines corresponding to the two genes MEK2 and SGT1 retarded cell death under OA treatment for 24 h, while VIGS corresponding to the other two genes, e.g. BAK1 and plastocyanin resulted in an increased level of cell death. These results indicate that genes MEK2 and SGT1 showed apoptotic activity, while genes BAK1 and plastocyanin showed anti-apoptotic activity. It is speculated that knocking down MEK2 and SGT1 genes or over-expressing BAK1 and plastocyanin might be a possible way to retard the PCD machinery in tomato, thus can result in prolonged fruit setting time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the ethylene signalling pathway, EIN2 is an essential signal transducer linking ethylene perception on endoplasmic reticulum to transcriptional regulation in the nucleus, EIN3/EIL1 transcription factors initiate various responses leading to an ethylene response, and EBFs function in ethylene perception by regulating EIN3/EIL1 turnover. In this work, we isolated and characterised three EIN3 homologs (CpEIN3a, CpEIN3b, and CpEIL1), and two EBF homologs (CpEBF1 and CpEBF2) from papaya fruits. During the fruit development, the transcripts of all these genes were accumulated at a low level before reaching a maximum in the third month, then showed a decrease. Exogenous ethylene application and 1-MCP treatment had different effects on the expression of these genes. The correlations between various physiological characteristics with the gene expressions showed that CpEIN3b, CpEIL1, and CpEBF1/2 were negative regulators in terms of papaya fruit ripening under exogenous ethylene treatment while CpEIN3a was a positive one, CpEIN3a was negatively correlated with the respiration rate and ethylene production of papaya fruits under 1-MCP treatment. It is suggested that CpEIN2, CpEIN3a/b, CpEIL1, and CpEBF1/2 are development- and ripening-related genes in papaya fruits. These results provide new insights into the understanding of the ethylene signalling cascade in papaya fruit development and ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial cultivars of kiwifruit (Actinidia spp.) can have green-fleshed or yellow-fleshed fruit depending on their chlorophyll degradation ability. In recent years, an increasing number of yellow-fleshed cultivars have been bred in China. However, the mechanisms underlying the flesh colouration of these new cultivars remain elusive. In this study, the pigment contents of the yellow-fleshed cultivar 'Jinshi NO.1' were determined during fruit development, and RNA sequencing was conducted to screen for differentially expressed genes and identify potential candidates for pigment metabolism. The chlorophyll content continuously decreased from 0 days after full bloom (DAFB) (T1) to 189 DAFB (T4), resulting in a more than 30-fold change, while the contents of anthocyanins and carotenoids showed sharp decreases from T1 to 44 DAFB (T2) and remained stable thereafter. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that the chlorophyll contents were highly correlated with chlorophyll-degradation-related genes, especially three chlorophyll a/b-binding protein (CAB) genes and one stay-green gene (AcSGR1), but no carotenoid-related genes. Furthermore, these genes were found to be highly correlated with 15 transcription factors and 11 hub genes. These results indicate the important role of chlorophyll degradation in the colouration of 'Jinshi NO.1' and provide candidates for further functional characterisation and transcriptional regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Syzygium maire is an endemic tree in New Zealand and classified as critically endangered. The in situ populations of this species are further threatened by the incursion of myrtle rust. The biology and ecology of S. maire have not been well documented and limited information on seed development, effective germination and seed storage behaviour of S. maire are hampering ex situ conservation and restoration. In this study, we investigated fruit and seed development on S. maire populations growing at four sites and in different seasons, and used short-term seed storage protocols to investigate the storage potential of harvested seeds. Fruit development took 8–11 months with three of the four identified stages occurring during the warmer spring and summer months. Embryos were found to be viable from stage two, but seedlings from final stage embryos were more robust. The moisture content of the fruit pulp varied between populations and within populations between seasons, but embryo moisture content remained more constant. S. maire seeds have high germinability when removed from the fruit pulp, and removal from the pulp is essential for germination. Seeds in fruits stored hydrated at 5°C remained viable for up to 12 weeks, although some germination was observed from eight weeks. This paper identifies optimal time for seed collection to ensure high quality seed for propagation and restoration while the short term storage provides an opportunity for further research into long term seed conservation through cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport of sucrose in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) between sites of synthesis and sinks largely depends on sugar transporter proteins, the products of sucrose transporter genes (SUTs). Promoter regions of these genes provide a better understanding of fruit development mechanisms and how control of biological activities occurs in plants. Modeling of promoter regions of genes in the SUT gene family, SUT1, SUT2, and SUT4, of tomato was accomplished. Analysis of cis-regulatory element distribution was accomplished using the in-silico tools PlantCARE and PLACE. The outcome indicated most cis-elements are challenge-responsive, and the least number of cis-elements in the majority of tomato sucrose transporter genes are associated with hormonal regulation. Among SUT genes from tomato, SUT4 harbors the most cis-acting regulatory elements associated with hormonal regulation and challenge–response. This indicates the possibility of higher challenge-responsiveness and lower hormonal regulatory activity of SUT genes in tomato. The expression pattern of tomato SUT genes was studied through Genevestigator. The analyses of cis-acting regulatory elements in promoter regions of tomato SUT genes are important for understanding the productivity and fruit development processes in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new triterpenoid, hexagonin F (1) was characterized from the fruiting bodies of Hexagonia tenuis with the assistance of spectroscopic and spectrometric analytical methods. In addition, two triterpenoids and two steroids were also identified by comparison of their physical and spectroscopic data with those reported. The purified compounds were examined for their cytotoxicity against five tumor cell lines, however, only weak cytotoxicity was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit characteristics of 10 mango varieties (Mangifera indica cv 'Chok Anan,' 'Gold Nugget,' 'Hong Jin Long,' 'Jin Sui,' 'Keitt,' 'Mallika,' 'Nam Doc Mai,' 'Neelum,' 'Tainong No. 1ʹ, and 'Zihua'), grown in a greenhouse, were evaluated during postharvest ripening. Mango fruits were harvested at 130 days after full bloom and then ripened for 3, 5, and 7 days after harvest (DAHs) at ambient temperature and relative humidity. All fruit skin colors became redder except for 'Keitt' and 'Tainong No. 1ʹ, as reflected in increasing a* values (a color space coordinate describing green-red coloration). Of the 10 varieties, fruit weights of eight varieties did not significantly change among DAHs. Fruit weights of 'Nam Doc Mai' and 'Zihua' decreased at 7 DAH. Only the flesh weights of 'Zihua' changed among all varieties. Of all the varieties, fruit lengths and fruit diameters of eight varieties did not change among DAHs. Soluble solid contents did not change in four varieties and increased in six varieties. Titratable acidity decreased in six varieties but did not change in the other varieties. The fruit skin firmness decreased in all varieties among DAHs. Changes in fruit characteristics depended on mango varieties or the length of postharvest ripening period or both. Principal component analysis showed that fruit diameter, SSC, L*, b*, and firmness were essential variables. These findings could be used to provide consumers with information about fruit characteristics associated with the ripening of various mango cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A replicated trial, planted in 2011, compared nine primocane-fruiting raspberry cultivars for suitability to commercial production in the U.S. Intermountain West. Factors evaluated included annual yield, fruit size, fruiting season, consumer preference, leaf chlorophyll content, and cane infestation by raspberry horntail, a common insect pest of raspberries in northern Utah. 'Joan J' was the highest yielding cultivar, averaging 3.32 kg per row meter, followed by 'Polana', 'Autumn Bliss', and 'Dinkum' with 2.53, 2.01, and 1.34 kg·m−1, respectively. 'Autumn Bliss' and 'Joan J' were the earliest to fruit with a harvest midpoint 4 and 2 days before 'Polana', respectively. Leaf chlorophyll concentration (CCl) was highest in 'Joan J' and 'Autumn Treasure', averaging 30.9 and 27.0 CCl, respectively. All cultivars exhibited similar susceptibility to raspberry horntail, with differences in infestation rates related to the location in the field. A survey of farmers' market customers found the highest consumer preference for 'Autumn Bliss', 'Dinkum', and 'Vintage'. Only the earliest cultivars gave commercially viable yields for the high elevation valleys of the Intermountain West region of the U.S. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanin accumulation is responsible for the red color of the skin of apple fruits (Malus × domestica Borkh.). Environmental stimuli, such as light, temperature, soil factors, tree factors, and the application of chemicals can alter the synthesis of anthocyanins. Herein, we examined the expression of genes related to anthocyanin biosynthesis in the fruit of apple cultivars, 'Summer Prince' and 'Arisoo' at the early stage of fruit development 60 DAFB (days after full bloom). The expression of genes, which included structural and regulatory genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, and light-responsive genes was determined in fruits developed under the effect of sunlight exposure for seven days. Apple fruits were divided in to: 'reflected sunlight', 'bagged', and 'control' groups. The expression levels of the anthocyanin synthesis-related genes were significantly different among the groups and between the shaded and reflected sides. We also determined the difference in coloration patterns in the different groups using the colorimetric coordinates method. The shaded side of apple fruits quickly turned more redder after exposure to reflected sunlight and the coloration was almost similar to that on the exposed side after the treatment. Strong correlation coefficients between anthocyanin-related gene expression levels and coloration patterns were obtained. This study shows that sunlight plays an important role in stimulating the coloration of apple fruit by regulating the expression of genes involved in anthocyanin accumulation during the early stage of fruit development. The present study assumes importance because redder fruits, generated through a non-transgenic approach would be more acceptable to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carotenoids belong to a major family of isoprenoids which play vital roles in plant growth and development. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is not only a vegetable and condiment grown worldwide, but also can be used as a model organism in fruit color research. In this study, 61 genes known to be involved in mevalonate (MVA), plastidial 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate (MEP) and carotenoid metabolism (biosynthesis and catabolism) pathways were identified and characterized based on the genome of pepper plants. In the present study, it was found that 56 of the 61 carotenoid metabolism genes in pepper were unevenly distributed throughout 12 chromosomes. CaGGPPS2, CaGGPPS4a and CaGGPPS4b were generally clustered into one region. This study identified CaHMGR1/CaHMGR3 and CaHMGR1/CaHMGR2 as segregation duplication events. In addition, the pepper carotenoid metabolism genes had high variations in gene structure. The key carotenoid metabolism genes showed different expression patterns during the pepper fruit development and under environmental stress conditions. The results obtained in this research investigation will contribute insight to the evolution and function of carotenoid metabolic pathways in pepper fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the genomic information of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) is not available, the mechanism underlying the flavonoid metabolism in the fruits of this species is still unknown. The objective of this study was to obtain a comprehensive transcriptome assembly during lingonberry fruit development and characterize the key genes associated with the flavonoid metabolism in lingonberry. Our transcriptome data of lingonberry was obtained with next-generation sequencing technology. The expression patterns of key genes were analysed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that the total flavonoid content and the total anthocyanin content gradually increased during the lingonberry fruit development process. In total, about 169 million sequencing raw reads were obtained and de novo assembled into 67,836 unigenes, and 38,460 unigenes had been annotated from public databases. The average size of unigenes was 1040 nt, and the N50 value was 1718 nt. Among the unigenes mapped to KEGG pathways, 2697 (10.95%) were assigned to the category of 'Biosynthesis of secondary metabolites', 1533 unigenes were predicted to be associated with flavonoid biosynthesis, transport and regulation. We also found 10,022 candidate genes expressed differentially between green and white fruits, with 5335 differentially expressed genes uncovered between white and red fruits and 14,364 ones between green and red fruits. A comprehensive transcriptome assembly of lingonberry was generated, with data representing gene expression profiles throughout fruit development and ripening processes in lingonberry. Our results provide further insights into the molecular mechanisms of flavonoid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal progression in the nutritional concentration of fruit peel, pulp, and leaves of mandarin cultivar Kinnow (KN) and W. Murcott (WM) were evaluated at monthly intervals during fruit development. Marked variations in nutritional content during specific fruit growth stages were observed in both the cultivars. Overall, leaves were the main sight of nutrient accumulation than fruit parts, and concentration was increased with the advancement in fruit maturity. The general order of abundance of macro and micronutrients in leaves was calcium (Ca)>nitrogen (N)>potassium (K)>magnesium (Mg)>phosphorus (P) and iron (Fe)>manganese (Mn)>zinc (Zn)>copper (Cu) respectively. P and K were higher in the pulp, while most of the micronutrients were more in the peel. However, in the case of N equal distribution was observed in peel and pulp of both the cultivars. Leaf nutrient showed a strong association with peel, pulp, and dry matter accumulation. These results emphasized that mandarin can be a good source of minerals, and they have the capacity to reinstate in nutrient-rich foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine parthenocarpy in commercial kiwifruit cultivars in Japan, 'Rainbow Red', 'Kaimitsu', and 'Hayward' cultivars were subjected to four treatments: 1) pistil removal just before flowering; 2) pistil removal just before flowering and soaking with 10 ppm N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N-phenylurea (CPPU); 3) soaking with 10 ppm CPPU and natural pollination; and 4) artificial dust pollination. The percentage of fruit borne in the pistil removal treatment groups was 0% in 'Rainbow Red' and 'Hayward', and was 56% in 'Kaimitsu'. Although 72% had fallen, the fruit borne in 'Kaimitsu' was harvestable. CPPU treatment induced parthenocarpy in the three kiwifruit cultivars. There were no viable seeds in the groups with pistil removal, regardless of treatment with or without CPPU. CPPU treatment also promoted fruit maturity at harvesting time in 'Rainbow Red' and 'Kaimitsu'. In 'Kaimitsu', parthenocarpic fruits without CPPU treatment were nearly as ripe as pollinated fruits without CPPU treatment at harvest time. After ethylene treatment, fruits ripened, and ethylene was detected in all treatments and cultivars. We confirmed that 'Kaimitsu' exhibited fruit development without artificial pollination or CPPU treatment in another season. Furthermore, in 'Kaimitsu', parthenocarpic fruits without CPPU treatment were smaller than artificial pollinated fruits, and natural fruit drop was extensive. Thus, parthenocarpy of 'Kaimitsu' was thought to be unstable. These results showed that excessive parthenocarpy may be successful in kiwifruit depending on specific cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to find the constitutive antifungal phenolic lipids, phenolics contents and antioxidant activities in mango fruit peel extracts of anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.) resistant ('Kensington pride') and susceptible ('Badami' and 'Raspuri') mango cultivars grown in India, during fruit development, maturity and ripening. Phytochemical tests were performed to determine 5-n-pentadecyl resorcinol content and total phenolics. Moreover, the mango peel methanolic extracts were subjected to evaluate their antioxidant potential using invitro DPPH assay. Results show that 5-n- pentadecyl resorcinol content in the mango fruit peel extract was at its peak during the early stage of fruit development (at 30DFS) in 'Kensington pride' as compared to 'Badami' and 'Raspuri'. The upsurge in total phenolics content and DPPH activity at 30 DFS, in all three mango cultivars, indicated their higher radical scavenging activity during fruit development than the fruit maturity and fruit ripening. Endogenous production and retention of high levels (P ≤.05) of constitutive antifungal 5-n-pentadecyl resorcinol in anthracnose resistant mango cultivar ('Kensington pride') during early stage of fruit development that imparts disease resistance during development, maturity, and fruit ripening process, could be one of the bases of plant defense mechanism against anthracnose disease. In conclusion, this study exhibited the important role played by the mango cultivars background on the constitutive antifungal 5-n-pentadecyl resorcinol content and antioxidant profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the effect of harvest time on some fruit quality of green gage (Prunus domestica L.) genotypes. Fruits of 10 greengage genotypes including Damiri, Gareh Zar, MP102, MP115, MP125, Gojeh Soltan, MP110, Sari Zar Zehtab, and MP118 were collected in 2015 from a 15-year-old green gage orchard located at Maragheh, Iran. Fruit were picked three times (50 days after full bloom, 80 days after full bloom and during maturation) in 2015 from each genotype. Some parameters related to fruit quality, such as fruit weight (FW), dry weight (DW), fruit volume (FV), flesh firmness (FF), total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C (VC), total phenolics (T-Phs), total flavonoid (T-Flav), total antioxidant (T-Ant), flavonoids [catechin (Cat) and quercetin (Quer)] and phenolic acids [caffeic acid (Caf) and chlorogenic acid (Chl)] were analyzed. Results showed a significant effect (p <.01) of genotype, harvest time, and interaction effect of genotype×harvest time on the studied traits. Traits such as TA, TSS, VC, and T-Phs increased with fruit development. Conversely, Chl, T-Ant, and FF decreased during fruit ripening stages. According to the PCA results, at all harvest times, Ghareh Zar genotype was best-characterized due to their considerable amounts of TA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on changes of fruit quality during cold storage and shelf life extension in mango was conducted with MAP using white ethylene absorbing bag (WEB) and green absorbing bag during storage at 15°C for 30 days. The results found that the mangoes kept in WEB maintained their texture and appearance better than those in package without a plastic bag. Mangoes stored in WEB were more firm than those stored in air (normal atmosphere) during 30 days of storage and could delay the ripening and maintained the quality of the fruits, while the fruit packed without plastic bags extended the shelf life for 24 days. The MAP retarded the ripening process and delayed color development of the mango fruit compared to the mangoes without packing during the cold storage. In particular, WEB effectively reduced respiration rate and weight loss of the fruits stored at 15°C for 30 days. This MAP maintained a higher titratable acidity and firmness of peel and pulp in the mango fruits, while the activities of polygalacturonases in the pulp were reduced. Comprehensive quality analysis indicated that this MAP was the most effective method for improving the quality of mango fruits and extension of shelf life under the cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landmark and the Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt, and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scales describe the phenology of lulo plants. The landmark scale comprises six main stages, 1.0 seed germination, 2.0 seedling growth, 3.0 early vegetative growth, 4.0 leaf development, 5.0 floral, and 6.0 fruit development. Seed gemination stages describe seed sowing, imbibition, and subsequent germination. Seedling growth stages include the emergence of hypocotyl hook, seedling growth, the development of cotyledons, and true leaves. During the early vegetative shoot stages, plants increase in height, pubescence turns dark, cotyledons abscise, and thorns become visible at the base of the leaf. Leaf development stages comprise the emergence of young, true leaves, and leaf expansion. During this period, leaf color changes from light green to mature dark green and ends with leaf senescence. Floral development stages include the emergence of the swollen generative buds, early floral-bud development, inflorescence enlargement, anthesis in hermaphrodite or male flowers, and floral parts decay and abscission. Fruit development stages include fruit developing below the petals, the light green tiny fruit enlarges forming the small, enlarged, intermediate, and light green fruit. Fruit turns dark green until reaching the mature dark orange color. The BBCH scale depicts eight principal stages such as seed germination, leaf development, formation of side shoots, inflorescence emergence, flowering, fruit development, fruit maturation, and senescence. The BBCH mesostages and secondary growth stages were described and coded according to the two- and three-digit-code system. The secondary stages were used as precise steps during development of the plants. Flower and fruit production occurred throughout the year. This research can be used to better understand the flowering and fruiting process and it can be applied to breeding and production programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kokum (Garcinia indica) tree is endemic to Western Ghats region of India. Commercially, Kokum fruits are well-known for anti-obesity factor hydroxy citric acid as well as for their UV protecting activity. Locally, it is also used for culinary purposes and preparing healthy beverages. Still, due to endemicity and unreliable fruit production, this plant is largely underutilized. In the current study, a controlled pollination experiment was performed on three sets of female flowers to determine the need of pollination for fruit set. The set of flowers bagged without pollination did not show any fruit set, suggesting the need of pollen stimulus for the fruit setting. In artificially and naturally pollinated flowers, a well-developed female gametophyte was seen after 12 days from anthesis, but zygotic embryo or endosperm was not detected suggesting apomictic fruit set. The possibility of apomixis was also studied at the molecular level for a known male and two female plants and their F1 progenies with the help of ISSR markers. The majority of F1 progenies showed a banding pattern identical to the female parent indicating apomixis, while a few progenies showed different banding patterns, suggesting sexual reproduction. Therefore, it appears that the G. indica reproduces via facultative apomixis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we investigated the effects of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. fruits ethanolic extract in prepubertal male rats, to evaluate the influence of the extract on the reproductive system and on pubertal development. Experiments were conducted using the rodent pubertal male assay. The plant extract, analyzed by TLC, HPLC-PDA and HPLC-ESI-MS, was administered orally at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg b.w. from post-natal date 21 to post-natal day 53. Age at puberty onset, body growth, development of sexual organs exposure to plant extract or positive control were examined. Results obtained indicate that Kigelia extract, at all doses tested, significantly anticipates puberty and increases body growth and sexual organs development. These effects appears to be due to stimulation of the secretion of androgenic hormones by the compounds found in its extract and scientifically support some of its traditional uses in disorders of the male reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in leaf nutrient composition with leaf age and position of leaflets was assessed for 'Calcuttia' and 'Dehradun' litchi cultivars under loam to sandy loam soils of north India. Leaf samples were collected from first to sixth pair of leaflets starting from the apex of terminal shoots to downward positions during December to May at monthly intervals at two locations for three successive years. The leaves were analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations. In both litchi cultivars, leaf N, P, Zn and Cu contents remained more in young leaves; whereas, leaf Ca, Mg, Mn and Fe contents were observed higher in older leaves. Leaf K concentration exhibited inconsistent patterns; however, leaf K concentration in pair of leaflets on the shoot declined basipetal, being maximum in upper pair of leaflets and minimum in lower pair of leaflets. Levels of macro and micronutrients exhibited a degree of stability at second and third pair of leaflets when sampled during February–March. Leaf compositions differed significantly during active vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit development. The results revealed that 4–5 months old leaves from autumn flush at second and third pair of leaflets from the apex of terminal litchi shoots at the advent of panicle initiation (February–March) should be collected to assess the nutritional concentrations of litchi orchards under North India conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exogenous hormone treatment is a widely used and effective method to promote fruit ripening. To our knowledge, the effects of exogenous hormones on the sugar accumulation and related enzyme activities during the development of longan fruits have not yet been elucidated. In this study, the contents of sucrose, glucose and fructose, activities and transcriptional levels of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SS), acid invertase (AI) and neutral invertase (NI) were detected during fruit development of exogenous hormone-treated and non-treated longan. The results indicated that exogenous hormones (IAA, ABA, GA3) could not alter the sugar contents when fruits were ripe but accelerate the sugar accumulation. IAA and ABA increased the gene transcriptional levels and enzyme activities of SS and SPS, and also showed the tendency of increasing the transcriptional levels and enzyme activity of AI. However, GA3 decreased the gene transcriptional levels of SS and SPS, and increased the gene transcriptional level of AI. Interestingly, GA3 also increased the enzyme activity of SPS which indicated GA3 may regulate the SPS activity at post-translational levels. Our results suggested that IAA, ABA and GA3 may regulate sugar accumulation during fruit development of longan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), sucrose synthase (SuSy), and neutral invertase (NI) are the three enzymes involved in sucrose synthesis and cleavage in higher plants. However, the key enzyme(s) responsible for sucrose accumulation is/are inconsistent in different species or different varieties of the same species. The regulation of sucrose accumulation in Tainung 11 pineapple (Ananas comosus) has not been reported to date. In this study, the sucrose content and the activities and patterns of transcript levels of the three enzymes were analysed in the flesh of Tainung 11 pineapple during fruit development. From 20 to 100 days after anthesis (DAA), the activities and transcript levels of SPS and SuSy gradually increased. Meanwhile, the NI activity and transcript level dramatically decreased from 40 to 100 DAA. The sucrose accumulation increased from 20 to 100 DAA. These findings suggested that AcSPS, SPS, AcSuSy, and SuSy were responsible for sucrose synthesis, but AcNI and NI were responsible for sucrose cleavage in Tainung 11 pineapple. The subcellular localisations of AcSPS, AcSuSy, and AcNI were first identified. Both AcSPS and AcSuSy were found in the cytosol, while AcNI was localised in the vacuole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa) is one of the main native oil plants with high economic value in Africa. Its fruits are used for food, medicinal, cultural and exportation purposes. However, the lack of efficient tools to assess annual fruit production of the species limits the sustainable management of its resources. Therefore, production statistics are useful to organize the activities of the shea sector. This study aimed to (i) assess the interannual variation in fruit production along a climatic gradient in Burkina Faso, (ii) examine fruit production patterns according to climatic zones and tree size, (iii) assess the contribution of high-yielding trees in the annual potential production and (iv) develop allometric equations for estimating fruit yields of the species. The yield of 212 trees distributed across three climatic zones was monitored over four successive years. Within each climatic zone, fruit production was significantly different among years. Fruit production was positively and significantly correlated with tree size. The interannual variation in fruit production at tree individual level was higher in drier climatic conditions. The mean interindividual synchrony was less than 50% in each zone, suggesting a large range in fruit production patterns of the species. Annually, more than 55% of the total fruit production was supported by high-yielding trees. The best regression models for estimating fruit yields had R2 values of 69–73% with prediction errors ranging from −7% to 4%. Our findings are useful tools for the planning of rational exploitation of shea tree's resources and its sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Burgundy truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittad.) has a wide-ranging distribution across Europe, yet its ecology is far from being well understood. For instance, although the literature on the ecophysiology of this species is dominated by the symbiosis with deciduous hosts, the real range of hosts in nature seems to be much wider than the current distribution of T. aestivum. The aim of this study was to determine the relative importance of abiotic (soil) and biotic (vegetation) properties in determining the performance of T. aestivum in this pioneering stage of research on truffles in Poland. Soil parameters influenced the formation of T. aestivum fruiting bodies more strongly than plant composition. The number of fruiting bodies increased with increasing concentration of soil calcium and phosphorus. The number of plant species was the only significant predictor among the investigated vegetation characteristics. The influence of this predictor was positive, as an increasing number of fruiting bodies was found when the number of plant species was higher. The presence of truffle fruiting bodies was significantly correlated with the presence of five plant species, viz.: Brachypodium sylvaticum, Cephalanthera damasonium, Cornus sanguinea, Sanicula europaea and Viola mirabilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The year-to-year variations in flowering, pollen and fruit production in ten Gmelina arborea individuals in a natural forest were observed over a period of five years, 2009−2013, and pollinator visits were observed closely over two years, 2011 and 2012. A pollen supplementation experiment was also undertaken in two years (2011 and 2012) of contrasting flowering levels. Considerable year-to-year variations were observed in flower, pollen and fruit production. The observed variation represented a normal sequence of good-year and poor-year cycling which is most parsimoniously attributed to resource allocation. The average level of pollen production per individual tree in good flowering years oscillated between 6.6 and 9.62 × 108, which in the poor flowering years was between 1.92 and 3.07 × 108. The magnitude of pollen limitation across years was highly significant (p < 0.0001). Fruit set through supplemental pollination was 73% and 96% greater than that of the open-pollinated branches in the year 2011 and 2012, respectively. Pollen limitation, irrespective of the arrival of outcross pollen, can reduce annual seed set in predominantly bee-pollinated trees. However, various other factors may cause flower abortion in addition to pollen limitation. The results of this study would be very valuable to the seed orchard managers and the silviculturists to manage the seed production areas (SPAs) of G. arborea. The study ultimately recommends supplemental pollination in seed orchards of G. arborea for better genetic gain and good seed yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to describe macronutrient and boron deficiencies in pepper grown in a hydroponic system in the presence of a substrate during the vegetative and fruiting phases. The experiments were carried out into a greenhouse, and consisted of a randomized block design with eight treatments: complete solution (control) and nitrogen (-N), phosphorus (-P), potassium (-K), calcium (-Ca), magnesium (-Mg), sulfur (-S) and boron (-B) deficient solutions, with four repetitions for each assay. Visual diagnoses of certain macronutrient and boron deficiencies can be applied by farmers to aid in soil management, since they are observed in leaves, while N, P, Ca, S and B deficiencies led to roots symptoms. Pepper fruits showed nutritional deficiency symptoms when grown under N, K, Ca, Mg, S and B deficits. The appearance of nutrient deficiency symptoms in pepper plants occurs in the following order: N, K, P, Mg, S, Ca and B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the L-ascorbic acid (AsA) content as well as activities of enzymes and genes in AsA biosynthesis were investigated in bagged and unbagged fruit of Pyrus pyrifolia 'Cuiguan' during on-tree development. The contents of AsA/dehydroascorbate (DHA) and glutathione (γ-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, GSH)/oxidised glutathione (GSSG) couples, the enzyme activities of L-galactono-1,4-lactone dehydrogenase (GLDH; EC 1.3.2.3), L-galactose dehydrogenase (GalDH; EC 1.1.1.117), ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR; EC 1.6.5.4), glutathione-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1) and glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2), and the relative expression levels of GLDH and DHAR genes were highest at 20 days after full bloom (DAFB) and then decreased to their minimum at harvest. When the fruit were grown in the dark induced by bagging, the ascorbate contents, enzyme activities and gene expression amounts had a statistical decline compared to the control in the most sampling dates. However, although L-AsA metabolism was affected and the use of light transmitting fruit bags may be preferable, the drop in vitamin C was not really significant in a dietary sense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]