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1. Introduction: Nowadays, the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses using soilless beds has become a widely adopted practice for vegetable production worldwide. The inclusion of new greenhouse crops like melons offers the potential to supply consumers with fresh and high-quality produce. Greenhouse melon cultivation is a relatively new practice in Iran, and there is a scarcity of published information regarding its various aspects of production in a greenhouse setting. One crucial factor that significantly influences the quality and quantity of greenhouse crops, such as melons, when employing soilless cultivation techniques, is the selection of appropriate nutrient solutions. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the influence of different nutrient solutions on vegetative growth, seed and fruit characteristics, and biochemical status of three melon cultivars (Ahlam, Polinica, Curie) under greenhouse condition. 2. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted at the Horticultural Sciences Department of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran during the 2017-2018. A factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications, was carried out to assess the impact of three nutrient solution treatments (Pars, Shizuoka, Hachmath) and three different cultivars (Ahlam, Polinica, Curie) on key characteristics of greenhouse melon. The melon plants of the three cultivars were cultivated in pots containing 8 L of a growth medium consisting of a 4:1 ratio of cocopeat to perlite. At the end of experiment, four characteristic groups including vegetative growth parameters (dry weight of leaf, root, stem and plant and the ratio of leaf dry weight to root dry weight), seed characteristics (seed dry weight and hundred seeds weight), physical parameters of fruit (length, diameter, weight, wide of seed cavity and flesh thickness) and biochemical traits (ascorbic acid content, carotenoid content, taste index, total soluble solid content and titratable acidity) were measured. 3. Results and Discussion: The findings demonstrated that in the Hochmuth and Pars nutrient solutions, the Ahlam cultivar exhibited the highest total dry weight (63.66 g and 37.65 g, respectively). However, the Polinica cultivar showed the highest total dry weight in the Pars nutrient solution. The Hochmuth nutrient solution resulted in the highest leaf dry weight for the Ahlam cultivar (43.77 g). The Ahlam cultivar also displayed the highest fruit weight (1584 g and 1510 g, respectively), dry weight of hundred seeds (4.04 g and 3.56 g, respectively), seed dry weight per fruit (11.56 g and 10.75 g), weight of seed cavity contents (104.10 g and 114 g, respectively), fruit diameter (13.51 cm and 13.58 cm, respectively), and fruit lengths (17.58 cm and 18.28 cm, respectively). The weight of seed cavity content was influenced by both the cultivar and the nutrient solution. The Ahlam cultivar, when fed with the Pars nutrient solution, exhibited the highest total titratable acidity (0.07 %) and seed cavity thickness (6.38 cm). Regarding the Polinica cultivar, the Pars nutrient solution resulted in the highest total soluble solids (11.98 %B) and taste index (337.3), while the Hochmuth nutrient solution led to the highest ascorbic acid content (1.05 mg g-1 FW). The nutrient solution treatments did not have a significant effect on carotenoid content of the melon cultivars. Different amounts of elements in different nutrient solutions cause different growth behaviors of plants. For instance, the melon plants fed with Pars nutrient solution showed higher values of growth parameters comparing to the other plants, and it could be related to high N content of this solution. The similar results have been reported on the other crops such as cucumber and tomato. 4. Conclusion: The outcomes of the current study, which investigated variations in vegetative growth, yield, and quantitative and qualitative traits of melon cultivars under different nutrient solutions, indicated that the genetic traits of the cultivar, vegetative growth, and quality attributes of melon fruit were influenced in the presence of cocopeat and perlite media. The findings suggest that prior to selecting a melon cultivar for greenhouse cultivation, it is crucial to assess the impact of various nutrients on both vegetative growth and the qualitative characteristics of the fruits. Conducting such experiments can enhance the efficiency of nutrient utilization in greenhouse melon production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An imbalanced nutrients status in the nutrient solution, i.e. poor nutrition of the plant, is often responsible for the low quantity and quality of strawberry fruit. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different ratios of potassium to magnesium (K/Mg) (T1, 2:1, T2, 4:1, T3, 6:1 and T4, 8:1) on fruit yield and quality of strawberry cv. Albion under hydroponic conditions. Different K/Mg treatments did not have a significant effect on fruit yield and quality attributes such as ascorbic acid and total soluble solids. The highest fruit yield was obtained when plants were exposed to a 4:1 ratio (i.e. T2). Fruit quality attributes such as total anthocyanin, total antioxidant, total phenolic, total flavonoids, total chlorophyll, calcium, Mg, and K concentrations in the leaves and antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly affected by the K/Mg treatments. The highest total phenolic (925 mg/100g FW) and total flavonoids (163 mg/100g FW) were observed when plants grown in the presence of a 4:1 ratio (i.e. T2). Whereas, the highest antioxidant activity (89.2%) was detected in plants exposed to the 8:1 ratio (T4). The highest activity of guaiacol peroxidase (2.88 and 2.78 unit/g FW), ascorbate peroxidase (2.11 unit/g FW), and catalase (2.23 unit/g FW) were observed in T3 and T4, T4, and T4 treatments, respectively. It can be concluded that among the tested treatments, the 4:1 ratio of potassium:magnesium is optimal for the strawberry production.

Table grapes have a high-water content and are non-climacteric. They are prone to degradation and infections. This study reveals the effect of neem seed oil combined with methylcellulose (NSOMC) at (control, 0.5%NSOMC, 2%NSOMC, 8%NSOMC, 32%NSOMC and 1% of methylcellulose (MC) prolonging the postharvest quality of Sultana table grapes during 60 days of storage at 0.5°C. The different concentrations of the NSOMC were found effective compared to the control and 1%MC. NSOMC coated fruits, especially at 32% showed less decay incident (3.1%), weight loss (0.32%) and colour changes (8.49) compared to the other coated fruits and the control. 32%NSOMC coated fruits retained their total soluble content and titratable acidity with the lowest mean pH value (3.43). Phenolic compounds (total phenolic and total flavonoid content) had the highest mean and the antioxidant activity was reduced in 32%NSOMC coated fruits. Therefore, our findings suggested that the neem seed oil combined with methylcellulose is safe and could be used as a commercial treatment to increase the shelf life of table grapes. The higher the concentrations of the neem seed oil, the greater the efficiency of the treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An imbalanced nutrients status in the nutrient solution, i.e. poor nutrition of the plant, is often responsible for the low quantity and quality of strawberry fruit. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different ratios of potassium to magnesium (K/Mg) (T1, 2:1, T2, 4:1, T3, 6:1 and T4, 8:1) on fruit yield and quality of strawberry cv. Albion under hydroponic conditions. Different K/Mg treatments did not have a significant effect on fruit yield and quality attributes such as ascorbic acid and total soluble solids. The highest fruit yield was obtained when plants were exposed to a 4:1 ratio (i.e. T2). Fruit quality attributes such as total anthocyanin, total antioxidant, total phenolic, total flavonoids, total chlorophyll, calcium, Mg, and K concentrations in the leaves and antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly affected by the K/Mg treatments. The highest total phenolic (925 mg/100g FW) and total flavonoids (163 mg/100g FW) were observed when plants grown in the presence of a 4:1 ratio (i.e. T2). Whereas, the highest antioxidant activity (89.2%) was detected in plants exposed to the 8:1 ratio (T4). The highest activity of guaiacol peroxidase (2.88 and 2.78 unit/g FW), ascorbate peroxidase (2.11 unit/g FW), and catalase (2.23 unit/g FW) were observed in T3 and T4, T4, and T4 treatments, respectively. It can be concluded that among the tested treatments, the 4:1 ratio of potassium:magnesium is optimal for the strawberry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn is one of the most widely cultivated plants in Indonesia and is used as a staple food by several people, especially in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. The way to store corn is done by farmers, namely smoking. Fumigation is done by burning wood in the smoking room (kitchen). Fumigation is carried out with the intention of preserving corn by utilizing a heat source that comes from the smoke from burning wood or other materials. The purpose of this study was to determine changes in water content changes during the smoking process using plant materials and to determine the quality of local Timor corn. Based on the results of the study, the average ambient temperature was 30.43ºC, the average RH was 81.76%, with an average initial moisture content of 18.76% wb was able to reduce the water content of local Timor corn to 11% wb (using Schleicera oleosa), 10.5% wb (Hyptis suaveolens), and 10.2 (Chromolaena odorata), average reducing sugars 0.52% wb, average protein content 7.82% wb, average carbohydrates of 7.59% wb, and average fat of 5.35% wb.

【Objective】The study was carried out to explore the effects of different concentrations of uniconazole in plug media on the growth and development of different varieties of lettuce seedlings.【Method】Five lettuce varieties in southern China were used to study the effects of different concentrations (0-50 mg/L) of uniconazole on seedling growth, leaf shape parameters and soluble solids (TSS) of lettuce.【Result】With the increase of uniconazole concentration, the root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight of seedlings of various lettuce varieties increased first and then decreased. The root fresh weight and dry weight of bolting-tolerant lettuce and Roman upright lettuce were the highest under 10 mg/L uniconazole treatment, and those of other varieties were the highest under 5 mg/L uniconazole treatment. The total leaf width, maximum functional leaf width and total leaf area of seedlings also reached the maximum under 5 mg/L uniconazole treatment. The total leaf width and total leaf area of butter lettuce seedlings were larger than those of other varieties. The root-shoot ratio of iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce and bolting-tolerant lettuce increased with the increase of uniconazole concentration, while the root-shoot ratio of Hong Kong soft-tail lettuce and Roman upright lettuce increased first and then decreased. In addition, under the treatment of 50 mg/L uniconazole, SPAD values of lettuce seedlings of all varieties increased significantly, while plant height, total leaf area and TSS accumulation were severely inhibited.【Conclusion】Strong seedlings of lettuce could be cultivated by the medium with suitable concentration (5 mg/L) of uniconazole. The growth and development of lettuce seedlings would be inhibited by higher concentration of uniconazole.

Visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for rapid, nondestructive fruit quality detection. This technology has been widely applied for quality detection of small thin-peel fruit, although less so for large thick-peel fruit because of the low signal-to-noise ratio of the spectral signal, resulting in a reduction of accuracy. More modeling work should be focused on solving this problem. This research explored a method of spectroscopy for the total soluble solid (TSS) content and acidity detection of ‘Shatian’ pomelo, which are two major parameters of fruit internal flavor. VIS/NIR spectral signal detection of 100 pomelo samples during storage was performed. Detection based on raw data, signal jitter, and scattered light noise removal, feature extraction, and deep learning were performed and combined with modeling detection to achieve an accurate step-by-step detection. Our results showed that 600 W is the optimal light intensity for detecting the internal flavor of pomelo. The TSS content of pomelo is optimally detected using Savitzky-Golay (SG) + multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) + genetic algorithm (GA) + principal component analysis (PCA) + convolutional neural network (CNN) + partial least squares regression (PLSR); however, acidity of pomelo is optimally detected using SG + MSC + GA + PLSR. With the optimal detection method, the coefficient of determination and root mean squared error (RMSE) of the validation set for TSS detection are 0.72 and 0.49, respectively; and for acidity detection are 0.55 and 0.10, respectively. Even though the accuracy is not high, the data are still acceptable and helpful in nondestructive quality grading of large quantities postharvest fruit. Therefore, our results demonstrated that VIS/NIR was feasible for detecting the TSS content and acidity of postharvest pomelo, and for providing a possible method for the nondestructive internal quality detection of other large thick-peel fruit.

This study aimed to produce beverages using extract or infusion of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves with cupuassu pulp. The blended drinks with cold or hot extraction were formulated using the response surface methodology. Moreover, the physico-chemical and sensory stability of these beverages was performed for 180 days. The conditions production for beverage leaf extract were: 28% leaf extract, 72% cupuassu pulp, and 14°Brix. For beverage leaf infusion, were 37% leaf extract, 63% cupuassu pulp, and 13°Brix. Comparing the two beverages, the polyphenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH) were higher in the blends produced with leaf extract. Thus, the cold extract provided better extraction of these components in the leaves. During storage, pH, reducing and total sugars and soluble solids of blends increased linearly (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, vitamin C, polyphenolic compounds, and the antioxidant activity reduced linearly (p < 0.05). The sensory acceptance of blends containing leaf extract, in the hedonic scale, all sensory attributes were positively scored up to 135 days. At 180 days, the acceptance reduced for rejection. The blended beverage containing leaf infusion had all sensory attributes positively scored up to 90 days, with a rating between 6.27 and 7.42. At 135 and 180 days, the values were in the indifference region of the hedonic scale or acceptance region. Therefore, the blend with leaf infusion maintained better acceptance during storage when compared to leaf extract beverage. Thus, the blended beverages had good nutritional value and sensory acceptance and were acceptable for up to 135 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food & Machinery is the property of Food & Machinery Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The investigation was carried out at Germplasm Centre (BAU-GPC), Bangladesh Agricultural University, during March to July 2016 in order to investigate the effect of pre-harvest fruit bagging on post-harvest quality of guava cv. Swarupkathi. Four different bagging materials viz. brown paper bag, white paper bag, white polythene bag, black polythene bag included for the study and uncovered fruits were used as control treatment. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Fruit bagging treatments showed significant effects on different parameters studied. It was observed that fruit size, fruit weight, vitamin C concentration, and moisture content increased due to fruit bagging. Fruits were gained maximum in size (6.59 cm length, 5.86 cm diameter) and weight (164.26 g) under white paper bag followed by white polythene bag (131.3g). The skin color of fruits was very attractive in case of white paper bag than that of other treatments. Total soluble solid concentration of the fruit was found maximum (12.33% Brix) under brown paper bag while maximum vitamin C concentration (162.14 mg 100 g-1) was recorded under white paper bag. Uncovered fruits showed maximum total sugar, non-reducing sugar, reducing sugar concentrations (10.13%, 6.05%, 4.08%, respectively).The results revealed that fruit bagging in general, improved the growth and quality of guava fruits as compared to control. Among the various fruit covering materials, white paper bag was found to be the best for overall improvement of physical and chemical quality of guava cv. Swarupkathi. [Fundam Appl Agric 2018; 3(1.000): 363-371]

Copyright of Atatürk University Journal of Agricultural Faculty is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

During the traditional Lunar new year festival or TET in Vietnam, harvest moon watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) has been in great demand as a reverence to decorate on the ancestor altar. Owing to high water content and thin dark green rind, its shelf-life is quite short under normal environment. Therefore, this research was conducted during 2019 at Labone Scientific Co. Ltd, Vietnam on the effectiveness of alginate and chitosan coating on the storage stability of watermelon. The harvest moon watermelons were pre-treated with alginate (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%), chitosan (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%), a combination of alginate: chitosan (0.5: 1.5, 1.0: 1.0 and 1.5: 0.5 %) and preserved under ambient temperature for 15 days. Weight loss (%), firmness (N), total soluble solid (oBrix), beta-caroten (mg/100g) were the main attributes to be monitored within 15 days at 3 day-interval. Water melon coated by alginate: chitosan (1.0: 1.0 %) revealed the smallest change in weight loss, highest retention of firmness and increased total soluble solids and beta-carotene contents. From these findings, the shelf-life of harvest moon watermelon could be extended up to 15 days without any deterioration by the use of alginate and chitosan both at 1.0% concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of grafting and vermicompost on yield and quality of tomato were studied by a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with 4 replication in research greenhouse of Mohaghegh Ardabili University at 2013. Rootstocks (none-grafting, grafting on ‘Yedi’ and ‘KingKong’) and five volume of vermicompost (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60%) in substrate were considered as experimental factors. For this purpose, traits such as number of flower and truss, growth duration of fruits, number of fruits, fruits mean weight, fruit yield, TSS and TA of fruits, phosphorous and potassium content of aerial parts of plants were measured. Results showed that flowering in grafted plants significantly retarded in comparison to non-grafted plants. Addition of vermicompost into substrate significantly increased number of flowers, panicles and fruits per each plant, TSS and TA but mean weight and size of fruits was decreased. Application of vermicompost improved phosphorous and potassium content in aerial parts of plants. Interaction between grafting and vermicompost was significant on yield and growth duration of plants. In general, we can say that grafting on ‘KingKong’ and ‘Yedi’ rootstocks and application of vermicompost can improve yield and quality of tomato plants.

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Green pruning or summer pruning completes winter pruning, and it is conducted during the growing season. The purpose of green pruning is to maximize yield of high quality grapes. Green pruning in fruit trees improves light penetration and increases the quality of fruits. The objectives of this research were to determine the influence of green pruning on fruit quantitative and qualitative attributes in grapevine cultivar 'keshmeshi'. Materials and Methods: The present research was undertaken in Shirvan, Northern Khorasan province. The vines were highly uniform, 17 years old and all had equal vegetative growth strength.The planting distances were 3 × 3 m. The present study was conducted on cultivar 'Keshmeshi' that is considered to be one of the best grapevine cultivars mostly used for raisin production as well as table fresh fruits. In order to evaluate the effect of green pruning on different quantitative and qualitative attributes of fruits in cultivar "keshmeshi", the experiment was carried out in two way randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications. Vines were pruned three times including full bloom, two weeks after full bloom and veraison (eight weeks after full bloom). Pruning was carried out in three levels including tipping after two, four or six nodes above the final cluster. The characteristics studied were cluster weight, berry weight, cluster length and width, berry length and width, number of cluster and berry, vine yield, leaf area, soluble solid, total acidity, pH, berry color, berry sunscald and number of shot berry. The SAS software (SAS, version 9.1) was used for statistical analysis of the recorded data. The mean comparison was performed based on Duncan's multiple range tests at %5 and %1 levels. Results and Discussion: The results of this study indicate that the severity of green pruning has no significant effect on the number and width of berries. This treatment also had no significant effect on the number of cluster. However, there were some significant effects on the TSS (P < 0.05) and on other attributes at P< 0.01.The time of green pruning had some significant effects on almost all attributes at P< 0.01 and on cluster weight, pH and berry color at P < 0.05; but it showed no significant effect on the number of clusters, TSS and TA. The results showed the reciprocal effect of treatments had a significant impact on the length and width of clusters and the length of berries, weight of clusters and berries, number of berries and shotberries, leaf area and pH (P < 0.01). The reciprocal effect of treatments caused a significant effect on the TSS and berry color at P< 0.05; but it showed no significant effect on yield, number of clusters, TAand the percentage of sunburn. The maximum length of clusters (31.47 cm) and berries (16.80 mm), width of cluster (12.98 cm), weight of cluster (344.33 g) and berry (1.85 g), number of berries/cluster (233.53) and leaf area (193.20 cm2) was observed following six-nodes pruning at verasion stage compared to other treatments. The treatment of two and four nodes at full bloom and two weeks after that, reduced the leaf area and also the rate of photosynthesis, and the amount of carbohydrates will be decreased. Subsequently yield component will be decreased. Conclusion: According to the result of this study, green pruning improved fruit juice quality and increased grapevine yield. Six-nodes-pruning at verasion stage did not have any negative influence on yield compared to other treatments and increased the fruit quality compared to control. Two and four-nodes-pruning in full bloom decreased the yield components but increased soluble solid, pH and improved berry color.

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Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The plum cv. Horvin is a highly perishable fruit; this hampers post-harvest handling and there is currently no cold sto-rage chamber or suitable post-harvest handling infrastructure in Colombia. The present work was aimed at evalua-ting the quality of the plum cv. Horvin in three storage conditions. The plum cv. Horvin is a climacterical fruit, its res-piratory rate being influenced by storage conditions showing a direct relationship with temperature. It was found that 4°C was the best storage temperature for maintaining cv. Horvin plum quality, having a 13.23% accumulated weight loss, greater than 20 N firmness and more than 11°Brix total soluble solids (SST) at the end of a 31-day sto-rage period. Weight loss, respiratory rate, firmness, titratable acidity (AT) and SST/AT ratio were the parameters best representing cv. Horvin plum maturity during storage. Total soluble solids did not reveal high variability in the stora-ge conditions analysed here; this parameter should not be taken as being a post-harvest maturity index.

This study aims to reveal some phenological, pomological and morphological characteristics of "Yıldız" rosehip cultivar which has been recently registered. "Yıldız" rosehip cultivar was selected previous as a hopeful cultivar candidate within the rosehip population which naturally grows in the Tokat region. The study's location experiments were conducted in Tokat Central (altitude: 640 m) and Başçiftlik (altitude: 1400 m) districts. The rosehip shrubs initiated to flooming in Central location on the third week of May in two years, and they reached optimal harvesting time during the third and fourth weeks of August. The flooming took place in the first week of July and the fruit reached the optimal harvesting ripening between the last week of August and the second week of September in the Başçiftlik location. Some pomological characteristics (as averages of two years) determined between following values: Fruit weight 2.15-2.90 g; fruit flesh rate 58.15-69.93%; vitamin C 616.24-694.57 mg/100 g; total dry matter 27.66-30.68% and soluble solid matter 19.52-21.65% in Central and Başçiftlik locations, respectively. The growth and morphological characteristics of the cultivar were affected by environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Academic Journal of Agriculture / Akademik Ziraat Dergisi is the property of University of Ordu, Faculty of Agriculture, Academic Journal of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Some pomological characteristics of some rosehips (Rosa sp) belonging to different Rosa species were investigated during the ripening period. Rosehip fruits were harvested in 6 different periods from July to September depending on the ripening of the species. In the determination of the first four times of the harvest, the color convention of the fruits and in the determination of the last two times, the status of the flesh fruit softening was based. The fruit characteristics such as the fruit weight, the soluble solid matter, the dry matter, the percentage of fruit flesh, the fruit firmness, the pH, the titratable acidity, and fruit color changes were determined. harvest to last As a result, the fruit weight of the genotypes reflected a steady trend from the first one. The soluble solid and dry matters, the percentage of fruit flesh, and the titratable acidity increased during ripening. The pH changed as the acidic and fruit firmness decreased. While the fruit lightness (L) and yellowness (b) decreased, the redness (a) increased. A positive correlation was found between the soluble solid matter and the titratable acidity. Also, the same correlation was recorded between both the pH and the titratable acidity. As a result of the obtained results, it was concluded that the most suitable harvest time in rosehips were the end of the fourth period or the beginning of the fifth period when the fruit did not soften yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different fertilization methods on selenium content and nutrition quality of kiwifruits were employed for selenium fortification. The fertilization methods were root fertilization, foliar fertilization and combined fertilization on their corresponding fertilizing periods. The results demonstrated that selenium content of these three experimental groups was in the order of foliar fertilization>combined fertilization>root fertilization. Foliar fertilization with the dose of 0.5 kg was optimal, whose selenium content of kiwifruits increased by 103.5%. The vitamin C content of these three experimental groups was in the order of root fertilization>combined fertilization>foliar fertilization. Root fertilization with the dose of 0.5 kg was optimal, whose vitamin C content increased by 23%. However, the vitamin C content decreased as a result of foliar fertilization. The soluble solid content of these three experimental groups was in the order of foliar fertilization>combined fertilization>root fertilization. Foliar fertilization with the dose of 0.5 kg was optimal, whose the soluble solid content increased by 37.2%. Taking selenium content, nutrition quality, growth of plants and management costs of orchard into account, root fertilization at blossoming leaf stage with the dose of 0.5 kg selenium fertilizers was choosed as the optimal seleniumfortification technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]