Tree vegetative and generative properties and their inter-correlations for prospective apple cultivars under two training systems for young trees

Little information is available on vegetative and generative performance of apple cultivars during the early growth of trees in orchards. The aim of this five-year study was to evaluate 2 vegetative (trunk cross sectional area (TCSA) and tree height (TH)) and 7 generative parameters (tree yield (TY), fruit number per tree (FNT), crop load (CL), fruit diameter (FD), shape index (SI), fruit surface color (FSC) and fruit color intensity (FCI)) and their inter-correlations (Pearson correlation, regression analyses and PCA) for young apple trees, on 9 apple cultivars (‘Jugala’, ‘Galaval’, ‘Gala Venus Fengal’, ‘Gala Decarli-Fendeca’, ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’, ‘Fuji September Wonder’, ‘Crimson Crisp (Co-op 39)’, ‘Jeromine’, and ‘Red Idared’) in a slender spindle training system (2597 trees ha−1) and on 4 apple cultivars (‘Wilton’s Red Jonaprince’, ‘Red Cap Valtod (S)’, ‘Early Red One’, and ‘Red Topaz’) in a super spindle training system (5194 trees ha−1) in Eastern Hungary. The strongest vegetative growth was observed in ‘Red Idared’, while the weakest was in ‘Early Red One’. Most ‘Gala’ mutants showed high yields in all years, except for ‘Galaval’. On the 6 year-old trees, the lowest tree yield was found in ‘Fuji September Wonder’ (8.2 kg tree−1), while the highest was found in ‘Gala Venus Fengal’ (35.8 kg tree−1). The lowest fruit number per tree (15 fruit tree−1) was found in ‘Jeromine’, while the highest (222 fruit tree−1) was in ‘Gala Venus Fengal’. The highest crop load was found in ‘Gala Venus Fengal’ (12.72 fruit per cm2 TCSA), while the lowest was in ‘Jeromine’ (2.13 fruit per cm2 TCSA). The smallest fruit diameter (66.3 mm) was recorded in ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’, while highest (93.6 mm) was in ‘Red Idared’. The lowest shape index (0.73) was found in ‘Red Topaz’, while the highest (0.92) was in ‘Red Idared’. The majority of the cultivars reached very good fruit surface color (80–100%). The lowest fruit surface color (40%) was observed in ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’, while the highest (100%) was in ‘Jeromine’ and ‘Early Red One’. The highest fruit color intensity was observed in most cultivars with the exception of ‘Jeromine’, ‘Gala Schnitzer (S) Schniga’ and’Fuji September Wonder’. In addition, correlation and regression analyses revealed strong and significant (p = 0.05) relationships between TH vs TCSA, TY vs TCSA, TH vs TY, TY vs FNT, and FCI vs FSC. PCA explained 87% of the total variance and PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 accounted for 33, 21, 20, and 13% of the variance, respectively, and correlated with TSCA, TH, TY and FNT; with FNT, CL and FS; with FSC and FCI; and with TH and SI, respectively. In conclusion, our study provides useful tree property data on prospective mutants/cultivars for growers/advisors in order to select the most suitable cultivars for establishing new orchards under climate conditions similar to central Europe.

Pest Infestation of Dipterocarpus retusus (Blume) Fruit at Different Heights in KPHP BATULANTEH

Keruing gunung (Dipterocarpus retusus) is a non-timber forest product (NTFP) as a fruit producer that can be used as raw material for vegetable fats. One of the problems faced in planting programs for both production and conservation forests is the presence of fruit pests. The purpose of this study was to determine the fruit pests infestation fruits of D. retusus and the effect of altitude on fruit size and weight in Batulanteh Sumbawa. Fruit samples were collected at locations with different heights, namely below 1000 masl (T 22ºC, RH 83%) and above 1000 masl (T 20ºC, RH 88%). The samples of invading pests were observed and measured morphometry and morphology. The results showed that the insect infestation on the fruit was Alcidodes crassus. The percentage of fruit severity level reached more than 50% at each location. Elevation has a significant effect on fruit diameter and fruit weight, both infested by pests and whole fruit.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS REGARDING THE FRUIT QUALITY AND YIELD OF SOME BLUEBERRY GENOTYPES

Vaccinium corymbosum is one of the berry species with economic and food interest to Romanian growers and consumers. The development of blueberrty crop is a result of breeding activity, which has generated many cultivars of quality fruit and high productivity. The characters that are of economic interest in the cultivation of blueberries depend on the area of cultivation where the new cultivars are obtained. The study was conducted in summer 2020 in an experimental plot established in 2015 with seven blueberry genotypes, at Research Institute for Fruit Growing, Pitesti, Romania in the Small Fruit Laboratory, having an experience in the field of more than 40 years. The objective at this study is to compare some of fruit characteristics from genotypes 'Azur', 'Delicia', 'Duke', 'Northblue', 'Simultan', '4/6' and '6/38': plant yield, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, the soluble solids, fruit acidity or pH, fruit firmness. During this study 'Delicia' cv. proved to have the highest production per plant (4.20 kg plant), the highest values of fruit diameter (19.70 mm), and the highest value of fruit total titratable acidity (01.25 %).

Fruit and seed morphology in some representatives of the genus Malus Mill.

Aim. The study of morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds of the genus Malus is the key to the effective use of the apple genetic diversity in landscape-gardening, fruit growing, introductory and breeding. Methods. Morphological features of fruits and seeds of nine species and three varieties of apple (M. baccata, M. coronaria ‘Red Tip’, M. floribunda, M. fusca, M. halliana, M. niedzwetzkyana, M. × purpurea, M. × purpurea ‘Ola’, M. × purpurea ‘Royalty’, M. × purpurea ‘Selkirk’, M. trilobata, M. tschonoskii, M. toringoides) were studied. Generally accepted tech- niques of research was used. Results. The fruit weight of apple species and varieties varied from 0.30 g (M. fusca) to 61.20 g (M. coronaria ‘Red Tip’), the weight of 1000 seeds — from 5.00 g (M. fusca) to 62.77 g (M. coronaria ‘Red Tip’). The largest number of seeds in the fruit was characteristic of M. toringoides (6.64), the smallest — M. tschonoskii (0.25); developed seeds were not detected in the fruits of M. trilobata for 2019–2020 years. The lowest level of variability among biometric indicators of the studied representatives of the genus Malus was in terms of fruit height, fruit diameter and seed height, the highest — in terms fruit weight and number of seeds in the fruit. Conclusions. Detailed characteristics of fruits and seeds of the genus Malus, growing in the National Dendrological Park “Sofiyivka”, were compiled as a result of research. The obtained data can be used as a supplement to the botanical characteristic, and as a comparative material for taxonomy and phylogeny.

Effects of salicylic and benzoic acid on yield and yield components of moisture stressed tomato (solanum lycopersicun l.) at Kadawa Sudan Savannah

Salicylic acid and Benzoic acids are antitranpirants usually used to reduce the rate of moisture loss and increase productivity of irrigated crops. To test antitranspiracy of Salicylic and Benzoic acids, field experiments were conducted during the two successive dry Seasons of 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 at the Agricultural Research Station Farm, Kadawa (11̊ 38ʹ 40.3ʺ N,8̊ 25ʹ3.9ʺ E) 498m elevation above sea level. The aim was to study the effects of antitranspirants and moisture stress on crop growth and development stages of tomato. The treatments consisted of two antitranspirants at four different concentrations of 0, 200, 400 and 600 ppm, and three moisture stress stages, vegetative, flowering and fruit setting. Antitranspirants and moisture stresses were assigned to the main plot and concentrations were used as sub–plot treatment. These were replicated three times and laid out in a split-plot design. The gross plot size was 3.6m x 3.0m (10.8m2) consisting of 6 rows of 3m length, while the net plot size was 1.2m 1.8m (2.16 m2) consisting of 2 inner most rows. Data were taken on tomato growth and yield attributes. Data generated were analysed using statistical analytics software (SAS). The results of the study revealed that application of both Antitranspirants enhanced growth and yield components such as fruit diameter, number of fruits plant1, average fruit weight, marketable fruit yield and total fruit yield of tomato. Significant interactions between and among the factors were also recorded for fruit diameter, number of fruits plant-1 marketable fruit yield and the total fruit yield. Application of 200 and 400 ppm of of Salicylic acid at fruit setting produced the highest total fruit yield (6.66 tha-1) which was statistically similar to 600 ppm of Benzoic (6.10 t ha-1) at flowering while the control had the lowest. Total fruit yield was positively and significantly correlated with number of fruit plant-1 and average fruit weight. Number of fruits plant-1 was found to have the highest direct contribution to the yield. Flowering and fruiting stages were found to be the critical growth stages for moisture stress of tomato. Foliar application of 400 ppm of Salicylic acid at fruit setting stage appeared to promote tomato yield in the study area.

Polymorphism of morphometric parameters of the flower and fruit of the Sargent apple tree (Malus sargentii Rehl)

The Sargent apple tree is highly valued for its decorative qualities, it is used in breeding work when developing new ornamental varieties. To assess the breeding potential, as well as planning crosses, information is needed on the variability of the morphometric traits of the apple flower and fruit, as well as the presence of a relationship between these traits. The research was carried out in the laboratory of cultivated plants of the Tsytsin Main Botanical Garden on 12 quantitative traits of flower and fruit. It was found that almost all traits are characterized by a low level of polymorphism of 7-15% (flower diameter - 13.2%, pedicel thickness - 14.9%, peduncle length - 8.3%, fruit length - 4.7%, fruit diameter - 5.7%) or an average level (16-25%), except for the mass of seeds (40%) and the number of seeds in the fruit (33.9%). An inverse correlation was found between the length of the anther and the number of seeds inside the fruit (r = -0.46), as well as strong direct relationships between the diameter of the fruit and the weight of the fruit (r = 0.79) and the diameter of the fruit and the length of the fruit (r = 0, 78). A reliable direct relationship between the group was also revealed: flower length, filament length, pedicel thickness, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight. Keywords: POLYMORPHISM, FLOWERS, CRABAPPLES, SORBOMALUS, MALUS SARGENTII, SARGENT APPLE TREE

Effect of calcitor fertilizer and neem leaf extract concentration on production and quality of siam orange fruits

This research was conducted in Belancan Village, Kintamani District, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia, from December 2020 to July 2021, which aimed to increase production and fruits quality of Siam orange with calcitor fertilizer and concentration of neem leaf extract. The study used a randomized block design, factorial with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was calcitor fertilizer consisting of 4 concentration levels, i.e., 0 cc/l/tree (K0); 2 cc/l/tree (K1), 4 cc/l/tree (K2), and 6 cc/l/tree (K3), while the second factor was neem leaf extract consisting of 3 concentration levels, i.e., 0% (M0), 5% (M1), and 10% (M2). The results showed that the interaction between calcitor fertilizer and neem leaf extract concentration had no significant effect on all observed variables. Calcitor fertilizer with a concentration of 6 cc/l/tree could improve the quality of Siam orange fruit, which was reflected by the increase in the number of fruit per tree (106.44 fruit), weight per fruit (114.08 g), weight of fruit per tree (14 .37 kg), fruit diameter (6.89 cm) and total dissolved solids (11.52 %brix) or increased by 27.56%, 7.54%; 40.74%; 12.58% and 44.72%, respectively, than those of control. While in the treatment of neem leaf extract at a concentration of 10% increase the number of fruit per tree (107.73 fruit), weight per fruit (117.44 g), fruit weight per tree (16.04 kg), fruit diameter (7.58 cm) and total dissolved solids (10.83% brix), or an increase of 69.44%; 18.76%; 78.84% and 42.31%, respectively, than those of control.

Rootstock and Nutrient Imbalance Leads to ‘‘Green Spot’’ Development in ‘WA 38’ Apples

‘WA 38’ is a new apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) cultivar, released by Washington State University (WSU) in 2017. An unknown disorder, ‘‘green spot’’ (GS), dark green halos in the epidermis, with necrotic, corky, and oxidated cortical tissue underneath the damaged epidermis, leads to unmarketable fruit and has become a threat to the adoption and profitability of ‘WA 38’, with young and mature orchards exhibiting up to 60% incidence in 2020. Given the apparent susceptibility of ‘WA 38’ to GS, this research investigated GS relation with nutrient levels in fruit. Research was carried out in 2018 and 2019 in a ‘WA 38’ apple block planted in 2013, on ‘Geneva 41’ (‘G.41’) and ‘M.9-Nic 29’ (‘M.9’) rootstocks. In both years, fruit number per tree, fruit weight, and fruit diameter were evaluated in 18 trees per treatment, from both rootstocks. From each tree, fruit were classified for presence or absence of GS, and subsequently analyzed for nutrient concentration in the peel and in the flesh, nutrient extraction, and total nutrient content, on an individual apple basis. Apples with GS had higher nitrogen (N) and magnesium (Mg) levels in the peel, regardless of year and rootstock. Apples grown on ‘G.41’ rootstock exhibited higher GS incidence and reduced crop load in both years; reduced size and fruit diameter were exhibited only in 2018. Fruit on ‘G.41’ had higher N, potassium (K), and Mg in the flesh and higher N and Mg in the peel, with lower levels of calcium (Ca) in the flesh and peel; however, only in 2018, with no differences in 2019. GS in ‘WA 38’ apples appears to be another Ca-related disorder in which excessive vigor, rootstock, and N and Mg excess are predisposing factors for its development.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Productivity and Quality of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia swingle)

Acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) is one of the commercial fruit crops which occupies an important place in the fruit industry, but yield levels of citrus orchards are still very low. An alternate nutrient management system could help in achieving a high yield and quality of acid lime. Thus, an investigation was undertaken on the “Effect of nutrient management on productivity and quality of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)” during 2016 – 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with twelve treatments, various organic manures, biofertilizers along with inorganic fertilizers including recommended dose of fertilization @ 100%, 75%, 50%, farm yard manure @ 100%, 50%, Vermicompost @ 100%, 50%, Biofertilizers (25 g Azotobacter + 25 g phosphate solubilising bacteria + 150 g vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal) were applied. The yield and quality characters of acid lime were studied at vegetative and reproductive stages. The observations recorded viz., fruit setting (%), fruit diameter (cm), number of fruits per plant, fruit weight (g), yield per tree (kg) and yield per hectare (tonnes). The results revealed that plants treated with T12 ( 50% RDF+ 75% Vermicompost + Biofertilizers (25 g Azotobacter +25 g PSB +150 g VAM) was observed maximum fruit setting (%), fruit diameter (cm), number of fruits per plant, fruit weight (g), yield per tree (kg), yield per hectare (tonnes). The maximum net income (Rs. 281511.5 / ha) and benefit:cost ratio (4.72: 1) was observed in the treatment T12-50% RDF + 75% FYM + 75% Vermicompost + Biofertilizers (25 g Azotobacter + 25 g PSB + 150 g VAM) which was superior to other treatments.

Evaluation of Growth and Yield of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Varieties under Net Protected Conditions

An experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Horticulture Department, Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh during winter season of 2013-2014 to evaluate growth and yield of sweet pepper varieties under net protected condition. The two-factor experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Three popular sweet pepper varieties viz. BARI Mistimorich-1, California Wonder and Yolo Wonder were grown under three protected systems viz. fine net (120 mesh), coarse net (40 mesh) and open field. Considering the effect of varieties, the highest value for all the parameters viz. fruit length (10.01 cm), fruit diameter (5.90 cm), number of fruits/plant (13.61), fruit yield per plant (0.77 kg), fruit yield (21.31 t/ha) were found in California Wonder followed by BARI Mistimorich-1 and Yolo Wonder. Again, considering the effect of net protection system, maximum values for parameters viz. early flowering, fruit length (10.58 cm), fruit diameter (6.29 cm), number of fruits/ plant (16.14), fruit yield/plant (0.94 kg) and per hectare (26.86 t/ha) were recorded under fine net protection system. Under fine net covering plants produced better quality fruit than open field condition. The earliest flowering (60.67 days), the highest number of fruits per plant (19.18) and the maximum fruit yield (35.71 t/ha) were observed in BARI Mistimorich-1grown under fine net system followed by California Wonder grown under coarse net protected system. Benefit cost ratio (BCR) for fine net (5.28) and coarse net (6.75) protected system were much higher than that of open field (1.64) condition indicating bright future for sweet pepper cultivation under net protected system. Ann. Bangladesh Agric. (2020) 24(2) : 85-94