Prospects of Passiflora incarnata L. introduction in the forest-steppe of Ukraine

The information about the fruit and medicinal plant passion fruit flesh-red (Passiflora incarnata L.) is given as a potential introducer of the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine and a species that should replenish the research collection of subtropical fruit crops of the open ground of the Khorol Botanical Garden. The botanical description, bioecological characteristics, nutritional and medicinal properties and the proposed agricultural cultivation techniques are given.

Integration of Agro-Ecological and Groundwater Resources for the Assessment of Crop Suitability Potential Modeling: The Case of Limpopo Province, South Africa

A comprehensive subtropical fruit potential model (IUM) was established through novel integration of groundwater resources with multi-criterion predictive parameters. Equal-weights overlay was applied to reclassified and ranked rasters to institute IUM. Avocado and litchi had the least spatial extent that concealed the micro-climatic zones of high rainfall (>1000 mmpa) in Vhembe, Mopane, and Waterberg districts; meanwhile, mango and citrus were the crops with the most extensive province-wide distribution. Subsequent potential was apportioned in these sequences by constituency: Waterberg (1719019 ha), Mopane (977741 ha), Vhembe (764044 ha), Capricorn (579506 ha), and Sekhukhune (379968 ha). The IUM resulted in the demarcation of 8.7 million ha to produce the selected crops, which reflected an increase of 7.7 million from the rainfed suitability model. The integrated model would result in the creation of 10.87 million direct employments. The IUM expanded the agrarian sector with positive spinoffs for agribusiness development.

Development of molecular markers based on the promoter difference of LcFT1 to discriminate easy- and difficult-flowering litchi germplasm resources and its application in crossbreeding

Background Litchi is a well-known subtropical fruit crop. However, irregular bearing attributed to unstable flowering is a major ongoing problem for the development of the litchi industry. In a previous study, our laboratory proved that litchi flowering was induced by low temperature and that a FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) homologue gene named LcFT1 played a pivotal role in this process. The present study aimed to understand the natural variation in FT among litchi germplasm resources and designed markers to verify easy- and difficult-flowering litchi germplasms. A grafting experiment was also carried out to explore whether it could shorten the seedling stage of litchi seedlings. Results Two types of LcFT1 promoter existed in different litchi germplasm resources, and we named them the ‘easy-flowering type of LcFT1 promoter’ and ‘difficult-flowering type of LcFT1 promoter’, which resulted in three different LcFT1 genotypes of litchi germplasm resources, including the homozygous easy-flowering type of the LcFT1 genotype, homozygous difficult-flowering type of the LcFT1 genotype and heterozygous LcFT1 genotype of litchi germplasm resources. The homozygous easy-flowering type of the LcFT1 genotype and heterozygous LcFT1 genotype of the litchi germplasm resources completed their floral induction more easily than the homozygous difficult-flowering type of the LcFT1 genotype of litchi germplasm resources. Herein, we designed two kinds of efficient molecular markers based on the difference in LcFT1 promoter sequences and applied them to identify of the easy- and difficult-flowering litchi germplasm resources. These two kinds of molecular markers were capable of clearly distinguishing the easy- from difficult-flowering litchi germplasm resources at the seedling stage and provided the same results. Meanwhile, grafting the scion of seedlings to the annual branches of adult litchi trees could significantly shorten the seedling stage. Conclusions Understanding the flowering characteristics of litchi germplasm resources is essential for easy-flowering litchi breeding. In the present study, molecular markers provide a rapid and accurate approach for identifying the flowering characteristics. The application of these molecular markers not only significantly shortened the artificial crossbreeding cycle of easy-flowering litchi cultivars but also greatly saved manpower, material resources and land.

Value Addition, Packaging and Storage of Aonla in India

The product Aonla (Emblica officinalis Geartn), the king of arid fruits, popularly known as “Indian gooseberry”, is a small-sized minor subtropical fruit grown widely in North India. India ranks first in the world in aonla area and production volume. It is considered to be a “wonder fruit for health” because of its unique properties. Uses. Aonla fruit is very useful in treating many diseases such as diabetes, cough, asthma, bronchitis, headache, dyspepsia, colic, flatulence, skin diseases, leprosy, jaundice, scurvy, diarrhoea and cancer. Packaging. Different packaging materials such as nylon net, perforated polyethylene bags, ventilated corrugated fibre boxes, gunny bags, wooden crates, etc., can be used for prolonging the storage life of fruit. Storage. Refrigerated storage helps in enhancing the storage life of fruit. Value addition. There are numerous products such as aonla squash, candy, jam, chutney, etc., which are pre- pared from aonla fruit. Inclusion of these products in the diet definitely helps in improving the nutritional value of Indian meals. Discussion. The low cost of the products as well as good sensory, nutritional and shelf life qualities mean that processed aonla products are appropriate for commercialization. In order to obtain a good income from aonla, it must be sold immediately in the market; if not, to make profit, proper storage facilities should be available.

A Comprehensive Review on the Impact of Edible Coatings, Essential Oils, and Their Nano Formulations on Postharvest Decay Anthracnose of Avocados, Mangoes, and Papayas

Subtropical fruit such as avocados (Persea americana), mangoes (Mangifera indica L.), and papayas (Carica papaya L.) are economically important in international trade and predominantly exported to European destinations. These fruits are highly consumed due to their health benefits. However, due to long-distance shipping and the time required to reach the retail department stores, postharvest losses, due to postharvest decay occurring during the supply chain, affect the fruit quality on arrival at the long-distance distribution points. Currently, the use of synthetic fungicide, Prochloraz®, is used at the packing line to reduce postharvest decay and retain the overall quality of mangoes and avocados. Due to the ban imposed on the use of synthetic fungicides on fresh fruit, several studies have focused on the development of alternative technologies to retain the overall quality during marketing. Among the developed alternative technologies for commercial adoption is the use of edible coatings, such as chitosan biocontrol agents and essential oil vapors. The objective of this review is to summarize and analyze the recent advances and trends in the use of these alternative postharvest treatments on anthracnose decay in avocados, mangoes, and papayas.

A review on Active Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Eriobotrya Japonica Lindl. (Loquat)

Eriobotrya japonica Lindl., named as loquat, is a subtropical fruit tree of the family Rosaceae which is well known medical plant originated in Japan and China. Loquat portions, like leaves, peels and fruits have been shown to possess various health usefulnesses. In Chinese classical medicine, it is vastly utilized in many illnesses, like gastroenteric disorders, diabetes mellitus, pulmonary inflammatory diseases and chronic bronchitis. Loquat plant contain many active constituents, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins, polyphenolic compounds, other that have many biological effects like anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, antiviral, antitussive, hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic activity.

Seasonal Variability and Propagation Environment to Graft Success and Growth of Sapling in Tropical and Subtropical Fruit Crops: A Review

Grafting is a widely used propagation technique in fruit trees. Anatomical proximity between scion and rootstock is the prerequisite for the successful graft-take and survival of the grafted plants. The success of grafting, subsequent growth of scion shoot and development of the successful grafts depend upon several factors like climatic conditions, the growth stage of scion and rootstock, methods of grafting, etc. The grafting response of fruit crops differs due to seasonal variability and environmental condition where grafting is carried out. A controlled environment with the congenial conditions for faster healing and callus formation results in better graft success, survival and growth of grafted plants.

Parasitic nematodes of wild and cultivated subtropical fruit plants in Central Asia

The purpose of the research is studying the species composition and control measures against parasitic nematodes of wild and cultivated subtropical fruit plants of Central Asia.Materials and methods. We studied subtropical fruit crops in 198 farms and 1985 household plots located in various soil and climatic zones of over 20,675 hectares in Central Asia. The materials were collected in the autumn (September-October), spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months in 1970–1990 by the route method. Study subjects were plant parasitic nematodes of 8 species of wild and cultivated subtropical fruit plants in the Central Asian republics. A modified Baermann funnel method was used to isolate plant nematodes from plants and soil near roots. In total, we collected and analyzed more than 5,400 plant and soil samples. To identify the species of plant parasitic nematodes, we used the Atlas of plant parasitic nematodes compiled at the Institute of Parasitology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, as well as morphometric indicators obtained according to the generally accepted De Mann formulae.Results and discussion. More than 129,000 specimens of plant parasites of 98 species were found in the studied wild and cultivated subtropical fruit crops and soil near their roots. In many farms of the Central Asian republics, we found southern root-knot nematodes, peanut root-knot nematodes, javanese root-knot nematodes, and cotton root-knot nematodes in mixed populations. In Uzbekistan, the prevalence in these crops was from 8 to 61.3%, in Tajikistan – from 78 to 98%, in Turkmenistan – from 6 to 98%, and in Kyrgyzstan – 33%. In addition to root-knot nematodes, representatives of ecto- and endoparasites of the genera Tylenchorhynchus, Merlinius, Quinisulcius, Rotylenchus, Helicotylenchus, Pratylenchus, Paratylenchus, Macroposthonia, Labocriconema and Xiphinema were parasitizing in the above subtropical cultures. Under production conditions, we tested Furadan at a dose of 40 kg/ha, Heterophos at a dose of 60 and 120 kg/ha, and Aldicarb at a dose of 40 kg/ha to control root-knot and other parasitic nematodes. Their efficacy ranged from 89 to 100%. We also used the soil solarization method developed by us, the efficacy of which was 95–98%.

Multiple mycoviruses identified in Pestalotiopsis spp. from Chinese bayberry

Background Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) is a subtropical fruit crop widely grown in southern China. Twig dieback is a disease of Chinese bayberry caused by Pestalotiopsis spp. and results in great economic losses to Chinese bayberry production. A virus survey was conducted in the population of Pestalotiopsis spp. infecting M. rubra in China. We explored the viral diversity in Pestalotiopsis spp., which may provide resources for further development as biocontrol agents of twig dieback. Methods Strains of Pestalotiopsis spp. were isolated from diseased twigs of M. rubra, and cultured on potato dextrose agar for RNA extraction. The total RNA of each strain was extracted, mixed, and used for RNA sequencing. The resulting sequences were deduplicated, annotated, and then used for phylogenetic analysis. Results Seven novel viruses were characterized from 59 isolates of M. rubra collected from 14 localities in China. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, these viruses were classified into five viral families/orders, Botourmiaviridae, Mitoviridae, Partitiviridae, Tymovirales and Bunyavirales, and one virus, Pestalotiopsis negative-stranded RNA virus 1, which likely belongs to a new viral family. Conclusions Metatranscriptomics analysis showed the presence of various mycoviruses in Pestalotiopsis spp. isolated from M. rubra in China. The genomes of eight putative viruses were identified, seven of which were nearly full-length. Some of these viruses of Pestalotiopsis spp. may have the potential for the biological control of twig dieback of M. rubra.

Comparative Study of Phytochemical Contents of Various Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivars of Bihar

Mangoes are naturally very rich subtropical fruit with unique flavor, fragrance, taste and health promoting compounds like phytochemicals which consists of carotenoids, phenolic, alkaloids, nitrogen containing compounds and organo sulphur. Out of which carotenoids and phenolic are most important healthy ingredients. The different cultivars popularly available in Bihar are – Amrapali, Maldah, Jardalu and Sinduri. Amrapali and Maldah cultivars are very popular in North Bihar as well as Central Bihar while Jardalu is famous particularly in Bhagalpur (Vikramshila region). Sinduri cultivar of mango is common in South Bihar. All the four cultivars of mango were collected and investigated for carotenoids, phenolics, reducing sugar and other parameters in the peels and pulps of green mature (GM) stage and fully ripe (FR) stages of all the cultivars. Carotenoids contents and phenolic contents in all the four cultivars of mangoes were analyzed by solvent extraction method followed by spectrophotometric method. Among the different mango cultivars Amrapali contains the highest amount of carotenoids which is about 27 mg/100g followed by Maldah containing about 22.34 mg/100g. Jardalu and Sinduri cultivars contains 20.45 mg/100g and 21.67 mg/100g respectively. With respect to total phenolic again Amrapali cultivar is found to be the richest with 78mg GAE/100g in its peel. Maldah and Jardalu have almost the same content of phenolics with 40; 44 mg GAE/100 g and 300; 305.49 mg GAE/100g of their pulp and peels respectively. The Sinduri cultivar has been found to possess the lowest content of total phenolics with 30.29 mg GAE/100 g and 269.85 mg GAE/100 g of its pulp and peels respectively. For all the cultivars peels were found with greater contents of phenolics than that of pulp but for Amrapali and Maldah the carotenoids content were found less in their peels than their pulp, but for the rest two varieties the carotenoids content is slightly greater in peels than pulp.