Horticultural production

This study aimed to explore the genetic
diversity of walnut populations in the Joveyn region
of Northeastern Iran. Phenological and pomological
characteristics of 135 out of 500 genotypes were eval
uated over two consecutive years (2021–2022) based
on the International Plant Genetic Resources Insti
tute’s descriptors. The results showed that nut and
kernel weight and kernel percentage ranged between
6.81–17.29 g, 3.06–8.24 g, and 38–59%, respectively.
The genotype with the highest nut weight was 21KH
JC14, averaging 16.88 g, while the lowest was 21KH
A88, with an average of 6.99 g, over the two years.
The highest kernel weight was recorded for genotype
21KH-JC16, averaging 8.78 g, whereas the lowest
kernel weight, averaging 2.3 g, belonged to genotype  21KH-A88. The budbreak dates for the earliest and
latest genotypes occured 1 and 17 days after the ref
erence standard, respectively. The harvest date for
the earliest and latest genotypes were 2 and 15 days
after the reference standard, respectively. Based on
the two years of phenotypic evaluation by examining
the leafing date, yield, lateral bearing, nut weight, and
kernel quality, five genotypes were identified as the
superior genotypes. The selected superior genotypes
(21KH-JC1, 21KH-JC9, 21KH-A94, 21KH-BK66,
and 21KH-J131) had nut weights, kernel weights,
and kernel percentages ranging from 14.87–16.45 g,
7.43–8.4 g, to 47–51.09%, respectively. These
genotypes exhibited desirable shell thickness (0.9
1.11 mm) with large nut size and light kernel color,
which was easily removed from the shell. Overall,
these selected superior genotypes are strong candi
dates for inclusion in the upcoming walnut breeding
program, either for new cultivar release or as parent
in a hybridization programs.

Assessing plant genetic diversity and identification of superior genotypes are fast strategies to achieve
commercial varieties and rootstocks. Due to the high genetic diversity in the walnut population of Razavi
Khorasan province, this research was conducted to evaluate walnut germplasm in Joveyn city during
2019-2022. For this purpose, 135 out of 500 genotypes were selected based on the primary assessment
and evaluated for two consecutive years based on the UPOV and IPGRI descriptors. The results showed a
high genetic diversity in the studied population in terms of many important traits, especially nut and
kernel weight, bearing habit, and shell thickness. Nut and kernel weight varied between 6.81-17.29 g and
3.06-8.24 g, respectively. Also, bearing habits ranged from zero (terminal bearing) to 65.5% (lateral
bearing). Based on important breeding characteristics, five genotypes (21KH-JC1, 21KH-JC9, 21KH
A94, 21KH-BK66, and 21KH-J131) were selected as superior genotypes. The nut and kernel weight and
kernel percentage of the selected superior genotypes varied between 14.87-16.45 g, 7.40-8.40 g, and 47
51.09%, respectively. These genotypes had an ideal shell thickness (0.9-1.11 mm), large nut, and light
kernel color that was easily removed from the shell. These genotypes not only have the potential to be
used in future breeding programs but also have the potential to be introduced as commercial varieties if
their adaptability and stability are evaluated

Beauregard', 'Jewel', 'Hernandez', 'Carolina Rose', and 'White Delight' sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] roots were placed in chambers for curing at 30 °C and 50%, 70%, or 85% relative humidity (RH) for 1 week. Uncured roots were held at 15 °C and 90% RH. After curing, roots were removed temporarily from the chambers, and chamber conditions were reset for the following storage treatments: 15 °C/85% RH; 18 °C/70% RH; and 18 °C/50% RH. Roots were stored 3 to 4 weeks. Experiments were

Internal necrosis (IN) is a physiological disorder that affects Covington, the most commonly grown sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivar in North Carolina. Because IN affects the quality of sweetpotato storage roots, studies have been conducted since the first report of IN in 2006. Field studies (three in 2016 and two in 2017) were conducted to evaluate preharvest and postharvest treatments on the occurrence of IN in ‘Covington’ storage roots. Four preharvest treatments consisted of combinations of high chlorine or minimal chlorine potash fertilizer and mowing vs. not mowing before harvest. For postharvest treatments, 30 storage roots were obtained at harvest from each preharvest treatment plot and immediately cured in 75 and 85 °F rooms for a duration of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 weeks in 2016, and 0.5, 1, and 2 weeks in 2017. Shorter curing durations (0.5 and 1 week) coincided with industry recommendations while longer durations mimicked the challenges that some commercial facilities f...

A series of studies were conducted to better understand the occurrence and causes of internal necrosis (IN) in ‘Covington’ sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas). Assessment of the problem among the industry was done for 2 years and revealed that IN was widespread in commercial storage facilities throughout the state of North Carolina; both incidence and severity were generally low (<10% incidence with minimal severity of symptoms). A few storage rooms had a high percentage of IN with severe storage root symptoms but results were inconsistent across years and among rooms. Preharvest studies with commercially used insecticides did not induce IN, but the harvest aid ethephon consistently induced IN with an incidence higher than 50%. Internal necrosis symptoms were not detectable at harvest, and earliest consistent incidence was observed 6 days after harvest (DAH) during the curing phase. Symptoms became more prevalent and severe at 30 DAH. However, in commercial storage rooms, no relationsh...

Beauregard', 'Jewel', 'Hernandez', 'Carolina Rose', and 'White Delight' sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] roots were placed in chambers for curing at 30 °C and 50%, 70%, or 85% relative humidity (RH) for 1 week. Uncured roots were held at 15 °C and 90% RH. After curing, roots were removed temporarily from the chambers, and chamber conditions were reset for the following storage treatments: 15 °C/85% RH; 18 °C/70% RH; and 18 °C/50% RH. Roots were stored 3 to 4 weeks. Experiments were

This presentation focuses on driving forces and philosophies in the current Age of Accountability and explores ideas of how to respond. The increased scrutiny faced by all public agencies is requiring that Cooperative Extension approach the issue of accountability a bit differently. We must articulate our objectives and values to specific clientele groups, the general public, and government officials. Hard questions are being asked about past and anticipated return on tax dollars invested in state and federal agencies. The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 requires "performance based budgeting" for all federal agencies, including the USDA. Each federal agency must develop an action plan with well-defined objectives and anticipated impacts to justify the allocation of federal funds. The overriding theme is not how busy we are and how many activities we can report, but what has been the impact of our efforts.

Germanium has been reported as a mineral element affecting plant cell metabolism. Many trials to supply germanium to fruit have been carried out since tests have confi rmed germanium's role as a medical substance. Supplying germanium to orchards by soil and foliar application was not effective because of loss from rainfall. Also, tree injection with germanium solution required the insertion of a tube to the tree xylem at each injection site. In order to increase germanium absorption by fruit, this study carried out the postharvest dipping of fruit into germanium solution. 'Niitaka' pear ( Pyrus pyrifolia ) fruit was treated with two types of germanium, GeO (inorganic type) and Ge-132 (organic type), in a concentration of 50 mg•L -1 just after harvest in early Oct. 2004. Flesh browning after peeling the fruit was delayed by germanium treatment, and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activities were lowered. Postharvest potentials were maintained at high levels for fruit fi rmness, physiological disorders, and decayed fruit during cold storage at 0 to 1 °C for 2 months. Antioxidant and some phenolic compounds were higher than those of control fruit.

Water used in agriculture is considered a valuable commodity in southern regions of the U.S., such as the Wintergarden of southwest Texas. This region, which is heavily dependent on underground water resources, is being seriously affected by frequent and more severe droughts, limited water resources, and increased regulations restricting water use. Several integrated strategies can be used to increase water savings without reducing marketable yields and product quality. Those include, selecting high-efficiency irrigation systems, applying specific growth-stage crop coefficients and evapotranspiration climatic data for irrigation management, stressing crops to a certain profitable level, selecting cultivars with drought tolerance and growing crops when evapotranspiration demands are low. During the last 8 years, the vegetable physiology program at Texas A&M AgriLife Research at Uvalde has been investigating deficit irrigation (based on % crop evapotranspiration, ET c ) in conjunction with specific crop strategies and irrigation management on root and shoot growth, physiological responses, yield, quality components and phytochemical concentrations of high-value specialty crops. Regulated deficit irrigation strategies (75% ET c ) showed significant water savings with moderate reductions in marketable yields and minimal to no effects in product quality and phytochemical concentrations on short-day onion (Allium cepa L.), globe artichoke [Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori] and melons (Cucumis melo L.).

Antagonism by six Trichoderma isolates viz., TCVSI-1, TCVSI-3, TCVSI-4, TCVSI-5, TCVSI-8 and TCVSI-10 to F. moniliformae -a pathogen causing wilt disease in sugarcane was examined in vitro. Four concentrations of Liquid Culture Filtrate (LCF) of these Trichoderma species were tested against mycelial growth (MG). The Percent Inhibition of Mycelial Growth (PIMG) recorded high by LCF of TCVSI-1 (39.70), TCVSI-1 (48.86), TCVSI-1 (58.78) and TCVSI-3 (86.26), followed by TCVSI-5 (33.59), TCVSI-3 (38.17), TCVSI-3 (53.44) and TCVSI-5 (82.44) in 25, 50, 75 and 100% concentrations respectively. In method-1, the lowest colony diameter was recorded by TCVSI-3 i.e. 13.33 mm, which is at par with TCVSI-1 (13.67 mm) and in control (34.00 mm). The highest PIMG was recorded in TCVSI-3 (60.78), followed by TCVSI-1 (59.80). In method-2, the highest colony diameter was recorded by TCVSI-5 (44.27 mm), followed by TCVSI-1 (41.98 mm) and TCVSI-3 (41.22 mm) and lowest colony diameter was recorded TCVSI-5 (24.33 mm), followed by TCVSI-1 (25.33 mm) and TCVSI-3 (25.67 mm). Present study showed that the different Trichoderma isolates have good antagonistic effect on the MG of F. moniliformae.

Sericulture has become a leading cottage industry, requiring minimal investment, offering a short gestation period, generating high employment opportunities, and providing highly lucrative returns. Sericulture is the practice of rearing silkworms and extracting silk from their cocoons. During this process, a significant amount of waste byproducts is generated. Mulberry foliage is utilized as a nutritious feed for domesticated animals. In China, mulberry leaves have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including hypertension, hyperglycemia, inflammation, fever, cough, and even certain types of cancer. Mulberry wood is highly suitable for house construction and is widely used in manufacturing agricultural implements, furniture, and sports goods. Mulberries are packed with nutrients, though many people are unaware of their health benefits. Mulberry fruites are high in water content, low in calories, and rich in essential nutrients, particularly iron and vitamin C along with good amounts of potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin K. Due to their high sugar content, mulberries can be extensively utilized in the fruit and vegetable industry for producing marmalades, fondant jams, jellies, cakes, breads, parathas, fruit teas, fruit drink pulp, fruit wine, fruit sauces, fruit powders, and even chocolates. Among all mulberry by-products, the effective utilization of mulberry fruits holds greater medicinal value and offers immense potential for generating additional income and employment within the silk-based cottage industry. However, sericulturists have yet to fully utilize these by-products. Therefore, based on existing literature on mulberries, it would be worthwhile to study the value addition potential for sericulturists and to promote the involvement of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and beverage industries through the utilization of mulberry fruit as a by-product in the sericulture industry or enterprise.

in winter season of the year 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively to assess the effect of various substrates such as wheat straw and paddy straw in different treatments combination on yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus florida). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design consisted of twelve treatments combination in each replication and replicated thrice. The pooled data of two years showed that the maximum number of sporophores (97.17), number of pinheads (169.50), yield of first harvest per bed (400.33 g), yield of second harvest per bed (360.17 g) and yield of third harvest per bed (142.52 g) was reported in treatment T6 (wheat straw 80% + paddy straw 20%) while the minimum number of sporophore (85.00), number of pinhead (154.17), yield of first harvest per bed (351.98 g), yield of second harvest per bed (319.33 g) and yield of third harvest per bed (125.93 g) was reported in treatment T2 (Paddy straw 100%). Thus, the different substrates used in treatments combination showed that the combination of Wheat straw (80%) + Paddy straw (20%) is best for the mushroom cultivation under Lucknow condition in terms of yield and economic returns and by cultivating mushroom crop income of marginalized sections of society can be improved.

Two lance-leaf caladium cultivars are to be released from the ornamental breeding program at the University of Florida. 'Red Ruffles', whose pedigree is Red Frill x ('Red Frill' x 'Candidum Jr.'), has elongated medium red leaves with ruffled green margins. Plants are upright with strong petioles, have leaf blades 25 cm long and 14 cm wide, and attain a height of 61 cm when grown in full sun in the field. Plants have more leaves and are more cold tolerant than 'Red Frill', the major red lance-leaf cultivar of commerce. Tuber yields of 'Red Ruffles' are similar to 'Red Frill' but less than 'Rosalie', with production indices of 95.0, 97.8, and 121.0, respectively. Foliage of 'Red Ruffles' is more upright and less likely to elongate under reduced light than the other cultivars. 'Irish Lace', an F 2 selection from a cross of "Candidum Jr.' x "Red Frill', has elongated dark green leaves with heavily ruffled margins, which are etched with a thin red border. Leaf blades are 26 cm long and 8 cm wide and have heavy substance. Plant height is 65 cm in the field. Tuber yields of 'Irish Lace' are greater than 'White Wing', a major green/ white cultivar. Use of a green caladium would be as a border or a mixture with red or white lance-leaf cultivars. provenances. The North Carolina provenance required 90 days stratification to maximize germination (66%) in contrast to the Alabama provenance, which only needed 30 days (80%). Seeds of both provenances did not exhibit an obligate light requirement. However, photoperiods ≥1/2 h increased germination greatly over seeds in darkness (29% vs. 62%).

During the last three years blackberries in southern and southeastern U.S. have shown symptoms of vein clearing, yellow mottling and plant decline with considerable variation in symptoms with cultivars. We isolated dsRNA from symptomatic plants and identified high molecular weight bands similar to those isolated from plants infected with criniviruses. Paired extractions from virus-tested blackberries did not yield any dsRNA bands with molecular weight greater than 500 bp. Using degenerate primers developed against the crinivirus 1b protein in RT-PCR resulted in an amplicon that when sequenced showed the virus was a member of the Crinivirus genus. We have also cloned the virus and sequenced clones containing regions of the minor coat protein of the virus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the new virus, designated as Blackberry yellow vein associated virus (BYVaV), is related most closely to Beet pseudo-yellows virus and Strawberry pallidosis associated virus, two criniviruses recently identified in strawberry.

Mature watermelon vine decline (MWVD) is a late-season disease of unknown etiology, characterized by vine collapse and discolored, much reduced root systems. While several new disorders in watermelon have been reported recently, this problem appears specific to the Midwest. To test for a biological cause and methods to suppress this disorder, soil was collected from two southern Indiana fields with histories of MWVD for microplot and greenhouse experiments. Watermelons grew best in microplots treated with methyl bromide or methyl iodide. Roots of plants growing in the untreated MWVD soil were severely necrotic; those from the fumigation treatments appeared healthy. In heating experiments, watermelon seedlings were grown in autoclaved soil mixed with 10% MWVD soil that was either untreated or heated at 40, 50, 60, 70 or 80 C for 30 min. Watermelon plants in the untreated controls and the 40 and 50 C treatments had reduced top dry weights with decreased fibrous roots and associated discoloration in contrast to treatments of equal to and greater than 60 C. Representative cultures from necrotic roots were identified as Rhizopycnis vagum by morphological analysis and sequencing the ITS region of the ribosomal DNA. PCR analysis with specific primers confirmed that R. vagum was present in roots from untreated MWVD soil but not in symptomless roots. This is the first report of R. vagum associated with plants suffering from MWVD in Indiana and indicates that this fungus occurs much farther north in the U.S. than known previously.

Shoot tip explants of the Egyptian banana cultivars Maghraby, Valery, Grand Nain and Hindy were tested for their tolerance to water stress. Shoot survival, shoot growth and root growth stimulation in presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) was strongest in cultivar Hindy followed by Grand Nain, Maghraby and Valery. The accumulation of soluble sugars and proline in shoots was positively correlated with the applied polyethylene glycol concentration, while the reverse was true for N, P and K content. The cultivar Hindy exhibited higher metabolite accumulation response and cultivar Maghraby the least. The effects were most clear on liquid medium whereas solid (agar) medium exerted some additional effects increasing the osmotic stress at low PEG concentrations and alleviating the PEG effect at high PEG concentrations. In conclusion, the cultivar Hindy appeared to be the most tolerant to water stress because of strong accumulation of compatible solutes and greater stimulation of root development.

Background: Lablab purpureus (L.) bean research in Uttar Pradesh has given less emphasis on improving quality traits preferred by farmers and focused mostly on developing varieties that are high yielding. Though, there are some released Lablab purpureus (L.) varieties farmers mostly prefer to grow their own landrace. Moreover, analysis of farmers' perceptions and views on Lablab purpureus (L.) bean diseases and control methods utilized by farmers has been minimal. Farmers' insights and understanding of crop diseases play an important role in sustainable disease management. Therefore, there is a need to assess farmers' priority problems for Lablab purpureus (L.) bean production, their variety preference and their perception of the leaf spot disease. Methods: In our study, the landraces were assessed both in the field and in the greenhouse during 2021-22 with Alternaria doliconidium and Alternaria destruens isolates. Result: The highest level of resistance were found Under greenhouse evaluation in VRSEM-757, VRSEM-776, VRSEM-730 and VRSEM-739 to Alternaria doliconidium whereas genotypes found to be resistance under field evaluation were VRSEM-799, VRSEM-757 and VRSEM-776. Similarly, genotypes found to be resistance to Alternaria destruens were VRSEM-757 and VRSEM-702 under greenhouse evaluation whereas, genotypes VRSEM-776 found to be resistance during field evaluation. However, the resistance were moderate. Overall, resistance were highly heritable, suggesting that phenotypic selection can be exploited to improve leaf spot resistance in lablab bean varieties.

Murray State University is developing an on-line delivery for the four plant identification courses offered in the horticulture option program. Reasons for developing this are to provide more efficient use of limited faculty time, to utilize new technologies in the delivering of courses, and to provide an interactive teaching assistance to students outside of class. The American Society for Horticultural Sciences (ASHS) was contacted for a listing of universities in the United States that offered horticulture programs. E-mails were sent to 109 universities and 44 surveys were received for a 40.4% return rate. None of the responding universities were using new technologies in the form proposed by MSU. Of the respondents, 27.3% were interested in a course of this type and thought it was a good idea to pursue whereas 11.4% were not interested in developing a course and 15.9% said a course of this kind would not have applications in their universities. Currently 25% are using computer-a...

Late blight (LB) is the main potato disease worldwide and one of the most important ways to control it is the use of resistant varieties. Twenty-two potato clones from the B3 breeding population developed by the International Potato Center with high resistance to the disease and two susceptible controls were inoculated with four Peruvian complex isolates (POX67, PPA61, PLL69, and PPI112) of Phytophthora infestans, with complex virulence on potato. Whole plant inoculation assays were carried out under greenhouse and humid chamber conditions in Lima, Peru, and data obtained were correlated with data from field assays carried out in Oxapampa (Pasco), a CIP breeding site in the Peruvian rain forest. High significant correlations (α = 0.01) were found in the resistance to LB shown by potato clones, the values of the correlations under greenhouse conditions between the isolates POX67, PPA61, and PLL69 with the resistance in the field were r = 0.93, 0.92 and 0.80, respectively and under hu...

El texto es un ensayo sociológico de Samuel Gonzalez, de la Universidad de Santander, que examina el derecho a la salud como un derecho humano fundamental y una responsabilidad social del Estado. El autor analiza cómo la Ley Estatutaria 1751 de 2015 consolidó este derecho en Colombia, a pesar de los debates y controversias que lo rodean internacionalmente. Una parte significativa del análisis se centra en la ineficacia y las desigualdades del sistema de salud colombiano, en gran medida debido a la mala gestión y corrupción de las Entidades Promotoras de Salud (EPS). Finalmente, el ensayo incluye una tabla comparativa detallada que contrasta el sistema de salud colombiano con modelos de países como Canadá, Cuba, Francia e Israel, destacando los retos pendientes en la calidad y equidad de la prestación de servicios.

Copper is an essential micronutrient for higher plants and algae and has a direct impact on photosynthesis. It is a constituent of the primary electron donor in photosystem I, the Cuprotein plastocyanin. Many authors have also described Cu as a constituent of photosystem II (PSII). However, high Cu concentrations inhibit the photosynthetic electron transport, especially in PSII. In addition, both Cu deficiency and Cu toxicity interfere with pigment and lipid biosynthesis and, consequently, with chloroplast ultrastructure thus negatively influencing the photosynthetic efficiency. In this review, the different functions proposed for the metal in PSII are reviewed. With reference to the effect of toxic Cu on PSII, the polemic results concerning its mechanism of action and Cubinding sites are discussed. Other effects of Cu toxicity and Cu deprivation on the thylakoid membrane are also briefly described.

Understanding the relationship between seed germination time and plant maturity is essential for agricultural planning and crop management. This study presents a 22-year observational analysis conducted in western Uganda, examining a diverse range of edible plants to determine whether germination duration (measured in days or weeks) corresponds proportionally to the time taken for the plant to reach harvestable maturity (measured in months or years). The findings reveal a strict correlation where plants with short germination periods consistently reach maturity within a shorter timeframe, while those with prolonged germination exhibit extended growth cycles. These results suggest that germination time can serve as a predictive indicator of crop maturity, offering practical applications for farmers, agronomists, and plant scientists. The study further explores potential biological explanations for this trend, including the allocation growth rates, resource efficiency, and environmental adaptations. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of plant development timelines and may aid in optimizing crop selection and yield forecasting. Future research should focus on experimental validation and genetic factors influencing this correlation.

water use ; to increase flower and seed production ; to enhance vegetable tolerance to drought, salinity and flooding . Moreover, many researchers reported that an interaction between rootstocks and scions exists resulting in high vigor of the root system and greater water and mineral uptake leading to increased yield and fruit enhancement (

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. greenhouse heating, nonchemical growth retardants, organic fertilizers C onsumer interest in environmentally friendly products has increased greenhouse growers' interest in sustainable production techniques. It is estimated that consumers would spend up to 15% more for sustainable floricultural products than conventionally produced products, and purchasers of herbaceous or floricultural plant products tend to be more eco-friendly than those who purchase woody plant materials . In 2008, the Floriculture Sustainability Research Coalition (FSRC) was formed to provide information regarding sustainable production techniques for growers. Forming a coalition has allowed the group to broaden our expertise to have a more meaningful impact on growers' production practices. The FSRC began in 2008 at the National Floriculture Forum. Founding institutions include Purdue University, University of New Hampshire, Cornell University, and University of Maine. Our core purpose is to develop central sustainability themes for outreach and research programs that synergistically build on individual strengths to increase knowledge and create outreach materials that benefit our audience. Alone, it is difficult to have much of an impact on such a large topic. But, as a group, we could potentially have more impact-not only topically, but also regionally. Cornell University

Objetivou-se realizar a caracterização de frutos de bilimbí (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) em dois estádios de maturação. Os bilimbís foram colhidos em dois estádios de maturação (determinados pela coloração) em dez plantas no município de Arêz -RN em novembro de 2006, e transportados em isopor com gelo à Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Mossoró -RN. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo os tratamentos compostos pelos frutos verdes ou maduros. Avaliou-se SS, firmeza da polpa, pH, AT, vitamina C e relação SS/AT. Conclui-se que o estádio de maturação influencia nas características físico-químicas dos bilimbís, tendo o fruto maduro apresentado maiores valores de vitamina C e menores de acidez. Por isso, é recomendado consumir o fruto quando o mesmo estiver totalmente maduro.

Aimed to investigate the physicochemical characterization of bilimbí fruits (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) at two maturation stadiums. The bilimbi fruits were harvested at two maturation stadiums (determined by color) in ten plants in Arêz – RN in november 2006, and transported in polystyrene box with ice to Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-árido, Mossoró – RN. Was used a completely randomized design, being treats composed by green or yellow fruits. It was evaluated soluble solids (SS), flesh firmness, pH, titratable acidity (AT), vitamin C and ratio (SS/AT). It was concluded that maturation stadium had effect under physicochemical characteristics of bilimbí fruits, and the ripe fruit presented higher values of vitamin C and lower of titratable acidity. So, is recommended to consume the fruit totally ripe.

An in vitro clonal propagation protocol based on axillary bud development was generated for Turbinicarpus valdezianus. An efficient multiplication rate was obtained using either longitudinal or apical explants from in vitro germinated seedlings. The proliferation capacity of these explants was evaluated by testing the single and interaction effects of five concentrations of 6-furfurylaminopurine (KIN) (0.00, 2.32, 4.64, 9.28, and 18.56 µm) and three concentrations of α-naphthalenacetic acid (NAA) (0.00, 0.54, and 2.70 µm), using Murashige and Skoog (MS) as basal medium. Statistical analysis showed that the highest average shoot proliferation of T. valdezianus was recorded with 9.28 µm of KIN, producing 11.75 and 4.50 plantlets per initial explant, for apical and lateral explants, respectively. Addition of NAA to the medium had an inhibitory effect on shoot proliferation for both explant types. The developed shoots in 9.28 µm of KIN and plant growth regulator (PGR)-free treatments we...

Deregulation and globalisation has altered the views of public involvement in development and led to strategies focusing on private sector participation. An implicit assumption seems to be that these linkages will enhance the technological capacity of smallholder producers by way of more cost-efficient technologies trickling down through the value chain or by quality requirements inducing best practices. The argument put forward in this paper is that sustainable non traditional agricultural chain development requires more purposeful actions and institutional transitions, both in the public and private spheres, targeting improved upstream innovative capacities. Empirical findings from a Dutch-Vietnamese partnership on sustainable floriculture development are used. Research revealed that the pest and disease control solutions applied by smallholder rose growers were incremental adaptations of experiences obtained in former food crop cultivation practices. Floriculture however may require more drastic changes in cultivation practices to make the sector more environmentally benign. In the case of smallholder Vietnamese flower producers, this implies adaptation of knowledge and skills currently not present. An important hindrance in promoting this knowledge and skills appears to be the weak vertical linkages between flower growers and public and private research and development organizations.

En la mayoria de las zonas productoras de frijol comun los rendimientos potenciales nunca son alcanzados, esto se debe que esta leguminosa se cultiva en condiciones climaticas poco favorables, como son las escasas y erraticas precipitaciones, durante la etapa de crecimiento. En este sentido, la identificacion  de variedades con buenos rendimientos, bajo condiciones de sequia, es todo un desafio. Sin embargo, uno de los factores limitantes puede ser el desconocimiento de la variabilidad para la tolerancia a la falta de agua,  en el germoplasma disponible. Con tal motivo el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar indicadores productivos de cultivares de frijol comun,  en condiciones de secano, en la Empresa Socialista Mixta Leguminosa del ALBA, en la zona de Urachiche, estado de Yaracuy. Todas las semillas utilizadas fueron evaluadas previamente en condiciones de sequia experimental y seleccionadas las mas tolerantes. Se uso un diseno en bloque al azar con tres repeticiones y la s...

Less firmness at the stem end or base (white area in photo above) than in other parts of pistachio fruit was associated with higher percentages of epicarp lesion begun at the base (discolored area, or kernel necrosis, in photo at upper right). Another area of feeding by leaffooted bugs or stinkbugs is along the suture or split line, producing kernel necrosis and concentric rings (lower right).

Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB), Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee, is a serious pest of brinjal or eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Due to increasing levels of resistance of L. orbonalis to different insecticides there is an urgent need to test new chemicals. Studies were carried out in the Entomology Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) to evaluate the efficacy of three insecticides viz., impale 20SL (imidacloprid), advantage 20EC (carbosulfan), libsen 45SC (spinosad) against the infestation of L. orbonalis. All the tested insecticides were found to be effective in controlling brinjal shoot and fruit borer although spinosad was the most effective. Minimum shoot damage and maximum protection was provided by spinosad (libsen 45SC) which was followed by carbosulfan (advantage 20 EC) and imidacloprid (impale 20 SL). Similarly, minimum fruit damage and maximum protection was also provided by spinosad but in contrast with shoot damage, imidacloprid was found compara...

Orange is among the main produced species in citriculture, a widely important area of Brazilian agrobusiness. However, postharvest diseases, particularly the green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum, result insignificant losses in the sector. Given that chemical control is still the primary type of disease management, it is vital to create varied control methods to combine disease management programs. In this context, this study aimed to apply an alternative product based on potassium phosphite and evaluate its effect on the control of green mold and the quality of postharvest oranges.'Valencia' orange trees were treated with water (control), potassium phosphite (19.5 mL L -1 ), and benzimidazole fungicide (at the manufacturer's recommended dosage) at the first step of this work. The frequency and severity of green mold in the fruits were evaluated in the second step. The third step involved determining the physicochemical characteristics, which included peel and pulp color, pulp firmness, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and ratio (SS/AT). Green mold incidence was reduced in oranges treated with fungicide and potassium phosphite, although the pathogen was not entirely inhibited. The effects of the potassium phosphite and fungicide treatments in oranges were similar in the area under the disease progress curve. The preharvest application of potassium phosphite (19.5 mL L -1 ) reduced the incidence of green mold in postharvest oranges without affecting the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits, proving that the use of the alternative product can be a promising substitute.

The 'Colombian Yellow' pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus) is a crop of growing commercial interest due to its high nutritional value. However, its cultivation faces challenges related to climatic and specific growing conditions that can affect fruit development. This study evaluated the morphological, biochemical, and structural changes in the peel and pulp of yellow pitaya throughout five development stages (S1-S5). Analyses included physical and physicochemical parameters, antioxidant activity (β-carotene/linoleic acid system and the phosphomolybdenum complex), phenolics (Fast Blue method), total minerals, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results showed significant growth in fruit dimensions and mass from S1 to S5, with longitudinal and transverse diameters increasing from 9.36 to 14.15 cm and 4.73 to 8.73 cm, respectively, and mass rising from 106.2 to 401.57 g. Phenolic compounds and antioxidant levels also increased. Phosphorus (P) was the most abundant macro mineral, followed by potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Iron (Fe) was the most prevalent micromineral, followed by zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and boron (B). Enzymatic activities related to cell wall modification, such as pectinmethylesterase, polygalacturonase, and cellulase, peaked at different stages, contributing to fruit softening and cavity flaccidity. The fruit's versatility and nutritional properties position it as a valuable option in the exotic fruit market, offering functional and health benefits. This study provides insights into the developmental changes that influence its quality and potential market value.

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. biorational pesticide, best management practices, BMP, calcium nitrate, compost, crop yield, geo-database, GIS, granular fertilizer, foliar fertilization, IPM, KeyPlex ® , Lexx-A-Phos ® , net revenue, recycled scrubber material, sulfate of potash, sustainable citrus, sustainable citrus production, water quality U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offi cials at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) were required to reduce chemical and other inputs to the citrus operations in the refuge. For several years the past operation of the groves using commercial citrus programs was not economically viable. The MINWR recognized that a sustainable agricultural approach to citrus management would reduce deleterious inputs from the citrus groves, and the Florida Research Center for Agricultural Sustainability (FlaRes) was interested in determining the horticultural and economic feasibility, along with environmental aspects, of such an approach at an operational scale. In 1996, the MINWR and FlaRes signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a Sustainable Citrus Program (SCP) that would accomplish these mutual goals. Later in 1998 the MOU was modifi ed to include the entire 1,000 acres of citrus groves located at the MINWR. FlaRes by this agreement managed the groves using its SCP, and collected, documented, and reported all agronomic, economic, and environmental details associated with the groves to the MINWR. In this paper we have condensed these reports with the intent to present the most salient fi ndings observed over a 12-year period of study. Among these fi ndings is included the effectiveness of two biorational fungicides, foliar fertilization, and a Geographic Information System (GIS) that was constructed to encompass all management and research areas.

An experiment was conducted with a view to determine the nature and extent of gene action of yield and yield related characters of lablab bean. Five parents and their 10 F1s synthesized from 5 x 5 half diallel cross were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The analysis of variance showed that the difference among the genotypes (parents and F1s) were highly significant for all the characters which revealed the presence of wide variability among the genotypes under this study. Hayman's ANOVA (modified by Jones) suggested that the presence of additive and dominance gene actions for all the characters. The 'Vr-Wr' graph indicated partial dominance for the characters viz. days to first inflorescence appearance, days to first flowering, days to pod maturity, days to seed maturity, number of nodes per inflorescence, edible pod length, edible pod breadth, edible pod weight and pod yield per plant. Over dominance was observed for number of inflorescences per plant, number of pods per inflorescence and hundred seed weight. Complete dominance was observed only for number of pods per plant in lablab bean. As the development of hybrid variety is not possible in lablab bean, diallel selective mating system may be adopted for improvement of yield traits by using knowledge of gene actions. The hybrids with predominant additive gene action for yield related traits may be advanced to obtain transgressive segregants and pure lines for higher pod yield per plant.

The purpose of this study was to extend our knowledge of the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among the North American Tacaribe serocomplex viruses. Analyses of glycoprotein precursor gene sequence data separated the North American arenaviruses into 7 major phylogenetic groups. The results of analyses of Z gene and nucleocapsid protein gene sequence data were not remarkably different from the glycoprotein precursor gene tree. In contrast, the tree generated from RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene sequences differed from the glycoprotein precursor gene tree with regard to phylogenetic relationships among the viruses associated with woodrats captured in the western United States, Texas, or northern Mexico. Further analyses of the polymerase gene sequence data set suggested that the difference in topology was a consequence of incongruence among the gene tree data sets or chance rather than genetic reassortment or recombination between arenaviruses.

A comparison was made between plants of Solanum torvum Sw that grow in Chiapas, Mexico, and plants of the same species originating from India. This was effected to establish either similarities or differences between these plants in total alkaloid contents and presence of solasodine, an important alkaloid for the partial synthesis of steroids. The total alkaloid content (0.12%) of the plants coming from Chiapas and India was the same. However, solasodine was found only in the plants of Chiapas. In addition, the total amount of glycoalkaloids (0.038%) and two glycosilated compounds derived from solasodine, solasonine (0.0043%) and solamargine (0.0028%), were determined.

The aim of this article is to lay out a series of issues of current concern to researchers in the social sciences, regarding the impact of climate change on the vine and wine sector. The challenge lies in evaluating the cost of transition from one system to another through an integration of the direct and indirect effects of climate change. This adaptation, whether reactive or anticipatory, combines technical and organisational innovations with localisation strategies and institutional changes. Such actions could either try to maintain the existing situation as much as possible or could try to bifurcate towards deep changes, entailing very different costs. Given the multitude of uncertainties at play, not to mention the necessity for continuous adaptation to an ever-changing climate, these costs are hard to quantify. This article will illustrate two sets of measures for wine cultivation adaptation: ‘no regrets’ measures, which offer immediate benefits, and ‘reversible and flexible’ ...

Recent and severe droughts in major grape (Vitis)-growing regions of the United States and Australia underscore the importance of more efficient agricultural use of water. Grape rootstock breeding for increased drought tolerance could contribute to continued sustainable yields as fresh water supplies decline. Rhizotron containers were used in a greenhouse to investigate the predictive measures of drought tolerance in young grapevine rootstocks. Deeper rooting distributions were found for the drought-tolerant rootstocks ‘110R’ (Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris) and ‘Ramsey’ (Vitis champinii, a natural hybrid of Vitis candicans × V. rupestris) as opposed to shallower distributions observed in the more drought-sensitive rootstocks ‘101-14Mgt’ (Vitis riparia × V. rupestris) and ‘Riparia Gloire’ (V. riparia). Production of new roots during a 6-day nonirrigated period declined 45% to 53% for ‘Riparia Gloire’ and ‘101-14Mgt’, respectively, but showed no change in ‘110R’ and ‘Ramsey’. Sl...

Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum (BMP) have been used to control sesame wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. sesami in the presence of different doses of calcium super phosphate (CSP) at two successive seasons (2014 and 2015). CSP was add with soil preparation at the rate of 1, 2, 3 and 4 gm/pot and 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/fed under greenhouse and field conditions respectively. BMP plus CSP at the highest concentration either in greenhouse (4 gm/pot) or field conditions (200 kg/fed) was the most effective treatment in reducing sesame wilt disease. Also BMP plus CSP at the rate of 200 kg/fed promote plants growth, increased minerals uptake, seed yield and oil concentration under field conditions.

Large amounts of peach (Prunus persica) leaves and stems are by-products deriving from peach tree cultivation and canned industries. This work aimed to evaluate mineral nutrients, phenolic and volatile profile and antioxidant activities from the by-products of five peach cultivars (Early Maycrest, Sweet Cap, O'Henry, Flordastar and Rubirich). Minerals showed significant variations with respect to peach by-product. N showed higher contents in peach leaves among macronutrients, while Mn showed higher contents among micronutrients. Stems had high levels of Ca and traces of micronutrient levels. The HPLC-DAD phenols analysis showed twelve compounds identified (neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acids, catechin and epicatechin, gallic, caffeic, syringic, ferulic and coumaric acids, quercetin-3-rutinoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-galactoside). Flavonols showed the highest values (quercetin-3-galactoside with 70.79 -232.16 mg 100g -1 DW, quercetin-3-rutinoside with 63.88 -206.37 mg 100g -1 DW), while the least content was observed for anthocyanins. Cultivar had a significantly (P < 0.05) impact on phenolic compounds. Comparing by-products, stems showed higher levels of phenols. The GC-MS volatile compounds analysis revealed 43 compounds in different percentages and occurrences, depending on the cultivar and the by-product. Benzaldehyde was detected as the major volatile leaf component (70-95%), whereas myrcene (18-21%) and terpinolene (18-26%) were found to be the most important compounds in stems. Methanolic extracts of mature leaves were characterized by lower antioxidant capacity. Finally, peach by-products could represent a natural source of minerals, volatiles and phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activities having a great potential use in food products as natural flavouring agents and as nutraceutical supplements and pharmaceutical and cosmetic molecules.