Root aeration improves yield and water use efficiency of tomato in heavy clay and saline soils

Water logging and salinity of the soil alter both the physical and biological environment of plant roots. In two experiments, we investigated the effects of imposed aeration on yield and the physiological response of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) variety Improved Apollo growing under protected conditions over a range of salinities (the salinity experiment), and under constant field capacity (FC) or drier soil conditions (the moisture experiment). Subsurface irrigation with aerated water (12% air in water) stimulated above-ground growth, and enhanced the reproductive performance through earliness for flowering and fruiting compared with the control. Fruit yield of tomato with aeration in the moisture experiment was increased by 21% compared with the control (4.2 kg versus 3.7 kg per plant), and the effect of aeration on fruit yield was greater in FC than in the drier treatment. Fruit yield was increased by 38% in saline soil due to aeration compared with the non-aerated control. Increasing salinity from 2 to 8.8 dS m⁻¹, and 10 dS m⁻¹ reduced fruit yield by 18% and 62%, respectively, but 4 dS m⁻¹ did not suppress yield. Aeration in both the experiments increased plant water use and water use efficiency (WUE), expressed as weight per unit of applied water. Biomass WUE was greater by 16% and 32% in the moisture and salinity experiments, respectively. The increased yield with aeration was also accompanied by an increased harvest index (HI) defined as the proportion of dry fruit biomass to total dry biomass, greater mean fruit weight, high fruit DM, and increase in leaf chlorophyll content and shoot: root ratio, and a reduced water stress index (computed from the difference between air and leaf temperature). The benefit gained from aerating irrigation water was not only observed under conditions where air-filled porosity may be low (e.g., in poorly structure sodic soils, or at field capacity in clay soils), but also in drier soils.     

Comparative effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root-zone drying (PRD) on growth and cell wall peroxidase activity in tomato fruits

The effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root-zone drying (PRD) on tomato fruit growth and cell wall peroxidase activity in tomato exocarp were investigated in growth chamber conditions. The RDI treatment was 50% of water given to fully irrigated (FI) plants and the PRD treatment was 50% of water of FI plants applied to one half of the root system while the other half dried down, with irrigation shifted when soil water content of the dry side decreased 15–20%. RDI significantly reduced fruit diameter, though PRD reduced fresh weight while having no significant effect on fruit diameter. The activity of peroxidase was significantly higher in RDI and PRD treated plants compared to those of FI. Differences between RDI and PRD were expressed on temporal basis. In the fruits of RDI treated plants peroxidase activity began to increase in the phase when fruit growth started to decline with the peak of enzyme activity of 6.1 HRPEU g⁻¹ FW reached in the phase of mature green fruits when fruit growth rate was minimal. Increase of peroxidase activity in PRD fruits coincided with the ripening phase and the peak of enzyme activity (5.3 HRPEU g⁻¹ FW) was measured at the end of fruit ripening. These data potentially identified contrasting and different roles of tomato exocarp cell wall peroxidase in RDI and PRD treated plants. In RDI treated plants peroxidase may have a role in restricting fruit growth rate, although the increase in enzyme activity during ripening of PRD treated fruit pointed out that peroxidase may also control fruit maturation by inducing more rapid process.     

Fruit thinning in ‘Conference’ pear grown under deficit irrigation: Implications for fruit quality at harvest and after cold storage

Fruit thinning in pear is feasible for mitigation of water stress effects. However, it is not well known how fruit quality at harvest and after cold storage is affected by pre-harvest water stress. Even less is known about the effects of fruit thinning on quality under these circumstances. To elucidate these, we applied deficit irrigation (DI) and fruit thinning treatments to ‘Conference’ pear over the growing seasons of 2008 and 2009. At the onset of Stage II (80 and 67 days before harvest in 2008 and 2009, respectively), two irrigation treatments were applied: full irrigation (FI) and DI. FI trees received 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). DI trees received no irrigation during the first three weeks of Stage II to induce water stress, but then received 20% of ETc to ensure tree survival. From bud-break until the onset of Stage II and during post-harvest, FI and DI trees received 100% of ETc. Each irrigation treatment received two thinning levels: no thinning leaving commercial crop load (∼180 fruits tree⁻¹), and hand-thinning at the onset of Stage II leaving a light crop load (∼85 fruits tree⁻¹). Under commercial crop loads, DI trees were moderately water-stressed and this had some positive effects on fruit quality. DI increased fruit firmness (FF), soluble solids concentrations (SSC) and acidity at harvest while no changes were observed in fruit maturity (based on ethylene production). Differences in FF and acidity at harvest between FI and DI fruit were maintained during cold storage. DI also reduced fruit weight loss during storage. But fruit size was reduced under DI. Fruit thinning under DI resulted in better fruit composition with no detrimental effect on fresh-market yield compared to un-thinned fruit. Fruit size at harvest and SSC values after five months of cold storage were higher in fruit from thinned trees than fruit from un-thinned trees. Fruit thinning increased fruit ethylene production, indicating advanced maturity. This may lead to earlier harvest which is desirable in years with impending drought. Fruit thinning is therefore a useful technique to enhance pear marketability under water shortage.     

Effects of oxygen-enriched nutrient solution on greenhouse cucumber and pepper production

A series of experiments were conducted with greenhouse cucumber and pepper plants to determine the effects of oxygen enrichment of the irrigation water on yield and fruit shelf-life. The experiments were carried out in soilless culture in research greenhouses. Depending on the experiment, treatments included sub-ambient (2 mg L⁻¹), ambient (5–6 mg L⁻¹), medium (16 mg L⁻¹) and high (30–40 mg L⁻¹) levels of oxygen in the supply tank. Cucumber plants were grown in yellow cedar sawdust and pepper plants in either sawdust or perlite. Oxygen enrichment resulted in a promotion of cucumber yield in only one experiment; in two other experiments, none of the oxygen treatments, including those at sub-ambient levels, had an effect. There were no effects of oxygen enrichment on pepper yield. However, in both cucumber and pepper, fruit shelf-life was extended in oxygen-enriched treatments. In terms of system efficacy, oxygen levels in the irrigation water were measured at the dripper and found to decrease by 20–67% of initial values compared to the supply tank values, depending on the initial oxygen concentration and on the experiment. Oxygen concentrations decreased even further to virtually ambient levels when measured in the drain water or in the substrate reservoir. Cucumber plant growth was promoted under conditions which facilitated consistently high oxygen in the root zone, achieved through heavy irrigation (1 min in two) with oxygen-enriched nutrient solution of plants grown in saturated substrate (pumice). However, those extreme irrigation rates would not be practical for commercial cucumber or pepper production. Overall, this study demonstrates that oxygen enrichment of porous substrates under typical hydroponic conditions is difficult and possibly because of this, effects on yield are infrequent. However, fruit shelf-life may be improved.     

Grafting effects on postharvest ripening and quality of 1-methylcyclopropene-treated muskmelon fruit

In addition to managing soil-borne diseases in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) production, grafting with resistant rootstocks may impact fruit quality. The ethylene antagonist 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) has been shown to extend shelf life of fresh muskmelon fruit. Postharvest characteristics of 1-MCP-treated melon fruit as affected by grafting, however, have not been well examined. This study was conducted to explore the influence of grafting with different rootstocks on ripening and quality attributes of 1-MCP-treated muskmelon fruit during postharvest storage. Grafted ‘Athena’ muskmelon with two commercial squash interspecific hybrid rootstocks including ‘Strong Tosa’ and ‘Tetsukabuto’ as well as non-grafted and self-grafted ‘Athena’ were grown in replicated field plots at the University of Florida Plant Science Research and Education Unit (Citra, FL, USA) during April–June 2010. Half-slip fruit from two harvests were treated with 1.0 μL L⁻¹ 1-MCP (18 h, 20 °C) and analyzed during storage at 13 °C. For fruit from the 27 May harvest, whole fruit and mesocarp firmness, titratable acidity, soluble solids, and ascorbic acid content were measured, while production of ethylene and CO₂ was determined on fruit from the 29 June harvest. Grafting did not show a significant impact on fruit yield but affected the fruit shelf life significantly. Fruit from non-grafted ‘Athena’ and ‘Athena’ grafted onto ‘Strong Tosa’ demonstrated a shelf life of 31 d for the first harvest and 22 d for the second harvest. Shelf life of fruit from self-grafted ‘Athena’ and ‘Athena’ grafted onto ‘Tetsukabuto’ declined by 6 d and 3 d for the first and second harvest, respectively. Whole fruit firmness decreased by approximately 15.5% on average from 13 to 31 d except day 19 as a result of grafting, but to a lesser extent with ‘Strong Tosa’ rootstock. Mesocarp firmness of grafted melon was reduced by about 30.2% at days 13 and 19 compared to non-grafted ‘Athena’ fruit. In contrast, titratable acidity, soluble solid content, and ascorbic acid concentration were less affected by grafting. All the measurements except for ethylene and CO₂ production declined during storage regardless of the grafting treatment. Compared with ‘Strong Tosa’ rootstock, ‘Tetsukabuto’ resulted in a more rapid ripening under 1-MCP application, as reflected by earlier increase in ethylene production and higher respiratory rate. The study demonstrates that grafting effects on postharvest ripening and quality of ‘Athena’ muskmelon can vary markedly with rootstocks used.     

Growth,yield and water use efficiency response of greenhouse-grown hot pepper under Time-Space deficit irrigation

Greenhouse-grown hot pepper was used to investigate the effect of Time-Space deficit irrigation (TSDI), a newly developing irrigation technique based on regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial rootzone drying (PRD), by measuring plant growth, yield and irrigation water use efficiency. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three factors, organized following an orthogonal L₉ (3)⁴ test design with four growing stages. Three irrigation strategies (conventional furrow irrigation with full-water when soil water content was lower by 80% of field capacity (F), conventional furrow irrigation with 50% of full-water (D) and alternate furrow irrigation with 50% of full-water (P)) as the main plot factor were applied to select the optimum irrigation parameter at different stages of crop development, the treatment in which irrigation water was applied to both sides of root system when soil water content was lower by 80% of field capacity during all stages was considered as control (FFFF). Water consumption showed some significant effect of irrigation treatment during the growing period of different drought stress patterns application, and therefore decreased in these treatments to a level around 54.68–70.33% of FFFF. Total dry mass was reduced by 1.17–38.66% in TSDI treatments compared to FFFF. However, the root–shoot ratio of FFFF was lower than other treatments and the differences from FFFF and other TSDI treatments were statistically significant. The highest total fresh fruit yield (19.57 T ha⁻¹) was obtained in the FFFF treatment. All deficit irrigations increased the water use efficiency of hot pepper from a minimum of 1.33% to a maximum of 54.49%. At harvest, although there was difference recorded as single fruit weight and single fruit volume were reduced under the TSDI treatments, total soluble solids concentration of fruit harvested under the water-deficit treatments were higher compared to FFFF.     

Cucumber fruit quality at harvest affected by soilless system,crop age and preharvest climatic conditions during two consecutive seasons

Cucumber fruits (Cucumis sativus L., cv. Trópico F1) grown on perlite substrate and NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) were harvested during two seasons (winter and spring) to monitor the effects of climatic conditions and hydroponic growth systems on fruit quality at harvest. The best fruit quality at harvest, as measured by lightness and hue angle parameters, was obtained during the 3 weeks following the first winter picking. When values of a parameter of preharvest climate value called G^* were lower than 0.4 MJ m⁻² °C day⁻¹ interval⁻¹, the cucumber achieved its optimum quality at harvest, as measured by the dark green color of the skin. NFT-grown fruits showed darker and greener skin color (higher hue angle and lower lightness) compared with perlite-grown fruit, irrespective of the season considered. During the winter season, the plant transpiration rate was 30% higher in perlite than in NFT culture, which correlates with higher differences in G^* and 40% additional yield in perlite. However, in spring G^* was not sensitive enough to discriminate between the two hydroponic systems. In general, fruit quality at harvest in spring was lower than during the winter, due to flesh whitening, higher longitudinal and equatorial calibers, and slightly higher pH, as well as worse epidermal color coordinates (ranging from the dark and dull green color typical of winter fruit to light and a vivid green-yellow color). During the spring season, NFT-grown fruit were less acid than perlite-grown fruit with no apparent correlation with the climatic conditions or fruit nutrition.     

Nitrogen and water use efficiency of zucchini squash for a plastic mulch bed system on a sandy soil

Zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) is an economically important vegetable crop in Florida. Typically, it is intensively managed with high inputs of fertiliser and irrigation water. Our objectives were to evaluate the interaction between fertilisation rates and irrigation treatments, and to quantify nitrate leaching in a plastic mulched/drip irrigated zucchini squash production systems. Three studies were carried out. The first study evaluated different depth placement of drip and fertigation lines on plant growth and fruit yield. Treatments included SUR (both irrigation and fertigation drip lines placed on the surface); S&S (both lines buried 0.15 m deep); and SDI (irrigation line placed 0.15 m below the fertigation line on the surface). The second and third studies compared three different N-rates and different soil moisture sensor-based irrigation strategies. Nitrate-N leaching was monitored by zero tension drainage lysimeters and soil samples. N leaching increased when irrigation and N-rates increased, with values ranging from 2 to 45 kg ha⁻¹ of N. Use of SDI increased yields by 16% compared to the S&S treatment, and reduced nitrate leaching by 93% while increasing the water use efficiency by 75% compared to a fixed 2-h irrigation event per day treatment. Application of N above the standard recommended rate of 145 kg ha⁻¹ did not increase yield, although yields were reduced at the lowest N-rate. The use of soil moisture sensors for automatic irrigation control reduced irrigation application and minimized nitrogen leaching. In addition, combining the soil moisture controlled SDI system that had surface applied fertigation resulted in similar or higher yields, while reducing both water use and potential N leaching because of improved nutrient retention in the root zone.     

Root zone soil nitrogen management to maintain high tomato yields and minimum nitrogen losses to the environment

Greenhouse field experiments on tomato were carried out at Shouguang, Shandong province, over four double cropping seasons between 2004 and 2008 in order to understand the effects of manipulating root zone N management (RN) on fruit yields, N savings and N losses under conventional furrow irrigation. About 72% of the chemical N fertilizer used in conventional treatment (CN) inputs could be saved using the RN treatment without loss of yield. The cumulative fruit yields were significantly higher in the RN treatment than in the CN treatment. Average seasonal N from irrigation water (118 kg N ha⁻¹), about 59% of shoot N uptake, was the main nitrogen source in treatments with organic manure application (MN) and without organic manure or nitrogen fertilizer (NN). N losses in the RN treatment were lowered by 54% compared with the CN treatment. Lower N losses were found in the MN and NN treatments due to excessive inputs of organic manure and fruit yields were consequently substantially affected in the NN treatment. The critical threshold of N_min supply level in the root zone (0–30 cm) should be around 150 kg N ha⁻¹ for sustainable production. April to May in the winter–spring season and September to October in the autumn–winter season are the critical periods for root zone N manipulation during crop growth. However, control of organic manure inputs is another key factor to further reduce surplus N in the future.     

Fruit yield and water use efficiency of eggplant (Solanum melongema L.) as influenced by different quantities of nitrogen and water applied through drip and furrow irrigation

Elucidation of the effects of different quantities of nitrogen (N) and water applied through drip and furrow irrigation on fruit yield and water use efficiency (WUE) in eggplant is essential for formulating proper management practices for sustainable production. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the independent and interactive effects of four levels of N and different quantities of water applied through drip as well as furrow irrigation on eggplant fruit yield, agronomic efficiency of N and WUE. In the present field investigation, ridge planting with each furrow and alternate furrow irrigation were compared with drip irrigation at three levels of water: 100%, 75% and 50% of each furrow irrigation (designated as D_1.0, D_0.75 and D_0.5). The four levels of N studied were 90, 120, 150 and 180 kg N ha⁻¹ (designated as N₉₀, N₁₂₀, N₁₅₀ and N₁₈₀). The eggplant hybrid BH-1 was transplanted on August 5, 2004 at the spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm.     

Determination of the uptake and translocation of nitrogen applied at different growth stages of a melon crop (Cucumis melo L.) using N isotope

In order to establish a rational nitrogen (N) fertilisation and reduce groundwater contamination, a clearer understanding of the N distribution through the growing season and its dynamics inside the plant is crucial. In two successive years, a melon crop (Cucumis melo L. cv. Sancho) was grown under field conditions to determine the uptake of N fertiliser, applied by means of fertigation at different stages of plant growth, and to follow the translocation of N in the plant using ¹⁵N-labelled N. In 2006, two experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, labelled ¹⁵N fertiliser was supplied at the female-bloom stage and in the second, at the end of fruit ripening. Labelled ¹⁵N fertiliser was made from ¹⁵NH₄¹⁵NO₃ (10 at.% ¹⁵N) and 9.6 kg N ha⁻¹ were applied in each experiment over 6 days (1.6 kg N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹). In 2007, the ¹⁵N treatment consisted of applying 20.4 kg N ha⁻¹ as ¹⁵NH₄¹⁵NO₃ (10 at.% ¹⁵N) in the middle of fruit growth, over 6 days (3.4 kg N ha⁻¹ d⁻¹). In addition, 93 and 95 kg N ha⁻¹ were supplied daily by fertigation as ammonium nitrate in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The results obtained in 2006 suggest that the uptake of N derived from labelled fertiliser by the above-ground parts of the plants was not affected by the time of fertiliser application. At the female-flowering and fruit-ripening stages, the N content derived from ¹⁵N-labelled fertiliser was close to 0.435 g m⁻² (about 45% of the N applied), while in the middle of fruit growth it was 1.45 g m⁻² (71% of the N applied). The N application time affected the amount of N derived from labelled fertiliser that was translocated to the fruits. When the N was supplied later, the N translocation was lower, ranging between 54% at female flowering and 32% at the end of fruit ripening. Approximately 85% of the N translocated came from the leaf when the N was applied at female flowering or in the middle of fruit growth. This value decreased to 72% when the ¹⁵N application was at the end of fruit ripening. The ammonium nitrate became available to the plant between 2 and 2.5 weeks after its application. Although the leaf N uptake varied during the crop cycle, the N absorption rate in the whole plant was linear, suggesting that the melon crop could be fertilised with constant daily N amounts until 2–3 weeks before the last harvest.     

Evaluating variability of root size system and its constitutive traits in hot pepper (Capsicum annum L.) under water stress

The importance of root size system has long been recognized as crucial to cope with drought conditions. This investigation was conducted to: (i) evaluate the variability in root size system of hot pepper at maturity; (ii) estimate the effect of root size system on yield under drought conditions; and (iii) effect of water stress on xylem vessel development and total xylem cross-sectional area in roots of hot pepper cultivars. Twelve diverse hot pepper cultivars were grown in wooden boxes with two different water treatments, normal and in 50% water application as water deficit condition. Mean primary root length (PRL) showed a significant positive correlation with final fruit yield at normal as well as stressed condition. Total dry mass of fruit was reduced by 34.7% in drought treatments (DI) compared to full watered treatment (FI). At harvest, water-stressed plants had 21% lower root dry weight mass but higher root:shoot ratio other than FI. PRL, lateral root density, total xylem area per root cross-section showed a significant positive relationship with fruit yield. Also, lateral root density was higher in cultivars with higher xylem density, particularly in tolerant cultivars. Lateral root density (r = 0.847, P < 0.001) and total xylem cross-sectional area in root (r = 0.926, P < 0.001) were tightly related with total biomass production. The importance of root traits contributing to withstand drought in hot pepper is discussed.     

Closed cycle subirrigation with low concentration nutrient solution can be used for soilless tomato production in saline conditions

Closed cycle soilless techniques can be adopted to minimize water and fertilizer losses in greenhouse cultivation. There is a general lack of information regarding the soilless cultivation of vegetables with closed cycle subirrigation techniques, specifically when using saline water. In this study, a trough bench subirrigation system (SUB), with two fertilizer concentrations (“100%”, containing 9.8 mol m⁻³ N-NO₃, 1.6 mol m⁻³ P-H₂PO₄, 8.7 mol m⁻³ K⁺, 2.8 mol m⁻³ Ca⁺, 1.8 mol m⁻³ Mg⁺, 4 mol m⁻³ S-SO₄, and “70%”, containing 70% of the macronutrient concentration) in the nutrient solution (NS), was compared with open cycle drip-irrigation (DRIP with “100%” NS). For all the three treatments, NS was prepared using rain water (0.05 dS m⁻¹) and adding NaCl (1 g L⁻¹), in order to simulate moderate saline irrigation water. The effect of the treatments on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant growth, yield, fruit quality, water use efficiency (WUE) and fertilizer consumption was evaluated. Substrate and recirculating NS composition were also studied. Subirrigation, regardless of NS concentration, reduced plant height (by 30 cm), leaf area (by 1411 cm²), total fresh and dry weight (by 429 and 48.5 g plant⁻¹, respectively) but not dry matter percentage of the whole plant, with respect to DRIP. Yield was reduced when plants were subirrigated with the higher concentrated NS, but no differences with open cycle DRIP were recorded when the lower NS concentration was used in SUB. Fruit quality was not affected by irrigation system or NS concentration. The higher WUE was obtained with subirrigation. NaCl accumulated similarly over the crop cycle in recirculating NS of both SUB treatments and in growing substrates of all the three treatments. Higher salt concentration was found in subirrigated substrates, in particular in the upper part of the substrate profile. Fertilizers accumulated in the subirrigated substrates when the higher NS concentration was used, but not when the NS concentration was reduced by 30%. The results of this study indicate that tomato can be grown successfully in a closed cycle subirrigation system, using saline water, by reducing the fertilizer NS concentration normally used with traditional open cycle systems.     

Water relations of olive trees cultivated under deficit irrigation regimes

The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Field ‘Taoues’, southern Tunisia (34°N, 10°E) to examine the effect of irrigation schedules on water relations for young olive trees, cultivars Chétoui, Chemlali, Coratina, Picholine and Manzanille. Plants were cultivated at 7 m × 7 m spacing and drip irrigated from April to September. Irrigation amounts (IA) of 20%ET_c, 50%ET_c and 100%ET_c were applied, where ET_c is the FAO crop evapotranspiration. The effect of IA on midday leaf water potential (Ψ_leaf), stomatal resistance (R_s) and conductance (g_s), soil (H_v) and relative leaf (RWC) water contents was studied. Results showed that a further increase in IA was not systematically followed by an increase of water potential, production and WUE values. Some controversial responses were observed following to a variety with large seasonal variations. At the beginning of the growing season, differences between treatments were not very important because soil water content was still high enough to prevent important changes in Ψ_leaf values. The most stressed trees showed potentials of −1.53 MPa for Picholine cv. and ranging between −2.30 MPa and −2.10 MPa for the other varieties depending on IA. The less stressed trees provided potentials of −0.97 MPa for Picholine cv. and varying between −1.63 MPa and −2.13 MPa for cultivars Coratina, Manzanille, Chétoui and Chemlali. Then, as the season progresses, and when IA was increased from 20%ET_c to 50%ET_c, Ψ_leaf values decreased significantly for cultivars Chemlali (−3.05 MPa), Coratina (−3.75 MPa), Manzanille (−3.0 MPa) and Chétoui (−3.5 MPa). At 100%ET_c, Manzanille and Picholine cultivars show better water status with respective potentials of −2.7 MPa and −2.6 MPa. Stomatal resistance monitoring showed maximums at midday for all cultivars with pick value of 4.45 s/cm recorded for Chétoui cultivar irrigated at 50% ET_c. The most important variations were recorded for cultivar Chemlali which seem to be the ablest to regulate stomata aperture. Close coordination between Ψ_leaf and g_s and Ψ_leaf and RWC measurements was found. But, the response varied following to treatment. At low irrigation levels (20%ET_c and 50%ET_c), g_s was found to be linearly and positively correlated to Ψ_leaf. It increased linearly and positively with increasing values of Ψ_leaf (r of 0.84 and 0.96, respectively). At 100%ET_c, Ψ_leaf is found to be correlated to g_s following to a polynomial function with an optimum g_s value of 450 mmol/m²/s and Ψ_leaf of about −2.5 MPa.     

Effectiveness of water pillow irrigation method on yield and water use efficiency on hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

A study was conducted to elucidate the effect of water pillow (WP) irrigation method, a new alternative method to furrow irrigation, on the yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of hot pepper in a semi-arid climatic condition. In this research, treatments used were: (i) WP method and its 7-day irrigation interval (WP₇), (ii) WP method and its 9-day irrigation interval (WP₉), (iii) WP method and its 11-day irrigation interval (WP₁₁) and (iv) furrow irrigation (FI) method and its 5-day irrigation interval (control) were employed. Although the plants were grown under different irrigation methods and interval conditions, there were no statistical differences in yield and biomass of hot pepper plants between FI and WP treatments (P < 0.05). Water use efficiency (WUE) and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) values significantly increased with the application of WP irrigation method (P < 0.05). The highest WUE and IWUE values obtained from WP₁₁ treatment in both years. As a result, we conclude that WP method is a way to save water and increase the yield in semi-arid areas where climatic conditions require repeated irrigation in the hot pepper production area.     

Fruit growth,cuticle deposition,water uptake,and fruit cracking in jostaberry,gooseberry, and black currant

Fruit cracking after rain limits the production of a number of crops, including some Ribes species. To gain a better understanding of the factors involved in cracking, fruit growth, deposition of the cuticular membrane (CM), water uptake and fruit cracking were studied in black currant (Ribes nigrum L. cv. Zema), gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa L. cv. Rote Triumph), and jostaberry (Ribes nidigrolaria B. cv. Jostine). Fruit surface area and fresh mass increased continuously throughout development, whereas deposition of the CM was biphasic. CM mass per fruit increased rapidly up to 42, 41, and 49 days after full bloom (DAFB) in black currant, gooseberry, and jostaberry, respectively. Thereafter, CM mass per fruit remained constant in gooseberry and jostaberry or increased at a lower rate in black currant. The cessation of or reduced rate of CM deposition resulted in a decrease in CM mass per unit area in all berries. Elastic strain of the CM at maturity averaged 23.8% and 19.5% in gooseberry and jostaberry, respectively, and only 8.2% in black currant. Microcracks in the CM were observed first in gooseberry and jostaberry 64 DAFB, whereas there were no microcracks in black currant. Water uptake into mature detached berries was linear over 2 h of incubation. Rates of uptake were highest in gooseberry followed by black currant and jostaberry. Relative uptake was similar via the cut end of the pedicel (32.1%), the apex of the fruit (34.7%) and the fruit surface (33.2%). Rates of water uptake through the fruit surface were positively related to surface area. Average fruit water potential for black currant, gooseberry, and jostaberry was −2.14 ± 0.17, −1.24 ± 0.03, and −1.89 ± 0.20 MPa, while the permeability for osmotic water uptake was 7.7 ± 0.4 × 10⁻⁸, 5.2 ± 0.1 × 10⁻⁸, and 3.3 ± 0.3 × 10⁻⁸ m s⁻¹. Incubating whole fruit in deionized water for 72 h resulted in more cracked jostaberries (94%) than black currants (74%) or gooseberries (50%). A comparison of our findings in Ribes berries with published data for the sweet cherry drupe revealed that the berries fitted the relationships established in sweet cherry among fruit growth, cuticle deposition, strain of the cuticle, microcracking, permeability for osmotic water uptake, frequency of stomata and cracking. The Ribes berries were less susceptible to cracking than sweet cherry.     

Behavior of arazá (Eugenia stipitata Mc Vaugh) fruit quality traits during growth,development and ripening

The period between fruit set and full ripening of arazá fruit grown in the Colombian Amazonia was 55 ± 5 days. Three stages of a sigmoidal growth were identified and longitudinal and equatorial traits fitted a logistic model better than three-degree polynomial models. Fruit growth clearly exhibited three different physiological stages, identified as follows: S1, involving cellular division during the first 14 days; S2, maximum fruit growth, during which cellular expansion took place (up to day 50), and a final S3 state of 5 days to reach physiological maturity. After this time, the fruit can be harvested with a dull green coloration. Parenchyma was the principal fruit tissue, and no support tissues (sclerenchyma or collenchyma) were evident. The respiratory pattern of arazá fruit was climacteric, with maximum respiration rates of around 200 mg CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹, preceded by a peak of ethylene production (20 μL C₄H₄ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), a change in skin color from green to yellow, a total soluble solids value of 5°Brix, an increase in the sucrose and fructose content up to 2.8 μmol g⁻¹, a pH which increased to 3 units, and a decrease in titratable acidity to 400 mmol H⁺ L¹⁻. Malic acid was the main organic acid in the edible pulp and ascorbic acid was present in a concentration of 17.8 μmol g⁻¹. Skin color (as measured by hue angle) combined with titratable acidity and fruit firmness can be recommended as harvest indices for arazá fruit.     

Seasonal changes of mineral nutrients and phenolics in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit

Pomegranate fruit is an important source of potentially healthy bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients. Changes in total phenolic compound, concentrations, and levels of macronutrients (P, K, N, Mg, Ca and Na) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and B) in arils and peel of pomegranate fruit were recorded from 10 days after full bloom until harvest. Total phenolics levels increased at early stage of growth both in peel and arils of fruit, but thereafter generally decreased during maturation and reached to 3.70 and 50.22 mg g⁻¹ of dry weight in arils and peel, respectively, at harvest. The amount of total phenolics in peel was markedly higher than arils of pomegranate fruit. The concentration of most elements in arils and peel decreased during fruit growth and development. At harvest the relative order of concentration of macronutrients both in arils and peel was K > N > Ca > P > Mg > Na. The concentration of most micronutrients was greater in the arils than in the peel especially in early season. The relative order of concentration of micronutrients in arils was B > Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn. The accumulation of all the macro- and microelement within the fruit also increased during fruit growth and development. These results provide important data on total phenolics and macro- and micronutrient changes during fruit growth and development, emphasizing that pomegranate fruit can be a good source of bioactive compounds and minerals.     

Effect of site and storage conditions on quality of industrial fresh pepper

The commercial expansion of roasted pepper as a high market value product have made that the period of time in which canning industries process the fresh pepper fruits needs to be extended. Fresh sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) destined for industry grown in different sites was cold stored in order to analyse the effect of different sites and storage conditions on the quality of the product at harvest and during storage. Storage during 10 days at 8 °C was the best storage condition to improve quality of pepper destined for industry, because colour was improved, weight loss (1–1.6%) was lower than maximum permissible and decay incidence was only between 0% and 2.3%. Harvest should be delayed until pepper reaches the red state in order to increase the quality of the fruit. However, these results suggest that pepper growers should assure a high content of Ca (>0.6 g kg⁻¹) in the soil to avoid a high incidence of decay during storage when a late harvest is needed to guarantee the enhancement of colour in pepper fruit destined for industry. These storage conditions are in accordance with those found to improve the sensory quality of roasted pepper.     

Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers applied during successive crop seasons on growth and nitrate accumulation in lettuce

A romaine-type lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Corsica was cultivated during three successive crop seasons (late-spring, late-autumn and late-winter) in the same soil of an experimental greenhouse in S.W. Peloponnese, Greece. Seven long-term fertilization treatments were tested for their effect on plant growth and nitrate concentration in the external lettuce leaves. Treatments included: three different doses of organic fertilization (composted sheep manure) applied at the start of each crop season, three different doses of inorganic N fertilization applied via fertigation during each crop season, and a control treatment in which no fertilizer was applied. A drip irrigation system was used to water all plants. The highest nitrate levels were observed in the medium and maximum inorganic fertilization treatments (572–664 mg kg⁻¹) in all crop seasons. They were significantly higher compared to the respective organic fertilization treatments (253–435 mg kg⁻¹) and all other fertilization treatments (148–435 mg kg⁻¹). Crop season affected lettuce growth more than nitrate accumulation in the lettuce leaves: lettuce biomass production was the smallest and most uniform in the late-autumn season and did not respond to the fertilization treatments tested (ranging from 409 to 439 g plant⁻¹), while in the late-spring season biomass production was the highest and most variable (561–841 g plant⁻¹), it correlated with nitrate concentration in the leaves and in the medium and maximum inorganic fertilizer doses it significantly exceeded production from all other fertilization treatments (827–841 g plant⁻¹). Following the three crop seasons the residual availability of N, P and K was clearly enhanced in the soil receiving the organic compared to the inorganic fertilization. Nitrate concentration in lettuce leaves was far below the upper limits set by the European Commission in all fertilization treatments throughout the three crop seasons, a result attributed mainly to the sufficient level of light intensity and duration throughout the year in Southern Greece.