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Indonesian Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Institute (ICSFRI), Jl. Raya Tlekung, Junrejo, Batu, Indonesia. School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.26

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Abstract: Managing agri-food chains based on the value defined by end consumers provides competitive advantage but requires a thorough understanding of consumers and their value preferences. This study was conducted to identify consumer preferences for apples and to segment consumers so that findings could be used to guide domestic apple value chain development in Indonesia. Data were collected through an intercept survey of 200 apple consumers in Malang, Indonesia. Three significantly different clusters of domestic apple consumers were identified. The ‘indifferent consumers’ disregarded the importance of most attributes of domestic apples, while ‘pro–sensory consumers’ valued sensory attributes more than search attributes. ’Value–conscious consumers’ rated most of the value attributes as important in making a purchase. This study identifies the need for adopting practices along the chain that enhance particular attributes of domestic apples so as to increase value for each consumer segment.

Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Iran. Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.27

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Abstract: This study was aimed to assess the effect of salicylic acid (SA) on quality and storage life of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and performed in two experiments including foliar application and postharvest dipping of fruits in salicylic acid solutions. In the first experiment, pomegranate trees were sprayed at concentrations of 0, 1, 3 or 9 mM L^-1. After two months of storage at 5 °C, ionic leakage, total soluble solids, and decay of pomegranate fruit was examined. The results showed that ionic leakage and fungal decay decreased and total soluble solids increased in treated fruits compared to the control. In the second experiment, fruits were dipped in SA at concentrations of 0, 1 or 3 mM L^-1 and stored at 5 °C for two months to investigate the effects of salicylic acid on chilling injury (Cl), decay, and chemical attributes of stored samples. The results revealed that postharvest application of SA significantly increased total antioxidants and decreased chilling injury and decay of treated fruits. However, it did not significantly affect total phenol, total soluble solids, total anthocyanin and colour of fruits compared to the control.

Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Oklahoma State University, 358 Ag Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.28

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Abstract: Although effect of rooting hormone in the propagation of ornamental species has been studied by many scientists, very few have contributed to understanding the effect of supplemental carbon dioxide(CO₂) in rooting of plants. With the aim of understanding the effect of CO₂ in rooting and its interaction with rooting hormone treatment, a greenhouse study was conducted. Two identical greenhouses were used in which, one was supplied with an average of 800 ppm of CO₂and the other one was at about 400 ppm (ambient) throughout the rooting period. Rooting hormone treatments were control, 1000, 3000 and 5000 ppm concentrations of Dip’N Grow. Elevated CO₂ did not promote root development when compared to ambient condition. However, increasing rooting hormone concentration significantly affected the rooting parameters. Rooting percentage was not improved under elevated CO₂. Ambient CO₂ with 5000 ppm concentration of Dip’N Grow showed greater root number.

Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, CCSHAU, Hisar-125004, Haryana.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.29

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Abstract: Brinjal is an important vegetable crop in India and its production is mainly constrained up to 30 per cent due to the seedling and fruit rot caused by fungus, Phomopsis vexans. Although carbendazim is effectively used to control the P. vexans, it is detrimental to human and environment with long term usage. Hence, the present study was conducted to identify the bio-fungicide which can be used as an alternative to carbendazim. The results revealed that the seed germination was significantly superior with Trichoderma viride, T. viride + Pseudomonas fluorescens and T. viride + T. asperellum as compared to the carbendazim in blotter method while it was at par in pot culture experiment. The T. viride resulted in significantly higher seedling length (cm), seedling dry weight (mg), SVI-I and SVI-II as compared to the carbendazim in pot culture experiments. The disease incidence was significantly low and the disease control was significantly high in T. viride and its combinations with P. fluorescens or T. asperellum as compared to carbendazim in blotter method while, at par under pot culture conditions. Therefore, T. viride (5 g kg^-1 seed) can be effectively used as an alternative to carbendazim to improve the seedling vigour and control of P. vexans of brinjal.

Coastal Research and Extension Center, Mississippi State University, 1815 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532, United States. Former Post-doctoral Associate, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State University Extension Service, 856 Hwy. 90, Ste. B, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.16

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Abstract: Ethnicity plays a strong role in niche market development, and the market for specialty Asian crops is currently under-served. As Asian populations continue to grow in the southern United States, especially along the Gulf Coast, it is important for producers to recognize this opportunity. Fruits and vegetables desired by the diverse Asian population are often completely unavailable or of poor quality due to shipping distance. This market need can be met by local growers with a greater potential return on investment greater than traditional vegetables. This paper summarizes results of variety trials of Asian vegetables conducted during 2003 -2005 growing seasons at Mississippi State University, Coastal Research and Extension Center’s Beaumont Horticultural Unit (USDA Hardiness Zone 8a). These trials evaluated yield performance of Asian varieties of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.) and eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) under coastal Mississippi environmental conditions. Cucumbers: ‘Natsuhikari’, ‘Tasty Queen’, ‘Crisp Petrel’, ‘Tokiwa’, ‘White Sun’, and ‘Summer Express’; bitter melon: ‘Large Top’, ‘Taiwan Large’, ‘Japan Long’, ‘Thailand Star’ and eggplants: ‘Round Green’, ‘Orient Charm’, ‘Ichiban’, ‘Millionaire’, ‘Green Giant’, ‘Purple Ball’, ‘Kurume’, ‘Purple Excel’, ‘Ping Tung Long’, ‘Mangan’, ‘Long Green’, and ‘Orient Express’ were grown conventionally on raised beds using drip irrigation and plastic mulch. Results indicated that cucumber varieties performed well, though their yield might have been affected by environment conditions. Average total yield and fruit numbers in 2004 were 65.5 and 56.1 % higher, respectively, compared to 2005. Marketable yield of Asian bitter melon varieties ‘Large Top’, ‘Taiwan Large’, and ‘Japan Long’, were higher than ‘Thailand Star’. Total eggplant yield varied greatly among varieties. Total yield of ‘Round Green’ in 2003 was highest compared to all other cultivars.

Assesment Institute of Agriculture Technology, Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Postgraduate Program, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia. Departement of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawiajaya, Malang, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.17

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Abstract: Lycopene and beta-carotene content of two antioxidants in tomatoes and productivity are strongly influenced by the intensity of solar radiation received by plants. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effect of shading on production, lycopene content and beta-carotene content of tomato varieties at medium land of Indonesia. The study was conducted in the area with an altitude of 515 meters above sea level, in Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Treatments tested in this study were arranged in a split plot design. The main plot was percentage of shading (0, 25 and 50 %). The subplot was tomato varieties (Juliet, Golden Sweet, Golden Shine and Betavila). The results showed that shading or lowering the level of solar radiation received by plants could improve the maximum air humidity but it did not change the minimum humidity. Minimum air temperature dropped by 1°C in the shade treatments of 25 and 50 % compared with no shade, while the maximum air temperature dropped by 4 °C in the shade of 25 % and by 5 °C under 50 % shade. Changes in the microclimate around the plants, especially the temperature and air humidity did not only increase the growth and productivity of plants, but also increased the chlorophyll content of leaves and lycopene of tomatoes. All varieties showed that the highest production was obtained when plants were shaded by 25 % compared with no shade or 50 % shade. In addition, lycopene in tomato varieties was also influenced by the microclimate around the plant, and the beta-carotene content was influenced by varieties of tomatoes and shaded level but not due to interaction.

Departement of Agronomy, University of Zabol, Iran. Agricultural Research Institute, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i02.18

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Abstract: Rhizobium inoculation increases nutrients uptake by modification of root characteristics. This experiment was conducted in 2015 at Zabol university research farm (Chah-Nimeh) in a completely randomized design based on factorial arrangement with three replications. The first factor was five levels of phosphate: 100, 75, 50, 25 and 0 (control) kg ha^-1 and the soil inoculation consisted of two arbuscular mycorrhizal: Glomus intraradices and G. mosseae. The measured traits include number of leaves, stem dry weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, stem diameter, root length, plant height, SPAD readings, root and shoot nitrogen content, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. Results indicated that using of G. intraradices and G. mosseae have no significant effects on rosemary essential oil yield. The highest and lowest essential oil percentage rate of 2.2 and 1.6 %, respectively were as a result of taking ammonium phosphate 100 kg ha^-1 and in the control (no ammonium phosphate). On the other hand, higher shoot (1.17) and root (1.96 ) nitrogen percentage and were recorded followed by interaction between G. mosseae species and the control, respectively. The SPAD readings of rosemary increased significantly by the application of fertilizer in levels. On interaction effects, G. intraradices (M1) and application of 75 kg ha^-1 ammonium phosphate treatments had the best SPAD readings. The results of this study indicated that the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil with optimal fertilizer application greatly improved rosemary growth and nutrient uptake and the effect was greater under greenhouse conditions.

Professor and Director of Pomology and Viticulture Program, Parma Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho, 29603 University of I Lane, Parma, ID 83660, U.S.A. Research Associate of Pomology and Viticulture Program, Parma Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho, 29603 University ofI Lane, Parma, ID 83660, U.S.A.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.02

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Abstract: Cluster management in table grapes is an essential cultural practice for production of high quality table grapes and this practice has not been studied in the Intermountain northwest region in the USA. Thus, the objective of this project was to determine the optimal cluster threshold for improving yield and berry quality attributes of Alborz table grape in the inland Pacific Northwest United States during 2010 through 2012. Non-thinned control vines had 71 clusters in 2010 but had 39 and 40 during 2011 and 2012, respectively. Clusters in non-thinned control vines were longer but lighter than those in the other treatments. Berries in the non-thinned control vines were always lighter in weight and smaller in size than those in the other treatments. Berries from vines with 28 clusters tended to have more uniform red color with lower overall green color while those from non-thinned control had more green color. Vines with 20 and 28 clusters tended to have greater soluble solids concentration (SSC) but those in non-thinned control and with 36 clusters had lower SSC. Overall, the cumulative yields of non-thinned control vines were similar to those with 36 clusters during two out of three years. Considering all quality attributes, between 28 and 36 clusters per vine was the optimal number for production of yield and quality attributes.

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia. Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Funako, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0034, Japan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.03

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Abstract: Morphological variation in triploid apomicts Amorphophallus muelleri has been postulated low, here, we present for the first time macroscopic variation in floral morphology from natural and gibberellin treatments. Agamosporous A. muelleri exhibited morphological variations on 35 out of 45 floral characters. Organ variation was apparent on peduncle, spathe, stigma, carpel, and appendix; that could relate to different genetic background. It seems that gibberellin application at initial stage of flowering incresed the existing morphological variation; causing phenotypic plasticity in three characters, i.e., sheath length, disposition of second spathe and degree of limb apex shape. Present study implies that floral characters can be used as key to determine true-to-type of A. muelleri. Further study is needed to clarify the variation on apomict A. muelleri using approaches such as metabolomics and hormonal dynamic during flowering.

Institute of Tropical Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 9/621 Ha Noi Avenue. Linh Trung ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam. Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Phong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, 140 Le Trong Tan, Tay Thanh, Tan Phu, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.04

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Abstract: Tissue culture has become a promising technique to produce biomass and active secondary metabolites in some species of medicinal plant with in short period of time. However, most of the plant growth regulators utilized as vital agents in the culture process are harmful to human bodies. In this study, Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo PLBs was subcultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 30 g L^-1 sucrose, 8 g L^-1 agar, and various concentrations of coconut water or banana extract to investigate the effect of these organic additives on Protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) proliferation and shoot regeneration. Subsequently, the chemical composition of the material was qualitatively analyzed by standard color reactions and the methanolic extract were also tested upon DPPH radical scavenging and inhibition assay for antioxidant and antimicrobial activity assessment, respectively. The nutrient screening showed that treating 0.3 g fresh PLBs of D. officinale in medium containing 20 % coconut water produced the highest PLB biomass (2.21 g) whereas the similar culturing using 20 % banana extract generated only 1.98 g PLB biomass. The qualitative chemical tests recognized the presence of various phytoconstituents such as glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenes, phenolic compounds and saponins. The DPPH assay revealed the antioxidant activity of the methanol extract in a dose dependent manner with the IC₅₀ value of 0.84 mg mL^-1. In addition, this methanol extract showed a stronger inhibitory activity against Gram negative bacteria than Gram positive bacteria. These finding suggested that coconut water could be a potential alternative nutrient to common unhealthy regulators in the production of the biomass of interest.

Water Engineering Department, International Campus of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Water Engineering Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.05

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Abstract: In today’s world, the growth of urban and suburban population has increasingly shifted the balance between the water demand and the available water resources. Moreover, the synchronization of maximum consumption of water in urban landscapes with the drinking water sector has caused the landscape to be a serious competitor for urban drinking water sources. This study investigates the effects of environmental variations at two locations (lake complex and city center park in Golbahar, Khorasan Razavi province, Iran), and irrigation intervals at three levels (daily, 2-day and 3-day) on some performance characteristics of urban landscape plants (height, root length, leaf relative water content, proline in lawn and mixed lawn, electrolyte leakage and stomatal conductance in lawn, mixed lawn and mixed tree) based on soil moisture measurements. Sensors were installed after calibration at depths of 0-10 cm for lawn and at depths of 0-10, 10-30 and 30-50 cm for mixed lawn and trees. The highest moisture depletion for lawn was observed in both locations due to the level of evapotranspiration in August, July, and June, respectively. In the city center park, the soil moisture percentage and soil adsorption rate at the time of irrigation as well as the rate of desorption was higher than the lake complex. In mixed lawn and tree pattern, the moisture content of the soil layers decreased with increase of depth, and the maximum desorption occurred in July and August. The effect of microclimate resulted higher lawn height value at the lake complex than the city center park, and there was no difference between the lawn and the mixed lawn. Also, with increase in irrigation interval, the height of lawn was significantly decreased. Moreover, the effect of location of irrigation and irrigation interval on root length was not significant. The relative water content percentage decreased 28 % in three-day irrigation compared to daily irrigation. For proline concentrations, only location and irrigation intervals were significant. The lower levels of electrolyte leakage indicated higher resistance of tree in similar irrigation conditions, which increased 12 percent with increase in irrigation intervals, from 1 to 3-day. The average stomatal conductance in the leaves indicated that it was less for the lawn than the tree in the same irrigation interval due to the greater resistance of the tree to drought against lawn. Upon the results, soil moisture sensors can be used as a tool in irrigation decision making which could contribute to water saving in amenity urban landscapes.

Faculty of Life and Environmental Science, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan. National Institute of Vegetable and Floriculture Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8519, Japan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.01

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Abstract: The effect of planting densities on yield, plant morphology, and physiological characteristics in determinate-type cooking Suzukoma tomato were examined [high density (HD), medium density (MD), and low density (LD), corresponding to 792, 396, and 264 plants a¹¹]. Although the fruit yield per plant under HD was 0.6 and 0.5-fold lower than that under MD and LD, respectively, the yield per area under HD was 1.2- and 1.5-fold higher than that under MD and LD, respectively, because planting density under HD was 1.5- and 3.0-fold higher than under MD and LD, respectively. There were no differences among planting densities of fruit set ratio, fruit weight, marketable fruit ratio, and soluble solids content. Lateral shoot length at the first cotyledonary node and third to fifth true leaf nodes under HD was shorter than one third of those under LD. Hence, the total numbers of flowers and fruits per plant were the lowest under HD. The extent of reduced photosynthetic rates and SPAD values for the third, fifth, and seventh true leaves under HD were not so larger compared to LD, despite being extremely reduced photosynthesis photon flux density (PPFD) at a low position in the plant community. The causes of decreased lateral shoot length at intermediate nodes under HD compared to LD suggested that the concentrations of isopentenyl adenine riboside (iPR) and trans-zeatin riboside (tZR) in stems, and IAA, iPR, tZR, and trans-zeatin (tZ) in lateral shoots under HD were lower than in those under LD. From these results, it was indicated that yield per area under HD was higher than under LD due to the morhological and physiological change of the plants by light conditions in the plant community.

Institute of Tropical Biology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, 9/621 Ha Noi Avenue. Linh Trung ward, Thu Duc District, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam. Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, 19 Nguyen Huu Tho, Tan Phong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, 140 Le Trong Tan, Tay Thanh, Tan Phu, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.06

Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre-Kade, School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences University of Ghana, Legon. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Oil Palm Research Institute- (Coconut Programme), P.O. Box 245, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. School of Agriculture, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon..

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.07

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Abstract: The effect of endogenous content of cytokinin (trans- zeatin riboside, T-ZR) and auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA) in coconut water from fruits at four different fruit maturity stages: liquid endosperm, solid endosperm formation stage, semi matured endosperm stage and fully matured dried fruit stage on proliferation of axillary bud initiation and development of local plantain cultivar (cv. Asamienu, Musa AAB) was investigated at the University of Ghana Forest and Horticultural Crops Research Centre, Kade. The results indicated that the IAA content decreased while the T-ZR content increased with fruit maturity. Three weeks after treatments, the highest number of well-differentiated axillary buds was obtained for suckers treated with coconut water from fruits at liquid endosperm formation stage whilst the highest number of fully developed plantlets was produced from treatments with coconut water at semi-endosperm formation stage. One month after the application of the split corm technique, the highest number of additional well-differentiated axillary buds and fully developed plantlets were produced from treatments with coconut water at the liquid endosperm formation stage. In general, treatments with coconut water from fully matured dried fruits produced the largest and the most vigorously growing plantlets.

Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Ketintang Campus, Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2018.v20i01.08

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Abstract: This study focused on the absorption of lead (Pb) by two species of ferns, Salvinea molesta Mitch and Marsilea crenata Presl. The aim of this research was to describe the accumulation of lead in S. molesta and M. crenata roots and leaves, and in addition, to find whether these are accumulators or excluders. Both of these ferns were grown in a hydroponic system to which there was added Pb at 0, 5, 10, and 15 ppm concentration, exposed for 7 and 14 days. After the treatment, determination of the lead amounts in the roots and leaves used the AAS method and the RGR calculation. The data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS Program 16 edition. The results showed that the accumulation of lead was higher in the roots than the leaves. Both of the ferns had a bioconcentration factor of more than 1 and the factor of translocation was low, i.e., less than 1. It is concluded that S. molesta and M. crenata are appropriate species for phytoremediation, especially as excluders.