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College of Horticulture, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, Shanxi, P. R. China. College of Engineering, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, Shanxi, P. R. China. AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Texas A&M University System, Bea

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.21

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Abstract: Bagging fruit on the trees in the orchard is a challenge to the fruit industry in China and many other countries due to the heavy labor requirement and low efficiency of the current fruit bagging methods. In this study, we developed a novel semi-automatic apparatus for bagging fruits to overcome these disadvantages. This apparatus adopts a mechanism similar to 'overrunning clutch' using the self-locking principle between nut and bolt to achieve the paper bags being progressively delivered by a screwed pipe and slid out individually. Such apparatus is of simplicity in design and efficiency in operation with a low cost. It does not require a battery or any of other sources of power to complete the process. This article describes the design and operation procedure of this apparatus in details. To our knowledge, this is the first apparatus to complete the fruit bagging process using the paper bags with rubber bands and plastic rings based on the new mechanism of operation.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA, 37996. Formerly of Hort Americas, LLC, Euless, TX, USA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.22

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Abstract: Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is one of the most common vegetable crops produced in greenhouses in the United States. Yet, it is difficult to maintain consistent production cycles in many areas due to seasonal variation in ambient light. This presents a challenge to profitability, so, many growers utilize supplemental lighting to provide more consistent production in greenhouse leafy crop operations. Research has frequently been carried out to investigate the relationships between light, temperature, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) in greenhouse lettuce crops to optimize production and profitability. Much of this work has been carried out using high intensity discharge lights (HID), specifically high pressure sodium (HPS) and metal halide (MH). Currently, growers are considering whether light emitting diode (LED) technology can augment or replace HID lighting for greenhouse-grown vegetables. To improve knowledge in this area, this study evaluated LED and MH lighting in Bibb lettuce crop in the Midwestern United States during low light seasons in 2014. Three lighting treatments were compared: 1) a naturally lighted control, 2) supplemental MH lighting, and 3) supplemental LED lighting. Three sequential runs comparing the three lighting treatments were carried out between January and April of 2014. At the conclusion of each run, fresh shoot weight for all plants was measured along with a chlorophyll content index and a subjective tipburn rating. Supplemental lighting increased biomass over naturally-lighted controls by 194%, 104%, and 39% in MH and 253%, 165%, and 55% in LED in runs one, two, and three, respectively across the two cultivars. Differences in the chlorophyll content index and tipburn rating were also observed in lettuce under both supplemental lighting treatments when compared to the naturally lighted control. This study illustrates that supplemental lighting can improve greenhouse lettuce yield during low light seasons, but suggests growers implementing supplemental lighting should carefully monitor and manage crop quality.

Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran. Department of Plant, Soil and Entomological Sciences, Parma Research and Extension Center, University of Idaho, 29603 University of Idaho Lane, Parma, ID 83660, USA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.23

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Abstract: Chilling injury is one of the most important problems of tropical and subtropical fruits during storage that can occur if the temperature falls below 5 ^oC. Polyamines and methyl jasmonate (MJ) are believed to prevent and inhibit chilling injury (CI) during storage. In order to find a suitable treatment to reduce CI of oranges (Citrus sinensis) during cold storage, a research was conducted with two concentrations of MJ and two concentrations of spermidine (Spd) and putrescine (Put) (1 and 1.5 mgL^-1), applied as pre-storage treatments and fruits were stored at 2 ^oC for 1.5 months. Application of MJ and PAs reduced percentages of CI, decay, pitting, physiological decay (PHD), ion leakage, potassium leakage, and weight loss (WL) and firmness in the fruit as compared to control after the storage period. Put at 1 mgL^-1 had significantly lower percentage ion leakage and pH although CI in this treatment was similar to other treatments. Fruit juice density was not affected by any of the treatments.

Department of Aridland Agriculture, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.24

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Abstract: Salinity represents an increasing threat to agricultural production in every region of the world. The objective of this investigation was to determine ameliorative effects of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) on salt stressed lettuce (Lactuca sativa) in terms of growth, pigments and biochemical contents. The treatments were divided into 4 sections: control, 80mM NaCl, 80mM NaCl +5mM CaCl₂ and 5mM CaCl₂ alone. NaCl and CaCl₂ stress decreased lettuce plant root and stem length, number of leaves and fresh weight versus the control. NaCl combined with CaCl₂ increased these parameters versus treatments with NaCl or CaCl₂ alone. Salt stress reduced the shoot and root fresh weight. The roots showed slightly increased growth under salinity, but after the treatment with CaCl₂ the plants were normal. The pigment chlorophyll showed a diminishing trend in NaCl stressed plants, but it increased with CaCl₂ application. The chlorophyll content increased in all plants with age. There was a slight decrease in carotenoid and anthocyanin contents with NaCl treated plants. CaCl₂ also showed decrease in carotenoid and anthocyanin contents, but it was still higher than that of NaCl treated plants. Proline and phenol contents increased in lettuce plants under treatment with NaCl and CaCl₂ when compared to the control. From these results, it can be concluded that the addition of CaCl₂ to NaCl-stressed lettuce plants have a significant role in partial alleviation of salinity stress. Our results indicated that the cultivation of vegetable plants like lettuce in saline areas would be possible with supplemental calcium application.

Department of Horticulture (Floriculture), Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-sheikh University, 33516, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.25

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Abstract: The present research was conducted on Kafer El-Sheikh University garden turfgrass during the winter season (November-May) of 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 to study the possibility of improving cold tolerance of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) turfgrass during late season through either nutrition by compost alone or in combination with foliar application of potassium, silicon, iron or calcium separately. Compost was applied to all area except control on 1^st November of each season at 10m³/feddan (2.38kg/m²). Aqueous solutions containing the recommended dose of each element plus 0.1% Tween 20 as a wetting agent were sprayed on the above ground parts until runoff, twice a month. The results showed that compost and Fe combination followed by compost and K₂SO₄ recorded the best results for most growth and anatomical measurements. The least growth values were observed from the compost alone or in combination with silicon and control treatments.

Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaragatta Lake post, Bangalore- 560 089.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.26

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Abstract: Dominant vegetative phase, if not regulated, can adversely affect the mango production particularly under high density planting systems. Pruning after fruit harvest and use of paclobutrazol (PBZ) have been identified as common strategies for tree vigour regulation and productivity enhancement in mango. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of 50% pruning of current and previous season vegetative growth and PBZ (3 mL/ m canopy diameter) on tree vigour, flowering and phenol contents in three mango cvs. Raspuri, Dashehari and Amrapali. Suppression of plant height, tree girth, canopy spread, shoot length and girth was witnessed with PBZ application in trees pruned to 50% of current season growth followed by trees pruned to 50% of previous season growth and unpruned trees. Early flowering witnessed as a result of PBZ application led to advanced fruit harvest by 20.4, 13.0 and 14.7 days in trees pruned to 50% of current season growth and 18.7, 13.7 and 15 days in trees pruned to 50% previous season growth in the cvs Raspuri, Dashehari and Amrapali, respectively. Drastic increase in total phenols, total flavonoids and phenolic acid contents were observed at 75 days after PBZ application in PBZ treated unpruned trees and in trees pruned to 50% of current season growth followed by in trees pruned to 50% of previous season growth. The high levels of o-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxy benzoic acid and salicylic acid and low levels of caffeic acid and t-cinnamic acid were observed following PBZ application in tree pruned to 50% of current season growth and unpruned trees compared to control. From the study it was apparent that the pruning of trees to 50% of current season growth and PBZ application are vital for regulating tree size, early flowering and advancing fruit harvest in mango and such beneficial effects of treatments were mediated through increases in phenols and flavonoids contents.

Agronomy and Horticulture Study Program, Post Graduate School, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), and Bogor Agricultural Extension Institute (STPP Bogor). Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Bogor, Indonesia.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.27

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Abstract: Tomato genotypes exibit different shade intolerance and shade-tolerant tomatoes have potential for vegetable-agroforestry system. To obtain shade-tolerant tomatoes, a study on several tomato traits were evaluated on their morphological and physiological characteristics and their yield as responses to low light intensity. This experiment was conducted at farmer’s field, Bogor (October 2014-February 2015) using nested factorial design with three replications. Study was conducted on 50 tomato genotypes cultivated under 50 and 100% light intensity. Variables observed were: leaf number and area, flower number, fruit number, fruit weight and production, flowering and harvesting time. The tolerance levels of tested genotypes were classified based on plant relative productivity rate. Analysis of variance was used to differentiate between genotypes within response group; principal component analysis to define variance characters between genotypes; and cluster analysis using Euclidean distance method to determine relationship among tomato genotypes and similarity level . The 50 genotypes under shading condition were classified into 5 shade-loving genotypes, 16 shade-tolerant genotypes, 15 shade-moderately-tolerant genotypes and 14 shade-sensitive genotypes. First two principal components explained 57.19% variation. The first principal component was plant production and reproduction with the value of 37.69%; and the second one was plant morphological characters with the value of 19.50%. The dendrogram from cluster analysis separated 50 genotypes to 3 clusters with a distance of 20. There were 7 genotypes in the first cluster, 11 genotypes in the second cluster; and 32 genotypes in the third cluster.

Department of Fruit Science, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (141001) Punjab, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.28

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Abstract: Grape vines, trained on Y-trellis system were evaluated for their fruiting behaviour during the fruiting season of 2011-12 in Punjab conditions (North India). The maximum number of bunches per vine were recorded in variety Punjab Purple (H-516) and the maximum berries per bunch were recorded in variety Chardonnay. While, the variety Cardinal was promising in other berry characteristics such as berry weight, length, breadth and firmness, juice recovery was higher in variety Merlot. Varieties Himrod, Punjab Purple (H-516) and Pusa Navrang performed better as compared to other varieties with respect to physico- chemical parameters. Based on the overall performance, variety Punjab Purple (H-516) was found to be the most promising under North Indian conditions.

PDPIAS, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa, Anand, Gujarat, India. ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research, Boriavi, Anand, Gujarat, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.29

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Abstract: Extraction of DNA from medicinal and aromatic plants is often problematic, since these plants contain high levels of secondary metabolites which interfere with PCR based downstream applications and restriction digestions. Removal of these secondary metabolites requires appropriate reagents for DNA isolation. This investigation optimised an efficient DNA isolation protocol for Cymbopogon species that yielded sufficient quantity of DNA and could be used for diverse molecular applications. The modified protocol was also compared with the two existing DNA extraction procedures for cost effectiveness, time efficiency and quality DNA recovery. The modified protocol yields good amount of DNA ranging from 76 to 90 µg/ g of fresh tissues which was significantly higher in comparison to the other two protocols. A260/A280 ratio of the DNA obtained from the modified method ranged from 1.81 to 1.87 indicates purity of DNA and was also found to be suited for downstream applications such as restriction digestions. Subsequent RAPD, ISSR, SSR and barcode gene amplification analysis suggested that the DNA isolated by our modified method was suitable for various molecular research applications. The efficiency of this method in terms of lesser time requirement and cost effectiveness makes the present method a noticeable alternative for total cellular DNA extraction for Cymbopogon species and could be adoptable by the developing countries across the world.

Department of Soil Science and Land Resources, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i02.19

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Abstract: In Indonesia, Java Island still contributes a large amount of the total number of vegetables produced. In this tropical country, vegetables are produced in two different agro-ecological conditions, which are high altitude and low altitude. The rapidly increasing population growth has caused the centre's production of high altitude vegetables on Java Island to be increasingly pressured by other types of land utilization. This study was conducted in one of the production centres of tropical high altitude vegetable crops in the upper slope area of Mts Gede-Pangrango, West Java, covering an area of 78,290 ha. The research objective was to delineate the suitable land that is available for high altitude vegetables crops. In the first step, land suitability was analysed using multi-criteria decision-making methodology. The criteria used include those grouped within the parameters of land, topography, climate and ease of management; criterion consists of sub-criteria. The criteria were weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process, while sub-criteria were scored according to their contributions to land suitability. The weights of the criteria and scores of the sub-criteria were used for delineating land suitability in a geographic information system model. In the second step, the land availability was analysed by taking into account the constraints of forest area status designation and the spatial pattern of official land use plan map. Results of both analyses were used to delineate suitable and available land for tropical high altitude vegetables crops. The results showed that the amount of land that was suitable and available for tropical high altitude vegetables crops was 23.7% of the analysed area. The area of suitable and available land that is actually not used yet is 9% of the area analysed, which could be recommended for the expansion of vegetable crops. Land that is suitable and available, either land that is already used or land that is not yet used, could be designated as priority lands to be protected from the pressure of non-agricultural land utilization in order to maintain the sustainability of vegetable availability

Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University, 3500 John A Merritt Blvd, Nashville, TN 37209, USA.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i01.03

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Abstract: The greenhouse industry is an important sub-sector of agriculture. On average, greenhouse and nursery farms in the U.S. have 57 percent more cash receipts than all farms (Muhammed, 2000). Tennessee cash receipts for greenhouse and nursery farms was 307 percent above than the average in the US. However, greenhouse operations in Tennessee have declined over the years. The goal of this study was to acquire a better understanding of energy use by greenhouse businesses in Tennessee. The latest database containing greenhouse businesses was provided by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. A mailed survey was used to collect data that covered questions on energy use, marketing and skill needs of the businesses. The respondents were mixed in terms of size of their operations, education and income levels. Out of the 279 surveys, 56 were returned, resulting in a 20 percent response rate. To determine the different factors affecting profitability of greenhouse operations, this study utilized correlation and chi-square tests using different variables. Results indicate that profitability of greenhouse operations is influenced by the rising energy cost, economic downturn and size of operation. The survey also indicates that growers would consider adopting alternative energy saving methods depending on their income and age. The study shows the need to assist the growers in learning more about alternative energy saving methods and technologies. This study is beneficial not only for greenhouse businesses but also other stakeholders including policy makers and those working with growers. Other researchers can also undertake similar studies using the approach used here with appropriate modification.

Departamento de Horticultura, Facultad de Agronom�a, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Av. San Mart�n 4453 (C1417DSE) CABA, Argentina.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i01.04

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Abstract: Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) is an aquatic plant of the Brassicaceae family and used as a leafy vegetable that grows in and around water. It is consumed raw or steamed and has a short shelf life of approximately seven days. The objective of this study was to evaluate the postharvest behaviour of watercress minimally processed and stored at optimal storage temperature vs. market temperature. Treatments were: shoots packed with plain film (PD961EZ, 31�m thickness) and stored in refrigerated chambers at 1 � 0.5 oC and 8 � 2 oC for 10 days. Overall visual quality, gas concentration inside the packages, chlorophyll, reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, oxalic acid and weight loss were evaluated. At the end of the storage period overall visual quality, gas concentration and reducing sugars were affected by storage time and temperature, whereas dehidro ascorbic, oxalic acid and weight loss were not.

Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India. Horticultural College & Research Institute for Women, Navalur kutapattu, Trichy, India. Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Ch

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i01.05

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Abstract: The Jasmine (Jasminum sambac Ait.) flowers are highly fragrant and used for extraction of essential oil, preparation of perfumes and scented water. Since there is a growing demand for the fresh flowers, there arises a need to develop a technique to identify the flower quality in non-destructive and quickest possible manner. A study was undertaken using hand held electronic nose technology (HEN) at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during the year 2013-2015.The result showed that, the HEN device generated Aroma Index (AI) score increased over the flower development stages and varied from 0.41 in immature bud (stage I) to 4.26 in matured bud (stage V). The comprehensive study on quantum of fragrance releasing pattern at different flower opening stages (physiologically matured bud to fully opened flower) over period of time interval showed that, minimum of 5.41 was recorded in an unopened closed bud stage which gradually increased upto 41.26 in the fully opened flowers. The biochemical constituents responsible for the unique jasmine flower fragrance were identified using Gas Chromatography –Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore 560 065. University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot – 587 102. University of Horticultural Sciences, College of Horticulture, Bengaluru-560 065

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i01.06

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Abstract: Jasmines (Jasminum sp.), a native of tropical and subtropical region, are esteemed for their attractive fragrant flowers and essential oil. However, very meagre information is available on the genetic relatedness among species and cultivars of jasmine. This study analyzed genetic relatedness of 48 genotypes across 26 species using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism markers. Of the ten sets of primers screened, four sets were selected for the present investigation on genetic diversity. A total of 212 bands were scored, of which 90.5% were polymorphic. The relationship among genotypes was analyzed using Unweighted Pair Group method of cluster analysis. Among 48 genotypes J. auriculatum formed a separate node while rest of the 47 genotypes formed two major clusters with two sub clusters in each. Cluster I comprised of 28 genotypes and cluster II had 19 genotypes. It was difficult to classify the genotypes either based on geographical region or based on their cultivation since there was assortment of wild and cultivated species. However the results reflect a high level polymorphism suggesting occurrence of genotypes of diverse genetic background that will be useful in breeding programmes.

Faculty of Agriculture, Ryukoku University, Otsu 520-2194, Japan. Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Kyoto 606-8522, Japan. Kyoto Prefectural Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seika Town, Kyoto 619-0224, Japan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37855/jah.2016.v18i01.01

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Abstract: Pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDCA) analogs accelerate flower opening and retard senescence, which markedly extend the vase life of spray-type Light Pink Barbara (LPB) carnation. In the present study, we characterized the activity of these chemicals to develop a novel flower care agent for a practical use. A representative PDCA analog 2,4-PDCA is effective in a wide range of spray-type carnation cultivars, Barbara, Beam Cherry, Candle, Collin, Rascal Green and Scarlet Ostara, as well as LPB and Mule. Treatment of LPB flowers for the initial 24 h with 2,4-PDCA at 5 and 10 mM was almost as effective as the continuous treatment with the chemical at 2 mM.