Effects of Microbial Fertilizer and Compound Feritlizer Mixed Application on Yield and Fruit Quality and Flowering and Fruit Setting of Following Year of Apple

In order to study the application effect of microbial fertilizer and compound fertilizer mixed application on microirrigation apple, three types of fertilizers were applied in spring which were urea（CK, 15 kg/plant）, microbial fertilizer（5.0 kg/plant）,microbial fertilizer and compound fertilizer mixed（each 2.5 kg/plant） to study the effect of different fertilizer treatments on yield, fruit quality, flowering and fruit setting of Xinshijie apple. The results showed that application of microbial fertilizer could increase the yield, fruit weight and fruit shape index, significantly increase the flowering rates and inflorescence fruit setting rate of following year, while reduce the fruit hardness and soluble solids content, and the effect of microbial fertilizer and compound fertilizer mixed application on increasing fruit weight and yield was higher than that of microbial fertilizer separate application, the effect of the two was not obvious in other aspects. Therefore, microbial fertilizer could be used instead of some chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer in apple production to reach the aim of increasing yield and efficiency, and the effect of microbial fertilizer and compound fertilizer mixed application was best.

Transcriptome analysis of the influence of CPPU application for fruit setting on melon volatile content

In fruit production,the application of the plant growth regulator 1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea(CPPU)dulls the fruit aroma.Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and transcriptome analyses were performed on CPPU-treated and pollinated fruits to determine how CPPU affects the production of aroma in melon fruit.The results showed that the contents of two important esters(benzyl acetate and phenethyl acetate)in the CPPU-treated fruits were significantly lower than those in the pollinated fruits.Transcriptome sequencing data revealed that most differentially expressed genes were involved in“phenylalanine metabolism”pathway,and their expression was significantly decreased in the CPPU-treated fruits.Further analysis showed that the phenylalanine content in the CPPU-treated fruits was significantly higher than that in the pollinated fruits.In summary,CPPU application interferes with phenylalanine metabolism in melon fruits and affects the production of aromatic esters.

Influence of Seven Growth Regulators on Fruit Set, Pollen Germination and Pollen Tube Growth of Almonds

To improve fruit set in ＂Carmel＂ almond （Prunus dulcis） trees grown in the 6th region of Chile, seven different growth regulators （GRs） were sprayed onto flowering branches： gibberellic acid （GA3）, Promalin, naphthaleneacetic acid （NAA）, Thidiazuron, Kinetin, Point-tomatomone and Brassinolide. The percentage of fruit set was determined by comparing the initial number of flowers present on each treated branch with the total number of almonds on the branches 50 days after anthesis. In comparison to the controls, Brassinolide, Point-tomatomone and Promalin achieved increases in fruit set of 19.4%, 14.5% and 12.9%, respectively. A parallel experiment was done in vitro, on the effects of these GRs on pollen germination and pollen tube growth. The greatest pollen germination （4 hours at 20 ~C） occurred with Brassinolide and GA3, which were significantly higher than the control, while NAA and Promalin significantly reduced germination. For pollen tube growth （24 hours at 20 ~C）, the greatest lengths were observed with Point-tomatomone and Brassinolide, which were significantly longer than the control, while NAA, Thidiazuron and Promalin were significantly shorter than the control, and the least growth was observed with Kinetin.

Influence of Fungicides on Almond Pollen Germination and Fruit Set

The almond （Prunus dulcis） is a self-incompatible species that requires various orchard management techniques to encourage pollination and achieve a good fruit set. Fungicides are commonly applied to almond flowers to control fungaI infections, such as ＂blossom blight＂ and ＇brown rot＂ that damage the flowers and developing fruits. However there is evidence that the application of some of these products may adversely affect pollination and fruit set. The effects of the fungicides captan, chlorothalonyl, propiconazole, mancozeb and dichloran on fruit set were studied in an orchard using ＂Nonpareil＂ and ＂Carmel＂ almond trees. The effects on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube elongation were studied using ＂Carmel＂ pollen. With respect to Non Pareil fruit set, all fungicidal treatments were statistically similar to the control （11.5%） but being propiconazole （13.1%） and chlorotalonil （5.6%） different between them. Fruit set for ＂Carmel＂ was significantly lower than the control （26.1%） with all fungicidal treatments. After 24 hours, in vitro ＂Carmel＂ pollen germination was significantly higher in the control （90.5%） compared with the fungicidal treatments, with the exception of chlorothalonyl （70.2%）. Pollen tube growth in the control was four times greater than in the fungicide treatments at 24 hours, none of which were significantly different from the other treatments. It can be concluded that the application of certain fungicides has a clearly detrimental effect on fruit set in ＂Nonpareil＂ and ＂Carmel＂ almond trees and on ＂Carmel＂ pollen activity.

Pollination Compatibility of Six Lycium barbarum L.Varieties

[Objective] The aim was to research pol ination compatibility of Six Lycium barbarum L. Varieties. [Method] Self-fertilization and reciprocal cross fertilization tests were conducted among the Six Lycium barbarum L. Varieties. [Result] Ningqi No.3 was of self-incompatibility and the self-fertilization fruit set ratio was only 1.33%; the self-compatibility of Ningqi No.2 was only 31.74%; the rest kept self-compatibility higher than 50%. The six varieties al showed better compatibility in general, espe-cial y for Ningqi No.3, whose fruit set ratio and weight of single fruit can be im-proved once a suitable pol inizer is found. [Conclusion] The research providers refer-ences for pol inizer-trees in production.

Pollen Germination in vitro and Pollen Storage of the Eggplant(Solanummelongena L.)

The eggplant (Solanummelongena L.) is widely cultivated across the world.Technology regarding the in vitro germination and preservation of eggplant pollen is important for the production of hybrid seeds.In this work,the suitable cultural medium and time for the germination of fresh and dried pollen was investigated.The results showed that a suitable medium for eggplant pollen germination was 0.5% agar+5% sucrose+0.01% boric acid+0.01% GA3,the suitable culture time was 2 h for fresh pollen and 4 h for dried pollen stored at low temperature.GA3 could induce the germination of dried and stored pollen. The better way to dry anthers was 4 h in a desiccator at 25~30℃.We also found that pollen from the second to the fourth branch has the highest germination rate. Furthermore,there were no significant differences in the seed setting rates among the different storage temperatures and storage times,whereas the number of viable seeds formed per fruit differed significantly,which was 87.3% more for pollen stored at -80℃ and fresh pollen than that stored at 4℃.This work optimized pollen storage conditions and is helpful to eggplant hybrid seed production.

Floral traits and pollination system of Zygophyllum xanthoxylum in the managed and wild populations in an arid region of Northwest China

Zygophyllum xanthoxylum, which belongs to Sarcozygium of Zygophyllaceae, is one of the ecologically important species in Northwest China. In order to understand the pollination system of Z. xanthoxylum, we investigated the following characteristics of this species in the Urat Desert-grassland Research Station in western Inner Mongolia of China： flowering dynamics, pollen viability, pollen limitation, floral visitors and breeding system. The results showed that the flowering period and flowering peak were different between the wild and managed popula- tions, being longer in the managed population. Z. xanthoxylum was pollen-limited, and pollen limitation was more intense in the wild population than in the managed population. Chalicodoma deserticola （Hymenoptera） was found to be the most frequent pollinator in the wild population, while Anthophora fulvitarsis （Hymenoptera） was the most frequent and effective visitor in the managed population. Out-crossing was dominant in the breeding system and self-pollination just played an assistant role to assure the reproduction of Z. xanthoxylum.

Reproduction of Hedysarum scoparium (Fabaceae) in patched habitat is pollen limited,but not just pollinator limited

Pollen limitation of plant reproduction occurs across Angiosperms, particularly those in patched habitats We investigated the, relationship between pollen limitation and patch variables （patch size, visitation frequency） in the desert plant Hedysarum scoparium （Fabaceae）, which is an important xerophyte in the arid and semi-arid regions of Northwest China and can grow well as a pioneer plant in shifting sand dunes. We observed insect visitation to H. scoparium over two flowering seasons and estimated pollen limitation using fruit set and seed production. Our results indicate that fruit set and seed production increased significantly with pollen supplementation compared with open pollination. Hedysarum scoparium was pollinated by over 8 species of bees, with 88.4% of visits made by introduced honeybees （Apis mellifera）. Bee visitation varied significantly among the patches of habitats, but not associated with patch size of habitat. In general, pollen limitation occurred more strongly during fruit set than during seed production. The patches that received higher rates of pollinator visits were less pollen limited for fruit set. Pollen limitation for seed production, however, was not associated with pollinator visitation frequency. We conclude that pollen limitation in H. scoparium was caused by more than one reason, not just pollinator visits.

Seasonal change mediates the shift between resource and pollen limitation in Hedysarum scoparium(Fabaceae)

Theory suggests that with sufficient environmental variation, pollen limitation might be observed at some places or times, and resource limitation at others, but there are no empirical data about the effect of seasonal change on the variation of pollen limitation and resource limitation within a flowering season. In this study, we examined pollen and resource limi- tation by comparing fruit set and seed production in natural- and hand-pollinated Hedysarum scoparium flowers in the middle reaches of the Hexi Corridor region, China, in 2010. We also described a role for the first substantial autumn rainfall in mediating a shift between pollen and resource limitation in H. scoparium, but did not analyze this experimentally Our results indicated that H. scoparium was resource limited at peak flowering during the summer, and was pollen limited at peak flowering during the autumn. The seasonal change （summer to autumn） mediated the shift between pollen and resource limitations in H. scoparium. The shift timing depended on the date of the first autumn rainfall in 2010. Changes in the first substantial rainfall in autumn may affect fruiting of H. scoparium, thus affecting population persistence of this species and development/structure of the local ecosystem if such conditions persist.

Assessing the Efficiency of Sponge and Traditional Methods of Pollination in Date Palm

In date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. male （pollen bearing） and female （fruit bearing） inflorescences are on separate palms. To ensure good fertilization and better yield, artificial pollination is carried out in date plantations, where pollen harvested from male flowers are used for artificial pollination which is usually done manually. Often, the availability of male flowers becomes scarce due to the high demand to take up pollination during the short period of time when the female flowers are receptive. We assessed the comparative efficiency of using pollen to manually pollinate female date palm flowers in the field using sponge pieces charged with harvested pollen as compared to the traditional practice of the farmers using male inflorescences. Results revealed that fruit set （%）, fructification （%）, yield per bunch （kg） besides fruit weight, length and breadth were statistically similar in the two pollination methods evaluated. The sponge method of manual pollination can therefore serve as a viable alternative to the traditional method of pollination with the possibility of using stored pollen especially where male palms are scarce and pollen is difficult to obtain.

Influences of Cross Pollination on Pollen Tube Growth and Fruit Set in Zuili Plums (Prunus salicina)

Zuili plum （Prunus salicina L.） trees usually set fruit poorly, although they produce high quality fruit. To elucidate the causes of the poor fruit set, pollen tube growth into pistils and fruit set percentage were investigated after cross-, self- and open-pollination. Ovule development in Zuili pistils was also investigated. Pollen tube penetration into the ovules via the obturator and micropyle was best when Zuili pistils were pollinated by cv. Black Amber （P. domestica） pollen grains, although cross-pollinations with Hongxinli and Miili （P. salicina） pollen were more effective than self- and open-pollination. The fruit set percentage was also highest in pistils pollinated with Black Amber pollen grains. Morphological observation of Zuili pistils revealed that the trees produce ＂double pistils＂, developing two ovaries from a basal pistil, at a rate as high as 28%. In such abnormal pistils, most ovules were lacking an embryo sac or were entirely degenerated. The percentage of normally developed ovules was 24.3% and 8.9% in normal and double pistils, respectively. From these results, we conclude that the main causes of poor fruit set of Zuili plums are a lack of effective cross-pollination and the production of high percentages of double pistils in which normally developed ovules are scarcely formed.

Tomato Ovary-to-Fruit Transition is Characterized by a Spatial Shift of mRNAs for Cell Wall Invertase and its Inhibitor with the Encoded Proteins Localized to Sieve Elements

Central to understanding fruit development is to elucidate the processes mediating a successful transition from pre-pollination ovaries to newly set fruit, a key step in establishing fruit yield potential. In tomato, cell wall invertase （CWIN） LIN5 and its inhibitor INH1 are essential for fruit growth. However, the molecular and cellular basis by which they exert their roles in ovary-to-fruit transition remains unknown. To address this issue, we conducted a study focusing on ovaries and fruitlets at 2 days before and 2 days after anthesis, respectively. In situ hybridization analyses revealed that LIN5 and INH1 exhibited a dispersed expression in ovaries compared with their phloem-specific expression in fruitlets. Remarkably, LIN5 and INH1 proteins were immunologically co-localized to cell walls of sieve elements （SEs） in ovaries immediately prior to anthesis and in young fruitlets, but were undetectable in provascular bundles of younger ovaries. A burst in CWlN activity occurred during ovary-to-fruit transition. Interestingly, the ovaries, but not the fruit- lets, exhibited high expression of a defective invertase, SldeCWIN1, an ortholog of which is known to enhance inhibition of INH on CWlN activity in tobacco. Imaging of a fluorescent symplasmic tracer indicated an apoplasmic phloem unloading pathway operated in ovaries, contrary to the previously observed symplasmic unloading pathway in fruit pericarp. These new data indicate that （1） a phloem-specific patterning of the CWIN and INH mRNAs is induced during ovary-to-fruit transition, and （2） LIN5 protein functions specifically in walls of SEs and increases its activity during ovary-to-fruit transition, probably to facilitate phloem unloading and to generate a glucose signal positively regulating cell division, hence fruit set.

Floral resources, pollinators and fruiting in a threatened tropical deciduous tree

Nothapodytes nimmoniana(Family Icacinaceae)is a deciduous tree species distributed in Asia facing severe population decline.Wood chips from the tree are a source of camptothecin,a globally soughtafter alkaloid with cancer-treating properties,and are harvested unsustainably in natural forests.We studied the pollination ecology of the species and asked if there are constraints in pollination and fruiting success in its natural populations.We also discuss the potential effects of wood extraction on pollinators and reproductive success in the population.Methods The study was carried out during the flowering season in two populations with varying exploitation levels,both located in the Protected Area Network in the Western Ghats of Karnataka State.We assessed floral resource availability and measured pollinator diversity and activity in the canopy from the perspective of the biology of the species.We quantified pollinator abundance and percent fruit set as a function of population density.Important Findings Flowers belong to the fly pollination syndrome and are open to visits by generalists such as Apis dorsata and Trigona iridipennis.Fruiting success did not vary between exploited and unexploited sites,but there was a significant difference in pollinator assemblage.In a lean male flowering year,fruit set was low,suggesting pollen limitation in the population.No fruiting was recorded in the second year at the site where trees were felled soon after the flowering period.We argue that when male floral resources are altered in exploited populations,pollinators of generalist nature may show a shift in foraging pattern.Also,generalist plants may be as susceptible to pollination loss as are specialist plants.The need for outcrossing in the species would probably exacerbate this vulnerability.

Sugar Input, Metabolism, and Signaling Mediated by Invertase： Roles in Development, Yield Potential, and Response to Drought and Heat

Invertase （INV） hydrolyzes sucrose into glucose and fructose, thereby playing key roles in primary metabolism and plant development. Based on their pH optima and sub-cellular locations, INVs are categorized into cell wall, cytoplasmic, and vacuolar subgroups, abbreviated as CWlN, CIN, and VlN, respectively. The broad importance and implications of INVs in plant development and crop productivity have attracted enormous interest to examine INV function and regulation from multiple perspectives. Here, we review some exciting advances in this area over the last two decades, focusing on （1） new or emerging roles of INV in plant development and regulation at the post-translational level through interaction with inhibitors, （2） cross-talk between INV-mediated sugar signaling and hormonal control of development, and （3） sugar- and INV-mediated responses to drought and heat stresses and their impact on seed and fruit set. Finally, we discuss major questions arising from this new progress and outline future directions for unraveling mechanisms underlying INV-mediated plant development and their potential applications in plant biotechnology and agriculture.

Indirect costs counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated phenotypic selection on corolla size in the mediterranean shrub Halimium atriplicifolium

Aims larger corollas receive more pollinator visits but involve higher production and maintenance costs,especially under hot and dry conditions.this can result in indirect costs on reproductive output,which may counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated phenotypic selection on corolla size.In this study,I explored the relationship between corolla size and indirect costs and whether these costs counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated phenotypic selection on this trait in the mediterranean shrub Halimium atriplicifolium.I hypothesized that(i)corolla production entails direct costs in dry mass,N and P,(ii)corollas entail significant indirect costs in terms of fruit and seed production,(iii)indirect costs increase with corolla size,(iv)this species may suffer pollen limitation to a certain degree and(v)indirect costs counteract the effects of pollinator-mediated selection on corolla size.Methods I compared fruit set and seed production of petal-removed flow-ers(r flowers)and unmanipulated control flowers(C flowers)and evaluated the influence of individual mean corolla size on relative fruit and seed gain of r compared to C flowers.I also estimated phenotypic selection on corolla size mediated by indirect costs and the combined effect of costs and pollinators(i.e.total selection).Important Findings Corollas allocated sizeable amount of resources in terms of dry mass relative to the other floral structures.Fruit set and seed per fruit were significantly higher in r flowers,while individual mean corolla size showed a positive relationship with relative fruit gain.Phenotypic selection analysis revealed cost-mediated negative directional selection and absence of positive directional total selection on corolla size through fruit set.this translated into stabilizing total selection.these results suggest that mediterranean environments can impose constraints on corolla size,counteracting advantages of larger corollas from the pollination point of view with increased indirect costs of such flowers.

Insect pollinator dependence of shea (Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn.) in the Guinea Savanna zone of Ghana

Shea(Vitellaria paradoxa C.F.Gaertn.)is a multipurpose tree species indigenous to the Sudano Sahelian zone of Africa and occurs as the most abundant economic tree species in northern Ghana.The edible oil(shea butter)extracted from shea kernel is ranked as the most economic product of the species.Although fruit set and yield of shea are known to be influenced by insect pollination,the actual contribution of insect pollinators to its reproductive success has rarely been studied.This study estimated the percentage insect pollinator dependence and monetary value of insect pollination per bag of shea kernel(85 kg)in the Guinea savanna zone.Open pollination and insect exclusion treatments were applied to the flowers of 18 randomly selected matured shea trees and observed from the onset of flowering to fruit maturity.Proportion of total production value attributed to insect pollination approach was used in estimating the monetary value of pollination per bag of shea kernel with the average market price as proxy.The study revealed an insect pollinator dependence of 77%and 73%for fruit set and dry kernel yield,respectively.Mean number of fruit set per inflorescence varied significantly between insectexcluded and open-pollinated inflorescences(p<0.05).The monetary value of insect pollination was estimated at GH₵73.21(US$18.67)per bag of kernel as of August 2016.Shea is a high insect pollinator–dependent species and the conservation of insect pollinators would be critical to the sustainability of yield.

Altitudinal variation in the reproductive performance of the Mediterranean shrub Rhamnus lycioides L.

Aims Rhamnus lycioides L.subsp.Oleoides(Rhamnaceae)is a perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean Basin distributed along an altitudinal gradient,from sea level up to 1000 m a.s.l.The specific goals of our study were(i)to compare plant morphology between two contrasting populations,(ii)to determine the reproductive system of R.lycioides,quantifying the relative importance of insects and wind as pollen vectors,(iii)to test if pollen limitation differs between populations,(iv)to study the main factors influencing fruit set and(v)to compare plant reproductive performance(mass allocation to flowers,fruits and seeds)between the two habitats.Methods In the present study,we examined plant morphology and the reproductive performance of R.lycioides L.in contrasting environments in two populations located at the extremes of its altitudinal range in the island of Mallorca(Balearic Islands,Western Mediterranean Basin)along a 3-year period.Plant morphology,the relative importance of insects and wind as pollen vectors,the pollen limitation to seed production and the plant reproductive performance(mass allocation to flowers,fruits and seeds)were determined.Important Findings Rhamnus lycioides individuals showed a higher plant surface/plant height ratio at the mountain than at the coast.This species appeared to be ambophilous despite its inconspicuous flowers,although the relative importance of wind as a pollination vector was higher at the mountain than at the coastal site.Fruit set was much higher at the mountain,where pollen appeared to be a limiting factor.By contrast,fruit set was not limited by pollen availability at the coastal population,where resource(water and nutrients)limitation seemed to be more determining.Flower size was greater at the coast,in contrast to fresh fruit weight that was higher at the mountain.Despite the relatively few differences between sites in precipitation patterns along the study period,water availability appeared to be the key factor explaining not only fruit set but also the reproductive performance of this species in the study populations.