Search Results (83)

Triploid breeding is a promising approach for developing seedless varieties, but the long juvenile phase of perennial fruit trees necessitates efficient early selection. In loquat (Eriobotrya japonica), a fruit crop with high demand for seedlessness, the relative contributions of hybridity, ploidy level, and parent-of-origin effects (POEs) to triploid seedling vigor remain elusive. To dissect these factors, we established a comprehensive experimental system comprising reciprocal diploid (2x), triploid (3x), and tetraploid (4x) hybrids from two genetically distinct cultivars. The ploidy, hybridity and genetic architecture of hybrid and parental groups were verified using flow cytometry, chromosome counting, newly developed InDel markers and genome-wide SNP analysis. Phenotypic evaluation of eight vigor-related traits revealed that plant height and soluble starch content were the most robust indicators of triploid heterosis in loquat. Notably, paternal-excess triploids [3x(p)] consistently outperformed all other groups. Quantitative analysis revealed POE as the main positive driver of triploid heterosis (+10.37% for plant height), far exceeding the negative impacts of hybridity (−12.75%) and ploidy level (−20.87%). These findings demonstrate that POE predominantly drives seedling vigor heterosis in triploid loquat. We propose a practical breeding strategy that combines prioritizing paternal-excess crosses with novel InDel markers for rapid verification of superior seedless progeny. Full article

Amelanchier Medik. (Rosaceae) is a genus of perennial, deciduous shrubs and trees distributed across temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, Native American communities used fruits, leaves, bark, and roots to treat digestive ailments, fevers, colds, inflammation, and to promote general well-being. Scientific investigation began with molecular studies in 1946 and phytochemical research in 1978, with research activity on some Amelanchier species increasing substantially between 2010 and 2025. Fruits are rich in phenolic compounds—particularly flavonoids and anthocyanins—along with triterpenes, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals. Pharmacological studies of selected species report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. Despite extensive chemical profiling in several members of the genus, the biological and toxicological properties of Amelanchier remain insufficiently explored, and clinical evidence is lacking. This review synthesizes recent findings on the phytochemistry, medicinal applications, and biological effects of Amelanchier species, linking traditional knowledge with modern research and highlighting priorities for future biomedical investigation. Full article

Developing accurate activity data on tree biomass using remote sensing tools such as LiDAR and drone-mounted sensors is essential for improving carbon accounting in the agricultural sector. However, direct biomass measurements of perennial fruit trees remain limited, especially for validating remote sensing estimates. This study evaluates the potential of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and drone-mounted RGB sensors (Drone_RGB) for estimating biomass in two major perennial crops in South Korea: apple (‘Fuji’/M.9) and citrus (‘Miyagawa-wase’). Trees of different ages were destructively sampled for biomass measurement, while volume, height, and crown area data were collected via TLS and Drone_RGB. Regression analyses were performed, and the model accuracy was assessed using R², RMSE, and bias. The TLS-derived volume showed strong predictive power for biomass (R² = 0.704 for apple, 0.865 for citrus), while the crown area obtained using both sensors showed poor fit (R² ≤ 0.7). Aboveground biomass was reasonably estimated (R² = 0.725–0.865), but belowground biomass showed very low predictability (R² < 0.02). Although limited in scale, this study provides empirical evidence to support the development of remote sensing-based biomass estimation methods and may contribute to improving national greenhouse gas inventories by refining emission/removal factors for perennial fruit crops. Full article

Soil compaction is a critical challenge in perennial fruit production, limiting root growth, water infiltration, and nutrient uptake—factors essential for climate-resilient and sustainable orchard systems. In subtropical Asian pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) orchards under the annual top-working system, intensive machinery traffic exacerbates subsurface hardpan formation and tree performance. This study evaluated the effectiveness of pneumatic subsoiling, a minimally invasive method using high-pressure air injection, in alleviating soil compaction without disturbing orchard surface integrity. Four treatments varying in radial distance from the trunk and pneumatic application were tested in a mature orchard in central Taiwan. Pneumatic subsoiling 120 cm away from the trunk significantly reduced soil penetration resistance by 15.4% at 34 days after treatment (2,302,888 Pa) compared to the control (2,724,423 Pa). However, this reduction was not sustained at later assessment dates, and no significant improvements in vegetative growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality were observed within the first season post-treatment. These results suggest that while pneumatic subsoiling can modify subsurface soil physical conditions with minimal surface disturbance, its agronomic benefits may require longer-term evaluation under varying moisture and management regimes. Overall, this study highlights pneumatic subsoiling may be a potential low-disturbance strategy to contribute to longer-term soil physical resilience. Full article

Polyploidy plays a significant role in loquat breeding, particularly in triploid breeding for seedless fruit production. Currently, loquat polyploid breeding primarily relies on natural seedling selection and sexual hybridization approaches. In this study, unfertilized ovules from four loquat varieties were in vitro cultured. Gynogenesis and embryoid regeneration were achieved in ‘Xingning 1’ and ‘Huabai 1’, with ‘Xingning 1’ demonstrating the highest gynogenesis efficiency (21.63%). Flow cytometry and chromosome counting revealed that the obtained embryoid lines included haploid, diploid, tetraploid, hexaploid, and chimeric ploidy types. Further characterization of ‘Xingning 1’-derived embryoid lines through SSR markers and whole-genome resequencing confirmed that the haploid, diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploidy embryoid originated from haploid–somatic chimeras, diploid, doubled diploid and tripled diploid, respectively. Metabolic analysis showed a positive correlation between ploidy level and the content of both soluble sugars and organic acids. This study explored a novel platform for polyploid induction in loquat and may provide methodological insights for improvement of other perennial fruit trees. Full article

Plants dynamically regulate ions in the tree to defend against abiotic stresses such as drought and saline-alkali, However, it is not clear how ‘Junzao’ jujube regulates ions to maintain a normal life cycle under saline-alkali stress. Therefore, in this study, the roots of 10-year old steer jujube trees were watered using a saline and alkaline gradient solution simulating the main salt (NaCl) and alkali (NaHCO₃) of Aral with NaCl:NaHCO₃ = 3:1 gradient of 0, 60, 180, and 300 mM, and three jujube trees with uniform growth were taken as samples in each treatment plot, and the ion contents of potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and carbon (C) in each organ of the fruit at the dot red period (S1) and full-red period (S2) were determined, in order to elucidate the relationship between physiological adaptation mechanisms of saline-alkali tolerance and the characteristics of mineral nutrient uptake and utilisation in jujube fruit. The results showed that under saline-alkali stress, Na was stored in large quantities in the roots, Ca and Mg in the perennial branches at S1, Na and Fe in the leaves at S2, and K, Mg and Mn in the perennial branches. There was no significant difference in the distribution of C content in various organs of ‘Junzao’. Compared with CK (0 mM), under salinity stress, the K content in the leaves was significantly reduced at S1 and S2, and the K/Na ratios remained > 1.0. At S2, under medium and high concentrations of saline-alkali stress (180–300 mM), the K/Na is less than 1, and the ionic homeostasis was disrupted, and the leaves die and fall off, and the Na is excreted from the body. The selective transport coefficients SK/Na, SCa/Na and SMg/Na from root to leaf showed a downward trend at S1, but still maintained positive transport capacity. At S2, this stage is close to leaf fall, the nutrient transport coefficient is less than 1, and a large amount of nutrients are returned to the perennial branches and roots occurred. These results indicated that the mechanism of nutrient regulation and salt tolerance in jujube trees was different at different growth stages. Full article

The condition for the formation of fruit on fruit plants is the presence of flower buds, flowering and proper pollination/fertilisation of flowers. Fruit trees and shrubs are perennial plants, and the processes of flower bud formation and flowering are distant in time. The formation of flower buds occurs in the year preceding flowering and fruiting. The number and quality of flowers are the basic factors that determine the potential yield of fruit trees. Therefore, the review focuses on a thorough review of the latest research on the various stages in the development of trees, in which the processes that determine their flowering take place. The greatest emphasis was placed on the influence of factors that determine the yield of trees after the juvenile stage. Climate change leading to global warming will undoubtedly affect the formation of flower buds, which determine the size of crops. To avoid the unforeseen effects of abiotic factors on the availability of raw materials, such as fruits, it is good to diversify the structure of cultivated plants. Most fruit plants come from the Rosaceae family, so they have many pathogens and pests in common. To increase crop, economic, and habitat biodiversity, it is necessary to look for other, more genetically distant, sometimes even less known fruit-bearing species. Full article

During the last six decades, Lebanon’s landscapes have undergone significant regime shifts whose causes are under-investigated. Using land cover maps from 1962 and satellite imagery from 2014 and 2023 in five randomly selected villages across Lebanon’s major agroecological zones (AEZs), we identified salient trends in the urbanization-driven transformation of land use and land cover (LULC). Household socio-economic characteristics and environmental pressures were analyzed as independent variables influencing land use decisions. Logistic regression (LR) was employed to assess the significance of these variables in shaping farmers’ choices to transition toward “perennialization”—namely fruit tree monocropping or protected agriculture. The LR results indicate that education reduced the likelihood of “perennialization” by 45% (p < 0.001). Farm size positively influenced “perennialization” (p < 0.01), suggesting that land availability encourages this agricultural practice. In contrast, water availability negatively affects “perennialization” (p < 0.01), though farmers may still opt to irrigate by purchasing water during shortages. Our findings underline the complex interplay of socio-economic and environmental dynamics and historical events in shaping Lebanon’s rural landscapes and they offer insights into similar transformations across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Full article

Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a pathogenic fungus associated with tropical perennial fruit plants worldwide. In apple trees, L. theobromae causes dieback and canker, a disease that affects the architecture of the wood producing the progressive death of branches and stems, from the tips to the base, invading the vascular tissue, manifesting necrotic lesions in the bark, impeding the flow of nutrients and water. The present work reports the whole genome de novo sequencing (WGS) of L. theobromae strain Bot-2018-LT45 isolated from apple trees with dieback symptoms. Genomic DNA of L. theobromae was sequenced using Illumina paired-end short-read technology (NovaSeq6000) and PacBio SMRTbell^TM (Single Molecule, Real-Time) long-read technology. The genome size was 44.17 Mb. Then, assembly and annotation revealed a total of 12,948 genes of which 11,634 encoded proteins. The genome was assembled into 34 contigs with an N50 (Mb) value of 3.23. This study is the first report of the L. theobromae genome de novo obtained from apple trees with dieback and canker symptoms in the Maule Region, Chile. This genetic information may set the basis for future study of the mechanisms of L. theobromae and establish the possibility of specific molecular improvements for the control of dieback and canker. Full article

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) (2n = 40) is an important perennial fruit tree in tropical and subtropical regions. The lack of information on genetic diversity at the molecular level hinders efforts in mango genetic improvement and molecular marker-assisted breeding. In this study, a genome-wide screening was conducted to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using the Alphonso reference genome. A total of 187 SSR primer pairs were designed based on SSR loci with consisting of tri- to hexa-nucleotide motifs, and 34 highly polymorphic primer pairs were selected to analyze the diversity of 231 germplasm resources. These primers amplified 219 alleles (Na) across 231 accessions, averaging of 6.441 alleles for per marker. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.509 to 0.757 with a mean of 0.620. Genetic diversity varied among populations, with Southeast Asia showing the highest diversity, and Australia the lowest. Population structure analysis, divided the accessions into two groups, Group I (India) and Group II (Southeast Asia), containing 104 and 127 accessions, respectively, consistent with results from phylogenetic analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Sixteen SSR primer pairs capable of distinguishing all tested accessions, were selected as core primers for constructing fingerprints of 229 mango accessions. These findings offer valuable resources for enhancing the utilization of mango germplasm in breeding programs. Full article

Consumers’ demand for foods with health benefits and different tastes is on an increasing trend. Juniper berries (“andiz” in Turkish) are the fruits of perennial, aromatic, and resinous Juniperus drupacea trees. In this study, quality properties of herbal coffee samples obtained from juniper berries roasted at three different temperatures (120, 160, and 200 °C) and four different durations (10, 25, 32.5, and 55 min) were elucidated. The herbal coffee samples were prepared from roasted and powdered fruits, and their total phenolic contents (TPCs), sugar profiles, antioxidant activities (AAs), and other quality parameters were examined. The highest AA value was determined as 17.99 and 29.36 mM Trolox/L (DPPH and ABTS, respectively) in the herbal coffee prepared from berries roasted at 120 °C for 25 min. Sucrose and glucose were dominant in all herbal coffee samples. Sixteen phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by a LC-ESI-MS/MS device. The TPC values of the herbal coffee varied from 236.7 to 917.0 g/L, and the procyanidin dimer, amentoflavone, methyl-biflavone, and digalloylquinic acid were dominant in all samples. The hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content of the herbal coffee varied between 0.01 and 0.39 mg/kg. According to a sensory analysis, the herbal coffee obtained from fruits roasted at 120 °C for 25 min was the most appreciated sample. In sum, this work shows that herbal coffee is non-caffeinated and is an alternative to regular coffee drinks derived from juniper berries roasted at lower temperatures and has more significant phenolic and antioxidant contents. It also has the potential to offer innovative and healthy alternatives to the food industry. Future research should focus on investigating how this herbal coffee can be positioned in the market and can influence consumer preference. Full article

To enhance yield and produce high-quality olive products, it is crucial to implement accurate and balanced fertilization programs. Like other crops, olive trees require the application of specific macro and micronutrients in addition to basic fertilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of foliar fertilizer applications containing K as well as N, K, Ca, and B, in addition to basic fertilization, on the yield and quality parameters of the Gemlik olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Gemlik) variety, known for its high economic value and use in black table olives and oil production, during two consecutive seasons in 2021–2022. The research evaluated the effects on olive fruit yield, fruit nutrient content (N, Ca, P, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn), oil yield, and quality. In addition to traditional basic fertilization (NPK fertilizer), foliar fertilizers containing K as well as N, K, Ca, and B nutrients were applied before flowering and after fruit set. These applications were organized using a randomized block design with three replicates, each consisting of three trees. The results showed that foliar fertilizer applications, in addition to basic fertilization, had a significant impact on the yield and quality parameters. Specifically, foliar K applications positively affected olive yield in the second year. Moreover, foliar fertilizer applications improved the fruit nutrient content, oil quality (K-232, K-270, peroxide, acidity, and total phenol), and oil composition (%). Therefore, it is recommended that foliar fertilizers are applied during similar periods under similar conditions. However, ensuring the continuity of an optimal fertilization management plan is crucial for olive, as it is a perennial plant. Full article

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is an important and popular perennial fruit tree cultivated worldwide. Grapevine ripening is affected by flowering time, and although members of the MADS-box protein family play vital roles in regulating flowering in plants, the functions of MADS-box proteins in grapevine remain largely unknown. AGAMOUS-LIKE 11 (VvAGL11), a MADS-box gene in grapevine, was reported to be a regulator of seed morphogenesis. In this study, heterologous overexpression of VvAGL11 was found to significantly promote flowering in Arabidopsis, suggesting that its active expression in grapevine may induce early flowering and ripening. Transcriptome analysis showed that VvAGL11 overexpression affected the expression of genes involved in stress responses, hormonal signaling responses, and flowering regulation. Notably, VvAGL11 significantly increased the expression of key flowering genes such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), APETALA3 (AP3), and SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 5 (SPL5), which might have contributed to the early flowering in Arabidopsis. In summary, we characterized a novel flowering regulator, VvAGL11, which could be a potential target for early ripening breeding in grapevine. Full article

Modern agricultural research, including fruit tree rootstock evaluations, began in England. In the mid-1800s, field plots were established at the Rothamsted Research Station to evaluate cultivars and fertilizer treatments for annual crops. By the early 1900s, farmers questioned the value of field experimentation because the results were not always valid due to inadequate randomization and replication and poor data summarization. During the first half of the 20th century, Rothamsted statisticians transformed field plot experimentation. Field trials were tremendously improved by incorporating new experimental concepts, such as randomization rather than systematically arranging treatments, the factorial arrangement of treatments to simultaneously test multiple hypotheses, and consideration of experimental error. Following the classification of clonal apple rootstocks at the East Malling Research Station in the 1920s, the first rootstock trials were established to compare rootstocks and evaluate rootstock performance on different soil types and with different scion cultivars. Although most of the statistical methods were developed for annual crops and perennial crops are more variable and difficult to work with, rootstock researchers were early adopters of these concepts because the East Malling staff included both pomologists and statisticians. Many of the new statistical concepts were incorporated into on-farm demonstration plots to promote early farmer adoption of new practices. Recent enhancements in computing power have led to the rapid expansion of statistical theory, the development of new statistical methods, and new statistical programming environments, such as R. Over the past century, in many regions of the world, the adoption of new statistical methods has lagged their development. This review is intended to summarize the adoption of error-controlling experimental designs by rootstock researchers, to describe statistical methods used to summarize the resulting data, and to provide suggestions for designing and analyzing future trials. Full article

Litchi exhibits a large number of flowers, many flowering batches, and an inconsistent ratio of male and female flowers, frequently leading to a low fruit-setting rate. Floral sexual differentiation is a crucial phase in perennial trees to ensure optimal fruit production. However, the mechanism behind floral differentiation remains unclear. The objective of the study was to identify the role of auxin in floral differentiation at the transcriptional level. The results showed that the ratio of female flowers treated with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) was significantly lower than that of the control stage (M0/F0). The levels of endogenous auxin and auxin metabolites were measured in male and female flowers at different stages of development. It was found that the levels of IAA, IAA-Glu, IAA-Asp, and IAA-Ala were significantly higher in male flowers compared to female flowers. Next-generation sequencing and modeling were employed to perform an in-depth transcriptome analysis on all flower buds in litchi ‘Feizixiao’ cultivars (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Plant hormones were found to exert a significant impact on the litchi flowering process and flower proliferation. Specifically, a majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the auxin pathway were noticeably increased during male flower bud differentiation. The current findings will enhance our comprehension of the process and control mechanism of litchi floral sexual differentiation. It also offers a theoretical foundation for implementing strategies to regulate flowering and enhance fruit production in litchi cultivation. Full article