Garlic production is severely constrained by weed interference throughout its growth cycle. Given the scarcity of research on chemical weed control in this vegetable crop, the present study evaluated the efficacy of post-emergence herbicide applications against broadleaf weed species (Raphanus raphanistrum, Coronopus didymus, Stellaria media, and Rumex obtusifolius), as well as their selectivity to garlic plants, by assessing plant height, stand, phytotoxicity, and bulb diameter and yield. The herbicides tested were ioxynil (75 g ha−1), ioxynil + pendimethalin (75 + 1,820 g ha−1), ioxynil + pyroxasulfone (75 + 100 g ha−1), fomesafen (37.5 and 75 g ha−1), S-metolachlor + fomesafen (258.9 + 56.9 g ha−1), and prometryn (250 g ha−1). The experiment was conducted in garlic commercial fields in Curitibanos, Santa Catarina, Brazil, using a randomized block design with nine treatments, including two controls (hand-weeded and non-weeded), and four replications. Fomesafen (37.5 and 75 g ha−1), S-metolachlor + fomesafen, and prometryn exhibited poor weed-control efficacy and low crop selectivity, resulting in high phytotoxicity, reduced bulb diameter, and significant yield losses. In contrast, ioxynil alone and mixed with pendimethalin or pyroxasulfone provided significant control of all target weed species and high selectivity to the garlic crop. These combinations, therefore, are promising and safe alternatives to the single post-emergence application of ioxynil in garlic crops.
This study investigates a sustainable agricultural approach to address water scarcity and soil salinity while enhancing crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted during the 2024 fall season to evaluate the combined effects of saline irrigation water and organic fertilizers on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation in calcareous soils. The experimental design employed a split-plot arrangement with three replications, comparing two water quality treatments (fresh vs saline) and multiple organic fertilizer applications (poultry and cow manure at 0%, 2%, and 4% concentrations). Results demonstrated that saline water irrigation, when combined with 4% poultry manure, significantly enhanced potato growth and yield parameters. This synergistic treatment produced the highest values in key metrics: 17.6 secondary branches per plant, 2024.3 cm² leaf area, 63.1 cm plant height, and 808.67 g yield per plant. Furthermore, tuber dry matter content increased significantly under this treatment regime. The findings suggest that strategic integration of saline water resources with appropriate organic amendments can effectively mitigate salinity stress while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This approach offers viable solutions for regions facing water scarcity and soil degradation, contributing to sustainable food production systems.
The field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Plant Production, Northern Technical University, during the spring growing season of 2025. The study aimed to investigate the effects of organic fulvic acid application on the growth and yield performance of four melon (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars in order to promote sustainable agricultural production and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. The experiment included two factors: the first was four melon cultivars—‘Polydor’, ‘Athena’, ‘Galia’, and the local cultivar ‘Malouki’; the second factor was two concentrations of fulvic acid (0 and 6 mL. L⁻¹). The treatments were applied twice: the first after the appearance of the fourth true leaf and the second after 15 days. The study was carried out in the field using the split Plot Design splinter cutting system by designing complete random sectors R.C.B.D with three duplicates, where the items were placed in the main plots main plots, and the secondary plots sup Plots included a random distribution of fulvic acid concentrations and after recording the data were statistically analyzed using the SAS statistical analysis program . All results were statistically tested according to the Duncan polynomial Test at a probability level of 5 % . The results of the statistical analysis, the results of which are contained in the tables of the analysis of variation, indicate that the plants of the variety Galya are significantly superior in the characteristics of the quotient (diameter of the fruit, the number of fruits per plant, the average weight of the fruit, the quotient of one plant and the total yield) compared to the plants of other varieties .While the plants treated with fulvic acid showed a moral superiority in the qualities of the quantitative quotient, the moral effect varied depending on the concentration used, as the spraying treatment with Fulvic exceeded the concentration of (6 ml. L-1 ) Morally in comparison with the comparative treatment. As for the best interference treatment between the studied factors in the characteristics of the quotient was obtained in the interference treatment between the variety Galea and Fulvic spraying at a concentration of (6 ml L-1). The results suggest that organic fulvic acid may act as an environmentally friendly growth catalyst for sustainable melon production, which may reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and support environmentally sound agricultural practices. The experiment included two factors: the first was four melon cultivars—‘Polydor’, ‘Athena’, ‘Galia’, and the local cultivar ‘Malouki’; the second factor was two concentrations of fulvic acid (0 and 6 mL. L⁻¹). The treatments were applied twice: the first after the appearance of the fourth true leaf and the second after 15 days. The study was carried out in the field using the split Plot Design splinter cutting system by designing complete random sectors R.C.B.D with three duplicates, where the items were placed in the main plots main plots, and the secondary plots sup Plots included a random distribution of fulvic acid concentrations and after recording the data were statistically analyzed using the SAS statistical analysis program . All results were statistically tested according to the Duncan polynomial Test at a probability level of 5 % . The results of the statistical analysis, the results of which are contained in the tables of the analysis of variation, indicate that the plants of the variety Galya are significantly superior in the characteristics of the quotient (diameter of the fruit, the number of fruits per plant, the average weight of the fruit, the quotient of one plant and the total yield) compared to the plants of other varieties .While the plants treated with fulvic acid showed a moral superiority in the qualities of the quantitative quotient, the moral effect varied depending on the concentration used, as the spraying treatment with Fulvic exceeded the concentration of (6 ml. L-1 ) Morally in comparison with the comparative treatment. As for the best interference treatment between the studied factors in the characteristics of the quotient was obtained in the interference treatment between the variety Galea and Fulvic spraying at a concentration of (6 ml. L-1) . The results suggest that organic fulvic acid may act as an environmentally friendly growth catalyst for sustainable melon production, which may reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and support environmentally sound agricultural practices.
The quantification of β-carotene in agricultural by-products is crucial for their valorization. However, commonly used analytical methods, such as UV–Vis spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), present critical differences in specificity and cost. This study compared β-carotene quantification using both methods, employing ethanol and hexane as extraction solvents, to determine β-carotene in peels from four mango varieties (Kent, Edward, Haden, and Criollo), following a 2×2×4 factorial design. Proximate analysis revealed significant differences in composition among the varieties. The results demonstrated a significant effect of the triple interaction (method × solvent × variety), indicating that all factors must be considered when selecting a β-carotene quantification protocol. Spectrophotometry systematically overestimated β-carotene content (up to 60% higher with ethanol) due to interference from other pigments. In contrast, HPLC provided specific quantification, revealing that hexane was significantly more efficient than ethanol for extraction. The Kent variety showed the highest β-carotene content. It is concluded that the HPLC–hexane combination is the optimal protocol for accurate quantification, whereas spectrophotometry provides only a useful screening estimate that should be interpreted with caution. The use of HPLC is recommended for studies requiring high accuracy, as well as for the validation of rapid methods against this standard for each new matrix.
The experiment was conducted at the research station of Horticulture and Landscape Department, College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, during the season 2024, to study the effect of three types of organic fertilizers (cow manure, sheep manure, and poultry manure) on two cultivars of cucumber plants. The experiment was implemented according to a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a Split-Plot design, fertilization was in the main plots and cultivars in the sub-plots. The results were as follows: Fertilization with caw manure outperformed in the trait fruit number was gave 1.15 fruits plant-1. As for the characteristics of plant yield, experimental unit yield, and total yield, fertilization with sheep manure was superior, recording values of (1.38 kg plant⁻¹, 6.92 kg, and 57,639 tons ha⁻¹), respectively. Regarding the effect of cultivars, V2 outperformed V1 in the fruit length trait, which gave 32.67 cm plant-1. The interaction effect was superior between sheep manure and V2 compare with some of the other treatment in terms of fruit length, plant yield, experimental unit yield, and total yield.
Callus cultures offer a reproducible technique for increasing the production of secondary metabolites (SMs) in medicinal plants. Convolvulus arvensis as well as other wild plants are great source of bioactive compounds, but their production is inconsistent and insufficient. A potential approach to overcome this limitation and enhance specific phytochemicals is through elicitation in-vitro. This study aimed to investigate the impact of phenylalanine and salicylic acid (SA) as elicitors in production of bioactive compounds in C. arvensis callus cultures. Leaf explants of C. arvensis were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium fortified with 0.3 mg/L Benzyl adenine (BA) and 2.5 mg/L 2,4-D to induct callus. The calli were then treated with different concentrations of 15 mg/L, 30 mg/L, 45 mg/L and 60 mg/L phenylalanine and 30 mg/L, 60 mg/L, 90 mg/L and 120 mg/L salicylic acid, separately. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) data interpretation indicated that the untreated calli produce phenolic substances like chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, quercetin and kaempferol, as well as alkaloids such as convolvine, convolamine, and wiansonine. The elicitors treatment significantly increased the secondary metabolites accumulation in the calli, 60 mg/L phenylalanine and 120 mg/L SA, accordantly showed the height level of secondary metabolite production. The findings of this research indicate the targeted elicitations with bioactive compounds can significantly increase the secondary metabolite production in C. arvensis callus, offering a potential strategy for enhance secondary metabolites in medicinal plants.
Biochar is a compound that was extracted from orang seeds with good purity using a combustion process, where the entire seed was burnt at a high temperature, then crushed and turned into powder. Infrared, ultraviolet, and GC-MS analyses were performed on it. along with other physical properties such as color and solubility. Additionally, nanosized zinc oxide was prepared beforehand. A study was conducted on it at the nursery of the College of Education for Pure Sciences/University of Diyala, from 20/2/2025 to 25/4/2025, to examine the effect of fertilization with biochar on some growth characteristics of tomato plants. The results indicated that fertilization with 150 mg/L of nanosized zinc oxide yielded the highest averages in all traits, including plant height, fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf chlorophyll content, which were 26.2 cm, 10.867 g, 6.600 g, and 76.733 SPAD units, respectively.
A study included 12 treatments that was carried out outside the University of Mosul's College of Agriculture and Forestry; both are located in Mosul in the Republic of Iraq using a Factorial Experiment. Within. Split-Plot design within the context of a Randomized. Complete. Block. Design. (RCBD). The study included the effects of three factors: two sowing dates (27/8/2025 and 27/9/2025), two methods of application (adding to soil and foliar spraying) and three concentrations of the liquid organic fertilizer TECAMIN MAX (0, 2.5, and 5 ml/l). Each treatment was repeated three times in Copenhagen cabbage plants cultivar. The results of the statistical analysis utilizing the Duncan's multiple-range test with a significance level of 5% showed the following: Plants sowing in the first date significantly outperformed compared to plants sowing in the second date in relation to the height of the plant, the number of rolled leaves, the marketable head weight rate, and the marketable yield per unit area. When compared to the spraying approach, the addition to the soil method resulted in a considerable increase in the marketable of head weight as well as the marketable yield per unit area. Plants that were given either dosage of organic fertilizer had a substantial effect on all of the characteristics that were investigated, with the exception of the 2.5 ml dose. Leaves content of growth hormones GA3 and IAA increased significantly when plants were grown on the first date compared to plants grown on the second date. The use of both concentrations of 2.5 and 5 ml per liter of organic fertilizer TECAMIN TEXT resulted in a significant increase of these two hormones in the leaves compared to the control treatment.
Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important Indonesian crop increasingly threatened by begomoviruses that reduce yield and quality. Transmitted persistently by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, these viruses are genetically diverse and often occur in mixed infections, intensifying disease severity and complicating control. This study aimed to identify begomovirus species infecting eggplant, determine their geographic distribution and dominance, and characterize the associated B. tabaci biotypes across major eggplant-producing regions of Java, Indonesia. Field surveys were conducted in five provinces—Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java—covering 30 lowland and 15 highland sites. From each site, 20 symptomatic plants were collected for molecular analysis, while disease incidence (DI) and severity (DS) were assessed from 200 plants. Across 45 sites, mean DI and DS reached 54.0% and 32.7% in lowlands and 34.8% and 26.8% in highlands, respectively. PCR amplification and sequencing confirmed three begomovirus species: Tomato yellow leaf curl Kanchanaburi virus (TYLCKaV), Pepper yellow leaf curl Indonesia virus (PepYLCIV), and Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV). TYLCKaV was the most prevalent, occurring alone or in combination with PepYLCIV, particularly in lowlands, while ToLCNDV occurred at low frequencies, mainly in mixed infections. Four B. tabaci biotypes (A, B, Q, and AN) were detected, with biotype A dominating in lowlands and Q prevailing in highlands. This study provides the first island-wide molecular mapping of begomovirus species and B. tabaci biotypes infecting eggplant in Indonesia and elucidates the complex virus–vector interactions that shape eggplant disease epidemiology in tropical Asia.
The characterization of olive cultivars using molecular markers is necessary for genetic diversity conservation, cultivar verifiction, and the identification of locally adapted genotypes. This study searches for genetic variation in the Khoderi olive cultivar from Karbala, Iraq, utilization two genetic molecular regions: the nuclear ribosomal ITS1 spacer and the plastid matK gene. Through DNA was extracted using a modified CTAB protocol, amplified by PCR, and get sequenced utilization Sanger sequencing. Alignment and comparative analysis with reference sequences deposited in Gen-Bank the results revealed 92.3% similarity of the ITS1 sequence with the Khoderi-Bakraju cultivar with serial number (OQ134700.1), indicating genetic affinity but insufficient similarity for confirmed cultivar identity. The matK region showed 96% similarity with an Olea europaea subsp. europaea plastid genome with serial number (MG372119.1), we notice reflecting high conservation of the chloroplast coding sequences. Multiple SNPs and small indels were detected in both regions, representing intraspecific polymorphisms. The combined data suggest that the studied sample belongs to the broader O. europaea gene pool but may represent a distinct local genotype. Further analyses using high-resolution molecular markers (SSR, SNP-based GBS) are recommended to refine cultivar differentiation.
Using shallot botanical seeds or true seed of shallot (TSS) as planting material can produce plants free from bulb-borne disease and be more technically and economically efficient. However, its application in the field still has limitations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro propagation media containing a combination of MS and DKW media with the addition of BAP on the growth parameters and multiplication frequency as well as plantlets condition of three cultivars of TSS to initiation support the supply of quality seeds in the field. The seeds were germinated in vitro using an MS medium, and then aseptic TSS seedlings were arranged using a completely randomized design with two factors and twelve replications. The first factor was media composition. MS (Murashige and Skoog) and DKW (Driver Kuniyaki Walnut) media were used for the in vitro shoot propagation media in combination with BAP (Benzyl Amino Purine) at the level of concentrations: 0, 1, 2 and 4 mgL-1. The second factor was TSS cultivars: Bima Brebes, Trisula and Tuktuk. The result showed that Bima Brebes and Trisula cultivars significantly differed in multiplication frequency from the Tuktuk cultivar. DKW medium with 4 mgL-1 BAP produced the highest multiplication frequency but not significantly different with 4 mgL-1 BAP in MS and 2 mgL-1 BAP in DKW media. Adding 1-2 mgL-1 BAP in the DKW medium could induce new shoots on the Bima Brebes cultivar with better performance, though with lower multiplication frequency.
The cupuaçu tree (Theobroma grandiflorum (Willd. ex Spreng.) Schum.), belonging to the Malvaceae family, is one of the most important and popular fruit species in the Amazon. With the growth of commercial production and the increasing demand for seedlings, research aimed at optimizing its cultivation has become essential. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the development of young cupuaçu plants subjected to nutrient omission. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at Embrapa Eastern Amazon. The soil used was a Yellow Latosol of medium texture, collected from a depth of 0–20 cm. The experimental design was completely randomized with 10 treatments: complete (macro- and micronutrients); omission of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, and Zn; and a control treatment, with five replications. The evaluated variables included plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter production (leaves, stems, branches, and roots), macro- and micronutrient contents, and leaf analysis. To compare means, the Scott-Knott test at a 5% probability level was applied, following significance by the F test. Overall, nutrient omission limited plant development; however, the most detrimental to plant growth were N, P, K, Mg, and S. These same nutrients (with the exception of Mg) were also those that most affected total dry matter. It was concluded that young cupuaçu plants cultivated in medium-textured Yellow Latosol soils have high demands for macronutrients and the micronutrients B and Zn to achieve optimal development.
This study aimed to investigate the variation of essential oils from Piper betel cultivated in three different geographic regions of Vietnam (Hoc Mon, Tien Giang, and Dak Lak). The extraction of essential oil was conducted by hydro-distillation for 3 h using a Clevenger-type apparatus. GC-MS was employed for the analysis of obtained essential oil. Physicochemical parameters were determined as per standard test methods. GC-MS revealed the highest amount of chavibetol present in all three essential oils of Piper betel cultivated in three different geographic regions of Vietnam: Hoc Mon (49.077%), Tien Giang (39.982%) and Dak Lak (34.888%). In contrast to the absence of Cadinene in both Hoc Mon and Tien Giang essential oils, there was remarkably an extremely high content of Cadinene present in Dak Lak essential oil, accounting for approximately 49% of the total constituents of essential oil. α-Cadinene was recorded to be the highest quantity (19.826%), followed by γ-Cadinene (15.470%) and δ-Cadinene (13.369%). Nature variation in different geographic regions of Vietnam (Hoc Mon, Tien Giang, and Dak Lak) plays a key role in the diversification of essential oil composition in Piper betel.
The study compared the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and scavenging capacity (IC50) of leaves and stalks/bulbs of lokio (Allium chinense G. Don), an underutilised allium species, and compared them with two commercially popular onions, i.e., spring onion (Allium fistulosum L.) and green onion (Allium ascalonicum L.). Extracts of the three alliums exhibited distinct antioxidant capacity, and significant differences existed in TPC, TFC, and IC50 among the three species. The allium stalk/bulb contained significantly higher TPC, TFC, and IC50 than its green leaf counterparts, with a strong correlation (r = 0.9064). It was observed that the TPC of the bulb/stalk of A. chinense (20.20 mg/g GAE FW) was higher as compared to A. fistulosum (19.97 mg/g GAE FW) and A. ascalonicum (19.62 mg/g GAE FW). Meanwhile, in terms of TFC, the bulb of A. ascalonicum contained the highest (5.06 mg/g QE FW), followed by A. chinense (3.63 mg/g QE FW) and A. fistulosum (1.70 mg/g QE FW). Among the three alliums, A. chinense had the highest antioxidant capacity, as indicated by a lower IC50 in the white stalks (97.40 ppm), followed by A. ascalonicum (98.21 ppm) and A. fistulosum (100.80 ppm). This study also revealed strong correlations (r > 0.90) between TPC, TFC, and the antioxidant capacity of tested allium. The results of the current assessment would be useful for future studies and applications of lokio (Allium chinense G. Don) as an alternative to popular spring onion and green onion in food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic product development.
Consumer interest in natural antioxidants has risen because their intake is linked to the prevention of chronic diseases. Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)—rich in flavonoids, vitamin C and other bioactive compounds—are therefore being cultivated beyond temperate regions. In tropical areas, however, the lack of chilling hours may alter fruit physiology, and little is known about how pruning practices modulate quality under these conditions. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of pruning types and seasons on the antioxidant activity, physical and chemical characteristics (TSS, TTA, TSS/TTA), and ash, moisture, and fiber contents in blueberries of the cultivar Biloxi grown under tropical climate conditions (without chilling hours), in Brasilia, DF, Brazil. The trial followed a randomized-block design with three replications. Plants received either severe pruning removing lateral branches (SPRLB) or severe pruning maintaining lateral branches (SPMLB) in winter, spring, summer or autumn; fruit harvested over the subsequent four weeks was analysed for DPPH radical-scavenging capacity, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TTA), TSS/TTA ratio, ash, moisture and fibre contents. Pruning season exerted the strongest effect. Autumn pruning—regardless of type—produced the highest antioxidant activity and elevated TSS. SPRLB increased TTA, whereas SPMLB enhanced the TSS/TTA ratio during warmer seasons. These findings demonstrate that pruning season plays a key role in enhancing blueberry fruit quality under tropical conditions.
The effect of silicon (Si) supplementation on tomato seedling production of ‘Santa Clara’, ‘TY 2006’ and ‘Yoshimatsu 4-11’ cultivars (cvs.) was evaluated, aiming at the management of bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs). Seedlings of the three cvs. were produced in substrate without silicon (-Si) or with 3 g of calcium silicate/kg of substrate (+Si) and transplanted to soil with Rs (+Rs). The resistance components evaluated for 15 days were: incidence (INC) and severity (SEV), with calculation of the bacterial wilt index (BWI) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). Additional variables analyzed included: plant growth, fresh and dry mass, reactive chlorophyll index, Si content in leaf tissues and Rs population in the stem. The enzymatic activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyases (PAL), β-1,3 glucanases (GLU) and peroxidases (POX) were measured in the three cultivars produced in substrates (+Si) and (-Si) at the times: 0 to 96 h after transplanting. Si supplementation in the ‘Santa Clara’ and ‘TY 2006’ cultivars led to a reduction in the disease evaluated by SEV (33.2 and 42%) and BWI (21.7 and 10%), respectively. Si supplementation in the substrate did not affect growth, chlorophyll index, Si accumulation in the leaf or the Rs population in the stem tissues. Higher PAL and GLU enzymatic activity was observed at some moments in the three cultivars. Thus, tomato seedling production in substrate with Si can be a component in bacterial wilt management.
This study was carried out aimed to genetic inheritance analysis of 14 characteristics in ornamental peppers. Eight ornamental Capsicum annuum lines were crossed to produce a diallel set without reciprocals. The 28 F1 hybrids and their parents were arranged in a completely randomized design, with three replicates and two plants per plot. Data were subjected to variance analysis and subsequent diallel analysis performed according to Hayman's method. The t statistic was used to test the adequacy of the additive-dominance model. Canopy diameter, plant height, first bifurcation height, stem diameter, days to fruiting, leaf length, leaf width, fruit mass, fruit dry matter content, fruit diameter and yield manifested epistasis. For days to flowering and number of fruits per plant additive effects were more important, in this way selection in segregating generations will be quite efficient. These two traits exhibited partial dominance and fruit lenght exhibited overdominance it is being recommended to explore heterosis. The expected limits for the reduction of the average number of days to flowering is 89 days, for the increase in the number of fruits it is 96 fruits and for the reduction of the fruit length it is 6 milimeters. UFSJ 1 has the highest concentration of dominant genes to reduce days to flowering and fruit length averages and UFSJ 8 has the highest concentration of recessive genes to increase the number of fruit, so these parents are indicated for selection for continued breeding program.
Nanche is a native fruit with high nutritional and functional value; however, its commercialization is hindered by its short post-harvest shelf life. This study evaluated the physical traits, chemical composition, bioactive compounds, and postharvest management of mature yellow and red nanche fruits collected in Chiapas, Mexico. Standard AOAC methods were employed to evaluate physicochemical parameters, while antioxidant capacity, total polyphenols, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid were quantified using spectrophotometric assays. To enhance preservation, methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was applied under varying temperature conditions. Both phenotypes showed comparable nutritional potential; however, the red nanche exhibited a lower moisture content, higher levels of antioxidant compounds, and better postharvest performance following MeJA treatment. The combination of MeJA and refrigeration effectively extended shelf life and improved fruit quality, offering a viable strategy to strengthen the nanche value chain and promote its market integration as a functional bioresource.
The cultivation of Physalis peruviana L. is an economic alternative, particularly for small farmers. However, there is a lack of available information on its cultivation under Brazilian edaphoclimatic conditions. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the development and maturation of the fruits of P. peruviana according to the moment of flowering of the plant and the age of the fruit, in Piracicaba, São Paulo. A randomized block design with four replicates was used, and the treatments were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial design, the first factor consisting of two moments of flowering of plants, 55 and 105 days after transplantation (DAT) and the second, represented by the age of the fruits, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days after anthesis (DAA). The physicochemical characteristics of 15 fruits from each repetition were evaluated immediately after harvesting. The necessary thermal accumulation from anthesis to the physiological maturity of the fruit is variable between the moments of flowering of the plant. Fruits harvested at 75 DAA, originating from the first moment of flowering (55 DAT), and at 60 DAA, originating from flowers issued at 105 DAT, present parameters (mass, size, color, and flavor) that characterize physiological maturity and have a quality standard that makes them suitable for marketing.
Lowlands chili cultivation has lower productivity than highland areas in Indonesia. The increased assimilate translocation to fruit can support crop yield. Source-sink character is a method for yield evaluation. This study aimed to identify growth characteristics related to source-sink relationship and yield-limiting factors of lowland chili. This study used chili varieties adaptive to lowland conditions, namely Kencana, Lembang-1, Tanjung-2, and Ungara. The research was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks as replications. The results based on cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) of yield and yield components, showed that Kencana and Lembang-1 were classified as small-diameter chili fruit that had a similarity of 65.02%, while Tanjung-2 and Ungara as large-diameter chili fruit groups with a similarity of 51.82%. The small-diameter chili fruit group had low efficiency in fruit partition because the supply of assimilate to fruit was distrupted due to competition with leaf growth and number of fruits. The large-diameter chili fruit group had high efficiency in fruit partition by increasing root growth and fruit development but minimizing vegetative shoot growth. Thus, Tanjung-2 and Ungara had greater biomass efficiency to fruit partitioning than Kencana and Lembang-1. It was concluded that the source of assimilate was identified as yield limiting factor in lowland chili varieties is study aimed to identify growth characteristics related to source-sink relationship and yield-limiting factors of lowland chili. This study used chili varieties adaptive to lowland conditions, namely Kencana, Lembang-1, Tanjung-2, and Ungara. The research was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three blocks as replications. The results based on cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) of yield and yield components, showed that Kencana and Lembang-1 were classified as small-diameter chili fruit that had a similarity of 65.02%, while Tanjung-2 and Ungara as large-diameter chili fruit groups with a similarity of 51.82%. The small-diameter chili fruit group had low efficiency in fruit partition because the supply of assimilate to fruit was distrupted due to competition with leaf growth and number of fruits. The large-diameter chili fruit group had high efficiency in fruit partition by increasing root growth and fruit development but minimizing vegetative shoot growth. Thus, Tanjung-2 and Ungara had greater biomass efficiency to fruit partitioning than Kencana and Lembang-1. It was concluded that the source of assimilate was identified as yield limiting factor in lowland chili varieties
