Fruit set in lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Variation between flowers, panicles and trees

1991 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
CA McConchie ◽  
DJ Batten
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Litchi Chinensis ◽  
Female Phase ◽  
Individual Trees ◽  
Female Flowers

The ability of lychee cv. Bengal (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) female flowers to produce fruit has been investigated within individual panicles. Female flowers were pollinated with pollen from the same cultivar or removed manually. These experiments showed that 13.3% of the flowers opening on the first three days of the female phase of anthesis produced fruit. This was significantly fewer than the 22.8% of female flowers opening 4 to 6 days after commencement of female anthesis. Only 9.2% of flowers produced fruit on panicles in which every female flower was pollinated and none removed. No panicle yielded more than 28 fruit. The variation in female flower fecundity within a panicle, and the decrease in the proportion of flowers that yielded fruit as the number of flowers pollinated per panicle increased imply that comparisons between different treatments to lychee flowers should be made on entire panicles and not individual flowers. There was no difference between replicates of treatments on the same tree nor in the performance of individual trees. The time of day that pollination was performed appeared to have little effect on the percentage of fruit retained. There was no obvious relationship between prevailing weather conditions on the day of pollination and fruit production.

Flowering and fruit set in lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) in subtropical Queensland

1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 105 ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Menzel ◽  
DR Simpson
Keyword(s):  
Flower Development ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
The Other ◽  
Litchi Chinensis ◽  
Panicle Development ◽  
Maximum Temperatures ◽  
The Times ◽  
Female Flowers

The pattern of panicle and flower development of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) trees was studied in subtropical Queensland (lat. 27�S.). The cultivars studied were Tai So at 3 sites, Bengal at 4 sites, Kwai May Pink at 2 sites, Salathiel at 3 sites, and Wai Chee at 2 sites. Tai So was the earliest cultivar, with panicle emergence in late May and flower anthesis in mid September. The other cultivars were 5-7 weeks later. Tai So had a longer period of flower anthesis than the other cultivars (4 weeks v. 1-3 weeks). Cultivars Tai So and Bengal generally had longer panicles than cvv. Kwai May Pink, Salathiel and Wai Chee (17-32 v. 10-14 cm), and more flowers per panicle (1800-3400 v. 400-900). Similarly, the number of fruit per panicle ranged from 7-33/panicle 2-3 weeks after the end of flowering, to 4-22/panicle at harvest. The proportion of female flowers setting fruit ranged from 2.1 to 19.5%. Similar estimates for fruit carried to harvest ranged from 0.8 to 6.8%. Variations in the times of panicle emergence, panicle development, and anthesis among the cultivars in relation to seasonal progressions in temperature affected the number of fruit set. The number of fruit set per panicle increased as the number of female flowers per panicle increased. Higher numbers of female flowers were associated with maximum temperatures during flower development of 18�C, with lower numbers at 23�C. Higher maximum temperatures during anthesis (30�C v. 24�C) increased the proportion of female flowers setting fruit.

The importance of fruit set, fruit abortion, and pollination success in fruit production of teak (Tectona grandis)

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (11) ◽  
pp. 2204-2214 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. R. Palupi ◽  
J. N. Owens ◽  
S. Sadjad ◽  
Sudarsono ◽  
D. D. Solihin
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Pollen Viability ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Tectona Grandis ◽  
Seed Orchard ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Natural Forests ◽  
Pollination Success ◽  
Fruit Abortion

Teak ( Tectona grandis L.) is believed to have been introduced from India 400–500 years ago and there appear to be no old-growth natural forests. However, Indonesia has many teak plantation forests and 40%–50% of seeds for reforestation come from seed orchards and the remainder from plantations. In both, flower and fruit abortion results in low fruit set and thus seed production. We investigated flower and fruit development in a clonal seed orchard in East Java in 1999 and 2001 using cross- and open-pollinated trees. The rates of abortion using cross-pollinations showed a similar pattern but were lower than for open-pollinations. The highest rate of abortion in cross- and open-pollinations was during pollination and fertilization, ranging 11%–23% and 31%–32%/day, respectively, less during fruit initiation (5%–6% and 6%–8%/day) and the lowest was during fruit maturation (<0.5%/day). Cross-pollinations increased fruit production by 10-fold compared with open-pollinations. About 30% of flowers were pollinated with an average of five pollen grains per stigma in open-pollinations. Pollen viability varied among clones and time of day but was not affected by position of flowers in an inflorescence. We conclude that low pollination success and low pollen viability are major causes for low fruit production in teak and are related to insect pollinators.

scholarly journals Pollination and Fruit Set of Pumpkins in Growers' Fields in New York's Capital District

HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 462D-462
Author(s):  
H. Chris Wien ◽  
Dale Riggs
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Cucurbita Pepo ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Stigmatic Surface ◽  
Black Light ◽  
Pollen Removal ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Female Flowers

Reports of sharply reduced feral bee populations (Apis mellifera) due to harsh winters and prevalence of several bee diseases have raised concerns that pollination and fruit set in pumpkin fields will be adversely affected. In 1995 and 1996, five and eight pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) fields, respectively, were inventoried on three occasions per season for pollinator activity and percent fruit set. Pollen removal from male flowers was determined visually using a rating scale, while deposition of pollen on stigmata of female flowers was judged by rating fluorescence of pollen on the stigmatic surface under a “black light.” Samples were taken from 15 to 30 locations in each field, and female flowers tagged. These were considered set if they had enlarged to fist size within 14 days. In both years, the amount of pollen remaining on male flowers was negatively correlated with female flower fluorescence ratings. Neither pollen on male flowers nor stigma fluorescence were significantly correlated with percent fruit set. Fifty-two percent of tagged flowers set fruit in both years, with a range of 24% to 84%, and 17% to 78% in 1995 and 1996, respectively. Presence of bee hives in or near the fields had no effect on fruit set. The results indicate that the pollen removal and deposition ratings used were not reliable for predicting fruit set in farmers' fields. In these 2 years, bee hives were not needed in the sampled fields.

scholarly journals Leafless Inflorescence Produces More Female Flowers and Fruit Yield Than Leafy Inflorescence in ‘Yu Her Pau’ Litchi

HortScience ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 487-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Chi Lee ◽  
Jer-Chia Chang
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Quality ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Carbon Assimilation ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Fruit Yield ◽  
Leaf Number ◽  
Quality Trait ◽  
Old Field ◽  
Synchronous Development ◽  
Female Flowers

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the total number and percentage of female flowers and fruit yield were influenced by the type of inflorescence, i.e., leafless or leafy inflorescences in ‘Yu Her Pau’ litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.). Four 10-year-old field-grown plants in Chunghua, Taiwan, were assessed between March and June 2013. In total, 24 inflorescences comprising 12 each of leafless and leafy inflorescences were investigated. Leaves of the leafy inflorescence, defined as the fourth successive flush, attained maturity before female flower anthesis on 16 Mar. 2013. Shoot diameter and leaf number on the flowering (fruiting) shoot, total number of flowers, and total and percentage of female flowers were recorded. Fruit number, fruit set rate, cluster yield, and fruit quality were also determined at harvest between the two inflorescence types. The two inflorescence types had similar shoot diameters and total leaf number on a flowering shoot. The total number of flowers, female flowers, and the percentage female flowers in leafless inflorescences were 3741, 563, and 16.2%, respectively; these values were 1.3- to 1.7-fold higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those in leafy inflorescences, which were 2779, 326, and 12.2%, respectively. Leafless inflorescences had significantly higher fruit numbers and fruit yield per cluster at harvest (10.2 and 321.5 g, respectively), although there was no difference (P > 0.05) in fruit set rate between the two inflorescence types. No fruit quality trait, such as fruit, pericarp, aril, seed weight, aril proportion, and total soluble solid concentration of aril, was significant (P > 0.05) between the two inflorescence types. We concluded that leafless and leafy inflorescences of ‘Yu Her Pau’ had similar carbon assimilation supply potential; however, leafless inflorescence had greater performance in terms of female flower number and thus fruit yield, presumably due to the absence of assimilate competition brought by synchronous development of lateral inflorescence and immature leaves of panicle.

Sex ratio, flowering and fruit set in dioecious Rubus chamaemorus (Rosaceae) in Labrador

Botany ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda L. Karst ◽  
Joseph A. Antos ◽  
Geraldine A. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Sex Ratios ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Rubus Chamaemorus ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Unpredictable Environment ◽  
Female Flowers

Rubus chamaemorus L. is a dioecious clonal herb with highly variable fruit production. Our overall objective was to determine how fruit production (and the reproductive stages leading to fruit) for R. chamaemorus varied with habitat and population (especially sex ratio) characteristics at scales from 1 m2 quadrats to whole populations in southeastern Labrador, Canada. During the climatically favourable year studied, reproductive variables were only weakly correlated with habitat characteristics. Strongly biased sex ratios were found at scales of 1–10 m. Male-dominated quadrats exhibited a significantly higher proportion of flowering ramets than did female-dominated quadrats. Female-biased sex ratios of flowering ramets and large distances between male and female flowers were correlated with decreased seed set. We found no differences in microhabitats of males and females. Although the biased local sex ratios could limit sexual reproduction, the high fruit set we measured clearly indicates that populations are able to produce abundant fruit during favourable years in this unpredictable environment.

Flowering pattern and fruit production in the dioecious shrub Oemleria cerasiformis (Rosaceae)

1986 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1216-1220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geraldine A. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Flowering Period ◽  
Flowering Pattern ◽  
Flower Opening ◽  
Inflorescence Size ◽  
Hand Pollination ◽  
Flower Display ◽  
Female Flowers

Male plants of Oemleria cerasiformis have a larger flower display and a longer flowering period than females, and tend to show greater phenological variability. Male inflorescences generally begin to flower sooner than females, but reach their peak and finish flowering later. Their longer blooming period is mainly the result of less synchronous flower opening in males. In both sexes flowering tends to be completed more rapidly in later inflorescences. Fruit set in females is positively correlated with time of flowering (r = 0.313) and inflorescence size (r = 0.421). Hand-pollination of female flowers increased fruit set in most inflorescences, indicating that reproductive success in female O. cerasiformis may be pollen limited.

scholarly journals Pumpkin Growth, Flowering, and Fruiting Response to Nitrogen and Potassium Sprinkler Fertigation in Sandy Soil

1994 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 414-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Swiader ◽  
Stanley K. Sipp ◽  
Ronald E. Brown
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Stem Elongation ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Yield Response ◽  
Marketable Yield ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Female Flowers

Field studies were conducted in 1987 and 1988 to determine the effect of various sprinkler-applied N-K fertigation treatments and 196N-280K (kg·ha-1) dry-blend application on pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Poir.) flower development, fruit set, vine growth, and marketable yield response in a Plainfield sand. The number of male and female flowers that reached anthesis by 72 days after seeding (DAS) was highest with either 112N-112K or 112N-224K fertigation. Fertigation using either 56N-112K or 168N-224K delayed the start of flowering and reduced the total number of male and female flowers produced by 72 DAS. Fruit set decreased at the low N-K fertigation rate (56N-112K), but otherwise was unaffected by N-K fertility regime. Vine dry weight and stem elongation increased as the N fertigation rate increased, with relatively little effect from fertigated K. There was no field indication of excessive vegetative growth in any of the fertigation treatments. Highest yields of early set marketable fruit (pumpkins that set before 65 DAS), and total marketable yields were obtained with fertigation of 112N, in combination with either 112 or 224 kg·ha-1 fertigated K. Usable green and cull fruit production increased with increasing N-K fertigation rate. Dry-blend application of 196N-280K decreased early and total yields significantly. The results showed that sprinkler-applied 112N-112K split into five fertigations during the growing season (supplemented with a preplant dry-blend application of 28N-56K) produced high yields without compromising early fruit maturity.

scholarly journals Large population sizes mitigate negative effects of variable weather conditions on fruit set in two spring woodland orchids

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 495-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Jacquemyn ◽  
Rein Brys ◽  
Olivier Honnay
Keyword(s):  
Fruit Set ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Seedling Recruitment ◽  
Climatic Variability ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Fruit Production ◽  
Pollination Services ◽  
Global Circulation Models ◽  
Fruit And Seed Set

Global circulation models predict increased climatic variability, which could increase variability in demographic rates and affect long-term population viability. In animal-pollinated species, pollination services, and thus fruit and seed set, may be highly variable among years and sites, and depend on both local environmental conditions and climatic variables. Orchid species may be particularly vulnerable to disruption of their pollination services, as most species depend on pollinators for successful fruit set and because seed germination and seedling recruitment are to some extent dependent on the amount of fruits and seeds produced. Better insights into the factors determining fruit and seed set are therefore indispensable for a better understanding of population dynamics and viability of orchid populations under changing climatic conditions. However, very few studies have investigated spatio-temporal variation in fruit set in orchids. Here, we quantified fruit production in eight populations of the orchid Orchis purpurea that does not reward pollinators and 13 populations of the rewarding Neottia ( Listera ) ovata during five consecutive years (2002–2006). Fruit production in large populations showed much higher stability than that in small populations and was less affected by extreme weather conditions. Our results highlight the potential vulnerability of small orchid populations to an increasingly variable climate through highly unpredictable fruit-set patterns.

scholarly journals Increased Plant Density and Shade Affects Flowering and Fruiting of Pumpkin (C. pepo)

HortScience ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 526A-526
Author(s):  
R.O. Nyankanga ◽  
H.C. Wien
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Female Flower ◽  
Individual Plant ◽  
Complete Suppression ◽  
Flower Production ◽  
Male Flowers ◽  
Female Flowers

Increase in plant density often results in reduction in reproductive potential of individual plants in cucurbits. The reduction may be due to reduced female flower production or a reduction or a delay in fruit set or to decreased fruit size. To determine the cause of the reduction, flowering, and fruiting of two pumpkin cultivars was evaluated in four field experiments under four plant densities ranging from 4483 plants/ha to 23,910 plants/ha and in a greenhouse using three levels of shade. Weekly flower and flower bud counts were made in the field experiment starting at first anthesis. Flowers were determined to have either set or aborted or not have reached anthesis. Increasing plant population from 4483 plants/ha to 23,910 plants/ha resulted in an increase in number of flowers per unit area up to 11,955 plants/ha, beyond which there was a steep decline. Increased plant density also resulted in an increase in aborted female flower buds that did not reach anthesis. Increase in plant density only reduced fruit set at very high populations. Number of fruits per area increased linearly with plant density up to 11,955 plants/ha, but decreased at higher plant populations. Reducing incident light by 30%, 60%, and 80% in a greenhouse experiment resulted in reduction of both male and female flowers. At 80% shade, there was a complete suppression of female flowers, whereas male flowers were still being produced. The number of female flowers reaching anthesis was positively correlated with total shoot dry weight while floral buds and male flowers were not. Reduction of individual plant biomass under high-density plantings might therefore be limiting female flower production and yield.

The effects of date pollinizer variety and pollination time on fruit set and yield of Medjhol date palm

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoul Amir Rahnama ◽  
Esmaeil Rahkhodaei
Keyword(s):  
Date Palm ◽  
Fruit Set ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Male Flower ◽  
Fruit Weight ◽  
Palm Fruit ◽  
Tropical Fruit ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Time Interaction ◽  
Female Flowers

Date palm is unisexual, being either male or female. Male and female flowers grow on buds called Spathe, which opens naturally when fully mature. It is easy to identify the male and female flowers. Under the method of manual pollination, pollen from a male flower is smeared over female flowers. The pollen variety and pollination time have important effects on date palm fruit set, yield and quality. This experiment was carried out to study the effect of date pollinizer variety and pollination time on fruit set, growth and development of Medjhol date palm variety, in date palm garden of date palm and tropical fruit research institute of Iran during three years from 2009 to 2011. The trail was randomized complete block design in factorial manner with three pollen variety as Ghaname, Vardy, and Samesmave, two pollination time as 1-3 days before or after spathe opening and four replication. The results showed that the Vardy pollen had significant effects and increased the fertility percent and fruit yield, rather than two other pollen varieties. The pollen variety had no significant effects on fruit quality as total sugar, acidity, and bricx. The pollination time before spathe opening significantly increased fertility percent, decreased fruit weight and date palm yield. Finally the pollen variety and pollination time interaction effects showed that, application of Vardy pollen from 1-3 days after spathe opening with the most production date palm yield, equal 19.9 kilogram per any date palm trees, so this treatment is the best and are recommended.

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