Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the 14-3-3 Gene Family in Mango (Mangifera indica L.).

Members of the Mi14-3-3 gene family interact with target proteins that are widely involved in plant hormone signal transduction and physiology-related metabolism and play important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. In this study, 14-3-3s family members are identified by the bioinformatic analysis of the mango (Mangifera indica L.) genome. The gene structures, chromosomal distributions, genetic evolution, and expression patterns of these genes and the physical and chemical properties and conserved motifs of their proteins are analysed systematically. The results identified 16 members of the 14-3-3 genes family in the mango genome. The members were not evenly distributed across the chromosomes, and the gene structure analysis showed that the gene sequence length and intron number varied greatly among the different members. Protein sequence analysis showed that the Mi14-3-3 proteins had similar physical and chemical properties and secondary and tertiary structures, and protein subcellular localization showed that the Mi14-3-3 family proteins were localized to the nucleus. The sequence analysis of the Mi14-3-3s showed that all Mi14-3-3 proteins contain a typical conserved PFAM00244 domain, and promoter sequence analysis showed that the Mi14-3-3 promoters contain multiple hormone-, stress-, and light-responsive cis-regulatory elements. Expression analysis showed that the 14-3-3 genes were expressed in all tissues of mango, but that their expression patterns were different. Drought, salt and low temperature stresses affected the expression levels of 14-3-3 genes, and different 14-3-3 genes had different responses to these stresses. This study provides a reference for further studies on the function and regulation of Mi14-3-3 family members.

The 'Tommy Atkins' mango genome reveals candidate genes for fruit quality.

BACKGROUND: Mango, Mangifera indica L., an important tropical fruit crop, is grown for its sweet and aromatic fruits. Past improvement of this species has predominantly relied on chance seedlings derived from over 1000 cultivars in the Indian sub-continent with a large variation for fruit size, yield, biotic and abiotic stress resistance, and fruit quality among other traits. Historically, mango has been an orphan crop with very limited molecular information. Only recently have molecular and genomics-based analyses enabled the creation of linkage maps, transcriptomes, and diversity analysis of large collections. Additionally, the combined analysis of genomic and phenotypic information is poised to improve mango breeding efficiency. RESULTS: This study sequenced, de novo assembled, analyzed, and annotated the genome of the monoembryonic mango cultivar 'Tommy Atkins'. The draft genome sequence was generated using NRGene de-novo Magic on high molecular weight DNA of 'Tommy Atkins', supplemented by 10X Genomics long read sequencing to improve the initial assembly. A hybrid population between 'Tommy Atkins' x 'Kensington Pride' was used to generate phased haplotype chromosomes and a highly resolved phased SNP map. The final 'Tommy Atkins' genome assembly was a consensus sequence that included 20 pseudomolecules representing the 20 chromosomes of mango and included ~ 86% of the ~ 439 Mb haploid mango genome. Skim sequencing identified ~ 3.3 M SNPs using the 'Tommy Atkins' x 'Kensington Pride' mapping population. Repeat masking identified 26,616 genes with a median length of 3348 bp. A whole genome duplication analysis revealed an ancestral 65 MYA polyploidization event shared with Anacardium occidentale. Two regions, one on LG4 and one on LG7 containing 28 candidate genes, were associated with the commercially important fruit size characteristic in the mapping population. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of the complete 'Tommy Atkins' mango genome will aid global initiatives to study mango genetics.

Isolation and Functional Characterization of Two SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE Homologous Genes from Mango.

The SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) gene is a transcription factor that integrates flowering signals and plays an important role in the regulation of flowering time in many plants. In this study, two full-length cDNA sequences of SVP homologous genes-MiSVP1 and MiSVP2-were obtained from 'SiJiMi' mango. Sequence analysis showed that the MiSVPs had typical MADS-box domains and were highly conserved between each other. The analysis of expression patterns showed that the MiSVPs were expressed during flower development and highly expressed in vegetative tissues, with low expression in flowers/buds. The MiSVPs could responded to low temperature, NaCl, and PEG treatment. Subcellular localization revealed that MiSVP1 and MiSVP2 were localized in the nucleus. Transformation of Arabidopsis revealed that overexpression of MiSVP1 delayed flowering time, overexpression of MiSVP2 accelerated flowering time, and neither MiSVP1 nor MiSVP2 had an effect on the number of rosette leaves. Overexpression of MiSVP1 increased the expression of AtFLC and decreased the expression of AtFT and AtSOC1, and overexpression of MiSVP2 increased the expression levels of AtSOC1 and AtFT and decreased the expression levels of AtFLC. Point-to-point and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays showed that MiSVP1 and MiSVP2 could interact with SEP1-1, SOC1D, and AP1-2. These results suggest that MiSVP1 and MiSVP2 may play a significant roles in the flowering process of mango.

3-D microstructural changes in relation to the evolution of quality during ripening of mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Carabao).

BACKGROUND: The ripening of mango involves changes in texture, flavor, and color, affecting the quality of the fruit. Previous studies have investigated the physiology on the evolution of quality during ripening but only a few have looked at microstructural changes during ripening. None of them has provided an insight into the relationhip between 3-D microstructure and the evolution of quality during ripening. As the 3-D microstructure of fruit tissue determines its mechanical and gas-transport properties, it is likely to affect fruit texture, respiratory metabolism, and other ripening processes. RESULTS: The present study focuses on the role of 3-D microstructural changes in relation to quality changes during mango ripening. Microstructural imaging using X-ray micro-computed tomography suggested the incidence of cell leakage, which was confirmed by the measurement of electrolyte leakage from the fruit peel. Due to cell leakage, porosity, pore connectivity, and pore local diameter were decreased whereas the tissue local diameter and pore specific area were increased. The decline in respiration and respiratory quotient during ripening followed the microstructural changes observed. Meanwhile, changes in aroma were observed such as a decrease in monoterpenes and an increase in esters and other fermentative metabolites. CONCLUSION: Overall, the results provide a complete, integrated picture of microstructural changes during ripening accompanying the evolution of fruit quality, suggesting functional relationships between the two. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mango Fruit Load Estimation Using a Video Based MangoYOLO-Kalman Filter-Hungarian Algorithm Method.

: Pre-harvest fruit yield estimation is useful to guide harvesting and marketing resourcing, but machine vision estimates based on a single view from each side of the tree ("dual-view") underestimates the fruit yield as fruit can be hidden from view. A method is proposed involving deep learning, Kalman filter, and Hungarian algorithm for on-tree mango fruit detection, tracking, and counting from 10 frame-per-second videos captured of trees from a platform moving along the inter row at 5 km/h. The deep learning based mango fruit detection algorithm, MangoYOLO, was used to detect fruit in each frame. The Hungarian algorithm was used to correlate fruit between neighbouring frames, with the improvement of enabling multiple-to-one assignment. The Kalman filter was used to predict the position of fruit in following frames, to avoid multiple counts of a single fruit that is obscured or otherwise not detected with a frame series. A "borrow" concept was added to the Kalman filter to predict fruit position when its precise prediction model was absent, by borrowing the horizontal and vertical speed from neighbouring fruit. By comparison with human count for a video with 110 frames and 192 (human count) fruit, the method produced 9.9% double counts and 7.3% missing count errors, resulting in around 2.6% over count. In another test, a video (of 1162 frames, with 42 images centred on the tree trunk) was acquired of both sides of a row of 21 trees, for which the harvest fruit count was 3286 (i.e., average of 156 fruit/tree). The trees had thick canopies, such that the proportion of fruit hidden from view from any given perspective was high. The proposed method recorded 2050 fruit (62% of harvest) with a bias corrected Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 18.0 fruit/tree while the dual-view image method (also using MangoYOLO) recorded 1322 fruit (40%) with a bias corrected RMSE = 21.7 fruit/tree. The video tracking system is recommended over the dual-view imaging system for mango orchard fruit count.

Regulation of the levels of health promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit: a review.

There is a demand for feasible methodologies that can increase/maintain the levels of health-promoting phytochemicals in horticultural produce, due to strong evidence that these compounds can reduce risk of chronic diseases. Mango (Mangifera indica L.), ranks fifth among the most cultivated fruit crops in the world, is naturally rich in phytochemicals such as lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids (e.g. gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and vanillic acid). Yet, there is still much scope for up-regulating the levels of these compounds in mango fruit through manipulation of different preharvest and postharvest practices that affect their biosynthesis and degradation. The process of ripening, harvest maturity, physical and chemical elicitor treatments such as low temperature stress, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA) and nitric oxide (NO) and the availability of enzyme cofactors (Mg2+ , Mn2+ and Fe2+ ) required in terpenoid biosynthesis were identified as potential determinants of the concentration of health-promoting compounds in mango fruit. The effectiveness of these preharvest and postharvest approaches in regulating the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in the pulp and peel of mango fruit will be discussed. In general spray application of 0.2% iron(II) sulphate (FeSO4 ) 30 days before harvest, harvest at sprung stage, storage of mature green fruit at 5 °C for 12 days prior to ripening, fumigation of mature green fruit with 10-5  mol L-1 and/or 10-4  mol L-1 MeJA for 24 h or 20 and/or 40 µL L-1 NO for 2 h upregulate the levels of lupeol, mangiferin and phenolic acids in pulp and peel of ripe mango fruit. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Could the reliability of classical descriptors of fruit quality be influenced by irrigation and cold storage? The case of mango, a climacteric fruit.

BACKGROUND: Large improvements have been realized on the accuracy of the determination of fruit quality. The relevance of the relationship between commonly used quality descriptors and their related chemical contents was here questioned under the influence of water supply reduction and postharvest cold storage. The study relied on three analyses: (1) a correlation table between quality descriptors and compound contents, (2) principal component analysis using the selected variables to see the quality discrimination dictated by treatments; and (3) linear correlation between content and descriptors according to treatments. RESULTS: The results indicate that abiotic parameters applied on mango fruits before or after harvest can affect the relationship between a quality descriptor and the content in compounds it is related to, here between titratable acidity and organic acid content and to a lesser extent between color, represented by hue angle values, and carotenoids, possibly creating bias in the final quality determination. A stronger relation between total soluble solids and total sugar content, were observed under mild abiotic stress. CONCLUSION: Fruit growth and postharvest storage conditions, such as irrigation and cold storage, can influence the actual correspondence between the compounds contents and the descriptors used to estimate fruit quality, particularly for pulp color, sugars and acids. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Dynamics in the concentrations of health-promoting compounds: lupeol, mangiferin and different phenolic acids during postharvest ripening of mango fruit.

BACKGROUND: Mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) is renowned for its pleasant taste and as a rich source of health beneficial compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in concentrations of health-promoting compounds, namely ascorbic acid, carotenoids, antioxidants, lupeol, mangiferin, total phenols and individual phenolic acids, as well as ethylene production and respiration rates during climacteric ripening in 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mango fruit. RESULTS: The climacteric ethylene and respiration peaks were noted on the third day of the fruit ripening period. The concentrations of total carotenoids in the pulp, total antioxidants in both pulp and peel, and total phenols of the peel, lupeol and mangiferin were significantly elevated, whereas the concentration of ascorbic acid declined during post-climacteric ripening. Gallic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids were identified as the major phenolic acids in both pulp and peel of 'Kensington Pride' and 'R2E2' mangoes. The concentrations of phenolic acids (gallic, chlorogenic, vanillic, ferulic and caffeic acids) also increased during the post-climacteric phase. The concentrations of all phenolic compounds were several-fold higher in the peel than pulp. CONCLUSION: Mangoes at post-climacteric ripening phase offer the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds. Peel, at this stage of fruit ripening, could be exploited as a good source for extraction of these compounds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synergistic mixtures of chitosan and Mentha piperita L. essential oil to inhibit Colletotrichum species and anthracnose development in mango cultivar Tommy Atkins.

This study assessed the efficacy of chitosan (CHI) and Mentha piperita L. essential oil (MPEO) alone or in combination to control the mycelial growth of five different Colletotrichum species, C. asianum, C. dianesei, C. fructicola, C. tropicale and C. karstii, identified as potential anthracnose-causing agents in mango (Mangifera indica L.). The efficacy of coatings of CHI and MPEO mixtures in controlling the development of anthracnose in mango cultivar Tommy Atkins was evaluated. CHI (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 mg/mL) and MPEO (0.3, 0.6, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 µL/mL) alone effectively inhibited mycelial growth of all tested Colletotrichum strains in synthetic media. Mixtures of CHI (5 or 7.5 mg/mL) and MPEO (0.3, 0.6 or 1.25 µL/mL) strongly inhibited mycelial growth and showed additive or synergistic inhibitory effects on the tested Colletotrichum strains based on the Abbott index. The application of coatings of CHI (5 or 7.5 mg/mL) and MPEO (0.6 or 1.25 µL/mL) mixtures that presented synergistic interactions decreased anthracnose lesion severity in mango artificially contaminated with either of the tested Colletotrichum strains over 15 days of storage at 25 °C. The anthracnose lesion severity in mango coated with the mixtures of CHI and MPEO was similar or lower than those observed in mango treated with the synthetic fungicides thiophanate-methyl (10 µg a.i./mL) and difenoconazole (0.5 µg a.i./mL). The application of coatings containing low doses of CHI and MPEO may be an effective alternative for controlling the postharvest development of anthracnose in mango cultivar Tommy Atkins.

Changes in the nutritional quality of five Mangifera species harvested at two maturity stages.

BACKGROUND: There are 69 species of edible Mangifera recognized in Southeast Asia. Most of these species have not been characterized for nutritional properties. This paper describes the nutritional quality of the pulp of several Mangifera species - Mangifera casturi, Mangifera lalijiwa, Mangifera odorata, Mangifera zeylanica and two cultivars of Mangifera indica, 'Tommy-Kent' and 'Tommy Atkins' - at two maturity stages. RESULTS: The results showed that nutritional quality varied with maturity stage and among species. The immature pulp of all species had higher content of total dietary fibre, vitamin C, vitamin E, total soluble polyphenols and antioxidant capacity. In mature pulp, the protein, ash, fat, soluble carbohydrate and B vitamin values were higher in all species. The species with the best nutritional quality were, in order from highest to lowest, M. casturi, M. odorata, M. zeylanica, M. indica cultivars and M. lalijiwa. CONCLUSION: The fruit pulp of three species had higher nutritional quality at both maturity stages in comparison with M. indica cultivars. These other Mangifera species can be nutritionally important in communities facing food insecurity and have potential as emerging crops. The decline of these valuable species in their natural habitats is an increasing concern, and their nutritional properties justify greater efforts to protect them. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of postharvest ethylene treatment on sugar content, glycosidase activity and its gene expression in mango fruit.

BACKGROUND: Ripening-associated softening is one of the important attributes that largely determines the shelf-life of mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) fruits. To reveal the effect of pre-climacteric ethylene treatment on ripening-related softening of Alphonso mango, ethylene treatment was given to mature, raw Alphonso fruits. Changes in the pool of reducing and non-reducing sugars, enzymatic activity of three glycosidases: ß-d-galactosidase, α-d-mannosidase and ß-d-glucosidase and their relative transcript abundance were analysed for control and ethylene treated fruits during ripening. RESULTS: Early activity of all the three glycosidases and accelerated accumulation of reducing and non-reducing sugars on ethylene treatment was evident. ß-d-Galactosidase showed the highest activity among three glycosidases in control fruits and marked increase in activity upon ethylene treatment. This was confirmed by the histochemical assay of its activity in control and ethylene treated ripe fruits. Relative transcript abundance revealed high transcript levels of ß-d-galactosidase in control fruits. Ethylene-treated fruits showed early and remarkable increase in the ß-d-galactosidase transcripts while α-d-mannosidase transcript variants displayed early accumulation. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest reduction in the shelf-life of Alphonso mango upon pre-climacteric ethylene treatment, a significant role of ß-d-galactosidase and α-d-mannosidase in the ripening related softening of Alphonso fruits and transcriptional regulation of their expression by ethylene. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of Hydrolyzed Protein Baits and Various Grape Juice Products as Attractants for Anastrepha Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Mexican fruit flies, Anastrepha ludens (Loew; Diptera: Tephritidae), have traditionally been trapped in citrus orchards in Mexico using protein hydrolysates as bait. Recently, CeraTrap(®), an enzymatic hydrolyzed protein, has emerged as an effective lure for monitoring A. ludens at the orchard level and is currently being used by growers in the region of Veracruz. Several studies have revealed that grape juice is highly attractive to A. ludens, and recent work supports its potential use for regulation purposes. In our study, the attraction of A. ludens to different grape products was evaluated in citrus orchards and in comparison to other Anastrepha species in an area composed of mango and chicozapote orchards. Attraction to grape lures was compared with CeraTrap and the standard protein Captor +borax trap. In general, CeraTrap was more attractive than different commercial grape products in several experiments. Only Jumex, a commercial grape juice, did not differ significantly from CeraTrap in the capture of A. ludens males and females in a citrus crop. However, several drawbacks were detected when using Jumex grape juice: 1) higher tendency to capture males, 2) less selectivity against non-targeted insects, 3) higher capture of beneficial lacewings, and iv) the need to re-bait weekly owing to lower stability. In the area containing mango and chicozapote, CeraTrap was more attractive than Captor + borax for Anastrepha obliqua and Anastrepha serpentina, followed by grape juice products, which were the least attractive for these fruit fly species.

The influence of organophosphate and carbamate on sperm chromatin and reproductive hormones among pesticide sprayers.

This study is aimed at evaluating the association between occupational exposure to organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CB) pesticides and semen quality as well as levels of reproductive and thyroid hormones of pesticide sprayers in Malihabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Thirty-five healthy men (unexposed group) and 64 male pesticide sprayers (exposed group) were recruited for clinical evaluation of fertility status. Fresh semen samples were evaluated for sperm quality and analyzed for DNA fragmentation index (DFI) by flow cytometry. Pesticide exposure was assessed by measuring erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase and plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) with a Test-mate ChE field kit. Serum levels of total testosterone (Tt), prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (FT4) were analyzed using enzyme immunoassay kits. Evidence of pesticide exposure was found in 88.5% of sprayers and significant increments were observed in sperm DFI with significant decrease in some semen parameters. DFI was negatively correlated with BuChE, sperm concentration, morphology, and vitality in these pesticide sprayers. The levels of Tt, PRL, FT4, and TSH appeared to be normal; however, there was a tendency for increased LH and FSH levels in exposed workers. The results confirm the potential impact of chronic occupational exposure to OP and CB pesticides on male reproductive function, which may cause damage to sperm chromatin, decrease semen quality, and produce alterations in reproductive hormones, leading to adverse reproductive health outcomes.

Analysing growth and development of plants jointly using developmental growth stages.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Plant growth, the increase of organ dimensions over time, and development, the change in plant structure, are often studied as two separate processes. However, there is structural and functional evidence that these two processes are strongly related. The aim of this study was to investigate the co-ordination between growth and development using mango trees, which have well-defined developmental stages. METHODS: Developmental stages, determined in an expert way, and organ sizes, determined from objective measurements, were collected during the vegetative growth and flowering phases of two cultivars of mango, Mangifera indica. For a given cultivar and growth unit type (either vegetative or flowering), a multistage model based on absolute growth rate sequences deduced from the measurements was first built, and then growth stages deduced from the model were compared with developmental stages. KEY RESULTS: Strong matches were obtained between growth stages and developmental stages, leading to a consistent definition of integrative developmental growth stages. The growth stages highlighted growth asynchronisms between two topologically connected organs, namely the vegetative axis and its leaves. CONCLUSIONS: Integrative developmental growth stages emphasize that developmental stages are closely related to organ growth rates. The results are discussed in terms of the possible physiological processes underlying these stages, including plant hydraulics, biomechanics and carbohydrate partitioning.

Seasonal Abundance of Mango Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Ecological Implications for Their Management in Mango and Cashew Orchards in Benin (Centre & North).

We report the results of a large-scale (six orchards) and long-term (5-yr) study on seasonal population fluctuations of fruit flies (Diptera Tephritidae) in mango (2005-2009) and cashew (2007-2009) orchards in the Borgou Department, Benin.During the five consecutive years of mango fruit fly monitoring, 25 tephritid species were captured including three species of Bactrocera, 11 of Ceratitis, and 11 of Dacus, which is represented by 2,138,150 specimens in mango orchards. We observed significant differences in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) counts between "high" and "low" mango production years from 2005 to 2008 but not in Ceratitis cosyra (Walker) counts. The native species, C. cosyra, the most abundant species during the dry season, peaked beginning of May, while the exotic species, B. dorsalis, the most abundant species during the rainy season, peaked in June. Preliminary results underlined the role of nine species of wild hosts and seven species of cultivated ones around mango orchards that played an important role in maintaining B. dorsalis in this Sudan zone all year round. The presence of C. cosyra stretched over 9 mo.During the first 14 wk of tephritid monitoring on cashew orchards situated near mango orchards, most flies (62%) were captured in traps positioned in cashew orchards, showing the strong interest of an early fly control on cashew before the mango season. According to these results, in the Sudan zone, effective and compatible control methods as proposed by the IPM package validated by the West African Fruit Fly Initiative project against mango fruit flies are proposed for a large regional tephritid control program in same zones of West Africa.

Natural Enemies of the Frankliniella Complex Species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Ataulfo Mango Agroecosystems.

A field survey was conducted in Ataulfo mango (Mangifera indica L.) orchards in Chiapas, Mexico, with the objective of determining the natural enemies of the Frankliniella complex species (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). Seven species of this genus feed and reproduce in large numbers during the mango flowering. Two representative orchards were selected: the orchard "Tres A" characterized by an intensive use of agrochemicals directed against thrips, and the orchard "La Escondida" that did not spray insecticides. During mango flowering, five inflorescences were randomly collected every 5 d in both orchards, for a total of 18 sampling dates. Results revealed the presence of 18 species of arthropods that were found predating on Frankliniella. There were 11 species in the families Aeolothripidae, Phlaeothripidae, Formicidae, Anthocoridae and Chrysopidae; and seven species of spiders in the families Araneidae, Tetragnathidae, and Uloboridae. Over 88% of predators were anthocorids, including, Paratriphleps sp. (Champion), Orius insidiosus (Say), Orius tristicolor (White), and O. perpunctatus (Reuter). The orchard that did not spray insecticides had a significantly higher number of predators suggesting a negative effect of the insecticides on the abundance of these organisms.

Expression and enzymatic activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and p-coumarate 3-hydroxylase in mango (Mangifera indica 'Ataulfo') during ripening.

Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and p-coumarate 3-hydroxylase (C3H) are key enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway. The relative expression of PAL and C3H was evaluated in mango fruit cultivar 'Ataulfo' in four ripening stages (RS1, RS2, RS3, and RS4) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, enzyme activity of PAL and C3H was determined in mango fruits during ripening. The PAL levels were downregulated at the RS2 and RS3 stages, while C3H levels were upregulated in fruits only at RS3. The enzyme activity of PAL followed a pattern that was different from that of the PAL expression, thus suggesting regulation at several levels. For C3H, a regulation at the transcriptional level is suggested because a similar pattern was revealed by its activity and transcript level. In this study, the complexity of secondary metabolite biosynthesis regulation is emphasized because PAL and C3H enzymes are involved in the biosynthesis of several secondary metabolites that are active during all mango ripening stages.

Identification and Comprehensive Analysis of OFP Genes for Fruit Shape Influence in Mango.

OVATE family proteins (OFPs) are a class of plant-specific proteins with a conserved OVATE domain that play fundamental roles in fruit development and plant growth. Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is an economically important subtropical fruit tree characterized by a diverse array of fruit shapes and sizes. Despite extensive research on OFPs across various species, there remains a scarcity of information regarding OFPs in mango. Here, we have successfully identified 25 OFP genes (MiOFPs) in mango, each of which exhibits the conserved OVATE domains. The MiOFP gene exhibit a range of 2-6 motifs, with all genes containing both motif 1 and motif 2. Phylogenetic analysis on 97 OFPs (including 18 AtOFPs, 24 SlOFPs, 25 MiOFPs, and 30 OsOFPs) indicated that MiOFPs could be divided into three main clades: clade I, II, and III. Comparative morphological analysis identified significant variations in fruit longitudinal diameter, fruit transverse diameter, and fruit shape index between two distinct shaped mango cultivars ('Hongxiangya' and 'Jingpingmang') at DAP5, DAP7, and DAP10 stages. The subsequent examination of paraffin sections revealed distinct patterns of cell elongation. The majority of MiOFP genes exhibited predominantly expressed in developing organs, specifically flowers and immature fruits, while displaying distinct expression patterns. RNA-Seq analysis revealed significant disparities in the expression levels of several OFP genes, including MiOFP5, MiOFP11, MiOFP21, MiOFP22, MiOFP23, and MiOFP25, between the two mango cultivars. These findings suggest that these six genes may play a crucial role for fruit shape in mango, especially the MiOFP22. The findings of this study have established a basis for future investigations into MiOFPs in mango, offering a solid foundation for further research in this field.

Mitigation of drought stress in chili plants (Capsicum annuum L.) using mango fruit waste biochar, fulvic acid and cobalt.

Drought stress can have negative impacts on crop productivity. It triggers the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which causes oxidative stress. Limited water and nutrient uptake under drought stress also decreases plant growth. Using cobalt and fulvic acid with biochar in such scenarios can effectively promote plant growth. Cobalt (Co) is a component of various enzymes and co-enzymes. It can increase the concentration of flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenol oxidase) and proline. Fulvic acid (FA), a constituent of soil organic matter, increases the accessibility of nutrients to plants. Biochar (BC) can enhance soil moisture retention, nutrient uptake, and plant productivity during drought stress. That's why the current study explored the influence of Co, FA and BC on chili plants under drought stress. This study involved 8 treatments, i.e., control, 4 g/L fulvic acid (4FA), 20 mg/L cobalt sulfate (20CoSO4), 4FA + 20CoSO4, 0.50%MFWBC (0.50 MFWBC), 4FA + 0.50MFWBC, 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC, 4FA + 20CoSO4 + 0.50MFWBC. Results showed that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC caused an increase in chili plant height (23.29%), plant dry weight (28.85%), fruit length (20.17%), fruit girth (21.41%) and fruit yield (25.13%) compared to control. The effectiveness of 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC was also confirmed by a significant increase in total chlorophyll contents, as well as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in leaves over control. In conclusion4g/L, FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC can potentially improve the growth of chili cultivated in drought stress. It is suggested that 4 g/L FA + 20CoSO4 with 0.50MFWBC be used to alleviate drought stress in chili plants.

Licorice-root extract and potassium sorbate spray improved the yield and fruit quality and decreased heat stress of the 'osteen' mango cultivar.

Heat stress, low mango yields and inconsistent fruit quality are main challenges for growers. Recently, licorice-root extract (LRE) has been utilized to enhance vegetative growth, yield, and tolerance to abiotic stresses in fruit trees. Potassium sorbate (PS) also plays a significant role in various physiological and biochemical processes that are essential for mango growth, quality and abiotic stress tolerance. This work aimed to elucidate the effects of foliar sprays containing LRE and PS on the growth, yield, fruit quality, total chlorophyll content, and antioxidant enzymes of 'Osteen' mango trees. The mango trees were sprayed with LRE at 0, 2, 4 and 6 g/L and PS 0, 1, 2, and 3 mM. In mid-May, the mango trees were sprayed with a foliar solution, followed by monthly applications until 1 month before harvest. The results showed that trees with the highest concentration (6 g/L) of LRE exhibited the maximum leaf area, followed by those treated with the highest concentration (3 mM) of PS. Application of LRE and PS to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit weight, number of fruits per tree, yield (kg/tree), yield increasing%, and reduced number of sun-burned fruits compared to the control. LRE and PS foliar sprays to Osteen mango trees significantly enhanced fruit total soluble solids ˚Brix, TSS/acid ratio, and vitamin C content compared to the control. Meanwhile, total acidity percentage in 'Osteen' mango fruits significantly decreased after both LRE and PS foliar sprays. 'Osteen' mango trees showed a significant increase in leaf area, total chlorophyll content, total pigments, and leaf carotenoids. Our results suggest that foliar sprays containing LRE and PS significantly improved growth parameters, yield, fruit quality, antioxidant content, and total pigment concentration in 'Osteen' mango trees. Moreover, the most effective treatments were 3 mM PS and 6 g/L LRE. LRE and PS foliar spray caused a significant increase in yield percentage by 305.77%, and 232.44%, in the first season, and 242.55%, 232.44% in the second season, respectively.