Progress 12/19/13 to 12/18/18
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Devise optimum production practices for tropical and subtropical fruit crops that help expand local and export markets. 1.A. Evaluate, across various agroenvironments, the performance of cultivars of cacao, breadfruit, dragon fruit, mandarin orange, and papaya for yield, fruit quality traits and abiotic stress tolerance. 1.B. Determine nutrient requirements of rambutan and dragon fruit so as to optimize nutrient applications. 1.C. Evaluate trap-and-kill technology as a tool to suppress fruit fly populations in and around orchards. 1.D. Determine host status of dragon fruit to the fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and A. obliqua. 2. Evaluate the performance of selected cultivars of tropical/ subtropical fruit crops for tolerance to economically-limiting diseases, including, but not limited to black Sigatoka, and the Puerto Rican strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). 2.A. Evaluate plantain and banana cultivars for productivity under pressure of black Sigatoka disease. 2.B. Evaluate avocado rootstocks for productivity and tolerance to Phytophthora root rot. 2.C. Evaluate the performance of suitable papaya varieties and assess their response to PRSV for optimized productivity in Puerto Rico and surrounding ecosystems. 2.D. Identify potential intercrop candidates for papaya that reduce the propensity for the aphid vector to transmit PRSV in orchards. 3: Evaluate and develop new means for reducing or eliminating the threat and impact of key insect pests and the ability of insect vectors to transmit specific diseases. 3.A. Determine effect of altitude gradients on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations and citrus greening incidence. 3.B. Survey ACP populations in Puerto Rico to identify parasitoids and predators for potential use in biocontrol. 4. Develop means of increasing the effectiveness of pollinators that maximize crop productivity. 4.A. Determine differences in biotic and abiotic factors associated with colony collapse disorder of Apis mellifera in Puerto Rico and mainland U. S. 4.B. Assess the efficacy of nitidulid pheromones or other pollinator attractants in increasing pollination, fruit set, and yield in atemoya. Approach (from AD-416): Field evaluations for yield and fruit quality traits of selected tropical fruit crop scion and/or rootstock germplasm will be conducted in various agro-environments. Nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency studies will be conducted to optimize nutrient applications. Rootstocks will be field-evaluated for tolerance to acid soil conditions or root diseases. Sustainable management strategies, including biological control and orchard layout, will be developed for plant pathogens of tropical and subtropical fruit crops and their arthropod vectors. Strategies to increase pollinator visits to Annonaceae, thus increasing fruit set and fruit quality, will be developed. Pollinator health will be examined, including identifying important factors contributing to the decline in honey bee population. This is the final report for the project 6090-21000-055-00D which terminated in December 2018. All planned field experiments were completed prior to the start of FY 2019; no experiments were initiated in the timeframe corresponding to this project. Substantial results were realized over the 5 years of the project. Pertaining citrus research, the Asian citrus psyllid transmits huanglongbing, or citrus greening. There have been anecdotes that Asian citrus psyllid becomes less abundant as elevation increases. ARS researchers in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, tested that hypothesis by monitoring Asian citrus psyllid populations in citrus orchards at 17 different elevation sites (between 10 and 880 meters above sea level) in Puerto Rico. Results provided strong evidence that Asian citrus psyllid abundance declines with elevation. No Asian citrus psyllid was detected above 600 meters. Trials conducted by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, indicate that curry leaf, Bergera koenigii, is very attractive to the Asian citrus psyllid. This plant does not host the putative causal organism of citrus greening disease and so does not pose a threat as a source of infection. Trials by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, in orchards indicate that potted curry leaf trees can draw psyllids from adjacent trees, increasing the ability to detect psyllids in and around orchards. This could be very useful in determining when to apply pesticides in citrus orchards. Pertaining to cacao, research is needed to develop and/or identify superior cacao genotypes possessing disease tolerance and high yielding traits. In addition, methods of propagation that are more efficient in producing true-to-type genotypes are needed. ARS researchers at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, evaluated 12 cacao clones propagated by grafting and orthotropic rooted cuttings of somatic embryo-derived plants on an Ultisol soil at Corozal, Puerto Rico for six years of production under intensive management. Although there were significant differences between plant propagation treatments for some of the variables measured in this study, these were not of a magnitude that would preclude the use of somatic embryogenesis as a viable propagation system for cacao. The use of somatic embryogenesis for cacao propagation could contribute to efforts to improve yield per area, germplasm conservation and rapid distribution of high yielding clones. Pertaining to tropical fruit crops, six atemoya (Annona squamosa x A. cherimola) hybrids (Bradley, Geffner, Priestly, Lisa, 47-18, and 75-9) grown on an Oxisol soil were evaluated by ARS researchers at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, for yield performance and fruit quality traits for 4 years. There were no significant differences in marketable fruit production between ⿿Geffner⿿ and ⿿Lisa⿿ which averaged 8,542 fruit/ha. Significantly higher yield of marketable fruit was obtained by ⿿Geffner⿿ and ⿿Lisa⿿, averaging 1,507 kg/ ha. Individual weight of marketable fruit was significantly higher in ⿿75- 9⿿ and ⿿Priestly⿿ which averaged 264.8 g. Significantly higher soluble solids concentration values were obtained from fruit of ⿿75-9⿿, ⿿Bradley⿿ and ⿿Geffner⿿ which averaged 23.8%. This study provides for the first time valuable information to growers and Extension specialists on yield and fruit quality traits of atemoya hybrids. Six lychee cultivars (Bosworth-3, Brewster, Groff, Mauritius, Kaimana, Salathiel) were evaluated for 8 years in Puerto Rico on Mollisol (UPR-Adjuntas site) and Inceptisol (Balear site) soils, respectively by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. At both locations, cultivar Groff had a significantly higher production (257,296 fruit/ha) of total fruit than other cultivars, whereas Salathiel had the lowest. However, total fruit production of ⿿Groff⿿ was not significantly different from ⿿Kaimana⿿ and ⿿Bosworth-3⿿at La Balear farm, Puerto Rico. At UPR-Adjuntas, cultivars 'Groff' and 'Bosworth-3' had significantly higher number of marketable fruit than the rest of the cultivars averaging 171,760 fruit/ha. At La Balear, ⿿Kaimana⿿ had a higher number of marketable fruits, but it was not significantly different from ⿿Groff⿿, ⿿Bosworth-3⿿, and ⿿Mauritius⿿, averaging 291,360 fruit/ha. At both sites, individual fruit weight of marketable fruit was higher in ⿿Kaimana⿿ than the rest of the cultivars. However, at La Balear farm, there were no significant differences between ⿿Kaimana⿿ and ⿿Mauritius⿿. At current farm gate prices and fruit yield reported in this study, cultivars 'Groff', 'Bosworth-3', and 'Kaimana' can generate a good income for growers and allow them to diversify crops as part of their farm operations. A field study was conducted by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, to determine the yield potential, fruit quality traits, leaf nutrient composition and scion/rootstock compatibility of cultivar ⿿Prolific⿿ grafted onto 16 sapodilla rootstocks and evaluated during 7 years of production. Rootstocks ⿿Timothe⿿, ⿿Vasallo-1⿿, ⿿Larsen⿿, and ⿿Aruz⿿ had the highest 7-year mean for number and yield of fruit averaging 4,479 fruit/ha and 1,245 kg/ha, respectively. The number of fruit per hectare and corresponding yield obtained in this study were very low probably the result of wind exposure and/or the presence of the fungus Pestalotia spp. causing floral necrosis. Scion/ rootstock incompatibility was not the cause of the low yield performance of grafted trees. Average individual weight of fruit was 282 g and ranged from 264 g to 303 g. Averaged over rootstocks, leaf tissue nutrient concentration did not vary greatly over time. Moreover, tissue nutrient concentration was similar before and after fertilization events. This study provides for the first time information from a replicated experiment on fruit quality traits, leaf nutrient composition and scion/ rootstock compatibility of cultivar ⿿Prolific⿿ grafted onto various sapodilla rootstocks that should be useful to Extension Agents and growers. In rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) production, fruit rot is the main pre- and post-harvest disease of concern. In a fruit disease field survey conducted by ARS researchers at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, fruit rot was observed in eight orchards in Puerto Rico. Two isolates of Colletotrichum fructicola (Cof) and two isolates of C. queenslandicum (Coq) were identified morphologically using taxonomic keys and molecularly. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on five healthy superficially sterilized fruits per isolate. Both scalpel-wounded and unwounded fruit tissues were inoculated with 2 x 105 conidial suspensions from 8-day-old pure cultures grown in agar media. Untreated controls were inoculated with sterile water only. Fruits were kept in a humid chamber for 8 days. Eight days after inoculation with Cof and Coq, all fruit turned brown, and acervuli were produced on spinterns (hairlike appendages). Untreated controls had no symptoms of fruit rot and no fungi were isolated from tissue. Both Cof and Coq were reisolated from their respective diseased tissue, fulfilling Koch's postulates. This is the first report of C. fructicola and C. queenslandicum causing fruit rot of rambutan. Knowledge of the identity of this plant pathogen is the first step to assess its impact on production of trees and to develop control measures, if necessary. Replicated field trials to evaluate performance of rambutan cultivars have been very limited and there is a scarcity of information on best management practices and optimal growing conditions for rambutan. ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico determined the yield potential of three rambutan cultivars (Jitlee, R-134, R-162) when the age of grafted trees was ~20 years. The data were compared with that obtained from an early production period when the age of the trees was ~10 years. This information helps rambutan growers make expansion and/or investment plans. Number of fruit and yield in 2017 were significantly higher in 2017 than in 2016. In 2017, average fruit number and yield of cultivars were 582,774 fruit/ha and 19,528 kg/ha, respectively, whereas in 2016 were 394,269 fruit/ha and 13,164 kg/ha, respectively. There were no significant differences among cultivars for number of fruits produced, averaging 488,521 fruit/ha. This production is higher than the 5-year average obtained from the 2005⿿09 harvest period when grafted trees were about 9 years old. The results of this study demonstrate that grafted rambutan trees can remain prolific in mature orchards. The genetic resources evaluated by this project are critical for diversifying these horticultural production systems. During FY 19, a total of 12 distributions of the nine cacao selections released in 2009 were made to farmers in Puerto Rico. These received 110 budwood pieces, 20 fruit and 80 seeds of cacao from these clones. This not only is an indication that the USDA cacao collection recovered completely after being hit by Hurricane Maria but thanks to this distribution effort the cacao industry in Puerto Rico is being assisted in its recovery and expansion by USDA by providing growers with high- yielding clones exclusively developed by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. These same clones were requested by collaborating scientists and budwood was sent for grafting and field evaluation in Costa Rica. The results from these experiments help to fill the knowledge gaps on cropping management systems for tropical/subtropical fruit crops. This project which seeks to evaluate cultivars, lines and clones for productivity and abiotic/biotic stress tolerance for improved subtropical and tropical fruit production and quality, was merged with project 6090-21000-057-00D from which similar objectives will be addressed. Evaluation data will be disseminated through publications, field days with growers and Extension personnel, and via GRIN-Global and other data sources. Accomplishments 01 Yield and fruit quality traits of two plantain cultivars grown at two locations in Puerto Rico under Black Leaf Streak Disease Pressure. Plantains are an important cash crop and a staple for inhabitants in many parts of the world, including various ethnic groups in the U.S. Black leaf streak disease (BLSD), caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis, is responsible for significant losses to this crop due to the high susceptibility of the most economically important cultivars. Without cultural and chemical control, yields can be reduced by 20 to 80%, depending on severity. ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, evaluated ⿿FHIA-21⿿, a BLSD-resistant cultivar, against ⿿Maricongo⿿, a standard commercial cultivar with no BLSD tolerance, at two locations in Puerto Rico on an Ultisol (Corozal site) and Oxisol (Isabela site) soils. Total number of fruit and bunch yield were significantly higher at Isabela with BLSD severity being significantly lower at this location. Average fruit production for ⿿FHIA-21⿿ was significantly higher than ⿿Maricongo⿿ at both locations with fruit yield of 122,522 and 99,948 fruit/ha at Isabela and Corozal, respectively. Overall, fruit in ⿿FHIA-21⿿ were significantly longer and of greater diameter than those of ⿿Maricongo⿿. At Isabela, bunch mean fruit weight was significantly higher in ⿿FHIA-21⿿ but both cultivars exceeded the local marketable fruit weight criterion of 270 g. At both locations the number of functional leaves present at flowering and at harvest was significantly higher in ⿿FHIA-21⿿ than in ⿿Maricongo⿿, indicating more availability of photosynthetic area in ⿿FHIA-21⿿ during the fruit- filling period. ⿿FHIA-21⿿ showed to have good resistance against BLSD and should be a viable alternative to current commercial cultivars.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Baligar, V.C., Almeida, A.A., Ahner, D., Pires, J.L., Arevalo-Gardini, Goenaga, R.J., He, Z., Elson, M.K. 2018. Impact of drought on morphological, physiological and nutrient use efficiency of elite cacao genotypes from Bahia-Brazil, Tarapoto-Peru and Puerto Rico-USA. Symposium Proceedings. 87:1-11.
- Goenaga, R.J. 2019. Long term productivity of three rambutan cultivars grown in an ultisol soil in Puerto Rico. HortTechnology. 28:863-866.
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Devise optimum production practices for tropical and subtropical fruit crops that help expand local and export markets. 1.A. Evaluate, across various agroenvironments, the performance of cultivars of cacao, breadfruit, dragon fruit, mandarin orange, and papaya for yield, fruit quality traits and abiotic stress tolerance. 1.B. Determine nutrient requirements of rambutan and dragon fruit so as to optimize nutrient applications. 1.C. Evaluate trap-and-kill technology as a tool to suppress fruit fly populations in and around orchards. 1.D. Determine host status of dragon fruit to the fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and A. obliqua. 2. Evaluate the performance of selected cultivars of tropical/ subtropical fruit crops for tolerance to economically-limiting diseases, including, but not limited to black Sigatoka, and the Puerto Rican strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). 2.A. Evaluate plantain and banana cultivars for productivity under pressure of black Sigatoka disease. 2.B. Evaluate avocado rootstocks for productivity and tolerance to Phytophthora root rot. 2.C. Evaluate the performance of suitable papaya varieties and assess their response to PRSV for optimized productivity in Puerto Rico and surrounding ecosystems. 2.D. Identify potential intercrop candidates for papaya that reduce the propensity for the aphid vector to transmit PRSV in orchards. 3: Evaluate and develop new means for reducing or eliminating the threat and impact of key insect pests and the ability of insect vectors to transmit specific diseases. 3.A. Determine effect of altitude gradients on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations and citrus greening incidence. 3.B. Survey ACP populations in Puerto Rico to identify parasitoids and predators for potential use in biocontrol. 4. Develop means of increasing the effectiveness of pollinators that maximize crop productivity. 4.A. Determine differences in biotic and abiotic factors associated with colony collapse disorder of Apis mellifera in Puerto Rico and mainland U. S. 4.B. Assess the efficacy of nitidulid pheromones or other pollinator attractants in increasing pollination, fruit set, and yield in atemoya. Approach (from AD-416): Field evaluations for yield and fruit quality traits of selected tropical fruit crop scion and/or rootstock germplasm will be conducted in various agro-environments. Nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency studies will be conducted to optimize nutrient applications. Rootstocks will be field-evaluated for tolerance to acid soil conditions or root diseases. Sustainable management strategies, including biological control and orchard layout, will be developed for plant pathogens of tropical and subtropical fruit crops and their arthropod vectors. Strategies to increase pollinator visits to Annonaceae, thus increasing fruit set and fruit quality, will be developed. Pollinator health will be examined, including identifying important factors contributing to the decline in honey bee population. Progress was made on many of the four objectives and their subobjectives. The following research was conducted: 1) In collaboration with ARS scientists in Fort Pierce, Florida, certified disease-free budwood pieces of seven mandarin cultivars were received, grafted onto a common rootstock, increased, grafted again onto three rootstocks and established in August 2015 in a replicated trial at two locations for field evaluation for yield, fruit quality traits, and citrus greening incidence. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. As of FY 18, determination of citrus greening incidence using enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests so far are confirming that the disease is not a problem at elevations above 600 meters. Fruit harvest at the high elevation site will begin in July 2018. Trees in the lower elevation site were severely defoliated and/or had branches broken by Hurricane Maria winds and are recovering; 2) Seven disease-resistant cacao accessions grafted onto EET-400 rootstock were established in a replicated experiment for evaluation of yield, pod index, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Two years after planting, some genotypes showed precocity producing pods; yield data were collected. On the third year after planting, trees suffered severe defoliation; 3) Seven breadfruit accessions grafted onto breadnut rootstock were established in a replicated experiment at two locations in August 2015 for evaluation of yield, disease and insect response, canopy volume, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Yield data collection was initiated; 4) Eight papaya lines developed by collaborators at the University of the Virgin Islands Experiment Station and ARS scientists were established in a replicated experiment at three locations for field evaluation of yield, fruit quality traits, and papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) tolerance. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Year 2 has been planted. One line (Line 41) shows great potential. This line is also being evaluated in commercial orchards in Florida and Puerto Rico. These experiments were completely destroyed by Hurricanes Irma in Florida and Maria in St. Croix and Puerto Rico. Consequently, year 2 will be planted again during the fall of 2018; 5) A 3-yr experiment to evaluate 12 dragon fruit (pitahaya) cultivars and lines with the objective of determining yield of cultivars and fruit quality traits was completed and data is being analyzed; 6) In collaboration with scientists in Beltsville, Maryland, a 3-yr experiment to screen cacao germplasm for acid soil tolerance was completed and data is being analyzed; 7) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, Semil-34 avocado grafted onto five avocado rootstocks were established in a replicated experiment for field evaluation for productivity and tolerance to local strains of Phytophthora root rot (PRR). Unfortunately, rootstock trees propagated using the Frolich-Platt grafting technique from the California nursery where they were purchased did not root appropriately and a re- order had to be made. New material had to be established again and trees were transplanted to the field in November 2015. Preliminary data have shown severe susceptibility even in the most tolerant clones. This experiment was completely destroyed by landslides caused by Hurricane Maria rains at this site; and 8) An experiment (Year 2) to determine nutrient uptake of four dragon fruit was terminated and data will be analyzed soon. During FY 18, distributions of the nine cacao selections released in 2009 were made to farmers in Puerto Rico. These received 300 budwood pieces, 35 fruit and 25 plants of cacao from these clones. Thanks to this effort a completely new cacao industry is being established in Puerto Rico with clones exclusively developed by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. The distribution effort has been significant particularly after Hurricane Maria. These same clones were requested by scientists at the "Centro Agron�mico Tropical de Investigaci�n y Ense�anza" (CATIE; Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) and budwood sent for grafting and field evaluation in Costa Rica. The results from these experiments help to fill the knowledge gaps on cropping management systems for tropical/subtropical fruit crops. Accomplishments 01 Yield, fruit quality traits and leaf nutrient concentration of sapodilla cv �Prolific� grafted onto 16 rootstocks in Puerto Rico. The globalization of the economy, increased ethnic diversity and a greater demand for healthy and more diverse food products have opened a window of opportunity for the commercial production and marketing of tropical fruit. Sapodilla, a member of the Sapotaceae family, is a delicious tropical fruit which has received little research attention. A field study was conducted to determine the yield potential, fruit quality traits, leaf nutrient composition and scion/rootstock compatibility of cultivar �Prolific� grafted onto 16 sapodilla rootstocks and evaluated during 7 years of production at the USDA-ARS Research Farm in Isabela, Puerto Rico. Rootstocks �Timothe�, �Vasallo-1�, �Larsen�, and �Aruz� had the highest 7-year mean for number and yield of fruit averaging 4, 479 fruit/ha and 1,245 kg/ha, respectively. The number of fruit per hectare and corresponding yield obtained in this study were very low probably the result of wind exposure and/or the presence of the fungus Pestalotia spp. causing floral necrosis. Scion/rootstock incompatibility was not the cause of the low yield performance of grafted trees. Average individual weight of fruit was 282 g and ranged from 264 g to 303 g. Averaged over rootstocks, leaf tissue nutrient concentration did not vary greatly over time. Moreover, tissue nutrient concentration was similar before and after fertilization events. This study provides for the first time information from a replicated experiment on fruit quality traits, leaf nutrient composition and scion/ rootstock compatibility of cultivar �Prolific� grafted onto various sapodilla rootstocks that should be useful to Extension Agents and growers. 02 First report of Colletotrichum (C.) fructicola and Colletotrichum queenslandicum causing fruit rot of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.). In rambutan production, fruit rot is the main pre- and post-harvest disease of concern. In a fruit disease field survey, fruit rot was observed in eight orchards in Puerto Rico. Infected fruit were collected and tissue sections were surface disinfested with 70% ethanol followed by 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, rinsed with sterile water (SW) and transferred to acidified potato dextrose agar (APDA). Two isolates of Colletotrichum fructicola (Cof) and two isolates of C. queenslandicum (Coq) were identified morphologically using taxonomic keys and molecularly. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on five healthy superficially sterilized fruits per isolate. Both scalpel- wounded and unwounded fruit tissues were inoculated with 2 x 105 conidial suspensions from 8-day-old pure cultures grown in APDA. Untreated controls were inoculated with sterile water only. Fruits were kept in a humid chamber for 8 days at 25�C under 12 h of fluorescent light. The test was repeated once. Eight days after inoculation with Cof and Coq, all fruit turned brown, and acervuli were produced on spinterns (hairlike appendages). Rot of spinterns and exocarp (skin), water-soaked lesions on the fruit surface and aril (flesh) rot were observed. Untreated controls had no symptoms of fruit rot and no fungi were isolated from tissue. Both Cof and Coq were reisolated from their respective diseased tissue, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides has been reported causing fruit rot of rambutan in Thailand and Sri Lanka. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. fructicola and C. queenslandicum causing fruit rot of rambutan. Knowledge of the identity of this plant pathogen is the first step to assess its impact on production of trees and to develop control measures, if necessary. 03 Dry matter production and nutrient content of mamey sapote grown on an acid ultisol. The most productive soils of the world are already under cultivation, and those available for agricultural expansion are often strongly acid, possessing toxic levels of soil aluminum and/or manganese. These elements could drastically reduce crop yields when present in the soil at high concentrations. Incorporation of lime to the soil is a common practice to ameliorate acidity but it is not very effective below the plough layer and often lime is not available to farmers with limited resources. The effect of oil acidity factors on dry matter production and leaf nutrient composition of four mamey sapote clones was assessed during a 2-year field study. The results of this study demonstrate that dry matter production and stem diameter in young trees growth of mamey sapote were not significantly affected when grown at soil Al concentrations ranging from 3.5 to as high as 7.8 cmol/ kg. The concentration of leaf and stem Al was not significantly affected but the Al concentration in roots declined sharply with increases in soil Al, suggesting the activation of an Al-exclusion mechanism.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Goenaga, R.J., Irizarry, H., Jenkins, D.A., Boykin, D.L., Marrero Soto, A. R. 2018. Yield, fruit quality traits and leaf nutrient concentration of sapodilla cv �Prolific� grafted onto 16 rootstocks in Puerto Rico. HortTechnology. 27(4)563-571.
- Goenaga, R.J. 2018. Dry matter production and nutrient content of mamey sapote grown on an acid ultisol. Experimental Agriculture. pgs. 1-9.
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Devise optimum production practices for tropical and subtropical fruit crops that help expand local and export markets. 1.A. Evaluate, across various agroenvironments, the performance of cultivars of cacao, breadfruit, dragon fruit, mandarin orange, and papaya for yield, fruit quality traits and abiotic stress tolerance. 1.B. Determine nutrient requirements of rambutan and dragon fruit so as to optimize nutrient applications. 1.C. Evaluate trap-and-kill technology as a tool to suppress fruit fly populations in and around orchards. 1.D. Determine host status of dragon fruit to the fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and A. obliqua. 2. Evaluate the performance of selected cultivars of tropical/ subtropical fruit crops for tolerance to economically-limiting diseases, including, but not limited to black Sigatoka, and the Puerto Rican strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). 2.A. Evaluate plantain and banana cultivars for productivity under pressure of black Sigatoka disease. 2.B. Evaluate avocado rootstocks for productivity and tolerance to Phytophthora root rot. 2.C. Evaluate the performance of suitable papaya varieties and assess their response to PRSV for optimized productivity in Puerto Rico and surrounding ecosystems. 2.D. Identify potential intercrop candidates for papaya that reduce the propensity for the aphid vector to transmit PRSV in orchards. 3: Evaluate and develop new means for reducing or eliminating the threat and impact of key insect pests and the ability of insect vectors to transmit specific diseases. 3.A. Determine effect of altitude gradients on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations and citrus greening incidence. 3.B. Survey ACP populations in Puerto Rico to identify parasitoids and predators for potential use in biocontrol. 4. Develop means of increasing the effectiveness of pollinators that maximize crop productivity. 4.A. Determine differences in biotic and abiotic factors associated with colony collapse disorder of Apis mellifera in Puerto Rico and mainland U. S. 4.B. Assess the efficacy of nitidulid pheromones or other pollinator attractants in increasing pollination, fruit set, and yield in atemoya. Approach (from AD-416): Field evaluations for yield and fruit quality traits of selected tropical fruit crop scion and/or rootstock germplasm will be conducted in various agro-environments. Nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency studies will be conducted to optimize nutrient applications. Rootstocks will be field-evaluated for tolerance to acid soil conditions or root diseases. Sustainable management strategies, including biological control and orchard layout, will be developed for plant pathogens of tropical and subtropical fruit crops and their arthropod vectors. Strategies to increase pollinator visits to Annonaceae, thus increasing fruit set and fruit quality, will be developed. Pollinator health will be examined, including identifying important factors contributing to the decline in honey bee population. Progress was made on all four objectives and their subobjectives. The following research was conducted: 1) In collaboration with ARS scientists in Fort Pierce, Florida, certified, disease-free budwood pieces of seven mandarin cultivars were received, grafted onto a common rootstock, increased, grafted again onto three rootstocks and established in August 2015 in a replicated trial at two locations for field evaluation for yield, fruit quality traits, and citrus greening incidence. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Determination of citrus greening incidence using enzime-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests so far are confirming that the disease is not a problem at elevations above 600 meters; 2) Seven disease- resistant cacao accessions grafted onto EET-400 rootstock were established in a replicated experiment for evaluation of yield, pod index, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Two years after planting, some genotypes are showing precocity and are already producing pods and yield data were collected; 3) Seven breadfruit accessions grafted onto breadnut rootstock were established in a replicated experiment at two locations in August 2015 for evaluation of yield, disease and insect response, canopy volume, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Yield data collection was initiated; 4) Eight papaya lines developed by collaborators at the University of the Virgin Islands Experiment Station and ARS scientists were established in a replicated experiment at three locations for field evaluation of yield, fruit quality traits, and papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) tolerance. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Year 2 has been planted. One line (Line 41) shows great potential. This line is also being evaluated in commercial orchards in Florida and Puerto Rico; 5) A 3-yr experiment to evaluate 12 dragon fruit (pitahaya) cultivars and lines with the objective of determining yield of cultivars and fruit quality traits was completed and data is being analyzed; 6) In collaboration with scientists in Beltsville, Maryland, a 3-yr experiment to screen cacao germplasm for acid soil tolerance was completed and data is being analyzed; 7) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, Semil-34 avocado grafted onto five avocado rootstocks were established in a replicated experiment for field evaluation for productivity and tolerance to local strains of Phytophthora root rot (PRR) . Unfortunately, rootstock trees propagated using the Frolich-Platt grafting technique from the California nursery where they were purchased did not root appropriately and a re-order had to be made. New material had to be established again and trees were transplanted to the field in November 2015. Preliminary data have shown severe susceptibility even in the most tolerant clones; and 8) An experiment (Year 2) to determine nutrient uptake of four dragon fruit continued. During FY 16, a total of 12 distributions of the nine cacao selections released in 2009 were made to farmers in Puerto Rico. These received 400 budwood pieces, 4 fruit and 6 plants of cacao from these clones. Thanks to this effort a completely new cacao industry is being established in Puerto Rico with clones exclusively developed by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. These same clones were requested by scientists at the "Centro Agron�mico Tropical de Investigaci�n y ense�anza" (CATIE; Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) and budwood sent for grafting and field evaluation in Costa Rica. The results from these experiments help to fill the knowledge gaps on cropping management systems for tropical/subtropical fruit crops. Accomplishments 01 Yield performance of six lychee cultivars grown at two locations in Puerto Rico. The globalization of the economy, increased ethnic diversity, and a greater demand for healthy and more diverse food production has increased the demand for tropical fruits. There is a lack of formal experimentation to determine yield performance and fruit quality traits of lychee (Litchi chinensis) cultivars. Six lychee cultivars (Bosworth-3, Brewster, Groff, Mauritius, Kaimana, Salathiel) grown on Mollisol and Inceptisol soils were evaluated for 8 years at the Adjuntas Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-Adjuntas) and La Balear farm, Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, respectively by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. At UPR- Adjuntas and La Balear, cultivar Groff had a significantly higher production (257,296 fruit/ha) of total fruit than other cultivars, whereas Salathiel had the lowest. However, total fruit production of �Groff� was not significantly different from �Kaimana� and �Bosworth- 3�at La Balear. At UPR-Adjuntas, cultivars 'Groff' and 'Bosworth-3' had significantly higher number of marketable fruit than the rest of the cultivars averaging 171,760 fruit/ha. At La Balear, �Kaimana� had a higher number of marketable fruit, but it was not significantly different from �Groff�, �Bosworth-3�, and �Mauritius�, averaging 291, 360 fruit/ha. At both sites, individual fruit weight of marketable fruit was higher in �Kaimana� than the rest of the cultivars. However, at La Balear farm, there were no significant differences between �Kaimana� and �Mauritius�. At both locations, cultivars exhibited erratic production patterns, which were characterized by lower production during 1 or 2 successive years following heavy cropping. At current farm gate prices and fruit yield reported in this study, cultivars 'Groff', 'Bosworth-3', and 'Kaimana' can generate a good income for growers, and allow them to diversify crops as part of their farm operations.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Serrato-Diaz, L., Latoni-Brailowski, E., Rivera-Vargas, L., Goenaga, R.J., Bayman, P., French-Monar, R. 2017. First report of Colletotrichum fructicola and C. queenslandicum causing fruit rot of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.). Phytopathology. Available:
- Goenaga, R.J., Jenkins, D., Marrero Soto, A.R. 2016. Yield Performance of six lychee cultivars grown at two locations in Puerto Rico. HortTechnology. 26(6):748-753.
- Irish, B.M., Goenaga, R.J. 2016. Register of new fruit and nut cultivars list 48. Banana, cacao, plantain. HortScience. 51:622-628.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Devise optimum production practices for tropical and subtropical fruit crops that help expand local and export markets. 1.A. Evaluate, across various agroenvironments, the performance of cultivars of cacao, breadfruit, dragon fruit, mandarin orange, and papaya for yield, fruit quality traits and abiotic stress tolerance. 1.B. Determine nutrient requirements of rambutan and dragon fruit so as to optimize nutrient applications. 1.C. Evaluate trap-and-kill technology as a tool to suppress fruit fly populations in and around orchards. 1.D. Determine host status of dragon fruit to the fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and A. obliqua. 2. Evaluate the performance of selected cultivars of tropical/ subtropical fruit crops for tolerance to economically-limiting diseases, including, but not limited to black Sigatoka, and the Puerto Rican strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). 2.A. Evaluate plantain and banana cultivars for productivity under pressure of black Sigatoka disease. 2.B. Evaluate avocado rootstocks for productivity and tolerance to Phytophthora root rot. 2.C. Evaluate the performance of suitable papaya varieties and assess their response to PRSV for optimized productivity in Puerto Rico and surrounding ecosystems. 2.D. Identify potential intercrop candidates for papaya that reduce the propensity for the aphid vector to transmit PRSV in orchards. 3: Evaluate and develop new means for reducing or eliminating the threat and impact of key insect pests and the ability of insect vectors to transmit specific diseases. 3.A. Determine effect of altitude gradients on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations and citrus greening incidence. 3.B. Survey ACP populations in Puerto Rico to identify parasitoids and predators for potential use in biocontrol. 4. Develop means of increasing the effectiveness of pollinators that maximize crop productivity. 4.A. Determine differences in biotic and abiotic factors associated with colony collapse disorder of Apis mellifera in Puerto Rico and mainland U. S. 4.B. Assess the efficacy of nitidulid pheromones or other pollinator attractants in increasing pollination, fruit set, and yield in atemoya. Approach (from AD-416): Field evaluations for yield and fruit quality traits of selected tropical fruit crop scion and/or rootstock germplasm will be conducted in various agro-environments. Nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency studies will be conducted to optimize nutrient applications. Rootstocks will be field-evaluated for tolerance to acid soil conditions or root diseases. Sustainable management strategies, including biological control and orchard layout, will be developed for plant pathogens of tropical and subtropical fruit crops and their arthropod vectors. Strategies to increase pollinator visits to Annonaceae, thus increasing fruit set and fruit quality, will be developed. Pollinator health will be examined, including identifying important factors contributing to the decline in honey bee population. Progress was made on all four objectives and their subobjectives. The following research was conducted: 1) In collaboration with ARS scientists in Fort Pierce, Florida, certified, disease-free budwood pieces of seven mandarin cultivars were received, grafted onto a common rootstock, increased, grafted again onto three rootstocks and established in August 2015 in a replicated trial at two locations for field evaluation for yield, fruit quality traits, and citrus greening incidence. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Determination of citrus greening incidence using enzime-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests so far are confirming that the disease is not a problem at elevations above 600 meters; 2) Seven disease- resistant cacao accessions grafted onto EET-400 rootstock were established in a replicated experiment for evaluation of yield, pod index, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. One year after planting, some genotypes are showing precocity and are already producing pods; 3) Seven breadfruit accessions grafted onto breadnut rootstock were established in a replicated experiment at two locations in August 2015 for evaluation of yield, disease and insect response, canopy volume, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 4) Eight papaya lines developed by collaborators at the University of the Virgin Islands Experiment Station and former ARS scientists were established in a replicated experiment at three locations for field evaluation of yield, fruit quality traits, and Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) tolerance. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment. Year 1 is almost completed and the experiment will be repeated a second year in FY 17; 5) An experiment to evaluate 12 dragon fruit (pitahaya) cultivars and lines continued in the field (Year 3) with the objective of determining yield of cultivars and fruit quality traits; 6) In collaboration with scientists in Beltsville, Maryland, an experiment (Year 3) to screen cacao germplasm for acid soil tolerance was established in the field; 7) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, Semil-34 avocado grafted onto five avocado rootstocks were established in a replicated experiment for field evaluation for productivity and tolerance to local strains of Phytophthora root rot (PRR). Unfortunately, rootstock trees propagated using the Frolich-Platt grafting technique from the California nursery where they were purchased did not root appropriately and a re-order had to be made. New material had to be established again and trees were transplanted to the field in November 2015; 8) A study to monitor aphid populations at three locations and to identify the species composition of aphid populations during peaks was completed; 9) A survey on PRSV prevalence on the island, including genetic diversity and the impact of elevation on the incidence of infection was completed and results will be published soon; 10) An experiment to determine the fruit fly host status of pitahaya was completed; 11) An experiment to determine the impact of lures and food attractants on atemoya yield and fruit size was completed; 12) An experiment to determine the impact various legumes (Canavalia sp., Cajanus cajan and Crotalaria juncea) have on growth, production and PRSV incidence in papaya orchards was completed. The intercrops did not prevent or slow development of PRSV; 13) An experiment to study the effects of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on Asian citrus psyllid longevity on Murraya exotica was completed and results will be published soon; 14) An experiment to determine the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea on the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) was completed. No successful entomopathogen to control ACP was found; 15) An experiment to determine the efficacy of curry leaf (Bergera koenigii) as a sentinel plant for Asian citrus psyllid was completed and results will be published soon; and 16) An experiment (Year 1) to determine nutrient uptake of four dragon fruit was initiated. The results from these experiments help to fill the knowledge gaps on cropping management systems for tropical/subtropical fruit crops. Accomplishments 01 Yield and fruit quality traits of atemoya (Annona squamosa x A. cherimola) hybrids grown in Puerto Rico. As consumers seek healthy and more diverse food products the demand for tropical fruits has increased significantly during the past 15 years. There is a lack of formal experimentation to determine yield performance and fruit quality traits of atemoya (Annona squamosa x A. cherimola) hybrids. Six atemoya hybrids (Bradley, Geffner, Priestly, Lisa, 47-18, and 75-9) grown on an Oxisol soil were evaluated for 4 years at Isabela, Puerto Rico. There were no significant differences in marketable fruit production between �Geffner� and �Lisa� which averaged 8,542 fruit/ha. Significantly higher yield of marketable fruit was obtained by �Geffner� and �Lisa�, averaging 1,507 kg/ha. Individual weight of marketable fruit was significantly higher in �75-9� and �Priestly� which averaged 264.8 g. Significantly higher soluble solids concentration values were obtained from fruit of �75-9�, �Bradley� and �Geffner� which averaged 23.8%. This study provides for the first time valuable information to growers and Extension specialists on yield and fruit quality traits of atemoya hybrids.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Goenaga, R.J., Jenkins, D.A. 2016. Yield and fruit quality traits of atemoya hybrids grown in Puerto Rico. HortTechnology. 26:547-551.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Devise optimum production practices for tropical and subtropical fruit crops that help expand local and export markets. 1.A. Evaluate, across various agroenvironments, the performance of cultivars of cacao, breadfruit, dragon fruit, mandarin orange, and papaya for yield, fruit quality traits and abiotic stress tolerance. 1.B. Determine nutrient requirements of rambutan and dragon fruit so as to optimize nutrient applications. 1.C. Evaluate trap-and-kill technology as a tool to suppress fruit fly populations in and around orchards. 1.D. Determine host status of dragon fruit to the fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and A. obliqua. 2. Evaluate the performance of selected cultivars of tropical/ subtropical fruit crops for tolerance to economically-limiting diseases, including, but not limited to black Sigatoka, and the Puerto Rican strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). 2.A. Evaluate plantain and banana cultivars for productivity under pressure of black Sigatoka disease. 2.B. Evaluate avocado rootstocks for productivity and tolerance to Phytophthora root rot. 2.C. Evaluate the performance of suitable papaya varieties and assess their response to PRSV for optimized productivity in Puerto Rico and surrounding ecosystems. 2.D. Identify potential intercrop candidates for papaya that reduce the propensity for the aphid vector to transmit PRSV in orchards. 3: Evaluate and develop new means for reducing or eliminating the threat and impact of key insect pests and the ability of insect vectors to transmit specific diseases. 3.A. Determine effect of altitude gradients on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations and citrus greening incidence. 3.B. Survey ACP populations in Puerto Rico to identify parasitoids and predators for potential use in biocontrol. 4. Develop means of increasing the effectiveness of pollinators that maximize crop productivity. 4.A. Determine differences in biotic and abiotic factors associated with colony collapse disorder of Apis mellifera in Puerto Rico and mainland U. S. 4.B. Assess the efficacy of nitidulid pheromones or other pollinator attractants in increasing pollination, fruit set, and yield in atemoya. Approach (from AD-416): Field evaluations for yield and fruit quality traits of selected tropical fruit crop scion and/or rootstock germplasm will be conducted in various agro-environments. Nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency studies will be conducted to optimize nutrient applications. Rootstocks will be field-evaluated for tolerance to acid soil conditions or root diseases. Sustainable management strategies, including biological control and orchard layout, will be developed for plant pathogens of tropical and subtropical fruit crops and their arthropod vectors. Strategies to increase pollinator visits to Annonaceae, thus increasing fruit set and fruit quality, will be developed. Pollinator health will be examined, including identifying important factors contributing to the decline in honey bee population. Progress was made on all four objectives and their subobjectives. The following research was conducted: 1) In collaboration with ARS scientists in Fort Pierce, Florida, certified, disease-free budwood pieces of seven mandarin cultivars were received, grafted onto a common rootstock, increased, grafted again onto three rootstocks and established in a replicated trial at two locations for field evaluation for yield, fruit quality traits, and citrus greening incidence. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 2) In collaboration with scientists in Miami, Florida budwood of seven disease-resistant cacao accessions were received, grafted onto Amelonado rootstock for increase of propagating material. Once increased, accessions were grafted onto EET- 400 rootstock again and field transplanted in a replicated experiment for evaluation of yield, pod index, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 3) Breadfruit budwood pieces of seven accessions were received from collaborating scientists in USDA-ARS in Hilo, Hawaii and grafted on breadnut rootstock. Grafting was successful with some accessions, but not with others. Different techniques were implemented to successfully graft difficult-to-graft cultivars. Accessions were field transplanted in a replicated experiment for evaluation of yield, disease and insect response, canopy volume, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 4) Seedlings of eight papaya lines developed by collaborators at the University of the Virgin Islands Experiment Station were established in a replicated experiment at three locations for field evaluation of yield, fruit quality traits, and Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) tolerance. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 5) An experiment to evaluate 12 dragon fruit (pitahaya) cultivars and lines continued in the field with the objective of determining yield of cultivars, fruit quality traits, and if fruit is host to Anastrepha spp. fruit flies; 6) In collaboration with scientists in Beltsville, Maryland, an experiment (Year 2) to screen cacao germplasm for acid soil tolerance was established in the field; 7) An experiment to evaluate for yield and fruit quality traits cultivar FHIA-17 (Sigatoka-tolerant banana cultivar) and FHIA-21 (Sigatoka-tolerant plantain cultivar) was completed and data is being analyzed; 8) An experiment (Year 2) to determine nutrient uptake of four rambutan cultivars grown at two locations in Puerto Rico was completed; 9) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, Phytophthora root rot tolerant (PRR) rootstocks of four cultivars were purchased from a California nursery and grafted with Semil- 34 budwood for field evaluation for productivity and tolerance to local PRR strains. Unfortunately, rootstock trees from the nursery, propagated using the Frolich-Platt grafting technique there did not root appropriately and a re-order had to be made. New material was successfully established and plants are expected to be transplanted to the field early in 2016; 10) Monitored aphid populations at three locations and identified the species composition of aphid populations during peaks; 11) Continued a survey for PRSV on the island, including genetic diversity and the impact of elevation on the incidence of infection; 12) An experiment to determine the host status of pitahaya was continued; 13) An experiment to determine the impact of lures and food attractants on atemoya yield and fruit size was continued; 14) An experiment was conducted to determine the impact various legumes (Canavalia sp., Cajanus cajan and Crotalaria juncea) have on growth, production and PRSV incidence in papaya orchards; 15) An experiment was conducted to look at the effects of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) on Asian citrus psyllid longevity on Murraya exotica; 16) An experiment was conducted to determine the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea on the Asian citrus psyllid; 17) An experiment was continued to determine the efficacy of curry leaf (Bergera koenigii) as a sentinel plant for Asian citrus psyllid. Accomplishments 01 Bergera koenigii as a sentinel plant for Asian citrus psyllid. Preliminary trials conducted by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico indicate that curry leaf, Bergera koenigii, is very attractive to the Asian citrus psyllid. This plant does not host the putative causal organism of citrus greening disease and so does not pose a threat as a source of infection. Trials by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico in orchards indicate that potted curry leaf trees can draw psyllids from adjacent trees, increasing the ability to detect psyllids in and around orchards. This could be very useful in determining when to apply pesticides in citrus orchards. 02 Yield performance and bean quality of cacao propagated by grafting and somatic embryo-derived cuttings. Twelve cacao (Theobroma cacao) clones propagated by grafting and orthotropic rooted cuttings of somatic embryo-derived plants were grown on an Ultisol soil at Corozal, Puerto Rico, and evaluated by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico for 6 years of production under intensive management. Propagation treatments had a significant effect on dry bean yield and pod index but not on number of pods produced. Dry bean yield of varieties propagated by grafting was 7% higher than those propagated by orthotropic rooted cuttings of somatic embryo-derived plants. This yield difference could not be attributed to grafted plants being more vigorous nor by differences in root architecture. With few exceptions, flavor characteristics were not significantly affected by propagation treatments. This study proves that the use of somatic embryogenesis is a viable propagation system for cacao. This is the first study reporting long-term production data, which compare yield performance and quality traits of cacao trees propagated by grafting and SE-ORC. 03 Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) less prevalent in papaya at higher elevations. A survey of papaya plants carried out by ARS scientists in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico from sea level to 900 meters in elevation indicate that the incidence of PRSV is much lower at elevations above 400 meters. A model based on the data collected indicates that a one year old papaya tree has a 60% chance of being infected with the virus, while above 400 meters the predicted probability drops to less than 20%.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Perez, D.O., Goenaga, R.J. 2015. Influence of aluminum on growth, mineral nutrition and organic acid exudation of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum). Experimental Agriculture. doi: 10.1017/S00144779714000489.
- Jenkins, D.A., Hall, D.G., Goenaga, R.J. 2015. Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera:Liviidae) abundance in Puerto Rico declines with elevation. Journal of Economic Entomology. 108(1):252-258.
- Goenaga, R.J., Guiltinan, M., Maximova, S., Seguine, E., Irrizary, H. 2015. Yield Performance and bean quality traits of cacao propagated by grafting and somatic embryo-derived cuttings. HortScience. 50(3):358-362.
- Irish, B.M., Cuevas, H.E., Simpson, S.A., Scheffler, B.E., Sardos, J., Ploetz, R., Goenaga, R.J. 2014. Musa spp. germplasm management: microsatellite fingerprinting of USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) collection. Crop Science. 54:2140-2151.
- Unbehend, M., Hanniger, S., Vasquez, G.M., Juarez, M.L., Reisig, D., Mcneil, J.N., Meagher Jr, R.L., Jenkins, D.A., Heckel, D.G., Groot, A.T. 2014. Geographic variation in sexual attraction of Spodoptera frugiperda corn- and rice-strain males to pheromone lures. PLoS One. 9(2):1-11.
- Goenaga, R. 2014. Micro irrigation of tropical fruit crops. 2014. In: Goyal, M. R., editor. Research Advances in Sustainable Microirrigation: Sustainable Practices in Surface and Subsurface Microirrigation. Waretown, New Jersey: Apple Academic Press. p. 239-318.
- Serrato-Diaz, L.M., Perez-Cuevas, M., Rivera-Vargas, L.I., Goenaga, R.J., French-Monar, R.D. 2015. First report of Fusarium decemcellulare causing inflorescence wilt, vascular and flower necrosis of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), longan (Dimocarpus longan) and mango (Mangifera indica). Plant Disease. Available:
- Jenkins, D.A., Millan-Hernandez, C., Cline, A.R., Goenaga, R.J. 2015. Attraction of pollinators to atemoya (Annona squamosa x A. cherimola) in Puerto Rico using commercial lures and food attractants. Journal of Economic Entomology. doi: 10.1993/jee/tov136.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): 1. Devise optimum production practices for tropical and subtropical fruit crops that help expand local and export markets. 1.A. Evaluate, across various agroenvironments, the performance of cultivars of cacao, breadfruit, dragon fruit, mandarin orange, and papaya for yield, fruit quality traits and abiotic stress tolerance. 1.B. Determine nutrient requirements of rambutan and dragon fruit so as to optimize nutrient applications. 1.C. Evaluate trap-and-kill technology as a tool to suppress fruit fly populations in and around orchards. 1.D. Determine host status of dragon fruit to the fruit flies Anastrepha suspensa and A. obliqua. 2. Evaluate the performance of selected cultivars of tropical/ subtropical fruit crops for tolerance to economically-limiting diseases, including, but not limited to black Sigatoka, and the Puerto Rican strain of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). 2.A. Evaluate plantain and banana cultivars for productivity under pressure of black Sigatoka disease. 2.B. Evaluate avocado rootstocks for productivity and tolerance to Phytophthora root rot. 2.C. Evaluate the performance of suitable papaya varieties and assess their response to PRSV for optimized productivity in Puerto Rico and surrounding ecosystems. 2.D. Identify potential intercrop candidates for papaya that reduce the propensity for the aphid vector to transmit PRSV in orchards. 3: Evaluate and develop new means for reducing or eliminating the threat and impact of key insect pests and the ability of insect vectors to transmit specific diseases. 3.A. Determine effect of altitude gradients on Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations and citrus greening incidence. 3.B. Survey ACP populations in Puerto Rico to identify parasitoids and predators for potential use in biocontrol. 4. Develop means of increasing the effectiveness of pollinators that maximize crop productivity. 4.A. Determine differences in biotic and abiotic factors associated with colony collapse disorder of Apis mellifera in Puerto Rico and mainland U. S. 4.B. Assess the efficacy of nitidulid pheromones or other pollinator attractants in increasing pollination, fruit set, and yield in atemoya. Approach (from AD-416): Field evaluations for yield and fruit quality traits of selected tropical fruit crop scion and/or rootstock germplasm will be conducted in various agro-environments. Nutrient requirements and utilization efficiency studies will be conducted to optimize nutrient applications. Rootstocks will be field-evaluated for tolerance to acid soil conditions or root diseases. Sustainable management strategies, including biological control and orchard layout, will be developed for plant pathogens of tropical and subtropical fruit crops and their arthropod vectors. Strategies to increase pollinator visits to Annonaceae, thus increasing fruit set and fruit quality, will be developed. Pollinator health will be examined, including identifying important factors contributing to the decline in honey bee population. Progress was made on all four objectives and their subobjectives. The following research was conducted: 1) In collaboration with scientists in Fort Pierce, Florida, certified, disease-free budwood pieces of seven mandarin cultivars were received, grafted onto rootstocks and are being increased for grafting onto three rootstocks for field evaluation for yield, fruit quality traits, and citrus greening incidence at three locations. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 2) In collaboration with scientists in Miami, Florida, budwood of seven disease-resistant cacao accessions were received and grafted onto Amelonado rootstock for increase of propagating material. Once increased, accessions were grafted onto Amelonado rootstock again for transplanting to the field later in the year. Accessions will be evaluated for yield, pod index, and organoleptic quality traits. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 3) Breadfruit budwood pieces of seven varieties were received from collaborating scientists in USDA-ARS in Hilo, Hawaii and grafted on breadnut rootstock. Grafting was successful with some accessions, but not with others. Different techniques are being implemented to successfully graft difficult-to-graft cultivars; 4) Seedlings of eight papaya lines developed by collaborators at the University of the Virgin Islands Experiment Station are being grown in the greenhouse and will be transplanted to the field for evaluation for yield, fruit quality traits, and Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) tolerance. These accessions have never been evaluated in a replicated experiment; 5) An experiment to evaluate 12 dragon fruit (pitahaya) cultivars and lines continued in the field with the objective of determining yield of cultivars, fruit quality traits, and if fruit is host to Anastrepha spp. fruit flies; 6) In collaboration with scientists in Beltsville, Maryland, an experiment (year 1) to screen cacao germplasm for acid soil tolerance was harvested and biomass production for each accession determined; 7) An experiment (year 2) to evaluate for yield and fruit quality traits cultivar FHIA-17 (Sigatoka-tolerant banana cultivar) and FHIA-21 (Sigatoka-tolerant plantain cultivar) was completed and data is being analyzed; 8) An experiment (Year 1) to determine nutrient uptake of four rambutan cultivars grown at two locations in Puerto Rico was completed; 9) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, Phytophthora root rot tolerant (PRR) rootstocks of four cultivars were purchased from a California nursery and grafted with Semil-34 budwood for field evaluation for productivity and tolerance to local PRR strains. Unfortunately, rootstock trees from the nursery, propagated using the Frolich-Platt grafting technique there did not root appropriately and a re-order had to be made; 10) An experiment to monitor Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) abundance at different elevations was completed and the results are being submitted to a peer-reviewed journal; 11) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, a survey of PRSV diversity on the island was initiated; 12) An experiment to determine the impact of lures and food attractants on atemoya yield and fruit size was initiated; 13) A survey was started to identify the main species composing aphid immigrations; 14) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, an experiment was initiated to determine the impact various legumes (Canavalia sp., Cajanus cajan and Crotalaria juncea) have on growth, production and PRSV incidence in papaya orchards; 15) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Puerto Rico, an experiment was initiated to look at the effects intercropping has on the infestation of banana corms by the weevil, Cosmopolotes sordidus; 16) An experiment was conducted to look at the effects of plant nutrition on ACP populations; 17) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Florida, an experiment was initiated to determine the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Isaria fumosorosea on the Asian citrus psyllid; 18) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Florida, an experiment was initiated to improve methods of trapping ACPs; 19) In collaboration with scientists at the University of Florida, an experiment was initiated to determine the efficacy of different stimuli on ACP movement; 20) In collaboration with scientist at Southwest Forestry University, China, a shipment of 20 seeds each of bayberry (Myrica rubra) accession San Li, Dong Kui, and Tse Min were provided for increase at the National Plant Germplasm System; 21) In collaboration with scientists at the Guangxi Subtropical Crops Research Institute, China, accessions of longan seedlings collected from a wild population near Vietnam are growing vigorously in the field. Upon flowering this year, the fruits will be evaluated in October for quality traits. The results from these experiments help to fill the knowledge gaps on cropping management systems for tropical/subtropical fruit crops. This project replaces project 6635-21000-050-00D which expired in December 2013. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: 1. Scientists participated in activities targeting minority, historically under-served operators/stakeholders by providing information on alternative high-cash crops and best management practices to Hispanic producers in rural areas through farm visits, hosting growers at experimental sites, and on-farm research at Martex Farms and La Balear Farm in Santa Isabel and Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, respectively. 2. Provided propagation material of superior varieties of rambutan, lychee, cacao, banana, plantain, mango, mangosteen and papaya from ARS research, hands on training on grafting and other propagation procedures, and technical expertise on crop nutrition to socially disadvantaged growers of tropical fruits in Puerto Rico. 3. Assisted science and agricultural science Hispanic teachers as part of the Future Scientists Program funded by the National Science Foundation. This is an educational outreach program in collaboration with Texas A&M University whose purpose is to introduce high school teachers to ARS research and take that information back to the classroom to benefit their students. 4. Hosted five minority students from the University of Puerto Rico as part of their summer practice course designed to obtain experience in laboratory and field plot techniques. 5. Hosted two minority students from the University of Puerto Rico as part of an internship for students seeking to gain experience in crop physiology and entomology. 6. Hosted an Agricultural Education teacher from a secondary science and mathematics magnet public high school (CROEM or Residential Center of Educative Opportunities of Mayaguez) and Future Farmers of America leader, to bring her Agricultural Science class to the station for one day in order to provide them with hands-on experience in various areas pertaining to agricultural research. These areas included: chemistry, tissue culture, entomology and genetics. 7. Hosted an Agricultural Education teacher from a science and mathematics magnet public high school (CROEM or Residential Center of Educative Opportunities of Mayaguez), to host two of her students at the station for two months to conduct a research project on soil contaminants and on chemical characterization of soils from Puerto Rico. For this purpose, both students worked at the Chemistry Laboratory at the location. 8. Scientists established contact with regulatory agencies responsible for risk assessment of export fruit. There is now a dialog between growers in Puerto Rico and offices of risk assessment. A visit is planned for the next fiscal year so that the risk assessment agencies can better understand the needs of growers on the island. Accomplishments 01 Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) abundance declines with elevation. The ACP transmits huanglongbing, or citrus greening, the most devastating disease of citrus worldwide. There have been anecdotes that ACP becomes less abundant as elevation increases. ARS researchers in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico tested that hypothesis by monitoring ACP populations in citrus orchards at 17 different elevation sites (between 10 and 880 meters above sea level) in Puerto Rico. Results provided strong evidence that ACP abundance declines with elevation. No ACP was detected above 600 meters. Identifying the factors affecting the geographical and ecological distribution of psyllid populations could help develop management strategies for the insect and the disease it spreads. 02 Yield performance and bean quality traits of cacao propagated by somatic embryogenesis and grafting. Cacao (Theobroma cacao) has great potential as a component of a small tropical farming system. The U.S. chocolate industry alone generated $19.5 billion in sales of chocolate products in 2012. However, it is estimated that diseases in cacao production caused losses of potential crop amounting to 43% in America, 20% in Africa, 13% in Oceania and 9% in Asia. In order to satisfy future global demand for cacao products and reduce crop losses, research is needed to develop and/or identify superior cacao genotypes possessing disease tolerance and high yielding traits. In addition, methods of propagation that are more efficient in producing true-to- type genotypes are needed. ARS researchers at Mayaguez, Puerto Rico evaluated 12 cacao clones propagated by grafting and orthotropic rooted cuttings of somatic embryo-derived plants on an Ultisol soil at Corozal, Puerto Rico for six years of production under intensive management. Propagation treatments had a significant effect on dry bean yield. Dry bean yield of varieties propagated by grafting was 7% higher (2,166.7 kg.ha-1.yr-1) than those propagated by orthotropic rooted cuttings of somatic embryo-derived plants (2,009.2 kg.ha.yr-1). This yield difference could not be attributed to grafted plants being more vigorous or by differences in root architecture. In general, flavor characteristics were not significantly affected by propagation treatments. Although there were significant differences between plant propagation treatments for some of the variables measured in this study, these were not of a magnitude that would preclude the use of somatic embryogenesis as a viable propagation system for cacao. The use of somatic embryogenesis for cacao propagation could contribute to efforts to improve yield per area, germplasm conservation and rapid distribution of high yielding clones.
Impacts
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Publications
- Serrato-Diaz, L.M., Rivera-Vargas, L.I., Goenaga, R.J., French-Monar, R.D. 2014. First report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing inflorescence blight and fruit rot of longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) in Puerto Rico. Plant Disease. 98(2):279.
- Jenkins, D.A., Mizell, R., Vanbloem, S., Whitmore, S., Wiscovitch, L., Zaleski, K., Goenaga, R.J. 2014. An analysis of arthropod interceptions by APHIS-PPQ and Customs and Border Patrol in Puerto Rico. American Entomologist. 60:44-55.
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