Rootstocks: Importance in Fruit Crop Improvement

India is the second largest producer of fruits in the world with different fruit growing zones viz., temperate, arid and semi-arid, subtropical, and tropical zones. In this present era of climate change, fruit growers are facing environment-related problems such as sudden changes in temperature, irregular and heavy rainfall, and soil-related problems like compaction, salinity, alkalinity, and acidity. In addition to this, pest and disease incidence also play a major role in limiting fruit production. Objectives of rootstock breeding includes resistance or tolerance to biotic stress, adaptability to soil and environmental conditions, dwarfism, precocity in bearing, high yield and good fruit quality. The purpose of rootstock breeding varies with crops and geographical locations. Developing rootstocks resistant or tolerant to biotic stresses in apple (fire blight and woolly apple aphid), citrus (root rot, nematodes and viral diseases), grape (Phylloxera spp. and nematode) and mango (mango fruit fly and stone weevil) for specific tree characters (dwarfing, canopy management) and horticultural traits (yield and quality) are the important aspects in rootstock breeding. The reported rootstocks which are impactful in fruit cultivation like apple (MM-111), grape (Dogridge, 99-R, 110-R and 1103-P), and mango (Turpentine, Deorakhio and Olour). The use of rootstocks which are tolerant or adaptable to adverse climatic situations and biotic stress can be an alternative option for scientists and fruit growers to face the challenges encountered by the fruit industry.

A Comprehensive Review on Role of Bio- Regulators in the Growth and Development of Fruit and Vegetable Crops

This comprehensive review focuses on the role of bio-regulators in the growth and development of fruit and vegetable crops. Bio-regulators, also known as plant growth regulators or plant hormones, play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in plants, including cell division, elongation, differentiation, and fruit ripening. The review explores the major types of bio-regulators commonly used in fruit and vegetable cultivation, including auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. It examines their functions and effects on plant growth, flowering, fruit set, fruit development, and post-harvest characteristics. The review also discusses the widespread application of bio-regulators in horticultural practices, including seed treatment, foliar application, and post-harvest treatments. It highlights the potential benefits of using bio-regulators, such as improving crop yield, enhancing fruit quality traits, delaying senescence, and reducing post-harvest losses. Moreover, the review delves into the mechanisms of action of bio-regulators at the molecular, physiological, and biochemical levels. It investigates their interactions with various plant growth processes, signaling pathways, and gene expression patterns. Furthermore, the review addresses the challenges and limitations associated with the use of bio-regulators in fruit and vegetable production, such as dosage optimization, application timing, and potential negative impacts on the environment.