Peony (Paeonia spp.) is one of the most popular garden plants in temperate regions. They were introduced into cultivation in China hundreds of years ago, and have since been spread widely to many countries. According to morphological traits and life form, the genus is divided into tree and herbaceous peonies. Numerous cultivars of herbaceous peonies have been developed to satisfy demand for col...

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a subtropical evergreen tree whose fruit is consumed both fresh and processed. Loquat fruit is a good source of minerals and carotenoids, while the kernel is rich in protein and carbohydrates. It has been considered a non-climacteric fruit, but there is evidence that some cultivars have a ripening pattern similar to that of climacteric fruits. The fruit ha...

Sodium dehydroacetate (NaDHA) was most effective in extending the shelf life of fruits of strawberry cultivars that have the poorest holding capacity. Decreased respiration of treated fruits is attributed to the fungicidal property of NaDHA or inhibitory effect of the chemical on a respiratory enzyme of the fruit. A 0.5% NaDHA solution retarded ripening. Various types of fungicides have been ev...