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This study explores the impact of diverse organic fertilizers, including a non-traditional cyanobacteria-based alternative, on soil microbial communities in varying soil types and depths. The research aims to elucidate the effects of these fertilizers on soil microorganisms in certified organic cucumber (Cucumis sativus) field and peach (Prunus persica) orchard settings. Fertilizers were applied either on the soil surface or banded 5 cm below the soil surface, and microbial ester-linked fatty acids (EL-FAMEs) were analyzed in collected soils. Notably, cyanobacteria and Neptune hydrolyzed fish emulsion fertilizers induced significant alterations in the microbial communities of cucumber plots, enhancing microbial biomass and favoring the proliferation of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and actinomycetes compared to other treatments. In the peach orchard, fertilizer choice differentially impacted microbial communities, especially in the first year and at greater soil depths. Notably, the supplementation of poultry manure with cyanobacteria fertilizer resulted in augmented microbial biomass and relative fungal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal abundances compared to poultry manure alone. These shifts have promising implications for organic vegetable and fruit cultivation. The study further underscores the potential of cyanobacteria-based fertilizers to reduce reliance on traditional options and minimize manure application, promoting self-sufficiency and benefiting soil microorganisms, plant growth, and the ecosystem. Thus, the research emphasizes the importance of exploring and adopting cyanobacteria-based fertilizers to bolster sustainable agricultural practices.

The article presents an analysis of the artificial dehydration effect of peach leaf tissues, simulating natural drought, on various physiological, morphological, and anatomical parameters described in the literature, associated with the trait of drought resistance. An investigation aimed to identify the most informative criteria for peach drought resistance which correlate with water loss during dehydration. The results present an assessment of the amount of water loss in 60 peach cultivars selected from different geographical areas and having different genetic origins. Four contrasting genotypes were identified, based on the results of the cluster analysis performed on the cultivar’s water regime. The influence of water regime parameters (leaf water content, water saturation deficit, dynamic of water loss), the morphological and anatomical structure of the leaf, the content of photosynthetic pigments, and the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus on drought resistance were investigated for selected peach cultivars. It was revealed that the most informative criteria for assessing drought resistance were dry and fresh leaf weight, leaf blade length, leaf width, and area (among morphometric parameters); stomatal pore length, stomata density, adaxial and abaxial epidermis thickness, and adaxial cuticle thickness (among anatomical parameters); and Fv/Fm—maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII, Y(NO)—quantum yield of unregulated non-photochemical light energy dissipation in PS II and Y(NPQ)—controlled quantum losses (among indicators of photosynthetic activity).

Callus induction is a key step in establishing plant regeneration and genetic transformation. In this study, we present a comprehensive large-scale investigation of the callus induction rate (CIR) in peach trees, which revealed significant variability within the peach germplasm. Notably, the late-maturing cultivars exhibited significantly higher levels of CIR. Moreover, cultivars characterized as having high CIR exhibited potential for the development of adventitious roots (ARs) during callus induction, and a positive correlation was observed between CIR and the ability to regenerate ARs. However, long-term subculture callus lost root regeneration capacity due to changes in cellular morphology and starch and flavonoid content. Additionally, PpLBD1 was identified as a good candidate gene involved in the regulation of callus adventitious rooting in peach trees. Our results provide an insight into the mechanisms underlying callus induction and adventitious root development and will be helpful for developing regeneration systems in peach trees.

The article focuses on the release of the 'Fire Zest One' peach, developed by Texas A&M AgriLife for trial, which offers a very firm, early-ripening peach with attractive yellow flesh suitable for the medium chill zone. Topics include the origin and development of the peach through breeding, its description including fruiting characteristics and tree attributes, and its availability for propagation under license.

Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) is susceptible to chilling injury under improper low-temperature storage (2°C-5°C). Previous research has shown that abscisic acid (ABA) alleviates chilling injury in fruits and vegetables, but the potential mechanism is still unclear. To explore its effectiveness and potential mechanism in alleviating chilling injury during cold storage, exogenous ABA was applied to peach fruit by immersion in 100 μmol L-1 solutions for 10 min. In our experiment, ABA alleviated chilling injury by reducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and ethylene production. In addition, ABA inhibited the expression of the ethylene synthesis-related genes PpACO1 and PpEIN2. At the same time, ABA activated the antioxidant enzymatic pathway and the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, the transcript abundance encoding genes related to antioxidant enzyme activities also changed correspondingly. The results suggested that ABA alleviated chilling injury by scavenging excessive H2O2 by promoting antioxidant enzymes and the AsA-GSH pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach is one of the most important horticultural crops and its storage and postharvest issues are increasingly taken into consideration. This experiment was conducted to the assessment of salicylic acid spray at 0, 1, 2, and 4 mmol concentrations, and salicylic acid submergence in 2 mmol concentrations on the post-harvest quality of peach cultivar Robin, and the measurement in the four storage times in 2014-2015. In this experiment, the weight loss, volume decrease, length decrease, diameter decrease, pH, total acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin c, antioxidant capacity, total phenol, total flavonoid, and fruit firmness were measured. The results suggested that the salicylic acid treatment caused the inhibition of the weight losses, volume decrease, length decrease, and diameter decrease over the storage period and maintained the fruit firmness. The best result obtained from 2 mmol spray of salicylic acid before harvest. The lowest total soluble solids and pH were observed in 2 mmol salicylic acid spray in all the storage times, while in the other treatments such as control, their contents increased. The results also demonstrated that the highest vitamin C content was in 2 and 4 mmol salicylic acid spray and 2 mmol salicylic acid submergence treatment, and the highest total phenol content resulted from 15 days after storing in all the salicylic acid treatments. The treatment of salicylic acid did not have much effect on the total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity. Among all the treatments, the spray of 2 mmol salicylic acid, two weeks before the fruit harvest, revealed the best result and can be considered in the enhancement of peach postharvest shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit development period (FDP), defined as the time between full bloom and maturity, varies greatly in peaches (Prunus persica L. Batsch). It is necessary to develop molecular markers associated with maturity date to extend the harvest season in new peach cultivars. We designed the 260 SSR primer set covering the entire genome of approximately 300 kb to 1 Mb based on P. persica cultivar ‘Mihong’ genome sequence. The SSR markers were used to survey the relationship between the parentages ‘Yumeyong’ and ‘Chiyomaru’ and their offspring cultivars ‘Mihong’, ‘Yumi’, ‘Misshong’ and ‘Soomee’. Male cultivar ‘Chiyomaru and its offspring cultivars ‘Mihong’, Yumi’, and ‘Misshong’ are early and middle maturity cultivars with FDP of 77, 76, 82, and 108 days, respectively, whereas female cultivar ‘Yumyeong’ and its offspring cultivar ‘Soomee’ are late maturity cultivars with FDP of 128 days. Three regions of SSR markers could distinguish between early, middle, and late maturity cultivars. In the early stages of breeding, these markers will be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in the parentages ‘Yumyeong’ and ‘Chiyomaru’ and their offspring cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although consumers are not very familiar with peach production in Florida, Florida peaches are the first domestic peaches produced in the United States, being available from mid-March through early May. Moreover, Florida peach acreage has increased 8.5-fold in the past 10 years. Using a conjoint-based experimental design and analysis, we measured U.S. consumer reactions to diverse groups of ideas describing peaches, including production regions, and identified attributes that positively and negatively influence consumer preference. The main objective of this research was to identify external and internal attributes that make the "ideal peach." Are consumers willing to pay more for a locally grown peach? Will consumers prefer a Florida peach instead of a Georgia or California peach? The top three peach attributes identified were "juicy and fully ripe," "strong peach aroma and sweet peach taste," and "grown in Georgia." Cluster analysis revealed two segments of consumers: consumers in the first segment focused on physical aspects of the peach, and consumers in the second segment were concerned with peach production regions and health benefits. The findings from this research will be helpful in developing marketing programs for Florida peaches as an item that is perfect for snacking because of their small size and desirable texture and flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the effects of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and two modified atmosphere packages (MAP) on major quality parameters of 'Sunny' nectarine variety during storage. The experiment was designed to test the six following variables: a) Non-treated in MAP accepted as the control group b) 1-MCP treatment without MAP, c) MAPI (Lifepack®) d) 1-MCP+MAP 1, e) 1-MCP+MAP2 (RipeLock™, closed bag) and f) MAP2 with 1-MCP generator. In all treatments, fruits were stored for 56 days at 0°C and 90% RH. Sampling was done at 14 days intervals, and samples were then kept at for 2 days as shelflife (20°C and 70% RH). During storage, the weight loss significantly increased in applications without MAP, and fruits lost their marketable value due to water loss after 28 days of storage with 2 days shelflife. Combined treatments showed slight decreases in fruit flesh firmness during storage. 1-MCP+MAP treated samples reduced the ethylene production during shelflife after cold storage. The effects of MAP and 1-MCP on total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity parameters were insignificant. The results showed that MAP1 and 1-MCP+MAP treatments maintained quality of nectarine fruit and provided longer storage and shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold storage is used to extend peach commercial life, but can affect quality. Quality changes are assessed through the content of nutritionally relevant compounds, aroma, physical characters and/or sensorially. Here, six peach and nectarine cultivars were sampled at commercial harvest and after 7 days of 1 °C storage. A trained panel was used to evaluate sensorial characters, while carotenoids, phenolics, vitamin C, total sugars, and qualitative traits including firmness, titrable acidity and soluble solid content were integrated with volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis previously reported. The different analyses reveal interesting patterns of correlation, and the six cultivars responded differently to cold storage. Sensory parameters were correlated with 64 VOCs and seven intrinsic characters. Acidity, firmness, and 10 VOCs were strongly negatively correlated with harmony and sweetness, but positively correlated with bitterness, astringency, and crunchiness. In contrast, Brix, b-carotene, and six VOCs were positively correlated with harmony and sweetness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nectarines are perishable fruits grown in Southern Europe, valued for their sensorial properties. Chilling is used in the supply chain for Northern European consumers, while Southern European consumers can access fresh, locally grown fruit or cold-stored supermarket fruit. Cold storage and fruit ripening affect texture and flavour. Here a consumer survey and hedonic testing compared the appreciation of nectarines (cv. Big Top) in Italy and at two UK sites (n = 359). Fruit was at the commercial harvest stage, or stored at 1 °C or 5 °C for seven days, then sampled after two days' (Italy and one UK site) or four days' (second UK site) ambient recovery. In the consumer survey, the most important factors involved in purchase decision were ripeness, texture, colour, taste and price. Named varieties were more important to Italian than UK respondents, whilst ripeness, price, taste, blemishes, aroma, and 'best before date' were more important in the UK. In sensory analyses, fruits at the commercial harvest stage were preferred to those stored at 1 °C. Preference for the 5 °C stored peaches depended on recovery time. Distinct clusters of peach sensorial attributes were positively or negatively linked to hedonic rating. Factors important in purchase decisions did not affect hedonic rating in the tasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Message: This study contributed to understand the adaptation mechanism of low chilling peach cultivars in a mild winter region according to the contents and mobilization of carbohydrates during dormancy and resumption of growth. The understanding of the physiological processes that occur in the peach tree during the dormancy period in mild winter regions (MWR) is important for the selection of new cultivars more adapted to these regions. The aim of this study was to bring more elements to build mechanistic understanding of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) mobilization in one-year shoots of two low winter chilling peach cultivars, 'T. Beauty' and 'S. Áurea', during the dormancy period and the resumption of growth in MWR and their interactions with blooming and leafing. It is hypothesized that these low chilling peach cultivars do not enter into deep endodormancy and are, therefore, able to respond to external cues of growth and development. Our results showed that the amount of starch reserve, the mobilization and the use of NSC by buds are not limiting for low chilling cultivars during dormancy period in mild winter regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the peach fruit flesh types (soft-melting, hard-melting, stonyhard and non-melting) and harvest maturity level suitable for near-freezing temperature storage (NFTS), eight peach cultivars that had four flesh types were used as test materials. Changes in fruit respiration intensity and ethylene release rates, as well as the differences in quality indexes, such as soluble solids content (SSC), firmness, color difference, pigment content, soluble sugar and organic acid component content, of three fruit maturity levels (70%, 80% and 90% maturity) under NFTS conditions were analyzed and compared. The fruit quality indexes of peach having different maturity levels and flesh types changed little during NFTS. The SSC and total sugar content of hard-melting and stonyhard peach fruit were higher than those of other flesh types during NFTS. Those fruit maintained greater firmness at the end of the storage period. The differences in respiration intensity and ethylene release rate were small, but for fruit coloring, hard-melting fruit performed better than stonyhard fruit. The 80%, compared with the 90%, maturity stage maintained more fruit moisture, had less fruit mass loss and maintained a greater edible firmness. It effectively impeded the fruit senescence process and was the most suitable maturity for NFTS. Thus, the hard-melting peach maintained the highest commercial value and desirable storage characteristics under NFTS conditions, and its 80% maturity level was the most suitable for NFTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout peach orchards in Greece, plant protection, fertilization and irrigation are often conducted empirically, negatively affecting energy use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions). The aim of this study was to apply alternative fertilization and irrigation practices in canning peach orchards to improve nutrient and irrigation water management and to assess yield, energy input–output and the carbon footprint of the alternative cultivation practices for three important clingstone cultivars of different ripening periods. Energy use analysis revealed that the cultivation practice with the highest energy use was almost always irrigation, followed by fertilization, plant protection, weed control and pruning. Electricity, fuels, fertilizers and machinery presented the highest energy requirements. Alternative fertilization, in combination with deficit irrigation (DI), was more energy efficient compared to farmers' practices in all cultivars based on energy use efficiency, energy productivity and specific energy. Irrigation was the cultivation practice with the highest impact on GHG emissions due to electricity and, secondly, to fuel consumption. Alternative fertilization and DI decreased the intensity (kg CO2eq kg−1) of the emitted GHG compared to farmers' practices. In conclusion, alternative fertilization and irrigation practices improved energy use efficiency and decreased the carbon footprint of the canning peach orchards by improving yield and decreasing fertilizer and irrigation water input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the preliminary phytochemical screening, nutritive value, and antimicrobial activity of Prunus persica leaves extracts. Proximate analysis of the P. persica leaves shows the moisture content (10.615%), crude fiber.534%), crude fat (4.443%), total protein (27.468%), total carbohydrate (41.566%), and nutritive value (316.123kcal/100g). The qualitative phytochemical studies show the presence of tannins, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids. The antimicrobial activity of P. persica leaves extracts was performed against three bacteria (Escherichia coli MTCC-40, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC-2474, Staphylococcus aureus-MTCC-1144) and two fungal strains (Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp.) The ethyl acetate leaves extract of P. persica showed the highest antibacterial activity and the highest antifungal activity compared to other extracts (ethyl acetate > ethanol> chloroform). Overall, this study suggests that P. persica has good nutritive value, is an excellent source of phytochemicals, and shows good antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peaches contain high amounts of polyphenol compounds. The consumption of peaches gives protection against various conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and bacterial diseases, and inflammation. The present study aimed to examine the phytochemical compounds and the antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-α-glucosidase, and anti-α-amylase activities of the different extracts (methanol, ethanol, and hexane) of fresh red peach collected from the Mersin province in Turkey. In this study, chemical compositions of methanol and ethanol extracts prepared from peach pulp were studied by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Thirteen metabolites: quinic acid, fumaric acid, aconitic acid, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, hesperidin, astragalin, nicotiflorin, quercetin, and amentoflavone, were identified in ethanol extracts and also these phenolic compounds, excluding salicylic acid, were identified in the methanol extract. The ethanol extract showed the most activity in all enzyme inhibition and in antibacterial and antioxidative activity assays, which is mainly due to its rich phenolic content. The most dominant compounds determined in ethanol extract were quinic acid, chlorogenic acid, fumaric acid, and isoquercitrin respectively. According to the results of this study, ethanol extract in particular is a potential ingredient to be used in food-derived antidiabetic and antibacterial formulations. [Display omitted] • The first report about bioactive properties of fresh red peach extracts. • Quinic, chlorogenic and fumaric acid and isoquercitrin were dominant in peach. • Phenolic rich ethanol extract demonstrated strong antidiabetic properties. • Total phenolic and antioxidant values were detected ethanol>methanol>hexane. • Ethanol and methanol extracts exhibited strong antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of jellies from peaches outside the standard is a way of using the fruit. Thus, the present work aimed to develop and evaluate peach jellies sweetened with sugarcane juice, made with fruits of two peach cultivars (Maciel and Top Bilt) that were out of the standard for fresh consumption. Two formulations were developed, which were elaborated with 45% peach pulp, 33% apple pulp, 20% sugarcane juice, and 2% lemon juice. In the characterization of the jellies, the following were evaluated: color (L*, a* and b*), firmness, pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, moisture, total phenolic compounds, carotenoids, vitamin C, anthocyanins, and mold and yeast counts. After approval by the research ethics committee, the acceptance test was applied with 100 untrained tasters of both sexes. The results of the analyzes were compared by means of analysis of variance and Tukey's test at the 5% level. It was found that the jellies made with the peach cultivars are statistically different only regarding the parameters of color, a* and b* values and pH, and statistically equal regarding L*, firmness, titratable acidity, soluble solids, vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds. It is concluded that, even without the addition of commercial sucrose, the jellies of both cultivars have the potential as objects of new research about their manufacture to be made available in the market, as they present good purchase intentions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that cultivars of peach rootstocks selected to be propagated by seeds show variation in the degree of physiological dormancy and peculiarities regarding the limitation imposed by the endocarp, it is essential to define the cold stratification period and the ideal temperature to be used during the pregermination treatment. Isolated for each cultivar, knowledge of these variables which will provide viability in the production of peach rootstocks via seeds, in the presence of the endocarp, at a larger scale. Two germination tests were carried out, in a completely randomized experimental design and 4 x 3 factorial scheme, with four replications, each one consisting of 25 endocarps. The first experiment was performed with four cultivars (Aldrighi, Capdebosq, Okinawa Roxo and Tsukuba 1) and three stratification temperatures (1°C, 4°C and 7°C) for a period of 90 days. For the second experiment, the same cultivars were used, two temperatures (7°C for 'Aldrighi' and 'Capdebosq' and 4°C for 'Okinawa Roxo' and 'Tsukuba') and three stratification periods (40, 80 and 120 days), followed by sowing in substrate under greenhouse conditions for a period of 45 days, with subsequent endocarp breaking and resowing. The pregermination treatment at 7°C for 90 days is sufficient to obtain high germination percentage of 'Aldrighi' and 'Capdeboscq' seeds in the presence of the endocarp. Under the stratification conditions tested, the seeds of 'Okinawa Roxo' and 'Tsukuba 1' require rupture of the endocarp to reactivate the germinative embryonic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting a peach orchard is highly expensive and may be influenced by variables such as attack by pathogens and diseases. Cultivar is one of the most important items within the production system and it is one of the few that may be modified without changes in costs. Current research evaluates the adaptability of peach cultivars 'Chimarrita', 'Eragil', 'Charme', 'Ouro', 'Seleção 01/08', 'FLA 8-1' and 'Della Nona' in the region of Campos Gerais PR Brazil. Experiment was conducted by randomized blocks, with seven treatments (cultivars) and eight replications. Variables analyzed comprised specific leaf area (cm² g-1), stalk diameter (mm), length of main stem (cm), volume of canopy (m³), incidence and severity of rust and early fruit, and percentage of attack by Grapholita molesta (Busck) (%). Cultivars Chimarrita and Ouro were more susceptible to the attack of grapholite (95.5% and 98%, respectively) and rust, with AACPS of 14.65 for Chimarrita and 15.67 for Ouro. Cultivars Charme, Seleção 01/08 and Eragil were more adapted for Campos Gerais, had little effect on growth variables such as the length of main stem, specific leaf area, stalk diameter and volume of canopy, even with the occurrence of diseases and pests which affect the culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of paper or nylon bags (fruit bagging) to surround tree fruit during development provides protection from a variety of pest-disease complexes for peach without yield reduction and different-colored bags have the potential to improve fruit quality based on findings from other crops. An experiment was conducted in 2019 at two locations in central Florida on peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batch] ‘TropicBeauty’ and ‘UFSun’ to analyze the impact of a commercially available white paper fruit bag combined with a photoselective insert. The insert reduced the amount of light outside the spectrum range of interest for blue (400–500 nm), green (500–600 nm), or red (>600 nm) wavebands, or decreased fluence rate with a neutral density black (>725 nm) insert. Relative to ambient, temperature inside all bagging treatments during the daytime hours was increased by 5.1 °C. During the same time, relative humidity was reduced by 10.1%, but calculations revealed that the water vapor pressure was elevated only for treatments that had a plastic colored (blue, green, or red) insert. An orthogonal contrast revealed that the elevated water vapor around the fruit in a colored bag increased the concentration of chlorophyll at harvest but had no effect on other quality parameters. Compared with unbagged fruit, red-bagged fruit were 1.8 times firmer and green-bagged fruit and had a lower peel chroma. White-bagged (without photoselective insert) fruit had similar nutrient concentrations for the peel, flesh, and pit when compared with unbagged fruit. When bags remained on the fruit until harvest, anthocyanin concentration in unbagged fruit peel was double the amount in white bags and 6-fold more than the bags with color inserts. Different-colored bagging treatments did not influence insect attraction or fruit quality parameters, such as fruit size, diameter, difference of absorbance (DA) index, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), pH, peel lightness, peel hue, flesh lightness, flesh hue, or flesh chroma. Relative to full sun, the colored bag treatments allowed between 3.7% (black) and 17.4% (red) of the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Additional research is needed to determine if an increase in fluence rate at specific spectral wavelengths can affect the quality for peach grown in bags in the field.

The present study includes identification of (9) cultivars of the species Prunus persica (L.) Batsch. Which were Early Grand , Babcock , Giant Babcock , Mammoth , Elberta , Cardinal , Blanko , Novadona ,and Transvalia cultivated in Ninevah Iraq by using random genetic primers in amplification polymorphic DNA (RAPD). (9) random primers were used and amplifications were deported within the agrose . The results showed that the amount of the nucleic acid ranged between (20-25) µg/ml of the leaves extract and reactions of the randomly amplification were carried out with (9) primers, all of them migrated within agarose gel, and generated an amplified bands of DNA. The results have admitted to the Computer and analyzed using private statistical program PAST. The results have showed that the genetic discrepancy value reached (0.7264) in Transvalia cultivar whereas the minimum value of the genetic variant reached to (0.108) in the cultivar Cardinal. The dendrogram was also showed that the cultivar Babcock, Giant Bacock, Transvalia and Novadona were the most similar to each other, whereas cultivars Cardinal was the most variant from the other cultivar studies.

• Prunus persica seed-derived activated carbon was prepared by carbonization process. • H 3 PO 4 activation produced an intricated 3D nano-architectonics porous carbon. • Optimized sample exhibits specific surface area of 788.01 m² g⁻¹. • As-prepared AC exhibited a specific capacitance of 326.9 F g −1 at 0.5 A g −1. Supercapacitors have emerged as a promising energy storage solution due to their high-power density, long cycle life, and fast charging-discharging capabilities. Current advancements emphasize the use of graphene and carbon-based nanocomposite materials derived from waste biomass, forming intricate 3D nano-architectures that significantly boost energy storage capacity. This research investigates the potential of orthophosphoric acid-activated carbon (HAC) derived from Prunus persica (peach) seed stones, carbonized at temperatures of 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, as an electrode material for electrochemical double layer supercapacitor (EDLC). Physicochemical characterization of as-prepared activated carbon (AC) revealed the nanoporous morphology. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface analysis revealed that activated carbon produced at 800 °C (HAC-8) had the highest specific surface area of 788.01 m² g⁻¹. This sample featured a micro-and meso‑porous network within the carbon matrix compared to samples carbonized at lower temperature. Raman spectra showed the prominent graphitization band which is also supported by the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The interconnected porous structure of HAC-8 contributed a significant specific capacitance of 326.9 F g −1 at a current density of 0.5 A g −1 with the capacity retention of 97.12 % after a run of 10,000 charging-discharging cycles. Based on these remarks, HAC-8 demonstrated significant potential as a negatrode material for supercapacitor applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous assessment of agrochemical residues in agricultural entities is crucial for ensuring food safety and protecting consumer health. A highly sensitive and stable thioglycolic acid (TGA) based surface modified coreshell nanorod (Au@Ag@TGANR) arrays were developed for simultaneous fungicide detection in peach samples. The developed Au@Ag@TGANRs exhibited superior surface enhance Raman scattering (SERS) performance, enabling the simultaneous examination of ziram (ZIR) and thiabendazole (TBZ) residues in peach samples with detection limits as low as 0.003 and 0.028 ppm and high R2 values of 0.996 and 0.995, for ZIR and TBZ, respectively. Good recoveries of 86.2 to 108.6 % and 80.2 to 105.7 % were also achieved for peach samples, highlighting the effectiveness of the established protocol for accurate and reliable detection of pesticides in fruits. These results suggest that the proposed method could be a valuable addition to current food safety protocols, with potential application in investigating toxic residues in agricultural entities. • Developed a thiol-based surface modified SERS sensor for rapid fungicides detection • Enhanced Au@AgNRs stability and sensitivity with thioglycolic acid • Thiol modification significantly improved SERS performance and substrate stability • Highly dense hotspot arrays provided excellent SERS detection efficiency • Effectively detected ZIR and TBZ residues simultaneously in peach fruit samples [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to explore the key factors involved in the regulation of chilling injury formation in carbohydrate metabolism of peach fruit, we systematically analyzed the response of peach fruit to cold stress from physiological and transcriptomic perspectives. Cold stress in peach elevated malondialdehyde, impaired membranes, reduced sucrose via invertase-mediated hydrolysis to fructose/glucose, and may activate pentose phosphate pathway while inhibiting glycolysis pathways for metabolic maintenance and energy conservation, as suggested by phosphofructokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity shifts. Transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed a series of genes respond to low-temperature stress in starch and sucrose metabolism pathway, including vacuolar invertases gene (PpVIN), hexokinase gene (PpHXK), trehalose-phosphate synthase gene (PpTPS), trehalose-phosphate phosphatase gene (PpTPP) , and fructokinase gene (PpFRK), of these hub genes have been reported to resist to cold stress. In addition, by constructing co-expression network, several transcription factors (TFs) were involved in regulating hub genes related to carbohydrate metabolism in peach fruit, such as ZAT12, bZIP23, bZIP53, CBF5, and others. These TFs may serve as key regulators of the transcriptional network, modulating gene expression related to carbohydrate metabolism in response to cold stress. • Chilling stress led to the damage of cell membrane in peach fruit. • Sucrose converts to fructose and glucose with invertase in peach stored at 4 °C. • Several genes that respond to cold stress were found in the sugar metabolism pathway. • WGCNA identified hub genes that may be essential for the chilling tolerance in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe availability of the peach genome sequence has fostered relevant research in peach and related Prunus species enabling the identification of genes underlying important horticultural traits as well as the development of advanced tools for genetic and genomic analyses. The first release of the peach genome (Peach v1.0) represented a high-quality WGS (Whole Genome Shotgun) chromosome-scale assembly with high contiguity (contig L50 214.2 kb), large portions of mapped sequences (96%) and high base accuracy (99.96%). The aim of this work was to improve the quality of the first assembly by increasing the portion of mapped and oriented sequences, correcting misassemblies and improving the contiguity and base accuracy using high-throughput linkage mapping and deep resequencing approaches.ResultsFour linkage maps with 3,576 molecular markers were used to improve the portion of mapped and oriented sequences (from 96.0% and 85.6% of Peach v1.0 to 99.2% and 98.2% of v2.0, respectively) and enabled a more detailed identification of discernible misassemblies (10.4 Mb in total). The deep resequencing approach fixed 859 homozygous SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and 1347 homozygous indels. Moreover, the assembled NGS contigs enabled the closing of 212 gaps with an improvement in the contig L50 of 19.2%.ConclusionsThe improved high quality peach genome assembly (Peach v2.0) represents a valuable tool for the analysis of the genetic diversity, domestication, and as a vehicle for genetic improvement of peach and related Prunus species. Moreover, the important phylogenetic position of peach and the absence of recent whole genome duplication (WGD) events make peach a pivotal species for comparative genomics studies aiming at elucidating plant speciation and diversification processes.

The branch construction of trees is based on phytomers, repetitive subunits defined as node + leaf + axillary meristem + internode. The rate at which phytomers are added to a shoot is termed the phyllochron, which is determined by genetics, endogenous regulation and environmental conditions. The phyllochron is fundamental to understanding the growth of plants. Most phyllochron studies on woody species are of young plants under controlled conditions without consideration for different types of shoots that are present in mature trees. In this 2-year field study, we investigated seasonal patterns of phyllochron development on both proleptic and epicormic shoots of mature peach trees (Prunus persica) exposed to two irrigation treatments. One treatment was not irrigated until significant stress was detected via water potential by pressure bombing. In the second treatment trees were normally irrigated with ~5.84 cm of water each week to match evapotranspirational loss. Midday stem water potential readings were regularly collected to assess the level of water stress experienced by the trees. Measurements of individual leaves and their corresponding internodes were taken along tagged proleptic and epicormic shoots three times per week from the beginning to the end of two growing seasons. Leaf measurements were used to calculate the phyllochron. The phyllochron increased as the season progressed. This increase could not be explained by traditionally accepted effects of temperature or light. The more vigorous epicormic shoots added leaves significantly faster than proleptic shoots on trees in both water deficit and normally irrigated treatments. Additionally, epicormic shoots produced leaves with significantly greater leaf length and leaf area. Midday stem water potentials were more negative in trees in the water deficit treatments only after proleptic shoots stopped growing. The phyllochron did increase while leaf length and leaf area decreased on epicormic shoots of deficit irrigated trees in the 2010 growing season. The phyllochron of both shoot types gradually increased over the season, which was primarily due to an endogenous rank or shoot ageing effect. Differences between shoot types indicate that the phyllochron is variable among shoots on the same tree and is associated with shoot vigour. Water deficit increased the phyllochron and over all shoot growth rate.

Non-specific lipid transfer proteins (LTPs), present in multiple plant foods and pollens, are the predominant allergen in peach allergy in the Mediterranean region and may induce life-threatening allergic reactions. Although reasonably studied in adults, LTP allergy has been rarely described in children, and to the best of the author’s knowledge, natural tolerance development during childhood to this allergen has not been reported to date. The authors reported the case of a 21 month-old boy who presented urticaria and facial edema 15 minutes after eating a peach. Sensitization to peach LTP was confirmed by skin prick tests and specific IgE. At the age of 32 months, skin prick tests and specific IgE to peach LTP were negative, so a food challenge was performed. The child tolerated one medium-sized peach. Peach and peach-related fruits were reintroduced in the child’s diet. The authors discuss the relevance of regular allergy workup and dietary recommendations in children with LTP allergy.

Although consumers are not very familiar with peach production in Florida, Florida peaches are the first domestic peaches produced in the United States, being available from mid-March through early May. Moreover, Florida peach acreage has increased 8.5-fold in the past 10 years. Using a conjoint-based experimental design and analysis, we measured U.S. consumer reactions to diverse groups of ideas describing peaches, including production regions, and identified attributes that positively and negatively influence consumer preference. The main objective of this research was to identify external and internal attributes that make the “ideal peach.” Are consumers willing to pay more for a locally grown peach? Will consumers prefer a Florida peach instead of a Georgia or California peach? The top three peach attributes identified were “juicy and fully ripe,” “strong peach aroma and sweet peach taste,” and “grown in Georgia.” Cluster analysis revealed two segments of consumers: consumers in the first segment focused on physical aspects of the peach, and consumers in the second segment were concerned with peach production regions and health benefits. The findings from this research will be helpful in developing marketing programs for Florida peaches as an item that is perfect for snacking because of their small size and desirable texture and flavor.

Abstract This study aimed at evaluating production parameters of peach trees subject to different doses of potassium fertilization and at establishing the critical level of this nutrient in the soil and in peach tree leaves. The experiment was conducted in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons in a commercial orchard located in Morro Redondo, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Peach trees of the cultivar Sensação were fertilized at the following doses: 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1 K2O as potassium chloride applied to the surface of the soil. In the 3-year study, production per plant, number of fruit, fruit mass and fruit diameter were evaluated while soil and leaf samples were collected to undergo chemical analyses. Potassium fertilization in peach orchards increases levels of this nutrient in the 0-20 cm soil layer. Potassium fertilization via soil increased potassium contents in peach tree leaves. Productivity of peach trees responds to superficial potassium application via soil but it does not affect mean fruit mass. The critical level between relative productivity and potassium content in the soil could not be established while the one between production and potassium content of leaves of peach trees was 2.84%.

Nitrogen, which is the primary nutrient peach trees need, may affect their fruit quality. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of nitrogen fertilization on two genotypes of peach trees, regarding their fruit quality, in three consecutive crops. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area that belongs to the Embrapa Clima Temperado, located in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, from 2016, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Four doses of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 Kg ha-1) and two peach tree genotypes (‘Cascata 1513’ and ‘Cascata 1067’) were used. For the fruit, we evaluated epidermis color, pulp firmness, epidermis firmness, soluble solids concentration, titratable acidity, concentration of total phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and antioxidant activity. Fruit underwent physical, chemical and bioactive compound analyses. Results showed that the highest dose of nitrogen (180 Kg ha-1) applied to the soil retards fruit ripening, while no application of nitrogen fertilization brings fruit maturation forward. Nitrogen fertilization via soil does not favor anthocyanins in fruit. Doses of 60 and 120 Kg ha-1 of nitrogen are recommended because they lead to improvement in peach color, epidermis firmness and acidity. Peach tree genotypes influence soluble solids, juice pH, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of their fruit.

Considering that cultivars of peach rootstocks selected to be propagated by seeds show variation in the degree of physiological dormancy and peculiarities regarding the limitation imposed by the endocarp, it is essential to define the cold stratification period and the ideal temperature to be used during the pre-germination treatment. Isolated for each cultivar, knowledge of these variables which will provide viability in the production of peach rootstocks via seeds, in the presence of the endocarp, at a larger scale. Two germination tests were carried out, in a completely randomized experimental design and 4 x 3 factorial scheme, with four replications, each one consisting of 25 endocarps. The first experiment was performed with four cultivars (Aldrighi, Capdebosq, Okinawa Roxo and Tsukuba 1) and three stratification temperatures (1°C, 4°C and 7°C) for a period of 90 days. For the second experiment, the same cultivars were used, two temperatures (7°C for ‘Aldrighi’ and ‘Capdebosq’ and 4°C for ‘Okinawa Roxo’ and ‘Tsukuba’) and three stratification periods (40, 80 and 120 days), followed by sowing in substrate under greenhouse conditions for a period of 45 days, with subsequent endocarp breaking and re-sowing. The pre-germination treatment at 7°C for 90 days is sufficient to obtain high germination percentage of ‘Aldrighi’ and ‘Capdeboscq’ seeds in the presence of the endocarp. Under the stratification conditions tested, the seeds of ‘Okinawa Roxo’ and ‘Tsukuba 1’ require rupture of the endocarp to reactivate the germinative embryonic process.

Anthocyanins are important secondary metabolites in fruits, and anthocyanin accumulation in the flesh of peach exhibits a spatial pattern, but the relevant mechanism is still unknown. In this study, the yellow-fleshed peach, cv. ‘Jinxiu’, with anthocyanin accumulation in the mesocarp around the stone was used as the experimental material. Red flesh (RF) and yellow flesh (YF) were sampled separately for flavonoid metabolite (mainly anthocyanins), plant hormone, and transcriptome analyses. The results showed that the red coloration in the mesocarp was due to the accumulation of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, with an up-regulation of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes (F3H, F3′H, DFR, and ANS), transportation gene GST, and regulatory genes (MYB10.1 and bHLH3). Eleven ERFs, nine WRKYs, and eight NACs were also defined as the candidate regulators of anthocyanin biosynthesis in peach via RNA-seq. Auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC, ethylene precursor) were enriched in the peach flesh, with auxin, cytokinin, ACC, and SA being highly accumulated in the RF, but ABA was mainly distributed in the YF. The activators and repressors in the auxin and cytokinin signaling transduction pathways were mostly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. Our results provide new insights into the regulation of spatial accumulation pattern of anthocyanins in peach flesh.

Peach undergoes a rapid ripening and senescence, resulting in quality deterioration after harvest. Ethylene is essential for ripening and senescence in climacteric fruit. Although methyl jasmonate (MeJA) has been found to suppress ethylene biosynthesis, the underlying mechanism is unknown. We investigated the regulation of MeJA treatment (10 μM, 24 h) on the quality, ethylene biosynthesis and signaling, and jasmonic acid (JA) metabolism and signaling in 'Xiahui 8' peach stored at 20 °C. MeJA treatment maintained better fruit quality and reduced ethylene production (the reduction of peak value reached 24 %) during storage. The activities of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO) decreased by 15–28 % and 15–19 % in MeJA treated fruit during storage. Additionally, the expressions of genes involved in ethylene signaling were downregulated in MeJA treated fruit. MeJA treatment enhanced JA biosynthesis through increasing the activities of allene oxide synthase (AOS), allene oxide cyclase (AOC) and JA-amino synthetase (JAR) during early storage. However, the JA-inducible catabolic pathways and self-repression of myelocytomatosis proteins2 (MYC2) were activated in MeJA treated fruit thereafter. This resulted in the decrease of PpMYC2 transcription and JA-Ile accumulation, which reduced by at most 56 % and 73 % when compared with CK, respectively, on day 0 and day 5. These results suggested that negative feedback regulation terminated and repressed the JA signaling, therefore diminishing its enhancement effect on ethylene biosynthesis in peach during storage. • 10 μM MeJA inhibited ethylene biosynthesis and maintained better fruit quality in peach. • JA-biosynthetic pathway enhanced by MeJA was repressed during storage. • MeJA activated the negative feedback of JA-signaling pathway in peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

UV-B treatment deeply influences plant physiology and biochemistry, especially by activating the expression of responsive genes involved in UV-B acclimation through a UV-B-specific perception mechanism. Although the UV-B-related molecular responses have been widely studied in Arabidopsis, relatively few research reports deepen the knowledge on the influence of post-harvest UV-B treatment on fruit. In this work, a transcriptomic approach is adopted to investigate the transcriptional modifications occurring in the peel of UV-B-treated peach (Prunus persica L., cv Fairtime) fruit after harvest. Our analysis reveals a higher gene regulation after 1 h from the irradiation (88% of the differentially expressed genes—DEGs), compared to 3 h recovery. The overexpression of genes encoding phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone syntase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and flavonol synthase (FLS) revealed a strong activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway, resulting in the later increase in the concentration of specific flavonoid classes, e.g., anthocyanins, flavones, dihydroflavonols, and flavanones, 36 h after the treatment. Upregulation of UVR8-related genes (HY5, COP1, and RUP) suggests that UV-B-triggered activation of the UVR8 pathway occurs also in post-harvest peach fruit. In addition, a regulation of genes involved in the cell-wall dismantling process (PME) is observed. In conclusion, post-harvest UV-B exposure deeply affects the transcriptome of the peach peel, promoting the activation of genes implicated in the biosynthesis of phenolics, likely via UVR8. Thus, our results might pave the way to a possible use of post-harvest UV-B treatments to enhance the content of health-promoting compounds in peach fruits and extending the knowledge of the UVR8 gene network.

Qualitative traits and chemical properties of 32 peach cultivars (yellow flesh and white flesh fruits) and 52 nectarine cultivars (yellow flesh and white flesh fruits) of different pomological characteristics is performed, and the correlation between cultivars and chemical characteristics is analyzed. Yellow nectarines have a higher variability in soluble solids concentration (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA) values. Evaluation of color parameters (a*, b*, L*) shows a significant interaction between pulp color (white vs. yellow) and types (peaches vs. nectarines) of fruit. The difference between yellow and white fruits is stronger in nectarines than in peaches. Sucrose is the main sugar detected in peach fruits, with a percentage content of 78.37% and 76.70% of the total sugar content in yellow and white peaches, respectively, and 78.29% and 78.12% in yellow and white nectarines, respectively. Variability is found among cultivars for the chemical compounds analyzed. The yellow flesh has higher amounts of total carotenoids and TPC, while white-flesh fruits present an average antioxidant value higher than yellow-flesh fruits. No significant correlation is found for polyphenol content and DPPH, while an interaction (p < 0.005) between neochlorogenic acid content and peaches and nectarines is evidenced, with a neochlorogenic acid content higher in nectarines than in peaches.

MADS-box genes play well-documented roles in plant development, but relatively little is known regarding their involvement in defence responses. In this study, pre-treatment of peach (Prunus persica) fruit with β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) activated resistance against Rhizopus stolonifer , leading to a significant delay in the symptomatic appearance of disease. This was associated with an integrated defence response that included a H2O2 burst, ABA accumulation, and callose deposition. cDNA library screening identified nucleus-localized MADS2 as an interacting partner with NPR1, and this was further confirmed by yeast two-hybrid, luciferase complementation imaging, and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The DNA-binding activity of NPR1 conferred by the NPR1–MADS2 complex was required for the transcription of SA-dependent pathogenesis-related (PR) and ABA-inducible CalS genes in order to gain the BABA-induced resistance, in which MAPK1-induced post-translational modification of MADS2 was also involved. In accordance with this, overexpression of PpMADS2 in Arabidopsis potentiated the transcription of a group of PR genes and conferred fungal resistance in the transgenic plants. Conversely, Arabidopsis mads2 -knockout lines showed high sensitivity to the fungal pathogen. Our results indicate that MADS2 positively participates in BABA-elicited defence in peach through a combination of SA-dependent NPR1 activation and ABA signaling-induced callose accumulation, and that this defence is also related to the post-translational modification of MADS2 by MAPK1 for signal amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild peach is an important resource for improving existing peach varieties. However, the extant populations of wild peach show fragmented distribution due to human disturbance and geographic isolation. In this study, we used natural populations (or wild populations) of Prunus persica (Rosaceae) to assess the genetic effects of habitat fragmentation. A total of 368 individuals sampled from 16 natural populations were analyzed using 23 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Prunus persica maintained low within-population genetic variation and high level of genetic differentiation. Two genetic clusters were revealed based on three different methods (UPGMA, PCoA, and STRUCTURE). All populations showed a significant heterozygosity deficiency and most extant populations experienced recent reduction in population size. A significant isolation by distance (IBD) was observed with Mantel's test. Compared to historical gene flow, contemporary gene flow was restricted among the studied populations, suggesting a decrease in gene flow due to habitat fragmentation. Habitat fragmentation has impacted population genetic variation and genetic structure of P. persica. For breeding and conservation purpose, collecting as many individuals as possible from multiple populations to maximize genetic diversity was recommended during the process of germplasm collection. In addition, populations from central China had higher genetic diversity, suggesting these populations should be given priority for conservation and germplasm collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for skin-whitening agents is high across the world, including Asian countries. An extensive screening using a tyrosinase inhibition assay was performed in order to discover novel plant materials. In our research program investigating a safe and effective agent, 50% ethanolic extracts prepared from discarded parts of Prunus persica were screened for in vitro tyrosinase inhibitory activity. Among the extracts tested, twig extract showed the most potent inhibitory activity: 38% inhibition at 500 µg/mL. The investigation of active compounds in twig extract found four flavanones that acted as moderate inhibitors, including (−)-prunin, persiconin, (+)-dihydrokaempferol, and (−)-naringenin. These compounds were only observed in the twig extract following preliminary quantification by HPLC, with the following concentrations: (−)-prunin, 1.8 mg/g sample; persiconin, 0.8 mg/g sample; (+)-dihydrokaempferol, 0.8 mg/g sample; (−)-naringenin, 1.7 mg/g sample. These results suggest that twig extracts can be more useful for skin-whitening compared with other parts of the plant. In addition, a new constituent of twig extract was identified, namely isoquercitrin, which suggests that twig extract can be a potent source of flavones and flavanones. Further studies on the identification of novel compounds from twig extract are now underway in our laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotypes developed by the Peach Breeding Program at the Federal University of Viçosa, as regards to resistance to M. incognita. Six rootstocks genotypes propagated by cuttings (713-07, 713-13, 913-3, 913-6, 913-11 and 913-17) and two rootstocks propagated by seeds ('Okinawa' and hybrid between scion cultivars Aurora 2 x Aurora 1), were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized block design with five replicates and one plant per experimental units. After establishing the plants in pot, maintained in a greenhouse, this were inoculated with 11.000 juveniles + eggs of M. incognita. Evaluations were performed at 140 days after inoculation. The roots were evaluated and the number of galls and egg mass in the roots were determined. The eggs were extracted from each plant for quantification and determination of the Reproduction Factor (RF) of the nematode. The peach genotypes 913-3, 913-6, 913-11, 913-17 and 713-7 showed an immune reaction to M. incognita. Genotype 713-13 showed susceptible reaction to M. incognita. The hybrid between scion cultivars Aurora 2 x Aurora 1 confirmed susceptible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In 2021 an experiment was carried out at the Fruit Growing Institute – Plovdiv to establish the effect of the biological characteristics of the early fruit ripening peach cultivars ‘Flavia’ and ‘Filina’, the later ripening cultivars ‘Laskava’ and ‘Evmolpia’, the early ripening hybrid 19-78, as well as the late ripening one 7-59, on the quantitative ratio of the major chemical components in fruit and their relationship with the sensory characteristics. It was found that the content of soluble dry matter, total sugars and sucrose, which is the dominant sugar in peach fruits, showed a tendency to depend on the ripening period. The highest values were established in the late ripening cultivars ‘Laskava’ and ‘Evmolpia’, followed by the late ripening hybrid 7-59. The sensory profile of all the studied cultivars and hybrids was very good, the fruits of hybrid 7-59 and those of ‘Laskava’ cultivar having the highest overall sensory evaluation scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seasonal variations of the phenolic content in the stem bark of Prunus persica var. nucipersica were analyzed by using high pressure liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Great differences were observed for flavanone 5‐O‐glycosides, rutin and acetylated p‐coumaroylsucrose conjugates containing 0–4 acetyl groups. It is a matter of discussion in which period of the year, May‐August or September‐April, the bark of Prunus persica is the most valuable source of bioactive constituent. If the presence of rutin is desirable, May‐August is the appropriate harvest period, whereas September‐April is appropriate if the presence of flavanone 5‐O‐glycosides is of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The fruit surface has an enormous impact on the external appearance and postharvest shelf‐life of fruit. Here, we report two functionally redundant genes, PpMYB25 and PpMYB26, involved in regulation of fruit skin texture in peach.PpMYB25 can activate transcription of PpMYB26 and they both induce trichome development and cuticular wax accumulation, resulting in peach fruit with a fuzzy and dull appearance. By contrast, nonfunctional mutation of PpMYB25 caused by an insertional retrotransposon in the last exon in nectarine fails to activate transcription of PpMYB26, resulting in nectarine fruit with a smooth and shiny appearance due to loss of trichome initiation and decreased cuticular wax accumulation.Secondary cell wall biosynthesis in peach fruit pubescence is controlled by a transcriptional regulatory network, including the master regulator PpNAC43 and its downstream MYB transcription factors such as PpMYB42, PpMYB46 and PpMYB83.Our results show that PpMYB25 and PpMYB26 coordinately regulate fruit pubescence and cuticular wax accumulation and their simultaneous perturbation results in the origin of nectarine, which is botanically classified as a subspecies of peach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two trials were conducted under Mediterranean conditions to monitor several physiological indicators before harvest (leaf chlorophyll concentration, quantum yield of photosystem II electron transport, stem water potential, and stomatal conductance) and some agronomic performance parameters before and at harvest (vigor, fruit growth, fruit size, fruit weight, and yield), of 'Vairo' almond and 'Big Top' nectarine cultivars grafted onto eight Prunus rootstocks, six of which are common in both cultivars. For both 'Vairo' almond and 'Big Top' nectarine cultivars, factors including rootstock, date, and the interaction between rootstock and date, from fruit set to harvest were evaluated. Significantly affected were certain physiological and agronomical traits which were evaluated before harvest, with stem water potential being the parameter affected by interaction in both cultivars. In fact, the stem water potential presented low levels in Rootpac-20 and high levels in Rootpac-40 for both cultivars. With regard to the other physiological traits evaluated during the growing period, changes in stomatal conductance were observed in 'Vairo', but not in 'Big Top'. Comparing rootstocks throughout the season, Rootpac-40 and IRTA-1 exhibited the highest stomatal conductance values, whereas the lowest was observed in Rootpac-R; Rootpac-20 and Ishtara also presented low values. Regarding agronomical traits at harvest, GF-677 and IRTA-1 produced high yields for 'Vairo' almond cultivar, whereas Rootpac-40 and Ishtara performed better with 'Big Top' nectarine cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach trees showing witches'‐broom disease symptoms in the northwest of Iran were sampled for phytoplasma detection. PCR assays and Sanger sequence analyses indicated that ʻCandidatus Phytoplasma phoeniciumʼ was associated with peach witchesʼ‐broom disease. Virtual RFLP analyses of the 16S rRNA gene indicated that ʻCa. Phytoplasma phoeniciumʼ strain, which was prevalent in the northwest of Iran belonged to 16SrIX‐C subgroup. For the genomic characterization of Iranian ʻCa. Phytoplasma phoeniciumʼ strain, total DNA extracted from the infected peach trees was subjected to Illumina next‐generation sequencing. The NGS sequencing resulted in 41157647 read pairs of raw data. The raw reads length was 150 bp and the insert size was 350 bp. Assembly and genes clustering finally resulted in 750 contigs with a total size of 228345 bp. The GC content of sequence was 33.2%, N50 value was 259 and L50 value was 256. According to NCBI‐ PGAP annotation the genome of Prunus persica phytoplasma PP2 contained 410 genes including 377 CDSs with protein, 10 rRNAs, nine tRNAs and 14 pseudogenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate the cold shock, before cold storage, influence on quality of cold stored 'Douradão' peaches, with the objective to reduce the chilling injuries. For this, the fruits were exposed at -2 or -4 °C for 1, 2, or 3 hours. After treatments the fruits were stored at 0.5 ± 1 °C and 85-90% RH for 30 days. The variables evaluated suggests that the treatment with cold shock does not influence the physical and chemical fruit characteristics but intensifies and accelerates the onset of symptoms characteristic of chilling injuries. This may be associated with changes in enzymes of endo-PG, PME, PL and β-Gal amount and activity that affect the dynamics of cell wall degradation, in the case of woolliness and changes in enzymes PAL, POD and PPO activity and the increased membrane permeability in the case of internal browning. The anticipation of the chilling injuries and decay in fruits subjected to cold shock suggests that this practice should not be used in order to maintain the fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach post-harvest ripening is a complex developmental process controlled by a plethora of genetic and epigenetic factors. Specifically, it leads to protein, lipid and nucleic acid degradation, all resulting in cell death. Substantial research has been directed at investigating peach regulatory mechanisms underlying genomic, metabolomic and transcriptomic modifications occurring during this stage, and much progress has been made thanks to the advent of Next Generation Sequencing technologies. This review is focused on the latest multi-omics studies, with the aim of highlighting the most significant results and further investigating the regulation of the key genes involved in peach post-harvest processes and related physiology. By offering an exhaustive overview of peach omics profiles, it provides a comprehensive description of gene expression changes and their correlation with ripening stages, including some post-harvest treatments, as well as with volatile organic compound modifications. However, the present work highlights that, due to the complexity of the process, recent investigations do not elucidate all underlying molecular mechanisms, making further studies still necessary. For this reason, some key points for future research activities and innovative peach breeding programs are discussed, relying on trusted multi-omic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population of Xiphinema americanum species group was detected from the soil surronding the roots of peach (Prunus persica) during a survey of plant-parasitic nematodes in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. From the results of the morphological study, the species was identified as X. diffusum. Morphometrics of X. diffusum generally agree with those of the type species and the topotype specimens. Molecular analysis of 18S rDNA of X. diffusum from Pakistan indicated two nucleotide differences and 99 % similarity with the Chinese (AM086669) and the Australian (AM086685) population of X. diffusum. Phylogenetic analysis of 18S rDNA placed the Pakistanis population close to X. diffusum from China and Australia. This species is reported for the first time from Pakistan