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Berries have many biological and physiological functions such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory, and become a more popular food in China. Water‐soluble polyphenols are their main functional active substances, and aroma components contribute to the flavour. The contents of total phenol and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in ten berries grown in Northeast China were determined. Their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were also investigated. Ribes rubrum L. and Rubus glaucus showed a higher antioxidant capacity. Ribes rubrum L. and Lonicera caerulea have a broader antibacterial spectrum. There is a correlation between the content of hydroxyl compounds in radical antioxidant activity. The metabolic pathways of polyphenols and VOCs are correlated, indicating a rapid evaluation of the biological activity of berries using the determination of volatile components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Phenolic composition of three commercial Saskatoon berry varieties were determined. • TPCI and LC-MS were used to determine phenolic subclass and phenolic structures. • The Northline variety had the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity. • Pomace from commercial juice production was a significant source of phenolics. • A saskatoon berry phenolic extract slowed the oxidation of borage oil by ∼65% Total phenolic chromatographic indices (TPCI) of three commercially grown saskatoon berry varieties and a pomace from commercial juice production were determined. Northline was shown to have the highest TPCI of 504.2 mg/100 g FW. These results agreed with total phenolic content results for these varieties. The TPCI of the commercial pomace was 404.2 mg/100 g pomace indicating that a significant concentration of phenolics were present in this co-product, showing the commercial relevance of this material. A phenolic rich extract (PRE; 500 ppm) of the Northline variety was compared to BHT (0.02% w:w) and Rosamox (0.2% w:w) for delaying the oxidation of borage oil via rancimat analysis. Induction times were 1.46 h (borage oil), 1.44 h (Rosamox), 2.18 h (BHT), and 2.42 h (PRE), which was a ∼65% delay in the oxidation of borage oil. These results clearly support the value of this material as an antioxidant ingredient in foods, pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berries of Juniperus drupacea L. are important non-wood product used in traditional pekmez (fruit concentrate) production in Turkey. In this article, some chemical, nutritional and mineral properties of dried mature J. drupacea berries are reported. The materials were collected from Kahramanmaraş and Adana Provinces (Turkey). The results are given in the order of Kahramanmaraş and Adana; total dry matter 92.89 and 93.30%, water soluble dry matter 62.40 and 57.07%, protein 2.06 and 3.74%, lipid 5.49 and 3.84 g/100g, pH 5.53 and 5.65, titretable acidity 0.38 and 0.52%, K 14.5 and 17.3 g/kg, Ca 890.5 and 794.7 mg/kg, Na 67.0 and 68.1 mg/kg, Mg 439.2 and 543.6 mg/kg, Fe 33.8 and 65.8 mg/kg, Cu 4.4 and 5.5 mg/kg, Zn 16.5 and 18.1 mg/kg and finally Mn 4.7 and 5.1 mg/kg. In addition, holocellulose (carbohydrate) was determined as 14.29 and 16.01%, lignin (phenolic compounds) as 16.94 and 18.98% and ash (inorganic constituents) content as 4.00 and 3.38%. The soluble content of toluen/acetone/ethyl alcohol, hot water and cold water for Kahramanmaraş samples were 31.18, 67.08 and 60.74%. They were 37.56, 63.36 and 55.81% for specimens from Adana. The berries from Kahramanmaraş showed higher lipid, soluble solid, Ca and ash contents than those from Adana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberis microphylla G. Forst. ("calafate") is a native berry grown in the Patagonian area of Chile and Argentina. The calafate fruit have important commercial projection, given that contains antioxidant characteristics with high levels of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins. Recently, wild growth of calafate present in Region of Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena has been affected by symptoms of witch's broom, which is associated to infections caused by phytoplasmas. To determine the presence of phytoplasmas in calafate plants affected by these symptoms, symptomatic and asymptomatic samples were analyzed. To identify the phytopathogen, nested polymerase chain reaction (nested-PCR) was used with three pairs of primers (P1/P7, R16mF2/mR1, R16F2n/R2); sequencing of the fragments obtained from PCR and an in silico restriction analysis was carried out on the obtained genomic sequences. Results from nested-PCR showed an expected band of 1.2 kb only in the samples with symptoms. The nucleotide sequence obtained from the amplified DNA fragment had similarity to 99% of other phytoplasmas present in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, according to a basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analysis. Restriction analysis indicated that the amplified DNA fragment corresponded to a phytoplasma from the 16SrXIII-f group. In conclusion, the symptoms of witch's broom present in the analyzed calafate plants from Magallanes region signal the presence of the phytoplasma "Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum" pertaining to the group 16SrXIII-F. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional food is central to Inuit culture and sense of identity. Recent changes in lifestyle, climate, and animal populations have influenced how people practice and experience activities on the land. We summarize the findings of 191 new and archived interviews addressing the continued relationships of Inuit to berries in the Canadian territories of Nunavut, Nunavik, and Nunatsiavut. Berry plants have been and remain widely used throughout the study area. Berry picking is an important cultural activity that contributes to spiritual, personal, and community wellbeing. In some regions, the availability of berries and accessibility to berry patches are threatened by climate change, recent increases in goose populations, as well as community development. Study outcomes suggest that berry picking should be considered in land-use planning since, alongside hunting and fishing, it is an activity that contributes to physical and mental health while being an important cultural practice across Inuit territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The length of berry lag phase determines the overall time needed for grape berries to get mature, but the functional gene networks in this phase have not been well documented. In order to reveal the origin of the somatic variation and regulation mechanism of grape berry development and ripening, an early ripening mutant of Vitis vinifera with a shorter lag phase was used for transcriptome profiling. The RNA-seq results revealed that 2021 and 2470 genes were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in the early ripening mutant compared to the wild type. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the up-regulated genes belonged to several pathways and metabolisms, among which the most significant constituents were for biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and flavonoid biosynthesis. The down-regulated genes were involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, plant hormone signal transduction, and photosynthesis. Many transcription factors including WRKYs, AP2-EREBPs, and MYBs were also differentially expressed, suggesting their regulatory roles in berry development and ripening. The transcriptomic comparisons suggested that the prominent up-regulation of an Arabidopsis SnRK3.23 , CIPK23 or PKS17 homolog could have driven the early ripening phenotype in the mutant by activating the downstream VvABF2 transcription factor in the ABA signaling. At the same time, ethylene and auxin were also involved in this process. As a result, the major ripening related genes, e.g., MYBA1 , MYBA2 , VvUFGT , GRIP22 , and STS were activated in the mutant. The results are of importance for future studies on manipulation of grape berry ripening time. Highlights • Together, 2021 and 2470 genes were up- and down-regulated in the mutant, respectively. • The prominent up-regulation of SnRK3.23 homolog activates VvABF2 transcription factor in the ABA signaling. • At the same time, ethylene and auxin were also involved in this process. • The major ripening related MYBA1 , MYBA2 , and VvUFGT etc. were activated in the mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the limitations of cultivated areas, climate changes and degraded soils move the crops in greenhouses or under plastic. Also the soil problems and the need for space efficiency place the plants into containers that can be more controlled in terms of mobility and substrate adequate quality for each crop. Another reason to have the containerized crops are the market demand for fresh products out of the season time. Berries are fruits with very high value and profitability. Therefore, one by one, crops like raspberry, blackberry, currants and blueberry are going to be cultivated in pots anywhere it is a space available, and mainly in the protected field. The present work is about present and further solutions for urban horticulture focusing on the berry crops as an alternative for the open field technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 'Fengzao' is an early-ripening bud mutant of 'Kyoho', which matures nearly 30 days earlier than 'Kyoho'. To gain a better understanding of the regulatory role of miRNAs in early-ripening of grape berry, high-throughput sequencing approach and quantitative RT-PCR validation were employed to identify miRNAs at the genome-wide level and profile the expression patterns of the miRNAs during berry development in 'Kyho' and 'Fengzao', respectively. Results: Nine independent small RNA libraries were constructed and sequenced in two varieties from key berry development stages. A total of 108 known miRNAs and 61 novel miRNAs were identified. Among that, 159 miRNAs identified in 'Fengzao' all completely expressed in 'Kyoho' and there were 10 miRNAs specifically expressed in 'Kyoho'. The expression profiles of known and novel miRNAs were quite similar between two varieties. As the major differentially expressed miRNAs, novel_144, vvi-miR3626-3p and vvi-miR3626-5p only expressed in 'Kyoho', vvi-miR399b and vvi-miR399e were down-regulated in 'Fengzao', while vvi-miR477b-3p up-regulated in 'Fengzao'. According to the expression analysis and previous reports, miR169-NF-Y subunit, miR398-CSD, miR3626-RNA helicase, miR399- phosphate transporter and miR477-GRAS transcription factor were selected as the candidates for further investigations of miRNA regulation role in the early-ripening of grape. The qRT-PCR analyses validated the contrasting expression patterns for these miRNAs and their target genes. Conclusions: The miRNAome of the grape berry development of 'Kyoho', and its early-ripening bud mutant, 'Fengzao' were compared by high-throughput sequencing. The expression pattern of several key miRNAs and their target genes during grape berry development and ripening stages was examined. Our results provide valuable basis towards understanding the regulatory mechanisms of early-ripening of grape berry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluctuations in the yield of wild berries are markedly influenced by weather conditions. However, the cause–effect relationship is often poorly understood. Based on data spanning a 20-year period in Finland, we made an effort to elucidate the influence of different weather conditions on the yield of arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus L.). We analyzed the regression coefficients of various weather conditions in several regression models using the elaboration approach. Temperature accumulated in July had a positive effect on yield. Yield was negatively influenced by temperature accumulated during the previous summer, rainfall in the October of the previous year, and temperature accumulated in May of the same year. It is notable that the same weather conditions had a positive influence on yield of the same year whereas these conditions had a negative effect on the yield potential of the following year. Compared with traditional analysis methods, the elaboration approach provided a better understanding of the relationship between weather parameters and yield. The rarity of a good yield could be explained by the particular vulnerability of arctic bramble to the negative effects of weather conditions. Some of these factors could be controlled in field conditions when cultivating arctic bramble. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.; Ericales: Ericaceae) is an important crop grown throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Cross-pollination by insects greatly enhances pollination and fruit set in highbush blueberry. In Florida, low-chill cultivars that flower during the winter when most bees are dormant are used, thus, making it difficult to utilize and depend on unmanaged bees. We investigated flower visitation rates by managed and wild bees and the subsequent berry formation, berry weight, and number of seeds/berry in highbush blueberry fields in north-central Florida. Additionally, we tested three pollinator treatments: 1) pollinator-excluded flowers, 2) open-pollinated treatments that were available to managed and wild bees, and 3) flowers that were hand pollinated. Overall, we found seven native bee species that contribute to highbush blueberry pollination in Florida, but managed honey bees and bumble bees were the main flower visitors. Additionally, 14.5 times more blueberries formed in the open treatments than in the pollinator exclusion treatments, thus illustrating the economic impact bees have on blueberry pollination. Most of the wild bees observed visiting blueberry flowers were ground-nesting species that need uncultivated areas for nesting sites. Therefore, leaving field edges uncultivated and some undisturbed habitat may increase native bee numbers within blueberry farms over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) gas was used to control berry decay and rachis browning of table grape due to its antimicrobial and anti‐browning properties. It was proposed that if ClO2 gas is fully absorbed by the fruit, the maximum total ClO2 dose can be calculated based on the maximum allowable residual concentration. To avoid possible bleaching effects on grape peel from high concentrations of ClO2, the total amount of ClO2 gas needs to be injected into the packages in many small doses at specific time intervals over the course of the 90‐day storage period. Spoilage microorganism counts, decay rate, electrolyte leakage, rachis browning and residual ClO2 in berry were investigated. The results showed that ClO2 treatment could significantly reduce berry decay and rachis browning (p ≤ .05) compared to the control. Grape treated with 1.0 mg L−1 ClO2 6 times at 15‐day intervals maintained better fruit quality without any risks from the residual ClO2. Practical applications: The present research found that ClO2 treatment is useful for improving the microbial safety of grapes and reducing berry decay and rachis browning during storage, and low doses of ClO2 spread over many treatment can yield better results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Interest in organic blue honeysuckle berries has increased in recent years. They are rich in various health‐promoting compounds which are sensitive to different environmental factors and are modified during the growing season. RESULTS: Honeysuckle berries from different locations differed significantly in their contents of primary and secondary metabolites. The location Ogulin, with the highest altitude and consequently high UV radiation, had the highest phenolic content (259.85 mg per 100 g). Additionally, Vukovski Vrh, with the lowest temperature, had the highest ascorbic acid content (36.83 mg per 100 g), while Šmartno pri Litiji and Višnja Gora, with the highest precipitation, had the highest organic acid contents (885.85 and 850.01 mg per 100 g respectively). A combination of stressful environmental conditions of temperature, water source and light intensity led to the highest saponin content in Višnja Gora (695 mg per 100 g), the highest tannin content in Dolnje Impolje (134 mg per 100 g) and the highest sugar content (2585.45 mg per 100 g) in Vučetinac. CONCLUSION: The contents of bioactive substances were influenced by various environmental factors such as temperature, UV radiation, altitude, light intensity and fruit ripening stage. Different compounds respond distinctly to different environmental factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence sensors are useful tools for the non-destructive assessment of grape berry anthocyanins. The Multiplex (Mx) sensor here studied provides two anthocyanin indices: ANTH R  = log(1/Chl-fluorescence_R) and ANTH RG  = log(Chl-fluorescence_R/Chl-fluorescence_G), based on the chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence excited with red (R) and green (G) light. These indices were calibrated against wet chemistry. The dependence of anthocyanin prediction models on cultivar, season and site was studied on four cultivars in two Italian regions during three consecutive years. The 2010 global model (all cultivars at both growing sites) gave relative prediction errors on anthocyanin content less than 14.1% (ANTH R ) and 19.0% (ANTH RG ). The ANTH RG was independent of season, maintaining a relative error of about 20% in both 2011 and 2012. In field applications of the calibrated Mx, it showed its ability to detect inter-plot and inter-season differences on both growing sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of berries is a difficult concept to describe objectively. The aim of this review is, to better define the concept of quality in berries, and summarize the main pre-harvest factors that influence quality of the fruit. Berry quality could be defined as a set of agronomic/commercial, organoleptic and nutritional qualities: the first one comprising of characters that belong to the adaptation of the plant to specific cultivation such as fruit size, plant yield, harvesting speed, and resistance to pests and diseases. Organoleptic quality is the main set of characteristics generally related to quality attributes that are recognizable through the five senses of the consumer. Finally, nutritional quality is the “hidden” quality present in berry fruits, that comprises all the macro- and micro-nutrients, vitamins and bioactive compounds. Not only are these characteristics very variable among different species, but also among different cultivars within the same species. This kind of variability is ascribed to the category of genetic factors. The adaptability of berries to different climatic conditions (different latitude, soil conditions, production cycle, light exposition, etc.) represent the environmental factor that influence fruit quality. Finally, also the so called agronomic factors, related to the cultivation systems (open field or protected or soilless cultivation, organic or conventional cultivation), fertilization, water stress and salinity, and fruit harvest, influence the final quality of the berry fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bush vigor, berry physical traits and chemical composition, seasonal changes of leaf macronutrients content and leaf mineral status at mid-summer (120 DAFB, Days After Full Bloom) were evaluated in black, red and white currants and their cultivars which are grown on heavy soil, and with reduced cultural practices, except pruning, fertilization with cattle manure and weed control with herbicide, under western Serbian conditions. Results indicated that black currant had lower bush size, yield, bunch weight and number of berries per bunch, but had significantly higher berry weight as compared to red and white currants. Red and white currants had similar bush size, yield and bunch weight. Berries of black currant contained much higher levels of soluble solids content, acidity, vitamin C, total phenolics and flavonoids content than both red and white currants, whereas ripening index was similar. Leaf of black currants had lower macronutrients content, except leaf Mg, as compared with others. Very high excesses of all leaf macronutrients content, except in some cases for leaf N and Mg, were observed in currants in mid summer, i. e. at 120 DAFB. Black currant showed the best balanced nutritional values, whereas red currant showed a wider imbalance in nutritional values. Beside currant species, strong effect of cultivar per se was found on the most of evaluated features. Generally, black currant cv. ‘Eva’, red currant cv. ‘Slovakia’, somewhat ‘Detvan’, and white currant cv. ‘Primus’ had higher bush size, better berry physico-chemical attributes and higher leaf macronutrients content than others. Finally, ‘Eva’, ‘Tatran’ and ‘Meridian’ showed the best balanced nutritional values at 120 DAFB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenols, present in berries, are thought to be responsible for the health benefits of these fruit. Therefore, it is worthwhile to define the optimal environmental conditions to maximise their polyphenol content. OBJECTIVE: With the aim to define the optimal conditions for berry cultivation in an innovative environment, red raspberry, wild strawberry and blackberry plants were grown in a traditional greenhouse in comparison with two photovoltaic greenhouses with different shading area. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic extracts of ripe berries were evaluated by HPLC analysis, for their anthocyanins, organic acids and sugar contents. Moreover, phenolic content (by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay) and antioxidant activity (by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity-TEAC assay) were assayed on the same berry extracts. RESULTS: Total anthocyanins, phenols content and antioxidant capacity tended to increase in berries grown under shading. The sugars content was, mostly, not negatively influenced by the shading. Conversely, the organic acids content, in some instances, increased along with the shading percentage. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that it is possible to combine the greenhouse production of high-quality berries (with a particular focus on polyphenols, bioactive compounds valuable for human health) with the production of renewable energy, in the context of sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentration of trace and major elements is an important indicator of nutritional value of food, also regarding cultivated food crops like fruits, berries, and vegetables. Concentration of elements differs regionally and is influenced by various factors. Nevertheless, some chemical elements (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn, etc.) are known as environmental pollutants and may affect the quality and safety of crops and food products. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of potentially toxic elements like Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in samples of berries grown in allotment gardens of Rīga city. Dried and homogenised samples of raspberries, strawberries, red currants, black currants, gooseberries, and cherries were mineralised in a solution of concentrated HNO3/H2O2 by heating on a thermoblock. Quantitative analysis of sample solutions was performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Potentially toxic elements were in concentrations as follows: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd. Mean concentrations of the elements of the major concern were: Ni 0.54 mg/kg, Pb 0.20 mg/kg, Cr 0.10 mg/kg, and Cd 0.03 mg/kg. Results indicated significant variability of element concentration among the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Goji berries ( Lycium barbarum L.) are functional fruits but are usually marketed as a dried product. The aim of this study was to investigate the storability of fresh goji berries treated with high CO2 and low O2 concentrations before air storage at 1 °C for 21 days. RESULTS Berries harvested without stems were exposed to air (controls) or subjected for 2 days at 1 °C to the following controlled atmosphere (CA) treatments: 21% O2 + 0% CO2 (21+0), 5% O2 + 15% CO2 (5+15), 10% O2 + 10% CO2 (10+10) and 20% O2 + 20% CO2 (20+20). During 14 days of storage, all treatments decreased weight loss, while treatments 5+15 and 20+20 prevented fungal decay. No fermentation was observed. The treatments did not affect color changes, decreases in soluble sugars and increases in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids, total phenolics and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) during storage, apart from the marginally reduced FRAP by treatment 20+20 on day 7. Treatments 5+15, 10+10 and 20+20 resulted in residual decreases in respiration rates and pH values early during storage. After 14 days of storage, panelists rated the CA-treated samples as sweet, with good acceptance. CONCLUSION Treatments 5+15 and 20+20 showed the best results after 14 days of storage. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field fertilization experiments with black currants have given inconsistent and often nonsignificant results. Therefore, we used an experimental system with single-stemmed plants grown in pots and fertilized by controlled trickle fertigation during both the period of flower formation in autumn and during berry development to study fertilization effects in black currants. Continuation of nutrient supply until mid-September, or a one-week pulse of generous supply in early September delayed growth cessation and floral initiation, and increased total flowering and berry yield in the following season. Such autumn fertilization did not adversely affect plant winter survival and growth vigour in the spring. Berry yield and fruit size also increased with increasing nutrient supply during fruit development in cultivars ‘Ben Tron’ and ‘Narve Viking’, while they were unaffected in ‘Hedda’ and decreased with increasing supply in the high-arctic ‘Imandra’. However, berry dry matter and the concentration of soluble solids and a range of health-related chemical constituents decreased with increasing nutrient supply in all cultivars. This was mainly a dilution effect related to increases in berry size. Yield potential and berry concentrations of nutritionally related chemical constituents varied significantly between the cultivars, being generally highest in ‘Ben Tron’ and ‘Narve Viking’, and lowest in ‘Hedda’. Leaf macro-mineral content at harvest time increased with increasing nutrient supply, but varied markedly between the cultivars. While ‘Imandra’ had higher leaf concentration of N than the other cultivars, ‘Ben Tron’ had remarkably low concentrations of K, as also reported in other investigations. The recommended range of leaf K content is therefore imprecise as a basis for fertilization of this cultivar. The results are discussed and we conclude that the present experimental system has clear advantages over traditional, long-term field experiments. We further conclude that black currants should preferentially be fertilized in early autumn, immediately after berry harvest, as this will enhance flower formation and subsequent berry yield without adversely affecting berry concentrations of important fruit quality constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a rapid and sensitive method based on secondary electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (SESI-MS) for profiling volatile emissions from the intact berries of non-Muscat grape cultivars (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc). The method does not require sample preparation or concentration steps. Grape volatiles were tentatively identified based on accurate mass, the related elemental composition and literature. Approximately 300 peaks were detected in positive ion mode, and fewer (70–100) in negative ion mode. We monitored changes in grape berry volatile composition during ripening to screen for potential ripeness markers and observed ten [M+H] + peaks and two [M-H] - peaks that evolved in a significant linear trend (R 2 ≥ 0.80, p < 0.05) for the combined data across all cultivars either increasing or decreasing in the final four weeks of ripening. Peaks assigned to C 13 -norisoprenoids and benzenoid derivatives have shown similar trends in previous studies using offline gas chromatography (GC) approaches. Principal components analysis showed that negative ion mode clearly separated each stage of grape ripeness, whilst positive ion mode only separated berries in the final stage, pre-harvest. From this preliminary study, we conclude that SESI-MS holds promise as a tool for rapid screening of grape volatiles. Some marker ions had no interfering peaks within a 1-Da window, such that they could be monitored with simple unit-resolution instruments in future studies. This implies that SESI-MS in combination with portable MS instrumentation has potential for field analysis where real-time analysis is key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out during 2015 and 2016 seasons to examine the effect of spraying amino acids enriched with N,P,K,Mg,Zn,Fe,Mn and B on overcoming irregular berries colouration problem and improving both yield and quality of the berries in grapevines cv. Flame seedless grown under Minia Governorate dimatic conditions. Spraying was done three times. Treating the vines three times with various nutrients besides amino acids at 0.1% was very effective in enhancing growth, vine nutritional status, berries colouration, yield and quality of the berries over the check treatment. Treating the vines with all nutrients (N,P,K,Mg,Zn,Fe,Mn and B) plus amino acids was superior than using nutrients alone in this respect. Using amino acids was essential for enhancing the efficiency of using nutrients. For promoting berries colouration, yield and quality of the berries in Flame seedless grapevines grown under Minia Governorate dimatic condition, it is necessary to use a mixture of NPKMgZnFeMnB and amino acids at 0.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to determine the phenolic profile of Vitis vinifera L. cv. “Italia” table grapes during ripening, as influenced by the harvest date and berry heterogeneity. The results showed that this cultivar is rich in phenolic compounds with health-promoting properties, particularly at early harvest stage (341 and 178 mg/kg berries of total phenols in the skin and pulp, respectively). Caftaric acid was the most abundant compound in the skin (28.95–51.93 mg/kg), while p -coumaroyl-glucose was the highest in the pulp (6.39–17.18 mg/kg). Low levels of resveratrol (0.11–0.29 mg/kg) were found in the skin starting from day 14 of the harvest. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model the evolution of phenolic compounds in berries during ripening. The regression models were highly significant for protocatechuic acid, catechin, epicatechin and t -resveratrol in the skin, and total hydroxycinnamoyl tartaric acids in the pulp ( R ≥ 0.80). This modeling could be a tool that would permit better exploitation of maximum accumulation of phenolic compounds in the vineyard by selecting the most suitable combination of sampling date and berry density. An adequate sampling strategy could be implemented to increase the content of specific bioactive phenolic compounds according to consumer preference, thus promoting the health-promoting quality of fresh table grapes and ready-to-eat fruit salads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanin profiles, polyphenols and flavonoids contents, and the antioxidant capacities of 13 blueberry ( Vaccinium corymbosum L. and Vaccinium corymbosum L ./V. angustifolium Ait.) cultivars were determined and compared, including six cultivars for the first time. Although similar anthocyanins were found in the 13 cultivars, their concentrations and proportions were cultivar-dependent. Bluegold, Berkeley, and St. Cloud displayed particular anthocyanin profiles. Half-high cultivars had higher concentrations and proportions of anthocyanidins than highbush cultivars. The Pearson correlations and principal component analysis (PCA), performed to evaluate differences among cultivars, showed that anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids contents were significantly and positively correlated with blueberry antioxidant capacities. The 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical assay was less suited to assess antioxidant capacities based on flavonoids than ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Although highbush cultivars could not be separated from half-high cultivars by PCA, each group had its own distribution area, which might be due to the peculiarities of each cultivar, possibly due to genetic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The effect of season and deficit irrigation treatments was monitored on berry development and composition, yield and wine composition of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon grown in a hot climate during 2003-2005. Methods and Results The treatments were regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and prolonged deficit irrigation (PD), compared with a standard industry irrigation (Control) treatment. Compared to the Control, RDI berries were smaller from a reduction in mesocarp (flesh) rather than in exocarp (skin) or seed mass but insufficient to significantly impact on yield. The PD treatment reduced berry size driven by mesocarp reduction resulting in a lower yield. Season 2005 had a significantly larger yield, mainly as a result of increased berry fresh mass, exocarp and seed mass compared to that of either 2003 or 2004. Grape juice TSS and pH were not significantly affected by water deficit, but each varied between seasons. The malic acid concentration of grape juice was reduced by the RDI and PD treatments, resulting in enhancement of the tartaric : malic acid ratio. Grape anthocyanin at harvest was unaffected by irrigation treatment but significantly impacted by season. Wine colour density, anthocyanin, ionised anthocyanin and phenolic substances were increased by RDI and PD and impacted by season. Conclusions Wine attributes were improved further by PD relative to RDI. Seasonal effects were shown to have an impact greater than the within-season water deficit treatments on most aspects of berry development and composition. Significance of the Study The study has demonstrated the utility of the PD treatment as an irrigation tool, where water availability is significantly limited and/or where improved spectral properties are required for wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethylene is important during the berry development and in the last stages of rachis development or rachis senescence. Since grapes develop in a cluster that comprises both the fruit berry and the nonfruit rachis, we measured the release of ethylene from both tissues. Detached berries from Vitis vinifera 'Ruby Seedless' and 'Thompson Seedless' showed that ethylene release peaks at the beginning of berry development and at veraison. Ethylene production in the rachis was higher than that in the berry and had an obvious peak before harvest in 'Thompson Seedless'. In both cultivars, ethephon treatment induced ethylene production in the rachis but not in the berry. Expression of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase (ACO) genes showed diverse temporal and spatial patterns in 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Ruby Seedless'. For most gene family members, the low ACS expression levels were observed in berry and rachis. Expression levels of most of the ACS and ACO genes did not correlate with ethylene released in the same organ. The transcriptional level of VvACS1 did correlate with ethylene evolution in rachis of 'Thompson Seedless' during berry development and storage, which suggested that VvACS1 may have important roles in rachis senescence. In berries of 'Thompson Seedless' and 'Ruby Seedless', the transcriptional levels of VvACO1, VvACS2, and VvACS6 coincided with ethylene production, indicating possible roles in berry development. Expression of VvACS2-VvACO9 and VvACO1-VvACO3 was not consistent with ethylene production during storage or in response to ethephon treatment, which suggests that the expression of ACS and ACO was affected by other stress factors after harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early ripening is an important desirable attribute for fruit crops. 'Kyoho' is a popular table grape cultivar in many Asian countries. 'Fengzao' is a bud mutant of 'Kyoho' and ripens nearly 30 days earlier than 'Kyoho'. To identify genes controlling early fruit development and ripening in 'Fengzao', RNA-Seq profiles of the two cultivars were compared at 8 different berry developmental stages in both berry peel and flesh tissues. Methods: RNA-Seq profiling of berry development between 'Kyoho' and 'Fenzhao' were obtained using the Illumina HiSeq system and analyzed using various statistical methods. Expression patterns of several selected genes were validated using qRT-PCR. Results: About 447 millions of RNA-Seq sequences were generated from 40 RNA libraries covering various different berry developmental stages of 'Fengzao' and 'Kyoho'. These sequences were mapped to 23,178 and 22,982 genes in the flesh and peel tissues, respectively. While most genes in 'Fengzao' and 'Kyoho' shared similar expression patterns over different berry developmental stages, there were many genes whose expression were detected only in 'Fengzao' or 'Kyoho'. We observed 10 genes in flesh tissue and 22 genes in peel tissue were differentially expressed at FDR ⩽ 0.05 when the mean expression of 'Fengzao' and 'Kyoho' were compared. The most noticeable one was _214s0030g00950 (a superoxide dismutase gene). This ROS related gene showed lower expression levels in 'Fengzao' than 'Kyoho' in both peel and flesh tissues across various berry developmental stages with the only exception at véraison. VIT_200s0238g00060 (TMV resistance protein n-like) and VIT_213s0067g01100 (disease resistance protein at3g14460-like) were the two other noticeable genes which were found differentially expressed between the two cultivars in both peel and flesh tissues. GO functional category and KEGG enrichment analysis of DEGs indicated that gene activities related to stress and ROS were altered between the two cultivars in both flesh and peel tissues. Several differentially expressed genes of interest were successfully validated using qRT-PCR. Conclusions: Comparative profiling analysis revealed a few dozens of genes which were differentially expressed in the developing berries of 'Kyoho' and its early ripening mutant 'Fengzao'. Further analysis of these differentially expressed genes suggested that gene activities related to ROS and pathogenesis were likely involved in contributing to the early ripening in 'Fengzao'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traits such as berry weight, firmness, and sweetness are important determinants of consumer choice and marketability of table grapes. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses of berry traits have been conducted and markers have been developed mainly in Vitis vinifera. Interspecific hybrid grape ( Vitis labruscana × V. vinifera) is particularly valuable in wet climates, but no QTL analyses of its berry traits have been reported. Using 98 F individuals from a V. labruscana × V. vinifera cross, we performed QTL analysis of eight berry traits. We identified eight related QTLs-two for berry cracking, one for berry weight, two for firmness, one for harvest date, one for soluble solids concentration, and one for titratable acidity. Among them, the QTL for berry weight on linkage group (LG) 11 had the strongest and most stable effect over 4 years. This QTL might provide a reliable marker, as variations in berry weight are due mainly to genotype effects. The alleles for increasing berry weight and for increasing berry cracking were linked on LG 11. These results will contribute to marker-assisted selection in table grape breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cultivation of mulberry (Rubus sp.) is highly disseminated in cold climates, but some cultivars adapt to warm weather environments. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the production of blackberry and redberry in season and off season in Pouso Alegre, south of Minas Gerais. The experimental design was a randomized block, with twelve cultivars ('Arapaho', 'Xavante', 'Brazos', 'Tupy' 'Comanche', 'Choctaw', 'Guarani', 'Caingangue', 'Cherokee', 'Chicasaw' and 'Clone' and a redberry, three blocks and an experimental unit of four plants with a spacing of 0.5x3.0m and a total density of 6,666 plants per hectare. Conventional pruning was performed to produce the crop (October-December) and for off-season production (April- July). In 'Brazos' there was increased production in the two seasons evaluated against other mulberry trees, conversely, in the off season, there was a positive effect of pruning carried out in January only in 'Tupy', 'Choctaw', 'Comanche' and 'Clone', with 'Tupy' presenting the highest productivity off season. In 'Brazos' and 'Tupy' there was the best balance between soluble solids and acidity in the crop and red berry in season. 'Brazos' and 'Cherokee' had the highest average content of total sugars. Due to the lack of supply of fruit, pruning mulberry trees in January is an alternative to increase the income of family-based farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Volatile thiols largely contribute to the organoleptic characteristics and typicity of Sauvignon blanc wines. Among this family of odorous compounds, 3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol (3SH) and 4-methyl-4-sulfanylpentan-2-one (4MSP) have a major impact on wine flavor. These thiols are formed during alcoholic fermentation by the yeast from odorless, non-volatile precursors found in the berries and the must. The present study investigates the effects of vine nitrogen (N) status on 3SH and 4MSP content in Sauvignon blanc wine and on the glutathionylated and cysteinylated precursors of 3SH (Glut-3SH and Cys-3SH) in the berries and the must. This is paralleled by a RNA-seq analysis of gene expression in the berries. The impact of N supply on the expression of the glutathione-S-transferase 3 and 4 (VviGST3 and VviGST4) and the γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (VviGGT), considered as key genes in their biosynthesis, was also evaluated. Results: N supply (N100 treatment) increased the 3SH content in wine while no effect was noticed on 4MSP level. Furthermore, N supply increased Glut-3SH levels in grape berries at late berry ripening stages, and this effect was highly significant in must at harvest. No significant effect of N addition was noticed on Cys-3SH concentration. The transcript abundance of the glutathione-S-transferases VviGST3 and VviGST4 and the γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (VviGGT), were similar between the control and the N100 treatment. New candidate genes which might be implicated in the biosynthetic pathway of 3SH precursors were identified by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq). Conclusions: High vine N status has a positive effect on 3SH content in wine through an increase of Glut-3SH levels in grape berries and must. Candidate GSTs and glutathione-S-conjugates type transporters involved in this stimulation were identified by RNA-seq analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Accelerated berry sugar accumulation resulting in wines of excessive alcohol concentration, sub-optimal colour and atypical flavour has become increasingly frequent in warm growing districts, a trend induced by factors that include global warming. The application of a film-forming antitranspirant may be an effective way of reducing early sugar accumulation without affecting colour development. Methods and Results An antitranspirant emulsion was applied in 2013 and in 2014 on field-grown cv. Barbera vines at pre-flowering ( PF), pre-veraison ( PV) and at both dates ( PFPV), and compared with the unsprayed control. Post-treatment assessment included seasonal gas exchange, yield components, growth of berry organs and must composition. Although all treatments were effective in reducing gas exchange by as much as 46% compared with that of the control, berry growth was not affected. Conversely, whereas PF slightly modified the ripening pattern, PV and PFPV markedly delayed accumulation of sugar in the warm 2013 season (−2.4 and −3.7° Brix, respectively, vs control) without detriment to colour development because the onset of anthocyanins occurred at lower TSS. In the cooler, wet 2014 season, PV and PFPV were again able to delay sugar accumulation without affecting colour development. Conclusions Pre-veraison application of the antitranspirant alone or in combination with a PF spray proved effective in slowing sugar accumulation while avoiding concurrent delay of colour development. Significance of the Study The use of antitranspirants is a practical and flexible way of regulating the sugar : anthocyanin ratio under conditions of excessively fast ripening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the floricane leaf nutrient content, vegetative growth, and yield of two blackberry (Rubus spp.) cultivars (Tupy and Xavante), in response to rate of potassium (K) fertilization (0.0, 2.1, 4.2, 6.2, or 8.3 g/plant of K). The research was conducted in a region of low chill (342 chill hours) in southern Brazil (lat. 31°40' 46.98 S, long. 52°26' 4.36 W), and soil with pH 5.9, organic matter (OM) 1.1% and K 58.0 g⋅m-3. In 2009, only calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) leaf concentration were affected by K application, and leaf K level was considered below normal for blackberry in Brazil. In 2010 and 2011, leaf K of blackberry in Brazil increased linearly in both cultivars with an increase in applied K. However, leaf K of blackberry in Brazil only reached its recommended levels for optimal growth in 2010 with the application of 2.1 and 8.3 g/plant of K for 'Tupy' and 'Xavante', respectively. In 2011, an antagonistic relationship was seen between leaf nitrogen (N)/K and K/Ca and K/Mg ratios with increasing K rates, where increasing K rates were accompanied by a linear decrease in the N/K ratio and a linear increase in the K/Ca and K/Mg ratios. Micronutrients evaluated showed no significant response to applied rates of K. A decrease in floricane leaf concentration of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) was also observed over years of the study. Potassium fertilization rates influenced the vegetative growth of blackberries. 'Tupy' showed increased cane density and pruning weights with increased rates of K application up to 8.3 g/plant, whereas cane density was optimized in 'Xavante' at 4.2 g/plant. The fruit yield of 'Tupy' and 'Xavante' increased linearly with K application per plant in all three years, indicating that K fertilization may be limiting the yield potential of these cultivars. These results suggest that the current K fertilizer recommendations may need to be increased for optimal production in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past several years, strawberry production in Canada and the United States has been severely affected by strawberry acute decline symptoms. The decline disease is apparently caused by synergistic infections of several viruses, includingStrawberry mild yellow edge virus(SMYEV) andStrawberry mottle virus(SMoV). To better understand the causal viral pathogens, we cloned and sequenced the entire genome of a SMYEV isolate, AB5-2, from a strawberry field in Prince Edward Island. The viral genome of AB5-2 consists of 5969 nucleotides excluding the 3ʹ terminal poly(A) tail. Searches of the NCBI database identified two SMYEV isolates (MY-18 from the USA and D74 from Germany) whose complete genome sequences were documented and 28 SMYEV isolates with determined coat protein (CP) sequences. At the genome level, the Canadian SMYEV isolate shares 86% and 90% nucleotide sequence identities to MY-18 and D74, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of all CP sequences available clustered 28 SMYEV isolates into five phylogroups, including AB5-2 alone as a new group, suggesting this Canadian isolate is distinct from SMYEV isolates of other origins. This report represents the first molecular characterization of a SMYEV isolate from Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A brown leaf spot disease was observed on Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) in Zhejiang Province, China during 2012 and 2014. A fungus was isolated from diseased leaves showing typical symptoms of brown leaf spot. The pathogenicity of the isolated fungus was confirmed through inoculation experiments. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses, the pathogen was identified asPestalotiopsis clavispora(G. F. Atk.) Steyaert. This is the first report ofP. clavisporacausing brown leaf spot on Chinese bayberry in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in exploring new and exotic types of berries has grown in recent years. Highly valued for its unique flavor, texture and color, recent researches have shown that Andean berries are an important source of bioactive compounds. This article provides botanical and agronomic descriptions and reviews the chemical and biological activities of two types of berries (Physalis peruviana L. and Solanum betaceum C.) and one commonly known as a berry, Rubus glaucus B. All highly consumed in Ecuador and enjoying great popularity in Andean traditional medicine. Although both traditional folk medicine and composition of these berries suggest significant health benefits, few studies to date have investigated these potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The fly Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an endemic pest, native to Southern Asia which has recently invaded western countries. Since its detection in 2008 in California and Spain, it is now established in North America and in many European countries. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to evaluate the pest's economic impact on the soft fruit industry in the Province of Trento, a region in the North East of Italy, which is one of the most productive soft fruit areas in Europe. METHODS: The evaluation takes into account both the growers' potential revenue losses and the costs of pest control and uses a partial budgeting approach. Two scenarios are evaluated: the one before and the one after the implementation of an integrated control strategy for D. suzukii. RESULTS: Before the adoption of an integrated pest control strategy, the estimated revenue losses amounted to about 13% of the industry's output. After the implementation of an integrated strategy this loss decreased to about 7% of the industry's output. CONCLUSIONS: The adopted strategy seems effective in mitigating the pest's economic impact. The knowledge about D. suzukii's impact and its management would benefit from further analysis encompassing a larger geographical scope and longer time series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry production in the U.S. Intermountain West is limited by harsh climatic conditions and competition from domestic producers and imports. Using season extension methods to combat climatic conditions may be effective but generally increases production costs. This study evaluates the economic returns to implementing high tunnels, low tunnels, and in-ground supplemental heating to strawberry production (Seascape and Chandler cultivars) in northern Utah. The high tunnel provided a net return of $1,943.57 or $15,548.56 per hectare assuming eight high tunnels per hectare. The addition of low tunnels within the high tunnel led to a positive increase in net returns for 'Seascape' but not for 'Chandler' production. Supplemental in-ground heating increased net returns by up to 50% for both cultivars, primarily as a result of higher pre- season yield and market pricing. Study results find that season extension technologies can successfully increase net returns to strawberry production through early and increased yields, when strawberries are sold primarily through local direct markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Grape berry growth and composition depend on complex interactions between the genotypes of the rootstock and the scion, vineyard management and environmental factors. The present work aimed to characterise the effect of rootstock genotype and water deficit on the primary and secondary metabolism of the grape berry. Methods and Results V itis vinifera cv. Pinot Noir grafted on either rootstock 110 R (drought tolerant, mid to high vigour) or 125 AA (drought sensitive, high vigour) was studied during three growing seasons in the field under normal rainfall or water shortage conditions. Water status, yield and berry composition (sugars, organic acids, free amino acids and anthocyanins) were measured throughout berry development during the three growing seasons. Water stress did not significantly affect berry mass, yield, sugar and organic acids concentration, but increased anthocyanin concentration of the berries regardless of the rootstock. Furthermore, the data showed that the berry amino acid concentration at harvest depended on interactions between water supply and rootstocks. Conclusions Scion berry composition differed only slightly between the two rootstocks tested. Rootstocks and water stress, however, affected the concentration of amino acids, and plants grafted onto 125 AA were more sensitive to drought stress. Significance of the Study This work provides novel insights into the response of grape berry metabolites to rootstock and to drought in a changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]