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Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is involved in multiple functions in plants. However, its role in some metabolic pathways and exogenous application’s effect on fruits is still unclear. Furthermore, the effects of pre-storage melatonin treatment on sensory traits and consumer acceptance of cherries have yet to be studied. For this reason, the early sweet cherry cultivar ‘Samba’ harvested at the commercial ripening stage was treated with different melatonin concentrations (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mmol L−1) and stored for 21 days under controlled cold temperature and humidity. The standard quality, respiration rate, postharvest aptitude, sensory quality, phenols, and antioxidant systems (non-enzymatic and enzymatic) were analysed at 14 and 21 days of storage. Postharvest treatment with melatonin 0.5 mmol L−1 improved firmness and reduced weight loss and non-commercial fruit percentage while increasing respiration rate, lipophilic antioxidant activity, and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity. Furthermore, the treated cherries showed better sensory qualities, such as uniformity of colour and skin colour, as well as being sourer and showing better consumer acceptance and liking after 14 days of storage. Therefore, we conclude that the 0.5 mmol L−1 concentration is effective on the standard, sensory, and bioactive quality of early sweet cherries and can be considered an eco-friendly tool for maintaining the postharvest quality of early cherries.

Here we report on metabolites found in a targeted profiling of ‘Summit’ flower buds for nine years, which could be indicators for the timing of endodormancy release (t1) and beginning of ontogenetic development (t1*). Investigated metabolites included chrysin, arabonic acid, pentose acid, sucrose, abscisic acid (ABA), and abscisic acid glucose ester (ABA-GE). Chrysin and water content showed an almost parallel course between leaf fall and t1*. After ‘swollen bud’, water content raised from ~60 to ~80% at open cluster, while chrysin content decreased and lost its function as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Both parameters can be suitable indicators for t1*. Arabonic acid showed a clear increase after t1*. Pentose acid would be a suitable metabolite to identify t1 and t1*, but would not allow describing the ecodormancy phase, because of its continuously low value during this time. Sucrose reached a maximum during ecodormancy and showed a significant correlation with air temperature, which confirms its cryoprotective role in this phase. The ABA content showed maximum values during endodormancy and decreased during ecodormancy, reaching 50% of its content t1 at t1*. It appears to be the key metabolite to define the ecodormancy phase. The ABA-GE was present at all stages and phases and was much higher than the ABA content and is a readily available storage pool in cherry buds.

Orchard net cover improves plant physiology, yield and fruit quality, pest and disease control, and anticipates fruit ripening. Moreover, this crop technology has been used to reduce natural cherry cracking (NCC). This is a serious physiological disorder that cracks the epidermis, the hypodermis, and the storage parenchyma layers of the fruit due to rainfall events near the harvest and it is related to low fruit osmotic potential and/or high fruit water permeability. This work aims to study the effect of orchard net cover on sweet cherry trees, cv. Early Bigi, in two harvesting years (2019 and 2021). The NCC, the induced cracking index (CI), and the cracking type incidence were determined. In addition, epicuticular and intra-cuticular wax content, biometric and physicochemical parameters were also evaluated. Net cover reduced the natural cracking index by 40%. High fruit weight values were observed in covered trees comparing to the control ones, with increases of 45% and 13%, in 2019 and 2021, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between CI and total soluble solids and a negative correlation between CI and wax content. Therefore, with forecasts of worsening heavy precipitation events near harvest, protecting cherry trees with nets will increase resistance to fruit cracking.

The influence of three cultivars (‘Carmen’, ‘Kordia’ and ‘Regina’) grafted on six rootstocks (Mahaleb, ‘Colt’, ‘Oblacinska’, ‘M × M 14′, ‘Gisela 5′ and ‘Gisela 6′) on the phenolic profile of sweet cherry fruits was studied during a two-year period. All the individual phenolic compounds were detected using high-pressure liquid chromatography with diode-array detection coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MSn). In all the examined samples, 54 compounds were identified and divided into five phenolic classes: anthocyanins (4 compounds), flavonols (7), flavanols (11), flavanones (4), and hydroxycinnamic acids (28). Anthocyanins (58%) and hydroxycinnamic acids (31%) showed the greatest amounts in all the examined fruit samples. PCA analysis revealed that among the cultivars, ‘Kordia’ showed the highest phenolic content. Regarding rootstocks, the lowest values of the most important phenolic compounds were obtained in fruits from trees grafted onto the seedling rootstock Mahaleb. Among the clonal rootstocks, the vigorous ‘Colt’ and dwarf ‘Gisela 5′ promoted the highest values of the evaluated phenolic compounds in the cultivars ‘Kordia’ and ‘Carmen’, while the dwarf ‘Oblacinska’ and semi-vigorous ‘M × M 14′ induced the highest values in the cultivar ‘Regina’. By evaluating the influence of cultivars and rootstocks on the phenolic content in fruit, it has been proven that the cultivar has the most significant influence. However, the rootstock also influences the content of a large number of phenolic compounds. The selection of an adequate cultivar/rootstock combination can also be a powerful tool for improving the phenolic content in fruits, and consequently the nutritional value of sweet cherry fruits.

Genebank collections preserve many old cultivars with ancient breeding history. However, often, cultivars with synonymous or incorrect names are maintained in multiple collections. Therefore, pomological and genetic characterization is an essential prerequisite for confirming trueness-to-type of cultivars in gene bank collections. In our study, 1442 single sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) trees of the German Fruit Genebank were evaluated according to their trueness-to-type. For this purpose, pomological analysis was performed, in which the accessions were assigned totheir historical cultivar names. The pomological identifications were based on several historical reference sources, such as fruit references from historical cherry cultivar and fruit-stone collections, as well as historical pomological literature sources. In addition, the cherry trees were genetically analyzed for cultivar identity using 16 SSR markers. Based on pomological characterization and genetic analysis for the majority of the trees (86%), cultivar authenticity could be confirmed. Most markers were highly discriminating and powerful for cultivar identification. The cherry collection showed a high degree of genetic diversity, with an expected heterozygosity He = 0.67. Generally, high genetic admixture between cultivars of different geographic origin and year of origin was obtained after STRUCTURE analysis, demonstrating the extensive exchange of genetic information between cherry cultivars in the collection over time. However, the phylogenetic tree calculated by DARwin reflected the geographic origin of selected cherry cultivars. After parentage analysis with CERVUS, paternity could not be confirmed for three cultivars, indicating the necessity of further pedigree analysis for these cultivars. The results of our study underlined the general importance of evaluating the authenticity of cultivars in genebank collections based on genetic and pomological characterization.

Aim.The purpose of this research was to study the sustainability of Institute bred sweet cherry cultivars to spring frosts during flowering by the method of artificial freezing and to identify resistant cultivars.Material and Methods. Seven Institute bred sweet cherry cultivars were studied: 'Adelina', "Malysh", "Orlovskaya Rozovaya", "Orlovskaya Feya", "Podarok Orlu", "Siyana" and "Trosnyanskaya". Spring frosts were simulated in an "Espec" PSL-2KPH climate chamber in early May at -1°, -2°, -3° and -4°C. At each temperature regime, 100 pcs of flowers and buds of each cultivar were taken in 3-fold repetition. Temperature was lowered at the rate of 1°C per hour. The duration of exposure to negative temperatures was 3 hours.Results.Damage to the stamens and pistils was assessed by the darkening of the tissues. In buds and blooming flowers after frosts, the pistils were first damaged but the stamens were not. Resistance to spring frosts decreased with the phenological development of the cherry's generative organs. The beginning of damage to the flowers as a result of the artificial freezing was noted at a temperature of -1°C. At the same time, the high stability of cherry buds was noted. Modeling frosts of -2°...-4°C increased the number of dead flowers and buds. The resistance of sweet cherries to spring frosts was found to depend on the genotype and stage of development of reproductive organs. A different sum of active temperatures for the beginning of flowering and ovary formation was noted, indicating the onset of phenological phases in which generative organs are susceptible to spring frosts.Conclusion.The experiment made it possible to distinguish a medium-resistant cultivar "Malysh" which was resistant to spring frosts. Weakly stable genotypes were "Orlovskaya Rozovaya", "Orlovskaya Feya", "Trosnyanskaya" and "Siyana". Unstable cultivars were "Adelina", and "Podarok Orlu". During the formation of the ovary, the greatest potential for resistance to spring frosts was shown by "Podarok Orlu".

The Bydgoszcz region (Poland) is located in an area with a very high demand for supplementary irrigation during the vegetation period of plants. The projected global warming will bring a rise in the water needs of crops, and thus a further increase in irrigation needs. The goal of the study was an attempt to estimate the water needs of sweet cherry trees in 2021–2050 (forecast period) in the region of Bydgoszcz. The years 1981–2010 were adopted as the reference period. The water needs of sweet cherry trees were calculated on the basis of air temperature using the Treder method, in which water needs are equated with the potential evapotranspiration of a given fruit tree species. It was found that in the growing season of the forecast period, the relative diversity of sweet cherries’ water needs was relatively small (7%). The highest variability of monthly water needs was in April, May, and June. The seasonal water needs amounted to 573 mm, with very high monthly water needs noted in July (139 mm) and August (134 mm). A significant trend of the time variability of water needs was calculated only in August. During this month, it is predicted that the water needs will rise by 5 mm in each subsequent decade. These results will be helpful in the design of sweet cherry irrigation treatments.

This study investigated the effects of different shelter coverings (arched-shelter and umbrella-shelter) on the volatile components of sweet cherry mature fruits in rainy areas, and the postharvest quality of these fruits during storage at room temperature. A total of 68 volatile compounds were identified and semiquantified in mature fruits. Aldehyde compounds were the most abundant, followed by alcohols. Benzyl alcohol, acetaldehyde, 2-methyl-propanal, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal and benzaldehyde were the major volatiles, and the proportions of these compounds were greatly affected by different shelter coverings. With the extension of the storage period, the color parameters (L*, a* and b*), texture parameters (hardness, springiness, chewiness, resilience, skin strength and flesh firmness) and titratable acidity of the fruit rapidly decreased. The total soluble solid content and weight loss of the fruit gradually increased. Principal component analysis indicated that the sweet cherry fruits from the arched-shelter had the best quality and the longest shelf life.

Kiraz bir orman ağacı hüviyetindedir. Büyük ağaç yapma ve apikal dominansiye eğilimi yüksektir. Bu nedenle ağacın uygun bir budama ile mutlaka şekillendirilmesi gerekir. Kiraz ağaçlarının budanmasında birçok kesim tipi vardır. Ancak tepe ve seyreltme kesimleri iki temel kesim tipi olarak bilinmektedir. Tepe kesimleri sürgünlerin uç kısımlarının, sürgünün yaklaşık 1/4-1/3’ü kadar, kısaltılmasıdır. Seyreltme kesimleri ise sürgünün tümden çıkarılmasıdır. Kiraz yetiştiriciliğinde Gisela 3, Gisela 5, Gisela 6, PHL-C, PiKU 1, PiKU 3, CAB 6P gibi farklı büyüklüklerde ağaçlar yapan çok sayıda anaç bulunmaktadır. Bu anaçlardan bodur Gisela serisi üzerindeki ağaçlarda tepe kesiminin önemi birçok çalışmayla ortaya konmuştur. Fakat PiKU 3 ve CAB 6P gibi yarı kuvvetli anaçlar üzerinde tepe kesiminin yapılıp yapılmayacağına dair herhangi bir bilgi bulunmamaktadır. Oysa ülkemizde bu anaçlarla da bahçeler kurulmaktadır. Samsun’da 2019-2021 yıllarında yürütülen bu çalışmada ‘Regina’/CAB 6P ve ‘Summit’/PİKU 3 kombinasyonlarında tepe kesiminin büyüme, verim ve meyve kalitesi üzerine etkisini belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Denemede ağaç ve taç hacimleri (m3), meyve ağırlığı (g), meyve eni (mm), meyve sertliği (kg/cm2), suda çözünür kuru madde içeriği (%) ve verim (kg/ağaç) gibi özellikler incelenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda tepe kesiminin bu kombinasyonlarda ilgili parametreler bakımından etkisinin olmadığı belirlenmiştir. Bununla birlikte tepe kesiminin yan dal sayısını artırdığı ve sürgün boylarını daha makul yaptığı gözlenmiştir., A Cherry is a forest tree. It has a high propensity for large tree formation and apical dominance. So, the tree must be shaped by pruning. There are lots of cut types for the pruning of cherry trees. But heading cuts and thinning cuts are known as two basic cut types. Heading cuts are the shortening of the terminal part of the shoots. Thinning cuts are defined as the total removal of the shoot. In cherries, many rootstocks make trees of different sizes, such as Gisela 3, Gisela 5, Gisela 6, PHL-C, PiKU 1, PiKU 3, CAB 6P. The importance of heading cuts in rootstocks such as PHL-C and Gisela series has been demonstrated by many studies. But there is no information in the literature on whether to make a heading cut on semi-dwarf rootstocks such as PİKU 3 and CAB 6P. In this study conducted in Samsun between 2019 and 2020, aim is to determine the effect of heading cuts on growth, yield, and fruit quality on ‘Regina’/CAB 6P and ‘Summit’/PIKU 3, variety/rootstock combinations. Properties such as tree and crown canopy volumes, fruit weight, fruit width, fruit firmness, soluble solids content, and yield were determined. As a result of the research, it was determined that the heading cutting did not affect these combinations in terms of the relevant parameters. However, the data and observations taken from the experiment show that the heading cut increases the number of lateral shoots and makes the shoot lengths more reasonable.

Large amounts of Prunus avium L. by-products result from sweet cherry production and processing. This work aimed to evaluate the mineral content and volatile profiling of the cherry stems, leaves, and flowers of the Saco cultivar collected from the Fundão region (Portugal). A total of 18 min erals were determined by ICP-MS, namely 8 essential and 10 non-essential elements. Phosphorus (P) was the most abundant mineral, while lithium (Li) was detected in trace amounts. Three different preparations were used in this work to determine volatiles: hydroethanolic extracts, crude extracts, and aqueous infusions. A total of 117 volatile compounds were identified using HS-SPME/GC MS, distributed among different chemical classes: 31 aldehydes, 14 alcohols, 16 ketones, 30 esters, 4 acids, 4 monoterpenes, 3 norisoprenoids, 4 hydrocarbons, 7 heterocyclics, 1 lactone, 1 phenol, and 2 phenylpropenes. Benzaldehyde, 4-methyl-benzaldehyde, hexanal, lilac aldehyde, and 6-methyl 5-hepten-2-one were the major volatile compounds. Differences in the types of volatiles and their respective amounts in the different extracts were found. This is the first study that describes the mineral and volatile composition of Portuguese sweet cherry by-products, demonstrating that they could have great potential as nutraceutical ingredients and natural flavoring agents to be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Cherries (Prunus avium L.) are highly appreciated for their organoleptic and nutritional qualities, fundamental in health maintenance and disease prevention. The correct definition of the ideal ripening stage at harvest is essential to place the cherries on the market with high quality. An early harvest, for fear of rain on the orchard and for immediate economic return, often occurs especially at the beginning of the campaign. This study aims to evaluate the quality of 'Sweetheart' cherries in three different ripening stages, considering the organoleptic and nutritional quality, in order to indicate the ideal ripening stage for harvesting and consumption. The obtained results suggest that 'Sweetheart' cherries at the commercial-ripe, reach acceptable firmness, soluble solids and acidity, considering the organoleptic quality, being a harvest decision that will allow consumer satisfaction. However, fully ripened cherries in the tree present better nutritional quality, with higher antioxidant activity values (73,63%), and content in phenolic compounds (54,15mg gallic acid/100g Fresh Weight). The decision of the ripening stage at harvest is limited by the so-called commercial-ripe for the consumer's satisfaction regarding the organoleptic quality, but it will be recommended the later harvest to increase nutritional value., A cereja (Prunus avium L.) é muito apreciada pelas suas qualidades organoléticas e nutricionais, mas também pelo seu papel fundamental na manutenção da saúde e prevenção de doenças. A correta definição do estado de maturação à colheita é indispensável para colocar a cereja no mercado com elevada qualidade. A colheita antecipada, por receio de ocorrência de chuva e retorno económico imediato, verifica-se frequentemente sobretudo no início da campanha. Este estudo pretende avaliar a qualidade de cerejas ‘Sweetheart’ em três estados de maturação distintos, considerando a qualidade organolética e nutricional, de forma a avaliar o estado ideal de maturação para colheita e consumo. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que cereja 'Sweetheart' no estado de maturação comercial, atinge a firmeza, sólidos solúveis e acidez aceitáveis, considerando a qualidade organolética, sendo uma decisão de colheita que permitirá a satisfação do consumidor. Contudo, as cerejas plenamente amadurecidas na árvore apresentam melhor qualidade nutricional, com valores mais elevados de atividade antioxidante (73,63%), e de compostos fenólicos (54,15mg ácido gálico/100g Peso Fresco). A decisão do estado de maturação à colheita fica limitada pela chamada maturação comercial, para satisfação do consumidor quanto à qualidade organolética, mas será recomendável a colheita mais tardia visando o aumento do valor nutricional.

Мета. Визначити оптимальні строки відбору експлантів, підібрати стерилізуючі агенти та режими стерилізації, а також поживне середовище для введення в культуру in vitro нових перспективних сортів вишні (Prunus cerasus L.) та черешні (Prunus avium L.). Методи. У процесі роботи застосовано методику клонального мікророзмноження рослин і статистичні обробки експериментальних даних. Результати. Встановлено оптимальний строк відбору експлантів, тривалість експозиції при стерилізації, оптимальний склад поживного середовища на першому етапі мікроклонального розмноження. Для визначення оптимального режиму стерилізації та стерилізуючого препарату використовували 0,1% розчин хлориду ртуті та 3% розчин препарату «Лізоформін 3000» з експозицією стерилізації 5, 6 та 7 хвилин. Найбільший вихід стерильних експлантів як для вишні сорту ‘Ксенія’, так і для черешні сорту ‘Василиса прекрасна’ отримали при експозиції стерилізації 7 хв для обох стерилізуючих агентів. При використанні 0,1% розчину хлориду ртуті цей показник був вищий, ніж при стерилізації 3% розчином препарату «Лізоформін 3000» – 71 і 99% відповідно. Висновки. На ефективність стерилізації та введення в культуру in vitro експлантів вишні ‘Ксенія’ і черешні ‘Василиса прекрасна’ впливали тривалість стерилізації, час відбору експлантів, фітосанітарний стан маточної рослини, склад поживного середовища. 0,1% розчин хлориду ртуті при експозиції 7 хв був найефективнішим при отриманні асептичної культури з експлантів, вилучених з донорних рослин у стані спокою при пророщуванні бруньок у контрольованих умовах. Використання препарату «Лізоформін 3000» в концентрації 3% впродовж 6–7 хв при стерилізації експлантів досліджуваних культур сприяло їхній кращій приживлюваності на середовищі. Оптимальним за складом поживним середовищем для культивування експлантів вишні ‘Ксенія’ було середовище з додаванням соку алое, а для черешні ‘Василиса прекрасна’ – MS + флороглюцинол. Найвищу ефективність стерилізації (99% у сорту ‘Василиса прекрасна’ та 71% у сорту ‘Ксенія’) отримали за використання 0,1% HgCl2 в експозиції 7 хв. При використанні препарату «Лізоформін 3000» за такої ж експозиції стерилізації цей показник становив 83 та 52% відповідно до культури. Виходячи з цього можна рекомендувати використовувати препарат «Лізоформін 3000» у 3% концентрації з експозицією 7 хв для стерилізації кісточкових культур

The autochthonous local genotypes of sweet cherries, which represent a very important genetic potential for future breeding programs. Understanding of the molecular basis biodiversity is one of the most important factors for the proper conservation, management and use of plant genetic resources. This paper investigate the genetic variability of 14 genotypes of sweet cherries using 26 SSR markers. The study included eight autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry taken from four different location and six virus-free reference varieties of sweet cherry. The average genetic distance between them was 0.43. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to eight. The minimum number of two alleles of polymorphic loci showed EMPa003 and EMPa002, while the highest number of eight loci alleles had PceGA34 and UDP97-402. Results of genetic analysis that were done show that between autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherries ?Biljur-Bjelica?, ?Barevka? and ?Aslamka? (Kriskovci) there was no difference, it is to have the same genetic profil, which indicates that is the synonym, it is the same identity group. Also the autochthonous genotype ?Crveni Hrust? and ?Nordwunder? cultivar had the same SSR profile on microsatellite loci tested. The remaining autochthonous genotypes of sweet cherry had a unique genetic profile.

During the industrial processing of sweet cherry fruits, the seeds are considered agricultural waste and must be disposed of, typically through burning. In this context, it is intended to contribute to the scientific development of the ecovalorization of by-products and to provide new strategies for their transformation into value-added products obtained from sweet cherry seeds (SCS). This work aimed to establish the chemical characterization of SCS before and after several pre-hydrolysis steps in order to allow the solubilization of hemicelluloses that can later be used for the recovery of sugars. The higher percentage of cellulose and lignin remaining in the solid phase will allow its further processing for an integral valorization of the raw material. The temperature (160 and 170 °C) and time (0 and 180 min) of pre-hydrolysis were optimized to obtain the best liquefaction. The percentage of liquefied material was determined from the solid waste obtained at the time of filtration. The best liquefaction by the hydrolysis of SCS was obtained at 170 °C and 180 min, with a yield of 26.7%. The chemical analyses of SCS throughout hydrolysis showed the solubilization of hemicelluloses with increases in the time and temperature of the reactor. α-cellulose and lignin showed an increase both with temperature and time, increasing the material’s potential for further processing in adhesives. FTIR analysis showed that there were significant changes in the spectra between the initial SCS, the solid residue, and the liquefied material. Pre-hydrolysis was proven to be an efficient process to improve the chemical composition of the material for further processing into adhesives or higher-mechanical-strength polyurethane foams info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

In this study, an autochthonous variety of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), namely “Moretta di Vignola”, was processed to prepare extracts rich in polyphenols, which were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation coupled to UV/DAD and ESI-MSn analysis. Then, a sweet cherry anthocyanin-rich extract (ACE) was prepared, fully characterized and tested for its activity against Parkinson’s disease (PD) in cellular (BV2 microglia and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma) and in Drosophila melanogaster rotenone (ROT)-induced model. The extract was also evaluated for its antioxidant activity on Caenorhabditis elegans by assessing nematode resistance to thermal stress. In both cell lines, ACE reduced ROT-induced cell death and it decreased, alone, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content while reinstating control-like ROS values after ROT-induced ROS rise, albeit at different concentrations of both compounds. Moreover, ACE mitigated SH-SY5Y cell cytotoxicity in a non-contact co-culture assay with cell-free supernatants from ROT-treated BV-2 cells. ACE, at 50 µg/mL, ameliorated ROT (250 μM)-provoked spontaneous (24 h duration) and induced (after 3 and 7 days) locomotor activity impairment in D. melanogaster and it also increased survival and counteracted the decrease in fly lifespan registered after exposure to the ROT. Moreover, heads from flies treated with ACE showed a non-significant decrease in ROS levels, while those exposed to ROT markedly increased ROS levels if compared to controls. ACE + ROT significantly placed the ROS content to intermediate values between those of controls and ROT alone. Finally, ACE at 25 µg/mL produced a significant increase in the survival rate of nematodes submitted to thermal stress (35 °C, 6–8 h), at the 2nd and 9th day of adulthood. All in all, ACE from Moretta cherries can be an attractive candidate to formulate a nutraceutical product to be used for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced disorders and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Cracked sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit are unmarketable and lead to higher labor costs, and sub-optimal fruit firmness decreases storability and consumer satisfaction. Trait improvement through breeding for increased cracking tolerance and fruit firmness is an attractive alternative to the variable results from management practices. DNA-informed breeding increases effectiveness, yet upstream and translational research, such as quantitative trait locus (QTL) discovery and characterization and DNA test development, respectively, are needed. The objectives of this work were to identify and characterize QTLs associated with fruit cracking or firmness, and develop DNA-based tests from these QTLs for use in DNA-informed breeding. Fruit cracking incidence and firmness were evaluated for two years in 2012 (half of seedlings; firmness only) or 2019 and 2020 for 259 unselected seedlings representing 22 important breeding parents. Phenotypic data, in conjunction with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypic data from the RosBREED cherry 6K SNP array, were used in QTL analyses performed via Pedigree-Based Analysis using FlexQTL��� software, supplemented by a genome-wide association study using BLINK software. Haplotype analysis was conducted at QTLs to characterize SNP haplotypes and estimate phenotypic effects, and DNA-based tests were developed and/or evaluated. Four QTLs (two per trait) were consistent across years and/or analysis methods. The two fruit cracking QTLs combined explained 19���27% of the overall cracking phenotypic variance, while the two fruit firmness QTLs combined explained 21���31% of the overall firmness phenotypic variance. SNP haplotypes at these QTLs were successfully tracked to ancestral origins. For each QTL, pairwise SNP haplotype comparisons revealed different (p = 0.05) associated phenotypic levels between at least two haplotypes, which were considered functional SNP haplotypes. Primary SNPs successfully distinguished at least one of the contrasting functional SNP haplotypes at each QTL, and were successfully converted (array SNPs) into DNA tests. A previously developed SSR-based DNA-test was successfully evaluated and distinguished seven unique SSR haplotypes. The four stable QTLs detected here were in genomic regions aligned with previously reported QTLs, although two were reported as only transient. The DNA tests reported here can be implemented in breeding operations to genetically improve fruit cracking tolerance and firmness.

Colour measurement is one of the methods used to evaluate food quality. Aim of completed research was the evaluation of a fast and non-destructive method which consisted of assessing colour changes. It was used to determine the ripeness of cherries during their harvest. Additionally, the most significant parameter determining fruit ripeness was identified. Colour measurements of the Burlat cherry on the PHL A rootstocks were supposed to provide standards for practical evaluation of fruit ripeness of this species at an orchard. During the research, the measurements concerned the internal quality of the cherry fruit (firmness, extract content) and the force required to tear off the stem, depending on the size of the fruit. The extract appeared to be the most important indicator to be used for the determination of an optimum harvesting period. It was most prominently correlated with the cherry’s colour. Changes in the skin colour were the most reflected by the value of the parameter CIE a*. The coordinates CIE L* and b* are also important for the determination of fruit quality. Burlat cherries achieve their optimum harvesting ripeness if the coordinate a* is within the range 30.0 to 0.0, the coordinate b* within 10.0 to 0.0 and the coordinate L* within 30.0 to 20.0, which corresponds to the extract value of 12-20%.

En zonas áridas y semiáridas existe una necesidad constante de mejorar la eficiencia del uso del agua. En este sentido, el empleo de indicadores puede convertirse en una herramienta eficaz para confeccionar programas de riego más precisos. Durante el verano de 2018 y 2019, con el objetivo de estudiar la sensibilidad y la variabilidad de distintos indicadores de suelo y planta, se llevó a cabo un ensayo en cerezos jóvenes (Prunus avium L. ‘Lapins’). Tres tratamientos de riego aplicados fueron: con-trol ( CTL) regado para asegurar condiciones no limitantes de agua en el suelo, y dos tratamientos defi-citarios, MS y SS, los cuales fueron regados como CTL hasta finales de junio, momento a partir del cual se alternaron 2 ciclos consecutivos de supresión - reanudación del riego. Los árboles fueron recupera-dos cuando el potencial hídrico de tallo (Ψstem) alcanzó valores durante el primer y segundo ciclo de supresión de -1,3 y -1,7 MPa para MS y -1,6 y -2,3 MPa para SS. Los indicadores de suelo y planta estudiados fueron afectados por el déficit hídrico impuesto. La tasa de crecimiento diaria del tronco (TGR) y la máxima contracción diaria del tronco (MDS) mostraron una respuesta rápida al cambio de riego; sin embargo, ambos indicadores tuvieron una alta variabilidad. En este sentido, MDS mostró la mayor intensidad de señal, aunque la sensibilidad de este indicador fue mitigada por su coeficiente de variación (CV). Por otro lado, el contenido volumétrico de agua del suelo (θv) y la temperatura de la copa (Tc) exhibieron una alta sensibilidad debido a la baja variabilidad. Ψstem, indicador usado como referencia, mostró una estrecha relación con el resto de los indicadores estudiados, excepto con TGR. La relación observada entre MDS y Ψstem fue lineal hasta alcanzar valores de Ψstem de -1,3 MPa. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que Ψstem es un indicador sensible al estrés con un bajo CV; Tc, la dife-rencia de temperatura de la copa y del aire y el índice de estrés del cultivo pueden ayudar a determinar, de forma rápida y sencilla, el estado hídrico del cultivo; y MDS podrías ser utilizado hasta valores de estrés moderados para la elaboración de programas de riego en cerezos jóvenes.

The effects of preharvest calcium chloride (CaCl2) treatment on some quality characteristics and bioactive compounds of sweet cherry fruit (Prunus avium L. cvs. 0900 Ziraat, Sweetheart and Merton Late) were investigated. The CaCl2 (1%) solution was sprayed to the cherry trees at 21 and 35 days after full bloom stage. The trees served as control were treated with distilled water at the same days. CaCl2 treatment remarkably suppressed the respiration rate and increased titratable acidity and fruit firmness of cherries. Treated fruit had more attractive skin colour with higher h° and L* values compared to control. The individual soluble sugars and total sugar contents of CaCl2 treated cherries were lower than those of control fruit. The accumulation of ascorbic acid, stem chlorophyll, total phenolics and anthocyanin contents of fruit were delayed by CaCl2 treatment in all varieties. The antioxidant activities of all treated varieties were lower than those of control fruit. Based on these results, it can be set forth that preharvest CaCl2 treatment suppressed ripening processes including respiration rate and maintained firmness and titratable acidity of cherries by maintaining cell integrity in all varieties during the fruit development period.

The cherry rootstock influences the performance of the scion cultivar. It has an effect on cherry fruit quality, tree growth, yield and yield efficiency and floral and foliar nutrition. In this work, the influence of Saint Lucie 64 and Maxma 60 rootstocks on the fruit quality traits of cv. Early Bigi was evaluated. For this, several parameters, namely fruit weight (FW) and size (FS), soluble solids content (SSC), pH, titratable acidity (TA), flesh firmness (FF), epidermis rupture force (ERF), color and sensory profile, were assessed. Results showed that the fruits from trees on Saint Lucie 64 presented higher FF and ERF values and, consequently, better texture. On the other hand, fruits from trees on Maxma 60 showed sweeter cherries (higher SSC). Moreover, these trees presented the darkest cherries (lower values of L*, a*, b*, C* and hue°) and the highest SSC. Therefore, although the trees on Saint Lucie 64 produced firmer cherries, it was those with the Maxma 60 rootstock that produced sweeter and darker fruits. In conclusion, both scion–rootstock combinations proved to be good options for the region of Resende.

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a temperate fruit species whose production might be highly impacted by climate change in the near future. Diversity of plant material could be an option to mitigate these climate risks by enabling producers to have new cultivars well adapted to new environmental conditions. In this study, subsets of sweet cherry collections of 19 European countries were genotyped using 14 SSR. The objectives of this study were (i) to assess genetic diversity parameters, (ii) to estimate the levels of population structure, and (iii) to identify germplasm redundancies. A total of 314 accessions, including landraces, early selections, and modern cultivars, were monitored, and 220 unique SSR genotypes were identified. All 14 loci were confirmed to be polymorphic, and a total of 137 alleles were detected with a mean of 9.8 alleles per locus. The average number of alleles (N = 9.8), PIC value (0.658), observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.71), and expected heterozygosity (He = 0.70) were higher in this study compared to values reported so far. Four ancestral populations were detected using STRUCTURE software and confirmed by Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA), and two of them (K1 and K4) could be attributed to the geographical origin of the accessions. A N-J tree grouped the 220 sweet cherry accessions within three main clusters and six subgroups. Accessions belonging to the four STRUCTURE populations roughly clustered together. Clustering confirmed known genealogical data for several accessions. The large genetic diversity of the collection was demonstrated, in particular within the landrace pool, justifying the efforts made over decades for their conservation. New sources of diversity will allow producers to face challenges, such as climate change and the need to develop more sustainable production systems.

The bioactivity of natural by-products in food and pharmaceutical applications is the subject of numerous studies. Cherry production and processing generates large amounts of biowaste, most of which is not used. The recovery of these by-products is essential for promoting the circular economy and to improving sustainability in the food industry. In this work, we explored the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential of two different extracts from stems, leaves, and flowers of Portuguese cherries. The anti-inflammatory potential was studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) by evaluating the effect of by-products on cellular viability and nitric oxide (NO) production. Disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were used to determine antimicrobial activity. The cherry by-products had no cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells, and were able to inhibit nitrite production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, all aqueous infusions showed good antioxidant activity against NO radicals. Moreover, leaf extracts showed the best activity against most of the strains studied. The results revealed, for the first time, interesting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of cherry by-products. This could potentially be of interest for their therapeutic use in the treatment of inflammation-related diseases or in controlling the growth of microorganisms.

Models used to predict the onset of fruit tree blossom under changed climate conditions should be physiologically based as much as possible. Pure optimized phenology models carry the risk of unrealistic predictions due to a misinterpretation of metabolic processes. This was the motivation determining the relevant phases for chill and heat accumulation, which induces cherry blossom (cv. Summit). Investigations are based on 8 years of observational and analytical data, as well as on controlled experiments. For ‘Summit’ buds, to be released from endodormancy, 43 chill portions from 1 September are necessary. After endodormancy release (t1), on average on 30 November, no further chilling is required, because no correlation between chill accumulation during ecodormancy and the subsequent heat accumulation until ‘Summit’ blossom exist. The declining amount of heat, which induces cherry blossom after t1—shown in several forcing experiments—seems to be the result of the declining bud’s abscisic acid (ABA) content, up to ~50% until the beginning of ontogenetic development. Shortly after t1, when the bud’s ABA content is high, a huge amount of heat is necessary to induce cherry blossom under controlled conditions. Heat requirement reduces during ecodormancy along with the reduction in the ABA content. According to these findings, plant development during ecodormancy is suppressed by low temperatures in the orchard and a slowly declining bud’s ABA content. These results should lead to a better consideration of the ecodormancy phase in phenology models.

Prunus avium L. by-products, such as stems, leaves, and flowers, are used in folk medicine to prevent and treat some diseases. However, their phenolic composition and in vitro bioactivities against tumor cells are poorly known. In this work, we compared the phenolic profile and the biological potential of aqueous infusions and hydroethanolic extracts of P. avium leaves, stems, and flowers from Saco cultivar, collected from the Fundão region (Portugal). Among the fifty-two phenolic compounds tentatively identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, the hydroxycinnamic acids were the most abundant. Both extracts of stems revealed a higher activity against DPPH•. Meanwhile, hydroethanolic extracts from stems and flowers and aqueous infusions of flowers were the most effective in inhibiting the growth of the human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells at concentrations above 200 μg/mL. More detailed knowledge about the phenolic composition and health-promoting properties of Portuguese P. avium by-products allows for increasing the biological and commercial value of these bio-wastes, which may have a positive impact on food and pharmaceutical industries, as on the valorization of the local economy.

Summary Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) contain various phenolic compounds which contribute to total antioxidant activity. The present study was conducted to assess the antioxidant activity of 15 sweet cherry cultivars from Vojvodina province (north Serbia). The free radical scavenging properties of fruits were evaluated employing two different methodologies, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Strong correlations were found between total phenolics, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins and DPPH and FRAP assays. In particular, cultivar Peter showed the highest antioxidant capacity and possesses the highest amount of measured phenolic compounds. This investigation shows large variability among sweet cherry cultivars in measured chemical attributes.