Journal of Berry Research - Volume 14, issue 2

Authors: Moreno-Medina, Brigitte Liliana | Casierra-Posada, Fánor | García-Parra, Miguel Ángel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The evaluation of chlorophyll fluorescence activity is a useful tool for rapid and effective assessments of the effect of abiotic factors on the physiology of different crops. In Rubus , this type of measurements describes tolerance to high temperatures, sensitivity to heat and morphological alterations in flowering and chlorophyll content, as a result of plant stress. OBJECTIVE: The present research estimated chlorophyll fluorescence and the presence of some phenolic compounds in the leaves of three cultivars of blackberry (Rubus sp.) established in the central region of Colombia, under conditions of open air between 2400 and 2800 …masl. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was done through the measurement of chlorophyll a (Junior-PAM II modulated fluorometer), the quantification of phenolic compounds (Folin Ciocalteu), the determination of antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) and the study of phenolic profiles (UHPLC) in leaves of three blackberry cultivars. RESULTS: Cultivars R. alutaceus (0.66), R. glaucus (0.73) and R. alpinus (0.76), presented values lower than the optimum (0.83), for the parameter F v /F m . In addition, the direct relationships between the parameters that define the behavior of PSII and the accumulation of different polyphenols were described. Reference was also made to the content of phenolic compounds (ranging from 125 to 150 mg GA g–1 dw), which did not show significant statistical differences. The heat map and principal component analysis show the close relationship between the parameters that characterize the functioning of PSII and the accumulation of phenolic compounds, as a mechanism of adaptation to the adverse conditions of the blackberry cultivars studied. CONCLUSIONS: The results reveal that the leaves of the Rubus studied could be a source of functional ingredients for use in the cosmetic, nutraceutical and food industries and epigallocatechin was attributed the greatest responsibility for the antioxidant capacity. Show more

Keywords: ABTS, DPPH, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, epigallocatechin

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230043

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 73-87, 2024

Authors: Qaderi, Rohullah | Mazzoni, Luca | Tonanni, Virginia | Gagliardi, Francesco | Capriotti, Luca | Pergolotti, Valeria | Diaz, Yasmany Armas | Capocasa, Franco | Mezzetti, Bruno

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Strawberries are a delicate, high nutritional value fruit with an extremely short shelf life and high susceptibility to tissue infection, mainly by Botrytis cinerea . Control of the disease requires an extensive amount of fungicide that is applied in varying complexes because the pathogen easily develops resistance against the active compounds. Planting tolerant cultivars seems to be a promising alternative for fruit growers, but there are currently no cultivars available combining tolerance to B. cinerea with attractive horticultural traits. OBJECTIVE: In this study, four well-defined strawberry cultivars (‘Romina’, ‘Cristina’, ‘Silvia’, and ‘Sibilla’) were selected and tested …under treatment with Botrytis cinerea to determine the tolerance of each cultivar and its association with fruit quality. METHODS: Fruits were harvested and then stored for four days after inoculation (treatment) or not (control) with spores of B. cinerea ; then, every day the level of decay was detected, and fruits were frozen for successive evaluation of fruit quality. RESULTS: The ‘Silvia’ cultivar is the one that demonstrated a higher level of tolerance to Botrytis infection during the treatment, and the ‘Romina’ cultivar was the cultivar most susceptible to the treatment. The results of the study also highlighted qualitative changes in all strawberry cultivars infected with Botrytis cinerea , by a decrease in the soluble solids content and an increase of acids. Generally, in all cultivars, phenolic acids, and vitamin C decreased in both control and infected but there was a strong decrease in infected fruit compared to control. Anthocyanin content increased in control fruits but strongly decreased in infected. CONCLUSION: As a preliminary outcome, a positive correlation was obtained between fruit nutritional quality and tolerance to decay, as a high amount of nutritional compound content provides lower susceptibility of fruits to Botrytis cinerea . To confirm this result more studies need to be done. Show more

Keywords: Anthocyanins, postharvest, polyphenols, vitamin C, soluble solids

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230050

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 89-103, 2024

Authors: Lorch-Schierning, Elizabeth | Perera, Anya | Baghalian, Kambiz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the biggest challenges facing the soft fruit sector is to propagate disease free strawberry plants in a timely manner, financially viable approach and in an eco-friendly fashion. OBJECTIVE: This study sets out to investigate the efficacy of growing everbearing Fragaria×ananassa ‘Malling Ace’ runners at different propagation dates and under Different LED lighting regimes using vertical farming units and glasshouse (as control). METHODS: To evaluate the effects of the treatment factors, some of the main horticultural features including rooting success rate, rooting speed, root and shoot biomass production, chlorophyll content and bud emergence …were measured and statistically analysed. In addition, this study aimed to investigate the energy efficiency of a self-sufficient Direct Current (DC) based vertical farming unit, versus a vertical farming unit using the Alternate Current (AC) electricity provided by national grid electricity. RESULTS: light, tipping date, and the interaction between light and tipping date, significantly influenced shoot biomass, total crown diameter, and chlorophyll content in the leaves of ‘Malling Ace’. In terms of energy demand, the DC unit had a higher level of energy efficiency over AC unit with 23% less energy demand. CONCLUSION: In general, this trial demonstrated vertical farming as a potentially sustainable method and efficient tool in propagating strawberry plants. Show more

Keywords: Vertical farming, strawberry, everbearing, propagation, energy demand, sustainability

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230051

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 105-126, 2024

Authors: Milutinović, Milica | Ćujić Nikolić, Nada | Radan, Milica | Mihajilov Krstev, Tatjana | Šavikin, Katarina | Petrović, Predrag | Randjelović, Milica | Miladinović, Bojana | Branković, Suzana | Kitić, Dušanka

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Polyphenolic-rich chokeberry extracts and juice could provide health benefits in humans. Moreover, by-products after processing stand out as a potential new source of valuable compounds. OBJECTIVE: The research aimed to evaluate in vitro bioactivity of chokeberry fruit extract, juice, and waste extract (material remaining after juice processing) based on their chemical composition and molecular docking analysis. METHODS: Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the phenolics, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanins content in freeze-dried samples. Additionally, individual anthocyanins, flavonoids, and sugars were identified through HPLC analysis. The antioxidant capacity was tested using two in vitro …methods and assessing antimicrobial activity. The effects of tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase inhibition were examined using spectrophotometric methods. Molecular docking analysis identified the interaction of chokeberry components with the active sites of these enzymes. RESULTS: The waste extract exhibited the most robust antioxidant activity within the DPPH system. While bactericidal activity was absent across all chokeberry preparations, they demonstrated inhibitory effects on specific microbiological strains relevant to the gastrointestinal tract. Results revealed the chokeberry products’ ability to inhibit tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase. Molecular docking confirmed the strong interactions between chokeberry compounds and these enzymes. CONCLUSION: The results indicate the potential of chokeberry products and by-products as valuable resources for pharmaceutical applications. Show more

Keywords: Chokeberry, waste by-product, antioxidants, antimicrobial, tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase, molecular docking studies

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-230066

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 127-150, 2024

Authors: Xu, Jingcheng | Wang, Ying | Chai, Lin | Yin, Danping | Lin, Tingwei | Tao, Yujia | Liu, Shudong | Qi, Huijuan | Gao, Xianyi | Jiang, Jingyong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Strawberry is one of the most favored consumed fresh fruits worldwide. However, the major constraint limiting future sustainable production and sales of strawberries is post-harvest decay. Thus, taking a deep look into the effective preservation measures including pre- and post-harvest techniques to retain freshness and inhibit the pathological spoilage of strawberries in the supply chain is of great significance and necessity. At present, relying solely on post-harvest technology is not enough to fix the aim of strawberry fruit preservation and longer shelf life. On the contrary, pre-harvest treatments could be extend shelf life of strawberry fruit and adapt to the …diverse post-harvest environments. This review give the latest pre-harvest treatments, their effects on post-harvest quality and storability of strawberries, and develop the expectation of strawberries pre-harvest methods applicated in the future. Show more

Keywords: Strawberry, pre-harvest treatments, post-harvest quality, storability

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-240001

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 151-173, 2024