Journal of Berry Research - Volume 4, issue 4

Authors: Fredes, Carolina | Robert, Paz

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Over the past 10 years, the research interest on maqui has increased due to the potential health benefits of the fruit, which are largely attributed to the high anthocyanin content and high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, maqui fruit has earned the name of ‘superfruit’, and several products based on the dehydrated fruit and maqui juice are available on the international market. Although the maqui fruit is not frequently consumed by the Chilean population from urban areas, its use is deeply rooted in rural and native cultures (Mapuche and Huilliche). This review summarises the validation of the traditional uses of maqui and …new evidence highlighting the principal role of anthocyanins in the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activity of maqui fruit. The identification of a particular anthocyanin (delphinidin-3-glucoside-5-sambubioside) in maqui fruit and its anti-diabetic effect in in vivo models, in addition to its presence at higher concentrations in some maqui genotypes, encourages investigation into maqui genotypes that may have higher contents of particular anthocyanins. However, information concerning maqui domestication is still deficient. Show more

Keywords: Anthocyanins, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, Chile

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-140082

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 175-182, 2014

Authors: Santos, Marta Sousa | de Oliveira, Cristina Moniz | Valdiviesso, Teresa | de Oliveira, Pedro Brás

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Corema album (Ericaceae), “Camarinhas”, endemic of the Atlantic dunes of the Iberian Peninsula has the possibility to become a new niche berry crop. Considering the agronomic and market possibilities for this species, the initial research step is the development of a seed germination protocol. We characterized C. album populations along its biogeographical area. The results show that different seeds characteristics differ significantly between sites. We also tested the effect of pretreatments on the germination of C. album seeds (subsp. album ) from Duna de Quiaios in 2011, from Comporta in 2011 and Aldeia do Meco in 2011 …and in 2012. The results show that there is site-to-site variation in the same year and year-to-year variation in a particular site in percentage of germinated seeds. Acid scarification (30, 60 and 120 minutes) followed by 1000 ppm of gibberellic acid was the most effective pretreatment in breaking dormancy of C. album and this pretreatment promote the best germination from seeds collected from Aldeia do Meco 2011 (30.3%) after 175 days. Our results suggest that the seeds had physiological dormancy. Considering the 2800 seeds collected: 54.5% ruptured the seed coat and 7.7% germinated. Show more

Keywords: Corema album, seed dormancy, seed germination, new berry crop, pretreatments

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-140079

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 183-192, 2014

Authors: Andrade, Cláudia Santos | Palha, Maria da Graça | Duarte, Elizabeth

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: An enormous amount of plastic waste resulting from the agricultural activities is produced every year. Part of this plastic remains in the fields, while the other part is sent to recycling or landfill. The use of biodegradable (BD) mulch films can play a key role towards a sustainable development in agricultural sector because they can be plugged in the soil, after its use, together with the crop residues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of white-on-black biodegradable mulch films in contrast to the conventional polyethylene (PE) mulch film in autumn-winter cycle strawberry production, monitoring the variation …on soil warming, lifetime of the films in the field as well as the effects on fruit yield. Soil temperatures showed differences among treatments during summer period under open field conditions and autumn-winter season under tunnel. Although the degradation rate of BD mulch films varied along the crop cycle, they provided adequate bed cover and weed suppression until crop end. Plants had similar monthly crop yield distribution, and percentage of commercial and uncommercial fruits between mulch treatments. From the overall results obtained, biodegradable mulch films may be a promising alternative to PE mulching but there should be economic incentives for growers to implement this sustainable practical as its price at present are not yet competitive. Show more

Keywords: Soil mulching, white-on-black films, sustainability, agriculture biodegradable polymers, long cycle crop

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-140080

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 193-202, 2014

Authors: Tuovinen, Tuomo | Lindqvist, Isa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chemical control of spider mites and thrips in everbearer strawberry is difficult as few efficient chemicals are available and residues represent a risk. In the north the success of biocontrol of mites and thrips in open fields compared with tunnels needs to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the need for control of spider mites and thrips and evaluate the effectiveness of biological control agents in everbearer strawberry. METHODS: Similar experimental plots, in a tunnel and an open field, planted with three everbearer strawberry varieties were arranged to compare the effect of introductions of the …spider mite predator Phytoseiulus persimilis and releases of the generalist predatory mites Neoseiulus cucumeris and Neoseiulus barkeri and a predatory bug, Orius majusculus . Several sampling methods were used to evaluate mite and thrips populations. RESULTS: Phytoseiulus persimilis was successful against spider mites. Naturally occurring cecidomyiid and staphylinid predators affected control positively. Thrips damage remained mostly tolerable. The dominant thrips species were Thrips major , Thrips atratus , Thrips vulgatissimus and Frankliniella intonsa . Thrips numbers in the beating tray samples correlated with thrips damage to berries. CONCLUSIONS: Predatory mites were effective in controlling spider mites in an open field and a tunnel. The need for thrips control depended on the strawberry variety. Naturally occurring predators contributed to the control of spider mites and thrips. Show more

Keywords: Everbearer strawberry, biological control agents, Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Orius majusculus, two-spotted spider mite, thrips

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-140081

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 203-216, 2014

Authors: Massetani, Francesca | Savini, Gianluca | Neri, Davide

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Flower induction and the reproductive and vegetative behavior of strawberry plants depend on several agronomic and nutritional factors. OBJECTIVE: During propagation in the nursery, several fertigation techniques (nutrient amount and timing), rooting times and pot sizes were used to modify plant architecture. METHODS: Different levels of nutrient applications were tested by setting the fertigation composition at 700 or 1000 μScm−1 electrical conductivity. Fertigation was continuous, delayed or temporary during the summer growth of Elsanta and Capri runner plants, for tray and mini-tray plant production. Early and late rooting dates were also compared. …RESULTS: The experiments showed the effects of the container type (tray and mini-tray) and the nutritional level on the plant architecture and reproductive behavior, with a major control of plant growth. Rooting time and fertigation timing also had some effects on plant architecture. CONCLUSIONS: Propagation and fertigation techniques can become effective strategies for manipulating the architecture and the reproductive behavior of the plant. However, the interaction between many growing factors and plant growth may reduce the predictability of the effects. Show more

Keywords: Fragaria x ananassa Duch., plant propagation, flower induction, flower bud development, fertilization

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-140083

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 217-224, 2014

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 225-226, 2014

Article Type: Other

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 227-228, 2014