Blackcurrant Genotypes Research Articles

Transferability of SSR Markers Developed on Gosseberry to Red and Black Currants

Eleven microsatellite markers previously developed based on gooseberry sequences were tested on red and black currants. As a result, all microsatellite loci were amplified on representatives of black currant, but on representatives of red currant there was no amplification in three loci (RucANS, RucDFR2-1, RucDFR1-3). Polymorphic loci have been identified for both black and red currants. In the MTT-7 locus in the studied black currant genotypes, amplification of 3 fragments has been observed. Probably this locus is duplicated in black currant genome. At the same time, in red currant, amplification typical for monolocus microsatellite has been observed in the MTT-7 locus. The RucHLH-1 and RucUFGT loci were tested on a hybrid red currant family (Belaya Potapenko × 1426-21-80). By genetic mapping, the localization of the RucHLH-1 locus was established on linkage group 4 in the red currant genome, and the localization of RucUFGT was presumably on linkage group 1. The set of microsatellite loci for the currant genus is currently limited. This work shows that some of the SSR markers developed on gooseberries are amplified and reveal polymorphism in currants and can be used to study both black and red currants.

Estimation of breeding value of blackcurrant genotypes for growth vigour, plant habit and their susceptibility to fungal diseases.

The study was conducted in 2012–2014 at the Experimental Orchard of the National Institute of Horticultural Research in Skierniewice, central Poland. The aim of the research was to assess the breeding value, based on the general combining abilities (GCA), specific combining abilities (SCA) and reciprocal (RE) effects, of six dessert parental forms of blackcurrant for plant growth vigour, plant habit and resistance to fungal diseases: Podosphaera mors-uvae (causal agent of powdery mildew of currant), Drepanopeziza ribis (leaf anthracnose) and Cronartium ribicola (white pine blister rust). The plant material consisted of seedlings of F1 generation obtained by crossing of six blackcurrant genotypes: ‘Bona’, ‘Ceres’, clone D13B/11, ‘Sofiivska’, ‘Vernisazh’ and ‘Big Ben’ in a diallel design according to Griffing’s Method III.It was shown that the cultivars ‘Big Ben’, ‘Sofiivska’ and ‘Vernisazh’ had significantly positive GCA effects for growth vigour and resistance of plants to powdery mildew, whereas ‘Ceres’ – for plant habit, which indicated their high breeding value for these traits. The significantly positive SCA values were estimated for the hybrid family: ‘Big Ben’ × ‘Ceres’ for low susceptibility of plants to powdery mildew and anthracnose. Statistically significant effects for reciprocal crosses (RE) were obtained only for few hybrid families.

Breeding evaluation of black currant on the basis of shrub habitus

Results of phenotypic evaluation of black currant genetic collection, selected forms, inbred and hybrid progeny by shrub habitus are presented. The possibility of using promising genotypes to produce the progeny with an optimal type of crowns was studied. Studies were conducted in 2017- 2021 in the conditions of the Bryansk region in the plots of the genetic collection, competitive study of selected forms, and hybrid black currant stock. The cultivation of black currants in the collection plantations and on the hybrid plot was carried out in accordance with the common in the Non-Black Earth Zone of Russia agro-technique. The weather conditions of the Bryansk region are typical for the Central region of Russia, the climate is moderately continental. Differentiation of varieties and selected forms by crown shape of plants was carried out. Hybridological analysis of inheritance of shrub habitus trait on the example of nine families from controlled crosses, three populations from self-pollination of genotypes different in shrub shape and three - from free pollination of promising black currant genotypes was performed. Varieties corresponding to the individual parameters of combine berry harvesting technology in terms of shrub habitus, base width, plant height were identified. These include the varieties Litvinovskaya, Myth, Rita, Kudesnik, Kudmig, Ben Hope, Nezhdanchik, Podarok Astakhova, Tamerlan, Tiben, Etyud, Chernavka and others, as well as a number of promising hybrids - 4-94-1, 3-80-01, 4-5-2, 4-19-04, 62-03-7, etc. The phenotypic evaluation of black currant progeny showed that the manifestation of the shrub habitus trait has a significant dependence on the crown type of the genotypes involved in the breeding work.

Assessment of Infestation of Selected Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) Genotypes by the Blackcurrant Leaf Midge (Dasineura tetensi Rübs.) in Poland.

Simple SummaryDasineura tetensi is a widespread blackcurrant pest. The susceptibility of blackcurrant genotypes to leaf midge colonization was assessed to select the genotypes least susceptible to be used as parents in the breeding. Experiments were conducted between 2012–2014 in Poland. Percentage shoot damage, and number of eggs and larvae were assessed for each genotype. Among tested blackcurrant genotypes, none were found to be completely resistant to this pest. However, some genotypes (Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, Ben Hope, Foxendown, Ben Nevis, Fariegh, Ojebyn, and Ben Tirran) were colonized by the pest below the threshold level (10%); proving tolerance to the pest. The fewest pest eggs were recorded on the genotypes Big Ben, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, and Ben Nevis, and out of these Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, and Foxendown had the least larvae recorded.Blackcurrant leaf midge (Dasineura tetensi) is a widespread pest of blackcurrant. Attacks by this pest can cause up to 60% reduction in the growth of shoots resulting in yield decreases. Our study, conducted (2012–2014) in Poland, aimed to assess the susceptibility of blackcurrant genotypes to D. tetensi, in order to select genotypes as parental lines for breeding new blackcurrant genotypes. Among tested blackcurrant genotypes, none were found to be completely resistant to this pest. The pest colonized genotypes Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, Ben Hope, Foxendown, Ben Nevis, Fariegh, Ojebyn, and Ben Tirran below the threshold level (10%). In contrast, genotypes Nr 7/15, Ben Lomond, Ben Finlay, Tisel, Polares, Polonus, Tiben, PC-110, Polben, Gofert, Ruben, and Ores suffered pest levels above the threshold. With regard to egg numbers, the fewest were recorded on genotypes Big Ben, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, and Ben Nevis, and the most on Gofert and Ores. Fewer larvae were recorded on genotypes Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, and Foxendown compared to Ben Lomond, PC-110, Gofert, Tiben, Polben, and Ores. Developing blackcurrant genotype resistance to leaf midge strongly supports the IPM strategy.

Suitability of fruits of selected blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars for fresh market

The fruit quality of 10 blackcurrant genotypes of Polish origin ('Bona', 'Gofert', 'Tines', D13B/11 and PC-425 very recently named as 'Tihope') and Ukrainian ('Chereshnieva', 'Yubylejnaia Kopania', 'Saniuta', 'Sofievskaia' and 'Vernisazh') was evaluated in Central Poland in 2008-2010. The yield, fruit size (weight of 100 berries), the length of strigs and number of berries per strig, fruit firmness, soluble solids, content of ascorbic acids (vit. C), fruit appearance, taste and aroma as well as the shelf-life of fresh fruit in a room temperature were assessed. Results obtained in studies showed that new Polish cultivars 'Tihope' (PC-425) and 'Gofert' as well as Ukrainian cultivars 'Jubilejnaja Kopania' and 'Vernisazh' were the most productive and had the highest average fruit yield. The largest fruits produced the Polish breeding clone (D13B/11). Large fruits also had the standard cultivar 'Bona', cv. 'Tihope' (PC-425) and 'Saniuta'. The highest number of fruit per strig was counted on Ukrainian cultivars ('Chereshnieva', 'Yubylejnaia Kopania', 'Saniuta') and Polish cv. 'Gofert'. These cultivars also produced the longest strigs. The tested cultivars differed slightly in the attractiveness of the fruits. 'Bona' and 'Tihope' (PC-425) boasted the best appearance of fruits. Fruits of 'Bona' were found as the most flavorful. 'Saniuta', 'Gofert' and D13B/11 demonstrated only a little less taste and aroma. The best shelf-life of fruits possessed 'Bona', 'Tihope' (PC-425) and 'Tines'. The firmest fruits were produced by 'Chereshnieva', 'Tihope' (PC-425), 'Sofievskaia' and 'Gofert'. The highest content of soluble solids was found in fruit of 'Gofert' and 'Tines'. The richest in vitamin C were fruits of 'Gofert', 'Sofievskaia' and 'Tihope' (PC-425).

Influence of Pollination Conditions on Fruit Set of Selected Blackcurrant Genotypes and Recently Released Cultivars

Fruit set of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) cultivars ‘Almo’, ‘ Ats’, ‘ Elo’, and ‘ Karri’ and four breeder's selections was investigated under open pollination, artificial, and natural self-pollination conditions in 2006–2007. The percentage of fertilized flowers, number of seeds per fruit, and fruit weight was largely genotype dependant, but it was also affected by the pollination conditions. All genotypes proved to be self-fertile, but the best fruit set occurred under open pollination conditions. There was a medium strength positive correlation between fertilization rate and fruit weight, and a below average positive correlation between the number of seeds and fruit weight.

Comparative Infectivity of Cronartium ribicola Aeciospores and Urediniospores in Genotypes of Ribes nigrum.

Hosts for the fungus Cronartium ribicola, causal agent of white pine blister rust (WPBR), include five-needle pines as aecial hosts, and currants and gooseberries as uredinial/telial hosts. Aeciospores produced on diseased pine, and urediniospores produced on diseased Ribes plants, can infect Ribes foliage. Resistance and susceptibility for both spore types have been reported for Ribes; however, the comparative infectivity of these spore types on clonal Ribes nigrum genotypes is under-described. Immunity, resistance, and susceptibility to WPBR resides at a clonal level in Ribes. Previous studies have emphasized fungal diversity or forestry considerations, rather than horticultural aspects. The objective of this study was to determine if aeciospores and urediniospores were equally infective to specific genotypes of black currant, Ribes nigrum, with differential responses. A family of 51 black currant genotypes from a cross between a known-immune cultivar containing the Cr gene and a susceptible cultivar was examined. Single-leaf softwood cuttings of each of these genotypes were artificially inoculated with a spore solution and incubated in airtight plastic containers within a growth chamber. Inoculations were replicated three times for each spore type. Twenty-two of the F1 genotypes did not develop uredia after artificial inoculation. These may be immune; 22 developed uredia after exposure to both types of inoculum, and were susceptible; whereas seven exhibited differential responses and may have some mechanism for resistance to WPBR other than the Cr gene. The infectivity of aeciospores and urediniospores was not significantly different on specific Ribes genotypes. Either spore type can therefore be considered equally effective as inoculum when screening for WPBR resistance or immunity in horticultural settings.

Maximising blackcurrant anthocyanins: Temporal changes during ripening and storage in different genotypes

Increasing evidence suggests that anthocyanins, as natural antioxidants, exert anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, vaso-protective and anti-obesity effects when tested in vitro or in vivo. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) berries are a rich source of anthocyanins with concentrations up to 4-fold greater than that of other common fruits. However, there is a paucity of information on how blackcurrant anthocyanins change during ripening on the bush or during postharvest storage, which could lead to better selection of fruits with enhanced health-promoting properties. Accordingly, the present study describes the temporal changes in anthocyanins in different blackcurrant genotypes during the late stages of development or as a result of postharvest storage at different temperatures. In all cases, four major anthocyanins (viz. cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, delphinidin-3- glucoside and delphinidin-3-rutinoside) were identified, accounting for over 80% of the total anthocyanin concentrations. Three different development stages (viz. early ripe (ER), fully ripe (FR) or over ripe (OR)) were chosen when fruit were at commercial maturity but presented different colorations. Anthocyanin concentration was nearly double in OR berries than ER, however the temporal changes during ripening were genotype-dependent, with some cultivars reaching maximum concentrations at the FR stage. During postharvest storage anthocyanin synthesis was observed in both ER and FR berries during storage, but ER berries never reached the concentrations of those harvested at FR stage. Storage temperature crucially affected anthocyanin concentrations in FR but not in ER berries. The results from this study may provide both growers and industry with additional information for maximising anthocyanin concentrations in blackcurrant berries.

Fatty acid content and juice characteristics in black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) genotypes.

The fatty acid compositions of seeds from 29 black currant genotypes were determined using a rapid small-scale procedure. There was interest in alpha-linolenic, stearidonic, and, especially, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) contents, and most samples showed values between 11.1 and 18.7%, between 2.5 and 4.5%, and between 11.6 and 17.4%, respectively. However, six genotypes exhibited gamma-linolenic contents >18%, and values >20% were recorded in four of these genotypes. The fatty acid contents of the six genotypes were also analyzed by using a conventional procedure, and only slight differences in fatty acid composition were found between the two methods. Although GLA content was not strongly correlated with juice parameters, some genotypes had both high GLA contents and desirable juice characteristics. The results obtained provide evidence that it is possible to select for GLA contents without negatively affecting juice quality, and both aspects can be combined in a single cultivar, thereby increasing the added value of the whole fruit.

Genotypic Variation in Fatty Acid Content of Blackcurrant Seeds

The fatty acid composition and total fatty acid content of seeds from 36 blackcurrant genotypes developed at the Scottish Crop Research Institute were examined. A rapid small-scale procedure, involving homogenization of seeds in toluene followed by sodium methoxide transesterification and gas chromatography, was used. There was considerable variation between genotypes. The gamma-linolenic acid content generally varied from 11 to 19% of the total fatty acids, but three genotypes had higher values of 22-24%, levels previously not reported for blackcurrant seed and similar to those for borage seed. Other nutritionally important fatty acids, stearidonic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, varied from 2 to 4% and 10-19%, respectively. The mean total fatty acid contents ranged from 14 to 23% of the seed, but repeatability was poor. The results are discussed. Blackcurrant seeds are mainly byproducts from juice production, and the study shows the potential for developing blackcurrant genotypes with optimal added value.

Biotypes of Dasineura tetensi, differing in ability to gall and develop on black currant genotypes

AbstractVariation in damage levels on certain black currant, Ribes nigrum L., genotypes, caused by the black currant leaf midge, Dasineura tetensi (Rübs.) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), has been observed in northern Sweden. I investigated whether this variation is due to variation in virulence among midges. From a field population of midges, I successfully selected for virulence and avirulence, respectively, on the resistant black currant genotype cultivar ‘Storklas’ (called resistant genotype). The performance of avirulent and virulent midge larvae on two black currant genotypes were studied in experiments where first or second instar larvae were artificially transferred. There were no differences in larval survival and developmental rate between the two midge types when transferred to the susceptible currant genotype ‘7801–31’ (called susceptible genotype). Larvae of the virulent strain established galls and developed on ‘Storklas’ but development was initially slower there than on the susceptible currant genotype. Larvae of the avirulent strain suffered high mortality or remained in first instar on that same currant genotype when transferred alone, but developed readily if transferred together with virulent larvae. Larvae transferred in second instar to host plants susceptible to the larvae resumed feeding and developed further to maturity. Second instar larvae were also able to establish new galls even though these galls were not as well developed as those caused by first instar larvae. Black currant plantations in northern Sweden were surveyed and local midge populations were found to be composed of either avirulent, virulent or a mixture of both midge types. Virulent midges were not restricted to plantations where resistant currant genotypes were grown. I conclude that, at least, two biotypes of the midge exist, and that those two are distinguished by the ability to gall and survive on ‘Storklas’.

BREEDING OF BLACK CURRANT (Ribes nigrum L.) RESISTANT TO GALL MITE AND REVERSION VIRUS

In two field experiments resistance of black currant genotypes to gall mite and reversion virus were investigated in 1993-1999. The spread of reversion virus (E and R types) depending of three graft-inoculation methods was also studied. Two cultivars ‘Ceres’ and ‘Titania Z’ and six selections from a Polish breeding program did not show any symptoms on buds of gall mite feeding. It was confirmed that in subsequent years after inoculation with reversion virus (BRV), symptoms of this disease on plants became more severe. Reversion also had a significant influence on fruit yield with a reduction in reverted plants in comparison with healthy ones. In the last year of investigation (1999), average yields of the two investigated genotypes dropped: ‘Ben Lomond’ (72 to 78 %) and less for ‘Titania’ (55 to 65%). Molecular biology methods have been employed for detection of RNA of reversion (BRV) in the plant material using RT-PCR technique. Obtained results showed that SC-RT-PCR method can be applied for testing of black currant breeding material and it can also be a useful tool for breeders of Ribes crops.

Field Evaluation of Resistance to White Pine Blister Rust of Selected Blackcurrant Genotypes in Poland

Field resistance to white pine blister rust (WPBR) (Cronartium ribicola J. C. Fischer) was investigated on 53 black currant (Ribes nigrum L.) genotypes (cultivars and breeding selections) in 1998 and 1999. Uredia did not form on the black currant `Titania' and 17 advanced selections during field evaluations made at the Experimental Orchard at Dabrowice, near Skierniewice, Poland.

Galling and reversion disease incidence in a range of blackcurrant genotypes, differing in resistance to the blackcurrant gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis) and blackcurrant reversion disease

Summary.An assessment was made of the response of 10 blackcurrant genotypes, differing in resistance to the agent of blackcurrant reversion disease (BRD) and to its gall mite vector, in field trials in Scotland and Finland over 5 yr. At each location, the 10 genotypes were planted in plots containing infector plants with high inoculum levels of the two organisms. In Scotland, the infector plants contained large numbers of gall mites (Cecidophyopsis ribis) and were infected with the European (E) form of BRD; in Finland, infector plants contained a different species of gall mite (C. spicata) and the severe Russian form (R) of BRD. As expected, at both sites, almost all plants of cvs Ben Alder, Ben Lomond, Ben Tirran, Ojebyn and an SCRI selection F4/1/66, which are susceptible to gall mite and BRD, became infested with each of these organisms. However, in Scotland but not in Finland, 58% of cv. Ojebyn plants were affected by BRD. The cv. Foxendown, which contains gene Ce that confers apparent immunity to C. ribis, was free from galls and failed to develop distinctive BRD symptoms at both sites. The cvs Rus and Neosypajuscajaija, which contain gene P which is reported to confer resistance to C. ribis, were infested more slowly by mites than the mite‐susceptible genotypes and showed a smaller number of galls per plant. Also, they were infected with BRD more slowly than some mite‐susceptible genotypes although by the end of the experiment, most plants were affected by BRD. All plants of cvs Golubka and Ben Gairn, which are resistant to the agent of BRD, remained free from distinct BRD symptoms at both sites despite the fact that plants contained galls. These data indicate the superiority of gene Ce over gene P for resistance to gall mites with the added benefit that the virtual immunity to gall mites provided by gene Ce provides a high level of protection against infection with BRD. The relative merits of these different forms of resistance to gall mites and BRD in blackcurrant are discussed in relation to present control methods for these two organisms and in the light of recent findings of different species of eriophyid mites on Ribes species.

Host acceptance and larval development of the gall midge <i>Dasineura tetensi</i> (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae) on resistant and susceptible black currant

The gall midge Dasineura tetensi is a widespread pest of cultivated black currant. Females oviposit on shoot apices, and larvae form galls on leaves which then fail to expand normally. Genetically based resistance to the midge is known to occur among black currant genotypes. In the present laboratory study, larval performance on a susceptible black currant genotype (cv. "Öjebyn") was compared with that on a resistant (cv. "Storklas") genotype and oviposition preferences were investigated. On the susceptible genotype, infested leaves were consistently galled, and larvae developed successfully. On the resistant genotype, there was considerable variation in larval performance, ranging from no development to successful, but slow, development. This variation in expression of resistance occurred also in the field. Leaves of the resistant genotype that were infested with larvae that grew were not as densely galled as corresponding leaves of the susceptible genotype. Individual females offered the two black currant genotypes in sequence, did not show any tendency to discriminate against the resistant genotype.

Molecular ecology of some Cecidophyopsis mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) on Ribes species and evidence for their natural cross colonisation of blackcurrant (R. nigrum)

SummaryRibosomal DNA from Cecidophyopsis mites from different Ribes species was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction and the products digested using restriction enzymes. After separating the DNA fragments on gels, it was possible to identify specimens of mites obtained from field samples by comparing the profiles of their DNA banding patterns with those of known Cecidophyopsis species. Using this analysis, a non‐gall forming mite found infesting blackcurrant buds in New Zealand was identified as the gooseberry mite (C. grossulariae). On wild red currant (Ribes spicatum) from Finland showing two sizes of galled buds, the red currant gall mite (C. selachodon) was identified in the larger galls located at the tips of branches and a distinct mite in the smaller galls located on the lower parts of the branches. A mite with a DNA banding profile indistinguishable from this latter mite from R. spicatum was also identified in galled buds of blackcurrant genotypes growing in Finland, including those containing the blackcurrant gall mite (C. n'ftw)‐resistance genes P or Ce. The DNA banding profile of this mite resembled most closely that of C. ribis, but was distinct from it. The occurrence of C. grossulariae and this distinct Cecidophyopsis mite on blackcurrant has implications for the genetic control of Cecidophyopsis mites and possibly for the spread of the reversion disease agent in this crop.

The use of metabolic profiling in the identification of gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis Westw.)‐resistant blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) genotypes

SummaryThe terpenoid fractions of bud extracts from blackcurrant genotypes showing resistance or susceptibility to gall mite (Cecidophyopsis ribis) infestation were examined and compared using gas chromatography. By the use of discriminant analysis, and the application of the derived discriminator to the data, resistance status was correctly predicted in 88% of the genotypes sampled. The use of metabolic profiling provides a useful alternative to lengthy field assessments.

The effects of simulated frost on black currant (Ribes nigrumL.)

SummaryPot plants of 12 black currant genotypes were assessed in frost simulation chambers for their tolerance of spring frosts during the flowering period. The most tolerant were some genotypes from the UK and Scandinavia. The inheritance of tolerance may be complex rather than simply additive. The results indicate that physiological frost hardiness at flowering is needed as well as later flowering, particularly when breeding for early ripening cultivars.