Rubus Research Articles

Levantamento fitossociológico das plantas daninhas em diferentes frutíferas de clima temperado no Município de Lavras – MG

A fruticultura brasileira tem grande importância na economia, aparecendo como o terceiro maior produtor mundial. Neste contexto, o manejo de plantas daninhas torna-se indispensável do ponto de vista agronômico, pois competem por água, luz, nutriente e espaço, causando muitos prejuízos às culturas de interesse. Essas perdas se acentuam à medida que não são devidamente controladas, por este motivo, é realizado o levantamento fitossociológico, que permite conhecer a dinâmica das plantas daninhas e sua correta identificação. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho efetuar um levantamento fitossociológico das plantas daninhas existentes no cultivo de frutíferas de clima temperado no município de Lavras-MG. O levantamento foi realizado no setor de Fruticultura da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA). Foi realizado o levantamento fitossociológico em 18 cultivares de Pereira (Pyrus spp.), sete cultivares de Macieira (Malus domestica L.), 22 cultivares de Pessegueiro (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), sete cultivares de Framboesa, dez cultivares de Amora-Preta (Rubus spp.), além de área plantada com 11 cultivares de Caquizeiro (Diospyrus kaki L.), uma cultivar de Figueira (Ficus carica L.) e 34 cultivares de Marmeleiro (Cydonia oblonga e Chaenomelis sinensis L.). As identificações das plantas daninhas foram baseadas através de análise do material, fotografias e com consulta à literatura especializada, posteriormente a identificação, houve a classificação e análise da estrutura da comunidade, fazendo o agrupamento em famílias, nome científico, nome vulgar e quanto ao ciclo produtivo vegetal das espécies. Foram avaliadas Distribuição Espacial, Variância, Densidade, Frequência, Constância, Dominância, Valor de Importância, Índice de Valor de Importância e Avaliação de Similaridade. O levantamento fitossociológico evidenciou que a espécie Cyperus rotundus foi a espécie com maior IVI no cultivo da amoreira, framboesa, macieira e marmeleiro. Enquanto que a espécie Cynodon dactylon teve o maior IVI no cultivo das framboesas, pereiras e marmeleiros. Por outro lado, a espécie Brachiaria plantaginea atingiu o maior IVI no cultivo das macieiras. Por fim, a espécie Pennisetum clandestinum atingiu o maior IVI no cultivo dos caquizeiros. De acordo com o levantamento fitossociológico, deve-se verificar os métodos de controle utilizados como implementos agrícolas, formas de aplicação de inseticidas (sistêmicos ou contato), o sistema de irrigação que menos contribua para o desenvolvimento das espécies indesejáveis, e assim diminuir competição pela água, luz e nutrientes com o aumento da produtividade.

Determination of an effective regimen for maceration of berry raw materials of the Rubus genus

This article presents the results of mathematical modeling of the process of maceration of berry raw materials of the Rubus genus. The optimal extractant concentrations and the duration of the process, which provide the maximum output of extractives, are determined. The quadratic regression, obtained at the preliminary stage of modeling, had a high relative error by smoothing the experimental data; the coefficient of determination of the quadratic regression was 82.55%, which is significantly lower than the threshold value of 95%. Because the use of polynomial and polynomial-logarithmic functions to represent the patterns of this extraction processes was insufficient, a two-stage modeling approach was chosen. As a result, a general model for the dependence of the output of extractive substances on the duration of extraction and ethanol concentration was developed, based on the proposed two-stage modeling approach with the use of fractional-rational functions.

Transcriptome profiling of raspberry (Rubus idaeus Var. Amira) in response to infection by tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV)

Raspberry (Rubus sp.) is a berries fruit with an ongoing agricultural and commercial interest due to its high contents of flavonoids and nutrients beneficial for human health. The growing demand for raspberries is facing great challenges associated mainly with the dispersal of diseases, which produces a decrease in productivity and fruit quality. A broad range of genomic resources is available for other Rosaceae species; however, genomic resources for species of the Rubus genus are still limited. Here, we characterize the transcriptome of the Rubus idaeus (Var. Amira) in order to 1) provide clues in the transcriptional changes of R. idaeus against tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV); and 2) generate genomic resources for this economically important species. We generate more than 200 million sequencing reads from two mRNA samples of raspberry, infected and not infected by ToRSV, using Illumina technology. After de novo assembly, we obtained 68,853 predicted protein-coding sequences of which 71.3% and 61.3% were annotated using Gene Ontology and Pfam databases, respectively. Moreover, we find 2,340 genes with differential expression between raspberries infected and not infected by ToRSV. Analysis of these genes shows functional enrichments of the oxidation-reduction process, cell wall biogenesis, terpene synthase activity, and lyase activity. These genes could be involved in the raspberry immune response through the interaction of different metabolic pathways; however, this statement needs further investigations. Up-regulation of genes encoding terpene synthases, multicopper oxidases, laccases, and beta-glucosidases might suggest that these enzymes appear to be the predominant transcriptome immune response of R. idaeus against ToRSV. Furthermore, we identify thousands of molecular markers (i.e., SSRs and SNPs), increasing considerably the genomic resources currently available for raspberries. This study is the first report on investigating the transcriptional changes of R. idaeus against ToRSV.

Pollen morphology of Polish species from the genus Rubus L. (Rosaceae) and its systematic importance.

The genus Rubus L. (Rosaceae) not been investigated satisfactorily in terms of palynology. This genus is taxonomically very difficult due to the large number of species and problems with their delimitation, as well as very different distribution areas of particular species. The aim of this study was to investigate pollen morphology and for the first time the ranges of intrageneric and interspecific variability of Rubus species, as well as verify the taxonomic usefulness of these traits in distinguishing studied taxa from this genus. The selected species of the genus Rubus were analysed for 11 quantitative pollen characteristics and the following qualitative ones: exine ornamentation, pollen outline and shape, as well as bridge structure. Analyses were conducted on a total of 1740 pollen grains, which represent 58 blackberry species belonging to a majority of subgenera and all the sections and series found in Poland. The most important characters included exine ornamentation (exine ornamentation type, width and direction of grooves and striae, number and diameter of perforations) and length of the polar axis (P). The arrangement of the examined species on the dendrogram does not corroborate division of the genus Rubus into subgenera, sections and series currently adopted in taxonomy. This fact is not surprising because the taxonomy of the genus was not based on pollen characters. Pollen features should be treated in taxonomy as auxiliary, because they fail to differentiate several (10) individual species, while the other ones create groups with similar pollen traits.

Induction in vitro of adventitious morphogenesis in isolated tissues of the genus Rubus plants using cytokinins from adenine and diphenylurea groups

The eff ect of cytokinins from the adenine and diphenylurea groups on adventitious organogenesis in vitro in isolated tissues of the genus Rubus plants was studied. Leaf explants and callus of red raspberry of the Volnitsa variety, blackberry of the Chester Thornless variety and the Rubus odoratus species were cultivated in the dark at a temperature of +25 ±2 °C on Murashige and Skoog medium. The medium contained 0.5 mg/l of gibberellic acid (HA), 0.5 mg/l of indolylacetic acid (IAA), and 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) at concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 4 mg/l or thidiazuron (TDZ) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/l. The number of explants that formed adventitious shoots and the number of shoots per explant were taken into account. It has been established that for the induction of adventitious morphogenesis from leaf explants and calluses of red raspberry and blackberry the use of 6-BAP is more eff ective, thydiazuron is more eff ective for Rubus odoratus. The optimal concentration for 6-BAP is 2 mg/l and 0.2 mg/l for TDZ. Exceeding these concentrations of cytokinins can cause shoot vitrifi cation. For blackberry, it is possible to increase the content of 6-BAP in the medium for the induction of morphogenesis to 4 mg/l. The unequal ability to regenerate adventitious shoots in diff erent genotypes was revealed. In optimal variants of the experiment, the maximum frequency of their formation ranged from 13.3 % in Rubus odoratus to 40.0 % in blackberry. The use of the established optimal concentrations of growth regulators made it possible to obtain regenerated plants from callus that underwent long-term cultivation (for 10 months) on artifi cial nutrient media during tissue selection for tolerance to heavy metal salts and pesticides. Despite the reduced morphogenetic potential of tissues undergoing prolonged cultivation in vitro, 3 red raspberry regenerant plants and 1 Rubus odoratus plant were obtained from callus selected for tolerance to cobalt chloride. 9 blackberry plants and 7 red raspberry plants were regenerated from the tissues selected for pesticide tolerance.

Morphological Characterization of Prickled and Prickle-free Rubus Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Caneberry crops (raspberry and blackberry) are globally commercialized specialty crops with a high fresh market value. Field management of canes and harvesting of fruits can be complicated by the presence of prickles (the botanically accurate term rather than spines or thorns) on the stems, petioles, and underside of the leaves. Both field management and fruit harvesting could be simplified by the development of cultivars with prickle-free canes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze and compare prickle development in different Rubus species. Comparisons were made between prickled vs. prickle-free red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis L.), blackberry (Rubus hybrid), complex hybrid with purple fruit (R. occidentalis × R. idaeus), and the hairy and prickled wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim). Samples from stems and leaves with petioles attached were used for imaging. There were distinct differences between prickled vs. prickle-free phenotypes in each species. The images of prickle development suggest that prickles either develop directly from glandular trichomes (in red raspberry and wineberry) or that the signal originates from glandular trichomes (in blackberry). Black raspberry prickle development was similar to that of blackberry, suggesting that prickles developed after a developmental signal from glandular trichomes rather than as a direct development from glandular trichomes. The prickle development in the purple hybrid was unique in the presence of one-sided lumps in the trichomes, which has not been seen in any other Rubus species to date; however, both prickled and prickle-free plants exhibited simple nonglandular trichomes. Unlike previous studies, an increase in the number of simple trichomes was not specific to prickle-free plants, but rather variability among the different genotypes was observed. This study adds to the basic understanding of prickle development in the genus Rubus as a first step in the development of prickle-free versions of important cultivars through gene-editing procedures for improving the ease of field management and harvesting.

A phenetic analysis of Philippine Rubus species (Rosaceae) by morphology

The taxonomy of the Philippine Rubus species was studied through a phenetic analysis of the morphological data from preserved specimens. After recording the character states, the data were analyzed using cluster analysis and PCA, and the resulting analysis allowed the delimitation of morphologically similar Rubus species. Specimens of the Rubus genus collected in the country were separated into two clusters distinguished by leaf structure. Specimens of the same species are often found in multiple sub-clusters, which suggests the high degree of variation within a species. PCA of morphological data from Rubus species show that leaf and floral characters, which include the maximum number of lobes, pedicel pubescence, outside pubescence of the hypanthium, apex of the simple leaf blade, and the apical process of the sepals, explain the variation in Rubus species in the Philippines.

Diferenciación morfológica, fenológica y pomológica de cultivares comerciales de mora (Rubus glaucus Benth)

El género Rubus es uno de los más diversos en términos morfológicos y genéticos, presentando un amplio espectro de especies silvestres y cultivadas que son apetecidas por sus frutos comestibles. En Ecuador, el cultivo de mora (R. glaucus y Rubus sp.) está presente a lo largo del callejón interandino, entre 2000 y 3100 msnm. Este frutal es un rubro de importancia económica por su alta demanda para consumo en fresco y procesado. Esta investigación se ejecutó en la Granja Experimental Tumbaco del INIAP (Ecuador) con el objetivo de encontrar caracteres que permitan diferenciar morfológica, fenológica y pomológicamente cuatro cultivares de mora (Castilla, Andimora, Colombiana y Brazos). Mediante análisis multivariado se formaron tres conglomerados (C). Los cultivares Andimora y Colombiana (C3) no poseen espinas a diferencia de Castilla (C2) y Brazos (C1) que las tienen presentes. Colombiana fue el cultivar más precoz (161 días de brotación a cosecha) y Castilla el más tardío (186 días). Brazos presentó el mayor peso de fruto (5.85 g). Andimora alcanzó el mayor contenido de sólidos solubles (11.86 ºBrix) y tuvo frutos firmes. Los caracteres diferenciantes observados en este estudio permiten establecer parámetros de distinción entre los cultivares que son actualmente cultivados en el Ecuador.

Molecular markers in the genetic diversity studies of representatives of the genus Rubus L. and prospects of their application in breeding

Род Rubus L. (семейство Rosaceae Juss.), по оценкам разных систематиков, состоит из 12–16 подродов, объединяющих ~750 видов. Самые крупные по числу видов подроды – Idaeobatus (Focke) Focke, к которому относятся малины, и типовой подрод Rubus (=Eubatus Focke), включающий виды ежевик. Представители рода Rubus обладают высокой пищевой и хозяйственной ценностью, а также лекарственными свойствами. Селекционные исследования направлены на расширение генетического разнообразия и создание новых сортов малин и ежевик, устойчивых к биотическим и абиотическим стрессорам и отличающихся высоким качеством плодов. Современные селекционно-генетические программы все шире включают достижения молекулярной генетики и геномики. В данной статье представлен обзор фундаментальных и прикладных исследований генетического разнообразия культивируемых и дикорастущих видов рода Rubus, выполненных на основе методов молекулярного маркирования. Рассмотрены основные типы молекулярных маркеров (RFLP, RAPD, SSR, ISSR, AFLP, SCAR, SSCP, ретротранспозонные маркеры и т. д.) и области их применения в изучении представителей рода Rubus. Приведены результаты работ по использованию методов ДНК-маркирования для решения самых разных задач, включая: исследование межвидового и внутривидового генетического разнообразия, филогенетических связей видов и надвидовых таксонов, выяснение спорных вопросов систематики, генотипирование и уточнение родословных сортов малин и ежевик, изучение сомаклональной изменчивости и др. Наиболее важным результатом в практическом плане является создание насыщенных молекулярно-генетических карт для разных видов малин и ежевик, на которых локализованы многочисленные гены и QTL, детерминирующие различные хозяйственно ценные признаки. В то же время необходимо отметить, что число маркеров, перспективных для проведения эффективного молекулярного скрининга, пока еще недостаточно.

Біохімічні аспекти селекції ягідних культур родів Rubus L. та Ribes L.

The autors have studied the present day level of the biochemical investigates of the genus Rubus L.and Ribes L. fruits – raspberry, blackberry, black and red currant and goosberry. The indicators of the berries biochemical composition accepted in the inland practice from the viewpoint of their dietary, medicinal and profilactic qualities evaluation have appeared less informative and require futher essential research. The expansion of the analytical methods range hase been proposed on the basis of the analysis of the data base concerning the content and individual composition of the biologically active substances in the berries of enumerated five small fruit crops in order to be applied in the process of breeding expljrations. Thus it is unsaturated fatty acids that dominate in the raspberries seeds and up to 90 % of them are linoleic and linolenic acids.Contrary to them, the blackberries are more rich in tocopherols and sterols. The largest information characterizing the species specificity of the genus studied is data on the phenolic substances content and composition. In particular, the individual composition of anthocyanins in the berries of the researched crops is a clear strain of them. There are also certain differences as for the other phenolic compounds. For instance, 90% of phenolic acids in the raspberries are concentrated in free form, while the blackberries there are only 3% and the rest are glicosides and esters. A clear difference concerning flavonols content and composition can be traced among the goosberry cultivars, depending of the berries color. The characteristic sign of the currants berries is presence in them such components as floridzhyne and elagic acid. It is also important to characterize the volatile compounds in the investigated crops berries, such as aldehydes and terpenoides raspberry and furan derivates in blackberries.Based on the analysis of the database on the content and individual composition of biologically active substances of five types of berry crops, it is proposed to extend the analytical methods used during breeding operations, to determine the composition and amount of fatty acids, carotenoids, tocopherols, sterols, volatile compounds during breeds, as well as phenolic substances, in the sum and content and composition of anthocyanins, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, phenolic acid, procyanidines, halkons, ellagic acid and elagotannins.

The effect of caffeine in a nutrient medium on rhizogenesis of the Rubus genus plants

The paper presents data on the caffeine’s effect on microplants. As part of the rooting medium, caffeine can produce both positive and negative effects, depending on the concentration. The most effective range of caffeine concentrations in a nutrient medium, when plants of the Rubus genus are rooting, was determined – from 1 to 100 mg/l. The use of caffeine in optimal concentration enabled the acceleration of roots growth, increase in rooting frequency, and the number of roots per rooted microcuttings. A concentration of caffeine in excess of 0.1% has a negative effect on plant tissues, slowing down and stopping the formation of roots, shoot growth and causing tissue necrosis.

Formulación y evaluación fisicoquímica de jugo de mora (Rubus glaucus Benth) enriquecido con calcio y vitamina C

La mora es un fruto que se cosecha en los andes colombianos y apetecido por los consumidores por su intenso sabor y por sus propiedades antioxidantes. Este fruto, en su mayoría, se consume procesado debido a su alto grado de perecibilidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue formular un jugo de mora funcional. Las formulaciones del jugo presentaron pulpa de mora, sucralosa, goma CMC, pectinasa, citrato de sodio, vitamina C y citrato de calcio. La adición de calcio y vitamina C se realizó con base en el 20% de del valor diario recomendado (VDR) propuesto en la Resolución 333 de 2011 del Ministerio de la Protección Social (Colombia). Los resultados para el producto final fueron: calcio 112,46 ± 10,877 mg/100 g y vitamina C 263,38 ± 6,180 mg/L. Se observó un cambio en los parámetros a* y b* al día 18 de su almacenamiento. El pH (4,3) y la viscosidad (590 cP) permanecieron constantes hasta los 18 días de evaluación. El alimento funcional formulado puede ser catalogado como excelente fuente de calcio y vitamina C, a pesar de la degradación de la vitamina C por tratamientos térmicos aplicados.

Target Capture Sequencing Unravels Rubus Evolution.

Rubus (Rosaceae) comprises more than 500 species with additional commercially cultivated raspberries and blackberries. The most recent (> 100 years old) global taxonomic treatment of the genus defined 12 subgenera; two subgenera were subsequently described and some species were rearranged. Intra- and interspecific ploidy levels and hybridization make phylogenetic estimation of Rubus challenging. Our objectives were to estimate the phylogeny of 94 taxonomically and geographically diverse species and three cultivars using chloroplast DNA sequences and target capture of approximately 1,000 low copy nuclear genes; estimate divergence times between major Rubus clades; and examine the historical biogeography of species diversification. Target capture sequencing identified eight major groups within Rubus. Subgenus Orobatus and Subg. Anoplobatus were monophyletic, while other recognized subgenera were para- or polyphyletic. Multiple hybridization events likely occurred across the phylogeny at subgeneric levels, e.g., Subg. Rubus (blackberries) × Subg. Idaeobatus (raspberries) and Subg. Idaeobatus × Subg. Cylactis (Arctic berries) hybrids. The raspberry heritage within known cultivated blackberry hybrids was confirmed. The most recent common ancestor of the genus was most likely distributed in North America. Multiple distribution events occurred during the Miocene (about 20 Ma) from North America into Asia and Europe across the Bering land bridge and southward crossing the Panamanian Isthmus. Rubus species diversified greatly in Asia during the Miocene. Rubus taxonomy does not reflect phylogenetic relationships and subgeneric revision is warranted. The most recent common ancestor migrated from North America towards Asia, Europe, and Central and South America early in the Miocene then diversified. Ancestors of the genus Rubus may have migrated to Oceania by long distance bird dispersal. This phylogeny presents a roadmap for further Rubus systematics research. In conclusion, the target capture dataset provides high resolution between species though it also gave evidence of gene tree/species tree and cytonuclear discordance. Discordance may be due to hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting, rather than a lack of phylogenetic signal. This study illustrates the importance of using multiple phylogenetic methods when examining complex groups and the utility of software programs that estimate signal conflict within datasets.

Fermentation properties of beer produced from Korean two-row barley or malt (Gwangmaek) supplemented with Korean red ginseng extracts and Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miquel) juice

Fermentation properties of beer produced from Korean two-row barley or malt (Gwangmaek) supplemented with Korean red ginseng extracts and Bokbunja (Rubus coreanus Miquel) juice

Comparison of the Whole-Plastome Sequence between the Bonin Islands Endemic Rubus boninensis and Its Close Relative, Rubus trifidus (Rosaceae), in the Southern Korean Peninsula.

Rubus boninensis is a rare endemic species found on the Bonin Islands with a very restricted distribution. It is morphologically most closely related to Rubus trifidus, occurring widely in the southern Korean peninsula and Japan. This species pair provides a good example of anagenetic speciation on an oceanic island in the northwestern Pacific Ocean—R. trifidus as a continental progenitor and R. boninensis as an insular derivative species. In this study, we firstly characterized the complete plastome of R. boninensis and R. trifidus and compared this species pair to another anagenetically derived species pair (R. takesimensis–R. crataegifolius). The complete plastome of R. trifidus was 155,823 base pairs (bp) long, slightly longer (16 bp) than that of R. boninensis (155,807 bp). No structural or content rearrangements were found between the species pair. Eleven hotspot regions, including trnH/psbA, were identified between R. trifidus and R. boninensis. Phylogenetic analysis of 19 representative plastomes within the family Rosaceae suggested sister relationships between R. trifidus and R. boninensis, and between R. crataegifolius and R. takesimensis. The plastome resources generated by the present study will help elucidate plastome evolution and resolve phylogenetic relationships within highly complex and reticulated lineages of the genus Rubus.

Allopolyploid origin in Rubus (Rosaceae) inferred from nuclear granule-bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) sequences

BackgroundPolyploidy and hybridization are ubiquitous in Rubus L., a large and taxonomically challenging genus. Chinese Rubus are mainly concentrated into two major sections, the diploid Idaeobatus and the polyploid Malachobatus. However, it remains unclear to be auto- or allo- polyploid origin of polyploids in Rubus. We investigated the homoeologs and the structure of the GBSSI-1 (granule-bound starch synthase I) gene in 140 Rubus individuals representing 102 taxa in 17 (out of the total 24) subsections of 7 (total of 12) sections at different ploidy levels.ResultsBased on the gene structure and sequence divergence, we defined three gene variants, GBSSI-1a, GBSSI-1b, and GBSSI-1c. When compared with GBSSI-1a, both GBSSI-1b and GBSSI-1c have a shorter fourth intron, and GBSSI-1c had an additional deletion in the fifth intron. For diploids, either GBSSI-1a or GBSSI-1b was detected in 56 taxa consisting of 82 individuals from sect. Idaeobatus, while both alleles existed in R. pentagonus and R. peltatus. Both homoeologs GBSSI-1a and GBSSI-1b were identified in 39 taxa (48 individuals) of Malachobatus polyploids. They were also observed in two sect. Dalibardastrum taxa, in one sect. Chamaebatus taxon, and in three taxa from sect. Cylactis. Interestingly, all three homoeologs were observed in the three tetraploid taxa. Phylogenetic trees and networks suggested two clades (I and II), corresponding to GBSSI-1a, and GBSSI-1b/1c sequences, respectively. GBSSI-1 homoeologs from the same polyploid individual were resolved in different well-supported clades, and some of these homoelogs were more closely related to homoelogs in other species than they were to each other. This implied that the homoeologs of these polyploids were donated by different ancestral taxa, indicating their allopolyploid origin. Two kinds of diploids hybridized to form most allotetraploid species. The early-divergent diploid species with GBSSI-1a or -1b emerged before polyploid formation in the evolutionary history of Rubus.ConclusionThis study provided new insights into allopolyploid origin and evolution from diploid to polyploid within the genus Rubus at the molecular phylogenetic level, consistent with the taxonomic treatment by Yü et al. and Lu.

Ploidy level variation in the genus Rubus in the Pannonian Basin and the northern Balkans, and evolutionary implications

Ploidy can serve as an excellent diagnostic character and proxy for evolutionary and reproductive behaviour, particularly in taxonomically complicated apomictic genera. In Rubus, ploidy level has so far been established for 230 European species (ca 30% of the total), mainly from Western or central Europe. We present the first DNA ploidy data for 25 described species and 22 undescribed stable morphotypes from the Pannonian Basin and the northern Balkans (8 countries). We also review previously published ploidy data covering the entire bramble flora of the studied area (78 recognized species in total). The most common ploidy level is tetraploid, which is the only ploidy level in most series (e.g. Micantes, Rhamnifolii, Sylvatici). This likely reflects elevated sexuality and the higher probability of new species formation via hybridization in tetraploids compared to other ploidy levels. As in central Europe but unlike in other regions, we also recorded many triploid species, namely in ser. Discolores (19 species) and ser. Rubus (four species). The diversity of triploid Discolores in the region may be linked to the occurrence of diploid R. canescens, making the region a hot spot of triploid Rubus diversity. Six pentaploid and a single hexaploid species, all from sect. Corylifolii, were recorded. Ploidy proved to be a good diagnostic character for several species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically, confirming its importance in inventories of brambles. One of these species is described here as R. praecocifrons Kiraly & Travn.

Blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius Schott): Chemical composition, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in two edible stages.

The berries of the genus Rubus has been highlighted as important source of bioactive and health promoting constituents, however, information about chemical composition and antioxidant potential of the specie Rubus ulmifolius are still scarce. In this regard, this study aimed to assess the physicochemical characteristics, total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA), individual phenolics, minerals, sugars, and antioxidant properties of mature and fully mature R. ulmifolius. With the advance of maturation, changes in the physicochemical composition suggest pleasant characteristics for consumption especially in the fully mature stage. High levels of TMA and sugars (fructose and glucose) were also verified in the fully mature stage, as well as, expressive antioxidant potential, with values of 241.06 μM Fe+2 g-1 for ferric reducing antioxidant power and 28.22 mg gallic acid equivalent g-1 for Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity (all expressed in dry matter, DM). In contrast, minerals (potassium, calcium, sodium) and most of the studied phenolic compounds showed the highest concentrations in mature fruits. Among the phenolics investigated, 26 compounds were identified and quercetin and isoquercitrin were the predominant phenolic compounds in the fruit. The results reinforce the nutritive and antioxidant potential of Rubus ulmifolius in both maturation stages studied.

Testing germination methods and survival for a rare endemic, Barton’s raspberry (Rubus bartonianus)

Testing germination methods and survival for a rare endemic, Barton’s raspberry (<i>Rubus bartonianus</i>)

In vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of Rubus caesius L

ABSTRACTThe genus Rubus (Rosaceae) has great potential for and a history of use as natural agents in several traditional folk remedies. Based on this concept, this study focused on the antioxidant activities and enzyme inhibitory effects of extracts and fractions from Rubus caesius. Different chemical assays were performed to detect antioxidant capacity, namely, free radical scavenging (ABTS and DPPH assays), reducing power (CUPRAC and FRAP), phosphomolybdenum and metal chelating. Enzyme inhibitory effects were tested towards cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In addition, total amounts of phenolics and flavonoids were detected by colorimetric assays. Among the samples, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant potential with its higher concentration of total phenolics. The highest AChE and α-amylase inhibitory activities were observed in the diethyl ether fraction, while the n-butanol fraction had the strongest anti-tyrosinase inhibitor ability. The present study demonstrated that R. caesius may be considered a source of biologically active compounds to develop novel functional products or drugs in the pharmaceutical field.