Cherry Fruit Research Articles

Fruit sugar and organic acid composition and inheritance analysis in an intraspecific cross of Chinese cherry

Chinese cherry is an economically significant fruiting cherry species within Rosaceae family. Soluble sugar and organic acid are crucial factors affecting fruit flavor, while the genetic basis for these traits in Chinese cherry remains largely unknown. In this study, we determined sugar and acid components in 190 and 187 representative hybrids from an intraspecific cross of Chinese cherry over two consecutive years. Fructose and glucose were the major sugars in both progeny and parents, but their contents varied considerably between years. Fructose represented a higher proportion in progeny than in parents. Malic acid was the most predominant component, accounting for a relatively stable proportion (∼70%) for both years. The F1 population exhibited wide phenotypic variations, with coefficient of variation ranging from 6.57% to 108.63%. Regarding inheritance patterns, sugars tended towards smaller values, while malic acid exhibited significant transgressive heterosis. Sugars and acids were primarily governed by 2 MG-AD or 2 MG-EA model. Major gene heritability exceeded 88% for acids but much lower (12%–75%) for sugars. These results suggest that acid contents might be controlled by two major genes, while sugars are mainly governed by polygenes. This study provides a theoretic basis for understanding genetic predisposition underlying sugar-acid fractions in Chinese cherry fruit.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) as a promising source of antioxidant phenolic substances and minerals

This study aimed to evaluate the mineral content, and content of bioactive compounds in fruits of Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.). Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin were determined in the samples. Vitamin C content ranged from 610.36 to 1344 mg kg−1 FW. Content of K, Ca, P, Mg, and Na in samples ranged from 1750.8 to 2645.7 mg kg−1 FW, from 281.14 to 561.62 mg kg−1 FW, from 180.38 to 294.95 mg kg−1 FW, from 68.19 to 115.43 mg kg−1 FW, and from 2.48 to 71.33 mg kg−1 FW respectively. Content of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, and Co in samples ranged from 2.77 to 4.88 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.49 to 0.99 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.25 to 0.53 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.07 to 0.17 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.02 to 0.13 mg kg−1 FW, from 0.01 to 0.02 mg kg−1 FW, and from 0.01 to 0.08 mg kg−1 FW respectively. Variations across cultivars were found to be statistically significant, indicating that genetics is a key factor influencing the concentration of bioactive compounds and minerals in Cornelian cherry fruits. Understanding the genetic factors influencing mineral and bioactive compound content in cornelian cherry cultivars is essential for targeted breeding programs, crop improvement, and the development of cultivars with enhanced nutritional and health-promoting attributes. This knowledge contributes to sustainable agriculture and supports the production of crops that align with consumer preferences and health trends.

Plumbagin controls fungal postharvest pathogens by affecting metabolism and inducing autophagy

Botrytis cinerea is a devastating postharvest pathogenic fungus causing severe postharvest decay in a wide range of fruit and vegetables. Controlling postharvest pathogens is essential to the postharvest industry. Plumbagin is a plant-derived naphthoquinone compound with various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, its antifungal effects on B. cinerea have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of plumbagin against postharvest fungal pathogens and elucidated its potential mechanism on B. cinerea through transcriptomics. Plumbagin exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity and completely inhibited the growth of various postharvest pathogens at a concentration of 20 mg L−1in vitro. Moreover, plumbagin effectively inhibited the incidence of gray mold in grape, sweet cherry, and strawberry fruit. The spore germination and viability of B. cinerea were also suppressed by plumbagin. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that plumbagin significantly affected the metabolic processes and induced autophagy in B. cinerea. Our results suggest that plumbagin is a promising broad-spectrum plant-derived fungicide that suppresses postharvest gray mold by affecting the metabolism of B. cinerea and inducing autophagy. These findings provide a theoretical basis for applying plumbagin to control postharvest pathogens.

Upcycling Surinam cherry and spine gourd fruit waste: development of anthelmintic jelly candies using fruit extracts.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-024-05967-5.

An Evaluation of Insecticidal Trunk Injections for the Control of the European Cherry Fruit Fly Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Cherry productivity is challenging in Europe due to the presence of the cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi). Trunk injection is an alternative method of insecticide delivery that may improve pesticide performance in controlling pests. In our study, four pesticides (abamectin, acetamiprid, flupyradifurone, and cyantraniliprole) were investigated for trunk injection against R. cerasi. Acetamiprid trunk injection in a minimum dose of 0.56 g/tree was suitable for protection against the pest, the efficacy of the control was over 95%, and the pesticide residue concentrations in the fruits were below the maximum permissible limit in each experiment. The trunk injection and foliar spray of the same dose of acetamiprid were equally effective. In the case of the other three active ingredients (abamectin, flupyradifurone, and cyantraniliprole), the trunk injection method did not prove suitable for practical use due to various reasons, which are detailed in the manuscript.

Genome-Wide Exploration of the Ethylene-Responsive Element-Binding Factor Gene Family in Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.): Preliminarily Unveiling Insights into Normal Development and Fruit Cracking

The ERF subfamily, a significant part of the APETALA2/ethylene-responsive element-binding factor (AP2/ERF) transcription family, plays a crucial role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Despite its importance, research on this gene family in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is limited. This study identified and analyzed the sweet cherry ERF subfamily in terms of classification, physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, chromosome distribution, gene replication and collinearity, Cis-acting elements, and potential protein interactions. Preliminary investigations of transcription during fruit cracking and normal development were also conducted. Fifty ERFs (PatiERF1~50) were identified, distributed unevenly across eight chromosomes and classified into ten groups with nineteen conserved motifs. Collinearity analysis with other plant species revealed homology, with the highest number of ERF orthologous genes found in apple (Malus domestica L.). Cis-acting elements, particularly abscisic acid response factor, were abundant in PatiERF promoters. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis indicated the involvement of PatiERFs in sweet cherry fruit development and cracking, and nine and four significant candidates related to these processes were speculated, respectively. Furthermore, four other classes of transcription factors (TFs), namely MYB, GRAS, BHLH, and BZIP, as well as 23 structure genes, were predicted to have co-expression and interaction relationships with PatiERFs during fruit development. This suggests their potential synergistic regulation with ERFs in the cherry fruit development process. Our study represents the first comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the ERF subfamily in sweet cherry, laying a crucial foundation for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms correlated with fruit growth, development, and cracking mediated by ERF genes.

Mode of Action of Calcium in Reducing Macrocracking of Sweet Cherry Fruit

Rain cracking (hereinafter referred to as macrocracking) severely impacts the production of sweet cherry (Prunus avium). Calcium (Ca) sprays can reduce macrocracking, but the reported responses to Ca sprays are variable and inconsistent. The objective of this study was to establish the physiological mechanism through which Ca reduces macrocracking in sweet cherry fruit. Six spray applications of 50 mM CaCl2 had no effect on macrocracking (assessed using a standardized immersion assay) despite a 28% increase in the Ca-to-dry mass ratio. Similarly, during another experiment, there was no effect of up to nine Ca sprays on macrocracking, although the Ca-to-dry mass ratio increased as the number of applications increased. In contrast, CaCl2 spray applications during simulated rain (in a fog chamber) significantly reduced the proportion of macrocracked fruit. Additionally, immersion of fruit in CaCl2 decreased macrocracking in a concentration-dependent manner. Monitoring macrocrack extension using image analysis revealed that the rate of macrocrack extension decreased markedly as the CaCl2 concentration increased. This effect was significant at concentrations as low as 1 mM CaCl2. Decreased anthocyanin leakage, decreased epidermal cell wall swelling, and increased fruit skin stiffness and fracture force contributed to the decrease in macrocracking. There was no effect of CaCl2 on the cuticle deposition rate. Our results demonstrated that Ca decreased macrocracking when applied to a wet fruit surface either by spraying on wet fruit or by incubation in solutions containing CaCl2. Under these circumstances, Ca had direct access to the cell wall of an extending macrocrack. The mode of action of Ca in reducing macrocracking is primarily decreasing the rate of crack extension at the tip of a macrocrack.

Calcium absorption by fruit and leaves of sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium L.) by isotope labeling

In sweet cherry, foliar Calcium–based products are used to mitigate rain–cracking in fruit and to improve its firmness during storage. Information on foliar Calcium (Ca) absorption efficiency by fruit and leaves in the field is scarce. In part, this is due to the limitations of the traditional analytical techniques for assessing Ca levels in these organs. Here, we hypothesize that leaves and fruit differ in their abilities to uptake surface applications of Ca and, moreover, that their abilities are influenced by phenology. To test this hypothesis, foliar 44Ca (0.05% 44CaCl2) was used to enrich sweet cherry fruit and leaves of the combination ‘Lapins’/‘Colt’ during the 2019–2020 growing season in the Central Valley of Chile (34° 0’ S, 71° 41’ W). Six treatments were applied, represented by different timings (days after full bloom, DAFB) of isotopic labeling of either fruit or leaves. Labeling was applied at Stage I, SII and SIII of fruit development. Fruit or leaves were ‘painted’ with 44CaCl2 (0.05%, 97 atom%) using a brush. Each labeling date considered a different group of similar fruiting spurs on the two-year-old wood of individual vertical branches. Additional samples were collected to measure natural abundance of 44Ca. Labeled fruit were removed 48 h after aerial 44Ca enrichment and at harvest (87 DAFB).Uptake of 44Ca by fruit and leaves was observed throughout the period of fruit development. Fruiting spur leaves (FSL) and fruit absorbed 44CaCl2 and were highly enriched 48 h after labeling. The earlier the labeling date, the higher the 44Ca tracer recovery detected in both organs. However, FSL showed higher δ44Ca ‰, 44Ca concentrations and 44Ca contents than fruit during the whole period of fruit development. After 48 h, the aerial uptake at SI (expressed as δ44Ca ‰) was 3.4 times higher in immature FSL and 5.7 times higher in immature fruit than SIII of fruit development, which indicates that Ca sprays should start soon after fruit set. We conclude that in sweet cherry, foliar Ca is absorbed by fruit and spur leaves, but the absorption is more efficient in the early stages of fruit development and for young leaves.

A 5.2-kb insertion in the coding sequence of PavSCPL, a serine carboxypeptidase-like enhances fruit firmness in Prunus avium.

Fruit firmness is an important trait in sweet cherry breeding because it directly positively influences fruit transportability, storage and shelf life. However, the underlying genes responsible and the molecular mechanisms that control fruit firmness remain unknown. In this study, we identified a candidate gene, PavSCPL, encoding a serine carboxypeptidase-like protein with natural allelic variation, that controls fruit firmness in sweet cherry using map-based cloning and functionally characterized PavSCPL during sweet cherry fruit softening. Genetic analysis revealed that fruit firmness in the 'Rainier' × 'Summit' F1 population was controlled by a single dominant gene. Bulked segregant analysis combined with fine mapping narrowed the candidate gene to a 473-kb region (7418778-7 891 914 bp) on chromosome 6 which included 72 genes. The candidate gene PavSCPL, and a null allele harbouring a 5244-bp insertion in the second exon that completely inactivated PavSCPL expression and resulted in the extra-hard-flesh phenotype, were identified by RNA-sequencing analysis and gene cloning. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that the PavSCPL expression level was increased with fruit softening. Virus-induced gene silencing of PavSCPL enhanced fruit firmness and suppressed the activities of certain pectin-degrading enzymes in the fruit. In addition, we developed functional molecular markers for PavSCPL and the Pavscpl5.2-k allele that co-segregated with the fruit firmness trait. Overall, this research identified a crucial functional gene for fruit firmness. The results provide insights into the genetic control and molecular mechanism of the fruit firmness trait and present useful molecular markers for molecular-assisted breeding for fruit firmness in sweet cherry.

Molecular characterization and evolutionary relationships of DOFs in four cherry species and functional analysis in sweet cherry

The DOF (DNA binding with one finger) has multiple functions in plants. However, it has received little attention in the research field of cherries. In this study, the evolutionary relationship and molecular characterization of DOF in four cherry species were analyzed, revealing its expression pattern in sweet cherry. There are 23 members in Prunus avium cv. ‘Tieton’, 88 in Prunus cerasus, 53 in Cerasus × yedoensis, and 27 in Cerasus serrulata. Most of these genes are intron-less or non-intron, with a conserved C2-C2 domain. Due to heterozygosity and chromosomal ploidy, whole-genome duplication (WGD) events occur to varying degrees, and DOF genes are contracted during evolution. Furthermore, these genes are affected by purifying selection pressure. Under low-temperature treatment, the expression of PavDOF2 and PavDOF18 were significantly up-regulated, while that of PavDOF16 is significantly down-regulated. The expression of PavDOF9, PavDOF12, PavDOF14, PavDOF16, PavDOF17, PavDOF18, and PavDOF19 exhibits an increasing trend during flower development and varies during sweet cherry fruit development. PavDOF1, PavDOF8, PavDOF9, and PavDOF15 are localized in the nucleus but is not transcriptionally active. The findings systemically demonstrate the molecular characteristics of DOF in different cherry varieties, providing a basis for further research on the functions of these genes.

A new UHPLC-HRMS metabolomics approach for the rapid and comprehensive analysis of phenolic compounds in blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, cranberry and cherry fruits

Phenolic compounds are considered an important group of bioactive molecules that are present in abundant quantities in fruits such as berries and cherries; hence, the analysis and quantification of these compounds are of significant interest to the scientific community. The current study aimed to develop a novel analytical method using liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) for the rapid, comprehensive and simultaneous analysis of 66 phenolic compounds optimized for the selected five types of fruits commercially available in Canada. Bioactive compounds that could potentially be metabolite markers for each berry were identified. Various phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in all five selected fruits. Notably, blackberries were rich in anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-glucoside (368.4 ± 6 µg/g), while blueberries were rich in peonidin-3-glucoside (1083 ± 9 µg/g). In addition, raspberries and cherries contained significant amounts of cyanidin-3-rutinoside, at 3156 ± 36 µg/g and 301.3 ± 2 µg/g, respectively, while cranberries contained the highest concentrations of petunidin at 829.7 ± 3 µg/g. The newly developed and validated UHPLC-HRMS method proved helpful in comprehensively analyzing phenolic compounds in blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, blackberry and cherry. Identifying and quantifying bioactives can lead to applications in neutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries by using phenolic-rich berry extracts in functional foods, supplements, or pharmaceutical products.

Effect of washing method on the reduction of insecticide residues and quality characteristics of sweet cherry fruits

Sweet cherry trees were sprayed with 5 insecticides (acetamiprid, dimethoate, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, tau-fluvalinate) at the recommended field doses in this study. Fruits were harvested after the pre-harvested interval for each pesticide completed and then they were immersed into tap water and three different washing solutions (with three different concentrations) for 3 minutes (at 20ºC). Insecticide concentrations were detected with a multi-residual analysis method using LC-MS/MS in Bursa Uludağ University in 2022. Following the treatments, changes in the quality characteristics of fruits were also investigated by quality (colour, texture and fruit cracking rate, water-soluble dry matter) and sensory analysis (fruit and stem colour, firmness, appearance, general acceptability). The results revealed that washing method with tap water during 3 min decreased insecticide residue level by 7-45% depending on insecticide active compound. Higher reduction rates were observed by washing with citric acid (10%), sodium bicarbonate (2.5%) and sodium hydroxide (0.5%). But significant reductions were detected only in lambda-cyhalothrin and malathion residues when compared with the newly harvested fruit samples. Processing factors (PF) of all washing methods were generally lower than 1 except for three treatments. PF values showed variations depending on the type of washing solution and the active compound of insecticides. Although washing with citric acid (10%), sodium bicarbonate (2.5%) and sodium hydroxide (0.5%) solutions caused reduction in residue levels, their negative effects on the quality and sensory characteristics of the fruits cannot be ruled out.

Abscisic acid triggers vitamin E accumulation by transient transcript activation of VTE5 and VTE6 in sweet cherry fruits.

Tocopherols are lipophilic antioxidants known as vitamin E and synthesized from the condensation of two metabolic pathways leading to the formation of homogentisate and phytyl diphosphate. While homogentisate is derived from tyrosine metabolism, phytyl diphosphate may be formed from geranylgeranyl diphosphate or phytol recycling from chlorophyll degradation. Here, we hypothesized that abscisic acid (ABA) could induce tocopherol biosynthesis in sweet cherries by modifying the expression of genes involved in vitamin E biosynthesis, including those from the phytol recycling pathway. Hence, the expression of key tocopherol biosynthesis genes was determined together with vitamin E and chlorophyll contents during the natural development of sweet cherries on the tree. Moreover, the effects of exogenously applied ABA on the expression of key tocopherol biosynthesis genes were also investigated during on-tree fruit development, and tocopherols and chlorophylls contents were analyzed. Results showed that the expression of tocopherol biosynthesis genes, including VTE5, VTE6, HPPD and HPT showed contrasting patterns of variation, but in all cases, increased by 2- and 3-fold over time during fruit de-greening. This was not the case for GGDR and VTE4, the first showing constitutive expression during fruit development and the second with marked down-regulation at ripening onset. Furthermore, exogenous ABA stimulated the production of both α- and γ-tocopherols by 60% and 30%, respectively, promoted chlorophyll degradation and significantly enhanced VTE5 and VTE6 expression, and also that of HPPD and VTE4, altogether increasing total tocopherol accumulation. In conclusion, ABA increases promote the transcription of phytol recycling enzymes, which may contribute to vitamin E biosynthesis during fruit development in stone fruits like sweet cherries.

Characterization and toxicological potential of Alternaria alternata associated with post-harvest fruit rot of Prunus avium in China.

Post-harvest fruit rot caused by Alternaria species is one of the most important threats to the fruit industry. Post-harvest rot on sweet cherry (Prunus avium) fruit was observed in the fruit markets of the Haidian district of Beijing, China. The fungal isolates obtained from the infected sweet cherry fruits matched the descriptions of Alternaria alternata based on the morphology and multi-gene (ITS, endo-PG, and Alta1) sequence analysis. Pathogenicity tests indicated that ACT-3 was the most virulent isolate, exhibiting typical post-harvest fruit rot symptoms. Physiological studies revealed that the optimal conditions for the growth of ACT-3 were temperature of 28°C, water activity of 0.999, and pH of 8 with 87, 85, and 86 mm radial growth of ACT-3 on a potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium, respectively, at 12 days post-inoculation (dpi). Moreover, the fungus showed the highest growth on a Martin agar medium (MAM) modified (85 mm) and a PDA medium (84 mm) at 12 dpi. The proliferation of the fungus was visualized inside the fruit tissues by confocal and scanning electron microscope (SEM), revealing the invasion and destruction of fruit tissues. Alternaria mycotoxins, tenuazonic acid (TeA), and alternariol (AOH) were detected in five representative isolates by HPLC analysis. The highest concentrations of TeA (313 μg/mL) and AOH (8.9 μg/mL) were observed in ACT-6 and ACT-3 isolates, respectively. This study is the first to present a detailed report on the characteristics and proliferation of A. alternata associated with sweet cherry fruit rot and the detection of toxic metabolites.

The Relationship between the Adult Population and Damage Rate of Cherry Fruit Fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Relationship between the Adult Population and Damage Rate of Cherry Fruit Fly, Rhagoletis cerasi L. (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Contribution of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Alcoholic Beverages on the Sensory, Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Characteristics—In Vitro and In Silico Approaches

Food producers have focused on novel and attractive raw materials with functional properties. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits contain numerous compounds that may be beneficial for health. Objective: This study aimed to compare and assess the physicochemical properties and amygdalin levels in brandy and liquor prepared from frozen cornelian cherry fruits. Density functional theory-based B3LYP functionals were used to analyze the spectral and optical properties of amygdalin. The contents of the compounds and volatile products of amygdalin decay were found in two spirituose beverages of Cornus mas, using HPLC and GC-MS. Significant differences in their physicochemical properties were detected between the samples. Alcoholic beverages based on cornelian cherry fruits were rich in a wide range of functional ingredients with a low concentration of amygdalin. In silico analysis showed that orbital density diffusion has a major effect on the physical properties of amygdalin, while differences between the polarities of water and ethanol had no noticeable effect on the spectral properties of the compound. Cornelian cherry-based alcoholic drinks might be interesting functional products with rich aromatic bouquets. The amygdalin concentration is low enough to pose no toxicological threat, but rather shapes the tastory bouquet of the products. Levels of amygdalin may be controlled using the same analytical methods for solutions with different ethanol–water ratios.

Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruit Extract Lowers SREBP-1c and C/EBPα in Liver and Alters Various PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, LXR-α Target Genes in Cholesterol-Rich Diet Rabbit Model.

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits, abundant in iridoids and anthocyanins, are natural products with proven beneficial impacts on the functions of the cardiovascular system and the liver. This study aims to assess and compare whether and to what extent two different doses of resin-purified cornelian cherry extract (10 mg/kg b.w. or 50 mg/kg b.w.) applied in a cholesterol-rich diet rabbit model affect the levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα), and various liver X receptor-α (LXR-α), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) target genes. Moreover, the aim is to evaluate the resistive index (RI) of common carotid arteries (CCAs) and aortas, and histopathological changes in CCAs. For this purpose, the levels of SREBP-1c, C/EBPα, ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1), fatty acid synthase (FAS), endothelial lipase (LIPG), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), and adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) in liver tissue were measured. Also, the levels of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (Vaspin), and retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) in visceral adipose tissue were measured. The RI of CCAs and aortas, and histopathological changes in CCAs, were indicated. The oral administration of the cornelian cherry extract decreased the SREBP-1c and C/EBPα in both doses. The dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. increased ABCA1 and decreased FAS, CPT1A, and RBP4, and the dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. enhanced ABCG1 and AdipoR2. Mitigations in atheromatous changes in rabbits' CCAs were also observed. The obtained outcomes were compared to the results of our previous works. The beneficial results confirm that cornelian cherry fruit extract may constitute a potentially effective product in the prevention and treatment of obesity-related disorders.

Health-Promoting Properties of Anthocyanins from Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruits.

The cornelian cherry is a plant that annually provides fruits, drupe-type, ranging in color from yellow through pink, red, carmine, and almost black. Cornelian cherry bears abundant fruit in temperate climate conditions, which means that its dark-colored fruits can be treated as an excellent source of anthocyanins. After consuming, anthocyanins have a protective function in the human body. Raw fruit extracts and their pure isolates, rich in anthocyanins, have a wide spectrum of health-promoting properties. This review focuses on the health-promoting properties of anthocyanins from fruits of cornelian cherry, documented in research conducted in vitro, in vivo, and in humans. The results obtained so far confirm the beneficial effects of anthocyanins on the blood parameters, whose values are important in predicting and assessing the risk and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A beneficial effect on molecular and histopathological changes in target organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver has also been demonstrated. Anthocyanins from cornelian cherry have a strong antioxidant effect, which explains their protective effects on organs and anticancer effects. Moreover, they have antiglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The work highlights the perspectives and directions of necessary research.

Improved postharvest quality attributes of sweet and sour cherry by using low pressure UVC versus light-emitting diodes (LEDs)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LPUVC253.7 nm and LEDs405.5 nm light on sweet and sour cherries, to assess the potential of post-harvest illumination for fruit shelf-life and quality extension. Fresh cherries were treated at several doses (up to 1.56 kJ m−2) in a lab design chamber. Microbiological parameters, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and quality properties such as weight loss, color, pH, and total soluble solids content, were assessed before and after illumination and during storage time up to 24 days at 4 and 25 °C. Studies on inactivation of natural fruit microbiota and artificially inoculated potential spoilage bacteria Pseudomonas syringae and Aureobasidium pullulans were performed. A maximum reduction of 1.89 and 1.66 log on total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and total mold and yeasts was obtained after light illumination at 253.7 nm on spiked cherry fruits. Regarding fruit quality properties, both light (LPUVC253.7 nm and LEDs405.5 nm) illumination caused no change (p > 0.05) in quality parameters compared with non-treated fruits.Industrial relevance: There is an increasing global demand from consumers for agricultural products high nutritional quality with no or minimal chemical preservatives. Postharvest physical ultraviolet-C (UVC) treatment before or during cold storage can inactivate microbial contaminants, alleviate low-temperature damage, reduce postharvest decay, and extend shelf life of fruits while improving chemical safety. The present study indicated that post-harvest LPUVC and LEDs illumination of cherries can be used as a clean and environmental forthcoming process to extend the shelf-life of fruits with highly preserved quality.

Sweet cherry TCP gene family analysis reveals potential functions of PavTCP1, PavTCP2 and PavTCP3 in fruit light responses

BackgroundTCP proteins are plant specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth and development. Despite the known significance of these transcription factors in general plant development, their specific role in fruit growth remains largely uncharted. Therefore, this study explores the potential role of TCP transcription factors in the growth and development of sweet cherry fruits.ResultsThirteen members of the PavTCP family were identified within the sweet cherry plant, with two, PavTCP1 and PavTCP4, found to contain potential target sites for Pav-miR159, Pav-miR139a, and Pav-miR139b-3p. Analyses of cis-acting elements and Arabidopsis homology prediction analyses that the PavTCP family comprises many light-responsive elements. Homologs of PavTCP1 and PavTCP3 in Arabidopsis TCP proteins were found to be crucial to light responses. Shading experiments showed distinct correlation patterns between PavTCP1, 2, and 3 and total anthocyanins, soluble sugars, and soluble solids in sweet cherry fruits. These observations suggest that these genes may contribute significantly to sweet cherry light responses. In particular, PavTCP1 could play a key role, potentially mediated through Pav-miR159, Pav-miR139a, and Pav-miR139b-3p.ConclusionThis study is the first to unveil the potential function of TCP transcription factors in the light responses of sweet cherry fruits, paving the way for future investigations into the role of this transcription factor family in plant fruit development.