Fragaria Ananassa Cv Research Articles

Dry waste of red tea leaves and rose petals confer salinity stress tolerance in strawberry plants via modulation of growth and physiology

Climate change is considered one of the major contributing factors to soil salinization, leading to land degradation. Several alternative organic waste materials are proposed for agricultural sustainability. Strawberry ( Fragaria ananassa cv. Tioga) is one of the most consumed crop plants on a global scale due to its numerous economic and industrial benefits. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand how varying concentrations of diluted salt water (0%, 10%, 40%, 80%, 100%) affected the growth and physiology of Fragaria ananassa cv. Tioga. Our results indicated that shoot fresh weight (SFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), leaf area, fruits weight, fruits per plants, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a and b significantly decreased in salt-stressed strawberry plants as compared to control plants. Moreover, salinity stress increased the malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), sodium (Na) content, SOD and APX activity. However, the application of dry waster of tea leaves (DWT) and dry waste of rose petals (DWR) led to improvements in chlorophyll content, RWC and potassium (K) content, antioxidant enzymes activity, and fruit yield of strawberry plants. In comparison to DWT, the best outcome was observed in plants treated with DWR, suggesting a new and eco-friendly strategy to increase crop yields under salt stress in commercial production. In conclusion, DWT and DWR treatments helps in the improvement of strawberries grown under salt stress conditions and increases their tolerance to salt stress.

Minimal Media Strength for In vitro Conservation of Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) Cultures

An experiment for strawberry Fragaria ananassa cv. Festival in vitro conservation of cultures for nine months was studied. Three MS medium strength (full strength MS, ¾ MS, ½ MS, and ¼ MS) and the storage period (3, 6, and 9 months) in slowing down or reducing growth. Results showed a significant effect of the medium salt strength, as the full strength treatment was higher by achieved the highest percentage of viability (survival %) and storage characteristics of cultures (N%, P%, carbohydrates%, protein %) and regeneration ability characteristics (shoots and roots number and length). Three-month storage period achieved the highest rate compared to the nine-month storage period, which recorded the lowest average for the studied characteristics. The full strength treatment for three months storage period realized the highest rate compared to treatment ¼ strength for the storage period of nine months, which recorded the lowest rate of the studied traits. The application of minimal strength for in vitro conservation allows strawberry cultures to remain viable with a slow growth rate and a significant increase in the storage life of the tissues to nine months.

Analysis and Evaluation of Cassava Starch-Based Biodegradable Trays as an Alternative Packaging to Fresh Strawberry (Fragaria Ananassa Cv San Andreas)

Analysis and Evaluation of Cassava Starch-Based Biodegradable Trays as an Alternative Packaging to Fresh Strawberry (Fragaria Ananassa Cv San Andreas)

Qualidade de frutos de morangueiro sob diferentes condições de sombreamento e tipo de mulching no oeste do Paraná

West of Parana The use of mulching and shade screens are determinant cultivation practices for maximizing the production and the quality of the strawberries production. Aiming at verifying the quality of the fruits of strawberries, Fragaria ananassa cv. Camarosa short day, under different kinds of mulching and levels of shading, this experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the State University of the West of Parana (Unioeste), Campus of Marechal Cândido Rondon, Parana, Brazil. The seedlings were placed in a 30 x 30 cm within three rows in bed of 1.0 m wide, receiving irrigation and cultivation of fertilization and pest management, according to the culture demand. After the fixation of the seedlings, mulch was inserted over the flower beds, and the screen with 50% of shade to 50 cm tall. The experimental design was randomized blocks, factorial double, 4 x 2 (black polyethylene 200 μm; Tifton grass hay, non-textured fabric, and sifted charcoal x open field and 50% shading), containing three replicates with 12 plants for each repetition. For the open field condition, we observed statistic differences in the percentage of healthy fruit, fruit biomass and the number of fruits/plant, besides the higher levels of soluble solids, favoring the quality of the strawberries fruits. The Tifton mulching mower can be considered as an important coverage construction, since it can be naturally recycled providing plant nutrients and organic material to the soil, instead of generating waste, as the plastic commonly does.

Influence of Pullulan‐Based Edible Coating on Some Quality Properties of Strawberry During Cold Storage

Pullulan‐based edible coatings were used to extend the shelf life of strawberries (Fragaria ananassa cv. Camarosa) under cold storage conditions in perforated package. Some physicochemical properties of the strawberry fruits such as weight loss, firmness, colour, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and fungal decay were determined during the storage. The coatings delayed mould formation and decreased weight loss, softening and degradation of ascorbic acid and carotenoids in the fruits. The most marked difference was recorded in the firmness value of the fruits coated with a 10% pullulan‐based emulsion. Coating with a 10% pullulan‐based emulsion successfully extended the shelf life of the strawberries for 5 days longer under cold storage conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Elemental composition of strawberry plants inoculated with the plant growth‐promoting bacteriumAzospirillum brasilenseREC3, assessed with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersiveX‐ray analysis

The elemental composition of strawberry plants (Fragaria ananassa cv. Macarena) inoculated with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense REC3, and non-inoculated controls, was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis. This allowed simultaneous semi-quantification of different elements in a small, solid sample. Plants were inoculated and grown hydroponically in 50% or 100% Hoagland solution, corresponding to limited or optimum nutrient medium, respectively. Bacteria-inoculated plants increased the growth index 45% and 80% compared to controls when grown in 100% and 50% Hoagland solution, respectively. Thus, inoculation with A.brasilense REC3 in a nutrient-limited medium had the strongest effect in terms of increasing both shoot and root biomass and growth index, as already described for Azospirillum inoculated into nutrient-poor soils. SEM-EDS spectra and maps showed the elemental composition and relative distribution of nutrients in strawberry tissues. Leaves contained C, O, N, Na, P, K, Ca and Cu, while roots also had Si and Cl. The organic fraction (C, O and N) accounted for over 96.3% of the total chemical composition; of the mineral fraction, Na had higher accumulation in both leaves and roots. Azospirillum-inoculated and control plants had similar elemental quantities; however, in bacteria-inoculated roots, P was significantly increased (34.33%), which constitutes a major benefit for plant nutrition, while Cu content decreased (35.16%).

Impact of chitosan-beeswax edible coatings on the quality of fresh strawberries (Fragaria ananassa cv Camarosa) under commercial storage conditions

Chitosan-based edible coatings were used to prolong the shelf-life of strawberries stored at 20 °C and 35–40% RH. Strawberries were coated with four different coating formulations (chitosan as monolayer, three layer coating consisting of separate beeswax–chitosan–beeswax layers, three layer coating where chitosan was crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate, TPP, and composite). The effectiveness of the coatings was evaluated by the changes of several parameters: fungal infection, weight loss, respiration rate, skin and flesh color, firmness, pH value, titratabale acidity, soluble solids content, reducing sugars content and sensory evaluation. The coatings, especially the three-layer coatings, significantly decreased the senescence and weight loss of the fruits. They modified the respiration rates of the strawberries and slowed down their metabolism as shown by the retention of the color and the texture of the tissue. Sensory evaluation of the coated strawberries showed that the chitosan and composite coatings gave better visual appearance and taste and were therefore more preferable by 90% of the judges than the three-layer coatings, even though the later had higher protective effect of the overall quality of the strawberries.

Effect of microencapsulated essential oils on storage life and quality of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. Camarosa)

Introduction Decay is an important factor that limits the storage life of strawberries after harvest and is responsible for significant economic losses. Control of postharvest decay in strawberry fruit has been mostly dependent on the use of fungicides. However, because of the negative effects of fungicides on the environment and human health, and the development of fungicide resistance by pathogens, there is an urgent need to seek alternatives. Objectives In this study the effect of Rosmarinus officinalis and Thymus vulgaris microencapsulated essential oils on shelf-life of strawberry var camarosa fruit was assayed. Methods Four different treatments were used: T1, control, none microencapsulation; T2, 0.2gr Rosmarinus officinalis oil microencapsul (ROM); T3, 0.2gr Thymus vulgaris oil microencapsul (TOM); T4, 0.1gr Rosmarinus officinalis oil microencapsul addition 0.1 gr Thymus vulgaris oil microencapsul (RTOM). Results All tested treatments indicated a significant delay in the change of weight loss, titrable acidity, total soluble solids, decaying percentage and firmness in strawberry fruits of experimental set than the control set. The significant impact of treatment is found on the least decay percentage in the order of fruits treated with T2, T3, T4, presumably because of the difference found in the release pattern of the oils could be due to the different hydrophilic characteristics. Conclusion Hence, it could be concluded that postharvest treatment with microencapsulated essential oils has the potential to control decaying incidence, prolong the storage life and preserve valuable attributes of postharvest strawberry, presumably because of its effect on inhibition of ripening and senescence processes and have antifungal activities.

Use of different plastics for soil solarization in strawberry growth and time–temperature relationships for the control of Macrophomina phaseolina and weeds

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of soil solarization on soilborne diseases, weeds and plant yields by using polyethylene film (30-μm-thick) containing different additives [ultraviolet (UV), ultraviolet + infrared (UV + IR), ultraviolet + infrared + anti-fog + anti-dust (UV + IR + AF + AD)], and used polyethylene film (260-μm-thick). Trials were conducted in commercial strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. ‘Camarosa’) fields in the town of Sultanhisar in Aydin province, Turkey, between 2007 and 2009. The highest soil temperatures at the depth of 10 cm under a polyethylene sheet containing UV + IR + AF + AD were 54°C in 2007 and 50.7°C in 2008. During the 2007 growing season, collapse and death of strawberry plants were not detected. At the end of the 2008 season (May–June), collapsed and dying strawberry plants were observed. Pure cultures of Macrophomina phaseolina and Rhizoctonia solani were isolated from affected roots and crowns of plants. Viability studies of M. phaseolina were conducted under various field conditions and temperatures and M. phaseolina sclerotia survived more than 18 days at 45°C. There was a sharp decline in M. phaseolina at 50°C, where it survived for 19 h but was completely killed at 20 h. It first lost viability after 17 h at 50°C and after 60 min at 55°C. In the field, solarization did not reduce the viability of M. phaseolina at a soil depth of 10 or 20 cm; however, a significant reduction (66%) in survival was determined at a soil depth of 5 cm. All treatments controlled Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus spp., Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Veronica hederifolia, Raphanus raphanistrum, Setaria verticillata and Mercurialis annua at a rate of 100%, but no treatment was effective on Cyperus rotundus. The marketable fruit yield was 38,004 kg.ha−1 for UV + IR, 35,834 kg.ha−1 for UV-added polyethylene film and 35,368 kg.ha−1 for used polyethylene sheet-covered plots, whereas it was 27,365 kg.ha−1 for untreated control plots.

Phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) application slows fungal growth and maintains aroma in strawberry

In order to investigate the effect of phenylethyl alcohol (PEA) on the extension of shelf-life and quality of strawberries, physicochemical properties and flavor changes were determined in PEA-treated strawberries ( Fragaria ananassa cv. Maehyang). Fungal growth on the surface of PEA-treated strawberries during storage at 4 °C was significantly lower than that of the control group throughout the experimental period. The weight and moisture contents of PEA-treated fruit showed a significantly lower rate of decrease than the control group. Similarly, titratable acidity and the contents of ascorbic acid and sugar were not diminished in the PEA-treated group. The aroma profile of PEA-treated strawberries stored for 15 days was similar to that of fresh strawberries. The strawberry flavor compounds identified from both groups were ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl 2-methyl butyrate, and methyl acetate. In contrast, aroma production and the number of volatiles increased in stored strawberries (without PEA-treatment). In addition to ethyl acetate, isobutyraldehyde, isoamyl acetate, sec- n-amyl acetate, and n-butyl acetate are thought to be the major flavor compounds of stored strawberries. The results suggest that PEA can be used to prolong the postharvest life of this fruit.

Effect of pre- and postharvest salicylic acid treatment on ethylene production, fungal decay and overall quality of Selva strawberry fruit

The effect of salicylic acid (SA) treatment at different concentrations and growth stages of strawberry ( Fragaria ananassa cv. Selva) fruit on postharvest ethylene production, fungal decay and overall quality index was studied. SA at all concentrations effectively reduced fruit ethylene production and fungal decay and retained overall quality. Treatment of plants at vegetative stage and fruit development stage followed by postharvest treatment of fruits with 1 and 2 mmol L −1 was the most effective strategy, whilst with decrease in treatment time the effects of treatment decreased. Single stage treatment strategy of fruits with 2 mmol L −1 SA at postharvest stage was most effective. Postharvest treatment with 4 mmol L −1 SA slightly damaged the fruits and was less effective than 2 mmol L −1 in retaining fruit quality.

The effect of phenylethyl alcohol on PAL mRNA and enzyme activity in strawberries

Phenylethyl alcohol (PEA), a major metabolite of Pichia anomala SKM-T fermentation, is known to have mild-warm and rose-honey-like flavor. This safe material is one of the most widely used of perfume and food products. In order to investigate the effect of PEA on pigment development in strawberries, the anthocyanin content, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity, and PAL mRNA transcript accumulation were determined in PEA-treated strawberries ( Fragaria ananassa cv. Maehyang). The anthocyanin content of PEA-treated fruit was less than that of controls throughout the experimental period. It appeared that PEA was an irreversible competitive inhibitor ( K i 0.09 μM) of PAL. The activity of PAL in PEA-treated fruit was inhibited, and PAL mRNA accumulation was also lower on the 15th day of storage. When PEA was applied to immature (green) strawberries, PEA-treated fruit failed to develop red pigmentation and PAL mRNA transcript accumulation was inhibited.

Possible role of non-structural carbohydrates in flower induction in strawberry

SummaryFlower-induction is the event that initiates the transition of a vegetative apex into a floral apex in response to an environmental or developmental cue. Under flower-inducing conditions, biochemical or physiological changes can be recognised. One possible change that could occur is in sugar content. In this study, levels of non-structural carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose and starch) were measured in shoot tips, leaves and roots of strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. ‘Kordestan’) under flower bud-inducing conditions, and compared with non-induced plants. Runner plants were potted and grown for 4 weeks under non-inducing conditions (31º/25°C day/night; 16 h daylength). Half of the plants were then put under flower-inducing conditions (25°/15°C day/night; 8 h daylength) for 3 weeks. Samples for carbohydrate analysis were taken from induced and non-induced plants every 3 d over 3 weeks, and sucrose, glucose and fructose contents were determined by HPLC, and starch concentrations by the anthrone method. The most abundant soluble sugar, in all organs tested, was sucrose. Sucrose levels in shoot tips and leaves decreased at the beginning of the induction treatment, but soon increased to the levels recorded in non-induced plants. Fructose increased markedly in shoot tips of induced plants 3 d after the start of the short-day treatment, and declined thereafter. Starch contents in shoot tips, leaves and roots of non-induced strawberry plants were higher than those in induced plants on most sampling dates. From the results of this study, it appears that soluble carbohydrate contents in different organs of June-bearing strawberry may have a decisive role on flower-bud induction.

Epiphytic microorganisms on strawberry plants ( Fragaria ananassa cv. Elsanta): identification of bacterial isolates and analysis of their interaction with leaf surfaces

Epiphytic bacteria were isolated from strawberry plants cultivated in the field or in the greenhouse in order to investigate their interaction with leaf-surface transport properties. Colonization of lower leaf sides was higher on field-grown plants, whereas upper leaf sides were more densely colonized on plants cultivated in the greenhouse. Fungal isolates significantly contributed to total microbial biomass on leaf surfaces of greenhouse-grown strawberry plants, whereas these organisms were rarely abundant on field-grown plants. Microscopic investigations of bacteria in the phyllosphere revealed that the highest densities of bacteria were observed on living trichomes, which obviously provide a source of nutrients. Isolated strains were characterized by colony morphology, microscopy and histochemistry. About 324 isolated bacterial strains were grouped into 38 morphotypes. Of the morphotypes, 12 were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Dominating bacteria belonged to the genus Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus and Arthrobacter. Cuticular water permeability of isolated cuticular membranes and intact leaf disks was measured before and after treatment with one of the most prominent epiphytic bacteria, Pseudomonas rhizosphaerae. Results showed that cuticular transpiration was significantly increased by P. rhizosphaerae. This shows that leaf-surface properties, such as cuticular water permeability, can be influenced by bacteria, leading to improved habitable conditions in the phyllosphere.

Free radicals in the fruit of three strawberry cultivars exposed to drought stress in the field

In strawberry fruits harvested after different periods of drought stress, no effects of drought or time of harvest were observed on the total free radical contents of frozen fruit of one cultivar ( Fragaria ananassa cv. Symphony) or on the amounts of unstable free radicals reacting with the spin trap α-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)- N- t-butylnitrone (4-POBN) in crushed fruits of a second cultivar ( Fragaria vesca cv. Semperflorens). In contrast, with freeze-dried samples, distinct effects of drought stress were seen with two out of three varieties studied, and there were also differences between harvests. Over all samples, there was an inverse relationship between the free radical content of freeze-dried fruit and the water content of fresh fruit. The free radical levels were approximately ten times higher in the freeze-dried fruits, than in the equivalent frozen samples (expressed on a dry weight basis). Massive free radical generation, therefore, accompanies the freeze-drying process and the differences between stressed and control samples indicate an effect of drought stress on the levels of free radical scavenging compounds in the fruit.

Determination of anthocyanidins in berries and red wine by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the determination of anthocyanidins from berries and red wine is described. Delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin contents of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), black currant (Ribes nigrum), strawberry (Fragaria ananassa cv. Jonsok), and a Cabernet sauvignon (Vitis vinifera) red wine were determined. The aglycon forms of the anthocyanins present in the samples were revealed by acid hydrolysis. A reversed phase analytical column was employed to separate the anthocyanidins before identification by diode array detection. The suitability of the method was tested by determining the recovery (95-102% as aglycons and 69-104% from glycosides) for each anthocyanidin. Method repeatability was tested by charting the total aglycon content of two samples over a period of 14 analyses and determining the coefficients of variation (1.41% for bilberry and 2.56% for in-house reference material). The method developed proved thus to be effective for reliable determination of anthocyanidins from freeze-dried berry samples and red wine. The total anthocyanidin content of the tested samples was as follows: in-house reference material, 447 +/- 8 mg/100 g; strawberry, 23.8 +/- 0.4 mg/100 g; black currant, 135 +/- 3 mg/100 g; bilberry, 360 +/- 3 mg/100 g; and Cabernet sauvignon red wine, 26.1 +/- 0.1 mg/100 mL.

Enhanced anthocyanin production by repeated-batch culture of strawberry cells with medium shift.

Repeated-batch cultures of strawberry cells (Fragaria ananassa cv. Shikinari) subjected to four medium-shift procedures (constant LS medium, constant B5 medium, alternation between LS and B5 starting from LS and alternation between LS and B5 starting from B5) were investigated for the enhanced anthocyanin productivity. To determine the optimum period for repeated batch cultures, two medium-shift periods of 9 and 14 days were studied, which represent the end of the exponential growth phase and the stationary phase. By comparison with the corresponding batch cultures, higher anthocyanin productivity was achieved for all the repeated-batch cultures at a 9-day medium-shift period. The average anthocyanin productivity was enhanced 1.7- and 1.76-fold by repeated-batch cultures in constant LS and constant B5 medium at a 9-day shift period for 45 days, respectively. No further improvement was observed when the medium was alternated between LS (the growth medium) and B5 (the production medium). Anthocyanin production was unstable at a 14-day shift period regardless of the medium-shift procedures. The results show that it is feasible to improve anthocyanin production by a repeated-batch culture of strawberry cells.

The role of ?-glucosidase in the biosynthesis of 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone in strawberry (Fragaria �ananassa cv. Elsanta)

Some flavour and colour compounds are present in cells as glucosides. Their hydrolysis to form volatile aglycones is catalysed by glucosidases. Strawberry β-glucosidase (β-glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) was characterized in crude extracts of strawberry fruits. Enzymatic activity was measured by visible spectrophotometry using p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside as substrate. Strawberry β-glucosidase had pH optimum at pH 4 and temperature optimum at 60 °C. The enzyme followed typical Michaelis kinetics with a Km of 18.5 mM. The Vmax value was 474 × 10 −6 (IU/ml) for p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucoside (40 °C). β-Glucosidase activity was high in unripe green strawberries, increased slightly during ripening and then decreased below pre-ripening levels in the fully ripe fruit. The levels of 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-2H-furan-3-one (DMHF) and DMHF-glucoside both increased greatly during ripening. The results are discussed in terms of the role of strawberry glucosidase on flavour biogenesis. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) on strawberry PAL (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase) and TAL (tyrosine ammonia-lyase) enzyme activities

Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) treatments (30 and 60 μg litre -1 ) were applied to young plants (Fragaria ananassa cv Chandler). Fruits were harvested at various developmental stages (14, 21, 28 and 35 days from fruit set). Weight and size, phenolic compounds (total polyphenols and anthocyanins) and enzyme activities, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) were determined. Our aim was to obtain detailed information about PAL and TAL activities related to the strawberry colour during development and ripening processes and to determine the effects of exogenous treatments of GA 3 on PAL and TAL activities. Exogenous treatments of GA 3 improve weight, size and colour of strawberry fruits, and affect PAL and TAL activities. We found that the anthocyanin content and PAL activity are enhanced by the exogenous treatment of GA 3 in the range of 30 μg litre -1 . However, with the higher GA 3 treatment, only the anthocyanin content is affected in that way. These findings suggest that gibberellic acid effect on PAL, TAL and ultimately anthocyanin enhancement is dosage related and saturation of the response occurs at 30 μg litre -1 .

Enhanced Anthocyanin Methylation by Growth Limitation in Strawberry Suspension Culture

The effect of the 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) concentration on cell growth, anthocyanin production, and anthocyanin composition was investigated in cell suspensions of strawberry ( Fragaria ananassa cv. Shikinari). Lower 2,4-D concentrations in the medium limited the cell growth and enhanced both anthocyanin production and anthocyanin methylation. The ratio of peonidin-3-glucoside to total anthocyanin significantly increased under the lower 2,4-D conditions. Cell growth limitation was one of the factors enhancing the anthocyanin methylation.