Late Ripening Cultivars Research Articles

Exploring New Horizons for Wine Grapes: Modulating Functional Effects by Varying Harvest Timing and Solar Exposure.

Grenache (GN) and Cabernet Sauvignon (CS) are two traditional red grape varieties widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area and both late-ripening cultivars, which makes them less sensitive to global warming conditions and more stable to harvest timing. Although different studies have evaluated the final antioxidant properties of grapes and pomaces, few studies have explored the effect of sun exposure and harvest on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of these products. This study investigates the control of sunlight and ripening as tools to tailor nutritional and antioxidant properties of grape juices (GJ) and their byproducts (pomace GP). The compositional analysis showed no significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences associated to either harvesting timing or exposure to sunlight for either of the two studied varieties. However, differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between varieties of protein and total dietary fibre (TDF). CS protein content ranged from 0.52 to 3.88 (g 100 g-1) in GJ and from 1.0 to 1.32 (g 100 g-1) in GP; meanwhile, GN had higher protein values in GJ (from 2.11 to 4.77 g 100 g-1) and GP (from 5.11 to 6.75 g 100 g-1). The opposite behaviour was observed in TDF; CS grape had higher values for juice (from 11.43 to 19.53 g 100 g-1) and pomace (from 42.20 to 65.80 g 100 g-1) than GN (from 11.43 to 17.22 g 100 g-1 in juice and from 25.90 to 54.0 g 100 g-1 in pomace). The total phenolic content (TP) in GP was 100 times higher than in the juices and showed a much less pronounced evolution compared to the GJ during the harvesting time. GN TP values ranged from 5835 to 8772 mg GAE 100 g-1; meanwhile, CS values ranged from 7637 to 9040 mg GAE 100 g-1. A significant (p ≤ 0.05) correlation between the TP total antioxidant capacity (TAC) results was observed, regardless of variety, harvesting time, and sunlight exposure. These findings show how the control of different factors can contribute to obtain modified grape-derived products from conventional varieties beyond the wine market.

Assessment of sweet cherry fruit quality according to the requirements of the modern market

Assessment of commercial properties of sweet cherry fruit determines the competitiveness of fresh fruit in the modern market. The selection of cultivars with the highest number of high-quality fruits to meet the preferences of all stakeholders is relevant. The purpose of this study was to substantiate the commercial indicators for assessing the quality of sweet cherry fruit of three ripening periods and to select the most competitive cultivars for sustainable supply of fresh fruit to the modern market. The methods used in the study were field, laboratory, and comparative. The commercial properties of 33 sweet cherry cultivars of early, middle, and late ripening were determined. The sweet cherry fruits of the cultivars under study were divided into two commercial classes according to fruit size and defects. The fruits were analysed for the following defects: cracked, scarred, and browned skin. The amount of non-standard sweet cherry fruit production for each cultivar was determined. For each ripening period of sweet cherry varieties, the average value of the volume of fruits of classes I-II and non-standard products was established. A general trend towards an increase in the amount of high-quality fruit raw materials for late-ripening cultivars was identified. The most valuable cultivars of early (Skazka and Zabuta), medium (Uliublenytsia Turovtseva and Temp) and late (Anons) ripening were identified, which provided the maximum number of class I fruits. The maximum production was determined in the Merchant (early ripening), Cordia (medium ripening) and Karina (late ripening) cultivars. The lowest volume of non-standard products was found in cultivars of different ripening periods – Skazka, Prostir, and Anons. The fruit classification into commercial classes can be used to evaluate the fruit of sweet cherry cultivars and determine the possibility of using them fresh, for long-term chilled storage and for various further processing methods

Effect of the Growing Season, Trichoderma, and Clinoptilolite Application on Potentially Toxic Elements Uptake by Cucumis melo L.

The extent to which different agricultural strategies may affect the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by cropped plants is not entirely understood at a field scale. This study addresses the effect of seasonality, Trichoderma inoculation alone, or combined with different applications of commercial-grade clinoptilolite (i.e., foliar action, fertigation, and pellet) on the PTE content of early- and late-ripening cultivars of Cucumis melo L. Two similar field experiments were performed in spring and summer. For each cultivar/treatment combination, the input of PTEs [namely, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb)] into the soil-crop system through irrigation water, fertilizers, pesticides, and treatment products (i.e., Trichoderma and clinoptilolite products), as well as the PTE content of melon stem, leaves, and fruit, were measured through inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Neither Trichoderma alone nor with clinoptilolite had a visible effect on PTE uptake by plants, whereas early season cultivation was strongly associated with reduced uptake of Cu and Pb. The high correlation of Cu and Pb content with stem and leaf calcium (Ca) content (used as a proxy for different transpiration rates under different growing seasons) indicated a possible uptake of these metals through Ca nonselective cation channels as a defense against drought stress. Reduced Cu and Pb concentrations were found in early-ripening fruit cultivated in spring. Concerning Cu and Pb risk management, in case of significant contamination in Mediterranean calcareous soils, early-ripening Cucumis melo L. cultivars are suggested instead of late-ripening ones.

New Strawberry Cultivars for Growing in High Tunnels

Abstract Strawberry growing in high tunnels is widely used in many countries and the area under cover is increasing. Usually, early ripening cultivars are planted in high tunnels to obtain even earlier yield in the season. In this investigation, several new strawberry cultivars and one hybrid (of Dutch breeding) with medium and late ripening time were evaluated for growing in high tunnels in soil. The trial was established in 4 August 2016 in a FVG type tunnel (60 × 4 × 3.35 m). Frigo plants of the following categories of cultivars and hybrids were used in the investigation: ‘Sonata’ (A) and ‘Sonsation’ (A+) of medium ripening time; ‘Faith’ (A+) and hybrid 09-90s-05 (A) of late ripening time; ‘Malwina’ (A+) and ‘Magnus’ (A) of very late ripening time. The plants were grown on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch in double rows with drip irrigation. Soil type was heavy loam. Plant survival after winter, productivity potential, yield, fruit size, the ratio of high quality to damaged fruits in the crop, fruit sensory characteristics, shelf life and biochemical content after freezing were evaluated. According to three-year evaluation results, ‘Sonsation’ had better fruit quality and resistance to crown diseases than ‘Sonata’ and can be considered appropriate for yield forcing in high tunnels. Hybrid 09-90s-05 and ‘Faith’ are not appropriate for growing in high tunnels in heavy soils. Hybrid 09-90s-05 had good yield, but medium fruit quality and low taste score, and it was susceptible to grey mould. ‘Faith’ had low productivity potential and fruits of medium taste. The very late ripening cultivars ‘Malwina’ and ‘Magnus’ had low productivity in all evaluation years, probably because of too heavy soil.

Antioxidant indices of red currant cultivars grown in the Sverdlovsk Oblast

In this work, nine varieties of red currant cultivars, recognized for use in the Sverdlovsk Oblast, were studied. According to the conducted analysis, the Epsilon cultivar demonstrated the highest antioxidant indicators (mmol/dm3eq) of 13.772 ±0.275. For comparison, the Ilyinka and Luchezarnaya cultivars showed the values of 12.826 ±0.257 and 11.933±0.239, respectively. The late ripening cultivar Zeta showed the lowest antioxidant value of 6.428±0.129 mmol/dm3eq. At the same time, the highest content of flavonoids was characteristic of such red currant cultivars (mg/100 g of edible part, variety) as Epsilon – 50.3±0.9, Beta – 44.2±0.9, Ogni Urala – 45.7±0.9 and Zeta – 17.3±0.3, while the Lychezarnaya cultivar showed the lowest value of 16.1±0.3. In terms of anthocyanins, the highest values (mg of cyanidin-3-glycoside/100 g of edible part) were observed in the Kapitalina, Ilyinka and Lychezarnaya cultivars, equalling 29.1±0.6, 38.1±0.7 and 41.2±0.8, respectively. The average ripening cultivar Alaya Zorka showed the lowest anthocyanin value of 11.9±0.2. The Kapitalina, Ilyinka and Luchezarnaya cultivars demonstrated the highest amounts of phenolic substances (mg of gallic acid/100 g of edible part) of 212.9±4.3, 235.1±4.7 and 168.3±3.3, respectively. In terms of this indicator, the Beta cultivar showed the lowest value of 114.1±2.3. The consumer characteristics of the cultivars were studied, including their acidity, as well as the content of total and reducing sugars. The obtained results can be used when selecting dietary supplements based on red currant berries and determining the nutritional value of diets in order to increase their overall antioxidant activity.

Metabolite Profiling of Chestnut (Castanea crenata) According to Origin and Harvest Time Using 1H NMR Spectroscopy

Chestnuts are an important food crop commonly used as a food ingredient due to their nutritional properties and potential health benefits. In Korea, chestnuts have been crossbred to develop cultivars with insect resistance and high productivity, producing multiple chestnut varieties. This study classified 17 Castanea crenata cultivars produced in Korea according to origin and harvest time and determined the metabolites in chestnut kernels using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The 17 C. crenata cultivars were divided into four groups based on their geographic origin: Korean native, Korean hybrid, Japanese native, and Japanese hybrid. The cultivars were also divided into three groups depending on their harvest period: early-ripening cultivar, mid-ripening cultivar, and late-ripening cultivar. The partial least squares-discriminant analysis score plot revealed differences among the groups. Identified metabolites, including amino acids, organic acids, and sugars, contributed to discriminating the origin and harvest time of the C. crenata chestnut kernels. Significant differences were observed, mainly in amino acids, which suggests that the composition of amino acids is one factor influenced by both the origin and harvest time of C. crenata. These results are useful to both growers and breeders because they identify the nutritional and metabolic characteristics of each C. crenata cultivar.

Does Shoot Age Influence Biological and Chemical Properties in Black Currant (Ribes nigrum L.) Cultivars?

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of shoot age on the biological and chemical properties of 13 black currant cultivars with different origins and ripening times. Phenological observations together with examined pomological and chemical characteristics were studied in two consecutive years at the experimental field near Belgrade, Serbia. The total content of phenols was estimated spectrophotometrically by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, while quantitative analysis of anthocyanin and flavonols aglycones was performed using a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Principal component analysis was performed to establish differences in biological and chemical properties of black currants. Three-year-old shoots had an earlier start of all examined phenological stages, better generative potential, higher yields, while clusters and berries from 2-year-old shoots had significantly higher values for physical properties, total phenols, anthocyanin and flavanols aglycones and antiradical capacity. Late ripening cultivars had higher contents of all chemical compounds. The berries on 2-year-old shoots had total phenolics that ranged between 123.0 (‘Titania’) and 298.3 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) (‘Ometa’), while total anthocyanins ranged between 398.5 (’Ojebyn’) and 1160.8 mg/kg FW (’Ometa’). According to the obtained results, cultivars ‘Ometa’, ‘Ben Lomond’, ‘Tsema’ and ‘Malling Juel’ can be recommended as the most promising for growing in the continental climate because they stood out with higher generative potential and yield, physical traits of cluster and berry, higher level of primary and secondary metabolites and DPPH activity in their berries.

Assessment of phenology, growth characteristics and berry composition in a hot Australian climate to identify wine cultivars adapted to climate change

Background and Aims The phenology, growth traits and fruit composition of cultivars in the CSIRO germplasm collection, located in a hot Australian region, were assessed to identify those adapted to climate change. Methods and Results The study involved 465 cultivars assessed over four seasons. Differences in key traits included a 5-week range in budburst; a 4-month harvest window; a twofold difference in the growth period from budburst to harvest; a fivefold difference in fruitfulness and in leaf area index; a 15-fold difference in berry mass; and a five- to 15-fold difference in berry mineral ion concentration and large differences in fruit composition. The latter included pH (range 3.48–4.95), titratable acidity (1.60–9.07 g/L), tartaric acid (2.20–7.95 g/L), malic acid (0.80–7.74 g/L), yeast assimilable nitrogen (70–505 mg/L) and, in red wine cultivars, total anthocyanins (0.04–5.79 mg/g) and phenolic compounds (0.55–3.60 a.u.). Conclusions Cultivars grown under hot conditions with late budburst to minimise frost risks; short growth periods and small canopies to improve water use efficiency; and early and late ripening to extend the season have been identified. Early ripening cultivars had better fruit composition than late ripening cultivars. Significance Opportunities to broaden genetic diversity will enhance the capability of the wine industry to meet challenges associated with climate change. Poor fruit composition, however, associated with high pH is a limiting factor under hot conditions.

Phenological traits of red amaranth varieties with a high content of amaranthine cultivated in open fields of Moscow region

The article focuses on phenological features of amaranth varieties grown in open fields as a reaction to variability of weather conditions in the Moscow region. Amaranthine is one of the promising compounds found in red-colored amaranths. It refers to a class of betalain pigments. The study revealed growth stages defined by the highest content of amarantine per plant and analyzed accumulation of the pigment in amaranth leaves and inflorescences. Phenological observations of introduced plant species under new conditions are important and determine their resistance to adverse environmental factors, ability to produce high quality fruits and seeds, and potential for cultivation. During the introduction of new amaranth varieties, the most adapted forms were selected for the conditions of the Non-Chernozem zone of the Russian Federation in 2013-2016. The studied Russian and Ecuador varieties were divided into 4 groups depending on the growth period (from germination to seed maturity). Analysis of phenological traits of plants confirmed that period of amaranth development did not depend on the variety, except the fourth stage of late-ripening cultivars - Don Pedro and Eku 17020, dependent on weather conditions. Being dependent on weather conditions, the vegetative growth period turned to be the most stable. Late cv. Eku 17020 did not form mature seeds in open ground conditions, which is explained by its origin (Ecuador). In the present study we identified growth stages when plant raw materials had the highest dye content in red-leaved amaranth varieties (Valentina, Don Pedro and Fakel). We also considered the perspective of cultivation of green-leaved varieties with red inflorescences - Pamyati Kovasa and Eku-17020 - as sources of biologically valuable compounds in the Moscow region.

Evaluation of potato varieties and hybrids on the resistance against black scab under conditions of Ukraine’s Polissia

Goal. Assess potato varieties and hybrids for resistance against rhizoctonia disease and identify highly resistant varieties.
 Methods. The fundamental principle of the existing methodology for evaluating varieties is to test varieties, hybrids and species of potatoes on natural or artificial infectious backgrounds using a pure culture of the fungus Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. The culture grown in Petri dishes was introduced when the tubers were planted in the soil. The assessment of the degree of damage to tubers and stems was carried out according to the damage to the underground organs of plants, the yield of potatoes, and then the level of variety samples was determined by resistance to the disease. Evaluation of potato varieties and hybrids for resistance against the causative agent of the disease Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn was carried out on a nine-point scale, where score 9 — no damage to stems and tubers, 7 — disease development up to 10% (high resistance); 5 — disease progression 11—25% (medium resistance); score 3 — disease progression 26—50% (low resistance).
 Results. Based on the test of potato varieties and hybrids for resistance against rhizoctonia, Dubravka, Vesta, Lugovska, Obriy, Serpanok, Yavir, Scarbnytsia, Tyras and hybrids P.207.407 (Zov × Polisska Rozheva), 205.17-24 (Adretta × 23-16s/73) and others; to medium-resistant (5 points) — Chervona Ruta, Povin, Vodogray, Horlytsia, Zov, Cupava, Nadiyna, Belarossa, Olvia, Svitanok Kyivskyi, Ukrainska Rozheva, Beregynia, Charunka, Okolytsia, Slutch, hybrids P.210.14-23 (Adretta × Posvit), 211.20-31 (Prolisok × Lugovska); to susceptible — 51, or 32.9% of the tested varieties.
 Conclusions. We have proved that mid-early ripening and early ripening cultivars as well as selection hybrids are more infected with black scab than mid-ripening, mid-late ripening and late ripening cultivars. These relatively resistant potato cultivars and hybrids are expedient to use in the selection on the resistance against black scab.

Projected Wine Grape Cultivar Shifts Due to Climate Change in New Zealand.

Climate change has already been affecting the regional suitability of grapevines with significant advances in phenology being observed globally in the last few decades. This has significant implications for New Zealand, where the wine industry represents a major share of the horticultural industry revenue. We modeled key crop phenological stages to better understand temporal and spatial shifts in three important regions of New Zealand (Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Central Otago) for three dominant cultivars (Merlot, Pinot noir, and Sauvignon blanc) and one potential new and later ripening cultivar (Grenache). Simulations show an overall advance in flowering, véraison, and sugar ripeness by mid-century with more pronounced advance by the end of the century. Results show the magnitude of changes depends on the combination of greenhouse gas emission pathway, grape cultivar, and region. By mid-century, in the Marlborough region for instance, the four cultivars would flower 3 to 7 days earlier and reach sugar ripeness 7 to 15 days earlier depending on the greenhouse gas emission pathway. For growers to maintain the same timing of key phenological stages would require shifting planting of cultivars to more Southern parts of the country or implement adaptation strategies. Results also show the compression of time between flowering and véraison for all three dominant cultivars is due to a proportionally greater advance in véraison, particularly for Merlot in the Hawke's Bay and Pinot noir in Central Otago. Cross-regional analysis also raises the likelihood of the different regional cultivars ripening within a smaller window of time, complicating harvesting schedules across the country. However, considering New Zealand primarily accommodates cool climate viticulture cultivars, our results suggest that late ripening cultivars or extended ripening window in cooler regions may be advantageous in the face of climate change. These insights can inform New Zealand winegrowers with climate change adaptation options for their cultivar choices.

Unique Metabolic Profiles of Korean Rice According to Polishing Degree, Variety, and Geo-Environmental Factors.

The precise determination of the chemical composition in crops is important to identify their nutritional and functional value. The current study performed a systematic delineation of the rice metabolome, an important staple in Asia, to investigate the following: (1) comparative features between brown and white rice; (2) variety-specific composition (Ilpum vs. Odae); and (3) cultivation of region-dependent metabolic content. Global metabolic profiling and data-driven statistics identified the exclusive enrichment of compounds in brown rice compared to white rice. Next, the authors investigated a variety-governed metabolic phenotype among various geo-environmental factors. Odae, the early-ripening cultivar, showed higher contents of most chemicals compared to the late-ripening cultivar, Ilpum. The authors identified regional specificity for cultivation among five areas in Korea which were characterized by polishing degree and cultivar type. Finally, the current study proposes a possible linkage of the region-specific metabolic signatures to soil texture and total rainfall. In addition, we found tryptophan metabolites that implied the potential for microbe–host interactions that may influence crop metabolites.

Proximal Sensing of Nitrogen Needs by Spring Wheat

Canopy nitrogen (N) status relates strongly to canopy chlorophyll content and the strength of green color. Proximal photograph by RGB camera was used to select green features that has the potential to assess N content at leaf of plant as a function of its the greenness. We proposed the development of it as a tool for sensing nitrogen content in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum). Image processing algorithm was programed calibrated and validated wheat %N%N. Nitrogen uptake =%N × canopy dry matter was harvested and calculated using simulated dry matter by DSSAT model. The data replicated laboratory measurements. A linear Lab vs Camera model displayed a unit slope with r2 = 0.93. Increase of dry matter was successfully surrogated by days after emergence and used as abscissa for inverse logistic model of critical nitrogen level. It decreased gradually from about 6% to 2% as days after emergence increased from 0 to 110 days. Maximum N uptake calculated from photo and laboratory was 324 Kg ha−1 and 318 Kg ha−1 respectively suggesting insignificant difference. Physiological N-use efficiency (i.e., canopy weight/N weight) was 52 and 78 kg canopy dry weight per 1 kg N for early and late-ripening cultivars, respectively. The determination of N application based on the smartphone photograph proved to be useful by saving on time and expenses for growers who have access to smartphones and can use them for N application and management.

Managing orchard floor for saving water in a late ripening peach cultivar: a preliminary result

Managing orchard floor for saving water in a late ripening peach cultivar: a preliminary result

Шляхи підвищення продуктивності насаджень сливи (Prunus domestica L.) в умовах Правобережного Лісостепу України

The authors present the assessment of the yield, vigor and productivity of the plum cultivars and elite forms in the conditions of the Right-Bank Lisosteppe of Ukraine. The researches were carried out during 2018-2020 at the L.P. Symyrenko Research Station of Pomology of the Institute of Horticulture of NAAS of Ukraine. 14 cultivars bred at the mentioned institution were studied as well as 9 elite forms. The significant differences were revealed as concerns the trees vigor and crown habitus. According to the vigour cvs and elite forms were divided into groups as follows: low-holed (with the crown volume up to 15 m3), in particular, Oda, Nenka, Herman, 12516, 8124, 8143; middle-growing (15-20 m3) – Record, Zamanchyva, Dobra, Stanley, Bluefree, President, 9605, 7756, 9996; vigorous (over 20 m3) – Reinclaude Karbysheva, Čačanska Najbolja, Yantarna Mliivska, Tophit, Shtuthart, 8087, 7794, 8110. According to its results concerning the productivity, level early-ripening cultivars Nenka, Oda and Herman (14.2-15.1 t/ha) distinguished themselves, in the group of medium-ripening ones – Čačanska Najbolja, Yantarna Mliivska, Zamanchyva, Dobra and the elite form 12516 (15.6-16.5 t/ha), among late-ripening cultivars – Bluefree and the hybrids 8124 and 8143 with a yield of 16.3-16.4 t/ha. The same cultivars are characterized with high specific productivity, which reflects the density of the crop per unit of the crown volume, the area of its horizontal projection and the cross section of the trunk – 2.7-3.9 kg/m3, 5.2-6.6 kg/m2 and 0.12-0.20 kg/dm2 respectively. The optimum density of the placement of the trees with the different vigor of the rootstock myrobalan plum with the orbicular small sized crown was established applying the method of the mathematical modelling, in particular for low-growing cultivars -1111 trees/ha, middle-growing varieties – 667 trees/ha, vigorous strains – 555 trees/ha.

Економічна оцінка вирощування нових сортів ожини звичайної (Rubus caesius L.) за умов Західного Лісостепу України

The authors present the results of evaluating the economic efficiency of growing blackberry cultivars of different ripening terms in the plantation of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences (NAAS) of Ukraine. The capital investments on the creation and management of 1 ha of the plantation were 517.3 thousand ₴ (under the planting plan 1.25 х 3.00 m), the trellis putting and laying being about 50 % of the mentioned sum. The productional costs on the fruit-bearing plantation management depended on the cv yield, expenditures for salaries and wages, fertilizing, protective means, fuel and lubricant use, plants covering for winter, the agricultural technics amortization etc. and were within 144.1-283.0 thousand ₴. The wholesale price of the early ripening varieties products was 80.0 ₴/kg. Thus the receipts of the realized products were within considerable limits. Cvs Thornfree, Asterina, Čačanska Bestrna and Chester were characterized with the lowest cost per 1 t of the products (22.61; 23.10; 23.43 and 24.97 thousand ₴ respectively while Nasoloda and Karaka Black with the highest one (38.98 and 37.85 thousand ₴ respectively). The profit per 1 ha of inland variety Nasoloda plantations was the lowest one among the presented cultivars, (42.74 thousand ₴) whereas the early ripening cvs Loch Tay and Brzezina ensured 380.79 and 335.18 thousand ₴ respectively. The same cvs distinguis hed themselves for the highest profitableness level (185.2 and 172.4 % respectively as well as for the shortest rates of the capital investments return recovery – 3.4 and 3.5 years respectively. The profitableness of cv Karaka Black was 111.3 % with the rate of return cost recovery 5.0 years because of the lower yield. This was economically favourable too though. The average and late ripening cultivars which formed the yield of 7.0-8.0 t/ha had the rate of the investment return 4.0-5.0 years. It should be noted that it was cv Thornfree that distinguishhed itself for the highest profitableness (121.1 %) among late ripening cvs with the rates of capital investments on the plantation establishment return 3.4 years.

Population and harmfulness of phytophages in peach orchards in the conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine

Goal. To determine the number and harmfulness of the main phytophages on peach cultivars of different ripening terms in order to plan measures to protect the crop from pest damage.
 Methods. Laboratory-field. The research was carried out in peach orchards of the Scientific and Production Site «Naukova» of Melitopol Fruit Growing Research Station named after M.F. Sydorenka of Institute of Horticulture of NAAS according to generally accepted methods. Monitoring of the number of phytophages was performed on peach cultivars of different ripening terms: Iiun`s`kyi rannii, Melіtopol’s’kyi iasnyi, Charivnyk, Zlatodar, Vireneia, Redhaven, Spokusa, Zolotystii, Mriia and Yuvileinyi Sydorenka during bud swelling, inflorescence opening (pink tip), flowering, growth and maturations of the fruits.
 Results. Entomoacarocenosis of peach plantations has 15 species of insects pests and 2 species of mites. During the flowering period, the main harmful species was Epicometis hirta Poda., the number of imagoes in different cultivars was 0.3—5.8 specimens/100 flowers. Population intensity of peach trees with green peach aphids (Myzodes persicae Sulz.) for certain cultivars reached the level of 1.9 points, mealy plum aphid (Hyalopterus pruni Geoffr.) — did not exceed 0.8 points. Density of mites, Thrips fuscipennis Haliche and Typhlocyba rosae L. varied in the range of 0.4—2.5; 0.8—2.4; 0.5—1.6 specimen/leaf, respectively. The main fruit-damaging pests in peach orchards were oriental fruit moth (Grapholitha molesta Busck.) and peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella Zell.). The degree of fruit damage by Lepidoptera pest oriental fruit moth on early-ripening peach cultivars was 3.0—4.0%, increased on medium- and late-ripening cultivars to 6.8% and 11.7%, respectively. The level of fruit damage by peach twig borer compared to the eastern fruit moth was 2.8—10.7 times lower, depending on the cultivar.
 Conclusions. In the conditions of the South of Ukraine, 15 insect pests and 2 species of mites were recorded in peach orchards. During the growing season, the number of most species of phytophagous, including weevils, leafroller moths, mites, thrips, Typhlocyba rosae on different peach cultivars did not exceed the economic threshold of harmfulness. During the flowering period, Epicometis hirta was the threat to peach orchards. In the summer of 2019, the harmful effects of sucking phytophages, in particular aphids, led to delayed growth and development of shoots, deformation of leaves. The main species of pests that reduced the yield and fruit quality were oriental fruit moth and peach twig borer.

Effects of shoot age on biological and chemical properties of red currant (Ribes rubrum L.) cultivars

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the influence of shoot age on biological and chemical properties of 11 red currant cultivars (‘Jonkheer van Tets’, ‘Junifer’, ‘London Market’, ‘Makosta’, ‘Mirana’, ‘Redpoll’, ‘Rolan’, ‘Rondom’, ‘Rovada’, ‘Slovakia’ and ‘Stanza’) with different origins and ripening times. Phenological observations and pomological characteristics were studied and chemical analysis was conducted from 2013 to 2018 at experimental fields near Belgrade, Serbia. The total contents of phenols and anthocyanin were estimated spectrophotometrically, while quantitative analysis of anthocyanin aglycones was done using high-performance liquid chromatography. Three-year-old shoots had an earlier start of all examined phenological stages, better generative potential, higher yields, as well as higher total phenol and vitamin C contents in the fruits, compared with 2-year-old shoots, for all cultivars. The contents of total anthocyanins were higher in berries on younger shoots of early-ripening cultivars, while late-ripening cultivars had higher contents of total soluble solids and cyanidin in the berries on 3-year-old shoots. Principal component analysis demonstrated that the most important variables that distinguished 2-year-old shoots from 3-year-old shoots were those related to phenological data, cluster traits, total acids and yields. According to the obtained results, ‘Junifer’ (with the highest number of clusters), ‘Mirana’ (with the highest sugar content and sugar/acid ratio), ‘Redpoll’ (with the highest physical traits of cluster and berry), ‘Slovakia’ (with the highest yield and yield efficiency) and ‘Rovada’ (with the highest level of secondary metabolites) are recommended as the most promising cultivars for growing in the temperate region of Serbia.

Biological characteristics of plum (Prunus domestica, P. × rossica) and cherry plum (P. cerasifera) cultivars of the northern foothills of the Northwestern Caucasus

Introduction. Intensive and high quality care of a garden and efficient harvesting require the use high‑yielding fruit trees with low growth vigor. The selection of trees with such qualities that facilitate harvesting and help to reduce losses, increase the number of trees per unit area and fruit yield, is important for the Republic of Adygea. No studies of this kind have ever been conducted here before. Material and research methods. The study involved 31 samples of common plum (Prunus domestica L.), 12 samples of cherry plum (P. cerasifera Ehrh.) and one sample of Russian plum (P. × rossica Eremin) from the collection of the N. I. Vavilov All‑Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) maintained in the Republic of Adygea in the collection garden of the Maykop Experiment Station, a branch of VIR. These samples differ by their origin, ripening period, and demonstrate high taste qualities. Quantitative characters of the crown of ten‑year old trees were analyzed in a morphometric study. Results. Cultivar differences were established for the tree height, stem diameter, crown diameter, area of the crown projection, crown volume, fruit productivity, and ripening time. The identified common plum cultivars with different maturity periods, the smallest crown volume and high productivity are the early ‘Renklod Altana̕ (11.7 m³), the mid‑ripening ‘Vascova’ (8.9 m³) and the late ripening cultivars ‘Vengerka italianskaya’ (6.3 m³) and ‘Anna Shpet’ (K) (6.4 m³). The selected cultivars of common plum are also characterized by the smallest values of tree height, and of the crown diameter and projection area. Among the cherry plums characterized by moderate tree vigor, different ripening dates, the smallest crown volume and high yield, the selected cultivars were ‘Samaya rannaya’ (7.4 m³), ‘Shuntukskaya 11’ (11.0 m³), mid‑ripening ‘Klyukovka’ (7.4 m³) and the late ripening ‘Nalchikskaya krupnaya’ (9.6 m³). The identified plum and cherry plum cultivars can be used in agricultural production and in breeding programs.

Population Dynamics of Drosophila suzukii in Coastal and Mainland Sweet Cherry Orchards of Greece.

Simple SummaryDrosophila suzukii or spotted-wing drosophila is a fruit fly of the same family as the vinegar fly. The majority of Drosophila fruit flies are not considered agricultural pests. However, D. suzukii is a pest of several high-value soft and thin skin fruits such as strawberries and sweet cherries. Drosophila suzukii is also considered worldwide as one of the most important invasive insect pests. We monitored the insect’s flight and we assessed the infestation levels of different sweet-cherry cultivars, in coastal and mainland cherry orchards of Greece, for two consecutive years (2018–2020). Adults were captured throughout the year in the coastal area with two peaks in spring and late-autumn. Captures were nearly zero during the hot summer months. Trap captures exhibited only one peak in autumn at the mainland area, and ceased during winter and spring. Higher sweet-cherry infestation levels were recorded in the coastal than in the mainland area and in unmanaged than in commercial orchards. Both early and late-ripening cultivars were highly susceptible to D. suzukii infestation in the coastal area. Infestation rates were higher in late-ripening cultivars than in early-ripening ones in the mainland area. We conclude that D. suzukii has adapted well to the Mediterranean climate of Greece, and is able to progressively exploit several crops and wild hosts of mainland and coastal areas.Despite the recent invasion and wide spread of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Europe, little is known regarding its population trends in coastal areas of the southern Mediterranean countries. Using adult trapping and fruit sampling, we studied the population dynamics of D. suzukii in coastal and mainland (semi-highland) cherry orchards of Greece, from 2018 to 2020. Adults were captured in traps baited with apple cider vinegar, placed in conventional and unmanaged sweet-cherry orchards, and in neighbouring wild growing hosts. Sampling of sweet-cherry fruit to assess infestation levels was conducted from early and late-ripening cherry cultivars in both areas. Adults were captured throughout the year in the coastal area with two peaks registered in spring and late-autumn. Captures were nearly zero during the hot summer months. Flight activity exhibited only one peak in autumn at the mainland area, and ceased during winter and spring. Captures in wild hosts were lower during the sweet-cherry ripening period than later in the season. Higher sweet-cherry infestation levels were recorded in the coastal than in the mainland area and in unmanaged than in commercial orchards. Both early and late-ripening cultivars were highly susceptible to D. suzukii infestation in the coastal area. Infestation rates were higher in late-ripening cultivars than in early-ripening ones in the mainland area. We conclude that D. suzukii has well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Greece, and is able to progressively exploit several crops and wild hosts of mainland and coastal areas.