Sweet Cherry Research Articles

Nitric Oxide Mitigates the Deleterious Effects Caused by Infection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and Modulates the Carbon Assimilation Process in Sweet Cherry under Water Stress.

Bacterial canker is an important disease of sweet cherry plants mainly caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss). Water deficit profoundly impairs the yield of this crop. Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule that plays an important role in the plant defense mechanisms. To evaluate the protection exerted by NO against Pss infection under normal or water-restricted conditions, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, was applied to sweet cherry plants cv. Lapins, before they were exposed to Pss infection under normal or water-restricted conditions throughout two seasons. Well-watered plants treated with exogenous NO presented a lower susceptibility to Pss. A lower susceptibility to Pss was also induced in plants by water stress and this effect was increased when water stress was accompanied by exogenous NO. The lower susceptibility to Pss induced either by exogenous NO or water stress was accompanied by a decrease in the internal bacterial population. In well-watered plants, exogenous NO increased the stomatal conductance and the net CO2 assimilation. In water-stressed plants, NO induced an increase in the leaf membranes stability and proline content, but not an increase in the CO2 assimilation or the stomatal conductance.

Comparative analysis of POD genes and their expression under multiple hormones in Pyrus bretschenedri

BackgroundClass III peroxidase (POD) enzymes play vital roles in plant development, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Despite extensive research on POD families in various plant species, the knowledge regarding the POD family in Chinese pear (Pyrus bretschenedri) is notably limited.ResultsWe systematically characterized 113 POD family genes, designated as PbPOD1 to PbPOD113 based on their chromosomal locations. Phylogenetic analysis categorized these genes into seven distinct subfamilies (I to VII). The segmental duplication events were identified as a prevalent mechanism driving the expansion of the POD gene family. Microsynteny analysis, involving comparisons with Pyrus bretschenedri, Fragaria vesca, Prunus avium, Prunus mume and Prunus persica, highlighted the conservation of duplicated POD regions and their persistence through purifying selection during the evolutionary process. The expression patterns of PbPOD genes were performed across various plant organs and diverse fruit development stages using transcriptomic data. Furthermore, we identified stress-related cis-acting elements within the promoters of PbPOD genes, underscoring their involvement in hormonal and environmental stress responses. Notably, qRT-PCR analyses revealed distinctive expression patterns of PbPOD genes in response to melatonin (MEL), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), reflecting their responsiveness to abiotic stress and their role in fruit growth and development.ConclusionsIn this study, we investigated the potential functions and evolutionary dynamics of PbPOD genes in Pyrus bretschenedri, positioning them as promising candidates for further research and valuable indicators for enhancing fruit quality through molecular breeding strategies.

Responses of sweet cherry trees to regulated deficit irrigation applied before and after harvesting

Abstract The current study was conducted over four years between 2016 and 2019 to determine the effects of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) before and after harvesting of sweet cherry on yield, physiological, vegetative and fruit quality parameters. The current study used the 0900 Ziraat sweet cherry cultivar grafted onto Gisela 6 rootstock. There were six different treatments: IC, (Control) where soil moisture was kept at field capacity for each irrigation, I25, with 25% deficit irrigation of IC after harvesting, I50, with 50% deficit irrigation of IC after harvesting, I25BH, with no-deficit irrigation 30 days after full bloom and 25% deficit irrigation after this period, I50BH, with no-deficit irrigation 30 days after full bloom and 50% deficit irrigation after this period, and IFRM, with farmer's treatment of excessive irrigation (150% of ET) from colouring of fruit till harvest and 50% deficit irrigation after harvesting. When compared to IC, water saving ranged from 20.2–45.6%. The fruit yield obtained under I25 was increased by 21.8% in the last year of the current study than the yield obtained under IC treatment. Trunk and shoot growth increased for all treatments. Leaf water potential (Ψmd) and stomata conductance (gsw) were affected by RDI. IFRM and I25 had a positive effect on fruit size, the same as IC. Water deficit (IBH50) applied before harvesting increased fruit flesh firmness. I25 treatment (25% water deficit after harvesting) can be applied by sweet cherry growers because it leads to high yield, better fruit quality and water saving.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by sweet cherry and its application against cherry spot disease

Asia has a rich history of cultivating sweet cherries, a practice that has been carried out since ancient times. However, the effective management of Alternaria disease in sweet cherry crops has presented a formidable challenge, resulting in notable decreases in yield. Various attempts have been made to employ both chemical and biological treatments; however, their effectiveness has been restricted. In order to tackle this problem, an investigation was carried out, with the primary objective of isolating and identifying Alternaria isolates that are accountable for the occurrence of sweet cherry soft spot rot. Out of the twelve isolates examined, the CHM-4 isolate was found to be the most pathogenic. Its identification was achieved through the use of the ITS genomic region (ITS1 and ITS4), and the BLAST results revealed a 95 % similarity with Alternaria alternata (MG744381.1). The objective of the research was to explore the potential of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) synthesized by phytosynthesis as a novel antifungal agent to combat sweet cherry soft spot pathogenicity. The biosynthesis of SNPs was carried out using sweet cherry fruits kernel exudate, which served as an environmentally friendly source. The exudates exhibited the ability to produce nanoparticles with an average size of 24.97 nm. Analysis conducted using a transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed the multifaceted structure of these nanoparticles. Furthermore, when tested at concentrations of 5, 10, 20, and 40 μg/ml, these biosynthetic nanoparticles demonstrated the capability to inhibit the growth of Alternaria fungi and effectively destroy fungal hyphae. It is advisable to utilize diverse components of sweet cherry for the synthesis of various nanoparticles owing to their compatibility with the surrounding environment.

Characterisation of fruit trees in the EU: a tool for crop‐based survey of Union quarantine pests

Abstract This technical report was prepared in the context of the EFSA mandate on plant pest surveillance (M‐2020‐0114) at the request of the European Commission. Its purpose is to support Member States in planning and preparing crop‐based surveys of Union quarantine pests in line with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. In particular, the report includes a list of species reported as hosts of the regulated pests targeted by the call: GP/EFSA/PLANTS/2022/05 – 'Development of crop‐based survey tools for plant pests of fruit trees, conifers, and palms and ornamentals in the EU' – Lot 1. Additionally, a classification of their occurrence in the EU is provided. The report provides basic information regarding the cultivation in the EU of 19 species of fruit trees widely cultivated in the EU, hosting at least one pest of the call in the families of the Ebenaceae, i.e. persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. f.); Ericaceae, i.e. bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), high‐bush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum); Lythraceae, i.e. pomegranate (Punica granatum L.); Moraceae, i.e. silkworm mulberry (Morus alba), fig (Ficus carica L.); Rosaceae, i.e. apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), pear (Pyrus communis L.), quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), plum (Prunus domestica), almond (Prunus dulcis Miller D.A. Webb.), apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), sour cherry (Prunus cerasus), peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), Japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.), loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.); Rutaceae, i.e. bitter orange (Citrus × aurantium L.); and Vitaceae, i.e. grape (Vitis vinifera). For the selection of cultivated fruit‐tree species, information on the main phenological stages, management practices, agroecosystems, climate suitability and distribution, regulatory requirements and trade of key commodities are provided.

A review of the production challenges for sweet cherries grown under protected cropping systems

A review of the production challenges for sweet cherries grown under protected cropping systems

Evapotranspiration and water stress assessment in a sweet cherry orchard using in-situ and remote sensing techniques

Evapotranspiration and water stress assessment in a sweet cherry orchard using in-situ and remote sensing techniques

Determination of Antifungal Activities on Some Plant Extracts on Alternaria alternata

To increase yield and quality in agricultural production, it is necessary to perform management against diseases and pests. Alternaria, which causes several diseases in many economically important plants, is the most common species and widely distributed in nature. One of the important species reported in sweet cherry in recent years is Alternaria alternata. Many studies have emphasized the necessity of effective control with Alternaria species and examined the use of environmentally friendly methods against fungal diseases. In recent years, the use of plant extracts has increased due to their antimicrobial properties. Antifungal effects of Datura stramonium L., Vitex agnus-castus L., Xanthium strumarium L., Capsella bursa-pastoris L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Viscum album L., Echinophora tenuifolia L. subsp. sibthorpiana (Guss.) Tutin, Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L., Tribulus terrestris L., Solanum nigrum L., Nerium oleander L., Circium arvense (L.) Scop. and Brassica oleracea L. aqueous extracts were determined against Alternaria alternata. At the end of the 7-day incubation period, the mycelial growth of the fungi was measured and the antifungal effect of plant extracts was determined. As a result, the extracts were determined to inhibit mycelial growth compared to control. The plant water extracts used in the study were determined to inhibit the mycelial development of the pathogen by 20.20% to 77.12%. It is considered that different solvents and concentrations should be addressed to guide further studies. It was also concluded that potential plant species that may show anti-fungal properties should be evaluated.

New markers for flowering-time selection in sweet cherry

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a fruit tree in the Rosaceae family grown worldwide for its tasty fruit. However, its yield may be threatened in warmer growing regions by insufficient dormancy, which usually occurs in late-blooming genotypes. Conversely, in cold regions, the yield is threatened by late spring frosts, especially for early flowering cultivars. It is therefore necessary to breed cultivars adapted to local weather conditions and avoid potential crop losses. New markers associated with the beginning of flowering were sought to enable molecular marker-assisted selection of genotypes tailored for different climatic conditions. Previously whole-genome sequenced 298 sweet cherry genotypes with nine years of phenotypic evaluation provided the basis for a genome-wide association study that allowed the identification of 163 single nucleotide polymorphisms and indels associated with flowering time, located on all sweet cherry chromosomes. This study confirmed the previously predicted polygenic basis of the trait. Three markers suitable for selection of late-blooming genotypes and one for early-blooming genotypes were selected and validated using independent 128 sweet cherry hybrids from different crossings. Individual markers for late beginning of flowering were able to select genotypes flowering at least three days after the reference (i.e. the earliest flowering) cultivar 'Kišiněvskaja'. Accumulation of preferred allele combinations for all three late-blooming markers has a synergistic effect, indicating delay of flowering 7.1 days after the reference cultivar on average. The marker for early beginning of flowering identified accessions flowering maximally five days after the earliest flowering reference cultivar 'Kišiněvskaja'. All four markers were integrated into a single base extension assay to help breeders with prediction of beginning of flowering for their breeding materials and cultivars.

Investigation of the horizontal collision damage behavior of fruit during transporting based on a new instrumented impactor

Horizontal collisions between fruit and rigid walls are a common occurrence in postharvest packaging and transportation. To address this issue, a novel high-precision instrumented impactor was developed, comprising a high-speed imaging system, an ejection device, and a force sensor. Results showed that the impactor was able to effectively simulate the horizontal collision process between various small spherical fruits (such as cherry tomatoes, plums, sweet cherries, and winter jujubes) and packaging materials at three velocities: slow, medium, and high. Output parameters included the impact force and impact time of the fruit acting on each packaging material, as well as the displacement, displacement rate, impact energy, rebound energy, and absorption energy of the fruit. During the horizontal collision simulation, it was observed that the winter jujube exhibited the largest impact force and the shortest impact time among the four types of fruit tested. Conversely, the sweet cherry demonstrated the lowest proportion of damage area when colliding with the EPE board compared to the rigid board and foam board. This study presents a powerful tool for investigating the horizontal collision behaviour between fruit and rigid plates.

Sweet Cherry Fruit Firmness Evaluation Using Compression Distance Methods

Flesh firmness in sweet cherries is determined using the measurement of normalized deformation force, i.e., determining the required force for a distance equal to 5 or 10% of the diameter of the cherries per millimeter. However, a firmness method involving a defined distance is quite simple and suitable for easy applications. Hence, our study focuses on the impact of fruit physiology under various and fixed distances. To assess the firmness evaluation, two sweet cherry cultivars (Canada Giant and Regina) were selected and subjected to three different levels of compression distance equal to 1%, 5%, 10% of the fruit’s small thickness dimension along with a consistent compression distance of 0.16 mm. There was a strong correlation between panelists’ preferences and the fruit that had been subjected to both a 1% deformation force and a fixed distance of 0.16 mm within each cultivar. Physiological traits, membrane integrity, and the metabolome of the fruit in these categories were mostly unaffected by the control (0%), or 1%, deformation force, as shown by clustering and PCA analysis. The control and 1% deformation force groups showed similar patterns, contrary to those of the 5% and 10% deformation force groups. Given these considerations, a fixed distance of 0.16 mm and a minimal 1% deformation force possess the potential to be employed and implemented for monitoring the firmness of sweet cherries during postharvest preservation.

Optimization of clonal micropropagation of stone fruit crops

The aim of the research was to optimize the clonal micropropagation of stone crops through the use of improved techniques. The objects of the research at the stage of introduction into culture in vitro were meristematic apexes, at the stage of micro-propagation itself – micro-shoots, at the rooting stage – rooted micro-shoots, at the adaptation stage – micro-plants. All experiments were carried out according to generally accepted methods using the example of the steppe cherry variety Shchedraya, the domestic plum variety Kazanskaya and the hybrid sweet cherry Fatezh. As a result of the research, it was found that the use of a 10 % chlorhexidine solution for sterilization of the initial plant material of stone crops increased the survival rate of apexes on average by 2.4 %; the combined use of growth regulators 6-benzylaminopurine 0.5 mg/l, gibberellic acid 0.2 mg/l, indo-lil-3-butyric acid (IBA) 0.2 mg/l in a nutrient medium and an experimental diode pulsed phytoirradiator in the last proliferation passage activated the proliferation of micro-shoots, increasing the reproduction coefficient of stone crops in 6 passages by an average of 0.9 pcs/explant; the addition of 1.0 mg/l (IBA ) to the nutrient medium provided an increase in the rooting capacity of micro-shoots of stone crops by an average of 9.6 %. The treatment of micro-plants of stone crops at the stage of adaptation by spraying with an 8 % solution of the extract of the products of the larvae of the large wax moth and the use of an experimental LED pulsed phytoirradiator with a mixed spectrum contributed to an increase in their survival rate by an average of 12.4 %. Compliance with the proposed improved methods of clonal micropropagation of stone crops using growth regulators and an experimental LED pulse phytoirradiator with a mixed spectrum made it possible to increase the yield of standard adapted micro-plants by 2 times. At the same time, the cost of one adapted micro-plant decreased by an average of 11.4 rubles, and the profitability of obtaining improved stone crop material increased by 33.7 % and amounted to 160.7 %.

Selection of pollinators for promising large­fruited varieties of sweet cherry Cerasus avium (L.) Moenh in Forest­Steppe conditions

Selection of pollinators for promising large­fruited varieties of sweet cherry Cerasus avium (L.) Moenh in Forest­Steppe conditions

Genetic factors acting prior to dormancy in sour cherry influence bloom time the following spring.

Understanding the process of Prunus species floral development is crucial for developing strategies to manipulate bloom time and prevent crop loss due to climate change. Here, we present a detailed examination of flower development from initiation until bloom for early- and late-blooming sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) from a population segregating for a major bloom time QTL on chromosome 4. Using a new staging system, we show floral buds from early-blooming trees were persistently more advanced than those from late-blooming siblings. A genomic DNA coverage analysis revealed the late-blooming haplotype of this QTL, k, is located on a subgenome originating from the late-blooming P. fruticosa progenitor. Transcriptome analyses identified many genes within this QTL as differentially expressed between early- and late-blooming trees during the vegetative-to-floral transition. From these, we identified candidate genes for the late bloom phenotype, including multiple transcription factors homologous to Reproductive Meristem B3 domain-containing proteins. Additionally, we determined that the basis of k in sour cherry is likely separate from candidate genes found in sweet cherry-suggesting several major regulators of bloom time are located on Prunus chromosome 4.

A Genome-Wide Analysis of the WUSCHEL-Related Homeobox Transcription Factor Family Reveals Its Differential Expression Patterns, Response to Drought Stress, and Localization in Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.)

The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family has a critical effect on plant development and abiotic stress. However, there have been no genome-wide studies on WOX genes within sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). In the present work, eight PavWOX genes were discovered within sweet cherry at the genome-wide level, and they were mapped to six chromosomes. Based on phylogenetic relationships, these genes were classified into three groups, with genes in one group having similar gene structures and conserved motifs. Meanwhile, the PavWOX genes possessed cis-acting elements and functions associated with hormone responses, stress responses, and development. As revealed by expression patterns, certain PavWOX genes are specifically expressed within tissues, suggesting that they may have unique functions. Additionally, the gene family expression patterns under drought stress were analyzed. PavWOX4, PavWOX5, PavWOX13A, and PavWOX13B had increased expressions upon drought stress. In addition, the transcription factor of PavWOX4 and PavWOX13A was localized in the nucleus, confirming the estimated results. Our findings lay the foundation for determining the expression patterns and functions of the PavWOX gene family within sweet cherry and shed more light on the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Synergistic approach of PCR-based fragment length analysis and amplicon deep sequencing reveals rich diversity of S-alleles in sweet cherries from the Caucasian region of origin.

The self-incompatibility system in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) prevents fertilization with own or genetically related pollen, and is genetically determined by the multi-allelic S-locus. Therefore, determining S-alleles is crucial for plant breeding and fruit production, as it enables the selection of compatible combinations of S-genotypes for successful pollination. In this study, S-alleles were identified in a total of 260 genotypes from the Caucasian region, the species' center of origin. S-allele genotyping was conducted using PCR fragment length analysis with the standard marker PaConsI-F/R2 and reference genotypes, complemented by sequence analysis through amplicon deep sequencing. The genotypes collected from Azerbaijan and Turkey exhibit a high allelic richness at the S-locus, particularly compared to modern sweet cherry cultivars worldwide. Nine previously undescribed S-alleles were identified and designated as S45, S46, S47, S48, S49, S50, S51, S52 and S53. Given the expected high diversity for other traits, this plant material represents a valuable resource for further breeding research and introgression of new traits in future breeding programs. Furthermore, our results underscore that fragment length alone may not be sufficient for unambiguous assignment of S-alleles due to minimal length differences between different alleles. To address this issue, an S-allele reference ladder was developed using the rich diversity for precise assignment of the S-alleles. This tool can be applied in future experiments as a robust and cost-effective method for accurate S-genotyping across different runs and laboratories. Additionally, several selected S-genotypes were planted in a trial field and will be maintained as an S-allele reference collection.

Phytocoenotic assessment of herbaceous plant communities in the organic sweet cherry orchard

Biodiversity loss is one on global environmental issues facing humanity. Intensive use of natural resources has led to degradation of landscapes and reduction of the species diversity of plant communities. Therefore, finding natural solutions to overcome these challenges is an urgent issue. The purpose of the study was to investigate the dynamics of floral composition and coenotic structure of herbaceous plant communities in an organic cherry orchard for the sustainable functioning of the agricultural landscape. The dynamics of the coenotic composition of natural grasses of vegetation cover in the organic cherry orchard was studied during 2013-2020 in the arid conditions of the Southern Steppe of Ukraine on low-humus sandy loam soils. Morphological, ecological, and geographical methods were used to investigate the species diversity of flora in an organic garden. The composition of herbaceous plant communities was estimated using conbentional geobotanic description methods. The results of the study of the species composition and coenotic structure of plant communities of grass cover in an organic sweet cherry orchard are presented. Grassing of the garden with natural grasses has led to the enrichment of agricultural landscapes with useful species that are important components of sustainable agricultural systems and can perform ecological services. Colonisation of the grass cover by invasive and quarantine species was not observed due to natural processes of demutation succession and the use of moderate four-fold mowing of plants during the growing season (to a height of 15- 20 cm). As part of herbal plant communities in the 8th year of research, all species were useful, had medicinal properties, and served as a food base. The natural grasses in an organic sweet cherry orchard are a resource of biomass and biodiversity. Phytocoenotic analysis of the grass cover in the organic cherry orchard will allow substantiating and proposing principles for predicting the development of plant communities to optimise their structure, improve quality, and maintain biodiversity

Identification of PavHB16 gene in Prunus avium and validation of its function in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01443-8.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the ALDH gene family and functional analysis of PaALDH17 in Prunus avium.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01444-7.

Genetic dissection of the tissue-specific roles of type III effectors and phytotoxins in the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae to cherry.

When compared with other phylogroups (PGs) of the Pseudomonas syringae species complex, P. syringae pv. syringae (Pss) strains within PG2 have a reduced repertoire of type III effectors (T3Es) but produce several phytotoxins. Effectors within the cherry pathogen Pss 9644 were grouped based on their frequency in strains from Prunus as the conserved effector locus (CEL) common to most P. syringae pathogens; a core of effectors common to PG2; a set of PRUNUS effectors common to cherry pathogens; and a FLEXIBLE set of T3Es. Pss 9644 also contains gene clusters for biosynthesis of toxins syringomycin, syringopeptin and syringolin A. After confirmation of virulence gene expression, mutants with a sequential series of T3E and toxin deletions were pathogenicity tested on wood, leaves and fruits of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) and leaves of ornamental cherry (Prunus incisa). The toxins had a key role in disease development in fruits but were less important in leaves and wood. An effectorless mutant retained some pathogenicity to fruit but not wood or leaves. Striking redundancy was observed amongst effector groups. The CEL effectors have important roles during the early stages of leaf infection and possibly acted synergistically with toxins in all tissues. Deletion of separate groups of T3Es had more effect in P. incisa than in P. avium. Mixed inocula were used to complement the toxin mutations in trans and indicated that strain mixtures may be important in the field. Our results highlight the niche-specific role of toxins in P. avium tissues and the complexity of effector redundancy in the pathogen Pss 9644.