Raspberry Leaf Research Articles

The species, density, and intra-plant distribution of mites on red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.).

The adoption of the European Green Deal will limit acaricide use in high value crops like raspberry, to be replaced by biological control and other alternative strategies. More basic knowledge on mites in such crops is then necessary, like species, density, and their role as vectors of plant diseases. This study had four aims, focusing on raspberry leaves at northern altitude: (1) identify mite species; (2) study mite population densities; (3) investigate mite intra-plant distribution; (4) investigate co-occurrence of phytophagous mites, raspberry leaf blotch disorder and raspberry leaf blotch virus (RLBV). Four sites in south-eastern Norway were sampled five times. Floricanes from different parts of the sites were collected, taking one leaf from each of the upper, middle, and bottom zones of the cane. Mites were extracted with a washing technique and processed for species identification and RLBV detection. Mites and leaves were tested for RLBV by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with virus-specific primers. Phytophagous mites, Phyllocoptes gracilis, Tetranychus urticae, and Neotetranychus rubi, and predatory mites, Anystis baccarum and Typhlodromus (Typhlodromus) pyri were identified. All phytophagous mites in cultivated raspberry preferred the upper zone of floricanes, while in non-cultivated raspberry, they preferred the middle zone. The presence of phytophagous mites did not lead to raspberry leaf blotch disorder during this study. RLBV was detected in 1.3% of the sampled plants, none of them with leaf blotch symptoms, and in 4.3% of P. gracilis samples, and in some spider mite samples, implying that Tetranychids could also be vectors of RLBV.

GALACTAGOGUE HERBS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY AND REVIEW

Women often face challenges in their efforts to breast-feed their infants. One of these challenges may be a real or perceived insufficient milk supply. Presented here are some results from a qualitative study of self-care in pregnancy, birth and lactation among a purposeful sample of childbearing women in British Columbia. Twenty-three women were interviewed at one to four months postpartum, and were asked to share their experiences with childbirth and postpartum self-care. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. All 23 women were breast-feeding. Four women reported insufficient milk supply, whereas 14 women used galactagogue substances including herbal remedies, food items and pharmaceutical drugs to enhance their milk supply. Eleven women (48% of the sample) were using any of five galactagogue herbs, in many cases prophylactically. Each herb is reviewed and discussed here: blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), fenugreek (Trigonella foenicum-graecum) raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus), and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). This study reveals that galactagogue herb use is an element of postpartum self-care for some women, and it also identifies a need for clinical testing of the herbs. A larger-scale survey of galactagogue herb use would be beneficial to the state of knowledge, as would clinical trials and case reports on the more popular herbs.

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) use in pregnancy: a prospective observational study

BackgroundRaspberry leaf use during pregnancy in Australia is widespread. There has been little research exploring the potential beneficial or harmful effects of raspberry leaf on pregnancy, labour, and birth. More research is needed to appropriately inform childbearing women and maternity healthcare professionals on the effects of raspberry leaf so that women can make informed choices.MethodsThis study aimed to determine associations between raspberry leaf use in pregnancy and augmentation of labour and other secondary outcomes. Data was derived from questionnaires which captured demographic information and herbal use in pregnancy. Clinical outcomes were accessed from the maternity services’ clinical database. Data analysis was conducted in R via package ‘brms’ an implementation for Bayesian regression models.ResultsA total of 91 completed records were obtained, 44 exposed to raspberry leaf and 47, not exposed. A smaller proportion of women in the raspberry leaf cohort had augmentation of labour, epidural anaesthesia, instrumental births, caesarean section, and postpartum haemorrhage. A larger proportion had vaginal birth and length of all phases of labour were shorter. Under these conditions the use of raspberry leaf was strongly predictive of women not having their labours medically augmented.ConclusionsWhile our study demonstrated that raspberry leaf was strongly predictive of women not having their labours medically augmented, the results cannot be relied on or generalised to the wider population of pregnant women. While there were no safety concerns observed in our study, this should not be taken as evidence that raspberry leaf is safe. A randomised controlled trial is urgently needed to provide women and healthcare providers with robust evidence on which to base practice.

Raspberry leaf mottle virus

Abstract A new distribution map is provided for Raspberry leaf mottle virus Closteroviridae: Closterovirus Host: Rubus spp.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant Activities and Molecular Docking Analysis of Rubus idaeus Leaf Extract

The study aimed to identify the most abundant compounds in raspberry leaf extract via HPLC analysis, conduct theoretical and practical assessments of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities both in silico, in vitro, and in vivo, and evaluate the correlation between antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Polyphenols were quantified using HPLC; molecular docking was carried out using AutoDockTools 1.5.6; antioxidant activity was ascertained via the potentiometric method; and anti-inflammatory activity was examined based on the carrageenan edema method. The extract was found to be rich in epicatechin (0.417%), (+)-catechin (0.501%), and ellagitannins (0.401%). The free energy of (+)-catechin and epicatechin was -8.40 and -7.20 respectively for the active sites of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and -6.60 and -7.11 for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH oxidase). Notably, the antioxidant activity of the raspberry leaf extract was 1.43%, 1.04%, and 10.62% higher than that of green tea leaf extract for doses of 4.00, 2.00, 0.20 mg/mL, respectively. Treatment with the raspberry leaf extract at a dose of 13.0 mg/kg resulted in a significant decrease in edema after 1, 2, and 3 hours by 38.8%, 41.8%, and 48.8%, respectively, compared to the control group. The study demonstrated a correspondence between experimental and theoretical results in evaluating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Correlation analysis further substantiated that the anti-inflammatory action is dependent on antioxidant activity.

Effects of steam explosion on raspberry leaf structure and the release of water-soluble nutrients and phenolics

Raspberry leaves were subjected to steam explosion at 0.5 and 1.0 MPa for 60–120 s, aiming to disrupt their physical and chemical structure and, consequently, promote the release of phenolic compounds into the leaf aqueous infusion. Under optimal condition of 1.0 MPa for 60 s, steam explosion led to a notable 23 % increase in total phenolic content, a 29 % elevation in ABTS radical scavenging capacity, and a 13 % rise in DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the aqueous infusion. Utilizing UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and UHPLC-QE-MS/MS techniques, respectively, a total of 39 phenolic compounds were identified from raspberry leaves, and the changes in the contents of the most important 11 species were analyzed following steam explosion. Through correlation analysis and considering the content of each phenolic compound, it was inferred that the heightened antioxidant capacity of the aqueous infusion primarily stemmed from a substantial increase in the release of ellagic acid after steam explosion.

Chemical Composition of Healthy and Raspberry Leaf Blotch Emaravirus-Infected Red Raspberry ‘Willamette’ Fruits

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in chemical composition of fresh red raspberry ‘Willamette’ fruits caused by the presence of raspberry leaf blotch emaravirus (RLBV). In three experimental orchards of ‘Willamette’ raspberry, fruits were harvested from RLBV-free and RLBV-infected plants in 2019 and 2020. Fruits were collected at appropriate maturity stages and further analyzed in terms of total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and selected individual phenolics. In all three experimental orchards, the phenolic profiles of the infected and uninfected fruit samples were considerably different during both studied years. Nonetheless, the intensity of the modifications varied greatly depending on the location and harvest year. Statistical analysis revealed that the influence of RLBV infection on the studied features was undeniable, although the influences of weather conditions and soil composition outweighed the influence of RLBV. Taking into consideration all the experimental and statistical data, it can be concluded that RLBV had an impact on the phenolic profile of raspberry ‘Willamette’ fruits, while sensitivity to environmental conditions and soil composition is emphasized.

Assessment of applying an integrated pest management strategy to control the raspberry leaf and bud mite, Phyllocoptes gracilis (Nal.) and its effect on the raspberry leaf metabolites

In the years 2018‒2020, the effectiveness of three synthetic active substances (acequinocyl, fenpyroximate, spirodiclofen), one substance derived from Streptomyces spp. (abamectin), a plant extract (orange oil) and silicone polymers in controlling Phyllocoptes gracilis in two Polish raspberry plantations (v. ‘Glen Ample’) was assessed. All the substances showed high and comparable efficacy against the tested pest, significantly reducing its population. However, their effects occurred at different times after the application. The strongest immediate control was shown by silicone polymers, followed by abamectin and spirodiclofen. The full effect of fenpyroximate application was visible after approx. 2 weeks, while acequinocyl was effective 3‒4 weeks after the application. Moreover, the content of phenolic compounds, sterols and triterpenoids was determined in leaves of plants treated with spirodiclofen, orange oil and silicone polymers. The observed increase in the content of salicylic acid and changes in the content of triterpenoids in leaves may indicate a stimulating effect of the substances to the natural defense processes of plants.

Integrated 16s RNA sequencing and network pharmacology to explore the effects of polyphenol-rich raspberry leaf extract on weight control.

Obesity is recognized as a chronic low-grade inflammation associated with intestinal flora imbalance, leading to dyslipidemia and inflammation. Modern research has found that polyphenols have anti-obesity effects. However, the mechanism of action of raspberry leaf extract (RLE) with high polyphenols in regulating obesity is still unknown. This study investigated the improvement effect of supplementing RLE on high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in mice. RLE was used to intervene in HFD induced C57BL/6J male mice during prevention stage (1-16 weeks) and treatment stage (17-20 weeks). Their weight changes and obesity-related biochemical indicators were measured. The changes in intestinal flora were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and finally the targets and pathways of the 7 typical polyphenols (quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, ellagic acid, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, chlorogenic acid, brevifolin carboxylic acid, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, and quercetin) of RLE in the regulation of obesity were predicted by network pharmacology approach. The results showed that RLE effectively prevented and treated weight gain in obese mice induced by HFD, alleviated adipocyte hypertrophy, reduced Interleukin-6 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha levels, and improved intestinal flora, especially Muriaculaceae, Alistipes and Alloprevotella, and decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio. Network pharmacology analysis selected 60 common targets for 7 RLE polyphenols and obesity. Combined with protein-protein interaction network, enrichment analysis and experimental results, TNF, IL-6, AKT1, and PPAR were predicted as potential key targets for RLE polyphenols. The potential mechanism by which polyphenol-rich RLE regulates obesity may be attributed to the specific polyphenols of RLE and their synergistic effects, therefore RLE has a great anti-obesity potential and may be used as a means to alleviate obesity and related diseases.

Evaluation of the effect of nanocellulose edible coating on strawberries inoculated with Aspergillus flavus through image analysis

The impact of a coating solution containing chitosan, lignocellulosic nanofibers (LCNF), and raspberry leaf extract on strawberry quality was assessed. Strawberries were coated, inoculated with Aspergillus flavus (a major aflatoxin producer), and stored at 5 ± 1 °C for 16 days. An automated fruit quality evaluation system was developed, and daily images were taken for analysis. ImageJ software was used to evaluate colour, size loss, and fungal damage. Coating solution significantly reduced fruit size loss, with coated strawberries showing 18.4 ± 12.8% size loss after 16 days, compared to 30.2 ± 8.4% in the control group and 25 ± 10.7% in uncoated strawberries. Regarding colour, lower colour changes were observed in coated fruit compared to the control during storage (p ≤ 0.05). Fungal damage did not significantly differ between treatments during storage (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the study demonstrated that image analysis and visual estimation methods for assessing fruit fungal damage yielded similar results, with a strong correlation (R2 = 0.87). This suggests that the proposed image analysis methodology is effective for the assessment of fungal damage in strawberries compared to visual estimation. Chitosan-LCNF-raspberry extract coating solution shows promise in enhancing strawberry quality by reducing size loss during storage and managing fungal development.

An Integrated Extraction-Purification Process for Raspberry Leaf Polyphenols and Their In Vitro Activities.

To improve the utilization value of raspberry leaves, the extraction and purification conditions of phenolic compounds from raspberry leaves were optimized, and the contents of phenolic compounds and the biological activities of extracts were studied. After steam explosion pretreatment at 115 °C for 15 min, raspberry leaf extract with a total phenolic content (TPC) of 136.30~140.51 mg GAE/g was obtained via homogenization and ultrasound-assisted extraction. In addition, the adsorption relationship between raspberry leaf polyphenols and middle polar XDA-6 macroporous resin was best described by the Langmuir model, and tended to be monolayer adsorption. Its adsorption kinetics best resembled the pseudo second-order kinetic model, and it was speculated that this was influenced by multiple factors. According to the optimal integrated extraction-purification process, the TPC of the extracts increased to 738.98 mg GAE/g after one application of purification and 905.27 mg GAE/g after two applications of purification. Moreover, the latter case showed the highest antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibition activity, and the content of the most typical compound, quercetin-3-glucuronide, reached 199.69 mg/g. SE has a double-edged effect, and is more conducive to the release of active substances as a pre-treatment method. This study provides a theoretical basis for the efficient use of raspberry leaves, further improving their medicinal and economic value.

Raspberry Leaves and Extracts-Molecular Mechanism of Action and Its Effectiveness on Human Cervical Ripening and the Induction of Labor.

The gestational period is an incredibly stressful time for a pregnant woman. Pregnant patients constantly seek effective and reliable compounds in order to achieve a healthy labor. Nowadays, increasing numbers of women use herbal preparations and supplements during pregnancy. One of the most popular and most frequently chosen herbs during pregnancy is the raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus). Raspberry extracts are allegedly associated with a positive effect on childbirth through the induction of uterine contractions, acceleration of the cervical ripening, and shortening of childbirth. The history of the consumption of raspberry leaves throughout pregnancy is vast. This review shows the current status of the use of raspberry leaves in pregnancy, emphasizing the effect on the cervix, and the safety profile of this herb. The majority of women apply raspberry leaves during pregnancy to induce and ease labor. However, it has not been possible to determine the exact effect of using raspberry extracts on the course of childbirth and the perinatal period. Additionally, it is unclear whether this herb has only positive effects. The currently available data indicate a weak effect of raspberry leaf extracts on labor induction and, at the same time, their possible negative impact on cervical ripening.

Community pharmacist recommendations regarding raspberry leaf for induction of labor: A mystery caller approach

BackgroundRaspberry leaf products are recommended by health care providers to induce labor despite insufficient efficacy and safety data. Less is known about community pharmacists’ knowledge and recommendations regarding raspberry leaf products. ObjectiveThe primary end point was to describe New York State community pharmacist recommendations regarding raspberry leaf for labor induction. Secondary end points evaluated pharmacists’ assessment of the patient for additional information, citation of a supporting reference, provision of safety and efficacy information, recommendation of a patient-appropriate reference, and change in recommendation after learning about the obstetrician-gynecologist’s recommendation. DesignUsing a list of registered New York State pharmacies via a Freedom of Information Law request, a randomized representative sample of included pharmacy types (grocery store, drugstore chain, independent, and mass merchandising) was called using a mystery caller approach. Calls were conducted by one investigator throughout July 2022. Data collection included items specific to the primary and secondary outcomes. This study was approved by the associated institutional review board. Setting and participantsNew York State community pharmacists from grocery store, drugstore chain, independent, and mass merchandising pharmacies were called using the mystery caller approach. Outcome measuresThe primary endpoint was measured by the number of evidence-based recommendations made by pharmacists. ResultsThe study included 366 pharmacies. Despite insufficient efficacy and safety data, there were 308 recommendations to use raspberry leaf products (n = 308 of 366, 84.1%). Most pharmacists attempted to collect additional patient information (n = 278 of 366, 76.0%). Many pharmacists did not clearly convey safety (n = 168 of 366, 45.9%) or efficacy (n = 197 of 366, 53.8%) information. Of those who discussed safety or efficacy, many said raspberry leaf products were safe and effective (n = 125 of 198, 63.1%; n = 82 of 169, 48.5%). Pharmacists often referred or deferred the patient to another medical professional for more information (n = 92 of 282, 32.6%). ConclusionThere is an opportunity to improve pharmacists’ knowledge on the use of raspberry leaf products for the induction of labor and in making evidence-based recommendations when limited or conflicting efficacy and safety data exist.

Natural α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitors from raspberry (Rubus corchorifolius L.) leaf-tea: Screening, identification and molecular docking analysis

Raspberry leaf as a tea substitute has been consumed in China for long time. In this work, the inhibitory activities of raspberry leaf-tea (RLT) extract on α-glucosidase (α-GLU)/α-amylase (α-AMY) were measured, and the effects of the RLT extract on the glucose consumption of 3T-3L1 cells were also investigated. Results confirmed that RLT 70% ethanol extract (REE) exhibited strong inhibitory activities on α-GLU/α-AMY in vitro. In addition, REE remarkably improved the glucose consumption of 3T-3L1 cells. Subsequently, eight major inhibitors including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, isoorientin, procyanidin C3, dihydromyricetin, rutin, and isovitexin were screened and identified through affinity ultrafiltration combined with HPLC-MS/MS. Confirmation tests verified that these major compounds were responsible the inhibitory activities of the REE on α-GLU/α-AMY. Molecular docking studies revealed that these inhibitors can well interact with α-GLU/α-AMY via van der Waals force or hydrogen bonding, thus inhibiting their activities. In a short, raspberry leaf can be exploited as a promising anti-hypoglycemic material. This study provides a theoretical basis for discovering active components from medicinal plants using affinity ultra-filtration with multi-targets.

Maximising olive oil by‐products

Maximising olive oil by‐products

Herbal supplement use among reproductive-aged women in an academic infertility practice

To address the knowledge gap surrounding herbal medicine and supplement usage patterns and supplement-prescription medication interactions among patients seeking treatment for infertility. Cross-sectional survey study. Academic infertility practice. Ninety-five reproductive-aged patients. Not applicable. Use of herbal medications and supplements, baseline demographics, history of infertility treatments, and potential supplement-medication interactions. We surveyed 95 participants with a median age of 35 years. Overall, 68.4% of patients reported ever having used supplements or herbal medicines in the past. Current use of herbal supplements and vitamins was reported by 53.7% and 93.7% of participants, respectively, with a median of 2 (range 19) supplements used per person. There were no significant associations between patient demographics, comorbidities, or infertility treatments with increased rates of supplement use. The most commonly used herbal supplements were: green tea (n = 14), chamomile (n = 12), peppermint (n = 9), turmeric (n = 8), elderberry (n = 7), ginger (n = 7), maca (6) with the most common modalities being pills/capsules (23.8%) and tea (42.3%). The most common reasons for use were: general health and wellness (24.5%), immune support (16.2%), stress (14.0%), and fertility (15.0%). Patients used maca (n = 5), chasteberry (n = 3), goji berry (n = 2), ginger (n = 2), yam-based progesterone (n = 2), and combination product (n = 2) for fertility purposes. A total of 7.9% of patients learned about these products from their general health care provider, and 33.3% of supplements were disclosed by patients to their provider. We identified 41 moderate-risk supplement-drug interactions, with 12 of these interactions attributed to infertility therapies. Based on the interaction checker, the most commonly proposed mechanisms of interaction were CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 inhibition. In terms of safety in pregnancy, cannabidiol and chasteberry were suggested to be "possibly unsafe in pregnancy," and red raspberry leaf "likely unsafe in pregnancy" without direct medical supervision. We found over two thirds of women seeking treatment for infertility reported past and over half reported current herbal medicine and supplement use. Notably, the Natural Medicines Interaction Checker suggested high rates of moderate-risk supplement-drug interactions and possible harmful effects in early pregnancy. Our results call for further investigation of clinically relevant supplement interactions with infertility therapies.

Investigation the influence of biologically active compounds on the antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of red raspberry (Rubus idaeous l.) leaf extract

Abstract The aim of the study. To determine phenolic and organic acids compound profiles, and the antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of raspberry leaf extract. Materials and methods. The object of the study was red raspberry leaf extract. The quantity of phenolic compounds was determined by applying a spectrophotometric method of analysis, whereas organic acids content was assessed by means of the alkalimetric method, while the antioxidant activity of the obtained extract was evaluated by employing the potentiometric method, and antibacterial and antifungal activity was ascertained through the wells method, and anti-inflammatory activity was found via carrageenan – induced paw edema assay. Results. The content of phenolic compounds was 18.45±0.37 mg/ml, catechins was 10.12±0.20 mg/ml, flavonoids was 3.32±0.07 mg/ml, hydroxycinnamic acids derivatives was 2.39±0.05 mg/ml and organic acids was 7.25±0.15 mg/ml. Moreover, the antioxidant activity was 76.11±1.48 mmol-equiv./mres dry, which was higher by 32.80% than the reference drug „Ascorutin”. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was the most sensitive to the extract (25.00±0.00 mm), whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most resistant (21.67 ±0.66 mm). Treatment with red raspberry leaf extract at 1 ml/kg showed a significant edema reduction at 1, 2 and 3 h at 38.8, 41.8 and 48.8%, compared with the saline group. Conclusian. The present study indicated that red raspberry leaf extract possesses antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, red raspberry leaves are a promising source of bioactive substances that can be used for further developing medicines in the treatment and prevention of lifestyle diseases.

Investigation of Inhibitory Effect of the Rubus idealis L. Extract on Corrosion of Copper

The aim of this work was to examine the impact of raspberry extract (Rubus idaeus L.) on copper corrosion characteristics. The raspberry leaf extract was prepared using Soxhlet extraction with ethanol as solvent. The estimation of the total polyphenol content in the obtained sample was determined by UV/Vis spectrophotometric method. The identification and quantification of phenolic acids was performed using HPLC analytical method.In addition, the aim of this work was to examine the impact of individual phenolic compounds (rutin, gallic acid, quercetin, and catechin hydrate) on the corrosion properties of copper. . , The corrosion rate of copper with the extract of the raspberryleafof the Polkavariety was tested. A copper corrosion test was performed in a 3% NaCl solution without and in the presence of the extract. The copper polarization resistance (Rp) values in 3% NaCl solution without and in the presence of the extract weredetermined by the linear polarization method. The corrosion behavior of copper in 3% NaCl solution without and in the presence of extract was determined by specific electrochemical parameters: corrosion potential (Ecorr), corrosion current density (Icorr), and slopes of the anode (βa) and cathode (βk). The electrochemicalimpedance spectroscopy method was used to examine the corrosion behavior of copper in 3% NaCl solution without and in the presence of extract. The results obtained by Tafel extrapolation showed that the corrosion rate decreases in the presence of the tested extract. Studies conducted by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method show that the tested extract slows down the kinetics of the corrosion process, which is visible through an increase in resistance. The results confirm that the examined extract can be used for protection in an aggressive medium, such as a 3% NaCl solution.

Population density of eriophyid mites (Acari: Eriophyidae) on raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and their association with leaf blotch symptoms

Red raspberry, Rubus idaeus, is known to be infested by at least six species of eriophyid mites. Among them, the raspberry leaf and bud mite, Phyllocoptes gracilis, (Figure 1, A–B) is the only known vector of a raspberry virus, namely the raspberry leaf blotch virus (RLBV) (Dong et al. 2016; McGavin et al. 2012; Tan et al. 2022). Raspberry leaf blotch (Figure 1, C), a leaf disorder displaying as leaf chlorosis, distortion and patchy necrosis, yellowing and thinning on lateral branches, has been attributed to the feeding of P. gracilis until RLBV was also found to be associated with these symptoms (McGavin et al. 2012). Previous sampling of eriophyid mites was often based on the presence of the leaf blotch symptom, and there is a reasonable doubt if the symptom was caused by RLBV infection or mite infestation. It could also be hypothesized that eriophyid mites are attracted to RLBV-infected plants as viruses could make host plants more attractive to vectors (Donnelly & Gilligan 2020; Shi et al. 2019). It is therefore important to improve the detection of both mites and RLBV to efficiently manage the virus. In addition, knowledge on the dominant infestation area of eriophyid mites on raspberry canes is essential to develop an effective pest management approach. Gordon and Taylor (1976) reported that P. gracilis on primocanes during late summer (mid-August) was dominantly found on the upper leaves, due to the presence of predatory mites on the lower and middle leaves. But mite behavior on floricanes is also important to study if the goal is to prevent mite migration and RLBV transmission to primocanes. This study aimed to investigate the population density of eriophyid mites on raspberry floricanes and the association of eriophyid mites, RLBV, and leaf blotch symptoms.

Characterization of the first Rubus yellow net virus genome from blackberry.

Rubus yellow net virus (RYNV) is a badnavirus that infects Rubus spp. Mixed infections with black raspberry necrosis virus and raspberry leaf mottle virus cause raspberry mosaic, a disease that leads to significant losses and even plant death. RYNV has been reported in several European countries and the Americas yet there is substantial lack of knowledge, especially when it comes to virus diversity and the evolutionary forces that affect virus fitness outside its primary host, raspberry. Herein, we report the first RYNV episomal genome isolated from blackberry and this is the first report of the virus in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The isolate has five open reading frames (ORFs) and, when compared with other fully sequenced counterparts, showed 82-97% nucleotide pairwise identity. This communication adds to our limited knowledge on RYNV and addresses some of the gaps in RYNV genetics when it comes to the coding capacity of episomal isolates and the probability of the first fully sequenced isolate of the virus being integrated in the raspberry genome.