Raspberry Plants Research Articles

Do Streptomyces sp. Help Mycorrhization in Raspberry?

Actinobacteria may help the mycorrhizal symbiosis by producing various bioactive metabolites. Mycorrhizae, in turn, are very important since they increase the absorption of nutrients, promoting the growth of their host plant and making inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AM) a common practice applied in agriculture and forestry. The cultivation of Rubus idaeus (raspberry) is widespread in Patagonia, Argentina; however, the potential benefits of using actinobacteria-mycorrhizal inoculums to enhance crop growth and yield remain unexplored. The objective of this work was to study the interaction between actinobacteria (Streptomyces, Actinomycetota) and AM in raspberry plants. We performed an experiment applying 4 treatments to raspberry plants growing in two substrates, sterile soil and natural (non-sterile) soil. The treatments consisted in a control (without inoculation) and three inoculations treatments (AM, Streptomyces SH9 strain, and AM + Streptomyces). After 3months of inoculation, mycorrhization parameters (%) and plant growth were recorded. When comparing both substrates, the mycorrhization parameters were higher in natural soil than in sterile soil. The co-inoculation with AM + Streptomyces SH9 showed the highest mycorrhization. Both factors (treatment x substrate) interacted showing that in sterile soil the treatments with the highest effect on mycorrhization parameters were AM and the co-inoculation, while in natural soil all inoculations improved mycorrhization parameters, being highest with the co-inoculation. These results show that Streptomyces SH9 strain helps the mycorrhizal symbiosis in raspberry, being the first report about the effect of a native rhizospheric actinobacterium on an economically important species, promising potential for environmentally friendly improvements in raspberry crops within the temperate Southern Patagonian region.

RESPONSE OF THE ‘POLESIE’ RASPBERRY CULTIVAR TO FOLIAR APPLICATION OF CHITOSAN WITH DIFFERENT MOLECULAR WEIGHTS

This study explored the effects of chitosan, a biodegradable and non-toxic natural polymer derived from chitin, on the yield and quality of raspberries. Various molecular weights (3.3–950 kDa) were assessed to determine the impact on raspberry plants and fruit development. These applications were made during key growth phases – the start of the vegetation period, during flowering and at the fruit-bearing stage – using a foliar method to ensure full coverage of both leaves and fruit without runoff. The results indicated that chitosan application influenced various parameters of fruit quality, including firmness, colour and antioxidant levels. Notably, chitosan with a molecular weight of 21 and 50 kDa significantly enhanced fruit yield and size compared with the control. Conversely, chitosan with a higher molecular weight (500 and 950 kDa) did not improve yield and appeared to induce stress in plants, although they did contribute to increased fruit firmness and potentially extended the shelf life due to their film-forming capabilities. The findings suggest that while chitosan can improve the yield and quality of raspberries, the effectiveness is highly dependent on its molecular weight. These results support the potential of chitosan as an alternative to traditional chemical treatments, promising a reduction in chemical inputs while sustaining or enhancing agricultural productivity and fruit quality.

First Report of Fusarium avenaceum Causing Root Rot of Raspberry (Rubus corchorifolius) in China.

Raspberry (Rubus corchorifolius) plants hold historical, economic, and medicinal importance in China (Yang et al. 2022). Raspberries are cultivated to generate income for local farmers in Lintao County, Dingxi City, Gansu Province. However, farmers encountered challenges due to raspberry plants exhibiting root rot disease, resulting in plant death. During a thorough field survey conducted in June 2022, symptoms ranging from leaf yellowing and wilting to necrotic lesions and root rots were observed, where approximately 30% of raspberry plants were affected. Five diseased and healthy plants were collected from the farmers' fields in Lintao (35.53oN, 103.84oE) for pathogen identification. Symptomatic and asymptomatic root tissues were surface sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 s and 3% NaOCl for 5 min, followed by three rinses in sterile water. Small pieces (0.5 × 0.5 cm) were cut and incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 25°C for 7-10 days. Twenty-two pure Fusarium isolates, which displayed four distinct colony groups morphologically, were obtained. Pathogenicity tests on isolates RB10, RB1, RB30, and RB23, representing each colony group, revealed that RB10 exhibited symptoms similar to those observed in the field. The RB10 strain produced yellowish-white to greyish-white colonies on PDA and was then cultured in a carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) broth for enhanced conidia production (Zhang et al. 2020). Macroconidia were sickle-shaped or slightly curved, with three to five septa (19.2 to 38.5 x 3.1 to 5.8 µm, n =40). Microconidia were oval to ellipsoidal, non-septate or featuring 1 to 2 septa (4.8 to 10.5 x 2.1 to 5.2 µm, n=20). These morphological features indicated the isolate was similar to Fusarium avenaceum (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). For further identification of the strains, genomic regions (ITS-rDNA, TEF-1α, and RPB2) were amplified and sequenced using specific primers ITS1/ITS4, EF-1/EF-2, and 5f2/7cr, respectively (O'Donnell et al. 2010; Uwaremwe et al. 2021; Zarrin et al. 2016). PCR BLASTn queries of NCBI GenBank revealed a 99.8% (522 bp), 99.4% (355 bp) and 99.6% (985 bp) homology with F. avenaceum (MZ724839.1, MN271631.1, and MK185026.1), respectively. Sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, OR735571; TEF-1α, PP216660; RPB2, PP857820). One-year-old raspberry seedlings were planted in pots with a sterile soil mix (2:2:1 v/v ratio of soil, peat, and vermiculite) under controlled greenhouse conditions (23-26°C, 16h light/8h dark). A month post-planting, taproots were wounded in six pots and inoculated with 20 ml of conidia suspension (106 conidia/ml), while the other six pots were maintained as controls. After 14 days, RB10-infected plants showed symptoms similar to field observations, while controls remained healthy. The experiment was conducted twice, and re-isolation confirmed both the pathogenicity and identity of the pathogen. In the concatenated phylogenetic tree of ITS, TEF-1α and RPB2, strain RB10 was clustered with the F. avenaceum representative strains KG502, KG431 and F094. Studies revealed F. avenaceum varied pathogenicity across plants (Bugingo, 2022; Moparthi et al. 2020& 2024; Yli-Mattila et al. 2018), and it has been reported to induce raspberry fruit rot (Wang et al. 2017). However, no previous reports linked this fungus to raspberry root rot. This report is crucial for understanding the impact of root rot disease on raspberry cultivation and developing effective management strategies.

Modification of Fungicide Treatment Needs and Antioxidant Content as a Result of Real-Time Ozonation of Raspberry Plants.

Raspberry plants need intensive anti-fungal protection. A solution to this problem could be the application of an ozonation process. For this purpose, a technical solution was proposed and implemented in raspberry plant production. The proposal suggests replacing 25% of standard fungicide treatments with ozonation. It was demonstrated that the use of ozone under the proposed conditions made it possible to maintain stable parameters of chlorophyll content and fluorescence (no significant differences), but the intensity of gas exchange was increased. The greatest differences were observed in the second measurement period (T2), when the plants were in the stage of most active development. Additionally, the content and profile of low-molecular-weight antioxidants and the microbial load were determined in the collected fruits. In periods T2 and T3, the proposed method caused a reduction reaching ~2 log cfu g-1 in the microbial content of raspberry fruits. It was shown that ozone treatment intensified the biosynthesis of low-molecular-weight antioxidants in fruit (increasing the total polyphenol content by more than 20%). The proposed scheme allows a 25% reduction in standard fungicide treatments while maintaining the health of cultivated raspberry plants. The reduction in fungicide use aligns with the EU regulations and produces fruit with better quality.

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Rubus Idaeus Bioresidues: A Full Screening on Phenolic Composition and Bioactive Potential

Abstract Purpose Rubus idaeus cultivation has boosted productivity due to its high nutritional value. In consequence, waste production increased. The discarded biomass, including leaves and aerial components, can be transformed into valuable functional ingredients for industrial applications, such as cosmetics. Studying their bioactivity potential is highly relevant. Methods According to the present idea, the research involved producing extracts from raspberry plant branches and leaves by employing four different techniques: aqueous decoction, aqueous infusion, hydroethanolic maceration, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Subsequently, these compounds were screened for their bioactive potential, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. Results The ultrasound-assisted extraction produced extracts rich in phenolic compounds, whereas the infusion and maceration methods resulted in higher flavonol contents. Among the identified phenolic compounds, hydrolyzable tannins, particularly galloyl-bis-HHDP-glucose, were the most dominant ones. Regarding antioxidant potential, the decoction extract was the strongest, while the infusion showed the greatest potential for inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The UAE extract was found to be highly effective as an antibacterial agent. Both infusion and UAE extracts demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory potential. Conclusion The combination of these results highlights the sample’s bioactive potential and the importance of exploiting bioresidues as unique, sustainable candidates for industrial applications.

Modification of Coconut Fibers through Impregnation with Eco-Friendly Wood Based Isolate as a Method to Increase the Sustainability of Dessert Raspberries Production

Natural substrates used in horticultural practice quickly degrade during plant cultivation. Methods to extend their service life are sought using natural materials, the acquisition and disposal of which do not burden the natural environment. The paper presents a sustainable method for modifying the coconut fiber substrate by impregnation with a wood-based isolate activated for polymerization and the addition of biochar pellets with retention-increasing properties. The modifications applied to the substrates were shown to have an impact on some of their physical properties, which directly impacted their usefulness in the horticultural production of dessert raspberries. It was found that after a year of operation, the modified substrates showed significantly lower levels of degradation markers. The shrinkage of the impregnated substrate was ~50% lower than that of the control sample, while the substrate with the addition of biochar pellets resulted in similar shrinkage and the lowest plant root mass (25.47%). The usefulness of these substrates was also verified by measuring the physiological parameters of the plants, which determined the ability to photosynthesize and build biomass, as well as susceptibility to stress potentially caused by substrate modifications. The recorded values of these parameters indicate, in most cases, that there is no disturbance of the homeostasis of raspberry plants grown using these substrates. However, plant productivity (measured by the yield of harvested raspberry fruit) indicates that the use of impregnated coconut fiber substrate with the addition of biochar pellets allows for obtaining the highest fruit yields (fruit yield—2.43 kg plant−1). The yields obtained in combination with the extended durability of the modified substrates during operation recommend this solution for use in horticultural practice and make the production more sustainable.

Molecular Characterization of a Novel Rubodvirus Infecting Raspberries.

A novel negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus showing genetic similarity to viruses of the genus Rubodvirus has been found in raspberry plants in the Czech Republic and has tentatively been named raspberry rubodvirus 1 (RaRV1). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed its clustering within the group, albeit distantly related to other members. A screening of 679 plant and 168 arthropod samples from the Czech Republic and Norway revealed RaRV1 in 10 raspberry shrubs, one batch of Aphis idaei, and one individual of Orius minutus. Furthermore, a distinct isolate of this virus was found, sharing 95% amino acid identity in both the full nucleoprotein and partial sequence of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene sequences, meeting the species demarcation criteria. This discovery marks the first reported instance of a rubodvirus infecting raspberry plants. Although transmission experiments under experimental conditions were unsuccessful, positive detection of the virus in some insects suggests their potential role as vectors for the virus.

Improvement of the clonal micro-propagation technology elements for raspberries of various fruiting types

The results of research on clonal micropropagation of 17 raspberry varieties of the Altai and European selection are presented. Recently, researchers have been focusing on creating a universal nutrient medium that would be equally suitable for any variety of a particular plant species. This is especially important for mass clonal micropropagation in production nurseries. The regeneration potential of the raspberry varieties of different types of fruiting at each stage of reproduction has been assessed. At the stage of actual micropropagation, it was found that Driver and Kuniyuki medium in our modification was superior to the Murashige and Skoog medium in terms of the shoot length and averaged 9.0 mm for common type varieties and 12.3 mm for remontant varieties. This made it possible to eliminate the additional stage of elongation of the microshoots. Also, the appearance of microshoots improved on the new medium. It was found that for raspberry, regardless of its type, the optimal concentrations of the growth regulators lie in the following range: cytokinin 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) 2.5–3.5 μM together with auxin ß-indolyl butyric acid (IBA) 0.5–0.7 μM. At the stage of rhizogenesis, the best results were shown by the Driver and Kuniyuki medium with 2-fold reduced content of all main components and with the addition of 2.0 μM IBA at the passage duration of 21 days. After that, all microcuttings with and without roots underwent the adaptation stage – growth completion in neutral substrates for 56 days under ex vitro conditions in a vegetation room. In most cases, there were no statistically significant differences in the length and number of leaves regardless of the presence or absence of roots at the initial stage of adaptation. By the end of this stage, 100% of the adapted raspberry plants of the usual type of fruiting and 98% of the remontant type were obtained.

Studying foraging behavior to improve bait sprays application to control Drosophila suzukii

BackgroundForaging behavior in insects is optimised for locating scattered resources in a complex environment. This behavior can be exploited for use in pest control. Inhibition of feeding can protect crops whereas stimulation can increase the uptake of insecticides. For example, the success of a bait spray, depends on either contact or ingestion, and thus on the insect finding it.MethodsTo develop an effective bait spray against the invasive pest, Drosophila suzukii, we investigated aspects of foraging behavior that influence the likelihood that the pest interacts with the baits, in summer and winter morphotypes. We video-recorded the flies’ approach behavior towards four stimuli in a two-choice experiment on strawberry leaflets. To determine the most effective bait positioning, we also assessed where on plants the pest naturally forages, using a potted raspberry plant under natural environmental conditions. We also studied starvation resistance at 20 °C and 12 °C for both morphs.ResultsWe found that summer morph flies spent similar time on all baits (agar, combi-protec, yeast) whereas winter morphs spent more time on yeast than the other baits. Both morphs showed a preference to feed at the top of our plant’s canopy. Colder temperatures enhanced survival under starvation conditions in both morphs, and mortality was reduced by food treatment.ConclusionsThese findings on feeding behavior support informed decisions on the type and placement of a bait to increase pest control.

The influence of humus extract on the quality of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

This paper analyzes the influence of foliar fertilizer based on humus extract on some of the elements central to the quality of the Polka raspberry variety in the area of the city of Bihać. The research was conducted in 2015 according to the control and treatment system. A foliar fertilizer based on humus extract was used for the treatment. A total of 12 quantitative and qualitative properties were analyzed: content of total sugars, reducing sugars, invert sugars, sucrose, water content, dry matter, total acidity, vitamin C, total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and fruit mass. After the analyses were completed, it can be concluded that fruits of raspberry plants treated with humus extract have an almost identical value of total acidity (1.65%) as found in control. However, treatment with a humus extract slightly lowered the content of total phenols and vitamin C. Based on the results obtained, it was shown that the foliar fertilizer based on the humus extract did not have a positive effect on certain chemical and antioxidant properties of the raspberry fruit.

Sensitivity to fungicides of Botrytis cinérea (Pers.) isolated from raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.)

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity of B. cinerea isolated from raspberry to nine fungicides alone and in combination with potassium silicate. Design/methodology/approach: The study evaluates the sensitivity of four isolates obtained from four raspberry plantations in October 2022, which were identified in a previous study as B.cinerea based on morphological, morphometric and molecular characteristics, to nine fungicides alone and combined with potassium silicate. B. cinerea was planted in PDA culture medium modified with fungicides plus potassium silicate, and mycelial growth and mycelial growth inhibition percentage (PICM) were evaluated. A completely randomized design with six repetitions and two controls was used, an ANOVA and Tukey’s mean comparison test were performed. Results: B. cinerea isolated from CITAP showed lower growth with fluazinam (PICM = 100 ), while with azoxystrobin it presented a PICM equal to 0. B. cinerea isolated from Paso del Cristo and Sierra Negra 2 had lower growth with fluazinam (PICM = 100), while with boscalid and azoxystrobin it showed a PICM equal to 0. In Sierra Negra 1, iprodione controlled B. cinerea better with a PICM equal to 100, while azoxystrobin showed a PICM equal to 0. All the isolates were sensitive when fungicides were combined with potassium silicate. Findings/conclusions: All the isolates were sensitive to the fungicides fluazinam, fenhexamid, thiophanate methyl, captan, pyrimethanil, fludioxonil and iprodione. The isolates from Sierra Negra 1 and CITAP were sensitive to boscalid, while those from Sierra Negra 2 and Paso del Cristo were insensitive; 100 % of the isolates were insensitive to azoxystrobin, which suggests that they could be resistant; finally, potassium silicate potentiates the effect of fungicides.

Host Range of Phytophthora spp. from Berry Crops in Huelva, Spain.

Crop declines have been observed in raspberry and blueberry farms in the southwest region of Spain, which is the most important berry-producing area in the country. This study aimed to identify and characterize the pathogens associated with these diseases using molecular and morphological methods. Additionally, pathogenicity tests were performed on different raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry cultivars to determine possible susceptible hosts in the area. An isolate of Phytophthora cactorum was obtained from a symptomatic strawberry plant, an isolate of P. cinnamomi was obtained from a symptomatic blueberry plant, and isolates identified as P. rosacearum, P. rubi, and a previously unknown species named P. balkanensis were recovered from symptomatic raspberry plants. Results from the pathogenicity tests reported, for the first time, P. rubi causing root rot and wilting complex in Spanish raspberry crops. Additionally, P. cinnamomi was found to affect highbush blueberry production in Spain. Thus, this study provides valuable insights into the identification and characterization of Phytophthora spp. associated with the decline of blueberry and raspberry crops in Huelva. It also provides essential recommendations regarding the potential risks associated with the use of other types of berries as rotational crops and emphasizes the necessity for effective management strategies to mitigate crop losses. This is particularly critical given the limited soil disinfection alternatives available in Spain.

Screening of raspberry <i>Rubus idaeus</i> plants of the FSBSO ARHCBAN collection for a marker associated with the <i>RBDV</i> virus resistance trait

Viral damage produces a significant detrimental effect on raspberry plantations. Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) appears particularly harmful, capable to significantly reduce raspberry yields. The high prevalence of RBDV is due to its ability to be transmitted by pollen and the absence of visible symptoms on plants during the first stages of infection. Breeding of RBDV-resistant varieties can significantly reduce the damage caused by RBDV infection. Therefore, a search for genetic markers of RBDV resistance is considered particularly relevant. At present, the Bu gene is identified with the dominant mode of inheritance associated with the trait of resistance to RBDV. A number of markers, successfully tested on a large sample of foreign raspberry varieties, enable resistant phenotypes to be predicted with high accuracy. However, their testing on Russian varieties is still to be carried out. The paper presents the results of PCR-mediated searching for a diagnostic fragment of the marker rasp_N_gene_1202, associated with the trait of raspberry resistance to RBDV, involving 14 raspberry varieties from the collection of the Federal Horticultural Center. The research was conducted to test the efficacy of the rasp_N_gene_1202 marker in order to identify RBDV-resistant genotypes. The experiment involved 12 Russian varieties and two foreign varieties used as positive control. The work was carried out in the Laboratory of Reproductive Biotechnology of Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery in 2023. Based on the analysis, a potentially RBDV-resistant variety ‘Arisha’ was identified. In addition, the diagnostic fragment was detected in moderately resistant and resistant varieties: ‘Gussar’, ‘Orangevoye Chudo’ and ‘Poklon Kazakovu’. However, no diagnostic fragment was detected in the resistant varieties ‘Lavina’ and ‘Medvezhonok’. For this reason, the investigated marker is recommended to be used in combination with other known markers of resistance to RBDV in order to increase the reliability of screening results. No diagnostic DNA fragment was detected on varieties with susceptible phenotype using the tested marker. The obtained data can be used in the selection process to develop new RBDV-resistant varieties.

Feasibility of Using Pulse Drip Irrigation for Increasing Growth, Yield, and Water Productivity of Red Raspberry

Pulse irrigation, the practice of applying water in small doses over time, is known to reduce deep percolation and runoff and, relative to irrigating in single continuous applications, can increase plant growth and production by supplying water and nutrients at an optimal rate. The objective of the present study was to determine whether pulse irrigation was beneficial in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. ‘Wakefield’). Treatments included continuous or pulse drip irrigation and were evaluated for three growing seasons (2018–20) in a commercial field with silt loam soil. Continuous irrigation was applied up to 4 hours/day, whereas pulse irrigation was programmed to run for 30 minutes every 2 hours, up to eight times/day, using the same amount of water as the continuous treatment. Pulsing improved soil water availability relative to continuous irrigation and, by the second and third year, increased fruit production by 1210 to 1230 kg·ha−1, which, based on recent market prices, was equivalent to $2420 to $2460/ha per year. Much of this yield increase occurred during the latter 3 to 4 weeks of the harvest season and was primarily due to larger fruit size during the second year and more berries per plant during the third year. In 1 or both years, pulse irrigation also produced more canopy cover, larger cane diameters, and higher concentrations of Mg and S in the leaves than continuous irrigation, but it reduced K and B in the soil and had variable effects on sugar-to-acid ratio in the berries. On the basis of these results, pulsing appears to be an effective means of irrigating raspberry plants in sandy or silty loam soils, but more research is needed to determine whether it is useful technique in heavier soil types.

Correlation between Antimicrobial Activity Values and Total Phenolic Content/Antioxidant Activity in Rubus idaeus L.

Plant by-products, which are discarded into the environment, are rich in valuable compounds. The aim of this research was to determine the antibacterial activity of Rubus idaeus L. morphological parts and its correlation with total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The authors also aimed to evaluate the plant's potential as added-value products. New aspects were revealed for further use and for making novel and natural products. The study's results indicated that raspberry leaves, inflorescences, and fruits could effectively combat three Gram-positive bacteria. According to the findings, among the various plant parts, root and seed extracts had the lowest antibacterial activity. Data revealed moderate, weak, or very weak correlation between the antimicrobial activity and phenolic content parameters. These findings underscore the viability of substituting synthetic antimicrobials with natural alternatives. The present study is significant for preparing novel products as antibacterials by appropriate and optimized processing using all raspberry morphological parts, and the research results show promising prospects for future purposeful utilisation of nature-based products. Raspberry plant parts can find applications in emerging fields that generate economic and environmental value.

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.

Морфологические характеристики растений-регенерантов малины при хемотерапии от Raspberry bushy dwarf virus in vitro

Field and micropropagated plants were tested for the presence of RBDV by DAS-ELISA and PCR. For in vitro therapy, plants with a proven absence of ArMV, ApMV, RpRSV, TBRV, TomRSV, SLRV, CMV, TRSV and infected with Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) were selected.Virazole and salicylic acid at concentrations of 30, 50 and 70 mg/l were used as antiviral preparation.Low phytotoxicity of salicylic acid and high phytotoxicity of virazole were established. Long-term use of virazole, at concentrations of 50 and 70 mg/l, by the end of the 3rd passage leads to the complete death of microshoots. The studies were carried out within the framework of the project „Development of biotechnological methods (in vitro and ex vitro) obtaining virus-free material from the raspberry bushy dwarf virus” in order to increase the productivity of industrial raspberry plantations.

The yields of industrial cultivars of primocane raspberry in the Central region of Russia

Industrial raspberry plantations in Russia occupy just over 10 % of all plantings and do not fully meet the needs of the population and the berry processing industry. One of the ways to increase the production efficiency of this crop is the use of high-yielding cultivars for planting new plantations. The aim of the researches was to evaluate the industrial assortment of primocane raspberry type in the conditions of the Central region of the Russian Federation in terms of productivity components and to isolate the most productive ones of them. The work was carried out in 2019-2022 on the basis of the genetic collection of berry crops of the Kokino base station of the FSBSI FRC of Horticulture. 8 cultivars of the primocane raspberry type of domestic selection, included in the register of breeding achievements and meeting the requirements for the industrial cultivar: Atlant, Zhar-ptista, Caramel’ka, Medvezhonok, Pingvin, Podarok Kashiny, Poklon Kazakovy, Salyut served as researches objects. It was established that the largest fruits were formed by the cultivars Salyut (4.6 g), Poklon Kazakovy (4.8 g), Medvezhonok (5.0 g), Podarok Kashiny (5.1 g). The multi-fruited cultivars Medvezhonok, Zhar-ptista and Podarok Kashiny were among the best in terms of stem loading by generative organs (194-216 pcs.). The cultivars Zhar-ptista, Poklon Kazakovy, Atlant, Salyute, Medvezhonok and Podarok Kashiny were distinguished by high yields (15.0-20.0 t/ha). The ripening degree of their harvest on average over the years of researches was 75.4-100 %.

Molecular Characterization of a Novel Enamovirus Infecting Raspberry.

Raspberry plants, valued for their fruits, are vulnerable to a range of viruses that adversely affect their yield and quality. Utilizing high-throughput sequencing (HTS), we identified a novel virus, tentatively named raspberry enamovirus 1 (RaEV1), in three distinct raspberry plants. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of RaEV1, focusing on its genomic structure, phylogeny, and possible transmission routes. Analysis of nearly complete genomes from 14 RaEV1 isolates highlighted regions of variance, particularly marked by indel events. The evidence from phylogenetic and sequence analyses supports the classification of RaEV1 as a distinct species within the Enamovirus genus. Among the 289 plant and 168 invertebrate samples analyzed, RaEV1 was detected in 10.4% and 0.4%, respectively. Most detections occurred in plants that were also infected with other common raspberry viruses. The virus was present in both commercial and wild raspberries, indicating the potential of wild plants to act as viral reservoirs. Experiments involving aphids as potential vectors demonstrated their ability to acquire RaEV1 but not to successfully transmit it to plants.

Sustainable Development Solutions: Growing and Processing Raspberries on Lithuanian Farms.

The EU's goals by 2050 are to ensure food security, prevent bio-diversity loss, and strengthen the EU food system's resilience. Recent scientific research and the situation in the global market show that the cultivation and processing of raspberries is currently completely unsustainable. This sector is experiencing a huge decline in Lithuania. Therefore, we chose the sustainability of raspberry growing (from farm) and processing (to fork) as an object. The aim of this article was (i) to analyze the raw material of the raspberry plant for product sustainable processing, (ii) to create a digital sustainability measurement model, and (iii) to present sustainable development solutions for effective raspberry growing and processing on Lithuanian farms using content and descriptive methods. This paper discusses how to help small raspberry growers and processors achieve sustainable economic, environmental, and social performance from field raw material to processed products. Analysis of the scientific literature has revealed qualitative and quantitative sustainability indicators for improving raspberry production. The assessment of the sustainability according to our created model revealed the (un)sustainable factors and the current situation in raspberry farms on a Likert scale from very unsustainable to very sustainable. Based on the evaluation we have determined sustainable development solutions. Raspberry growing and processing in Lithuania can contribute to environmental conservation, economic growth, and social well-being, fostering a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector by investing in R&D, improving productivity, creating employment opportunities and supporting rural communities, establishing a robust waste management system, and embracing renewable energy sources. Raspberry growers and processors can use the digital model we created for the sustainability, efficiency, and development directions of their farm.