Raspberry Production Research Articles

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), a Promising Alternative in the Treatment of Hyperglycemia and Dyslipidemias.

Raspberry production and consumption have increased in recent years due to its polyphenol content such as anthocyanins and ketones, bioactive compounds that have been studied to reduce blood glucose levels and stabilize the blood lipid profile. The objective of this study was to systematically recover and review scientific evidence regarding the consumption of raspberry or its bioactive compounds and the action mechanisms involved in the hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering effects they present. Original articles from in vitro and in vivo enzyme inhibition studies, animal models, and human clinical studies were compiled in PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases. Studies showed satisfactory results regarding blood glucose level reduction after consumption of frozen or lyophilized raspberry, infusion of raspberry leaves, seed oil, as well as compounds, extracted from the fruit by inhibiting enzymes such as α-glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and other mechanisms that increase insulin production and insulin sensitivity. However, regarding the lipid-lowering effect, the results were heterogeneous, mainly in terms of stabilization in triglyceride levels. However, a reduction in cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels is reported, as well as an increase in high-density lipoproteins. According to the results, raspberry can be included in the nonpharmacological treatment of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias; however, further research is considered necessary.

Nitrogen, irrigation, and alley management affects raspberry crop response and soil nitrogen and root‐lesion nematode dynamics

AbstractThere is a need to improve raspberry crop nitrogen (N) management practices, particularly when grown over aquifers vulnerable to nitrate (NO3) leaching. This study quantified the effects of N, irrigation and alley management strategies on berry yield, indices of crop vigor and N status, growing season soil N dynamics, and root‐lesion nematode (RLN) population dynamics under red raspberry production in British Columbia, Canada. Conventional management (100 kg N ha−1 surface broadcast on the row, clean cultivation of alleys, and drip irrigation for a fixed duration regardless of evapotranspiration [ET]) was compared with different mineral fertilizer N rates, application of N as manure, seeding the alley to either a perennial forage grass (perennial ryegrass [Lolium perenne L.] and ‘Bridgeport II’ chewings fescue [Festuca rubra subsp. commutate]) or an autumn‐seeded spring barley crop, or ET‐scheduled irrigation. In addition, the combination of ET‐scheduled irrigation plus fertigation of a reduced rate of N was compared with conventional practices at a reduced N rate. There was little or no crop response to N source and rate, a finding attributed primarily to high nonmanaged N inputs, and possibly also to RLNs present at population densities (grand mean = 4 per cm3 soil) expected to suppress raspberry growth. ET‐scheduled irrigation reduced water use ∼50% compared with fixed‐duration irrigation without compromising crop performance. The perennial forage grass in the alley reduced soil mineral N but not yield. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that more environmentally sustainable raspberry production can be achieved through integrated management systems even in soils vulnerable to NO3 leaching.

Considering the influence of the variability in management practices on the environmental impacts of fruit production: A case study on raspberry production in Chile

The environmental impact generated by different agricultural production systems (organic, conventional, or other systems) can vary considerably even within a given one. This variability in the environmental impacts is due, among other factors, to the different agricultural practices used and the yield obtained. Few studies have analyzed the variability attributable to different practices within a given production system. Studies analyzing smallholder production, as is the case for raspberries in Chile, are even scarcer. Within this context, the main objective of this study is to evaluate how management practices affect environmental impacts and to identify efficient practices of smallholder raspberry production.The methodology used in this study follows the ISO 14044 guide by taking into account a cradle-to-farm gate system boundary and focusing on 1 kg of harvested raspberries as the functional unit. A total of 35 orchards were studied. For each one, the agricultural activities included were fertilization, pest management, and plastic and pruning waste management. The evaluated impact categories were global warming potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, stratospheric ozone depletion potential, photo-oxidant formation potential, and human toxicity potential. The variability in each category was analyzed through statistical measures of dispersion.Results show that fertilization was the highest contributor in four of the six environmental impact categories evaluated. Regarding the variability in environmental impacts, the categories with the highest coefficient and lowest coefficient of variation are human toxicity potential at 72% and eutrophication potential at 48%, respectively. Variability in environmental impacts is principally associated with three causes: quantity of agrochemicals used, type of agrochemicals, and orchard yield.

Metabolic and microbial modulation of phenolic compounds from raspberry leaf extract under in vitro digestion and fermentation

SummaryRaspberry leaves, by‐products in raspberry production, are also a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals. In this study, the changes of phenolic compounds in raspberries leaf extract (RLE) under in vitro digestion and colonic fermentation were further studied by HPLC‐MS analysis and 16S rRNA. The results showed that the phenolic compounds in RLE were relatively stable during in vitro gastric digestion; however, in the subsequent intestinal digestion and colonic fermentation, their content decreased sharply. A large amount of hydroxyphenylpropionic acid, hydroxyphenylacetic acid and urolithins were produced under the action of gut microbiota. Moreover, compared with corresponding control, RLE significantly reduced the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in all volunteers, increased the relative abundances of some beneficial bacteria, Enterococcus, Prevotella, and decreased the relative abundances of potential pathogens, Clostridium and Faecalibacterium. These findings suggest that RLE during in vitro digestion and fermentation has positive effects on gut microbiota and potential value of maintaining intestinal health.

Wood-based biochar for small fruit production in southern Quebec, Canada

The market for small fruits (grapes, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries) is valued at more than $100 million CAD per year in Quebec, Canada. Wood-based biochar is an amendment that improves soil quality, which may boost small fruit growth and production. The objective of this research was to determine if wood-based biochar could increase the yield and quality of grape, blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry in southern Quebec. We evaluated the fruit yield as well as the quality parameters like average fruit weight, fruit firmness, color, juice pH, total soluble solids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. Field trials were established on commercial farms with grape, blueberry, strawberry, and raspberry production systems in plots that received wood-based biochar and no biochar in spring (April–May). Small fruits were harvested at their ripening stage for yield and quality evaluation in the fall (July–October). Biochar application did not improve yield and quality parameters of small fruits, except it gave a marginally higher yield of grape (3.7 vs. 4.4 t·ha−1, P = 0.08) and a higher average fruit weight of strawberry (11.9 vs. 13.2 g, P < 0.05). There was no difference in the quality of the fruit from biochar-amended and control plots in the first year of biochar application, possibly because the quality parameters are affected more by weather conditions, handling, and storage than by soil quality. This work suggests that wood-based biochar (<5 t·ha−1) has a limited first-year impact on small fruit yield and quality in southern Quebec, Canada.

Biological Control of the Raspberry Eriophyoid Mite Phyllocoptes gracilis Using Entomopathogenic Fungi

There is an urgent need to develop biological control methods against the eriophyoid mite, Phyllocoptes gracilis, which causes significant losses in organic raspberry production in Europe. The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EF) is a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical pesticides, reducing the risks of pesticide resistance and other negative environmental impacts of agriculture. The objective of this study was to assess the pathogenicity of three strains of EF, two of Beauveria bassiana and one of Metarhizium anisopliae, on P. gracilis under laboratory conditions. Fungal spore suspensions (1 × 107 spores per mL) were sprayed on detached leaves infested with P. gracilis. Treated mites were kept under controlled conditions (25 ± 3 °C, 72 ± 10% relative humidity and photoperiod of 16:8 (light/dark)) and mite mortality was assessed three, five and seven days after inoculation. At all three measurement points (days after inoculation), the mortality of P. gracilis was highest for B. bassiana strain BB 1.1 and M. anisopliae strain MA 10.1. Our data demonstrate that EFs are promising candidates for the development of biological control agents against P. gracilis in raspberry crops.

Phytopathogenic mycobioma in organic production of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivars J Jay and Himbo-Top

This study presents the findings on the influence of raspberry varieties on the species composition of micromycetes in rhizosphere soil and on the vegetative organs of plants in organic production. The mycobiota of raspberry varieties Joan J and Himbo-Top was analysed during plant ontogeny and the species composition of phytopathogenic microspecies in the rhizosphere and on plant leaves was determined. It was found that the population is dominated by fungi: Septoria rubi, West, Botrytis cinerea, Pers, Aspergillus niger, V. Tiegh, Alternaria alternata, (Fr.) Keissl., Fusarium graminearum, Schwabe, regardless of the phase of plant ontogeny, which are producers of mycotoxins. The results of the study suggest that during the phase of inflorescence in the rhizosphere soil mycobiota and on the vegetative organs of raspberry plants of the Joan J and Himbo-Top varieties, the isolates of Septoria rubi and Alternaria alternata fungi are characterised by the highest competitive ability. A study of raspberry cultivars has shown a significant differentiation in the effect on the mycobiota of rhizosphere soil and vegetative organs during intensive fruiting. It was found that isolates of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae and Alternaria alternate, which parasitise plants of the Himbo-Top variety, are characterised by a higher rate of radial mycelial growth and competitive ability compared to those parasitising the raspberry variety Joan J

Global Raspberries Market Trends and Their Impact on the Macedonian Raspberries Market

The production of raspberries is of great importance for the development of the agroindustrial complex. Its products are used for direct consumption or as raw materials in the food industry. The demand for fruit on the world market has increased significantly, especially for small (fine) fruits (cherries, raspberries, currants), frozen and canned fruit. Fruit growing participates with about 3% of the agricultural GDP in Republic of North Macedonia. Rich yield, unlimited sales, high purchase prices and European earnings make growing raspberries a profitable agribusiness. The purpose of the research in this paper is to understand the situation on the world market of raspberries and how that situation affects the market in the Republic of North Macedonia. The aim is to analyze the import and export of raspberries in the world and the world's largest exporters and importers of raspberries are analyzed. All this contributes to the perception of the impact of world raspberry trade on production opportunities and raspberry cultivation in the Republic of North Macedonia. Therefore, this paper, in addition to world data of raspberries production, also presents the volume and value of frozen berry exports from the Republic of North Macedonia in the period 2015-2019, as well as foreign trade balance (import-export) in the country. Foreign trade balance (import-export) in Republic of North Macedonia indicates that in 2019 there is a positive foreign trade balance (import-export), which is higher by 56% compared to 2015. This means that the production of berries is a promising agricultural branch that has positive effects on the country's foreign trade balance. Key words: raspberries, global market trends, Macedonian raspberries market

Economic analysis of the factors influencing the supply and demand of raspberry

The subject of this research is the analysis of supply and demand of raspberries on the domestic market in order to performe a balance analysis of products and examine the partial influence of relevant factors on supply and demand. The production and consumption of raspberries in Serbia in the period from 2010-2019 is very dynamic. Raspberry production in the Republic of Serbia has significant comparative advantages compared to production in most other countries. Serbia is considered one of the largest producers of raspberries, but still, regardless of that, its comparative advantages have not been fully valorized and used. The results of the balance analysis of raspberry production and consumption indicate the existence of a surplus and potential for export. The analysis of ANOVA variances established a high correlation dependence and pointed out the need to improve competitiveness in the production of raspberries and final products in order to meet the domestic market and exports to the world market. The obtained results enabled the formulation of regression equations of both the function of raspberry supply and its demand, which can be used to predict these values in the future.

ANALYSIS OF MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR RASPBERRY PRODUCTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

The purpose of the research in this paper is to analyze the production of raspberries in Republic of N. Macedonia and to perceive its place on the world market of raspberries, as well as to analyze the market opportunities for raspberry production in Republic of N. Macedonia.
 The results of the research show that Russia occupies 19% of world raspberry production for 2018 while Mexico occupies 15% of total raspberry production and Serbia occupies 15% of total raspberry production for 2018, i.e. it is the third largest producer in the world. The production of raspberries worldwide has increased by 7% in 2018 compared to 2017, while compared to 2010 this production worldwide has increased by 40%.
 Republic of N. Macedonia with its 33rd place occupies 0.03% of the total world production of raspberries in 2018 from a total of 45 countries. But despite the small share in world raspberry production in 2018, Republic of N. Macedonia records a drastic increase (by 96%) compared to 2010, while compared to 2017 it increased by 25%. Republic of N. Macedonia has the necessary conditions for the production of raspberries, but still this branch is not fully developed.

Influences of Postharvest Storage and Processing Techniques on Antioxidant and Nutraceutical Properties of Rubus idaeus L.: A Mini-Review

The growth of agricultural mechanization has promoted an increase in raspberry production, and for this reason, the best postharvest storage and processing techniques capable of maintaining the health beneficial properties of these perishable berry fruits have been widely studied. Indeed, raspberries are a rich source of bioactive chemical compounds (e.g., ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and ascorbic acid), but these can be altered by postharvest storage and processing techniques before consumption. Although there are clear differences in storage times and techniques, the content of bioactive chemical compounds is relatively stable with some minor changes in ascorbic acid or anthocyanin content during cold (5 °C) or frozen storage. In the literature, processing techniques such as juicing or drying have negatively affected the content of bioactive chemical compounds. Among drying techniques, hot air (oven) drying is the process that alters the content of bioactive chemical compounds the most. For this reason, new drying technologies such as microwave and heat pumps have been developed. These novel techniques are more successful in retaining bioactive chemical compounds with respect to conventional hot air drying. This mini-review surveys recent literature concerning the effects of postharvest storage and processing techniques on raspberry bioactive chemical compound content.

Insect pollination and soil organic matter improve raspberry production independently of the effects of fertilizers

Intensive agriculture faces the challenge of contributing to feeding the increasing global population while minimizing its adverse effects on the environment. Ecological intensification can help achieve this as it proposes to supplement artificial inputs with ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling and water retention. The mixed results of previous studies with respect to the potential of using ecosystem services for ecological intensification suggests more data is needed from a wider range of contexts to explore the potential of this approach in practice. We conducted an experiment which studied the effects of all combinations of insect pollination (open pollination vs pollinators excluded), soil organic matter (SOM) content (1.66 % vs 3.73 %) and four levels of fertilizer applications, on the quantity and quality of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) production. We were particularly interested in interacting effects on crop yield between the ecosystem services and fertilizer application. Insect pollination significantly increased single berry weight (11 %) and raspberry yield (33 %). SOM content enhanced visitation rate of pollinators and increased the single berry weight by 20.5 %, but SOM did not contribute significantly to fruit number or yield. SOM contributed to the soluble solids content of the fruits; however, this effect interacted with pollination and fertilizer inputs in a non-linear way. Fertilizer application positively contributed to single berry weight, fruit number and thus overall yield but did not influence in any way the effects of pollination and SOM on raspberry production. Our results provide evidence that ecosystem services contribute to fruit production and can potentially be used to (partly) replace artificial fertilizer inputs while maintaining productivity but our results also suggest that yield maximization requires enhancing both ecosystem services and fertilizer application.

Competitividad y rentabilidad de la producción de frutillas en Jalisco

Durante 2017, Jalisco fue el segundo estado con mayor aportación al PIB agrícola nacional (SIAP, 2020). El cultivo de berries es una importante actividad socioeconómica de este estado, los cuales incluyen el arándano (Vaccinium spp.), frambuesa (Rubus idaeus) y zarzamora (Rubus ulmifolius). Jalisco es el principal productor de frambuesa, el segundo de zarzamora, y el cuarto de fresa (Fragaria spp.) a nivel nacional (FIRA, 2016). Sin embargo, se percibe que a diferencia de los cultivos de fresa y zarzamora, la superficie cultivada de frambuesa incrementó en los últimos años, dicho incremento no puede ser explicado por cambios en el precio o rendimiento sino por otros factores. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar si hubo distorsiones en los mercados que pudieron haber influido en la elección de los productores de Jalisco por algún tipo de berry en particular. Se partió de la hipótesis, que de los berries, la frambuesa tuvo una mayor ventaja competitiva o comparativa. Para medir el grado de distorsión del mercado se aplicó la metodología de la matriz de análisis de políticas. Los resultados indican que los tres tipos de berries fueron rentables; sin embargo, algunas distorsiones económicas beneficiaron a la frambuesa y zarzamora, e impactaron negativamente al cultivo de fresa, además existió un gran subsidio a las ganancias del cultivo de frambuesa. Se concluye que distorsiones creadas por el mercado y el gobierno influyeron en la elección del tipo de berry a sembrar por los productores, favoreciendo la producción de frambuesa.

Artificial solar radiation protection of raspberry plantation

AbstractOne of the biggest challenges of raspberry production in Hungary nowadays is reducing the unfavorable effects of climate change. The maturation phase of main varieties within this region falls in a period of extremely high temperature and atmospheric drought detaining desirable fruit growth. Dedicated plant breeding alone is not enough. An immediate action is required. There has been a need for physical protection against excessive direct radiation. In order to restore, or even save the domestic raspberry production and market, introducing of greenhouse or polytunnel solutions are needed. Experimental plantations of three different raspberry varieties were set in two repetitions: covered and uncovered versions. Each cover has characteristic interaction with light which can generate different environmental conditions and also differences in plant growth and fruit quality. Besides the monitoring of elementary biological indicators, a wide range of sensors (temperature, humidity, solar irradiation) was used to identify differences and to find the optimal tunnel material for maximal plant productivity. Within the framework of the project we also tested a portable spectroradiometer and a snapshot imaging camera to study the practical value of proximal sensing in water- and photosynthetic light use efficiency and vitality mapping.

Stability and mechanism of phenolic compounds from raspberry extract under in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Raspberry extract (RE) is a raspberry product with high anthocyanins and low sugar. In the present study, to evaluate the metabolic behavior of phenolic compounds of RE under in vitro digestion (gastric (GF), gastric to intestinal (G-IF), and colonic fermentation (CF)), the changes of 30 phenolic compounds were investigated by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. The results showed that phenolic compounds were relatively stable in GF, but rapidly decreased in G-IF and CF. Five anthocyanins accounted for 61.1% of total polyphenol contents (TPCs). Among them, anthocyanins bound to glucose or with two hydroxyl groups on B-ring were metabolized more quickly. The catabolic activity of the human microbiota resulted in the production of a series of low molecular weight phenolics, such as hydroxybenzoic acids. Ellagic acid, accounting for 17.7% of TPCs, was rapidly metabolized to urolithin B and urolithin C in CF. Moreover, urolithin C showed the highest antioxidant activity in all ellagic acid metabolites by DPPH assay. Consequently, the metabolic behavior of phenolic compounds was mainly influenced by pH and intestinal microbiota, which provided the basis for further in vivo and in vitro study and efficient utilization of the extract.

Soil-Biodegradable Plastic Mulches Undergo Minimal in-Soil Degradation in a Perennial Raspberry System after 18 Months

Soil-biodegradable plastic mulches (BDMs) are made from biodegradable materials that can be bio-based, synthetic, or a blend of these two types of polymers, which are designed to degrade in soil through microbial activities. The purpose of BDMs is to reduce agricultural plastic waste by replacing polyethylene (PE) mulch, which is not biodegradable. Most studies have evaluated the breakdown of BDMs within annual production systems, but knowledge of BDM breakdown in perennial systems is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the deterioration and degradation of BDMs in a commercial red raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.) production system. Deterioration was low (≤11% percent soil exposure; PSE) for all mulches until October 2017 (five months after transplanting, MAT). By March 2018 (10 MAT), deterioration reached 91% for BDMs but remained low for PE mulch (4%). Mechanical strength also was lower for BDMs than PE mulch. In a soil burial test in the raspberry field, 91% of the BDM area remained after 18 months. In-soil BDM degradation was minimal, although the PSE was high. Since mulch is only applied once in a perennial crop production system, and the lifespan of the planting may be three or more years, it is worth exploring the long-term degradation of BDMs in perennial cropping systems across diverse environments.

Raspberry production in greenhouse in Northeast China

Raspberry production in greenhouse in Northeast China

Genetic analysis of drupelet count in black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis)

U.S. black raspberry (BR) production is currently limited by narrowly adapted, elite germplasm. Improved understanding of genetic control and genotype-by-environment interactions (GEI) of pomological traits will inform the development of improved BR germplasm and cultivars. To this end, analysis of a multi-environment trial of two BR mapping populations derived from crosses of commercial cultivars with wild accessions is providing insights into genetic variation, quantitative trait loci (QTL), and GEI related to traits of horticultural value. Twenty-six horticultural and fruit quality traits were evaluated in two mapping populations over three years at four distinct locations representative of current U.S. BR production. One fruit quality trait, drupelet count, has been analyzed, and nine additional fruit quality traits are being analyzed. Random factor analysis of genetic effect was used to account for missing data. GEI analysis was performed using a Bayesian approach to Finlay-Wilkinson regression and genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-derived genomic relationship matrices, with the purpose of verifying relatedness and identifying genotypes with stable performance over environments. Genetic maps were reconstructed using GBS-derived markers and the latest genome assembly for BR. Among relevant results, pedigree verification led to construction of reliable linkage maps, and a QTL spanning a one to five megabase region containing several hundred genes was identified on chromosome 1. This region has a stable influence over drupelet count over environments (location by year). These and related findings are expected to guide further genetic characterization of BR fruit quality, management of breeding germplasm, and development of improved BR cultivars for U.S. production.

Optimization of long-cane red raspberry production by the control of fruiting lateral number

Optimization of long-cane red raspberry production by the control of fruiting lateral number

Optimization of the root environment for raspberry production on substrate

Optimization of the root environment for raspberry production on substrate