Red Cultivars Research Articles

Antioxidant indices of red currant cultivars grown in the Sverdlovsk Oblast

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

Effect of grape pomace from red cultivar 'Nero d'Avola' on the microbiological, physicochemical, phenolic profile and sensory aspects of ovine Vastedda-like stretched cheese.

The purpose of this study was to functionalize an ovine stretched cheese belonging to 'Vastedda' typology with red grape pomace powder (GPP) of Nero d'Avola cultivar and to characterize the microbiological, physicochemical, phenolic profile and sensory characteristics of the final cheeses. Before cheeses production, GPP was characterized for its microbiological profile, antibacterial activity and polyphenolic content. No colonies of bacteria and yeasts were detected in the GPP. GPP showed a large inhibition spectrum against spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Three classes of polyphenolic compounds belonging to flavan-3-ols, flavonol and phenolic acids were identified. Two cheeses [0 and 1% (w w-1 ) of GPP] were produced with pasteurized ewe's milk and commercial starter cultures. Plate counts and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis demonstrated the ability of the starter strains to drive the fermentation process in the presence of GPP. GPP enrichment resulted in an increase of protein, phenolic compounds, sensory traits and reduced fat. GPP addition to cheese represents an optimal strategy for the valorization of winemaking by-products and to obtain polyphenol-enriched cheese. This study allowed to achieve an ovine cheese with specific physicochemical, nutraceutical and sensorial characteristics able to enlarge the functional dairy product portfolio.

Morfologi dan karakteristik tempat tumbuh tanaman buah merah (Pandanus conoideus Lamk) di Kampung Eroma Distrik Kurima Kabupaten Yahukimo

The red fruit plant (Pandanus conoides Lamk.) is an accession of the pandan plant whose fruit is red and is endemic to Papua. In people who live in the central mountainous area of ​​Papua Province, red fruit is used as daily food. The aim of the research was to study the morphology and characteristics of the red fruit growing area, the traditional development pattern, and aspects of its preservation. The research method used was purposive sampling plot, interviews, local community respondents, field observation techniques and locations were carried out in Eroma Village, Kurima District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Province. Morphological observations were made on the characters of leaves, stems, roots, spines, and fruit of 2 red fruit cultivars, namely Pandanus conoides long fruit cultivar and Pandanus conoides short fruit cultivar. The characteristics of the growing place that were observed were the availability of soil nutrients and environmental factors, such as weather/climate. Morphological and characteristics data of red fruit grown in gardens and growing wild showed no significant differences. Further analysis to see the interaction of morphology and characteristics of the growing site was carried out using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and PC8 was found to have good data categories with variance value (0.9341), data variability (3.2%), and cumulative correlation (0.867). The local community still applies the customary system and 13 clans are involved in the management of the red fruit plant. The preservation aspect is carried out in traditional conservation by planting red fruit from seeds and sweeds or taking saplings under the mother tree, taking care of them, and then planting them in their garden area.

Relationship between the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and yield and sugar content of wine grapes grown in Santana do Livramento, RS, Brazil

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a well-known source of interannual variability in the climate of Santana do Livramento, Campanha Gaúcha, Brazil. It affects the agronomic responses of several crops grown in the region. Analysis of a dataset comprising observations of grape yield and sugar content in 11 white and 17 red grape cultivars over the last 3 decades revealed some patterns. In the long term (several years or decades), yield and sugar content showed a negative relationship, that is, larger crop loads resulted in lower sugar content at harvest. However, a number of calculations and principal component analyses showed that annual yield and sugar content fluctuations in the short term can be better explained by considering as reference points only the results obtained for each crop one and two years before. Based on these simple calculations, there was a clear separation between El Niño and La Niña events. In the vineyards of this region, La Niña events typically tend to result in higher grape yields and sugar content at harvest, while the opposite is true for El Niño, which tend to produce lower grape yields and sugar content at harvest. The results of neutral events are typically closer to those of El Niño events.

Physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.): effect of blackening process on different cultivars

ABSTRACT This study aimed to quantitatively assess the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of seven jujube cultivars (NYDZ, MZ, TZ, HZ, HTDZ, GTZ, and JSXZ) before and after the blackening process and to select the most suitable cultivar for blackening. Red jujubes were blackened by aging at high temperature (75°C) and humidity (80%) conditions for 6 days. The contents of soluble solids, total phenolics, total flavonoids, polysaccharides, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, and antioxidant activities were analyzed using the spectrophotometric method and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed that the antioxidant activities of all cultivars were significantly enhanced (p < .05) and the contents of selected bioactive compounds in all cultivars increased after blackening, indicating that blackened jujube had higher nutritional value than red jujube. Correlation analysis showed that the total phenolic compounds were the primary source of jujube antioxidant activities. The heat map showed that HTDZ could be selected as the most suitable cultivar for future production of blackened jujube. Red jujube cultivar with high total phenolic content was the best choice for blackening.

Integrated assessment of introduced red currant cultivars under the conditions of Tambov Province

Background. Today, the effectiveness of berry crop cultivation depends on correct formation of the regional assortment of cultivars, taking into account the instability of environmental factors. Searching for and accumulating genetic resources from leading breeding centers, both domestic and foreign, as well as studying new genotypes under local conditions would make it possible to identify berry crop varieties for production and breeding.Materials and methods. This study was conducted in Michurinsk, Tambov Province, on the experimental plantations of red currant at the I.V. Michurin Federal Science Center in 2016–2020. The research material consisted of 15 introduced cultivars of red currant. Collection testing was carried out in line with generally accepted techniques of variety studies and field experiments.Results. Under the conditions of Tambov Province, the introduced red currant cultivars required a sum of temperatures of 89.3–132.0°C to start growing, 290.0–328.0°C to start flowering, 943.5–1133.0°C to start ripening, and 1478.2–1733.3°C to produce fully matured berries. Cvs. ‘Belosnezhka’, ‘Lvovyanka’, ‘Oksamit’ and ‘Rosinka’ showed complex resistance to diseases and pests. Cvs. ‘Kalinka’, ‘Lasunya’, ‘Lider’, ‘Lvovyanka’, ‘Oksamit’, ‘Orlovskaya zvezda’ and ‘Sara’ produced large fruits. Stable high productivity and yield were observed in cvs. ‘Vika’, ‘Lider’, ‘Oksamit’, ‘Orlovskaya zvezda’ and ‘Rosinka’. A close correlation (r = 0.99) was recorded between the productivity per bush (kg) and yield (100 kg/ha), and medium correlations between the berry weight and productivity per bush (r = 0.69), and between the productivity per one linear meter of branches and productivity per bush (r = 0.35).Conclusion. As a result of the integrated assessment under the conditions of Tambov Province, the red currant cultivars ‘Vika’, ‘Lider’, ‘Oksamit’, ‘Orlovskaya zvezda’ and ‘Rosinka’ were recommended for cultivation.

Response of Cyanic and Acyanic Lettuce Cultivars to an Increased Proportion of Blue Light.

Simple SummaryIndoor crop cultivation systems such as vertical farms or plant factories necessitate artificial lighting. The composition of light quality (i.e., spectral composition) within these systems plays a key role in crop growth and development. Conflicting results on the effects of the light spectrum reported for different plant species and cultivars confirm the specificity of light requirements and the dependency on interacting factors. In this paper, we have therefore investigated how a certain light quality (light with a high share of blue) affects photosynthetic and morphological parameters in two contrasting lettuce cultivars (red and green leaves) with a similar leaf shape and phenotype. The results obtained suggest the occurrence of distinctive morpho-physiological adaptive strategies in green and red pigmented lettuce cultivars to adapt to the higher proportion of blue light environment.Indoor crop cultivation systems such as vertical farms or plant factories necessitate artificial lighting. Light spectral quality can affect plant growth and metabolism and, consequently, the amount of biomass produced and the value of the produce. Conflicting results on the effects of the light spectrum in different plant species and cultivars make it critical to implement a singular lighting solution. In this study we investigated the response of cyanic and acyanic lettuce cultivars to an increased proportion of blue light. For that, we selected a green and a red leaf lettuce cultivar (i.e., ‘Aquino’, CVg, and ‘Barlach’, CVr, respectively). The response of both cultivars to long-term blue-enriched light application compared to a white spectrum was analyzed. Plants were grown for 30 days in a growth chamber with optimal environmental conditions (temperature: 20 °C, relative humidity: 60%, ambient CO2, photon flux density (PFD) of 260 µmol m−2 s−1 over an 18 h photoperiod). At 15 days after sowing (DAS), white spectrum LEDs (WW) were compared to blue-enriched light (WB; λPeak = 423 nm) maintaining the same PFD of 260 µmol m−2 s−1. At 30 DAS, both lettuce cultivars adapted to the blue light variant, though the adaptive response was specific to the variety. The rosette weight, light use efficiency, and maximum operating efficiency of PSII photochemistry in the light, Fv/Fm’, were comparable between the two light treatments. A significant light quality effect was detected on stomatal density and conductance (20% and 17% increase under WB, respectively, in CVg) and on the modified anthocyanin reflectance index (mARI) (40% increase under WB, in CVr). Net photosynthesis response was generally stronger in CVg compared to CVr; e.g., net photosynthetic rate, Pn, at 1000 µmol m−2 s−1 PPFD increased from WW to WB by 23% in CVg, compared to 18% in CVr. The results obtained suggest the occurrence of distinct physiological adaptive strategies in green and red pigmented lettuce cultivars to adapt to the higher proportion of blue light environment.

Durum wheat Teosinte Branched1 null mutations increase tillering

AbstractWheat (Triticum spp.) yield is increased by either producing and testing variants of yield‐limiting genes or crossing to create new allelic combinations. Tiller number and seeds per tiller influence wheat yield, and both are impacted by the Teosinte Branched1 (TB1) gene. We screened 16 hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, 15 hard red winter wheat cultivars and lines, and 10 durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) van Slageren] cultivars and lines commonly grown in Montana and found several previously reported TB1 missense alleles along with one new silent and a missense TB1‐A1 allele among the 16 hard red spring wheat cultivars but no TB1 null alleles. Among the 10 durum cultivars, five carried a TB1‐B1‐S184G missense allele and all winter wheat cultivars carried wild‐type TB1 alleles. To determine the impact of TB1 null alleles, this study examined durum wheat genotypes varying for TB1 null alleles created by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. The goal was to determine the impact of TB1 null alleles on tillering, agronomic, and seed traits. The impact of TB1 null alleles was studied alone and together in field trials. The TB1 single‐ and double‐null mutants produced up to 15% more tillers and 18% with positive trends toward increased plant biomass. The results of this research demonstrate that the integration of EMS‐derived TB1 null alleles may prove useful in increasing small‐grain tillering to optimize plant biomass and yield under different growing conditions.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of WRKY Genes during Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in the Mango (Mangifera indica L.)

The WRKY family is one of the largest transcription factor (TF) families in plants and is involved in the regulation of plant physiological processes, such as anthocyanin accumulation. However, little information is known regarding the WRKY genes in the mango. In this study, a total of 87 mango WRKY genes were identified and named MiWRKY1 to MiWRKY87. Phylogenetic results showed that the 87 MiWRKYs could be divided into three groups (I, II, III) and five subgroups of group II (II-a, II-b, II-c, II-d, II-e), with high similarity in exon–intron structures and WRKY domain and motif compositions within the same group and subgroup. One tandem duplication (MiWRKY76 and MiWRKY82) and 97 pairs of segmental duplicates were identified in the mango genome. Syntenic analysis showed that mango MiWRKY genes had 52 and 69 orthologous pairs with Arabidopsis and citrus, respectively. Promoter cis-acting element analysis revealed that MiWRKYs contain a large number of elements associated with light signaling, hormonal response, environmental stress, and plant development. Tissue specific expression profiles showed that the expression of MiWRKY genes displayed tissue preference. Quantitative-PCR analysis showed that high expression levels of MiWRKY1, MiWRKY3, MiWRKY5, MiWRKY81, and MiWRKY84 were detected in the skin of red mango cultivar, and the expressions of MiWRKY1 and MiWRKY81 were up-regulated during light-induced anthocyanin accumulation in the mango, indicating these genes might regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the mango. This study provides comprehensive genetic information on the MiWRKYs in mango fruit.

Plant-Derived Biostimulants Differentially Modulate Primary and Secondary Metabolites and Improve the Yield Potential of Red and Green Lettuce Cultivars

The use of biostimulants in modern agriculture has rapidly expanded in recent years, owing to their beneficial effects on crop yield and product quality, which have come under the scope of intensive research. Accordingly, in the present study we appraised the efficacy of two plant-derived biostimulants, the legume-derived protein hydrolysates Trainer® (PH), and the tropical plant extract Auxym® (TPE) on two lettuce cultivars (green and red salanova®) in terms of morpho-physiological and biochemical traits (primary and secondary metabolites). The two cultivars differed in their acquisition capacity for nitrate and other beneficial ions, their photosynthetic and transpiration rates, and their ability to synthetize and accumulate organic acids and protective metabolites. The biostimulant effect was significant for almost all the parameters examined but it was subjected to significant cultivar × biostimulant interactions, denoting a cultivar-dependent response to biostimulant type. Notwithstanding this interaction, biostimulant application could potentially improve the yield and quality of lettuce by stimulating plant physiological processes, as indicated by the SPAD index (leaf chlorophyll index), ACO2 (assimilation rate), E (transpiration), and WUEi (intrinsic water use efficiency), and by increasing concurrently the plant mineral content (total N, K, Ca, Mg) and the biosynthesis of organic acids (malate, citrate), phenols (caffeic acid, coumaroyl quinic acid isomer 1, dicaffeoylquinic acid isomer 1), and flavonoids (quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-3-O-glucoside). Biostimulant action may facilitate the bio-enhancement of certain lettuce cultivars that are otherwise limited by their genetic potential, for the accumulation of specific compounds beneficial to human health.

Effect of LEDs on the growth and physiological responses of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Sweet basil Ocimum basilicum L. belongs to the mint family and grows wild in tropical and subtropical climates. Basil is an important culinary and essential oil crop grown and used throughout the world. In areas with insufficient natural light for optimal plant growth and productivity, high pressure sodium light sources are widely used. However, these lamps are considered energy-intensive, and they also generate a large amount of thermal radiation. Therefore, there is great interest in replacing sodium lamps with new, more efficient light sources in the form of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In this work, the influence of two light sources (white LED light and red-blue together with white LED light) on the growth, development and physiological parameters of two varieties of sweet basil was studied - green basil of the “Anisoviy aromat” variety and red basil of the “Opal” variety. Illumination with red-blue light in combination with white LED light had a clear advantage in almost all growth and development parameters measured for both varieties of basil. Plants of green basil cultivar “Anisoviy aromat” and red basil cultivar “Opal” at both stages of crop accounting were taller, had larger mass and larger leaves. with white light in red basil plants allowed to surpass the control plants by about one and a half times. At the same time, white LEDs initiated a more effective photoprotective mechanism during long-term cultivation of green basil plants.

Light Induces Carotenoid Biosynthesis-Related Gene Expression, Accumulation of Pigment Content, and Expression of the Small Heat Shock Protein in Apple Fruit.

The coloration of the apple fruit (Malus × domestica Borkh.) depends on pigment content. Light stimulus activates a broad range of photosynthesis-related genes, including carotenoids. The effect of light on two red commercial apple cultivars, ‘Summer Prince’ and ‘Arisoo’ at the juvenile stage were examined. Apple fruits were either bagged to reduce light irradiation or were exposed to direct, enhanced sunlight (reflected). The pigment content and the expression of carotenoid metabolism genes in the peel and flesh of apple fruits were significantly different between the shaded and the reflected parts. These parameters were also different in the two cultivars, highlighting the contribution of the genetic background. Further, a combination of light and transient overexpression of carotenogenic genes increased fruit coloration and pigment content in the variety ‘RubyS’. Western blot analysis showed the expression of small heat shock proteins (smHSP) in lysates extracted from the reflected part of the fruits but not in the bagged fruits, indicating the activation of smHSP in response to heat generated by the reflected light. Therefore, the synergy between the genes and the environment dictates the color of apple fruits.

Zoned potato varieties reaction on tuberization media in vitro

The conception of potato genotype specificity response to in vitro conditions forces us to optimize the cultivation conditions for each variety for microtuberization (MTB) method seed production. Zoned varieties, based on the similarity of field conditions requirements, could be cultivated on standardized media with the achievement of a sufficient average MTB efficiency. The morphometric parameters dynamics (7-62 days) of microplants from the collection of cultivars, widely cultivated in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, were studied on Murashige-Skoog media, containing MTB inductors: sucrose (80 g/L) (M0) and phytohormones in addition: kinetin (1 mg/L) (M1) or a combination of kinetin (2 mg/L), adenine, IAA (1.5 mg/L each) (M2). Hormone- free medium with 30 g/L sucrose was used as control. No inducing effect was detected of phytohormones on MTB frequency and process dynamic of investigated cultivars, except Red Scarlett, under sucrose concentration, had been used in the present study. The determining factor inducing MTB was a high level of sucrose (80 g/L). The phytohormones influence was manifested in the differences in the varietie`s growth parameters. Root systems of domestic cultivars Antonina, Charoit, Hozjajushka were completely developed by 28 days on all media. Close values of the shoot height and the internodes number on M0-M2 media during most of the cultivation period were detected. Meteor, Rosara, and especially Red Scarlett cultivars were distinguished by a decrease in growth parameters in the line of conditions Control&gt; M0&gt; M1&gt; M2. Cultivars groups, marked in vitro, differ by the habitus of plants formed by cultivars under the field conditions. The first three cultivars are tall plants with large leaves, the second group consists of intermediate type plants. However, we can already speak, based on data on growth inhibition, about the advantage of media with phytohormones for cultivars with the same habit as the second group has. Such reaction may be indirect evidence of the redistribution of assimilates in favor of MTB.

A new soft red winter wheat cultivar ‘GA 08535‐15LE29’ adapted to Georgia and the U.S. southeast region

AbstractSoft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the southeastern United States is affected by biotic and abiotic stresses that can result in yield losses and reduced acreage. Developing new cultivars with high yield, good resistance to predominant pests, and acceptable quality to maximize value in regional markets is needed. The University of Georgia (UGA) SRWW breeding program, in collaboration with institutions in the region including the Southern UNiversities GRAINS (SUNGRAINS) programs, is responding to these challenges by developing and releasing superior cultivars adapted to the region. ‘GA 08535‐15LE29’ (Reg. no. CV‐1191, PI 693269) SRWW cultivar was developed and released by the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and licensed to Uni South Genetics seed company in 2018 as USG 3640. GA 08535‐15LE29 is well adapted to Georgia and the U.S. southeast region with high yield and good resistance to leaf (Puccinia triticina Erikss.) and stripe (P. striiformis Westend.) rusts, Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe), powdery mildew (Erisyphe graminis), and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus (SBWMV) diseases. GA 08535‐15LE29 showed moderate field resistance to Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)]. GA 08535‐15LE29 has Sbm1 and Yr17/Lr37/Sr38 for resistance to SBWMV and rust diseases and has good grain volume weight and acceptable milling and baking qualities.

Preliminary Results: Effect of Methyl Jasmonate and Riboflavin Applications on Amino Acid Content of Three Red Table Grape Cultivars

Preliminary Results: Effect of Methyl Jasmonate and Riboflavin Applications on Amino Acid Content of Three Red Table Grape Cultivars

A network modeling approach provides insights into the environment-specific yield architecture of wheat.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield is impacted by a diversity of developmental processes which interact with the environment during plant growth. This complex genetic architecture complicates identifying quantitative trait loci that can be used to improve yield. Trait data collected on individual processes or components of yield have simpler genetic bases and can be used to model how quantitative trait loci generate yield variation. The objectives of this experiment were to identify quantitative trait loci affecting spike yield, evaluate how their effects on spike yield proceed from effects on component phenotypes, and to understand how the genetic basis of spike yield variation changes between environments. A 358 F5:6 recombinant inbred line population developed from the cross of LA-95135 and SS-MPV-57 was evaluated in 2 replications at 5 locations over the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The parents were 2 soft red winter wheat cultivars differing in flowering, plant height, and yield component characters. Data on yield components and plant growth were used to assemble a structural equation model to characterize the relationships between quantitative trait loci, yield components, and overall spike yield. The effects of major quantitative trait loci on spike yield varied by environment, and their effects on total spike yield were proportionally smaller than their effects on component traits. This typically resulted from contrasting effects on component traits, where an increase in traits associated with kernel number was generally associated with a decrease in traits related to kernel size. In all, the complete set of identified quantitative trait loci was sufficient to explain most of the spike yield variation observed within each environment. Still, the relative importance of individual quantitative trait loci varied dramatically. Path analysis based on coefficients estimated through structural equation model demonstrated that these variations in effects resulted from both different effects of quantitative trait loci on phenotypes and environment-by-environment differences in the effects of phenotypes on one another, providing a conceptual model for yield genotype-by-environment interactions in wheat.

The Development of Two High-Yield and High-Quality Functional Rice Cultivars Using Marker-Assisted Selection and Conventional Breeding Methods.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop worldwide. Functional rice has exhibited health benefits. The aim of this study was to use marker-assisted selection (MAS) to introgress two genes, GE (giant embryo) and OsALDH7 (aldehyde dehydrogenase, golden-like endosperm) into colored rice and obtain high yield functional rice. CNY103108 and CNY103107 are two rice lines with golden-like endosperms and giant embryos. They were used as the donor parents. CNY922401, an elite purple waxy rice line, and TNGSW26, an indica red waxy rice cultivar were used as the recurrent parents. Foreground selection of the progenies was completed using functional markers for GE and OsALDH7, and background selection was completed using molecular markers to recover the background of the recurrent parents. MAS results showed a purple functional rice population (PFR) (CNY922401/CNY103108), with the recovery rate of the recurrent parental genome as 91.3%, and a red functional rice population (RFR) (TNGSW26/CNY103107) with the recovery as 89.8%. After five-season yield trials and several antioxidant activities analyses, PFR32 and RFR13 lines, which have similar yields and antioxidant activities, were selected as the recurrent parents with a golden-like endosperm and a giant embryo. For a biofortification purpose, they can become valuable products and be adapted to the current agricultural community.

Anthocyanin Accumulation and Differential Expression of the Biosynthetic Genes Result in a Discrepancy in the Red Color of Herbaceous Peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) Flowers

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is an ornamental plant with huge potential in the international flower market. Similar to the flowers of most other ornamental plants, the top sellers of P. lactiflora are those with red or pink flowers. However, most studies on flower colors have focused on the novel colors and have neglected the most common red flowers. In this study, a red cultivar of P. lactiflora (‘Dafugui’) and a pink cultivar (‘Qingwen’) were selected in order to study the discrepancy in the red color of the flowers. The results demonstrate that these two cultivars have the same compositions as anthocyanins, flavones, and flavonols but different contents. ‘Dafugui’ was found to have a high accumulation of upstream substances due to the higher expression of the early genes encoding phenylalanine ammonialyase (PlPAL) and flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (PlF3′H). Moreover, the anthocyanidin synthase gene (PlANS) and UDP-glucose flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase gene (PlUF3GT) encoding enzymes catalyze these upstream substances into anthocyanins, resulting in more redness in ‘Dafugui’ than in ‘Qingwen’. Our study thus provides a better understanding of the anthocyanin accumulation and coloring mechanism of P. lactiflora and can serve as a theoretical basis for breeding more red flowers using genetic engineering techniques to cater to consumers’ preferences.

PpMYB39 Activates PpDFR to Modulate Anthocyanin Biosynthesis during Peach Fruit Maturation

Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble flavonoids widely present in fruits and vegetables responsible for the red flesh formation of peach fruit. Previously, several genes of the MYB family have been reported as transcriptional regulators of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway of structural genes in plants. In this study, through comparative transcriptome analysis of the white and red flesh peach cultivars of Harrow Blood and Asama Hakuto, a predicted transcription factor of the R2R3MYB family, PpMYB39, was identified to be associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis in peach fruit. In red-fleshed peach cultivars, the maximum amount of anthocyanin accumulated 95 days after full bloom (DAFB), at full maturity near ripening. Our results showed that, at this stage, PpMYB39 had the highest expression level among the 13 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) found in both red- and white-fleshed fruits, as well as a high correlation with total anthocyanin content throughout fruit development. Moreover, the expression analysis of the structural genes of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in peach fruit revealed that Prunus persica Dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (PpDFR) was co-expressed and up-regulated with PpMYB39 at 95 DAFB, suggesting its possible role as a transcriptional activator of MYB39. This was further confirmed by a yeast one-hybrid assay and a dual luciferase reporter assay. Our results will be helpful in the breeding of peach cultivars and the identification and significance of color in peaches and related fruit species, in addition to providing an understanding of color formation in peach fruit for future research.

Smart Glass Film Reduced Ascorbic Acid in Red and Orange Capsicum Fruit Cultivars without Impacting Shelf Life.

Smart Glass Film (SGF) is a glasshouse covering material designed to permit 80% transmission of photosynthetically active light and block heat-generating solar energy. SGF can reduce crop water and nutrient consumption and improve glasshouse energy use efficiency yet can reduce crop yield. The effect of SGF on the postharvest shelf life of fruits remains unknown. Two capsicum varieties, Red (Gina) and Orange (O06614), were cultivated within a glasshouse covered in SGF to assess fruit quality and shelf life during the winter season. SGF reduced cuticle thickness in the Red cultivar (5%) and decreased ascorbic acid in both cultivars (9–14%) without altering the overall morphology of the mature fruits. The ratio of total soluble solids (TSSs) to titratable acidity (TA) was significantly higher in Red (29%) and Orange (89%) cultivars grown under SGF. The Red fruits had a thicker cuticle that reduced water loss and extended shelf life when compared to the Orange fruits, yet neither water loss nor firmness were impacted by SGF. Reducing the storage temperature to 2 °C and increasing relative humidity to 90% extended the shelf life in both cultivars without evidence of chilling injury. In summary, SGF had minimal impact on fruit development and postharvest traits and did not compromise the shelf life of mature fruits. SGF provides a promising technology to block heat-generating solar radiation energy without affecting fruit ripening and marketable quality of capsicum fruits grown during the winter season.