Rubus Idaeus Research Articles

Effects of red raspberry polyphenols and metabolites on the biomarkers of inflammation and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: a pilot study.

Berry fruits are rich in polyphenolic compounds (PCs) and may promote health benefits. Anthocyanin (ACN) concentrations of red raspberry (RR) (Rubus idaeus) extracts were 887.6 ± 262.8 μg g-1, consisting mainly of cyanidin-3-sophoroside (C3S) equivalents. To test the efficacy of RR in diabetes treatment, seven patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were given one oral RR serving (123 g per day) for two weeks. Blood samples were drawn at the baseline (BSL) and post-feeding (PF) periods for phenolic metabolite, inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) biomarker analysis. Two urolithin conjugates, urolithin A glucuronide (Uro-A glur) and urolithin A sulphate (Uro-A sulf) were identified in the PF period in 5 of the 7 patients in nanomolar concentrations (1.6 ± 0.7-63.2 ± 31.2 nM). ACN-derived metabolites such as protocatechuic acid (PCA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were at micromolar levels and were higher during the PF period for diabetics and the levels were as follows: BSL: PCA = 0.6 ± 0.4, DOPAC = 1.2 ± 0.5; PF: PCA = 0.6 ± 0.4, DOPAC = 1.1 ± 0.6. The results revealed significant reductions in high sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP (p = 0.01) and there was a downward trend in IR measured by the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.0584) in T2DM patients. DOPAC (1-100 μM) failed to stimulate insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells. The multiplex assay showed variations in the cytokine levels between patients, but differences were not significant. This study demonstrates a potential use of RR in the treatment of inflammation and possibly IR as well in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Four Irrigation Regimes on Yield Components, Fruit Quality, Plant Water Status, and Water Productivity in a Furrow-Irrigated Red Raspberry Orchard

Effects of Four Irrigation Regimes on Yield Components, Fruit Quality, Plant Water Status, and Water Productivity in a Furrow-Irrigated Red Raspberry Orchard

GALLIC ACID ANALYSIS BY HIGH-RESOLUTION LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY ON REVERSE PHASES IN RASPBERRY FLOWER EXTRACT (Rubus idaeus L.)

Gallic acid is a phenolic acid widely spread in various plants, where it is present either in free form or as part of tannins, called gallotannins. It shows several positive effects on human health. It has different biological effects: antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. Many scientists are showing great interest in gallic acid precisely because of its antitumor effect. The content of gallic acid was determined in (Rubus idaeus L.) Polka raspberry by applying reverse-phase high-resolution liquid chromatography on reverse phases on Shimadzu Prominence Modular HPLC with UV/Vis detector, mobile phase degasser, pump, autosampler, and column oven. The analysis was performed in ethanolic extracts of Polka raspberry flower obtained by the Soxhlet extraction and the ultrasonic methods. Raspberry flowers (Rubus idaeus L.) Polka varieties were collected from two different localities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, namely: Starposle near Kakanj and Moševac near Maglaj. Gallic acid was determined in all analyzed samples of Polka raspberry. The highest gallic acid content was determined in the extract of Polka raspberry flower from the Maglaj-Moševac site, using the ultrasonic method (0.1789%), and the smallest in the Polka raspberry flower from the Kakanj Starposle site, using Soxhlet extraction (0.0995%). The proportion of gallic acid was higher in the extract of Polka raspberry flower from the Maglaj-Moševac site, which suggests that these flowers of Polka variety are recommended as better natural sources of this phenolic acid and that ultrasonic extraction has proven to be a more efficient method for extraction of gallic acid in ethanolic extracts, which is the goal of research.

Comparison of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities of Berries Cultivated in Korea: Identification of Phenolic Compounds in Aronia by HPLC/Q-TOF MS.

Aronia, blueberry, Korean raspberry, blackberry, mulberry, and red raspberry fruits cultivated in Korea were evaluated for total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid content. All berries were assayed for antioxidant activities determined as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6 sulphonic acid free radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power. Individual phenolic compounds in aronia were also identified using high-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry. TPC, TFC, total anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid contents of the fruit samples ranged from 17.05 to 135.55 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight (dw), 1.0 to 8.59 mg of rutin equivalent/g dw, 2.55 to 24.43 mg of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside equivalent/g dw, and 3.14 to 19.45 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent/g dw, respec-tively. Aronia and Korean raspberry showed the highest TPC, TFC, and total anthocyanin while red raspberry had the high-est ascorbic acid content. Antioxidant activities showed positive correlations to phenolic and anthocyanin contents suggesting antioxidant activity of berry samples is due to these compounds. Aronia had the highest antioxidant value among fruits.

ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧЕСКАЯ РАЗРАБОТКА СОСТАВА И ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННЫХ СРЕДСТВ НА ОСНОВЕ СУХОГО ЭКСТРАКТА ЛИСТЬЕВ МАЛИНЫ ОБЫКНОВЕННОЙ

The paper presents pharmaceutical development of the composition and technology for producing medicines based on a red raspberry leaves dry extract. When developing the composition and technology of tablets and hard capsules based on a red raspberry leaves dry extract it was proposed to produce tableted and powder mass using wet granulation and direct compression. To develop the composition of tablets and hard capsules using wet granulation the method of mathematical planning of the experiment was used: Latin square 3x3. The influence of the following factors on the quality of the obtained tablets and the contents of hard capsules was studied: disintegrating agents, excipients, concentration of binder solution. Disintegration time and compressive strength of tablets were used as optimization parameters and flowability of the powder mass for hard capsules was also evaluated. Significant effect on tablets disintegration of factors A and B (the nature of the excipient and the disintegrant) was stated. Duncan's multiple rank test was used to propose preference series within these factors. Compressive strength of tablets was not influenced by any factors studied. Based on the studies carried out the composition of the tablets and the contents of hard capsules with the use of wet granulation was proposed. The development of the composition and technology for obtaining tablets and the contents of hard capsules by direct compression and without wetting and granulation, respectively was made. It is proposed to use microcrystalline cellulose, lactose monohydrate and silicon oxide as additives to make direct compression which will improve technological characteristics of the tablet and powder mass and make it possible to produce tablets and the contents of hard capsules by direct compression and without wetting and granulation. This, in turn, will contribute to an increase in the microbiological purity of the tablets and the contents of hard capsules and increase labor productivity during their production. To increase the stability of tablets based on dry extract of red raspberry leaves water-soluble film coating is proposed.

Effect of Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and UV-C Irradiation on Postharvest Quality of Red Raspberries

Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are highly appreciated by consumers. However, their postharvest shelf life scarcely exceeds 5 d under the refrigeration temperatures usually applied during commercialization, due to their high susceptibility to dehydration, softening and rot incidence. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the ability of UV-C radiation (UV1: 2 kJ m−2 and UV2: 4 kJ m−2), passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) with transmission rates (TR) for O2 and CO2 of 1805 mL d−1 and 1570 mL d−1 (MAP1), and 902 mL d−1 and 785 mL d−1 (MAP2), respectively, and the combination of both technologies to prolong raspberries’ shelf life at 6 °C. Their influence on respiration, physicochemical parameters, and microbiological and nutritional quality was assessed during 12 d of storage. The combination of 4 kJ m−2 UV-C radiation and a packaging film with O2 and CO2 transmission rates of 902 mL d−1 and 785 mL d−1, respectively, produced a synergistic effect against rot development, delaying senescence of the fruit. The UV2MAP2 and MAP2 samples only showed 1.66% rot incidence after 8 d of storage. The UV2MAP2 samples also had higher bioactive content (1.76 g kg−1 of gallic acid equivalents (GAE), 1.08 g kg−1 of catechin equivalents (CE) and 0.32 g kg−1 of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside equivalents (CGE)) than the control samples at the end of their shelf life. Moreover, the mass loss was minimal (0.56%), and fruit color and firmness were maintained during shelf life. However, the rest of the batches were not suitable for commercialization after 4 d due to excessive mold development.

Effect of Issatchenkia terricola WJL-G4 on Deacidification Characteristics and Antioxidant Activities of Red Raspberry Wine Processing.

Our previous study isolated a novel Issatchenkia terricola WJL-G4, which exhibited a potent capability of reducing citric acid. In the current study, I. terricola WJL-G4 was applied to decrease the content of citric acid in red raspberry juice, followed by the red raspberry wine preparation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation, aiming to investigate the influence of I. terricola WJL-G4 on the physicochemical properties, organic acids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities during red raspberry wine processing. The results showed that after being treated with I. terricola WJL-G4, the citric acid contents in red raspberry juice decreased from 19.14 ± 0.09 to 6.62 ± 0.14 g/L, which was further declined to 5.59 ± 0.22 g/L after S. cerevisiae fermentation. Parameters related to CIELab color space, including L*, a*, b*, h°, and ∆E* exhibited the highest levels in samples after I. terricola WJL-G4 fermentation. Compared to the red raspberry wine pretreated without deacidification (RJO-SC), wine pretreated by I. terricola WJL-G4 (RJIT-SC) exhibited significantly decreased contents of gallic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and arbutin, while significantly increased contents of caffeic acid, sinapic acid, raspberry ketone, quercitrin, quercetin, baicalein, and rutin. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities including DPPH· and ABTS+· radical scavenging were enhanced in RJIT-SC group as compared to RJO-SC. This work revealed that I. terricola WJL-G4 had a great potential in red raspberry wine fermentation.

Rubus idaeus L. fruit nutrients are affected by different growing technologies

The biochemical compounds of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruits cultivated with conventional growing technology and on a nutrient substrate were studied during 2019–2020 at the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery, Moscow, Russia. The antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and ash constituents of the fruits and the metabolites of the alcoholic extract of the raspberries were determined. The effect of growing technologies, i.e., conventional vs. nutrient substrate, on the accumulation of macro- and microelements in raspberry fruits was established. In red raspberries grown on nutrient substrate, the antioxidant activity decreased by 25 times (aqueous extract) and 1.5 times (alcoholic extract). The K and Na contents and Se contents of red raspberries grown on nutrient substrate were 1.5 and 3 times higher than those of raspberries of grown with conventional technology. Raspberries grown with conventional technology contained 2 times more Ca, Ni, and Mn and 7.4 times more Fe than raspberries grown on nutrient substrate. The total amount of elements in raspberries grown through soilless cultivation was 5.5% higher than that in berries grown conventionally. A total of 48 compounds were identified in the alcoholic extracts, and only 29 substances were found in berries grown on a nutrient substrate. Sugar and citric acid constituted the largest share of red raspberry components. Fructose and turanose disaccharide synthesis in raspberries grown on nutrient substrate was 20% higher than that in conventionally grown raspberries. A total of 48 organic compounds with different biological activities were identified. They included five substances with antimicrobial activity, three phenolic substances, eight organic acids, four sugar acids, nine amino acids, and 19 sugars and their derivatives. At the same time, 42 compounds were found in raspberries grown with traditional technology, and 21 compounds were identified in raspberry fruits grown on nutrient substrate. Three fatty acids, namely, ɑ-linoleic acid (polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid), palmitic acid, and stearic acid (saturated fatty acid), along with cinnamic acid, shikimic acid, and chrysin were found in berries grown conventionally.

Effect of dietary fiber addition on the content and in vitro bioaccessibility of antioxidants in red raspberry puree

The aim of the present study was to understand how the addition of pectin (2.5% and 5%) affected the content and bioaccessibility of phenolics in red raspberry puree. The results showed that the concentration of antioxidants in red raspberry puree was reduced with the addition of pectin. Similarly, addition of pectin to red raspberry puree significantly reduced the total phenolic content (15–20%), total antioxidant capacity (18–70%), and total monomeric anthocyanin (25–30%) after in vitro digestion. On the other hand, significant decreases in the bioaccessible amount of cyanidin (41%), cyanidin-3-glucoside (14%), cyanidin-3-rutinoside (17%), pelargonidin 3‐glucoside (16%), and peonidin (28%) were observed after the addition of pectin (5% (w/w)) compared to the control (p < 0.05) as analyzed with the HPLC method. According to the LC-MS/MS analysis of red raspberry samples, five flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, and phlorizin) and six phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, sinapic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid) were detected. The effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion varied depending on the type of the phenolic compounds. Sinapic acid and phlorizin were not detected at all in the intestinal phase, indicating that they were completely degraded during digestion. The percentage bioaccessibility of gallic acid (49–88%), rutin (6–16%), and quercetin (23–33%) was decreased proportionally with the increase in the pectin content in red raspberry purees (p < 0.05). On the other hand, only 5% pectin addition to red raspberry puree resulted with a significant decrease in the amount of bioaccessible caffeic acid (8% to 5%), kaempferol (24% to 13%), ferulic acid (26% to 10%), and myricetin (91% to 57%) (p < 0.05). Overall, the present study highlighted that incorporation of pectin to red raspberry puree reduced the amount of bioaccessible polyphenols.

Upcycling and Recycling Potential of Selected Lignocellulosic Waste Biomass.

This research aimed to confirm the ability to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by novel composite production using plantation waste on the example of lignocellulosic particles of black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). Furthermore, to characterize the particles produced by re-milled particleboards made of the above-mentioned alternative raw materials in the light of further recycling. As part of the research, particleboards from wooden black chokeberry and raspberry were produced in laboratory conditions, and select mechanical and physical properties were examined. In addition, the characterization of raw materials (particles) on the different processing stages was determined, and the fraction share and shape of particles after re-milling of the produced panels was provided. The tests confirmed the possibility of producing particleboards from the raw materials used; however, in the case of boards with raspberry lignocellulose particles, their share cannot exceed 50% so as to comply with the European standards regarding bending strength criterion. In addition, the further utilization of chips made of re-milled panels can be limited due to the significantly different shape and fraction share of achieved particles.

A REVIEW ON VARIOUS FORMULATION OF NANOEMULSIONS IN COSMETICS WITH PLANT EXTRACTS AS THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

This review conducted to compare the difference of the formulation of nanoemulsion cosmetics by plant extracts between Centella asiatica, seed oil from Rubus idaeus, Phyllanthus urinaria, Garcinia mangostana L., Vellozia sauamata, and Cordyceps militaris extract. Materials and methods was taken from several literature in valid databases that focuses on current status of the formulation of nanoemulsion and its characteristics, nanoemulsion cosmetics, and formulation of nanoemulsion cosmetics that are made by plant extract as the active ingredient. Comparison of the formulas above can be seen from various aspects. Referring to each article, 4 out of 6 formulas use high energy techniques and the rest use low energy techniques. Formula 1, 3, 6 use high energy technique with high pressure homogenization, and formula 4 uses ultrasonication, which is still a high energy technique. Formulas 2 and 5 use low energy techniques, namely formula 2 using Phase Inversion Composition (PIC) and formula 5 using Phase Inversion Temperature (PIT). High-Pressure Homogenizer (HPH) is the most widely used for the manufacture of nanoemulsions. In terms of formula, the use of components such as surfactant, cosurfactant, oil phase, and water phase is also different from the 6 formulas presented. Even though all of the six formulas are different, the active ingredients in the form of nanoemulsions need to be tested until finally the goal of the cosmetic product is achieved.

Profiling the water soluble pectin in clear red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. cv. Heritage) juice: Impact of high hydrostatic pressure and high-temperature short-time processing on the pectin properties

Water soluble pectin (WSP), inherently present in the particle and serum phase of processed red raspberries, largely contributes to their overall structure organization. Nevertheless, pectin losses were preliminarily observed in hydrostatic pressure (HHP)-, and high-temperature short-time (HTST)-processed clear red raspberry juice. This study therefore aims to elucidate the process-induced pectin loss and conversion by profiling the WSP and its subdomains (homogalacturonan, HG; rhamnogalacturonan I, RG I) from differently processed red raspberry juice. First, pectin content and pectin-related enzymes (polygalacturonase [PG], pectin methyl esterase [PME], pectate lyase [PL], and β-galactosidase) in fresh, HHP-, and HTST-processed juice were analyzed. Results suggested that the pectin loss in HHP-processed juice was attributed to the residual activities of endogenous HG-modifying enzymes (PG, PME, and PL), whereas that in HTST-processed juice was due to the nonenzymatic depolymerization. Subsequently, WSP, RG I -, and HG-rich fractions were selectively isolated from differently processed juice. These fractions ranged in molecular weight (Mw, 34.03–83.69 kDa), D-(+)-galacturonic acid (GalA) content (32.22%–88.32%), and degree of esterification (3.10%–38.71%). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra confirmed the low esterified GalA-rich backbone. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated an amorphous structure. Notably, monosaccharides composition and microscopic observations demonstrated the presence of side branches in HG-rich fractions. Differences in Mw, monosaccharides composition, and XRD revealed process-induced depolymerization occurred in the HG subdomain of WSP. However, the HG-rich fractions from processed juice showed higher thermostability. These basic findings provided novel insights into the pectin loss and conversion in processed red raspberries.

Changes in the Polyphenol Content of Red Raspberry Fruits during Ripening

Berry fruits that contain large amounts of polyphenol compounds are expected to exhibit health and anti-aging effects due to the antioxidant activities of these components. Among the various polyphenols, flavan-3-ol derivatives are known to have a particularly high functionality. In this study, the maturity of red raspberry fruits is classified into eight stages based on the polyphenol content at each stage. Quantification of the various compounds and investigation of the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were carried out. The total polyphenol content, including that of the flavan-3-ol derivatives, was the highest in immature fruits, gradually decreasing during fruit maturation, during which the radical scavenging activity also decreased. Based on our quantitative results, it was considered that the decrease in the flavan-3-ol derivative content due to fruit ripening was largely related to the increase in the amount of anthocyanin derivatives. Considering that the decreased contents of these compounds were related to the expression levels of polyphenol biosynthetic enzymes, quantification was performed using the semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, but the only change observed was the increased expression of the enzyme that synthesizes anthocyanins during maturation. Therefore, it was suggested that it is necessary to inhibit anthocyanin synthesis to increase the contents of highly functional flavan-3-ol derivatives in the mature fruit.

Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Composition, Volatile Compounds of Blueberries, Cranberries, Raspberries, and Cuckooflower Seeds Obtained Using Sonication Method.

Every year, thousands of tons of fruit seeds are discarded as agro-industrial by-products around the world. Fruit seeds are an excellent source of oils, monounsaturated fatty acids, and n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. This study aimed to develop a novel technology for extracting active substances from selected seeds that were obtained after pressing fruit juices. The proposed technology involved sonification with the use of ethyl alcohol at a low extraction temperature. Seeds of four species—blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), and cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis)—were used for extraction. Following alcohol evaporation under nitrogen, the antioxidant activity, chemical composition, and volatile compounds of the obtained extracts were analyzed using chromatographic methods, including gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS) (GC–MS/MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography–MS. We analyzed physicochemical properties, fatty acid, and volatile compounds composition, sterol and tocochromanol content of blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and cuckooflower seed oils obtained by sonication. This method is safe and effective, and allows for obtaining valuable oils from the seeds.

Alternate-year Production Is Not Profitable in Washington Floricane Red Raspberry Systems

Floricane red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) produces biennial canes that are traditionally managed by annual selective removal of previously fruited floricanes and training of primocanes that will bear fruit in the next growing season. This process of pruning and training is labor intensive and costly, and growers would benefit from more economical methods of pruning and training. This 6-year project evaluated the economic viability of alternate-year (AY) production in a commercial floricane red raspberry field in northwest Washington and compared it to traditional, every-year (EY) production to assess whether the former could save costs. Despite savings from reduced chemicals, fertilizers, labor, general farm supplies, and other variable costs, the overall benefits of AY production were not enough to offset losses in revenue resulting from reduced yields under the conditions of this experiment in northwest Washington.

BENEFICIALL EFFECT OF THE EUROPEAN RASPBERRY (RUBUS IADEUS) EXTRACT ON THE ACTIVITY AND OXIDATIVE PROFILE OF BOVINE SPERMATOZOA

Berries belong to the best dietary sources of bioactive compounds. These fruits contains bioactive compounds such as antioxidants (phenolic compounds and fruit colorants), vitamins (ascorbic acids) and minerals. This study aimed to estimate the effect of three concentrations (75 µg/mL, 150 µg/mL and 300 µg/mL) of the European raspberry (Rubus iadeus) on the selected quality parameters of bovine spermatozoa after 0h, 2h, and 24h of in vitro culture. Sperm motility was evaluated using the Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. The mitochondrial activity was detected by the metabolic (MTT) assay. The determination of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) quantity was observed through the luminol method. The protein and lipid oxidation were evaluated using spectrophotometric assays. The experiment showed that the highest applied concentration of European raspberry extract at 2h (p&lt;0.05) and all concentration after 24h (p&lt;0.05; p&lt;0.001) exhibited motility-promoting effects. We observed the highest increase of mitochondrial activity using 300 µg/mL by 2h (p&lt;0.05) and using 150 µg/mL (p&lt;0.05) and 300 µg/mL (p&lt;0.01) after 24h. Exposure to this extract led to decreasing levels of ROS generation at 2h of incubation (p&lt;0.05) with the highest dose as well as after 24h using 150 µg/mL (p&lt;0.01) and 300 µg/mL (p&lt;0.001) applied doses. The protein oxidation levels showed decreasing rates at 2h (p&lt;0.05; 300 µg/mL) and at time of 24h (p&lt;0.01; 150 µg/mL and p&lt;0.001; 300 µg/mL). All selected raspberry concentration prevented oxidative degeneration of lipids during 2h (p&lt;0.05) and after 24h (p&lt;0.05; p&lt;0.001). Our results indicate, that European raspberry extract has beneficial effect on the measured parameters of the bovine spermatozoa during in vitro incubation but depending on time and applied dose.

SHADING AND LIGHT INTERCEPTION IN THICKETS OF INVASIVE ACER NEGUNDO AND SORBARIA SORBIFOLIA

The aim of the work is to establish how greatly the light conditions change under the leaf canopy of two invasive plant species in the Middle Urals - Acer negundo and Sorbaria sorbifolia . In June - August 2020, using a portable light meter, 8370 measurements of illumination were performed in forest parks (at a height of 1.5 and 0.5 m, i.e. above and below the canopy of the leaves of the invasive shrub S. sorbifolia and the native shrub Rubus idaeus ; in random points under the canopies of Pinus sylvestris ; on glades, paths and forest edges) and in urban habitats (at a height of 1.5 m and 0.5 m in dense thickets of the invasive tree A. negundo and other tree species). The average illumination intensity was as following: under S. sorbifolia - 4 ± 1 lux × 10; under R. idaeus - 7 ± 1 lux × 10; in A. negundo thickets - 13 ± 2 lux × 10; in thickets of other tree species - 25 ± 4 lux × 10; under the canopies of urban pine forests - 80 ± 10 lux × 10; in the forest edges - 96 ± 14 lux × 10. In dense thickets, A. negundo intercepts about 94% of the light falling on its canopies, S. sorbifolia - about 93%. This is significantly higher than the light interception level in habitats used as control: other tree species canopies of greatly urbanized habitats intercept about 89%, the thickets of R. idaeus - about 82%. Thus, invasive plants reduce the amount of light available to other plant species in communities significantly more than native plants.

Forest Steppe-Like Vegetation Near Cherskiy (West Beringia) During the Early Pleistocene Olyorian Period Reconstructed Using Plant Macrofossils

The lower Kolyma region is known for rich Early Olyorian large mammal assemblages including plesiomorphic musk ox, reindeer, horse, broad-fronted moose, steppe mammoth and cave bear. Data on the vegetation in zonal habitats from the Olyorian period are, in contrast, scarce. Earlier palynological results from classical Olyorian sites indicated predominant grassland vegetation with scattered larch occurrences but are, due to limited taxonomical resolution, uncertain. Plant macrofossil data were, so far, only available from azonal, aquatic habitats. Here, we describe Olyorian palaeo-vegetation from an exposure near Cherskiy, Nizhnekolymsky District, Sakha Republic, Russia. The macrofossil-based reconstruction of palaeo-vegetation revealed the existence of an open forest steppe comprising a mosaic of sparse larch groves in a dry grassland composed of tundra steppes, degraded meadow steppes and saline meadows. In the larch groves, light demanding shrubs and dwarf shrubs such as shrub birch (Betula cf. fruticosa, B. nana ssp. exilis), raspberry (Rubus idaeus), cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) formed the understory. Ruderal pioneer plants point to open ground as result of disturbances, possibly due to the activity of large herbivores. The nitrophytic ruderal species Urtica dioica, in particular, suggests locally increased nutrient supply from animal excretions. Also, the abundant remains of Chenopodium cf. prostratum might be explained by disturbances and nutrient enrichment, but Chenopodium is also characteristic of salt accumulation in the soil owing to high evaporation under arid conditions, which are also indicated by alkali grass (Puccinellia sp.). The presence of trees and shrubs indicates interglacial-like temperature conditions but the dominance of dry grassland species and the occurrence of facultatively halophytic plants (Chenopodium prostratum, Puccinellia sp.) suggests aridity, which is more typical of cold stages. During the early Pleistocene, i.e., prior to the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition (EMPT) culminating around 900 ka ago, the duration of climate cycles was shorter and the amplitude of climate fluctuations was smaller. Ice-rich permafrost formed only after the EMPT during increasingly extreme cold stages, and, during warm stages, its thawing resulted in paludification of the active layer. Prior to the EMPT, the climate in West Beringia was constantly relatively dry, more or less moderate and more stable than thereafter. In contrast to modern tundra and northern taiga in the study region, dry habitats apparently prevailed during the time of deposition of the plant macro-remains.

The bear-berry connection: Ecological and management implications of brown bears' food habits in a highly touristic protected area

Diet studies are essential to understand animal ecology and ecosystem dynamics, especially in the case of large omnivores. These studies are particularly relevant in areas where human disturbance is intense and, thus, species dietary patterns might change due to the easy accessibility of food resources of human origin, which may hinder the ecosystem services these species provide. We assessed the diet of brown bears (Ursus arctos) by DNA metabarcoding in Tatra National Park (southern Poland), a highly touristic protected area. Brown bears' diet showed a marked seasonality, a characteristic feature of brown bear populations relying on natural foods. Graminoids represented the main food during spring, while fleshy-fruited plants became more important from mid-summer. Fleshy-fruited plants were present in 56% of faeces and during the entire activity period of bears, revealing that fruits play a pivotal role in the feeding ecology of Tatra brown bears. Two berry species, Vaccinium myrtillus and Rubus idaeus, were the most frequently detected (in 42% and 20% of faeces, respectively). The large consumption of fleshy-fruited plants, and particularly of berries, suggests that, despite high levels of human disturbance in the area, brown bears still play a key role as seed dispersers. Management strategies focused on an effective waste management, control of berry picking, strict regulations about human activities in specific areas during sensitive periods in the feeding ecology of bears, and the lack of artificial food provisioning are crucial to ensure the seed dispersal processes and associated ecosystem services that bears and other frugivores provide.

Additive and synergistic effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, insect pollination and nutrient availability in a perennial fruit crop

Managing ecosystem services might reduce the dependence of modern agriculture on external inputs and increase the sustainability of agricultural production. Insect pollinators and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide vital ecosystem services for crop production, but it has not been tested whether their effects on crop yield interact and how their effects are influenced by nutrient availability. Here we manipulated insect pollination, AMF inoculation and fertilizer application (four levels) in a randomized complete block design with potted raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) to assess the interacting effects of these variables on crop yield. AMF inoculation increased the per-plant flower number by 33% and the fruit number by 35%, independently from insect pollination and fertilizer application. Single berry weight furthermore increased more strongly with fertilizer application rates in AMF inoculated plants than in non-inoculated plants. As a consequence, AMF inoculation boosted raspberry yield by 43% compared to non-inoculated plants. AMF inoculation increased pollinator visitation rate per plant under intermediate fertilizer levels, suggesting additional indirect effects of AMF inoculation on yield. Fruit yield of pollinated plants increased more strongly with fertilizer application rate than the yield of plants from which pollinators had been excluded. At maximum nutrient availability, the combined benefits of both ecosystem services resulted in a 135% higher yield than that of fertilizer-only treatments. Our results suggest that the benefits of ecosystem services on yield can be additive or synergistic to the effects of conventional management practices. Intensive, high-input farming systems that do not consider the potential adverse effects of management on ecosystem service providing species might risk becoming limited by delivery of ecosystem services. Proactively managing ecosystem services, on the other hand, has the potential to increase crop yield at the same level of external inputs.