Ribes Uva-crispa Research Articles

Complete chloroplast genome assembly and phylogenetic analysis of blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), red and white currant (Ribes rubrum), and gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) provide new insights into the phylogeny of Grossulariaceae.

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum), red currant (R. rubrum), white currant (R. rubrum), and gooseberry (R. uva-crispa) belong to Grossulariaceae and are popular small-berry crops worldwide. The lack of genomic data has severely limited their systematic classification and molecular breeding. The complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of these four taxa were assembled for the first time using MGI-DNBSEQ reads, and their genome structures, repeat elements and protein-coding genes were annotated. By genomic comparison of the present four and previous released five Ribes cp genomes, the genomic variations were identified. By phylogenetic analysis based on maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods, the phylogeny of Grossulariaceae and the infrageneric relationships of the Ribes were revealed. The four cp genomes have lengths ranging from 157,450 to 157,802 bp and 131 shared genes. A total of 3,322 SNPs and 485 Indels were identified from the nine released Ribes cp genomes. Red currant and white currant have 100% identical cp genomes partially supporting the hypothesis that white currant (R. rubrum) is a fruit color variant of red currant (R. rubrum). The most polymorphic genic and intergenic region is ycf1 and trnT-psbD, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the monophyly of Grossulariaceae in Saxifragales and the paraphyletic relationship between Saxifragaceae and Grossulariaceae. Notably, the Grossularia subgenus is well nested within the Ribes subgenus and shows a paraphyletic relationship with the co-ancestor of Calobotrya and Coreosma sections, which challenges the dichotomous subclassification of the Ribes genus based on morphology (subgenus Ribes and subgenus Grossularia). These data, results, and insights lay a foundation for the phylogenetic research and breeding of Ribes species.

Karyomorphology, genome size, and variation of antioxidant in twelve berry species from Iran

Twelve berry species, including Rubus fruticosus cv. Qaemshahr, Rubus occidentalis cv. Qaemshahr, and Morus alba cv. Mashhad, Morus rubra cv. Karaj, Fragaria vesca subsp. vesca, Ribes nigrum, Ribes rubrum, Ribes uva-crispa; Lycium barbarum, Lycium infaustum, Lycium ruthenicum, and Vaccinium corymbosum were surveyed for karyomorphology analysis, monoploid genome size, and antioxidant activity. Results indicated that all species were diploid (2n = 2x = 14, 16, 24, and 28). Among these species, chromosome counts and karyomorphology parameters of three cultivars including: R. fruticosus cv. Qaemshahr (2n = 2x = 14), R. occidentalis cv. Qaemshahr (2n = 2x = 14), and M. alba cv. Mashhad (2n = 2x = 28) are reported here for the first time. The flow cytometric mean monoploid 2Cx DNA of berry species was 2.35 pg, varied from 0.68 (Rubus occidentalis cv. Qaemshahr) to 5.15 pg (Lycium ruthenicum). The average antioxidant capacity of berry species was obtained 32.8 μmol g-1. Their average total phenol and flavonoid contents were 4.98 mg g-1 (3.08-8.61 mg g-1), and 5.18 (2.47-10.63 mg g-1), respectively.

Pectin from Fruit- and Berry-Juice Production by-Products: Determination of Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Rheological Properties.

Plums (Prunus domestica); red currants (Ribes rubrum); black currants (Ribes nigrum); gooseberries (Ribes uva-crispa); sour cherries (Prunus cerasus); pumpkins (Cuccurbita spp.) are sources for valuable fruit- and berry-juice and cider production. This process leaves a large number of by-products (BP) in the form of pomace, which accounts for up to 80% of the raw material. This by-product represents a rich source of biologically active compounds, especially in the form of different pectic polysaccharides. The pectin extracted from commercial fruits such as citric fruits and apples has high medicinal properties, can be used as edible films and coatings, and is also useful in texture improvement and gel production in the food industry. However, many under-utilized fruits have received little attention regarding the extraction and characterization of their high/value pectin from their by-products. Moreover, the commercial extraction process involving strong acids and high temperature to obtain high-purity pectin leads to the loss of many bioactive components, and these lost components are often compensated for by the addition of synthetic antioxidants and colorants. The aim of the research is to extract pectin from juice production by-products with hot-water extraction using weak organic (0.1 N) citric acid, thus minimizing the impact on the environment. The yield of pectin (PY = 4.47-17.8% DM), galacturonic acid content (47.22-83.57 g 100-1), ash content (1.42-2.88 g 100 g-1), degree of esterification (DE = 45.16-64.06%), methoxyl content (ME = 4.27-8.13%), the total content of phenolic compounds (TPC = 2.076-4.668 µg mg-1, GAE) and the antiradical scavenging activity of the pectin samples (DPPH method (0.56-37.29%)) were determined. Free and total phenolic acids were quantified by saponification using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pectin contained phenolic acids-benzoic (0.25-0.92 µg mg-1), gallic (0.14-0.57 µg mg-1), coumaric (0.04 µg mg-1), and caffeic (0.03 µg mg-1). The pectin extracts from by-products showed glucose and galactose (3.89-21.72 g 100 g-1) as the main neutral sugar monosaccharides. Pectin analysis was performed using FT-IR, and the rheological properties of the pectin gels were determined. The quality of the obtained pectin from the fruit and berry by-products in terms of their high biological activity and high content of glucuronic acids indicated that the products have the potential to be used as natural ingredients in various food products and in pharmaceutical products.

Profiling of Natural Pigments and Antioxidants in European Red and Green Gooseberry (Ribes Uva-Crispa L.) Via Green Extraction Technique (UAE-Citric Acid-Mediated Extraction)

Profiling of Natural Pigments and Antioxidants in European Red and Green Gooseberry (Ribes Uva-Crispa L.) Via Green Extraction Technique (UAE-Citric Acid-Mediated Extraction)

Validation of HPLC Method for Analysis of Gamma-Aminobutyric and Glutamic Acids in Plant Foods and Medicinal Plants.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of mammals and plays an important role in the suppression of neurons' excitability. GABA is formed from the decarboxylation of glutamic acid (Glu), and both GABA and Glu could be considered as important biologically active food components. In the current study, we validated a HPLC method for concomitant detection of GABA and Glu in plant samples after derivatization with dansyl chloride. The validated method had high precision and a high recovery rate and was successfully used for GABA and Glu quantification in 55 plant foods (fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals, pseudocereals, and nuts) and 19 medicinal plants. Vegetables were the most important dietary source of these amino acids, with the highest quantity of GABA found in potatoes-44.86 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW) and yellow cherry tomatoes-36.82 mg/100 g FW. The highest amount of Glu (53.58 mg/100 g FW) was found in red cherry tomatoes. Analyzed fruits were relatively poor in GABA and Glu, and European gooseberry was the richest fruit with 13.18 mg/100 g FW GABA and 10.95 mg/100 g FW Glu. Cereals, pseudocereals, nuts, and legumes contain much higher amounts of Glu than GABA. The obtained results enrich the available information on the content of gamma-aminobutyric and glutamic acids in plant foods and could be used for the development of GABA-enriched functional foods.

Влияние стимуляторов корнеобразования нового поколения на укореняемость крыжовника ‘Зелёный дождь’

Gooseberry (Ribes grossularia L.) is a promising berry crop. Fruits contain high doses of vitamins, as well as biologically active substances. The main gooseberry-growing countries are Germany and Poland; in Russia, this crop is still a plant of private sectors. The optimal time for gooseberry cuttings is the beginning or middle of summer. To extend the period for obtaining planting material, the method of propagation by lignified cuttings should not be excluded. The aim of the study is a comparative evaluation of new generation root formation stimulants on lignified gooseberry cuttings of the ‘Green rain’ variety. In the experiment, the effect of root formation stimulants Kornevin, Green Fuse root and Clonex on the rooting of gooseberries, which were propagated by lignified cuttings, was evaluated. The results showed that the rooting rate of cuttings was low and amounted to 56-63%. It turned out that root formation stimulants do not affect the rooting of cuttings, their total length of roots, the number of roots, the total length of shoots and their number. The results obtained indicate the absence of a positive effect of the new generation of root formation stimulants Clonex and Green Fuse for the rooting of the gooseberry ‘Green Rain’ compared to Kornevin. Keywords: GOOSEBERRY, REPRODUCTION, WOODY CUTTINGS, ROOTING

Genetic diversity in gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa), as estimated with SSR markers

• Two hundred forty two gooseberry accessions were analysed by 15 SSR markers enabling the identification of 153 unique genotypes. • The genetic diversity of the analysed accessions indicated a slightly negative assortative mating as expected for an outcrossing species. • Cultivars that have been wide spread in cultivation in sweden had a large number of synonymous samples. • The studied genotypes clustered into four posterior groups corresponding to the three a priori anticipated groups: old cultivars, modern cultivars, eastern cultivars, and an additional northern swedish cluster. • Pedigrees for a number of cultivars were confirmed and supported the true-to-typeness of the involved accessions. Additionally three likely parent-parent-offspring relationships were identified. European gooseberry ( Ribes uva-crispa L. ) is a popular berry crop in many European countries, including Sweden, Denmark and Ukraine. There is no active gooseberry breeding programme in either Sweden or Denmark, but a successful programme is operating in Ukraine. In Sweden and Denmark, research on gooseberries is primarily focused on collection and phenotypic evaluation of genetic resources. As part of these activities, a large number of inventory finds have been collected but have not yet been characterised morphologically or molecularly. The goal of this study was thus to characterise gooseberry germplasm with 15 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. From 242 accessions analysed, 153 unique genotypes were identified. Cultivars that have been in widespread cultivation in Sweden, such as the Finnish cultivars ‘Hinnonmäen Keltainen’ and ‘Hinnonmäen Punainen’, had relatively large numbers of synonymous samples. While many inventory finds were identifiable as synonyms of known cultivars, several were found to constitute unique genotypes within the germplasm studied. The studied genotypes clustered relatively well in three posterior groups, consisting of cultivars originating before and after the American gooseberry mildew ( Sphaerotheca mors-uvae ) outbreak around 1900 and cultivars originating from the territory of the former Soviet Union. A fourth genetic cluster consisting mainly of inventory finds from central and northern Sweden was also identified. In addition, it was possible to verify recorded and stipulated parentages for some of the cultivars studied and to identify three likely parent-parent-child trios. Thus, inventories of local gooseberry germplasm and a subsequent genotyping proved successful in finding unique local genotypes, with potential local adaptation. The data obtained provide a foundation for future studies of gooseberry genetic resources, while also illustrating the importance of a well-curated and phenotypically characterised set of reference cultivars for future studies.

Traditional Ethnobotanical Knowledge of the Central Lika Region (Continental Croatia)-First Record of Edible Use of Fungus Taphrina pruni.

This study analyzed the use of plants and fungi, some wild and some cultivated, in three municipalities of Lika-Senj County (Perušić, Gospić and Lovinac). The range of the study area was about 60 km. Forty in-depth semi-structured interviews were performed. The use of 111 plant taxa from 50 plant families and five taxa of mushrooms and fungi belonging to five families was recorded (on average 27 taxa per interview). The results showed quite large differences between the three studied areas in terms of ethnobotanical and ecological knowledge. In the Perušić area, (101 taxa mentioned), some people still use wild plants on a daily basis for various purposes. The most commonly noted plants are Prunus spinosa, Taraxacum spp., Rosa canina, Urtica dioica, Juglans regia and Fragaria vesca. In the Lovinac region, people used fewer species of plants (76 species mentioned). The most common species used there are: Rosa canina, Achillea millefolium, Cornus mas, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra and Prunus domestica. In the town of Gospić, the collection and use of plants was not so widespread, with only 61 species mentioned, the most common being: Achillea millefolium, Cornus mas, Sambucus nigra, Viola sp., Prunus domestica and Rosa canina. The medicinal use of herbal tea Rubus caesius and Cydonia oblonga against diarrhea was well known in the study area and is used medicinally, mainly in the rural parts of the Gospić area. The consumption of the Sorbus species (S. aria, S. domestica and S. torminalis) is an interesting local tradition in Perušić and Lovinac. Species that are difficult to find in nature today and are no longer used include: Veratrum sp., Rhamnus alpinum ssp. fallax, Gentiana lutea and Ribes uva-crispa. The use of Chenopodium album has also died out. We can assume that the differences in ethnobotanical knowledge between the three studied areas are partly due to minor differences in climate and topography, while other causes lie in the higher degree of rurality and stronger ties to nature in the Lovinac and Perušić areas. The most important finding of the study is the use of the parasitic fungus Taphrina pruni (Fuckel) Tul. as a snack. The use of Helleborus dumetorum for ethnoveterinary practices is also worth noting. The traditional use of plants in the study area shows many signs of abandonment, and therefore efforts must be made to maintain the knowledge recorded in our study.

Genetic structure of a Ribes genetic resource collection: inter- and intra- specific diversity revealed by chloroplast DNA simple sequence repeats (cpSSRs)

Currants and gooseberries (Ribes sp.) are important berry crops with high nutritional value, and the efficient development of new cultivars depends on the characterisation of Ribes genetic resources and successful inclusion into breeding materials. Ribes breeding programs are characterised by the extensive use of interspecific crosses to introduce required traits. In some cases, this makes it challenging to identify the genomic contribution of particular species to cultivars, thus limiting the understanding of the heredity of these traits. To clarify these issues, the present study aimed to evaluate the applicability of selected chloroplast SSR molecular markers to analyse germplasm consisting of genotypes developed through complicated multistage crosses among different Ribes species. This provides information on Ribes germplasm species composition and blackcurrant collection species structure, thus assessing the applicability and utility of the blackcurrant collection in breeding. Fifty cpSSR molecular markers previously developed for plants were assessed, and a set of 19 markers was selected for further analysis of a Ribes genetic resource collection. A set of 145 Ribes genotypes was analysed using the selected chloroplast markers: blackcurrants (R. nigrum L.), redcurrant (R. rubrum L.), European gooseberry (R. uva-crispa L.), mountain currant (R. alpinum L.), golden currant (R. aureum Pursh), R. americanum Mill., jostaberry (R. × nidigrolaria Rud.Bauer & A.Bauer), R. ussuriense Jancz., R. komarovii Pojark., R. sanguineum Pursh., R. latifolium Jancz., R. fasciculatum var. chinense Maxim., R. fragrans Pall., R. laxiflorum Pursh. and their interspecific hybrids. The cpSSR markers are suitable for differentiating Ribes species and thus are suitable for analysing germplasm collections, showing relationships regarding pedigree. The markers are good at showing the structure of a germplasm collection. However, in the case of complex interspecies crossings, identifying a specific percentage of a species within an accession cannot be guaranteed.

First report of Podosphaera mors‐uvae causing powdery mildew on Ribes fasciculatum var. chinense in Korea

AbstractIn July 2017, hundreds of Ribes fasciculatum var. chinense plants were found infected with powdery mildew for the first time in Korea. Further field surveys resulted in collecting anamorphs and teleomorphs of the powdery mildew at three additional locations in Korea. Morphological characterization of the holomorph and molecular sequence analyses of the ITS regions and 28S rDNA gene confirmed the identification of this fungus as Podosphaera mors‐uvae, which is already known for a long time on Ribes spp. in Europe and North America. Previous records of P. mors‐uvae on Ribes grossularia in Japan and China are also discussed. This is the first report of P. mors‐uvae from Korea.

THE PREDICTION OF THE ANTIOXIDATIVE ACTIVITY OF GROSSULARIA RECLINATA LEAVES

At present, in order to expand the raw material base, modern phyto-production is most interested in the use of medicinal plants' organs that were not previously used, but containing flavonoids. The Grossularia reclinata leaves, which are a cheap and affordable plant material, can become a promising source for the creation of phytopreparations containing flavonoid compounds. The aim of the study was to identify and quantify the sum of flavonoids' substances in terms of rutin in the Grossularia reclinata leaves. Material and methods. Qualitative reactions were selected to confirm the presence of flavonoids' substances; differential spectrophotometry was used for their quantitative assessment. Results. It was found that the total content of flavonoids in terms of rutin in alcohol extract from these leaves is on average 0.557 ± 0.0061%, which exceeds their content fruits that were used in medicine by 1.86 times. Comparative analysis of the flavonoids' sum of in the medicinal plants' leaves made it possible to determine that this group of biologically active substances in the Grossularia reclinata leaves is represented in greater quantities than in the motherwort herb (0.2%), wormwood (0.3%) and the tripartite series (0 ,five%). Conclusions: The results of the study allow us to consider this plant raw material promising for the production of new therapeutic and prophylactic drugs.

Generation of Electricity from Pool Wastewater Using Bio-Mass Based Activated Charcoal Electrodes Through Microbial Fuel Cell

Conventionally, we use platinum/palladium as electrodes and Nafion as separator in the microbial fuel cells (MFCs), which are expensive and hazardous in nature. In this research, we employed bio-waste derived activated charcoal electrodes and eco-friendly lab glove separator for assessing the performance of laboratory-scale MFCs. The Activated Charcoals (AC) were synthesized from Palm fibers (Borassus flabellifer), Gooseberry seeds (Ribes grossularia) and Indian-almond (Terminalia catappa) seeds at high-temperature carbonization followed by ZnCl2 activation. The ACs was characterized in terms of pH and ash content. The porous structure and pore size distribution of the carbonized products and ACs were analyzed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and identified that the ACs possesses more porous structure than their carbonized precursors. We employed pool sludge (inoculums) as anodic solution and potassium permanganate solution as cathodic solution instead of using hazardous potassium ferricyanide solution. Here, we attained the highest voltage output of 0.92 V for the palm fiber-AC electrode based MFC. In this research, we employed cost effective and eco-friendly bio-waste based electrodes, eco-friendly separator, non-hazardous cathodic solution and nutrient-rich inoculums, thus the proposed scheme could be used for fabricating low cost, non-polluting and high performance MFCs.

Field Performance and Genetic Stability of Micropropagated Gooseberry Plants (Ribes grossularia L.)

Gooseberry (Ribes grossularia L.) is a small fruit crop producing valuable fruits, which is constantly gaining importance. In vitro propagation of this species can significantly support the production of virus-free planting material and accelerate the introduction of new cultivars to the market. The aim of presented study was to assess field performance and genetic stability of micropropagated plants (MPs) of four gooseberry cultivars, “Captivator”, “Hinnonmaki Rot”, “Invicta”, and “Resika”. The growth vigor and yield of MPs and plants propagated by standard methods from softwood cuttings (ST) were evaluated in a field experiment. Microscopic observations of the number and length of the stomata of MP and ST plants were carried out. Two DNA-based techniques, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR), were used to assess genetic stability of MP plants. For analysis of genetic stability of ST plants, the ISSR technique was applied. For three cultivars, Captivator, Hinnonmaki Rot, and Invicta, the plants’ growth vigor and fruit yield were greater in MP plants than in ST plants. In the case of Resika, most of these parameters were higher in ST plants. Microscopic observations of the stomata indicated a lack of differences in the length between MP and ST plants, while the stomata frequency on leaves of MP plants was higher than that of ST plants. The genetic variability of MP plants, assessed by AFLP, ranged from 0.35% for Hinnonmaki Rot to 2.12% for Resika. The results of ISSR analysis of MP plants showed variability from 0% in the case of Hinnonmaki Rot and Resika to 4% and 8.69% for Captivator and Invicta, respectively. No polymorphism was detected among ST plants of all analyzed gooseberry cultivars.

Different levels of morphophysiological seed dormancy in Ribes alpinum and R. uva-crispa (Grossulariaceae) facilitate adaptation to differentiated habitats

Aim of the study: To study the germination ecology of two species of the genus Ribes to reveal their levels of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) and to facilitate the production of plants from seeds, a key tool for population reinforcement.Area of study: Experiments were carried out both outdoors and in the laboratory in Albacete (Spain) with seeds from the Meridional Iberian System mountain range.Material and methods: Seeds from one population of Ribes alpinum and from other of Ribes uva-crispa were collected during several years. Embryo length, radicle and seedling emergence, and effects on germination of stratification and GA3 were analysed to determine the level of MPD.Main results: In R. alpinum, embryo length in fresh seeds was 0.49 mm, needing to grow to 1.30 mm to germinate. Warm stratification (25/10ºC) promoted embryo length enlargement to 0.97 mm. Afterwards, seeds germinated within a wide temperature range. Embryo growth and seedling emergence occur late summer-early autumn. In R. uva-crispa, embryo length in fresh seeds was 0.52 mm, being 2.10 mm the minimal size to germinate. Embryos exposed to a moderately warm stratification (20/7ºC + 15/4ºC) followed by cold (5ºC) grew to 2.30 mm. Then, seeds germinated ≥ 80% when incubated at temperatures ≥ 15/4ºC. Embryos grew in autumn/early winter, and seedlings emerged late winter-early spring.Research highlights: These results showed that R. alpinum seeds have a nondeep simple MPD while R. uva-crispa seeds have a nondeep complex MPD. Moreover, the different germinative models found for each species help explain their installation in distinct habitats.Keywords: Ribes; seed dormancy break; radicle emergence; seedling emergence; nondeep simple and nondeep complex MPD.Abbreviations used: Morphophysiological dormancy (MPD), morphological dormancy (MD), Gibberellic acid (GA3), months (m).

EDIBLE FRUITS EXTRACTS AFFECT INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA ISOLATED FROM PATIENTS WITH NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

The aim of our study was to investigate the gut microbiota in patients with noncommunicable diseases associated with chronic inflammation, namely obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease as well as to find out potential ability of edible plants’ fruits extracts to inhibit the growth of selected conditionally pathogenic microorganisms. Limited clinical trial was performed and gut microbiota analysis was done using routine methods and by qPCR. The antibacterial properties of edible plants’ fruits in relation to the selected potentially pathogenic microorganisms were studied. The composition of the intestinal microbiota of obese patients was characterized by an increase in the number of Enterococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. along with a decrease in the amount of Escherichia coli. Decreases in E. coli and lactobacilli were observed in patients with type 2 diabetes. In atherosclerosis, an increase in streptococci, enterococci, and enterobacteria was observed, whereas in patients with cardiovascular disease there was an additional increase in staphylococci and candida along with a decrease in E. coli. Decreases in Bifidobacterium spp., Bacteroides spp., Roseburia intestinalis and Akkermansia muciniphila were observed in patients of all groups. The growth of Klebsiella spp. was inhibited by red currant (Ribes rubrum) and plum (Prunus domestica) extracts; Enterobacter spp. – cherry (Prunus avium) extract; Proteus spp. – extracts of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and dogwood (Cornus mas); Staphylococcus spp. – the extracts of black currant (Ribes nigrum), cherry (Prunus avium), plum (Prunus domestica), jostaberry (Ribes nigrum × Ribes divaricatum × Ribes uva-crispa), cherry plum (Prunus cerasifera) and dogwood (Cornus mas) The obtained data can be used for early diagnosis of noncommunicable diseases and for their prevention with the help of personalized nutrition.

The Selection of Ribes nigrum L. and Grossularia reclinata Mill. Based on Distant Hybridization

In this study, 1921 flower were pollinated, 484 hybrid seeds were sown, of which 41 plants were cultivated only on 6 crossing combinations. The analysis of the formed hybrid fruits and seeds of Gr. reclinata × R. nigrum showed that the fruit weight varies between 3.5–4.5 gr, the shape is round-oval, the diameter is more than 20 mm, and the color is maroon. The number of seeds per berry varies from 6 to 19. Germination of hybrid seeds is low (7.9–8.3%). Their germination is not even. In the crosses, R. nigrum × Gr. reclinata formed round, black fruits, weighing up to 1.7 gr. The number of seeds per fruit ranges from 8 to 34. Seed germination is low—from 25.6 to 29.6%. Black currant hybrids Gr. reclinata × R. nigrum inherited partial pubescence of rhachis of flower raceme, matte surface of lamina, and smooth ovary; the cylindrical shape of hypanthium and pubescence on the stile of pistil are inherited from gooseberries. The problems of the use of distant hybridization in the selection of black currants and gooseberries are considered. The hybrids of R. nigrum × Gr. reclinata are obtained. It is found out that reciprocal amphihaploids differ from the original parental forms. Stable infertility does not allow using them with practical purposes.

Connoisseur’s Choice: Tsavorite, The Green Gem Variety of Grossular, Merelani Hills, Manyara District, Tanzania

Grossular, Ca3Al2(SiO4)3, was named in 1803 after Ribes grossularia, the botanical name of a gooseberry, because Siberian pale green crystals resemble the fruit of this plant (Galoisy 2013). Crysta...

Адвентивные виды во флоре Верхнего Енисея

In the course of field research, analysis of previously published works and viewing materials stored in the herbarium of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS named after I. M. Krasnoborov (NS) we clarified an information on the distribution of rare adventive plant species in the territory of the Upper Yenisei basin. Cosmos bipinnatus, Ipomoea hederacea, Setaria maximowiczii and Sonchus oleraceus were noted for the first time in the Tuva flora, Grossularia reclinata in the Western Sayan, and Polygonum calcatum and Spergula vulgaris in the territory of Khakassia. Echinochloa crusgalli, Fagopyrum esculentum, Fragaria ananassa, Galium mollugo and Grossularia reclinata were new to the flora of the Sayano-Shushensky nature reserve. For 14 rare species new localities were noted and the boundaries of the ranges were specified: Amaranthus albus, Carduus nutans, Echinochloa crusgalli, Epilobium adenocaulon, Galium aparine, G. mollugo, Hordeum jubatum, Lactuca serriola, Oenothera biennis, Portulaca oleracea, Psammophilliella muralis, Setaria faberi, Sisymbrium loeselii, Spergula vulgaris.

The effect of shrubland and grassland vegetation types on soil fauna and flora activities in a mountainous semi-arid landscape of Iran

The effect of vegetation types at mountainous sites on the relationships between soil biota and environmental variables applicable for the evaluation of soil quality and functions are barely studied and remain almost unknown. With the aim of studying the effect of shrubland and grassland plant coverings on soil fauna and flora activities, a mountainous semi-arid site in northern Iran (Diakooh) was selected for this research. Six vegetation types were selected with dominance in shrub and grassland coverage, i.e., (1) Crataegus microphylla CK. Koch., (2) Berberis integerrima Bunge, (3) Ribes uva–crispa L., (4) Prunus spinosa L., and with dominance in rangeland cover, i.e., (5) dominant Lecokia cretica (Lam.) DC., Orchis mascula L., Cardamine bulbifera (L.) Crantz, and (6) Fragaria vesca L. A total of 15 soil samples (30 × 30 × 10 cm) from each vegetation type were transferred to the laboratory. In addition, seasonal measurements (i.e. summer and autumn) were considered to achieve the temporal patterns of soil fauna and flora activities. Higher populations of soil earthworms (especially epigeic groups), acarina, collembola, nematode, and protozoa were found in the Crataegus site compared to other vegetation types with higher activities in the autumn season. Shrublands, especially with Crataegus cover, had increased activities of soil bacteria and fungi with higher abundances in the summer. Soils with higher fertility indicators and increased biota activities were attributed to the Crataegus and Berberis vegetation types by PCA. Overall, the findings of this study showed that shrubs can improve soil quality at high altitudes of mountainous, semi-arid sites that are often considered as especially fragile and sensitive ecosystems.

Raspberries and gooseberries in south Patagonia: Production, fruit quality, morphology and phenology in two environmental conditions

Fine fruits as raspberry and gooseberries represent the second production with the largest area cultivated in Santa Cruz province (Argentina), and this activity is usually carried out by family farmers in outdoor conditions. The availability of information about productive, morphologic, phenological and quality aspects of these crops in south Patagonia is very scarce. The aim of this work was to evaluate performance of Rubus idaeus cv. Autumn Bliss (RIA), R. idaeus cv. Glean ample (RIG), Ribes rubrum (RR), Ribes nigrum (RN) and Ribes uva crispa (RU) under two environments: outdoors and in greenhouse. An essay with a split plot design, with environment as the main plot and the species as a subplot, with three replicates, was established. Variables related to morphology, phenology, fruit production and fruit quality were measured. Significant differences were found in fruit production according to environment. At the third year, fruit production in greenhouse was 19.6, 130.7, 626.2, 693.1 and 1308.7 g plant−1 for RIG, RR, RN, RIA and RU, respectively. In the same year, production outdoors was 14.3, 80.5, 84.6, 90.7, 343.1 RIG, RN, RR, RIA and RU, respectively. Environment also affected individual fruit weight, being 1.79 g the mean fruit weight in greenhouse and 0.98 outdoors. Morphologic variables had a strong influence on fruit production, mainly on node number and foliar area. Results showed a 65% higher mean production efficiency of plants (gr fruits/m2 foliar area) in greenhouse compared with outdoor plants. In general, raspberries in outdoor condition decreased 90% in production efficiency, whereas gooseberries decreased 40%. In average, RIA were the most efficient plants throughout all the study period and RU had the highest efficiency during the last year of production. In conclusion, outdoor production of these species in South Patagonia is not recommended, because temperature and wind intensity severely affected plant performance. However, if outdoor condition is the only option, cultivate RU is the best option.