Seedless Barberry Research Articles

Physicochemical Traits of Seedless Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) Fruits Stored Under Refrigeration as Affected by Heat and Calcium Chloride Treatments

Abstract The loss of chemical characteristics and quality of the fresh seedless barberry fruit during storage and qualitative losses of its dried fruit are the most important postharvest challenges in barberry industry and its exports. The fresh harvested fruit samples were dried using an electrical drier at 50°C to 50% moisture content. Thereafter, the effects of hot water alone (65°C for 45 sec), and hot water + 2% calcium chloride were carried out on the quality maintenance and chemicals during the cold storage of seedless barberry. The results showed that the samples treated with calcium chloride stored at 2°C had the highest TSS over time, whereas the titratable acidity of barberry fruits was not significantly affected by postharvest treatments. Hot water alone or in combination with calcium chloride treatment increased redness and chroma values result in better appearance quality than control. In addition, the treatments reduced the variable L* and thereby enhanced fruit lightness. The highest antioxidant content (% 77.92) was observed in hot water treated samples and the lowest (% 54.28) was obtained on control. Also, the highest amount of anthocyanins and antioxidants were obtained from samples treated with hot water. Only calcium chloride treatment had a significant effect on Ca content of the samples. The results revealed that postharvest application of hot water and calcium chloride treatments improved the appearance quality and nutritional values of fresh seedless barberry fruit, as well as extend the cold storage life, likely due to reduced pathogen contamination.

Changes in Anthocyanin and Fruit Quality Attributes of Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) Grown in Different Altitude During Growth and Maturation

Purpose: Seedless barberry is one of the economical sources of anthocyanin pigment. However, short harvesting period creates many difficulties in harvesting and drying processes, leading to low quality. Therefore, it was very important to study different barberry growing areas and also evaluating fruit quality in these regions, to propose sooner harvesting in some regions.Research Method: The study was conducted in two regions (Marack and Amirabad) of Birjand suburbs, South Khorasan, Iran, during two growing seasons (2014-2015), to investigate the major physicochemical changes of barberry fruit during different growth and development stages (89, 121, 152, 183 and 214 days after full bloom (DAFB)).Findings: The results showed that fruit fresh weight and volume, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), maturity index and anthocyanin significantly increased, as harvest season progressed. The region conditions also influenced the above-mentioned parameters. Data indicated that lower night temperatures in the Marack led to better fruit indices compared with Amirabad, which may be resulted from a higher altitude as compared to Amirabad. The better fruit maturity index and anthocyanin content obtained in Marack at the fourth harvest date (183 DAFB), compared with Amirabad, which creates a sooner harvest potential. With regard to data obtained and especially higher anthocyanin accumulation, we propose mountainous regions for seedless barberry cultivation, compared to lands as it leads to sooner harvesting and better quality of fruit for fresh market.Research Limitations: It was better to study the physicochemical changes of barberry fruits in more important regions and with different altitude.Originality/Value: This study provides an insight into mountains with high altitude as main regions for barberry cultivation to increase the nutritional quality of fruit.

Phenotypic, pomological and chemical variations of the seedless barberry ( Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma)

Abstract Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma known as seedless barberry, is a shrub which produces edible berries. In the present study, 133 individuals of this fruit species from different regions of Khorasan-e-Jonoobi province from the eastern area of Iran were evaluated using 36 morphological and six fruit chemical characters. Considerable phenotypic, pomological and chemical variations were found among the studied individuals. For some phenotypic and pomological characters, variability found ranged from 155.00 to 410.00 mm in bunch length, 27.28 to 73.53 mm in bunch width, 25.05 to 128.85 g in bunch weight, 7.40 to 10.84 mm in berry length, 4.39 to 8.05 mm in berry width and 0.11 to 0.43 g in berry weight. For chemical characters, total soluble solids (TSS) varied from 15.00 to 31.00%, and titratable acidity (TA) ranged from 0.15 to 0.49%. In addition, anthocyanin content varied from 0.07 to 0.70 mg/g fresh fruit weight, and also ascorbic acid ranged from 45.05 to 180.18 mg/100 g fresh fruit weight. Bunch weight was highly positively correlated with bunch length (r = 0.49) and bunch width (r = 0.41). Berry weight was highly positively correlated with bunchlet weight (r = 0.26), berry length (r = 0.31) and berry width (r = 0.48). In addition, TSS was positively correlated with anthocyanin content (r = 0.30) and negatively correlated with TA (r = −0.29). The individuals were grouped into two main clusters, and clusters were divided into several sub-clusters with high diversity among the individuals according to each of phenotypic and chemical traits. The results of the current study indicated that the individuals studied must be conserved as valuable genetic resources. Also, it was found very important to enrich the seedless barberry gene pool to find several valuable well-adapted individuals suitable for the production.

Changes in fruit maturity indices and growth pattern along the harvest season in seedless barberry under different altitude conditions

BACKGROUND: Barberry fruit is an important source of anthocyanin, and strongly uses for Zereshk Poloee, a delicious diet in Iran. OBJECTIVE: We are trying to find how fruit quality of barberry is affected under different locations and if sooner harvesting may be possible, which encouraged us to do these studies. METHODS: The present study was conducted in three different locations (Marvak, Marak and Amirabad with 2079, 1648 and 1480 m altitude) around Birjand, Iran. Fruit sampling was done 66, 98, 122, 155 days after full bloom (DAFB) and also in economical harvesting (EH) date. RESULTS: The results showed that berry number, fruit fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW), juice weight and volume, pH, total acidity (TA), total soluble solids (TSS), maturity index, anthocyanin and total phenols significantly changed with advancement of growing season under different climatic conditions. Interactive effect of sampling time×location indicated the highest pH in Marak and Amirabad and the highest TSS and TSS/TA ratio in Amirabad in EH, and the highest phenols in Marak in 155 DAFB and EH. The highest anthocyanin content accumulated in Marvak, exactly in EH. Using changes in FW, DW and volume of fruit, a double-sigmoidal curve observed for barberry fruit growth. CONCLUSION: Regarding to obtained data and specially anthocyanin accumulation, we propose regions with higher altitude for seedless barberry cultivation and production because of earlier harvest with more qualified fruit.

The first report: Chilling and heat requirements of seedless barberry ( Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma)

Abstract Seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma) is a particular fruit crop that has been used extensively as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine. For the first time, chilling and heat requirements of seedless barberry for breaking of dormancy were calculated. The studied genotypes assayed were selected from Khorasan-e-Jonoobi province in the eastern part of Iran. Uniform one-year-old cuttings were obtained from the shrubs of each genotype after leaf fall and were stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 0.00 (control), 400, 700, 1100 and 1400 h. Six characters including days to the first leaf bud break, days to the first flower bud break, days to full flower bud break, leaf bud number, flower bud number and flowered bunch number were examined. In addition, chilling and heat requirements were determined. Results showed that chilling treatments had significant effects on all the measured traits. The cuttings reached a period of chilling of 1100–1400 h showed the earliest full flower bud break. The highest number of flowered bunches was observed in the cuttings treated with 1400 h chilling. All the genotypes had a chilling requirement of 1400 h. On the contrary, the genotypes were classified into two groups based on heat requirements with 2904 and 3432 growing degree hours (GDHs), however, they were not significantly differed in this regards. In conclusion, the present information can be used to advise seedless barberry farmers about which genotypes are best suited to areas with different winter conditions.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of berberis species.

The genus Berberis (Berberidaceae) includes about 500 species worldwide, some of which are widely cultivated in the north-eastern regions of Iran. This genus consists of spiny deciduous evergreen shrubs, characterized by yellow wood and flowers. The cultivation of seedless barberry in South Khorasan goes back to two hundred years ago. Medicinal properties for all parts of these plants have been reported, including: Antimicrobial, antiemetic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, sedative, anti-cholinergic, cholagogic, anti-leishmaniasis, and anti-malaria. The main compounds found in various species of Berberis, are berberine and berbamine. Phytochemical analysis of various species of this genus revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, sterols and triterpenes. Although there are some review articles on Berberis vulgaris (as the most applied species), there is no review on the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of other well-known species of the genus Berberis. For this reason, the present review mainly focused on the diverse secondary metabolites of various species of this genus and the considerable pharmacological and biological activities together with a concise story of the botany and cultivation.

Thin Layer Modeling of the Convective Drying of Barberry Fruit (<em>Berberis vulgaris</em>)

In this study, the drying kinetics of seedless barberry fruit was studied at 55, 65 and 75˚C air temperatures and 1±0.2 m/s air velocity in a laboratory thin layer dryer with forced convection. Samples were subjected to two different pretreatments (citric acid and vapor). The drying of seedless barberry fruit took place in the falling rate drying period. Ten thin layer-drying models were fitted to the experimental moisture ratio. Compared with other models the Midilli <em>et al</em>. (2002) drying model was found to satisfactorily describe the drying curves of barberry with highest amounts of coefficient of determination (r²) and lowest amounts of reduced chi-square(x²), Mean Bias Error (MBE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The effective moisture diffusivity (D_eff) of barberry increased as the drying air temperature increased. An Arrhenius relation with activation energy values of 45.577 kJ/mol (citric acid pretreatment) expressed the effect of temperature on the diffusivity.

Vacuum Drying of Barberry Fruit (&lt;em&gt;Berberis vulgaris&lt;/em&gt;) and Selection of a Suitable Thin Layer Drying Model

In an investigation on kinetics of seedless barberry drying at 35, 45 and 55°C in vacuum and with water vapor and citric acid pre-treatments, the value of effective moisture Diffusivity (D_eff) was calculated using the second Fick's diffusion equation, activation energy was determined and drying process was simulated by 10 common mathematical equations of thin layer-drying models. Results which were obtained from regression analysis of studied models showed that approximation of diffusion model had the best fitting for vacuum-drying of barberries through available data. Drying barberry took place in the falling rate drying period and pre-treated samples had higher drying rate. The effective diffusivity coefficient for vacuum-drying of barberry fruits was evaluated between 0.0228×10^-10 and 0.2538×10^-10 m²/s, which increased along with temperature rise. An Arrhenius equation for drying of seedless barberry with activation energy values ranged from 27.618 to 92.493 kJ/mol expressed the effect of temperature on moisture diffusivity.

Effects of harvest date, harvest time, and post-harvest management on quantitative and qualitative traits in seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.)

Seedless barberry is a native medicinal shrub that has been cultivated in Iran for more than two centuries. In order to study the effects of harvest dates, harvest times-of-day, drying and harvest methods on quantity and quality of seedless barberry fruits, three separate experiments were conducted in Soorand, Southern Khorasan province, Iran in 2008 and 2010. In the first experiment the effects of different harvest dates (9 September, 1 October, 22 October and 13 November), in the second experiment five harvest times-of-day (07.00, 10.00, 13.00, 16.00 and 19.00 O’clock) at two dates of harvest (16 September and 17 October) and finally in the third study the effect of picking methods (branch cutting and berry picking) and drying methods (sun drying and shade drying) were studied on quantitative and qualitative indices of seedless barberry. Results showed that the highest fresh and dry fruit yields were obtained at the final harvest date (13 November) in the first experiment. Moreover, the brix, pH and anthocyanin fruit content were increased but total titratable acidity was decreased by delaying in harvest date. Qualitative indices of seedless barberry were in maximum values before sunrise, then were decreased until noon and after that were increased until sunset. The maximum and minimum brix values were obtained at 07.00 and 10.00 (12.7% and 9.7%, respectively). In addition, the highest maturity index and anthocyanin fruit content (mg/100g dry berries) were obtained at 7.00 (3.40 and 128.5, respectively) and the lowest values of these indices were observed at 10.00 (3.03 and 83, respectively). The maximum value of brix (9.8%), total titratable acidity (3.5%), maturity index (2.8) and anthocyanin fruit content (63.5mg/100g dry berries) were observed in berry picking method. Moreover, the highest brix value (9.8%), total titratable acidity (3.6%), maturity index (2.7) and anthocyanin fruit content (72.5mg/100g dry berries) were obtained in the sun drying method. Generally, results of these experiments showed that berry picking in cool hours during the day and sun drying method are effective ways for improving barberry qualitative indices.

Investigation into Seasonal Effect and Browning Inhibitor on Callus Regeneration of Seedless Barberry (Berberis vulgaris var. asperma)

Leaves, one year old stems and buds were used as explants. WPM, B5, MS, half and one-fourth strength MS with 2,4-?D, NAA, IBA, IAA and picloram 2, 5 and 10 mg/l were used for callus induction. Investigation into the seasonal effect on callus regeneration and explants browning was carried out in mid-April until September. Results showed that washing with sterile distilled water for one hour after surface sterilization was the best treatment for browning inhibition of explants than other treatments. Leaf explants have best callus formation. MS with 8 g/l agar had strong effect on callus formation. Culture for callus formation in May and June found to be higher than other months. 2,4-D, NAA and 10 mg/l picloram significantly enhanced callus formation. Leaf and bud explants sampling in April to May did not show any endophyte contamination but leaf explants in June until September, specially the one year old stems, showed intensive contamination. Key words: Seasonal effect, Browning inhibitor, Berberis vulgaris D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10239 Plant Tissue Cult. &amp; Biotech. 21(2): 161-168, 2011 (December)

Effect of harvesting and drying methods of seedless barberry on some fruit quality

Barberry species ( Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma) is cultivated in arid and semi arid areas of Iran (Southern Khorasan) and it is widely used as a food additive. Harvesting time awareness and proper drying and harvesting methods can cause higher production quality and enhance the position of this fruit in internal and global markets. Barberry trees were harvested at different methods (branch-cutting, cluster picking and impact force) and times (mid September-late October-mid November) as well as barberry fruits were dried with different methods (shade-drying, sun-drying and industrial-drying) in order to study their effect on achieve optimal production conditions and production quality. The results showed that the bulk density of dried barberry as the criteria for puffy barberry fruits was affected by harvesting and drying methods. Branch-cut harvesting method led to yield production with the lowest bulk density (rate of 214.86 kg/m 3) and thus causing more puffy fruits. Colorimetric parameter A that shows the redness of barberry fruits had the lowest rate in sun-drying method and first harvest date, and the highest rate in shade-drying method and third harvest date. The result also, shows that the sun-drying and industrial method caused damage to barberry pigments (color quality of production is reduced). This also was confirmed via the results of sensory tests, and the Panelists gave the most points to the taken samples during the second harvest date in cluster-picking approach and the shade-drying method. The lowest scores of the Panelists were belonged to the samples taken with impact force and the first harvest date in sun-drying approach.

Molecular analysis of Iranian seedless barberries via SSR

Little is known about the genetic diversity of seedless barberry cultivars and its wild type relatives. Microsatellite markers next to the morphological traits were used to distinguish the relatedness of some 47 genotypes; forty-five Iranian genotypes including both seedless cultivars and wild types and two foreign genotypes: Berberis vulgaris and Berberis thunbergii. SSR primers were designed based on seven Mahonia primer pairs. The primers were used to study the polymorphism between collected barberry genotypes. The bands were scored as allelic data to generate a phylogenetic tree. A morphological descriptor bearing sixteen traits was defined and attempted to somewhat establish a correlation to the molecular marker pattern. The primer pairs produced 101 putative alleles. Amongst which GA33 and CA04 had the highest discriminating power and Shannon index. The number of alleles per locus was varied between 6 and 35 alleles, with an average of 14.28. A genetic similarity, more than 82%, was noted amongst seedless cultivars. Cluster analysis of both the markers and the traits next to the principal coordinate analysis of SSRs revealed remarkable relationships between seedless barberry cultivars and Berberis integerrima. Additionally based on the morphological dendrogram, it was established that the B. integerrima genotypes bear more seedless fruits once compared to the other genotypes. In summary, our data were indicative of high genetic variability amongst collected genotypes with B. integerrima being the predominant species in the eastern parts of Iran. Moreover, the Mahonia SSR markers were demonstrated to be highly polymorphic on barberry genus, suggestive to be a proper discriminating tool.

Mechanism of seedlessness in Iranian seedless barberry ( Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma)

Species of barberry ( Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma) is cultivated in arid and semi arid areas of Iran (South Khorasan province). It is widely used as a food additive. Fruits of this species are seedless, while wild type barberries produce seeds in the same area. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of seedlessness in seedless barberry by pollen viability test, field pollination experiments and microscopic observation of pollen tube growth in pistil and ovule development. For comparison, we also examined ovule development in wild type barberry ( B. crataegina DC). In seedless barberry pollen germination was about 54%. Seedless barberry produced 20% seeded fruits when pollinated with pollen of wild type barberry. There was a sharp decrease in fruit set in emasculated unpollinated flowers of seedless barberry. In seedless barberry, a large number of pollen grains (about 370) were observed on stigma of each flower at 12 h after balloon stage (ABS). Most of them germinated and penetrated intracellular area of stigma surface, but no pollen tube reached ovary. In seedless barberry, many ovules did not have any embryo sac or had a very small incomplete embryo sac. In addition, unfused polar nuclei were clearly recognized in some cases at 14 days after full bloom (AFB). However, in wild type, double fertilization was accompanied by disappearance of polar nuclei. In seeded barberry, the cellularized endosperm became apparent at seven days AFB. At 21 days AFB, all ovules of seedless barberry were degenerated, while at the same time in wild type, one or two ovules of each flower were normal and were developing into complete seeds. Results showed that self-incompatibility has a main role in seedlessness of seedless barberry. However, the high frequency of abnormal ovules and single fertilization can be considered as two other reasons of seedlessness. Due to our results, fruits of seedless barberry were set by stimulative parthenocarpy.