Temperate Fruit Research Articles

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of TCP Genes in Eight Prunus Species and Their Expression Patterns Under Cold Stress in P. tenella var. tenella

Background/Objectives: Teosinte branched1/Cycloidea/Proliferating cell nuclear antigen factors (TCPs) are plant-specific transcription factors involved in leaf development, flowering, branching, hormone signaling, and stress responses. Prunus a key temperate fruit tree with ornamental spring blooms, still lacks comprehensive TCP gene studies across many species. Methods: We identified 154 TCP genes in eight Prunus species: 19 in Prunus tenella var. tenella, 19 in P. amygdalus, 17 in P. armeniaca ‘Rojo Pasion’, 19 in P. mira, 20 in P. jamasakura var. jamasakura, 19 in P. fruticosa, 19 in P. mume var. tortuosa, and 22 in P. × yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’. These genes were classified into PCF, CIN, and CYC/TB1 groups. We examined segmental duplication, conserved motifs, and cis-acting elements. Expression patterns of 12 TCPs in P. tenella var. tenella were tested under low-temperature stress (25 °C, 5 °C, −5 °C, and −10 °C), and PtTCP9’s subcellular localization was determined. Results: TCP genes within the same groups showed similar motifs and cis-acting elements. Cold stress analysis identified multiple low-temperature-responsive elements in gene promoters. Four genes (PtTCP2, PtTCP6, PtTCP14, and PtTCP16) increased expression under cold stress, while six genes (PtTCP1, PtTCP5, PtTCP8, PtTCP9, PtTCP17, and PtTCP19) decreased. PtTCP9 was localized to the nucleus. Conclusions: This was the first genome-wide study of the TCP gene family in these eight Prunus species, providing valuable insights into the characteristics and functions of TCP genes within this important genus.

Telomere-to-telomere Genome Assembly of two representative Asian and European pear cultivars

As the third most important temperate fruit, Pear (Pyrus spp.) exhibits a remarkable genetic diversity and is classified into two mainly categories known as Asian pear and European pear. Although several pear genomes are available, most of the released versions are fragmented and not chromosome-level high-quality. In this study, we report two high-quality genomes for Pyrus bretschneideri Rhed. cv. ‘Danshansuli’ (DS) and Pyrus communis L. cv. ‘Conference’ (KFL), which represent the predominant Asian and European cultivars, respectively, with nearly telomere-to-telomere (T2T) gap-free level. The finally assembled genome sizes for DS and KFL were 510.98 Mb and 510.71 Mb, respectively, with Contig N50 of 29.47 Mb and 30.47 Mb, where each chromosome was represented by a single contig. The DS and KFL genomes yielded a total of 46,394 and 44,702 protein-coding genes, respectively. Among these genes, the functional annotation accounted for 96.47% and 96.46% in the DS and KFL genomes. The two novels nearly T2T genomic information offers an invaluable resource for comparative genomics, genetic diversity analysis, molecular breeding strategies, and functional exploration.

Comparative Analysis of Some Morpho-cultural Characters of Venturia inaequalis (Apple Scab Pathogen) under Kashmir Conditions

Apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) represents one of the most widely cultivated and economically important temperate fruit crops in the world. However, its cultivation faces significant challenges due to various fungal pathogens, particularly apple scab inflicted by Venturia inaequalis, which has a profound impact on the yield and quality of apple, resulting in substantial economic loss. The pervasive nature of V. inaequalis and its ability to damage crops poses a serious threat to sustainable apple production. In this study, the morpho-cultural characteristics of V. inaequalis were systematically analyzed and compared between the Shopian and Baramullah districts of the Kashmir Valley. Ten isolates from each district were grown on Malt Extract Agar (MEA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) for comparative analysis. The colonies were characterized by a compact hue ranging from greyish-green to blackish and exhibited a densely velvety texture. Mycelial growth was predominantly aerial, with some isolates displaying partial irregularity in colony margins, while others exhibited greater uniformity. The mean colony radii for potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar media was measured as 23.01 mm and 28.50 mm for the Shopian district, and 28.09 mm and 33.33 mm for the Baramullah district, respectively. The mean conidial spore density was recorded at 27.87 spores/cm² for the Baramullah district and 34.67 spores/cm² for the district Shopian, respectively. This variation could be attributed to several factors, including genetic diversity within the pathogen populations, differences in altitude, climate, and other environmental factors, the selection pressure exerted by fungicide applications, the emergence of novel pathogen races, and phenotypic plasticity driven by the differing agricultural practices and microclimatic conditions in the respective regions.

Alternative products for breaking dormancy in ‘Reubennel’ plum in subtropical regions

Abstract Plum is a temperate fruit tree and thus shows abundant vegetative bud percentage and flowering following extended periods of low winter temperatures. When adequate periods of low temperatures do not occur, it is necessary to apply products to stimulate bud dormancy break and uniform leaf and flower appearance. This application is more frequently needed when plum trees are grown in the tropics. The objective of this study was to evaluate alternative products for breaking dormancy in ‘Reubennel’ plum in subtropical regions. The experiment was conducted at a site located at 22°22’S, 43°77’W and 1,173 m altitude, with a Cwa climate type. The following treatments were applied to eight-year-old ‘Reubennel’ plum trees in the 2018 and 2019 production cycles: 1) a negative standard composed of only water (control), a positive standard composed of 2) 1.5% hydrogen cyanamide (HC) (Dormex® commercial product) plus 4.5% mineral oil, 3) Erger G® organomineral fertilizer supplemented with 3% calcium nitrate, 4) 5% potassium nitrate and 5) 0.3% copper sulfate. Two liters of the treatment solutions were applied per plant with a sprayer. The effect of the tested products on vegetative bud percentage and flowering capacity, production cycle reduction and production and quality of ‘Reubennel’ plums was evaluated. It was concluded that the chemicals used to break dormancy affected only the phenology of plum trees in this subtropical region and that the application of copper sulfate can be used to break dormancy in these trees.

Use of near-infrared spectrometry in temperate fruit: A review

Use of near-infrared spectrometry in temperate fruit: A review

A glimpse of light on the mystery of regulating temperate fruit tree blooming time

A glimpse of light on the mystery of regulating temperate fruit tree blooming time

Identifying indicators of apple bud dormancy status by exposure to artificial forcing conditions.

Dormancy in temperate fruit trees is a mechanism of temporary growth suspension, which is vital for tree survival during winter. Studies on this phenomenon frequently employ scientific methods that aim to detect the timing of dormancy release. Dormancy release occurs when trees have been exposed to sufficient chill, allowing them to resume growth under conducive conditions. This study investigates dormancy dynamics in two apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) cultivars, 'Nicoter' and 'Topaz', by sampling branches in an orchard over 14weeks (2019 to 2020) and over 31weeks (2021 to 2022) and subjecting them to a 42-day budbreak forcing period in a growth chamber. Temporal changes in budbreak percentages demonstrated dormancy progression in the studied apple cultivars and allowed the three main dormancy phases to be distinguished: paradormancy (summer dormancy), endodormancy (deep dormancy) and ecodormancy (spring dormancy), along with transition periods between them. Using these data, we explored the suitability of several alternative methods to determine endodormancy release. Tabuenca's test, which predicts dormancy release based on the differences in dry weights of buds with and without forcing, showed promise for this purpose. However, our data indicated a need for considerable adjustments and validation of this test. Bud weight and water content of buds in the orchard did not align with budbreak percentages under forcing conditions, rendering them unsuitable for determining endodormancy release in 'Nicoter' and 'Topaz'. Shoot growth cessation did not seem to be connected with either dormancy progression or dormancy depth of the studied cultivars, whereas leaf fall coincided with the beginning of the transition from endo- to ecodormancy. This work addresses methodological limitations in dormancy research and suggests considering the mean time to budbreak and budbreak synchrony as additional criteria to assess tree dormancy status.

Selection of indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with good oenological and aroma characteristics for winemaking in Ningxia China

Ningxia is one of the well-known wine producing regions in China. However, the oenological and aroma characteristics of indigenous yeasts remains hidden. The fermentative and oenological properties including stress resistance, hydrogen sulfide, foam production levels; killer phenotype, and flocculation of 89 Ningxia indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates and ten commercial yeasts were evaluated. The fermentative and oenological properties of the tested strains varied significantly. They could resist 500 g/L glucose, 300 mg/L SO2, 14% (v/v) ethanol and pH 2.8, and produce more esters. They also produce low levels of ethanol and could conduct fermentations vigorously and at a high rate. Cabernet Sauvignon wines made with NXU 21–24 showed the high intensity of tropical fruit, dry fruit, temperate fruit, and spicy flavor. The floral flavor in NXU 21–102 fermented wine is very intense. The indigenous S. cerevisiae strains of NXU 21–102 and NXU 21–24 exhibited potential use as starter cultures in wine production.

Impact of biodynamic and organic vineyard management on the microorganism community and aroma characteristics of cabernet sauvignon wine

Researchers and winemakers have recently paid more attention to biodynamic (BDN) and organic (ORG) vineyard management to produce more healthy and regional wines. However, little attention has been paid to the correlation between agricultural systems, microbiota, and wine quality in biodynamic and organic wines in Ningxia, China. In this study, volatiles of wine and microorganism diversities during the wine fermentation using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from vineyards of biodynamic, non-dynamics (BNDc, i.e., conventional one which was close to BND, considered to be a control of BND), organic, and non-organic (ORGc, i.e., conventional one which was close to BND, considered to be a control of ORG) in Ningxia, China were investigated. Hanseniaspora uvarum, Cladosporium sp., and Alternaria alternata were the main three fungal species, and Lactobacillus kunkeei, Citrus maxima, and Tatumella ptyseos were the main three bacterial species. Surprisingly, BDNc and ORG showed a significantly higher diversity of fungal communities than BDN and ORGc. The network in BDNc was the most complex, with the highest average degree and density and a higher clustering coefficient. Managing biodynamic and organic vineyards could result in floral, herb, spice, and medium floral aromas with low temperate fruit, tropical fruit, and berry flavors to wines. The correlation between agricultural systems, microbiota, and wine sensory systems showed that lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus) played critical roles in ORG and BDN by offering pleasant sensory and nutritional benefits. Moreover, Nowamyces globulus, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Fusarium sp., Microterricola viridarii, Citrus maxima, Sphingomonas faeni, Cladosporium sp., Cladosporium ramotenellum, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Kodamaea ohmeri and Lactobacillus plantarum were positively correlated with aroma compounds. This study improves our understanding of the influence of vineyard management on microorganism succession and wine characteristics, providing a reference and scientific basis for the development of BDN and ORG wines.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Meyrick, 1909) Voltinism: Implications for Fruit Production in Southern Brazil.

The leafroller Argyrotaenia sphaleropa (Meyrick) is an important pest of temperate fruits. Its biology and population dynamics are strongly influenced by temperature. In this context, this study aims to select a mathematical model that accurately describes the temperature-dependent development rate of A. sphaleropa and applies this model to predict the impact of climate change on the number of annual generations (voltinism) of the pest in southern Brazil. Nine mathematical models were employed to fit the species' developmental rate at different constant temperatures. Voltinism was projected using climate data from the current period (1994-2013) and projections for 2050 and 2070. The Brière-1 model (D(T) = aT(T-TL)(TH-T)1/2) provided the best fit for the temperature-dependent developmental rate of A. sphaleropa. According to this model, the regions with the highest voltinism under current climatic conditions are the northern and central areas of Paraná, the western and northeastern regions of Santa Catarina, and northwestern Rio Grande do Sul. The model also predicts a rise in A. sphaleropa voltinism as a consequence of climate change, especially in the mountainous regions of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, with projected increases of up to 25.1%. These regions encompass most areas where temperate fruits used as hosts by the leafroller are cultivated. This study represents a significant advancement in understanding the implications of global warming on A. sphaleropa voltinism and suggests that forthcoming climatic conditions will likely favor the species across much of southern Brazil.

Comparative Performance Evaluation of Double-Stranded RNA High-Throughput Sequencing for the Detection of Viral Infection in Temperate Fruit Crops.

There is limited information on the compared performances of biological, serological. and molecular assays with high-throughput sequencing (HTS) for viral indexing in temperate fruit crops. Here, using a range of samples of predetermined virological status, we compared two performance criteria (inclusivity and analytical sensitivity) of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), molecular hybridization, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) HTS for the detection of a total of 14 viruses (10 genera) and four viroids (three genera). When undiluted samples from individual plants were used, ELISA had the lowest performance, with an overall detection rate of 68.7%, followed by RT-PCR (82.5%) and HTS (90.7%; 100% if considering only viruses). The lower performance of RT-PCR reflected the inability to amplify some isolates as a consequence of point mutations affecting primer-binding sites. In addition, HTS identified viruses that had not been identified by other assays in nearly two-thirds of the samples. Analysis of serial dilutions of fruit tree samples allowed comparison of analytical sensitivities for various viruses. ELISA showed the lowest analytical sensitivity, but RT-PCR showed higher analytical sensitivity than HTS for most of the samples. Overall, these results confirm the superiority of HTS over biological indexing in terms of speed and inclusivity and show that while the absolute analytical sensitivity of RT-PCR tends to be higher than that of HTS, PCR inclusivity is affected by viral genetic diversity. Taken together, these results make a strong case for the implementation of HTS-based approaches in fruit tree viral testing protocols supporting quarantine and certification programs.

The Root-Lesion Nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, Affects Early Growth and Physiology of Grafted M.9, G.41, and G.935 Apple Rootstocks Similarly Under Field Microplot Conditions.

The root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, is a ubiquitous parasite of roots of temperate fruit trees. It affects early growth of trees replanted into former orchard sites where populations have built up and may contribute to decline complexes of older trees. Most British Columbia, Canada, apple acreage is planted with M.9 rootstock, but growers are increasingly considering Geneva-series rootstocks such as G.41 and G.935. Among these rootstocks, responses to P. penetrans, specifically, are poorly known. To compare the resistance and tolerance to P. penetrans of G.41, G.935, and M.9 rootstocks ('Ambrosia' scion), a field microplot experiment was established in spring of 2020 at the Summerland Research and Development Centre. The experimental design was a two by three factorial combination of: P. penetrans inoculation (+/-) and rootstock (G.41, G.935, and M.9), with 20 replicate microplots of each of the six treatment combinations arranged in a randomized complete block design. The P. penetrans inoculum was 5,400 nematodes per microplot (54 P. penetrans liter-1 soil), which is below commonly accepted damage thresholds. Though P. penetrans population densities were lower for the G.41 rootstock by the end of the 2021 growing season, the effects of P. penetrans were similar among rootstocks. In the establishment year (2020), P. penetrans caused significant reductions in aboveground growth. In 2021, shoot growth and root weight were reduced by P. penetrans. The nematode also reduced rates of leaf gas exchange and stem water potential. These data suggest that while G.41 and G.935 may have other horticultural benefits over M.9, they are equally susceptible to P. penetrans at the early stages of tree growth.

Investigating the effect of plant growth regulators in the endodormancy release in apricot by a metabolomic approach

Endodormancy is one of the most studied physiological processes in perennial plants like apricot. This period is vital both for the tree survival against the adverse climatic conditions of winter and for obtaining a proper flowering and fruit set. Many studies have remarked the importance of chill accumulation as the limiting factor for endodormancy release. The increase of mean temperatures caused by climate change has been seriously endangering this process during the last decades. Because of this, plant growth regulators for promoting endodormancy release have spread worldwide. However, due to the toxicity and the irregular efficiency, there is a great necessity of developing new environment-friendly regulators for promoting endodormancy release. In this 3-year study, we applied four different commercial plant growth regulators to the Flopría apricot cultivar. Two of them, Broston® and Erger® were the most effective ones to advance endodormancy release. The physiology and biochemistry behind these treatments were studied by a non-target metabolomic and expression analysis in flower buds. Metabolic groups, like phospholipids, only varied in treated samples, whereas others like by-products of L-Phe metabolism, or ABA significantly varied in both types of samples throughout endodormancy release. Finally, to validate these results, solutions of phospholipids, phenylpropanoids, or ABA, among others, were applied for the first time to apricot trees, showing, i.e., that phospholipids treated-trees released from endodormancy two weeks earlier than control. This study aims to be an initial stage for the elaboration of environmentally safe regulators in apricot, with a potential in other Prunus and temperate fruit tree species.

Dormancy dynamics and cold hardiness of apple trees grown in a mild winter region

In temperate fruit plants, climate is the main factor correlating changes in plant physiology, mainly those related to entry and exit from dormancy and cold hardiness. Acclimation to cold and its relationship with dormancy are still unknown in areas with a subtropical climate. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the dormancy dynamics and their interaction with the cold hardiness of different tissues of apple cultivars with different chilling requirements in two cultivation sites in a mild winter region in southern Brazil. The analyses were conducted from 2018 to 2022. The cultivars Gala, Fuji, and Eva were used in two environments with different altitudes. The dormancy dynamics were analyzed using the single-node cutting test, and the cold hardiness of the different tissues of each genotype was evaluated through electrolyte leakage in laboratory freezing tests. Cultivars Gala and Fuji had a greater depth of dormancy than Eva. Plants grown in orchards with higher chill accumulation had a greater depth of dormancy. Cold hardiness varied among cultivars, with the Eva cultivar having the lowest cold hardiness in mid-winter. The tissues (bud, bark, and wood) had different cold hardiness in early winter, with wood having the greatest cold hardiness, followed by bud and bark. As Eva did not go into deep dormancy, a superficial and short acclimation to cold was observed, in addition to rapid sprouting, even in winter. This condition predisposed it to cold damage to tissues in the pre-sprouting period. In this study, we found that maximum cold hardiness occurred after the end of the deep-endodormancy phase. Deacclimation of all cultivars occurred very quickly.

Scientific Study of Brassinosteroids on Production of Fruit Crops: A Review

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are considered as the sixth group of plant growth regulators with significant growth promoting activity in many horticulture and agriculture crops. This phytohormone was discovered from the pollen of Brassica napus L. on the basis of their ability to promote growth. Currently, more than 70 BRs have been isolated from different plant species, but only three viz., Brassinolide (BL), 24-Epibrassinolide (EBL) and 28-Homobrassinolide (HBL) are found to be the most biologically active forms and extensively used in various crops. They are eco-friendly, effective at very low concentration, cost effective and almost always have synergetic effect when interacts with other phytohormones. Owing to diverse physiological roles and cross talk with other hormones influence on plant growth and development, they are being collectively referred as ‘pleiotropic phytohormone’. Although, BRs were discovered towards the end of twentieth century, but the dynamic applications and outcomes were reported mainly during the inception of twenty first century, hence BRs were termed as ‘hormone of the twenty-first century’. The application of BRs at different growth stages have been reported to positively influences such as nutrients uptakes, growth, yield and quality attributes on many fruit crops which includes tropical, sub-tropical and temperate fruit crops at very low concentrations have great roles in terms of growth, yield, fruit quality and stress tolerance mechanisms, which results to lucrative adventure of farming community. This review article will provide an elucidated insight into the application of BR in different fruit crops.

Perspectives on the adaptation of Japanese plum-type cultivars to reduced winter chilling in two regions of Spain.

Japanese plum, like other temperate fruit tree species, has cultivar-specific temperature requirements during dormancy for proper flowering. Knowing the temperature requirements of this species is of increasing interest due to the great genetic variability that exists among the available Japanese plum-type cultivars, since most of them are interspecific hybrids. The reduction of winter chilling caused by climate change is threatening their cultivation in many regions. In this work, the adaptation perspectives of 21 Japanese plum-type cultivars were analyzed in two of the main plum-growing regions in Spain, Badajoz and Zaragoza, to future climate conditions. Endodormancy release for subsequent estimation of chilling and heat requirements was determined through empirical experiments conducted during dormancy at least over two years. Chill requirements were calculated using three models [chilling hours (CH), chilling units (CU) and chilling portions (CP)] and heat requirements using growing degree hours (GDH). Chilling requirements ranged 277-851 CH, 412-1,030 CU and 26-51 CP, and heat requirements ranged from 4,343 to 9,525 GDH. The potential adaption of the cultivars to future warmer conditions in both regions was assessed using climate projections under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP), RCP4.5 (effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions) and RCP8.5 (continuous increase in greenhouse gas emissions), in two time horizons, from the middle to the end of 21st century, with temperature projections from 15 Global Climate Models. The probability of satisfying the estimated cultivar-specific chilling requirements in Badajoz was lower than in Zaragoza, because of the lower chill availability predicted. In this region, the cultivars analyzed herein may have limited cultivation because the predicted reduction in winter chill may result in the chilling requirements not being successfully fulfilled.

Phenomics and transcriptomic profiling of fruit development in distinct apple varieties

Apple is one of the most economically important and popular temperate fruit trees. The domestication of apple has resulted in substantial phenotypic differences, particularly between wild and cultivated varieties. However, the relationship between gene expression and phenotypic variations in apple remains poorly understood. Here, we present a comprehensive dataset featuring five distinct apple varieties, including two wild varieties and three representative cultivated varieties. The dataset comprises of both phenomics data, encompassing twelve fruit quality-related traits continuously measured over two years, and transcriptomic data obtained at different developmental stages with three biological replicates. We performed basic quality control process, gene expression normalization and differential gene expression analysis to demonstrate the utility and reliability of the dataset. Our findings indicate that gene expression strongly related with phenotypic variations in apple. This dataset serves as a valuable resource, encompassing phenomics and transcriptomic data in multiple formats, thereby facilitating further exploration of the relationships between gene expression and phenotypic traits in apple.

EuAP2a, a key gene that regulates flowering time in peach (Prunus persica) by modulating Thermo-responsive transcription programming

Abstract Frequent spring frost damage threatens temperate fruit production, and the breeding of late-flowering cultivars is an effective strategy for preventing such damage, but the lack of specific genes and markers and a lack of understanding of the mechanisms make it difficult. We examined a Late-Flowering Peach (LFP) germplasm and found that its floral buds require a longer chilling period to release from their dormancy and a longer warming period to bloom than the control cultivar, two key characteristics associated with flowering time. We discovered that a 983-bp deletion in euAP2a, an APETALA2 (AP2)-related gene with known roles in regulating floral organ identity and flowering time, was primarily responsible for late flowering in LFP. This deletion disrupts an miR172 binding site, resulting in a gain-of-function mutation in euAP2a. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that at different stages of floral development, two chilling-responsive modules and four warm-responsive modules, comprising approximately 600 genes, were sequentially activated, forming a unique transcription programming. Furthermore, we found that euAP2a was transiently downregulated during the activation of these thermal-responsive modules at various stages. However, the loss of such transient, stage-specific downregulation of euAP2a caused by the deletion of miR172 binding sites resulted in the deactivation or delay of these modules in the LFP flower buds, suggesting that euAP2a acts as a transcription repressor to control floral developmental pace in peaches by modulating the thermo-responsive transcription programming. The findings shed light on the mechanisms behind late flowering in deciduous fruit trees, which is instrumental for breeding frost-tolerant cultivars.

Dehydrated and Freeze-dried Peach Fruit: A Prolonged Shelf-life Product through Modern Drying Techniques

Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) is a valuable temperate fruit from the Rosaceae family, which also includes many other commercially important fruits such as apples and pears, apricots, cherries and plums, and blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. Peaches are known for being a rich source of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and vitamins, as well as possessing a high antioxidant activity, all of which are associated with various health benefits. Furthermore, consumers greatly value high-quality peaches due to their exceptional nutritional value and enjoyable sensory attributes. This publication aims to familiarize growers, Extension agents and specialists, and the public with insight into drying methods of peach fruit, including freeze-drying and dehydration, that can extend shelf life of this commodity for year-round enjoyment.

Stand age and soil organic matter management as driven factors of soil biota community composition and soil chemical properties in a subtropical Acrisol

AbstractPyrus pyrifolia is a common temperate fruit crop cultivated in Southern Brazil for fruit production. Although this plant species is found in several Brazilian states (Paraná, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul), it is predominantly concentrated in the smallholder farming system in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Our aim was to compare the soil biota community composition, soil chemical properties, and soil quality in two adjacent stands with different ages. Within each stand, we analysed the influence of four organic residue management practices. Our results indicated that both studied stands, influenced by different organic residue management practices, exhibited differences in soil biota community composition, soil chemical properties, and soil quality. Acaridae, Araneidae, Blattidae, Halictophagidae, and Opiliones were the main contributors, explaining 78.08% of the variance in the data. The 16‐year‐old stand, with compost utilization, displayed a high biodiversity of soil organisms, average soil chemical properties, and the highest values of soil quality, creating a habitat for predators and providing energy for litter transformers and ecosystem engineers in subtropical Acrisol. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the influence of old stands on soil biota community composition, soil chemical properties, ecosystem homeostasis, herbivory pressure, and prey‐predation relationships. This, in turn, may enhance interest in establishing new management plans for Pyrus pyrifolia stands in commercial orchards.