Vaccinium Macrocarpon Research Articles

Environmental aspects of cranberry cultivation in the south of the Khabarovsk Territory

The article represents the results of the introduction of American varieties of Vaccinium macrocarpon in the Khabarovsk Territory. Cranberry is of great value in human nutrition due to its high nutritional significance and unique medicinal value. The experience of plantation cultivation of cranberry in the United States, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Poland, and Belarus proves the high efficiency of its cultivation: yields on plantations are tens or even hundreds of times higher than in natural brushwoods. Early, medium and medium-late varieties with high consumer properties are the most suitable for cultivation in the South of the Khabarovsk Territory. The advantages of cranberry cultivation in the region are the wide distribution of peat-like and peaty soils, suitable natural and climatic conditions, experimental confirmation of the possibility to obtain high yields of berries, and a high economic effect. Cranberry cultivation can also help reduce the anthropogenic load on the natural berry fields of the region. The paper provides data on the survivability, length of shoots growth, and yield of these varieties.

Mitochondrial genome of the nonphotosynthetic mycoheterotrophic plant Hypopitys monotropa, its structure, gene expression and RNA editing.

Heterotrophic plants—plants that have lost the ability to photosynthesize—are characterized by a number of changes at all levels of organization. Heterotrophic plants are divided into two large categories—parasitic and mycoheterotrophic (MHT). The question of to what extent such changes are similar in these two categories is still open. The plastid genomes of nonphotosynthetic plants are well characterized, and they exhibit similar patterns of reduction in the two groups. In contrast, little is known about the mitochondrial genomes of MHT plants. We report the structure of the mitochondrial genome of Hypopitys monotropa, a MHT member of Ericaceae, and the expression of its genes. In contrast to its highly reduced plastid genome, the mitochondrial genome of H. monotropa is larger than that of its photosynthetic relative Vaccinium macrocarpon, and its complete size is ~810 Kb. We observed an unusually long repeat-rich structure of the genome that suggests the existence of linear fragments. Despite this unique feature, the gene content of the H. monotropa mitogenome is typical of flowering plants. No acceleration of substitution rates is observed in mitochondrial genes, in contrast to previous observations in parasitic non-photosynthetic plants. Transcriptome sequencing revealed the trans-splicing of several genes and RNA editing in 33 of 38 genes. Notably, we did not find any traces of horizontal gene transfer from fungi, in contrast to plant parasites, which extensively integrate genetic material from their hosts.

Chemopreventive Effects of Cranberry Extracts on Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer

Abstract Objectives Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at a greater risk of developing colon carcinoma. Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are a commonly grown crop in North America which contain constituents relevant to human health, including flavonoids, phenolics and terpenoids. Recently, we have demonstrated the chemopreventive effects of whole cranberry fruits against colitis and colon cancer in murine models. However, the secondary metabolites in cranberry fruit could play different contributions against colon carcinogenesis. Thus, comparing nonpolar (ECE) and polar extracts (DPE) of cranberries to determine their efficacy on colon carcinogenesis is desired. Methods Selected polyphenols and other constituents were determined using established methods: quantitative 1H NMR methods by Bruker Assure-RMS for triterpenoids, HPLC-DAD for anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides and proanthocyanidins by DMAC assay. Over half of ECE was made up of triterpenes and sterols and trace amount of proanthocyanidins. Over 70% of DPE was polyphenol and trace amount of triterpenes. Higher free-radical scavenging activity was found in DPE than ECE. Results Next, we determined the chemopreventive effects of ECE and DPE extracts against colitis-associated colon cancer in azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated mice. It was observed that oral administration of ECE and DPE extracts at physiologically achievable doses significantly suppressed the development of colitis-associated colon cancer, evidenced by decreased tumor incidence, multiplicity and burden, compared to the control group, while minimum side-effect was observed. ECE treatment also reversed the shortening of colon caused by colitis. qRT-PCR results showed that gene expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly attenuated by ECE and DPE interventions, in comparison to the control group. Conclusions In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the novel cranberry extracts may offer an efficacious, safe and inexpensive means to prevent colonic tumorigenesis in humans, particularly for individuals with chronic inflammation. Funding Sources USDA-NIFA, Leo and Anne Albert Charitable Trust, UMass Cranberry Health Research Center/UMass President's S&T Initiative, and NIH.

Quantification of cranberry proanthocyanidins by normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using relative response factors.

American cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) contain primarily A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs), which have been shown to prevent urinary tract infection. Currently, the accurate quantification of cranberry PACs is still lacking. A normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) method using relative response factors was developed and validated to quantify cranberry PAC oligomers and polymers. PAC oligomers with degree of polymerisation (DP) 3-9 and total polymers were isolated from the cranberry juice concentrate. Characterisation of the isolated PAC oligomers was performed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. The relative response factors of oligomers from DP 2-9 and total polymers were determined against procyanidin A2. Method validation was conducted to assess limit of detection, limit of quantification, the linearity and working range, precision and accuracy. In addition, quantifications of PACs by NP-HPLC using relative response factors and two other commonly used methods were conducted in three cranberry food products. Cranberries PACs oligomers contained both A-type and B-type linkage, with epicatechin and epigallocatechin as basic units. Method validation results suggested this method is reliable and reproducible. Quantifications of PACs by NP-HPLC using relative response factors yielded higher values than that by the other two methods. A NP-HPLC method using the relative response factors was developed and validated. This method provides a more accurate approach in determining cranberry PACs. It can be used to quantify individual oligomers from DP 2-9, total polymers and total PACs in cranberries and cranberry products.

Diversity and nutritional value of pollen harvested by honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) colonies during lowbush blueberry and cranberry (Ericaceae) pollination

AbstractThe growth of the commercial pollination industry raises important concerns regarding honey bee (Apis mellifera Linnaeus; Hymenoptera: Apidae) health and development. While providing such services, honey bees are often exposed to undiversified pollen sources that may contribute to nutritional deficiencies, notably in protein and amino acids. To understand how honey bees are affected during provision of pollination services, we compared honey bee colonies that pollinated lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton; Ericaceae) and/or cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton; Ericaceae) crops (management strategies) with control colonies in a diversified farmland environment. We identified the floral species of pollen collected by honey bee colonies in those crops compared to pollen collected by control colonies. We also analysed the protein and essential amino acid content of collected pollen and bee bread and measured the nutritional impact of pollination services on honey bee colonies. We found that honey bees providing blueberry and/or cranberry pollination services are exposed to a less diversified pollen diet than colonies located in a farmland environment, especially in a cranberry field. There was a significantly lower proportion of crude protein content in collected and stored pollen during provision of blueberry pollination services, which led to a smaller brood population. Many nutritional deficiencies were measured with regards to essential amino acids.

A low citric acid trait in cranberry: genetics and molecular mapping of a locus impacting fruit acidity

The fruit of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) is known for its tart, acidic taste. Although some acidity is required for expressing fruit flavor, the high acidity of cranberry requires considerable amounts of “added-sugars” to make cranberry products palatable. Reducing acidity of cranberry would allow for less sugar to be added to cranberry products. In fruit, total acidity is quantified as titratable acidity (TA) in citric acid equivalents and typically ranges from 2.3 to 2.5% in cranberry. This study characterized the genetics of a low acid trait (TA≈1.5%), due to lower citric acid (~ 2 mg/g fresh weight), identified in an undomesticated cranberry germplasm accession. To determine the inheritance of this trait, this accession was used in a series of crosses. The progeny of these crosses exhibited phenotypic segregation consistent with single-gene Mendelian inheritance, with the low citric acid trait being largely recessive. Bulk segregant analysis using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers identified two SSR markers within < 1 cM that co-segregated with the low citric acid trait. Genotypic variation indicated that the locus, referred to as CITA, was multi-allelic with a semidominant hierarchy of alleles. Further fine mapping, through genotyping-by-sequencing, identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that placed the CITA locus on a distal end of chromosome 1. Competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) assays generated based on selected SNPs, in combination with the SSR markers identified, will facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) for low citric acid phenotypes in cranberry. Utilization of MAS will accelerate the development of reduced acidity cranberry cultivars.

Antiadhesive natural products against uropathogenic E. coli: What can we learn from cranberry extract?

Ethnopharmacological relevanceExtracts from Cranberry fruits (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are traditionally used against urinary tract infections, mainly due to antiadhesive activity against uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), but the exact mode of action and compounds, responsible for the activity, are unknown. Aim of the studyi. To investigate if cranberry extract acts only by a single component or must be assessed as a multi-active-compound preparation; ii to screen isolated cranberry-related natural products under in vitro conditions to pinpoint natural products with antiadhesive effects against UPEC, followed by in silico calculations (QSAR) to predict potential antiadhesive compounds; iii. investigations by using urine samples from cranberry treated volunteers for evaluation on the bacterial transcriptome and the mannose-binding side of FimH, iv. to investigate if besides Tamm Horsfall Protein induction in the kidney, the extract acts also directly against UPEC. Material and methodsAntiadhesive activity of 105 compounds was determined by flow cytometric adhesion assay (UPEC UTI89 on T24 bladder cells). Urine samples from 16 volunteers treated with cranberry extract (p.o., 7 days, 900 mg/day) were used for ex vivo testing concerning influence on the bacterial transcriptome (Illumina RNA-seq) and interaction with the mannose binding domain of type-1 fimbriae. Resultsi. The antiadhesive effect of cranberry extract cannot be attributed to a single compound or to a single fraction. ii. Unglycosylated flavones and flavonols with bulky substitution of the B ring contribute to the antiadhesive activity. 3′-8″-biflavones and flavolignans (not related to cranberry fruits) were identified as potent antiadhesive compounds against UPEC. iii. QSAR yielded a model with good statistical performance and sufficient internal and external predictive ability. iv. Urine samples from male cranberry-treated volunteers indicated significant interaction with the mannose binding domain of type-1 fimbriae, which correlated with the amount of Tamm-Horsfall Protein in the test samples. v Cranberry extract did not influence the UPEC transcriptome; gene expression of bacterial adhesins (P-, S-fimbrae, curli) was not influenced by the urine samples, while a slight, but non-significant upregulation of type 1 fimbriae was observed. ConclusionsB-ring substituted flavones and flavonols from cranberry contribute to the antiadhesive activity against UPEC by inhibition of the FimH-mediated interaction with the host cell bladder epithelium.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry)-Based Dietary Supplements: Variation in Mass Uniformity, Proanthocyanidin Dosage and Anthocyanin Profile Demonstrates Quality Control Standard Needed.

Vaccinium macrocarpon (syn. American Cranberry) is employed in dietary supplements (DS) with the aim to improve urinary tract well-being. This property is linked to the antiadhesion-activity of proanthocyanidins (PACs) against uropathogenic-bacteria. However, the current European legislation has been criticized for being weak and ineffective. Indeed, recent scientific works report mislabeled, contaminated, and adulterated supplements containing dangerous or unknown compounds, or sold at toxic doses. In this work, we analysed 24 DS that claim to contain cranberry, and to have a specific dosage of PACs. Our tests included the control of the good manufacturing practice according to the European Pharmacopoeia, and the verification of the claimed dosage of PACs. Moreover, in order to confirm the real presence of cranberry in DS, chemical fingerprinting via HPLC-UV/Vis-MS/MS was employed. Our results showed that 17 DS did not comply with the uniformity test of dosage forms, and only five contained cranberry. Finally, 16 DS claimed an incorrect amount of PACs. These data suggest that several cranberry-based DS are present in the European market with insufficient quality controls. Considering that often DS are self-prescribed by consumer relying on their claim, the data obtained in this work should encourage more controls and stricter rules.

Unrevealing the Magic of Wonder Fruit: Vaccinium Macrocarpon

Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) is a native fruit of northern America. It is a small evergreen shrub which grown in cooler climate of different parts of world. It is an abundant source of Vitamin and Minerals. It has potent health benefits which include its anti adhering property, anti oxidant property, UTI, gastrointestinal system, anti tumor effect as well as in oral diseases. It is more biocompatible and less noxious which makes it more potent therapeutic agent. This review is formed for displaying cranberry as a natural weapon against the medical and oral disease.

Fine‐tuning the composition of the cranberry weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) aggregation pheromone

AbstractThe cranberry weevil Anthonomus musculus Say is a key pest of highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) in the northeastern United States. Previous studies have reported A. musculus adult attraction to traps baited with the aggregation pheromone of the pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii Cano, likely because these two weevils share similar pheromone blends that differ only in two components. The A. musculus aggregation pheromone contains (Z)‐2‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) ethanol (Z grandlure II), (Z)‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) acetaldehyde (grandlure III), (E)‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) acetaldehyde (grandlure IV) and (E)‐3,7‐dimethyl‐2,6‐octadien‐1‐ol (geraniol); whereas A. eugenii produces a pheromone blend that includes (E)‐2‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene) ethanol (E grandlure II) and (E)‐3,7‐dimethyl‐2,6‐octadienoic acid (geranic acid) in addition to the four A. musculus pheromone components. Here, we hypothesized that differences in pheromone composition between these two species influence A. musculus adult attraction to its aggregation pheromone. To test this, we studied the response of A. musculus to its pheromone blend with and without E grandlure II and geranic acid, a commercial A. eugenii pheromone lure and a no‐lure control in highbush blueberry and cranberry fields in New Jersey and Massachusetts, respectively. Regardless of crop type, A. musculus adults were more attracted to their four‐component pheromone blend and the blend plus geranic acid than the commercial A. eugenii pheromone and the no‐lure controls. The A. musculus pheromone blend plus E grandlure II and the A. eugenii pheromone blend also captured more A. musculus adults than the no‐lure control but not compared to the commercial A. eugenii pheromone. Further analysis showed that A. musculus adults are significantly (~27%) less attracted to their pheromone blend if it contains E grandlure II, although the addition of geranic acid did not affect their response. These findings may help guide future efforts towards the development of behaviour‐based tools to monitor and manage A. musculus.

Resazurin Method for Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Cranberry Extracts Using the Metabolic Activity of a ΔSOD1 Mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Under Severe Osmotic Stress.

In addition to nutrients, plant raw materials for food production should also contain substances with beneficial biological properties, which unquestionably include antioxidant compounds. Among the numerous methods of determining the antioxidant properties of samples of plant material, biological methods that provide information about not only the in vivo antioxidant potential of samples but also their metabolism and bioavailability are increasingly valued. The aim of the study was to assess the antioxidant properties of extracts from large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) obtained from different producers. Biologically active compounds were extracted from cranberry fruits using water alone and ethyl alcohol-water in proportions of 1+1 and 4+1 (v/v) as solvents. The following were determined in the extracts: content of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, total antioxidant capacity based on reduction of the ABTS+• [2,20-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] radical cation, and antioxidant properties as reflected by the growth of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Δsod1 mutant in a liquid hypertonic environment. The growth parameters of this Δsod1 mutant, monitored by a method exploiting a color reaction with resazurin, reflected the antioxidant properties of the extracts. The ethanol-water cranberry extracts showed higher content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalent, determined on the basis of ABTS+• reduction. The antioxidant properties determined by the bioassay did not respond strongly to the data obtained in the in vitro chemical and biochemical assays, because they were more closely associated with the batch of fruit than with the type of solvent used to extract phytochemicals.

Freezing stress survival mechanisms in Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. terminal buds.

Plants' mechanisms for surviving freezing stresses are essential adaptations that allow their existence in environments with extreme winter temperatures. Although it is known that Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. buds can acclimate in fall and survive very cold temperatures during the winter, the mechanism for survival of these buds is not known. The main objective of this study was to determine which of the two major mechanisms of freezing stress survival, namely, deep supercooling or freeze-induced dehydration, are employed by V. macrocarpon terminal buds. In the present study, no low-temperature exotherms (LTEs) were detected by differential thermal analysis. Furthermore, a gradual reduction of relative liquid water content in the inner portions of buds during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans performed between 0 and -20°C (where no damage was detected in controlled freezing tests (CFT)) indicates these buds may not deep supercool. The higher ice nucleation activity of outer bud scales and the appearance of large voids in this structure in early winter, in conjunction with the MRI observations, are evidence supportive of a freeze-induced dehydration process. In addition, the presence of tissue browning in acclimated buds as a result of freezing stress was only observed in CFT at temperatures below -20°C, and this damage gradually increased as test temperatures decreased and at different rates depending on the bud structure. Ours is the first study to collect multiple lines of evidence to suggest that V. macrocarpon terminal buds survive long periods of freezing stress by freeze-induced dehydration. Our results provide a framework for future studies of cold hardiness dynamics for V. macrocarpon and other woody perennial species and for the screening of breeding populations for freezing stress tolerance traits.

Supplemental feeding solutions do not improve honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) foraging on cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)

Most cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) growers rent honey bees (Apis spp.) to insure proper pollination of their crop. However, honey bees are not the most efficient pollinators of cranberry and there have been increasing efforts to improve the pollination services provided by honey bees. Cranberry flowers provide small amounts of nectar and this research project tested whether supplementing hives with various sugar sources could increase the amount of cranberry pollen foraged. High fructose corn syrup, honey, and sucrose did not increase the amount of cranberry pollen, or the percent of cranberry pollen, foraged and returned to the hive. However, overall weights of the pollen samples were significantly higher for hives treated with high fructose corn syrup and sucrose compared to hives supplied with honey, water, or no additional solutions. Although not explicitly tested in this study, these results suggest that honey bees are incorporating these carbohydrates into their pollen bundles. However, since the supplemental sugar feedings did not increase the amount, or percentage, of cranberry pollen grains foraged, there is limited evidence that supplemental sugar feedings will improve honey bee pollination services in cranberry. Future work in this area should examine the relationships between pollen quality and supplemental sugar feedings, as these feeding may improve hive health in crops with poorer quality floral resources.

The Complete Plastid Genome of Rhododendron pulchrum and Comparative Genetic Analysis of Ericaceae Species

Background and Objectives: Rhododendron pulchrum Sweet (R. pulchrum) belongs to the genus Rhododendron (Ericaceae), a valuable horticultural and medicinal plant species widely used in Western Europe and the US. Despite its importance, this is the first member to have its cpGenome sequenced. Materials and Methods: In this study, the complete cp genome of R. pulchrum was sequenced with NGS Illumina HiSeq2500, analyzed, and compared to eight species in the Ericaceae family. Results: Our study reveals that the cp genome of R. pulchrum is 136,249 bp in length, with an overall GC content of 35.98% and no inverted repeat regions. The R. pulchrum chloroplast genome encodes 73 genes, including 42 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The synonymous (Ks) and nonsynonymous (Ka) substitution rates were estimated and the Ka/Ks ratio of R. pulchrum plastid genes were categorized; the results indicated that most of the genes have undergone purifying selection. A total of 382 forward and 259 inverted long repeats, as well as 221 simple-sequence repeat loci (SSR) were detected in the R. pulchrum cp genome. Comparison between different Ericaceae cp genomes revealed significant differences in genome size, structure, and GC content. Conclusions: The phylogenetic relationships among eight Ericaceae species suggested that R. pulchrum is closely related to Vaccinium oldhamii Miq. and Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton. This study provides a theoretical basis for species identification and future biological research of Rhododendron resources.

Comparison of Protein Precipitation Ability of Structurally Diverse Procyanidin-Rich Condensed Tannins in Two Buffer Systems.

The protein precipitation (PP) of bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme (LYS), and alfalfa leaf protein (ALF) by four procyanidin-rich condensed tannin (CT) samples in both 2-[N-morpholino]ethanesulfonic acid (MES) and a modified Goering-Van Soest (GVS) buffer is described. Purified CT samples examined included Vitis vinifera seed (mean degree of polymerization [mDP] 4.1, 16.5% galloylated), Tilia sp. flowers (B-type linkages, mDP 5.9), Vaccinium macrocarpon berries (mDP 8.7, 31.7% A-type linkages). and Trifolium pratense flowers (B-type linkages, mDP 12.3) and were characterized by 2D NMR (>90% purity). In general, CTs precipitated ALF > LYS ≥ BSA. PP in GVS buffer was 1 to 2.25 times greater than that in MES buffer (25 °C). The GVS buffer system better reflects the results/conclusions from the literature on the impacts mDP, galloylation, and A-type linkages have on PP. Determinations of PP using the MES buffer at 37 °C indicated that some of these differences may be attributed to the temperature at which GVS buffer determinations are conducted. In vitro PP studies using the GVS buffer may offer better guidance when selecting CT-containing forages and amendments for ruminant feeding studies.

The impact of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) pollination on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colony health status.

Commercial lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) and cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) crops benefit from the presence of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) for pollination. Unfortunately, beekeepers are observing negative impacts of pollination services on honey bee colonies. In this study, we investigated three beekeeping management strategies (MS) and measured their impact on honey bee colony health and development. Experimental groups (five colonies/MS) were: A) Control farmland honey producing MS (control MS); B) Blueberry pollination MS (blueberry MS); C) Cranberry pollination MS (cranberry MS) and D) Double pollination MS, blueberry followed by cranberry (double MS). Our goals were to 1) compare floral abundance and attractiveness of foraging areas to honey bees between apiaries using a Geographic Information System, and 2) compare honey bee colony health status and population development between MS during a complete beekeeping season. Our results show significantly lower floral abundance and honey bee attractiveness of foraging areas during cranberry pollination compared to the other environments. The blueberry pollination site seemed to significantly reduce brood population in the colonies who provided those services (blueberry MS and double MS). The cranberry pollination site seemed to significantly reduce colony weight gain (cranberry MS and double MS) and induce a significantly higher winter mortality rate (cranberry MS). We also measured significantly higher levels of Black queen cell virus and Sacbrood virus in the MS providing cranberry pollination (cranberry MS and double MS).

Vaccinium Macrocarpon: Natural Weapon against Various Dental and Medical Ailments

Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) is a native fruit of northern America. It is a small evergreen shrub which grown in cooler climate of different parts of world. It is an abundant source of Vitamin and Minerals. It has potent health benefits which include its anti adhering property, anti oxidant property, UTI, gastrointestinal system, anti tumor effect as well as in oral diseases. It is more biocompatible and less noxious which makes it more potent therapeutic agent. This review is formed for displaying cranberry as a natural weapon against the medical and oral disease

Antibacterial activities of a polyphenolic-rich extract prepared from American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) fruit pomace against Listeria spp.

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) fruits are known for their high polyphenolics content making them a rich source of antioxidants. These polyphenolics have been reported to promote human health and are gaining attention for their antimicrobial activities against foodborne pathogens. We investigated the antimicrobial activity of an ethanolic extract (#FC111-1) prepared from cranberry pomace against Listeria spp. Many polyphenolics were identified in this extract which could be responsible for growth-inhibitory effects against 12 Listeria strains including L. monocytogenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of #FC111-1 determined in cation adjusted Muller Hinton broth (CAMHB) was approximately 2 mg/mL for 11 (91.7%) of these strains. The inclusion of 2–8 mg/mL (1–4 × MIC) of #FC111-1 decreased (>3 log10) viable bacterial cells of all Listeria strains in CAMHB over a 24 h period, while dose-dependently reducing bacterial salt tolerance, bacterial bile-salt hydrolase activity, bacterial biofilm formation capacity, and increasing cell-membrane permeability. The #FC111-1 extract (0.4 and 0.8% concentrations) had no effect on L. monocytogenes survival in a cooked chicken-breast meat model, highlighting the influence of protein-rich matrices on antibacterial activity and the need to consider the role of food composition when using extracts or polyphenolics from cranberry fruits to improve food-safety.

Toward Integrated Conservation of North America's Crop Wild Relatives

North America harbors a rich native flora of crop wild relatives—the progenitors and closely related species of domesticated plants—as well as a range of culturally significant wild utilized plants. Despite their current and potential future value, they are rarely prioritized for conservation efforts; thus many species are threatened in their natural habitats, and most are underrepresented in plant genebanks and botanical gardens. Further coordination of efforts among land management, botanical, and agricultural science organizations will improve conservation and general public awareness with regard to these species. We present examples of productive collaborations focused on wild cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos) and chile peppers (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum). We then discuss five shared priorities for further action: (1) understand and document North America's crop wild relatives and wild utilized plants, (2) protect threatened species in their natural habitats, (3) collect and conserve ex situ the diversity of prioritized species, (4) make this diversity accessible and attractive for plant breeding, research, and education, and (5) raise public awareness of their value and the threats to their persistence.

Colletotrichum Species Isolated from Massachusetts Cranberries Differ in Response to the Fungicide Azoxystrobin

Fruit rot is the most prevalent disease of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Colletotrichum species (C. acutatum and C. gloeosporioides) have been identified as cranberry fruit rot pathogens. Resistance to azoxystrobin by Colletotrichum has been documented in other fruit crops. Azoxystrobin, a quinone-outside inhibitor fungicide, was approved for use in cranberry in 2003, and a single application delivers between 78 and 202 ppm under typical chemigation conditions. Twenty-nine isolates were collected from diseased fruit in commercial Massachusetts cranberry farms. Six isolates were collected prior to registration of azoxystrobin (unexposed), and 22 isolates were from locations where the fungicide had been applied (exposed). This study is the first report of the relative sensitivity of exposed and unexposed field-acquired cultures for the cranberry fruit rot pathogen, Colletotrichum, to azoxystrobin.