Berry Varieties Research Articles

MRI and HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy to correlate structural characteristics and the metabolome of Fiano and Pallagrello grapes with the action of field spray preparation 500 and the soil spatial microvariability

BackgroundA number of Italian grape berry varieties, such as Fiano (F) and Pallagrello Nero (P), represent National strategic products. Therefore, it is important to identify soil conditions emphasizing their peculiar characteristics as well as find innovative and sustainable treatments improving their compositional and nutraceutical quality. The field spray preparation 500 is a biodynamic product that is presumed to serve as biostimulant on the vine. However, so far, the scientific results probing its effectiveness are still lacking. Moreover, it is necessary to establish a reliable relationship between the grape quality and the spatial microvariability of the vineyard’s soil. On this basis, the main objective of this work consisted in correlating structural and morphological characteristics (via MRI), the primary metabolome (via semi-solid state HRMAS NMR) and important nutraceutical parameters (total phenols and antioxidants via DPPH assay) of F and P grapes with both the action of preparation 500 biostimulant and the vineyard soil microvariability, based on soil apparent electrical conductivity.ResultsHRMAS enabled the identification of the primary metabolome of F and P. The elaboration of 1H NMR spectra through chemometrics revealed significant changes in F and P grapes, accounting for both soil microvariability and the application of field spray (the latter also confirmed by PLS-DA and Heat-map clustering). Interestingly, for both F and P it was observed a significantly lower content of carbohydrates after biostimulant treatment while MRI revealed diagnostic structural and internal details of intact grapes. The combined use of proton parametric indices, such as relaxation times and diffusion coefficients, indicated alterations induced in grapes by both the spatial microvariability of the soil and the effects of investigated biostimulant. Interestingly, a tight correlation was found between MRI transverse relaxation time and the contents in total phenols and antioxidants.ConclusionsOur results have proven that both soil spatial microvariability and the application of field spray preparation 500 significantly affect the structural, metabolomic and nutraceutical characteristics of grapes. Moreover, the preparation 500 treatment has increased the nutraceutical value of grapes. Importantly, these data may be potentially used to promote and protect biodynamic grape and predict the quality of the resulting wines.Graphical

Развитие микобиоты ягод крыжовника при хранении

Berries are a source of biologically active substances in human diet. Gooseberries have attractive sensory properties and high nutritional value. However, modern science knows little about micromycetic contamination of gooseberry. The research objective was to define the mycobiota composition of Ribes uva-crispa L. varieties during storage. The study featured the mycobiota of gooseberry varieties Senator and Rozoviy 2. The berries were harvested on the test field of the Siberian Federal Scientific Center of Agro-BioTechnologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They were stored for 18 days at 18 ± 2 and 4 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 90–95%. The authors used standard research methods to identify the mycobiota and attribute them to nine genera by morphological structure: Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Cryptococcus, and anaerobic yeast. The frequency of occurrence varied from 20 to 100%. Micromycetes of the genus Fusarium were present only in the Senator sample, which also demonstrated a 100% occurrence of Penicillium, Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. In the sample of Rozoviy 2, Penicillium and Cladosporium occurred in 80%. The Senator sample was twice as low in micromycetes as the Rozoviy 2 berries: 558 vs. 945, respectively. The Senator berries grew in micromycetes due to the Cladosporium fungi while Rozoviy 2 owed its micromycetic increase to Penicillium. Both varieties showed no signs of ascomycetes known as a powdery mildew agent. During storage, the growth of yeast and yeast-like fungi depended on the variety of berries while the growth of mycelial fungi depended on the variety and storage temperature. The data obtained expand the scope of scientific knowledge about the generic composition of gooseberry mycobiota, which may help to select correct anti-spoilage measures.

Kamchatka Berry (Lonicera caerulea L.) Pomace Bioferment as an Innovative Cosmetic Raw Material

Kamchatka berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) are known for their high content of phenolic compounds or vitamins, which is reflected in their antibacterial, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. They are used in the production of jams, juices, wines and as natural dye. A bioferment was prepared from the pomace of the Kamchatka berry varieties Aurora and Indigo Gem and the strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, which was used to prepare a cosmetic preparation with a concentration of 5% in accordance with the guidelines of the COSMOS certification body. We conducted physico-chemical and organoleptic analyses and bioactive profile characterisation (UHPLC-DAD and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The results showed that the presence of caffeic acid (4.47 ± 0.07 mg/100 g) was detected after fermentation of Kamchatka berry pomace. In addition, vitamin C content increased by 141% after fermentation. The results of stability tests showed that in the process of physico-chemical analysis of the cosmetic preparation with bioferment of Kamchatka berry pomace, the pH should oscillate in the range of 4.38–4.76 ± 0.01. Stability tests showed that the cosmetic should be protected from high temperatures and UV radiation and proved that the product is stable under changing conditions, resulting in lower transport and storage costs.

Genomic Analysis of Romanian Lycium Genotypes: Exploring BODYGUARD Genes for Stress Resistance Breeding.

Goji berries, long valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Asian cuisine for their wide range of medicinal benefits, are now considered a 'superfruit' and functional food worldwide. Because of growing demand, Europe and North America are increasing their goji berry production, using goji berry varieties that are not originally from these regions. European breeding programs are focusing on producing Lycium varieties adapted to local conditions and market demands. By 2023, seven varieties of goji berries were successfully registered in Romania, developed using germplasm that originated from sources outside the country. A broader project focused on goji berry breeding was initiated in 2014 at USAMV Bucharest. In the present research, five cultivated and three wild L. barbarum genotypes were compared to analyse genetic variation at the whole genome level. In addition, a case study presents the differences in the genomic coding sequences of BODYGUARD (BDG) 3 and 4 genes from chromosomes 4, 8, and 9, which are involved in cuticle-related resistance. All three BDG genes show distinctive differences between the cultivated and wild-type genotypes at the SNP level. In the BDG 4 gene located on chromosome 8, 69% of SNPs differentiate the wild from the cultivated genotypes, while in BDG 3 on chromosome 4, 64% of SNPs could tell the difference between the wild and cultivated goji berry. The research also uncovered significant SNP and InDel differences between cultivated and wild genotypes, in the entire genome, providing crucial insights for goji berry breeders to support the development of goji berry cultivation in Romania.

Athogenic properties of pathogens and the damage of straw- berry varieties by mycoses of the root system

Fungal isolates isolated from garden strawberry plants Fusarium semitectum Berk. Et Ravenel and Verticillium albo-atrum Reinke et Berth proved to be pathogenic. Under field conditions, artificial inoculation with these isolates increased the development of verticillium disease to 24.0-57.0 % and the development of fusarium disease to 26.0-31.0 %, which significantly exceeded the growth of root rot in control at the level of 2.0-2.2 %. Inhibition of the above-ground system length in infected plants reached 6.5-30.5 % relative to the control. In a laboratory experiment, the presence of pathogenic properties in an isolate of the fungus Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., also isolated from strawberry plants, was proved. Artificial inoculation caused a decrease in the length of the above-ground system by 33.2 %, the number of new leaves by 53.8%, a reduction in the size of the roots by 43.9 %, and increased rhizome necrosis by 3.2 times relative to the control. The general condition of strawberry plants in the control was satisfactory by 3.2 points. The negative effect of the phytopathogen in variants with inoculation was manifested in a decrease in the state of plants to a level of 1.3-1.4 points. According to the results of a 3-year observation, the varieties Alexandrina, Festivalnaya Romashka, and Solnechnaya Polyanka showed relative resistance to fusarium disease of strawberries (the development of the disease on average over three years ranged from 2.8 to 5.7 %, with 11.3 % in the standard variety Yunia Smaids). Varieties Feya, hybrid Lutova, Aleksandrina, Festivalnaya Romashka, Solnechnaya Polyanka, Festivalnaya, and Anastasia had relative resistance to verticillium disease (the development of the disease on average over three years ranged from 0 to 1.8 %, with 8.9 % for the standard).

Anatomical Structures of Saskatoon Berry (Amelanchier Medik.)Leaves Under Different Cultivation Conditions

AmelanchierMedik. belonging to the family Rosaceae includes about 30 species with a high content of biologically active substances. The aim of the study was to determine the morpho-anatomical features of leaves at the adaptation and ontogenesis stages of Saskatoon berry variety ‘Krasnoyarskaya’ (A. alnifolia) and variety ‘Prince William’ (A. canadensis). Saskatoon berry leaves are characterized by hypostomatic and anomocytic, less often anisocytic stomata at all stages of ontogenesis. The study revealed in the average length of the polar axis and the stomata equatorial diameter, depending on the cultivation conditions and genotype. A. canadensis had a larger average stomatal area, a thicker epidermis, a greater height of the palisade chlorenchyma cells, and a higher coefficient of palisade, which made it more resistant to changes in atmospheric precipitation, at all stages of ontogenesis, in comparison A. alnifolia. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 30(2): 185-193, 2023 (December)

Detection and analysis of volatile flavor compounds in different varieties and origins of goji berries using HS-GC-IMS

The goji berry represents a type of natural material that holds significant medicinal and nutritional worth. To explore the differences between flavor substances among different wolfberry varieties and origins, three different varieties of wolfberry and four different origins of black wolfberry were selected in this study for the identification and analysis of volatile compounds. The volatile components in the samples were detected by the HS-GC-IMS method, and the characteristic fingerprints of volatile substances in wolfberry were established. In all the samples, 95 peaks were detected, and 63 volatile compounds were identified. The fingerprint profiles showed that different wolfberry samples each had their own characteristic volatile substances. It was discovered that the degree of differentiation between different types of goji berry and black wolfberries from various sources was great and that the differences between them were visible using principal component analysis, Euclidean distance analysis, and hierarchical clustering heat map analysis. This may provide a certain theoretical basis for the identification, classification, and flavor analysis of goji berry varieties and origins.

Experimental determination of the parameters of the hydraulic transport system of fruit and vegetables

The results of study of the characteristics of new varieties of fruits, root crops, berries, and vegetables that can move in the fluid flow are obtained. Their interaction with the friction surfaces of trays made of various building materials has been studied. The friction coefficients of rolling and sliding of fruits and vegetables on the wetted surfaces of open channels and trays have been established. They can be used in hydraulic calculations when determining the main parameters of a hydraulic transport installation.

Exposure to the Endophytic Fungi Regulates the Anthocyanin Profiles in the Post-Veraison Grape Berries of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’

The potential of endophytes to initiate changes in host secondary metabolism is expected to be applied to improve the biochemical qualities of the crop. Our previous study revealed the significant impacts of fungal endophytes on the biochemical properties and the anthocyanin profiles in grape berries of the local cultivar ‘Rose Honey’ (RH). To validate the effects, our present work further assessed the impacts of the same fungal endophytes on grape berries of the worldwide planted grapevine cultivar ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ (CS). Consistent with the results of RH, exposure to most of the used endophytic fungi shaped the biochemical traits and anthocyanidin profile of the CS grape berries. Among the detected biochemical traits, the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity in berries had the strongest response to endophytic fungal exposure, and the fungal strains RH32, RH36, and MDR1 had the greatest biochemical impacts on the grape berries. Interestingly, the most anthocyanidin species were detected in the two grape berry varieties when exposed to fungal strains MDR36 and RH34. In both varieties, the total anthocyanin concentrations were quantitatively promoted by strains RH36, RH44, MDR1, and MDR36, but suppressed by strain RH7. Malvidin derivatives and delphinidin derivatives accounted for the majority of the relative abundance of the total detected anthocyanins in CS berries. The acylation degree of anthocyanins in grape berries was also significantly promoted by exposure to fungal endophytes. In CS grape berries, a seldom-distributed anthocyanidin, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, as well as the diglucoside anthocyanidin were detected when exposed to fungal strains as RH32, RH34, RH36, MDR1, MDR4, and MDR36. Overall, the endophytic fungal strains MDR36, RH36, and RH34 have the ability to promote metabolite profiles in both grape varieties. This work confirms the possibility of using certain endophytic fungal strains as a strategy for shaping grape pigmentation in vinification at the post-veraison or post-harvest stages.

Inhibitory interaction and pharmacological analyses of berries phenolics against Listeria monocytogenes virulent protein internalin B

Background: Traditional plants, their parts, and phytochemicals obtained from them are beneficial for human beings. They are used as potent antimicrobials, but very little research is conducted on the use of traditional medicine against food-borne infection. Different berry plants are rich in phenolic compounds and conventionally known to have many properties such as antioxidants, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-diabetics. However, only limited polyphenols are known for their antilisterial effect. The present study aimed to explore the antimicrobial efficacy of phenolic compounds of berries for the treatment of food-borne infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes. Materials and Methods: Molecular docking studies employing the SwissDOCK server were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of phenolic compounds obtained from different varieties of berries. Internalin B (InlB), a virulence protein of L. monocytogenes was selected as a target. The absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity profiling of each test ligand was done through the SwissADME tool. Results: Among all the test ligands, p-coumaric acid, epicatechins, chlorogenic acid, and quercetin showed better binding efficiency with the target protein InlB. The binding energy obtained for quercetin, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechins was-8.93,-8.23,-8.18,-7.58, kcal/mol, respectively. Quercetin and p-coumaric acid were forming 4 H-bonds, whereas chlorogenic acid and epicatechins were forming 3-H bonds inside the binding pocket. Conclusion: In a nutshell, analyses indicated that identified ligands have the potential to block the virulent protein InlB of L. monocytogenes and help combat Listeria infection. These phenolic compounds could be a substitute for synthetic antimicrobials and can be used in food preservation and combat food-borne diseases. However, future in-depth in vitro and in vivo analysis is needed to get more information on these four phenolic ligands of berries.

Polyphenolic profiles of a variety of wild berries from the Pacific Northwest region of North America

Polyphenols have been extensively profiled and quantified in commercially grown berries, but similar information is sparsely available for wild berries. Because polyphenolic contents are inherently associated with berries health benefits, determining phenolic profiles is an important step for strategizing potential uses by the industry and for health and nutrition outcomes. Here, we profiled phenolic compounds in wild berries commonly encountered and harvested in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Huckleberries (Vaccinium membranaceum) of varying phenotypes were found to be comparable to related blueberries in terms of general phenolic classes composition. However, all huckleberries exhibited markedly high levels of cyanidins, and delphinidins or peonidins were also higher in specific phenotypes. Wild black elderberries (Sambucus nigra spp. Canadensis) were found to have remarkably high phenolic, especially anthocyanins, in line with reports from cultivated elderberries. Saskatoon serviceberries (Amelanchier alnifolia) were found to exhibit high polyphenol content, but with a less diverse profile dominated by quercetin. The most intriguing berry may be the Oregon grape (Mahonia Aquifolium) being the only one exhibiting more than one g of polyphenols per 100 g; as well as a remarkably even distribution of the different anthocyanin classes. All colored wild berries were found to have at minimum comparable total phenolic contents when compared to cultivated and other wild berries, suggesting they should exhibit comparable human health benefits such as antioxidant and metabolic syndrome preventative potential described for these other berries. Overall, our data represents a valuable resource to explore the potential to valorize wild berry species for their specific phenolic profiles and predicted nutritional and health properties. With repeated phenolic profiling to better understand the impact of the environment, the wild berries described here hold promises both as food ingredient applications as well as valuable complement for healthy dietary patterns.

CONTENT AND COMPOSITION OF SUGARS AND ORGANIC ACIDS IN STRAWBERRIES, GROWN IN THE RIGHT-BANK FOREST- STEPPE ZONE OF UKRAINE

Garden strawberry is a valuable berry crop in Ukraine, the harmonious taste of its berries depends on the ratio of sugars and organic acids. Among the factors affecting the quantitative and qualitative composition of sugars and organic acids in berries, the area of cultivation and the pomological variety are distinguished. The article presents the results of studies of strawberry berries of Dukat, Honey and Polka varieties grown in the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine for the content and composition of sugars and organic acids using the methods of high-performance liquid chromatography on an Agilent Technologies chromatograph (model 1100) using a carbohydrate chromatographic column size 7,8×300 mm, "Supelcogel-C610H". It was found that the sugar content in strawberry berries of the Dukat, Honey and Polka varieties during the research period ranged from 5.0 to 8.6%. Berries of the Honey variety were distinguished by a significantly higher level of sugars – 8.6%. The content of reducing sugars in berries, according to the average data, was 4.9-7.7%. Among the investigated varieties, Polka berries had the lowest minimum amount of reducing sugars – 3.2%. The mass fraction of fructose was 2.1-4.4%, which is 42.0-51.1% of the sum of sugars, while glucose was 1.1-3.5% (22.0-40.7%) for a small amount of sucrose - 0.3-1.3, which is 6.0-15.1% of the total sugar content in berries. According to the results of the dispersion analysis, no significant influence of the pomological variety of berries on the content of reducing sugars was found. The mass fraction of organic acids in the berries of three strawberry varieties during the research period fluctuated within the limits 0.9-1.4% and significantly depended on the pomological variety of berries. The maximum amount of organic acids was found in Dukat berries - 1.4%. Organic acids in strawberries are represented by citric and malic acids with the dominance of citric acid – 57.0-68.1% of the total acid content. A higher level of citric acid was noted in strawberry berries of the Honey variety, while berries of the Ducat variety were distinguished by the level of apple acid. The sugar-acid index in all studied varieties of strawberry exceeded the value of 5.3, which made it possible to determine the taste of the berries as sweet and sour. In berries of the Dukat variety, it was lower due to the high content of organic acids.

Aromatic border plants in early season berries do not increase parasitism of spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii.

The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, is a South-East Asian vinegar fly that is a serious worldwide economic threat to the small fruit industry. Typical control consists of weekly pesticide applications, which can have nontarget effects, increase residual pesticides and lead to the development of resistance within pest populations. One potential alternate method of control is the planting of aromatic intercrops to attract the natural enemies of D. suzukii and/or repel the flies directly. We intercropped strawberry rows with flowering sweet alyssum or ryegrass-clover (control) to evaluate their efficacy at mitigating D. suzukii infestation through the attraction of two specialized larval parasitoids, Leptopilina japonica (Novkovic and Kimura) and Ganaspis brasiliensis (Ihering). Our study did not demonstrate any significant effect of sweet alyssum intercropping on the infestation rate of D. suzukii in strawberries or parasitism level. However, we found that advanced sampling date and recorded numbers of D. suzukii larvae and parasitoids were positively correlated, indicating higher populations at the end of the strawberry-growing season. Sweet alyssum intercrops did not reduce D. suzukii infestation rates or increase parasitism levels, likely due to low population numbers in early season berry varieties. Aromatic intercrops may be more effective for increasing pest control in later season crops. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

West Mexico Berries Modulate α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase and Pancreatic Lipase Using In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

The objective was to evaluate the antioxidant and biological potential of eight freeze-dried berry varieties of southern Jalisco using in silico and in vitro approaches. Fourteen tentative phenolic compounds were identified in berries by ESI-QToF, including anthocyanins, phenolic acids, flavanols and flavonols. In silico assays of phytochemicals in the berry inhibiting enzymes related to obesity and diabetes showed predicted binding energy interactions (ranging from −5.4 to −9.3 kcal/mol). Among the cultivars, antioxidant potential for DPPH IC50 ranged from 1.27 to 3.40 mg/mL, ABTS IC50 from 2.26 to 7.32 mg/mL and nitric oxide (NO) inhibition IC50 from 4.26 to 11.07 mg/mL. The potential to inhibit α-amylase IC50 ranged from 4.02 to 7.66 mg/mL, α-glucosidase IC50 from 0.27 to 4.09 mg/mL, lipase IC50 from 1.30 to 4.82 mg/mL and DPP-IV IC50 from 1.36 to 3.31 mg/mL. Blackberry cultivars from the southern Jalisco region showed outstanding biological potential compared to other evaluated berries and could be used in the formulation of functional foods in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases.

The quality of fresh berries and jam of various varieties of currants

Purpose. To study the features of quality formation (biochemical composition, content of vitamins, macro- and microelements, integral sugar) of fresh berries and currant jam depending on the variety.
 Methods. Laboratory – determination of the content of water, ash, protein, sugar, vitamins and mineral elements, calculation – integral rate, mathematical and statistical.
 Results. It was found that fresh berries contained 1.8–6.2 times more ash, protein, fat, dietary fiber and water compared to jam. However, the content of mono- and disaccharides was 10–11 times higher in cooked compared to fresh berries. This trend is due to the addition of sugar to the jam. It should be noted that the biochemical composition changed significantly depending on the variety of black currant. Thus, fresh berries of the ‘Chereshneva’ variety contained significantly more ash, protein and dietary fiber compared to the ‘Volodymyrska’ variety. However, the content of fat and sugars was significantly lower compared to the 'Volodymyrska' variety. Calculations confirm that fresh blackcurrant berries provide the most daily need for vitamin B9 – by 550–625%, depending on the variety. The integral score for vitamin C was 178.2–184.5%. The smallest integral score was for β-carotene – 2.0%. This indicator for the rest of the vitamins varied from 2.7 to 10.8% depending on the variety of black currant. The integral rate in cooking black currants was 1.7–3.9 times lower (1.1–4.0%) compared to fresh berries, depending on the type of vitamin.
 Conclusions. The biochemical composition of berries varies depending on the variety and condition of blackcurrant berries. Currant berries of the ‘Volodymyrska’ variety have a lower biological value, since the integral speed is lower compared to the ‘Chereshneva’ variety. In addition to the highwater content, fresh berries contain sugars, fat and dietary fiber. Fresh currant berries contain the most vitamins B9 and C. The content of vitamins in boiled black currant was 2.5–4.5 times lower compared to fresh berries. Fresh berries contained the most potassium – 347–352 mg/100 g, and the least was copper – 0.13 mg/100 g. The content of mineral elements in currant jam was 1.6–2.7 times lower compared to fresh berries. The highest integral score was magnesium, iron and phosphorus – 9.8–11% in fresh berries and 7.3–10.9% – in cooked black currants.

Predicted impacts of climate change on wild and commercial berry habitats will have food security, conservation and agricultural implications

Climate change is now a reality and is altering ecosystems, with Canada experiencing 2–4 times the global average rate of warming. This will have a critical impact on berry cultivation and horticulture. Enhancing our understanding of how wild and cultivated berries will perform under changing climates will be essential to mitigating impacts on ecosystems, culture and food security. Our objective was to predict the impact of climate change on habitat suitability of four berry producing Vaccinium species: two species with primarily northern distributions (V. uliginosum, V. vitis-idaea), one species with a primarily southern distribution (V. oxycoccos), and the commercially cultivated V. macrocarpon. We used the maximum entropy (Maxent) model and the CMIP6 shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) 126 and 585 projected to 2041–2060 and 2061–2080. Wild species showed a uniform northward progression and expansion of suitable habitat. Our modeling predicts that suitable growing regions for commercial cranberries are also likely to shift with some farms becoming unsuitable for the current varieties and other regions becoming more suitable for cranberry farms. Both V. macrocarpon and V. oxycoccos showed a high dependence on precipitation-associated variables. Vaccinium vitis-idaea and V. uliginosum had a greater number of variables with smaller contributions which may improve their resilience to individual climactic events. Future competition between commercial cranberry farms and wild berries in protected areas could lead to conflicts between agriculture and conservation priorities. New varieties of commercial berries are required to maintain current commercial berry farms.

Can Yandex statistics and google trends be used to detect people's interests in berries in the Russian Far East?

Ripening berries are one of nature's important contributions to people in the Russian Far East. We examined the spatiotemporal variability of people's interests in 12 types of berries and their attributes by accessing Yandex statistics (Yandex) and Google Trends (GT) about these topics in the Russian Far East. On Yandex, time-series data for people's interests in many berries for all target regions showed clear seasonal changes, with an annual peak that occurs at the time of ripening. Interest in berries was observed in many cities and regions in the far east of Russia, where indigenous peoples and Sakha traditionally utilize berries for subsistence. The attributes of accessed terms were closely related to terms about berry varieties and edible berries, berry purchases, photographs, and recipes. These results supported the usability of Yandex and GT data to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of people's interests in berries. Despite systematic biases, such as in the Internet environment and user characteristics as well as limitations of spatial resolution and access period, the integrated use of Yandex and GT should be developed to evaluate the spatiotemporal variability of people's interests in berries, especially in areas that are difficult to access.

Evaluation of strawberry cultivars as sources of high winter hardiness and productivity

Background. The realization of high productivity potential in strawberry plants significantly depends on their adaptability to soil and climate conditions of their cultivation. Winter hardiness is the most important trait in the central part of Russia. With this in view, the purpose of this study was to identify sources of high winter hardiness combined with high productivity and yield potential among the studied cultivars.Materials and methods. The research was carried out at the primary variety testing site of the All-Russian Research Institute of Fruit Crop Breeding (VNIISPK), Orel Province, in accordance with the published program and methodology of fruit, berry and nut variety studies. The testing covered 23 domestic and foreign strawberry cultivars. An Espec PSL-2KPH climate chamber (Japan) and a Polair refrigerator cabinet (Russia) were used for artificial freezing.Results. Winter hardiness of strawberry cultivars was assessed under artificial freezing conditions. Cvs. ‘Korona’, ‘Tsaritsa’, ‘Solovushka’ and ‘Sara’ were the most winter-hardy cultivars. The study of the cultivars in the field made it possible to identify the most productive and large-fruited ones: ‘Alba’, ‘Azia’, ‘Bereginya’ and ‘Tsaritsa’. Cv. ‘Tsaritsa’ combines high winter hardiness and high yield productivity and yield potential, being a valuable source of these traits in breeding practice. According to a set of indicators ‘Tsaritsa’ is promising for large-scale cultivation in the Central Black Earth Region of Russia.

Resweratrol – budowa, właściwości i wpływ na organizm ludzki

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol from the stilben group. It was first isolated in 1940 from the roots of the white hellebore. It is produced by plants in response to stress, cuts, infections or strong UV radiation. It affects the resistance of plants to pathogens through its fungicidal action. It is found in red wine, chocolate products, peanuts, vegetables, and a variety of berries. Resveratrol is often the main ingredient in plants and fruits used in folk Chinese and Japanese medicine. Resveratrol has been studied by the international MONICA project monitoring mortality, morbidity and risk factor reduction associated with cardiovascular disease and has been performed in 21 countries at 38 centers. Resveratrol has a variety of potentially life-prolonging properties: cardioprotective, neuroprotective and anti-cancer. It is believed that due to its beneficial properties and non-toxicity, it should be part of a daily, varied and balanced diet.

Comparative metabolomic analysis of different-colored hawthorn berries (Crataegus pinnatifida) provides a new interpretation of color trait and antioxidant activity

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) berry has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine and as a functional food. In order to investigate the variation in metabolites in different colored hawthorn berry varieties and to identify the constituents responsible for their color trait and antioxidant activity, four different-colored hawthorn berries were analyzed and compared using LC-MS/MS based on comparative metabolomic analysis. A total of 728 metabolites were identified. The metabolic compounds differed among the samples. The differentially activated metabolic pathways included phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and amino acids biosynthesis. The hawthorn berry color was caused mainly by a combination of five anthocyanins, pH (influenced by organic acids), and non-anthocyanin flavonoids present as co-pigments. Polyphenol compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, were closely associated with antioxidant activity in hawthorn berry. In addition, significantly higher (P < 0.05) antioxidant activity was found in the dark red sample variety (C. pinnatifida Wulingzirou, WLZR), and may be related to the high concentration of 32 polyphenols. These findings provide valuable insight into the metabolite composition, function and the mechanism of color formation in hawthorn berry.