Berry Varieties Research Articles

First report of fruit rot caused by Phytophthora syringae on Pyracantha in the UK

Pyracantha spp. (firethorn) are grown mainly for their display of red, orange or yellow fruit in the autumn and winter and is also used as a hedge plant. In 2001 and 2002, two samples of berries of Pyracantha (both orange berry varieties) from Hampshire (RHS/10715/01) and from North Yorkshire (RHS/13308/02), showing signs of rotting, were received at the advisory service of the Royal Horticultural Society. The symptoms observed were brown/black spots that enlarged, with the whole berry eventually turning black and shrivelled. Whole clusters of berries were affected but the symptoms were only observed on berries produced on the lower branches of the Pyracantha shrubs. A Phytophthora species was isolated following the baiting of the affected berries in apple fruit and plating on P10VP selective medium (Erwin & Ribeiro, 1996). Sporangia were produced and zoospores released in pond water, following floating of the apple baits. Phytophthora syringae was identified using morphological characteristics and confirmed by DNA sequencing. Sporangia formed sympodially, were semipapillate, ovoid, noncaducous with average dimensions of 41 × 25 µm. Hyphal swellings were produced abundantly in chains. The fungus was homothallic and the antheridia, where apparent, were paragynous. Oogonia (average diameter 28 µm), with plerotic oospores, were produced readily on carrot agar (CA) medium (Ribeiro, 1978). On 2-week-old CA plates, the antheridium was obscured by a knot of hyphae. The identification of the isolate RHS/10715/01 was confirmed by direct sequencing of the ITS region using primers ITS 6 and ITS 4, as described by Cooke et al. (2000). The nucleotide sequence obtained (accession number AY611644) was almost identical (with only two base substitutions) to Phytophthora syringae strains IMI296829 (AF266803), CBS132·23 (AF380146) and PDR115773A (AY423302). Koch's postulates were fulfilled by floating berries from P. coccinea×P. rogersiana (an orange-fruited hybrid) in a suspension of zoospores (2–3 × 106 spores mL−1) at room temperature. The berries were wounded before infection, by producing a slit with a scalpel into the fruits. As a control, wounded berries were also floated in filtered pond water. Black spots started appearing on the fruits at 10 days postinfection and the fungus was re-isolated from the infected tissues by baiting with apples. A wound was necessary for successful infection. The control berries did not develop any symptoms. Phytophthora syringae has a fairly wide host range and is known to cause fruit rot on Citrus, Pyrus and Malus (Erwin & Ribeiro, 1996). This is, however, the first report of this disease on Pyracantha in the UK and also worldwide.

Prevention of ultraviolet-B radiation damage by resveratrol in mouse skin is mediated via modulation in survivin.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy in the United States, and multiple exposures to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation (particularly its UV-B component, 290-320 nm), is its major cause. 'Chemoprevention' by naturally occurring agents is being appreciated as a newer dimension in the management of neoplasia including skin cancer. We recently demonstrated that resveratrol (trans-3, 5, 4-trihydroxystilbene), an antioxidant found in grapes, red wines and a variety of nuts and berries, imparts protection from acute UV-B-mediated cutaneous damages in SKH-1 hairless mice. Understanding the mechanism of resveratrol-mediated protection of UV responses is important. We earlier demonstrated that resveratrol imparts chemopreventive effects against multiple UV-exposure-mediated modulations in (1) cki-cyclin-cdk network, and (2) mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-pathway. This study was conducted to assess the involvement of inhibitor of apoptosis protein family Survivin during resveratrol-mediated protection from multiple exposures of UV-B (180 mJ/cm(2); on alternate days; for a total of seven exposures) radiations in the SKH-1 hairless mouse skin. Our data demonstrated that topical pre-treatment of resveratrol (10 micromol in 200 microl acetone/mouse) resulted in significant inhibition of UV-B exposure-mediated increases in (1) cellular proliferations (Ki-67 immunostaining), (2) protein levels of epidermal cyclooxygenase-2 and ornithine decarboxylase, established markers of tumor promotion, (3) protein and messenger RNA levels of Survivin, and (4) phosphorylation of survivin in the skin of SKH-1 hairless mouse. Resveratrol pretreatment also resulted in (1) reversal of UV-B-mediated decrease of Smac/DIABLO, and (2) enhancement of UV-B-mediated induction of apoptosis, in mouse skin. Taken together, our study suggested that resveratrol imparts chemopreventive effects against UV-B exposure-mediated damages in SKH-1 hairless mouse skin via inhibiting Survivin and the associated events.

The plant food component of the diet at the late Mesolithic (Ertebolle) settlement at Tybrind Vig, Denmark

Tybrind Vig is a late Mesolithic (Ertebolle) coastal settlement, dated to the period 5600–4000 BC. The site has yielded some very important finds associated with fishing activity, probably the best preserved example from the Mesolithic in Europe. Recently analysed botanical samples from submerged cultural deposits have provided evidence for the contribution of plants to the subsistence diet of the inhabitants of Tybrind Vig. The food plant remains are represented by the charred fragments of parenchymatous tissue from roots ofBeta vulgaris ssp.maritima (sea beet), fragments ofQuercus sp. parenchyma (acorn), and shell fragments ofCorylus avellana (hazelnut). The possibility that the grains ofGlyceria fluitans (floating sweet grass) and stems ofPhragmites australis (reed) were collected for food should not be excluded. In addition to the species identified in the charred remains, an abundance of edible plant seeds and fruits were represented in the waterlogged remains, suggesting that a much broader range of food plants was available in the area. These additional foods could have included a large variety of wild berries and other fruits, such asRubus idaeus, R. caesius, Fragaria vesca, Malus sylvestris, Cornus sanguinea, Crataegus monogyna/laevigata, Sorbus aucuparia, Viburnum opulus andRosa spp. Several other plants could have been gathered as green vegetables (Rumex crispus, Urtica dioica andCakile maritima), or could have been utilized for both their greens and seeds (Chenopodium album, Atriplex andScirpus maritimus).

Using Entopathogenic Nematodes for the Control of Insect Pests

Recent advances in the development of large-scale, in vitro rearing techniques and formulation technology have prompted the commercialization of entomopathogenic nematodes. The potential for these nematodes as biological control agents is very promising, with proven efficacy against a wide variety of soil-inhabiting insects including root weevils, white grubs, mole crickets, and fungus gnats. Entomopathogenic nematodes are currently marketed in many countries for a variety of horticultural crops, including turfgrass, vegetables, berries, ornamentals, and citrus. Specific examples of successful application of nematodes for the control of insect pests during stand establishment will be discussed.

Annual Changes in Gizzard Size and Function in a Frugivorous Bird

Frugivory often entails substantial adaptations of the digestive tract, associated with the presence of indigestible seeds and a comparatively low concentration of nutrients in the diet. Species consuming mistletoe berries face the added complication of manipulating the viscous, adhesive pulp characteristic of this birddispersed fruit and commonly exhibit extreme adaptations of digestive anatomy and function (Forbes 1880, Wetmore 1914, Desselberger 1931, Steinbacher 1935, Walsberg 1975). An example is the Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens), a small songbird resident in the Sonoran Desert from October through April. During this period, the bulk of the Phainopepla's diet consists of berries of the desert mistletoe (Phoradendron californicum) (Walsberg 1975, 1977). The pericarp of this fruit (its pulp) is mucilaginous, which aids in adhering the seed to host plants but also makes it more difficult for a consuming animal to manipulate. The Phainopepla's digestive apparatus is highly specialized to process large numbers of these berries by rapidly removing the exocarp (the berry's skin) within the digestive tract (Walsberg 1975). A foraging bird typically fills its crop with berries, then passes them singly to the gizzard (ventriculus). The small gizzard averages only 1.5% of body mass and will contain a single 3to 5-mm diameter mistletoe fruit. The gizzard apparently contracts and extrudes the seed and semiliquid pulp out of the exocarp into the small intestine. The exocarp is retained in the distal portion of the gizzard. This process is repeated for 12-24 berries, then the accumulated mass of exocarps is ejected from the gizzard into the small intestine. As little as 12 min elapse between ingestion and egestion and at least 1,100 berries may be consumed per day with caloric digestive efficiencies averaging 49% (Walsberg 1975, 1977). Desert mistletoe, however, is consumed only during the period between October and May. From late spring until fall, Phainopeplas occupy semiarid habitats to the north, east, and west of the Sonoran Desert (e.g., oak woodland, riparian woodland in chaparral areas) (Walsberg 1977). Compared to the period in the Sonoran Desert, the diet is more generalized and a wide variety of small berries are consumed (e.g., Lycium spp., Rhamnus crocea, Rhus spp., and Sambucus mexicana). We report here a major seasonal change in gizzard size and function correlated with this dietary shift. Data were collected incidental to a larger analysis of this species' annual cycle of reproduction, molt, and body composition. Because the annual shift in gizzard structure was noted only late in our study, comparisons are limited to samples collected between August and December.

Studies on the Degradation of Ascorbic Acid by Saskatoon Berry Juice

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) has been shown to be absent although dehydroascorbic acid has been found in several varieties of Saskatoon berries currently being cultivated at the Canada Department of Agriculture Research Station at Beaverlodge, Alberta. Synthetic L-ascorbic acid is rapidly degraded after addition to expressed juice of the berries. Evidence of an ascorbic acid oxidizing system has been revealed, and the effects of pigmentation and approaching maturity on the enzyme system have been examined. The effects of various pigments, polyphenols and copper ions on the oxidation have also been studied, and the implications of these results are discussed.

Stalking the Grizzly Stalking the Elk

Stalking the Grizzly Stalking the Elk

SOURCES OF RESISTANCE TO PEAR RUST

The results of the study of the resistance to rust (Gymnosporangium sabinae (Dicks.) G. Winter) of pear cultivars, forms and intergeneric hybrids with different genetic origin as well as economical and biological characteristics of identified absolutely resistant genotypes are given. The studies were carried out in 2012-2020 in the pear collection orchard with the aim of to reveal genetic donors and sources of absolute resistance to rust for the further use in breeding programs. The work was carried out in accordance with the Program and Methods of Fruit, Berry and Nut Crop Breeding and Program and Methods of Fruit, Berry and Nut Crop Variety Investigation. Four intergeneric hybrids (Malopyrus № 1, Pyromalus № 818, Sorbopyrus auricularis, Sorbopyrus Kuryanovii); 114 pear genotypes of different genetic origin including pear cultivars and forms of Pyrus communis L., Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm) Nakai, Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim.; cultivars that are interspecific hybrids of Pyrus communis and Pyrus ussuriensis; Pyrus salicifolia Pall. and Pyrus calleryana Decne. as well as 2800 hybrid seedlings were used as objects for the research. As a result it was determined that all cultivars and hybrid seedlings used in the work regardless of their genetic origin were susceptible to pear rust: cultivars and forms derived from Pyrus communis, Pyrus ussuriensis, Pyrus pyrifolia and interspecific hybrids within the Pyrus L. genus. Intergeneric hybrids of pear with apple, apple with pear, pear with mountain ash and pear with whitebeam showed absolute resistance to the pathogen. Four intergeneric hybrids Malopyrus № 1, Pyromalus № 818, Sorbopyrus auricularis, Sorbopyrus Kuryanovii were allocated as sources for future use in breeding for high resistance to pear rust.

Numbers of Bacteria in Frozen Food Stored at Several Temperatures

THE introduction of new methods commonly known as quick freezing has given a decided impetus to preservation of food by storing in a chilled or frozen condition. The early development of the process was carried out for the preservation of fish but it has been modified for meats and more recently for vegetables and fruit. In addition to the introduction of quick frozen natural products, many varieties of berries and fruits have been packed in sugar and frozen. This product was developed to provide uncooked fruit for ice cream manufacturers and is extensively used in bakeries and for other manufacturing processes. While much progress has been made in the experimental development of preservation by freezing, and recent merchandising experiments have shown that the products are well received by the public, there is every indication that still wider application will lead to new products and to tremendously larger sales in the fields already explored. The general practice is to freeze the product at or near the point of production and then store it, as opposed to the former procedure of storing food in a warehouse and then freezing. In general, the newer products are carefully packaged and are ready to be sold by the retailer without any further preparation. Many have been sold in a frozen condition although some are thawed of necessity, facilities for maintenance in a frozen condition being lacking, and some are thawed to make them more acceptable to the customer. The temperatures for freezing and storage are, in general, considerably lower than those formerly employed. The products are so new that no markedly different household