Plum Varieties Research Articles

Carotenoids, polyphenols and micronutrient profiles of Brassica oleraceae and plum varieties and their contribution to measures of total antioxidant capacity

The consumption of phytochemicals such as carotenoids and polyphenols within whole fruits and vegetables has been associated with decreased incidence of various inflammation and oxidative stress related chronic diseases, which may be due to direct antioxidant effects, or indirect mechanisms such as affecting signal transduction/gene expression. Within the present study, we investigated the antioxidant composition of two major groups of vegetables and fruits, Brassica oleraceae and prunus spp., and estimated their contribution to antioxidant capacity. For this purpose, 17 plum and 27 Brassica varieties were collected in Luxembourg, and analysed for their individual polyphenol and carotenoid profile, vitamin C, dietary fibre, and minerals/trace elements, and their correlation with markers of antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS, Folin–Ciocalteu). Total carotenoid and polyphenol content varied considerably between the different Brassica and plum varieties, with highest concentrations in the variety Kale (13.3±0.58mg/100g wet weight) and Cherry plum (1.96±0.28mg/100g) for carotenoids; and Kale (27.0±0.91mg/100g) and Kirks plum (185±14mg/100g) for polyphenols. In developed multiple linear-regression-models for Brassica, flavonoids, anthocyanins, lutein and vitamin C were found to be the best predictors of antioxidant capacity as assessed by FRAP (R2=0.832) and flavonoids, neochlorogenic acid and vitamin C as assessed by ABTS (R2=0.831); while for plums these were selenium, total sugars, chlorogenic acid and vitamin C (R2=0.853), and selenium, chlorogenic acid and flavonoids for FRAP (R2=0.711). When considering Brassica and plum consumption in Luxembourg, it is estimated that both contribute to an antioxidant intake equivalent to 26 and 6mg per day of ascorbic acid equivalents, respectively.

Plum pox virus strains: Diversity and geographical distribution in Serbia

Plum pox virus (PPV) is the causal agent of Sharka disease. Since its discovery, Sharka has been considered as a calamity in plum orchards. PPV is present worldwide in many Prunus species, causing great economic losses. In highly susceptible plum varieties, such as Pozegaca, PPV causes a premature fruit drop and reduces fruit quality, which leads to total yield loss. Eight PPV strains (PPV-M, PPV-D, PPV-EA, PPV-C, PPV-Rec, PPV-W, PPV-T and PPVCR) have been recognized so far. Three major strains (PPV-M, PPV-D and PPV-Rec) are the most widely dispersed and occur frequently in many European countries. Other strains are of minor importance due to their limited host preferences or geographic distribution. So far, all three major strains have been identified in Serbia. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of the research into Plum pox virus variability in Serbia.

Identification of Phenolic Compounds in Plum Fruits (Prunus salicina L. and Prunus domestica L.) by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Characterization of Varieties by Quantitative Phenolic Fingerprints

Plums (Prunus domestica L. and Prunus salicina L.) are edible fruits mostly consumed in America, China, and Europe. We have used LC-MS(n) to detect and characterize the phenolic compounds in plum varieties. Forty-one phenolics were detected comprising caffeoylquinic acids, feruloylquinic acid, p-coumaroylquinic acids, methyl caffeoylquinates, methyl p-coumaroylquinate, caffeoylshikimic acids, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, esculin, quercetin, quercetin-3-O-hexosides, dimeric proanthocyanidins, trimeric proanthocyanidins, caffeoyl-glucoside, feruloyl-glucoside, p-coumaroyl-glucoside, vanillic acid-glucosides, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-pentosides, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, quercetin-pentoside-rhamnosides, and 3-p-methoxycinnamoylquinic acid. This is the first time when 3-p-methoxycinnamoylquinic acid is reported in nature. Chlorogenic acids and proanthocyanidins were the major phenolics present in plums. Furthermore, HPLC with DAD and chemical reaction detection was used to generate quantitative phenolic fingerprints from the fruit flesh of 33 plum varieties. The predominant compound was 3-caffeoylquinic acid in nearly all varieties studied; generally, however, the qualitative and quantitative profiles showed high diversity even among closely related progenies.

Effect of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine and Methyl Jasmonate on Individual Phenolics and Post-harvest Fruit Quality of Three Different Japanese Plums (Prunus salicina Lindell)

Abstract In this research, effects of aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) applied 2 weeks ahead of estimated harvest date on fruit color, firmness and individual phenolic compounds of three plum varieties wereinvestigated during the cold storage. Fruits of “BlackAmber”, “Black Beauty” and “Fortune” were kept at 0 ± 0.5°C temperature and 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 4 weeks. During the storage, decreases in L*, chroma and hue angle values were observed. AVG treatments differed significantly (p < 0.05) by control and MeJA treatment. In all plum varieties, AVG treatment resulted in significant increases in flesh firmness at the end of storage. MeJA increased significantly the firmness of “Black Beauty” and “Fortune” fruit at the end of storage. Chlorogenic acid was detected as major phenolic compound in plum varieties. AVG treatment to “Black Amber” fruit increased the contents of chlorogenic and p-coumaric acid during storage, whereas it reduced chlorogenic and p-coumaric acid content in “Fortune” fruit. MeJA treatment led to not only increase the contents of rutin, ferulic acid and naringenin in the fruits of “Black Beauty” and “Fortune” varieties during the storage but also significantly increase the kaempferol content in “Black Amber” and “Black Beauty” fruits. While AVG treatment compared to control significantly decreased the contents of chlorogenic acid, quercetin and naringenin in “Black Amber” fruits at the end of cold storage, it increased content of p-coumaric acid. At the end of storage, AVG and MeJA treatments reduced significantly the content of ferulic acid in “Black Beauty” fruits. In addition, MeJA treatment significantly increased chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and kaempferol contents in “Fortune” fruits.

Dietary fiber and cell wall polysaccharides from plum (Prunus domestica L.) fruit, juice and pomace: Comparison of composition and functional properties for three plum varieties

The aim of the present work was to characterize the pectins present in plum fruit, juice, and pomace for three plum varieties, “Promis,” “Najbolja,” and “Dąbrowicka” (all belonging to the species Prunus domestica L.). The content of dietary fiber in the pomace was 5 to 9 times higher than that in the fruit. In turn, the content of soluble fibers and readily soluble pectins (water and chelator soluble pectins) was markedly lower as compared to the fruit, and their hydrodynamic volume was decreased, especially in the case of water soluble pectins. As a result, the hydration capacity of AIS from the pomace was half of that of AIS from the fruit, but its levels were still high enough for it to be used as an ingredient in food products (WBC>5.5g/g). Thus, plum pomace could be an efficient source of functional fibers.

Spatial and Temporal Assessment of Pollen- and Seed-Mediated Gene Flow from Genetically Engineered Plum Prunus domestica

Pollen flow from a 0.46 ha plot of genetically engineered (GE) Prunus domestica located in West Virginia, USA was evaluated from 2000–2010. Sentinel plum trees were planted at distances ranging from 132 to 854 m from the center of the GE orchard. Plots of mixed plum varieties and seedlings were located at 384, 484 and 998 m from the GE plot. Bee hives (Apis mellifera) were dispersed between the GE plum plot and the pollen flow monitoring sites. Pollen-mediated gene flow from out of the GE plum plot to non-GE plums under the study conditions was low, only occurring at all in 4 of 11 years and then in only 0.31% of the 12,116 seeds analyzed. When it occurred, gene flow, calculated as the number of GUS positive embryos/total embryos sampled, ranged from 0.215% at 132 m from the center of the GE plum plot (28 m from the nearest GE plum tree) to 0.033–0.017% at longer distances (384–998 m). Based on the percentage of GUS positive seeds per individual sampled tree the range was 0.4% to 12%. Within the GE field plot, gene flow ranged from 4.9 to 39%. Gene flow was related to distance and environmental conditions. A single year sample from a sentinel plot 132 m from the center of the GE plot accounted for 65% of the total 11-year gene flow. Spatial modeling indicated that gene flow dramatically decreased at distances over 400 m from the GE plot. Air temperature and rainfall were, respectively, positively and negatively correlated with gene flow, reflecting the effects of weather conditions on insect pollinator activity. Seed-mediated gene flow was not detected. These results support the feasibility of coexistence of GE and non-GE plum orchards.

Antioxidant potential of different plum cultivars during storage

Plums, the most commonly consumed fruits from Romania, are fruits rich in bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants. This research work was carried out to investigate the antioxidant potential of twelve plum cultivars, fresh and stored during 10days at 4°C by using different methods (DPPH, ORAC and erythrocyte resistance to haemolysis). The contents of total phenolic compounds and total anthocyanins were also determined by specific spectrometric methods.Significant differences between fresh and stored plum cultivars (p<0.05) were found. Storage at 4°C resulted in an increase in antioxidant potential and anthocyanins content of the autumn plum varieties. Autumn plum varieties also showed a higher antioxidant capacity than summer varieties, as assessed by the ORAC and the haemolysis resistance assays.Our results suggest that, even after storage, plums could be a good source of antioxidants, which may provide health-promoting effects for humans.

Prunus domestica 'Jojo' – Good Parent for Breeding of New Plum Cultivars Resistant to Plum pox Virus

The possibility of obtaining new varieties of plum resistant to the Plum pox virus by using traditional breeding methods with resistant lines was assessed in 2007-2012. The source of the resistance was the plum variety ‘Jojo’ that shows a mechanism of local hypersensitivity, which results in the whole plant being resistant. The assessment covered 435 Prunus domestica seedlings from eleven F1 hybrid families which had been obtained with traditional breeding methods by crossing the variety ‘Jojo’ with other plum varieties. The results showed that the variety ‘Jojo’, used either as a maternal or paternal parent, can be a valuable parental form in plum breeding programmes aimed at obtaining varieties resistant to the sharka disease. Three highly hypersensitive genotypes were obtained: # 4, # 48, and # 186, and an additional 14 were selected for further evaluation. Their production value will be assessed in the coming years.

Effects of distillation cut on the distribution of higher alcohols and esters in brandy produced from three plum varieties

The purpose of this investigation was to determinate effects of distillation cuts on the distributions of higher alcohols (1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 1-hexanol and 1-pentanol) and esters (ethyl acetate, isopentyl acetate + ethyl lactate, isobutyl acetate, ethyl propionate and ethyl butyrate) in plum brandy. The volatiles were determined by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection. The three most popular plum varieties used in plum brandy (Sljivovica) production, Stanley, Pozegaca and Bilska rana (Buhler), were distilled using a traditional distilling pot and fraction distillation. Three distillation cuts were considered. After separating the head fraction, in the amount of 1.7% of the distilling pot volume, heart fractions were cut at 40, 45 and 50% (v/v) ethanol and tail fractions, analogous to the heart fraction, were collected up to 10% (v/v) ethanol. The ratio of the content of 2-methyl-1-propanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol was 1:1 in the plum brandy produced from Stanley and Pozegaca and the ratio was 2:1 in the plum brandy produced from Bilska rana. This ratio can be used as a ‘mark’ of variety recognition in plum brandy production. The main differences in the heart fraction were accounted for by the content of the higher alcohols and esters for the distilling cut at 40 and 50% (v/v) ethanol. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling.

Breeding of stone fruits (exemplified by sweet cherry and plum) in Southern Russia

The intervarietal and interspecies breeding method is used to create domestic plum and sweet cherry varieties having a set of significant and economically important breding traits. The donors and sources of these traits are identified. The new varieties have been turned over for state variety testing and included in the breeding achievements register.

The setting of fenological- stadium of plum (Prunus domestica) varieties in 2012

We planted experimental trees, namely 6 plum varieties grafted on 6 plum rootstocks in the spring of 2010. Our aim was to observe differences in the fenological-stages of plum rootstock and variety combinations. ‘Cacanska lepotica’, ‘Jojo’,&#x0D; ‘Katinka’, ‘Topfive’, ‘Topper’, ‘Toptaste’ plum varieties were planted on ‘Mirobalan’ (Prunus ceresifera var. ceresifera cv. myrabolan); damson (Prunus institicia) – ‘St Julien A’, ‘St Julien GF655/2’; and ‘Wawit’; ‘Wangwnheim’; ‘Fereley’ rootstocks. We observed the bud burst, the flowering course: at the start of the flowering, during the main flowering, and at the end of flowerings and the ripening of the plum. Finally we observed the difference in leaves falling observed in the case of the different varieties and rootstock combinations.&#x0D; The bursting of buds started with ‘Cacanska lepotica’, in March 16 and finished with ‘Jojo’ / ‘Mirobalan’ combination, in March 22. The starting of flowering course was in March 29 with ‘Topper’ / ‘St Julien GF655/2’ combinations and the end of flowering course finished with ‘Toptaste’ varieties, in April 3–4. The start of ripening of the plum was with ‘Katinka’ / ‘St Julien A’ combinations, in July 17. and the end of ripening of the plum finished with ‘Topper’ variety. The start of leaves falling began with ‘Cacanska lepotica’, in Sept 5–8 depending on irrigation, and ‘Katinka’, ‘Jojo’ varieties finished, in November 28–29.

The effects of pre-harvest application of aminoethoxyvinylglycine on the bioactive compounds and fruit quality of ‘Fortune’ plum variety during cold storage

The effects of pre-harvest aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatments on fruit quality parameters and bioactive compounds of 'Fortune' plum during cold storage were investigated. Two different aminoethoxyvinylglycine doses were applied to plum trees two weeks prior to the estimated harvest date, and harvested fruit samples were kept in cold storage at 0 (°)C temperature and with 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 4 weeks. Lightness (L*) and hue angle values decreased in all treatments during cold storage. Weight loss (%) was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with 100 mg/L aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment at the end of the storage. Fruit firmness at the end of the storage was significantly increased with aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatments. Total phenolics and total antioxidant activity were increased with aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatments till the 21st day of storage and decreased by the 28th day. Total phenolics and total antioxidant activity were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) with the 200 mg/L aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment at the end of storage. Rutin was significantly decreased with 100 mg/L aminoethoxyvinylglycine treatment at the end of cold storage.

Erik üzerinde Sphaerolecanium prunastri (Fonscolombe, 1834) (Hemiptera: Coccidae)’nin biyolojik özellikleri, bulaşma oranı ve bazı insektisitlerin etkileri

The population dynamics of Sphaerolecanium prunastri (Fonscolombe, 1834) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) were investigated on local varieties namely, Papaz and Bekiroglu green plum varieties, which were the important host of this species in Aydin. In the study, some biological characteristics, distribution and the rate of infestation of S. prunastri were studied. The effects of some insecticides were also determined. Samples were collected weekly or every two weeks from Bekiroglu variety in two orchards in Aydin Center district (in Umurlu Center and Sercekoy). All biological stages in total 500 individuals on the infected branches were examined. As a result of the study, it was determined that S. prunastri was important problem in Umurlu Center and Sercekoy. The infestation rate was lower in Incirliova than Aydin Center district. There was no any infestation in 83.16 % and only few individuals infested in 2.26 % of the total 1942 trees detected. Additionally, 2.57 % and 3.34 % were covered little and large colonies, respectively. The percentage of the trees continuously infested with the pest was 8.65 %. Bekiroglu variety was more infested than Papaz variety. The overwinter period of 2nd instar nymphsof S. prunastri was completed at the average of 166 days in Umurlu and 177 days in Sercekoy. This period extended from mid- September to mid-April. The crawlers were appeared from early May to July. Population density of crawlers reachedto the maximum level in May and June. The 2nd stages of female nymphs were developed into 3rd stage from mid-February to mid-April and the male nymphs were prepupa+pupa stages at the same time. The prepupa+pupa populations were in the highest level in late March and April. The adult females were determined from early March and to late June. Azadirachtin, bufrofezin, pyriproxyfen, spinosad and carbosulfan were applied in the experiments. In both years, carbosulfan was the most effective than the others (91.90% in 2008 and 88.09% in 2010). The effects of other insecticides were found lower than 53 %.

&amp;quot;HoneySweet&amp;quot; Plum—A Valuable Genetically Engineered Fruit-Tree Cultivar

“HoneySweet” is a plum variety developed through genetic engineering to be highly resistant to plum pox potyvirus (PPV) the causal agent of sharka disease that threatens stone-fruit industries world-wide, and most specifically in Europe. Field testing for over 15 years in Europe has demonstrated the stable and durable PPV resistance of “HoneySweet”. Resistance is based on gene silencing whereby the inserted gene induces a natural plant defense mechanism against viruses. This resistance has been transferred to seedlings through cross-hybridization as a single locus dominant trait making it useful as a parent for developing new plum varieties for specific growing areas and markets. “HoneySweet” plums are of high quality and compare well to the quality and nutritional value of conventional plums. “HoneySweet” demonstrates the utilization of genetic engineering to provide safe and effective solutions to important agricultural challenges facing growers, and ultimately consumers.

Diversity of Phenolic Profiles in the Fruit Skin of Prunus domestica Plums and Related Species

The fruits of the European plum Prunus domestica exhibit a great diversity in appearance including skin colors. This study attempts to elucidate the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid profiles of 28 plum varieties belonging to P. domestica and related species as well as hybrids. A total of 49 phenolic compounds extracted from the fruit skin were quantitatively evaluated in an HPLC-DAD-based metabolomic study. The total phenolic contents of the cultivars varied among 0.4-29.9 mg/g fresh weight. The predominant anthocyanins were glycosides of cyanidin and peonidin, and rutin was the principal flavonol, whereas neochlorogenic acid and n-chlorogenic acid were the main hydroxycinnamic acids. Aside from these major phenolic classes, a group of tentatively identified flavones and several acylated flavonoids were also found. Principal component analysis revealed that anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids contributed most to variety separation. The heterogeneity between the different varieties was also assessed using hierarchical cluster analysis of sample phenolics profile. A simple separation of species could not be found confirming the close relationship among them.

Commercial varieties of European plums grown in Hungary, a comparison of promising foreign varieties with the widely grown traditional ones

Observations and investigations performed in laboratory at several growing sites over a period of many years are summarised on established plum varieties as well as on new promising ones concerning their marketing value. The ripening period of plum varieties was enlarged substantially with the appearance of new varieties of extra late maturity (‘Elena’, ‘Tophit’, ‘Presenta’). The new varieties did not alter the traditional colour, more or less long, violet or blue character of the plum. The most known type, ‘Besztercei szilva’ with its accustomed taste was followed by the new varieties ‘Katinka’, ‘Tegera‘, ‘Hanita’ and ‘Presenta’. The fruit size are largely of the medium category, except the early ripening small ‘Katinka’, whereas the larger and attractive (~60 g) fruits are represented by the late ripening ‘Tophit’ and ‘Empress’. The stone/fruit ratio was lowest in 3% (‘Tophit’) and 6% (‘Besztercei Bt. 2’, ‘Hanita’, ‘Jojo’, ‘ ‘Čačanska rana’) at the other end of the scale. The width and thickness of the fruit fl esh between 28 mm (‘Besztercei szilva’) and 43-44 mm (‘Empress’, ‘Tophit’). The fi rmness of the fruit fl esh excelled in the late maturity varieties ‘Presenta’ and ‘Tophit’ (~4 kg/cm2). Water soluble solids were 12-13 Brix% (‘Čačanska rana’, ‘Katinka’, ‘Silvia’) and 20 Brix% (‘Presenta’, ‘Tophit’), whereas titrated acids are found between 0.2% (‘Besztercei Bt. 2’) and 1.2% (‘Tegera’).

Effect of maturation conditions on sensory and antioxidant properties of old Serbian plum brandies

Sljivovica and Prepecenica are traditional Serbian distillated beverages made from varieties of plum, of the genus Prunus. The ageing in wooden casks not only improves the sensory characteristics, but also changes the content of total polyphenols and contributes to the other important health properties, such as the increase of their antioxidant capacity. In this study, home-made brandy (Sljivovica and Prepecenica) samples were used, which matured in casks during the time period from 10 to 47 years. The aim of this investigation was to examine the influence of the ageing parameters (time period and type of wooden casks) and raw material (plum cultivars) on the total polyphenol content, amount of certain phenol compounds, sensory properties, colour and antioxidant properties in matured brandies. The individual phenol components were determinated using HPLC system equipped with diode array detector, while the total phenol content and antioxidant activity was estimated using spectrophotometric methods (Folin–Ciocalteu, DPPH, FRAP and TEAC). Total polyphenol content (TPC) of aged Prepecenica samples was ranged from 230.26 to 890.26 mg/L gallic acid equivalents (GAE mg/L), whereas the TPC of Sljivovica sample was 110.38 mg/L. Antioxidant capacity of analysed Prepecenica samples and Sljivovica sample was in strong correlation with TPC. Total sensory score of all samples was very high and varied between 18.2 and 19.8. The obtained results have shown that the benefit of longer maturation on sensory characteristics is well recognized, but the improvement has some limitation.

Fruit quality during ripening and cold storage of two Japanese plum varieties cultivated in Tunisia

Fruit quality during ripening and cold storage of two Japanese plum varieties cultivated in Tunisia

Comparative fruit quality parameters of several Japanese plum varieties in two newly established orchards, organic and conventionally managed

SummaryThe fruit quality parameters of several Japanese plum cultivars (Prunus salicina Lindl) were studied in two experimental orchards under organic and conventional management. The study was performed during 2008–2010 in the province of Seville (SW Spain). Colour, weight, size, firmness, soluble solid concentration and acidity were measured for fruit quality evaluation. Yield was also determined. In general, the organic fruit was of smaller size and weight. There was little difference in the colour of most of the varieties, but some varieties such as ‘Friar’ and ‘Black Amber’ were more colourful in the organic orchard. The soluble solid concentration and acidity were similar in the fruit from both orchards. The organic plums showed firmness equal to or slightly greater than conventional ones. Dry matter and nitrites were analysed in 2010, and no significant differences were observed in most of the varieties. The accumulated fruit yield was significantly superior in the conventionally managed orchard.

Phenotypic variability and genetic structure in plum ( Prunus domestica L.), cherry plum ( P. cerasifera Ehrh.) and sloe ( P. spinosa L.)

In the present study, phenotypic variability of 80 plum ( Prunus domestica L.) varieties maintained in the French National Plum Collection was evaluated with 19 quantitative traits. In addition, genetic diversity and genetic structure was studied in three plum species ( P. domestica L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. and Prunus spinosa L.) using chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) markers and five single sequence repeat (SSR) loci. Based on phenotypic traits, some varieties, such as mirabelle plums, grouped together. Bayesian structure analysis was used to identify different genetic groups, whereby damson plums were clearly distinguished from greengage plums. When examining the three species together, a higher level of cpDNA allelic richness was found in P. cerasifera and in P. spinosa than in P. domestica where only five cpDNA haplotypes were detected in the national plum collection, with one main haplotype that accounted for 80% of the varieties studied. P. domestica cpDNA haplotypes tended to group together with P. cerasifera haplotypes whereas most of P. spinosa haplotypes formed a separate cluster. SSR markers were somewhat able to distinguish the three species. These results provide some clues as to the origin of plum and the various plum varieties. Our results also provide useful information for the management of plum genetic resources.