Wild Cherry Research Articles

WILD SOUR CHERRY SPECIES OF THE CAUCASUS, CENTRAL ASIA AND THE FAR EAST AND THEIR USE IN BREEDING

Expedition activities of VIR and its experiment stations greatly broadened the collected diversity of stone fruits with valuable plant material that can be used in breeding. Wild sour cherries from the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Far East introduced in the 1970–80s had a range of such important traits as immunity to fungal diseases, winter hardiness, drought resistance, restrained growth, vegetative reproduction ability, and were later used by Russian breeders for the development of new varieties and clonal rootstocks for growing cherries in various ecological and geographical areas of the country. The study of sour cherry samples collected in vivo helped in some cases to clarify some questions related to the range of polymorphism, taxonomic discrepancies, and the number of sour cherry varieties ( Cerasus spp.) of Microcerasus prostrata (Labill.) Roem., Microcerasus incana (Pall.) Roem. and others. In general, this work contributed to the revision of the genus Cerasus Mill. by reducing the number of species in it, eliminating the extensive synonymy and the misidentified taxa. The breeding work aimed at creating new varieties and rootstocks for stone fruit crops is carried out in Russia at 4–5 institutions and employs wild species with important traits as source material. The future of effective breeding of resistant sour cherry varieties is impossible without the involvement of wild species with important breeding characteristics.

Wild cherry (Prunus avium (L.) L.) leaf shape and size variations in natural populations at different elevations

Leaf shape variations and developmental instability were examined for the first time in natural populations of Prunus avium (L.) L. in the central Balkan region (Bosnia and Herzegovina) at different elevational points, from 230 to 1177 m. above sea level. Geometric morphometric tools were applied to assess the variability of leaf shapes and sizes, while a fluctuating asymmetry leaf index was used as a measure of leaf developmental instability. According to the results of canonical variate analysis for the symmetric component of shape variation and hierarchical analysis of variance for centroid size, the studied populations could be partially differentiated into three groups. The co-variation between leaf form (shape and size) and climate variables was significant, estimated by two-block partial least square analysis. Climate variables (the sum of precipitation in May and the De Martonne aridity index) mostly influenced leaf shape and size. A population situated at the highest elevation had the highest value for fluctuating asymmetry leaf index, which was an indication of developmental instability. High natural variability and interpopulation differences were observed for all studied leaf traits (leaf shape, centroid size, fluctuating asymmetry leaf index, leaf area, leaf length and width, petiole length). For well-known traditional morphometric measures (leaf area, leaf length, leaf width, and petiole length) in accordance with previous studies, intrapopulation variability was greater than interpopulation variability. For centroid size and the fluctuating asymmetry leaf index (measures used in geometric morphometrics) variability was higher among populations than within them. This indicates that geometric morphometrics could give new insights into infra-specific variability.

Multiscale spatial genetic structure within and between populations of wild cherry trees in nuclear genotypes and chloroplast haplotypes.

Spatial genetic structure (SGS) of plants mainly depends on the effective population size and gene dispersal. Maternally inherited loci are expected to have higher genetic differentiation between populations and more intensive SGS within populations than biparentally inherited loci because of smaller effective population sizes and fewer opportunities of gene dispersal in the maternally inherited loci. We investigated biparentally inherited nuclear genotypes and maternally inherited chloroplast haplotypes of microsatellites in 17 tree populations of three wild cherry species under different conditions of tree distribution and seed dispersal. As expected, interpopulation genetic differentiation was 6–9 times higher in chloroplast haplotypes than in nuclear genotypes. This difference indicated that pollen flow 4–7 times exceeded seed flow between populations. However, no difference between nuclear and chloroplast loci was detected in within‐population SGS intensity due to their substantial variation among the populations. The SGS intensity tended to increase as trees became more aggregated, suggesting that tree aggregation biased pollen and seed dispersal distances toward shorter. The loss of effective seed dispersers, Asian black bears, did not affect the SGS intensity probably because of mitigation of the bear loss by other vertebrate dispersers and too few tree generations after the bear loss to alter SGS. The findings suggest that SGS is more variable in smaller spatial scales due to various ecological factors in local populations.

Phylogeography and population genetic structure of flowering cherry species Cerasus dielsiana in subtropical China

Cerasus dielsiana (Rosaceae) is one of the most characteristic wild flowering cherry species endemic to subtropical China, with high conservation value from ornamental, economic, and ecological perspectives. To verify its spatial genetic structure and phylogeographic history, evaluation of nuclear (ITS) sequence variation in 203 individuals from 25 wild populations across its natural distribution ranges was conducted. High levels of ribotypes and nuclear diversity (Hd = 0.879 ± 0.012, π = 3.56 ± 0.16) were detected at the species level. Spatial analysis of molecular variation (SAMOVA), median-joining network and phylogenetic Neighbour-joining tree assigned the populations into four genetically distinct groups. Meanwhile, high levels of genetic differentiation among populations and strong phylogeographic patterns (Nst = 0.837 > Gst = 0.585; P < 0.05) were revealed based on the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Results of neutrality tests, mismatch distribution analyses, Mantel test, barrier analyses, together with ecological niche modelling (ENM) simulation and BEAST analysis suggest a long-term demographic history (95% HPD: 3.64–8.83 Mya) of C. dielsiana, and at least three potential in situ glacial refugia as well as recent demographic expansion in eastern region have been detected. Collectively, we highlight that the combined effect of natural selection and random genetic drift under complex topography and palaeoclimatic oscillations since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in subtropical China might have been the main driver to the species’ allopatric differentiation. Scientific conservation and sustainable utilization for wild C. dielsiana germplasm resources were subsequently proposed.

Features of the development stability of tree plantations of large city industrial zones

Expansion of urbanized areas and activity of technogenic systems led to the emergence and operation of a set of environmental factors that determine the flow of life processes in new conditions. Under the influence of anthropogenic factors including man-made (industry, energy, transport) and economic activities (construction, utilities, recreational load) in the environment, a number of environmental problems arise and develop, aggravated by unfavourable weather conditions for dispersion of harmful impurities in the air, which is especially important for Krasnoyarsk city. Biological monitoring is necessary to assess the environmental consequences of human impact, to ensure the necessary level of environmental quality and the environmental safety of the urban environment. Recently, researchers have been analysing the degree of impact of environmental factors through developmental sustainability (fluctuating asymmetry). This paper shows an assessment of the stability of the development of tree plantations growing in the zone of influence of an aluminium plant and heat and power engineering enterprises. For the study the most common tree species were selected, which are widely used for landscaping cities: apple berry, wild cherry, balsam poplar, elm squat. The representativeness of the data obtained is confirmed by appropriate statistical processing. Morphometric indicators of the lamina (j3, j4, j5) of apple and berry apple trees sensitive to negative environmental factors, intensified under the influence of emissions from an aluminum plant, are revealed. An identical response of indicator species belonging to the same family was found.

Induced Plant Defenses Against Herbivory in Cultivated and Wild Tomato.

Crop domestication and selective breeding have altered plant defense mechanisms, influencing insect-plant interactions. A reduction in plant resistance/tolerance against herbivory is generally expected in domesticated species, however, limited efforts have been made to compare inducibility of plant defenses between wild and domesticated genotypes. In the present study, the inducibility of several plant defense mechanisms (e.g. defensive chemicals, trichomes, plant volatiles) were investigated, and the performance and preference of the herbivore Helicoverpa zea were measured in three different tomato genotypes; a) wild tomato, Solanum pimpinellifolium L. (accession LA 2093), b) cherry tomato, S. lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (accession Matts Wild Cherry), and c) cultivated tomato, S. lycopersicum L. var. Better Boy). Enhanced inducibility of defensive chemicals, trichomes, and plant volatiles in the cultivated tomato, and a higher level of constitutive plant resistance against herbivory in the wild genotype was observed. When comparing the responses of damaged vs. undamaged leaves, the percent reduction in larval growth was higher on damaged leaves from cultivated tomato, suggesting a higher induced resistance compared to other two genotypes. While all tomato genotypes exhibited increased volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions in response to herbivory, the cultivated variety responded with generally higher levels of VOCs. Differences in VOC patterns may have influenced the ovipositional preferences, as H. zea female moths significantly preferred laying eggs on the cultivated versus the wild tomato genotypes. Selection of traits during domestication and selective breeding could alter allocation of resources, where plants selected for higher yield performance would allocate resources to defense only when attacked.

Determination of physicochemical parameters, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity of wild cherry plum (Prunus divaricata Ledeb.) from the walnut-fruit forests of Kyrgyzstan

Wild fruits and berries from the walnut-fruit forests of Kyrgyzstan may hold nutritional and health benefits for humans. Since information on their nutritional value is scarce, physical properties and nutritional value of naturally occurring red, black, and yellow cherry plum fruits (Prunus divaricata Ledeb.) were evaluated. The wild cherry plums featured moisture contents between 81.07 and 85.87%, reducing sugar contents of 6.83–8.42%, alimentary fiber of 0.78–1.38%, ash contents of 0.48–0.74%, acidity levels of 0.97–2.31%, and ascorbic acid concentrations of 16.00–30.25 mg/100 g. The total phenolic concentrations of wild cherry plum fruits was determined at 177–365 mg/100 g expressed as gallic acid equivalents. The black wild cherry plum contained the highest amounts of polyphenols and anthocyanins among the analyzed samples as well as the domesticated Prunus varieties. The essential mineral profile indicated that zinc (Zn) featured the lowest concentrations with 0.05–0.18 mg/100 g, while potassium (K) was the most abundant mineral at 127.97–188.74 mg/100 g in all cherry plum samples. 100 g fresh wild cherry plum can contribute up to 26.4% of iron (Fe) to recommended dietary allowance. All these results indicate that wild cherry plum fruits can be beneficial for human nutrition. The determination of physical attributes and chemical composition of these fruits is essential to facilitate the establishment of product standards and to further promote the use of these products in the food industry.

Pomological and phytochemical evaluation of different cherry species: mahaleb (Prunus mahaleb L.), wild sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) and wild sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), sweet and sour cherry cultivars

Cherries are known as health friendly fruits due to their abundant phytochemical compositions. This study was conducted to determine phytochemical and pomological fruit properties of different cherry species including mahaleb (Prunus mahaleb L.), wild sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.), wild sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.), two sweet cherries (‘Napoleon’ and ‘Starks Gold’) and one sour cherry (‘Kütahya’) cultivars. For this aim, together with various pomological traits, total phenolics and anthocyanin contents, antioxidant capacity, organic acids, sugars, were analyzed in fruits of relevant genotypes. Results of all examined traits significantly varied between genotypes. Mahaleb showed the highest TSS (30.17%), fructose (8.71 μg/g) and glucose (20.74 μg/g) contents. Wild sour cherry gave the highest antioxidant capacity (13.25 mmol TE/kg total weight), anthocyanin (351.0 mg Pg-3-glk/kg total weight), citric acid (0.56 μg/g) and malic acid (2.96 μg/g) contents. As a rootstock, mahaleb was found to be superior in some of the traits when compared to wild sweet cherry. Significant correlations were observed between various traits. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed different relationships among the traits and evaluated genotypes.

Transcriptome and flower genes analysis of Prunus campanulata Maxim

ABSTRACTPrunus campanulata Maxim. (syn. Cerasus campanulata or Prunus cerasoides var. campanulata) is a species of wild cherry native to Taiwan. Unlike most of the species in genus Cerasus, it is native to subtropical to tropical climate, and is often being planted as ornamental or roadside tree in city. Flower is the most attractive part of P. campanulata, but the genes participated in blossom in this specie are unknown. The transcriptome of P. campanulata inflorescence and leaves were sequenced by illumina technique. A total of 36,315 contigs were acquired, 22,531 of which were predicted as genes. For flower-related genes, 24 genes belong to MIKC group and one FT-like gene (PcFTL) belongs to PEBP gene family. Analysis of the PcFTL sequence suggests it as a flower activator. Expression of genes on the flower development pathway were also investigated, and the result showed genes belong to ABC model were highly expressed in inflorescence, thus indicates the P. campanulata transcriptome database is reliable. In this study an overview of P. campanulata inflorescence and leaves transcriptome was provided and the flower-related genes of P. campanulata were investigated. These findings improve our understanding of gene regulation of flowering in P. campanulata.Abbreviation: AGL - AGAMOUS LIKE; AP3: APETALA 3; BLAST - Basic Local Alignment Search Tool; CO - CONSTANTS; EMBL - European Molecular Biology Laboratory; EMF - Embryonic flower; FD - Flowering Locus D; FLC - FLOWERING LOCUS C; FPKM - fragments per kilobase of transcript per million; FRI - FRIGIDA; FT - Flowering Locus T; FTL - Flowering Locus T-like; gDNA - genomic DNA; GI - GIGANTEA; GO - gene ontology; LFY - LEAFY; MFT - MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1; NCBI - National Center for Biotechnology Information; NGS - next-generation sequencing; ORF - Open Reading Frame; PEBP - phosphatidylethanolaminebinding protein; PI - PISTILLATA; QTL - quantitative trait locus; SOC - SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSTION OF CONSTANS 1; SSEP - SEPALLATA; SVP - SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE; TAIR - The Arabidopsis Information Resource; TFL - TERMINAL FLOWER1-like

Complete chloroplast genome of Cerasus kumanoensis (Rosaceae), a wild flowering cherry endemic to Kii Peninsula, Japan

Cerasus kumanoensis is a recently described wild cherry species from the Kii Peninsula, Japan. Here we determined the first complete chloroplast genome of C. kumanoensis using genome skimming approach. The cp genome was 157,898 bp long, with a large single-copy region (LSC) of 85,926 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,070 bp separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,451 bp. It encodes 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Besides, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Prunus using maximum likelihood (ML) method, including our data and previously reported cp genomes of related taxa. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. kumanoensis is close related with a group including Prunus takesimensis and P. speciosa.

Thorny Shrubs Limit the Browsing Pressure of Large Herbivores on Tree Regeneration in Temperate Lowland Forested Landscapes

Thorny shrubs are considered as an important driver in the natural development of temperate forest structures, particularly in European lowland forests. We assessed the current role of thorny shrubs in the regeneration of deciduous tree species under heavy browsing pressure in a central European temperate forested landscape. The study’s military training area offered a unique opportunity to investigate the processes in which deciduous tree seedlings grew under thorny shrubs and in the close vicinity of thorny shrubs in a landscape with a high density of large herbivores (red deer and sika deer). We assessed the number of seedlings, species composition, seedling height, and degree of browsing damage, and their relationship to study plots elevation, thorny shrub species, coverage, and height. The regenerated tree seedlings were mostly detected as common ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and wild cherry (Cerasus avium). The species of thorny shrubs were blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), hawthorn (Crataegus sp.), and wild rose (Rosa sp.). We found that the thorny shrubs protected the tree seedlings from browsers to a large extent. However, the effects of thorny shrubs on the tree seedlings’ characteristics varied among the shrub species. While results revealed significant effects of hawthorn and wild rose on the tree seedlings’ abundance and survival, blackthorn’s negative effect of shading the tree seedlings outweighed its protective role. These results indicated a possible mechanism that enabled the regeneration of deciduous tree species under large herbivore pressure. These results can be applied in the landscape planning and forest management of deciduous tree regeneration and forest restoration in temperate forested lowland landscapes, where high densities of large herbivores (without the presence of large predators) usually occur.

Impact of wild boars on the feeding behavior of smaller frugivorous mammals

We examined the interspecific relationships among wild boars, raccoon dogs, and badgers with regard to the consumption of fallen fruits to assess how the presence of the largest mammal, the boar, affects the frugivory behavior of the two smaller species. In our 2-year survey, automatic cameras were set under the crown of wild cherry trees to observe frugivory; all mammals had access to the trees in the first year, but only wild boars were blocked access with a fence in the second year. The survey was conducted in a temperate broad-leaved forest in central Japan. All three species frequently visited those trees with abundant fruit production, and the presence of wild boars affected the feeding behavior of smaller badgers and raccoon dogs. When wild boars were present, the raccoon dogs partly shifted the time of day when they fed and tended to shift to places that the wild boars visited infrequently. In contrast, the badgers partly shifted the time of day when they fed and reduced their feeding time per visit. When wild boars were excluded from the area, raccoon dogs and badgers, which are generally nocturnal, consumed fruit under the crown not only at night but also during the day. The reason for this may be that the smaller species may not have yet responded to the sudden exclusion of the boar as a competitor. Our findings indicate that these three frugivorous mammals exhibit resource partitioning of fallen fruits on the forest floor.

Sap flow of a wild cherry tree plantation growing under Mediterranean conditions: Assessing the role of environmental conditions on canopy conductance and the effect of branch pruning on water productivity

In recent decades, wild cherry has been one of the species most widely used for reforestation in Europe. Studies aiming to select and improve trees to give them the best growth rates and wood properties have increased in response to growers’ demands. However, information relating to key physiological processes such as transpiration or stomatal conductance and to the effect of the common practice of pruning on plant–water relations is scarce. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of environmental conditions on canopy conductance dynamics. Its secondary objective was to examine the short- and medium-term effects of branch pruning on tree transpiration, growth and derived water productivity. To this end, we measured sap flow in an experimental plantation where trees were subjected to drip irrigation and rain-fed conditions and where variables characterizing climate, soil and tree growth were also monitored. The results demonstrated that the Jarvis–Stewart approach was appropriate for studying the responses of canopy conductance to environmental factors. As well as the role of vapour pressure deficit and net radiation in controlling the daily variations of canopy conductance, the single effects of decreasing soil water content (optimum relative extractable water, REW, higher than 0.4) and increasing air temperature (optimum of 21 °C), as summer conditions approached, were correctly incorporated into the modelling exercise. Soil water content exerted the greatest control on canopy conductance for trees growing under rain-fed conditions, while air temperature did for irrigated trees. Pruning significantly reduced transpiration to about 35% when pre- and post-sub-periods were compared, but also affected annual water productivity regardless of the irrigation treatment. To assess the long-term effects of pruning on water productivity, measurements in both pruned and unpruned trees would be desirable.

Формування лісової підстилки в деревостанах за участю липи дрібнолистої в умовах свіжої грабової діброви Західного Поділля

Досліджено формування лісової підстилки в 41-100-річних деревостанів за участю липи дрібнолистої. У складі деревостанів частка липи і дуба коливається від поодиноких дерев до 10 одиниць. У них також представлені клен гостролистий і явір, граб звичайний, в'яз голий, ясен звичайний, черешня та інші види. У деревостанах свіжої грабової діброви Західного Поділля запас не розкладеної лісової підстилки наприкінці вегетаційного періоду коливається в межах 0,28-1,34 кг/м2. Встановлено найменший запас підстилки в деревостанах, де частка липи становить 8-10 одиниць. Відносно чистого липового деревостану в мішаних запас лісової підстилки істотно зріс – у 1,61-4,78 раза. У його складі переважає листя деревних видів, маса якого становить 0,19-1,15 кг/м2 або 51,5-86,3 %. Маса пагонів, плодів, кори тощо у складі лісової підстилки коливається в межах 0,08-0,54 кг/м2 (13,7-48,5 %). Зв'язок нагромадження лісової підстилки з часткою липи у складі деревостанів характеризується тісною зворотною кореляційною залежністю (r = –0,68). Коефіцієнт варіації загальної маси лісової підстилки в деревостанах коливається в межах 6,3-32,1 %. Переважає слабкий і середній рівень мінливості. Аналогічною мінливістю характеризується фракція листя у складі лісової підстилки (V = 5,2–33,9 %). Встановлено значне зростання варіювання фракції пагонів, кори, плодів тощо у складі лісової підстилки, що характеризується переважанням сильних значень коефіцієнтів варіації.Ключові слова: дубові деревостани; лісова підстилка; опад; лісівничо-таксаційні показники; липа дрібнолиста.

New modified carbon based solid phase extraction sorbent prepared from wild cherry stone as natural raw material for the pre-concentration and determination of trace amounts of copper in food samples

A new activated carbon (AC) adsorbent was prepared from cherry stone of native wild cherry shrub of Kurdistan as raw material. The AC was modified by acidic and microwave modification methods and applied as dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) sorbent. Hydrochloric (15% w/w) and nitric (32.5% w/w) acids were used to oxidize the porous surface of AC and to change its surface chemistry. Acidic functional groups on acidic modified AC (AM-AC) sample were seen in related FT-IR spectrum. Also, microwave radiation led to significant changes in porous structure of modified sample especially increasing its surface area from 120.07 m2 g−1 to 160.2 m2 g−1, based on results of BET experiments. SEM images showed porous structure in prepared sorbent. In the next step, the acidic and microwave modified AC (AMM-AC) was used in dSPE process at ng mL−1 concentration levels for extraction and pre-concentration of Cu (II) prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination. Various parameters affecting the process were evaluated. The optimum sorbent amount, extraction time, pH and extraction temperature were found to be 15 mg, 15 min, 7 and 30 °C, respectively. In the concentration range from 0.8 to180 ng mL−1, the calibration curve was linear with correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9983. The enrichment factor 100 was obtained. The relative standard deviation was 3.87% (for n = 7), the limit of detection was 0.31 ng mL−1, and relative recoveries in food samples were in the range of 95.7–103.6%.

A fruit firmness QTL identified on linkage group 4 in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is associated with domesticated and bred germplasm

Fruit firmness is an important market driven trait in sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) where the desirable increase in fruit firmness is associated with landrace and bred cultivars. The aim of this work was to investigate the genetic basis of fruit firmness using plant materials that include wild cherry (syn. mazzard), landrace and bred sweet cherry germplasm. A major QTL for fruit firmness, named qP-FF4.1, that had not previously been reported, was identified in three sweet cherry populations. Thirteen haplotypes (alleles) associated with either soft or firm fruit were identified for qP-FF4.1 in the sweet cherry germplasm, and the “soft” alleles were dominant over the “firm” alleles. The finding that sweet cherry individuals that are homozygous for the “soft” alleles for qP-FF4.1 are exclusively mazzards and that the vast majority of the bred cultivars are homozygous for “firm” alleles suggests that this locus is a signature of selection. Candidate genes related to plant cell wall modification and various plant hormone signaling pathways were identified, with an expansin gene being the most promising candidate. These results advance our understanding of the genetic basis of fruit firmness and will help to enable the use of DNA informed breeding for this trait in sweet cherry breeding programs.

Phenolic profile, chromatic parameters and fluorescence of different woods used in Balkan cooperage

The aim of this research was to study phenolic compounds of diverse botanical species of wood commonly used in cooperage in Balkan countries. Several botanical species have been considered including mulberry (Morus alba L.), myrobalan plum (Prunus cerasifera Ehrh.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), wild cherry (Prunus avium (L.) L.), and oak (Q. petraea (Matt.) Liebl., Q. robur L., and Q. cerris L.). A total of 37 compounds were quantified, demonstrating the presence of phenolic acids, flavonols, flavones, flavanones, flavanonol taxifolin, stilbenoids, and coumarins. Taxifolin was the most abundant in wild cherry (8455.70 mg kg−1), while ellagic acid predominated in oak wood (8872.05–10099.32 mg kg−1 in sessile oaks, and up to 15,958.80 mg kg−1 in pedunculate oak from Slavonia). The highest content of protocatechuic acid (533.39 mg kg−1) was found in myrobalan plum. Also, isoflavones were characteristic of wild cherry, while mulberry was abundant in stilbenoids. Total phenolic content, as well as antioxidant, chromatic, and fluorescence properties were studied. The spectral shapes and maxima of fluorescence emission spectra of bare wood samples were compared with those of the corresponding wood extracts. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied in order to find patterns in emission spectra for differentiation among wood samples.

Intraspecific discrimination study of wild cherry populations from North-Western Turkey by DNA barcoding approach

Wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a plant widely distributed around the world that possesses a great economic value. Indeed, it represents both a fruit source and one of the most important European hardwood species. For this reason, in order to obtain information about Turkish authoctonous P. avium germplasm and favor wood management policies and preservation strategies, we investigated the phylogenetic relationships existing among seven wild cherry populations (a total of 139 individuals) located in Northern Turkey using DNA barcoding. For each specimen, in detail, we sequenced a nuclear one (ITS) and two plastidial (trnH-psbA and matK) genes, to identify nucleotide polymorphisms, hypervariable genetic regions, and mutation events. Applying neighbor-joining method and genetic structure analysis, a high rate of crossbreeding among stands was revealed, except for one population (Golcuk) whose molecular profile was less similar to the others. In general, we observed that ITS was the most informative marker, suggesting it as a good candidate for P. avium intraspecific study. We conclude that DNA barcode technique, usually applied for species identification, may be also used as a scientific tool for the detection of plant biodiversity at population level.

Anatomical and histochemical studies of maturation and the accumulation of polysaccharides or volatile organic compounds in Japanese wild cherry fruit following ethephon application

The leaf of the Japanese wild cherry, Prunus Sato-zakura Group, especially ‘Oshima-zakura’, releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as polysaccharides or coumarin from the leaves or fruits. These substances have a pleasant smell and exert a bactericidal effect. However, little information is available on the maturation and development of fragrant ingredients in ‘Oshima-zakura’ fruit. In this study, we used histochemistry to observe polysaccharide or VOC release from the fruit tissue. Ethephon (500 ppm) was sprayed on immature green fruit. Fruit samples were obtained at the immature (green), turning (red), and matured (black) stages. Fruit ripening proceeded about 3 to 5 days after ethephon application. The surface cells of the fruit epicarp were composed of a thick cuticle with wax, and two to three layers of cells were found underneath the cuticle, which contained chloroplast during the immature stage. As the fruit matured, these cells developed vacuoles in the epicarp tissue and anthocyanin accumulated significantly following ethephon application. When stained with toluidine blue-O, cells of the fruit mesocarp tissue exhibited a red-purplish colour following treatment with ethephon. This indicated that cells of the mesocarp contained polysaccharide, such as pectic substances or VOCs, especially coumarin. Accordingly, the substances that stained red-purplish may be antifungal and may exhibit antifeedant properties against pests. We conclude that polysaccharides or VOCs, especially coumarin, may increase the functional potential of wild cherry in addition to its fragrant properties, following treatment with ethephon.

Using SSR markers from Prunus genus for wild cherry genotyping

Prunus genus include fruit and wooden species. Because its economic importance, both phenotypic and genetic markers have been developed and used in genetic studies. Among them, for their versatility, degree of transferability and repeatability, some microsatellite sets have been developed for several species from this genus.Although they have been successfully used inside the Rosaceae family, their transferability to other species and/or provenances different for what they were designed, must be first assessed. Thus, the higher the number of markers assessed, the higher their applicability for performing genetic studies. Hence, the functionality of 20 microsatellite markers designed for P. persica (L.) Batsch and P. avium L. were tested for genotyping a wild cherry progeny for wood production. Scorable amplifications and reasonably high polymorphism were registered for 13 out of 20 SSR assessed, averaging 7.7 alleles/ locus. The observed heterozygosity ranges from 0.513 to 0.946; with allelic frequencies below 0.50, except for two loci. The individual discriminative power goes from 0.045 to 0.250; while the combined random probability of identity was as low as 1.8114x10-13, allowing to identify and to differentiate unambiguously individuals in the sample formed by 36 trees. According these results, this set has showed its potential for genotyping plus trees from wild cherry for wood production.