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Abstract: Here we attempt to clarify contemporary scientific findings of Rubus fruit phenolics, focusing mainly on published peer-reviewed work from the last 6years. Our review focuses on research papers that identified phenolics of Rubus fruit, although other edible parts of Rubus plants (i.e. leaves, roots) also contain phenolics. With an increased awareness given to the potential health benefits of consuming berries high in phenolics, efforts have been directed at enhancing Rubus fruit quality and colour (through plant selection, harvesting, storage, etc.) for processors and consumers alike. Assessment of any progress requires knowing the state of the starting material, so effective research into Rubus phenolics relies upon the accurate identification of the components in Rubus fruit in the initial investigations. We have summarised these reports into three sections: anthocyanins, phenolic monomers other than anthocyanins, and phenolic polymers. More work is needed in identification and quantification, and further opportunities remain for deciphering and clarifying existing phenolic information for Rubus fruit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Viruses vectored by the aphid Amphorophora agathonica cause decline in black raspberry plant health resulting in a shortened life and poor fruit quality of the infected plantings. New aphid resistant cultivars could increase the longevity of plantings providing growers and processors with consistent fruit production. Recent exploration of the native range of black raspberry identified three sources of aphid resistance: Ag4 from Ontario (ON), Canada, Ag5 from Maine (ME), and a third source from Michigan (MI) with no formal designation. The objectives of this study were to assess segregation of these three sources of aphid resistance in populations with single and combined sources and develop markers that can identify each source of resistance. A genetic linkage map constructed for ORUS 4305 placed the ON aphid resistance locus on Rubus linkage group (RLG) 6. Segregation ratios in populations with single and combined sources, and linkage mapping in two populations (ORUS 4304 and ORUS 4812) segregating for the Ag5 and MI sources, respectively, indicated that these three sources of resistance are each conferred by single dominant genes/alleles that are linked on RLG6. Confirmation of marker association in 16 validation populations identified four markers that could be used to predict resistance; however, none could distinguish between the ON and MI sources. These four markers may be useful for screening populations to enrich the field-planted progeny for aphid resistance. Fine mapping of the resistance loci is needed to develop functional markers at each of the resistance loci to enable pyramiding and durable aphid resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing new blueberry cultivars requires plant breeders to be aware of current and emerging needs throughout the supply chain, from producer to consumer. Because breeding perennial crop plants (such as blueberry) is time-and resource-intensive, understanding and targeting priority traits is critical to enhancing the efficiency of breeding programs. This study assesses blueberry industry breeding priorities for fruit and plant quality traits based on a survey conducted at commodity group meetings across nine U.S. states and in British Columbia (Canada) between Nov. 2016 and Mar. 2017. In general, industry responses signaled that the most important trait cluster was fruit quality including the firmness, flavor, and shelf life. Fruit quality traits affect price premiums received by producers; influence consumer's preferences; and have the potential to increase the feasibility of mechanical harvesting, all critical to the economic viability of the industry. There were differences across regions in the relative importance assigned to traits for disease resistance, arthropod resistance, and tolerance to abiotic stresses. Our findings will be useful to researchers seeking solutions for challenges to the North American blueberry industry including development of new cultivars with improved traits using accelerated DNA-based selection strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the WSU 2166 is a new floricane fruiting raspberry cultivar. Topics discussed include information on the evaluation of the suitability to machine harvesting and overall fruit quality; discussions on the treating the plantings with the spotted wing drosophila; and the information on the estimating the color and development of the fruit.

Blueberry surface color is determined in large part by anthocyanin pigments and is one of the most important quality traits influencing consumer preference. Postharvest changes in fruit surface color and phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, have been reported in blueberries; however, the relationships between these changes had not yet been investigated. A total of 25 anthocyanins and 14 flavonols were quantified across 20 blueberry genotypes at harvest and during four weeks of postharvest storage in 2019 and 2020. Total anthocyanin concentration ranged from 585.4 to 2556.4 mg kg‐1 across genotypes and was higher than total flavonol concentration that ranged from 129.3 to 331.0 mg kg‐1. Malvidin glycosides were the major anthocyanins in all genotypes; however, distinct anthocyanin profiles were observed among genotypes based on differences in the type of glycosylation. Quercetin 3-O-galactoside was the most abundant flavonol in all genotypes. Changes in total anthocyanin and total flavonol concentrations showed various trends during storage, depending on the genotype and the season. In contrast, anthocyanin and flavonol profiles for each genotype remained constant during storage and between seasons. Surface color parameters (lightness, chroma, and hue angle) showed weak correlations (r < 0.4) with anthocyanin concentrations measured at harvest and during postharvest storage. However, the color changes (Δ color) over four weeks of storage showed a strong correlation (r > 0.7) with changes in anthocyanin concentrations. This study provides novel understanding of the relationship between changes in anthocyanins and fruit surface color during postharvest storage in blueberries. • Anthocyanin profiles vary among blueberry genotypes by the type of glycosylation. • Season and postharvest storage time have limited effects on anthocyanin profiles. • Variations in anthocyanins at harvest do not determine variations in fruit color. • Postharvest changes in anthocyanin levels and fruit color do correlate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]