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Nanotechnology offers promising applications in agriculture by enhancing crop growth, yield, and antioxidant defenses. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the in vitro growth of two blueberry cultivars, Brigitta and Duke. The ZnO-NPs were synthesized biogenically using an extract of Lemna minor L., which is a free-floating aquatic plant, as a capping and modulating agent, and were added to the plant's growth media at different dosages (0, 2, 6, and 18 mg L−1). The ZnO-NPs significantly increased the shoot number, fresh biomass, and dry weight in both cultivars without affecting shoot vitality, length, or basal callus formation. Moreover, the increases in carotenoids in both cultivars, as well as chlorophyll and and soluble proteins in the 'Brigitta' cultivar, confirm the prompted benefits and possibly evidence genotype-specific metabolic adaptations in response to ZnO-NPs. These results demonstrate that biogenic ZnO-NPs can effectively promote the in vitro growth of blueberry explants, offering improvements in micropropagation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of blueberries has increased in recent years due to their excellent flavor and high antioxidant activity, which promote human well-being and health. Several sustainable cultural practices, such as biostimulants, have been applied to increase crop performance. The pre-harvest foliar application of two doses of a biostimulant based on the macroalgae Ecklonia maxima (EM), two doses of a glycine–betaine (GB) biostimulant, and two doses of the combination of the biostimulants in 'Duke' and 'Draper' blueberry cultivars in 2022 and 2023 were studied. The application of 4 L ha−1 EM significantly increased the yield of 'Draper' blueberries, while the same occurred in 'Duke' fruits treated with 4 L ha−1 EM + 4 kg ha−1 GB. The blueberries sprayed with both doses of EM + GB were heavier and larger. 'Duke' fruits treated with EM were firmer and, following 4 L ha−1 EM + 4 kg ha−1 GB treatment, presented a lower concentration of organic acids, determined by HPLC, greater sensorial sweetness, and lower acidity. Therefore, these biostimulants are recommended for a more environmentally friendly production perspective, as they may increase blueberry yield and improve fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary flowering is the phenomenon in which a tree blooms twice or more times a year. Along with the development of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fruits in spring, a large number of secondary flowers on the strong upright spring shoots were noticed in blueberries planted in the greenhouse. To reveal the cause and possible regulatory mechanism of the phenomenon, we clarified the phenological characteristics of flower bud differentiation and development on the spring shoots by combining phenological phenotype with anatomical observation. Furthermore, the changes in carbohydrates, trehalose-6-phosphate (Tre6P), and the relationship among the key enzyme regulatory genes for Tre6P metabolism and the key regulatory genes for flower formation during the differentiation process of apical buds and axillary buds were investigated. The results showed that the process of flower bud differentiation and flowering of apical and axillary buds was consistent, accompanied by a large amount of carbohydrate consumption. This process was positively correlated with the expression trends of VcTPS1/2, VcSnRK1, VcFT, VcLFY2, VcSPL43, VcAP1, and VcDAM in general, and negatively correlated with that of VcTPP. In addition, there is a certain difference in the differentiation progress of flower buds between the apical and axillary buds. Compared with axillary buds, apical buds had higher contents of sucrose, fructose, glucose, Tre6P, and higher expression levels of VcTPS2, VcFT, VcSPL43, and VcAP1. Moreover, VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 were more closely related to the physiological substances (sucrose and Tre6P) in axillary bud and apical bud differentiation, respectively. It was suggested that sucrose and trehalose-6-phosphate play a crucial role in promoting flower bud differentiation in strong upright spring shoots, and VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 might play a central role in these activities. Our study provided substantial sight for further study on the mechanism of multiple flowering of blueberries and laid a foundation for the regulation and utilization of the phenomenon of multiple flowering in a growing season of perennial woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blueberries are a fruit with an increasing global demand due to their phytochemical and bioactive compounds content. They are promoted worldwide because of their health benefits. For optimal growth and productivity, blueberry crops need acidic soil pH, specific chilling hours, and an adequate atmospheric temperature. This delicate production equilibrium is under severe threat from climate change, potentially leading to reduced yields and increased cultivation costs unless new cultivars are developed for each edafoclimatic zone. Therefore, considering varietal replacements with more productive cultivars offering higher quality and better adaptability to local conditions is imperative. In this study, we employ polyploidization and in vitro tissue culture to promote variability and lay the foundation for new cultivar development. We report the successful induction of octoploids in three blueberry cultivars, namely ‘Biloxi’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Duke’, through whole-genome duplication. Leaves and microstem explants were exposed to 0.1% colchicine for 24 and 48 hours in in vitro culture. After analyzing the polyploid level of 160 regenerated shoots using DNA flow cytometry, we obtained a total of 18 mutants, consisting of 8 mixoploids and 10 octoploids. The number of chloroplasts in the stomata was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy, revealing the duplication of these organelles in the induced octoploid plants. To our knowledge, this represents the first successful induction of octoploids in three blueberry cultivars -‘Biloxi,’ ‘Legacy,’ and ‘Duke’- achieved by exposing leaves and microstem explants to colchicine in in vitro culture. This technique holds promise as a valuable tool for the development of improved blueberry cultivars. Key message: This study presents the first successful induction of octoploids of three blueberry cultivars ‘Biloxi’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Duke’ by inducing polyploidization exposing leaves and microstems explants to colchicine in in vitro culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), a perennial shrub, flower bud initiation is mediated by a short-day (SD) photoperiod and buds bloom once the chilling requirement is satisfied. A plant factory with artificial lighting (PFAL) is a planting system that can provide a stable and highly efficient growing environment for blueberry production. However, the characteristics of bud differentiation of blueberry plants inside PFAL systems are poorly understood. To better understand flower bud initiation and the flowering mechanism of blueberry in PFAL systems, the anatomical structure of apical buds under SD conditions in a PFAL system was observed using the southern highbush cultivar 'Misty' and a transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the candidate flowering genes. The results indicated that the apical bud of 'Misty' differentiated gradually along with SD time course and swelled obviously when chilling was introduced. A total of 39.28 Gb clean data were generated, and about 20.31–24.11 Mb high-quality clean reads were assembled, yielding a total of 17370 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 9637 were up-regulated and 7733 were down-regulated. Based on the functional annotation, 26 DEGs were identified including 20 flowering-related and 6 low-temperature DEGs, out of which the expressive level of four flowering-related DEGs (VcFT2, VcFPA, VcFMADS1, and VcCOP1) and two low-temperature-induced DEGs (VcTIL-1 and VcLTI 65-like) were confirmed by qRT-PCR with a good consistency with the pattern of transcriptome. Functional analysis indicated that VcFT2 was highly conserved with nuclear and cytoplasmic subcellular localization and was expressed mainly in blueberry leaf tissue. In Arabidopsis, ectopic overexpression of VcFT2 results in an early flowering phenotype, indicating that VcFT2 is a vital regulator of the SD-mediated flowering pathway in blueberry. These results contribute to the investigation of photoperiod-mediated flowering mechanisms of blueberry in PFAL systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El cultivo de arándanos (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) tiene un crecimiento significativo a nivel mundial por su valor nutricional, la creciente demanda global y su potencial económico. En el Perú la producción de este cultivo está destinado principalmente a la exportación, siendo una de las principales zonas productoras la provincia de Trujillo. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar y describir los síntomas de los patógenos causantes de enfermedades fungosas en el cultivo de arándanos. Se tomaron muestras de plantas que presentaban estrías necróticas en el tallo, hojas y frutos, para su análisis microbiológico en laboratorio. Las muestras se procesaron por observación directa de síntomas y presencia de signos, mediante cámara húmeda para promover la esporulación y medio de cultivo PDA para los aislamientos fúngicos. Se identificaron a Pestalotia sp. causando manchas foliares y tizón en tallos, a Thekopsora minima ocasionando roya en hojas, a Botrytis cinérea produciendo moho gris en flores y frutos y a Lasiodiplodia theobromae causando muerte regresiva. Para corroborar su identificación, se hicieron pruebas de patogenicidad. Para el control de estas enfermedades, se recomienda implementar un plan de manejo integrado que reduzca las condiciones de desarrollo del patógeno, y con ello evitar pérdidas económicas a corto, mediano y largo plazo.

The consumption of blueberries has increased in recent years due to their excellent flavor and high antioxidant activity, which promote human well-being and health. Several sustainable cultural practices, such as biostimulants, have been applied to increase crop performance. The pre-harvest foliar application of two doses of a biostimulant based on the macroalgae Ecklonia maxima (EM), two doses of a glycine–betaine (GB) biostimulant, and two doses of the combination of the biostimulants in ‘Duke’ and ‘Draper’ blueberry cultivars in 2022 and 2023 were studied. The application of 4 L ha−1 EM significantly increased the yield of ‘Draper’ blueberries, while the same occurred in ‘Duke’ fruits treated with 4 L ha−1 EM + 4 kg ha−1 GB. The blueberries sprayed with both doses of EM + GB were heavier and larger. ‘Duke’ fruits treated with EM were firmer and, following 4 L ha−1 EM + 4 kg ha−1 GB treatment, presented a lower concentration of organic acids, determined by HPLC, greater sensorial sweetness, and lower acidity. Therefore, these biostimulants are recommended for a more environmentally friendly production perspective, as they may increase blueberry yield and improve fruit quality.

Secondary flowering is the phenomenon in which a tree blooms twice or more times a year. Along with the development of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) fruits in spring, a large number of secondary flowers on the strong upright spring shoots were noticed in blueberries planted in the greenhouse. To reveal the cause and possible regulatory mechanism of the phenomenon, we clarified the phenological characteristics of flower bud differentiation and development on the spring shoots by combining phenological phenotype with anatomical observation. Furthermore, the changes in carbohydrates, trehalose-6-phosphate (Tre6P), and the relationship among the key enzyme regulatory genes for Tre6P metabolism and the key regulatory genes for flower formation during the differentiation process of apical buds and axillary buds were investigated. The results showed that the process of flower bud differentiation and flowering of apical and axillary buds was consistent, accompanied by a large amount of carbohydrate consumption. This process was positively correlated with the expression trends of VcTPS1/2, VcSnRK1, VcFT, VcLFY2, VcSPL43, VcAP1, and VcDAM in general, and negatively correlated with that of VcTPP. In addition, there is a certain difference in the differentiation progress of flower buds between the apical and axillary buds. Compared with axillary buds, apical buds had higher contents of sucrose, fructose, glucose, Tre6P, and higher expression levels of VcTPS2, VcFT, VcSPL43, and VcAP1. Moreover, VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 were more closely related to the physiological substances (sucrose and Tre6P) in axillary bud and apical bud differentiation, respectively. It was suggested that sucrose and trehalose-6-phosphate play a crucial role in promoting flower bud differentiation in strong upright spring shoots, and VcTPS1 and VcTPS2 might play a central role in these activities. Our study provided substantial sight for further study on the mechanism of multiple flowering of blueberries and laid a foundation for the regulation and utilization of the phenomenon of multiple flowering in a growing season of perennial woody plants.

Blueberries are considered super-food because of their richness in antioxidants and vitamin C, essential for strengthening the immune system and protecting the brain. Breeders strive to improve the blueberries' fruit quality treats, so these fruits will have flavors and unique tastes, considerable size, and intense colors, which makes them even more appreciated by consumers. The firmness of fruits, their juiciness, taste, aroma, size, and color are all indicators used to appreciate the 30 blueberry varieties used in this study. Eight Romanian varieties and 22 foreign varieties were analyzed in a testing session in August 2023 with 51 accessors. The highest ranking is attributed to the 'Brigitta' variety. The 'Pink Lemonade' variety scored the best results for flavor, taste, firmness, and juiciness. The Romanian variety 'Delicia' was in the top 3 for 3 indicators. The results of the present study could be used by breeders to select promising varieties as genitors in blueberry breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed management is often a predominant and costly problem in the production of organic blueberries. Geotextile weed fabrics of woven polyethylene are widely used in organic blueberry fields to suppress weeds growing within the rows. Weeds, such as Convolvulus arvensis L., grow at the base of the blueberry plants or through openings and around the edges of the weed fabric, thus requiring hand weeding. This study evaluates the integration of saturated steam (SS), a rotary brush (RB), and organic herbicides for weed control in blueberries. Dose–response studies indicated that SS applied at 121°C and at 7.4 m3 ha−1 of steam (3,655 MJ ha−1) resulted in over 90% control and a reduction in the dry weights of C. arvensis. When treatments were directed to the base of the blueberry plants, SS at 7.4 m3 ha−1 provided 80% control of C. arvensis 28 days after treatment (DAT) and was comparable to hand weeding. Both of these treatments outperformed capric plus caprylic acid (CC) (33.2 kg ai ha−1) or ammonium nonanoate (AN) (24.3 kg ai ha−1) applications, despite C. arversis regrowth being observed. Four repetitive basal applications of SS of up to 29.6 m3 ha−1 over two consecutive years caused minimal and transient damage to new basal shoots of ‘Elliot’ and ‘Duke’ blueberries; basal shoot cross-sectional area compared with the non-treated was unaffected. In contrast, basal application of AN treatments damaged or killed basal shoots. When treatments were applied to the edge of the weed fabric, SS (7.4 m3 ha−1) reduced weed biomass by 42% to 93% at 28 DAT compared with the non-treated. The RB treatment reduced weed biomass from 72% to 99% in all experiments, while CC and AN reduced biomass by 18% to 54%. A partial budget analysis indicated that SS and the RB were 3- and 6.5-fold less expensive than organic herbicides, respectively. Integrating physical (SS) and mechanical (RB) treatments improved weed control. The latter, however, damaged the weed-suppressing fabric where preexisting holes were present, generated dust, and increased the chance of fruit contamination. The SS was safe for the weed-suppressing fabric and the blueberry, but weed regrowth following treatment and copious water requirements hindered its feasibility.

The use of covers to protect blueberry orchards from adverse weather events has increased due to the variability in climate patterns, but the effects of rain covers and netting materials on yield and fruit quality have not been studied yet. This research evaluated the simultaneous effect of an LDPE plastic cover, a woven cover, and netting material on environmental components (UV light, PAR, NIR, and growing degree days (GDDs)), plant performance (light interception, leaf area index, LAI, yield, and flower development), and fruit quality traits (firmness, total soluble solids, and acidity) in two blueberry cultivars. On average, UV transmission under the netting was 11% and 43% higher compared to that under woven and LDPE plastic covers, while NIR transmission was 8–13% higher with both types of rain covers, with an increase in fruit air temperature and GDDs. Yield was 27% higher under the woven cover with respect to netting, but fruit firmness values under the netting were 12% higher than those of the LDPE plastic cover. Light interception, LAI, and flower development explained 64% (p = 0.0052) of the yield variation due to the cover material's effect. The obtained results suggest that the type of cover differentially affects yield and fruit quality in blueberries due to the specific light and temperature conditions generated under these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High tunnels altered microclimatic conditions surrounding blueberry plants. • Leaf stomatal conductance decreased together with elevating VPDl. • Net photosynthesis was during whole day measurements higher under the high tunnel. • Microclimatic changes during the day decreased Fv'/Fm' similarly at both sites. • At noon, higher zeaxanthin and VAZ were measured in leaves under the high tunnel. In a two-year experiment, the aim of our study was to evaluate the physiological and chemical response of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) 'Duke' plants to changed microclimatic conditions that may occur during production in a protected environment—in this case, high tunnels and a hail net. Measurements were performed from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. on days with different weather conditions in 2020 and 2021. In the second year of the experiment, both photosynthetic pigments and phenolics were measured in the leaves. The air temperature, relative humidity, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), substrate temperature, and water content were dramatically altered by the protected environment. Along with an increased air temperature and VPDl (leaf vapor pressure deficit), significant reductions in net photosynthesis (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), and Fv'/Fm' (actual PS II efficiency) were detected under both protected environments, with higher values under the high tunnel. Elevated zeaxanthin and AZ/VAZ concentrations were detected in the leaves from 7.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m., after which these concentrations reduced and continued to do so until the evening. Significance was also observed between high-tunnel and hail-net conditions. Individual and total phenolic concentrations in the leaves did not significantly change during the daytime, but significantly higher values were detected under the hail net. Our results indicate that, regarding photosynthetic pigments and phenolics, modified microclimatic conditions, i.e. elevated air temperature and reduced light quantity under different types of protected environments strongly affect the physiological status of highbush blueberry 'Duke' plants and the chemical composition of leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Consumer demand for natural preservatives in processed meat products has prompted research into alternative options that can maintain health and safety standards. In this study, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) (BB) were investigated, and four beef burger formulas were (control beef burger) (C), a beef burger with 0.01% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (T1), a beef burger with 1% BB (T2), and a beef burger with 1.5% BB (T3). The results revealed that BB contained high levels of total phenolics (435 mg GAE/100g sample, flavonoids (59.76mg Quercetin/ 100g sample), and anthocyanins (173.3mg/ 100g.), making it a promising candidate for use as a natural preservative. Furthermore, incorporating BB into the beef burgers improved all sensory parameters when compared with control, and significantly increased cooking yield, while decreasing cooking loss (p< 0.05). The inclusion of BB also resulted in a clear decrease in the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and peroxide values (p<0.05), indicating its potential as a functional ingredient with preservative ability during meat product processing. Therefore, the use of blueberries as a natural preservative in meat products is recommended as a sustainable alternative to synthetic preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-bush blueberry is an important economic and nutraceutical species, due to its high content of anthocyanins and high antioxidant activity. Nowadays, climate changes are affecting plant growth and development, leading to changes in plants' adaptation to new environmental conditions. Consequently, the need to create new varieties and hybrids to cope with changes and meet the growing demands of consumers is imperative. One way to hasten plant breeding is to employ molecular methods, such as ISSR. In the present study, five ISSR molecular markers were used to study the genetic relationships between seven Romanian blueberry cultivars and one hybrid. The dendrogram obtained following ISSR analysis revealed the presence of two clusters, one cluster containing 'Lax', 'Prod', 'Vital', 'Azur', and the second one 'Simultan', 'Delicia', 'Compact', and the hybrid obtained through free pollination of variety 'Compact'. The shortest genetic distance was noted between the hybrid genotype and the 'Compact' cultivar. The longest genetic distance was noted between the varieties 'Compact' and 'Prod'. The study also revealed common markers for the hybrid studied and its maternal genitor, that could be used as markers in blueberry breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of information on how protected cultivation alters plant and soil responses to water stress. The objective of this study was to understand the influence of the covering material on drought tolerance responses and soil water content in the effective rooting zone in two promising new cultivars grown under contrasting climatic conditions. (2) Methods: Two experiments were conducted in young blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) orchards, cv. Blue Ribbon and cv. Top Shelf, in two different locations in the south-central region of Chile (Linares and Traiguén) in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. Four treatments (uncovered control, net, woven, and plastic) were installed from bud break to leaf senescence. (3) Results: Woven and plastic-covered plants showed no relationship between stem water potential and stomatal conductance, while uncovered and net-covered plants showed a quadratic relationship between both variables. Under deficit irrigation, higher plant water status, stomatal conductance, and photosystem II efficiency were found in covered plants. 'Top Shelf' showed greater tolerance to water stress than 'Blue Ribbon' due to more sensitive stomatal control. (4) Conclusions: Protected cultivation delayed the onset of water stress, maintained high stomatal conductance, and reduced photoinhibition in young blueberry plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs), the CRISPR/Cas9 system represents a useful tool for target gene editing, improving the traits of the plants rapidly. This technology allows targeting one or more sequences simultaneously, as well as introducing new genetic variations by homology-directed recombination. However, the technology of CRISPR/Cas9 remains a challenge for some polyploid woody species, since all the different alleles for which the mutation is required must be simultaneously targeted. In this work we describe improved protocols adapting the CRISPR/Cas9 system to highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. As a proof of concept, we targeted the gene encoding for phytoene desaturase, whose mutation disrupts chlorophyll biosynthesis allowing for the visual assessment of knockout efficiency. Leaf explants of in vitro-cultured blueberry cv. Berkeley has been transformed with a CRISPR/Cas9 construct containing two guide RNAs (gRNA1 and gRNA2) targeting two conserved gene regions of pds and subsequently maintained on a selection medium enriched with kanamycin. After 4 weeks in culture on the selection medium, the kanamycin-resistant lines were isolated, and the genotyping of these lines through Sanger sequencing revealed successful gene editing. Some of mutant shoot lines included albino phenotypes, even if the editing efficiencies were quite low for both gRNAs, ranging between 2.1 and 9.6% for gRNA1 and 3.0 and 23.8 for gRNA2. Here we showed a very effective adventitious shoot regeneration protocol for the commercial cultivar of highbush blueberry “Berkeley”, and a further improvement in the use of CRISPR/Cas9 system in Vaccinium corymbosum L., opening the way to the breeding mediated by biotechnological approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is a popular fruit with an abundance of anthocyanins in its leaves and fruits. Light is one of the pivotal environmental elements that affects plant growth and development, but the regulatory mechanism between light quality and anthocyanin formation is poorly understood. Methods: An integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis was performed to investigate the effects of white (control), blue (B), red (R), and red/blue (60R/40B) light on blueberry growth and reveal the potential pathway controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis in blueberry leaves. Results: The anthocyanin content was significantly improved by the blue and red/blue light when compared with white light, whereas there was a significant reduction in the photosynthesis under the blue light, showing an inverse trend to that of anthocyanin accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis resulted in the assembly of 134,709 unigenes. Of these, 22 were differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that participate in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway, with the majority being significantly up-regulated under the blue light. Most of the photosynthesis-related genes that were down-regulated were expressed during anthocyanin accumulation. Targeted metabolome profiling identified 44 metabolites associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis. The contents of most of these metabolites were higher under blue light than the other light conditions, which was consistent with the transcriptome results. The integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis suggested that, under blue light, leucoanthocyanidin dioxygenase (LDOX), O-methyltransferase (OMT), and UDP-glucose flavonoid glucosyltransferase (UFGT) were the most significantly expressed, and they promoted the synthesis of cyanidin (Cy), malvidin (Mv), and pelargonidin (Pg) anthocyanidins, respectively. The expression levels of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) and OMT, as well as the accumulation of delphinidin (Dp), peonidin (Pn), and petunidin (Pt), were significantly increased by the red/blue light. Discussion: The blue and red/blue lights promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis via inducing the expression of key structural genes and accumulation of metabolites involved in anthocyanin synthesis pathway. Moreover, there was a possible feedback regulating correlation between anthocyanin biosynthesis and photosynthesis under different light qualities in blueberry leaves. This study would provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the underlying regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis of V. corymbosum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small-scale survey for blueberry viruses in Bosnia and Herzegovina was performed in 2018. A total of 20 samples from three locations were collected and analyzed for the presence of 11 viruses. ELISA assays were performed for blueberry scorch virus, blueberry shock virus, blueberry shoestring virus, blueberry leaf mottle virus, tobacco ringspot virus, and tomato ring spot virus. The samples were tested for blueberry red ringspot virus by PCR, and blueberry fruit drop associated virus, blueberry latent virus, blueberry mosaic associated virus, blueberry necrotic ring blotch virus, blueberry virus A, and blueberry leaf mottle virus by RT-PCR. The analyses confirmed the presence of BlLV in eight samples with no other virus detected in any of the samples.

Among the New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs), the CRISPR/Cas9 system represents a useful tool for target gene editing, improving the traits of the plants rapidly. This technology allows targeting one or more sequences simultaneously, as well as introducing new genetic variations by homology-directed recombination. However, the technology of CRISPR/Cas9 remains a challenge for some polyploid woody species, since all the different alleles for which the mutation is required must be simultaneously targeted. In this work we describe improved protocols adapting the CRISPR/Cas9 system to highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. As a proof of concept, we targeted the gene encoding for phytoene desaturase, whose mutation disrupts chlorophyll biosynthesis allowing for the visual assessment of knockout efficiency. Leaf explants of in vitro-cultured blueberry cv. Berkeley has been transformed with a CRISPR/Cas9 construct containing two guide RNAs (gRNA1 and gRNA2) targeting two conserved gene regions of pds and subsequently maintained on a selection medium enriched with kanamycin. After 4 weeks in culture on the selection medium, the kanamycin-resistant lines were isolated, and the genotyping of these lines through Sanger sequencing revealed successful gene editing. Some of mutant shoot lines included albino phenotypes, even if the editing efficiencies were quite low for both gRNAs, ranging between 2.1 and 9.6% for gRNA1 and 3.0 and 23.8 for gRNA2. Here we showed a very effective adventitious shoot regeneration protocol for the commercial cultivar of highbush blueberry “Berkeley”, and a further improvement in the use of CRISPR/Cas9 system in Vaccinium corymbosum L., opening the way to the breeding mediated by biotechnological approaches.

The use of covers to protect blueberry orchards from adverse weather events has increased due to the variability in climate patterns, but the effects of rain covers and netting materials on yield and fruit quality have not been studied yet. This research evaluated the simultaneous effect of an LDPE plastic cover, a woven cover, and netting material on environmental components (UV light, PAR, NIR, and growing degree days (GDDs)), plant performance (light interception, leaf area index, LAI, yield, and flower development), and fruit quality traits (firmness, total soluble solids, and acidity) in two blueberry cultivars. On average, UV transmission under the netting was 11% and 43% higher compared to that under woven and LDPE plastic covers, while NIR transmission was 8–13% higher with both types of rain covers, with an increase in fruit air temperature and GDDs. Yield was 27% higher under the woven cover with respect to netting, but fruit firmness values under the netting were 12% higher than those of the LDPE plastic cover. Light interception, LAI, and flower development explained 64% (p = 0.0052) of the yield variation due to the cover material’s effect. The obtained results suggest that the type of cover differentially affects yield and fruit quality in blueberries due to the specific light and temperature conditions generated under these materials.

Polyploid induction is of utmost importance in horticultural plants for the development of new varieties with desirable morphological and physiological traits. Polyploidy may occur naturally due to the formation of unreduced gametes or can be artificially induced by doubling the number of chromosomes in somatic cells. In this experiment, a protocol for in vitro polyploid induction of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) leaf tissues was studied by using different concentrations of colchicine and oryzalin. Oryzalin was found to be highly toxic to this species, while the adventitious shoot organogenesis media enriched with 25 and 250 µM colchicine was able to induce polyploidization, with significant differences among the treatments used. Higher concentrations of both antimitotic agents led to the browning and death of the leaf tissues. The polyploids obtained showed several morphological differences when compared with the diploid shoots. Flow cytometry analysis was used to confirm the ploidy level of the regenerated shoots, demonstrating that a total of 15 tetraploids and 34 mixoploids were obtained. The stomatal sizes (length and width) of the tetraploids were larger than those of the diploids, but a reduced stomatal density was observed as compared to the controls. These shoots will be acclimatized and grown until they reach the reproductive phase in order to test their potential appeal as new varieties or their use for breeding and genetic improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Propagation of cuttings is frequently used in various plant species, including blueberry, which shows special root characteristics that may hinder adventitious root (AR) formation. AR formation is influenced by various factors, and auxin is considered to play a central role; however, little is known of the related regulatory mechanisms. In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis of green cuttings treated with or without indole-butyric acid (IBA) was performed via RNA_seq to identify candidate genes associated with IBA-induced AR formation. Results Rooting phenotypes, especially the rooting rate, were significantly promoted by exogenous auxin in the IBA application. Blueberry AR formation was an auxin-induced process, during which adventitious root primordium initiation (rpi) began at 14 days after cutting (DAC), root primordium (rp) was developed at 21 DAC, mature AR was observed at 28 DAC and finally outgrowth from the stem occurred at 35 DAC. Higher IAA levels and lower ABA and zeatin contents might facilitate AR formation and development. A time series transcriptome analysis identified 14,970 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during AR formation, of which there were 7467 upregulated and 7503 downregulated genes. Of these, approximately 35 candidate DEGs involved in the auxin-induced pathway and AR formation were further identified, including 10 auxin respective genes (ARFs and SAURs), 13 transcription factors (LOB domain-containing protein (LBDs)), 6 auxin transporters (AUX22, LAX3/5 and PIN-like 6 (PIL6s)) and 6 rooting-associated genes (root meristem growth factor 9 (RGF9), lateral root primordium 1 (LRP1s), and dormancy-associated protein homologue 3 (DRMH3)). All these identified DEGs were highly upregulated in certain stages during AR formation, indicating their potential roles in blueberry AR formation. Conclusions The transcriptome profiling results indicated candidate genes or major regulatory factors that influence adventitious root formation in blueberry and provided a comprehensive understanding of the rooting mechanism underlying the auxin-induced AR formation from blueberry green cuttings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content and profile of the phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant properties of field-grown leaves, in vitro leaves and in vitro callus cultures of the blackberry ‘Čačanska Bestrna’ and blueberry ‘Toro’. In vitro shoots of the selected genotypes were grown either on original Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1 mg/L BA, 0.1 mg/L IBA and 0.1 mg/L GA3 (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or on MS medium with macroelements reduced to 1/2, 2 mg/L zeatin and 0.2 mg/L IAA (‘Toro’). Callus cultures were induced from in vitro leaves and established on MS medium with 2 mg/L BA and 2 mg/L 2,4-D (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or MS medium with half strength macroelements, 2 mg/L BA, 2 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L NAA (‘Toro’). Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) were the highest in blueberry leaves, whereas low TPC and TFC values were obtained in callus cultures of both cultivars. A higher content of PCs in blueberry leaves compared to blackberry leaves was determined by the UHPLC-DAD MS/MS technique. Quercetin derivatives and phenolic acids were the dominant PCs in the leaves of both berries, whereas gallocatechin was present in a significant amount in blueberry leaves. Callus cultures of both berries had a specific PC profile, with none detected in the leaves except quercetin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Blackberry leaves showed the best antioxidant properties as estimated by ferric reducing power (FRP), ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activity assays. Callus cultures of both berries exhibited three to five times lower ABTS•+ and ten to seventeen times lower DPPH• scavenging activity compared to corresponding leaves. The analyzed leaves and callus cultures can be a good source of PCs with good antioxidant properties and specific phenolics, respectively, for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploid induction is of utmost importance in horticultural plants for the development of new varieties with desirable morphological and physiological traits. Polyploidy may occur naturally due to the formation of unreduced gametes or can be artificially induced by doubling the number of chromosomes in somatic cells. In this experiment, a protocol for in vitro polyploid induction of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) leaf tissues was studied by using different concentrations of colchicine and oryzalin. Oryzalin was found to be highly toxic to this species, while the adventitious shoot organogenesis media enriched with 25 and 250 µM colchicine was able to induce polyploidization, with significant differences among the treatments used. Higher concentrations of both antimitotic agents led to the browning and death of the leaf tissues. The polyploids obtained showed several morphological differences when compared with the diploid shoots. Flow cytometry analysis was used to confirm the ploidy level of the regenerated shoots, demonstrating that a total of 15 tetraploids and 34 mixoploids were obtained. The stomatal sizes (length and width) of the tetraploids were larger than those of the diploids, but a reduced stomatal density was observed as compared to the controls. These shoots will be acclimatized and grown until they reach the reproductive phase in order to test their potential appeal as new varieties or their use for breeding and genetic improvement.

The purpose of this work is to assess the suitability for cultivation of some varieties of Vaccinium corymbosum L. (highbush blueberry) in the low hill area from Western Romania. The importance of this kind of research is given to the increase of the interest for cultivation of this species in our country there being necessary assessments regarding the proper area for cultivation to help the interested farmers and researchers with recommendations in this topic. The work presents response of the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) yield in the ecological conditions of low hill area from Western Romania (Caraș-Severin County) in 2020. The researches were developed on a highbush blueberry plantation of 22.07 hectares from the locality Gherteniș on three varieties. The plantation was set in 2015. The varieties analysed from the point of view of the yields were Duke, Hannah’s Choice and Elliot. The results were targeted on the analysis of the yield in the third year of harvesting, respectively the fifth year from planting. According with the obtained results the cultivation of highbush blueberry has perspectives in the low hill area from western Romania. The best yield was obtained in the variety Duke, this being the most productive in comparison with the other two analysed varieties from this plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to present a case study regarding the incidence of the attack of the stem borer wood leopard moth (Zeuzera pyrina L.) caterpillar in a highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plantation from western Romania. The importance of the work is justified by the poor information from literature referring to the attack of this pest in plantations of highbush blueberry, this type of reference being useful both for the farmers and for the researchers from Romania interested in this topic and by the increase of the area planted with Vaccinium corymbosum L. in our country. Location of the blueberry farm is in Gherteniș (Caraș Severin County, Romania), the geographical coordinates being 45°25′48″N and 21°34′55″E. The plantation was set in 2015. The plantation has four highbush blueberry varieties Duke, Legacy, Hannah’s choice and Elliott that covers different intervals of time due to different fruits ripening periods. There was analysed the incidence of the attack of the stem borer in two years in the condition of current application of the control works (pruning and chemical treatment). The results obtained showed an increase of the attack of wood leopard moth from a year to other in the plantation, even there were applied the current control works, except the variety Legacy that was less attacked in the second year of monitoring. Even the attack values registered during the two experimental years are low, the trend observed was the increase of the incidence of this pest species in the analysed plantation. This pest must to be kept under observation due to the potential of producing severe damages and economic loses in plantations and orchards as it was mentioned for many other ligneous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes molecular detection, high prevalence and geographical distribution of blueberry latent virus (BlLV) in Serbia. BlLV was discovered in the USA and the main signature of the virus is latent infection. A number of 110 samples from 14 highbush blueberry cultivars collected from different locations in 9 municipalities of Serbia were tested by RT-PCR with BlLV-specific primers. The presence of BlLV was confirmed in 69 samples (62.7%) in all surveyed locations. BlLV was confirmed in single infections, but also in a mixed infection with blueberry mosaic-associated virus and blueberry red ringspot virus. To access the genetic diversity, direct sequencing of the fragment from the fusion protein gene of 14 Serbian isolates was done. Serbian isolates showed 99.64–100% nucleotide (nt) and 98.94–100% amino acid (aa) identity. In comparison with the available BlLV sequences of the isolates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, South Korea and the USA, our isolates showed 99.29–100 nt and 97.87–100% aa similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of Vaccinium sp. has been a growing worldwide interest after understending their importance for diet and human health. The aim of the work was direct regeneration, propagation and rooting of axillary buds isolated from five highbush blueberry cultivars 'Bluecrop', 'Bluegold', 'Bluejay', 'Spartan' and 'Patriot' and adapt of suitable protocol, developed and applied for Vaccinium corymbosum L. cultivars in our laboratory. For micropropagation, a basal cultural medium WPM was used, supplemented with 3.0 mg/L zeatin and 2.0 mg/l 2-iP, pH 4.2. The highest proliferation capacity was reported for cv. 'Bluegold' after fourth passage of sub cultivation (4.4 shoots per explant) and the largest length of the shoots was reported for the cv. 'Bluejay' (3.9 cm). The rooting ability was established on the same basal medium (WPM) with half-reduced salt concentration enriched with 1.0 mg/L IAA, pH 4.2. The high rooting percentage (33.3%) and the highest average number of roots (3.9) was reported for cv. 'Spartan' and 'Patriot'. The results demonstrate that regeneration potential is genotyp dependent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Many deciduous woody crops require a minimum level of chilling to break dormancy and allow the seasonal growth of vegetative and floral buds. In this study, we report the discovery of an invaluable transgenic event of the blueberry cultivar ‘Legacy’ (hereafter, Mu-Legacy) for studying chilling-induced flowering in woody plants. Mu-legacy and its progeny provide a unique material to study the unknown mechanism of chilling-mediated flowering in woody plants. Results Unlike nontransgenic ‘Legacy’ and plants of 48 other transgenic events, Mu-Legacy plants were able to flower under nonchilling conditions and had early flower bud formation, reduced plant size, and reduced chilling requirement for normal flowering. These characteristics were heritable and also observed in self-pollinated, transgenic T1 progenies of Mu-Legacy. A 47-Kbp genomic sequence surrounding the transgene insertion position was identified. RNA-sequencing data showed increased expression of a RESPONSE REGULATOR 2-like gene (VcRR2), located adjacent to the insertion position in Mu-Legacy and likely driven by the CaMV 35S promoter of the transgene. The Mu-Legacy showed 209 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in nonchilled flower buds (compared to nontransgenic ‘Legacy’), of which only four DEGs were in the flowering pathway. This suggests altered expression of these few genes, VcRR2 and four flowering DEGs, is sufficient to significantly change flowering behavior in Mu-Legacy. Conclusions The significance of VcRR2 in Mu-Legacy suggests that the VcRR2-involved cytokinin pathway likely contributes to the major differences in chilling-mediated flowering between woody and herbaceous plants. More importantly, Mu-Legacy shows increased yield potential, a decreased chilling requirement, and better winter hardiness than many low-chilling cultivars growing in southern warm winter conditions.

The study of the physical and consumption qualitative indices of the highbush blueberries (the cultivars 'Reca', 'Elizabeth' and 'Bluegold') in the Western Lisosteppe of Ukraine has shown that the biggest fruit mass was accumulated by the berries of two last mentioned vs (1.54-1.50 g respectively). 'Bluegold' has this indicator as the least variable (V = 10.6%). The accumulation of fruit mass of all studied cultivars was facilitated by a moderately humid period of their development in 2018 with a hydrothermal coefficient of 1.1-1.2. The favorable year for the intensive synthesis of the dry matter and soluble solids was 2017 when the precipitation amount did not exceed 44 mm. The biggest number of the mentioned substances during the research period was accumulated by fruits of 'Reca' - 17.48 and 13.24%, respectively. It was established that the dry matter content had high level of stability (V = 8.2%), and middle was for soluble solids (V = 19.5%). The amount of monosaccharides from which glucose and fructose were investigated in fruits varied from 6.11 ('Bluegold') to 7.85 ('Reca'), it was slightly lower in 'Elizabeth' berries - 7.78%. 'Bluegold' fruits were characterized by high stability (B = 9.6%) of the biggest content of titrated acids among the studied cultivars (2.42%). The dry weather with low number of precipitation in 2017 (hydrothermal coefficient 0.3-0.4) was favourable for the accumulation of both the mentioned acids and vitamin C in fruits of highbush blueberries in the period of their formation and growth. The amount of ascorbic acid in fruits in the specified year varied from 20.00 mg 100 g-1 WM ('Reca') to 27.00 mg 100 g-1 WM ('Elizabeth') with an intermediate value of 22.50 mg 100 g-1 WM ('Bluegold'). The latest of the mentioned varieties had the most constant index (V = 7.0%). The content of polyphenolic substances was slightly dependent on weather conditions during the period of fruit growth, the coefficients of variation were 6.2% ('Reca'), 7.0% ('Elizabeth') and 5.8% ('Bluegold'). The fruits of the last mentioned cultivars were characterized with the biggest anthocyanins and chalcones content (68 and 13 mg 100 g-1 WM, respectively). The substantial indirect dependence of the content of the nutritive substances and anthocyanins on the berry mass was revealed in the 'Reca' fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Propagation of cuttings is frequently used in various plant species, including blueberry, which shows special root characteristics that may hinder adventitious root (AR) formation. AR formation is influenced by various factors, and auxin is considered to play a central role; however, little is known of the related regulatory mechanisms. In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis of green cuttings treated with or without indole-butyric acid (IBA) was performed via RNA_seq to identify candidate genes associated with IBA-induced AR formation. Results: Rooting phenotypes, especially the rooting rate, were significantly promoted by exogenous auxin in the IBA application. Blueberry AR formation was an auxin-induced process, during which adventitious root primordium initiation (rpi) began at 14 days after cutting (DAC), root primordium (rp) was developed at 21 DAC, mature AR was observed at 28 DAC and finally outgrowth from the stem occurred at 35 DAC. Higher IAA levels and lower ABA and zeatin contents might facilitate AR formation and development. A time series transcriptome analysis identified 14,970 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during AR formation, of which there were 7467 upregulated and 7503 downregulated genes. Of these, approximately 35 candidate DEGs involved in the auxin-induced pathway and AR formation were further identified, including 10 auxin respective genes (ARFs and SAURs), 13 transcription factors (LOB domain-containing protein (LBDs)), 6 auxin transporters (AUX22, LAX3/5 and PIN-like 6 (PIL6s)) and 6 rooting-associated genes (root meristem growth factor 9 (RGF9), lateral root primordium 1 (LRP1s), and dormancy-associated protein homologue 3 (DRMH3)). All these identified DEGs were highly upregulated in certain stages during AR formation, indicating their potential roles in blueberry AR formation. Conclusions: The transcriptome profiling results indicated candidate genes or major regulatory factors that influence adventitious root formation in blueberry and provided a comprehensive understanding of the rooting mechanism underlying the auxin-induced AR formation from blueberry green cuttings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing interest in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) among consumers, together with the problems of climate change and specific substrate requirements, a novel approach to intensive blueberry production is required. Here, ‘Duke’, ‘Aurora’, and ‘Brigitta’ blueberry cultivars were planted under the protective environments of a high tunnel and black hail net, each using ridge and pot planting systems. The high tunnel increased the maximal air temperature on average by 7.2 °C compared to the hail net. For all three cultivars, harvest began 6 to 18 days earlier under the high tunnel than under the hail net; however, lower yields and individual phenolics contents were obtained for the fruit. In ‘Aurora’ and ‘Brigitta’, environmental conditions under the high tunnel also reduced plant volume and fruit sugar/organic acid ratio. Growing blueberry plants in 60 L pots had no negative effects on plant volume and fruit ripening time, yield, firmness, color, and chemical composition. This study represents the first to compare highbush blueberry grown under the high tunnel and hail net protective environments using ridge and pot planting systems across three different cultivars. Here, we can conclude that optimal highbush blueberry production of ‘Duke’, ‘Aurora’, and ‘Brigitta’ under the climate conditions of the study provides earlier ripening times under the high tunnel. However, according to fruit yield and quality, all three cultivars benefit from the hail net over the high tunnel, while ‘Duke’ and ‘Brigitta’ also benefit in particular from the hail net combined with growth in pots.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content and profile of the phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant properties of field-grown leaves, in vitro leaves and in vitro callus cultures of the blackberry ‘Čačanska Bestrna’ and blueberry ‘Toro’. In vitro shoots of the selected genotypes were grown either on original Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1 mg/L BA, 0.1 mg/L IBA and 0.1 mg/L GA3 (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or on MS medium with macroelements reduced to ½, 2 mg/L zeatin and 0.2 mg/L IAA (‘Toro’). Callus cultures were induced from in vitro leaves and established on MS medium with 2 mg/L BA and 2 mg/L 2,4-D (‘Čačanska Bestrna’) or MS medium with half strength macroelements, 2 mg/L BA, 2 mg/L 2,4-D and 1 mg/L NAA (‘Toro’). Total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) were the highest in blueberry leaves, whereas low TPC and TFC values were obtained in callus cultures of both cultivars. A higher content of PCs in blueberry leaves compared to blackberry leaves was determined by the UHPLC-DAD MS/MS technique. Quercetin derivatives and phenolic acids were the dominant PCs in the leaves of both berries, whereas gallocatechin was present in a significant amount in blueberry leaves. Callus cultures of both berries had a specific PC profile, with none detected in the leaves except quercetin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside. Blackberry leaves showed the best antioxidant properties as estimated by ferric reducing power (FRP), ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activity assays. Callus cultures of both berries exhibited three to five times lower ABTS•+ and ten to seventeen times lower DPPH• scavenging activity compared to corresponding leaves. The analyzed leaves and callus cultures can be a good source of PCs with good antioxidant properties and specific phenolics, respectively, for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

In the light of current trends for enlarging the growing possibilities of blueberry plants, we were focusing in the present work on the innovative systems designed for higher productions and in the same time organically managed to accomplish the sustainable goals. Three northern highbush blueberry varieties were subject of the trial set up in early 2019: 'Early blue', 'Duke' and 'Hannah's choice'. The two years old planting material was moved under the plastic solar in containers of 65 liters with different substrate composition. A fertilization scheme using only organic commercial products was applied and the reaction of the plants was evaluated. 'Hannah's choice' was the most vigorous variety according to the total annual growths per plant. Several organic products to control pests were tested too, and the most efficient one to aphids was Chrisopa. In order to define a tailored organic technology for such a crop system, the results need further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the vegetative growth and some physicochemical quality parameters in fruits of different varieties of blueberries grown with amendments applied to the soil. The experimental design was completely randomized according to factorial treatments with nine replications. Length and number of shoots, flower buds number, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, color, total anthocyanins (TA), total phenols (TP) and antioxidant capacity (AC) were evaluated. The application of gypsum, sulphur and compost increased the shoots number in the varieties 'Bluejay' and 'Duke' with values from 15 and 17.5, respectively. The 'Duke' variety was the latest with regard to the flowering stage, evading the problem of frost. Among varieties, 'Bluejay' and 'Blueray' stood out for presenting fruits with greater acidity and antioxidant capacity (89.1 and 91.5% DPPH inhibition, respectively), however, the TP was higher in 'Bluejay' (701.6 mg gallic acid 100 g-1). The use of gypsum, sulphur and compost allows obtaining fruits with high soluble solids content (9.8 °Brix), however, the antioxidant capacity was similar when pine peel was included, with AC values from 91.4 and 88.8% DPPH inhibition, respectively. The amendments such as gypsum, sulphur and compost incorporated into the soil allow an adequate vegetative growth and the obtaining of blueberry fruits with physicochemical quality characteristics acceptable for their commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to perform in vitro analyses of the antimicrobial activity of ten blueberry cultivars, to characterize the anthocyanin composition of these fruits, and to use multivariate analysis to compare the results. All blueberry cultivars presented anti-Escherichia coli activity. Furthermore, the complete series of six glycosides (galactoside, glucoside, arabinoside, xyloside, acetylgalactoside and acetylglucoside) of five anthocyanidins (delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, peonidin, and malvidin) were detected, together with six malonyl derivatives of the main anthocyanins. The rabbiteye cultivars showed higher proportions of cyanidin 3-galactoside than the highbush cultivars, the latter accounting for higher proportions of the 3-arabinosides of delphinidin and malvidin. The total anthocyanin content was between 10.8 and 26.5 g/kg of dry weight, and the concentration depended on the size of the berries, with the smaller rabbiteye cultivars exhibiting higher levels of anthocyanins.

The purpose of the current study was to identify and quantify triterpenoids and other non-polar compounds in the leaves of three high bush blueberry cultivars (Vaccinium corymbosum L. var. Bluegold, var. Bluecrop and var. Elliott) and three natural populations of Vaccinium species (Vaccinium uliginosum L., Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) by means of gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Metabolite profiles differed significantly among the Vaccinium species analyzed, as well as among the populations of the same species. The populations of V. vitis-idaea predominantly contained relative concentrations of phytosterols (varying between 10.48% of total ion current (TIC) and 22.29% of TIC) and almost twice the content of triterpenes (from 29.84% of TIC to 49.62% of TIC) of the other berry species investigated. The leaves of V. corymbosum varieties biosynthesized the highest relative amount of fatty acids, while the leaves of the populations of V. uliginosum had the highest relative concentrations of fatty alcohols. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the diverse populations of each berry species analyzed differed from each other, most likely due to variations in the climatic and geographical conditions of their localities.

The commercial blueberry industry in Florida has expanded significantly in both acreage and value in the past several years. The southern highbush blueberry (SHB, Vaccinium corymbosum L. interspecific hybrid) is the major blueberry type grown in Florida. The nitrogen (N) demand of young SHB differs from the northern highbush blueberry (NHB, V. corymbosum L.) and from mature blueberry plants. The objective of this study was to optimize fertigated N rates for the growth and yield of young SHB plants. One-year-old ‘Emerald’ and ‘Farthing’ plants were fertilized with 32N-0P-0K through drip irrigation at annual rates of 0, 42, 84, 168, and 336 kg N ha−1. Soil nitrate levels at multiple depths were measured along with leaf nutrient concentration, percent canopy ground cover, fruit yield and fruit quality. The results indicated that N rates had no significant effect on leaf nutrient concentrations. Greater N rates advanced bloom and harvest, increased percentage of ground cover (an indicator of canopy size), fruit yield and berry numbers per plant, but decreased mean berry diameter and weight. The soil nitrate results from both ‘Emerald’ and ‘Farthing’ revealed that the 336 kg N ha−1 treatment had a significantly greater risk for nitrate leaching than the lower N treatments in spring. The effect of N rates on fruit quality varied with cultivar and harvest season. The linear plateau regression of fruit yield and N rates indicated that the maximum yield reached at the annual N fertigation rate of 222 kg ha−1 for ‘Emerald’ and 206 kg ha−1 for ‘Farthing’.

En este fascículo veremos ¿Qué relación existe entre la calidad aromática del vino y la bioquímica de la vid? lo que podría beneficiar al viticultor en el manejo apropiado del viñedo para la obtención específica de ciertos compuestos. Además se analizarán las afecciones respiratorias y de la piel que son frecuentes en trabajadores de los rastros de ganado, donde se manejan ambientes fríos y húmedos en el artículo “Efecto de la temperatura y humedad en la piel y vías respiratorias de trabajadores en un rastro”. Mientras que en el artículo “Components of phenotypic variance of seed traits and germination characteristics of 20 ponderosa pine half-sib families”, se describe un estudio para estimar componentes de varianza de características y vigor de 20 lotes de semilla de pino ponderosa.Veremos también como los estudios sobre clima organizacional se han incrementado rápidamente, ya que las organizaciones públicas y privadas en el artículo” Revisión de la literatura de clima organizacional, estado del arte”. Así mismo se estimará el crecimiento y la mortalidad de este pez con la finalidad de sugerir medidas de manejo en el estado Nueva Esparta, Venezuela. Finalmente, en el artículo “Estándares nutricionales foliares para arándano (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) mediante diagnóstico diferencial integrado (DDI), en Chihuahua” se analizará cómo esta especie ha incrementado como resultado de la demanda del fruto y su alta vida productiva. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v12i3.1509

El estudio estuvo orientado en desarrollar un apósito a base de Vaccinium corymbosum L. y quitosano con alta capacidad regenerativa de piel. Se inició con la obtención del concentrado a partir del fruto de Vaccinium corymbosum L.; luego, se preparó un biofilm de quitosano al 1% p/v, al cual se incorporó el concentrado de Vaccinium corymbosum 10% p/v, para obtener el formulado final. El estudio experimental se basó en la distribución aleatoria de 24 ratas machos cepa albina Lewis en tres grupos de contraste: control, apósito de quitosano, y, apósito del concentrado de Vaccinium corymbosum 10% mas quitosano. Los resultados fueron evaluados en base a la evolución de cicatrización en el área lesionada de 0 a 21 días (nivel macroscópico), y, en el estudio histológico de cicatrización (nivel microscópico). Se concluye que el desarrollo de un apósito de Vaccinium corymbosum L. 10% y quitosano con calidad farmacéutica presentó significativamente mejor capacidad regenerativa al promover la aceleración de la cicatrización de la herida mediante la reducción del área lesionada desde los 7 días de tratamiento, e incrementó la promoción de los procesos de epitelización, neo vascularización, y, proliferación de fibroblastos y colágeno.

Antecedentes: numerosos estudios han analizado la capacidad antioxidante de los arándanos. Considerando la citotoxicidad de las radiaciones ionizantes, mediada por radicales libres, es imperativo el análisis de fitocompuestos con efecto mitigante potencial. Objetivo: evaluar las propiedades radio-protectoras de de los arándanos, en relación con el daño genético inducido por rayos X. Materiales y métodos: el diseño experimental tuvo dos etapas: primero se ejecutó ensayo in vitro con diez muestras de sangre periférica de mujeres jóvenes no fumadoras. Cada muestra fue analizada mediante Ensayo Cometa en el siguiente grupo de tratamientos: control negativo, tratamiento con arándanos (0,232 mG/mL), irradiación con 4 Gy y tratamiento simultáneo arándanos/irradiación. Se contabilizaron 800 células/individuo, 200 por tratamiento, considerando su repetición. Posteriormente, se realizó ensayo in vivo con sangre periférica de dos mujeres, de condiciones similares a las anteriores, sometidas al consumo de extracto seco de arándanos durante 15 días consecutivos. El muestreo se realizó antes y después del tratamiento y se implementó el Cometa analizando 800 células/individuo, correspondientes al control negativo e irradiación con 4 Gy. Resultados: en ambas etapas, el tratamiento con arándanos demostró una reducción significativa (p

Fruit morphology is an important trait closely related to fruit quality and quality parameters evaluated for new cultivar breeding. FASCIATED ( FAS ), SUN and OVATE are characterized as key genes that regulate fruit morphology in tomato and other fruits, however, its underlying mechanism driving variation in blueberry is not known. In this study, FAS , SUN and OVATE genes were isolated from southern highbush blueberry ‘O’Neal’ (10–14 locules) and ‘Bluerain’ (10 locules). VcFAS and VcSUN gDNAs contained 5 introns and 4 exons, whereas no intron was detected in the VcOVATE gDNAs. Additionally, between two cultivars, long-fragment insertions/deletions (in/dels) were found in the 1st, 2nd and 5th introns of VcFAS and in the 2nd introns of VcSUN gDNAs. The expression levels of VcFAS , VcSUN and VcOVATE were significantly higher in the expanded leaves and lower in the rootlets than those in the stems. VcFAS and VcSUN mRNAs in the ‘Bluerain’ flower buds were dramatically higher than in those of ‘O’Neal’, and partially lower in the ‘Bluerain’ fruits than in those of ‘O’Neal’. Compared with VcFAS and VcSUN , VcOVATE transcripts were relatively low throughout the flower bud and fruit development, although the VcOVATE transcripts were somewhat higher in the early flower bud and fruit stages of ‘Bluerain’ than in those of ‘O’Neal’. The results indicated that VcFAS , VcSUN and VcOVATE might influence blueberry fruit morphology at pre-anthesis and post-pollination stages, but particularly at the pre-anthesis stages, and the in/dels of VcFAS and VcSUN introns might affect fruit shape and size through regulating the locule number during flower bud enlargement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to develop a gel of fruit of Vaccinium corymbosum L. (Ericaceae) with regenerative activity of dermal tissue. The gel formulation began with the preparation of the concentrate, which was made from a mixture of ethanol and citric acid at 1 %, raw material/solvent ratio 1:3 kg/kg, temperature 36 ±1 °C, extraction time 2 hours, and then concentrated in rotary evaporator. Subsequently, excipients widely used for this pharmaceutical form were added to the concentrate of Vaccinium corymbosum 10 %. The contrast design was carried out with 24 Lewis albino strain male rats distributed in three contrast groups: control, gel of Vaccinium corymbosum 10 % concentrate (problem) and Cicatricure® (standard). The results evaluated the evolution of healing in the injured area from 0 to 21 days (macroscopic level) and in the histological study of cicatrization (microscopic level). It is concluded that the gel of the concentrate of Vaccinium corymbosum 10 % presented better regenerative capacity of dermal tissue after 7 days of treatment, and increased the promotion of the processes of epithelization, neovascularization, and proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was aimed at developing a dressing based on Vaccinium corymbosum L. and chitosan with high skin regenerative capacity. Started with the obtaining of the concentrate from the fruit of Vaccinium corymbosum L.; then, a 1% w/v chitosan biofilm was prepared, to which the Vaccinium corymbosum 10% w/v concentrate was incorporated, to obtain the final formulation. The experimental study was based on the random distribution of 24 male Lewis albino strain rats in three contrast groups: control, chitosan dressing, and 10% plus chitosan Vaccinium corymbosum concentrate dressing. The results were evaluated based on the evolution of healing in the injured area from 0 to 21 days (macroscopic level), and, in the histological study of scarring (microscopic level). It is concluded that the development of a dressing of Vaccinium corymbosum L. 10% and chitosan with pharmaceutical quality presented significantly better regenerative capacity by promoting the acceleration of wound healing by reducing the injured area from 7 days of treatment, and increased the promotion of the processes of epithelialization, neovascularization, and proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality of fruit powders is ambiguously shaped by processing parameters depending on matrix composition. Thus, the objective was to evaluate influence of drying techniques and inulin application on physico-chemical, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of sugar-free juice extract powders prepared from three blueberry cultivars. Drying significantly affected physical attributes, pointed vacuum drying as preferred. The highest phenolics content was ensured by spray- and freeze-drying (9.32–30.36 and 9.25–30.94 mg · 100 g−1 dry matter, respectively). Inulin lowered bioactives by 48% and alleviated cultivar-driven differences in powders. Phenolic profile affected antibacterial activity towards Campylobacter jejuni stronger than phenolic content. Ten out of fifteen carrier-free powders showed bactericidal effect against Helicobacter pylori , while one among inulin-added. Vacuum drying improved anti-inflammatory properties in gastric cell cultures infected with Helicobacter pylori of selected blueberry products compared to spray- and freeze-drying. The study provides comprehensive insight into blueberry powders manufacturing with high scientific and practical significance. • Carrier-free blueberry powders mostly inhibited Helicobacter pylori growth. • Phenolics profile affected Campylobacter jejuni growth stronger than their content. • Vacuum drying improved anti-inflammatory properties of blueberry powders. • Spray and freeze-drying ensured comparable phenolics retention in blueberry powders. • Inulin application alleviated cultivar-rooted differences between blueberry powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to find an effective elimination method of Blueberry red ringspot virus (BRRV), shoot tips of 2-3 mm size originating from buds of highbush blueberry cv. Darrow naturally infected by BRRV and collected in winter months were regenerated and multiplied on woody-plant medium (WPM) with 1.5 mg/l zeatin and 20 g/l sucrose. Developed shoots tested negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BRRV were transferred onto a rooting medium consisting of WPM supplemented with 1 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid. Rooting plants were transferred into soil and tested twice by PCR 6 months apart. Ninety per cent eradication of BRRV was achieved while isolating shoot tips, multiplying them in one vegetative generation, and regenerating whole 50-60 cm high plants within 30 months. All plants developed rich fruits after their overwintering in a cold greenhouse and were tested BRRV negative in summer 2013.