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Background: Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don] (syn. Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) is an economically important fruiting cherry species with a diverse range of attractive colors, spanning from the lightest yellow to the darkest black purple. However, the MYB transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis underlying fruit color variation in Chinese cherry remain unknown. Results: In this study, we characterized the R2R3-MYB gene family of Chinese cherry by genome-wide identification and compared it with those of 10 Rosaceae relatives and Arabidopsis thaliana. A total of 1490 R2R3-MYBs were classified into 43 subfamilies, which included 29 subfamilies containing both Rosaceae MYBs and AtMYBs. One subfamily (S45) contained only Rosaceae MYBs, while three subfamilies (S12, S75, and S77) contained only AtMYBs. The variation in gene numbers within identical subfamilies among different species and the absence of certain subfamilies in some species indicated the species-specific expansion within MYB gene family in Chinese cherry and its relatives. Segmental and tandem duplication events primarily contributed to the expansion of Chinese cherry R2R3-CpMYBs. The duplicated gene pairs underwent purifying selection during evolution after duplication events. Phylogenetic relationships and transcript profiling revealed that CpMYB10 and CpMYB4 are involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cherry fruits. Expression patterns, transient overexpression and VIGS results confirmed that CpMYB10 promotes anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit skin, while CpMYB4 acts as a repressor, inhibiting anthocyanin biosynthesis of Chinese cherry. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of R2R3-MYB gene family in Chinese cherry and Rosaceae relatives, and identifies two regulators, CpMYB10 and CpMYB4, involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cherry. These results help to develop and utilize the potential functions of anthocyanins in Chinese cherry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don] (syn. Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) is an economically important fruiting cherry species with a diverse range of attractive colors, spanning from the lightest yellow to the darkest black purple. However, the MYB transcription factors involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis underlying fruit color variation in Chinese cherry remain unknown. Results In this study, we characterized the R2R3-MYB gene family of Chinese cherry by genome-wide identification and compared it with those of 10 Rosaceae relatives and Arabidopsis thaliana. A total of 1490 R2R3-MYBs were classified into 43 subfamilies, which included 29 subfamilies containing both Rosaceae MYBs and AtMYBs. One subfamily (S45) contained only Rosaceae MYBs, while three subfamilies (S12, S75, and S77) contained only AtMYBs. The variation in gene numbers within identical subfamilies among different species and the absence of certain subfamilies in some species indicated the species-specific expansion within MYB gene family in Chinese cherry and its relatives. Segmental and tandem duplication events primarily contributed to the expansion of Chinese cherry R2R3-CpMYBs. The duplicated gene pairs underwent purifying selection during evolution after duplication events. Phylogenetic relationships and transcript profiling revealed that CpMYB10 and CpMYB4 are involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cherry fruits. Expression patterns, transient overexpression and VIGS results confirmed that CpMYB10 promotes anthocyanin accumulation in the fruit skin, while CpMYB4 acts as a repressor, inhibiting anthocyanin biosynthesis of Chinese cherry. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of R2R3-MYB gene family in Chinese cherry and Rosaceae relatives, and identifies two regulators, CpMYB10 and CpMYB4, involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis in Chinese cherry. These results help to develop and utilize the potential functions of anthocyanins in Chinese cherry.

ABSTRACTChinese cherries are early flowering and early fruiting, with both edible and ornamental values. This study aims to explore the effects of pre-harvest spraying with different concentrations of CaCl2, amino acid calcium, and sugar alcohol calcium on the quality of Chinese cherry and the expression of genes related to cell wall softening. The goal is to identify suitable calcium-based agents for pre-harvest spraying on Chinese cherry. The results of the study demonstrated that all three exogenous calcium treatments significantly increased the mineral content compared to the control group. Moreover, these treatments also led to a significant increase in various fruit quality parameters such as hundred fruit weight, firmness, soluble solid, soluble sugar, titratable, vitamin C, soluble protein, β-Carotene content and superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activities. Additionally, they were found to effectively reduce rot rate, polyphenol oxidase activity, malondialdehyde content and relative conductivity. The activity of pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, cellulase and β-galactose was reduced by amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium. All three types of exogenous calcium down-regulated the expression of PME and ChCaBP1. Additionally, amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium decreased the expression of PG, Cx, and BGal. Exogenous calcium reduces the size of stomata in the fruit epidermis, leading to a decrease in both fruit respiration rate and transpiration. Of the three calcium preparations, amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium were more effective than CaCl2, with 0.12 g·L−1sugar alcohol calcium and 0.06 g·L−1 amino acid calcium being the most effective.

Polyploidy is considered a driving force in plant evolution and diversification. Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don], an economically important fruit crop native to China, has evolved at the tetraploid level, with a few pentaploid and hexaploid populations. However, its auto- or allo-polyploid origin remains unclear. To address this issue, we analyzed the ploidy levels and rDNA chromosomal distribution in self- and open-pollinated seedling progenies of tetraploid and hexaploid Chinese cherry. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis was conducted to reveal the genomic relationships between Chinese cherry and diploid relatives from the genus Cerasus. Both self- and open-pollinated progenies of tetraploid Chinese cherry exhibited tetraploids, pentaploids, and hexaploids, with tetraploids being the most predominant. In the seedling progenies of hexaploid Chinese cherry, the majority of hexaploids and a few pentaploids were observed. A small number of aneuploids were also observed in the seedling progenies. Chromosome 1, characterized by distinct length characteristics, could be considered the representative chromosome of Chinese cherry. The basic Chinese cherry genome carried two 5S rDNA signals with similar intensity, and polyploids had the expected multiples of this copy number. The 5S rDNA sites were located at the per-centromeric regions of the short arm on chromosomes 4 and 5. Three 45S rDNA sites were detected on chr. 3, 4 and 7 in the haploid complement of Chinese cherry. Tetraploids exhibited 12 signals, while pentaploids and hexaploids showed fewer numbers than expected multiples. Based on the GISH signals, Chinese cherry demonstrated relatively close relationships with C. campanulata and C. conradinae, while being distantly related to another fruiting cherry, C. avium. In combination with the above results, our findings suggested that Chinese cherry likely originated from autotetraploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts had been made to optimize nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization rates for increased fruit performance of Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.). This study was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of three factors and four levels, totaling to 14 treatments with each treatment repeated in triplicate. The results illustrated that the fertilization application increased the trunk, leaf, crown and new shoot growth, however, the optimal combination of N, P, and K (NPK) fertilization for growth varied among different parts of the young tree. Moreover, the fruit weight and size, internal quality, and fruit set rate (FSR) were positively affected by fertilization. Specifically, the no. 12 treatment (0.3 kg N + 0.4 kg P + 0.2 kg K) contained the optimal NPK combination for enhanced fruit size and cherry fruit set. Similarly, although the treatment is not the maximum of NPK concentration, the no. 12 treatment for mean daily values of Pn (MDVP) and the NPK concentration in leaf was significantly higher compared to other treatments. Additionally, Pearson’s correlation analysis suggests that the FSR was positively and significantly correlated with fruit weight (FW), fruit vertical diameter (FVD) and the soluble sugars (SS) in fruit. In general, the no. 12 treatment was the optimal NPK fertilization rates for young tree growth, fruit quality of Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) in the Karst region of southwest China.

Chinese cherries are early flowering and early fruiting, with both edible and ornamental values. This study aims to explore the effects of pre-harvest spraying with different concentrations of CaCl2, amino acid calcium, and sugar alcohol calcium on the quality of Chinese cherry and the expression of genes related to cell wall softening. The goal is to identify suitable calcium-based agents for pre-harvest spraying on Chinese cherry. The results of the study demonstrated that all three exogenous calcium treatments significantly increased the mineral content compared to the control group. Moreover, these treatments also led to a significant increase in various fruit quality parameters such as hundred fruit weight, firmness, soluble solid, soluble sugar, titratable, vitamin C, soluble protein, β-Carotene content and superoxide dismutase, peroxidase activities. Additionally, they were found to effectively reduce rot rate, polyphenol oxidase activity, malondialdehyde content and relative conductivity. The activity of pectin methylesterase, polygalacturonase, cellulase and β-galactose was reduced by amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium. All three types of exogenous calcium down-regulated the expression of PME and ChCaBP1. Additionally, amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium decreased the expression of PG, Cx, and BGal. Exogenous calcium reduces the size of stomata in the fruit epidermis, leading to a decrease in both fruit respiration rate and transpiration. Of the three calcium preparations, amino acid calcium and sugar alcohol calcium were more effective than CaCl2, with 0.12 g·L−1sugar alcohol calcium and 0.06 g·L−1 amino acid calcium being the most effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyploidy is considered a driving force in plant evolution and diversification. Chinese cherry [Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don], an economically important fruit crop native to China, has evolved at the tetraploid level, with a few pentaploid and hexaploid populations. However, its auto- or allo-polyploid origin remains unclear. To address this issue, we analyzed the ploidy levels and rDNA chromosomal distribution in self- and open-pollinated seedling progenies of tetraploid and hexaploid Chinese cherry. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis was conducted to reveal the genomic relationships between Chinese cherry and diploid relatives from the genus Cerasus. Both self- and open-pollinated progenies of tetraploid Chinese cherry exhibited tetraploids, pentaploids, and hexaploids, with tetraploids being the most predominant. In the seedling progenies of hexaploid Chinese cherry, the majority of hexaploids and a few pentaploids were observed. A small number of aneuploids were also observed in the seedling progenies. Chromosome 1, characterized by distinct length characteristics, could be considered the representative chromosome of Chinese cherry. The basic Chinese cherry genome carried two 5S rDNA signals with similar intensity, and polyploids had the expected multiples of this copy number. The 5S rDNA sites were located at the per-centromeric regions of the short arm on chromosomes 4 and 5. Three 45S rDNA sites were detected on chr. 3, 4 and 7 in the haploid complement of Chinese cherry. Tetraploids exhibited 12 signals, while pentaploids and hexaploids showed fewer numbers than expected multiples. Based on the GISH signals, Chinese cherry demonstrated relatively close relationships with C. campanulata and C. conradinae, while being distantly related to another fruiting cherry, C. avium. In combination with the above results, our findings suggested that Chinese cherry likely originated from autotetraploidy.

Cherries are one of the important fruit trees. The growth of cherry is greatly affected by abiotic stresses such as drought, which hinders its development. Chalcone synthase (CHS, EC 2.3.1.74) is a crucial rate-limiting enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway that plays an important role in regulating plant growth, development, and abiotic stress tolerance. In the current study, three genes encoding chalcone synthase were identified in the genome of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.). The three genes contained fewer introns and showed high homology with CHS genes of other Rosaceae members. All members are predicted to localize in the cytoplasm. The conserved catalytic sites may be located at the Cys163, Phe214, His302, and Asn335 residues. These genes were differentially expressed during flower bud dormancy and fruit development. The total flavonoid content of Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl.) was highest in the leaves and slightly higher in the pulp than in the peel. No significant difference in total flavonoid content was detected between aborted kernels and normally developing kernels. Overexpression of Chinese cherry CpCHS1 in tobacco improved the germination frequency of tobacco seeds under drought stress, and the fresh weight of transgenic seedlings under drought stress was higher than that of the wild type, and the contents of SOD, POD, CAT, and Pro in OE lines were significantly increased and higher than WT under drought stress. These results indicate cherry CHS genes are conserved and functionally diverse and will assist in elucidating the functions of flavonoid synthesis pathways in cherry and other Rosaceae species under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) genes play a crucial role in regulating floral induction. Despite such importance, a comprehensive study of SPLs in Chinese cherry flower bud development has been absent. In this study, 32 CpSPL genes were identified. According to expression profiling, CpSPLs exhibited tissue-specific expression and distinct trends throughout flower bud differentiation. Specifically, CpSPL10 was greatly expressed at the beginning of the differentiation, and its role was further investigated. Its overexpression extended the vegetative growth of transgenic tobacco plants, delayed flowering by about 20 days. Moreover, the accumulation of NbELF4 (Early flowering 4) transcripts was enhanced due to the up-regulated levels of CpSPL10 in tobacco plants. ELF4 functions as a major element of the circadian clock; its high expression typically delays the transition from vegetative-to-reproductive growth. Further experiments revealed that CpSPL10 interacts with CpSPL9 or a transposase-derived transcription factor CpFRS5 (FAR1-RELATED SEQUENCE 5) and activates the expression of the downstream gene CpELF4. Notably, the GUS fusing reporter assay detected the activation of CpSPL10 and CpELF4 promoters in shoot apical meristems of transgenic Arabidopsis. These findings revealed the negative regulation of the CpSPL10-CpELF4 module in flower bud differentiation, providing references for supplementing the specific relationships among SPL, FRS, and ELF4., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

• Ten metabolic biomarkers were identified to distinguish specific Chinese cherry accessions. • The various color of Chinese cherry fruits was collectively determined by twenty-six structurally unique anthocyanins. • Cyanidins played a dominant role in the color formation of Chinese cherry fruits. • Limocitrin-7-O-glucoside and eight other compounds were potentially contributing to Chinese cherry fruits' bitter flavor. Chinese cherry [ Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don], native to China, is an economically important fruit crop with attractive colors and delicious flavors. However, the specific metabolites present in cherry fruits have remained unknown. Here, we firstly characterized 1439 metabolite components of Chinese cherry fruits, predominantly including amino acids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Moreover, we screened ten biomarkers of Chinese cherry accessions by ROC curve analysis. Among 250 flavonoids, 26 structurally unique anthocyanins collectively determined fruit color, with cyanidins playing a dominant role. Differences in accumulated metabolites between anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin pathways were likely responsible for the variation in fruit color, ranging from yellow to black purple. Meanwhile, we found limocitrin-7-O-glucoside, along with eight other compounds, as underlying contributors to bitter off-taste experienced in fruits. This study provides insights into the regulatory network of metabolites involved in color variation and bitterness formation and genetic improvement of Chinese cherry fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don) is an economically important tetraploid fruiting cherry species native to China. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs)—due to their codominance, polymorphism, and stability—have been widely applied in genetic identification and trait-association analysis. In this study, using comparative genomics strategy and the data of one high-quality whole genome and seven preliminarily assembled genome sequences, we constructed a database containing 25,779 polymorphic SSR loci to efficiently develop novel markers. Sixty-four SSR loci covering eight linkage groups were selected to design primer pairs. Sixty (93.75%) primer pairs yielded specific bands and 32 (50.00%) exhibited moderate-to-high levels of informativeness (PIC ranging from 0.264 to 0.728) in 94 Chinese cherry accessions. A total of 38 primer pairs exhibited high transferability across 13 Cerasus taxa. The marker SAUCps203 was species-specific in C. pseudocerasus by checking with 114 accessions from Cerasus and 16 relatives, suggesting its potential application in accurate identification of Chinese cherry or its interspecific hybrid. Moreover, 1081 out of 1122 individuals from three cross F1 populations of Chinese cherry were identified as true hybrid offspring by using only five SSR markers. Trait association analysis suggested that 20 SSR loci were significantly associated with soluble solids and fruit size, with explained phenotypic variance ranging from 9.02% to 26.35%. This study will provide a basis for SSR-based germplasm identification and further marker-assisted selection (MAS) of Chinese cherry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An excellent individual plant was found from the seedling trees of Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus), and was grafted onto Hanjiang cherry in 2008, and the new growth was observed to be an excellent line. The clone was established in 2009 and tentatively named as Baliwang. In regional experiment, Baliwang showed the characteristics of large fruit size, bright red fruit color, sweet flavor and long natural fresh-keeping period. It has good commercial properties, high quality, strong resistance to stress and high and stable yield, with great promotion value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts had been made to optimize nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization rates for increased fruit performance of Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.). This study was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) consisting of three factors and four levels, totaling to 14 treatments with each treatment repeated in triplicate. The results illustrated that the fertilization application increased the trunk, leaf, crown and new shoot growth, however, the optimal combination of N, P, and K (NPK) fertilization for growth varied among different parts of the young tree. Moreover, the fruit weight and size, internal quality, and fruit set rate (FSR) were positively affected by fertilization. Specifically, the no. 12 treatment (0.3 kg N + 0.4 kg P + 0.2 kg K) contained the optimal NPK combination for enhanced fruit size and cherry fruit set. Similarly, although the treatment is not the maximum of NPK concentration, the no. 12 treatment for mean daily values of Pn (MDVP) and the NPK concentration in leaf was significantly higher compared to other treatments. Additionally, Pearson's correlation analysis suggests that the FSR was positively and significantly correlated with fruit weight (FW), fruit vertical diameter (FVD) and the soluble sugars (SS) in fruit. In general, the no. 12 treatment was the optimal NPK fertilization rates for young tree growth, fruit quality of Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) in the Karst region of southwest China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cherry is an economically significant fruiting cherry species within Rosaceae family. Soluble sugar and organic acid are crucial factors affecting fruit flavor, while the genetic basis for these traits in Chinese cherry remains largely unknown. In this study, we determined sugar and acid components in 190 and 187 representative hybrids from an intraspecific cross of Chinese cherry over two consecutive years. Fructose and glucose were the major sugars in both progeny and parents, but their contents varied considerably between years. Fructose represented a higher proportion in progeny than in parents. Malic acid was the most predominant component, accounting for a relatively stable proportion (∼70%) for both years. The F 1 population exhibited wide phenotypic variations, with coefficient of variation ranging from 6.57% to 108.63%. Regarding inheritance patterns, sugars tended towards smaller values, while malic acid exhibited significant transgressive heterosis. Sugars and acids were primarily governed by 2 MG-AD or 2 MG-EA model. Major gene heritability exceeded 88% for acids but much lower (12%–75%) for sugars. These results suggest that acid contents might be controlled by two major genes, while sugars are mainly governed by polygenes. This study provides a theoretic basis for understanding genetic predisposition underlying sugar-acid fractions in Chinese cherry fruit. • Fructose and glucose were the major sugars, but their contents varied considerably between years in Chinese cherry progeny. • Fructose exhibited a larger proportion, while glucose represented a lower proportion in F 1 progeny than in parental lines. • Malic acid, the most predominant component, consistently accounted for ∼70% of total acids across both years. • Sugar levels tended towards smaller values, while malic acid demonstrated significant transgressive heterosis. • The major gene heritability exceeded 88% for acids, whereas it was lower (12%–75%) for sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don) is an economically important tetraploid fruiting cherry species native to China. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs)—due to their codominance, polymorphism, and stability—have been widely applied in genetic identification and trait-association analysis. In this study, using comparative genomics strategy and the data of one high-quality whole genome and seven preliminarily assembled genome sequences, we constructed a database containing 25,779 polymorphic SSR loci to efficiently develop novel markers. Sixty-four SSR loci covering eight linkage groups were selected to design primer pairs. Sixty (93.75%) primer pairs yielded specific bands and 32 (50.00%) exhibited moderate-to-high levels of informativeness (PIC ranging from 0.264 to 0.728) in 94 Chinese cherry accessions. A total of 38 primer pairs exhibited high transferability across 13 Cerasus taxa. The marker SAUCps203 was species-specific in C. pseudocerasus by checking with 114 accessions from Cerasus and 16 relatives, suggesting its potential application in accurate identification of Chinese cherry or its interspecific hybrid. Moreover, 1081 out of 1122 individuals from three cross F1 populations of Chinese cherry were identified as true hybrid offspring by using only five SSR markers. Trait association analysis suggested that 20 SSR loci were significantly associated with soluble solids and fruit size, with explained phenotypic variance ranging from 9.02% to 26.35%. This study will provide a basis for SSR-based germplasm identification and further marker-assisted selection (MAS) of Chinese cherry.

In this paper, an auxin-responsive transcription factor, CpARF7, was isolated from the roots of Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl. Cv. “Manao Hong”). CpARF7 is highly homologous to AtARF7 or AtARF19 in Arabidopsis, and PavARF1 or PavARF14 in sweet cherry. However, in the phenotype of transgenic tomatoes, the root morphology changed, the main root elongated, and the lateral root increased. Both drought treatment and low-phosphorus conditions can elongate the roots of transgenic tomatoes. In addition, the drought resistance and low-phosphorus tolerance of the transgenic lines are improved, and the POD, SOD, and CAT activities under drought and low-phosphorus environments are increased. There is an effect on the tomato somatotropin suppressor gene, SlIAAs, in which SlIAA1/14/19/29 are up-regulated and SlIAA2/11/12/16 are down-regulated. These results indicate that CpARF7 plays an essential regulatory role in root formation and abiotic stress response, and deepens the understanding of auxin-responsive genes in root growth and abiotic stress.

Phytoplasma-infected Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus L.) exhibits symptoms of phyllody and stiff fruit. To reveal the molecular mechanism of stiff fruit, the current study integrated transcriptome with metabolome. Results showed that the differentially expressed genes and the differentially accumulated metabolites were related to a high proportion of two aspects: pathogen resistance and signaling or regulatory functions, and the molecular mechanism of stiff fruit that were majorly induced by plant biotic stress response via phytohormones signal transduction, especially signal pathways of salicylic acid, auxin, and abscisic acid. Notably, there was a large overlap between phytoplasma stress response and drought stress response genes. Phytohormone content displayed significant difference that abscisic acid and salicylic acid content of phytoplasma-infected fruit were higher than that of healthy fruit, whereas zeatin, jasmonic acid, and IAA showed the opposite results. In addition, the expression of key candidate genes, including IAA4, IAA9, IAA14, IAA31, ARF5, ARF9, GH3.1, GH3.17, SAUR20, SAUR32, SAUR40, PR1a, PRB1, TGA10, SnRK2.3, and AHK2, was responsible for cherry stiff fruit. In conclusion, the current study contributed a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism of cherry phyllody disease on stiff fruit, a better understanding of fruit development, and found the potential candidate genes involved in cherry stiff fruit, which could be used for further research in associated fields.

Chinese cherry (Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl.) is an indigenous fruit crop with high nutritional and ornamental value. It is widely cultivated in China, and many landraces have accumulated in large distribution regions. Genetic diversity analysis of Chinese cherry landraces is useful for breeding programs, as it helps to select genetic material to be used for further crossing. In this study, 110 Chinese cherry accessions from nine populations were assessed using fifteen morphological traits and seventeen ISSR markers. High average coefficient of variation (CV = 17.43%) was detected based on morphological analysis. For molecular characterization, the global gene diversity (h = 0.2816) and Shannon information index (I = 0.4253) suggested a moderate high level of genetic diversity. Model-based STRUCTURE and principal coordinate analysis revealed three and two major gene pools based on morphologic and molecular data, respectively. Distinct distribution patterns of genetic variation between samples from southwest China and north China indicated two potential original domestication locations. We inferred that botanical features such as predominantly selfing characteristics, long lifespan, and insects-pollinated trait lead to the survival of abundant genetic variation and special genetic structure. This study provided morphological and molecular evidences for understanding genetic diversity and new insights into genetic consequence of populations for Chinese cherry landraces. Important implications for breeding programs and resources conservation were also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cherry [ Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G. Don] is a fruit tree species within the family Rosaceae, with high economic and ornamental values. To verify the ploidy level of this species and compare the karyotypes with relative species, the chromosome number and karyotype characterization of representative wild and cultivated Chinese cherry samples from sixteen natural populations in four Provinces in China, and four Cerasus relative species were investigated. No aneuploids were found in all samples studied and no diploids or triploids were observed among Chinese cherry by root tips from both seedlings and softwood cutting. The chromosomes were quite small in size and mainly composed by median-centromere (m) and submedian-centromere (sm) chromosomes. Fourteen wild and cultivated Chinese cherry samples were all tetraploid with main karyotype formula of 2 n  = 4 x  = 32 = 28m + 4sm, samples from Yingjing County as 2 n  = 5 x  = 40 and Fengxian County as 2 n  = 6 x  = 48, respectively. The ratio between the longest and shortest chromosome ranged from 2.05 to 2.32. All sixteen Chinese cherry samples had karyotypes of “2B” type. Cerasus avium (L.) Moench, C. campanulata (Maxim.) Yü et Li, C. serrulata G. Don var. lannesiana (Carr.), and C. tomentosa (Thunb.) Wall. were all diploid with 2 n  = 2 x  = 16, whose karyotypes were “2A”, “1A”, “2B”, and “1B” type, respectively. By comparison of the karyotype formula and characterization, we indicated that C. pseudocerasus showed close relationship with C. serrulata var. lannesiana rather than C. avium . The present study provided powerful important references for the confirmed ploidy level and the possible genome composition of C. pseudocerasus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heredity variation and inheritance tendency were analyzed for eighteen fruit-related traits of F 1 population derived from 'Hongfei' × 'Pujianghonghua' of Chinese cherry for two years. • Significant levels of transgressive heterosis were observed for total soluble solid, anthocyanin content and fruit stalk length, whereas negative heterosis detected in fruit weight and size. • The fruit-related traits were most likely controlled by two pairs of major genes, which exerted both additive effects and dominant effects. • The heritability of major gene controlling maturity date and fruit development period was high, while that of major genes controlling fruit quality traits was low. Chinese cherry [ Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don] is one of the important stone fruits in China. To explore the heredity variation of fruit-related traits, we investigated 18 fruit-related traits of the F 1 segregating population around 700 individuals derived from 'Hongfei' × 'Pujianghonghua' of Chinese cherry for two years. The mixed major gene and polygene inheritance model method was also evaluated for their fitness in relating to the traits. The results showed that the main fruit traits had different degrees of variation, with the coefficient of variation ranging from 4.76 to 26.71% (72.23% for anthocyanin content) in 2021, and from 4.71 to 21.57% in 2022. Significant levels of transgressive heterosis were observed for fruit stalk length, total soluble solid and anthocyanin content, whereas negative heterosis was detected in fruit weight and size. The most suitable genetic model for fruit maturity date and fruit development period was 2MG-ADI and 2MG-AD, respectively, and the heritability of major gene was greater than 90%. The optimal genetic model for ten fruit size and flavor related traits was 2MG-AD or 2MG-EA, which were controlled by two pairs of major genes with additive-dominant effect or equal-additive effect, with the major gene heritability being less than 45%. The additive effects of the fruit-related traits were mostly positive, while the dominant effects were mainly negative. These results provide a theoretical basis for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted breeding of fruit-related traits in Chinese cherry. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybridization between the excellent Chinese cherry in Sichuan, including wild germplasms and cultivars, and Cerasus avium has been conducted in this study. Selfing set, hybridization affinity and fruit setting percentage were investigated and analysed. The results were listed as follows: (1) There was a high and low self-compatibility in C. pseudocerasus and C. avium , respectively; (2) Each hybridization combination showed high affinity after two weeks of pollination, with 57.24 % 93.03 % of hybrid fruit setting. Different levels of embryo degeneration were observed among hybrids after five weeks of pollination, especially in the distant hybridization; (3) The fruit setting rate between cultivars and wild germpalsms was significantly higher than between cultivars in interspecific hybridization combinations. While there was an opposite result in distant hybridization, as 'Hongdeng' the female parent, the fruit setting rate when using cultivars as male parent was higher than as wild germplasms male; (4) Each cross-combination has different setting percentage influenced significantly by the male parent. We conducted a preliminary analysis and discussion on these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cherries are one of the important fruit trees. The growth of cherry is greatly affected by abiotic stresses such as drought, which hinders its development. Chalcone synthase (CHS, EC 2.3.1.74) is a crucial rate-limiting enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway that plays an important role in regulating plant growth, development, and abiotic stress tolerance. In the current study, three genes encoding chalcone synthase were identified in the genome of sweet cherry ( Prunus avium L.). The three genes contained fewer introns and showed high homology with CHS genes of other Rosaceae members. All members are predicted to localize in the cytoplasm. The conserved catalytic sites may be located at the Cys163, Phe214, His302, and Asn335 residues. These genes were differentially expressed during flower bud dormancy and fruit development. The total flavonoid content of Chinese cherry ( Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl.) was highest in the leaves and slightly higher in the pulp than in the peel. No significant difference in total flavonoid content was detected between aborted kernels and normally developing kernels. Overexpression of Chinese cherry CpCHS1 in tobacco improved the germination frequency of tobacco seeds under drought stress, and the fresh weight of transgenic seedlings under drought stress was higher than that of the wild type, and the contents of SOD, POD, CAT, and Pro in OE lines were significantly increased and higher than WT under drought stress. These results indicate cherry CHS genes are conserved and functionally diverse and will assist in elucidating the functions of flavonoid synthesis pathways in cherry and other Rosaceae species under drought stress., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Hou, Li, Shang, Wen, Cai, Hong and Qiao.)

• 38 phenotypes including phenological records, flower and fruit traits were evaluated among 1009 Chinese cherry accessions. • An index system for Chinese cherry DUS testing was firstly established by statistically phenotyping 26 traits. • The phenotypic variations mainly attributed to the fruit weight, size, firmness, pit weight, titratable acid and total soluble solid. Chinese cherry [ Cerasus pseudocerasus (Lindl.) G.Don], native to China, is an economically important tetraploid fruiting cherry species. In order to perfect the cherry germplasm descriptors system, and effectively rate on characters in DUS (distinctness, uniformity, stability) testing, we comprehensively investigated and analyzed 38 Chinese cherry phenotypes, including phenological records, flower, pit and main fruit quality traits, of 59 germplasm collections and 950 individuals from four cross F 1 populations. An index system for Chinese cherry DUS test was firstly established by statistically phenotyping 26 traits. The results showed that the fruit development period ranged from 43 to 69 days, which could be well applied to evaluate the maturity time and were divided into five ratings. Thirteen qualitative characters, including two in flower, five in fruit, and six in pit, were classified into two to six ratings, respectively. Significant variations were detected among these characters, with Shannon-Wiener indexes ranging from 0.37 to 1.49. The average coefficient of variation was 20.94% ranging from 5.48 to 76.56% among 22 quantitative traits. The fruit weight, size, firmness, pit weight, titratable acid and soluble solid mainly contributed to the phenotypic variations by principal component analysis. Eight fruit and pit characters, which were in accordance with the normal distribution, were rating by the least significant difference method, while four fruit characters, being out of the normal distribution, were rating by the range method. The establishment of phenotyping protocol will enrich cherry descriptors system and DUS test guideline, and provide important basis for marker-assisted breeding in Chinese cherry. Graphical abstract [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an auxin-responsive transcription factor, CpARF7, was isolated from the roots of Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus Lindl. Cv. "Manao Hong"). CpARF7 is highly homologous to AtARF7 or AtARF19 in Arabidopsis, and PavARF1 or PavARF14 in sweet cherry. However, in the phenotype of transgenic tomatoes, the root morphology changed, the main root elongated, and the lateral root increased. Both drought treatment and low-phosphorus conditions can elongate the roots of transgenic tomatoes. In addition, the drought resistance and low-phosphorus tolerance of the transgenic lines are improved, and the POD, SOD, and CAT activities under drought and low-phosphorus environments are increased. There is an effect on the tomato somatotropin suppressor gene, SlIAAs, in which SlIAA1/14/19/29 are up-regulated and SlIAA2/11/12/16 are down-regulated. These results indicate that CpARF7 plays an essential regulatory role in root formation and abiotic stress response, and deepens the understanding of auxin-responsive genes in root growth and abiotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese Cherry, generally referring to Prunus pseudocerasus Lindl. species, is one of the most economically important domestic fruit tree in China. To effectively preserve and sustainably utilize this species, a study in genetic diversity and population structure was carried out by the sequence variation of chloroplast DNA trnQ- rps16 intergenic spacers. Polymorphism was calculated among the 200 individuals from 7 local and 10 wild populations across its geographical range in China. The results showed that (1) Total genetic variation in species level was poor (h = 0.478, π = 0.0018). But in the wild populations, it was much higher than that in the local populations (h = 0.565, π = 0.0021 vs. h = 0.152, π = 0.0006). (2) Low levels of genetic differentiation (F = 0.19595, P = 0.000), genetic distance (0.00000-0.00297), as well as pairwise Fst value among populations were detected. These results, combined with the insignificant gene genealogy pattern and neutrality tests indicate that Chinese Cherry has relatively low levels of genetic diversity and insignificant population structure. Coancestry might be a combined effect of the reduction in effective population size with the recent demographic bottlenecks and mating systems. The pronounced seed dispersal abilities and relatively high rates of gene exchange are supported by the limited genetic differentiation among populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplasma-infected Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus L.) exhibits symptoms of phyllody and stiff fruit. To reveal the molecular mechanism of stiff fruit, the current study integrated transcriptome with metabolome. Results showed that the differentially expressed genes and the differentially accumulated metabolites were related to a high proportion of two aspects: pathogen resistance and signaling or regulatory functions, and the molecular mechanism of stiff fruit that were majorly induced by plant biotic stress response via phytohormones signal transduction, especially signal pathways of salicylic acid, auxin, and abscisic acid. Notably, there was a large overlap between phytoplasma stress response and drought stress response genes. Phytohormone content displayed significant difference that abscisic acid and salicylic acid content of phytoplasma-infected fruit were higher than that of healthy fruit, whereas zeatin, jasmonic acid, and IAA showed the opposite results. In addition, the expression of key candidate genes, including IAA4, IAA9, IAA14, IAA31, ARF5, ARF9, GH3.1, GH3.17, SAUR20, SAUR32, SAUR40, PR1a, PRB1, TGA10, SnRK2.3, and AHK2, was responsible for cherry stiff fruit. In conclusion, the current study contributed a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism of cherry phyllody disease on stiff fruit, a better understanding of fruit development, and found the potential candidate genes involved in cherry stiff fruit, which could be used for further research in associated fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• VOCs from strain ZL3 exhibited excellent antifungal activities. • The VOCs had potential against postharvest gray mold. • Twenty-three VOCs were detected by using SPME coupled with GC–MS. Postharvest gray mold is the most devastating fungal disease, and could lead to enormous losses on Chinese cherry. To formulate an effective and environment friendly management strategy for postharvest gray mold, an endophytic bacterial strain ZL3 with excellent antifungal activity was screened by using dual culture method. Strain ZL3 was identified as Pseudomonas chlororaphis based on 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequence analysis. The maximum percent of mycelial growth inhibition (PGI) of VOCs to B. cinerea was up to 97.23% under the antifungal conditions (temperature of 31.96 °C, pH of 6.74 and glucose of 25.96 g/L) optimized by using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) of response surface method (RSM). The biological efficiency of VOCs was performed on cherry fruit at 0 °C for 21 d and 25 °C for 7 d. At 25 °C and 0 °C, the disease incidence reduced to 31.67% and 21.67%, whereas the lesion diameter decreased to 0.60 cm and 0.32 cm, respectively. Additionally, twenty-three VOCs, including 6 alkanes, 4 aldehydes and ketones, 4 alcohols, 4 alkenes, 3 acids & esters, 1 aromatic compound, and 1 sulfur compound, were detected by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). It is noticed that most VOCs, except for 1, 10-undecadiene and 1-dodecene, demonstrated significant differences among different collection time. The results of this work suggested that strain ZL3 could be used as a promising biocontrol agent to control postharvest gray mold on Chinese cherry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus) is an important native fruit crop with high economic and ornamental value. During April to July 2017 and 2018, Fusarium rot symptoms were observed on cold-stored Chinese cherry in China. The symptoms began as soft, water-soaked lesions, developed into soft with obviously sunken, decaying lesions covered by cotton-like white mycelia. Twenty-one fungal isolates were obtained from single spore cultures and identified as Fusarium spp. based on cultural and morphological characteristics. To confirm the identification, the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α) sequences were amplified. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the ITS and TEF-1α sequences of the isolates clustered with available sequences at GenBank belonging to F.equiseti , F. fujikuroi , F. lateritium , F.proliferatum and F.acuminatum. Pathogenicity assays showed that all the Fusarium species could infect healthy fruits whether the fruits were wounded or not, cause the typical symptoms originally observed, and be re-isolated from inoculated fruits. Our study should be helpful for better understanding of Fusarium species causing postharvest rot on Chinese cherry in China, and will be useful for the prevention and control this disease. • 21 Fusarium isolates were isolated from Chinese cherry at 9 locations. • The 21 isolates were successfully identified belonging to five Fusarium species. • Pathogenicity tests showed that all the Fusarium species could infect healthy fruits. • F. equiseti isolate was more virulent than other Fusarium species isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]