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Background: Healthy aging is defined as survival to advanced age while retaining autonomy in activities of daily living, high societal participation, and good quality of life. Sarcopenia, insomnia, cognitive impairment, and changes in sensation can be key hinderances to healthy aging, but nutritional supplements may abate their impact. As research advances, an updated review on their efficacy on age-related conditions is warranted. Results: Sarcopenia can be mitigated through proper protein intake, supplements like creatine, and in certain situations Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Vitamin D, in adults over 65. Melatonin supplementation has moderate evidence for improving sleep, while valerian root lacks evidence. Magnesium, tart cherry, and kiwifruits have shown promising impacts on sleep in limited articles. Magnesium, Vitamin D, and B vitamin supplementation have been shown to improve cognition in those with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease but require further study prior to recommendation. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study supplement combination is routinely recommended to reduce risk of progression to advance stages of age-related macular degeneration. Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Folate have been investigated for their roles in mitigating age-related hearing losses. Conclusions: Nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes may mitigate disabilities across multiple domains of age-related illnesses and promote healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of long-term detailed cherry flowering phenology is required for a deep understanding of the sensitivity of spring phenology to climate change and its effect on cultural ecosystem services. Neodani Usuzumi-zakura (Cerasus itosakura) is a famous cherry tree in Gifu, Japan. On the basis of detailed decadal flowering phenology information published on the World Wide Web, we estimated the probability distributions of the year-to-year variability of the true dates of first flowering (FFL), first full bloom (FFB), last full bloom (LFB), and last flowering (LFL) from 1924 to 2024 by applying a Bayesian statistical state space model explained by air temperature data. We verified the estimated values against flowering phenology records of the tree from the literature and a private collection. The true dates of FFL and FFB could be explained by means of daily minimum air temperature from 1 December to 28/29 February and that of daily mean air temperature from 1 to 31 March, and those of LFB and LFL by means of daily mean air temperature from 1 to 10 April. Results were similar when we used air temperature data recorded at weather stations both 1 km and 29 km from the tree. These results indicated that our proposed Bayesian statistical state space model can estimate cherry flowering phenology that takes into account centennial-scale air temperature data recorded at a nearby weather station with a coarse temporal resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive pest, spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) or SWD), damages various soft-skinned fruits, severely impacting orchards and vineyards economically. Current sorting practices in commercial production may overlook early-stage SWD infestations, as visible signs take a few days to appear. Our study focused on managing SWD infesting fruits (blueberry, cherry, and raspberry) without visible signs using an artificial atmosphere with elevated CO2 and low temperature. We hypothesized that these factors affect SWD survival and possibly interact, with potential variations among different soft- or stone-fruit species or varieties. High CO2 concentrations and cold storage both negatively affected SWD development. A 24-h 100% CO2 fumigation, without cold storage, significantly reduced SWD infestations in all 3 fruit species studied. On the other hand, 10% CO2 without cold storage did not cause a significant infestation reduction in cherries. Cold storage alone was too slow to be considered effective. Concurrent low-temperature treatment and CO2 treatment reduced the insecticidal efficacy of CO2 fumigation. Optimal fruit sanitation was achieved with a 3-h 100% CO2 treatment at ambient temperature before cold storage. Raspberries were the most suitable host for SWD development, with over a 5-fold higher SWD development compared to blueberries and over 50 times more than in cherries. We discussed the observed interactions between CO2 fumigation and chilling and suggested a simple postharvest SWD management protocol using optimal CO2 levels, exposure times, and chilling periods—achievable without complex equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerasus is a subgenus of Prunus in the family Rosaceae that is popular owing to its ornamental, edible, and medicinal properties. Understanding the evolution of the Cerasus subgenus and identifying selective trait loci in edible cherries are crucial for the improvement of cherry cultivars to meet producer and consumer demands. In this study, we performed a de novo assembly of a chromosome-scale genome for the sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivar 'Burlat', covering 297.55 Mb and consisting of eight chromosomes with 33,756 protein-coding genes. The resequencing and population structural analysis of 384 Cerasus representative accessions revealed that they could be divided into four groups (Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, and Group 4). We inferred that Group 1 was the oldest population and Groups 2, 3, and 4 were clades derived from it. In addition, we found selective sweeps for fruit flavor and improved stress resistance in different varieties of edible cherries (P. avium, P. cerasus, and P. pseudocerasus). Transcriptome analysis revealed significant differential expression of genes associated with key pathways, such as sucrose starch and sucrose metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, and the pentose phosphate pathway, between the leaves and fruits of P. avium. This study enhances the understanding of the evolutionary processes of the Cerasus subgenus and provides resources for functional genomics research and the improvement of edible cherries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignocellulosic fillers derived from pruned cherry tree branches were studied relative to the mechanical and viscoelastic properties of polypropylene (PP) composites. Tree branches were collected from the orchard after pruning and the wood and bark parts were separated from each other. Both materials were processed into particles of different sizes (below 100 µm and between 100 and 250 µm) and filled into PP at different weight percentages (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The mechanical performances of the biocomposites were evaluated through tensile tests, while their viscoelastic behavior was analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Results revealed a decline in tensile strength with increasing filler content, which was attributed to poor interfacial adhesion between the PP matrix and fillers. However, tensile modulus increased with increasing filler content, with the highest values were observed at 20% filler loadings. The DMA showed enhanced storage and loss moduli, indicating improved stiffness and energy dissipation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the presence of voids and filler agglomeration, further explaining the mechanical property reductions. These results demonstrate the potential of cherry tree pruning waste as a bio-filler for sustainable biocomposites with improved stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the influence of climate change on the flowering phenology of Yoshino cherry at its southern distribution limit, we examined the relationship between cold exposure for endodormancy release (chilling requirement) and heat requirement for bud growth on Hachijojima Island, Japan, from 1948 to 2024. Cold exposure and heat requirement had a significant relationship approximated by linear or log-linear functions. In years with less cold exposure, the first flowering dates were much later than normal, in accordance with the higher heat requirement. Our results indicate that the variation in the balance between cold exposure and heat requirement depending on the pattern of annual air temperature change is likely to vary the first flowering date greatly at the distribution limit of Yoshino cherry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter cherries (Prunus avium var. sylvestris Ser.) represent a valuable raw material in the traditional Eastern European food industry with high potential within the horticultural chain and circular economy in the context of global food security due to exceptional nutritional properties. The present study was carried out in the period 2022–2024 and had as its main purpose the evaluation of the fruit quality and production indices of some bitter cherry cultivars suitable for the technological norms specific to industrial processing. Five bitter cherry cultivars (C1-Amaris, C2-Amar Maxut, C3-Amar Galata, C4-Silva, C5-Amara) were studied and analyzed in terms of fruit quality—morpho-physiological and organoleptic traits, and physical and chemical parameters—and general productivity—tree vigor, fruiting, and yield indices. The results highlighted a wide variability in the physical characteristics of bitter cherries, with an average weight between 3.3 and 4.9 g and the color of the skin varying from yellow with redness to dark red and blackish. Regarding the chemical attributes, antioxidant activity was relatively higher in fruits with a more intense bitter taste (89.3 μg Trolox·g−1 f.w for C2 and 89.1 μg Trolox·g−1 f.w. for C4 and C5), a fact also found in the content total of polyphenols (with a maximum value of 743.2 mg GAE·100 g−1 f.w at C2). Total soluble solids content had an average value of 20.51°Brix and titratable acidity of 0.85 g malic acid·100 g−1 f.w. The influence of local environmental factors on the productivity of bitter cherry cultivars was highlighted by significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) between cultivars. Thus, the resistance to frost in the full flowering phenophase had an average value of 86.69%, and regarding the resistance to fruit cracking, the highest percentage was found in C1, with 99.79% unaffected fruits. The productivity index per tree had an average value of 0.24 kg per cm2 trunk cross-section area. The physico-chemical properties of the fruits and the productivity of bitter cherry cultivars support the possibility of their efficient use in processing and the food industry, yielding high-quality products with nutraceutical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cherry brown rot, primarily caused by Monilinia laxa , poses a significant threat to cherry production in the UK. Traditional control methods are labour-intensive or environmentally damaging, favouring alternative solutions such as using biological control agents (BCAs). This study investigated the survival and efficacy of two BCAs, Bacillus subtilis (B91) and Aureobasidium pullulans (Y126), in reducing M. laxa populations on mummified fruits and cherry blossoms. Field experiments were conducted to assess the survival of B91 and Y126 on mummified fruits over winter and their effect on M. laxa sporulation in spring. Additionally, the efficacy of the two BCAs when applied to cherry blossoms was evaluated, at different times of application relative to M. laxa inoculation. Y126 could persist on blossoms and throughout the growing season. B91 population level declined rapidly on blossoms but recovered once fruits appeared. Neither BCA usefully reduced the concentration of M. laxa. Y126 was marginally more effective at long-term reduction. On mummified fruits, Y126 population size declined rapidly within the first two weeks after inoculation before stabilising. B91 survived slightly longer. Longer interaction times between M. laxa and the BCAs in the late winter resulted in lower spore counts of M. laxa from mummified fruits. While both BCAs reduced M. laxa populations when applied close to M. laxa inoculation, BCA populations were not maintained at effective levels throughout the growing season. These results suggest that multiple applications targeting critical periods (blossom and pre-harvest) are necessary for effective control of M. laxa by either of these BCAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), also known as spotted wing drosophila (SWD), is invasive, with a preference for infesting commercially viable soft berries, particularly cherries. SWD infestations in sweet cherries are difficult to detect and remove in the field, packing houses, and processing lines, causing significant economic losses and reducing yields significantly, necessitating early detection of insect infestation in fruits during primary decaying stages. Few publications have addressed the use of non-destructive techniques for the detection of insect infestation in cherries. Based on the advantages and effectiveness of the spectrophotometric techniques, an attempt was made to use the spectrophotometry to rapidly detect postharvest SWD infestations of intact sweet cherry fruit, to employ it in sweet cherry fruit selection and grading processes. The main purpose of this study was to apply spectrophotometry as a rapid and non-destructive method in detecting and classifying healthy sweet cherry fruit versus that infested with SWD eggs. To model the data fit/prediction, principal components regression and partial least squares regression algorithms were considered. The external cross-validation set was initially set to 20% of the overall available samples and subsequently increased to 50% in the final selected optimal model. The identified procedure of management of regression algorithms allowed the selection of a very performant and robust model using the partial least squares regression algorithm: its false negative rate and false positive rate, after 500 Monte Carlo runs, were 0.004% +/− 0.003 and 0.02% +/− 0.01, respectively, and, in addition, the 50% of samples were used for the external cross-validation set. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are highly valued for their taste and nutrients but are prone to decay due to their delicate skin and high respiration rate. Traditional chemical preservatives have drawbacks like residues and resistance, prompting the search for natural alternatives. Phenylactic acid (PLA) has shown promise due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a potential natural preservative to extend cherry shelf life. Methods: 'Stella' sweet cherries were treated with varying concentrations of PLA (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 mmol·L-1) and stored at 4°C. Key quality indicators, including firmness, total acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss, decay index, and antioxidant activity, were assessed over time. Additionally, HPLC, GC-MS, GC-IMS, colony counts, in vivo inhibition analyses were conducted to evaluate phenolic content, aroma compounds and antifungal ability. Results and Discussion: PLA at 8 mmol·L-1 effectively maintained cherry quality by reducing weight loss and decay of cherries, delaying the decline of firmness, while enhancing antioxidant capacity, flavor stability, and antifungal ability. Higher concentrations (16 mmol·L-1) provided stronger antimicrobial effects but caused slight surface wrinkling. Thus, 8 mmol·L-1 was optimal, balancing preservation and appearance, making it a promising natural preservative for extending cherry shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet cherry is a high-value crop, and strategies to enhance production and sustainability are at the forefront of research linked to this crop. The improvement of plant status is key to achieving optimum yield. Biostimulants, such as glycine betaine (GB) or seaweed-based biostimulants [e.g., Ecklonia maxima (EM)], can represent a sustainable approach to improving plant conditions, even under adverse environmental circumstances. Despite their potential, few studies have focused on the effects of GB or EM exogenous application on sweet cherry tree physiology. To address this lack of research, a study was conducted in a Portuguese sweet cherry commercial orchard, using Lapins and Early Bigi cultivars. Trees were treated with products based on GB and EM at two different concentrations [GB 0.25% (v/v) and GB 0.40% (v/v); EM 0.30% (v/v) and EM 0.15% (v/v)], a combination of the lowest concentrations of both biostimulants (Mix —GB 0.25% and EM 0.15%), and a control group (C) treated with water. Applications were performed over three consecutive years (2019, 2020, and 2021) at three different phenological stages, according to the BBCH scale: 77, 81, and 86 BBCH. Results showed, in general, that the application of biostimulants led to improvements in water status as well as significantly lower values of electrolyte leakage and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances compared to C samples. Additionally, biostimulants reduced pigment loss in the leaves and enhanced their biosynthesis. The Chlorophylla/Chlorophyllb ratio, ranging from 2 to 4, indicated a greater capacity for light absorption and lower stress levels in treated leaves. Soluble sugar and starch content decreased during fruit development in both cultivars and years; however, biostimulants increased these contents, with increments of approximately 15% to 30% in leaves treated with EM. Soluble protein content also showed the same pattern for treated leaves. Biostimulants, especially EM, demonstrated a significant positive effect (p ≤ 0.001) on total phenolic content, with increases of approximately 25% to 50% in treated leaves. In conclusion, the application of biostimulants, especially algae-based, significantly improved tree performance by enhancing physiological parameters and stress resilience and could represent a novel approach in fruit production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relevance. Irrigation of agricultural crops plays a key role not only in increasing the yield of these crops, but also in preserving it, especially under stressful temperature conditions. One of the effective methods of water conservation during irrigation is drip irrigation. Drip irrigation technology allows you to accurately dose water, taking into account the needs of specific crops and maintaining an optimal level of soil moisture. It is important to note that this technology helps save water and reduce the risk of soil overmoistening. In addition to drip irrigation, there is also aerosol irrigation. This irrigation technology allows more efficient use of water resources and provides optimal conditions for the ground air layer for the growth and development of plants under stressful temperature conditions.Methods. The objectives of the study are to study the technologies and technical means of irrigation of a young cherry orchard to maintain optimal modes through the use of drip irrigation with aerosol irrigation in the Central part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. During the research, two factors were analyzed: studying the impact of various irrigation methods and moistening volumes on the formation of trees of the Gostinets and Zhukovskaya varieties of sweet cherry.Results. The field experiment is conducted on the territory of «Kolomenskaya Yagoda» LLC in the Moscow Region. The conducted studies have shown that the selected irrigation method using a combined irrigation system on sod-podzolic soils in the central part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia for growing a young cherry orchard of the Gostinets and Zhukovskaya cherry varieties meets the criteria of environmental safety and economic efficiency.Conclusion. From the point of view of profitability, it is most effective to grow a young cherry orchard by maintaining humidity in the root zone of the soil within 80-100% of the lowest moisture capacity and relative humidity of the ground air layer in the range of 55-70%.

Cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a species appreciated by consumers for the taste of the fruit and spread among producers due to the profitability of the orchards. In Transylvania, there are several varieties that are well known and appreciated for the adaptability to the eco-climatic conditions, but a general overview and a comprehensive description of them is still lacking. The aim of the study was to establish phenotypic profiles for the important varieties found at UASVM Cluj-Napoca, which are to be completed in time, including also genetic mapping and biochemical descriptors. Correlating these with ecological data, and part of a research project, the study aims in the end at elaborating a general data base for the fruit tree genotypes. The characteristics of the leaf, flowers and fruit were investigated, following UPOV guidelines and data from the scientific literature. The first data were put together regarding the flowering (with the specific offset for the early-late varieties in the collection), followed by fruiting. Flowering was obviously staggered between the studied cultivars, but all were affected by the atypical spring of 2024, with very high temperatures and little precipitation. Thus, it can be concluded that flowering was abundant in all cultivars, with longer lasting flowers (petal shedding was delayed by 3-5 days compared to typical cultivars). Fruits were harvested at full maturity (proper for consumption), at different times- specific to the varieties in the collection (May-June 2024), and determinations show significant differences for fruit set, health status, weight and diameter of fruit. It is of great value to offer complete and specific information to producers about the varieties of interest in different areas. Thus, the need of a comprehensive data base for fruit tree is taken into consideration and investigations are in progress, as evaluating genetic diversity of morpho-physiological traits in sweet cherry cultivars is of current interest.

To explore the extraction method and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins from sweet cherry fruits, the ultrasonic-assisted acidified methanol method was used to extract anthocyanins of sweet cherry fruit in this study. The effects of methanol concentration, solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic temperature and ultrasonic time on sweet cherry anthocyanin yield were investigated. The antioxidant activity and stability of anthocyanins were evaluated. Results showed that optimal extraction of sweet cherry anthocyanins was achieved with the following conditions: methanol concentration of 90%, solidliquid ratio of 1:20, ultrasonic temperature of 35 °C, ultrasonic time of 10 min, and the anthocyanin content obtained under these conditions was (61.48±0.81) mg/100 g. Conditions of darkness, 20 °C, and pH1.0 enhanced the stability of sweet cherry anthocyanins. The thermal degradation of cherry anthocyanins followed the first-order reaction kinetic model. The antioxidant experimental results indicated that, the cherry anthocyanins had significant scavenging effects on DPPH, ABTS+, and OH radicals. When the maximum mass concentration was 120 µg/mL, the scavenging rates respectively were 69.64%, 47.94%, 55.01%. In summary, cherry anthocyanins would possess good antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSorbitol, known as D-Glucitol, is a hexose sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in various fruits, including berries, cherries, plums, pears, and apples. It is noteworthy that sorbitol can be metabolized by microbes, plants, and humans through distinct pathways. Nevertheless, in bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli), sorbitol is not the primary carbon source and its utilization is generally suppressed due to carbon catabolite repression. In this context, Escherichia coli has been engineered to enable the use of sorbitol as the sole carbon source for producing recombinant proteins. This modification involves a two-plasmid system where the sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (srlD) gene is upregulated under an araBAD promoter, while the recombinant protein is expressed from a second plasmid under the tac promoter. The overexpression of srlD in the engineered E. coli strain enhances the utilization of sorbitol as the sole carbon source. When cultured in a medium supplemented solely with sorbitol, the engineered E. coli strain exhibits a 3.6 times higher specific growth rate and yields substantially higher concentration of recombinant protein compared to the wild-type strain. Additionally, the engineered strain demonstrates a higher YP/X ratio than the wild-type strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca2+ and Si2+ treatments confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in many fruits. In sweet cherries, Ca2+ improves shelf life extension during storage, but only CaCl2 is used. On the other hand, there is scarce information on CaCO3 as a source of Ca2+, which has shown increased firmness in berries. This study evaluated different treatments based on Ca2+ (CaCl2 and CaCO3) + Si2+ (SiO2) alone and combined with immersion in hydro-cooling (0°C) on physicochemical characteristics of 'Bing' sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) during storage at low temperature (4°C). Results demonstrate that alone or combined treatments (Ca2+ and Si2+) with hydro-cooling significantly affected skin and flesh color of sweet cherries. Chromaticity (C*) was increased in treated fruits, indicating an intense red color, especially in those cherries treated with CaCl2. Furthermore, firmness was increased during storage in treatments with Ca2+, while SiO2 treatment increased total soluble solids (TSS). Therefore, combined treatments of Ca2+ and Si2+ with hydro-cooling might be a promising postharvest strategy to maintain desirable physicochemical characteristics in sweet cherries during low-temperature storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of biodiversity is of fundamental importance in the context of environmental protection and eco-sustainable agriculture management. Its preservation has a key role and an extraordinary importance not only for the protection of potential gene pools, which is essential for selection and breeding programs, but also because local varieties are the expression of a territory and therefore reflect culture, knowledge, and tradition heritage. In this paper, 27 local cherry varieties collected in different areas of Sardinia were characterized and described from different perspectives, including pomology and genetics, using SSR markers. A complete framework on the biodiversity of cherry trees in Sardinia is presented, in order to support an objective assessment of different cultivar traits, namely those of agronomical interest, and to support the dissemination and conservation of the historical fruit tree cultivation heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Drosophila suzukii, a major pest in cherry orchards, shows distinct oviposition preferences influenced by cherry cultivar traits such as the color, firmness, and sugar content. In this study, D. suzukii laid the highest number of eggs on fruits of the "Hongdeng" and "Burlat" cherry cultivars, and the number of eggs laid on fruits of other cultivars significantly increased with the fruit maturity. These preferences correlated with the fruit characteristics, as darker-colored cherries consistently received more eggs. The developmental parameters of D. suzukii varied among the cultivars, with "Hongdeng" cherries supporting the highest pupation rate and survival rate. The analysis further showed that darker color parameters (lightness (L*) and chromaticity (b*)) were negatively correlated with the oviposition, while the CIRG (color index for red grapes) values were positively associated with increased egg-laying and pupation rates. The findings confirmed the common notion that "rotting fruit attracts flies", and D. suzukii is no exception. The results also demonstrate that the fruit color plays a role in the host selection process of D. suzukii, providing valuable insights for developing targeted pest management strategies in cherry production. Drosophila suzukii is a major pest of sweet cherries. In this study, we evaluated its oviposition preferences across six cherry cultivars and assessed the effects of the fruit traits on its growth and development. Significant differences in the color, firmness, and sugar content were observed among the cultivars and ripeness stages. The highest oviposition rates were recorded for the "Hongdeng" (HD) and "Burlat" (BLT) cultivars in both the non-choice (HD: 31.9 ± 2.0 eggs/cherry; BLT: 31.3 ± 1.9 eggs/cherry) and choice (HD: 32.4 ± 3.2 eggs/cherry; BLT: 27.6 ± 1.9 eggs/cherry) tests, largely influenced by the fruit color. While the developmental parameters showed slight variation across the cultivars, significant differences were observed in the pupation rates (ranging from 0.80 to 0.89) and survival rates (ranging from 0.51 to 0.62), with both parameters being the highest for the "Hongdeng" cultivar. The correlation analysis revealed that a darker fruit color—characterized by lower lightness (L*), lower chromaticity (b*), and a higher color index for red grapes (CIRG)—positively influenced the oviposition and pupation rates. Although the other correlations were not significant, the oviposition and developmental parameters were positively correlated with sweetness and negatively correlated with firmness. These findings enhance our understanding of how cherry traits influence D. suzukii behavior, providing critical insights for pest management strategies in cherry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors such as pollinators, pollen quality, pollinator variety, high temperatures, and nutrients affect the fruit set in sweet cherry trees. In this study, the effects of different doses of N, P, and K applied from the soil on fruit set of sweet cherry were investigated. Flower bud minerals (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B), fruit set ratios (FSR), and yield values were determined to compare treatments for 3 years (2015–2017). FSR (%) and yield (kg/tree) values ​​ranged between 14.31–21.76 and 11.11–14.88 for N, 11.94–22.64 and 11.23–14.82 for P, 12.38–17.39 and 12.67–13.68 for K, respectively. N affected fruit bud N, Mg, Fe, Mn, and B concentrations, FSR and yield. Parameters other than FSR increased with increasing N doses and the highest values ​​were obtained from the highest N treatment. FSR of the highest N dose was the same as the control treatment, but lower in the other treatments. P affected fruit bud P and Mg concentrations, FSR and yield. Fruit bud P and Mg concentrations increased as compared to the control treatment. The change in FSR and yield values ​​could not be associated with the application dose, but showed linear changes with each other. K was effective only on FSR, the lowest values ​​were obtained at the highest dose, while it was similar at the other doses. Fruit set ratio of sweet cherry trees under present experimental conditions could not be associated with the change in fruit bud nutrients due to N, P and K fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbiotic microorganisms are essential for the physiological processes of herbivorous pests, including the pear lace bug Stephanitis nashi, which is known for causing extensive damage to garden plants and fruit trees due to its exceptional adaptability to diverse host plants. However, the specific functional effects of the microbiome on the adaptation of S. nashi to its host plants remains unclear. Here, we identified significant microbial changes in S. nashi on 2 different host plants, crabapple and cherry blossom, characterized by the differences in fungal diversity as well as bacterial and fungal community structures, with abundant correlations between bacteria or fungi. Consistent with the microbiome changes, S. nashi that fed on cherry blossom demonstrated decreased metabolites and downregulated key metabolic pathways, such as the arginine and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway, which were crucial for host plant adaptation. Furthermore, correlation analysis unveiled numerous correlations between differential microorganisms and differential metabolites, which were influenced by the interactions between bacteria or fungi. These differential bacteria, fungi, and associated metabolites may modify the key metabolic pathways in S. nashi, aiding its adaptation to different host plants. These results provide valuable insights into the alteration in microbiome and function of S. nashi adapted to different host plants, contributing to a better understanding of pest invasion and dispersal from a microbial perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orange peel, a physiological disorder, has been reported in Chilean sweet cherries (Prunus avium (L.) L.) after 35-45 d under modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The ontogeny of the disorder is unknown, and preharvest factors have not been thoroughly investigated. This study involved two experiments to elucidate the association between environmental factors and the incidence of the orange peel disorder. In the first experiment, plant water potential, fruit position on the tree, relative humidity (RH), and radiation of sweet cherry trees were studied in 'Regina', 'Kordia', and 'Lapins'. The second experiment focused on the interaction effect of heat during fruit development and the RH during storage in 'Lapins'. The first experiment showed no clear response of orange peel incidence to natural variations in air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, and transmitted solar radiation (PPFD) within trees. However, significant differences in the incidence, severity, and timing of the disorder detection were observed among cultivars. In 'Lapins', orange peel disorder began before harvest in the green stage, 33.7 %, while 'Regina' and 'Kordia' showed negligible incidences of 1.25% and 0%, respectively. At postharvest, no differences were found among tree sections, either in incidence or severity of the disorder. For the second experiment, no differences in incidence were found in heated fruit during preharvest or postharvest RH treatments. However, it was observed that the higher the RH (100%), the lower the severity index (3.6) was for the orange peel disorder. The high incidence of the disorder during postharvest under natural or induced environmental conditions in the three cultivars evaluated demonstrates that RH mainly affects the orange peel disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wood decay fungi Cytospora sorbicola and Calosphaeria pulchella severely threaten the worldwide cultivation of sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium L.). Both fungi cause similar symptoms, including vascular necrosis, which leads to branch and twig dieback. In advanced stages of the disease, cankers are visible on tree branches and trunks. The sweet cherry is the most widely planted fruit tree in Chile, with 74,000 hectares in 2023. According to the planted surface, the predominant sweet cherry varieties are Lapins, Santina, Regina, and Bing. Variety-dependent susceptibility studies on Cyt. sorbicola and Cal. pulchella are lacking. The main entry points for wood necrosis-causing fungi are pruning wounds; therefore, we evaluated the aggressiveness of Cyt. sorbicola and Cal. pulchella in one-year-old sweet cherry plants. Santina and Lapins showed the lowest necrotic lesion caused by Cyt. sorbicola (13.6 and 14.31 mm, respectively), followed by Bing (19.51 mm) and Regina (26.14 mm). All plants infected by Cyt. sorbicola showed shoot blight regardless of the variety. In addition, there was a varying susceptibility to Cal. pulchella, with Lapins (21.6 mm), Bing (22.83 mm), Santina (27.62 mm), and Regina (30.8 mm) showing increasing levels of observed necrosis. The lesion caused by Cal. pulchella was more significant than that observed for Cyt. sorbicola, regardless of the cherry tree genotype. We identified each fungal growth from the wood necrosis progression area using two independent novel PCR-HRM strategies based on the ITS fungal region, which allowed us to differentiate each pathogen of interest individually or simultaneously. This study demonstrates different levels of susceptibility of sweet cherry tree genotypes to wood-degrading pathogens, emphasizing the need to include these factors in phytosanitary management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit of Chinese dwarf cherry is a rich source of essential minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, and contains abundant polyphenols, characterized by a distinct floral aroma. Its seed kernel contains rich protein, fat, and various medicinal components, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, lipid-regulating, and antibacterial biological activities, making it a notable representative of the third-generation fruit. In this review, the composition and content of the main nutritional components in Chinese dwarf cherry fruit were summarized, and the effects of fruit maturity and variety on the volatile flavor components were discussed. Moreover, the main biological effects of Chinese dwarf cherry were summarized, and the problems and opportunities in the development and utilization of plum were also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lack of acidity is the main reason for the spoilage of cherry wine, and for insufficient aroma and mouthfeel. In this study, the initial acidity of cherry purees was adjusted to 3.50, 4.15, 4.80 and 5.45 g/kg by using malic acid, lactic acid and a mixture of the two before fermentation. And the effects of different organic acid additions on the physicochemical profiles and sensory properties of cherry wines were investigated. Our findings suggest that organic acid addition can inhibit the formation of volatile acid and enhance ethanol production, while having a negative effect on their polyphenol contents. These additions can be utilized as carbon sources during cherry wine fermentation and affect its metabolism. Among them, the application of malic acid with lactic acid was shown to have more metabolically active effects on non-volatile compounds, and enhanced the total volatile organic compounds by 14.04%–66.92%. MC-4.80 and MLC-4.80 had the highest total VOC content and odor score in the sensory evaluation. However, the addition of large amounts of acids reduced the acidity score and overall acceptability of cherry wine. In conclusion, adjusting the initial acid content to 4.15 g/kg before fermentation significantly improved the quality of cherry wines, and the combination of malic acid and lactic acid was more effective for cherry winemaking. This finding evidenced that organic acid addition could be an effective strategy for improving the quality of cherry wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basis of orchard production is rootstocks that reduce the vigor of sweet cherry trees. However, not all rootstocks for this species can be easily propagated using traditional methods of stooling or cutting. Some of these must be propagated using the in vitro method. This is expensive and, consequently, increases the price of maiden sweet cherry trees. Our experiment assessed the growth of maiden trees of selected sweet cherry varieties ('Bellise', 'Earlise', 'Lapins', 'Vanda') depending on the method of propagation of a semi-dwarf GiSelA 5 rootstock. Additionally, the intensity of physiological processes taking place in the obtained maiden trees was also examined. The experiment compared one type of GiSelA 5 rootstock, obtained using a cheaper softwood cuttings method, with another rootstock propagated using an in vitro method. During the two years of study, there were no significant differences in the percentage of maiden trees obtained in the case of the propagation methods for both types of rootstocks, ranging from 77.43% to 87.74%. The vigor of maiden tree growth in the first year of this study was stronger than in the second year. In particular, the stem diameter of maiden trees varied from 7% to 39%, depending on the variety considered. With the exception of one variety, maiden trees produced from a rootstock propagated by stem cuttings were characterized by a larger stem diameter for the three varieties, ranging from 23% to 29%, and by a greater number of side shoots, ranging from 73% to 172%, compared to those from in vitro. Additionally, when using the stem cutting method of propagation, the rootstocks had a better developed root system, except for the 'Earlise' variety. However, most often, no significant differences were found between the methods of propagation regarding the fresh weight of the maiden trees and leaves and their leaf blade area. The activity of physiological processes of maiden sweet cherry trees varied, and no constant regularities were found. In the second year of the experiment, maiden trees were more often characterized by lower levels of net photosynthetic intensity and internal CO2 concentration, which was associated with worse growth results. Based on the collected results, it is recommended to propagate the considered rootstock using stem cuttings, which yields maiden trees with similar and sometimes even better growth parameters than those propagated using the in vitro method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problems that existing tomato maturity detection methods struggle to take into account both common tomato and cherry tomato varieties in complex field environments (such as light change, occlusion, and fruit overlap) and the model size being too large, this paper proposes a lightweight tomato maturity detection model based on improved YOLO11, named GFS-YOLO11. In order to achieve a lightweight network, we propose the C3k2_Ghost module to replace the C3K2 module in the original network, which can ensure a feature extraction capability and reduce model computation. In order to compensate for the potential feature loss caused by the light weight, this paper proposes a feature-refining module (FRM). After embedding each feature extraction module in the trunk network, it improves the feature expression ability of common tomato and cherry tomato in complex field environments by means of depth-separable convolution, multi-scale pooling, and channel attention and spatial attention mechanisms. In addition, in order to further improve the detection ability of the model for tomatoes of different sizes, the SPPFELAN module is also proposed in this paper. In combining the advantages of SPPF and ELAN, multiple parallel SPPF branches are used to extract features of different levels and perform splicing and fusion. To verify the validity of the method, this study constructed a dataset of 1061 images of common and cherry tomatoes, covering tomatoes in six ripened categories. The experimental results show that the performance of the GFS-YOLO11 model is significantly improved compared with the original model; the P, R, mAP50, and MAP50-95 increased by 5.8%, 4.9%, 6.2%, and 5.5%, respectively, and the number of parameters and calculation amount were reduced by 35.9% and 22.5%, respectively. The GFS-YOLO11 model is lightweight while maintaining high precision, can effectively cope with complex field environments, and more conveniently meet the needs of real-time maturity detection of common tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenges associated with prolonged traditional hot air drying (HAD) times and significant nutrient loss in cherries, this study employs ultrasound‐assisted hot air drying (USA‐HAD) technology. The study investigates the impacts of various ultrasound (US) frequencies, US powers, and hot air temperatures on the drying kinetics, physicochemical properties, texture attributes, and microstructure of cherries during drying. Cherry physicochemical quality serves as the evaluation criterion, with the entropy‐weighted TOPSIS method used to identify the optimal drying parameters. The findings indicate that USA‐HAD accelerates the drying process, reduces drying time, and enhances drying efficiency. In comparison to natural drying, USA‐HAD significantly preserves polysaccharides, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and organic acids in cherries, while boosting antioxidant activity. Concurrently, it reduces color intensity, as well as the hardness, chewiness, and gumminess of dried cherry products. Microstructural observations under different drying methods reveal an increase in surface micropores and relatively intact tissue structure. Under conditions of 55°C, 48 W, and 28 kHz, cherries exhibit superior overall quality based on the TOPSIS relative closeness degree. This study offers practical insights for optimizing post‐harvest processing of cherries. Practical Application: In this rapidly evolving era, the application of combination drying technology is clearly on the rise. The USA‐HAD treated cherries had better nutritional and bioactive than HAD. The conclusions obtained indicate that the USA‐HAD technology has more potential for development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: The iconic Yoshino cherry tree in Japan is experiencing shifts in its blossom timing due to climate warming. To develop a genetically informed predictive model for bud dormancy release, we examined seasonal gene expression in Yoshino cherry trees at three different locations. Our experiments, coupled with the analysis of DORMANCY‐ASSOCIATED MADS‐box (DAM) genes, highlighted DAM4 as the most reliable indicator for the rate of bud dormancy release. Our study demonstrated that seasonal gene expression profiles serve as a valuable indicator for forecasting the timing of dormancy release, benefiting Japanese traditions and providing insights into the biological impacts of climate change. Summary: The Yoshino cherry tree Cerasus × yedoensis 'Somei‐yoshino' stands out as an iconic springtime symbol in Japan. For the Yoshino cherry trees to bloom in the spring, dormant buds must undergo a period of exposure to low temperatures, allowing them to break dormancy. Key genes related to dormancy release, known as DORMANCY‐ASSOCIATED MADS‐box (DAM), have been extensively studied. However, it remains unclear how these genes function in natural environments to regulate the timing of bud dormancy release.To develop a genetically informed predictive model for bud dormancy release, we explored seasonal changes in genome‐wide gene expression profiles in the Yoshino cherry trees at three distinct sites in Japan. Five distinct genome‐wide transcription profiles, subjectively named as modes—early summer, summer, autumn, winter, and spring—were identified, with the winter and spring modes observed when the daily mean temperature was below approximately 10°C.Our experiments of bud dormancy release, along with the assessment of expression profiles of DAM genes, have revealed that among the six DAM genes, DAM4 expression profile is the most indicative of the rate of bud dormancy break. Our estimates suggest that, on average, the tree needs to be exposed to temperatures below 10.1°C for 61.1 days to suppress DAM4 expression to the threshold required for bud dormancy release.Our projections for the timing of bud dormancy release indicated a delay of approximately 2.3 days per decade from 1990 to 2020. Our study demonstrated that gene expression serves as a valuable indicator for forecasting the timing of dormancy release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a species appreciated by consumers for the taste of the fruit and spread among producers due to the profitability of the orchards. In Transylvania, there are several varieties that are well known and appreciated for the adaptability to the eco-climatic conditions, but a general overview and a comprehensive description of them is still lacking. The aim of the study was to establish phenotypic profiles for the important varieties found at UASVM Cluj-Napoca, which are to be completed in time, including also genetic mapping and biochemical descriptors. Correlating these with ecological data, and part of a research project, the study aims in the end at elaborating a general data base for the fruit tree genotypes. The characteristics of the leaf, flowers and fruit were investigated, following UPOV guidelines and data from the scientific literature. The first data were put together regarding the flowering (with the specific offset for the early-late varieties in the collection), followed by fruiting. Flowering was obviously staggered between the studied cultivars, but all were affected by the atypical spring of 2024, with very high temperatures and little precipitation. Thus, it can be concluded that flowering was abundant in all cultivars, with longer lasting flowers (petal shedding was delayed by 3-5 days compared to typical cultivars). Fruits were harvested at full maturity (proper for consumption), at different times-specific to the varieties in the collection (May-June 2024), and determinations show significant differences for fruit set, health status, weight and diameter of fruit. It is of great value to offer complete and specific information to producers about the varieties of interest in different areas. Thus, the need of a comprehensive data base for fruit tree is taken into consideration and investigations are in progress, as evaluating genetic diversity of morpho-physiological traits in sweet cherry cultivars is of current interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sakura crown gall, caused by the invasion of Agrobacterium tumefaciens through plant wounds, poses a significant threat to cherry trees. In this study, the distribution of A. tumefaciens was preliminarily determined by stratified sampling and qPCR detection. Vertically, the pathogen is mainly distributed in the soil layer below 20 cm, and the amount of bacteria increases at greater depths. Horizontally, they are found within a 150 cm radius from the trunk. Zhongshengmycin and Oligosaccharide–Ethylicin were applied 100 cm from the trunk at a depth of below 20 cm. In the 20~40 cm soil layer, a 600-fold diluted solution of 3% Zhongshengmycin had a relative control efficacy of 94% to 100% against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, while a 1000-fold diluted solution of 25% Oligosaccharide–Ethylicin showed a control effect ranging from 54% to 100%. Before transplantation, the soil was disinfected with dazomet and abamectin. Application rates were 35 g/m2 for dazomet (98% granules) and 1 mL/m2 for abamectin (1.8% emulsifiable concentrate). The disinfection effectiveness was 77~100% in the 0~60 cm soil layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the impact of wood vinegar on the growth of cherry radish is indispensable for use in crop production and environmental safety. Our study explored the regulation of rhizosphere microbial abundance and activity by wood vinegar, as well as the relationship between microbial community and growth factors in-depth and systematically. Bacterial communities at the phylum and genus levels were significantly changed after wood vinegar treatment. Application of 200-fold diluted wood vinegar significantly boosted Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes abundances by 40.88% and 126.67%, respectively, while Proteobacteria was promoted in carbon-rich soil. Fungi positively responded to cherry radish root traits and were correlated with aboveground biomass and fruit production. The fungi that correlated with photosynthesis included Albifimbria, Allomyces, Calcarisporiella, Clonostachys, Fusarium, Fusicolla, Knufia, Nigrospora, Paraconiothyrium, Preussia, Talaromyces, and Mortierellomycota. Wood vinegar treatment significantly affected the composition and abundance of soil bacterial and fungal communities in cherry radish rhizosphere, while simultaneously enhancing photosynthetic efficiency (e.g., Pn: 80.45% and Tr: 56.75%) and resulting in a 44.91% increase in crop yield. The promotion of cherry radish growth by wood vinegar may be attributed to the stimulation of soil microorganisms that degraded aromatic compounds and drove nitrogen cycling. This study provided novel insights into the significant promotion of cherry radish growth using wood vinegar diluted 200 times and identified potential microbial targets for agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a highly valued fruit, and optimal nutrient management is crucial for enhancing yield and fruit quality. However, the over-application of chemical fertilizers in cherry cultivation leads to environmental issues such as soil degradation and nutrient runoff. To address this, foliar application, a more targeted and eco-friendly fertilization method, presents a promising alternative. This study evaluates the effects of pre-harvest foliar application of calcium (Ca) (150 and 300 g hL−1) and seaweed extracts (75 and 150 mL hL−1), both individually and in combination, on the physiological and biochemical responses of 'Burlat' sweet cherry trees. Key physiological parameters, including plant water status, photosynthetic performance, and leaf metabolites, were analyzed. Results show that trees treated with seaweed extracts or with combined Ca and seaweed application had improved water status, higher sugar, starch, and protein content, as well as enhanced antioxidant activity and phenolic content compared to those treated solely with calcium. However, the combined treatment did not significantly enhance overall tree performance compared to individual applications. This study highlights the potential of seaweed-based biostimulants in sustainable cherry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study is to enrich pasta with cornelian cherry powder, a product with high bioactive contents. In this way, it was aimed to obtain a new product that is more nutritionally advanced and can contribute to the country's economy. In this study, cornelian cherry with high bioactive content and an attractive color advantage was used for the enrichment of the pasta formulation. In addition, the pasta production procedure was revised by applying microwave technology for drying. Cornelian cherry powder:dough ratio, dough thickness, and microwave power were optimized with response surface methodology. Total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, color, and water‐holding capacity were determined as responses. Optimum conditions were found as 4.53% for powder:dough ratio, 0.1 cm for dough thickness, and 270 W for microwave power. According to optimization results, it was detected that the cornelian cherry powder:dough ratio affected the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, and microwave power was found to be effective only on antioxidant activity. For optimum conditions, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were found as 1.29 GAE/g and 0.5 mg TE/g, respectively. The characterization analysis showed that the microwave–dried sample shrank less than those dried with the conventional method. In Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results, it was determined that the amount of carbohydrates in the samples obtained under optimum conditions was lower than that of control. It has been observed that the application of microwave technology for drying pasta enriched with cornelian cherry powder had positive effects on the quality of the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aims Methods Results Conclusions Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plants, and B deficiency reduces fruit set in sweet cherry trees. Several studies showed the advantages of foliar and soil B applications in fruit trees, but there is little information on the distribution of B in the plant, becoming an important issue when nutritional corrections are needed.The study aims to determine B mobility and distribution in sweet cherry trees, applying 10B to the flowers and soil, at different timings and under two levels of soil B availability.Two experiments were conducted with sweet cherry trees. In the two previous seasons, the plants were managed in two soil B availability conditions (deficient and adequate). The experiments consisted of the applications of 10B solution to the flowers and the soil at different timings and under both soil B conditions.Higher 10B absorption occurred when the 10B was applied to the soil at full bloom than when it was applied before leaf senescence. Boron was mobilized to all the tissues, but mainly to the leaves. Nevertheless, the fruit presented no differences in 10B excess for both application timings. Irrespective of soil B conditions, the 10B applied to the soil at full bloom was absorbed and mobilized to different tissues, that is, roots + rootstock + trunk (39%–44%) and stems + leaves (53%–55%), showing no differences between them. A lower percentage of B was located in the fruit, with 1% and 8% at soil B‐deficient and B‐adequate conditions, respectively. The highest percentage of the 10B applied to the flowers remained in the fruit (∼70%), and nearly 20% and 10% were mobilized to stems + leaves and roots + rootstock + trunk, respectively, independent of the soil B condition.Boron applied to soil at full bloom or before leaf senescence, under B‐deficient soil condition, is absorbed and mobilized to all the plant tissues, enhancing the B status in sweet cherry trees particularly when it is applied at full bloom. However, B soil application before leaf senescence would improve the availability of B (reserves) to the flowers in the following season. Boron applied to the flowers, at full bloom, remains in a high proportion in the fruit, becoming an effective complementary method to meet the fruit demands of the growing season, independent of the soil B conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the midst of the continuing discussion regarding agricultural methodologies and their environmental ramifications, the cultivation of cherries emerges as a noteworthy case for scrutiny. This fruit, renowned for its nutritional advantages and economic significance, has attracted heightened attention within both local and global markets. Nevertheless, beneath its visually appealing surface exists a convoluted interaction of ecological effects that warrant thorough exploration. The establishment of cherry plantations can substantially modify local ecosystems, thereby impacting soil quality, biodiversity, and water resources. Furthermore, with the rising demand for cherries comes an increased necessity for sustainable practices aimed at attenuating possible detriments. This composition seeks to investigate the varied effects of cherry cultivation on the environment, shedding light on both the beneficial contributions and the detrimental impacts affiliated with this expanding agricultural domain. By engaging in a critical examination of current research and case studies, we aspire to furnish a more intricate comprehension of cherries, perceiving them not merely as commodities, but as significant actors within their ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating cherries has many health benefits, but the importance of making cherries needs more attention. Cherries are a lively fruit that people enjoy not just for their taste but also for their many vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory substances. The process of making cherries--covering growing, picking, processing, and selling--plays a key role in making this fruit more available and accessible. By looking at the different steps in cherry production, we can see how this industry helps public health, especially with the growing interest in natural treatments and healthy eating. This essay will explore how the ways cherries are produced improve nutrition and benefit overall health, showing the many advantages that come from cherry manufacturing for people's well-being. Cherries are important in the food business, not just as a well-liked fresh fruit but also as a key part in many processed food items. They have lots of polyphenols and antioxidants, which has caught attention for their health perks, causing a rise in consumer interest for cherry products like juices, jams, and desserts Plus, sweet cherries spoil quickly, which makes better preservation methods necessary. This highlights the need for technology that can keep them fresh longer and preserve their quality. Using second-grade cherries and stems for extracting bioactive compounds shows a smart way to cut down on waste and improve the value in cherry production, which helps both producers and consumers. Therefore, the food industry's focus on using cherries increases their importance in promoting health and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To detect the natural enemies of Scolytus rugulosus (Muller, 1818) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), which is harmful to cherry trees, parasitoid wasp specimens were collected during field studies in the Kemalpaşa district of Izmir, Türkiye, between 1993 and 1995. This study evaluated 89 bethylid specimens collected in field studies. The wasps were collected by beating branches of cherry trees and reared on S. rugulosus larvae. All collected specimens were identified, and as a result, two previously unreported Bethylidae species, Bethylus mandibularis (Kieffer, 1904) and Goniozus claripennis (Förster, 1851) (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), were recorded from Türkiye. The newly recorded species are briefly described and illustrated. Additional records are provided for Cephalonomia hypobori Kieffer, 1919, already reported from Türkiye. The number of species now known from the country has increased from 14 to 16, belonging to 14 genera and four subfamilies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study concerns one of the basic causes for cracking of sweet cherry fruits as a result of increased rainfall, and this amount is different for different soils. The study was done for the soils at the experimental orachard of the Institute of Agriculture - Kyustendil, Bulgaria, which are Chromic Luvisolssoils with acidity pH = 4.5-6.0. This soil is rich of the clay mineral montmorrilonite. As a result of extreme rainfalls the soil in the studied experimental field, the clay mineral montmorillonite starts to separate sodium Na, The area is rich also of chloritized slates which enriched the soil of chlorite Cl as the result is - salinization of the soil, enriching of NaCl. The amounts of precipitation needed for soil salinization, which causes damages - ckracking of cherry fruits. As a result of the present study, the critical amount of precipitations, causing damages - cracking on sweet cherry fruits is estimated on about 28 l/m². With these amounts of precipitation, a deterioration in the quality of the crop can be expected and even with forecast amounts of precipitation, it can be counteracted by adding of agricultural gypsum(the mineral gypsum) to the soil, according to the cited reference. In 2024, because of the high precipitations level, the salinity of the soil was very high in NaCl and this was the cause for which the harvest of sweet cherries was lost as many cherry trees died. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially cultivated Prunus species are commonly grown in adjacent or mixed orchards and can be infected with unique or commonly shared viruses. Apple (Malus domestica), another member of the Rosacea and distantly related to Prunus, can share the same growing regions and common pathogens. Pollen can be a major route for virus transmission, and analysis of the pollen virome in tree fruit orchards can provide insights into these virus pathogen complexes from mixed production sites. Commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination is essential for improved fruit sets and yields in tree fruit production systems. To better understand the pollen-associated virome in tree fruits, metagenomics-based detection of plant viruses was employed on bee and pollen samples collected at four time points during the peak bloom period of apricot, cherry, peach, and apple trees at one orchard site. Twenty-one unique viruses were detected in samples collected during tree fruit blooms, including prune dwarf virus (PDV) and prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) (Genus Ilarvirus, family Bromoviridae), Secoviridae family members tomato ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus), tobacco ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus), prunus virus F (genus Fabavirus), and Betaflexiviridae family member cherry virus A (CVA; genus Capillovirus). Viruses were also identified in composite leaf and flower samples to compare the pollen virome with the virome associated with vegetative tissues. At all four time points, a greater diversity of viruses was detected in the bee and pollen samples. Finally, the nucleotide sequence diversity of the coat protein regions of CVA, PDV, and PNRSV was profiled from this site, demonstrating a wide range of sequence diversity in pollen samples from this site. These results demonstrate the benefits of area-wide monitoring through bee pollination activities and provide new insights into the diversity of viruses in tree fruit pollination ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

American plum line pattern virus (APLPV) is the most infrequently reported Ilarvirus infecting stone fruit trees and is of sufficient severity to be classified as an EPPO quarantine A1 pathogen. In late spring, yellow line pattern symptoms were observed on leaves in a few flowering cherries (Prunus serrulata Lindl.) grown in a public garden in Northwest Italy. RNA extracts from twenty flowering cherries were submitted to Ilarvirus multiplex and APLPV-specific RT-PCR assays already reported or developed in this study. One flowering cherry (T22) with mixed prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and prune dwarf virus (PDV) infection also showed infection with APLPV. Blastn analysis of PCR products of the full coat protein (CP) and movement protein (MP) genes obtained from flowering cherry T22 showed 98.23% and 98.34% nucleotide identity with reference APLPV isolate NC_003453.1 from the USA. Then, a LAMP-specific assay was designed to facilitate the fast and low-cost identification of this virus either in the laboratory or directly in the field. The developed assay allowed not only the confirmation of APLPV (PSer22IT isolate) infection in the T22 flowering cherry but also the identification of APLPV in an asymptomatic flowering cherry tree (TL1). The LAMP assay successfully worked with crude flowering cherry extracts, obtained after manually shaking a single plant extract in the ELISA extraction buffer for 3–5 min. The developed rapid, specific and economic LAMP assay was able to detect APLPV using crude plant extracts rather that RNA preparation in less than 20 min, making it suitable for in-field detection. Moreover, the LAMP assay proved to be more sensitive in APLPV detection in flowering cherry compared to the specific one-step RT-PCR assay. The new LAMP assay will permit the estimation of APLPV geographic spread in the territory, paying particular attention to surrounding gardens and propagated flowering cherries in ornamental nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an optimized QuEChERS method combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) was employed to quantify residue levels. The amount of diazinon pesticide in peach and cherry samples at days after use with the permitted dose of 25 g was 1.66 mg/kg for peach samples and 1.82 mg/kg for cherry samples. The first-order kinetic model describes the loss patterns in all products, with half-lives of 1.8 days for the peach samples and 1.9 days for the cherry samples. Method validation was achieved based on the recovery percentage values obtained from the samples. The inter-day repeatability RSD% (n = 21) for peach and cherry samples was obtained as 13.2% and 15.6%, respectively. The intera-day RSD% (n = 7) for peach and cherry samples was 7.1% and 5.2%, respectively. The recovery values for the analysis of these samples were 92.5-106.2% and 92.0-102.0%, respectively. The proposed UHPLC method could selectively extract diazinon pesticides from peach, and cherry samples. Furthermore, the method employed in this research can be adapted for studying other pesticide compounds with low concentrations in fruits, water, and soil, highlighting the versatility of the method employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Fitosanitarios de Bajo Riesgo AIE submitted a request to the competent national authority in France to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for the active substance potassium phosphonates in apricots and cherries. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive MRL proposals for the crops under assessment. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of potassium phosphonates in accordance with the residue definition ‘phosphonic acid and its salts expressed as phosphonic acid’ on commodities under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.1 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of potassium phosphonates according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The risk assessment shall be regarded as indicative because some MRL proposals derived by EFSA in the framework of the MRL review according to Articles 12 and 43 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 require further consideration by risk managers.