Postharvest Highbush Blueberry Fruit Antimicrobial Volatile Profiles in Relation to Anthracnose Fruit Rot Resistance

Fruit of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) produce antimicrobial volatiles, including trans-2-hexenal, that may confer resistance to anthracnose fruit rot, an important postharvest disease caused by Colletotrichum acutatum J.H. Simmonds. To investigate whether aromatic volatiles in highbush blueberry fruit are associated with postharvest fruit rot resistance, we compared volatiles emitted from whole fruit and extracts from fruit kept in air at 20 °C for 0 to 6 days postharvest from cultivars having a wide range of resistance to anthracnose. Antimicrobial volatiles detected included the aldehydes, trans-2-hexenal and hexanal; the monoterpenes, limonene, linalool, 8-hydroxylinalool, α-terpineol, and terpinyl acetate; and the sesquiterpenes, cadinene, caryophyllene, and α-farnesene. There were significant correlations between some detected volatiles and these differed in whole fruit and extracts. Hexanal (in fruit extracts), trans-2-hexenal, terpinyl acetate, and cadinene emissions increased in most cultivars when fruit were kept in air at 20 °C for various times postharvest. Volatile emissions from whole fruit and extracts varied widely among the cultivars with early ripening cultivars generally showing higher volatile emissions than later ripening cultivars. Although the cultivars tested differed in quantities, and in some cases, the types of volatiles produced, these differences were not related to pedigree (i.e., species composition) nor to known anthracnose resistance ratings. Except for the confounded emissions of terpinyl acetate and cadinene, more than 80% of the variation observed for each volatile was attributable to the cultivar (genetic), year (environmental), and cultivar–by-year interaction. The results suggest that, although antimicrobial aldehydes and terpenes emitted from fully ripe highbush blueberry fruit and extracts might be important flavor and aroma components, they do not significantly contribute to disease resistance against anthracnose fruit rot.

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Anthracnose Fruit-rot Resistance in Highbush Blueberry Cultivars

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.30.4.768d ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 30 (4) ◽

pp. 768D-768

Author(s):

Mark K. Ehlenfeldt ◽

Allan W. Stretch ◽

Vickie Brewster

Keyword(s):

Colletotrichum Gloeosporioides ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Fruit Rot ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

High Humidity ◽

Resistant Cultivars ◽

Green Fruit ◽

Wide Range ◽

Fruit Stage

Thirty-three Vaccinium corymbosum selections and cultivars were artificially inoculated with spores of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in the green fruit stage. Fruit was harvested when ripe and incubated under high-humidity conditions for 1 week, before evaluation. A wide range of susceptibility to anthracnose fruit-rot was found, ranging from 8% to 85%. Among the most-resistant cultivars were: `Elliott' (8%), `Murphy' (8.3%), `Stanley' (13%), and `Weymouth' (16.9%). Among the most-susceptible cultivars were: `Bluetta' (85%), `Spartan' (82.7%), `June' (69.9%), and `Northblue' (69.5%). Uninoculated checks had a maximum of 6% infection.

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Alternaria Leaf Spot, Twig Blight, and Fruit Rot of Highbush Blueberry in Argentina

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis.2004.88.12.1383b ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 88 (12) ◽

pp. 1383-1383 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

E. R. Wright ◽

M. C. Rivera ◽

J. Esperón ◽

A. Cheheid ◽

A. Rodríguez Codazzi

Keyword(s):

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Fruit Rot ◽

Fluorescent Light ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Disease Symptoms ◽

Potted Plants ◽

Leaf Spots ◽

Twig Blight ◽

Polyethylene Bags ◽

Plastic Trays

Disease symptoms have been observed since October 1997 on highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) cvs. Georgia Gem, O'Neal, and Sharpblue cultivated in Buenos Aires. Lesions were observed on recently planted, as well as mature plants, in commercial fields. Circular-to-irregular, light brown-to-gray leaf spots with brownish red borders, initially 3 to 7 mm in diameter, enlarged and coalesced. Blight developed on twigs. Reddish circular spots appeared on stems, developing small cankers. Dark sunken lesions were observed on attached ripening berries. During December 2002, postharvest fruit rot was noted. Small pieces of diseased leaves, twigs, stems, and fruits were surface sterilized with 0.2% NaOCl, plated on 2% potato dextrose agar (pH 7), and incubated at 20 ± 3°C. Symptomatic fruits were placed in plastic trays in humid chambers. In all cases, olive mycelium developed after 3 days with septate hyphae and abundant ovoid and obclavate muriformly septate conidia. The isolate obtained from diseased leaves of cv. O'Neal was used to test pathogenicity on micropropagated potted plants of 20-cm height and ripe fruits contained in plastic trays. Both plants and fruits belonged to cv. O'Neal. A suspension of 2 × 105 conidia per ml was sprayed on needle-punctured young stems, fully expanded leaves, and mature fruits. Plants and trays were covered with polyethylene bags and kept at 24 ± 3°C under fluorescent light (12-hr photoperiod). The bags were removed after 72 hr. Symptoms appeared after 3 days on fruits and 8 days on leaves and stems. Controls remained symptomless. The inoculated pathogen was recovered from diseased organs and identified as Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze:Fr.) Wiltshire (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the presence of A. tenuissima affecting blueberry crops in Argentina. Reference: (1) E. G. Simmons. Mycotaxon 70:325, 1999.

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Glomerella acutata on Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in Norway

Plant Health Progress ◽

10.1094/php-2007-0509-01-rs ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 19 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

V. Talgø ◽

H. U. Aamot ◽

G. M. Strømeng ◽

S. S. Klemsdal ◽

A. Stensvand

Keyword(s):

Solid Medium ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Potato Dextrose Agar ◽

Infected Host ◽

Colletotrichum Acutatum ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

First Report ◽

First Time

In August 2004, Glomerella acutata Guerber & Correll was detected on fruits from highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) for the first time in Norway. Both the conidial (Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds) and the ascigerous (G. acutata) stage developed on naturally infected blueberry fruits. Perithecia also readily formed on blueberries and strawberries inoculated with a culture from highbush blueberry, and on artificial, solid medium (both on strawberry leaf agar and potato dextrose agar). To our knowledge this is the first report worldwide of the teleomorph of Glomerella acutata on a naturally infected host. Accepted for publication 15 January 2007. Published 9 May 2007.

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Host Defenses Associated with Fruit Infection by Colletotrichum Species with an Emphasis on Anthracnose of Blueberries

Plant Health Progress ◽

10.1094/php-2013-1125-01-rv ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 30 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Timothy D. Miles ◽

Annemiek C. Schilder

Keyword(s):

Host Resistance ◽

Defense Mechanisms ◽

Fungal Pathogens ◽

Sugar Content ◽

Defense Responses ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Resistance Mechanisms ◽

Fruit Rot ◽

Tissue Type ◽

Postharvest Disease

Defense mechanisms in fruit against invasion by fungal pathogens fall into several categories, including fruit physiological factors, passive defense responses, and active defense responses. Colletotrichum spp. are common fruit rot pathogens on a variety of crops. The infection strategy of Colletotrichum pp. varies depending upon the host and the tissue type being colonized and range from hemibiotrophy to necrotrophy. Anthracnose fruit rot caused by C. acutatum is the most important postharvest disease of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). In order to better understand host resistance mechanisms in blueberry fruits, the resistant cultivar Elliott was compared with the susceptible cultivar Jersey. Higher levels of hydrogen peroxide and differentially expressed defense-related genes were found in ‘Elliott’ than in ‘Jersey’ fruit after inoculation. Furthermore, higher levels of anthocyanins and flavonols, including two distinctive compounds, were observed in Elliott fruits and two unique flavonols were present in Elliott. Additionally, pH and sugar content were implicated as being involved in host resistance in blueberry fruits. The results from these studies provide a significant contribution to the understanding of the multiple factors that contribute to anthracnose fruit rot resistance in blueberry. Accepted for publication 15 August 2013. Published 25 November 2013.

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Sprayer Type and Pruning Affect the Incidence of Blueberry Fruit Rots

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.35.2.235 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 35 (2) ◽

pp. 235-238 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Eric Hanson ◽

Jim Hancock ◽

Donald C. Ramsdell ◽

Annemiek Schilder ◽

Gary VanEe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Relative Humidity ◽

Botrytis Cinerea ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Fruit Rot ◽

Colletotrichum Acutatum ◽

Control Fruit ◽

Highbush Blueberries ◽

Long Term Impact

Highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in Michigan are treated annually with fungicides to control fruit rots caused by Colletotrichum acutatum J.H. Simmonds, Alternaria sp., and Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. Control with recommended fungicide programs is often inadequate. The goal of this study was to compare the effects of two spray treatments and three levels of pruning severity on fruit rot levels in mature `Jersey' bushes. Two spray treatments were tested for 3 years: 1) recommended fungicide rates applied with a conventional airblast sprayer; 2) 67% of recommended fungicide rates applied with a multifan/nozzle, above-row sprayer. Pruning treatments included light and heavy pruning (compared for 1 year), and light, moderate, and heavy pruning (compared for 3 years). Fruit rot incidence was determined after incubating individual fruit at 100% relative humidity and 21 °C for 7 to 11 days, and after exposing 0.24-L plastic clamshell containers of fruit to simulated commercial handling. The above-row sprayer provided fruit rot control at least equivalent to the airblast sprayer even though less chemical was applied. Anthracnose rot in berries from the top of the bush canopy were reduced by pruning, but those in the bottom of the bush, and levels of other diseases were not consistently affected. Pruning also reduced yields, although the study was too short in duration to determine the long-term impact on production.

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Evaluation of Southern Highbush Blueberry Cultivars for Production in Southwestern Arkansas

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.12.2.271 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 271-274 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

P. Manjula Carter ◽

John R. Clark ◽

R. Keith Striegler

Keyword(s):

Fruit Quality ◽

Cold Hardiness ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Chilling Requirement ◽

Production Potential ◽

Vaccinium Ashei ◽

Early Ripening ◽

Quality And Reliability ◽

Southern Highbush

Southern highbush blueberry, a hybrid of northern highbush (Vaccinium corymbosum) and southern-adapted Vaccinium species, has the potential to meet the need for an early-ripening blueberry in the southern U.S. southern highbush cultivars can ripen up to one month earlier than the earliest rabbiteye (Vaccinium ashei) cultivars currently grown in the southern U.S. However, chilling requirement and cold-hardiness are cultivar-dependent for southern highbush and cultivar testing has been necessary to determine the cultivars best adapted to specific hardiness zones. In a 4-year study at Hope, Ark. (hardiness zone 7b), several southern highbush cultivars were evaluated for productivity, fruit quality and reliability of cropping. Yields were based on 1089 plants/acre (2690 plants/ha) for southern highbush cultivars and 605 plants/acre (1494 plants/ha) for rabbiteye cultivars. `Ozarkblue' and `Legacy' showed the most adaptability at this location, yielding on average 11,013 lb/acre (12,309 kg·ha-1) and 10,328 lb/acre (11,543 kg·ha-1) respectively, compared to 4882 lb/acre (5456 kg·ha-1) for `Premier' (rabbiteye) over 4 years. `Ozarkblue' and `Legacy' also rated well for plant vigor and fruit quality. We would recommend `Ozarkblue' and `Legacy' for commercial planting in southwest Arkansas and believe these cultivars have production potential for other areas of the southern U.S. that have similar hardiness zones and soil type to southwest Arkansas.

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'Hannah's Choice' Highbush Blueberry

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.40.5.1558 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (5) ◽

pp. 1558-1560

Author(s):

Mark K. Ehlenfeldt ◽

Allan W. Stretch ◽

Nicholi Vorsa ◽

Arlen D. Draper

Keyword(s):

Cooperative Breeding ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Agricultural Experiment Station ◽

Department Of Agriculture ◽

Early Ripening ◽

Agricultural Experiment ◽

Agricultural Research Service ◽

The U.S

'Hannah's Choice' is an early-ripening, tetraploid, highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) that was developed by the cooperative breeding program of the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES). It was named because it represents an improvement in sweetness, firmness, and flavor over currently grown early cultivars.

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Effect of hexanal vapor to control postharvest decay and extend shelf-life of highbush blueberry fruit during controlled atmosphere storage

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/cjps09135 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 90 (3) ◽

pp. 359-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

J Song ◽

L Fan ◽

C Forney ◽

L Campbell-Palmer ◽

S Fillmore

Keyword(s):

Fungal Growth ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Postharvest Disease ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Postharvest Diseases ◽

Postharvest Decay ◽

Plant Volatile ◽

Fruit Decay ◽

Marketable Fruit

Postharvest disease control has become more challenging due to the limited number of registered fungicides, fungicide resistance, consumers' desire for reduced fungicide residues and demand for blemish-free, high-quality product. The interest in the use of natural alternatives to prevent fungal growth has markedly increased. Many biologically active volatile compounds, including hexanal, a natural plant volatile with antifungal properties, have been reported to reduce postharvest diseases. In this study, highbush blueberry fruit (Vaccinium corymbosum 'Duke', 'Brigitta' and 'Burlington') were treated with hexanal vapor at 900 µL L-1 for 24 h either once immediately before storage or repeated after 1 and 2 wk of CA storage (10-12 kPa O2 and 12-15 kPa CO2 ) at 0.5°C for up to 15 wk. Fruit removed from storage after 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 15 wk were evaluated following 1 or 7 d at 10°C. Decayed fruit were significantly reduced by 50-70% in treated fruit compared with the control. A 17% reduction of split Duke fruit was also found in hexanal treated fruit after 9 wk CA storage followed by 7 d at 10°C. Marketable fruit in all three cultivars was 20-40% greater in hexanal treatments after 12 wk of storage as compared with controls. Fruit firmness increased during storage in Burlington. No significant changes in weight loss were found. These results indicate that postharvest application of hexanal vapor can reduce fruit decay, maintain fruit quality and extend storage life. It has potential as an alternative fungicide to reduce postharvest decay in highbush blueberry fruit.Key words: Postharvest, fungi, decay control, quality

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In Vitro Inhibitory Activity of Antimicrobial Peptides Cecropin, α-Thionin DB4, and γ-Thionin RsAFP1 Against Several Pathogens of Strawberry and Highbush Blueberry

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.39.5.1053 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 1053-1055

Author(s):

F.A. Hammerschlag

Keyword(s):

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Antimicrobial Peptides ◽

Inhibitory Concentration ◽

Vaccinium Corymbosum ◽

Colletotrichum Acutatum ◽

Thin Layer Plate ◽

Leaf Spot Disease ◽

Highbush Blueberry ◽

Crop Species

As part of a program to develop transgenic highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) and strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duchesne) cultivars with increased levels of disease resistance, we have investigated the feasibility of introducing genes for the antimicrobial peptides cecropin B and MB39, α-thionin DB4 (DB4) and γ-thionin RsAFP1 (RsAFP1) by testing the effects of these peptides on several important pathogens of these two crop species. A thin-layer plate bioassay was conducted with these peptides and the pathogens Botrytis cinerea (Pers.ex. Fr.), Botryosphaeria dothidea (Mouq.ex. Fr.) Ces & de Not., Colletotrichum acutatum Simmonds, C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz.et Sacc., C. fragariae Brooks, Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi Reade (Honey), Phytophthora fragariae Hickman and Xanthomonas fragariae Kennedy and King. The minimum lethal concentration (μm) for cecropin ranged from 0.02 for X. fragariae strains 10 and 128 to 72.8 for C. gloeosporioides isolate Akp1. For DB4, the minimum inhibitory concentration (μm) ranged from 0.03 for X. fragariae strain 6 to 87.2 for B. cinerea isolate cc. For RsAFP1, the minimum inhibitory concentration (μm) ranged from 0.13 for X. fragariae strain 6 to 61.4 for M. vaccinii-corymbosi isolate 9423-x-45. These results indicate that introducing genes for either cecropin, DB4 or RsAFP1 into strawberry may be useful for controlling bacterial angular leaf spot disease caused by X. fragariae.

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