STUDY OF THE CONTENT OF ANTIOXIDANTS AND THEIR ACTIVITY IN CONCENTRATED EXTRACTS OF CRANBERRY (VACCINIUM OXYCOCCUS), SEA BUCKTHORN (HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES L.), BLACKBERRY (RUBUS FRUTICOSUS), VIBURNUM (VIBURNUM OPULUS L) AND MOUNTAIN ASH (SORBUS AUCUPARIA L.

Extracts and their concentrates can be considered as a source of biologically active ingredients of food products and as food additives to increase the consumption of useful substances of berries. The benefits gained from their use lead to the development of advanced technologies that can allow them to be extracted from the feedstock without significantly compromising the biological activity from the feedstock. In this paper, we studied the content of antioxidants and their activity in concentrated extracts of cranberry (Vaccinium Oxycoccus), sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), viburnum (Viburnum opulus L.) and mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.) berries. For all extracts, the total content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins, antioxidant activity according to the DPPH method and iron-reducing antioxidant activity (FRAP) were determined. Concentrated extracts of viburnum contain the largest amount of phenolic compounds (9.3±0.3 mol HA/l), flavonoids (1.96±0.08 mol K/l) and anthocyanins (0.26±0.02 mol CG/l) among the studied extracts. There is also a high total content of phenolic substances and flavonoids in blackberry and rowan extracts (5.7 mol HA/l, 1.33 mol K/l and 4.7 mol HA/l, 192 mol K / l, respectively). The antioxidant activity of the extract of viburnum berries showed a directly proportional dependence on the content of biologically active compounds in it: DPPH-method-2.4 mg / ml; FRAP-method-39.99 mmol Fe2+ / kg. Also, high levels were found in concentrated extracts of blackberries, sea buckthorn and mountain ash. It is the extracts of viburnum, blackberry and mountain ash that are recommended to be used in the production of food products to enrich them with biologically active substances and give them antioxidant properties. Cranberry and sea buckthorn extracts can be used in combination with other extracts.

Heavy metal concentrations in floodplain soils of the Innerste River and in leaves of wild blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) growing within and outside the floodplain: the legacy of historical mining activities in the Harz Mountains (Germany)

We studied heavy metal levels in floodplain soils of the Innerste River in northern Germany and in the leaves of wild blackberries (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) growing within and in adjacent areas outside the river floodplain. Heavy metal contamination of the Innerste floodplain is a legacy of historical metal ore mining, processing, and smelting in the Harz Mountains. The heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr) contents of previously studied soil samples from eleven floodplain sites along the Innerste River were re-analyzed statistically, and the levels of these metals in blackberry leaves were determined at five sites. Mean concentrations in the floodplain soils were elevated by factors of 4.59 to 28.5 for Cd, 13.03 to 158.21 for Pb, 5.66 to 45.83 for Zn, and 1.1–14.81 for Cu relative to the precautionary limits for soils stipulated by the German Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance. Cadmium, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni levels in floodplain soils decreased markedly downstream, as did the concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Ni in the leaves of blackberries from within the floodplain. Levels of Cd, Pb, and Zn in leaves of blackberries from within the floodplain significantly exceeded those of specimens from outside the floodplain. The findings of our study highlight the potential of wild blackberry as a biomonitor of soil pollution by Cd, Pb, and Zn and corroborate the massive heavy metal contamination of floodplain soils along the Innerste River observed in previous studies.

Fruit Qualities of Interspecific Hybrid and First Backcross Generations between Red Raspberry and Rubus parvifolius

Interspecific hybridization is useful in raspberry (Rubus idaeus L. ssp. idaeus) breeding to introgression of traits such as heat or cold tolerance, and excellent fruit qualities. Rubus L. wild species in Asia, including Rubus parvifolius L., have been attracting a great deal of attention as sources of new traits in breeding raspberry and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus Agg.). We previously developed and selected IPI-1 and IPI-3 first backcross (BC1) hybrids, [‘Indian Summer’ (R. idaeus ssp. idaeus) × R. parvifolius] × ‘Indian Summer’, as raspberry cultivars adapted to the warm climate in parts of Japan. In this study, we investigated the growth, morphological traits, and fruit qualities, such as sugar, organic acid, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, of each of these IPI lines over a 2-year period to discern their potential as commercial raspberry cultivars. IPI lines had the characteristic of primocane fruit with overflowing from side buds while the parent, IP-1 (‘Indian Summer’ × R. parvifolius), did not. IPI lines showed significantly lower values in anthocyanin content than red raspberry ‘Skeena’, while showing higher carotenoid contents. This study is the first research about fruit qualities such as anthocyanin and carotenoid content of BC1 hybrids using Japanese wild Rubus species.

Phenology of greenhouse thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis) on kiwifruit vines, shelter trees and alternative host plants

The greenhouse thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis is a quarantine pest of kiwifruit. There is a need for reliable information on its phenology in kiwifruit orchards to inform the development of new management options. Numbers of larval, pupal and adult greenhouse thrips were counted on leaves of the two main kiwifruit cultivars Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (‘Hayward’) at two sites at different times and A. chinensis var. chinensis ‘Zesy002’ at one site. Greenhouse thrips were also counted on leaves of shelter tree species Cryptomeria japonica, and other plants present on kiwifruit orchards, blackberry (Rubus fruticosus s.l.), barberry (Berberis glaucocarpa), and wineberry (Aristotelia serrata) across a number of sites at different times. There was a strong seasonal pattern to the phenology of greenhouse thrips and it was relatively synchronous for all the host plants surveyed. In general, number of greenhouse thrips on foliage increased from January to peak in April or May before declining in late autumn or winter and remaining low until the following January or February. The phenology of greenhouse thrips followed the same seasonal pattern for a variety of host plants found on kiwifruit orchards at sites in the Bay of Plenty across two two-year time periods. Therefore, host species does not appear to be a factor affecting the phenology of thrips. Other, non-host factors such as microclimate may be important drivers of phenology but they require further study. The consistency of the seasonal pattern of relative abundance means that there is a well-defined window to target for thrips management.

The assessment of dispersal potential of the wax cicada Say. (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Flatidae) in the agricultural landscape of the Krasnodar Territory vineyards

Цель исследований заключалась в уточнении перечня кормовых растений восковой (белой, цитрусовой) цикадки ( Metcalfa pruinosa Say.) в агроландшафте виноградников и анализе состояния популяции путем определения гендерной структуры в основных зонах виноградарства Краснодарского края. Исследования проводили в 2015-2020 гг. на промышленных насаждениях винограда, в лесополосах и на другой растительности в агроландшафте виноградников согласно общепринятым методикам. Уточнена гостальная пищевая специализация вредителя, к наиболее заселяемым растениям отнесены Gleditsia triacanthos L., Crataegus laevigata Poir., Rosa majalis Herrm., Prunus spinosa L., Rubus fruticosus L., Prunus armeniaca L., Prunus domestica L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., Abutilon theophrasti Medik.; установлено отсутствие сортовых предпочтений M. pruinosa при развитии на растениях винограда. Результаты изучения гендерной структуры популяций M. pruinosa показали преобладание самок над самцами в Анапо-Таманской, Черноморской и Южно-предгорной зонах виноградарства Краснодарского края, что позволяет сделать предположение о том, что потенциал расселения восковой цикадки еще не исчерпан, вид продолжает осваивать данную территорию. The aim of the research was to adjust the list of forage plants of the wax (white, citrus) cicada ( Metcalfa pruinosa Say.) in the agricultural landscape of vineyards and to analyze the population conditions by determining the gender structure in the main viticultural zones of the Krasnodar Territory. The research was carried out in 2015-2020 in industrial grape plantings, forest belts and other vegetation in the agricultural landscape of vineyards according to generally accepted methods. The official nutrition specialization of the pest was adjusted, the most populated plants were Gleditsia triacanthos L., Crataegus laevigata Poir., Rosa majalis Herrm., Prunus spinosa L., Rubus fruticosus L., Prunus armeniaca L., Prunus domestica L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., Abutilon theophrasti Medik.; the absence of varietal preferences of M. pruinosa when developing on grape plants was established. Results of the study of the gender structure of M. pruinosa populations showed the predominance of females over males in the Anapa-Taman, Black Sea and South-Piedmont zones of viticulture in the Krasnodar Territory, suggesting the potential for dispersal of the wax cicada has not yet been exhausted, the species continues to develop this territory.

Changes in Physicochemical Properties of Wild and Cultivated Blackberry during Postharvest Cold Storage

Background: Blackberry is a seasonal harvested fruit that is also very fragile and perish- es quickly. A comparative study was conducted to find out influence of cold storage on physicochemical parameters of wild and cultivated blackberry over a period of 12 days. Methods: The plant materials were composed of the blackberry fruit, including a compound of cultivated blackberry (Rubus spp.), and wild blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L. agg) which were harvested in the North of Morocco. The temperature of the storage of wild and cultivated blackberry was 5 °C for 4, 8, and 12 days, and then transferred to 25 °C for 1 day to simulate transport and commercialization. After that, the physicochemical parameters were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS. Results: During 12 days of storage, the pH of samples was decreased from 3.69 to 3.22 for wild blackberry, and from 4.85 to 3.43 for cultivated blackberry. The titratable acidity was increased from 1.61 to 3.28 for wild blackberry, and from 2.07 to 3.25 for cultivated blackberry. Flavonoids also showed a remarkable increase in values from 30 to 70.66 mg QE/100g of wild blackberries and from 25.33 to 60.66 mg QE/100g in cultivated ones between harvest and the last day of storage. The variation in skin color revealed a decrease during storage of L* brightness, a* redness, and yellowness b* for both blackberries. Conclusion: The most suitable storage time of blackberry components during cold storage at 5 °C was 12 days. The temperature at 5 °C preserves the quality of the blackberry for both wild and cultivated ones. However, the wild blackberry was more resistant than cultivated one to cold storage.

Anthocyanins from Rubus fruticosus L. and Morus nigra L. Applied as Food Colorants: A Natural Alternative

Given the importance of colour in the general acceptance or rejection of a product, the use of colorants is a widespread practice, particularly in the food industry. At the same time, with the increasing consumers’ awareness of the health effects that some artificial colorants can exert, there is a growing tendency to prioritize foodstuffs containing natural additives. In this work, Morus nigra L. and Rubus fruticosus L. fruit juices were characterized in terms of anthocyanins, organic acids, free sugars, and tocopherols, as also regarding their bioactive properties. Given their richness in anthocyanins, this study also aimed to prepare different solid colouring formulations by the spray-drying technique, using as stabilizers maltodextrin and arabic gum. Six free sugars and two organic acids were detected in the fruit juices, as well as the four tocopherol isoforms. Two cyanidin derivatives were found in M. nigra (cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and cyanidin-O-rhamnoside) and other four in R. fruticosus (cyanidin-O-hexoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-O-pentoside, and cyanidin-3-O-dioxaloilglucoside). The developed colouring formulations revealed a good stability over time, in terms of anthocyanin concentration and colour parameters, and revealed to be safe for consumption, either concerning their low microbial load and lack of cytotoxicity. Thus, they represent a promising natural alternative to the massively used artificial colorants.

First report of Tomato black ring virus infecting raspberry and blackberry in Poland

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) are infected by at least 29 viruses, including the Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) (Martin et al. 2013). TBRV belongs to the genus Nepovirus (subgroup B) of the family Secoviridae and is listed as a plant pathogen in over 40 countries. TBRV infects a wide range of herbaceous and woody plants. In Poland, TBRV has been described on the plants of the following species: Tagetes patula, T. erecta, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita pepo, Lactuca sativa, Solanum tuberosum, S. lycopersicum, Sambucus nigra, and Robinia pseudoacacia (Jończyk et al. 2004, Hasiów-Jaroszewska et al. 2015). To this date, there is no information on the incidence of TBRV in raspberry and blackberry in Poland. In the spring of 2019, 52 blackberry leaf samples and 408 raspberry leaf samples were collected from 4 plantations located in central Poland. None of the raspberry plants (cvs. Glen Ample, Polka, Sokolica), nor the blackberry plants (cvs. Thornfree, Polar, Gaj, Kotata) exhibited viral symptoms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out for extracts from the 460 collected leaf samples to detect TBRV using commercial antisera (Loewe Biochemica GmbH, Germany). The results indicated that 9 samples (4 blackberry, 5 raspberry) were infected with TBRV. The isolates of the virus were transferred by sap inoculation and maintained in Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi. Systemic ringspot, necrosis and patterned lines were observed on tobacco leaves. The presence of the virus in tobacco leaf samples was confirmed by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Total RNA was extracted from all 9 samples using the silica capture (SC) method described originally by Boom et al. (1990) and adapted to the detection of plant viruses by Malinowski (1997). Part of the CP gene was amplified with the CPF (5’-GCCTGTCTCTCTCGCAATG-3’) and CPR (5’-AAGGAGCCAAACTGAAATGT-3’) primer pair (Hasiów-Jaroszewska et al. 2015). Amplicons of the expected size (763 bp) were obtained for each sample. The amplified products were purified, sequenced in both directions, deposited in GenBank and assigned accession numbers: MT507387 to MT507390 and MT507394 for the isolates from Rubus idaeus and MT507391 to MT507393 and MN954654 for the isolates from Rubus fruticosus, respectively. The 9 newly obtained TBRV CP gene sequences, together with the 25 isolates deposited in GenBank, were aligned by ClustalW. The isolates obtained in this study showed a 99.0-100% nucleotides (nt) and a 98.7-100% amino acids (aa) identity in the part of the CP, respectively. Comparison of the part of the CP of the 4 blackberry and the 5 raspberry TBRV isolates with 25 TBRV isolates available in GenBank showed a 80.6-97.8% nt and a 87.9-99.5% aa identity, respectively. The results of the phylogenetic analysis have revealed that the TBRV isolates obtained in this study are closely related to 3 Polish isolates (AY157994, KR139941, KR139951) and 1 Bioreba ctrl Switzerland isolate (KT923164). These findings are of epidemiological significance due to the fact that TBRV was detected on symptomless Rubus plants, which therefore represent a reservoir of the virus and a threat in case of a symptomatic infection of sensitive cultivars. Accordingly, the results will assist in using appropriate strategies for reducing TBRV incidence in Rubus-growing areas. Moreover, this is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of TBRV in raspberry and blackberry in Poland.