Search Results (370)

Enhancing the yield and qualitative traits of horticultural crops without further hampering the environment constitutes an urgent challenge that could be addressed by implementing innovative agronomic tools, such as plant biostimulants. This study investigated the effects of three commercial biostimulants—BIO1 (fulvic/humic acids), BIO2 (leonardite-humic acids), and BIO3 (plant-based extracts)—on leaf ecophysiology, yield, and fruit quality in two raspberry cultivars, ‘Autumn Bliss’ (AB) and ‘Zeva’ (Z), grown in an open-field context, to assess their effectiveness in raspberry cultivation. Experimental activities involved two Research Years (RYs), namely, year 2023 (RY 1) and 2024 (RY 2). Leaf parameters such as chlorophyll, flavonols, anthocyanins, and the Nitrogen Balance Index (NBI) were predominantly influenced by the interaction between Treatment, Year and Cultivar factors, indicating context-dependent responses rather than direct biostimulant effects. BIO2 showed a tendency to increase yield (g plant⁻¹) and berry number plant⁻¹, particularly in RY 2 (417.50 g plant⁻¹, +33.93% vs. control). Fruit quality responses were cultivar and time-specific: BIO3 improved soluble solid content in AB (12.8 °Brix, RY 2, Intermediate Harvest) and Z (11.43 °Brix, +13.91% vs. BIO2). BIO2 reduced titratable acidity in AB (3.12 g L⁻¹) and increased pH in Z (3.02, RY 2) but also decreased °Brix in Z. These findings highlight the potential of biostimulants to modulate raspberry physiology and productivity but underscore the critical role of cultivar, environmental conditions, and specific biostimulant composition in determining the outcomes, which were found to critically depend on tailored application strategies. Full article

The resulting plant waste from R. idaeus, P. serotina, P. avium, and P. cerasus exhibits a complex chemical composition, depending on the variety from which it originates, with applications in multiple fields such as the food, pharmaceutical or dermato-cosmetic industry due to the presence of phytochemical compounds such as flavonoids, flavonols, tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, vitamins, aldehyde, and phenolic acids. The aim of this review was to summarize and analyze the most recent and significant data from literature on the importance of plant waste resulting from the pruning process of trees and shrubs, in the context of applying circular economy principles, with a focus on the pharmacological importance (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antiviral, and antitumoral) of some bioactive compounds identified in these species. Their applicability in various industries is closely linked to both the bioavailability of the final products and the study of their toxicity. The literature indicates that the isolation of these compounds can be carried out using conventional or modern methods, the last ones being favored due to the increased efficiency of the processes, as well as from the perspective of environmental protection. This review increases the attention and perspective of using plant waste as a linked source of pharmaceutical and dermato-cosmetic agents. Full article

Background: Blackberry seed oil (BSO), obtained from Rubus spp. Xavante cultivar via supercritical CO₂ extraction, contains bioactive lipids and antioxidants, but its cosmetic application is limited by poor solubility and stability. Nanoencapsulation with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can overcome these limitations. Methods: BSO was characterized by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and incorporated into PCL nanocapsules (NCBSO) using the preformed polymer deposition method. Physicochemical properties, stability (at 4 °C, room temperature, and 37 °C for 90 days), cytotoxicity, and collagen production were assessed in human fibroblasts. Additionally, a predictive in silico analysis using PASS Online, Molinspiration, and SEA platforms was performed to identify the bioactivities of major BSO compounds related to collagen synthesis, antioxidant potential, and anti-aging effects. Results: NCBSO showed a nanometric size of ~267 nm, low polydispersity (PDI < 0.2), negative zeta potential (−28 mV), and spherical morphology confirmed by FE-SEM. The dispersion remained stable across all tested temperatures, preserving pH and colloidal properties. In particular, BSO and NCBSO at 100 µg.mL⁻¹ significantly enhanced in vitro collagen production by 170% and 200%, respectively, compared to untreated cells (p < 0.01). Superior bioactivity was observed for NCBSO. The in silico results support the role of key compounds in promoting collagen biosynthesis and protecting skin structure. No cytotoxic effects were achieved. Conclusions: The nanoencapsulation of BSO into PCL nanocapsules ensured formulation stability and potentiated collagen production. These findings support the potential of NCBSO as a promising candidate for future development as a collagen-boosting cosmeceutical. Full article

Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a critical indicator for assessing carbon sequestration and ecosystem health in transboundary ecologically fragile areas. High-precision estimation and spatiotemporal inversion of AGB are the key to investigating transition zones. However, inadequate feature selection and complex parameter tuning limit accuracy and spatiotemporal representation in the estimation model. An AGB estimation model that integrates SHAP-based feature selection with a particle swarm optimization-enhanced random forest model (RF_PSO) was proposed. Then AGB trajectory clustering was used to characterize the grassland change pattern. The method was applied to grasslands across the China–Mongolia–Russia (CMR) border area from 2000 to 2020. The results show that (1) the SHAP-RF_PSO model achieved the highest accuracy (R² = 0.87, RMSE = 45.8 g/m²), outperforming other estimation models. (2) AGB improvements were observed in 72.13% of the area, mainly in MN_EA, MN_CE, and CN_NMG, while 27.39% showed degradation, concentrated in CN_NMG and MN_CE. The stable area accounts for 0.48%, which is scattered in RU_BU and RU_ZA.CN_NMG. (3) Four change patterns, namely Fluctuating Low, Stable Low, Fluctuating High, and Stable High, were identified, with major shifts in 2007, 2012, and 2014. (4) Projections indicate that 80% of the region may maintain current trends, 13% may reverse, and 7% remain uncertain, requiring targeted interventions. This study offers a robust tool for high-precision AGB estimation and supports dynamic monitoring in the CMR border area. Full article

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) micropropagation is an alternative for obtaining plantlets with high genetic and phytosanitary quality. The objective of this study was to establish a protocol for the micropropagation of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) using the temporary immersion bioreactor, under intermittent immersion periods and different culture medium volumes. The effect of the liquid medium using the TIB and semisolid was evaluated. Different immersion frequencies and culture medium volumes per explant were evaluated in the TIB. In all treatments, the number of shoots per explant, shoot length, number of leaves per explant, percentage of hyperhydricity, and chlorophyll and β-carotene content at multiplication stage were evaluated. The generated shoots, without a root system, were transferred to the acclimatization stage. The results show that the TIB with an immersion frequency of 2 min every 8 h and a volume of 25 mL of culture medium per explant had the best developmental parameters, with 5.75 shoots per explant, a shoot length of 3.44 cm, and 2% hyperhydricity. The highest chlorophyll and β-carotene content was observed in the TIB at different immersion frequencies of 4, 8 and 12 h, with 25 and 50 mL per explant. Survival percentages higher than 96% were observed in all methods evaluated. In conclusion, the evaluated immersion system is an efficient alternative for R. idaeus micropropagation, without using a rooting stage. Full article

Increased bacterial resistance to current antibiotics leads to a depletion of therapeutic options in medicine. One of the problems of current therapy is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which, in addition to resistance to β-lactam antibiotics, is multidrug-resistant. Some strains can also produce biofilms, a multicellular structure that is resistant or tolerant to various antibiotics. In hospitals worldwide, about 15% of invasive infections are caused by MRSA. Extracts of Rubus caesius (dewberry) contain high concentrations of compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins, which have potential antibacterial properties. This study is the first to demonstrate the activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of dewberry leaves (L_H2O, L_EtOH) and stems (S_H2O, S_EtOH) against S. aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The most active extracts were L_EtOH (MIC 0.16 ± 0.40–1.56 ± 0.23 mg/mL) and L_H2O (MIC 0.16 ± 0.20–10 mg/mL). The study showed that L_EtOH, S_EtOH and L_H2O extracts inhibited biofilm formation by clinical strains MRCN (methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci) and MRSA (biofilm biomass reduction from 40 to 100%). Furthermore, 3,3′—dipropylthiacarbocyanine (DiSC₃(5)) and N-phenyl-naphthylamine (NPN) were used to show that L_EtOH and S_EtOH caused the membrane depolarization of the strains studied. We also showed that the extracts acted synergistically and additively with cefoxitin and amikacin, reducing the MIC values of the antibiotics used by 8- to 16-fold and of the extracts tested by 4- to 8-fold. This study provides new data on potential antibacterial drugs of therapeutic importance. Full article

Optimized in vitro cultivation offers a sustainable solution to enhance blackberry (Rubus spp.) production while reducing pathogen contamination during propagation. This study developed and validated protocols for in vitro cultivation and ex vitro acclimatization of the Tupy, Brazos, and Kiowa cultivars at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Los Reyes, Michoacán. A 20 min treatment with 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) reduced contamination by below 10% and achieved explant survival rates exceeding 95%. Temporary Immersion Systems (TIS) with four to six immersion cycles of 5 min each maximized survival (above 95%) while minimizing necrosis and hyperhydricity and increasing fresh mass. Shoot development was significantly enhanced with 2 mg L⁻¹ 6-benzylaminopurine, and 1 mg L⁻¹ indole-3-butyric acid promoted optimal root formation. Acclimatization success rates exceeded 90% in covered trays compared to significant losses in uncovered trays during early stages. These protocols enabled robust plant development and yields exceeding 10 t ha ⁻¹ during vegetative and reproductive stages, providing a scalable framework for sustainable blackberry production and broader applications in crop propagation. Full article

Dietary polyphenols’ role in early life is not clear. While accumulating studies show both beneficial and deleterious effects of maternal consumption of these bioactive compounds on offspring’s adult health, very few studies have focused on the impact of paternal consumption. In addition, the potential interaction of combined parental polyphenol consumption is still not known. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of maternal (gestation/lactation) and/or paternal (preconception) blackberry polyphenol (anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and quercetin) methanolic extract consumption on C57BL/6 female mice offspring. Blackberry polyphenol consumption by fathers improved their sperm production and increased fertility. Blackberry polyphenol consumption by fathers, but not mothers, increased their plasma antioxidant capacity. All parental interventions decreased offspring perinatal mortality, with combined fathers’ and mothers’ polyphenol consumption exerting the most pronounced effects. Paternal or maternal polyphenol consumption decreased plasma total antioxidant capacity in the female offspring. On the other hand, combined parental consumption had opposing effects on the offspring. Only maternal polyphenol interventions increased glucose tolerance in the female offspring. These data only partially confirm our hypothesis that combined paternal and maternal polyphenol intervention would lead to better outcomes in the offspring. These results further show that blackberry polyphenols’ effects on offspring health depend on whether their consumption occurred through the father, mother, or both. This suggests that in order to promote long-term health in descendants, nutritional interventions, including those with polyphenols, should target not only the mother but also the future father. Full article

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is a high-value horticultural crop recognized for its significant economic importance and exceptional nutritional profile. We analyzed 76 raspberry accessions (wild and cultivar) using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, and we established a standardized SRAP system for this species. Genetic similarity differed markedly between markers: SSR values spanned 0.47–0.98 (mean = 0.73), compared to the narrower range of 0.52–0.97 (mean = 0.75) for SRAP. Cultivar accessions exhibited higher intra-group homogeneity than wild accessions, and northeastern wild accessions showed more stable similarity metrics than Guizhou wild accessions. In hierarchical clustering, the resolution varied depending on the labeling marker. The cluster analysis by SSR markers identified two main clusters and further partitioned them into three clusters. In contrast, the SRAP system revealed two primary clusters, which subsequently diverged into five subclusters. SSR markers effectively captured population-level differentiation, whereas SRAP markers enabled precise discrimination of cultivars and ecotypes through non-coding region polymorphisms. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed closer genetic affinity between northeastern wild and cultivated accessions, which diverged significantly from Guizhou. This dual-marker approach revealed complementary information: SSR markers were used to survey genome-wide diversity, while SRAP markers were used to detect structural variations. Their integrated application enhances germplasm characterization efficiency and provides practical strategies for raspberry conservation and molecular breeding. Full article

Natural mineral waters (NMWs) and plant extracts have long been valued for their therapeutic properties and skin benefits. This study investigated, in vitro, the role of five Portuguese NMWs (A-E), combined with plant extracts from five species (Ficus carica L., Rubus idaeus L., Vaccinium myrtillus, Cistus ladanifer and Thymus x citriodorus) as bioactive ingredients. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Cellular biocompatibility was evaluated in fibroblasts (L929) and macrophages (RAW 264.7). Skin-repairing and anti-senescence properties were evaluated in L929 cells through the scratch-wound method and β-galactosidase assay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was quantified using a commercial kit, and lipopolysaccharide-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified using a fluorescent probe (H₂DCFDA) in RAW 264.7. The results highlighted the beneficial impact of extracts combined with NMWs. An increase in antioxidant capacity of up to 90% was observed in mixtures comprising Ficus carica L., compared with NMWs alone. In contrast, mixtures with Cistus ladanifer showed promising anti-aging potential, with a 40% decrease in senescent cells and a 33% ROS reduction. Rubus idaeus L. extract produced an increase in cell migration capacity (up to 50%), depending on the NMW. This study highlights the potential synergism of natural ingredients with plant extracts for anti-aging. Full article

The Rosaceae family, comprising over 3000 species, has been extensively investigated for its therapeutic potential, particularly in dermatological applications. Skin illnesses have become in recent years a serious burden worldwide, with more than 3 billion individuals of all ages affected by a skin condition. This review focuses on approximately 50 species from genera such as Rosa, Rubus, Prunus, Potentilla, and especially Eriobotrya japonica, which have shown promising biological effects due to their diverse bioactive compounds. This review provides a current perspective on the recent scientific literature that highlights the role of Rosaceae members in managing various skin disorders. Key dermatological conditions addressed include dermatitis, acne, skin aging, melanoma, and psoriasis. By summarizing both in vitro and in vivo findings, this review underscores the importance of Rosaceae species in the development of plant-based dermatological therapies and encourages further research into their mechanisms of action and clinical potential. Full article

Rubus is a genus of small berry-producing shrubs, valued for their medicinal properties and as a food source. This genus is a large, globally distributed group that includes over 700 species. Despite numerous plastid and nuclear genomes having been reported for Rubus, there is a notable lack of research on its mitogenomes. We utilized PMAT to assemble the mitogenomes of six Rubus species according to long-read HiFi reads and annotated them through homologous alignment. Subsequently, we compared their characteristic differences within Rubus mitogenomes. The complete mitogenomes of R. parviflorus, R. spectabilis, R. idaeus, R. armeniacus, and R. caesius all exhibit master circle structures, with lengths ranging from 360,869 bp to 447,754 bp. However, R. chamaemorus displays a double-circle structure composed of two small circular molecules, spanning 392,134 bp. These mitogenomes encode a total of 54–61 genes, including 33–34 PCGs, 17–24 tRNAs, and 3 rRNA genes. Compared to the other five Rubus species, R. chamaemorus has fewer sequence repeats. These six species exhibit similar codon usage patterns. A large number of gene transfers were detected between organellar genomes of six Rubus species. Additionally, two phylogenetic trees were constructed using 31 mitogenomes and 94 chloroplast genomes, revealing a minor conflict within Rubus. Overall, this study clarifies the mitogenome characteristics of Rubus and provides valuable insights into the evolution of the genus. Full article

Micropropagation of blackberry (Rubus spp.) has emerged as a key technique for large-scale production of genetically uniform, disease-free plants. This review summarizes more than half a century of in vitro blackberry culture research, covering fundamental aspects such as establishment, proliferation, rooting, acclimation, genetic stability and conservation. Optimization of culture media, plant growth regulators and environmental conditions has significantly improved the efficiency of micropropagation. Recent advances, including bioreactors, cryopreservation and biostimulants, have further improved plant growth and stress tolerance. In addition, studies on bioactive compounds in micropropagated blackberries highlight their potential nutritional and pharmaceutical applications. Despite progress, challenges such as microbial contamination, somaclonal variation, and response variability among cultivars remain critical areas for future research. The integration of nanotechnology, alternative culture systems (i.e., bioreactors), synthetic seed technology should represent the future research trend of blackberry micropropagation, ensuring sustainable production and conservation of genetic resources. Full article

Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 is an important genus of fruit piercers and blood feeders with 18 described species worldwide. Both sexes of all Calyptra species pierce fruit. Adults feed upon and damage soft-skinned (e.g., Rubus and Vitis) and thicker-skinned fruits (e.g., Ficus and Citrus) in subtropical and tropical Asia. These moths are rare examples of a lepidopteran lineage that uses its fruit-piercing mouthparts to pierce the skin of vertebrate animals occasionally. In China, 10 species of this genus have been reported. Here, we identified seven species of the genus Calyptra Ochsenheimer, 1816 from Chinese fauna, including C. gruesa, C. thalictri, C. hokkaida, C. albivirgata, C. orthograpta, C. fletcheri, and C. lata. Detailed illustrations of male and female external morphology and genital structures are provided. A comprehensive worldwide checklist of the genus Calyptra is also included. This study highlights significant taxonomic revisions and morphological features for this genus within Chinese fauna. Full article