Search Results (209)

Blueberries are in high demand across the world due to their nutritional characteristics. The objective of this study was to conduct an agro-morphological and physicochemical characterisation of blueberry varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in the high Andean valleys of Ecuador, aiming to evaluate their productive performance and agro-industrial potential. The introduced varieties Eureka Maxx, Eureka Gold and Biloxi were studied across different agricultural systems and substrates under a randomised block design. The agro-morphological characterisation included variables such as latent buds, vegetative shoots, flowering onset and yield. Eureka Maxx grown in pots had the highest productivity (37.1%). In the physicochemical analysis, which considered diameter, firmness, pH, acidity, soluble solids, moisture and colour, it was observed that Eureka Maxx and Eureka Gold outperformed Biloxi in size (23.7 mm), firmness (15.2 N), and concentration of soluble solids (11.9 Brix). In general, plant growth and development are influenced by the environmental conditions of the site and crop management practices. Our results show that the varieties Eureka Maxx and Eureka Gold are viable alternatives for blueberry production in the high Andean valleys of Ecuador, to replace the Biloxi and Emerald varieties. Full article

Highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is widely cultivated in southern Chile on acidic Andisols, where aluminum (Al³⁺) toxicity and water deficit frequently occur simultaneously and limit plant performance. However, the integrated physiological responses to these stresses and the potential protective role of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the physiological, biochemical, and hormonal responses of two cultivars with contrasting resistance, Legacy (Al-resistant) and Star (Al-sensitive), exposed to Al³⁺ stress, water deficit, and their combination, with or without MeJA application. Plants were grown in Andisol soil under greenhouse conditions and subjected to eight treatments, with measurements performed at 7, 14, and 21 days. Exposure to stress conditions resulted in decreased growth, reduced leaf water status, diminished photosynthetic performance, lower pigment stability, and decreased auxin concentration as estimated by Salkowski-reactive indolic compounds. Conversely, stress conditions led to increased aluminum (Al) accumulation, elevated proline levels, enhanced lipid peroxidation, and heightened antioxidant responses. Water deficit produced the strongest reductions in photosynthesis, about 48% in Legacy and 65% in Star, whereas Al accumulated mainly in the roots of Star (14-fold). The combined stress intensified physiological limitations and oxidative damage, particularly in the Star cultivar (4-fold), which showed stronger reductions in photosynthetic parameters, higher Al accumulation, and greater lipid peroxidation. In contrast, Legacy maintained more stable physiological performance. Exogenous MeJA mitigated stress effects by reducing Al accumulation (30–35%) and oxidative damage, improving photosynthetic performance (40–60%) and water status, and partially restoring auxin levels and growth in both cultivars, being more evident in the resistant cultivar Legacy. These results indicate that MeJA contributes to the regulation of physiological and antioxidant responses associated with resistance to combined Al toxicity and water deficit in highbush blueberry. Full article

The blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is known for its high content of bioactive compounds, which are widely recognized for their health-promoting properties. This study aimed to characterize the fruit quality, total phenolic content (TPC), total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMA), anthocyanin profile and antioxidant activity of the nine Romanian V. corymbosum genotypes (‘Augusta’, ‘Azur’, ‘Delicia’, ‘Lax’, ‘Pastel’, ‘Prod’, ‘Safir’, ‘Simultan’, and ‘Vital’) over three consecutive harvest seasons (2023–2025). Significant genotype- and year-dependent variation was observed for all parameters. ‘Lax’ consistently accumulated the highest total anthocyanin content across all three seasons, while ‘Simultan’ exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and total monomeric anthocyanin content. ‘Prod’ consistently recorded the lowest phytochemical values despite achieving the highest firmness in 2025. UPLC analysis identified 10 anthocyanins, covering all five major anthocyanidin classes. Strong positive correlations were found between TPC, TMA, and antioxidant activity. These results confirm that genotype is the primary determinant of blueberry phytochemical composition, as indicated by the largest effect sizes in the two-way ANOVA, with harvest year and genotype × year interaction as statistically significant but secondary modulating factors, and identify ‘Lax’, ‘Simultan’, and ‘Safir’ as promising cultivars for nutraceutical and breeding applications. Full article

The valorization of agri-food by-products generated during juice extraction represents a key strategy within circular economy frameworks, as it reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal while creating added value and improving the food supply chain. In this work, five betaine-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) differing in their hydrogen-bond donors, namely citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycerol, and ethylene glycol, were used for the green extraction of blueberry pomace, a largely underutilized by-product that is nevertheless rich in bioactive compounds. The extracts were characterized by liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array and tandem mass spectrometric detection, allowing targeted profiling of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolics, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic aldehydes. The extraction performance of NaDES was benchmarked against conventional solvents (water and ethanol) to evaluate differences in selectivity and efficiency toward distinct phenolic classes. Antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Among the NaDES systems, the betaine–citric acid NaDES extract exhibited notable phenolic recovery together with marked radical scavenging activity. After evaluating its inhibitory activity against elastase and tyrosinase, enzymes involved in the skin aging process, the selected NaDES extract was incorporated into a natural-based antiaging cosmetic formulation, and its main physicochemical properties were assessed to verify suitability for topical application. This study demonstrated that the use of NaDES represents an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to transform blueberry by-products into high-value, safe, and ready-to-use cosmetic functional ingredients without the need for solvent removal. Full article

Dairy whey is an underutilized by-product with potential as a sustainable carrier for bioactive compounds. This study developed and optimized fermented whey-based beverages enriched with Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) extracts and evaluated their antioxidant properties and gastrointestinal bioaccessibility. Beverages were formulated with fermented whey and berry extracts and optimized using a 3ᵏ response surface design considering extract concentration and storage time. The optimal formulations contained 50% berry extract. The Andean blueberry beverage showed the highest functional performance, with 2268.97 ± 4.41 µmol Trolox equivalents (TE)/100 mL by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), 1442.46 ± 12.95 µmol TE/100 mL by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH), 242.60 ± 6.25 mg GAE/100 mL of total polyphenols, 137.94 ± 2.76 mg QE/100 mL of flavonoids, and 21.50 ± 0.51 mg C3GE/100 mL of anthocyanins. During in vitro digestion, polyphenols and flavonoids showed high bioaccessibility, reaching values above 80% in gastric or intestinal stages, while ORAC antioxidant capacity increased up to 153% in the jejunal phase. Anthocyanins remained more stable under gastric conditions but decreased during intestinal digestion. These findings support fermented whey as a value-added matrix for developing bioactive-rich functional beverages with improved digestive functionality. Full article

The increased demand for higher-quality, longer-lasting blueberries has led to the development of preharvest strategies to improve their structural integrity sustainably. This study analysed the effects of the foliar application of two biostimulant–calcium (Ca) combinations, using Ecklonia maxima extract (EM + Ca) and glycine betaine (GB + Ca), on yield, biometric, mechanical, and histological properties, as well as cuticular wax composition of blueberries. Both biostimulants increased yield per plant and fruit weight and size in ‘Duke’, with superior results for GB + Ca. Fruit yield increased by 80% with GB + Ca and 40% with EM + Ca. Histological analysis showed increases in cuticle thickness, epidermal cell area and thickness, and hypodermal cell area and area/perimeter ratio. This thicker, denser tissue ultimately improved blueberries’ mechanical properties. Specifically, ‘Draper’ berries treated with GB + Ca had 36%, 15%, and 20% higher values for flesh firmness, stiffness, and deformation work, respectively, relative to the control. However, cuticular wax accumulation was more pronounced with EM + Ca for the ‘Duke’ cultivar, increasing by 12%. Overall, GB + Ca had the greatest impact on blueberry structural quality and may represent a promising strategy to improve postharvest quality and commercial production. Full article

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient that is required in very small amounts and plays a significant role in enhancing plant growth, stress resistance, and fruit quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of different sodium selenite concentrations (CK, 0 mg/L; Se1, 0.50 mg/L; Se2, 1.00 mg/L, Se3, 2.00; and Se4, 3.00 mg/L) on the growth, nutrient absorption, antioxidant capacity, and leaf metabolome of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Brigitta’) in hydroponic culture. Our results showed that moderate Se concentration (1.00 mg/L, Se2) had noticeable enhancements in key traits like taller plants, thicker stems, a greater number of leaves, and stem fresh weight, with increases of 60.23%, 61.90%, 36.05%, and 87.97%, respectively, compared to the CK. In addition, the appropriate application of Se fertilizer (1.0 mg/L, Se2) can enhance the absorption of macronutrients by plants, with the total contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) increasing by 48.11%, 15.85%, and 14.25%, respectively, compared to CK. In comparison to CK, the content and accumulation of total Se rose dramatically under the Se4 treatment, showing increases of 2300% and 2514%. The contents of chlorophyll and antioxidant enzyme activities were maximized at Se2, while excessive Se (Se4) led to oxidative damage, as indicated by elevated MDA, H₂O₂, and O₂⁻ levels. Moreover, metabolomic analysis revealed that moderate Se concentration (Se2) significantly altered metabolic pathways related to aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, arachidonic acid metabolism, and ABC transporters, with downregulation of key metabolites in sugar and organic acid metabolism (e.g., α-D-glucose-6-phosphate, L-lactic acid, maleic acid). In contrast, high Se concentration (Se4) disrupted these pathways and promoted volatile compound accumulation. These findings demonstrate that moderate Se application enhances blueberry growth and quality by regulating nutrient uptake, antioxidant defense, and primary metabolism, whereas excessive Se induces metabolic imbalance and oxidative stress. Overall, moderate Se fertilizer (1.00 mg/L) can significantly enhance the growth and quality of blueberries, while excessive selenium may have adverse effects. Full article

Maintaining the nutritional and functional quality of blueberries during cold storage remains a postharvest challenge. This study evaluated the effects of short-term high-CO₂ treatments on phenylpropanoid-related metabolism in two commercially important blueberry cultivar–season combinations: Duke (Vaccinium corymbosum L., highbush; early-season, June harvest) and Ochlockonee (V. virgatum Aiton, rabbiteye; late-season, September harvest). Fruits were exposed to 15% or 20% CO₂ for 3 days at 1 °C and subsequently stored for up to 29 days at 1 °C. Phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of selected phenylpropanoid-related genes, including flavonoid biosynthetic enzymes and R2R3-MYB transcription factors, were analyzed. Short-term CO₂ treatments were associated with transient transcriptional responses, particularly in anthocyanin-related pathways, together with genotype-associated differences in phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity during storage. Overall, the results indicate associations between CO₂ exposure and secondary metabolism under cold storage conditions and should be interpreted as correlative rather than mechanistic evidence of priming. Full article

Dark septate endophytes (DSE) and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi (ERMF) are employed to augment the abiotic stress resistance of fruits. However, their potential functions in enhancing the drought resistance of blueberry, an economically important fruit, remain unclear. Thus, this study aims to identify optimal inoculation combinations to enhance the drought resistance of blueberry seedlings. Specifically, the effects of single and dual inoculations with DSE (Cladosporium cladosporioides, D79) and ERMF (Oidiodendron citrinum, N12) on seedling physiology and metabolism were explored under varying drought conditions. The results showed that dual inoculation significantly improved leaf physiological characteristics. Under severe drought stress, the 1:2 DSE:ERMF ratio (D1N2) notably increased leaf relative water content (RWC) and reduced electrolyte leakage by up to 42.1% compared with the non-inoculated control. Dual inoculation also significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, with the smallest increase observed in D1N2. Regarding antioxidant enzymes, dual inoculation sustained higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity under moderate drought and minimized the decline in SOD activity under severe drought (the lowest decrease was 36.4% in D1N2 versus 56.7% in CK). Moreover, the antioxidant losses under drought stress were reduced by upregulating various metabolic processes, especially the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. A comprehensive evaluation suggested that inoculation with a 1:2 mixture of DSE and ERMF most effectively improved blueberry drought resistance, primarily by enhancing water and metabolite supply and stimulating the antioxidant defenses. Full article

Developing eco-friendly metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) with plant-based reducing and stabilizing agents offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods. Nonetheless, the detailed mechanisms by which phytochemicals influence NPs formation, antimicrobial properties, and cytocompatibility remain poorly understood, especially in systems mediated by Vaccinium. This study aimed to synthesize TiO₂ NPs and ZnO NPs using Vaccinium corymbosum (blueberry) extract, analyze their structural and surface characteristics, assess their antimicrobial effectiveness and cytotoxicity, and explore potential molecular mechanisms through computational docking. ZnO NPs were produced via alkaline precipitation (pH 12) from ZnCl₂, while food-grade TiO₂ was mixed with blueberry extract. A comprehensive characterization was carried out using techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for polyphenol profiling. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Cytotoxicity was assessed using Gallus gallus domesticus leukocytes and Artemia salina bioassays, and molecular docking simulations were performed to examine polyphenol interactions with the bacterial DNA gyrase subunit B (GyrB). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of wurtzite ZnO (with a crystallite size of 18.2 nm) and anatase TiO₂ (12.8 nm after functionalization). HPLC identified key polyphenols, including quercetin, cyanidin, malvidin, and cyanidin-3-glucoside, with patterns indicating stronger adsorption onto TiO₂ NPs surfaces. ZnO NPs showed higher antimicrobial effectiveness (>90% inhibition at 2 mg/mL; MIC 0.5–1 mg/mL) compared to TiO₂ (72% inhibition at 16 mg/mL; MIC 8–16 mg/mL). Cytotoxicity results indicated concentration-dependent effects. Molecular docking simulations revealed favorable binding energies (−6.2 to −8.4 kcal/mol) for blueberry polyphenols with GyrB, suggesting potential synergistic antimicrobial effects and ROS production. The study highlights a successful green synthesis of bioactive TiO₂ NPs and ZnO NPs using Vaccinium corymbosum extract, where polyphenol surface functionalization enhances both colloidal stability and biological activity. This comparative research offers mechanistic insights into how polyphenol-coated NPs work and supports the development of eco-friendly antimicrobial oxide nanomaterials. Full article

Aluminum (Al) toxicity constrains plant performance in acidic volcanic soils, yet nitrogen (N) fertilization may influence Al availability and plant responses. This study evaluated the effects of N source and rate under contrasting soil liming conditions on vegetative growth, mineral nutrition, and physiological performance of non-bearing northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Blue Ribbon^®) plants. A split–split-plot experiment was conducted in southern Chile using urea or potassium nitrate applied at 0, 20, or 40 kg N ha⁻¹ to plants grown in unlimed soil or soil amended with calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide. Vegetative growth, tissue mineral composition, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf chlorophyll were monitored during the first season. Growth responded primarily to soil liming rather than N supply, indicating low N demand and substantial soil N mineralization under the experimental conditions. Foliar N increased from 1.36 to 1.70% with increasing N rates. Urea nutrition reduced foliar Al concentration by 12% compared with nitrate. Under unlimed conditions, representing maximal soil Al availability, urea fertilization was associated with 70% higher Al retention in roots relative to nitrate. Chlorophyll content was consistently higher under urea supply, while the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II remained unaffected. These findings indicate that N form influences plant Al partitioning independently of growth responses. Although the underlying mechanisms were not directly assessed, the observed patterns suggest that urea fertilization may reduce Al translocation to shoots under conditions of high Al availability. Full article

Despite Morocco’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest berry exporter, no comprehensive review has evaluated the polyphenol composition, antioxidant properties, and health benefits of raspberries (Rubus idaeus), blackberries (Rubus fruticosus), and blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum) specifically within the Moroccan cultivation context. This narrative review synthesized evidence from phytochemical analyses, in vitro and in vivo studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and epidemiological data sourced from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Blackberries exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (149 μmol GAE/L) and antioxidant capacity, driven primarily by anthocyanin concentration and diversity. Antioxidant mechanisms included free radical scavenging, transition metal chelation, and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Pooled RCT data demonstrated that regular consumption (150–300 g/day) significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (−2.72 mmHg), LDL cholesterol (−0.21 mmol/L), and fasting glucose (−2.70 mg/dL). Additional benefits included neuroprotection via blood-brain barrier crossing and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) elevation, prebiotic modulation of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia populations, and anti-cancer activity via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibition. Processing significantly affected bioactive retention: freezing preserved phenolic compounds effectively, while conventional drying reduced anthocyanin content by up to 49%. These findings support the integration of Moroccan-cultivated berries—particularly from the Gharb, Loukkos, and Souss-Massa regions—into evidence-based dietary and functional food strategies. Priority research gaps include bioavailability assessment, dose-response characterization, and cultivar-specific phytochemical profiling under Moroccan agro-climatic conditions. Full article

This study investigated highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) plants cultivated in distinct cultivation systems (greenhouse vs. open field) to determine if they exhibited significant differences in rhizosphere microbiota, soil nutrient profiles, and fruit metabolites. A clear metabolic trade-off was observed: open-field cultivation significantly enhanced fruit secondary metabolites, including anthocyanins (9.5% higher), flavonoids (56.0% higher), and ascorbic acid (15.6% higher). In contrast, greenhouse fruits were enriched in primary metabolites such as water-soluble sugars (28.3% higher) and total organic acids (30.2% higher) (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). These divergent metabolite profiles were correlated with distinct rhizosphere microenvironments. The open field soil exhibited higher organic carbon and microbial α-diversity, while the greenhouse soil was characterized by a niche with high availability of cations, lower pH, higher electrical conductivity, and elevated levels of exchangeable Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and available potassium. These contrasting niches were correlated with shifts in the rhizosphere microbiota assembly. Notably, the greenhouse soil was associated with a higher relative abundance of copiotrophic bacterial taxa such as Streptomyces and Bacillus, whose abundances showed strong positive correlations with cation availability (e.g., Streptomyces vs. Ca²⁺, correlation coefficient r = 0.827, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis integrated these patterns, revealing that soil cations were negatively correlated with fruit antioxidants but positively linked to sugars and acids. This correlative study suggests that cultivation systems are strongly associated with fruit quality, potentially through their association with functionally specific rhizosphere microbiota that covaries with a shift in the plant’s resource allocation between growth (primary metabolism) and defense (secondary metabolism). Our findings provide an integrative framework for understanding how agricultural practices are associated with the soil–plant–microbe continuum to correlate with crop quality in perennial systems and generate testable hypotheses for future mechanistic research. Full article

Blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) are widely appreciated for their flavor, bioactive compounds, and health promoting properties, yet cultivar-dependent differences in metabolic composition and postharvest stability remain incompletely understood. This study evaluated five commercial blueberry cultivars (‘Aurora’, ‘Chandler’, ‘Elliot’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Liberty’) at harvest and after 15 days of cold storage (postharvest stage) (4 °C), assessing fruit color, size, firmness, primary metabolites, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), anthocyanins, phenolics, and antioxidant capacity. Cultivar-specific differences were observed in fruit morphology, sugar/acid balance, and biochemical composition: ‘Liberty’ and ‘Elliot’ accumulated higher monosaccharides and disaccharides, whereas ‘Aurora’ and ‘Chandler’ showed higher organic acids and amino acids. Volatile profiling at harvest revealed that ‘Liberty’ exhibited the richest aromatic profile, with elevated aldehydes, ketones, acids, phenols, alcohols, and esters. Postharvest storage caused minor changes in primary metabolites but altered anthocyanin content in a cultivar-dependent manner. Principal component analysis indicated that volatile compounds were the primary factors differentiating cultivars, while primary metabolites largely influenced sweetness–acidity balance. Overall, the results demonstrate that blueberry fruit quality is strongly cultivar-dependent, with cultivar-specific metabolic and volatile signatures shaping sensory and nutritional attributes, and provide valuable information for breeding, postharvest management, and cultivar selection to optimize flavor, bioactive content, and shelf-life. Full article

The delicate fruits of highbush blueberry are exposed to factors causing mechanical damage and yield losses during cultivation, harvesting, and postharvest handling. Foliar stimulation with silicon-based formulations may improve fruit firmness and postharvest quality, thereby increasing the market value of the produce. This study evaluated the effect of foliar silicon fertilisation on highbush blueberry fruit quality in terms of changes in mechanical properties, taking into account the applied spraying technique. The experiments were conducted using standard flat-fan and air-induction nozzles at different spraying speeds and varying spray liquid pressures. Treatment quality was assessed based on the degree of spray deposition, determined through analysis of silicon content in leaves and fruits. Instrumental compression and fruit detachment tests were performed to determine safe ranges of pressures and forces from the perspective of harvest quality. The results showed that the loads exerted by the picker’s hand during manual harvesting of the cultivar ‘Patriot’ remain within safe limits but are close to the critical threshold of fruit mechanical resistance (2 N). The greatest increases in destructive force and fruit firmness were obtained with the use of standard XR nozzles, reaching 3.19–3.34 N (up to 19%) and 2.03–2.21 N (up to 10%), respectively, compared with the control treatment. These findings provide practical guidance for optimising foliar silicon applications and spray parameters in highbush blueberry cultivation to improve fruit mechanical resistance and reduce the risk of harvest and postharvest damage. Full article