Search Results (403)

Apples (Malus domestica), one of Iran’s oldest cultivated fruit crops, hold considerable economic importance. In this study, 170 apple leaf samples representing various commercial cultivars were collected across the country. RT-PCR screening targeted five common apple-infecting viruses and two viroids: apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple stem pitting virus (ASPV), apple stem grooving virus (ASGV), apple green crinkle-associated virus (AGCaV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV), apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd), and hop stunt viroid (HSVd). To identify additional or novel agents, 40 RT-PCR-negative samples were pooled into two composite groups and analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). NGS was also performed on individual samples with mixed infections to retrieve full genomes. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of ACLSV, ASPV, ASGV, AGCaV, ApMV, and HSVd. NGS further revealed three additional pathogens: citrus concave gum-associated virus (CCGaV), apple hammerhead viroid (AHVd), and apricot vein clearing-associated virus (AVCaV), which were subsequently detected across the collection by RT-PCR. AGCaV was most prevalent (47.6%), followed by ACLSV (45.8%), HSVd (27.6%), AVCaV (20.5%), ASGV (17%), AHVd (15.2%), ASPV (14.1%), CCGaV (4.7%), and ApMV (3.5%). Mixed infections occurred in 67% of samples. Phylogenetic analysis based on CP genes (ACLSV, ASGV, AGCaV) and full genomes (AVCaV, AHVd) clustered Iranian isolates together, suggesting a common origin. This is the first report in Iran of AGCaV, CCGaV, ApMV, and AVCaV in apple, and notably, the first global report of AVCaV in a non-Prunus host. The findings provide the first comprehensive assessment of the sanitary status of apple trees in Iran. Full article

Due to the roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalances in cognitive and mental dysfunction, we aimed to develop a functional drink with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as the potential to support neurotransmitter balance for improved cognition and mental health. The Teng Mo, Fen Hong Mee, and Hong Chon Su guava varieties were screened for their polyphenol and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and suppressive effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), GABA transaminase (GABA-T), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). Juice from the cultivar with the highest potential was selected and mixed with mint and honey syrups, pomelo-derived dietary fiber, ascorbic acid, agar, water, and fruit puree (pear/apple/orange) to create three guava jelly drink formulations. The formulation with pear puree showed the highest biological potential and was selected as the final product. It is rich in vitamin C, gallic acid, and dietary fiber, and provides approximately 37 Kcal/100 g. It also promotes the growth of lactic acid-producing bacteria in the culture. Thus, our drink shows the potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, improve neurotransmitter regulation, and stimulate the gut–brain axis, thereby promoting cognition and mental wellness. However, clinical research is essential to confirm these potential benefits. Full article

Local apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) cultivars with tolerance to environmental stress factors must be re-evaluated. While the cultivation of apple trees has a long-standing tradition in Hungary, only a handful of cultivars are produced on a large scale, reflecting a trend in global apple production. The most commonly cultivated apple cultivars worldwide include ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Red Delicious’, ‘Gala’, ‘Fuji’, and ‘Granny Smith’ (with ‘Jonagold’ and ‘Idared’ being significant in Europe). As a result, genetic diversity among apple cultivars has decreased significantly, which has increased the risk of epidemics if a new pathogen appears. Nonetheless, old and local apple cultivars of the Carpathian Basin have adapted well to Hungarian environmental stress factors and pathogens and seem tolerant to them. In this study, fruit analyses and consumer evaluations of eighteen old, local apple cultivars were conducted. Various physicochemical parameters, such as fruit mass, firmness, total soluble solid content, and total acid content, as well as the content of some biological active compounds, including polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity (FRAP), and pectin content, were determined. Additionally, a consumer evaluation was carried out. Based on the results, most of the old, local apple cultivars exhibit high fruit quality and offer considerable health benefits. The proportion of biologically active compounds in these cultivars is equal to or higher than that in the reference cultivar ‘Watson Jonathan’. Based on the excellent fruit quality and consumer preferences, the ‘Harang alma’ (an attractive fruit exhibiting high FRAP values) and ‘Marosszéki piros’ (with firm flesh and a high pectin content and being particularly tasty) cultivars are recommended for backyard gardens. Full article

The main mycotoxin found in apples is patulin (PAT), mostly produced by Penicillium expansum, during the storage of fruits. It is very difficult to control the quality of every fruit that enters the processing line, so there is a high probability that apple juice, applesauce, apple cider, even products intended for babies, contain moldy fruits, with PAT content. This review paper provides detailed information about the extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect PAT prevalence in apples. Extrinsic factors, such as temperature, air composition in the storage room or packaging material, play a key role in infection with P. expansum and PAT accumulation. Lower temperatures often prevent fungal growth and the production of the mycotoxin, whereas higher or unstable temperatures can promote the buildup of the toxin in infected fruits. Controlled atmosphere storage appears to inhibit the accumulation of PAT in apples. In terms of internal composition, variations in the pH of the fruits and flesh firmness significantly impact fungal growth and PAT production in the fruits. The presence of ethylene, sucrose and polyphenols are some of the decisive chemical components that regulate PAT buildup. Susceptibility of different cultivars is also genetically driven, but the size of the decay area and the toxin-producing capacity of the fungal strain have noteworthy influence as well. Knowledge of these elements helps to understand the mechanisms of PAT production. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the preferences of young adults in the Polish apple market in response to the declining consumption of these fruits. To address the research questions, a study was conducted among young adults using a custom-designed online questionnaire. The research sample consisted of 729 participants. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, and due to the nature of the data, Wilcoxon tests were also employed to examine differences. The most frequently purchased fruits among young adults were bananas and apples; however, strawberries and raspberries were the most favored. The most preferred apple cultivars were bicolored (e.g., Jonagored) and red (e.g., Gala Royal), while yellow cultivars (e.g., Golden Delicious) were perceived as the least attractive. Young consumers favored apples that were juicy, firm, and moderately sweet. This study demonstrated that the skin color of an apple was associated with expectations regarding its firmness and sweetness. Apples with intense coloration (dark red and green) received the highest valuations, particularly when organically grown. In contrast, apples from conventional production systems were valued below their market price by young consumers, indicating the need for strategies aimed at enhancing their perceived value. Full article

The accurate definition of tree growth descriptors is a crucial step in enhancing orchard management, allowing cultivar identification within an orchard and in new genotype selection for breeding programs. In apple, almond, and olive orchards, Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) technologies have been already used to identify different architectural groups, but not in hazelnut yet. This study utilized TLS to investigate the canopy structure of hazelnut trees of four different Italian varieties, with and without leaves. TLS proved to be a sensor capable of collecting three-dimensional data from hazelnut field trials and allowed the definition and selection of hazelnut plant descriptors by morphological traits and morphological indexes. Nineteen descriptors, eight morphologic traits and 11 morphological indexes have been identified as reliable suitable descriptors of hazelnut cultivar and in breeding evaluations, according to Biodiversity, FAO and CIHEAM. Many of the selected descriptors are related to the tree habit, vigour and branching density. Two useful indexes have also been defined: Canopy Uprightness (CU) Index and the Index of Canopy Opening (ICO). The descriptors allowed us to distinguish the four studied hazelnut cultivars based on their growth habit; in particular the cultivar Tonda Gentile delle Langhe showed a growth habit that is a lot different from that of the other ones. Full article

Venturia inaequalis, the cause of apple scab, readily develops resistance to fungicides with specific modes of action. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal pattern of resistance development is therefore relevant to fruit producers and their consultants. In the Lower Elbe region of Northern Germany, a two-year survey based on a conidial germination test was conducted, examining fungicide resistance in 35 orchards under Integrated Pest Management (IPM), 16 orchards of susceptible cultivars as well as a further 12 orchards of scab-resistant (Vf) cultivars under organic management, and 34 abandoned or unmanaged sites. No evidence of resistance to SDHI compounds (fluopyram, fluxapyroxad) was found after >5 yr of their regular use. Resistance to anilinopyrimidines (cyprodinil, pyrimethanil) had disappeared 15 yr after its widespread occurrence. Isolates from a few IPM orchards showed a reduced sensitivity to dodine. Double resistance to the MBC compound thiophanate-methyl and the QoI trifloxystrobin was rare in V. inaequalis strains that had achieved breakage of Vf-resistance, but very common (>50%) on scab-susceptible cultivars in IPM, organic and abandoned orchards in the ‘Altes Land’ core area of the Lower Elbe region, and in IPM orchards in the periphery. We conclude that resistance to QoI and MBC fungicides is persistent even decades after their last use, and that the core area harbours a uniform population adapted to intensive crop protection, whereas isolated orchards in the periphery are colonised by discrete populations of V. inaequalis. Full article

Viral infections in stone fruit crops cause substantial economic losses across all sectors of production. Despite their significance, viruses affecting stone fruits remain under-investigated in Kazakhstan. Among these, plum pox virus (PPV, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae), commonly known as Sharka, is the most critical viral pathogen worldwide, severely threatening the sustainable cultivation of stone fruits and posing risks to food security. This study aimed to evaluate virus management strategies in stone fruit crops to facilitate the production of healthy planting material from valuable genotypes. Field surveys were conducted in plum and apricot orchards located in the Almaty region (Southeast Kazakhstan) and the Saryagash region (Southern Kazakhstan). Plant samples were tested for the presence of the following viruses: apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV), apple mosaic virus (ApMV), PPV, prune dwarf virus (PDV), prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV), and myrobalan latent ringspot virus (MLRSV). Real-time RT-PCR diagnostics confirmed the presence of PPV in the ‘Stanley’ and ‘Ansar’ cultivars and Prunus armeniaca genotypes, while both PPV and ACLSV were detected in the ‘Ayana’ variety. Chemotherapy (Ribavirin), thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and shoot apical meristem (SAM) culture, both individually and in combination, were used to eliminate viruses and regenerate virus-free plants. Successful virus eradication was achieved for PPV and ACLSV. However, the ‘Stanley’ and ‘Ansar’ cultivars did not survive the treatment process, likely due to high thermo- or cryo-sensitivity. As a result of this research, an in vitro collection of virus-free plants was established, comprising eight rootstocks, six plum cultivars, and three apricot genotypes. Full article

The successful introduction of new cultivars depends on the evaluation of complex parameters essential for the consumers, market, and fruit producers. A new scab-resistant apple cultivar, ‘Wuranda’ (SQ159/Natyra^®/Magic Star^® × Honeycrisp), recently introduced in Norway and managed under the name Fryd^©, is prone to biennial bearing. Therefore, one of the first tasks, investigated in Southwestern Norway by the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, NIBIO-Ullensvang in 2021–2024, was the establishment of optimal crop load level based on the combination of productivity, fruit quality, and return bloom. The apple cultivar Fryd (‘Wuranda’) was propagated on ‘M.9’ rootstock and planted in 2019. The trial was performed in the same orchard for four consecutive years, starting three years after planting. Crop load level affected average fruit mass but had no impact on cv. Fryd fruit quality parameters at harvest such as blush, ground color, firmness, soluble solid content, or starch degradation. Fruit size variation was diminished by crop load regulation, and most fruits fell into 2–3 grading classes. Crop load, not the yield per tree, was the determining factor for the return bloom. The optimal crop load level depended on the orchard age. To guarantee a regular bearing mode of cv. Fryd planted on M.9 rootstock at a 3.5 × 1 m distance and trained as slender spindle, crop load of 5.5–6 fruits cm⁻² TCSA (trunk cross-sectional area) in the 3rd year, 7.5–8 fruits cm⁻² TCSA in the 4th year, and 6.5–7 fruits cm⁻² TCSA in the 5th year should be maintained. Full article

From 2013 to 2021, 112 binucleate Rhizoctonia spp. (BNR) isolates were obtained from the strawberry, tomato, pepper, bean, apple, cherry, meadow grass, and soil previously cropped with strawberries from 16 locations in Serbia. Morphological and molecular analyses (ITS, LSU rDNA, RPB2, tef-1α, and atp6) confirmed infections caused by four BNR AGs: AG-G on the cherry (globally new host), bean, and tomato; AG-U on meadow grass (globally new host) and apple, AG-A on the strawberry (the most frequently isolated), and AG-F on pepper. ITS sequence analysis revealed 24 haplotypes within the worldwide population of BNR AG-A, with Serbian isolates belonging to nine. The aggressiveness of AG-A (ten isolates), AG-G (three isolates), AG-F (one isolate), and AG-U (two isolates) was tested on seedlings of 14 hosts from Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Apiaceae, and Chenopodiaceae, and on detached leaf petioles of the strawberry, tomato, sunflower, and bean, as well as on two pea cultivars. Sunflower and sugar beet were the most susceptible, with AG-G being the most aggressive and AG-A the least aggressive. AG-A could not infect cabbage, while at least one isolate of each remaining AG infected all tested hosts. The consistency between seedling and petiole tests highlights the latter as a rapid method for evaluating the pathogenicity and aggressiveness of BNR isolates. Full article

Evaluating cultivar susceptibility to biotic stressors in apple orchards is essential for selecting genotypes adapted to local conditions and for designing effective plant protection strategies. This study conducted a comparative assessment of five apple cultivars (‘Florina’, ‘Jonathan’, ‘Golden Delicious’, ‘Pinova’, and ‘Idared’) in response to major fungal diseases (Venturia inaequalis, Podosphaera leucotricha, and Monilinia spp.) and insect pests (Eriosoma lanigerum, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Anthonomus pomorum, Aphis spp., and Cydia pomonella). The cultivars were monitored over a five-year period in six orchards located in Central Transylvania, Romania. Significant differences in phytosanitary behavior were recorded among cultivars and locations. ‘Florina’ consistently showed the highest tolerance to pathogens and pests across all sites and years, while ‘Jonathan’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ proved highly susceptible, particularly to apple scab, powdery mildew, aphids, and codling moth. Pest incidence was strongly influenced by temperature, while disease occurrence was more closely linked to precipitation patterns. Heritability analysis indicated that genetic factors played a substantial role in shaping cultivar responses to most biotic stressors. The integrated approach to cultivar–location–pathogen and pest interactions offers practical insights for optimizing orchard protection strategies under variable ecological conditions. Full article

‘King of the North’ (‘KON’), as a cold-hardy grape, has many advantages, such as tolerance to a wide range of soil conditions and harsh winter climate. Due to the adapting demand of North Dakota’s fruit and wine industry, optimized quality of wine from regionally productive grapevines is required. In this study, yeast strain, one of the primary fermentation tactics, was tested on ‘KON’ grapes. Five different commercial yeast strains, including 71B, EC1118, Maurivin B, Rhône 4600, and W15, were added to initiate fermentation. The analysis of grape must characteristics and the fermentation dynamic changes indicated a high correlation between color and acid metrics. Yeast strains have influenced the color dynamic changes and fermentation process. The panelist sensory evaluations confirmed that yeast strains contributed differently to the perceived aromas and flavors within ‘KON’ wines. Rose, apple, grape, and apricot aromas were distinguished in ‘KON’ wines. The lemon taste was the dominant flavor detected in ‘KON’ wines. However, wines were also varied based on the extent of the aroma or taste observed. Therefore, exploring the use of different yeast strains for fermentation provides information for further application to cold-hardy grape cultivars and other high-acid fruit, aiding winemakers in using North American grapes with diverse fruit chemistry. Full article

Phenolic compounds in apples provide significant health benefits, including antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The phenolic profile and content in apples are influenced by genetics, environmental factors, and agricultural practices. Photoselective nets, which are designed to filter specific wavelengths of light, might impact fruit quality and phenolic content. This study aimed to assess the effects of photoselective nets on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition of three different apple cultivars grown under the same edaphoclimatic conditions. Five nets were selected. Fruits grown under the nets were compared with unprotected fruits. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated, and phenolic profiles were established by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Time of Flight–Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-ToF-MS). The results demonstrate a significant impact of the nets on the phenolic composition and antioxidant activities of apples. Different net colors had distinct effects on the accumulation of phenolic compounds, with some nets increasing flavonoid production and others reducing the levels of important phenolic acids. The gray and IRIDIUM^® Red nets enhanced the production of quercetin and its derivatives, while chlorogenic acid showed a general decline under net-covered conditions, indicating a possible dependence on direct sunlight. The responses were also cultivar-dependent, with Gala redlum apples showing the largest reductions in phenolic compounds when protected by nets. Antioxidant assays also confirmed that the nets influenced the antioxidant potential of apples in a cultivar-dependent manner. These findings suggest that the retention of bioactive compounds in fruits might be strategically managed by selecting appropriate net materials for specific cultivars. Full article

Amino acids are vital gradient compounds involved in protein synthesis and the regulation of physiological functions. Ten essential amino acids cannot be produced endogenously and must be obtained through dietary sources of animal or plant origin. Apples are among the most widely consumed fruits globally and contain not only vital nutrients such as carbohydrates, fatty acids, organic acids, and amino acids but also a rich variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic and triterpenic acids. Due to their diverse range of health-promoting compounds, apples could serve as a potential plant-based source of amino acids. Scientific literature provides fragmented data describing the qualitative and quantitative variation of amino acid composition in apples and their different parts. The purpose of this study was to determine the variation in the qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids in whole apples, as well as in their peel and flesh samples, grown under Lithuanian climatic conditions. This study investigated 10 different apple cultivars, grown in Lithuania. A total of 15 free amino acids were identified using the UHPLC–MS/MS methodology, including 7 essential and 8 nonessential amino acids. In the apple sample, the predominant amino acid was aspartic acid (Asp). The highest content of Asp was found in apple flesh (742.73 ± 37.14 μg/g dw, p < 0.05), followed by whole apple (705.32 ± 35.27 μg/g dw, p < 0.05), and apple peel (370.78 ± 18.54 μg/g dw, p < 0.05) samples of the ‘Lodel’ cultivar. The distribution of total amino acid content (TAAC) in different apple parts is presented in descending order: apple flesh > whole apple > apple peel. The Lithuanian apple cultivars—‘Alva’ (547.26 ± 27.36 μg/g dw–998.13 ± 49.91 μg/g dw), ‘Lodel’ (561.85 ± 28.09 μg/g dw–954.24 ± 47.62 μg/g dw), and ‘Rubin’ (132.92 ± 6.65 μg/g dw–835.08 ± 41.75 μg/g dw)—were identified as those that accumulated the highest TAAC in their fruit samples. Full article

Stone fruits (Prunus spp.) occupy a pivotal position in global fruit production due to their significant nutritional profile and distinctive organoleptic characteristics. Contemporary orchard systems are undergoing transformation through innovative cultivation approaches, notably high-density dwarfing systems, greenhouse cultivation, agri-tech integration, and simplified management. As a crucial agronomic component in modern stone fruit cultivation, rootstock systems confer multi-benefits including enhanced environmental resilience, improved scion productivity, superior fruit quality, controlled vigor, and dwarfing capacity. While the majority of European apple orchards have transitioned to dwarfing rootstock systems, achieving substantial gains in productivity and profitability, stone fruit cultivation lags significantly due to the key gaps in prunus rootstock development, including genetic complexity, extended evaluation cycles, clonal propagation barriers, and limited research programs. Urgent innovation is required to address these challenges in rootstock breeding to meet the demand of sustainable stone fruit production. This review systematically examines strategic breeding objectives and innovative molecular methodologies in prunus rootstock development, with particular emphasis on marker-assisted selection and genomic prediction technologies. We provide a comprehensive synthesis of breeding achievements across major commercial rootstock cultivars, while proposing forward-looking research strategies incorporating CRISPR-based genome editing and multi-omics approaches. The synthesized insights establish a theoretical pathway for advancing rootstock genetic improvement and sustainable orchard management practices in stone fruit cultivation systems. Full article