Article
Agronomy
Sabin Molnar, Doina Clapa, Viorel Mitre
Summary: This study evaluated the responses of five highbush blueberry cultivars to drought stress and found that drought stress had a negative impact on shoot length, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. Goldtraube showed the highest drought tolerance efficiency.
Article
Agronomy
Tina Smrke, Robert Veberic, Metka Hudina, Domen Stamic, Jerneja Jakopic
Summary: This study compared the production performance of different highbush blueberry cultivars in terms of planting on a ridge and in pots. Results showed that 'Duke' and 'Aurora' cultivars had higher sugar/organic acid ratios in fruits when planted on a ridge, while 'Aurora' potted plants had higher fruit total phenolics content, larger plant volumes but lower yields per plant. 'Brigitta' potted plants had significantly higher total organic acid content in fruits.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yuening Li, Xianglong Wang, Qingxun Guo, Xinsheng Zhang, Lianxia Zhou, Yang Zhang, Chunyu Zhang
Summary: MicroRNA166 (miR166) is highly conserved and has diverse functions across plant species. In this study, the researchers identified additional miR166 loci in the highbush blueberry genome and found that these loci are conserved and have diverse functions. The researchers also discovered potential target genes of these miR166 loci, indicating the functional conservation and diversification of miR166 family members. Moreover, the study revealed the expression patterns of miR166 loci in response to abiotic stresses, showing their involvement in coordinating plant responses.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tilen Zamljen, Aljaz Medic, Metka Hudina, Robert Veberic, Ana Slatnar
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic responses of different Capsicum annuum L. genotypes to salt stress. Salt stress led to a decrease in sugar and organic acid content, but an increase in phenolic compounds and capsaicinoids. The effect varied among genotypes and salt concentrations.
Article
Agronomy
Zafar Iqbal, Ali Sarkhosh, Rashad Mukhtar Balal, Saeed Rauf, Naeem Khan, Muhammad Ahsan Altaf, Jose M. Camara-Zapata, Francisco Garcia-Sanchez, Muhammad Adnan Shahid
Summary: Climate change worsens flooding issues caused by hurricanes in sub-tropical regions, leading to hypoxia stress in plants which hinders growth and production. However, the application of silicon nanoparticles can improve antioxidant activities in plants under hypoxia stress.
Article
Horticulture
Tina Smrke, Natasa Stajner, Tjasa Cesar, Robert Veberic, Metka Hudina, Jerneja Jakopic
Summary: A non-destructive method using a DA-meter to measure chlorophyll absorbance (I-AD) has been used to assess blueberry fruit maturity directly on the plant. This study examined fruit quality parameters, chemical composition, and gene expression at different maturity stages, and found significant changes in all observed parameters during ripening, with high correlation to I-AD values. Peel lightness, chroma, fruit firmness, and organic acids decreased, while sugars, sugar/organic acid ratio, total phenolics, and relative expression of ANS increased during ripening.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Oleh Koshovyi, Sebastian Granica, Jakub P. Piwowarski, Oleksandr Stremoukhov, Yuliia Kostenko, Ganna Kravchenko, Oksana Krasilnikova, Andriy Zagayko
Summary: The study focused on creating a dietary supplement from blueberry leaves, revealing a rich chemical composition with potential for improving metabolic syndrome. Quantification of phenolic substances and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in the extracts showed significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity, suggesting the utilization of highbush blueberry leaf residues as a dietary supplement to prevent ailments associated with metabolic syndrome.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Young Sung Jung, In Ae Kwak, Sang Gil Lee, Hye-Sung Cho, Youn-Sup Cho, Dae-Ok Kim
Summary: The study results indicate that different production systems affect the phenolic characteristics and antioxidant capacity of blueberries. The non-heated production system showed advantages for Spartan and O'Neal, while the open field production system showed advantages for Sharpblue.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Pummy Kumari, Vinod Kumar, Rakesh Kumar, Surender Kumar Pahuja
Summary: The various phenolic compounds found in sorghum are effective in managing both abiotic and biotic stress. These compounds are derived from the plant's natural defense system and play a key role in fighting against microbial pathogens and environmental pressures, while also offering benefits for human health and industrial applications.
Article
Horticulture
Tina Smrke, Robert Veberic, Metka Hudina, Vid Zitko, Mitja Ferlan, Jerneja Jakopic
Summary: This study compared highbush blueberry cultivation under high tunnel and hail net protective environments using different planting systems for 'Duke', 'Aurora', and 'Brigitta' cultivars. It found that while high tunnel led to earlier ripening times, hail net provided higher fruit yield and quality, with 'Duke' and 'Brigitta' benefitting from hail net combined with pot planting.
Article
Plant Sciences
Giuseppe Vaia, Vera Pavese, Andrea Moglia, Valerio Cristofori, Cristian Silvestri
Summary: In this study, improved protocols for applying the CRISPR/Cas9 system to highbush blueberry were developed, along with a successful adventitious shoot regeneration protocol for the commercial cultivar of highbush blueberry Berkeley. Gene editing targeting the phytoene desaturase gene was achieved, and albino phenotypes were observed in some mutant shoot lines.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Malgorzata Tartanus, Barbara Sobieszek, Agnieszka Furmanczyk-Gnyp, Eligio Malusa
Summary: Over the past decade, the expansion of highbush blueberry production in Poland has brought about the emergence of new pests, such as scales. In order to effectively manage this issue, it is important to assess the populations of natural enemies and identify the specific scale species present. A study was conducted to address these aspects and evaluate the effectiveness of various active substances in controlling Parthenolecanium spp. in highbush blueberry plantations. The research revealed a diversified community of scale parasitoids, with varying impacts on different stages of the scales, as well as differences in population size and diversity. The study also found that applying an integrated pest management strategy which combines agronomical practices and insecticides with different mechanisms of action can result in satisfactory control of P. corni in highbush blueberry plantations.
Article
Horticulture
Yuting Wang, Xiaoyun Zhang, Zhehao Jiang, Xiaolong Yang, Xiaojuan Liu, Xi Ou, Wei Su, Riyuan Chen
Summary: This study aimed to establish an efficient in vitro propagation system for the southern highbush blueberry cultivar 'ZY09' by optimizing the micropropagation process. The study focused on four stages: explant sterilization, in vitro establishment, in vitro proliferation, and ex vitro rooting. The findings of the study provide valuable information for large-scale in vitro propagation of southern highbush blueberries and can serve as a reference for the genetic transformation of blueberries.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Marjeta Mencin, Helena Abramovic, Polona Jamnik, Maja Mikulic Petkovsek, Robert Veberic, Petra Terpinc
Summary: The germination of spelt seeds under combined stress conditions significantly increased the total phenolics content and antioxidant activities, especially for bound phenolics. The most notable increases were observed in p-coumaric hexoside and p-coumaric acid, indicating that the biological conversion during germination plays a key role in antioxidant properties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hao Yang, Yaqiong Wu, Chunhong Zhang, Wenlong Wu, Lianfei Lyu, Weilin Li
Summary: This study investigated the effects of different soil pH levels on the growth and development of blueberry cultivars. It was found that high soil pH hindered green color development in blueberry leaves and inhibited plant growth. However, different cultivars showed tolerance to high soil pH, with a threshold of pH 6.5. Antioxidant enzyme activities and leaf SPAD values were closely related to blueberry growth and dry matter accumulation, and served as important indicators for assessing blueberry adaptation to high soil pH environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Cristian Merino-Gergichevich, Ana Luengo-Escobar, David Alarcon, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Gabrijel Ondrasek, Filis Morina, Khristopher Ogass
Summary: The study found that spraying boron and zinc at different phenological stages of hazelnut trees can help improve fruit yield and quality. In particular, the combined application of boron and zinc at the end of spring had the best results in enhancing nut production and functional traits.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Paula Aguilera, Ninozhka Becerra, Marysol Alvear, Nancy Ortiz, Alessandra Turrini, Concepcion Azcon-Aguilar, Miguel Lopez-Gomez, Juan K. Romero, Mariajose Massri, Alex Seguel, Maria De la Luz Mora, Fernando Borie
Summary: This study demonstrates that native AMF inoculation can significantly increase tomato yield and lycopene concentration. The inoculation of single species Claroideoglomus claroideum may lead to better plant performance due to its high production of extraradical mycelium.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Paula Aguilera, Nancy Ortiz, Ninozhka Becerra, Alessandra Turrini, Felipe Gainza-Cortes, Patricia Silva-Flores, Ana Aguilar-Paredes, Juan Karlo Romero, Emilio Jorquera-Fontena, Maria de La Luz Mora, Fernando Borie
Summary: The grape crop in Chile is economically important, but it faces challenges such as water stress and increased pathogenic diseases due to climate change. Studies have shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve the nutritional status of grapes and help them tolerate water stress and pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Paola Duran, Patricio Javier Barra, Maria de la Luz Mora, Adriano Nunes-Nesi, Cristian Merino-Gergichevich
Summary: The study found that fertilization with boron and zinc can promote the growth of beneficial bacteria, thus alleviating symptoms associated with gray necrosis. Therefore, beneficial microorganisms can be applied in combination with micronutrients in sustainable agriculture to achieve better results.
Article
Plant Sciences
Gabrijel Ondrasek, Santosha Rathod, Kallakeri Kannappa Manohara, Channappa Gireesh, Madhyavenkatapura Siddaiah Anantha, Akshay Sureshrao Sakhare, Brajendra Parmar, Brahamdeo Kumar Yadav, Nirmala Bandumula, Farzana Raihan, Anna Zielinska-Chmielewska, Cristian Merino-Gergichevich, Marjorie Reyes-Diaz, Amanullah Khan, Olga Panfilova, Alex Seguel Fuentealba, Sebastian Meier Romero, Beithou Nabil, Chunpeng Craig Wan, Jonti Shepherd, Jelena Horvatinec
Summary: Salinization of soils and freshwater resources, caused by natural processes and/or human activities, has become an increasing issue. It affects environmental services, socioeconomic relations, and agroecosystems. Various approaches and solutions, including agro-hydrotechnical, biological, chemical, bio-ecological, and institutional solutions, are effective in combating salinity/salt stress and other constraints. Advances in computer science provide tools for predicting salinization processes under different scenarios, including climate change.
Article
Plant Sciences
Marija Vidovic, Ilaria Battisti, Ana Pantelic, Filis Morina, Giorgio Arrigoni, Antonio Masi, Sonja Veljovic Jovanovic
Summary: This study aimed to identify key candidates and pathways involved in desiccation tolerance in the resurrection plant Ramonda serbica Panc. The results showed that almost all differentially abundant proteins related to photosynthetic processes were less abundant in desiccated leaves, while chlorophyll fluorescence measurements implied shifting from linear PET to cyclic electron transport. The levels of H2O2 scavenging enzymes and other antioxidant enzymes were reduced, but certain proteins associated with germination, stress response, and cell wall remodeling were induced by desiccation. This comprehensive study contributes to understanding the role and regulation of the main metabolic pathways during desiccation, which could lead to improvements in crop drought tolerance.
Review
Plant Sciences
Fills Morina, Hendrik Kupper
Summary: This review examines the role of trace metals in plant immunity against pathogen attack. While the role of metals in hyperaccumulating plants has been extensively studied, their role in non-accumulator plants is less understood. Recent findings suggest that localized hot spots of zinc, manganese, and iron can boost plant immunity in non-hyperaccumulating plants. Manipulation of nutrient availability can also be used for priming against pathogen attack. The involvement of metals as active centres of immunity-related enzymes is also discussed.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2022)
Article
Horticulture
Emilio Jorquera-Fontena, Ricardo Tighe-Neira, Josefina Bota, Claudio Inostroza-Blancheteau, Claudio Pastenes
Summary: In this study, the impact of early sink manipulation on photosynthetic traits, leaf soluble sugars, and fruit yield and size in 'Lapins' sweet cherry branches was evaluated. The results showed that sink manipulation mainly affected photosynthesis, while deficit irrigation only had an impact on girdled branches.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Pedro M. de Souza Campos, Sebastian Meier, Arturo Morales, Laura Lavanderos, Javiera Nahuelcura, Antonieta Ruiz, Alvaro Lopez-Garcia, Alex Seguel
Summary: Quinoa is a promising crop that can tolerate different stress conditions and grow in marginal soils with low nutrient content. This study provides new insights into the phosphorus acquisition capacity of quinoa roots, finding that root biomass and morphology play a critical role in quinoa's phosphorus nutrition.
Article
Plant Sciences
Carlos Manterola-Barroso, Karina Godoy, David Alarcon, Daniela Padilla, Cristian Merino-Gergichevich
Summary: The spraying of different combinations of Ca, Mg, and K in hazelnut orchards can significantly increase nut yield and affect nut quality, with locality having a major impact on kernels and shells. The spraying of calcium, magnesium, and potassium significantly affects the antioxidant compounds and activity in hazelnut shells, with interactions between locality and spray treatments influencing these parameters.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Anna Kokavcova, Syed Nadeem Hussain Bokhari, Ana Mijovilovich, Filis Morina, Zuzana Lukacova, Jana Kohanova, Alexander Lux, Hendrik Kupper
Summary: Pollution by potentially toxic trace metals, such as copper or zinc, is a global environmental issue. In this study, the response of the aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes to copper and zinc was investigated to understand their interaction and distribution at the root tissue level and to explore the plant's tolerance mechanisms. The findings suggest that Pistia stratiotes is more effective in remediating zinc pollution.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sonja Milic Komic, Bojana Zivanovic, Jelena Dumanovic, Predrag Kolarz, Ana Sedlarevic Zoric, Filis Morina, Marija Vidovic, Sonja Veljovic Jovanovic
Summary: This study investigated the antioxidant responses of three basil plant varieties under different light conditions. High solar irradiation resulted in increased total antioxidant capacity and phenolic content, as well as morphological and oxidative damage to the leaves. Supplemental UV-B irradiation induced the accumulation of hydroxycinnamic acids, while decreasing the ascorbate content in the leaves.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filis Morina, Ana Mijovilovich, Archana Mishra, Dennis Brueckner, Bojan Vujic, Syed Nadeem Hussain Bokhari, Josef Spak, Gerald Falkenberg, Hendrik Kuepper
Summary: In the Zn/Cd hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens plants, high concentrations of Zn and Cd treatment enhance resistance against Turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV). RNAseq analysis showed TYMV-induced upregulation of Ca transporters, chloroplastic ZTP29, and defense genes in N. caerulescens. Unlike N. ochroleucum, Zn hyperaccumulation in N. caerulescens remains strongest regardless of TYMV infection.
Article
Agronomy
Alejandra Fuentes-Quiroz, Hector Herrera, Javier Ortiz, Cesar Arriagada, Emilio Jorquera-Fontena
Summary: This study aimed to determine the beneficial effect of rhizosphere-inhabiting fungi isolated from native plants from the Atacama Desert on the physiological traits of 'Chardonnay' grapevines. The results showed that these fungi can promote plant growth, increase photosynthesis rate, and enhance the plant's ability to protect against oxidative damage.
