Abscisic Acid Synthesis and Signaling during the Ripening of Raspberry (Rubus idaeus 'Heritage') Fruit.

The raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruit is characterized by its richness in functional molecules and high nutritional value, but the high rate of fruit softening limits its quality during postharvest. Raspberry drupelets have a particular ripening regulation, depending partially on the effect of ethylene produced from the receptacle. However, the possible role of abscisic acid (ABA) in the modulation of quality parameters during the ripening of raspberry is unclear. This study characterized the fruit quality-associated parameters and hormonal contents during fruit development in two seasons. The quality parameters showed typical changes during ripening: a drastic loss of firmness, increase in soluble solids content, loss of acidity, and turning to a red color from the large green stage to fully ripe fruit in both seasons. A significant increase in the ABA content was observed during the ripening of drupelets and receptacles, with the higher content in the receptacle of ripe and overripe stages compared to the large green stage. Moreover, identification of ABA biosynthesis-(9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase/NCED) and ABA receptor-related genes (PYRs-like receptors) showed three genes encoding RiNCEDs and nine genes for RiPYLs. The expression level of these genes increased from the large green stage to the full-ripe stage, specifically characterized by a higher expression of RiNCED1 in the receptacle tissue. This study reports a consistent concomitant increase in the ABA content and the expression of RiNCED1, RiPYL1, and RiPYL8 during the ripening of the raspberry fruit, thus supporting the role for ABA signaling in drupelets.

Investigating Biochemical and Histopathological Responses between Raspberries and Aculeastrum americanum.

Late leaf rust is a fungal disease in raspberries caused by Aculeastrum americanum (Farl.) M. Scholler U. Braun (syn. Thekopsora americana (Farl.) Aime McTaggart) leading to early defoliation and yield losses. Red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) are susceptible to this pathogen, although this susceptibility varies among cultivars. In contrast, black raspberries were previously reported to be more resistant (Rubus occidentalis L.) and immune (Rubus niveus Thunb.) to this pathogen, raising their importance in plant breeding programs. However, what features make them respond differently to the same pathogen? In this study, we characterize for the first time the pre- and post-formed structural and biochemical defense mechanisms of R. idaeus cv. Autumn Bliss, R. occidentalis and R. niveus. Ultrastructural and histopathological analyses were used to uncover the interactions between these raspberries and A. americanum. The ultrastructural results indicate that the pathogen germinates on both leaf surfaces but can only form appressoria on the stomata. Although the three raspberry species were infected and colonized by A. americanum, a clear difference in susceptibility was observed between them. A compact mesophyll, pre- and post-formed phenolic compounds, and post-formed pectic compounds were the main plant defense mechanisms against fungal colonization. These findings provide new information about raspberries' defense mechanisms in response to A. americanum and elucidate the interactions occurring in these pathosystems.

Quality, Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity, and Enzymes of Raspberries at Different Maturity Stages, Effects of Organic vs. Conventional Fertilization.

Raspberries are important sources of bioactive compounds, whose synthesis is influenced by the fertilization system and the maturity stage. This study evaluated the effect of organic and conventional fertilization systems on raspberries at three maturity stages, pink, ripe, and overripe. Physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compounds (phenolic profile, vitamin C), antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC, and ORAC), phenolic-associated enzyme, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and APX) were evaluated. The physicochemical determination of the fruit did not reveal differences between fertilization systems. Regarding bioactive compounds, higher content of anthocyanins was found in organic raspberries at all maturity stages. Organic fertilization increased the content of ellagic acid and gallic acid at all stages of maturity. Higher content of caffeic, hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic acid, and vitamin C was observed in organic raspberry at the overripe stage. Raspberries grown with organic fertilization exhibited higher values of antioxidant capacity by the DPPH, FRAP, and TEAC methods at all maturity stages. Raspberries under organic fertilization showed significantly greater activity of CAT, SOD, APX, GPX, and PAL. The present study suggests that organic fertilization induces oxidative stress causing an increase in antioxidant defense mechanisms, enhancing bioactive compound production, and improving antioxidant capacity in raspberries.

Transcriptome profiling of raspberry (Rubus idaeus Var. Amira) in response to infection by tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV).

Raspberry (Rubus sp.) is a berries fruit with an ongoing agricultural and commercial interest due to its high contents of flavonoids and nutrients beneficial for human health. The growing demand for raspberries is facing great challenges associated mainly with the dispersal of diseases, which produces a decrease in productivity and fruit quality. A broad range of genomic resources is available for other Rosaceae species; however, genomic resources for species of the Rubus genus are still limited. Here, we characterize the transcriptome of the Rubus idaeus (Var. Amira) in order to 1) provide clues in the transcriptional changes of R. idaeus against tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV); and 2) generate genomic resources for this economically important species. We generate more than 200 million sequencing reads from two mRNA samples of raspberry, infected and not infected by ToRSV, using Illumina technology. After de novo assembly, we obtained 68,853 predicted protein-coding sequences of which 71.3% and 61.3% were annotated using Gene Ontology and Pfam databases, respectively. Moreover, we find 2,340 genes with differential expression between raspberries infected and not infected by ToRSV. Analysis of these genes shows functional enrichments of the oxidation-reduction process, cell wall biogenesis, terpene synthase activity, and lyase activity. These genes could be involved in the raspberry immune response through the interaction of different metabolic pathways; however, this statement needs further investigations. Up-regulation of genes encoding terpene synthases, multicopper oxidases, laccases, and beta-glucosidases might suggest that these enzymes appear to be the predominant transcriptome immune response of R. idaeus against ToRSV. Furthermore, we identify thousands of molecular markers (i.e., SSRs and SNPs), increasing considerably the genomic resources currently available for raspberries. This study is the first report on investigating the transcriptional changes of R. idaeus against ToRSV.

Yield and quality of primocane-fruiting raspberry grown under plastic cover in southern Brazil

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is an economically important crop and its cultivation has been expanded across temperate and subtropical regions of Brazil. Growing raspberries under plastic cover has becoming more common worldwide. This study investigated the effect of plastic cover on productive and morphological performance of primocane-fruiting raspberry cultivars, in southern Brazil. The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design, with three raspberry cultivars, ‘Heritage’; ‘Fallgold’ and ‘Alemãzinha’; two cultivation systems, presence and absence of plastic cover; and two production cycles, fall and spring. We measured days from transplanting to flowering and harvesting. Plants were evaluated for dry mass of pruning, plant height, stem diameter, plant leaf area, fruit production, number of fruits, fruit weight, fruit longitudinal and transversal diameter, and harvesting period. Plastic cover reduced incident radiation on the canopy by 17 %. Cultivar ‘Heritage’ is early ripening in the fall cycle. The management under plastic cover prolonged the harvesting period of raspberries in the fall productive cycle for the cultivar ‘Heritage’ and, in spring, for cultivars ‘Alemãzinha’ and ‘Fallgold’. In the spring cycle, plants increased their leaf area, fruit production and number of fruits. The cultivar ‘Alemãzinha’ performed better in the spring cycle when managed under plastic cover and was more productive, with a longer productive cycle and larger fruits.

Yield and quality of primocane-fruiting raspberry grown under plastic cover in southern Brazil

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is an economically important crop and its cultivation has been expanded across temperate and subtropical regions of Brazil. Growing raspberries under plastic cover has becoming more common worldwide. This study investigated the effect of plastic cover on productive and morphological performance of primocane-fruiting raspberry cultivars, in southern Brazil. The experiment was arranged in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design, with three raspberry cultivars, ‘Heritage; ‘Fallgold and ‘Alemãzinha; two cultivation systems, presence and absence of plastic cover; and two production cycles, fall and spring. We measured days from transplanting to flowering and harvesting. Plants were evaluated for dry mass of pruning, plant height, stem diameter, plant leaf area, fruit production, number of fruits, fruit weight, fruit longitudinal and transversal diameter, and harvesting period. Plastic cover reduced incident radiation on the canopy by 17 %. Cultivar ‘Heritage is early ripening in the fall cycle. The management under plastic cover prolonged the harvesting period of raspberries in the fall productive cycle for the cultivar ‘Heritage and, in spring, for cultivars ‘Alemãzinha and ‘Fallgold. In the spring cycle, plants increased their leaf area, fruit production and number of fruits. The cultivar ‘Alemãzinha performed better in the spring cycle when managed under plastic cover and was more productive, with a longer productive cycle and larger fruits.(AU)

Effect of edible coatings with essential oils on the quality of red raspberries over shelf-life.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present work was to develop strategies for increasing the shelf-life of red raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.), by preventing microorganism growth. RESULTS: Fruits coated with alginate plus lemon essential oil (0.2%) or orange essential oil (0.1%) after 15 days of storage had less red skin than the remaining samples. The less red color verified in these samples was also coincident with the lower concentration of anthocyanins at the end of the experiment as well as the lower capacity for scavenging ABTS free radicals or quenching singlet oxygen. Cyanidin and pelargonidin glucosides were found in raspberries fruits. The edible coatings supplemented with the essential oil of orange either at 0.1% or 0.2% were very efficient for controlling yeast and mold growth after 15 days of storage. To control the development of aerobic mesophilic bacteria the use of essential oil of lemon 0.2% and essential oil of orange 0.1% were the most efficient. CONCLUSION: The application of the film improved post-harvest quality of raspberry, since the addition of essential oils of citrus films promoted to the inhibitory effect of fungi and bacteria growth after 15 days of storage, without changing quality parameters. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Activated charcoal in the in vitro establishment of raspberry cultivars / Carvão ativado no estabelecimento in vitro de cultivares de framboeseira

Propagation of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is usually performed from root cuttings. Although fruits have viable seeds, sexual reproduction is unwanted due to the high genetic variability and long juvenile period besides dormancy, which causes plant development to be slow and consequently produces the same result in the production of new seedlings. So, in vitro micropropagation is a viable technique for seedling production, thus maintaining genetic features of the mother plant, uniformity, precocity of production, as well as accelerating the conventional propagation methods, are an alternative to planters. The aim was the evaluation of the effect of different concentration ratios of activated charcoal supplied in the growth medium on the different raspberry cultivars. Activated charcoal was used (0; 2; and 4 g L-1), and the raspberry cultivars were (Indian Summer, Heritage, Willamette, Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann, and Bababerry). The best oxidation control was presented on cultivars Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann, and Bababerry, grown on cultivation medium added of 4 g L-1 activated charcoal, due to the absorption of phenolic compounds released into the culture medium.

A propagação da framboeseira (Rubus idaeus L.) é comumente realizada a partir da estacas de raízes. Embora, os frutos possuam sementes viáveis, a reprodução sexuada não é desejada, em razão, de algumas desvantagens, tais como: dormência, elevada variabilidade genética período de juvenilidade. Dessa forma, a micropropagação in vitro é uma técnica viável para o processo de formação de mudas, pois, preserva características genéticas desejáveis das plantas-matrizes, servindo como uma alternativa para os produtores. Objetivou-se então avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de carvão ativado, suplementado ao meio de cultura para as diferentes cultivares de framboeseira. Utilizaram-se o carvão ativado (0; 2 e 4 g L-1), e as cultivares de framboeseira (Indian Summer, Heritage, Willamette, Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann e Bababerry). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado arranjado em esquema bifatorial, com quatro repetições. Cada repetição composta por 25 tubos e um explante por tubo. Melhor controle de oxidação foi observado para as cultivares Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann e Bababerry, cultivados em meio de cultura acrescido de 4 g L-1 de carvão ativado, devido a absorção de compostos fenólicos liberados no meio de cultura.

Activated charcoal in the in vitro establishment of raspberry cultivars / Carvão ativado no estabelecimento in vitro de cultivares de framboeseira

Propagation of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is usually performed from root cuttings. Although fruits have viable seeds, sexual reproduction is unwanted due to the high genetic variability and long juvenile period besides dormancy, which causes plant development to be slow and consequently produces the same result in the production of new seedlings. So, in vitro micropropagation is a viable technique for seedling production, thus maintaining genetic features of the mother plant, uniformity, precocity of production, as well as accelerating the conventional propagation methods, are an alternative to planters. The aim was the evaluation of the effect of different concentration ratios of activated charcoal supplied in the growth medium on the different raspberry cultivars. Activated charcoal was used (0; 2; and 4 g L-1), and the raspberry cultivars were (Indian Summer, Heritage, Willamette, Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann, and Bababerry). The best oxidation control was presented on cultivars Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann, and Bababerry, grown on cultivation medium added of 4 g L-1 activated charcoal, due to the absorption of phenolic compounds released into the culture medium.(AU)

A propagação da framboeseira (Rubus idaeus L.) é comumente realizada a partir da estacas de raízes. Embora, os frutos possuam sementes viáveis, a reprodução sexuada não é desejada, em razão, de algumas desvantagens, tais como: dormência, elevada variabilidade genética período de juvenilidade. Dessa forma, a micropropagação in vitro é uma técnica viável para o processo de formação de mudas, pois, preserva características genéticas desejáveis das plantas-matrizes, servindo como uma alternativa para os produtores. Objetivou-se então avaliar o efeito de diferentes concentrações de carvão ativado, suplementado ao meio de cultura para as diferentes cultivares de framboeseira. Utilizaram-se o carvão ativado (0; 2 e 4 g L-1), e as cultivares de framboeseira (Indian Summer, Heritage, Willamette, Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann e Bababerry). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado arranjado em esquema bifatorial, com quatro repetições. Cada repetição composta por 25 tubos e um explante por tubo. Melhor controle de oxidação foi observado para as cultivares Golden Bliss, Polana, Fallgold, Schõnemann e Bababerry, cultivados em meio de cultura acrescido de 4 g L-1 de carvão ativado, devido a absorção de compostos fenólicos liberados no meio de cultura.(AU)

Produtividade e qualidade da framboeseira Batum cultivada sob cobertura plástica e dois espaçamentos em região subtropical / Production and quality of raspberries Batum cultivated under cover plastic and two spacing in subtropical area

Framboesa é uma pequena fruta de grande importância econômica, que contém numerosos compostos fenólicos, com potenciais benéficos à saúde, porém, quando cultivada em regiões subtropicais possui baixa produtividade. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a produtividade de framboeseiras 'Batum', produzidas com ou sem cobertura plástica sobre o dossel das plantas, em duas densidades de plantio, sendo 0,25m e 0,5m entre plantas e 3,0m entre linhas e avaliadas por dois ciclos de produção (2012/13 e 2013/14), em região subtropical. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x2x2, com 6 blocos e 10 plantas por parcela. Foram avaliadas as características produtivas como número de frutos por planta, produção por planta e produtividade estimada. Além disso, foram demarcados os índices fenológicos, análises vegetativas e fisiológicas. O menor espaçamento de plantio entre as plantas (0,25m) e o plantio sem cobertura plástica sobre o dossel das plantas resultaram em maior produtividade das framboseiras 'Batum'.(AU)

Raspberry is an economically important berry crop, its fruit contains numerous phenolic compounds with potential health benefits, however ver, in subtropical areas has been low production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity of raspberry 'Batum' produced with or without plastic cover over the plant canopy and two planting densities, being 0.25m and 0.5m between plants and 3.0m between rows and cycles (2012/13 and 2013/14), in subtropical area. The experimental design was randomized blocks, factorial 2x2x2 with 6 blocks and 10 plants per plot. It was evaluated the productive plant characteristics such as number of fruits per plant, production per plant and productivity estimated. Moreover,phenological data, vegetative and physiologic analysis. The planting densities at 0.25m between plants and without plastic cover over the plant canopy result in increased productivity of raspberry 'Batum'.(AU)

Produtividade e qualidade da framboeseira 'Batum' cultivada sobcobertura plástica e dois espaçamentos em região subtropical / Production and quality of raspberries 'Batum' cultivated under cover plastic and two spacing in subtropical area

Framboesa é uma pequena fruta de grande importância econômica, que contém numerosos compostos fenólicos, com potenciais benéficos à saúde, porém, quando cultivada em regiões subtropicais possui baixa produtividade. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a produtividade de framboeseiras 'Batum', produzidas com ou sem cobertura plástica sobre o dossel das plantas, em duas densidades de plantio, sendo 0,25m e 0,5m entre plantas e 3,0m entre linhas e avaliadas por dois ciclos de produção (2012/13 e 2013/14), em região subtropical. O delineamento experimental adotado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x2x2, com 6 blocos e 10 plantas por parcela. Foram avaliadas as características produtivas como número de frutos por planta, produção por planta e produtividade estimada. Além disso, foram demarcados os índices fenológicos, análises vegetativas e fisiológicas. O menor espaçamento de plantio entre as plantas (0,25m) e o plantio sem cobertura plástica sobre o dossel das plantas resultaram em maior produtividade das framboseiras 'Batum'.

Raspberry is an economically important berry crop, its fruit contains numerous phenolic compounds with potential health benefits, however ver, in subtropical areas has been low production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productivity of raspberry 'Batum' produced with or without plastic cover over the plant canopy and two planting densities, being 0.25m and 0.5m between plants and 3.0m between rows and cycles (2012/13 and 2013/14), in subtropical area. The experimental design was randomized blocks, factorial 2x2x2 with 6 blocks and 10 plants per plot. It was evaluated the productive plant characteristics such as number of fruits per plant, production per plant and productivity estimated. Moreover,phenological data, vegetative and physiologic analysis. The planting densities at 0.25m between plants and without plastic cover over the plant canopy result in increased productivity of raspberry 'Batum'.

Armazenamento a frio e aplicação de reguladores vegetais no enraizamento de estacas radiculares e caulinares de framboeseira / Cold storage and treatment with plant growth regulators in rooting of root and stems cutting of raspberry

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o potencial rizogênico de estacas caulinares e radiculares da framboeseira (Rubus idaeusL.). Estacas da cultivar 'Batum' foram armazenadas a frio (4ºC) por 10, 20 e 30 dias, além do controle sem armazenamento. Posteriormente, as estacas caulinares foram tratadas com ácido indolilbutírico (AIB) a 0, 1000, 2000, 3000 e 4000mg L-1 e as estacas radiculares com benzilaminopurina (BAP) a 0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 e 1500mg L-1 por 10s. As estacas caulinares foram enterradas em 2/3 de seu comprimento, na posição vertical e as radiculares foram totalmente enterradas na posição horizontal, a três centímetros de profundidade. Utilizou-se vermiculita de grânulos médios como substrato, e estes experimentos foram conduzidos sob telado com sombreamento de 50%. As avaliações foram feitas após 75 dias do plantio das estacas. Concluiu-se que o uso de estacas caulinares não é viável e que as estacas radiculares não necessitam ser estimuladas pelo armazenamento a frio ou do tratamento com BAP.(AU)

The objective of this research was to verify the potential rhizogenic stem cuttings and root of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). Cuttings of ‘Batum cultivar was stored cold (4°C) for 10, 20 and 30 days, and a control without storage. Subsequently, the cuttings were treated with indolebutyric acid (IBA) at 0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000mg L-1 and root cuttings with benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500mg L-1 by 10 seconds. The cuttings were buried in 2/3 of its length in the vertical position, and root was completely buried in the horizontal position at three inches deep. It was used vermiculite medium as substrate, and these experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with 50% shading. Evaluations were made 75 days after planting the cuttings. It was concluded that the use of cuttings is not feasible and that the root cuttings need not be stimulated by cold storage or treatment with BAP.(AU)

Armazenamento a frio e aplicação de reguladores vegetais no enraizamento de estacas radiculares e caulinares de framboeseira / Cold storage and treatment with plant growth regulators in rooting of root and stems cutting of raspberry

The objective of this research was to verify the potential rhizogenic stem cuttings and root of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). Cuttings of 'Batum' cultivar was stored cold (4°C) for 10, 20 and 30 days, and a control without storage. Subsequently, the cuttings were treated with indolebutyric acid (IBA) at 0, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000mg L-1 and root cuttings with benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 and 1500mg L-1 by 10 seconds. The cuttings were buried in 2/3 of its length in the vertical position, and root was completely buried in the horizontal position at three inches deep. It was used vermiculite medium as substrate, and these experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with 50% shading. Evaluations were made ​​75 days after planting the cuttings. It was concluded that the use of cuttings is not feasible and that the root cuttings need not be stimulated by cold storage or treatment with BAP.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o potencial rizogênico de estacas caulinares e radiculares da framboeseira (Rubus idaeus L.). Estacas da cultivar 'Batum' foram armazenadas a frio (4ºC) por 10, 20 e 30 dias, além do controle sem armazenamento. Posteriormente, as estacas caulinares foram tratadas com ácido indolilbutírico (AIB) a 0, 1000, 2000, 3000 e 4000mg L-1 e as estacas radiculares com benzilaminopurina (BAP) a 0, 300, 600, 900, 1200 e 1500mg L-1 por 10s. As estacas caulinares foram enterradas em 2/3 de seu comprimento, na posição vertical e as radiculares foram totalmente enterradas na posição horizontal, a três centímetros de profundidade. Utilizou-se vermiculita de grânulos médios como substrato, e estes experimentos foram conduzidos sob telado com sombreamento de 50%. As avaliações foram feitas após 75 dias do plantio das estacas. Concluiu-se que o uso de estacas caulinares não é viável e que as estacas radiculares não necessitam ser estimuladas pelo armazenamento a frio ou do tratamento com BAP.

Brazilian ground pearl damaging blackberry, raspberry and blueberry in Brazil

The Brazilian ground pearl, Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille, 1922) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), is a subterranean, polyphagous scale insect native of Southern Brazil that feeds on a variety of different vineyard plant species (Vitis spp.). In this study, it is reported three new plant hosts of the species. In 2007 and 2010, infested plants were documented in the towns of Farroupilha (29°14'34"S, 51°23'20"W) and Vacaria (28°26'30"S, 50°52'59"W) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Specimens of the ground pearl were found in the roots of three cultivated berry plants: blackberry (Rubus spp.), raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blueberry (Vaccinium sp.). Observed symptoms included: chlorotic leaves, gradual wasting, reduced production, and mortality. Given the increasing popularity of berry orchards in the region, this study serves as an alert for farmers to avoid establishing them in areas infested with the ground pearl and to check for the insects in the root cuttings used to establish berry crops.

A pérola-da-terra Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille, 1922) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) é uma cochonilha subterrânea, polífaga, nativa do sul do Brasil, que se alimenta de diversas espécies vegetais causando prejuízos, principalmente à cultura da videira (Vitis spp.). Nesta comunicação, três espécies vegetais são relatadas como novos hospedeiros da praga. Em 2007 e 2010, plantas infestadas foram registradas nos municípios de Farroupilha (29°14'34"S e 51°23'20"W) e Vacaria (28°26'30"S e 50°52'59"W), RS. Exemplares da cochonilha foram encontrados em raízes de amoreira-preta (Rubus spp.), framboeseira (Rubus idaeus L.) e mirtileiro (Vaccinium sp.). Os sintomas observados foram folhas cloróticas, definhamento progressivo, diminuição na produção e morte das plantas. Devido à ampliação do cultivo de pequenas frutas na região, essa informação serve de alerta aos produtores para que evitem o plantio em áreas infestadas com a cochonilha e observem a presença do inseto no material vegetativo utilizado para estabelecer o cultivo de pequenas frutas.

Brazilian ground pearl damaging blackberry, raspberry and blueberry in Brazil

The Brazilian ground pearl, Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille, 1922) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), is a subterranean, polyphagous scale insect native of Southern Brazil that feeds on a variety of different vineyard plant species (Vitis spp.). In this study, it is reported three new plant hosts of the species. In 2007 and 2010, infested plants were documented in the towns of Farroupilha (29°14'34"S, 51°23'20"W) and Vacaria (28°26'30"S, 50°52'59"W) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Specimens of the ground pearl were found in the roots of three cultivated berry plants: blackberry (Rubus spp.), raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) and blueberry (Vaccinium sp.). Observed symptoms included: chlorotic leaves, gradual wasting, reduced production, and mortality. Given the increasing popularity of berry orchards in the region, this study serves as an alert for farmers to avoid establishing them in areas infested with the ground pearl and to check for the insects in the root cuttings used to establish berry crops.

A pérola-da-terra Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille, 1922) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) é uma cochonilha subterrânea, polífaga, nativa do sul do Brasil, que se alimenta de diversas espécies vegetais causando prejuízos, principalmente à cultura da videira (Vitis spp.). Nesta comunicação, três espécies vegetais são relatadas como novos hospedeiros da praga. Em 2007 e 2010, plantas infestadas foram registradas nos municípios de Farroupilha (29°14'34"S e 51°23'20"W) e Vacaria (28°26'30"S e 50°52'59"W), RS. Exemplares da cochonilha foram encontrados em raízes de amoreira-preta (Rubus spp.), framboeseira (Rubus idaeus L.) e mirtileiro (Vaccinium sp.). Os sintomas observados foram folhas cloróticas, definhamento progressivo, diminuição na produção e morte das plantas. Devido à ampliação do cultivo de pequenas frutas na região, essa informação serve de alerta aos produtores para que evitem o plantio em áreas infestadas com a cochonilha e observem a presença do inseto no material vegetativo utilizado para estabelecer o cultivo de pequenas frutas.

Prophylaxis and therapeutic effects of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) on renal stone formation in Balb/c mice

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prophylactic potential of herbal decoction from Rubus idaeus, a medicinal plant widely used in the Middle East to treat kidney stones, by assessing the effect of administration in experimentally induced calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on administration of glyoxylate and/or herbal treatments simultaneously for 12 days, followed by histological and biochemical tests. Group I was used as a negative control. Group II was only given daily intra-abdominal injection of glyoxylate (80 mg/Kg). Group III and IV were given 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of R. idaeus by gavage, respectively in addition to glyoxylate injection. To examine the effect of anti-oxidants on hyperoxaluria-induced changes in kidney, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidant levels were assessed. RESULTS: Significant reductions were obtained in the urinary oxalate, calcium and phosphorus values in the herbal-treated groups relative to untreated animals while creatinine excretion increased. Serum oxalate, calcium and creatinine were significantly reduced, while phosphorus was not significantly changed. Kidney content of calcium was higher in the untreated group. Mice in treated groups at 12 days had significantly more superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase (GSH) and G6PD activities than the untreated group. Hyperoxaluria-induced generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls was significantly prevented in the treated groups. R. idaeus had a significantly high content of vitamin E in the herbal treated groups. The histology showed more CaOx deposition in the kidneys of untreated animals. CONCLUSION: Rubus idaeus has an impressive prophylactic effect on CaOx stones in nephrolithic mice. There is a possible role of lipid peroxidation in CaOx stone formation which may has a relationship with the major risk factors in urine including oxalate, calcium, phosphorus and MDA. Further experimental studies are required to elucidate the chemical constituents of the active ingredients of this interesting plant.

Influência do meio de cultura, tipo e concentração de citocininas na multiplicação in vitro de amoreira-preta e framboeseira / The influence of culture medium, cytokinin type and concentrations on in vitro multiplication of blackberry and raspberry

A amoreira-preta e a framboeseira são espécies pouco cultivadas no Brasil, porém representam uma ótima opção de diversificação para pequenas propriedades, por serem rústicas e com elevada produtividade. A propagação dessas espécies dá-se, principalmente, por meio de estacas de raiz e mesmo de hastes novas, porém, já é crescente o interesse pelo uso da micropropagação como um método alternativo de propagação vegetativa de plantas frutíferas. No entanto, existe a necessidade de se ajustar, para cada espécie, e/ou cultivar, as melhores condições de cultivo, para que se obtenha sucesso no processo. Assim, neste trabalho objetivou-se determinar o melhor meio de cultura (MS e WPM), o efeito das citocininas (BAP, 2iP, Zeatina) e suas concentrações (0; 7,5 ;15 e 22,5 μM) na multiplicação in vitro de amoreira-preta 'Xavante' e de framboeseira 'Batum' e 'Heritage'. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que, o meio MS e a citocinina BAP na concentração de 15 μM foi mais eficiente para ambas as espécies e cultivares, induzindo maior número médio de folhas, brotações e gemas. Quanto ao comprimento das brotações, observou-se um comportamento diferenciado entre espécie, cultivar e regulador. Para amoreira-preta, o cultivo em meio MS na ausência de regulador promoveu o aumento do comprimento das brotações, enquanto que para framboeseira 'Batum' e 'Heritage', melhores resultados foram obtidos na presença de citocininas, respectivamente, Zeatina e 2iP, independentemente das concentrações utilizadas.

The blackberry and raspberry are species little cultivated in Brazil. However, they represent a valuable diversification option for small farms, once they are rustic and very productive. Root cuttings and softwood stem are the most widely practiced type of propagation. Recently, there has been an increased interest in the use of micropropagation as an alternative technique for fruit plant propagation. Nevertheless, there is a need to adjust the appropriate cultivation condition for each species and/or cultivar for the process to succeed. Therefore, this research aimed at determining the most suitable culture medium (MS and WPM), the effect of cytokinines (BAP, 2iP, Zea) and their concentrations (0; 7,5; 15 e 22,5μM) on in vitro multiplication of blackberry cultivar Xavante and raspberry cultivar Batum and Heritage. The results have shown that the medium MS and the cytokinin BAP at 13 μM for the blackberry 'Xavante' and 12 μM for raspberry 'Batum' and 'Heritage' were more efficient, increasing average leaf number, shoots and buds. For the blackberry, cultivation in MS medium in the absence of regulator promoted an increase in shoot length, whereas for 'Batum' and 'Heritage' raspberries, better results were obtained in the presence of citocinines - zeatin for Batum and 2iP for Heritage, independently of the concentrations.