Journal of Berry Research - Volume 5, issue 2

Authors: Carrillo-Perdomo, E. | Aller, A. | Cruz-Quintana, S.M. | Giampieri, F. | Alvarez-Suarez, J.M.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: Interest in exploring new and exotic types of berries has grown in recent years. Highly valued for its unique flavor, texture and color, recent researches have shown that Andean berries are an important source of bioactive compounds. This article provides botanical and agronomic descriptions and reviews the chemical and biological activities of two types of berries (Physalis peruviana L. and Solanum betaceum C.) and one commonly known as a berry, Rubus glaucus B. All highly consumed in Ecuador and enjoying great popularity in Andean traditional medicine. Although both traditional folk medicine and composition of these berries suggest …significant health benefits, few studies to date have investigated these potentials. Show more

Keywords: Rubus glaucus B., Physalis peruviana L. and Solanum betaceum C., Andean berries, anthocyanins, antioxidant properties, Health benefits.

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-140093

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 49-69, 2015

Authors: Ariza, M.T. | Martínez-Ferri, E. | Domínguez, P. | Medina, J.J. | Miranda, L. | Soria, C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Huelva (Spain) is the main region for strawberry production in Europe. Most fruit production is exported for fresh consumption to European countries, where consumers demand high fruit quality and appreciate its healthy properties. Strawberry intake is a valuable source of antioxidants compounds with important health benefits. The higher the antioxidant capacity of a cultivar, the better the enhancement of human health. OBJECTIVE: The comparative knowledge of fruit composition on antioxidant compounds and its variation along the cropping season, in ten strawberry cultivars cropped at Huelva. METHODS: Fruit yield and citric acid, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, …anthocyanins content as well as antioxidant capacity of fruits were evaluated in ten strawberry cultivars at three harvesting times during the 2014 field campaign. RESULTS: Yield and fruit parameters analyzed were strongly influenced by the genotype and by the time of harvesting. Strawberry fruit quality and antioxidant properties were greater when harvested from mid- to late- season and were not associated with higher yields. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy properties of strawberry fruits depend on cultivar and harvest time. Knowledge of the nutritional properties of these strawberry cultivars might translate into benefits to growers and enhancement of health for consumers. Show more

Keywords: Antioxidant, cropping conditions, harvesting, health, fruit quality, vitamin C, phenolics, yield

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-150090

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 71-80, 2015

Authors: Agnello, Arthur | Landers, Andrew | Loeb, Greg

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is widely distributed in New York State, with raspberries being especially vulnerable. Its invasion has forced growers to dramatically increase insecticide applications, a significant challenge for high tunnel production. OBJECTIVE: A spray system fixed into the tunnel structure was used to apply pesticide sprays to control SWD in research and commercial bramble plantings in 2013 and 2014. METHODS: All sprays were applied through a system of microsprinkler nozzles attached to overhead polyethylene tubing supplied by a central pump. Identical applications were made in check tunnels using backpack sprayers. SWD traps were …deployed near both treatments to check for adults, and weekly fruit samples were collected and held to rear out larvae infesting the berries. RESULTS: 2013 results were variable depending on site, ranging from equal low infestations for fixed vs. backpack at the commercial raspberry site, to 4× higher infestations in the fixed-spray blackberry planting vs. the control; in 2014, infestations were 3–4× higher in the fixed-spray than backpack treatments, although infestation levels in both treatments were commercially acceptable. Fixed-sprayer systems may be particularly useful in high tunnels, owing to their greater practicality, efficiency and pesticide safety. Show more

Keywords: SWD, Drosophila suzukii, raspberry, pesticide application, microsprinklers, solid-set

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-150091

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 81-88, 2015

Authors: De Ros, Giorgio | Conci, Sandro | Pantezzi, Tommaso | Savini, Gianluca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The fly Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is an endemic pest, native to Southern Asia which has recently invaded western countries. Since its detection in 2008 in California and Spain, it is now established in North America and in many European countries. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to evaluate the pest’s economic impact on the soft fruit industry in the Province of Trento, a region in the North East of Italy, which is one of the most productive soft fruit areas in Europe. METHODS: The evaluation takes into account both the growers’ potential revenue losses …and the costs of pest control and uses a partial budgeting approach. Two scenarios are evaluated: the one before and the one after the implementation of an integrated control strategy for D. suzukii . RESULTS: Before the adoption of an integrated pest control strategy, the estimated revenue losses amounted to about 13% of the industry’s output. After the implementation of an integrated strategy this loss decreased to about 7% of the industry’s output. CONCLUSIONS: The adopted strategy seems effective in mitigating the pest’s economic impact. The knowledge about D. suzukii ’s impact and its management would benefit from further analysis encompassing a larger geographical scope and longer time series. Show more

Keywords: Drosophila suzukii, economic impact, partial budgeting, pest management, Italy

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-150092

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 89-96, 2015

Authors: Melgar-Almanza, Adan | Horacio Guzmán-Maldonado, Salvador | Núñez-Colín, Carlos | Herrera-Hernández, Maria Guadalupe | Medina-Ramos, Gabriela

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are five species of Malacomeles (family Rosaceae ) endemic in America. They grow from southern Texas to north Honduras. Of those five species, M. denticulata (Mexican serviceberry) is the most widely distributed in Mexico. OBJECTIVE: To increase knowledge of how drying method affect physical and chemical characteristics of Mexican serviceberry fruit. METHODS: Fruit was dried through the process of sun-, shade- or hot air. Vitamin C, total phenols, condensed tannins, anthocyanins, simple phenols, Trolox equivalent (TEAC) and oxygen radical antioxidant (ORAC) capacities were determined in serviceberry raisins. RESULTS: Titratable acidity, …Brix, calcium, iron, and condensed tannins were higher in shade-dried raisins. The total phenolics ranged from 389.2 to 434.2 mg eq. gallic acid/100 g and were in the range reported for grape raisins. Total fiber was up to 4-fold higher in serviceberry raisins compared to those of grape raisins. Calcium and iron contents were on average 4.3- and 55-fold higher, respectively, compared with that reported for grape raisins. -Shade-dried, sun-dried and hot air-dried serviceberry raisins showed by far, higher Trolox equivalent compared to oxygen radical antioxidant capacity. CONCLUSION: Shade drying process is economic and advantageous. It helps to extend the Mexican’s serviceberry fruit shell, preserving the fruit’s outstanding functional characteristics. Show more

Keywords: Malacomeles denticulata, Mexican serviceberry, raisins, nutritional, phenolics, antioxidant capacity

DOI: 10.3233/JBR-150094

Citation: Journal of Berry Research, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 97-105, 2015