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Fruit quality of new blue honeysuckle berry cultivars after short-term storage under different conditions
Lonicera caerulea L. (blue honeysuckle) is an edible species cultivated for the health properties of its fruit; however, fresh fruit has a short shelf life after harvest. Therefore, the present study aimed to extend the post-harvest shelf life of fresh honeysuckle fruits under controlled storage conditions. The quality of three Canadian blue honeysuckle cultivars was assessed after 7 and 14 days of storage in a controlled atmosphere (20% CO2 and 5% O2) (CA), modified atmosphere (MAP) in Xtend bags and air atmosphere (AA). The duration of storage conditions significantly affected the quality traits of blue honeysuckle berries. Extended storage time (14 days) generally had a negative effect on the quality of the tested fruit, especially when stored in air atmosphere. The berries stored in a controlled atmosphere showed the best quality, as evidenced by the highest firmness, the lowest weight loss, and the smallest percentage of rotten berries. The effect of storage conditions on the value of parameters such as soluble solids (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) or the SSC/TA ratio were often not observed. The respiration rate of fruits was usually independent of both the cultivar and storage conditions. Compared to other cultivars, Boreal Beauty fruits were characterized by a lower content of SSC, higher TA and a lower SSC/TA ratio, and lower polyphenol content. Fruits of the Boreal Blizzard showed the highest susceptibility to rot.
Influence of Mulching on Replantation Disease in Sour Cherry Orchard
Increasingly, in orchards around the world that are planted one after another, disturbances are observed, and these issues with growth and development are called replantation disease. It is manifested mainly by poor tree growth after planting and poor ripening. One way to reduce replantation disease is to improve soil fertility after many years of fruit tree cultivation. The aim of the work was to evaluate the growth and yield of cherries after replantation and to compare this with a site where fruit trees had not grown before. The trees were planted at two sites: after the replantation of the cherry orchard (OR1) and in a site where fruit trees had not been cultivated before (OR2). Two combinations were used in each orchard: boiler without mulching (C), mulchâafter planting mulching with a substrate after growing mushrooms (M). The trees at the site after replantation grew and bore less fruit than in the position where fruit trees had not grown before. The disease also affected some of the quality characteristics of the fruit. This resulted in an increase in fruit weight and a darker color (L*) and a higher value of hue fruit color. Mulching, which is often recommended in orchards planted after previous cultivation, did not provide the expected improvement. It did not significantly affect tree growth and yield. Only an effect on the content of components in the soil was observed, but it affected the condition of the trees. In addition, we analyzed how experimental combinations responded to climatic conditions by calculating the correlations between the SAT (sum of active temperatures) and the stages of tree development.
Matrix changes driven by cultivar diversity, inulin addition and drying techniques - shaping the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of blueberry powders
The Effect of the Method of Plant Protection on the Quality of Remontant Strawberry Cultivars Grown in a Gutter System under Covers
To maintain a constant supply of fresh fruit from May to November, producers increase the area of strawberry cultivation under shelters and grow strawberries that repeat fruiting. An additional problem is the reduction of available pesticides caused by the recommendations of the European Green Deal. For these reasons, the authors undertook to compare cultivars to determine which had the best quality fruits and whichplant wasmost resistant to the most dangerous pests.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the method of plant protection on the health and quality of the fruit yield of three remontant strawberry cultivars grown in a soilless medium. This study evaluated fruit yield and fruit quality as well as the contribution of pathogens to yield losses. For this purpose, standard phytopathological methods were used to identify the causes of disease symptoms on the fruit. At the same time, laboratory tests were carried out on the quality of the harvested strawberries, i.e., firmness and acidity of the fruit, soluble solids content, and respiration rate. The applied protection methods had little effect on the marketable yield and fruit size but had a significant impact on reducing fruit losses caused by the most common diseases. The effectiveness of individual protection methods inreducing the incidence of the tested pathogens and the effect on fruit quality parameters depended on the cultivar and growing season.
Factors Influencing the Formation, Development of Buds, and Flowering of Temperate Fruit Trees
The condition for the formation of fruit on fruit plants is the presence of flower buds, flowering and proper pollination/fertilisation of flowers. Fruit trees and shrubs are perennial plants, and the processes of flower bud formation and flowering are distant in time. The formation of flower buds occurs in the year preceding flowering and fruiting. The number and quality of flowers are the basic factors that determine the potential yield of fruit trees. Therefore, the review focuses on a thorough review of the latest research on the various stages in the development of trees, in which the processes that determine their flowering take place. The greatest emphasis was placed on the influence of factors that determine the yield of trees after the juvenile stage. Climate change leading to global warming will undoubtedly affect the formation of flower buds, which determine the size of crops. To avoid the unforeseen effects of abiotic factors on the availability of raw materials, such as fruits, it is good to diversify the structure of cultivated plants. Most fruit plants come from the Rosaceae family, so they have many pathogens and pests in common. To increase crop, economic, and habitat biodiversity, it is necessary to look for other, more genetically distant, sometimes even less known fruit-bearing species.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Tree Growth and Nutrient Content in Soil and Cherry Leaves (Prunus cerasus L.)
Nitrogen fertilization ensures the proper growth of trees. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of differentiated nitrogen fertilization on selected parameters. It was assumed that such analysis is an indirect picture of the needs of cherries grown in herbicide fallow. The content of minerals in two layers of the soil, in leaves, and its influence on tree growth, and the content of chlorophyll in leaves were assessed. The experiments were carried out in three different cherry orchards. Three levels of fertilization were applied in each orchard: 0 kg, 60 kg, and 120 kg N haâ1. As expected the fertilization resulted in an increase in the content of nitrate and ammonium forms of nitrogen in the soil, however, their content was also dependent on precipitation and temperature. Additionally, high nitrogen fertilization increased the content of phosphorus and potassium and decreased the magnesium in the topsoil layer. High nitrogen fertilization caused the decreased content of phosphorus and potassium in the leaves. The level of calcium and magnesium in leaves increased with fertilization of 60 kg N haâ1 but decreased with the dose to 120 kg N haâ1. The use of nitrogen fertilization increased the vegetative growth of trees measured by leaf area and trunk cross-sectional area. However, the chlorophyll content was not dependent on the amount of nitrogen fertilization. Based on the results, it can be concluded that 60 kg N haâ1 is the optimal dose, ensuring proper nutrition of cherry trees.
The Possibility of Using Fruit-Bearing Plants of Temperate Climate in the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most dangerous metabolic diseases. The incidence of this disease continues to increase and is often associated with severe complications. Plants and natural plant products with a healing effect have been successfully used in the treatment of many disease entities since the beginning of the history of herbalism and medicine. At present, great emphasis is placed on the biodiversity of crops and the replacement of the monoculture production system of popular temperate climate plants, such as apple, pear, plum, and vine, with alternative fruit species. Very promising fruit plants are Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas); mulberry (Morus alba); bird cherry (Prunus padus); sour cherry (Prunus cerasus); plants of the genus Amelanchier, Sorbus, and Crategus; medlar (Mespilus germanica); quince (Cydonia oblonga); plants of the genus Vaccinium; and wild roses. When promoting the cultivation of alternative fruit-bearing plants, it is worth emphasizing their beneficial effects on health. This systematic review indicates that the antidiabetic effect of various parts of fruit plants is attributed to the presence of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins, which have different mechanisms of antidiabetic action and can be used in the treatment of diabetes and various complications associated with this disease.
The longevity of cut Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. shoots depending on postharvest handling
The experiment was carried out to investigate the possibility of extension of the postharvest longevity of cut shoots of <i>Polygonatum multiflorum</i> depending on the type of conditioning. The shoots were collected for three experiments in May, June, and July. The following substances were used for conditioning: gibberellic acid (in May, June, and July) at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg dm<sup>-3</sup>, benzyladenine (in May) at a concentration of 50 or 100 mg dm<sup>-3</sup>, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (in July) at a concentration of 200 mg dm<sup>-3</sup>. The conditioning was carried out at a temperature of 5 °C or 18 °C (May, June) or 18 °C (July). After conditioning, shoots were stored in a room at a temperature of 18 °C (May, June) or at 18 °C or 22 °C (July). The shoots of <i>Polygonatum multiflorum</i> harvested in July and conditioned with gibberellic acid at a concentration of 100 mg dm<sup>-3</sup> were characterized by extended longevity. Benzyladenine at a concentration of 50 mg dm<sup>-3</sup> proved to be useful for conditioning. In turn, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate had no influence on the longevity of the shoots. The variation in the temperature during conditioning and storage was found not to have a positive impact on longevity.
Health-Promoting Properties of Anthocyanins from Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruits
The cornelian cherry is a plant that annually provides fruits, drupe-type, ranging in color from yellow through pink, red, carmine, and almost black. Cornelian cherry bears abundant fruit in temperate climate conditions, which means that its dark-colored fruits can be treated as an excellent source of anthocyanins. After consuming, anthocyanins have a protective function in the human body. Raw fruit extracts and their pure isolates, rich in anthocyanins, have a wide spectrum of health-promoting properties. This review focuses on the health-promoting properties of anthocyanins from fruits of cornelian cherry, documented in research conducted in vitro, in vivo, and in humans. The results obtained so far confirm the beneficial effects of anthocyanins on the blood parameters, whose values are important in predicting and assessing the risk and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. A beneficial effect on molecular and histopathological changes in target organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and liver has also been demonstrated. Anthocyanins from cornelian cherry have a strong antioxidant effect, which explains their protective effects on organs and anticancer effects. Moreover, they have antiglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The work highlights the perspectives and directions of necessary research.
Effect of the Climatic Conditions in Central Europe on the Growth and Yield of Cornelian Cherry Cultivars
Fruit of Cornelian cherry can be used fresh or processed, and cultivation practices are developing in this direction. Due to the rarity of its cultivation, Cornelian cherry is harvested from natural sites of occurrence. However, the fruit from natural sites is of lower quality than the cultivars, as their seedlings differ in terms of fruit ripening. The objective of this experiment was the evaluation of approximately a dozen cultivars in terms of growth and fruit yield under the conditions of Central Europe. The effect of climatic conditions on the onset date of particular phenological stages was also assessed. All the analysed cultivars are suitable commodity crops, but they should be accurately selected depending on the direction of production. The first phenological stage of Cornelian cherry is the appearance of inflorescences before the development of leaves. The start of particular phenophases depends on the temperature and precipitation. Cornelian cherries cultivated under ecological conditions show satisfactory fruit size and generally a small percentage of stone. Most cultivars have an elongated fruit shape, and the shape factor decreases with their growth and ripening. The fruit grows along a double sigmoid, and its first intensive growth occurs following the extinction of intensive shoot growth.
The use of temperature based indices for estimation of fruit production conditions and risks in temperate climates
Temperature is the basic factor that differentiates vegetation around the world. All field experiments require the indication of the range of temperatures occurring in a given growing season. Temperature is an important factor determining fruit plant production, both in the growing season and in the winter dormant period. Various air temperature indicators were developed in a way that allowed the best possible description of adaptations of species, cultivars, and regions of adaptations to cultivation. They are based on experimentally obtained data and calculated optimal temperatures of growth and development of plants in particular development stages. In horticulture, the description of dependencies of the growth and development of plants on weather began to be accompanied with the development of simulation models. The aim of this manuscript was a new review of fruit plant temperature indices to predict abiotic and biotic hazards in fruit production for various selected types of fruit crops in a seasonal temperate climate. This is especially important due to the growing risk of climate change, which significantly alters local growing conditions. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate and present a set of specific indicators for producers, which we have reviewed from the current literature and presented as follows. Climatic conditions characteristic of a given region should be of key importance for the selection of species for commercial cultivation and planning of protection measures.
Weather Conditions, Orchard Age and Nitrogen Fertilization Influences Yield and Quality of âĹutĂłwkaâ Sour Cherry Fruit
Nitrogen fertilization is a basic agrotechnical orchard treatment, and affects quality and size of the crops. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of nitrogen fertilization on the yield and quality of sour cherry fruit of the âĹutĂłwkaâ cultivar. The course of climatic conditions in relation to the timing of flowering and fruiting was analyzed. The trials were carried out in three different experimental sour cherry orchards (quarters) with different planting dates (1999, 2001 and 2002) located at the experimental orchard of the PoznaĹ University of Life Sciences in Poland. In each orchard, three levels of fertilization were used: control without fertilization, fertilization at a dose of 60 kg N haâ1 and fertilization at 120 kg N haâ1. Increasing the dose of N did not have a significant effect on sour cherry yield. However, it resulted in a reduction of fruit weight, extract content, acidity and TSS/TA ratio, whereas the brightness (L*) and redness (a*) of the fruit surface color increased. Temperature and precipitation had the greatest influence on the course of flowering, fruiting and fruit ripening. Particularly important was the course of climatic conditions at the beginning of the growing season, especially during flowering, when there is a high risk of spring frosts. The timing of flowering and fruiting was correlated with the sum of active temperatures. The greatest relationship for the flowering date was found for SAT (sum of active temperatures) when the base temperature equals 11 °C and the temperature for the harvest date equals 9 °C.
The Beneficial Effects of Anthocyanins from Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Fruits and Their Possible Uses: A Review
Anthocyanins are pigments ubiquitous in plants that are responsible for the red to almost black color, mainly of flowers and fruits. Dark-colored fruits contain the highest amounts of anthocyanins. A potential source of anthocyanins can be cornelian cherry fruit (Cornus mas L.) from a long-lived tree growing in temperate climate zones. The aim of this review is to summarize the latest research on cornelian cherry anthocyanins and the possibility of their use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, without taking into account their use in medicine. The content of anthocyanins in cornelian cherry fruits is high and comparable to fruits considered to be the richest sources of these compounds, so they may be a good source of these natural colorants used in industry. The content of anthocyanins varies due to genetic traits, growing conditions, the ripeness of fruits, and finally, how the fruits are stored and processed. Anthocyanins can be found in various cornelian products, such as juices, jams, powders, and others, so they may be available outside the period of supply of fresh fruit on the market. The lack of experience on the influence of the method of cultivation of cornelian cherries on the anthocyanin content of fruits determines new directions for research.
Degree Days as a Method to Estimate the Optimal Harvest Date of âConferenceâ Pears
The European pear is a climacteric fruit species characterised by high storability. The âConferenceâ pear can be stored in a CA (controlled atmosphere) room without major losses for half a year. However, for âConferenceâ storage to be successful, the fruit must be harvested when fully developed before it enters the climatic maturation phase. Among the various methods used to determine the optimal harvest date, the degree-day method, which relies on the sum of active temperatures, seems to be relatively accurate and easy to apply. During 11 years of study, pears were harvested on four dates (every 4â5 days) chosen based on measurements and observations, and then, after a six-month storage period, the optimal harvest date was determined. During the growing season, the temperature was measured using an automatic weather station to calculate the sum of active temperatures from full bloom to the optimal harvest date. Measurements made after storage were analysed, and the sum of active temperatures needed for the proper development of the âConferenceâ pear was calculated to be 2469 degree days. The calculations are very accurate because the dispersion calculated using the standard deviation was only 20°. The base temperature with the smallest error was 0 °C. This study shows that this method can be recommended as useful for determining the optimal harvest date.
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization in the Sour Cherry Orchard on Soil Enzymatic Activities, Microbial Population, and Fruit Quality
Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in Poland and âĹutĂłwkaâ is the dominant cultivar in commercial orchards. The experiment was carried out in 2007â2013 in three orchards; in each of them, three levels of fertilization were applied: 0 N kg haâ1, 60 kg N haâ1, and 120 kg N haâ1. The activity of dehydrogenase and protease in the soil was studied depending on nitrogen fertilization. The abundance of soil microorganisms was assessed: bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and nitrogenous bacteria (Azospirillum and Azotobacter) in the years during the experiments carried out with fertilization of 60 kg N haâ1 in all orchards. The enzyme activity of dehydrogenases increased after the use of 60 kg N haâ1 from 3.8 to 6.7 (cm3 H2 24 hâ1 kgâ1 DW soil), but a further increase in the dose to 120 kg N haâ1 caused a decrease in activity to 5.1 (cm3 H2 24 hâ1 kgâ1 DW soil). The activity of proteases was dependent on nitrogen fertilization, but to a large extent it was related to the course of climatic conditions. There is no relationship between the growth and the activity of proteases. The yield and selected quality parameters of the cherry fruits were associated with both dehydrogenases and proteases. The use of lower doses of nitrogen fertilizers allows for maintaining biological balance in the soil and a more efficient use of nutrients, contributing to less environmental pollution.
Oil from Cornelian Cherry Kernels
The utilization of post-production and post-processing by-products aligns with current trends in sustainable fruit industry practices. Recovering valuable nutrients from such materials holds significant potential for the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. Among these, cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) seeds represent a promising source of functional ingredients, particularly due to their oilâs rich nutritional and phytochemical profile. The seeds, accounting for approximately 9â10% of the fruit mass, yield an oil characterized by high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acidsâmainly linoleic acid (â67.5%) and oleic acid (â20%)âalongside palmitic (â5.8%) and stearic acids (â2.1%). Linolenic acid content, however, shows notable variability (1.4â14.7%), influencing the oilâs omega-6/omega-3 ratio, which generally remains below 5:1. Cornelian cherry seed oil stands out among other stone fruit oils (e.g., rosehip, apricot, peach, cherry, plum) for its favorable fatty acid composition and absence of cyanogenic glycosides, making it safe for human consumption. Beyond its nutritional value, this oil exhibits biological activity and health-promoting potential, suggesting wide applicability in functional foods and nutraceutical formulations. Despite progress in characterizing seed compositionâincluding proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, and tanninsâknowledge gaps persist regarding the transfer of these compounds into the oil, particularly under cold-pressing conditions. Future studies should focus on optimizing extraction processes, assessing thermal treatment effects, and clarifying the variability of linolenic acid. Such research will support the sustainable exploitation of cornelian cherry by-products and the industrial-scale development of this high-value oil.
The Impact of Environmental Factors on the Quality of Horticultural Commodities
The Sustainable Development Goals popularised by the United Nations include achieving food security, improving nutrition, eliminating hunger and poverty, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring healthy lifestyles [...]