ReFRI
Not a member yet
939 research outputs found
Sort by
Assessing fruit quality in two raspberry cultivars during distinct harvest periods relating to the origin of the plants
High-quality planting material is crucial for a robust yield and desired fruit quality, serving as
tangible proof of success in agriculture. Its indispensable role is evident throughout the cultivation process, emphasizing its significance in achieving high agricultural standards. This research comprehensively analyzed the fruit quality of tissue-cultured and plants derived from traditional propagation methods two raspberry cultivars ‘Meekerʼ and ‘Willametteʼ during 2019. Fruit quality parameters were monitored during three harvest times (early, mid and late). The analyzed parameters included soluble solids content (SSC), total acids (TA), total sugars (TS), vitamin C, total phenols (TP), total anthocyanins (TAC) and antioxidative activity [DPPH-2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS- 2.2'- azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) test]. The cultivar ‘Meekerʼ stood out with superior values for SSC and TS, whereas the cultivar ‘Willametteʼ exhibited higher TA reaching a value of 1.55%. A gradual increase in TP was recorded throughout the harvest, with tissue-cultured plants reaching a value of 228.95 mg GAE (gallic acid equivalent) 100 g-1 FW. In the early harvest, TAC in in vitro propagated ‘Willametteʼ plants was 39.78 mg C3G 100 g-1 FW, while the highest TP level was observed at the late harvest period, amounting to 227.73 mg GAE 100 g-1 FW. The results from both antioxidant activity tests, indicated a higher values in tissue-cultured plants, emphasizing their potential significance in nutrition and health preservation. This study highlights the potential advantages of using tissue-cultured plants for establishig commercial orchards and offers important insights into the qualitative variations between plants of different origin in both raspberry cultivars
Low-temperature storage in vitro of fruit tree species at the Fruit Research Institute, Čačak
The success of slow-growth storage relies on the interaction of multiple factors. However, despite having a well-designed, species-specific protocol, the response to storage can exhibit notable differences among genotypes, even within the same species. The paper gives a summary of achievements and results in the conservation of several fruit species utilising cold storage technology achieved at the Fruit Research Institute, Čačak. The results of the survival rates of in vitro cultures of plums (‘Požegača’, ‘Sitnica’, ‘Crvena Ranka’, Cherry plum), cherry rootstocks (‘Gisela 5’, ‘Tabel Edabriz’, ‘Colt’), apple (‘Gala Must’), and berry fruits(‘Meeker’, ‘Čačanska Bestrna’) at +5°C in complete darkness during different periods, as well as their multiplication capacity after cold storage, are presented
Examination of self-(in)compatibility in sour cherry genotypes developed at Fruit Research Institute, Čačak
Oplođenje kod višnje (Prunus cerasus L.) je kontrolisano biološkim mehanizmom gametofitne samo-inkompatibilnosti (GSI). Iako se manifestuje na sličan način kao kod drugih vrsta familije Rosaceae, GSI kod višnje je znatno kompleksniji zbog tetraploidne prirode i postojanja funkcionalnih i nefunkcionalnih alelnih formi oba gena S-lokusa koji se eksprimiraju u stubiću i polenu. Ovaj fenomen uslovljava samooplodnost, delimičnu samooplodnost i samobesplodnost u reproduktivnom ponašanju, kao i potrebu za oprašivačima u komercijalnim zasadima višnje. Ispitivanje statusa samooplodnosti sorti/selekcija stvorenih u Institutu za voćarstvo, Čačak [‘Šumadinka’ (‘Köröser Weichsel’ × ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’), ‘Sofija’ (‘Čačanski Rubin’ × ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’), ‘Nevena’ (‘Köröser Weichsel’ × ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’), ‘V/106’ (‘Köröser Weichsel’ × ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’), ‘GV-6’ i ‘GV-10’ (izdvojene iz prirodne populacije u okolini Čačka), sprovedeno je u dvogodišnjem periodu, u poređenju sa standardnom sortom ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’. Istraživanje je uključivalo polinacioni ogled u polju, monitoring parametara efikasnosti rasta polenovih cevčica in vivo metodom fluorescentne mikroskopije, kao i zametanja plodova pri samooprašivanju. Kod genotipova ‘Nevena’, ‘V/106’ i ‘GV-10’, polenove cevčice su svoj rast završavale pretežno u gornjoj i srednjoj trećini stubića, sa sporadičnim prodorima u niže regije tučka. Dinamika rasta polenovih cevčica je bila efektivnija u stubićima sorti Šumadinka’, ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’ i ‘Sofija’ – kod ovih sorti, polenove cevčice su svoj rast završavale u mikropili trećeg dana, a u nucelusu semenog zametka desetog dana nakon samooprašivanja. Na osnovu procenta fertilizacije (0,00%; 2,78% i 0,00%, po redosledu) i zametanja plodova (0,00%; 0,00% i 0,10%, po redosledu), genotipovi ‘Nevena’, ‘V/106’ i ‘GV-10’ se mogu svrstati u grupu samobesplodnih, dok ‘Šumadinka’ (17.92%; 16.31%, po redosledu) i ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’ (18,75%; 17,50%, po redosledu) pripadaju samooplodnim sortama. Sa relativno visokim vrednostima procenta fertilizacije (21,05%; 23,18%, po redosledu), ali nižim vrednostima zametanja plodova pri samooprašivanju (11,57%; 7,24%), ‘Sofija’ i ‘GV-6’ se mogu svrstati u kategoriju delimično samooplodnih genotipova višnje.Fertility in sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is controlled by a gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system. Despite the fact it's manifests similarly to other Rosaceae species, GSI in sour cherries is more complex due to tetraploidy and the presence of pollen-part and stylar-part mutants that cause genetic changes at S-locus. The phenomenon implies self-incompatible, partially self-compatible and self-compatible reproductive behavior of sour cherry genotypes, as well as requirement for pollenisers in commercial orchards. Self-(in)compatibility status of sour cherry cultivars/selections realized at Fruit Research Institute, Čačak [‘Šumadinka’ (‘Köröser Weichsel’ × ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’), ‘Sofija’ (‘Čačanski Rubin’ × ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’), ‘Nevena’ (‘Köröser Weichsel’ × ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’), ‘V/106’ (Köröser Weichsel x Heimanns Konserven Weichsel), ‘GV-6’ and ‘GV-10’ (both selected from natural population in the Čačak vicinity)] was examined over two years, and compared to standard ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’. Examination included self-pollination experiment in the field, monitoring the parameters of pollen tubes growth efficacy in vivo by fluorescent microscopy, and fruit set recording. In the pistils of ‘Nevena’, ‘V/106’ and ‘GV-10’, pollen tubes ended their growth predominantly in the upper and middle parts of the style, with sporadically penetrated tubes in lower pistil's part. Pollen tubes kinetics was more efficient in the styles of ‘Šumadinka’, ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’ and ‘Sofija’, being in the micropyle on the 3rd day, and in the nucellus of the ovary on the 6th day after pollination. According to fertilization percentage (0.00%; 2.78% and 0.00%, respectively) and fruit set (0.00%; 0.00% and 0.10%, respectively), ‘Nevena’, ‘V/106’ and ‘GV-10’ could be classified within self-incompatible cultivars, whereas ‘Šumadinka’ (17.92%; 16.31%, respectively) and ‘Heimanns Konserven Weichsel’ (18.75%; 17.50%, respectively) behaved as self-compatible. Showing relatively high values of fertilization percentage (21.05%; 23.18%, respectively), but lower values of fruit set (11.57%; 7.24%) after selfing, ‘Sofija’ and ‘GV-6’ could be classified as partially self-compatible genotypes.Dr Sanja Radičević, dr Slađana Marić i dr Ivana Glišić - članovi Programskog odbora skupa
Molecular characterization of plum pox virus isolates in apricot in Serbia
Plum pox virus (PPV), a potyvirus from the family Potyviridae, is the most detrimental virus of stone fruit species, causing Sharka disease. PPV can significantly decrease fruit quality and yield in sensitive cultivars. It was reported for the first time in Serbia on plums in 1935. Out of the ten identified, only three major PPV strains are present in Serbia: PPV-M, PPV-D, and PPV-Rec. To explore the occurrence and presence of PPV strains in apricot in Serbia, field surveys were carried out from 2008 to 2022. Visual inspections confirmed that a very low percentage of the trees exhibit the leaf symptoms of Sharka. A total of 282 fresh leaf samples were collected from different locations across the country. Leaf samples were analyzed by immunocapture - reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (IC-RT-PCR) using strain-specific primers targeting two genomic regions (Nter CP and CI). PPV was confirmed in 86 samples (30.5%). PPV-Rec was the most prevalent strain (52 samples), followed by PPV-M (21 samples) and PPV-D (19 samples). Mixed infection (PPV-Rec + PPV-D) was confirmed in six samples. Although widely present in plums, PPV was less frequently found in apricots in Serbia. The presented results confirmed the wide distribution and dominant presence of PPV-Rec isolates in apricots in Serbia. The genetic diversity of the PPV isolates was evaluated by sequencing a PCR fragment located in the CterNib-Nter CP and CI coding regions for selected isolates
Towards sustainable agriculture: harnessing Azotobacter species for enhanced crop yield and environmental resilience
The symbiotic relationship between soil health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability underscores the urgent need for innovative strategies to enhance crop yield while mitigating the adverse effects of modern agricultural practices. This study investigates the potential of Azotobacter species as biofertilizers to address these challenges. Azotobacter species, known for their nitrogen-fixing ability and other beneficial properties, were isolated from rhizosphere soil samples and characterized. Morphological, ecological, and biochemical analyses revealed diverse characteristics among the isolates, including stress tolerance, resistance to heavy metals, pesticides, and antibiotics, as well as enzymatic activities. Furthermore, the isolates exhibited plant growth promoting properties such as the production of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), siderophores, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN), as well as phosphate mineralization and solubilization. These findings highlight the potential of Azotobacter species as effective biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture
Distribution of persimmon cryptic virus in persimmon in Macedonia
Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) is a significant fruit crop in Asian countries. It is also cultivated in
Europe, mainly in Mediterranean countries. Persimmon cultivation in Macedonia is estimated
to be 500 ha. More than 10 viruses and viroids had been identified infecting persimmon.
Pesrimmon cryptic virus (PeCV) is considered the most common virus in persimmon trees,
reported in Italy, Korea, Macedonia, Spain, Turkey, and the USA. PeCV was reported for the first
time in Macedonia in 2019. The aim of this study was to investigate the PeCV distribution in
Macedonia.
A survey was performed in June 2024 in persimmon orchards in the localities Bogdanci,
Valandovo, and Strumica. Forty five leaf samples from cultivars ’Rojo Brillante’, ’Jiro’, ’Hachiya’,
’Kostata’ and two samples from rootstock (Diospyros lotus L.) were collected. Collected samples
were analyzed for the PeCV presence by RT-PCR. Total nucleic acids were extracted from fresh
leaves with the CTAB method. RT-PCR reactions were carried out using a set of PeCV primers
amplifying a 526 bp coat protein gene fragment. The presence of PeCV was confirmed in 29
samples (61.7%) in all surveyed locations. PeCV was detected in symptomatic samples showing
extensive necrosis of the leaf veinlets, interveinal chlorosis and leaf yellows. PeCV was also
detected in three asymptomatic samples of ’Rojo Brillante’.
Obtained results confirmed wide distribution of PeCV in persimmon orchards in Macedonia.
Further studies are planned to investigate the presence of other viruses infecting persimmon,
which may also have a role in the appearance of the observed symptoms
Identification of S-haplotypes in autochthonous, released and promising sour cherry genotypes originated from the Republic of Serbia
Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) has exceptional potential to hold an important place in the fruit-growing structure of the Republic of Serbia, considering both economic and traditional reasons. Together with raspberry, it represents the most important species from the aspect of fruit export. Tetraploid sour cherry includes both self-incompatible (SI) and self-compatible (SC) genotypes, which are characterised by more complex genetics of SI/SC in comparison to diploid Prunus species. Therefore, the development of SC sour cherry cultivars is of high priority within the Fruit Research Institute, Čačak (FRI) breeding work as well as worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify the S-haplotypes in two autochthonous genotypes (clones of ‘Oblačinska’ and ‘Cigančica’), four cultivars developed within the FRI breeding program (‘Iskra’, ‘Nevena’, ‘Sofija’ and ‘Šumadinka’) and one promising sour cherry genotype (‘GV-10’) that originated from the RS. The use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method with three different consensus primer pairs for the first and the second introns of S-RNase, as well as primers specific for both S-RNase and SFB alleles, in combination with genetic tests to identify the pollen-part and stylar-part mutants (using derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence assay ‒ dCAPS), enabled identification of the S-haplotypes in the assessed sour cherry genotypes. In total, eight S-haplotypes (S1, S4, S6, S9, S13, S26, S35 and S36) or their non-functional variants were identified. In the investigated sour cherry genotypes, non-functional variant S36b2 was the most frequent (20.8%). The results generated in this study provide a valuable resource for designing crosses in future breeding work which maximize the number of SC seedlings, and for orchard management in the efficient high-yielding fruit production
Pobolјšani postupak proizvodnje sadnica crne (Ribes nigrum L.) i crvene (Ribes rubrum L.) ribizle zrelim reznicama
Suština tehničkog rešenja ogleda se u povećanju efikasnosti vegetativnog razmnožavanja crne i crvene ribizle zrelim reznicama, poređenjem procenta ožilјavanja inokulisanih reznica bakterijom Agrobacterium rhizogenes i reznica tretiranih fitohormonom IBA (indol-3-buterna kiselina) sa kontrolnim tretmanom, a u funkciji dobijanja većeg broja visokokvalitetnih sadnica sa dobro razvijenim korenovim sistemom. Takođe, tehničko rešenje omogućava značajno povećanje kapaciteta proizvodnje kvalitetnih, odnosno sortno i zdravstveno bezbednih sadnica crne i crvene ribizle, što značajno doprinosi povećanju ekonomičnosti proizvodnje sadnog materijala ove vrste voćaka
Intensive apple cultivation technology in a 3.0 × 0.6 m system
Poslednjih godina se tehnologija gajenje jabuke intenzivirala. U 2018. godini zabeležen je natprosečni rod jabuke u Evropi, što je značajno uticalo na sniženje cene jabuke na tržištu. Voćari savisokim i kvalitetnim prinosom su više ili manje pokrili troškove proizvodnje u toj godini, a ostali su počeli razmišljati o krčenju zasada jabuke. Praktično u svim zemljama Evrope je počeo proces smanenja površina pod zasadima jabuke. Sa druge strane, počeo je proces intenziviranja gajenja u postojećim i u novim zasadima. Novi sistemi gajenja jabuke treba da prate opšta dešavanja u društvu u pogledu radne snage, zelene ekologije, i na kraju visokog i kvalitetnog prinosa, koji voćarima omogućava ostvarivanje dobiti i dalji razvoj. Zato profesionalni voćari širom sveta na osnovu novih znanja o rastu i razvoju jabuke uvode nove sisteme gajenja. U našem radu detaljno će biti predstavljen sistem gajenja jabuke u gustoj sadnji 3,0 × 0,6 m kod različitih sorti, od sadnje u prvoj godini do punog roda u trećoj ili četvrtoj godini, pa sve do rezultata u 15. godini starosti zasada. Sistem guste sadnje je jednostavan za gajenje, ne traži obrazovanu radnu snagu, kontrola bolesti i štetočina zbog kvalitetnije aplikacije pesticida i uske krune je efikasnija, kontrola rasta i razvoja jabuke je jednostavnija jer je bolje iskorišćena svetlost što omogućava dobijanje visokih prinosa kvalitetnih plodova svake godine. Za postizanje tih rezultata treba na vreme spovesti sve agrotehničke mere [pripremazemljišta, izbor podloge, sorte, vreme sadnje, dubina sadnje, rezidba posle sadnje, đubrenje, folijarna prihrana, proređivanje plodova, balansiranje hormona od 30 dana posle cvatnje do berbe, folijarna tretiranja pre (P, K, Mg, Zn, Si, Mn) i posle (N, P, K, B) berbe za diferencijaciju rodnih pupoljaka.Apple technology has changed considerably over the last years. In 2018, we witnessed an above-average apple yield, which significantly reduced the price of apples. The apple producers who achieved large and high-quality yields were more or less able to cover the production costs that year, while other growers seriously began considering ceasing apple production. In practically all European countries, apple orchards have undergone an intensive process of shrinkage, and at the same time, production in existing orchards has been intensified. New apple training systems must accompany changes in society, particularly the workforce and the green ecology, and ultimately achieve large and high-quality yields that allow the grower to earn a normal income and continue their development. For this reason, fruit growers all over the world are introducing new planting and training systems based on new knowledge about apple growth and development. A detailed overview of a high-density planting system of 3.0 × 0.6 m will be presented, from planting in the first year to full fruiting in the third-fourth year, and up to the 15th year. The dense planting system is simple and does not require trained labour. Disease and pest control is more effective due to a narrow crown, which allows a more precise pesticide application. Controlling the growth of apple trees is easier, as higher exposure to light allows high and quality yields every year. To achieve these results, precise technological measures (land preparation, choice of cultivar and rootstock, timing and depth of planting, pruning after planting, fertilization through soil and leaves, fruit thinning, hormone control from 30 days after flowering to harvest, foliar treatments before (P, K, Mg, Zn, Si, Mn) and after (N, P, K, B) harvest for flower buds differentiation) should be conducted on time
Application of microalgae‑based biostimulants in sustainable strawberry production
Bio-based solutions that promote plant growth, yields and functional quality of foods in primary production are gaining popularity in environmentally challenging conditions such as temperature fluctuations, late frosts and excess precipitation. This study was implemented to examine the foliar effect of microalgae biostimulants (three microalgae: Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus vacuolatus and Coelastrella sp. in two concentrations ‒ 5 and 10%) on growth, productivity and fruit quality of strawberry cultivar ‘Alba’. Strawberry vegetative and generative potential (rosette height, number of leaves, flowers and fruit per plant), physical fruit properties (weight, height, width and shape index) was assessed with standard morphometric methods as well as fruit quality (sugars, organic acids and phenolic compounds) with high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). Result showed that algae treatment T6 (Coelastrella sp., 10%) applied foliarly positively affected on the balance between vegetative and generative growth and consequently, more than 25% higher yields for the treated plants. Content of sugar and most of secondary metabolites in treatment T6 were more than 10% higher compared to other treatments. Overall, the results of the present study suggest the sustainable approach of microalgae application may introduce positive advances in organic strawberry production in field conditions. Furthermore, research provides novel insights into influence of microalgae on important fruit quality components that can contribute to the various potential-beneficial human health effects